Happy Homemaker Monday

For awhile I've been thinking about joining in the Happy Homemaker Monday posts done by Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom   With so much emphasis on what we do outside our homes it's always nice to see how others are managing the inside stuff of home and family.  I'm not sure I'll do this every week but thought it would be fun since I have a minute.

 

The Weather:::

 Since it is now officially spring it's nice to see some warmer weather in the forecast this week.  I much prefer the warmer weather so seeing that the weather is supposed to be in the 50's most of the week is encouraging.

As I look outside my window:::

After a few dreary days the sun is shining this morning and the skies are blue!

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

Thinking and pondering:::
Between yesterday's sermon, last night's devotional that I do with the little girls, and a study I'm currently doing on Jude; the theme seems to be prayer!  So thinking of ways to incorporate intentional prayer.  Also, contemplating a blog post for later in the week.       

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 but I do have a few podcasts to catch up on.       


On the lunch plate:::
I eat a late breakfast so I don't usually have lunch, just a snack later in the afternoon.  

 

On the dinner plate::: 

Thinking grilled cheese sandwiches and a salad. 

 

On the menu for this week:::

I need to start working on the new meal plan, again.  Feels like these weeks are flying.

 

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

Chili & Cornbread

Grilled Cheese & Salad

Pea Soup

Baked chicken thighs with veggies

 

 

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 - Make bread, dishes     

Laundry - Wash & Dry all laundry (possibly fold)

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

Weekend cleanup (random things that didn't get done)

Several phone calls

Plans for this week:::

Meal plan and grocery list

Sand & 3rd skim coat (if needed) in entryway.  

Prime & test paint colors in entryway (if skim coating gets done)

Car inspection

Hair appts for girls

What I am creating:::

Crochet tunic top

Re-doing the entryway (skim coat over textured walls, sand, prime, paint)

From the camera:::
I love the sunlight pouring in from this window:   

 

 

Bible verse, Devotional, Quote:::

 

 

On my prayer list:::

Friends & Family
  

Kid's Bible Study Recommendation: LithosKids

 Over the years I have used several different Bible Study books with our kids.  Some were specific for girls or boys others were not.  I've mentioned before that I love the Jesus Storybook Bible; the way that it ties the Bible together and shows how it ALL points to Jesus is wonderful and the illustrations are lovely. It is still one of my favorites.

This past Christmas our youngest two were gifted a book titled Little Pilgrim's Big Journey Part II it is the sequel to Little Pilgrim's Big Journey which is based on  John Bunyan's original book Pilgrim's Progress.  The book is well made, beautifully illustrated and as we read through the book I loved the setup.  At the end of each chapter there is a page that explains the analogy, gives corresponding Scriptures and asks some questions.  The stories and questions were engaging for both our 5yr old and 9yr old.  As we finished the book we were all a bit sad as we had really enjoyed it.

 

I did some research and found out that LithosKids was just releasing a Bible Study called The Kingdom of God; the format is very similar to the other book.  This study is split into two books; one for the Old Testament and one for the New Testament.  I ordered the set and we have started reading through them. The accounts are taken directly from Scripture and each chapter has a review page showing God's presence and promises in each account. There are still questions at the end of each chapter as well to review the Biblical account.

 

 This picture is a little confusing.  There are only two books

the greenish item on the left is the box they come in.

These are not inexpensive books but the quality of both how they are made and the lessons in them are definitely something I could see being used over and over again and even being passed down to future generations. If you have kiddos these books are a great resource; you can find these on the Lithos Kids website

 

**this is not a paid endorsement and I have no affiliation with Lithos Kids I simply love their books and sharing with others great resources I find. 

A few March/Spring goals

 It's been a busy few weeks around here.  We were able to get away for a much needed vacation over February break.  With kids moving out of High School and into adulthood it's hard to say how many more vacations we'll be able to do with all of us so this was a really special time away.  As part of that trip we were able to visit a college our oldest daughter is interested in attending.  We were impressed with the college and are now just praying and trying to figure out finances. 

A couple days after we came back I was able to participate in the Read Across America event at the Grammar School.  Read Across America is an annual event to encourage reading and takes place on or around Dr. Seuss's birthday.  It was a fun time and especially fun to surprise one of our daughters as I was able to read for her class.  I read the book Daisy Head Mayzie by Dr. Seuss. 

So, now that I'm back to my normal (although every week still seems to be different) routine I wanted to set some goals.  I was originally going to say these were March goals but really they are spring goals.  I'm writing these down for my own accountability. 

- Keep up with cleaning routines.

- Go through toys and games and separate into donate or resale piles.

- Research online resale sites or plan for a yard sale once the weather is good.

- Follow Monday through Friday exercise routine.

- Go through my own clothes

- Finish crocheting squares for tunic.

- Start one of the devotionals I have next to my bed: 

   Or          

 So, those are my goals.  

Do you have any recommendations for online resale sites?  Mostly for local sale of toys, household items and possibly a few clothes?

Want to help me decide which devotional to do next?  Which one would you choose?