Happy Homemaker Monday

Oh, I am so late. And it was worth every second! I worked some, I hung out with Ella after her lessons were over, and I even got to spend some time with Gram. Tomorrow is going to be even more busy, so let's get this HHM done!

On the weather front: PERFECTION. Absolute perfection. Fall is on the way, with chilly mornings, but it's still far enough away to be shorts-weather by the afternoon.

On my bedside table: Cookbooks. My Kindle. "The Summer of the Gypsy Moths", which is what Ella and I are reading together every night. "A Cold Dark Place", which I will finish today, I swear.

On my TV: Goodness, nothing. I have no time for anything.

Thinking and pondering: That the undertaking of going through all of Ella's clothes for an upcoming consignment sale is much bigger than I initially thought. Good heavens, but she has a lot of clothes.

Listening to: "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift (from the Hunger Games soundtrack) It's a beautiful and haunting song. She has a tremendous voice.

On the menu for this week: 
Monday: Asian Ribs and Brown Rice
Tuesday: Italian Chicken over egg noodles, veggies
Wednesday: Shipwreck Casserole
Thursday: Frittata
Friday: Egg Roll Bowls
Saturday: TBA
Sunday: Chicken and Red Pepper Spaghetti

On my to-do list: 
It's late in the day, so the only thing on there is to give the bathrooms a quick once-over and vacuum the living room! Woohoo!

Looking forward to: I'm going to take the day off and go take Ella shopping in Johnson City on Friday, and a friend is having a LulaRoe party on Saturday (leggings, ya'll!)

What I plan on doing for myself this week: Did ya'll hear me say leggings? Hehe, also going to cut my hair on Thursday.

Favorite Photo: 

I love my chamomile!

Lesson Learned: Patience is so important. I've been praying, begging, pleading, angry, yelling with God, on the subject of another baby. Yesterday, the word "patience" appeared 3 times in a single chapter. So, yes. I need to be patient. One day.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses: 

Have an amazing week, my friends! God Bless You! 

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good morning, friends! I am actually OFF today. OFF. Unbelievable. However, I am going to a garden center's end of season sale (yes, more plants, don't judge), so I need to get this post up here quick!

The weather: Bright and sunny, which is awesome, because we've had a lot of rain. I'm thankful that we've not had the flooding that some places have. I have friends in those regions and it's terrifying watching some of the Facebook updates from Louisiana.

Right now, I am: Typing this post, and running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Oh the life of a Mom and Wife.

Thinking: That it's probably not the best idea to be running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Also, that I need to buy a couple heads of garlic.

On my reading pile: "The Book Thief" which I'm reading with my best friend (even though she's in TX, love texting!) and "A Cold Dark Place" (slow going because I'm so busy)...although I did sit down last week and read Jaycee Dugard's "A Stolen Life" in one sitting, alternately gasping and crying because what she went through was so horrific.

On my T.V.: The question is...despite my day off, will I even get TIME to turn on the TV?

On the menu for this week:
Monday: Frittata for me and Gabe, Chicken and CousCous for Ella, who has a summer cold.
Tuesday: Pork Tacos
Wednesday: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Thursday: Broccoli and Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole
Friday: Stuffed Peppers
Saturday: Potato Veggie Chowder
Sunday: "Plain Old Spaghetti" at Ella's request

On my to do list: LOL everything. Washing sheets, cleaning the bathrooms, organizing school supplies (how is my kid in the 5th grade?) We have a Back to School thing to attend at a church this week, and tons of clothes to start to organize for a Wee-Cycle sale this week (hey, it gets rid of stuff, and it's extra money. Win-win!) Also, weed my neighbor's garden (and my own...)

In the craft basket: Still that skirt. I'm terrible, you guys. THE WORST.

Looking forward to this week: Did I mention that I'm going to a GARDEN CENTER? And that I'm going to get PLANTS? Yes, I'm a bit obsessed. Also, that back to school thing, which should be fun for Ella (and, OK, for me too. I'll admit it)

Looking around the house: The Sphinx is asleep on a box of school supplies. I need to close my window. People are mowing lawns and it's driving me a bit batty.

From the camera: We had two epic meetings with bugs this past week! Check 'em out!

On my prayer list: So many people, but one especially close to my heart is a young pregnant girl, struggling to make the right decision for her unborn daughter. God knows who she is, so if you would just pray for her?


Bible Verse, Devotional: 

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good morning, folks! It's been quite the weekend here, and I'm actually ready for the week because it actually promises to be less crazy, but we shall see!

The weather: Gloomy, lots of rain. I'm hoping for a glimpse of sunshine today, at least when I take Ella to the library later on. I realize we need the rain, but we're under a flash flood watch...not sure we need that much!

Right now, I am: Celebrating the fact that I have the day off! What?! A Monday off? YES!

Thinking: That I have lots to get done today, but that I'm pretty sure it will all get done. I think I have some banana peppers to pick out of the garden, and Gram is bringing by fresh corn today. Yum!

On my reading pile: Somehow, in the midst of all of the insanity last week, I zoomed through Home to Big Stone Gap and Doll Bones, a super spooky book by Holly Black. I'm reading in A Cold Dark Place right now, and Ella and I are headed to the library this evening.

On my T.V: Nothing, I'm pretty sure. Too much to do, and I think I just want it to be me and my recliner and a book in the evenings.

On the menu this week:
Monday: Ham, Green Beans, and Small Potatoes in the crockpot
Tuesday: Chicken Tikka Masala, Rice, and Garlic Naan
Wednesday: Pot Roast
Thursday: Lasagna Soup
Friday: Breakfast for Dinner/Fend for Yourself night, as I have to work super duper late
Saturday: Potato Soup
Sunday: Chicken Alfredo

On my to-do list today: Check the gardens, library, visit with neighbors and with Gram, clean the bathrooms

In the craft basket: Still that skirt. I'm notoriously slow at this stuff.

Looking forward to this week: Thursday, when Gram and I are going to a concert in the next town over, and Saturday, when I should have an easy day...also, the coming of my ipsy bag. It's silly, but I love to play around with all of the new products!

Looking around the house: It's quiet and if I look out my window at a certain angle, I noticed I can see the McDonald's arches peeking through the trees. It's odd that I've never noticed it before, and we've been in this house over a year.

From the camera: 

My butterfly weed in the healing garden is in bloom!


On my prayer list: My Dad, who's due for a "check in" appointment with his cancer doc on the 16th. I remember the August of 2013, and how scared we all were of everything. I'm hoping for all good news, and that the cancer is still in remission.

Bible Verse, Devotional: "The heavens declare the glory of God." Psalm 19:1

Happy Homemaker Monday

Whew, what a weekend! On Friday, I was sure that my Dave cat, who has been unwell for some time, was gone. He had disappeared on Thursday morning and never came home...he didn't come home Friday either and I was positive that he was gone. I cried all day Friday and most of Saturday. I wasn't feeling well, so while my husband and daughter watched a movie, I napped. Ella woke me up saying,
"Mom, I found Dave! He's home!" He had gotten trapped in a greenhouse near the property...it was a place I had already looked! But, he is home! He is still unwell, and we are doing our best to keep him comfortable.

The Weather: Hopefully, we have some rain coming tomorrow. Forecast says so. I'm hoping so. It has been entirely too dry!

On my reading pile: "A Cold Dark Place" by Gregg Olson and "Back Home to Big Stone Gap" by Adriana Trigiani. I've read all the other books in the Big Stone Gap series and I love them. As far as the other book, sometimes, you just need a good murder mystery novel, no?

On my T.V: Probably nothing. It's going to be one of those crazy work days!

On the menu for this week: 
Monday: Butter Chicken
Tuesday: Gabe's cooking: Grilled Cheese and soup
Wednesday: Crockpot Beef Stew
Thursday: Texas style ribs, potatoes, carrots
Friday: Fun dinner: Li'l Smokies, and cauliflower "tater tots"
Saturday: TBA
Sunday: Lasagna rolls that we were supposed to have yesterday, but it was just too dang hot to cook

On my to-do list: Work, work, work, work....clean the bathrooms. Laundry (hopefully, my new dryer will be delivered today)

Looking around the house: It's very quiet. The Sphinx is lounging in a chair behind me.

From the camera: My boss's dahlias are starting to bloom. Gorgeous!

On my prayer list: This whole insane world. My Dave cat, that he may by some miracle, get well. I love that crazy cat.

Happy Homemaker Monday

Oh, good heavens. It's been quite the day today, which is why I haven't gotten a chance to put up this post until now. And I'm dreadfully behind everything tonight. It's one.of.those.days.
Let's begin then!

The Weather: It's warm, and it's going to get warmer. Thank God for air conditioners and cold tea.

On my reading pile: "The Missing" and "The Telling" by Beverly Lewis. Amish mysteries. I love me some Amish mysteries.

On my T.V.: I have nothing planned, because I have to catch up on my massive to do list...and this is one of those weeks where I'd rather read anyway.

On the menu this week:
Monday: Breaded pork chops, potatoes, garlicky green beans
Tuesday: Gabe's cooking: Hamburger Casserole (he liked it so much, we wanted to try his hand at it)
Wednesday: Breakfast for dinner
Thursday: Chicken Fajitas
Friday: Italian Beef Sandwiches
Saturday: Potato Soup
Sunday: TBA 

On my to-do list: Clean the master bath, clean out the refrigerator (groaaaannnnn)

What I am sewing, knitting, crocheting, or creating: Glow in the dark window clings for Ella's room. Just because we can.

Looking around the house: Ella is cleaning her bathroom and the cats are out on the deck.

From the camera: We had the MOST amazing double rainbow this weekend. INCREDIBLE.

On my prayer list: Several friends struggling with illness, my parents and siblings, as always. This country. Our officers in uniform...I can't even.

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good Heavens! It's my first HHM in FOREVER. Life's been crazy, to be sure, but I've missed blogging on the regular, so I'm going to try harder. I SWEAR.

The weather: Sunny and warm. Thunderstorms later this week, and I know my garden will be glad for the rain!

On my reading pile: Nothing. Ugh! Ella and I have a library date this evening, though, so I'm sure I'll find something good.

On my T.V.: Old-school Disney movies (Lady and the Tramp) and Amelia (the Hilary Swank movie)

On the menu for this week:
Monday: Cube steak in a mushroom/wine sauce, potatoes, carrots
Tuesday: Gabe's cooking. Pork tacos
Wednesday: Ella wants hamburgers, so we'll make that happen
Thursday: Pork Loin roast
Friday: I'll be in Asheville for work all day. NO IDEA.
Saturday: Pizza soup
Sunday: Pasta, per tradition

On my to-do list: Clean the bathrooms, library date, check the gardens, clean the fish "cage", maybe pick green beans.

What I am sewing, crocheting, creating: Goodness. Nothing. I need to get my rear in gear.

Looking around the house: I need to move my plant stand outside. The house smells amazing, as dinner simmers in the crockpot.

From the camera: 

After my most recent miscarriage, the loss of my unborn son, Thomas,  I was moved to do something healing, something constructive. I've planted a little garden with amazing plants in it. The lavender is in bloom right now.

On my prayer list: This country. How can we have so much hate toward one another?

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good morning, friends! It's been a long one already. Gabe still has whatever virus he has, so I've been taking care of him. For those who haven't ready my previous post, I lost the baby early Thursday morning. God is good, and He's given me a peace about all of this. I'm still heartbroken, but trusting in God's plan.

The weather outside is:  
Beautiful! Spring in North Carolina (when you can catch it, NC weather is fickle, especially in these mountains!) is so beautiful.

On the breakfast plate this morning:
A turkey and spinach sandwich and lemon water. I had an early morning appointment in town and grabbed something from my favorite little place. Breakfast food and I aren't bff early in the morning.

As I look outside my window: 
Nothing. My blinds are drawn ;)

Right now, I am:
Typing up this post, getting a last-ditch meal plan together.

As I look around the house: 
It's quiet, and calm. Somewhere, a Sphinx cat is crunching her food. My plant table (yes, I have an entire table) is in dire need of re-arranging.

On today's to-do list:
*Work
*Light grocery shopping, again, the meal plan comes into play. I'm trying to stick to a budget.
*Re-doing the plant table

Currently Reading:
My Bible and a bunch of recipe books for inspiration.

On the TV today:
My father-in-law sent me a few episodes of "Call the Midwife"...and I've promised to watch them.

On the menu this week: 
Monday: Chicken Tacos
Tuesday: Homemade Pizza
Wednesday: Frittata
Thursday: Chicken Cacciatore or Italian Chicken, not sure which one yet
Friday: Sub Sandwiches, or something of that sort
Saturday: Spicy Chicken Soup
Sunday: Penne alla Vodka

What I am creating at this moment: 
The garden :)

New Recipe I want to try this week:
I'm going to attempt a cheesecake. Wish me luck!

Favorite picture from the camera:

We had a guest this week. A dog followed us home! Her name is Jasmine and she was reunited with her owners yesterday. But she and Ella really bonded. Btw, Ella's smile is just....ahhhh, my heart.

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes, or Devotionals

Have a beautiful week, my friends!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good morning, friends. I skipped a week last week, because Monday was when I had my doctor's appointment. It basically went like this...
Monday, I was told "Well, you're having a miscarriage." I was upset, but based on everything I'd been told, I was expecting it. So, I picked myself up, and got my hair done and did all of the stuff that I wasn't allowed to do during my pregnancy.
Tuesday afternoon, I got a call that basically said: "Did we say you're having a miscarriage? Whoops. No, you're not. Your levels went up, but we still want you to get a D&C because the pregnancy looks abnormal."
Without me getting a word in edgewise, they scheduled the D&C for this Wednesday. I felt more and more uneasy as last week went on, and finally called them on Friday to tell them I would NOT be getting the D&C. I'd done so much research that gave me HOPE for this pregnancy, that I couldn't just end it.
After much arguing, the doctor reluctantly agreed that I am NOT in need of a D&C. Sometime this week, I am going in for a follow up blood draw and ultrasound, and we will go from there. If I am to miscarry, I will miscarry. If I need a D&C, I will have a D&C. But this will all be done on MY terms. If God grants me this miracle, then I will refrain from saying things like "In your FACE, Doctor"....at least until I am out of the doctor's office ;)
Either way, friends...that was the obligatory pregnancy update. Please continue to pray!

Let's get on with it, shall we?

Breakfast time, what is on the plate this morning: Froot Loops. My go-to cereal.

On today's to-do list: Housework, library, going to work...gotta love being an adult.

Currently reading: Not much of anything, other than massive lists of medical statistics to bring to my next doctor's appointment.

On the TV today: I doubt that I will have time today to watch anything. Oh, well.

The weather outside is: Gorgeous. I have to find time to squeeze in some outside time to enjoy this day, as tomorrow it's supposed to pour the rain.

On the menu this week: Admittedly, my meal planning has suffered horribly the last few weeks. Between doctor's appointments and just not feeling well...ugh. Hoping to get back on my game this week!
Monday: Drunken Noodles
Tuesday: Chicken, CousCous and Steamed Veggies
Wednesday: Jambalaya
Thursday: Loaded Macaroni and Cheese
Friday: Pork Tacos
Saturday: Beef Vegetable Soup
Sunday: Chicken Alfredo

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will: Take a nap. I'm so tired lately, it's not even funny.

New Recipe I'm looking to try: Uhm, let me get back on my Meal Planning game first, then we'll talk about new recipes ;)

In the garden: My mint is going crazy (inside), the basil is doing very well (also inside) and we have STRAWBERRIES! (you guessed it, inside)

Favorite photo from the camera: 

We got Ella canopy for over her bed. She's always wanted one. Dave was curious so he went to check it out the other night.

Homemaking Tip: Don't be like me, and stay on top of your meal-planning game ;)

Bible Verse, Devotional: 

Have a beautiful week, everyone!!!!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good Morning, Friends.
I was pretty sure that this was going to be my Monday off. No such luck!
I'd like to start by asking for some prayers. It seems that there are complications with my pregnancy, and it may actually be a partial molar pregnancy. If I don't miscarry by the 4th (next Monday) and there is no heartbeat then on an ultrasound, I will have to have a D&C. I am trusting God with this because there's nothing I can do.

The weather: It's gorgeous out, but windy! At least it's not dry like it has been. We were under a fire danger last week, and we got some rain yesterday, so at least that has passed.

Right now, I am: Typing up this post, and hurrying up to get ready for work.

Thinking: That the uncertain and unknown is a very scary thing.

On my TV: I'll be watching a couple of Robert Redford (swoon!) movies that my Father-in-Law sent me :)

On the menu for this week: With all this worry over the baby, I seriously haven't even considered the meal plan. Hamburger Helper tonight, for sure.

On my to do list: Work, work, housework. Same old, same old :)

Looking forward to this week: A day off! ...maybe. Also looking forward to the 4th, which is my next doctor's appointment. I just want answers. I know how scary a  molar pregnancy can be and the potential long-term things, and it's scary...so answers would be great.

Looking around the house: I have a gray cat who's seated himself next to me and is looking at me forlornly, as if to say, "Pet me already."

From the camera: 

A beautiful gift from a dear friend.

On my prayer list: My parents, my siblings, my nephew, who's got the flu...and this pregnancy.

Bible verse, devotional: 

Happy Homemaker Monday

What.A.Day. Actually, What.A.Weekend. Hoping it slows down some for me (but it's not looking like that will happen!)
I spent the bulk of Saturday night, crying my eyes out in the emergency room. I started bleeding out of nowhere Saturday evening, and when you're pregnant and have a history of prior losses, that can be really scary.
The good news is that the baby and I appear to be fine. My bloodwork came back perfect and the hcg numbers were great. I have an appointment on Wednesday with the doctor to do another blood draw. If my levels are rising, then we're good to go. If they're not, then I don't even know...I don't even want to think about that.
I haven't had any more bleeding and I've tried my best to take it easy this weekend, but now I'm ready to hit this week running...er, lightly jogging.

The weather: I suppose it COULD be pretty if not for that rip-my-head-off wind out there. Good heavens! It's supposed to calm down by tomorrow, and stay decent for the rest of the week. We'll also get some much needed rain, yay!

Right now, I am: Trying to type up this post, and figure out all that I have to do, and figure out a sloooowwwww way to do it. (Not so easy since I'll be heading to work in about four hours. )

Thinking: That I'm nervous about this blood draw on Wednesday. I'm happy I'll have a definite answer as to what's going on with this pregnancy, but I'm scared out of my mind, too. I don't know if I can handle another loss.

On my T.V.: Not sure I'll have time to watch ANYTHING this week, but I'll try to slow down and watch a movie of some kind with Ella.

On the Menu for this week: It's going to be a fly-by-the-seat of your pants kind of week. I did so well until Saturday, when everything got thrown into a tailspin. When I came home Saturday night, Gabe had gotten pizza and everything was under control at the homestead, and then yesterday, I barely left the bed, so Gabe fixed dinner again. I hate that this even happened, but I'm glad he was off this weekend. He was truly my rock.

On my to-do list today: 
*Return Library Books
*Clean the bathrooms
*Laundry
*Take some clothes to the thrift store to give away
*About a million other things I haven't even thought of yet
*Oh, and work.

Looking forward to: Answers. There's been talk of doing an ultrasound, and I just KNOW that I'll breathe easier once I see him/her on the screen and hear a heartbeat.

Looking around the house: I need to get all of my plants ready for the transition OUTSIDE which will hopefully happen sooner than later.

From the camera: 

This kid!!!! (For the record, she doesn't wear glasses, these are totally fake)

On my prayer list: The usuals, my parents and kid brother, this baby, a few little personal requests, a church friend who is due any.day.now and had contractions yesterday (but I haven't heard an update), another friend who welcomed her second rainbow girl last week.

Bible Verse, Devotional: 

Have a beautiful week, my friends!!!! <3

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good morning, friends!
Of course, I work today, and early to boot. So, between this post, and homeschooling and meal planning and a million other things, it's going to be an interesting day for sure! I've been up for ages, making appointments and such.

The weather: It was supposed to be hideous all day, but it's not. It's actually sunny and beautiful!

Right now, I am: Giving myself a motivational pep talk. It's not working ;)

Thinking: Lots of stuff. Hoping and praying that Ella and I don't get the stomach bug that's been floating around. Making an extensive to do list for today. Thinking about what to pack for work today/tonight.

On my TV: Nothing, tonight. Finished Degrassi: TNG yesterday and had myself a good cry at the last episode. Pregnancy hormones at their best. I imagine I'll just crash after work tonight, and maybe find something good to watch sometime later this week.

On the menu for this week:
Monday: TBA
Tuesday: Taco Soup
Wednesday: Chicken Cacciatore
Thursday: Chinese Ribs
Friday:  Hamburger Helper, sorry not sorry
Saturday: TBA
Sunday: TBA 

On my to-do list:
Everything, ever. Mainly work, grocery store, and cleaning the bathrooms. I'm confident that Gabe will cook something for him and Ella at home tonight. I'm going to fix some soup at work.

Looking forward to this week:
Some beautiful weather. Pay day. Maybe taking some Spring-y pictures of Ella.

Looking around the house: Do any of ya'll have THE CHAIR? Where everything congregates? I gotta clear THE CHAIR off today.

From the camera: 

last week, I took Ella out on a lunch date. It's still mind blowing to think that God-willing, this is her last summer as an "only child".

On my prayer list: My parents, who are in Florida this week. My kid brother, as usual. My little family, as we still adjust to this shocking (but wonderful) news. This baby, as this will be my last pregnancy...and I NEED to bring this one home, friends.

Bible Verse, devotional:

Have a beautiful week!!!!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Mornin', friends! I'm actually off until this afternoon...Monday afternoon work seems to be the new trend for me. Firstly, I'd like to ask for your prayers. We received some (great!) news last week that threw us all for a loop, and I think we're all still recovering from it. I don't feel at liberty to discuss anything just yet, but just know that's it's all wonderful and that we need your prayers.

Without further ado...

The weather: PERFECT. Ohhhh. High 50's, low 60's, sun, sun, sun. Yes!

Right now, I am: Snacking on pretzels, debating making an avocado and cucumber salad, and making my to-do list.

Thinking: Way too much! But mostly trying to get some things figured out and trying to throw together a last-minute pulled pork recipe for the crockpot.

On the menu this week:
Monday: Last-minute pork roast
Tuesday: Pulled pork sandwiches (or f.f.y. day)
Wednesday: Jambalaya
Thursday: Baked chicken and vegetables
Friday: TBA
Saturday: TBA
Sunday: TBA 

On my to-do list: Throwing dinner in the crockpot, cleaning, catching a moment to rest, library, work, work, work!!!

Looking around the house: I'll be re-arranging the living room later this week, trying out something new....

From the camera: 

Ella's insane hair. She's donating again next October...and it's already almost to her waist! Wrangling it into a bun is an undertaking! 

On my prayer list: My parents, kid brother, this country...and my little situation. Thanks, all!

Bible Verses, Devotionals: 

Have a great week, my friends!!!!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good morning, friends! It's yet another working Monday for me, and I just got back from being away at work all weekend! But, I'm doing whatever I have to do for my little family, right?

The Weather: I took one look at the weather forecast for this week and only one word comes to mind: Yuck! Snow, cold, wind...UGH.

Right now I am: Typing up this post, going over my (lengthy) to-do list before I go to work, and wondering if I have time for a quick run to the store.

Thinking: "Wouldn't it be nice if the weather forecast was WRONG and we got nothing but sunshine?" ha.

On my TV: Some season 12 of Degrassi TNG. Maybe an episode of American Horror Story.

On the menu for this week: 
Monday: The Drunken Noodles I meant to make yesterday
Tuesday: Stuffed Pepper Rings
Wednesday: Pizza Omelets, Turkey Bacon, Toast
Thursday: Chicken Couscous, with steamed veggies
Friday:  Pork roast and potatoes
Saturday: Beef Vegetable Soup
Sunday:  Turkey Spaghetti

On my to-do list: 
*Run dishwasher
*Sort laundry
*run to the store
*clean bathrooms
*sort through Ella's clothes. decide what goes to a friend, and what goes to a consignment sale.

In the craft basket: Way too much stuff. Ella and I will be working on something Valentine-y for Gabe.

Looking forward to this week: Valentine's Day, even though we're celebrating the Friday before. Turns out both of us work this weekend.

Looking around the house: Let's just say I notice that I've been gone all weekend.

From the camera: 

Yep, that's Ella in sunglasses and a belly dance scarf. Never a dull moment in this house.

On my prayer list: My parents, kid brother, and the town I live in. We're supposed to be in for some insane weather. Praying people are safe on the roads!!

Bible Verse, Devotional: 

Have a beautiful week! 

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good Morning, Friends!
It's another one of those working Mondays! I'm deciding not to complain about it because it means that even in this crazy economy, I still have a job, and we have money to do the things we need!

The weather outside: A bit on the warmer side today, which I am most definitely happy about! It looks like it's going to be a rainy couple of days here, but I think that will help to melt all of the snow that's still hanging around on the side streets.

Right now, I am: Listening to Ella review spelling words, typing up this post and doing a last minute meal plan. I had a meal plan done yesterday, but I decided it was lame and boring and needed to be spiced up.

Thinking: That despite all of the difficulty, we are extremely blessed. We live in a nice house, my marriage is happy and sound and we have a super awesome kid and two super awesome cats.

Looking forward to: A few hours of solo time at work tonight. My boss is going to an open pottery studio, so it'll be just me and the animals. Gabe is off of work today, so he and Ella are going to hang out at home this evening, and Mama's going to get some time alone tonight! Mainly, because I'm animal sitting tonight, and once they all settle in, I'll be able to get some reading done in "The Supreme Macaroni Company," which I actually haven't gotten a chance to touch since last week.

On my reading pile: About a million books, but the front runners are "The Supreme Macaroni Company" by Adriana Trigiani, and "The Story of Beautiful Girl", by Rachel Simon, which I'm really really REALLY looking forward to starting. Also, "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver, which was an impulse buy at a thrift store. But, hey, it was only 25 cents.

On my TV: I'm in the 11th season of Degrassi TNG, ya'll!!! Also, introducing Ella to the old Goosebumps TV show. And Criminal Minds. Forever Criminal Minds.

Things that make me happy: Silly little things. I recently started drinking more water and a walking regimen, and someone told me that my face looks different and that made me smile. Silly things :)

On the menu for this week:
Monday: Pork Tacos
Tuesday: Chicken Spinach Pizza
Wednesday: Upside Down Meatball Subs (new recipe!)
Thursday: Veggie Pizza Mac and Cheese
Friday: Stuffed Pepper Soup
Saturday: Cuban Potato Balls (new recipe!)
Sunday: One Pot Italian Sausage Spaghetti

New recipe I tried: Yesterday, I made Chicken Gloria and it was amaaaaaazing.

On my to-do list: School, vacuuming, and cooking.

What I am sewing, crocheting, creating: Something valentine-y for a friend's little girl.

Looking around the house: It could benefit from a good run through with the vacuum, which is exactly what I will do after I finish this post.

From the camera: The sunsets and sunrises here are amazing. Seriously, gorgeous.

On my prayer list: My parents, kid brother, this country, and a little unspoken request of mine.

Bible verses, devotions: 

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good morning, friends! It's kind of a strange Monday...I go in to work for a few hours this afternoon, and it feels weird! Mondays are usually my days off where I handle housework/meal planning/randomness, so it feels odd to have work thrown into that mix. Oh, well!

The weather: Oh, praise God! It's above freezing and the skies are blue! Maybe some of this insane snow will melt!

Right now, I am: Typing this post, and listening to the dryer running and Ella scurrying about with schoolwork.

Thinking: About how blessed we are that we stayed safe through this winter storm. There are so many people without power...so many people who were stranded on roads, or worse yet, were in accidents due to slippery roads.

On my reading pile: My sister and I are still reading The Lace Reader, and because we're both so busy, it's kind of slow going. My husband ordered me "The Story of Beautiful Girl" and I'm waiting for it to come in the mail. I'm currently reading "The Supreme Macaroni Company" by Adriana Trigiani and sadly, that's slow going (because, again, busy)

On my T.V.: I now have every single episode of Reba *woohoo!!!!!* and I'm in Season 10 of Degrassi TNG.

Things that make me happy: Sunny skies and the possibility of seeing the grass in my backyard (it's currently under more than a foot of snow, ugh)

On the menu for this week: 
Monday: Roasted veggies
Tuesday: Chicken Stew
Wednesday: Pork Roast and Egg Noodles
Thursday: Ham and Green Bean Bake
Friday: One-eyed Peppers (back by popular demand)
Saturday: Pizza Soup
Sunday: Chicken Gloria served over Spaghetti

On my to-do list:
*Work
*Clean the bathrooms
*Fold the laundry

What I am creating: That depends on if I have the time. Maybe some Valentine's Day decorations?

Looking around the house: The Sphinx is in her umbrella fort, and Dave is still hanging out in Ella's tub. Oh, to be a cat.

From the Camera:

My amaryllis in bloom!!!!

On my prayer list: Family, friends, people affected by this winter storm.

Bible Verses, Devotionals: 

Have a beautiful week, my friends!!!!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good afternoon, friends! It's the first moment I've had time to sit down and post this. It's absolutely freezing (it's below that, actually!) outside, but the sun is shining and it's making it look deceptively nice, ugh. We've all got a touch of the cabin fever setting in (especially Ella, who hates to stay inside). It's supposed to warm up some during the week, so hopefully, my outdoorsy kid won't go nuts before then!

The Weather: Oh, man. Our low tonight is 0. Zip. Zilch. Nada. I may make ice marbles with Ella tonight, because tomorrow, we're not supposed to clear 20 degrees and I'm pretty sure they'll stay frozen. We're supposed to get more snow this week, maybe even enough to build a snowman and to play in. I know Ella will love that, especially since the temps won't be in the dangerous frostbite range like they are today.

Right now, I am: Trying to make a grocery list. A friend and I are braving the temps and going to the grocery store because I'm out of milk and running low on several other staples. Oh, the things I do for my family.

Thinking: That I need to get over this death flu or whatever I have. Apparently, there's something sweeping the US and it's a doozy, and I was the lucky one in our household to get it. Better me than Gabe or Ella, but seriously, this was misery. I'm on the mend now, but COME ON. Also, that I need to get meal planning, because I've cooked only 3 days out of the last 6. BUT, one of those things that I ended up cooking was my first-ever meatloaf. It was delicious! Gabe said he was "hesitant at first" because he was traumatized by a meatloaf as a kid, but he really, really liked it. Cross another food off my bucket list!!!

On my reading pile: My sister Thera and I are starting The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry tomorrow. I finished Burial Rites and cried like a baby. I also read a Depression-Era Murder Mystery called Mr. Shivers and I swear, it gave me nightmares. Besides The Lace Reader, I'll be starting The Supreme Macaroni Company by Adriana Trigiani. I love, love, love her books. Big Stone Gap got me through my first stay in Texas.

On my T.V.: Reba and Degrassi. I also promised my Father-in-Law that I would watch "Never Cry Wolf" this week. It's about a scientist sent to find out what's killing the Caribou in a certain area. The going theory is that it's wolves, but the scientist finds out it's not the wolves at all. It sounds interesting, and I'm not one to break a promise.

Things that make me happy: Not running a fever, having a relationship with my Momma at last, making meatloaf that doesn't turn Gabe's stomach, the prospect of our spring garden...

On the Menu for This Week: 
Monday: Breakfast for dinner (one-eyed peppers, bacon, toast)
Tuesday: Winter soup
Wednesday: Crockpot Cheeseburgers, salad
Thursday: Pork chops, spinach, nooodles
Friday: Veggie Pizza
Saturday: Spicy Turkey-Taco Soup
Sunday: Penne Alla Vodka

On my to-do list: Cleaning the bathrooms, general cleaning, grocery store,

What I'm Creating: A pile of clothes to take to the consignment sale ;) Maybe my creativity will return when I'm 100% again.

Looking around the house: I need to tidy up and fold laundry.

From the camera: 

Ella and my Momma!!!! If you look behind them, there's a picture of my parents that Gabe and I had framed for their anniversary many moons ago. Some say that I get my good looks from my Mom :)

On my prayer list: My parents, my father-in-law, some unnamed prayer requests....

Bible Verses, Devotions: 

Have a beautiful week, friends, and stay healthy!!!!