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.
- Laundry
- Wrap a few Christmas presents
- Christmas cards
- Make gingerbread cookie dough
- Find some recipes for fresh blueberries
- Clean basement and put new sheets on bed down here
- Clean entire house
- Check stockings/see what I still need to fill them
- Go for a walk outside (really want to make this one a priority)
- 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)
I’m so sad about the tornados and how horrible they were! I’ll be in prayer for your students family. It’s heartbreaking. Those sheets are so adorable! I love festive bedding! I also agree with the lack of making soups and baking. We are supposed to get in the 70s here this weekend. I can’t say I don’t love the warm weather, BUT, it does make it a little hard to get in the Christmas spirit when you have to wear a tshirt outside lol! I hope you have a wonderflu week, I’ve enjoyed reading your blog today!
Thank you! Our weather has been so all over the place but this morning feels cold, back down into the 20’s. Hope you had a great week (sorry for such a slow reply, last week really got away from me). Happy New Week!
So terribly sad about the tornados and all the devastation. Prayers for all those affected. It is unseasonably warm here in PA and therefore feeling less like December! I enjoy the cozy evenings better. Have a lovely evening, my friend!
Thank you. One thing about warm December days, the nights are still chilly and quite a bit colder than the nights in the summer/fall. Hope you are enjoying this season! (Sorry for my late reply)
Hello Love!
It’s been such crazy weather here too. You reminded me that I need to pick a word for the New Year too. I like doing that. Hhmmm. Need to think on that one a bit.
So devastating about those affected by the tornadoes. It sometimes feels like between all the shootings and weather events we get too desensitized to it all. It all hurts my heart every time. Praying!!!
I love your daybed sheets – cutest ever!!
I hope you truly get to take time to enjoy the peace and light and love of the season and all it’s about. 🙏
Blessings. xo
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook recently posted…Happy Homemaker Monday
This past week was a bit chaotic (weather) as well and busier than expected, sorry for such a slow reply. Hope you had a wonderful week. I’ve enjoyed reading your Blogmas posts on my phone (hard to comment from there). Happy week 4 of the Advent Season!
I love that verse in proverbs. Sweet bird decoration. Nice to visit your blog, sorry it’s been too long… name change foxed me. Not sure if five on five is still going? Take care
https://hooksandneedles68.blogspot.com/2021/07/hello.html?m=1
Cathy recently posted…Hello
Thank you. I’m so glad you found my blog again. Had some hosting problems then decided to maybe try a different direction with things and so the name change. The bird decoration was a gift from my work Secret Santa (the boss had my name and outdid herself a bit). I put up a five on five every once in a while but I’m not sure if there’s a new host for it anywhere. Sorry for taking a few days to reply, the busy season is definitely here. Hope you had a wonderful week. I work a fair amount this week but I’ll definitely make some time either today or later this week to pop by and visit your blog again. Happy New Week!
The weather and the storms have been so terrible for so many – keeping them all in my prayers. Sounds like you’ve had one of those weeks – I hope it went well. I can’t even believe this is Friday already, my week got away from me too.
I hope your weather turns a bit more wintry/Christmassy soon. BTW love the Chiefs ornament and thought about you a lot during the Chiefs Raiders game – knew you were happy. And your poor cake – hope your birthday was WONDERFUL. Have a GREAT weekend.
Tamy recently posted…BLOGMAS 2021 ~ DAY 22 ~ WEATHER & WINTER WONDERLAND
Yes, last week seems like such a blur now. It’s properly cold out there this morning, cloudy & in the low 20’s but our Christmas day is supposed to be in the 50’s. (Typical though, white Christmas has been a rarity around here for quite a while.) The Raiders game was something but I think the whole city needed a day to recover from the excitement of that Thursday night game. Didn’t even watch most of it (had errands) but saw the end. Melted ice cream cake still tastes good. LOL. Happy New Week!