Our Family Life

Saturdays on the Porch

Welcome to the porch! Let’s chat, shall we?


This week hasn’t been the best for me. Now that we’re getting settled into the new home, I’ve been feeling a little down. I haven’t been able to get out of the house so I’m stuck inside 24/7, which isn’t good for someone with depression.

I miss my morning walks with my friend Amy, where we talked about everything under the sun and laughed over stupid stuff.

I miss being able to be at my mom’s house in 3 minutes whenever I just needed to talk.

I’m starting to feel somewhat isolated and lonely up here in the “city”. I’m sure I’ll start feeling better once I can find a good walking spot and be able to tour the city a little. Whenever that may be. My husband spends every weekend out so he knows the place better than I do. Meanwhile, I’m stuck at home cleaning up after everybody and making sure everybody has what they need.

My friend Bridget shared a post this week with links to her wonderfully written articles on praising God. As I read through these posts it just hit me that it’s exactly what I needed this week! She may not know it, but God led her to bring me some peace this week and I thank them both for that.

Home Update

Honestly, not a lot has happened this week. My husband has been setting up the Ring Alarm home security system he purchased during Amazon Prime Day.

We’re still waiting to hear back from the contractors about when work can be started. “Hopefully soon” is the latest update. (Insert eye-rolling)

The weeds kicked my butt, so my husband bought some weed killer and sprayed them. Now they’re just sitting out there turning brown, looking like an even hotter mess.

My plans for this weekend are to start cleaning and preparing our other home so we can list it immediately. I also plan to visit with my mom for a few hours (even though she doesn’t know that yet!). She’s been nice enough to stop by the house and get my mail for me since our mailman just lets our mail fly all over the road and yard apparently.

What’s on the menu this week:

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

This week’s dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies (my daughter made)

My favorite posts from around the web this week:

  • Sometimes I enjoy watching the TV show Storage Wars. But sometimes it makes me sad to see that these people are buying other people’s treasured heirlooms and selling them for a profit just to make money for themselves. I always feel like some of that stuff was left behind because the owner was down on their luck. Well, this week I came across a story of a 16-year-old boy in Rhode Island who buys repossessed storage units and does whatever it takes to return the treasured items either to their owners or to family. How sweet is that!
  • How fun would it be to visit this amazing library in China? I was a little disapointed to find out that most of the floor-to-ceiling shelves are actually painted to look like they’re full of books. (whomp-whomp) It still looks cool, though!

Deal of the week:

*Affiliate link. Learn more about what that means here.

This month is Plastic-Free July. I’ve seen a lot of amazing ways floating around on Pinterest about how to go plastic-free to help the environment. Grove Collaborative is helping us go plastic-free this month by giving away a free plastic-free set!

The free set includes:

  • Grove Co. Glass Concentrate
  • Grove Co. Reusable Spray Bottle
  • Grove Co. All Purpose Concentrate
  • Grove Co. Reusable Spray Bottle
  • Grove Co. Cleaning Caddy
  • Grove Co. Scrubber Sponges
  • Free Shipping & VIP Trial

Get yours here and learn more!

Photo of the Week

I came across this photo this week and thought it was a great reminder to praise God for what He has given us. And not let distractions ruin our lives.

This week on the blog:

In case you missed it, this week I shared a list of 65 places to get free food for your birthday. If you have a birthday coming up soon, be sure to check out the list and sign up to get free food!

Your turn!

Share with me what you’ve been up to this week!

Thank you for sharing!
Michelle

Michelle is a stay-at-home homeschool mom who loves DIYs and living a frugal lifestyle.

View Comments

  • Sound like you need a good dose of sunshine (vitamin D) coupled with some grounding (going barefoot) in soft grass or sand. We had a coupled days of rain this week that kept me inside and had me feeling achy and depressed. Yesterday when the sun came out I started by going out barefoot to pick currants then was able to cut grass and finished the day with garden therapy. That had me feeling good. Take care of yourself.

  • So true that Satan wants us to focus on what we DON'T have. I hope you will find some great tings to focus on soon - a walking place, new friends, or something totally unexpected. I love surprises from God. ;)

    • Thank you! So true! God's little surprisea are always the best. I can't wait to see what He has for me next. ❤️

  • Hey! Lifting you up in prayer today! Glad you shared so myself and anyone else can be praying. You’re not alone, we all go through ups and downs.
    How far are you from the old house?

    I’ll definitely be checking out Grove Collabrative.?

    • Thank you for your much needed prayers! ❤️ We're about 45 minutes away from the old house.
      Great! I love how much stuff you can get for free when you sign up. Plus it's really nice stuff! ?

      • Oh ok so a little ways from the old house, far enough to have to do a little planning etc to spend time with your mom or friend.
        I’ll continue praying you get settled, content, and in a groove sweet lady!

  • Sorry to hear you are down. You are still a busy body ad that will help really too. Nowadays we have the wonderful internet and technology, probably you can talk to your mum like that, bake a cake together and laugh together. All the best, big hugs.

    • Thank you! This week has been a little better so far. I like that idea of baking with my mom. ?

  • Sorry you're feeling down a bit, it takes time to get used to a new place, soon you will find your way, and in while you're waiting remember that maybe this is just what you need, a resting period.
    xoxo

  • I'm so sorry you're feeling down. It can be extra hard when you feel isolated or like you're forced to be withdrawn. Have you looked into the Meetup app? I don't know what area you are in, but Meetup offers local meetup groups based on the interests and preferences of the user. For example, if someone was looking for a local mom's hangout group, they could search those keywords and their location and the app would pull up any relevant results. I've used the app for a few years now and it's a great way to get yourself out there and meet new people. I hope you are able to feel better soon. Also, If things don't improve, there's never anything wrong with seeking help. I'm also available to chat if you need it. Sending love. <3

    xoxo,
    Sydney

    http://www.thelotuslist.blogspot.com

    • Thank you so much, Sydney! I'll look into the app. I've never heard of it but it sounds like it could be very helpful at meeting new people and trying new things. And thank you for your advice. I'll definitely keep that in mind. ?

  • I think after a big move like this, you are likely to feel worn out and isolated. Hugs!
    I do believe in the power of gratitude. Have you read books by Merlin Carothers - they're all about the power of praise.

  • I'm so sorry you've been feeling down, Michelle. But I totally get it. Moving to a new location away from your 'norm' friends and family is never easy.I think you need to treat yourself to something 'special' during this transition. Get your nails done, buy a coffee, favorite book or magazine..whatever it is that puts a smile on your face! As for the weeds? LOL! That made me laugh! My Michael did the same thing and I was SOOOO upset because I still had to pull the darn weeds only now they were dead!! P.S Lucky you...Chocolate chip Cookies!!

    • Thank you for that advice. I'm going to take it! I'm hoping to get out this week and just window shop. ? Lol!! I know exactly what you mean about the weeds! And it's way too hot to get out there. Ugh! ?

  • Making a craft always make me feel better. Hope you feel better soon! You have a wonderful menu for the week. You eat so healthy and your food always looks delicious! Have a great week Michelle!

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Published by
Michelle
Tags: family life

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