The Plumber's 31 Wife

My Journey to A Wife of Noble Character

Posts tagged home sweet homey

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Catch Up

I have been wanting to write a catch up post for a while. There are a million little things that I have been wanting to share with you. Really, a million. Well, okay, maybe not a million but quite a few.

First, many of you know P31Wife was at the Sisters’ Show last weekend. We had a wonderful turnout, and I got to hang with a group of insanely creative, Godly women. Seriously, I am their biggest fan and #1 groupie!  Here is a pic of all of us (minus my mama-homey Ashley who came after work.) At the end of our show there was some trading going on between us girls. Let’s just say I am thrilled to be able to know such crafty mamas. Thank you Sisters, Emily and Monica, for inviting me at your show. I cannot wait for the Fall Sisters’ Show!

My family is on day 76 today with our Reading Promise! It has really transformed our little family. Each of us love our time reading and our time with the heroes and heroines of the books we share. So far, there is a family wide consensus that Ramona needs a spanking, and she does not need a boyfriend (wahoo). And, Junie B reigns as our family favorite.  I will be sharing our completed list when we reach our goal of 100 days.

I have done a couple Pinterest projects that I love. I did this to my Laundry Room, and I love it. Since I have a toddler, I left the three bottom shelves free of cleaners just in case he manages to get the child proof door handle open that he is not tall enough to reach. Yes, you can never be too careful.

I made these for this little super reader. They are Sight Word Legos. She is in Kindergarten and reading like crazy. She already knows all Sight Words. She amazes me. She was a little frustrated at first because she couldn’t find what she was looking for, so I added a few extra articles, nouns, and verbs. This Lego set came from a thrift store for a whopping 2$. This was a great project. It keeps her hands and mind busy. My second grader loves it too.

I have lost 27 pounds on my Weight Watcher journey since I started January 2nd of this year. I am super happy and excited with how God has changed my life. I am healthier and happier. Here are my before and after photos. Sorry for the goofy cell phone pic in advance. (And, I have no idea why the pic is so much smaller.) If you want to read my first post about my Weight Loss Journey go here. There is more to come on this subject, much more.

Finally, Lent is over and our 40 Bags in 40 Days project is over. One of the awesome ladies I did this project with had this to say, “So today is the end of our 40 day quest and honestly, I’ve lost track of how many boxes/bags have left the house. This is what I know though; I have sorted, dejunked, filtered thru, clean organized closets, drawers, cupboards and rooms. I have a big pile of yard sale stuff in the garage. Things I hadn’t even unpacked from moving from Washington now have new homes! I blessed friends with fabric & scrappy supplies. Everything from clothes to toys to DVDs to linens were purged and I don’t see this cycle ending anytime soon! Glory!” I couldn’t have said it better myself, Suzanne. There will be more coming on this.

I am reminded again and again of the Proverbs 31 Wife. There are many times now that the scripture just comes to mind in my everyday thinking as I am planning activities for my family. Whether it be a meal plan, home organization, crafty goodness, or schoolwork, I hear the Holy Spirit whispering to me the path I need to take or not take. I am so grateful for this, and for this ministry. Thank you my friends for blessing me.

P31Wife

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10

Filed under Home Sweet Homey encourage me raising babies thrifty mama weight loss

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Sisters

This Saturday I get to hang out with an amazing group of creative women, more like sisters actually. Yay, for P31Wife! These creative women gather twice a year to sell their crafts. While only two of the ladies are blood related, make no mistake we are all sisters.

This group of Jesus-loving-mamas are selling their one-of-a-kind crafty loveliness. Each of these women have worked hard. They love each and every piece of art they have brought to the this show. “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” Proverbs 31:31.

If you are a local peep, we all sure hope we see you Saturday. If you are a driving distance peep, we all sure hope we see you Saturday. If you are a way out-of-town-kinda-peep, we all sure hope we see you Saturday.

Want a preview? Go here and peruse the treasures. Come support a sister and bring home something special for a friend or for you. Bring your pennies and your friends to The Sisters’ Show Spring 2012!

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” Proverbs 31:31.

P31Wife

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies. 
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value. 
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes. 
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness. 
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her: 
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31: 10-31

Filed under Thifty Mama Home Sweet Homey

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I made this dessert for my family and for friends this week. It is the easiest dessert in the world, truly. Here is the recipe:
1 box of Angel Food Cake Mix
1 can of pie filling (I used sugar free cherry pie filling)
Mix it up. Pour it in a 9x13 baking dish. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees.
Cannot get any easier than that. Tonight, I added 2 cups of fresh blueberries too because my daughter begged me too. :)
If you are a Weight Watcher…it is 3 pts per serving and there are 12 servings in a 9x13 pan. Decent for a dessert and its pretty sweet.
How about you?  Cooking anything you love lately? Come on, share.
P31Wife
“She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31:12 

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I made this dessert for my family and for friends this week. It is the easiest dessert in the world, truly. Here is the recipe:

  • 1 box of Angel Food Cake Mix
  • 1 can of pie filling (I used sugar free cherry pie filling)

Mix it up. Pour it in a 9x13 baking dish. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees.

Cannot get any easier than that. Tonight, I added 2 cups of fresh blueberries too because my daughter begged me too. :)

If you are a Weight Watcher…it is 3 pts per serving and there are 12 servings in a 9x13 pan. Decent for a dessert and its pretty sweet.

How about you?  Cooking anything you love lately? Come on, share.

P31Wife

“She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31:12 

Filed under Home Sweet Homey

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Teacher Sock Love
One of my favorite things to do is bring my kids’ teachers a little love.  This Valentine’s Day I made these sock jars for them. (My inspiration came from here. Thanks Kerin, from Stamps, Paper, Glitter for the inspiration and sharing your work.)
Here is what you need:
Pint Size Jars (I already had, but you could buy them for around 10$ a dozen. You could easily use old spaghetti jars or jelly jars for free.)
Valentine Candy (I went with the classics…taffy, conversation hearts, and red jelly hearts from the Dollar Store. 3$)
Curling Ribbon ( I had)
one pair of Valentine Socks (1$ from the Dollar Store.)
Note Cards (I used some I already have. But they were less than 5$ at Walmart)
Here is how I did it:
I filled the jars up with candy. I placed the socks over the lid and a piece of curling ribbon over the socks. Then, I threaded the ring over the socks and ribbon and secured it on to the jar. Next, I pulled the ribbon up and tied a knot. Finally, I placed a curling ribbon around the socks to bunch them up like a flower and tied a bow. It is really easy. The directions make it seem complicated. It is not.
For the card, I simply wrote a message that said “Dear Valentine, you knock our socks off! Happy Valentine’s Day. Love, Us.”  The cards were simple notecards that you would normaly use for thank yous or anything. They were less than 5$ at Walmart.
On the cards, I put paper clips that are bookmarks. They are adorable, super easy to make, and they loved them.  I made some for you too. Come back for a chance to win a dozen, some for you and maybe to share with a friend.
The great thing about this simple and inexpensive gift is that you could change it up for any type of holiday or occassion. Who doesn’t love cute socks and a little bit of love?! I also included our awesome postal worker, Cubscout Leader, and that wonderful bus driver who brings my children home safely every day. I love to give love that doesnt break the bank. My plumberman does too.
Mostly, I heart teachers!
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See you later for the giveaway!
P31Wife
“She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.” Proverbs 31:13 

Teacher Sock Love

One of my favorite things to do is bring my kids’ teachers a little love.  This Valentine’s Day I made these sock jars for them. (My inspiration came from here. Thanks Kerin, from Stamps, Paper, Glitter for the inspiration and sharing your work.)

Here is what you need:

  • Pint Size Jars (I already had, but you could buy them for around 10$ a dozen. You could easily use old spaghetti jars or jelly jars for free.)
  • Valentine Candy (I went with the classics…taffy, conversation hearts, and red jelly hearts from the Dollar Store. 3$)
  • Curling Ribbon ( I had)
  • one pair of Valentine Socks (1$ from the Dollar Store.)
  • Note Cards (I used some I already have. But they were less than 5$ at Walmart)

Here is how I did it:

I filled the jars up with candy. I placed the socks over the lid and a piece of curling ribbon over the socks. Then, I threaded the ring over the socks and ribbon and secured it on to the jar. Next, I pulled the ribbon up and tied a knot. Finally, I placed a curling ribbon around the socks to bunch them up like a flower and tied a bow. It is really easy. The directions make it seem complicated. It is not.

For the card, I simply wrote a message that said “Dear Valentine, you knock our socks off! Happy Valentine’s Day. Love, Us.”  The cards were simple notecards that you would normaly use for thank yous or anything. They were less than 5$ at Walmart.

On the cards, I put paper clips that are bookmarks. They are adorable, super easy to make, and they loved them.  I made some for you too. Come back for a chance to win a dozen, some for you and maybe to share with a friend.

The great thing about this simple and inexpensive gift is that you could change it up for any type of holiday or occassion. Who doesn’t love cute socks and a little bit of love?! I also included our awesome postal worker, Cubscout Leader, and that wonderful bus driver who brings my children home safely every day. I love to give love that doesnt break the bank. My plumberman does too.

Mostly, I heart teachers!

Pin It

See you later for the giveaway!

P31Wife

“She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.” Proverbs 31:13 

Filed under Home Sweet Homey Thrifty Mama

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Chicken Rollatini with Spinach ala Parmigiana

 I started Weight Watchers on January 2nd, and it has changed the way my family and I eat. I really thought that when I joined, it would be me on my own. However, my plumberman has been incredibly supportive. Our whole family is making major changes and eating a healthier diet. This, I love.

I have discovered Skinnytaste.com, and it is awe-some. I am loving the recipe selection, and all the Weight Watcher information available on each recipe. We tried this recipe for Chicken Rollatini with Spinich and Parmigiana. My family loved it!

The only tip I would pass on is to be sure to make the chicken thin enough before you roll it. It is a yummy recipe. Hope you try it!

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P31 Wife

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25

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Happy Love Day, my friends.
This is a candy wreath I made for our front door, and I love it. It makes me smile everytime I see it. What have you made that makes you smile lately?
Hope your day is great and you are reminded of God’s love in everything you do!
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P31 Wife.
“For God so loved the world, he gave His one and only son.” John 3:16

Happy Love Day, my friends.

This is a candy wreath I made for our front door, and I love it. It makes me smile everytime I see it. What have you made that makes you smile lately?

Hope your day is great and you are reminded of God’s love in everything you do!

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P31 Wife.

“For God so loved the world, he gave His one and only son.” John 3:16

Filed under Home Sweet Homey

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Jalapeno Poppers (Cover Edition) For the real ones, you can find them in here). And, believe me, if you are not counting points for Weight Watchers, you will love them.  Even if you are or are not counting points, these yummy snacks are awesome.  
Here is the recipe:
Jalapeno Poppers  2 Plus Points Each
Makes 18 poppers. Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Bake for one hour.
What you’ll need:
8 jalapenos
1/2 cup reduced fat monterry jack cheese or and other reduced fat cheddar cheese (I used what I had.)
1 8oz brick of neufchatel cheese
8 pieces of bacon (or turkey bacon…though the point value only changes by such a small amount if you use turkey bacon that it doesnt even equal a half a point.)
green onions
What to do:
combine cheeses and chopped green onions (I think I used four)
split jalapenos and de-seed (wear gloves)
cut 8 pieces of bacon in half
put 1 TB of cheese mix into each jalapeno
wrap a piece of bacon on it and secure with toothpick
repeat 15 more times.
done.
This is an easy appetizer and everyone will love it. P-Dub would baste in barbque sauce before she cooked them, but I omit that step. You can serve as a dipping sauce for non-WW peeps if you would like or you can spend the extra point on the sauce. I look at it this way, You eat two, you get one free by skipping the sauce.  Here is to healthy eating, even if you are an accidental country girl follower!  
What was your favorite Super Bowl food?
P31 Wife
“She can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31: 25
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Jalapeno Poppers (Cover Edition) For the real ones, you can find them in here). And, believe me, if you are not counting points for Weight Watchers, you will love them.  Even if you are or are not counting points, these yummy snacks are awesome.  

Here is the recipe:

Jalapeno Poppers  2 Plus Points Each

Makes 18 poppers. Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Bake for one hour.

What you’ll need:

  • 8 jalapenos
  • 1/2 cup reduced fat monterry jack cheese or and other reduced fat cheddar cheese (I used what I had.)
  • 1 8oz brick of neufchatel cheese
  • 8 pieces of bacon (or turkey bacon…though the point value only changes by such a small amount if you use turkey bacon that it doesnt even equal a half a point.)
  • green onions

What to do:

  • combine cheeses and chopped green onions (I think I used four)
  • split jalapenos and de-seed (wear gloves)
  • cut 8 pieces of bacon in half
  • put 1 TB of cheese mix into each jalapeno
  • wrap a piece of bacon on it and secure with toothpick
  • repeat 15 more times.
  • done.

This is an easy appetizer and everyone will love it. P-Dub would baste in barbque sauce before she cooked them, but I omit that step. You can serve as a dipping sauce for non-WW peeps if you would like or you can spend the extra point on the sauce. I look at it this way, You eat two, you get one free by skipping the sauce.  Here is to healthy eating, even if you are an accidental country girl follower!  

What was your favorite Super Bowl food?

P31 Wife

“She can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31: 25

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Beef Stew

Ok, first, I forgot to take my own picture (here is the credit for this one). Such a rookie move. But P-Dub, I am not. Dang it. ;)

I did make a tasety Beef Stew. It is 5 Plus pts per serving (one cup) and worth every bite.

Here goes…

  • 1 pound lean stew meat
  • 4 cans fat free beef broth
  • 1 can stewed tomatoes
  • 2 Tb Tomato paste
  • 1 bottle of Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
  • 1 envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix
  • 3 large carrots
  • box of baby bella mushrooms
  • 4 small potatoes
  • 3 ribs of celery
  • 1 large onion
  • minced garlic (maybe 3 cloves)
  • 1 can green beans (optional)
  • olive oil

Cut up carrots, celery, potatoes, mushrooms and place them in foil and roast in the oven. 400 degrees until the potatoes and carrots are a little tender, just enough to bring out the flavors of the vegetables (half hour I think). At the same time, cook the onions in olive oil, add the garlic, and then throw the stew meat in and brown. You will want the heat a little high to coat the outside of the stew meat. Add the bottle of bear and cook for a bit. Add tomato paste and Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Turn down to simmer until the vegetables are done roasting. I place all contents plus the beef broth and green beans in a slow cooker and cook on low all day. It is wonderful and very flavorful.  Serves 8.

But really, if you want the best beef stew ever, in the coolest university town ever, my alma mater, oh and regardless of the points, go here. And take me with you. Please. And my crew. :)

Filed under Home Sweet Homey