Always behind around here it seems. I didn’t even work yesterday and still didn’t manage to get a post going. It was just a Monday. And a half. SIGH. More on that later perhaps.
Right now since I’m a day late, let’s just get straight to the planning post. Joining in as always with Sandra, the host of Happy Homemaker Mondays, over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.
The Weather
Snow is almost all gone now. We’re having another set of nice weather days. Yesterday was a bit breezy though. Another cold front is supposed to arrive on Friday or Saturday, I think I heard them say on the news. However, most of this week is going to be in the 50’s. In February? Sold! No rain/snow chances. While we need the moisture, a few partly sunny days is something I’m happy to see.
How I Am Feeling This Morning
Honestly, I’m a bit of a mess. J’s struggles with anxiety/depression/school avoidance are something I’m finding rather hard to cope with as a parent. Still looking into homeschool options but am not sold that’s in his best interest either (He’s a very talented musician and with homeschool so many opportunities simply disappear for him. Our current laws here do not allow him to participate as a home school student. And it’s not that I want to push him but I do know in happier times, he loves the music and contests and concerts. I have a child who was in the band and did not love it at all so I feel confident in that assessment of things.). I currently have too many tabs open on this computer with everything from otter videos to homeschool options to pages on resources for anxiety and depression. (We do have an assessment scheduled for early March and I may call today regarding getting in with another therapist prior to that, good luck to me there).
He’s overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed. SIGH. I let him sleep this morning after a bit of a row with him last night. Later today when we’re both calmer (and rested) we’ll sit down and go over things. We have a meeting at school with the assistant principal and hopefully, also the counselor tomorrow afternoon. Prayers for the meeting to go well and them to offer some *helpful* assistance greatly appreciated.
Oh and yesterday, I slipped on an icy patch on the driveway hitting my knee and scraping up one of my hands. Ice 1 Jean 0. I’m okay just a little sore this morning. It was a bit ironic as I was telling J to be watch out for the ice right as I slipped!
In happier news, it’s my husband’s birthday and I’m looking forward to celebrating him later tonight.
Whew! Next category!
On The Breakfast Plate
Nothing yet other than coffee. Trying to decide between the usual (yogurt), oatmeal, or a mini cinnamon roll.
On My Reading Pile
Went from not having anything engaging to read to tearing through quite a few books. Read the Kevin Kwan trilogy that starts with Crazy Rich Asians. These were indeed good escapist reads about a very dysfunctional over the top rich family with roots in Singapore and Hong Kong mostly. Still working my way through How to be Sad by Helen Russell, it’s good it just takes a bit of time to process.
And finally, I read The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. It was a *skip the line* library loan (e-book) and my first time reading anything by the author. I’d heard of this book but thought nah on a number of occasions. However, I read the first few pages and was hooked, checking it out immediately. With apologies to any huge Steinbeck fans out there, where was this one while I was suffering through The Grapes of Wrath back in high school?
On My TV
Not much really. It’s that lull after the excitement of football. Next Level Chef, Joe Millionaire (I think they probably made the right choice last week.)
On The Menu This Week
Nothing overly exciting, I don’t think. I did get inspired by Sandra last week and made homemade bread to go with our beef stew. The beef stew probably won’t be a repeat but I’ll try the bread again sometime soon since I made a few mistakes (it turned out anyway but I want to try again following all the directions).
MONDAY: Ham, hash browns, carrots (subbed in for a really bad tasting cucumber), and cornbread *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*
TUESDAY: OUT (Cracker barrel) for husband’s birthday, chocolate cake with white frosting for dessert
WEDNESDAY: Roast in the crock pot *Meeting at school at 1p.m.* *Mom’s (much needed) Night Out with friends*
THURSDAY: Spaghetti or pork chops/undecided. Probably go with the pork chops, need to use up some potatoes so pork chops and baked potatoes
FRIDAY: Spaghetti and meatballs, salad *I work 1-4:15*
Looking Around The House
Pondering why the kitchen table just won’t stay cleared off and clean? G cleaned his room over the weekend and moved some stuff into the living room while doing it, “I’ll move it back when I’m done” SIGH. Famous last words. Plan to spend some time cleaning today.
On My To Do List
- Bake husband’s birthday cake/wrap presents
- Clean house up a bit
- Laundry
- Sit down with J and go over his options/talk about things
- Pay bills
- Make some phone calls if I have time
- Breathe?
To Relax This Week I Will
Drink tea, spend some time outside taking advantage of nice weather in February!
From The Camera
Cabin fever cat: 
Monday’s stellar sunrise: 
Quote For The Week
This verse from Sunday’s service has been on my mind so far this week:
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, (Ephesians 4:26)
Finally, how about a little humor this week? This was the quote to start one of the chapters in Crazy Rich Girlfriend (book 2 in the series, really the 1st and 3rd books are the best). Made me chuckle a bit.
If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to. (Dorothy Parker)
*************
Hello Sweetheart!
So sorry I missed ya last week. I’m so glad you guys like the salad!! 😋
And my condolences on your Chiefs late. We’re both in the same sad boat with our teams. But hopefully the super bowl will still be fun.
I’m so very sorry J is going through such a difficult time. Absolutely praying for him and you all. That the answers come for what will help him the best. I think it’s wonderful how seriously and actively you are taking things and working hard to get help for him.
I hope you win against the ice next time. Lol I couldn’t help it – that gave me such a giggle.
I never read the book, but I sure loved the movie Crazy Rich Asians.
You have the prettiest cat. And those sunrise pics are truly gifts from above. Just stunning!
Have a blessed rest of your week and sending you huge hugs my Friend. Hang in there!! xoxo
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook recently posted…Happy Homemaker Monday
Yes, I’m hoping the Super bowl will still be a good game. I’m planning on cheering on the Bengals. What about you? Thank you. I’m really hoping we can figure something out that works for him. And helps him to feel better. All I know is what we’re doing now is clearly not working. My husband is going to go to this meeting at the school with us so I’m thankful that for this at least, I’ll not be the only parent there. My fall on the ice was funny, no winter Olympics athletics in my future, that’s for sure 😉 The books are fun if you ever get a chance to read them, a little different from the movie (think the movie might have combined a couple books) but definitely a fun, crazy time with that family. Hope you are having a wonderful week so far!
Hello! Your photos are always so beautiful! On another note, please know I am praying for your situation with J. I know how difficult that is. I had a child who literally would not go to school without crying and sobbing every single morning. We did end up homeschooling, for that and other reasons, and she flourished. I am not telling you that is your answer, just that it worked for us. That is a shame that the public school does not allow extracurricular activity options for homeschoolers. Perhaps there is a local small band or Boys Club that has one? In any case, prayers and love!
Billie Jo recently posted…Monday Morning Coffee Talk
I’m so sorry for the late reply here! I know I typed a reply to you early on Wednesday morning and just noticed it’s not showing. My only guess is I hit cancel on this dashboard instead of reply. SIGH. Anyway, thank you so much for the prayers. It’s nice to know someone else understands the school avoidance issues. The meeting at our school went so much better than I expected and the assistant principal turned out to be super nice (after being rather annoyed that we were switched from the one we had a history with last year, I see now what a blessing it was because this new administrator clearly cares about the students and not *just* the attendance.). Trying to stay realistic and yes, there are a few small band opportunities but not on the same scale. Anyway, thank you again for all the prayers and noticing my photos (I feel so out of practice with those lately). Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Hello! I’m late as per normal. I homeschooled my youngest, and if I had to do it all over again, I would. But I was also in band and played the flute myself and music was everything to me. If you DO decide to homeschool, delve into the community and I am sure you will be able to find a way to keep music of high importance.
Kristin Hannah is one of my FAVORITE authors! I read The Four Winds last year and thought it was really good. However – I LOVED The Great Alone the best (it was my first by her) Also the Firefly Lane series and Winter Garden. OH! And the Nightingale is amazing too.
Hope your week is going well!
Sherry recently posted…Happy Homemaker Monday 2/7/22
Thank you, I appreciate the feedback regarding homeschool. The thought of switching now when my son only has 3 semesters left of high school seems a bit daunting. We had a pretty good meeting with the school administrator and counselor this week so I think we might be ok trying to ride it out for another year. I’ll have to look up The Great Alone, see if it doesn’t have the super long wait list all her other books seemed to have. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!