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Author: jehdld

Happy Homemaker Thursday…

Well, it’s a bit late for planning the week I suppose. Has it really only been since last Tuesday since I posted last? Still wanted to hop on here and at least keep up with my joining in with every Happy Homemaker Monday. It’s a Thursday but I’m determined to keep my streak going on this at least.

Over the past week/weekend it’s been busy with mostly all good things. We went to our son’s high school graduation! And had a birthday celebration! In the middle of all that, I had lots of work days and J asking to go driving.

It seems to me this is the first day in ages where I don’t need to leave the house for any reason unless I choose to do so.

Looks like I can still add a very late link up to Sandra’s Happy Homemaker Monday post over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom so I’ll do that once I finish up this post. Let’s go ahead and go through the categories.

The Weather

Other than a few chilly mornings, it’s been pretty seasonable. We had a pop up thunderstorm last night which brought us some much needed rain. The weekend is supposed to be beautiful with warm sunny days and highs in the 80’s. I’m looking forward to finally getting the rest of my garden plants in the ground.

As I Look Outside My Window

It was a little cloudy out earlier but now the sun is shining and the birds are happy that I finally filled their feeders again. Oh, and out front, the peonies I moved from the backyard 2 years ago, I think, bloomed!

Right Now

I’m taking a moment to break from cleaning up the house and working on this post instead.

Thinking And Pondering

How relieved and happy I am that J graduated and is moving on to the next stages. Scared to even really write it/think it but life finally seems to be cycling back to the pre-pandemic normal. Starting to be happy that my husband suggested I take a year to just continue subbing before jumping into working full-time. Getting excited about maybe spending time getting the house in order before the next thing.

How I Am Feeling 

Tired and ready for the long weekend to hopefully, relax a bit.

On The Breakfast Plate

Toast on sourdough bread and sausage (husband cooked sausage to have with Eggo chocolate chip waffles but I needed savory). Vitamins and coffee

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure yet. Probably just forage through the fridge for something.

On The Dinner Plate

Probably going to keep it simple and just make tacos

What I Am Wearing Today

Missouri State T-shirt, black skort, and leopard print shoes.

On My Reading Pile

I just finished one of the best memoirs I’ve read in a long time: Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton. Definitely my favorite of all the memoirs I’ve read recently. Well-written and enjoyable. It’s like sitting at the table with him and just listening to stories of his childhood, acting roles in different movies (the biggest, of course, the Harry Potter franchise), and his struggles later with mental health. I don’t think you need to be a Harry Potter fan to find enjoyment and value within his story.

On My TV This Week

We watched Ted Lasso last night and I noticed next week is the season finale? Already! Sigh. Started watching Summer Baking Championship, we need to catch up with Top Chef, and then, I’ll watch Doctor Who and also, Barry at some point.

On The Menu This Week

Easy to plan the menu when it’s already Thursday! Here’s what we ate this week, let’s see if I can even remember…

MONDAY: Husband cooked ribeye steaks (I had no idea he was doing this and had bought a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store) *I worked 7:30-4* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Culvers for G’s birthday followed by homemade chocolate cake with white frosting  (His birthday was actually on Sunday but we postponed his celebration, his idea as he had another party to attend, until Tuesday) *I worked 8:15-3:45*

WEDNESDAY: Clean out the fridge night, J had leftover steak, I ate spinach dip and chips plus some salami from an appetizer tray, husband used the rotisserie chicken to make BBQ sandwiches. G went out with friends. *I worked 7-3:30, 3:45 really*

THURSDAY: tacos

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza using the rest of the pepperoni from the appetizer tray

Looking Around The House

The helium graduation balloons are still going strong. I have some more graduation decorations to take down. I’m slowly putting it back in order.

On My To Do List

Not that much as my list was much crazier last week.

  1. Pay Bills *DONE*
  2. Make reservations for family vacation next month
  3. laundry *Always in progress*
  4. Plant okra/sunflower seeds (over the weekend, a bit late with this)
  5. Relax!

(I’ll also probably be taking J driving, hopefully doing a bit of decluttering, and cleaning-inside and outside)

From The Camera

Breaking my no personal pictures rule again (shhh! don’t tell). Here’s my high school graduate and his now 22 year old brother!

 

Quote For The Week

(Found on Pinterest, source: Inspirationformoms.com )

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Happy Homemaker Tuesday, Still Here

I’m still here, either running to work or elsewhere or staring blankly into space.

Mother’s Day was nice, we all went to see the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie, then got take out from Culver’s. And I made cupcakes later in the day, rose cupcakes from the Spring baking championship though I skipped the swiss meringue buttercream and just used a jar of frosting. (My skills aren’t at the swiss meringue level) Almost everyone liked them (G wasn’t a fan).

It’s just a busy time both at home and work right now. J’s graduation is this weekend as is G’s birthday the following day. And then next week, 3 full work days to start it out. In between all that: I’m working on making sure J gets lots of driving practice, meeting friends to plan a weekend trip for next month (honestly, I’d pass on it if I hadn’t already paid my share), and trying to keep the house at a tolerable level of mess.

Hoping to get around today and tomorrow to check on everyone, didn’t quite make it last week. However, I am going to get on with this Happy Homemaker Tuesday post today. Linking it up in a bit with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

We’ve had 2 days of rain and it’s cool enough out for the windows to be open. Actually, it was pretty chilly earlier today. Back to sun and the upper 70’s/low 80’s for the rest of the week.

As I Look Outside My Window

This was sometime last week but if you look near the dandelion, you can see the blue bird, not a bluebird but an indigo bunting.

Right Now

Laundry, this post, watching the time as I told J I’d take him out driving around 3:30

Thinking and Pondering

Not sure, honestly, I’ve been in a bit of a grumpy mood the past couple of days. Just feeling pulled in too many directions, I think.

How I’m Feeling 

See above. Tired and a bit stressed. Needing some quiet alone time.

On The Breakfast Plate

Cinnamon “toast” croissant (I used a croissant to make cinnamon toast), coffee

On The Lunch Plate

Husband’s been home today so he grilled hot dogs, not my first choice. Also had chips and a sparkling rose cupcake.

On The Dinner Plate

Korean BBQ meatballs/rice

What I’m Wearing Today

Still need to shower but am currently wearing a Star Labs t-shirt (from The Flash), elephant pants, and leopard print slip on shoes. Fashionista over here. Ha! UPDATE: I am now wearing a light blue short-sleeved sweater (yes, in May!) with jeans and tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Finished one called All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham. A long wait for it but personally, I didn’t think it lived up to the hype. I’ve started something lighter now, Summer at the Cornish Beach Cafe by Donna Ashcroft.

On My TV This Week

Cooking shows, Barry, Dr. Who, Ted Lasso, not sure what else.

On My Menu

MONDAY: I made chicken chili but did something wrong, wasn’t very good *I worked 8:30-11:30* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30* *I had MNO, mainly for trip planning purposes*

TUESDAY: Korean Meatballs/rice *I have Bunco*

WEDNESDAY: Maybe chicken parmesan *might have an activity, not sure yet*

THURSDAY: ????

FRIDAY: ????? *I work 8:30-?2* *J has graduation practice*

SATURDAY: J’s graduation

SUNDAY: G’s birthday

Looking Around The House 

Well, to quote myself from this morning: How can this bathroom be more disgusting than one used by 40 preschool kids? UGH. Maybe let’s not look around the house right now.

On My To Do List

  1. Grocery store *DONE*
  2. Target
  3. Laundry
  4. Take J driving
  5. Figure out how Saturday is going to work regarding tickets/family/etc
  6. Party Store (thought I’d decorate house a bit)
  7. CLEAN the house
  8. Pay Bills
  9. Plant second row of beans/other things in garden
  10. ????Things I’m forgetting

From The Camera

Really haven’t picked up camera very much, not even sure when I took the pictures in my post, sometime last week I guess.

Quote For The Week

(Source: Pinterest)

Happy Homemaker Tuesday

Sometimes the days just get away from us, I think. My weekend was so busy and when I wasn’t busy, I was tired. Worked on Friday, so tired that night. May plus full moon plus preschool graduation on the horizon…whew, crazy kiddos.

Saturday, sadly, I had to attend the visitation and funeral for my boss’s husband. We all knew him as he was often doing things around the school, a family of very strong faith especially him. The funeral was very emotional and moving. Then, I caught up with an old high school friend who was holding a sale at her mom’s home (her mom moved to assisted living). Finally, Saturday night was our night out with friends. We celebrated seis de Mayo instead of cinco.

And I’m not even sure what I did on Sunday. Probably yard work and I know I took J driving for a bit. And in between all that, I was trying to track down family and sort out tickets for J’s upcoming graduation.

Yesterday, ended up being a longer work day than I was originally scheduled. However, today I was supposed to work but things changed and now I’m at home today unless I get called in for someone else. Tonight is preschool graduation so I’ll be going to that later.

So now that I’ve finished my not so short preamble of where I was all weekend, let’s look forward to this week. Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It’s already been hot. And dry. We’re already in mild drought conditions. Thankfully, there’s a good chance of rain late tonight into tomorrow and again on Thursday, I think. Today is supposed to be in the mid 80’s. I don’t mind it but yesterday was already close to 90 so it makes you wonder about the rest of the summer a bit.

As I Look Outside My Window

The sunlight is streaming in this basement window and I think there’s a slight breeze as I see the shadows of my plants move (the window has a privacy liner on it).

Right Now

Taking a minute to put together this post.

Thinking And Pondering

I never seem to have time for the extra little projects I want to do around the house because I feel as though I’m constantly doing the basic chores on repeat. Just me? Thinking I’m going to start just picking one mini extra project a week and maybe try to tackle that. Of course, my mind and a lot of my time is simply outside at this time of year working on getting the porch set up and then, of course, enjoying it.

How I Am Feeling 

Not too bad, a little tired, might need a bit more coffee here in a minute. Extremely sick of oak tree pollen. It’s everywhere. Ugh. 

On The Breakfast Plate

Cinnamon raisin bagel, coffee, and vitamins

On The Lunch Plate

No idea. There’s leftover spaghetti from Sunday, leftover taco stuff from yesterday, and sandwich stuff.

On The Dinner Plate

Not sure. Husband is working late, I need to be at preschool graduation by 6, and the boys ate chicken out for lunch yesterday which was my original plan for today.

What I’m Wearing Today

Currently a tee shirt from our vacation a few years back to Duluth, Minnesota, navy linen shorts, and leopard slip on shoes (they’ve become my wear around the house/yard shoes). Later, I’ll switch into something nicer for preschool graduation, probably blue capri pants and blue shirt with some sparkly stuff in the material.

On My Reading Pile

Last week I read Spare by Prince Harry. A bit odd to be reading it at the time of the King’s coronation. I have lots of thoughts on it, my main one being if that’s what it’s like to be a member of a royal family, I’m happy to be a mere peasant. I might need to write a proper review for it. Now, I’ve moved on and have just started the 3rd book in the Bill Hodges trilogy by Stephen King called End of Watch.

On My TV This Week

I need to finish up Spring Baking Championship and my one episode of Dr. Who. Then, just the usual: Masked Singer, Ted Lasso, and on Friday night, The Last Thing He Told Me. Plus, Top Chef and Last Chance Kitchen. And finally, we started season 2 of Wayward Pines. Still weird, maybe even weirder this season. I put the first book on hold at the library.

On The Menu This Week

I made it on Monday morning before work and already, it’s a bit off but this was the plan:

MONDAY: taco salads *I worked 11-5*

TUESDAY: chicken nuggets and sweet potato fries *I have preschool graduation at 6*

WEDNESDAY: grilled pork chops, asparagus, salad maybe *I have a hair appt at 9*

THURSDAY: stir fry of some sort *I work 8:15-3:45*

FRIDAY: Pizza *J has a graduation party at 6*

Looking Around The House

I should focus on it today but we’ll see how far I get with things or I run outside to work on planting things like these begonias.

On My To Do List

  1. Grocery store *DONE*
  2. Bit of laundry
  3. Haircut on Wednesday
  4. Work on front porch flowers/plants
  5. I need to find a dress for J’s graduation as well as some new summer clothes, mainly for work.
  6. Clean the house
  7. Get gas for the car
  8. Mow the yard.
  9. Take J driving
  10. Make graduation announcements for J

From The Camera

The human subject is not obeying orders and I am annoyed.

 

Quotes For The Week

Yes, two for this week. Both really spoke to me especially since things were a bit chaotic over the weekend. Both are from Courtney over at Be More With Less, complete article here.

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Busy Season

Just a quick note that I haven’t fallen off the face of the Earth. I have, however, fallen into a rather busy season for a bit. Work in the garden. Work at the preschool. Life obligations, both joyous and sad. Trying to get everything sorted for J’s upcoming graduation. Have I mentioned G’s birthday is the very next day? Trying to figure that out as well.

My plan is to post a proper Happy Homemaker Monday tomorrow and add a few placeholders to the missing days from this past weekend. And of course, do some blog visiting. I’ve been reading but usually on my phone, hard to comment from my phone.

Then, maybe I’ll even get busy and schedule some posts on my free days this week.  And get myself back into the Blog 365 habit.

Today I Saw

Today I saw *maybe* the first hummingbird of the season! It was very small and then, gone before I could blink. However, it stopped quickly at the hummingbird feeder. Here’s a photo from last year since the one today didn’t stay long enough to pose for a picture.

And a snow bird? Poor confused bird. All his friends are gone. Hopefully, I won’t see another snow bird (dark-eyed junco) this spring.

Sadly, I did see this yesterday as well.

Eastern yellowjacket. UGH. Not a friendly little wasp.

Back to today, I also saw 3 smallish swallowtail butterflies at work. That was a pleasant sight. And a brave robin who built a nest quite low in one of the playground trees.

One last photo so I don’t leave you with the scary yellow jacket image. How about a dandelion?

I promise to sometime soon get back to longer posts. It’s just a busy season right now. And also, it’s Ted Lasso night. So, I’m off to watch it before my husband watches it without me.

 

Headache And A Flower

Just a photo tonight. Almost skipped posting because of a pretty bad headache tonight.  However, I thought I could at least share a picture on here. First wildflower blooms from my wildflower patch in the backyard. No idea what kind of flower these might be.

Happy Homemaker Monday, May 1

If the calendar didn’t tell me otherwise, I’d be tempted to think it’s the first day of March around here. Chilly and windy out there! Still, lots of blue skies, sunshine, and flowers blooming so that’s nice. 

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the weekly Happy Homemaker Monday link up.

The Weather

Guess I already mentioned it a bit. It’s 59 degrees out but so windy out there that it feels much cooler. Supposed to be in the low 60’s today and tomorrow and still in the 40’s overnight but warm up later this week. Then, we’re due to be in the mid to upper 70’s with lows in the 50’s at night. Someday, maybe my summer plants can move back out there and stay for a while.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see cardinals and house finches at the bird feeders. And of course, the horde of house sparrows. A few woodpeckers. And crows! Can’t see their nest any more but I can certainly hear these birds when they get upset over things.

Right Now

Doing a bit of laundry and working on this post. A little later than normal, just taking a bit of a slower pace today.

Thinking And Pondering

Trying to determine a polite response to a teacher who asked me to work for 1 hour in the afternoon next week. One hour is not really worth my time. Sometimes I don’t mind but usually only for the early morning shifts, ie if someone is running late or I’m already planning on being out that way. And since I’m human, I’ll admit sometimes the person asking impacts my answer.

Once in a while requests for short shifts are different than constant requests for short shifts.  I want to be helpful but at the same time I don’t want to set a precedent. Constantly asking me to cover 1-2 hours shifts feels a bit disrespectful of my time and efforts and I don’t like it.

How I Am Feeling

Happy. J decided he’s going to walk at graduation. It’s a bit of a scramble for some things but I’m so glad he’s going to get the experience (and let us have it as well). Either way would’ve been okay but this is the outcome I was hoping he’d choose.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee. Half of a cinnamon raisin bagel.

On The Lunch Plate

Payday for me so I treated the boys (and myself) to Backyard Burger.

On The Dinner Plate

Grilled chicken legs, asparagus, coleslaw, and strawberries

What I’m Wearing Today

Long-sleeved black tee shirt (in May!!), jeggings, tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

All my hold books came in at once! Had to let the next person in line have one of them (they’re all e-books). Finished reading Fairytale by Stephen King. Was kind of surprised to see a few negative reviews as I enjoyed it. Not quite as scary as some of his previous works, more of a fantasy type novel. Now, I’m reading The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell. I’ve already read the sequel of sorts so I’m glad to find out the original story.

On The TV This Week

New episodes of Barry, Dr. Who, The Spring Baking Championship, and The Big Door Prize. Then, with my husband, I’ll watch Masked Singer, Ted Lasso, and Wayward Pines. Also, The Last Thing He Told Me (by myself, husband wasn’t interested). Might watch the Ghosted movie though I’ve heard it’s not that great.

On The Menu

A bit of a slower paced week so far. No baritone lesson for J.

MONDAY: chicken legs, asparagus, coleslaw, and strawberries

TUESDAY: French toast, bacon, and broiled tomatoes

WEDNESDAY: Sausage and zucchini skillet, maybe pasta salad on the side

THURSDAY: Hawaiian pulled pork sandwiches, sweet potato fries *J has an appt at 11* *I work 3-5*

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza on the grill (or OUT) *I work 8:30-5*

Looking Around The House

It’s a mess but I’m struggling to find motivation to do anything about it today.

On My To Do List

  1. Take J to take his end of course exam in history at 7:15 *DONE* (And yes, he was done but oops, they missed this requirement. Done now)
  2. Email regarding a couple graduation questions. DONE
  3. Grocery store DONE
  4. Laundry IN PROGRESS
  5. This post IN PROGRESS
  6. Pay bills
  7. Garden chores/looks like I’m going to need to at least water plants
  8. Figure out graduation announcements/party plans. YAY!
  9. Look for or order some new summer clothing. Probably the only person to say this but I actually miss K-Mart. They were my go-to for cheap yet somewhat nice looking work clothing.
  10. Whatever else I’m not thinking of at the moment

From The Camera

I actually found a hanging basket of blue lobelia yesterday. So happy that I don’t have to try and make my own this year. Plus, it was a bargain price! And of course, I’m still enjoying the orange tulips though some are starting to fade a bit. 

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. My boss and her family as she just lost her husband to cancer. Another teacher whose father had a heart attack last weekend and was in the hospital (probably still there but I didn’t work today so I haven’t heard any updates). Peace, health, and kindness for the world.

Quote For The Week

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.  (Psalm 37: 4-5)

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A Few More Flowers

Today didn’t go exactly as planned. No recycle event trip for us. A bit of a miscommunication this morning (code for argument) so I went flower shopping instead. Started in on getting the front porch ready for summer sitting. 

Of course, now the wind’s picked up and there’s a cold front moving in overnight. At least no freeze/frost warnings!

First, I went to a little garden event they were having locally. Picked up some pepperoncini peppers for the garden, a bit of mint and lambs ear for the front porch. And this fun little pot made by a friend.

Then, I went over to Tractor Supply, not a place I usually go to buy my flowers but they had lemon and olive trees on sale. So, I am trying again with a lemon tree. Hopefully, this one won’t suffer the same fate as the other one.

Finally, I went to my favorite local garden spot. I’ve been waiting impatiently for them to open for the season! Inspired by my fairy garden pot, I decided sweet asylum made the perfect topping for my cup planter.

And picked up my usual pink petunias. Except, don’t shop for pink petunias while upset. I bought the wrong ones! Now, I’ll need to go back and get my usual bubblegum pink “super” petunia ones. However, petunias are never a bad buy so I just planted the wave petunias in a different pot.

Three Last Things

I added a bit to my herb wall between purchases at all three places. It’s not finished yet but getting closer. Peppermint and lemon thyme pictured below.

Plus, I didn’t forget about a certain little cat that likes to sit out on the front porch with me. Bought her some catnip. In typical appreciative cat fashion, she’s ignoring it.

And I bought my hummingbirds a fuschia for whenever they finally get here. The feeder is also hanging up and ready. Hopefully, it will get warm and I’ll see my fun little birds soon.

Do you have certain plants/flowers you must have for each season?

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Weekend Plans

This is going to be one of those quick no photo posts. It’s raining now so no going out for a quick picture. And I really don’t see anything too photo worthy inside at the moment. Could just be I’m tired after working 7-3:30 today.

Happy Friday! We’re having a low-key night around here. J is off with a friend to an event at a local game store. G just got home from work. My husband and I were watching Top Chef: World All-Stars before I took a break to order million dollar Chinese food for dinner (Husband’s idea and that’s just my nickname for our local delivery restaurant. It is very good, however).

No huge plans this weekend, the electronics recycle event is actually tomorrow (I thought it was last week) so we’ll do that. Then, maybe the local farmer’s market for a garden/arbor day event. I’ll buy a few plants somewhere I’m sure.

And I started a new book, Fairytale by Stephen King. Very promising so far. Plus I have a few streaming shows to watch yet.

Sunday is wildly free as J doesn’t have band practice. Not sure what I’ll do without my Sunday night Target run!

Can you stand all our excitement over here? Do you have big weekend plans?

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