I met a friend for coffee yesterday. We aren't able to get together very often so it was such a blessing to sit and catch up. She is a dear sister and it's always such an encouragement to chat. Running a bit late this week on this post but didn't want to miss out so I
thought I'd take a minute 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 a bit warmer today than it has been the last few days. We're supposed to get some more snow and rain in the next few days. I'm so ready for sunny days but it doesn't look like we'll be having many anytime soon.
Outside my Window:
It's very cloudy and dreary today. There's still snow and ice covering most things but I expect that won't be the case after the expected rain later this week.
Right Now I am:
Taking a minute to sit and blog before continuing work on a new crochet project.
Thinking and Pondering:
That I really need to get a move on the new project so I can finish before Saturday. Also thankful for a productive morning. I've jumped back into an exercise routine that has worked well in the past and I'm really enjoying it. It's funny how that we can forget the benefits of good habits and focus on just the negatives of "having to do this" but when we jump back in it's so good.
Podcasts I'm listening to this week:
Haven't listened to any this week. Oh...I take that back, I listened to The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey where she interviewed Laura Story. Laura wrote a book titled When God Doesn't Fix It. I've had the book on my to-read list for awhile so it was nice to listen to the interview.
On my T.V this week:
Finishing up the miniseries Archie, which is a biopic of Cary Grant.
On the Dinner Plate:
Tonight is Bao Buns and fruit salad
On the Menu this week:
Sausage, Spinach & Potato Soup (this is a copycat recipe for Olive Garden's Zuppa Tuscana)
Bao Buns and Fruit Salad
Italian Beef Sliders
Chicken Caesar Salad
What I'm Reading:
Bible
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah (about 80% done with this; it's gotten a bit better)
Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe
On my To-Do list today:
Workout ✓
Laundry
Make Well-child appts for 2 kiddos ✓
Clean Bathrooms ✓
Work on Crochet project
Attend a wake for a friend's father
Plans for this week:
Make Bread
Meet friend for coffee ✓
Keep up with housework
Finish crochet project
Help with pasta dinner & silent auction fundraiser
Attend concert
Write 2 notes & send out
What I'm Creating:.
I finished the shawlette for the fundraiser! 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 also started crocheting a giant whale amigurumi to add to the fundraiser auction. I finished the top last night so now I just need to crochet the bottom, sew them together and stuff him. It's working up pretty fast so I should be able to finish in time.
Here are a couple pictures of the shawlette. I didn't like how the tassels looked so I added a couple wooden buttons instead. Now it works as a shrug, scarf or shawlette draped over the shoulders.
From the Camera:
I didn't take many pictures this week.
Highlight from Last week:
Last week was our monthly ladies meeting at church. We're continuing to study through the Lord's Prayer. This month we discussed the idea of daily bread. We also had a meal of soup and bread together. It's always a great time to connect and learn with these ladies.
Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:
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.
Since today is MLK day our kids had the day off from school and no work for Matt. One of the art museums in the city was also having a free day for state residents so we headed into the city. The line was 3 sides around the Museum when we got there! We decided to walk about 1/2 mile over to a place I knew about for lunch; it's basically an upscale food court with many options. We had lunch and then headed back to see how the line was doing. It was still quite long but by God's grace we were able to get in and spent about 2 hours wandering around. I love art museums and there are pieces at this one I'm always excited to see. I definitely could have stayed longer but the younger girls were getting restless and since they have school tomorrow we decided to head home. It's been a fun, busy day but I have a quiet moment so I
thought I'd take a minute 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 still cold. We went into the city today and walked around. It was cold but sunny so not too bad all in all as long as you kept moving.
Outside my Window:
Well, it's dark now but all the snow is gone from our yard; although I think we're supposed to get more tomorrow. We also now have tree branches and cut up tree trunk in our front yard that will have to be moved to near the fire pit for burning.
Right Now I am:
Taking a minute to sit and blog while I have a few minutes before putting the younger girls to bed.
Thinking and Pondering:
Honestly, it's been a tough week in a few ways. I'm so thankful for how God works and am praying and striving to keep my focus on Him and his faithfulness. Speaking of faithfulness; I chose my word for 2024; you can read all about it in the post titled Word of the Year - 2024. I hope you'll read it and if you have a word share it there.
Podcasts I'm listening to this week:
I listened to one by Tony Evans and part of one by American History Tellers.
On my T.V this week:
Hoping to finally watch the Oppenheimer movie
On the Dinner Plate:
We had leftovers
On the Menu this week:
We're still working through the menu I wrote last week so some of the meals that we will have this week are:
Taco Soup
Sweet Potato Bacon Chowder
20 Minute Moo Shu Chicken with pitas
Pesto Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Chicken Bake
What I'm Reading:
Bible
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah (I'm about 1/2 way through and not that into it but I'll probably push through and finish it)
On my To-Do list today:
Spend day with Matt & Kids
Plans for this week:
Make Bread
Make a meal for a friend
Gathering Table (monthly women's group at church)
Finish shawlette
What I'm Creating:.
I'm still working on the Philomena Crochet Shawlette It is working up quickly and coming out nice so far; I'm hoping to finish it this week.
From the Camera:
I didn't take many pictures this week.
Highlight from Last week:
Last week I was able to take a long walk with our oldest. He heads back to school on Friday so the extra time to just walk and talk was a real blessing. Another blessing was when our oldest girl called me the other night; she was super excited about some things and was excited to call me and chat about it. I'm so thankful for the closeness we have with our kiddos. I know that life stages will come and life will get busy but I'm treasuring these moments. It was also fun to spend the extra time today with our younger kids.
Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:
I always enjoy Warren Weirsbe's "BE" series. I recently purchased his study on Hebrews called "BE Confident: Live by Faith not by Sight". I'm looking forward to digging deep into this book.
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.
It's always fun for me to see how God leads each year. Last year I chose the word comfort, you can read about it in this blog post. As 2023 came to a close I was pondering which word I might choose for 2024. I have a letter board in our entryway and usually change up the verse each month with verses containing whatever my word is for that year. One way that I see if I've chosen the "right" word is if the first verse God brings to mind fits on that letter board; it's a little silly but has worked for me.
There were two words that I was considering for 2024 as they kept coming up over and over last year. One was healing/healed and the other was faithful. The verse that I was considering for healed was Jeremiah 17:14 "Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise." as I was putting it on the letter board I realized I would not have enough of each letter to do the whole verse. As I thought about it more I realized that healing comes when we are faithful to God, when our focus is on Him and we trust Him in all our circumstances.
Faithful is a word that God had already given me in 2023. So many times I want my circumstances to change, I want others to change, I want my own weaknesses and issues to go away. But God keeps reminding me that so much in life is not mine to carry. This blog post sharing the Wagon of Rocks story was a huge encouragement to me regarding what I am and am not to carry. He has asked me to be faithful to Him, to trust Him, to keep my focus on Him. It's very easy for me to get distracted, to have my thoughts go awry but God has simply asked me to be faithful.
So, this year I'm focusing on the word faithful. Right now the verse I have on the board is 2 Thessalonians 3:3. According to the lexicon, the original Greek word for faithful, used here, is pistos; meaning faithful, reliable. In this verse more specifically the idea is "trusty, faithful, of God, abiding by His promises"
Have you chosen a word for 2024? I love to see what God has laid on other's hearts so drop a comment and share.
Happy New Year! It has been a busy two weeks with celebrating Christmas, ringing in the New Year and getting our oldest daughter headed back to college. I'm thankful for the slower pace and relaxed routines we were able to have; although school breaks are never long enough! We finally got some snow; almost a foot of it! So the kids have a snow day today while the city, schools and people dig out. I thought I'd take a minute 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 cold here today, but very sunny. It's pretty to see the sun shining off the snow and the snow covered trees.
Outside my Window:
Snowy & Sunny! I still need to clean off my car (again) from all the snow. Speaking of my car, yesterday we had 1/2 of our mulberry tree fall on top of my car! Thankfully there was very minimal damage and no one was outside when it happened. My car is older so I'm not even worried about the dent caused.
Right Now I am:
Taking a minute to sit and blog while bread dough is rising and laundry is finishing.
Thinking and Pondering:
Many things! What needs to get done this week, how I need to trust God more, how to best honor God in a specific situation, whether or not God is calling me to a specific ministry and what that would look like.
Podcasts I'm listening to this week:
I listened to a couple by Kelly Minter over on her Cultivate podcast. I love how God works; last year I read Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, after many weeks of not listening to a podcast I decided to listen to Kelly's podcast from last January about starting a new year. The teaching was from the story of Mary & Martha and was exactly what I needed to hear that day.
On my T.V this week:
Hoping to finally watch the Oppenheimer movie
On the Dinner Plate:
Chicken Pot Pie.
On the Menu this week:
I actually sat down this morning (first time in several weeks) and wrote up a menu.
Spinach & Artichoke Pasta
Fish & Chips with carrot sticks & cucumber slices
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas (filling served over brown rice)
Taco Soup
Big Mac in a Bowl
Sweet Potato Bacon Chowder
20 Minute Moo Shu Chicken with pitas
Pesto Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Chicken Bake
What I'm Reading:
Bible
I'm currently looking for my next book to read.
On my To-Do list today:
Laundry
Make Bread (mostly done) ✓
Vacuum Main Floor ✓ (thanks to daughter doing this for me)
Blog
Clean off Car & clean up driveway some
Plans for this week:
Return some things to a lady we served with this weekend
Run Errands
Get together with friends Friday evening
Work on shawlette for Youth Group fundraiser (silent auction item)
Continue working on daughter's blanket
What I'm Creating:.
With all the holiday festivities I haven't had a lot of time for crafting. I did start crocheting a shawlette using this pattern for the Philomena Crochet Shawlette It is working up quickly and coming out nice so far.
From the Camera:
I don't have alot of pictures as I was focused on just enjoying the time with family but here are a few from the past couple weeks.
The kids had a lot of fun playing in the snow yesterday.
On Friday night we went to the city for a date night.
It was pretty to see some of the Christmas decorations that were still up.
Kayson likes being up high so this is his favorite
spot to hang out when we are in the basement.
Highlight from Last week:
There have been many highlights over the past week. Celebrating Christmas with family and friends, the beautiful Christmas Eve services at church, extra family time & a more relaxed pace over vacation, getting to go on a fun date night and today having a snow day.
Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:
There are days and weeks where I feel like I'm doing well with trusting God. Then there are other weeks where every day is a struggle and things that I thought I had left in His hands come barreling back and knock my faith to it's knees. The why's and other questions can be so discouraging. Recently I had been having one of those weeks; I was wrestling with God and fighting hard to not fall back into old habits and unhealthy coping mechanisms. I didn't really feel like listening to worship music but Spotify has a Release Radar list that they update with new songs from artists you've listened to, I listen to many different genres of music; however, since much of what I listen to is, in fact, worship music there are often new worship songs. I put the playlist on, half listened to the first song and then this song came on next. As the song played I started smiling and praying. Okay, God, I hear You. It's a great reminder to keep trusting, keep enduring, God does care He does see and He doesn't forget....Don't stop praying!
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.
Another Monday! This month is flying by, I can't believe that Christmas is only a week away! Both our college kiddos are home and I *think* I'm done Christmas shopping. Tomorrow is a baking day and I'm hoping to finally watch a few Christmas movies this week. I'm thankful to be able to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.
The Weather:
Rainy! It has been warm here (about 60 degrees!) but sooo rainy today.
Outside my Window:
It's later in the day so the sun has set. It's still raining outside.
Right Now I am:
Blogging listening to the kids chatting.
Thinking and Pondering:
All the things to get done this week. Tonight will be the start of wrapping gifts.
Podcasts I'm listening to this week:
Haven't listened to any this week.
On my T.V this week:
Not sure. Maybe a Christmas movie.
On the Dinner Plate:
Broccoli, potato & cheddar soup.
On the Menu this week:
Soup
Spinach Pie
What I'm Reading:
Bible
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
On my To-Do list today:
Laundry ✓
Errands ✓
Start wrapping gifts
Plans for this week:
Keep up with housework.
Wrap gifts
Make cookies
Awana & Youth Group Christmas parties
Prep & facilitate Gathering Table study (we're doing a study on the Lord's Prayer)
Continue decorating & preparing for Christmas
What I'm Creating:.
I'm excited to share that I actually had time to craft this past week! I'm done the graphic part of my daughter's blanket (she chose the graphic); so now I just need to finish the background to make it the length of a blanket and then add a border.
I also was excited to repurpose some greenery. This swag used to have lights in it but when we plugged them in this year they were dead. The pinecones were also falling out. I went to the craft store but didn't find a good replacement; however, I did find this lovely bow. So, I came home, removed the lights, hot glued the pinecones back on and added the bow. I love how it came out.
From the Camera:
A picture from the middle school concert. We were ableto see our girl walk in but unfortunately she was in the back on the other side of the stage. All the kids did a great job!
It is great to have our older two home. Our oldest and youngest have always had a very special bond. She is very happy to have him home for a few week.
Highlight from Last week:
So many highlights; from watching our girl perform her first concert playing the trombone, to our oldest two coming home for Christmas, to helping with a School Festival and book fair. It was a full, fun week.
Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:
I recently saw a video of Times Square where Silent night was broadcast and the true story of Christmas was shared. Many people, who said they were believers, were complaining about who sponsored the event. As I watched the video I was reminded of Paul's words in Philippians.
Here is the video:
I probably will not post on a Monday until after the New Year so I'd like to wish you all a
Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
On My Prayer List:
Family & Friends who are ill.
Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.
Safe travels over the next several weeks as many family & friends are traveling.
Wisdom in parenting
Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.
Happy Monday! Getting a slow start this morning but I'm thankful to be able to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.
The Weather:
Cold
& cloudy. Hoping for some sun later this afternoon; but definitely makes it hard to get moving with such a cloudy morning.
Outside my Window:
Cloudy
and still wet from the rain yesterday. Almost all the leaves are off the trees now so looking a bit bare out there.
Right Now I am:
Blogging and contemplating what to do next.
Thinking and Pondering:
What I need to get done today. How much Christmas decorating I want to do; we got our Christmas tree yesterday and will be decorating that this evening. Figuring out how many bins of decorations to bring down from the attic.
Podcasts I'm listening to this week:
Haven't listened to any this week.
On my T.V this week:
Not sure. Maybe a Christmas movie.
On the Dinner Plate:
Chili is in the crockpot.
On the Menu this week:
I went grocery shopping but need to figure out an actual menu for this
week. We have some busy evenings so probably will have a few crockpot
meals.
What I'm Reading:
Bible
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
On my To-Do list today:
Finish Laundry
Clean Bathrooms ✓
Pay some bills
Decorate Christmas Tree
Plans for this week:
Keep up with housework.
School Band Concert
Help with School Festival
Pick up two oldest from airport (two different days)
Continue decorating & preparing for Christmas
What I'm Creating:.
I'm
still slowly working on my daughter's blanket but haven't had much time
for crafting lately.
From the Camera:
In January we tragically lost our cat Bennett; we have taken most of the year to let the kids grieve and have a break from having a pet. However, over the past month or so we've decided that it was time to start looking for another cat. We were specifically looking for a longhair cat, preferably male. This little guy popped up on our local SPCA website; we went in the next day and brought him home. He's adjusting well and the kids are thrilled to have another cat to love on. As you can see the noise of the house doesn't bother him at all and he likes being around all of us.
Highlight from Last week:
Getting a new cat was definitely a highlight. The kids love having him here.
Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:
Loving people can be hard! I recently chatted with a friend who shared how that they had been very hurt by a church they were atttending. It's hard to keep loving other believers, those who should "know better" when we have been so deeply hurt. As I read these verses today I was reminded how that our focus, and where we place our hope, is foundational to being able to keep loving others even when we are hurt. We have a heavenly hope, a treasure stored up for us in heaven, a Gospel Truth that can never be changed. We must keep our focus on these things, keep our faith in God only, and keep loving as He loves.
On My Prayer List:
Family & Friends who are ill.
Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.
Safe travels over the next several weeks as many family & friends are traveling.
Wisdom in parenting
Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.
Welcome December! I'm slowly gathering things for Christmas but definitely not ready yet. I'm thankful to be able to join in this week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.
The Weather:
Cold & cloudy. It' supposed to be pretty chilly all week. I'm not a huge fan of snow but I love to have some for Christmas so it would be nice if we got some in the next couple weeks.
Outside my Window:
Cloudy and still wet from the rain yesterday. Our neighbors across the street have their house all decorated so it's pretty to see their Christmas lights at night.
Right Now I am:
Blogging and enjoying a quiet moment after a very hectic couple of weeks.
Thinking and Pondering:
What I need to get done today. Whether to cook for dinner or just have leftovers.
Podcasts I'm listening to this week:
Haven't listened to any this week; although a friend recently recommended the podcast called History that Doesn't Suck so I'm hoping to check that one out soon.
On my T.V this week:
Not sure. Maybe a Christmas movie.
On the Dinner Plate:
Not sure yet; either something quick or leftover chicken pot pie.
On the Menu this week:
Beef & Barley Soup
What I'm Reading:
Bible
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
On my To-Do list today:
Finish Laundry
Errands ✓
Write note to prayer partner & compassion child & mail them. ✓
Plans for this week:
Keep up with housework.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Help with Scholastic book fair
Continue decorating & preparing for Christmas
What I'm Creating:.
I'm still slowly working on my daughter's blanket but haven't had much time for crafting lately. I may make some mug shaped gift card holders (including a gift card of course) as teacher gifts but we'll have to see how the week goes.
From the Camera:
My husband and I were blessed to get away with friends for a few days. While we did have some pretty significant bumps along the way, God blessed and provided and we were able to enjoy the time away and connecting with friends. When we got home I had to replace my phone and in doing that I lost several of the pictures I took. I'm hoping they are on the memory card from the old phone so I'll have my husband check that this week. This is one of the only pictures that I still have on my phone. We were able to have a special dinner at a rooftop restaurant. After eating dinner we were encouraged to go out on the balcony to watch
fireworks. It was such a fun way to spend and evening.
Highlight from Last week:
There were several highlights from last week. Seeing God provide in very special ways was definitely at the top. The second would be the wonderful candlelight processional we watched. The music, the Scripture and the venue were all beautiful. I had pictures of this but alas, they aren't on my new phone.
Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:
I recently saw a quote that said something to the effect of
"When we are feeling lonely or overlooked it is often a sign that we have put someone else in the place of Jesus."
It was a great reminder that we are to find our ALL in Jesus and He promises to never leave us or forsake us. He is El Roi; the God who sees us. We are never left alone or overlooked by Him. Others may hurt or disappoint us but God is faithful to His promises and we can trust fully in His presence and love.
On My Prayer List:
Family & Friends who are ill.
Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.
Safe travels over the next several weeks as many family & friends are traveling.
Wisdom in parenting
Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.
