Can’t think of a better way to start 2024 on my blog than with a Happy Homemaker Monday post! And since I’ve not taken a single photo yet, I’m sprinkling in 12 photos from last year (one from each month, an idea I saw over on Daniela’s blog, Danahandmade). Also, I want to congratulate any of you who managed to blog for 365 days! Amazing.

 

Okay, now onto my weekly planning post. Grateful that Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom decided to continue this wonderful link up in 2024. (Did I wish everyone a happy new year yet? Happy New Year!)

The Weather

It’s pretty dreary out and chilly this morning. Temps in the high 20’s, feels like the low 20’s. Sun is supposed to come out later this afternoon with a very slight warm up. Hoping to get a short walk in when that happens. The rest of the week is normal for around here: highs in the upper 30’s/low 40’s. Chance of rain (maybe snow? Who knows) over the weekend.

Right Now I Am

Downstairs working on this post, wondering why it’s a bit chilly in our usually very warm basement.

Thinking And Pondering

Still trying to decide on a word for this year. Usually a word has come to me by now but I’m still sorting through things: heart, happiness, that came up something 3 times on an auto-word generator as did explore (which I do like), joy, trust. So many words! Maybe I’ll do a separate post and get your input to help me choose.

How I Am Feeling

TIRED. We went out last night, traditional New Year’s plans, played games with friends until midnight. Couldn’t sleep, my alarm went off unexpectedly at 6:00AM but it worked out as J also had plans an overnight party and decided to come home at 6:15AM but we had the door bolted. Oops. Glad I was up to let him in the house.

On The Breakfast Plate

Photo has nothing to do with breakfast, huh? My first breakfast of 2024: coffee (of course!), vitamins (nothing new), donuts, and bacon. Donuts are supposed to be a lucky thing to eat on New Year’s Day so of course, I had to do that.

On The Lunch Plate

Absolutely no idea.

On The Dinner Plate

 

Traditional New Year’s Dinner: spicy black-eyed peas, cornbread, salad (ham steaks for the picky ones who won’t touch the black-eyed peas)

On The Menu

I’m not completely finished menu planning and also toying with the idea of assigning everyone here a day to plan for 2024. Also, planning to do a bit of a pantry/freezer/fridge clear out in the next few weeks so…

MONDAY: black-eyed peas, cornbread, salad, ham

TUESDAY: copycat Chik-Fil-A sandwiches

WEDNESDAY: Pepper steak maybe?

THURSDAY: not sure

FRIDAY: not sure

What I Am Wearing

Like my turtle friend, I’m moving slow this morning. Still in my “pajamas” of an Eskimo Joe’s t-shirt, sun and moon pj pants, and slip on leopard print shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Working my way through Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Not very far into yet. Garden catalogs, is it too soon?

On My TV This Week

The Chiefs ended the year (and started the tv viewing week) on a good note winning the AFC West championship for the 8th year in a row (!) so I watched/listened to that. We’ll probably watch some more football at some point this week. Not really sure what else. TV Viewing Last Week: Based on a True Story, The Doctor Who Special, Oppenheimer, Mommy Dead and Dearest (documentary about Gypsy Rose), and re-watched the Barbie movie. Maybe more reading this week?

Looking Around The House

Living room and bathrooms are clean. The rest? Yeah, needs a little (a lot) of work.

On My To Do List

If you’re keeping count this is the 13th category here. I did go for a walk on December 29 so I’ll share those pictures for the rest of this post.

1. Decide on a word for the year
2. Lots of blog posts rattling around in my brain to get “on paper”…er, the computer
3. Finish putting away Christmas and washing putting away Christmas sweaters
4. Usuals: laundry, bills, cleaning
5. Start slowly cleaning/clearing our clutter

From The Camera

Few more from my walk last Friday. We’d had quite a bit of rain over Christmas so this was the path in places: 

Squirrel!!

Quote For The Week

You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream. (C.S. Lewis)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday! Today is my traditional pajama day. I stay in my pajamas all day while taking down the tree and watching the Doctor Who Christmas special. Before I start taking down my Christmas decorations, thought I’d pop on here to plan this slower week.

Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Very grateful she continues to give us the gift of hosting this link up and for the wonderful community of bloggers who join in with it.

The Weather

After a bizarrely warm week including a warm, rainy Christmas Eve, it’s 32 degrees/feels like 22 with snow flurries in the air! There’s a chance of a little snow (dusting to an inch) today. I’m happy to have a bit of winter weather finally. Summer person as I am, I was missing my winter weather as it helps add to my holiday mood. (That said: Christmas shopping with no coat is super nice!)

As I Look Outside My Window

I was so taken with the clouds this morning! Probably not to those of you who live near mountains but the clouds reminded me of mountains.

Right Now

I’m typing up this post, listening to the dryer, the cat’s snoozing on the daybed behind me and the boys are also still asleep upstairs. My husband is also home and watching a show on his tablet.

Thinking/Pondering

 

We had a really nice relaxing Christmas this year.  Thinking about the different looks of our Christmas over the past few years. Really liked the energy of Christmas this year, despite the entire year going by at breakneck speed, Christmas felt slower and less frenzied. Hoping to keep that feeling going into the new year (and beyond!).

How I Am Feeling

Still tired. I didn’t get my Christmas nap as I had to make pies to take to our Christmas dinner with my brother. (Excuse me a minute while I go jot something down in my Christmas notebook: Make pies the day/night before Christmas!)

On The Breakfast Plate

Cinnabon cinnamon roll, bacon, coffee plus the usual vitamins

On The Lunch Plate

No idea, maybe a ham sandwich on French toast bread (G made us French toast as part of Christmas breakfast yesterday)

On The Dinner Plate

Pork chops, baked potatoes, probably Christmas goodies for dessert/leftover apple pie (chocolate pie disappeared in minutes)

On The Menu This Week

Monday: Christmas! We had my brother in law over for Christmas breakfast (my SIL worked the Chiefs game). Biscuits and gravy (and sausage and biscuits for those of us that don’t like gravy), French toast, watermelon cut into Christmas tree shapes and strawberries, coffee, juice, and of course, Christmas cookies! No lunch and then, dinner at my brother’s house where he made homemade spaghetti sauce with both Italian sausages and meatballs, salad, and bread. I took dessert, apple and chocolate pies plus there were some cookie plates as well (not from me).

TUESDAY: pork chops, baked potatoes (this is mainly because the pork chops didn’t get put in the freezer on Sunday when I ran to the store early in the a.m. so I wouldn’t have to go today.)

WEDNESDAY: pepper steak, rice

THURSDAY: maple baked chicken thighs (This has been on the menu for something like 5 weeks and I’m determined to actually make these!)

FRIDAY: hotdogs and French fries

What I Am Wearing Today

Velvety pink and black leopard print pajamas, the pajama top is more like a hoodie, regular leopard print slip on shoes that don’t match (I’d be in slipper socks but need shoes for running up and down to the basement putting Christmas stuff away)

On My Reading Pile

I have 2 new library books loaded on my phone. One is Yellow Face by R.F. Kuang and I don’t remember the other one, I know it’s a thriller that I’ll probably read first. Over the last few days, not Christmas-y at all, I read The Whispers by Ashley Audrain. Didn’t do much for me and I found the ending frustrating though many reviewers on Goodreads seemed to love it.

On My TV

Well, there was that Grinchy part of tv viewing yesterday. Would someone please get the Chiefs an offensive line for Christmas? Ugh. Also watched Charlie Brown Christmas and had A Christmas Story on in background during Christmas morning. More football on at my brother’s house. Doctor Who later today. Not sure what else, not really watching any series at the moment.

Looking Around The House 

Post Christmas chaos and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

On My To Do List

Not too much thankfully.

1. Put away Christmas tree (Nativity will stay out until the Epiphany)
2. Pay bills
3. Clean house, G is talking about maybe inviting some people over for New Year’s Eve so we’ll also need to clean the basement a bit in case anyone needs to stay the night
4. Send a couple Christmas cards, late but still…
5. Maybe go out to the nature center and go for a walk, fresh air sounds nice

From The Camera

Didn’t take many pictures over the holiday weekend (Excuse me again….off to make another note in my Christmas notebook!), not even with my phone.

We went to the KC Symphony on Friday.

Holiday screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas, symphony played all the music in the movie as it showed on the big screen. (Fun trivia fact I learned: Catherine O’Hara, the mom in Home Alone is also the voice of Sally!)

Beautiful Christmas Eve Sunrise (from the grocery store parking lot, ha!)

Waiting for Santa

Super cool and special gift from my brother who hosted Christmas dinner. A bird feeder he made from an old redwood post that he had kept from our late parents home.

Quote For The Week

I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.

(Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol)

 

 

Back to normal around here with posting a day late after a fairly busy weekend plus working last Friday and yesterday. Friday was just a typical workday though I had very little notice about getting there and it was a bit of a crazy day.

Saturday was my birthday! It was a nice day. We didn’t do too much as everyone was a little tired (and grumpy!) at times but enjoyed eating dinner out at a local Chinese buffet plus I finally got a pink donut for breakfast. 

I’d been craving one forever, no idea why. My family spoiled me properly with gifts plus an ice cream cake (and key lime pie).

Sunday, most of us (G needed to sleep) went to hear J play with his band during the church service. And then, in the afternoon, J and I went to a handbell concert at a different church. Finally, yesterday I worked all day in my favorite classroom enjoying the kids very much although this time of year is a bit crazy in the preschool realm.

And now, it’s suddenly Tuesday and time to join in (a bit late) with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to plan the rest of this week.

The Weather

Imagine you’re hopping on a pogo stick (and not falling off like I’d probably do). Now, you have a sense of the weather around here. Yesterday was in the high 50’s. Today it’s barely supposed to hit 45. Then, warm again. SIGH. Makes the cooler days feel that much colder but I’m not complaining about those warm days when I have running around to do. Raise your hand if you’re also a “just going to leave my coat in the car” person?

Right Now I Am

I’ve just returned from dropping J off to take his history final at college and started working on this post. Phone is down here beside me so I won’t miss his text when he finishes though I’ve no idea how long it’s going to be.

Thinking And Pondering

Quite a bit. Always. Trying to focus on the holidays and put my word of the year from ’23 into action (WAIT) by waiting until after Christmas to worry about New Year’s stuff. However, I did cave and look at one of those word find things…you know the first 3 or 4 words you see will be your 2024. I saw: connection, breakthrough, purpose, and love. So, no pressure there. Geez.  Also, closer to the present, G’s graduation, the little celebration we’re doing for him on Saturday. The holidays. My work. Said in my Charlie Brown voice: ALL OF THE THINGS!

How I Am Feeling

Not too bad. Lots of sickness going around at school so I’ve been doubling down on black elderberry syrup in addition to my typical vitamins. And prioritizing my sleep though I didn’t really mean to go to bed at 8:30 last night (Oops!).

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, a cherry yogurt (not the flip kind), and a piece of fresh baked banana bread. Plus vitamins and 10 ml of black elderberry syrup.

On The Lunch Plate

I’m not sure but maybe a turkey and cheese melt or some sort of soup

On The Dinner Plate

Either chicken and noodles or ham steaks. Still trying to decide.

On The Menu This Week

My ice cream cake birthday cake, it’s Christmas but I didn’t care.

Working yesterday threw off my grocery store routine along with my menu making.

MONDAY: Rotisserie chicken for J and my husband. G and I had these chicken strip dinners the grocery store deli had on special. They were okay. *I worked 7:30-4:00*

TUESDAY: Either chicken and noodles/mashed potatoes or ham steaks/apples

WEDNESDAY: ham steaks/apples if I don’t make them today.

THURSDAY: Pork chops of some sort. NOT cornbread crusted. Those were a bit of a fail.

FRIDAY: OUT *G’s college graduation*

What I Am Wearing

Gray sweatshirt, jeggings, new very warm wool-blend socks (a birthday gift from G), and tennis shoes. (Yesterday was Grinch day at school and I wore a red Grinch t-shirt with a green sweater 🙂 )

On My Reading Pile

I just finished Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond by Henry Winkler. It was a very insightful look into how even as a celebrity a person can feel unworthy. Now, I need a good Christmas romance type book to read. Turns out I’m not a fan of Jenny Colgan. I couldn’t get past the first 3 pages of the first library book. Too much description. UGH, not my kind of writing. Did I possibly mix up Jenny Colgan with Julie Caplin? No comment. And of course, none of those books are at my local library. Might splurge and treat myself to The Little Cafe in Copenhagen since it’s not on kindle unlimited either.

On My TV

A certain football team which we shall not discuss further. Coal in a few players stockings maybe? UGH. Blue Beetle, really good movie! Forgot to cancel Apple plus (let’s be honest, I didn’t have 500 hours to figure it out either) so I watched the Hannah Waddingham Christmas special. I enjoyed it so much. Had no idea she was a singer as well as an actress. Saturday afternoon, G and I watched the latest Doctor Who special. Neil Patrick Harris was phenomenal as a creepy villain. And after work yesterday, I slept through watched a few episodes of Sugar Rush on Netflix.

Looking Around The House

Well…there’s mess. And then, there’s Christmas decorations. Followed by more mess. SIGH. On today’s agenda: more Christmas less mess. We’ll see.

On My To Do List

Just a few things. Ahem. Random order

1. Grocery store (I probably should go again as I went last night with no plan and not even sure…)
2. Wrap presents
3. Finish Christmas shopping
4. Clean the house
5. Figure out the cookies/cocoa/etc for G’s family graduation party
6. Figure out something to wear to G’s graduation
7. Pay bills
8. Figure out what we still need to do for Christmas gifts
9. Go a few places/get a few things
10. Everything else I’m forgetting

 

Christmas Tips, DIY, Ideas, or Recipes

I made half a batch of this Spicy Sinterklaas cookie recipe last week, leaving out the almonds and candied fruit. We really liked them and I’ll probably make more before Christmas. They aren’t very sweet and bonus, don’t take eggs!  J had the idea that it would be fun to do an Advent cookie calendar. So I’ve been kind of rolling with it and trying to either make or put out a different kind of cookie each day leading up to Christmas. (Note: I usually make one tray and freeze the rest of the dough, planning some to have on Saturday for the graduation celebration and some for cookie plates for friends/family). Never too late for a new tradition!

From The Camera

I took a walk last week and another one on my birthday so just a few photos from that to share here.

Quote For The Week

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”  (From How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Doctor Seuss)

Maybe more through rain than snow around here now but where did my weekend go? Or for that matter, my Monday morning?

We did have a nice (although a bit busy at times) first weekend of December. J’s concert on Friday night was a lot of fun. Then, a slower Saturday until our game night with friends. Yesterday, I don’t know…every time I looked up it was later in the day. And of course, I did listen to it on the radio and then, watch the second half of the Chiefs game. Ugh. It did at least give me a bit of joy to know how happy it probably made Carrie to see her Packers win. Going to put all the headings in green today to honor her team.

Let’s just move on with the week. Maybe I can get something posted and planned before noon…joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It started out properly miserable looking, cloudy, gray, and foggy. However, by the time I left the grocery store, blue skies and sunshine! I guess we’re in for one of those weeks with weather all over the place. High 40’s today and tomorrow, followed by 50’s and is that a 60 I see for Thursday? Then, rain moves in for the weekend and we go back down the 40’s.

Right Now

I just got back from the store. Put my too few groceries for what I paid away. And sat down to get started on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

The Happy Holidays song by Andy Williams is stuck in my head but before we can think completely of Christmas over here, we have a college graduation to celebrate! And before that, my birthday is this Saturday. What are we going to do for all this? I’d wanted to go see the eagles at a nature area north of town, however, the weather doesn’t look great. So, who knows what we’ll do. My main present is like J’s, the symphony tickets. Debating a “cookies, cocoa, and congratulations” family party for G next Saturday but need his input. He graduates the 15th but in a concert arena in downtown proper that we already know will make it difficult for older family members to attend. And also, today is national cookie day I guess. So, who’s baking cookies? I might figure out a time to make a few.

How I Am Feeling

Okay, a little overwhelmed, slightly tired, but I don’t feel bad.

On The Breakfast Plate

Well, um, coffee. And one piece of fudge from the fridge. Looks like it’s going to be big lunch day maybe.

On The Lunch Plate

Vitamins, maybe some type of hot sandwich? Not sure.

On The Dinner Plate

Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, and garlic toast

On The Menu

J helped me work out our menu this morning by looking through my latest batch of library cookbooks.

MONDAY: Spaghetti, meatballs, salad, and garlic toast

TUESDAY: Apple butter ribs in the crockpot, corn, and cornbread (from a slow cooker recipe book)

WEDNESDAY: Cornbread crusted pork chops, potatoes (from Tricia Yearwood’s cookbook)

THURSDAY: burritos

FRIDAY: maple baked chicken thighs, sweet potatoes (carry over meal)

SATURDAY: OUT for my birthday. Not sure where yet.

What I Am Wearing

Sweatshirt, jeans, socks and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins over the weekend. It’s The Hunger Games prequel, I really enjoyed it but it was a bit different than the other books in the series with a more philosophical side. Noticed the reviews were a bit mixed, I think perhaps because of that. Still want to see the movie though. So much better than Holly by Stephen King, finished it as well and I must say it’s the first time I’ve ever been completely disappointed in one of his novels. The underlying story was good but his Covid references were just too many, I don’t care about the viewpoint as much as the clunkiness with which he dropped them into the story. Not subtle enough for me.

Finally, on a happier reading note, I’m still slowly working my way through my re-read of Christmas Island by Natalie Normann. And have a stack of Jenny Colgan Christmas books from the library to read.

On My TV

I did watch Candy Cane Lane, the new Christmas movie with Eddie Murphy over on Amazon. It was okay, not really great, a bit too long I think. And the new Doctor Who special which I enjoyed. Finally, some football…ah, those Chiefs…perhaps it’s not going to be their year. SIGH.

Looking Around The House

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas! I set my Nativity sets out on Saturday and my husband put my lighted greenery up on Sunday. Still a few things to do. Oh, and this guy made an appearance a bit early this year:

On My To Do List

A lot of the usual stuff…plus Christmas things:

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Bake Christmas cookies
3. Laundry
4. Finish putting out the last of the Christmas decor
5. Go for walk and enjoy sunshine
6. Christmas shopping/make lists see who/what and all that
7. Breathe
8. Christmas cards
9. Water plants
10. Eat a candy cane and read my Christmas books or watch a movie

From The Camera

A few phone photos

Christmas Tips, DIYs, or Ideas

I’m drawing a bit of a blank today. In a do what I say, not what I do kind of advice giving here: it’s very helpful to buy 1-2 stocking stuffers and/or Christmas presents each month of the year. I started well this year and then, stopped. SIGH. Hopefully, I do better at this next year.

 

Quote For The Week

 

December starts this Friday! Can you believe it? Anyone else feel like they need to just take a moment to say goodbye to the blur that was November? And maybe take some deep breaths because of this:

Just 28 days until Christmas! And the way this year is going, I’m afraid to blink or it might be here.

Better slow down and get on with planning the week ahead with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It’s frightful! Um, it snowed here Saturday night into Sunday. Way too early for that (Not really as we’ve had snow on Halloween in prior years. However, it seems odd as it’s been so warm for so long this year.). Right now it’s a balmy 27 degrees with a feels like temp in the teens. I’m not rushing off to the grocery store this morning. It is supposed to bounce back up to the 40’s later today and then, the 50’s with a bit of rain for the second half of the week. We need the rain but I hope it lets up on Friday afternoon as J has a concert.

Right Now

I’m working on this post mostly. Glancing at some cyber Monday deals, been a while since I’ve had a cyber Monday off work (that’s good AND bad). Also, checking to see if the grocery store is doing their Chiefs win/grocery discount.

Thinking And Pondering

The upcoming Christmas holiday mostly, that I feel happy when I think about it. This year despite the insane prices and me not working as much, I feel so much more positive than I have in a long time. Pondering the why. Not sure I have an answer and I’m really okay with that. Just enjoying the holidays and thinking about some more decorating I’d like to do and my baking plans.

How I Am Feeling

I feel good, slept fairly well. Breakfast needs to happen soon as I’m a bit hungry this morning.

On The Breakfast Plate

So far, just coffee as I’m trying to decide what I want. Maybe a homemade sausage muffin (reheating sausage my husband cooked yesterday morning and toasting an English muffin). And of course, vitamins!

On The Lunch Plate

Really not sure. Perhaps mac and cheese (from the trusty blue box!)

On The Dinner Plate

We’re having white chicken chili that I’ll put together in the slow cooker before J and I head off to his class.

On The Menu This Week

 

Trying to be a bit frugal and cook from the freezer/fridge/pantry.

MONDAY: White chicken chili

TUESDAY: Waffles and bacon

WEDNESDAY: Steak soup (new recipe though I might switch this up to spicy potato soup depending on mood, what G’s plans are as he’s not a steak fan at all)

THURSDAY: Pork chops and baked potatoes or hamburgers (husband’s choice)

FRIDAY: Probably OUT as J has a concert at 7 but has to be there for everything starting at 4:30 (he’ll get a dinner break). Last time we did this, I just got him Subway around 2:30.

What I’m Wearing Today

Long sleeved Chiefs shirt (red, of course), jeans, socks and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Two books where the main character in each book is named Holly! I’m reading Holly by Stephen King as it came up from my hold list at the library (I’ve been waiting on it a long time!). And I’m also re-reading Christmas Island by Natalie Normann as it’s one of my very favorite Christmas time reads.

On My TV This Week

I watched SO much Football over the long weekend and was so happy to see a Chiefs win yesterday. Other than that, we got Hulu back (black Friday special) so I was finally able to finish Only Murders In The Building. And I was not even one tiny bit disappointed in the new Doctor Who special, even told G I’d watch it again today with him. Probably finish up Fear the Walking Dead this week and watch my baking show, maybe a Christmas movie.

Looking Around The House

Christmas is coming…I’m taking my time decorating.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store (we do need a few items)
2. Laundry/Cleaning
3. Christmas decorating
4. Dollar Tree trip
5. Bake one kind of Christmas cookie (or make dough for freezer)
6. Take my (apparently overdue, oops) books back to the library/pick up holds
7. Plan for some upcoming December events: J’s concert(s), my birthday, G’s college graduation, our trip to the symphony, Christmas Eve & Christmas

From The Camera

It was an indoor kind of weekend.

Christmas Tips or Ideas

Make a Christmas notebook! It doesn’t have to be fancy or have 500 organized lists (unless that’s what you like). I just added stickers to a spiral notebook:

I’m left-handed so I turn the pages backwards so the spiral doesn’t bother me when I write. What I write in mine: at the end of each Christmas, I write down what worked/what we liked and didn’t like. That’s one way I knew I wanted to decorate more this year. Also, I write down random gift ideas and thoughts.

My random notes from 2022 (typed here so you can actually know what they say-awful handwriting):

• No more cinnamon popcorn for my husband
• Delegate/ASK for help
• Actually decorate the tree/we like it
• Put tablecloth on table early
• Do Christmas cards FIRST
• Invite people over before last minute!
• Gift idea: small jars of black-eyed peas/cornbread mix with recipe
• Battery operated candles for Nativity/window candles take C batteries/tree candles take AA
• Gift of reusable snack bags w/pretzels

I also start writing in it during the season with gift ideas and thoughts so it’s not a try to remember everything at once process. For this year, I’ve written a question that stuck with me: What brings you joy at the holidays?

Quote For The Week

“May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; The spirit of Christmas which is peace; The heart of Christmas which is love.”
~ Ada V. Hendricks

(Found at Travelmelodies.com)

A bit late this week, unexpectedly called in to work yesterday and then last night, I watched the Chiefs game (SIGH). I’m working again this afternoon but thought I’d take a few minutes and try to get this post done before I leave. 

Thankful that Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom continues to do this link up inspiring me to get some sort of order to my weeks. It’s also fun to look back at these post near the end of the year!

The Weather

Dismal. Another rainy (we need it though!), cold, and cloudy day. It’s about 44 degrees right now. Supposed to be colder once the clouds move off. Weekend is supposed to be super chilly and I’m going to pretend I didn’t see a snowflake on the weather app on my phone. Good weather for decorating for Christmas which is how I typically spend my black Friday weekends.

Right Now

I’ve returned from the store, taken a shower and got myself ready for work. Now, I’m working on this post while listening to the sounds of the washer and dryer. My husband is off work today and kindly took it upon himself to do the laundry.

Thinking And Pondering

Wondering how crazy this afternoon is going to be. Realized there will likely be 2 subs in today plus there’s a sub there now covering the morning shift (I can’t do morning shifts on Tuesday/Thursday because of J’s current schedule). Hopefully, numbers are down due to the holiday though that didn’t seem the case yesterday.

How I Am Feeling 

A bit scatterbrained (normal pre-Thanksgiving state for most of us, I hope?) as I did shampoo my hair twice because I grabbed the shampoo bottle again instead of the conditioner. Otherwise, I feel pretty good though I’d be happy to see some sunshine, colder weather or not.

On The Breakfast Plate

I made blueberry muffins (from a box mix), coffee, vitamins, plus I treated myself to a caramel creme brulee latte at the grocery store.

On The Lunch Plate

Probably just another muffin and a flip yogurt. I don’t like to eat anything to heavy right before I go into work.

On The Dinner Plate

My husband made taco meat yesterday (we had a freezer issue so he had to use up some ground beef) so something taco related.

What I Am Wearing Today

Orange and red t-shirt that has shiny orange threads highlighting the design (needed something bright to counteract the gloomy skies), jeans, and tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Finishing up The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth, then I’m switching to light, happy Christmas reads for the rest of the season. I’ve been waiting to read Christmas in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft, so it’ll be up first.

On My TV This Week

Watched the Chiefs game last night (I have gift ideas Patrick Mahomes could give his teammates: velcro gloves so they can hang on to the darn ball, a timer, and an updated NFL rule book…in case you can’t guess, yesterday did not go my team’s way.). Probably more football on Thanksgiving. Excited for the Doctor Who special. Not sure what else.

On My Menu

It’s Thanksgiving week, always makes planning a bit of a challenge.

MONDAY: spaghetti *I worked 8-3:30*

TUESDAY: tacos *I work 1-5*

WEDNESDAY: Leaning toward OUT or we’ll forage through the fridge and freezer

THURSDAY: homemade cranberry relish, apple pie, chocolate pie, and pumpkin pie. OH wait, that’s what I’m contributing. My brother is making turkey, ham, said something about also smoking a turkey breast, sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, and who knows what else.

FRIDAY: LEFTOVERS (My brother always makes way too much food so I anticipate we’ll be sent home with plenty of extras)

Looking Around The House

I like my Thanksgiving decor but I’m ready to replace it with Christmas. Also, I need to clean a bit.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Target trip, might put it off but I do need to go
3. Work
4. Decide if I want to go to Bunco tonight, depends on if anything is going on with family
5. Pay bills (Ugh, no fun but must be done)
6. Also, figure out how to renew my blog hosting for 1 year instead of 3 at a time.
7. Remember to-do list I’m putting as my quote for the week…

From The Camera & (Phone Camera)

Not as many pictures in this post, I missed my walk on Thursday and didn’t feel like braving the cold and wet this morning plus had to make a grocery run. Sunday night, J asked me to text him some pictures of his college music while he was a band practice. He also got these two pictures of my “helper.”

Thanksgiving Tips or Ideas

If you aren’t hosting and there’s something you’ll really miss if it’s not on the Thanksgiving dinner table, offer to contribute that item (see homemade cranberry relish listed above). Bonus tip for those of you with younger kids, I saw this reminer somewhere else and remembered doing this myself: It’s okay to feed your kids a small meal at their normal time if Thanksgiving is at an odd one/later in the day. The holiday is a lot more enjoyable without hangry/crying children. Our Thanksgiving dinner isn’t until 4 this year and you bet even without small children, we’ll still be having a light breakfast and lunch!

Quote For The Week

(Found on Pinterest)

 

This week is J’s birthday on Wednesday so that’s the excitement around here. Not sure how I can possibly have a kid getting ready to turn 19 (J) and one who is 22 (G). However, I’m proud of the kind young adults they’ve become.

Let’s get on with joining Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to plan the week ahead.

The Weather

The petunias are still blooming and the leaves are falling…

Well, it’s currently 61 degrees and sunny! And supposed to hit almost 70 on J’s birthday this coming Wednesday. Then, by Saturday, another cold front and highs in the 50’s (more normal). It seems to alternate cold and hot (well, warm) this fall. I would not be disappointed to see some rain which we very much still need.

Right Now

I’ve just returned from the grocery store, eaten a very late breakfast, and sat down to write up this post.

Thinking And Pondering

Pick a tab, any tab of the million open in my mind right now! J’s birthday, what we’re going to do. He still hasn’t decided. This area, the crime seems to be on a bit of an uptick…is it related the homeless? I don’t know. I feel as though I’m walking a fine line between compassion and common sense. Watched a homeless man biking up the road as I left for the store so had to drive around the block to see where he went. Then, he was just gone. So, back in the driveway for me, check the backyard, double check the door locks. SIGH. Remind myself everything is cyclical while being a bit frustrated with myself for not agreeing to move to a different area many years ago. Well, that took a dark, melancholy turn. Let’s try a different tab.  Oh, Thanksgiving. We have plans! Hooray. My older brother is hosting and my other older brother who moved to Texas a few years ago is coming into town for it. Haven’t seen him in way too long.

On The Breakfast Plate

A French Toast Bagel, vitamins, coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure I’ll eat lunch, we ate dinner late last night so I wasn’t hungry this morning and just now at about 11:00 ate breakfast.

On The Dinner Plate

Korean meatballs, rice

What I Am Wearing Today

Purple v-neck Tee shirt, jeggings, socks and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

I lucked out at the library and was able to pick up a copy of If You Would Have Told Me by John Stamos. I’m really enjoying it and it’s not making me like him any less. Finally finished Tides of Fire by James Rollins, I usually love his books but this one just didn’t work for me. Over the weekend, I read a quick thriller by Mary Kubica called Just the Nicest Couple, found it interesting. And I’ve started The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth (another thriller). I like to read the kindle books at bedtime so I don’t have to turn on the lamp (or worry about turning it off when I fall asleep reading).

On My TV

I was happy last week to discover The Holiday Baking Championship had started up for this year, I love that show. Also, watched The Mario Movie (don’t ask me why but it wasn’t bad), Fear The Walking Dead, the finale of Loki (sigh), and a few random episodes of Doctor Who. Oh, and The Masked Singer. Football games here and there.

On My Menu

My slow cooker is certainly getting a bit of a work out these days with J’s current schedule.

MONDAY: korean meatballs in the slow cooker, rice

TUESDAY: copycat Chik-Fil-A sandwiches and fries *subject to change depending on birthday plans*

WEDNESDAY: J’s Birthday. Maybe OUT? No idea. Chocolate cake and white frosting. Plus ice cream.

THURSDAY: pork schnitzel (carry over) , fried apples maybe? My basic grocery store didn’t carry the celeriac called for in the accompanying sauce. It is apparently not the the same as celery and cannot be used interchangeable. Thank you, Internet.

FRIDAY: Mexican lasagna in the crock pot (This is a new one I’m trying out)

Looking Around The House

The laundry is done, that has to count for something, right? It needs cleaning.

On My To Do List

I’ve gone back to just listing items, the who/what/where method was fun but it’s easier to just make a list.

1. Clean the house
2. Figure out J’s birthday plans plus get him something small to go with the big present (symphony tickets, also a present for my upcoming birthday)
3. Return my broken candle to Bath and Body Works (I didn’t go over the weekend)
4. Clean this desktop, both the physical and virtual one
5. Do a little (more) early Christmas planning

From The Camera

From my walk yesterday afternoon.

Thanksgiving Tips, DIY, Ideas or recipes

I usually always make these pumpkin muffins around October/November. The recipe makes A LOT, even halved, I ended up with 12 muffins plus 3 mini loaves this time. The muffins do freeze well.  I’ve shared it before with pictures that no longer show on my old so not organized blog but here it is again:

Pumpkin Muffins

 These are my favorite pumpkin muffins. I usually add chocolate chips but they stand well on their own.

 

 

 

Happy Standard Time! I know I’m in the minority here but I absolutely love when the mornings go back to being light at a reasonable hour. Waiting until almost 8a.m. for the sunrise just wasn’t working for me. And saying it like I do every year: The days get naturally longer and shorter!

Okay, my leave my time alone sales pitch is over. It’s a work day here so I’m trying to get my Happy Homemaker Monday (hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom) up super early before I leave. Of course, like a petulant child, the computer slows down as I need it to hurry. SIGH. We’ll see if I can finish this post.

The Weather

Gorgeous! It’s 59 degrees right now and going to be another beautiful sunny day. All my plants are outside for one last hurrah before I’ll go get them again on Wednesday when the temps change back to normal with cold overnights and highs in the 50’s.

As I Look Outside My Window

No time this morning but I did see the sunrise when letting the cat out (sorry no picture). Ah, have I mentioned how much I love daylight before 7:00AM?

Right Now

Trying to get this post done before my timer. I have to leave for work at 8AM and it’s 7:20. I’m ready except for breakfast and packing my lunch/water bag.

Thinking And Pondering

 

Thinking about a few work related things (nothing bad just wondering how the day’s going to be), the holidays (I am so sick of black Friday ads already…way too early!), and what we’re going to do for J’s birthday next week.

How I’m Feeling 

I can love standard time and still feel tired from all the time switching.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, vitamins, and probably a bagel. Or yogurt. Maybe both.

On The Lunch Plate

No idea, forgot to grab a November lunch menu from work. I’ll take a granola bar and some grapes in case it’s yucky.

On The Dinner Plate

Husband’s choice

What I’m Wearing Today

My “green bean” dress and tennis shoes. I wore this dress one day over the summer and one of my favorite kids (graduated now) told me I looked like a giant green bean. We were having green beans for lunch that day and I did match. Ha! So, this shall forever be my “green bean” dress. It’s a short-sleeved, long dress.

On My Reading Pile

Still working my way through Tides of Fire by James Rollins though I have a wonderful stack of new library books waiting.

On My TV

Football…how ’bout them…CHIEFS! Of course, that game was a bit anxiety inducing but they won in the end. More football. Tried to watch the soccer game but we didn’t have any access (our local soccer team is in the MLS playoffs and won their match last night). Probably the usual stuff during the course of the week.

On The Menu This Week

Hunting season starts soon so we’re without my husband for part…and I’ll be going to the store later tonight so….no idea yet really.

MONDAY: husband’s choice

TUESDAY: French Dip sandwiches (carryover)

WEDNESDAY: Maybe minestrone? (Craving veggies)

THURSDAY: No idea

FRIDAY: No idea

Looking Around The House

I cleaned a little yesterday so there are pockets of clean but still places where you’d ruin your white gloves.

On My To Do List

• Enjoy this beautiful weather!
• This post
• Grocery store
• Make an actual menu for the week
• Mail birthday card to SIL
• Still need to write pen pal letter (I know…)
• Target trip

From The Camera

Took advantage of the beautiful weather yesterday to go for a nice long walk so all pictures in the post are from that. Am I the only one who sees a fairy dress here? 

Quote For The Week

Better to light a candle, than curse the darkness. (Chinese Proverb)

(Found on Pinterest, really wish I had a candle picture to go here but no time to search for one. Please forgive any typo/grammar errors in my post, typing in a hurry this morning.)

I know I’m not alone (hopefully) over here looking around going wait, it’s Halloween tomorrow and then, it’s November 1st. What happened? Does anyone else feel like you’ve just awoken from some sleeping spell? 

Bit of a busy week around here already with Halloween, a college band concert for J, and us having dinner plans on Friday night instead of our usual first of the month Saturday night. Time to join up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom and plan this week!

The Weather

Not my favorite. Um, COLD. It’s 26 degrees out there right now. And it’s supposed to be colder for trick or treating tomorrow. Those poor kiddos, coats over costumes! I’m happy to be at home on door duty this year. Rest of the week gradually warms us back up to the low 60’s for the weekend.

As I Look Outside My Window

The sun is shining brightly at least. Not outside my window but I took this photo of downtown off the tv, I was trying to catch the weather chart but was too late. You can see the 26 degrees in the lower left corner, brrr!

Right Now

I’m cold! And stalling on my Monday morning trip to the store. I should go early as I know everyone else is doing the same.

Thinking And Pondering

All the things! My massive to do list though none of it is critical (yet).

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Did I mention I’m cold? Ugh. Actually, thankfully, I’m in a nice, warm home with fresh hot coffee and plenty of blankets. Still freezing but grateful.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee (lots), vitamins, and a croissant.

On The Lunch Plate

Undecided, maybe some sort of pasta or just a sandwich

On The Dinner Plate

chicken and noodles

What I’m Wearing Today

a black marled long-sleeved t-shirt, olive green pants, and tennis shoes. However, my alter ego game person is dressed like this: 

On My Reading Pile

Read a great one called Zero Days by Ruth Ware last week, super interesting murder mystery. And a trainwreck of a book by David Baldacci called The 6:20 Man. For this week, I’ve started one called The Measure by Nikki Erlick that has me intrigued so far.

On My TV This Week

I don’t think I want to talk about the Chiefs game or the local news reporter saying they needed to “shake it off” this morning. Ugh. Just ugh. Why to Denver? Okay, done whining. I also watched some Halloween movies.

Thank you to Billie Jo over at Afternoon Coffee And Evening Tea for introducing me to Halloweentown last year. I’d never heard of it but it’s now one of my Halloween must watch movies, perfect for someone who doesn’t like scary. I ended up watching all of them except Return to Halloweentown (They changed the main actor and it just didn’t work for me, I tried and turned it off). And since the weather was cold and rainy (sometimes ice fell from the sky, too early!), lots of tv watching. I also watched Twitches and Twitches Too. Go Twitches, go twitches! Loved those movies as well. Finally, I also watched Dr. Who episodes (I’m to the season 4 specials), Fear the Walking Dead, The Voice, and The Masked Singer.

On The Menu This Week

Well, at least cold weather puts us in the mood for fall foods a bit. And can I just say how happy I was to wake up to additions to my grocery list? G has decided to cook a couple meals this week! Hooray. Less planning for me though I need to discuss the days with him.

MONDAY: Chicken and noodles

TUESDAY: *HALLOWEEN* taco soup, cornbread, sugar cookies, and of course, too much candy! Depending on plans, I might see if G would rather cook this day (he’s not a big taco soup fan and I feel like we just had it anyway). French Dip Sandwiches

WEDNESDAY: likely OUT as this is the day of J’s concert

THURSDAY: Garlic Butter Chicken Tenderloin with Lo Mein

FRIDAY: OUT

Looking Around The House

Well, at least my pretend dressing room is nice and tidy and ready for a Halloween party.

Need a Halloween Scare? Here’s the real view of the living room:

I did get a new plant stand for all the plants I had to bring inside. Still trying to make things fit though.

On My To Do List

WHO: Still need to write my pen pal that letter, J’s birthday is coming up fast, need to figure out what we’re going to do, SIL, need to get her a birthday card and mail it as well.

WHAT: Figure out bills for the next couple of months (insurance and taxes due right around the holidays, why?!), Clean the house and laundry, and a bit (a lot) of decluttering needs to happen, clean out email

WHERE/WHEN: J’s concert on Wednesday evening (still need to figure out where we’re going and if he has class prior), Dinner plans on Friday night (need time and place)

So while it feels busy, there’s really not all that much going on this week. Might be a good week to try and get things cleaned and organized. Of course, everything is subject to change around here.

From The Camera

The weather messed with my walking plans last week. Only got a brief walk in on Tuesday and then, too much rain during my other chances so the photos in the post are pretty much all from today.

Quote For The Week

(found on pinterest)

 

 

 

I’ve lots to do this week. Unfortunately, none of it is all that exciting. Just the basics. Sometimes that’s nice though. And look, I’m posting on an actual Monday! Sort of morning still on top of that. 

Let’s just get to it by joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Well, the weather app on my phone and the local news told us it was raining this morning. However, not at our house. Must have been all around us. There’s more in the forecast for the coming week. Sure hope it falls here. Otherwise, it’s warmer this week with a predicted high in the mid 80’s for today. Then, by Friday the high is 68. Decent chances of rain the next 3 days. Looking ahead to next week, it looks COLD. Better stop procrastinating on bringing my plants inside.

As I Look Outside My Window

My visiting birds are still sporadic. Did see a cardinal and the sparrows last night. Hoping to at least see a few migrating birds one day soon. Speaking of that, I spotted this little bird in the oak tree one day last week:      Some sort of warbler, I think.

Thinking And Pondering

A serious declutter of the house. Need to get it in some order prior to the holidays but I feel so behind in everything. Also, trying to get my calendar sorted a bit for the next few months, J has 3 concerts plus we have 2 birthdays (his and mine), G’s college graduation, plus all the usual holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Maybe a bit of house cleaning will be my focus for the next two weeks.

How I Am Feeling

I’m actually feeling pretty motivated this morning. Woke up early but must have slept somewhat decent. Adding frustrated because somebody is ready to play after their nap and keeps walking on the keyboard!

On The Breakfast Plate

English muffin with sausage, coffee, plus extra Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte from Starbucks (so good!)

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure, maybe just leftovers (so BBQ pulled pork sandwich)

On The Dinner Plate

Huli Huli Chicken is marinating in the fridge, rice, maybe broccoli on the side?

What I’m Wearing Today

Red Chiefs tee shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Between books! Over the weekend I finished the stack of Catherine Ryan Howard books I’d checked out of the library. And also finished Mistletoe and Mystery (The Paradise Cookery School book 3)  by Daisy James.

On My TV This Week

The Chiefs! (Actually, more on the radio for me as I was out and about a bit during the game), The Voice, Masked Singer, Loki, and today I’ll start watching the last of Fear The Walking Dead. The rest of season 4 of Doctor Who. Not sure what else.

On The Menu This Week

I don’t know why I was struggling to put one together for the week, maybe the weather?

MONDAY: Huli Huli Chicken (Just a note, I’ve checked a Six Sisters Stuff cookbook out of the library and so far almost all the recipes have been winners. A bonus is that they all seem to be online as well).

TUESDAY: Tacos *I work 2-4:30*

WEDNESDAY: Husband’s Choice (either BLT’s or French Toast) *I work 8-3:30*

THURSDAY: Pork Schnitzel, sweet potatoes

FRIDAY: Either BLT’s or French Toast or maybe Waffles, depends on what my husband makes on Wed

Looking Around The House

Ugh. Need to clean the kitchen, clear the living room clutter, clean the bathrooms, make the bed. You know all the basics and then actually deep clean.

On My To Do List

Need to glance back to see if my new to do list strategy worked….sort of. Giving it a bit more time.

WHO: my pen pal, write her a very overdue letter.

WHAT: pay a few more bills, clean the house, laundry, work

WHERE/WHEN: work on Tuesday/Wednesday so far, Bonfire on Saturday (maybe? Still need details, I was off a week for it last week)

So not a lot really going on this week which is nice.

From The Camera

Thanks to some unexpected road construction, I was still walking at the park when the Chiefs game started but I was able to see these planes circling for the fly over prior to kickoff so kind of fun. There were all kinds of gulls circling in the air as well so my first photo captured the planes and the birds.

Then, here they are in a row. Not as clear as I’d like but I was fighting with a tree line, wind, and moving planes so not as awful a photo as it probably should be either…

Quote For The Week

I thought of this quote on my walk yesterday as the leaves rustled in the wind:

Wild is the music of the autumnal leaves Amongst the faded woods. (William Wordsworth)