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I’m sure I’m not the only one for whom summer passes in a whirlwind, with an afterglow of friendly memories and long evenings and an aftertaste of dust (from weeding) and “oh yes, those projects on my list that haven’t gotten done yet.” Blogging seems to have been relegated to the latter.
May and part of June have vanished amidst kitchen renovations, family vacation, flowerbed work, friends come to visit, and all the usual daily chores that don’t stop when summer arrives (even though they might get neglected at my house). I have about a week before things get busy again, so I’ve been sorting and editing pictures from our travels…and that was the inspiration for this update post. Lots of pictures, and whatever interesting tidbits I happen to think of.
South Carolina
We got to be with my family for Mother’s Day – my first Mother’s Day. Well, I was pregnant for the last one, but this one felt more real, if you know what I mean. Ryan even found the cutest card for me and wrote a note in it from Hadassah’s perspective, what we know of it since she can’t talk yet, and helped her sign her name. She doesn’t have a clue, but someday I can dig it out and show her. (Am I the only one who dates and saves special cards like that?)
A lady from church gave us our matching dress fabric!
Hadassah was getting some teeth so she wasn’t feeling her usual chipper self. She has four now – two top and bottom – and I think she’s working on more because for the last week she’s been clingy off and on and biting anything and everything (and everyONE) any chance she can get.
While in SC we left Hadassah with Mom and had our first date ALONE since becoming parents. We revisited the scene of our very first date – a hike in the mountains. Not gonna lie, it felt WEIRD to not have a baby to look after.
Family Pictures
photo credits to my sister Katelyn
Fun fact: these were taken at the same place we took our wedding pictures! Only our wedding was in February, and we took these pictures in May. There was a ROSE GARDEN.
Alaska
Ryan has been to Alaska before (and loved it), but this was my first time. Thankfully Hadassah is a good little traveler. She got a little antsy after 6 hours of flying, but we never had any all out screaming sessions so I’m counting my blessings.
Alaska is absolutely beautiful! Wild and vast, but also smaller and quieter than I expected (specifically Anchorage). We were there ahead of the main tourist season, so that helped. We only had four days and could have spent so much more time there. I guess that means we’ll have to go back! We didn’t get to see Denali; I would have loved to take one of the glass-topped trains up there for a day trip but they weren’t running yet.
We’ll be here in Ohio for a few years yet, but after that Ryan will finally be done with training and we’ll be able to move wherever we like. We’ve tossed around the idea of doing some short term work (months or years) in various places, Alaska being one of them. I’m curious if any of you are from Alaska! What do you love about it? What’s hard to live with? The 6 hour flight to go anywhere looks a little big to me, but I saw first hand that the scenery is beautiful and the people are friendly!
Trip highlights:
- a trolley tour of Anchorage
- biking the coastal trail outside of Anchorage (bikes rented from Downtown Bicycle Rental)
- an afternoon glacier boat tour in Whittier
- wildlife conservatory in Girdwood
- seeing friends in Sterling and Wasilla
Food
^^^trying to photograph my lunch
“Mom! Where’s mine?”
We had a few sets of company last week so the fridge is currently full of leftovers + a bunch of lettuce I bought from a produce stand. Naturally that means salads for lunches. This particular one was topped with a leftover burger patty, shredded cheddar, pickled banana peppers, ketchup, and some homemade “Cow Sauce” – my version of Chick-fil-A sauce found on page 478 of Convenient Food.
Below: my breakfast every morning. I used to make this legendary chocolate oatmeal every single day, but then I started nursing a baby and soon found out that any caffeine, even from COCOA POWDER, kept her from napping. Like, newborn awake for 10 hours at a time with only 20 minute cat naps awake. So for the last 10 months it’s been oatmeal with salt, stevia, and a splash of milk, topped with half a sliced banana, some sugar free chocolate chips, and some peanut butter. It’s a THM crossover, because nursing. I sure am enjoying my crossovers!
Other foods I’ve been making:
- Perfected the most amazing THM XO banana bread after 7 tries. (Coincidence? 😉 ) Now I’m working on an E/DF version that is close, but still elusive. (recipes to come eventually)
- Granola. Ryan eats this for breakfast a lot. I’ve perfected a yummy XO recipe that is great for nursing mamas, hungry husbands, and growing children. Easy, cheap ingredients. Recipe to come.
- Just finished photographing some strawberry jam experiments. I have this strawberry jam recipe, but I wanted to test some sugar free jam versions with Ball Freezer Pectin (not really on plan for THM, but easy), liquid pectin (like is used in Trim Healthy Future), and Pomona’s Pectin (which doesn’t need sugar to set). I’m excited about the results! Still not sure if I’ll share them this year or wait until the beginning of strawberry season next year. At the rate I’ve been blogging lately, chances are it’ll be next year.
- And since I had strawberry puree in the fridge, strawberry ice cream! I have this recipe, but I wanted to work on a richer, more scoopable version. It’s really yummy, but I’ll probably tweak it a bit before posting.
- Lots of grilling meat and veggies! I don’t usually follow a recipe for marinades, but there are some in my cookbooks as well as a few here on my website.
Learning
Not to get so overwhelmed by what I’m not getting done that I don’t get anything done. Just do the next thing.
Reading
Buried Treasure: Hidden Wisdom from the Hebrew Language – Rabbi Daniel Lapin
Watching
Our resident urban doe and her fawn walking past my back patio windows. 🙂 That’s probably who’s been eating my plants/flowers….
Listening To
- “The Spirit of God” program by Veritas Ensemble (Saw this live and it was amazing! The first choral program I’ve been to in ages, because, well, you know. I didn’t realize how much I had missed live music until the group started to sing. The harmony was soaking rain on thirsty ground. Not sure what the quality of the livestream is but you can check that out HERE.)
- Just finished the book of Leviticus, now working on the book of Numbers (Bible Gateway app, dramatized NIV)
- all the Sherlock Holmes stories (I’ve read them all but it’s been awhile and they’re so masterfully written that they’re worth many rereads…and listening to them while doing chores or editing pictures brings them to life in a new way. I’ve been borrowing audiobooks via my library account.)
Question
Does anyone have economical solutions for printing large format pictures for wall decor? I usually use Mpix for prints, and they have a poster option I thought of trying. I would have to frame that myself. I’ve been seeing ads for Smallwoods (framed prints) – anyone have experience with them? I was also looking into Social Print Studio. Looks like I would frame those myself or buy some of their bamboo hangers. Suggestions for affordable printing and/or framing welcome!
Btw, Unsplash is a great resource for free high quality pictures if you don’t have any of your own to print.
Hadassah
Our little sunshine is now 10 months old, teething more often than not, and turning into an “adolescent baby.” She’s not an infant anymore, but she’s not a toddler because she’s not, well, toddling. She crawls all over the place and often ends up looking at her board books. When she gets tired of that she gives Mom practice in consistent discipline by pulling the big girl books with fascinating tearable pages off the bookshelf. She loves food, any food (except green peas or – horrors – unseasoned food). Going outside on walks, shopping, or social events (anything to do with people) are high priority. Dishwashers and cupboards are highly fascinating.
Just Bought
Peanut Butter and Dragon Wings: A Mother’s Search for Grace – This is currently on preorder, ready for release on July 6. The author is Shari Zook, whom I find to be a rather interesting character with insightful, humorous, and very real words. Her blog is the only one I consistently read. I haven’t read the book yet, but I don’t think I’ll be disappointed. Preorders are very helpful for authors, so if you like real life stories and witty writing, I think you should buy Shari’s book. Here’s her blog.
Edit: I take that back. I also read my sister in law’s blog every time she posts, but that isn’t very often because she has a daughter just six months older than Hadassah. 😛 But she, like Shari, is a very intriguing writer.
Lakanto Sale
Lakanto (a monkfruit sweetener company) is running a Father’s Day sale! The sale ends Sunday, June 20th, at 11:59pm MST.
The following are 20% off (discount automatically applied):
By the way, if you ever want to make a Lakanto order, use my code ICECREAM in checkout for 15% off! (The code doesn’t overlap with sales.) You can CLICK HERE to shop their sweeteners.
Most of the sweeteners are on plan for Trim Healthy Mama. A lot of the other products are personal choice.
Your turn!
What have you been reading, listening to, inspired by, concocting lately? Do share in the comments! I’d love to hear about your summer!
You may also enjoy…
Reading Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. Would very much recommend it as it brings out the heart of Christ for his. Really encouraging. And it is correcting some of my wrong thoughts.
Enjoy following you and your little family. You are a blessing.
I would love to hear your input on Pomona’s Pectin! I’m learning to can…which is somewhat challenging as a THM, since it all has so much sugar!!
Love your books, enjoy the beautiful autumn season!
I actually just tried Pamona’s Pectin this year for the first time! I like it, and it’s fairly easy to use – the pectin comes with detailed instructions. I’m still working on peach and strawberry jam recipes with it, trying to get the pectin amount right. It sets pretty firmly.
Hi Briana—–I love reading your blog !! Thank you for all the suggestions/recipes—-they are most helpful. Blessings.
So nice to see you again. I have been busy healing from the inside out with medical issues so I lost track of some blogs, etc.
I found out I love to write and have been trying to be consistent with my blog on Choosing Joy Day by Day.
I look forward to checking it out!
Enjoyed reading all about your adventures.
Check out canvasonthecheap.com for affordable canvases, or Miller’s for professional prints (they are an affiliate of mpix).
I’d vote to see the granola recipe soon:) I think my baby weight would come off pretty easily even without separating fuels and I’d been wanting a healthy but still ‘normal’ granola.
Hi Briana,
I love your post. Your family is precious!! My daughter got married last year and bought several pictures from Smallwood. She was very pleased. Her dad and I got a picture for Christmas, and we love it! My son got married last month and she was telling them to use Smallwood for the pictures that they want.
Not a very specific recommendation. I don’t know any of the pricing, etc., but I do know the pictures came out gorgeous!
Thank you, Joyce! It’s good to hear real life reviews!
I wonder if you’ve tried lentil salad? Don’t know if that’s on plan or not…
I tweaked a recipe I found with a delicious balsamic dressing. It included cooked lentils and chopped vegetables (peppers, carrots, cucumbers, onion, celery, etc.). Also fresh parsley, but I used dried. The dressing had balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard, maple syrup, garlic, salt, pepper. I did a variation in which I put roasted red pepper in the food processor with the other dressing ingredients.
Hadassah is adorable, and looks very happy. 🙂
That sounds delicious! I’ve never heard of it – or tried it. It sounds like it would probably be a THM XO due to the combination of carbs and fats if you would swap out the maple syrup for an on plan sweetener.
We live in Sterling, Alaska. It’s always fun to see tourist’s pictures! I’m glad you enjoyed your trip, it is so beautiful here!
We were pretty close to you then. 😉 We stayed with Emmanuel and Glenda.
I am surprised you read the NIV. This version changes the word of God!
Check out these verses compared to the kjv
Colossians 1:14 the blood atonement is removed
John 3:16 changes the only begotten Son to only son
LORD JESUS guide
We attended a very strong KJV only church in Louisiana during Ryan’s residency and heard many, many discourses on the subject, but I’ve done some research and the KJV has a lot of its own mistranslations and political (albeit several hundred years old) agenda. I still use the KJV a lot and am very familiar with it, but I find it helpful to hear a different spin on things too to prompt questions and research. 🙂
Love the updates and the pictures! That one of you and Ryan kissing Hadassah is my favorite! I’ve been working on a lot of books lately, but the one that has been the most inspiring to me is called “How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind” by Dana K. White. I’ve struggled with clutter and untidy habits my whole life, but this book is finally making “tidy” habits stick and make sense. As far as recipes go, I’ve come up with an on-plan Rum Milk Punch that I’m loving. Next up is THM-ifying the Ham and Potato Cheesy Chowder I grew up eating.
Thanks for sharing that, Jenna! Sounds like a valuable book for most of us. 😉 Way to go concocting your own healthy recipes!
I live in Alaska but I live in the interior. I’m basically about 6-7 hours north of Anchorage. We’ve lived here for about 12 years now, moved from Texas although we’re from Michigan and Pennsylvania originally. We love it here. We love our small community, the close proximity to the mountains, the ability to get salmon, moose, or caribou for canning or freezing. We started our family here and now have 4 growing kiddos. I would say that some of the downfalls to living here is that A) it is expensive and B) not everything will ship here – or if it does it costs twice as much. Otherwise, it is beautiful here. Glad you were able to make it to this great state. I highly recommend visiting the other cities as well but don’t expect them to have a wide variety of stores or things to do, as Anchorage is the largest city and holds the most activity in the state. Juneau, Homer, Valdez are also very beautiful cities to visit. I’ve been to them all. 🙂
I live in Alaska and love it! We moved from Florida to Homer, Ak 6 1/2 years ago and we enjoy it so much. Anchorage is about 4-5 hours from where we live and is much larger and busier than our town. The state is so vast and there are so many places to visit that we have not seen it all and still have so many places we want to explore. Our little town is located on the water so we do not get as cold as some areas. The darkness doesn’t bother me because I love the big beautiful moon that glistens off the water and all the stars and constellations that are so very bright. We don’t see the northern lights here as much, but when we do it is a real treat. We get a good 4 hours of light in the darkest time of winter, so I’m happy with that. The summers are filled with about 20 hours of sunlight a day. There is really nothing I don’t like. We live on a bluff, so we don’t get the bugs that other areas get. We get snow, but we don’t usually drop into single digits. If I cannot find something we need in stores, I can usually get it from Amazon. Summers are usually busy with tourists and then winters are slow, quiet, and wonderful. I love snowy hikes and summer fishing. We have a wonderful church and church family. I guess one of our greatest needs is doctors. Especially ones in specialty areas. If the Lord is leading your family here, it would definitely fill an ongoing need. It’s hard to find a negative when you love the place God has planted you. I look out at mountains, glaciers, and a beautiful body of water every day. I see moose, bear, whales, sea lions, otters, and much more. We have a boat, so our adventures reach farther than land. It is a wonderful place to live, but it does separate you from family in the lower 48 if you don’t like to fly or cannot afford it. However, there are ways to earn miles to fly. For some, the separation is difficult, but our church family brings us much joy and we get visits from family and friends on occasion. We don’t make it to the lower 48 as often as we like, but we are very happy to be right where God planted us. Hopefully this helps you. Feel free to ask anything specific that would help answer questions you may have.
Thank you for that, Leighanne! Honestly, you answered most of my questions! It’s a blessing to hear how you love where God has put you. I’m praying that that will be my (our) attitude no matter where we go!
Good afternoon! I’m so glad to see that I’m not the only new mom who has a to-do list a mile long! My husband and I were blessed to get to adopt our daughter earlier this year. She is amazing and wonderful and brings the joy of the Lord to our day every day. I’ve changed a lot of my goals and expectations for my summer garden and flowers because my priorities shifted and I have a toddler to make memories with now! As far as the cards go, I date every card I get and put them (and notes from my sweet school students) in my Joy Box. I got a plastic tote several years ago and put those kinds of things in it. When I’m having a rough go of it and feel out of sorts, I’ll open up that box and let the memories roll. It’s helpful in more ways than one, and always reminds me of my many blessings!
I’m so happy for y’all! What a blessing to have a little girlie to love. It sounds like your priorities are in the right place.
You might want to follow Alaskan housewife on IG. She’s of a similar age to you, has three kids with one in the way.
I think I started following her after we got back from Alaska. 🙂
We live in North Pole, Alaska! We have been here for almost 20 years! We love Alaska!! The summers are amazing, there truly is nothing like an Alaskan summer!❤
But the darkness in the winter is probably the worst thing about Alaska….and here in the Interior we get super cold! -60⁰ is the coldest we have ever seen!🥶 Thankfully, -40⁰ is usually the coldest that we get, usually it is more like -20⁰. The deep cold usually only last for a couple of weeks. Then we have -20⁰ or higher for most of the winter. 🙂 Anchorage area has much warmer temps than we do though. We have family and friends that live there.😊
I think that visiting during the winter before moving there permanently would probably be a good idea… 😛
I remember when my children’s interest in their books ended in them pulling my magazines and books down to look at and of course rip. Cupboard play is the best, grandies would even crawl in them. Thank you for the suggestion of the book you’re reading. I’ve ordered it. I love digging deeper into scripture. Thank you for the updates. Blessings from a 70 year old grandma of15 currently recuperating from right knee replacement. Owwwww.
Oh boy – that’s not a fun way to spend the summer! But you probably have lots of opportunities to read!
A photographer I know uses small woods. They’re a bit expensive I think so haven’t used them yet. I hear Hobby Lobby has good pictures/frames. Hope that helps!!! Love the update, huge fan! Dana
Thanks for the suggestions, Dana!
I have used Smallwoods and was very happy with the result. Their sizes are limited but I printed a download I bought from Etsy and it turned out beautiful. Shutterfly does a good job with their art prints also. If you get the linen texture it gives it nicer art look.
Good tip!
Thanks for posting! I’ve been thinking about you, and it’s so nice to read all is well. It looks as though your busyness has been productive and fun. You have your mother’s smile 🙂
Looking forward to more food posts, along with family updates.
I’ve been told I’m my dad from the nose up and my mom from the cheeks down. 😉
First your baby girl is absolutely precious! Thanks for sharing her with us.
Second. If you are interested in canvas prints I have used easycanvasprints . Com.
They have huge sales all the time so I can get several (4-9) at a time for not too much. I generally get 12×12 or 8×8 sizes and do a set of my grandson for that year.
What a neat idea!
I have used Vistaprint for several large poster size prints. I have been pleased with their work.
Thank you! I’ve used them for a few projects before but not any large scale stuff. They do tend to be cheaper.
You have an amazing beautiful family. I love your passion for life. I always enjoy watching you life. May God bless you and your family.
We are enjoying summer. We have been helping our church getting and giving out food boxes every Friday and Saturday. I am learning about the things we see as weeds and their purpose in healing. I have been harvesting elder flowers and making tinctures for the cold and flu season that is coming. I’m so excited to see what God does through your obedience to His will. God bless.
It sounds like you’ve been busy, Beverly! Learning and serving – a beautiful place to be.
Sharpprints.com is a great cheap resource for large printed photos. I love the quality of Smallwoods and that they’re a small, family-owned company, but overall they’re somewhat pricey. You have to catch them on sale days.
Thank you for the recs! I’ve never heard of Sharpprints but sounds worth checking out.
Thanks for sharing, my granddaughter just turned one so I can relate to Hadassah🥰
I love reading your blog! I especially love the pictures of your family. Hadassah looks so happy and so loved 🙂 You are truly blessed. I also enjoy your recipes. If you had to pick, which cookbook has less desserts in it? Not that I don’t love them, I do! I find avoiding almost all desserts is the only way that I can drop pounds. Thank you Briana for your caring and generous spirit.
Thank you, Sherri! Convenient Food has more savory recipes in it than Necessary Food does. 🙂
Alaska summers are cooler and can be cloudy with rain. The long days are a plus—especially if you’re a night owl. Winter, especially January, is dark and cold but the holidays keep you busy so that helps. Gardening is a little easier because there are fewer pests to eat what you’re growing. Favorite leisure activities usually involve being outdoors—hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing. It’s helpful to have a network of friends as family may be a few times zones away. It’s a good place to raise a family. Few local government regulations to deal with. There are decent homeschool programs to help you get started and keep you going if that’s what you want to do. Palmer and Wasilla have windy areas. Snow drifts in the winter show you where they are. 😉 You’ll get spoiled with Alaska’s beauty. 😊
The plethora of outdoor activities is definitely attractive!
I’m in Wasilla. I LOVE Alaska! I never want to live anywhere else (and I’ve lived in NY, IA, and FL)
Now THAT is interesting because Florida is also on our list. 😛 Well, my husband’s at least. He did med school there. Not sure why he loves the extremes so much…
I moved from KY to FL 18 years ago….central FL We love it here. The summers are hot, but the winters are amazing. My husband was born here and we live in the house he grew up in. We don’t have a lot of family here….just his sister and her family…..but I love the community. The schools and churches are amazing.
Good to hear! Ryan did med school at UCF in Orlando and loved the area.
Hi Briana! I’m Denise, and I live in Alaska–specifically in Wasilla. We’ve been here since 1981 and will be leaving this fall because the Lord is calling us elsewhere. But we’ve loved our time here. Alaska is a land of extremes. You perhaps saw some of them. It can be very warm in the summer depending on where you are in the state, and VERY cold depending also on where you are. Light amount varies from never getting truly dark in the summer to having only 6 or so hours of daylight in the winter. What we lack in winter sunlight is made up for by the quality of the light–alpenglow is lovely. The people are pretty friendly, but you’ll be told, rather tongue-in-cheek (though somewhat seriously, too), that the mosquito is our state bird. We seem to have an inexhaustible supply of them. Food costs more here than in the Lower 48. Probably so do most utilities. But we are (even in Anchorage) medically underserved in most specialties. I imagine if Ryan wanted to do some short-term work here he would have no problem finding a position.
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit. We enjoy your blog and the pictures you’ve been posting. Hadassah is so cute–and almost exactly the same age as our young grandson. <3
Thank you for the snapshot of Alaska, Denise! Blessings to you as you move!
We live in Kenai, Alaska. It’s the best part of Alaska 🙂. Even though the winters are long, I wouldn’t trade the life we have here. It’s a perfect place to raise two teenage boys! God has blessed us here.
Thanks you for your posts and recipes. I have been on a low carb lifestyle for over two years. It has changed my life and health!
May God bless you and your sweet family.
So nice to see your beautiful family. My husband and I went to Alaska about 4 years ago. I loved it. It has such an 80’s feel and everyone was so laid back. The scenery is breathtaking. So glad you could go. I just started reading Mother Teresa- Come Be My Light. It is a summer read and fall discussion for our church. Love from South Carolina!!
Thank you for the book recommendation!
Just curious if you are close to Canton, OH for Dr. Ryan’s fellowship? There is a young couple from my church and he is also training to be a Dr. and they are also in Ohio…. probably lots of hospitals in OH, though….
We’re not in Canton but we go through there every once in awhile. There are quite a few major hospital hubs in Ohio!
I just wanted to consent to say your baby is SO PRECIOUS!
We would like to try a metal picture someday. Those are lovely, but of course all be it not cheap maybe. I saw a family picture on one and it was absolutely awesome. Just my thoughts, love seeing your blog again and of course the pictures.
I lived in Alaska for 18 years, in Soldotna (near Sterling). Just moved out of state to be involved in missions again. If you want to know more about Alaska just email me. I would love to share.
Thank you, Donna! We stopped in Soldotna. Beautiful area!
Small woods is a family owned company based out of Longview, TX. I have bought many of their framed prints for myself and for gifts. They are reasonably priced and very high quality. I absolutely love them. I would definitely give them a try. They also run specials quite often.
That is very interesting. We lived in Shreveport, LA, for residency, and I went to a midwife in Longview when I was pregnant with Hadassah before we moved to Ohio.
I used both Smallwood and Canvas Discount for photos to display at my daughter’s wedding. I was very happy with both companies and the delivery was very fast.
Some of us do live in Alaska! 🙂 I’m a transplant and we live in a small community on the road system. I love that my kids have grown up riding their bikes all over town, knowing my neighbors (and most of the community!), and the independence of the people but speed to help in a crisis. It’s really a lovely place.
Good to hear from you! That trusting, small town feel would definitely be a plus.
Wait, what? You were in Alaska? I am originally from England and have been living in Anchorage for 18 years!!! I miss England terribly but I do love Alaska. The mountains and the openness and the snow in winter and the green in the summer. I’m not a fan of the mosquitos but everything else makes up for that!!!
My favorite thing to do is walk/hike/bike in Kincaid park in the summer and ski/bike there in the winter. I hope you get to come back and spend longer here!!!
I bet you have a very interesting life story. 🙂 England to Alaska?!
I haven’t tried the poster printing, but I’ve really liked the canvas and photobooks I’ve gotten from Walgreens. I’m always seeing promos for their poster size prints, so it might be worth a shot. For framing, I usually pick things up on sale from Michael’s (craft store) or Ikea (lots of options and SO affordable if there’s one near you). Love the photo of the Hadassah sandwich! <3
Good ideas – thank you! I never thought of Walgreens!