Yesterday we went to a memorial for our dear friend, Tree.  Memorials and deaths in particular can really put things into perspective.  He died suddenly and unexpectantly, our friend, and it's really changed the entire feeling in the household.  See, Tree rented the basement apartment of our house for the past few years.  He was like a big brother to me, and a best friend to Mike, an uncle to the children. 

His death is what prompted my 30-day challenge of looking inward and trying to simplify.  I didn't realize that DIRECTLY until I just typed it.  It's also what started my frantic budgeting, couponing, and starting an emergency stockpile.  (The plans for a budget WERE in place before he passed, but that really kicked it into full gear) He died in his sleep on September 6th.  May he rest in peace. 

So, I've been really thinking.  About everything.  And becoming a more responsible person all around is my goal.  Not to the point of having no fun or enjoying life, but enough so I don't have to live scared all the time.

Today I am starting the 2nd week of the 15-week challenge at A_Virtuous_Woman.  This week is all about becoming a better helpmeet.

Here is the direct link to the week I'm working on.   I have to tell you, I think I struggle more in this area than any other.  I love my husband, I honestly do, but our relationship is not nearly as strong as it could be.  I think we are both at fault.  I do know that he is willing to make it stronger.  So I will be working on that this week, and continuing to strengthen my Bible study and relationship with God.

On a cooking note .....  I'm using frozen peppers, steak, rice, and then adding some carrots, onion, celery, etc. to make a beef stir fry for dinner.  It should only take about 15 minutes in total, including the dicing of said vegetables. 

I also made my menu for October's OAMC.  I'm ahead of the game this month because I have extra pork in the freezer, and some chili, tomatoes, turkey bacon, and a little bit of ham.  (This is what will be left after we finish this month's food). 

Did I mention that dh has lost 11 pounds since we started the OAMC??  The switches that I made to 2 meatless nights and healthier lunches (and diet pop) has really helped!  He says his back feels better already :-)  AND he quit smoking a couple months ago, so all in all, I'm VERY proud of my DH! 

(BTW  I still do bake cookies and muffins, etc, but I give him a portion and then hide the rest so he will not eat them all!) 

We are still working out a time to go and pick up the lovely family armoire (I am not sure if this is the right term.  It has a large top w/ 2 doors with glass in them and shelves.  The bottom looks like a long dresser but has two doors that open)  My mother also has some large burgandy print throw rugs she is giving us!  I can DEFINITELY thank my mother for the updates in my living room over the past year!  The rocking chair,  quilt, pillows, the queen anne chair, now the armoire and the rugs!  *sigh*   Now I need to figure out if I should keep the sectional or put it in the garage.  (This was my dear friend's, who passed)  I feel guilty, as I was complaining about his stuff not long ago!  Now I feel guilty about not keeping his couch and table in the living room.  

Well, I am going to go and get the laundry.  I dried one load and the other is going to be hung dry.  I'm trying to hang 1 out of every 3 loads.  Generally I do a lot of dark or bright colored shirts all together -- and that is what I hang.  If it makes a big difference, I will start hanging other things too -- we shall see!

Have a blessed Sunday and a happy home, 

Sherry

Posted by callmekate

So sorry to hear about your friend. The death of someone close does change the way we look at things. Having recently lost my stepdad, I understand very well. I will be praying for your relationship with your DH. It's great that you are both willing to work at making your marriage stronger - God will honor that. Marriage is tough, a lot of the time. Great news about your DH getting healthier - he has you to thank for that! Good work, wife! God made us to be helpers to our husbands and even though that role is a hard one, often without reward or thanks, God will bless us in His timing. Hang in there!

Kate