Happy Homemaker 5/15/23

 

Life continues to be hectic here but I'm thankful we've been able to take some time to rest a bit amid the busyness.  I am glad to be able to join in this week on the Happy Homemaker Monday posts done by Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom    . 

The Weather:::

Today is gorgeous.  We're finally getting some sun and temps in the 70's.  Continuing to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and warmer temps

As I look outside my window:::

A lot of green, the foliage is on most of the trees now and the bunnies in the yard are very active.

Right now I am:::
Blogging, waiting for bread dough to rise.  Just taking a minute before jumping into the rest of my day.        

Thinking and pondering:::

Thankful for God's provision.  Deciding what order to do tasks this week.

On my bedside table:::
Water bottle, phone charger, notecards, multiple books.       

On my tv this week::: 

Probably not much.  Possible some Junior British Bake Off since there is a new season and the kids and I always enjoy it.

Listening to:::
The dishwasher going, birds singing.        


On the Breakfast plate:::

Had a brunch of a vegetable omelet topped with sliced avocado.  Coffee and a small bowl of fruit with unsweetened yogurt.

 

On the dinner plate::: 

Stuffed peppers

 

On the menu for this week:::

Instead of sharing this week's menu I wanted to share some of the healthier dinners we had last week.  We're not going Keto/super low carb but these were great recipes to reduce the carbs we had.  They were a hit with everyone so I'll be printing them to add to our family recipe binder. 

Greek Chickpea Salad - One of our kiddos has an allergy to raw tomato so I left that out and added more cucumber.  I paired this with shark.  All the kids LOVED the salad; they weren't huge fans of the shark so I'll stick with other fish I know they like.  This has also been added to the menu for an upcoming graduation party.

Keto Beef Stew - Most of the kids really liked this and no one missed the potatoes.  It does have a lot of mushrooms and a few kids don't like those. I'll probably find something else to use so there aren't so many next time.  I also just used corn starch in water to thicken this at the end.  It was delicious.

Egg Roll in a Bowl AKA Keto Crack Slaw - this is a recipe I'd seen Mrs. T mention on her blog Across My Table - I'm not sure if this is the exact recipe she uses but this recipe was fantastic.  I didn't have ground pork so I used ground beef and just drained it really well and wiped out the pan.  This was another big hit with everyone.  Quick, easy and very flavorful.

Paleo Asian Chicken Cabbage Salad - While the chicken was cooking several family members wandered in from other rooms to see what smelled so good.  I used regular frozen peas and soy sauce instead of the snow peas and coconut aminos.  

Tonight we're having Stuffed peppers and I'll be using brown rice in those.

Crockpot sausage & peppers is also on the menu. 

 

 

On my reading pile:::

42 Years in the White House

Bible 

Jude: Contending for the Faith by Jackie Hill Perry - Yep, still working on this.  I'll admit I didn't really get to it last week.

On my to do list today:::

Make Bread

Laundry 

General clean up from the weekend (although with house projects everything is a bit of a mess right now)

Finish painting outside railing

Figure out schedule for this week

Plans for this week:::

Meal plan and grocery list

Continue with flooring/renovations

What I am creating:::

Crochet tunic top; The squares are done, now I need to figure out a setup to block them before joining them.

Continuing some house projects.

From the camera:::

Last week we celebrated our anniversary.  While the kids were at school we drove to a new-to-us bike trail and enjoyed a beautiful bike ride along the ocean. It was so wonderful to spend time together and enjoy the gorgeous weather and views.  Definitely a place we want to go again.

I'm not sure why this came out a bit dark, it was a beautifully sunny day.

 

 

 

Bible verse, Devotional, Quote:::

I believe that there are no coincidences when it comes to language in the Bible.  This past week I noticed a phrase used in a verse that I'd never noticed before.  Psalm 40:12 says "For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me." that made me think of a verse I am familiar with; Luke 12:7 "Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." 

God has numbered every hair on our head; He loves us so much.  When our troubles seem overwhelming He knows every detail of what is happening and cares for us through those troubles. David ends Psalm 40 with this assurance of care and deliverance.  Psalm 40:17 "As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!"

 

On my prayer list:::

Friends & Family 

 

It's been nice to jump back in this week.  I hope you all have a lovely week.

Happy Homemaker 5/8/23

 Life has been hectic here.  I've been wanting to sit down and blog but time just hasn't allowed for that.  Between birthdays, a family funeral (more on that later), house renovations and end of school year events for our senior.  It's been almost non stop...but in a good way.  I am glad to be able to join in this week on the Happy Homemaker Monday posts done by Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom    . 

The Weather:::

Today is gorgeous.  We're finally getting some sun and temps in the 70's.  It's wonderful. (we even got in our first family bike ride of the season yesterday) 

As I look outside my window:::

Beautiful sunshine pouring through the windows.  The crab apple tree is in full bloom with lovely pink flowers. 

Right now I am:::
Blogging, waiting for bread dough to rise.  Just taking a minute before jumping into the rest of my day.        

Thinking and pondering:::

Thankful for God's provision.  Deciding what order to do tasks this week.

On my bedside table:::
Water bottle, phone charger, notecards, multiple books.       

On my tv this week::: 

Probably not much.  We did go out last night as a family to see a movie in the theater; it's not something we do often and was really fun.

Listening to:::
The birds singing.        


On the Breakfast plate:::

Coffee

 

On the dinner plate::: 

Not sure, probably some sort of salad with chicken since I have some cooked chicken to use up. 

 

On the menu for this week:::

Okay, so this is something else I'm pondering.  Needing to make some dietary changes; so need to rethink some of our meals (the joys of getting older).  What are your favorite meals that are either vegetarian or full of veggies?  Some Breakfast ideas that are low/no carbs (and not always eggs)?

 

 

On my reading pile:::

42 Years in the White House

Bible 

Jude: Contending for the Faith by Jackie Hill Perry - Hoping to finish this up this week; it's amazing how much God has to say in such a little book.  I've been tempted to rush through at times but haven't because I really want to absorb what's there.

On my to do list today:::

Make Bread

Laundry 

General clean up from the weekend (although with house projects everything is a bit of a mess right now)

PTO meeting

Figure out schedule for this week

Plans for this week:::

Meal plan and grocery list

Paint outside railings

Continue with flooring/renovations

Date day?

What I am creating:::

Crochet tunic top; I have 1 more granny square then I need to figure out the design to connect them.  The plan is to have the squares corner to corner vertically so it will form a v-neck and pointed tunic hem.

 

Continuing some house projects.

From the camera:::

So, a bit about these pictures.  Last year my gram turned 102 years old.  There was a lovely birthday party and at that party I gifted her this snow globe.  She has always loved birds, with cardinals being her favorite. Despite her failing memory I was always able to connect with her in some way through cardinals.  I'm so thankful that she did recognize me at that visit and told me she thought the gift was beautiful.  Near the end of April I was able to visit her once more; we knew she was very close to passing so I also took my two older girls with me and they were able to say their goodbyes as well.  A few days later she passed; I'm so thankful that she had trusted Jesus as her Savior and we have the assurance of seeing her again one day.  The snow globe was returned to me and now sits on my dresser.  It's a lovely reminder of my Gram and how God used a bird to help us connect in her final days. 

 

 

 

Bible verse, Devotional, Quote:::

I shared this a few years ago after my great Aunt had passed and thought it was fitting to share again.

Only One Life
C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

 

On my prayer list:::

Friends & Family 

 

It's been nice to jump back in this week.  I hope you all have a lovely week.

Spring Goals: How it's going so far

 In March I posted a few goals for the spring.  I posted these more as a way to keep myself accountable so in that spirit here is an update on how it's going.

The goals I posted were:

- Keep up with cleaning routines. - I've done this for the most part but with ongoing house renovations everything is a bit of a mess with closets and rooms emptied into other rooms

- Go through toys and games and separate into donate or resale piles. - haven't done this yet

- Research online resale sites or plan for a yard sale once the weather is good. - looked into this a bit; still need to decide the best option 

- Follow Monday through Friday exercise routine. - I completed a 30 day exercise routine today.  I really like it.  I'm starting a 2nd round tomorrow so I've modified it a bit; adding extra reps and a "bonus" goal to help stay motivated.

- Go through my own clothes - haven't done this yet due to other more pressing tasks taking up time.

- Finish crocheting squares for tunic. - worked on this; I have 3 1/2 more squares

- Start one of the devotionals I have next to my bed - I haven't started one yet as I'm still finishing up a study on Jude by Jackie Hill Perry.

So, there you have it. It was good to review this list.  

Happy Homemaker Monday 4/17/23

 I'm thankful to have a few minutes again this week to join in on the Happy Homemaker Monday posts done by Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom    I missed joining in last week.  Between Easter, feeling under the weather and continuing house projects the week was very full. 

The Weather:::

Today is cloudy and drizzly.  It's definitely an April kind of day. 

As I look outside my window:::

Everything is wet but it's great to see a lot of green.  The Magnolia tree has blossomed and is starting to lose some of it's petals (I posted a picture of it in full bloom on my week in pictures post)

Right now I am:::
Having coffee and getting ready to head out to run some errands.           

Thinking and pondering:::

What order to do things this week.  When I'll have time to post a few blogs I have in my head.

On my bedside table:::
Water bottle, phone charger, notecards, multiple books.       

On my tv this week::: 

Don't really watch much TV but I've been enjoying some UK real estate & renovation programs on YouTube.  We also have a family TV night where we watch the latest episode of The Mandalorian.  The kids have also requested some sort of movie marathon night this week.  (The Boston Marathon is today so it's fitting to do some sort of "marathon" this week).  

Listening to:::
Kiddos talking, One of the kids vacuuming upstairs.        


On the Breakfast plate:::

Coffee

 

On the dinner plate::: 

Swedish meatballs, with egg noodles. 

 

On the menu for this week:::

So far I have:

Swedish Meatballs with Egg noodles and a vegetable side

Chicken Broccoli Tetrazzini 

Shantung Chicken with Lo Mein Noodles

Loaded Baked Potato Cassserole

 

 

On my reading pile:::

42 Years in the White House; SO excited about this because I waited years to find a reasonably priced copy.

Bible 

Jude: Contending for the Faith by Jackie Hill Perry

On my to do list today:::

Run some errands

Laundry 

General clean up from the weekend (although with house projects everything is a bit of a mess right now)

Plans for this week:::

Meal plan and grocery list

Paint ceilings (with hubby's help)

Start laying new flooring??

Mail graduation party invites

Plan birthday party

Visit Gram?

Hike with the kids

What I am creating:::

Crochet tunic top; I have 3 1/2 more granny squares then I need to figure out the design to connect them.  The plan is to have the squares corner to corner vertically so it will form a v-neck and pointed tunic hem.

 

Starting some house projects.

From the camera:::

I'm sharing another progress picture of the entryway.  It's amazing how much brighter it is without the dark orange tile and textured walls.  It's completely a blank slate and I'm excited to start putting in the new flooring and painting.

  

 

 

Bible verse, Devotional, Quote:::

I'm currently reading through the Old Testament and just started 2 Samuel. I was struck by the phrase "how the mighty have fallen" which David uses several times in his lament for Saul (2 Samuel 1). Saul spent so much of his life paranoid and fighting to control others and keep his power; in the end it was all for nothing; good reminder that God is Sovereign. No matter how we try to control, manipulate and fret over our lives God's Will and Kingdom is Supreme.  As His children we can rest in Him and trust His ways.

 

On my prayer list:::

Friends & Family 

 

It's nice to jump back in this week.  I'm hoping to get another post up this week about how my goals are going. I posted about some March/Spring Goals at the beginning of March. 

Week in Review: Picture Edition

 I haven't done a picture heavy post in awhile so here's a glimpse into our week; it included a beautiful Easter Sunday baptism, some crafting, spirit week at school, fun school event and gorgeous weather with a fully blossomed magnolia tree. Not pictured is more work done on house projects.

 

 

lt really IS a Good Friday

"but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."

Romans 5:8-10

 

“For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn  the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

John 3:16-17

 

My Jesus

By: Anne Wilson

What Kind of Man?

By: Legacy Five 

 May you know the JOY & PEACE of Salvation through Jesus.  HE has conquered death!

Happy Homemaker Monday 4/3

 I'm thankful to have a few minutes again this week to join in on the Happy Homemaker Monday posts done by Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom   This past weekend was full and as we enter Holy Week I've planned in some slower days to rest and reflect on all Jesus went through for us.  We are hosting Easter dinner for our large extended family so next weekend will be another busy one. 

 

The Weather:::

Another sunny Monday this week. It's so much easier to get motivated when the weather is sunny.  It's April so while the weather is again supposed to be in the 50's it is also supposed to be pretty rainy.

As I look outside my window:::

Looking at all of the buds on our magnolia tree. It usually blossoms Easter weekend so I'm looking forward to seeing the flowers soon.

Right now I am:::
Just finishing breakfast and enjoying my 2nd cup of coffee.           

Thinking and pondering:::
This week I'm going through a YouVersion devotional with some ladies from church; it's titled Easter Explained.  So, with that in mind I'm pondering Who Jesus is and what He accomplished for His Glory and our good.        

Thinking about another blog series on a passage of Scripture (see past posts on Psalm 73 for reference of what I'm talking about).

On my bedside table:::
Water bottle, phone charger, notecards, multiple books.       

On my tv this week::: 

Don't really watch much TV but I've been enjoying some UK real estate & renovation programs on YouTube.  We also have a family TV night where we watch the latest episode of The Mandalorian 

Listening to:::
Nothing right now; I'm enjoying a few moments of quiet.       


On the Breakfast plate:::
I eat a late breakfast so I don't usually have lunch, so here's my breakfast plate:

Piece of french toast, orange, coffee 

 

On the dinner plate::: 

Some sort of pasta with sausage dish. 

 

On the menu for this week:::

I need to start working on the new meal plan, again.  I meal & grocery plan on Tuesdays so on Mondays I'm usually done with the last meal plan.

 

I don't usually assign meals to each day but on the menu so far are:

Pasta & sausage recipe (need to find one I want to use tonight; any favorites?)

Beef Stew

 

 

On my reading pile:::

A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon (great historical fiction read about Deborah Samson)

Bible 

Jude: Contending for the Faith by Jackie Hill Perry

On my to do list today:::
Kitchen - Dishes     

Laundry - Wash & Dry all laundry (possibly fold)

Crochet - trying to finish squares for tunic top I'm making/designing.

Work through more of the Jude Study

Follow up with some people regarding work we need done.

Plans for this week:::

Meal plan and grocery list

Sand prime & paint wall patch in den

Kid Dr. Appts.

Plan for Easter

Continue with house projects

Hair appts for girls

What I am creating:::

Crochet tunic top

Starting some house projects.

From the camera:::
So satisfying to see the improvement in the entryway.  The smooth walls are so much nicer and brighter. You can see a bit of the texture that was there in the left of this picture. 

  

 

 

Bible verse, Devotional, Quote:::

Thoughts on Mark 11:12-25 Easter Explained devotional:

"But when Jesus stops the buying and selling of sacrificial animals, he isn't just dooming a corrupt system; he's also offering himself as an alternative sacrifice. Turning over the tables is also Jesus' way of saying that he is willing to be the sacrifice that grants all nations the forgiveness of God.  So I pray that on this Holy Monday you will accept Jesus as your new temple and as the free sacrifice that grants God's forgiveness to people from all nations." 

 

On my prayer list:::

Friends & Family 

 

And that's my post for this week.  We have a very busy couple of months coming up so I'm not sure how consistently I'll be able to blog. Thanks for stopping by I hope you all have a wonderful week!