Happy Monday! I feel like we are having a delayed start to our New Year’s over here. I know it’s the 3rd week of the New Year (already!). However, since the boys all had Covid-19 (I might have as well but never had any major symptoms, a minor headache one day, being tired a bit…which could have easily have been caregiver fatigue), it seems as if we are just now starting our New Year with the holidays behind us. At least that’s what I’m pretending.

Of course, it wasn’t like everyone being sick was a huge extra holiday. It did delay our return to routine and the excitement of a fresh New Year. So, I’ve decided I’m treating this new week like the first week of a New Year. Complete with starting over on the New Year resolutions I didn’t really make (see my list of 22). Tomorrow (since today IS actually a holiday), I’ll focus seriously on drinking my water, eating less crap food, etc.

Today, I’m taking it easy and refreshing the house a bit. Changing out the bedding, laundry in progress. And of course, working on this post so I can join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Winter arrived over the weekend. Cold and snowy! Of course, it’s supposed to boomerang back up to almost 50 tomorrow and plummet to 15 on Thursday. Still on the roller coaster.  I prefer the sunny, warm days but the snow does make everything pretty.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Ready for a return to some type of a routine. And in the mood to clean and clear clutter away.

On The Breakfast Plate

Bacon and biscuits (husband cooked), coffee, and vitamins. Need to go drink some water.

On My Reading Pile

Went on a bit of a reading binge last week/over the weekend. Finished The Secret Garden, now one of my all-time favorite books. Might break down and order a hardbound illustrated copy like the one from the library. Read one called The Nanny by Gilly MacMillan, it was one of those creepy fun suspense kind of novels. When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain was a bit predictable I thought, found myself more interested in the secondary plot than the main one but it was a fairly quick read. Dark material though as it dealt with the kidnapping and assault of young girls. Also a dark one but well-written was Good Neighbors by Sarah Langan. *Spoiler Alert* The neighbors are not good. Not at all.

On My TV

Husband and I binge-watched Kobra Kai, I’m still enjoying it, he’s on the fence about it. Tried to watch the new 2020 version of The Secret Garden but it was so far removed from the book, I couldn’t finish it. A dog in place of Ben Weatherstaff? I don’t think so! Then, why stop at one bad movie…I watched The Eternals. I did finish it but was unimpressed (and seriously, a love scene in a Marvel movie? It’s brief but still UGH). Sad when the 2nd end-credit scene was more interesting to me than the entire movie.

To make up for bad movies, I watched 3 good movies, one a classic. Guardians of the Galaxy, needed some humor. Then Shang-Chi, worth your time if you’ve not seen it yet. A very well-done story. And finally, at J’s urging since I’d never seen it, I watched Citizen Kane. Very good and of course, worth your time.

Other things I watched: Joe Millionaire, at least I expect that to be bad, guilty pleasure tv. Next Level Chef, despite saying I wasn’t watching any more cooking shows, I’m intrigued. And the NFL playoff games including watching my Chiefs beat the Steelers. I did wish they’d have let Ben Roethlisberger have that last touchdown pass.

On The Menu

Now for the hard part of the weekly planning…

Still trying to clear out the freezer a bit

MONDAY: Chicken strips, either cooked from freezer or homemade, just depends on how the day goes

TUESDAY: Ribs in the crock pot *Carryover because I keep forgetting to thaw them*

WEDNESDAY: Baked ravioli (in bag in freezer), salad

THURSDAY: pork chops (already cooked in freezer), baked sweet potatoes

FRIDAY:  Homemade Pizza *I work 7:45-4:15*

Looking Around The House

It’s okay but I’m feeling the need to spring clean even though it’s only January

To Relax This Week I Will 

spend some time with the huge pile of gardening and seed catalogs calling my name

From The Camera

Last Friday, before the storm arrived, I went out, took a walk, and did a little “house-hunting”. The trail at a local nature center had a wooden gingerbread house display (families and organizations paid a fee to charity for a cutout to decorate).

Something Fun To Share

On a whim, I’ve been trying to learn Swedish on Duo Lingo. I can now tell you I’m eating bread and drinking water in very broken Swedish. J helped me and said a better way was to change you-tube to Swedish. And while playing around on there, I found this fun video. (It’s mostly in English as it’s an Ed Sheeran interview of sorts)

On My Prayer List

An end to this virus, for the numbers to decline (our local community is at a 41 % positivity rate!), the health care workers, those who are struggling with any aspect of this awful virus, a peaceful week. Friends, family, and strangers.

Quote For The Week

I have to share this quote again since it is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

**********

Usually being positive is a good thing, right? Unless, of course, we’re referring to the dreaded Covid-19. I’m late this morning because I had to take J for a test through the school district and of course, he tested positive. I’m not surprised.

That makes 3 out of 4 around here. I’d likely test positive as well (maybe not, no symptoms) but finding tests is still crazy impossible in these parts. Feel lucky to have found the 2 I did last week. Yesterday, G went to his appointment to take a PCR test at CVS and the drive-up was closed. Big sign in the window that they were closed due to staff shortage and to reschedule your tests. SIGH. And the test he ordered from our state almost 2 weeks ago, still not shipped. So much for that.

Big sign on the store where I found the 2 at-home tests, currently out of stock. That said, I realize we are very fortunate that the illness has hit our house with pretty mild symptoms. Sore throats, sinus congestion, and a bit of fatigue. A bit of a cough for them all as well. No serious breathing issues, big relief on that.

Hope if you are reading this your family is healthy and far away from any Covid-19 illnesses. Time to join in with Sandra at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to plan this second week of the year.

The Weather

Chilly this morning, in the 20’s, but supposed to warm up to the 50’s by tomorrow. That’s just about shorts weather in January in Missouri. Not really, well, maybe for the middle school kids. However, it is definitely open the windows for a tiny bit to air out the house weather! Chance of rain on Friday. We still need some moisture around here. It’s been a pretty dry winter so far.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

A little bit stir-crazy. Thinking I might make my husband go for a drive later just so he can get out of the house for a bit. Confused about all the quarantine regulations. I *think* I’m good to wear masks and get stuff still (since I’m vaccinated & boosted & all that) but I’m not sure. Definitely don’t want to get anyone else sick. Not working this week for sure (again, so much for a paycheck) but think I’ll be okay to work the 21st when I’m scheduled. Did I mention I was confused?

On The Breakfast Plate

Strawberry cheesecake flip yogurt, coffee, and vitamins. Might make the rest of them some cinnamon applesauce muffins in a bit.

On My Reading Pile

I read The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson. Thought it would inspire me to declutter a bit but honestly, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Next up on my stack of library books is The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It’s a children’s book but one I’ve never read believe or not! I feel as though I need to read it.

On My TV

NFL Football. Go Chiefs! That game about did me in on Saturday. I think every Chiefs fan was a Texans fan on Sunday, sigh, the Texans gave a valiant effort. Congrats to the Titans. And I’m happy for the Steelers! Though for obvious reasons, I can’t root for Pittsburgh this coming Sunday. Other than sports, I’m also watching Around the World in 80 Days on PBS (it’s very good) and *hanging head a bit, talk about a pivot* Joe Millionaire on Thursdays (the millionaire is from Missouri so I feel obligated to watch). Also, caught a bit of Next Level Chef which seems like it’s going to be good.

On The Menu

Clearing out the freezer while trying to feed sick people is a bit of a tall order. Trying still…all subject to change.

MONDAY: Lasagna, garlic breadsticks (salad if I get to the store, see my confusion above)

TUESDAY: Ribs in the crockpot (Why we have so many ribs in our freezer I do not know), corn on the cob

WEDNESDAY: Pepper steak, rice

THURSDAY: Tacos

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza, salad

On My To Do List

1. Take J for Covid-19 test DONE
2. E-mail results to school nurse DONE
3. Cancel J’s Doctor appt for Friday (just a check up)
4. Pay Bills
5. Put away rest of Christmas (it’s all down just not properly put away)

From The Camera

Not too much as we were stuck inside most of last week due to illness and cold weather. Played around with taking photos through the front door this morning.

Looking Around The House

Walls are closing in on my a bit. Need to put away some laundry that’s still sitting on the couch, usual clean up chores. Did shine one side of the kitchen sink last week.

Something Fun To Share

Just some music I heard on the TV Saturday morning and liked. Probably the last person to have heard of this song but I enjoyed it.

Quote For The Week

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12 NIV)

Happy First Monday of the New Year! Hope your new year is off to a happy and healthy start!

Ours is off to a kid waiting on a COVID test kind of start. SIGH. G started throwing up last Thursday night convinced he had food poisoning. However, that evolved into a sore throat and a cough plus stuffy nose. He said he had a bad headache on Thursday night as well. And of course, we had family over that night. Plus my nephew staying with us. My nephew ended up with a sore throat/fever over night on Saturday (They were already headed back to Florida) and has mild cold symptoms. So far the rest of the family is fine.

Thankfully, while G’s felt bad it’s not been too bad for him. Other than not being able to find a COVID test anywhere remotely near us. He ended up ordering one on-line from the state but we don’t have it yet. The rest of us remain symptom free and we’re on day 5 today so *fingers crossed* all stays well. I canceled my hair appointment today *grumble* *I don’t like being a responsible adult* *grumble* and J doesn’t go back to school until tomorrow (as far as I can tell, since he’s vaccinated, he can return as long as he wears his mask) *On a lighter note, Target has plenty of ovulation tests available, stupid Internet search results, pretty sure that would be a negative test result for my 20 year old son, ha!*

Anyway, enough on that subject. I’m excited to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the first Happy Homemaker of this new year.

The Weather

Winter has arrived around here! Not sure what happened but we went from almost 70 degree days in December to 16 degrees and feels like 7 this morning. Tomorrow we’re supposed to climb to the low 40’s before plummeting back down to another 12 degree day on Thursday with a chance of a little more snow.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Not too bad. Not sick at all thank goodness. A bit ready for a day at home alone, not today though. If it warms up to a bit more of a suitable temperature I might venture out for a walk somewhere to get some alone time.

On The Breakfast Plate

Cinnamon toast, coffee, and a chocolate chip cookie. Oh, and vitamins. Once I finish my coffee, I’ll add in a full glass of water.

On My Reading Pile

Finished my re-read of Christmas Island by Natalie Norman over the weekend. I really need to order the actual book as I do love the story so much, it’s set in Norway and talks about their traditions as well as being a nice, light cozy romance story. Currently, I’m reading Friends Like These by Kimberly McCreight.

On My TV

I’ve been watching Nate and Jeremiah: Save My House on Discovery Plus but I’m almost done with it. And a bit of football (no comment *grumble*). Last night I surprised myself by watching and really enjoying the first episode of Around the World in 80 Days. I’m hoping PBS airs it weekly or I’ll have to figure out how to stream it. Not much else, though I did watch Encanto (very enjoyable, lots of music!) and Ron’s Gone Wrong  on New Year’s Eve.

On The Menu

Time to clear out the pantry and freezer but I still have no ideas. Ha.

MONDAY: Maybe French Toast and sausage, strawberries *Carryover meal*

TUESDAY: Tacos, yellow rice

WEDNESDAY: Chicken strips (already cooked in freezer, why do we have so many of these?), salad

THURSDAY: Baked ham with pineapple rings/brown sugar, corn, ??, King’s Cake *Epiphany*

FRIDAY: Leftovers or homemade pizza

Looking Around The House

I have a bit of Christmas to put away still. Really need to change out the bathroom shower curtain, I’m sick of looking at it. Nativity always stays out until the 6th.

On My To Do List

1. Finish putting away Christmas
2. Wash masks
3. Laundry (always)
4. Write my pen pal a letter/mail a couple of birthday cards/send a sympathy card
5. Sort through one tub in this basement
6. Fly lady missions
7. Finish up a blog post elaborating on my word of the year
8. Organize dresser drawers (basically need to put away Christmas clothing)
9. Probably a few things I’m forgetting

From The Camera

I’m really hoping to get my picture taking “mojo” back this month. I can tell I’ve not picked up the camera nearly enough lately.

Something Fun To Share

I’ve not done any serious family research in quite a while (quit paying for Ancestry some time ago) but an Instagrammer I follow mentioned RootsTech and it seems like an amazing and free resource for learning more about studying family history.

Quote For The Week

Seana from The Seana Method shared this on Facebook a day or two ago and I thought what a great perspective for the coming year. 

(source: Kissing Fish Book)

You bet I’ll be planting some flowers in 2022! How about you?

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)

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

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)

********