Our Latest News Updates...

Once again I must apologize for the shamefully long delay between posts...honestly, all I've been able to think about for the last month has been GARAGE SALE!  But now it's done.  Excess junk (I mean stuff God has blessed us with) is gone.  And now I can think about other more enjoyable things!!!  Here's a quick update on what's been happening around here since the sale...and more detailed, interesting posts will be coming on a more regular basis soon (I promise!)

Travel news: We had the pleasure last weekend of being able to go to Bronson, Michigan to visit many wonderful friends.  Our family lived there for almost nine years and we grew some really great relationships.  We visited with many people and got to see lots of people at the annual Hog Roast at Bethel Gilead Community Church, where Dan was a youth pastor for about 8 years.

Job news: Dan got a new job!  His official last day at Dart Container Corp. was last Thursday, and he starts his new position at Duperon Corp. in Saginaw, Michigan tomorrow!  This is a huge blessing in many ways...it cuts his one-way drive time down from 90 minutes to about 45, better pay, and more vacation.  A triple answer to prayer!

Homestead news: Apples are in season!  A pleasant surprise at our new homestead is an abundance of delicious mature apples.  I knew there were fruit trees when we bought the property in March, but I wasn't sure how well they would produce.  Well, let me tell you, they produce all right!  I'll write more about this soon, but I just have to tell you now...today was the first "apple storing day" and I put 22 gallon bags of peeled, cored, and sliced apples in the freezer and stored away 35 perfect, unblemished apples in newspaper in the basement.  So much fun!

Fitness news:  Okay, I'll admit...I fell off the fitness bandwagon.  Completely.  But tomorrow is a fresh start!  I've been hyping this up mentally for about the last 2 weeks, and I need all of you to help me stick with it!  Tomorrow I begin my first day of P90X.  I've realized that I can't seem to do "moderation" when it comes to exercise and nutrition lately.  We've had the videos for a while now and I have decided it's time to "bring it!"  I'm also going to try to stick with the P90X diet plan as much as is reasonable for someone who also has to cook for 5 other people (who are not dieting!)  Basically less carbs, practically no refined sugars, and more protein.  I even bought protein bars, so that means I'm really serious, right?  I seriously need all of you to keep me accountable to this.  If I know you personally and you see me or talk to me, ask me if I'm doing it!  If I'm slacking off, go ahead and call me a gutless wimp!  You see, here's the problem: I am NOT a morning person.  I'm a hit-the-snooze-until-the-kids-are-begging-for-breakfast person.  It's not the exercise that's the problem.  It's the getting up in the morning to do it.  Maybe I should just give you all my phone number and have you call me at 6:45 to make sure I'm up...

At any rate, here's my "before" stats:

Weight: 156
Waist: 31
Upper arm: 12
Hips: 42
Thigh: 24

Sorry, no before and after photos.  Those are for my own personal use...I just don't feel right posting that kind of picture when some creep could be stalking my blog.

Besides all that, I'm also trying to get everything in line for the new school year...more on that soon, too!  Thanks to all of you for your patience, and have a great day!

We Have a Winner! ...and a new recipe!

Congratulations to Kim, winner of the first giveaway on Domestic Reformation!  Kim, please email me at domesticreformation@gmail.com to arrange details for delivery!

And for the rest of you...give yourself a little gift and mix up a batch of these scrumptious waffles:

Oh Boy! (healthy) Waffles


Whisk together:
2 1/4 cups milk (we use whole raw milk...)
1 stick melted butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 T. molasses

Stir in:

2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 tsp. salt
4 tsp. baking powder

Serve with butter and real maple syrup for a hearty, delicious breakfast!