Well, I’m a day late with this once again. Hope everyone had a great Valentine’s Day! We didn’t do anything for it really. That’s okay. Some years are just more exciting than others. This just wasn’t one of the exciting years.

Let’s just get to the planning part of the post. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

I’m ready for Spring! However, even the weather person called our current forecast “fool’s Spring” this morning. It’s supposed to get super warm later today but also very windy (fire warning windy). Then, typical for us, snow’s set to arrive Wednesday and all day on Thursday. However, I noticed the high on Friday is supposed to be 42 so I’m not too worried. We’ll see what happens. I’ll just enjoy the sunshine and warmth today while I can.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Cautiously hopeful. J went to school today so that’s always a bonus, he went a half-day yesterday. I keep reminding myself that any progress is still progress. Many thanks to those of you praying for the situation. I do appreciate it so much and it is helping. Other than that issue, I’m a bit tired but also motivated to clean and clear the clutter out of this basement/the whole house.  In the mood for a light, clear house that reminds me of spring and summer. Did I mention I was ready for Spring?

On The Breakfast Plate

English muffin, yogurt, vitamins. And coffee. Always coffee.

On My Reading Pile

Been on a bit of a reading terror lately. Finished How to be Sad by Helen Russell. Non-fiction, interesting. I like how she weaves her personal experience through the book while sharing ideas and statistics regarding how different cultures cope with sadness. And how sadness is not something to ignore in the pursuit of happiness.

Then I read, Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan (author of Crazy Rich Asians). I enjoyed it though it was different from his other works. Found out later that it was supposed to be a remake of a classic novel called Room with a View. Not sure I enjoyed the story enough to look up the original book. Let me know if you’ve read it.  I guess there’s a movie, maybe I’ll just watch it.

Over the weekend into yesterday, I plowed through two “skip the line” loans on the e-library site: One by One by Ruth Ware, a fun locked in who done it type murder novel. And The Night Swim by Megan Goldin. It was a bit more of an intense read as it dealt with a podcaster covering a rape trial in a small town, stalked by the sister of another victim to a crime 25 years earlier. Not a book full of rainbows and light by far.

Finally, this morning my turn with The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah came due. So I’ve made a tiny dent into reading that though I need to accomplish a bit today before I sit down to escape into yet another book.

On My TV

Super bowl on Sunday. Trying to be happy for the Rams. Trying but I was really just mad that the Bengals lost. Because, you know, the Chiefs could’ve beat them. Says the sore loser over here. Half-time show? More enjoyable than I expected. Greatest half-time show of all time? Um. No. See Prince. Commercials? I miss when the commercials weren’t all over the place before the big game. Had already seen most of them.

If you’re looking for something interesting and a bit intense to binge-watch, Inventing Anna over on Netflix was really good. I watched it over the weekend. Can’t remember the last time a show held my attention enough for me to binge-watch it in a couple of days. Started watching out of curiosity because I heard the actress who plays Ruth in Ozark was in it, totally forgot that was why I was watching. True story. Truth is stranger than fiction for sure.

And of course, I need to catch up on Around The World in 80 Days plus I’ll be watching Joe Millionaire on Thursday. Kurt, would you please send Caroline home already? Geez. Not a fan of either. Why am I watching? I don’t know.

On The Menu

And now, we’re on to the biggest I don’t know of all.

MONDAY: J had McDonald’s, We split a steak at different times since I had to work/take J to his lesson. *I worked 3-5, last-minute thing* *J had a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY:  Pork Milanese, rice, salad *I have Bunco at 7*

WEDNESDAY: Spicy potato soup or maybe meatballs, unsure

THURSDAY: French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage (French Toast is in freezer)

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza or turkey (depends on if it’s thawed, we have a turkey we need to cook to get some freezer space) *J has an appointment at 10* *No School*

SATURDAY: See Friday

From The Camera

Last week was yet another slow camera week. The sky photo and this little squirrel were my only photos on the card. 

Looking Around The House

I finally took the donation box that’d been blocking the coat closet and getting kicked out of the way to it’s new home. Sunday afternoon used to be my go-to day for that but they closed the outside donation bin on Sundays. Ironically, I guess to keep the homeless people from rifling through the stuff. No comment.

Anyway, like I said earlier, I’m ready to clean and clear out.  It is time for some serious spring cleaning. Even if the snow flies tomorrow into Thursday.

On My To Do List

1. Laundry
2. Clean/clear the living room
3. Go through another basement storage tub (went through and managed to empty 2 yesterday! Even made a little bit of $ by taking some books to sell)
4. Go get table snacks for Bunco tonight (We started just doing table snacks during the Pandemic so aren’t back to full on hosting spreads yet)
5. Take care of some e-mail correspondence/pay a couple bills

Quote For The Week

Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love. (Nate Berkus)

***********

Always behind around here it seems. I didn’t even work yesterday and still didn’t manage to get a post going. It was just a Monday. And a half. SIGH. More on that later perhaps.

Right now since I’m a day late, let’s just get straight to the planning post. Joining in as always with Sandra, the host of Happy Homemaker Mondays, over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Snow is almost all gone now. We’re having another set of nice weather days. Yesterday was a bit breezy though. Another cold front is supposed to arrive on Friday or Saturday, I think I heard them say on the news. However, most of this week is going to be in the 50’s. In February? Sold! No rain/snow chances. While we need the moisture, a few partly sunny days is something I’m happy to see.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Honestly, I’m a bit of a mess. J’s struggles with anxiety/depression/school avoidance are something I’m finding rather hard to cope with as a parent. Still looking into homeschool options but am not sold that’s in his best interest either (He’s a very talented musician and with homeschool so many opportunities simply disappear for him. Our current laws here do not allow him to participate as a home school student. And it’s not that I want to push him but I do know in happier times, he loves the music and contests and concerts. I have a child who was in the band and did not love it at all so I feel confident in that assessment of things.). I currently have too many tabs open on this computer with everything from otter videos to homeschool options to pages on resources for anxiety and depression. (We do have an assessment scheduled for early March and I may call today regarding getting in with another therapist prior to that, good luck to me there).

He’s overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed. SIGH. I let him sleep this morning after a bit of a row with him last night. Later today when we’re both calmer (and rested) we’ll sit down and go over things. We have a meeting at school with the assistant principal and hopefully, also the counselor tomorrow afternoon. Prayers for the meeting to go well and them to offer some *helpful* assistance greatly appreciated.

Oh and yesterday, I slipped on an icy patch on the driveway hitting my knee and scraping up one of my hands. Ice 1 Jean 0. I’m okay just a little sore this morning. It was a bit ironic as I was telling J to be watch out for the ice right as I slipped!

In happier news, it’s my husband’s birthday and I’m looking forward to celebrating him later tonight.

Whew! Next category!

On The Breakfast Plate

Nothing yet other than coffee. Trying to decide between the usual (yogurt), oatmeal, or a mini cinnamon roll.

On My Reading Pile

Went from not having anything engaging to read to tearing through quite a few books. Read the Kevin Kwan trilogy that starts with Crazy Rich Asians. These were indeed good escapist reads about a very dysfunctional over the top rich family with roots in Singapore and Hong Kong mostly. Still working my way through How to be Sad by Helen Russell, it’s good it just takes a bit of time to process.

And finally, I read The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. It was a *skip the line* library loan (e-book) and my first time reading anything by the author. I’d heard of this book but thought nah on a number of occasions. However, I read the first few pages and was hooked, checking it out immediately. With apologies to any huge Steinbeck fans out there, where was this one while I was suffering through The Grapes of Wrath back in high school?

On My TV

Not much really. It’s that lull after the excitement of football. Next Level Chef, Joe Millionaire (I think they probably made the right choice last week.)

On The Menu This Week

Nothing overly exciting, I don’t think. I did get inspired by Sandra last week and made homemade bread to go with our beef stew. The beef stew probably won’t be a repeat but I’ll try the bread again sometime soon since I made a few mistakes (it turned out anyway but I want to try again following all the directions).

MONDAY: Ham, hash browns, carrots (subbed in for a really bad tasting cucumber), and cornbread *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: OUT (Cracker barrel) for husband’s birthday, chocolate cake with white frosting for dessert

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the crock pot *Meeting at school at 1p.m.* *Mom’s (much needed) Night Out with friends*

THURSDAY: Spaghetti or pork chops/undecided. Probably go with the pork chops, need to use up some potatoes so pork chops and baked potatoes

FRIDAY: Spaghetti and meatballs, salad *I work 1-4:15*

Looking Around The House

Pondering why the kitchen table just won’t stay cleared off and clean? G cleaned his room over the weekend and moved some stuff into the living room while doing it, “I’ll move it back when I’m done” SIGH. Famous last words. Plan to spend some time cleaning today.

On My To Do List

1. Bake husband’s birthday cake/wrap presents
2. Clean house up a bit
3. Laundry
4. Sit down with J and go over his options/talk about things
5. Pay bills
6. Make some phone calls if I have time
7. Breathe?

To Relax This Week I Will

Drink tea, spend some time outside taking advantage of nice weather in February!

From The Camera

Cabin fever cat:

Monday’s stellar sunrise:

Quote For The Week

This verse from Sunday’s service has been on my mind so far this week:

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, (Ephesians 4:26)

Finally, how about a little humor this week? This was the quote to start one of the chapters in Crazy Rich Girlfriend (book 2 in the series, really the 1st and 3rd books are the best). Made me chuckle a bit.

If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to. (Dorothy Parker)

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

Another quick planning post as I’m still working a bit this week. Have a feeling it’s going to be another full week unless there’s a snow day or two in there. 

*I started this post right after the Chiefs game on Sunday night, original title was Sunday night blues. However, life kept me busy and I’m just now sitting down to finish it on a snowy Wednesday morning. Snow days for all of us (except my husband).*

Definitely working tomorrow so trying to get this done late (too late really) on Sunday night. Still a bit sad about the Chiefs game but congratulations to the Bengals, coming back like that at Arrowhead stadium, a very well-deserved win!

Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Supposed to be crazy warm tomorrow, almost in the 60’s, so that means a day or two later: snowstorm on the horizon. Nothing like hit the east coast but a decent snow for sure. We’ll see what happens. Same old hot/cold weather pattern. Today wasn’t bad, in the 40’s.

As I mentioned, it’s Wednesday now and we did indeed get the snow (after a very nice Monday and cool, somewhat rainy Tuesday).

How I Am Feeling 

Disappointed about the football game outcome, a bit frazzled about the week ahead, and a bit tired. I really should go to bed. (How I felt on Sunday evening). How I am feeling on Wednesday morning: Glad to have a snow day to reset, still a bit unsettled about a lot of things.

On The Breakfast Plate

Toast with probably too much butter and coffee. Vitamins.

On My Reading Pile 

Really struggling to find a book that captures my interest enough I can simply “escape” into it. Non-fiction: How to be Sad by Helen Russell (probably finish it today). Fiction, currently trying to read Dune and I also started Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan after watching the movie on a whim over the weekend. Dune is probably going to end up as did not finish for me. Hoping the first reads from Amazon has an engaging read as a choice this month.

On My TV

Congratulations to the Bengals and the Rams! (I’ll be cheering on the Bengals, since the 80’s is a long time to wait for another championship, just ask any Royals baseball fan)

Mentioned I watched Crazy Rich Asians, really enjoyed it! Probably a little more chick-flick than I’d normally choose but a nice, feel-good kind of movie if you need one. J and I watched Kung Fu Panda 2, we’ll have to watch 3 now (1 is on Netflix but even with a “million” streaming services we ended up renting 2 from Amazon as I couldn’t find it anywhere).

TV series I’m watching right now: Around the World in 80 Days, really enjoying it. Going to be sad when it ends.

My guilty pleasure show of Joe Millionaire. Been planning a snack for Thursday nights as I watch it making a whole ritual of the experience of watching my trashy tv show. And if you’re watching it with me, I’ve come up with a theme song for Caroline:  Sweet but Psycho by Ava Max. Or maybe you are fan of Caroline? Personally, I am not and was sad they didn’t just send her home last week. Oh, the drama! On that note, glad my Missouri millionaire is so far somewhat staying out of it all. Oh, I am way too invested in this show. Help me!

On The Menu This Week

Thankfully, I went to the store before the game on Sunday so we’re pretty well set here for snow days and such. For the game we had BBQ little smokies, precooked heat and eat chicken wings, and I made the winter salad Carrie shared a couple weeks back (it was a hit!) along with a pineapple upside down cake for dessert.

MONDAY: It was a bit of rough day with us all going in different directions *G and I had BBQ ham sandwiches, J had heat and eat chicken wings, and my husband had leftover taco meat* *I worked 8:15-4:45* J had a baritone lesson at 6:30* My husband had to attend a visitation*

TUESDAY: Pepper steak and rice, G doesn’t like steak so I made some of into pepper chicken using the same recipe, turned out good  *I worked 8:15-5:00*

WEDNESDAY: beef stew (crock pot), homemade bread of some sort

THURSDAY: ham steaks, corn bread, salad *Meeting at high school at 1:00*

FRIDAY: Frozen pizza

From The Camera

Feel like I say this every week lately, but I didn’t pick up the camera enough last week. Took the first photo from the deck on Sunday night, no coat needed. The second one out the backdoor this morning, definitely need a coat, gloves, all of it if I go outside even on the deck today.

Looking Around The House

Giving it a good cleaning it definitely on the list for today!

On My To Do List

1. Clean the house (see told you it was on the list!)
2. Laundry
3. Enjoy my snow day!
4. Call new trash company as I’ve lost the billing info (yahoo e-mail glitch, grr)
5. Set up appointment for J

Something Fun To Share

J showed me this fun you-tube channel of Kotaro and Hanna, river otter pets in Japan and I can’t stop watching them.

On My Prayer List

Those still sick with the virus right now including the teacher I’ve been working for as she deals with COVID induced pneumonia, the co-director at my work as he’s also battling lingering effects from the virus as well as in need of kidney transplant (from diabetic kidney disease), the young (and older) children struggling. A friend of ours who just lost her husband back in August and also suddenly lost one of her brothers a week ago, that she is enveloped in peace as she grieves her losses. My son, for us to get answers so he can overcome the anxiety and depression he’s currently suffering through. Friends, family, strangers.  All those out working in today’s snowy and cold weather to stay safe. A return to kinder, happier, more peaceful times throughout the world.

Quote For The Week

Proverbs 3:5-6

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

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

I definitely plan to spend part of my snow day catching up on a few of your blogs!

It’s a very full work week for me so I’m a bit late with my weekly planning post. And probably going to be a bit brief with it as well.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom!

The Weather

Ten degrees and feels like 0 this morning. It was a high of 50 degrees yesterday and then got colder all day long. Same old up and down stuff. Not a snow/rain cloud in sight so far this week.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Tired, rushed, frustrated, and slightly hopeful. Lots of feelings. Looking into switching J to online homeschooling. (If you have some experience with that, let me know) As well as trying to figure out if he can still do band at the high school so a mixed option of sorts. Have a friend calling me to talk about it more later tonight.

On My Reading Pile

Dune by Frank Herbert (honestly, glad I saw the new movie first) and How to be Sad by Helen Russell.

On My TV

NFL play offs. (Got to say it, GO CHIEFS! and wow, what a game…that I watched mostly through my hands screaming, I can’t watch! Tell me did he get the field goal? Did they score? What a great game that truly could’ve gone either way.) I am sorry and bit disappointed it won’t be a Green Bay vs KC match up. Of course, the Chiefs still have to face the Bengals and I’m thinking that’s not going to be an easy game either.

Looking way too forward to my Thursday night viewing of Joe Millionaire.

On The Menu

Sad to say I’ll probably be winging it a bit this week.

MONDAY: husband heated up leftover ham and rolls while I went to the grocery store *I worked 815-445*

TUESDAY: Something easy, maybe BLTS and fries *I work815-445* *Phone call at 6*

WEDNESDAY: Maybe chicken fajitas of sorts *I work 815-1* *J to take driver permit test in afternoon*

THURSDAY: ???? *I work 815-445*

FRIDAY: ????/ *I work 815-445*

Looking Around The House

It’s been worse

To Relax This Week I Will

Watch my guilty pleasure TV show with snacks

From The Camera

Managed a picture of the sunset sky one evening over the weekend. I usually can’t get a decent photo because of houses but that night my timing was great and the colors extended high enough into the sky that I could point the camera up at the sky enough to capture it and not the houses.

Something Fun To Share

Today is Rudolph Day, a day to celebrate/plan for Christmas on the 25th day of each month.

Quote For The Week

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

***********

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)