Happy Homemaker Monday 2/26/24

It's hard to believe this is the last Monday of February.  While the winters here tend to be long; it's nice to feel that spring is on the way.  Since Easter is in March this year, Spring feels especially close now. Once again, I'm happy to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

It's sunny!!! It is also a bit warmer than it has been the past few weeks.  It's starting to feel a bit like spring. 

Outside my Window:

The sun is shining.  The trees are budding and I'm starting to get spring fever for some outside time in the yard doing some cleanup.  The temps aren't quite warm enough (or ground dry enough) yet; but it's nice to see that it's coming. 

Right Now I am:

Taking a minute to sit and blog while I wait for laundry and banana bread to finish.  

Thinking and Pondering: 

A phrase that has been a comfort to me over the past week or so and especially today.  I read a post on Instagram about how the phrase "I don't know" can be a prayer.  The phrase "I don't know, But God does, and I choose to trust Him" has been helping me to put things in perspective.  

 

I'm also pondering some projects; praying over which ones God would have me finish.     
 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

None this week.  

On my T.V this week:

No idea. Maybe catch up on some YouTube channels I follow.  We've also been watching the new live-action Avatar show; while not as good as the animated, it's still been fun to watch with the kids.

On the Dinner Plate:

Not sure yet.  We may order in or I might make chicken noodle soup. 

 

On the Menu this week: 

 

So far just chicken noodle soup and stuffed pepper casserole.  

 

What I'm Reading:

Bible

Exit Strategy (Book 4 of the Murderbot Diaries) -these are short (~150pgs each) books and just a fun scifi read.

Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe

On my To-Do list today:

Workout

Laundry

Catch up on random things

 

 

Plans for this week:

Catch up on laundry

Go to a school event for our son

Work on a crochet Kitty Pillow for our youngest.

Research some things for a possible project

Work on the newly installed trim (sand & possibly paint this week)

 Hem a couple pairs of pants

What I'm Creating:. 

I finally finished weaving in the ends on the blanket.  So, now I can share a picture! 

 

 

 
Now I'm working on a stuffed kitty pillow for our youngest.  After I made the whale she's been begging me to make her a giant stuffy so last week we found a pattern and I'm using up some blanket yarn from my stash.  I'm simplifying the pattern a bit, as I didn't want to buy any yarn for this project, but so far she's thrilled.

From the Camera:

We didn't do too many things during last week's vacation as some of the kids weren't feeling 100%; however, on Wednesday a friend texted last minute to see if we wanted to go snow tubing.  We went later in the afternoon and had so much fun.  A bonus of going later in the day was watching the sunset.

Highlight from Last week:

Tubing was definitely a highlight.  A couple other fun things were; having breakfast with a friend I don't see too often; Saturday I had an impromptu dinner out with two other close friends.

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

I've been studying through the book of Hebrews.  I love the emphasis on how we can be confident of God, of our eternal salvation and of all of His promises.  Hebrews 4:16 speaks of the privilege we have as His children to  "with confidence draw near to the throne of grace".  

The word for confidence here is parrésia - meaning freedom of speech, confidence, boldness.  In this verse the idea is "free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage" that's how we can come before God's throne!  We can come fearless, cheerful and pour out all of our thoughts to God, we have freedom to speak to Him.  What a comfort and privilege prayer is; and a challenge to never lessen the value or take for granted the great honor it is that we can come before the God of the universe. 

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all!

Happy Homemaker 2/19/24

Another Sunny Monday here,  I hope you all are having a great Monday.  The kids are on winter break this week so it's a bit of a different week.  We are enjoying the relaxed mornings and time together.  I'm glad to have a few minutes to sit and blog. Once again, I'm happy to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

It's sunny!!! It is also a bit warmer than it has been the past few weeks.  It's starting to feel a bit like spring.

Outside my Window:

The sun is shining.  The chicadees are at the feeder.  We've had a surprising number of cardinals this year as well.  One day I looked out and counted eight cardinals in the magnolia tree next to the feeder. 

Right Now I am:

Taking a minute to sit and blog while I grab a late lunch.  

Thinking and Pondering: 

How I need to make some big changes in my thought patterns and pondering some practical steps to implement immediately.     
 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

None this week.  

On my T.V this week:

No idea. Maybe catch up on some YouTube channels I follow. 

On the Dinner Plate:

Pesto chicken pull apart sliders with cucumbers and carrots on the side.

On the Menu this week:

Need to figure this one out. 

 

What I'm Reading:

Bible

Rogue Protocol (Book 3 of the Murderbot Diaries) -these are short (~150pgs each) books and just a fun scifi read.

Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe

On my To-Do list today:

Workout

Laundry

Sand trim

 

 

Plans for this week:

Catch up on laundry

Passport appts for kids

Breakfast/brunch with a friend

Finish sanding and paint baseboards

Enjoy the extra time with the kids

 

What I'm Creating:. 

 I'm also almost done with my daughter's blanket; I just need to weave in all the ends and then it's done.  I've been tempted to post a picture since the front looks done but I'm using that as incentive to get those ends woven in!  Hopefully this week. (still not done!).  I did finally finish painting a hook board that I had put together about a year ago.  Now that it's done I have no idea what I will do with it. 

From the Camera:

So, my older kids grew up watching Looney Tunes.  I had bought a collection of (I think) 6 DVD's and they loved watching them.  Over time the DVD's became scratched and we had to get rid of them.  Since this happened before the youngest two were born they've never really seen Looney Tunes. My oldest kids joke that I've "neglected" my duties by not introducing the youngest ones to Looney Tunes.  So, this week I remedied that. Here is a picture of them enjoying a few of the cartoons.

Highlight from Last week:

A special time at The Gathering Table with other ladies from church.  Hubby also took the youngest to her school dance.  I had helped set up for the dance and was there when they arrived; she was so excited!

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

Today I want to share a "new to me" song that we recently sang at church

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all!

Happy Homemaker 2/12/24

Good Monday Morning!  It's sunny here!! I hope you all are having a great Monday.  We have another busy week here (and a predicted snowstorm too!) so I'm glad to have a few minutes to sit and blog. Once again, I'm happy to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

It's sunny!!! We had the first good weather weekend in awhile; which was wonderful.  We were able to get some outside tasks started. 

Outside my Window:

The sun is shining.  It's hazy but the sun is getting through.

Right Now I am:

Taking a minute to sit and blog while laundry finishes and the bread finishes it's first rise.  

Thinking and Pondering: 

How I so need God's wisdom each day.    
 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

I listened to a couple of David Platt podcasts last week.  They are always both challenging & encouraging and filled with Scriptures.   

On my T.V this week:

No idea. Maybe catch up on some YouTube channels I follow. 

On the Dinner Plate:

I'm not sure yet.  We had a few people over for the Super Bowl last night but didn't end up cooking all I had bought since we had SO much food.  So, maybe dumplings & fried rice?

On the Menu this week:

Ham Dinner 

Pea Soup (one of the kids requested this so that's why I'm making the ham)

Whatever else I throw together with what's in the freezer & pantry.  Oh, I am planning to make a nice steak tip dinner to celebrate Valentine's but it'll be on Friday since we have church activities on Wednesday evenings.

 

What I'm Reading:

Bible

Rogue Protocol (Book 3 of the Murderbot Diaries) -these are short (~150pgs each) books and just a fun scifi read.

Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe

On my To-Do list today:

Workout

Laundry

Make Bread

Clean up random things around the house

 

 

Plans for this week:

Make Bread

PTO Meeting

Drop off Sewing Machine for Maintenance and Repair

Keep up with housework

Finish weaving in ends on daughter's blanket

Get older kids packed and off to camp

The Gathering Table

Help Setup for K-4 Someone Special Dance (PTO Task)

Write 2 notes & send out

 

What I'm Creating:. 

 I'm also almost done with my daughter's blanket; I just need to weave in all the ends and then it's done.  I've been tempted to post a picture since the front looks done but I'm using that as incentive to get those ends woven in!  Hopefully this week. 

From the Camera:

I don't really have any.

Highlight from Last week:

Some very sweet time with God in prayer and study.  Also spending some time with the Women's Ministry team praying and planning for this year.

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

 

 Over the past week I've been focused a lot on the subject of prayer.  How Jesus is faithful to hear and answer our prayers, how we can have confidence that how He answers is always best, the privilege of prayer, and also how we are to be persistent in prayer.  This morning's Bible reading was from Matthew chapter 26 and the verse below caught my attention. 

So often I can feel that taking something to God in prayer over and over shows a lack of trust; and yes, sometimes it probably does.  But, we see here that Jesus, fully trusting His Father, still went back, praying the same prayer.  It was an encouragement that when things are hard, God knows that trials weigh heavy on us and that we need to keep running to Him.  For strength, reassurance and the comfort that comes from being in His presence.  While nothing we face will be on the same level as Jesus going to the cross; the example He leaves for us is still true.  Our Father loves us, and wants us to always bring our concerns, praise and desires to Him over and over.

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with a difficult person

Happy Homemaker Monday 2/5/24

Phew...Made it!  Last week was very busy here and I didn't have any time to sit down and blog.  It was a good week filled with good things but very busy!  On Monday the kids had a 2 hour delay so they had a shorter school day.  I spent the time after they left deep cleaning a room.  Tuesday I was blessed to get to visit with my sister; we don't live far apart but it just seems we don't get together nearly as much as we'd like.  Wednesday I had some time out with a friend and then another friend and her daughter joined us for dinner.  Thursday I was able to be home and Friday was errands and a much needed hair cut.  So, again, a great week but busy.  I'm happy to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.    I hope you all are having a great week and start to this new year.

The Weather:

It's chilly here but sunny!!! It has been soooo dreary and gray the last few weeks that having sun is such a blessing.  I'm very ready for spring and warmer weather.

Outside my Window:

The sun is shining.  There are buds on the ornamental plum tree and the magnolia tree; which seems very odd for the beginning of February.  

Right Now I am:

Taking a minute to sit and blog while laundry finishes and the bread finishes it's first rise.  

Thinking and Pondering: 

How patient God is with me.  He never tires of us bringing our thoughts, praises, requests and concerns to Him.  He is always there to listen, teach, guide and correct.  I'm so thankful for the relationship He provides through His Son, Jesus.  
 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

Haven't listened to any this week. 

On my T.V this week:

No idea. Maybe catch up on some YouTube channels I follow.  Oh, and my husband introduced me to a new one called Sandwiches of History.  I already follow Tasting History and love that channel so the sandwiches one should be fun...I just really love history. 

On the Dinner Plate:

Tonight is Moo Shu Chicken using this recipe and substituting chicken for the pork.   I'll cook up some brown rice to go with it since a few of the kids aren't fans of tortillas.

On the Menu this week:

Ham Dinner 

Pea Soup (one of the kids requested this so that's why I'm making the ham)

Beef & Barley Soup

 

What I'm Reading:

Bible

Artificial Condition (Book 2 of the Murderbot Diaries) -these are short (~150pgs each) books and just a fun scifi read.

Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe

On my To-Do list today:

Workout

Laundry

Make Bread

Clean up random things around the house

Women's Ministry Meeting tonight

 

 

Plans for this week:

Make Bread

Women's Ministry Meeting

Get Oil Change

Eye Dr. Appt.

Keep up with housework

Finish weaving in ends on daughter's blanket

Write 2 notes & send out

 

What I'm Creating:. 

I finished the whale for the fundraiser, both it and the shawlette sold so I'm happy!  I'm also almost done with my daughter's blanket; I just need to weave in all the ends and then it's done.  

 

 

 

                                                     

This is my 6yr old cuddling him. 

From the Camera:

Other than the whale pictures I don't really have any.

Highlight from Last week:

It was great to hang out with my sister one day and a friend another day.  I'm so thankful for the ladies God has brought into my life.

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

I'm studying through Hebrews and this verse in particular caught my attention.  As my readers know, I love to dig into the original forms and meanings of the words.  The two words merciful and faithful are the ones I focused on here.  Reading through the original meanings brings so much beauty of this verse into focus. 

eleémón - merciful, acting consistently with the revelation of God's covenant. Actively compassionate.

pistos - faithful, trustworthy.  Trusty, faithful, of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties. 

This made me think of the verses in 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 where we are told that " For all the promises of God find their Yes in him."  Jesus is faithful to fulfill all that God has promised!  He always acts consistently with God's covenant. 

**all lexicon information is from biblehub.com

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with a difficult person.