Oh. Em. Gee. Where did this week go? Is it just me, or did it fly by?
I lost a couple of days because of technical issues – I now have a new phone, and my internet is back up and running after the technician noticed, after an hour of looking, that the GFI outlet was tripped to the cable box amplifier in the basement. That’s gonna cost us a service visit because it was an issue inside the house. Oh well, live and learn.
The phone broke on Tuesday, and the internet went out on Wednesday and wasn’t fixed until Thursday. I try not to freak out about that stuff, but technology is not my favorite thing to deal with, so it felt like quite the midweek saga, and I’m ready to move on.
**Since I share shoppable links with awesome peeps like you, this content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you take action and purchase from one of these links, I’ll make a little money to help keep this blog afloat. As an Amazon associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases.
HOLLOWAY HAPPENINGS
Monday, I had three of my grandsons since there was no school. The oldest and youngest had a playdate set up for the afternoon, and I got to have one-on-one time with the middle boy. We went to JoJo’s Pretzels in Shipshewana, IN, for lunch and made a pass through the candy store. Then we came home and read some chapters in his book he had for homework and had hot chocolate together.
We are the OG’s of hot chocolate – not caring what people think about us using a tea mug or drinking it through a straw. 😉
We watched two of our Littles wrestle on Thursday evening. They participate in a wrestling club; this was their first unofficial inter-squad wrestling “meet.” My boys wrestled from middle school through high school, and while I can’t stand football, there’s something I love about wrestling. Watching your kid twist up like a pretzel can be challenging, but strangely enough, I think there’s something gentlemanly about the sport. I love the work ethic it builds and seeing how the team cheers each other on.
WHAT I ATE
This week we had a burger bowl. It’s my FAVORITE rice bowl recipe. Much like a Big Mac Salad, but over rice instead; it’s a bit more satisfying with the rice. If you’d like to try it, I include these:
- Rice
- Burger of your choice
- Bacon (optional)
- Tomato
- Dill Pickles
- Sauteed onion (optional)
- Shredded lettuce
- Cheese
- Burger Sauce
You can make your own burger sauce, but I just used one from Hidden Valley Ranch – we’re going clean-ish, and you don’t use a ton. I thought the shredded lettuce would be too soggy with the warm rice and burger, but it adds just the right amount of crunch.
And lots of chopped dill pickles are a must!
We also had this delicious and easy bolognese sauce over spaghetti squash. Once again, I would prefer pasta, but I used this method from Danielle Walker to cook the squash, and it was much less watery and mushy than usual.
WHAT I BOUGHT
Do you remember I bought this faux coggygria plant a couple of weeks ago? It’s nice, but I ordered a faux olive tree to see which I liked better in that spot.
I also ran into World Market and grabbed this basket to put it in.
Which one do you like better?
I also got that coat from last week, and it’s GORGEOUS! Perfect color. Perfect weight. But, slightly snug in the arms, so I ordered the larger size to see.
WHAT I WORE
I shared these pants a couple of weeks ago, and this past Sunday, I wore them to church. Yes, the pattern is out there and would probably be more flattering if they were full-length, but the fabric is so comfortable. They will be cute with a white tee and sneakers when the weather warms up, if they still fit.
LET’S TALK ABOUT WEIGHT
Speaking of weight, I haven’t been super great at keeping up with the Losing Weight God’s Way devotional or giving up my daily soda habit. However, I did have one day where I didn’t have any soda, so that’s a win. We have been eating cleaner, and I’m more conscious of trying to eat according to the Glucose Goddess hacks.
I haven’t given up on the devotional book, but it’s slower going; I’ve found two reading plans by the same author on the YourVersion bible app that I like a lot. **Let Go, Lose Weight by Healthy by Design and Plan Properly, Lose Weight by Healthy by Design.
They have been good to read alongside the book and are a bit more specific in suggestions and information – something I think the 21-day devotional lacks.
**To find these reading plans, open the YouVersion Bible app and select “plans” at the bottom, then select “find plans” and search the titles above.
WHAT I WATCHED
Do we have any All Creatures Great and Small fans in the house? The third season is now streaming and is a bright spot in our week. As people who love crime dramas, this sweet, slower-paced show based on the true life of a rural veterinary practice in the 1940s is a nice change of pace. The scenery is gorgeous, and I highly recommend it.
WHAT INSPIRED ME
I continue to be amazed as we watch God’s plan come together for our son and his family. With the housing shortage across the country, what could have been the biggest challenge for them moving to pastor the church in a town three hours away was just another opportunity for God to show His stuff.
The day he was elected as the pastor, my son had to run back to the church after lunch to fetch his forgotten backpack. When the deacon mentioned a particular house for sale in town, my son said they had already inquired about it, but it was already sold. The deacon said, “No, that fell through.”
The next day, they did a virtual showing, made an offer, and the seller accepted it.
Then last weekend, our son listed his house, had 10 or 11 showings in four days, and on Thursday, accepted an offer on their house. Of course, the “I’s” still need to be dotted, but I’m guessing God’s got it worked out.
The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Isaiah 45:2.
As the saying goes, “He’s never early, but He’s never late.” Living a life in God’s will doesn’t mean things are always easy or perfect, but we can be assured that He’s got it all in hand.
Have a fantastic week!
Love the pants. And I love hearing how God is working in your neck of the woods. Praise the good Lord.
Author
Absolutely, PRAISE THE LORD. It’s my momma-nature to want to sweat the details for them, but God is showing that I need to let that go, He’s got it. ☺️
Have an amazing week!
Paula
We LOVE All Creatures Great and Small, too. Definitely a bright spot in our week to sit and enjoy such a pleasant show. I am always so sad when the season ends.
I will look up those plans on the app. I too have been slow going on the book. Thanks for the suggestion.
Author
I know, us too. Wasn’t the wedding episode so sweet?
And you’re welcome; I understand where the author is trying to get us to go…. Let God bring to light the things in our health journey we need to surrender to God (line soda, sugar, toxic feelings about ourselves…) but the reading plans spell it out a bit more. Perhaps we’d be more accountable in a group?
Hugs to you!
Paula
Love, love the pants! Perfect and fun! I look forward to your weekly posts. Reading them reminds me that God does have a plan for each of us. “He’s never early, but He’s never late” is a perfect reminder for me! Thank you.
Have a wonderful week. Enjoy those grandsons!
Author
Thanks Nancy. The pants are total fun-ness. 😄
Maybe it’s because I’m on the fringes of this unfolding story instead of being in the middle of it, but it’s been the perfect vantage point to see how God writes a perfect story WHEN we let go of the pen.
Have an amazing weekend.
Paula
This was like reading a warm letter from a dear friend! I loved it since no one ever writes letters any more. (am I the only one who treasured having a pen-pal?) I rushed through reading it… but NEXT TIME I’m going to sip on a big mug of cocoa and enjoy every word. And maybe even use a big curly straw so I can savour every single drop!
Continued prayers for your mom…….
Author
Girl – You need to be writing… this was such a sweet comment. Thank you!
We appreciate all the prayers for Mom. She’s had a rough time after Christmas but is finally on the upswing. She’ll start another new treatment soon.
Have a fantastic week!
Hugs,
Paula
Hi Paula – I love the outfit you wore to church (the pants, sweater, shirt) you look great! My husband and I also love detective shows (especially British ones), but All Creatures Great and Small is a wonderful show that we never miss!
All the best to you from Nova Scotia, Canada
Carol
Author
Carol, we probably watch lots of the same British shows then. We’re currently watching the Inspector Lewis series and like it a lot. Such great writing and actors who looks like real people. 😀
Another non- crime show we LOVED was Doc Martin. So good.
Have a wonderful weekend. Stay cozy!
Hugs,
Paula
I’m so glad your shared the new All Creatures Great and Small series! I’m definitely going to watch those- I’ve reread the books at least a dozen times, and loved the series from the 80’s.
I’m really enjoying your newsletter format!
Author
Thanks so much Pamela. The current ACG& S is simply GORGEOUS… the drone shots of the countryside make the scenery a key character of the show. To me, it it solidifies why James falls in love with the place from the outset.
Have an amazing weekend.
Paula
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for always being real, sharing your struggles and your faith! I download the YouVersion app and I’m excited to get started. You are such a blessing!
Author
Thank YOU, Jen, for affirming that it’s okay to be real in a world that often glorifies our highlight reels of life. And you will find so many good reading plans on YouVersion app. You can search plans by putting in a subject too, so basically, wherever you need encouragement.
Have the BEST day!
Paula
I love All Creatures Great and Small. I love your pants. I like the olive tree.
Author
It’s so good Joan, the actors, story , and scenery are just magical. And always ends on a high note, just what we need, right?
My husband likes the olive tree too. I love the color of the other plant, but it looks too much like an outdoor shrub to me. 🤷🏼♀️
You have an amazing day Joan.
Hugs,
Paula
LOVE the pants!! You look great. Keep working at your Plan,. We all fall back sometimes, but the idea is to keep going at it. Get back on that horse! Sending you prayers and hugs! 🙂
Author
Thank you so much Paula! 😘
Hugs from this Paula to you.
I like the olive plant and your pants
Author
Thanks Jan. Yes, we’re keeping the olive plant. And this morning I’m back to basics for church but I still love those pants!
Have a great week.
Paula
I feel like we are sitting down with a mug of tea, hot chocolate, or diet coke and having a little chat. I think we would have so much fun being neighbors. We could share decorating tips, encourage each other to not buy that unless we absolutely needed it, and maybe, just maybe lose some weight because we could both be walking with our bum knees! I think those pants are amazing! I admit to never wearing pants to church because it’s one of the few places I have left to dress up for…and this girl has lots of dresses and skirts!
As for the plant, I vote for the olive tree! It just looks fuller and more real!
How wonderful God’s plan for your son to find and buy a house! We sold ours prior to even going on the market, and then the housing market here kinda tanked! Of course, that also means our brand spanking new house is worth less than we paid for it (probably). So, you see, I really do need your decorating advice!! Too many Sherwin Williams Antique Walls in this house!
Oh, I do ramble, don’t I? I love reading the Dimple Diaries…one of the highlights of my week! I don’t know if you do link parties, but I’m hosting one Monday! So, if you do link, please visit!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Author
Hey Marsha, when can you move in? I have a pool and we could do water aerobics in the summer. 😉 I LOVE wearing dresses to church, but even when I choose pants, I’m usually dressed fancier than the crowd. It just comes from my upbringing and I’m thinking Jesus deserves our “best”. 😁
I haven’t done a link party in a long time, but I’ll stop by and see what it’s all about. Maybe it’s time I jump back in.
I went to JoJo’s yesterday. Thought of you!😀
Author
Yummmm! It’s always so good.
Have a delicious week. 😉
Hugs,
Paula