Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We had a lazy Christmas around here (I’ll share a post about it perhaps tomorrow). It was very nice. And later this week, we’ll be celebrating with my husband’s family as his sister and her family get in from Florida.

Apologies to not getting around to visit everyone last week and taking so long to reply to those of you who took the time to comment on my post. Had lots of last minute Christmas running around to do. Work was fun but tiring as well.

However, new week and a Christmas break week at that! Excited to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the last Happy Homemaker post of 2021.

The Weather

Like a see-saw. Up one day, down the next. Actually, lately kind of like being stuck on the upside of the see-saw. However, I heard the weather person say we’re heading down into the 30’s one day this week. The lowest the temperatures been the past week is in the mid to upper 40’s. Not kidding when I say my potted petunia (the one I didn’t uproot) looks like it might bloom again in December!!

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Didn’t sleep great but a few too many cups of coffee cleared that feeling.

On My Mind

Things I need to do today: a bit of cleaning (hello, basement!), baking, and slowly taking down our Christmas decorations. Also, looking back on last year and thinking on items and a word for the new year (blog posts coming!)

On The Breakfast Plate

A chocolate flip yogurt I didn’t want but it was the only kind left, too much coffee, and vitamins. Glad I went to the store to get some better yogurt flavors (J likes the chocolate but I don’t really care for it)

On My Reading Pile

Would you believe I’m between books?

On My TV

We watched Die Hard on Christmas morning (just my husband and I), then I watched The Matrix Resurrections by myself on Christmas afternoon (LOVED it.). Plus, football. Patrick Mahomes gave us all an extra Christmas present yesterday. Go Chiefs! And because it’s the season of too much tv, I also binge-watched Hawkeye on Disney plus. Enjoyed it more than I expected. Somewhere in the last two weeks I also watched Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings on there. Really enjoyed that movie as well.

On The Menu This Week

Since we’ll have family in town, this is all subject to change but here’s what I planned around what we have on hand.

MONDAY: French toast and sausage, strawberries (I splurged a bit but we need some fruits and vegetables around here) *J may or may not have a 6:30 baritone lesson*

TUESDAY: Ribs in the crock pot, corn

WEDNESDAY: Tacos or taco soup

THURSDAY: Chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole

FRIDAY: OUT for NYE

SATURDAY: ham, cornbread, black-eyed peas, and salad

From The Camera

I couldn’t get enough of yesterday’s sunrise. This was the view out the front window as it was just starting:

Looking Around The House

It’s in various stages of after Christmas disarray. I think I finally cleared enough junk from the kitchen table that we could use it once again.

New Recipe I Tried or Want To Try

Going to try and make my husband’s grandfather’s famous peanut brittle in a bit. Wish me luck. Also, want to try these Norwegian Pepperkaker cookies if I ever find golden syrup (World Market was out of it)

To Relax This Week I Will

If the weather is nice, go for a walk with the camera.

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, stranger. Safe travels for family coming to visit. Peace for all those who are struggling through this holiday season. A healthy and happy new year.

Quote For The Week

Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

It’ll be 5 days until Christmas when this posts. Putting it together on Sunday night as I don’t expect to see much computer time the next 3 days. Finishing out the final days before Christmas for a teacher who travels to see family. Hoping for an easy week. 

At some point, I’ll link this up with the host of the Happy Homemaker Mondays, Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Time to get to the fun categories.

The Weather

Continues to be strange. In my mind, I’d started a post for last week entitled shorts and fuzzy socks. Sums up our weather. One day we need shorts, the next fuzzy socks. Last Wednesday was especially insane with 70 degrees but super high winds before a front brought thunderstorms (still not enough rain). The across the street neighbor had a tree split and hit his roof (thankfully, he wasn’t home and no injuries when it happened). That night, it smelled like something was on fire, turned out the winds were strong enough to blow the smoke from a wildfire in western Kansas over to our area.

Today we woke up to 20 degrees and cloudy skies.  Supposed to be in the upper 40’s most the week and the 50’s (that’s somewhat typical) for Christmas day.

How I’m Feeling

Like maybe the Buddy the Elf food group diet isn’t working so well. Of course, I’ve been a little short on the candy corns.

On My Mind

Some baking I’d like to do this week, the last-minute shopping, and how nice a long winter’s nap is sounding right about now.

Something Christmas Related I’ve Done the Past Few Days

The high school band winter concert (they call it that but they always put a wonderful Christmas tune in there) was on crazy winds Wednesday. It was nice.

Christmas Movie I Watched

Two, had to make up for last week. First, I watched A Christmas Story. There’s also a sequel on HBO Max, a teacher at work told me about it. However, I couldn’t get into it and settled on the original. And in case you didn’t guess, we also watched Elf. That’s definitely one of my favorites.

What I’m Wearing Today

Wore a Christmas sweater to the store this morning, it’s blue with fuzzy balls and a black cat wearing a Santa hat. Plus black pants, and tennis shoes. However, it was warm in here so I changed into a blue t-shirt later. No idea what I’ll wear to work tomorrow.

On My Reading Pile

What’s that sleighing or slaying joke that was about in a meme on Facebook there for a while? That’s me with my reading. For light holiday reading, I’m re-reading Christmas Island still. Trying to stretch it out. However, for an intense escape into a murder mystery, I read The Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight. Guess it was on some kind of book of the month list, my copy came from the library. It was intense and twisty. Always give good marks to a book where I’ve not guessed all of the the outcome (one part I figured out but I was guessing on the identity of the murderer until the very end).

On Today’s To Do List

Done today: grocery shopping, laundry (last of it in progress), this post, clean out the e-mail folder, and pay all the December bills (glad to have that out of the way even though it about did me in to pay my our taxes early, they aren’t due until the 31st but we have family coming into to town and I wanted to not have to worry about it). Still need to wash masks (no mandate in our area but we’re still choosing to wear them based on the infection rates, it’s about 60/40 with the mask wearing around here)

Items for tomorrow: Pick up gift card for J’s baritone instructor on way home from work (restaurant he likes is near there), take J to his lesson/deliver the gift, find out if they are playing on Christmas Eve or not, send out a few more Christmas cards (or at least get them ready).

On My TV

After watching Elf last night, I went ahead and stayed up to watch King Richard before it went off HBO max today. It was really good, definitely watch it if you get a chance. Watched a bit of Buddy vs Duff while folding laundry, the holiday one and then went back to see the start of the show. And I watched Charlie Brown’s Christmas as it aired on PBS tonight, another all-time favorite of mine.  Excited to see who wins the Holiday Baking Championship tomorrow night (it airs each Monday on Discovery plus). I actually think I’ll be happy no matter who wins as I like all the competitors this season.

Listening To

Someday the answer to this won’t be the washing machine and dryer. I’ll be listening to Christmas music in the car on the way to work tomorrow. And probably at school, the kids love Feliz Navidad.

On The Menu

I’m not sure…most of this is subject to change and probably will

MONDAY: Probably going to be husband’s choice or heat and eat chicken strips *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30* *I work 8-4:30*

TUESDAY: Minestrone, garlic bread, salad *I work 8-4:30**Last day before Christmas break for J*

WEDNESDAY: Maybe turkey hot dogs, French Fries *I work 8-4:30**Last day before Christmas break for my school*

THURSDAY: Roast in the crock pot

FRIDAY: Not Sure *Christmas Eve* Maybe French Toast?

From The Camera

All the photos in this post were from my cell phone. Definitely need to make a concentrated effort to pick up the “real” camera more over Christmas break.

Looking Around The House

Um. Laundry’s almost done. Places to sit in the living room. However, the kitchen table looks like the wild winds blew in here. It is covered!

In Preparation For The Holidays

My husband made fudge using a 100 year old recipe a former client gave him. She’d always made the fudge and given it to him refusing to share the recipe. However, last year she gave him the recipe saying it was the last year she was making it as they were too tired. So he made some and delivered it to her this year. (Sadly, her 87 year old husband is the hospital and not doing very well.)

On My Prayer List

The husband of my husband’s former client (friends of his really), all the frazzled teachers and students trying to make it to Christmas break, those navigating the holidays while grieving loved ones, and those navigating the holidays with difficult loved ones and estranged family as well. Safe travels for all those who are traveling to see family in the upcoming weeks. Friends, family, strangers. Peace and joy in hardened hearts.

Quote For The Week

Linus says it best for this week:

Since this is going to be a busy week, thought I’d just go ahead and start on my post while waiting for the on-line church services to start. Probably finish it after as I am running short on time already. *Update: Back to finishing this on a Tuesday once again*

Joining in for this fun link up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Let’s just get into the categories today.

The Weather

Can’t really talk about the weather without taking a minute to think of those affected by the terrible storms over the weekend.  Our weather’s still been all over the place. Cold yesterday but sunny and nice (but quite windy) today with a high in the low 50’s. Up more during the week, a low 70 on Wednesday maybe? We could use some rain but just a slight chance on Thursday. And did I mention the high winds advisory we’re under starting on Wednesday plus a burn ban because it’s been so dry here? Strange weather.

How I Am Feeling This Morning 

Somewhat motivated to get things done. I was supposed to work today but there was a misunderstanding and so now I have an unexpected day at home. Of course, I could still get called in and will need to go. However, it’s after 9:00 a.m. now so the odds of me getting an “at home” day are really good now.

On My Mind

Christmas planning and prep, a student from my work who had family in the path of the tornadoes over the weekend, next year’s word (early to think on it I know), and a bit of baking I might do today. Too much! It’s a scary place in there.

Something Christmas Related I’ve Done The Past Few Days

A bit of Christmas shopping while waiting for J’s band practice. It was in a town a bit north and they had a super Target that was very different than the one around here.

Christmas Movie I Watched

Nothing last week, busy week with not much time for movies. That’s on today’s laundry folding agenda. Not sure which movie I’ll choose.

What I’m Wearing Today

Today’s outfit is boring since I’m at home with cleaning type plans. However, yesterday was Grinch day at preschool and I wore a Grinch t-shirt with a green cardigan (our weird weather calls for layers!) and black pants plus a pair of Grinch shoes I splurged on earlier this year. Can’t say I’m too sad to be missing out on ugly sweater day since it’s supposed to be close to 65 degrees later!

On My Reading Pile

Finished two very non-Christmas books last week. First up was Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Waited such a long time for it. And, apparently an unpopular opinion, didn’t really enjoy it as much as his other two books. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind for a science fiction novel. I don’t know. The other book I’d waited on though…Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins. And now, I’m re-reading Christmas Island by Natalie Norman on my phone’s kindle app. Christmas in an island off the coast of Norway, definitely a bit more festive than outer space and murder.

On Today’s To Do List

Shall I save time and just say everything? Or that this is ideal and I don’t expect I’ll accomplish it all. And that I’m sure there are lots of items I’ve forgotten.

1. Laundry
2. Wrap a few Christmas presents
3. Christmas cards
4. Make gingerbread cookie dough
5. Find some recipes for fresh blueberries
6. Clean basement and put new sheets on bed down here
7. Clean entire house
8. Check stockings/see what I still need to fill them
9. Go for a walk outside (really want to make this one a priority)
10. Do some dinner prep for the rest of the week

On My TV

Didn’t really watch too much tv last week though I did catch up and watch the latest episodes of The Flash and The Holiday Baking Championship (excited to watch the next one). Oh, and The Masked Singer. I think Wednesday might be the finale of that one. And of course, the Chiefs!

Listening To

Washer and Dryer. And the random stink bug flying around down here. UGH. Saturday night, we enjoyed the all-district band concert. The kids (biased here) are so very talented! It was an amazing concert.

On The Menu 

Can I blame the weather for my lack of inspiration? Hard to do soups and such when it’s 65 degrees out there.

MONDAY: Mom’s working on a Monday special (Rotisserie chicken from the store) *I worked 7-3:30* *J had a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Something with the leftover chicken, no idea what maybe some made up version of chicken chili

WEDNESDAY: Ham steaks, cornbread, broccoli *I work 8:15-3:45* *HS band concert at 7*

THURSDAY: Probably out *J has an appt at 5*

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza?? *I work 8-4:30*

From The Camera

I really need to get back into my camera habit. These photos are just random ones I snapped on Sunday.

Looking Around The House

Christmas is under the mess

In Prep For The Holidays

Picked up some supplies for holiday baking (maybe a stretch, we’re going to make chocolate covered pretzels):

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. The student from preschool who’s extended family lost their home in the tornadoes over the weekend (they weren’t sure of the status of the family members either), the friends and family of a teacher who used to live in one of those areas, the other family who lost their home in the fire on Thanksgiving. All those navigating the holidays while grieving. 

Quote For The Week

This verse came up in the Jesus Calling devotional today and it’s one of my favorites.

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 

 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

Tis the season to not post a Happy Homemaker Monday until on Tuesday I suppose!

Yesterday was a solidly busy day with work in the morning, an afternoon grocery store run, and J’s lesson. Add in a last-minute trip to grab an extra item for my secret Santa gift and no computer time here.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to plan out the rest of this rather busy week.

The Weather  

Is it going to be frightful or delightful? Each day is different here. Yesterday and today, a bit frightful and cold. Currently 29 degrees and a high of 44 expected today.  By Friday, delightful with a high of 70 expected. Hard to plan what to wear though. And no rain nor snow in sight for now.

On My Mind

Today, mostly Christmas. Lots of little ends I’d like to tie up today.

Something Christmas Related I’ve Done The Past Few Days

Shopped for my secret Santa person from work, bought extra lights for our Christmas tree (pre-lit tree and some of the lights are going out), enjoyed the on-line church sermon series entitled “Not so silent night”

Christmas Movie I Watched

A new favorite from last year, The Holiday Calendar on Netflix. And I also watched Beebo Saves Christmas on the CW app. (Pure silliness and I loved it!)

What I’m Wearing Today

Olive green pants and a multi color tunic that also has shades of the olive green. Tennis shoes. Should probably go ahead and pull out the Christmas sweaters sometime today.

On My Reading Pile

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. As much as I loved his first two books, I’m struggling to stay focused and engaged with this one. Might just be me though. I’m also working through Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays: A Devotional by Tama Fortner. Super encouraging. Love taking a few minutes with this book each morning.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Return part of my online order to Kohls (at least I can just go to the store)
2. Christmas shopping
3. Laundry
4. Wrap a few presents
5. Get a few Christmas cards ready

On My TV

The Flash (got sucked back in), the next episode of Holiday Baking Championship, maybe another Christmas movie or baking show.

Listening To

Washing machine, the heater running, Christmas music in the car

On The Menu

It’s going to be all over the place this week.

MONDAY: J had R. Chicken, G went out with a friend, we had leftover spicy potato soup. *I worked 7:30-3:30* *J had a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Pork chops with Asian flair (new crock pot recipe), rice *EXCEPT* we might be going out for brother-in-law’s birthday. Still need to make the pork chops as I already thawed them.

WEDNESDAY: If we go out tonight, pork chops. If not, probably just tacos though I might do salsa verde chicken instead.

THURSDAY: My birthday! Not sure. J has rehearsal for the all-district honor band concert from 4:30-7:30 at a school about 30 minutes from here. Probably just going to need to eat on the go.

FRIDAY: Same deal with the all-district band rehearsal except it’s from 4:30-9:30. *I work 7:45-4:15*

SATURDAY: Concert day, all day rehearsal, then the concert so probably Subway that day.

From The Camera

Didn’t do the best job of picking up the camera last week. At all. Took the 3 photos in this post this morning.

Looking Around The House

It’s mostly decorated for Christmas and a mess at the same time!

In Preparation For The Holidays

Probably need to at least get a list made today. I’ll check it twice tomorrow. Actually, see today’s to-do list for my holiday preparation. Also, need to find time to go check some Christmas books out of the library for the next 2 weeks at work.

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. A teacher at work who is quarantine for the next ten days. Those who are navigating the holidays with missing loved ones. The neighbors especially the girl across the street who was being bullied and harassed after trying to break up a fight at the school. A preschool family who lost their home to a fire on Thanksgiving (thankfully, all the people and pets got out safely).  J, for his anxiety and depression to subside (He seems to be doing better so thank you all for your kind words and prayers last week!) Peaceful and happy holidays throughout the world.

Quote For The Week

It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.

(Eleanor Roosevelt)

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Today is the last day of November. I am more than ready to welcome in December. This month has been a bit rough and I’m ready to move into the Christmas season as well as a brand new year.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday link up. And look, she changed the categories! I had a feeling she might, some fun ones for the Advent season as well.

The Weather 

It certainly does not feel like the end of November around here! It was in the high 50’s yesterday but supposed to hit almost 70(!) today. Sunshine abounds. Such strange weather. Of course, usually warm spells in the fall and especially winter usually signal some cold stormy weather around the bend. We’ll see. I did take advantage yesterday with a long walk in the park. Sprinkling the pictures throughout this post.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Tired with a slight headache (from lack of sleep I’m sure), frustrated and guilty over my inability to really help J in his struggle with anxiety and depression. Still trying to stay positive and working on getting him help.  Add in annoyed with the million cyber Monday deals in my inbox to try and sift through while looking for more important ones. 

On My Mind

The on-line church sermon from yesterday. The bullet points: rejoice how God is using you, Praise God, Anticipate how God is transforming the world, and remember God’s faithfulness in the past. 

Trying very hard especially with the first one but struggling a bit.

Something Christmas-Related I’ve Done The Past Few Days

Attempted to re-arrange the entire living room to find a new place for the Christmas tree. It didn’t work. Advice: If you have a small living room, never and I mean NEVER buy a sectional. It only fits one way. On a happier thought, I had a small peppermint mocha yesterday morning and we put up the greenery around the doorway plus the tree (didn’t decorate it yet).

Christmas Movie I Watched

I usually don’t start watching Christmas movies until Dec 1. However, I did watch maybe 5 minutes of Robbie the Reindeer in Hooves of Fire. A bit too bizarre even for me.

What I’m Wearing Today

Black short-sleeved light-weight sweater, olive green pants, socks & tennis shoes. Not very festive.

On My Reading Pile

Lots of books! I went to the library for 2 hold pick ups and browsed a bit. Over Thanksgiving, I finished one of my holds: God of Lost Words by A.J. Hackworth. It was the 3rd and final installment in the Hell’s Library series. An interesting series for book lovers as long as you don’t get too bogged down in the semantics and ideas of the settings. It’s fantasy fiction and stays true to that genre, not for everyone but I enjoyed it.

I also (finally!) have the new Andy Weir book, Hail Mary, on my pile. He wrote The Martian so I’m super excited to read this. Then, I have a slew of other random books covering everything from “getting cozy” to a silly satirical book of 90’s movie reviews.

However, currently, I’m reading The Christmas Countdown by Donna Ashcroft on my kindle app because it’s the Christmas season!

On Today’s To Do List

1. Breathe
2. Complete this post
3. Gather items for renewing my driver license (yuck!)
4. Make some appointments for J/e-mail school (half-done)
5. Do a bit more Christmas decorating
6. Go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather! 

On The TV

Not sure, probably just the usual stuff: The Voice, La Brea, Masked Singer, maybe The Flash. Christmas movies.

Listening To

At the moment, the clothes dryer. Might turn on some music later.

On The Menu

Tired of summer menu items but the weather isn’t cooperating for fall/winter menus.

MONDAY: turkey hot dogs on the grill, broccoli or I might make the minestrone soup I skipped over doing yesterday. Maybe both and I’ll just freeze the minestrone for a cold day. *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Roast in the crock pot, potatoes

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops with Asian flair, rice, pineapple (Freezer crock pot meal)

THURSDAY: Chicken strips, French fries *I work 8:30-5*

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza (carry over from last week)

From The Camera

Just more park pictures. I think the “all you need is love” tree must be some sort of geocache, marker in the park. Always interesting little treasures on it. And I couldn’t stand how the love banner fell so I moved it up higher on the tree again. 

Looking Around The House

Not awful, just need to decorate for Christmas. My husband did put our tv on the wall so now I have a bit more space for my Nativity scenes.

In Prep For The Holidays

This week is just going to be about decorating, maybe putting some cookie dough in the freezer.

On My Prayer List

J that he’ll overcome this battle with anxiety/depression and once again feel happy. (And if you have a spare prayer, can I ask for some for us as well because it’s a little tough dealing with all this as parents)

Those dealing with heavy feelings and grief as they try to maneuver the holiday season.

Family, friends, strangers.

Quote For The Week

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

(Psalm 55:22)  

Posting a bit late today as I had a few errands this morning. Getting a bit more excited about Thanksgiving though still missing our plans of old a bit (when we used to travel to Oklahoma). 

A short week school and work-wise, however, still needs a plan. Let’s just get right to it by joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Breakfast Time..What Is On The Plate This Morning

Felt a bit festive after my morning grocery store run: Caramel Brûlée Latte and peppermint perfection flavor flip yogurt (also, regular coffee early in the am & vitamins) 

Looking Around The House

Let’s not. I had a good run on Saturday morning but that was 2 days ago…

On Today’s To-Do List

Mostly errands that are done.

1. Go to grocery store for Thanksgiving items
2. Haircut
3. Run a couple Christmas shopping errands
4. This post
5. Take J to his lesson tonight

Currently Reading

I must find something lighter for J’s lesson tonight. Finished too rather dark thrillers over the weekend. First, I read Last Girl Ghosted by Lisa Unger. Definitely, an intense can’t put it down kind of thriller. I gave it 5 stars. And I just finished The Push by Ashley Audrain. This one moved at a different pace and was a twisty, disturbing kind of thriller that dealt with raw emotions and inherited mental illness (whether from nature or nurture is left up to the reader a bit). It’d be a good book club read if you knew the members well (there’s lots that could really be upsetting to someone in a fragile state)

On The TV This Week

La Brea, Masked Singer if it’s on this week with the holiday, whatever catches my eye on the streaming services. Football.

The Weather Outside Is 

Confusing. One day it’s in the mid 50’s, the next day we’re waking up to 28 degrees. It’s 48 degrees and sunny right now so today’s a chilly one but then, it’s supposed to warm up for a couple days, then back to cold. It was nice enough yesterday afternoon that I cleared out the garden and tilled it. 

On The Menu This Week

Um, Thanksgiving. Not sure about those days around it. Let’s see…

MONDAY: No idea. Maybe chicken strips? Brocoli

TUESDAY: Either tacos or homemade pizza

WEDNESDAY: Whichever we don’t do on Tuesday *I work 12-4:30*

THURSDAY: Turkey, sweet potatoes, rolls, pumpkin pie to name a few items and yes, I did buy this to make things a bit more special and fun:

FRIDAY: Leftovers

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

Probably just have a cup of tea and relax

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

Pretty traditional fare this week though I did pick up the ingredients to try a new fudge recipe (need to make sure we can freeze it for Christmas first)

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Fuzzy socks

Favorite Photo From The Camera 

Still working on getting back into the habit of picking up the camera

Praying For 

A friend of my husband who is in the hospital with COVID (this is the brother of the friend who just passed away of cancer) and his family (his son also has COVID related pneumonia but is not hospitalized)

My favorite grocery store cashier (she has the same name as me!) who I overheard tell a coworker that her sister passed away over the weekend

Friends and family (and strangers) who are celebrating their first holidays without loved ones

My family to stay healthy and my brother’s significant other (SIL) to continue to heal from throat cancer

*special prayer request for J* J who’s once again dealing with high levels of anxiety. For him to go to school the rest of the semester and once again take joy in his band activities without feeling so overwhelmed.

All of those reading this blog to have a wonderful week and Thanksgiving (if you celebrate)

Quote For The Week

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

******************

Happy Monday! It’s not only “victory Monday” around here but also a birthday Monday for J. A good day indeed. 

After a low-key weekend, I’m happy to find some motivation for getting things done in the week ahead. Let’s just get right to things today. Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Breakfast Plate…What Is On The Plate This Morning

My source of the current levels of motivation and high energy: a venti cold brew Irish cream coffee from the Starbucks in the grocery store. I really probably should stop and eat something as well as take my vitamins. Maybe a pumpkin spice English muffin in a bit.

Looking Around The House

Not too bad at the moment but my husband is due back from his hunting trip later today and after that, I don’t even want to think about it.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Go to grocery store *DONE*
2. Bake J’s birthday cake/wrap his presents
3. Take J to his baritone lesson (he opted to still go tonight)
4. Finish up the laundry
5. Enjoy the beautiful, sunny day

Currently Reading

I finished up a rather depressing memoir (ended happy) called Flying on the Inside: A Memoir of Trauma and Recovery by Rachel Gotto by  so I needed something light for this week. I’ve started in on Snowflakes at the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James. Should probably start in on my pile of actual library books as well.

On The TV This Week

Shall I just confess that I ate too many snacks and watched way too much TV last week? Binge-watched the entire season 7 of The Flash, watched the latest episode of Legends of Tomorrow, and the movie Enchanted (so fun!). Add in our regular shows, The Voice, La Brea (still dumb and I’m still watching…), and The Masked Singer.  Less TV should happen this week though I’ll still catch The Masked Singer on Wednesday night.

The Weather Outside Is

Much like the Chiefs, it’s back to being great out there! It’s going to be in mid-60’s and sunny today, close to 70 tomorrow, just nice. We do dip back down to the mid 40’s, low 50’s later in the week but that’s pretty typical for this time of year.

On The Menu This Week

Note to self: Please clean out the freezers and see what we have! I’ve put this on the to-do list many times but not done it. Now, I really do need to get it done.

MONDAY: J’s 17th birthday so his choice. Maybe Subway? Chocolate cake and white icing for dessert.

TUESDAY: Pork chops, green beans (fresh), baked potatoes *I work 7:15-3:30* *Bunco night*

WEDNESDAY: Steaks on the grill, salad *I have a hair appt at 9:00*

THURSDAY: Roast in the crock pot

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

Be outside with the camera

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

Well, I made a fruitcake last week. Not sure how it’s going to turn out as I used cherry juice instead of rum for my glazing. Also wondering now if I shouldn’t put in the fridge?  Also used the end of the summer tomatoes (tiny crop) to make some crostini. I enjoyed it but the kids weren’t fans. Finally, I also finished off the butterscotch chips to make half a batch of Old Timey Butterscotch Treats.

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Casual conversations with strangers at the grocery store (oh my, that sounds like an Ed Sheeran song. Oops! Not the kind of conversation I meant). It was just so nice to have a random bit of conversation about the Chiefs winning last night with the gentleman behind me in line at the checkout this morning. Just a tiny bit of casual conversation, something I missed so much during the height of the pandemic. Everyone just feels a bit more relaxed now.

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Praying For

Friends, Family, Strangers. That this new lifting of the mask mandates around here stays put this time and doesn’t lead to increased cases/get rescinded once again. A safe, healthy, and happy holiday season for all of us. Strength to reach out and start reconnecting with estranged family members (It just feels like time).

Quote For The Week 

This is the day which the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 KJV)

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First, yes I know it’s Tuesday. Day late seems to be the usual for me lately.

And now, for my unpopular opinion at this time of year. I love when we switch off Daylight Savings Time. It makes me so happy to have daylight in the mornings again. No more taking J to school in the dark. No more missing the beautiful sunrises because I am already at work or busy with other chores.

My only complaint this year is the later switching really did mean it gets dark already at 5:30! Ugh. If we’d switched a bit sooner, we could’ve eased into the darker evenings a bit more.

Okay, enough about that. Time to plan the rest of the week ahead by joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Breakfast Plate…What Is On The Plate This Morning

Something different for a change! A pumpkin English muffin and a bowl of maple sugar instant oatmeal. Coffee and vitamins remain constant breakfast fare.

Looking Around The House

Giving it a decent tidying and perhaps some cleaning definitely on the list for today.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Laundry
2. This post/menu plan
3. Write another blog post
4. Figure out plans for J’s birthday next week
5. Whatever the Flylady kitchen missions are for yesterday and today
6. Write and mail a letter

Currently Reading

Midnight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall (book 4 in the series) by Alison Sherlock. I read a couple of her other books over the weekend. They’re not long reads and are just happy, feel good romances.

On The TV This Week

The Voice and La Brea tonight, Masked Singer tomorrow. Not sure about the rest. Probably finish up The Flash for my laundry folding show.

The Weather Outside Is

Beautiful! Back to a late summer/early autumn feeling. High of 70 degrees yesterday, low 60’s today. Still a bit windy though so not quite as warm. Cloudy this morning. Then, good chances for rain tomorrow and cooler temps for the weekend. It’s typical up, down, and sideways weather for us.

On The Menu This Week

Continuing to struggle with what to fix….went to the store yesterday but we’ll see if that helps me think of anything.

MONDAY: No idea what G ate, J and my husband had rotisserie chicken and I had a bowl of cereal *I worked 8:30-1* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Hamburgers/cheeseburgers on pretzel buns, maybe I’ll make onion rings on the side

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops in crock pot, rice (depending on my mood, may just switch this and make tacos)

THURSDAY: Spicy potato soup

FRIDAY: Grilled cheese, soup

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself, I Will

Take my camera and go for a walk!

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

I have a very few red tomatoes left from our garden (turned them red in a brown paper sack) and thinking I’m going to half this recipe for tomato crostini to use them up before they go bad.

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Seeing the sunrise in the early morning hours

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Didn’t take many photos at all last week so all my photos are of the same first day of no daylight savings sunrise. This one was my favorite of the bunch.

Praying For

Friends, family, strangers. That the people from the car accident blocking the road last night were okay.  A peaceful holiday season.

Quote For The Week

Darkness cannot drive out darkness.

Only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate.

Only love can do that.

(Martin Luther King Jr.) 

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My calendar says November 1 but my e-mail says Christmas! and my mind says, wait what happened to August? Ha. Guess we’ll just have to believe the calendar.

Hope everyone had a good Halloween weekend. Mine was busy but good. Friday I helped out at the preschool Halloween party, exhausting but fun. Saturday morning the high school band marched in a local Halloween parade and then that night my husband and I attended a bonfire at a friend’s house. Yesterday was a bit more low-key. I made taco soup in the crock pot, watched a few Harry Potter movies, and we all played Uno while waiting for the trick-or-treat kids to arrive. Not as many as last year. However, lots going on around town this year.

And of course, my boys are excited to see leftover candy in that bowl. Unfortunately, J woke up not feeling great today so he’s home with a sore throat. No fever so I’m hoping it’s not serious and since tomorrow is a no school day (election day) that he’ll be back on track for Wednesday.

Time to plan the week ahead with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Breakfast Time…What Is On The Plate This Morning

Something different today. Pumpkin spice English muffin and then the usual vitamins and coffee.

Looking Around The House

Time to pack up the Halloween specific decorations, fall can stay though.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Finish paying bills
2. Cancel our trash service (We are going with a new company! Local and cheaper!)
3. Laundry
4. Take down outdoor Halloween decorations (Hoping it warms up a bit today)
5. Make grocery list/maybe go to store
6. Write and publish final post in my 31 days series, didn’t make it quite the full 31

Currently Reading

Just finished Christmas in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft. She’s definitely one of my favorite kindle authors. I’m only sorry I didn’t save this one for the Christmas season. On my “real” book pile, I’ve started Ten Arguments For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jaron Lanier. Very interesting so far.

On The TV This Week

The Voice, La Brea, hopefully, The Masked Singer is back, also watching Legends Of Tomorrow on Netflix. And may finish up my Harry Potter movie marathon I started (made it through 3 movies yesterday).

The Weather Outside Is

Chilly! It was nice for the parade on Saturday but now it’s turned and we’re getting lower than normal temperatures for the first week of November. It’s 43 degrees this morning. Predicted lows in the upper 30’s all week with highs in the mid 40’s to upper 50’s. Cloudy out there as well.

On The Menu This Week

Trying to eat out of the freezer this week a bit. However, I also have an appointment for a vaccine booster on Tuesday morning so they might be on their own depending on how I feel later. I’m going to try and keep it simple.

MONDAY: Maybe leftover taco soup, rottessire chicken?

TUESDAY: Roast in the crock pot  *Election Day* *No school* *I have an appt at 9:30*

WEDNESDAY: Chicken strips, French Fries

THURSDAY:  No idea, maybe minestrone?

FRIDAY: Frozen pizza, salad

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself, I Will

I don’t know. Sleep?

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

The taco soup was my husband’s grandmother’s recipe and I’d never made it before. It turned out good and we all liked it. Husband wanted a bit more heat but I thought it had good flavor.

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Covering up with soft blankets or throws while watching tv or reading

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Another week where I just didn’t pick up the camera very much. The two other photos in this post were from my cell phone & I grabbed this one with the bridge camera as it was handy. Holiday treats from the “good” bakery. Two words: pistachio cream. YUM (Okay, that was 3 words) 

Praying For

My son that it’s nothing serious and he wakes up feeling fine, friends especially those dealing with grief, family, strangers. The neighbors I always hear yelling. Teacher at work who has to quarantine for 2 weeks. Bit of bravery for myself tomorrow.

Quote For The Week

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 

(2 Timothy 1:7)

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I’m feeling a bit behind this week. Probably because once again I’m posting on a Tuesday. The end of last week and the weekend were both busy with work and activities. And I also worked again yesterday.

Today, I woke up ready to take back the house and maybe do a little bit of planning for the upcoming busier months of the year. And as always, I’ll link up to Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom where Sandra hosts these Happy Homemaker Mondays each week.

Breakfast Plate…What Is On The Plate This Morning

A bit of a change up today. Pulled the pumpkin spice English muffins from the freezer so toasted one of those and added a bit of butter. Plus coffee. And vitamins.

Looking Around The House

Did I mention I was on a bit of a mission to take it back today?  (Just a quick note: If you’ve been following my 31 Days Series, I haven’t forgotten. Life just got busy without much blogging time.)

On Today’s To Do List

What isn’t on today’s list would take up less space. Just a quick sampling of today’s list:

1. Wash all the household bedding (Long overdue, in progress)
2. Regular laundry
3. General house cleaning
4. Pay rest of the bills including the once a year big ones (homeowners insurance, car insurance)
5. Clean out fridge/freezer
6. Outdoor tasks, not sure if it’s too late to plant bulbs? Need to trim the peony leaves (to try and stop disease)
7. Perhaps a bit of Christmas planning
8. Return library books
9. Work on blog/computer stuff
10. Make a list for errands/maybe go to store to get all the stuff I forgot last night

Currently Reading

Finished Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte last week. Started a bit slow but once I got further into the story, my interest increased. Also, read Boston Scream Murder (Deputy Donut Mystery #4) just because it sounded fun. Not my favorite though I do love this Ginger Bolton series. Needing something quick to read during J’s lesson last night, I downloaded Christmas in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft.

Also floating around on the kindle app on my phone is the Chaos to Clean: in 31 Babysteps by Marla Cilley. Not making much progress. I do better with physical books on that type of subject matter. And in the pile of actual library books half-started is Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire: The Guide to Being Glorious You by Jen Hatmaker. Not sure why I couldn’t get into it. Going to try one more time before I take it back to the library.

On The TV This Week

Watched Dune over the weekend and really enjoyed it. Never saw the original so wasn’t sure what to expect or even the plot. Probably a good one to see in theater if you’re into the series (I watched on HBO Max).  La Brea tonight and The Masked Singer tomorrow unless the World Series pre-empts them. Not sure about that. Whatever catches my eye on the streaming services. Thinking of doing a Harry Potter movie marathon on the weekend, depending on the weather.

The Weather Outside Is 

Much cooler though it’s supposed to get up to 61 today. The mornings have been in the low to mid 40’s.  We had some storms (most went around us) over the weekend and are due for 2 solid days of (much needed) rain tomorrow and Thursday. It’s supposed to chilly and sunny on Saturday (nice as we have a Halloween parade to attend, high school band marches) and then, just partly cloudy but still nice on Sunday, Halloween. Fall is finally here, I think.

On The Menu This Week

I’ve been struggling so much in this area lately. Not even sure why. Feels like we’ve just been doing the same meals on repeat but it’s been too warm really for the homey, meals of fall/winter. Maybe this week.

MONDAY: G and I had BBQ pulled pork (from freezer), husband had leftover tacos, and J had pizza rolls *I worked 8:30-5* *J had a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes

WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti, breadsticks, salad

THURSDAY: Stuffed peppers

FRIDAY: Leftovers/Out/Cereal *I work 8:30-12:30*

SAT/SUN: Not sure about Saturday but I plan to make taco soup for Halloween.

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

Probably waste it playing a stupid game on my phone. Or hopefully instead of that, read. Maybe sit outside if the weather is warm enough.

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

Might give these quick yogurt scones a try with some of the Flip yogurts as we seem to have an abundance of cookies and cream flavored ones (A certain teenager burned out on that flavor after I bought a bunch, not my favorite breakfast flavor either).

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Getting into bed at night when the sheets are freshly cleaned.

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Still working on getting back into the groove of picking up my camera more but I didn’t want to miss the full Hunter’s moon last Tuesday night. (Note: these two photos were with the bridge camera as it has a special setting for the moon.) 

Praying For

Friends, family, strangers. The neighbors. A healthy “normal” fall/winter season for all of us. A lessening of the all that divides us and return to civility, respect, and kindness.

Quote For The Week

This verse popped into my head just now as I typed the end of my prayer list.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)

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