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.

Happy Homemaker Monday 1/22/24 (on a Tuesday)

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.

Wisdom for how to deal with a difficult person.

Happy Homemaker Monday 1/15/24

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.

Word of the year - 2024

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.