Deanna’s Weekly Scribbles
January 7, 2022
This week around the Love home:

Weekly News:
Happy New Year! How has 2022 started for all of our LoveandScribbles readers?
Here at the love house, the majority of us are still a bit sad that Christmas is over.. But moving on we must!
Personally, I love New Years! I love the fresh starts, the newness, the extra motivation to declutter and organize! New calendars and planners and all the things make me smile.
I love to set new goals for myself and our family!
I don’t think my family likes it as much as I do, but they will survive 😉
One of my personal goals involves this community here and working to connect more and post regularly! I hope you’ll allow me to share some of the things that have blessed our family. I hope to share recipes, and oily tips, homeschool thoughts and encouragement. Starting with a weekly email, Deanna’s Weekly Scribbles.
Stay tuned and hang in there with me as this blog goes through some changes and hopefully upgrades in 2022! It’s going to be amazing!
What’s on the menu this week:
Have you tried our Creamy Italian Chicken yet? This is the recipe that made me “famous” with my nieces and nephews, so it is always dear to my heart! If you are looking for a comfy, easy recipe to serve this week, check it out!
How we used oils this week:
‘Tis the season for sore throats and sniffles, so here is how we have been arming ourselves!
- My kiddos love “spicy tea”. I use Thieves Vitality with warm water and a little honey.
- We love having the Thieves’ chest rub for those nights that everyone is feeling a little congested.
- The Thieves throat lozenges from Young Living are very soothing and have an extra boost of immunity-building oils!
- Super important to build up our natural immunities during these winter months, so we make sure to have our elderberry syrup in the fridge! Here’s our easy tutorial for making it in the Instant pot: https://www.loveandscribbles.com/recipe/instant-pot-elderberry-syrup/
If you are sensing a thieves theme, you are right! It’s such a powerful tool, year-round, but especially during these cold winter months! Give us all.the.thieves.products!! If you want to shop for any Young Living products, check out the link to our yl website here: https://www.myyl.com/loveandscribbles
School and Family this week:
We enjoyed the break from school. But now it’s time to get back at it. Our boys were blessed with one extra day off because we were able to get carpets installed in the main areas of our house! What a blessing! We actually did quite a bit of home improvement in the most recent weeks. Some of the more messy projects that we’ve been putting off. So, I painted our playroom/den. And white-washed the brick around our fireplace insert. The plan was to paint down the hallway too, but after Christmas, I kind of just spaced on my to-do list… Until New years.. Oops! The carpet makes a humongous difference!!! And it’s so motivating to get to the rest of our to-do lists!
Anyways, as far as schoolwork goes:
We are currently rereading the Lion, the witch, and the wardrobe. One of my favorite read a loud. If you haven’t, I hope you’ll consider adding it to your read-aloud list. It’s magical, it’s whimsical, it is even wintery 🙂
Shop for the Chronicles of Narnia on Amazon!
Weekly Verse:
Numbers 23:13

I bought this sweatshirt from thecrappychristianco
Based on Numbers 23:13 that says,
“ God is not a man, that He should lie. Nor a son of man, that He should repent; He has said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”
I thought this saying and verse were the perfect reminders to trust that the Lord is faithful! He will do what He has promised to do for us!
Weekly Book Thoughts:
I’ve been working on making reading a priority for myself! I actually made my 2021 goal of reading 30 books! My kindle and the Library e-lending app called Libby, really helped me accomplish that! Now that it has become more of a habit, I am rarely without something to read!
I hope to share some of my favorite reads with you this year!
What’s Coming This Month:
- I’m challenging myself to a No-Cheat Challenge with THM. Do you know about Trim Healthy Mama? It’s an amazing community of families committed to eating healthy by skipping processed sugar and focusing on fueling our bodies with good fats and healthy carbs! I highly recommend the starter book if you want to learn more about this healthy eating lifestyle! (I’ve lost 27 pounds since Feb. 2021, and feel so much healthier!
You can grab the Trim healthy mama books on Amazon– here!
- As I mentioned earlier, Stay tuned as we make some changes to the website at loveandscribbles.com and pray for opportunities for the Lord to use this platform for His glory in the coming year!
Thanks for your time friends,
Hope you’ll reach out to us and let us know how your 2021 has begun!
How can we pray for you? Encourage you?
Deanna Grace
Loveandscribble.com
Deannagrace@loveandscribbles.com

oh life!
oh hey there!!
I have missed this little corner of the internet.
I won’t go into details of why I haven’t been around. life is full of ups and downs, priorities change, usually out of necessity, and dare I even say survival at times.
Lots of things have changed, in this world and even in our family and home. 2020 was well 2020. And then the beginning of 2021 brought the biggest loss my heart has ever felt, when I had the honor of being by my Dad’s bedside as he left this earth for his eternal HOME. The hole that is left in not having my Daddy here, is simply indescribable. The pain doesn’t lessen, as much as it just becomes a familiar part of everyday life. Tears come freely at random times, and I don’t mind them. It feels good to remember him, miss him and allow myself to be sad sometimes.. There have already been so many moments and things that He would be so proud of.

This summer we had the most amazing time taking our little family to my favorite place in the whole world. Kings Canyon National Park, staying in my Dad’s favorite campsite. So many amazing memories overwelmed me, as this was the place we camped as a family my whole childhood and even into adulthood.
We had the added joy of getting to meet up with friends that are more like family. The same family we have 30 years worth of camping memories with. After a 17 year gap of time, It was like entering a bizzar time warp, watching my friends that I grew up with, playing with my boys, in “our” river! Just wonderful and hopefully the start of continued traditions.


Now, as fall 2021 is approaching we have started school. We still homeschool, this year we have a pre-k, 2nd grader, and 4th grade.
We are thankful to have many of our ministry opportunities back, with some fun new ones as well.
We have continued to love our young living oils and products. And love to share them with others. It’s a large piece to our focus on switching to natural, healthy things for our bodies and around our home. I have some exciting new bundles to share with you!
Well, that seems to sum things up I guess. As I said, some things have changed a lot. others have stayed the same.
In the near future, I hope to come back to writing here at Love and scribbles. I’ll be sharing Young Living oils and Our homeschool adventures. Eventually, I hope to return to posting recipes, though not committing to the time and effort that endeavor requires just yet. I still use our Instant Pot pressure cookers daily, so feel free to ask, if you have questions about them! I love to help people become more familiar with our favorite appliance!
blessings to you all,
Deanna grace
ps. thanks for still being here.. stay tuned for some new posts and things coming soon.

Planning For Emergencies: It’s Not as Difficult as You Think
How are you doing in 2021?
To be honest, I’m a bit numb from everything. God is still good! So, so good!!! But, if I pay too much attention to this crazy world, I get overwhelmed and confused, and scared.. and well, it’s still ALL of the emotions. So, I started asking what can I do with all of these feels? If you feel like me in the beginning of this new year, stick around we are going to talk about Planning for emergencies and it’s not as difficult as you think. But, first a little bit more about why I”m focusing on this right now.

God Wastes Nothing
God wastes Nothing
Have you been struggling with your thankfulness list this Thanksgiving?
If so, I want you to know, you are not alone! I know in my heart that I have so much to be thankful for. I know that I am blessed And God is still good. But, geez, 2020! right?
I’ve been a bit melancholy about the whole thankfulness topic. Which really isn’t like me. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite Holidays and practices. But, it’s been tuff for me to process all of what 2020 has been like. How about you?
It’s a lot. But, then, I saw this ornament from bykyleighrose on Etsy. And I just couldn’t get this statement out of my mind!
Read Moregetting back to things in 2020!
Sometimes, you just have to start.
It has been months since I have written anything…. I want to post more recipes, and ideas, and tips, and all the things… and EVERY time I sit down to do so, I can’t. Or won’t.
So, today, I am just going to post something.
I know everyone is talking about this year.. and how crazy it is and all the things. You probably don’t need another person talking about it. But, this is where we need to begin.
How are you all doing in 2020?
It’s August already, almost halfway through actually!?! My heart and head feel stuck processing April still. and yet here we are pressing on.
I pray you have felt the Lord’s blessing, even in the midst of the unknown, and unchartered territory. HE is still good and faithful.
It’s also ok to feel overwhelmed and unsure. I don’t think the Lord would expect any different from us. He knows we are only human after all.
I would like to say, I’ll be back to share what this blog Is meant for soon. And I will certainly be trying to.
We are prepping for school right now, to start in just about 2 weeks. I always get myself a little buried under all the prep and organizing. I’d love to share some new things we are trying this year. I think we may have found some things that will be really helpful. wether you find yourself homeschooling, charter, or distance learning perhaps we can share ideas that can help us all!
We always tweak things a bit, to find what will work for us each year!
I have lots of recipes in the posting process. And hope to push them out to you all very soon.
For now, I just wanted to get “back in the saddle” sort of speak.
So, know that I’m praying for your families and am filled with Hope despite all things around us.
Please let me know how I can be praying for you!
your friend,
Deanna grace
at loveandscribbles.com
Easy Easter Ideas for at home this year!
Here’s a list of Easy Easter Ideas at home for our families this year!
April doesn’ look like anything any of us had hoped for or planned on….
I know lots of us are super bummed… I have no problem admitting that this has been hard for me.
One thing I’m determined to do, is to still make Easter special for our family.
I know it won’t look the same, there won’t be new outfits and fancy church services, Family BBqs or giant egg hunts BUT there are some pretty fantastic and creative ways to still celebrate the season and remember Jesus!
One thing that hasn’t changed (maybe the only thing) is that God loved us so much that HE gave HIS only Son Jesus so that anyone who believes would have Eternal Life! AND not only did HE die for our sins, He conquered death and the grave and gave us NEW RESURRECTED LIFE when he rose from the grave!!!
And THAT will always be a reason to celebrate!!!
I thought I’d share some Easy Easter Ideas
I’ve gathered a list, some we do every year, most are ideas I’m possibly trying this year. And most of them have been found on Pinterest. (I”ll share the original pin where I can)
Some of these links are a part of my affiliate with Amazon.com. Thank you for supporting Loveandscribbles by shopping through them!
thoughts for this week..
The other day I came on social media and I said that if anything going on these crazy days has made you curious about natural remedies or hand made products for cleaning and such… that I would love to share with you. And I mentioned that my passion for these things has grown in recent years and it’s true. On my Website Loveandscribbles.com you can find tutorials for our homemade foaming soap and our natural laundry detergent. And it is also true that I love to share what I’ve learned about plants and whole foods and essential oils that can help with soooo many things!
But ever since I posted that story on Instagram I’ve been thinking about what I didn’t say!
THis world is a crazy crazy place and right now, it’s sort of showing the truth of that in ways we have never seen before.
And whether you are scared of catching a virus or what overreacting people can do to others. If your concern is in germs or in government over- reach. Either way… there is something that I am more passionate about than any of these other things. And I’m sorry I failed to mention it before.
With the world around us changing drastically moment to moment. With Media hype and school closures and empty store shelves. What you really need (more than extra TP) is to know that JESUS LOVES YOU!
If you are scared, that’s ok! If you are nervous or even mad and just want to feel secure again.. I get that. Here’s the thing. Jesus has never failed and he never will!
When I am being truly honest, I have to admit that I’m a little nervous. We live in a crazy time right now and I don’t know what the future holds. But, I cannot even imagine going through all of this without knowing Jesus’ love for me and my family!
So, I wanted to write this to YOU. In case you don’t know the peace that Jesus can give you in the midst of this storm.
Yes, I’ll share my recipe for germ killing hand soap, and I’ll even share the tp we have, if you need it… But Above all you have to know my Saviour! And I hope that if you don’t know HIM you would reach out and let’s talk about Him.
Last week in Awana, we talked to the 3rd – 5th graders about the gift of JOY that Jesus gives us. And we talked about how that doesn’t mean we walk around with a plastered fake smile on our face reciting “everything’s OK” it means that even when things are wrong… Jesus’ joy is there for us. Confidence in knowing HE holds our future.
The boys learned last year in VBS that even “when life is crazy, God IS GOOD!” and when “Life changes, GOD IS GOOD!”
And for my sisters and brothers in Christ, I pray you seek out ways to show Christ’s love to those around you. That you remember that your HOPE is secure in Christ and HE has a plan! And it’s ok to be nervous or concerned but FEAR doesn’t come from Christ. Use the love and sound mind HE gave us to think of others and provide for our families.
Praying for you all as I write this. I’m praying that instead of sitting in fear and dread you will find the One who loves you more than anything!! He gave HIS life for you and HE’s got all of us in HIS hand!
Praying you all have everything you truly need and that anything you have extra.. You will share with a neighbor.
Praying for protection.
Pray for our country and leaders. That they only have the power that God has given to them and use it for good and not evil.
Pray for wisdom and kindness!
Love you,
Deanna Grace
5 Things that Don’t Need To Change in 2020
5 things that don’t need to change in 2020.
I LOVE New Years. I know that there isn’t any magic to the changing of the calender year. But there is something so refreshing about looking ahead. and even with putting things away that are behind us!
It is easy for me to write lists, goals, plans, hopes for the new year. It is exciting to me.
I like to write out goals for each one of the kids as well as personal ones for me, and even some goals for Ryan and myself too.
We will be adding things like project we would like to do around our home. And even adventures we hope to have as a family.
If you are like me, then you don’t find it hard to quickly come up with a long list of things you would like to change or at the very least improve in the new year.
But the other day I was flipping through a Real Simple Magazine and came across this picture. It’s the title of an article (and honestly I can’t remember what the article actually said.) The title is what stopped me in my tracks.
The tag line said, “It’s the time of year to take stock of what you’re already doing right. “

Wow! In the midst of all the plans, goals, and changes… why not stop and think about the things that DON’T need changing.
Here’s my list of things that don’t need to change in 2020
1.We have been more intentional about more fun family time this year. The boys’ ages help with this being more enjoyable for everyone. We have all loved the evenings of playing video games altogether. Movie nights, watching football while eating nachos, board games.
Please note all of these are activities enjoyed in our home and cost little to no money!! comfy, no pressure, cheap, and a blast!! We will for sure continue these things in the new year.
2. Bread making!! Bread making was a goal I set for my self for 2019 and I have accomplished it! I make 99% of the bread products we eat now. And I love Baking bread! I have found it to be therapeutic, a creative outlet, and just plain delicious.
3. Homeschool. I have always struggled to say I enjoy homeschooling. My confidence in being able to teach and my doubts about if it’s really the best choice for us have been stumbling blocks for me. But I am leaving 2019 knowing that it’s what works for us!!! And in fact, I have found a way to enjoy it, would even miss it, if we were to stop!!! That’s a huge realization for me.
Now, this doesn’ t mean it’s easy… and there are still lots of tuff days trying to work well together but it’s a calling I feel willing to claim and will carry it proudly into 2020. And I also hope to share more of that journey here on loveandscribbles.
4. Instant pot classes. I’m so glad I started hosting Instant Pot classes. It’s a wonderful time. Just talking about my favorite appliance, demonstrating some of my recipes, and helping people! I’m looking forward to scheduling more in 2020. Let me know if you have a ministry or group that would love to have a class in our area!
5. Relationships! I am glad for every relationship I’ve invested in this past year. Not once do I regret a time of connecting with someone. The thing about friendship and general kindness is this: The more you try to bless someone else,(with that being your honest intention) the more of a blessing you end up getting yourself in return. It’s a win-win really. I go into 2020 with hope for connections and community, for our whole family!
** 1 Bonus thing I’d like to add to this list.
6. I love having this space here on loveandscribbles. I am thankful for the opportunities I have had to share things like recipes and tips. Instant pot, essential oils, home life, boymom life… and I’m praying for how the Lord will use it in the coming year. I am confident that He has more planned then I’ve even embraced yet. And I hope to be braver, true, honest and helpful in the New Year. But for sure, No matter what’s ahead, this blog is coming with me into 2020. And I’m excited about that!
Also, praying for how things like Instagram fit into this whole purpose. so, if you’d like to come along, please join me and Deannalove_and_scribbles.
So that’s 5 things that don’t need to change in 2020 and I’m bringing with me into the New Year! And now to find my journal and write some new goals to bring with me too!! yay!!!
What would you put on your list of things that you are already doing right?
Happy Happy New Year,
Deanna Grace
1 Samual 12:24 ” Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.”
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back to homeschool
It’s almost here, very soon we will be heading back to homeschool.
I have to admit I have loved summer this year. Summer looks a little different as a homeschool family (everything is different really) It’s funny to hear friends, who normally have kids in school, say things about their kids being home with them ALL summer long. and I’m over here like… umm my kids never leave! haha
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But, It has been nice to have the extra time each day, to do all the to-do list, play outside, work on projects, etc. When I think of adding those hours of school back in to or day, I freak out just a little bit!!!
Here on Loveandscribbles, I want to try to write more about our homeschool journey, it’s interesting, because I’m kind of just winging it, so I don’t feel like I have much to offer on the subject. But, maybe some of you mamas out there need to hear that most of us are just making it work however we can. Figuring it out as we go along! Trying lots of things, some that work and some that just don’t!