The Hesitant Housewife

Today, I’m Running After the Tugboat…..

This is my theme song. I may not agree with Babara's in-real-life political views, but I love her … [Read More...]

The Calm Before the Homeschooling Storm

I'm not going to lie. Tomorrow is going to be rough. I'm psyching myself out today. Praying it … [Read More...]

For the Mom who’s waiting for the next stage….

I can't wait until his umbilical cord falls off.... I can't wait until he sleeps through the … [Read More...]

Reasons We Homeschool

I’ve met many homeschooling families in the past year or so that knew from the get go they were going to homeschool. Some were homeschooled themselves, some were not. Others had a bad experience with public or private schools and pulled their kiddos out. We’ve got a mixed bag of reasons–and some days I feel [...]

Housewifery and Friendship

I would say next to God, and my husband, what gets me through the day are my friendships. My girlfriends who stay at home, and even those who work (it’s nice to hear the perspective of someone dressed up with their hair done did and speaking about something other than the taint of poop.) My [...]

Our Debt Free Story (Part 1)

“We’re doing Dave Ramsey”…”We did Dave Ramsey”….”I’ve heard about him..”…”I believe in using credit cards”. Those are some of the responses you may get when you mention Dave Ramsey. I believe he’s become pretty popular now and most people know he’s a financial guru. We learned of Dave Ramsey in a desperate way. It’s been [...]

Uncle Dave (Part 2)

The morning after that fateful ‘we’re broke’ premonition, we returned to work and just kept on truckin’. What else could be do? It was definitely a depressing feeling. I felt trapped. Stressed in a way I had never been before. As a teacher, there wasn’t a ‘big raise’ coming and my husband’s income was just [...]

Uncle Dave (Part 3)

The most difficult cutback? Saying ‘no’. “No, we can’t make it to the birthday party.” “No, we didn’t exchange Valentine’s Day gifts.” “No, we just can’t host that shower with you.” No. No. No. It was so difficult. Still is sometimes. We are able to say yes most of the time, but there are some [...]

Blessed To See My Mess

You’ve scheduled a playdate. Awesome. Time for mommies to chat. Children to play and tire each other out for naptime. You’re hanging up the phone and feeling really good about your Stay At Home Mommy self and scheduling this little rendezvous. Then, you open your eyes and realize the invitation you just extended quadrupled your [...]

Santa Star Cookies

It all started with this book, circa 1975, and this ONE picture…. Growing up, my Mama made ‘Old Lady’ Christmas cookies. Do you know what I mean? Date Pinwheels. Pecan Tassies. Cornflake Cookies. We had one cookbook in the house that I guess has stuck with me. That picture. The mom and daughter happily [...]

How to Soften Crunchy Cookies

I like soft cookies. Amen. Leave the CRUNCH to chips! I found this tip a LOOONNNG time ago (like back in high school when instead of socializing I was reading Taste of Home…no for real)…. Just add a slice or a few slices of white store-bought bread to a zip lock bag filled with those [...]

5 Ingredient Okra Gumbo

My momma used to make this okra gumbo all the time. We had a garden out in the country and okra was usually in it. If we didn’t grow it, a neighbor did and we’d get a TON from them. I never cared for this recipe as a child…but like most…I grew into [...]

Easy Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings

In celebration of gaining *only* 2.4 pounds in the past 3 weeks at my OB appointment today, I decided to try out this recipe I’ve been meaning to whip up. It turned out GREAT! So easy, pretty, and yummy! My kiddos loved it too–which is always a bonus because if they eat it also, I [...]

Oatmeal Cake with Coconut Pecan Topping

This was another one of my Mom’s favorite recipes. She loved this cake. I don’t remember us making it that often, but when we did…it was ALWAYS late at night. Mainly because we’d both get a hankering for something sweet and invite my Aunt over to have cake. This one was just the ticket since [...]

Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Dip

Need to bring a dish to a shower? Party? Bunco group? This one is IT. SO yummy. AND….I *believe* gluten free! Pair it with graham crackers, Nilla wafers, or any other of your favorite cookies (or something gluten free) for an EASY delicious treat! Ingredients: 1 8 oz. package Cream Cheese 1 Stick Butter 1 [...]