It’s hard to believe that July is coming to a close. I have to say—it’s been a great summer. We’ve had a lovely mix of relaxing together as a family, spending time with friends, and traveling (with more travel on the horizon!). We also worked on chore routines to improve the overall flow of our home. Honestly, it’s been my favorite summer in a long time. We’ve truly taken a break from schoolwork—other than continuing to read—and we’ve soaked in every summer moment.
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Post-Orlando Recovery Week + Prepping for Washington
This past week was a bit of a recovery week after our Orlando trip for a Martial Arts competition. There was a lot of unpacking and laundry to tackle, but we still managed to squeeze in several appointments and make time for friends before heading off to Washington State to visit my husband’s family for a week.
Joshua’s Chiropractic Progress
Joshua had a chiropractic appointment, and I just have to share how amazed I am at the progress he’s made. Since he was about a year old, he’s always sounded congested—even when he wasn’t sick—and he’s been a mouth breather. It reached a point where I couldn’t ignore it anymore; he honestly sounded like Darth Vader.
Our wonderful pediatrician recommended craniosacral therapy through our chiropractor. We started back in late October, and in the beginning, it was a lot—twice a week. Now we’re down to visits every six weeks! His breathing is so much quieter, and I’m just so thankful for this natural approach to his well-being.
He’s also quite the wild child, so I used to schedule appointments during his naptime. He’d sleep right through them. But this past week, wide awake, as I put him on the chiropractic table, he let her work on him so calmly! I really believe, even at this young age, he knows it’s helping. Yet, we’ll see if that calmness sticks next time!
Sunday Mass with Toddlers = Grace Is Still Present
While Joshua is a champ at the chiropractor, he’s an absolute challenge during Sunday Mass. As soon as we walk into the church, he starts acting up—climbing, yelling, bossing around his older siblings, you name it. Poor Paul spends nearly every Mass in the narthex.
But what brings peace to my heart is remembering that even in those loud, squirmy, distracting Mass hours, we are still receiving graces. This season may feel long, but it will pass. God sees our efforts.
Serving Others Through Meals
This past week, I made a meal for a dear family friend who’s been dealing with a rough summer—she has been dealing with sick kids. These are the moments when community steps in. Mamas, remember to reach out when things are hard, even if you feel like you’re holding it all together. Sometimes when you’re in it, you don’t even realize how much support would help. A simple meal can be such a blessing.
Comfort Meal: Maid Rites (Slider Sandwiches)
I made this easy, comforting dish adapted from In Honor of Design’s Winter Meal Plan (yes, I make it year-round!). It’s a great choice for new baby meals, hard seasons, or when you need something cozy.
Maid Rites (Slider-Style Sandwiches)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½–1 cup beef broth
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Dill sandwich pickles
- 6 cheddar cheese slices
- 12 slider buns (or 6 hamburger buns – I make homemade ones from Taste of Home)
Topping:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar (I omit the sugar)
Instructions:
- Sauté ground beef in a large cast iron skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until soft.
- Stir in beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Arrange bottom bun halves in a 9×13 baking dish (I use an aluminum pan for drop-off meals – I always have a stash so I am meal help ready!).
- Spoon beef mixture evenly over the buns.
- Top with cheese slices and pickles (if desired).
- Brush the top buns with the butter/mustard mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Side Ideas: I paired this with a zucchini and onion sauté and watermelon—perfect for summer. You could also do potatoes or chips.
Note: I double this recipe for our family of 9.
Easy Breakfast Win: Puffy Oven Pancakes
I made one of our go-to breakfasts again this week: Puffy Oven Pancakes (aka Dutch Baby). I’ll be honest—I really don’t love standing over the stovetop flipping pancakes. And I’m not even a huge pancake fan (I know, unpopular opinion!), so this version is a total win. Everything goes into a lasagna pan and bakes—easy and delicious.
Double Oven Pancake (Dutch Baby)
(From the classic Wedding Betty Crocker Cookbook—15 years of marriage and that cookbook is still going strong with many of my tried & true recipes!)
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Place butter in a 9×13 baking dish and melt in the oven. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Meanwhile, whisk eggs until blended, then whisk in flour, milk, and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Pour batter into the hot buttered pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until puffy and deep golden brown.
Serving ideas: Top with lemon juice and powdered sugar or go the fruity route with maple syrup and berries.
Note: I make two lasagna pans for our family of 9. With a 13-year-old and preteen girls, I may need to bump it to three pans soon!
Deals & Favorites This Week
Just a quick note for those of you who love a good sale as much as I do:
- 🌿 Plant Therapy is currently running a great sale on essential oils and wellness items! If you’re stocking up—or curious to try some of their family-friendly blends and household staples—now’s the perfect time to check them out. 👉 Shop the Sale Here
- 📚 Christianbook.com has some great deals going on right now! It’s one of my favorite resources for homeschooling curriculum, faith-based books, and family reads.
👉 Browse Christianbook Deals & Shipping Offers »
Kid Humor to End the Week
I’ll end this week with a little family humor—because sometimes the best laughs come from the kids. My oldest son, Drew, got stung by a bee recently. Without missing a beat, 8-year-old Theo looked at him and said, “Drew, that bee that stung you needs to work out some issues.”
Even little minds pick up on adult vibes. And sometimes they hand us the best laughs.
Speaking of when those pesky insects are out… I love keeping these two natural remedies in our wellness drawer:
🪴 Itch Away from Plant Therapy – a gentle essential oil blend we reach for after time outdoors.
🐝 Boiron Apis Mellifica – a homeopathic option our family has used for bug bite discomfort.
Here are some highlight photos from when we went paddle boarding behind the small lake behind my dad’s new townhouse. It was a HOT day, but so nice on the water. So proud of the kids wanting to learn how to kayak and paddle board!
👉Shop Our Inflatable Paddle Board – Love how it is easily transportable and it does inflate so well!
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