Friday, January 03, 2025

{ A slow start to the year }

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This year hits different for me.
 
I've always been a person who gets super anxious at the end of a year and beginning of a new one, mainly because I get this sense of impending doom, not knowing what is coming, what is going to happen, will we all still be here at the end?  It's unnerving and I absolutely despise that feeling.
 
Also, the feeling of needing to change things, needing to be better, do better.  
 
This time it is different.  I mentioned in a previous post that I wasn't feeling that anxious and had decided to just embrace the new year and go with it.  But, I also don't feel that need to change this or that, rather I feel the need to continueContinue being healthy, continue doing what I've been doing, continue leaning into God and His word.  
 
I think maybe my word for this year may just be CONTINUE!
 

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My mornings have been slow, of course we are still in this holiday limbo, and I don't know about you all but I'm so ready to get out of this season and into the normal routines and schedules.  

Everything feels a bit discombobulated at the moment, there is no routine, there is not set time for anything, there's far too much eating of stuff we shouldn't, you know the drill, I think we're all in that little bubble at the moment.

As much as I have enjoyed having Curt home for the past two weeks, the time with family, the food, and the laughter, the slow mornings and naps in the afternoons, I am yearning for a stricter routine.  I need it.

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How beautiful is my boy Elliott?  I often sit in wonder that God would bring us this gorgeous boy, who was a wild kitty, abandoned by his mother.  I don't think I've ever seen such a gorgeous wild cat.  And what a blessing that he is ours ♥

I don't have much to share with you today, but that's ok, remember I said I would love to try and post every day, even if just sharing a photo or something I'm doing?  Well here's me doing just that.

So you get a photo of my yummy morning oatmeal, which has been my go to for a while.  When I enjoy a certain breakfast I tend to stick with it and can eat it, for many many days, without getting sick of it.  That's a good thing I think.

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Just going to finish this post off with some of my plants.  When I think back of years gone by where I killed every plant I ever owned, I am shocked that I am able to have so many now, and such beautiful ones too.

Many of these have been gifted to me from Curt's cousin Cindy.  Her husband Ed loves plants, grows so many and is always sweet enough to share cuttings with family.  Knowing I adore plants too, I always get some new ones.  

You may notice the one on the far left of the picture has a bag underneath, well that's because I need to move it to a bigger pot and get it settled.  Actually looking at the picture now, the only one that doesn't need a new bigger pot is the big one on the right.  The others all need new homes, and that's on my agenda for either this weekend or Monday.

I also worked on my Nordic Winter Afghan a bit more.  I really want to get that blanket off the hook and onto my lap, this winter.  It's an easy blanket to make and works up pretty quickly, but I just haven't had the time.  Hoping to change that in the next few days/weeks.

I hope you've all had a blessed Friday.  Tomorrow and Sunday are gym days for us, although, with hubby home this week, we've gotten in a lot more gym time.  Last week we went twice during the week and then the weekend too, and this week we've already gone 3 times, and then 2 more this weekend, so overall, we are doing well.

Will see you all back tomorrow, right here, with a cup of hot coffee and no doubt some more babbling posts.

Thursday, January 02, 2025

{ Reading Goals for January }

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Hello, hello, welcome to the second day of January 2025.
 
You may be shocked to see another post from me, the third in a row.  Yes it's me, I haven't been hacked by a good blogger who posts all the time (hahah).  It really is me.  
 
I want to get back into my old way of blogging and I really want to try to do that this year.  As I mentioned in my previous post, there are a few things that I want to do and stick to, and one of those is definitely taking the time to post more frequently, to share my memories and to be more present in my little corner of blogland.
 
Slowing down and stepping away from social media, albeit not completely, but cutting back on posting and wasting so much time online, for me, means getting back to who I really am.  The girl that loves to cook and bake, read and crochet, sew and take photographs.  That's who I really am and that's who I want to continue to be.
 
I think I've just reached a time in my life, now that I am 50, that I have zero patience for nonsense, and don't want to give energy to things that don't bring me joy, or contribute to my well being.
 
Anyway, all that just to say that I am planning on blogging more.  I've told myself that I don't have to rush back and do huge, long written posts, that it's ok to do smaller little things, as long as I'm putting in the effort here on the blog.  So we will see!
 
Now, I want to just talk to you about my reading goals for January.  

I decided that instead of having a huge pile of books for the whole year, I would break it into months and strive for a certain amount of books each month.  I also want to try and do themed months, where I read a different kind of genre, or a specific author.

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With that in mind, my pick for January is Janette Oke, who is without a doubt, one of my favorite book authors.  I love the way she writes, I love her stories, her characters, the settings and the sweet family oriented books.  
 
They're just good family books that I so enjoy reading.  I actually wish all her books were made into TV series, not just Where the Heart Is.  Maybe one day, right?
 
Even though she has a few series, I picked her Women of the West series for my first reading choice.  I am just missing the last 3, but they are on the way from Thriftbooks.

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Women of the West is a series of standalone novels; each one dealing with a different woman living in the west and her relationship with God.
 
Book 1 - The Calling of Emily Evans
Book 2 - Julia's Last Hope
Book 3 - Roses for Mama
Book 4 - A woman named Damaris
Book 5 - They called her Mrs. Doc
Book 6 - The Measure of a Heart 
Book 7 - A Bride for Donnigan
Book 8 - Heart of the Wilderness
Book 9 - Too Long a Stranger
Book 10 - The Bluebird and the Sparrow
Book 11 - A Gown of Spanish Lace
Book 12 - Drums of Change
 
I am not sure that I will get to the whole series in the month of January, but that is what I'm shooting for.  However, if I don't make it, I will just shift them to the month of February, which is not a problem at all.

Looking at the list, I think I might break them in half, and read the first 6 books this month and then move the next 6 to February.  

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I am also starting my Bible from the beginning again.  I have read it completely from Genesis to Revelation, I think 2 years ago, and loved it so much, that I've decided it's time to do it again.

I thought I would just go again straight from the beginning to the end, but then I remembered that a couple of years ago I purchased the Chronological Tour Through the Bible by Ron Rhodes.  After praying about it, I felt that I should do that instead, so that is what I'll do.

The Ron Rhodes book is a kind of Bible Study, read along, which takes us through the whole Bible in chronological order, breaking it into sections.  I'm quite excited to read it this way and I'll definitely share more on it as I go.

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For devotional, I have once again picked up one of my favorites, which is The New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp.  It is such a wonderful devotional series.

What are your reading plans for 2025, do you plan on reading more, not reading at all, do you have books picked out or are you more of a read whatever you pick up at the moment, kind of girl?

Would love to know, and if you want to share what you're currently reading, or plan on reading soon, I would like that very much too.

Have a blessed rest of Thursday!

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

{ New Year Fun - 2024 }

 

Every year, on the last day of the year, I do this post.  It is a way of looking back on what we've done, where we've been and what has happened throughout the year.

2024 was a good year for us, not that anything major happened, but in the sense that it was a year of normalcy.  From 2020 on, it's been absolute hell at times, lots of loss, grieving, difficult situations and so on.  For the longest time, I felt I couldn't breathe, couldn't catch a break and was just ready for normalcy, for quiet, for nothing to happen.  God brought us through all the difficult years, and when I look back now I honestly wouldn't have done it without him.  I don't know how I survived those years, it's almost a blur.
 
My wish for 2025, is that it is a continuation of 2024, in the sense of normalcy, of normal living, of normal day to day life.  It's all in God's hands, and I've given it all to Him, and asked Him to take the reigns, that His will be done and not mine.  Though I don't do goals for the new year, I do have a few things this year that I want to focus on.  Lost of these I already do, like my health journey, the 10k steps a day and eating less processed, and working out everyday even if just 5 minutes, plus going to the gym every Saturday and Sunday, but want to continue focusing on them.
 
  • Stay strong on my health journey
  • 10 000 steps a day
  • Eat healthy, less processed 
  • Gym twice a week, workout every day
  • Read more
  • Blog more
  • Live more
  • Do more of what I love, sewing, photography, knit/crochet
  • Less social media
  • More family wholesome movies and tv shows
  • Read the whole Bible again
  • Do more devotionals
 
My wish for you all is that you are blessed beyond measure.  That God brings you blessings, and health and joy in the new year.  That if you don't have a relationship with God, that you start one.  
 
I thank you once again for being with me throughout 2024, and truly hope that you stick around for 2025 and beyond.  
 
Much love to you all ♥

With that said.....goodbye 2024, and hello 2025!!!

Post the first sentence of your first blog post of each month. You can also add a favorite picture from each month.

Happy New Year everyone!

******************************************
 
January 2024
Good morning my friends, and welcome 2024!

 
 
February 2024
This month has been a bit of a blur, it seemed to have come in quietly, quickly moved through the year and disappeared out the back door with nary a sound.

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March 2024
Good morning ladies, welcome back to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. 

 
 
April 2024
Good morning everyone, welcome back to my blog.

 
 
May 2024
Can you believe that we are already in May?

 
 
June 2024
Well good morning, it is almost noon here in North Texas, and I just got done editing some photos to share with you, have a chat and just a quick catch up I guess.

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July 2024
Raise your hand if you are obsessed with books.  I'll go first ✋ 

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August 2024
Hello everyone, how have you all been?

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September 2024
Good morning Fall, so happy to see you!

September 1, 2024
 
 
October 2024
Starting today, I am doing a 31 days of prayer for my husband.  

 
 
November 2024
Good morning from a very wet and rainy Texas.

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December 2024
Hello December, hello my favorite time of year.

November 30, 2024
 
 

Monday, December 30, 2024

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/30/2024 }

 
Good morning dear friends, and welcome to the very last Happy Homemaker Monday, of 2024.  Can you believe that we are at the very end of this year?
 
I always go into the end of a year, and beginning of a new one, with a bit of anxiety and trepidation, not ever knowing what to expect and that leaves me a bit overwhelmed.  But this year, I have decided not to allow that feeling to overtake me, but rather to embrace the year that is coming upon us, with love and excitement instead.  
 
We are blessed to be here, and no matter what may come our way, we have to stand in faith.  I've been thinking about this for days and I really want to change things around me, to remove myself from social media (not completely but a LOT), and to focus more on living, on being in the moment, of spending time with those who truly matter and doing things that I love.  Returning to my blog, returning to daily posts, to reading wholesome books, and watching wholesome shows.  That is my hope!
 
Anyway, let's get on with our last HHM for this year.  I wish you all a very happy and blessed new year, for you and your families.  May God continue to bless you immensely, in every single area of your life.  Thank you for being here with me, even though I've been a terrible blogger for the past year, but seeing your sweet comments every week, just brings the biggest smile to my face, so thank you.
 
Have a blessed week friends! ♥


 
*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 
The weather has been strange.  A bit too warm for this time of the year, tornadoes ravaging our State, just weird. 
 
Monday - Clear and Windy,  75
Tuesday - Sunny, 54
Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 50
Thursday - Partly cloudy, 58
Friday - Partly cloudy, 58
Saturday - Mostly cloudy, 67 
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 45
 
 
 *** Things that make me happy ***
God.  Everything about Him, everything He's done for me and continues doing.  Reading the Bible replenishes my soul and faith and just leaves me feeling happy.    
 
 
*** Book I'm reading *** 
I am going to read the whole Bible again, starting January 1st.     
 
 Women of the West series, by Janette Oke.
 

  
*** What's on my tv today *** 
YouTube
Homemaking Vlogs
 
Great American Pure Flix
Christmas movies 
 
Amazon Prime
Emily of New Moon (very similar to Anne of Green Gables)


 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
Cup of cinnamon honey coffee, and some scrambled eggs with turkey sausage.
 
 
*** On the lunch plate *** 
I'll be having some chickpea tuna salad. 
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
Tomato and Onion Fish Fillets, Curried Rice, Salad.  
 
 
*** On the menu *** 
Will be working on the new meal plan today, so as usual, meals are only until Wednesday.

Monday
Tomato and Onion Fish Fillets, Curried Rice, Salad
Tuesday 
Fettucine Alfredo, Garlic Bread
Wednesday 

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday


*** On my to do list *** 
Change bed linens
Gym workout
Meal plan and grocery list
Oil change in my car

 
*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 
I have a few written down to try this week, one of those will be for a Turkish Pasta.  Can't wait to try and share with you.  I've neglected my food blog for far too long, need to really get back on that. 
    
 
*** What I am creating ***
This week I'm working on my Reading list for the month of January.  Reading is something I fell back in love with last year, but December was not a good month for me, I've been so busy that I have not read a single book.  Ugh!
 
But yes, I will be sharing my January reading list, this week. 


 
*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 
Foggy mornings, something I love so much during this time of the year.
 
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*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
Today's verse: 
You Lord are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. - Psalm 86:5  


Monday, December 23, 2024

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/23/2024 }


Good morning friends.  Welcome back to my blog.  
 
I want to start by wishing you all, and your families, a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, blessed New Year.  I know Christmas is not today, but I won't be back on the blog until next Monday, and didn't want to go without wishing you all a Merry Christmas. 
 
I am currently sat on my couch, with a cup of cold coffee.  It seems that in the winter this is the norm, by the time I get to the bottom of the cup, the last few gulps are cold.  Yuck!
 
It is just shy of 5:30 AM, and as always, I have been up since 4:30.  The older I get, the earlier I rise.  I used to think that was a weird thing when I was a child and my grandmother and greatgrandmother would be up around this time, but I guess it's a normal thing.  Hahahah
 
Today is going to be, well, today and tomorrow, are going to be super busy days for me.  I know that once I get up from this couch, I will hit the ground running and only stop on Christmas morning.  Would you believe that only today, Curt and I are going Christmas shopping?  We just haven't had the time.  So, shopping and probably wrapping today, tomorrow I will be in the kitchen all day long cooking, because as you know us Portuguese celebrate the 24th.  I have a ton of things to make and bake.  It's going to be busy and chaotic for the next two days, but I'm looking forward to it, and then resting on Wednesday, and by this weekend, all the decorations will be gone.  I'm over it already LOL 

Have a blessed week ♥


 
*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 
You guys, we went from Winter to whatever this is.  We are going to have hot weather this week, which is not right for Christmas, in my opinion.  Anyway, high 60s.  Nuts!  
 
Monday - Cloudy chance of rain,  67
Tuesday - Cloudy, 59
Wednesday - Cloudy, 55
Thursday - Rain, 58
Friday - Cloudy, 63
Saturday - Sunny, 66 
Sunday - Cloudy, 67
 
 
 *** Things that make me happy ***
Portuguese food and our traditions.   
 
 
*** Book I'm reading *** 
Reading Luke in the Bible.   
 
I set aside Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.  Not because I wasn't enjoying it, but because I caught up on When Calls the Heart, and suddenly wanted to read all my Janette Oke books, so I started the Women of the West series.  I just love her writing and her books, they are good family, homey kind of stories that I enjoy so very much.
 

 
 
*** What's on my tv today *** 
YouTube
Vlogmas 
Homemaking Vlogs
 
Great American Pure Flix
Christmas movies 
 
Hallmark 
Christmas movies  

This category does not change much for me, although today there will be not tv watching, except for some quick vlogmas videos on Youtube while I get ready to go out.

 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
Just my cup of coffee, but I will have some Weetabix soon. 
 
 
*** On the lunch plate *** 
We are going to be in town, so we are actually picking up Jasmine from her place, and taking her to lunch with us at McAlisters, which is a deli with delicious sandwiches and soup.  I can't wait. 
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
Not sure what time we will be back, so I'm going to make a quick Spaghetti for dinner.  
 
 
*** On the menu *** 

Monday
Spaghetti, Salad
Tuesday 
Christmas Eve:
Rissois de Camarao (Shrimp Rissoles)
Croquetes de Carne (Meat Croquettes) 
Bola de Carne (Meat Bread)
Sausage Rolls
Sausage Bites
Sliders
Bolo de Bolacha (Portuguese cookie cake)
Rabanadas
Tronco de Natal (Yule log)
Vetkoek and Mince 
Sandwiches
Bruschetta  
Wednesday 
Leftovers
Thursday
Oven Fish Fillets, Tomato Rice, Zucchini Squash
Friday
Pizza
Saturday
Fend for yourself
Sunday
Mediterranean Chicken legs, orzo, bean salad


*** On my to do list *** 
Change bed linens
Christmas Shopping
Wrapping presents
Gym with hubby

 
*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 
No new recipe this week as I'll be making family favorites for Christmas.
    
 
*** What I am creating ***
Still working on the Nordic Winter Afghan and scarf.
I am however creating paper snowflakes for my gifts.  I did it before and loved how they turned out, so decided to do it this year again, mainly for the bigger gifts.

 
*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 
I have found such peace in reading by the fire.  It just helps me to forget about everything and replenish my soul.  
 

 
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
Today's verse: 
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1: 9  


Monday, December 16, 2024

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/16/2024 }

 

Good morning friends, and a very happy Monday to you all.
 
I hope you've all been doing well.  I am fine now but was sick last week with what seemed to have been a cold/head cold/sinus kinda thing.  I'm so thankful that I am well now because truly, there's nothing worse than being sick around Christmas.  I guess when we were younger and had no responsibilities, it would have been ok, but when you are hosting, and have a ton to cook and a Christmas to put together, it's not exactly the best thing to be under the weather.
 
If any of you are sick, I pray you get well soon.
 
Ok, let's move on with our post for today.  I'm trying to get this up quickly because I have a pretty busy homemaking day ahead.  
 
Have a blessed week ♥


 
*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 
Winter....that should tell you all you need to know.  Although, yesterday we hit the mid 70's.  Crazy Texas! 
 
Monday - Partly cloudy,  64
Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 68
Wednesday - Mostly sunny, 53
Thursday - Sunny, 62
Friday - Partly cloudy, 69
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 59 
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 61
 
 
 *** Things that make me happy ***
Remembering old Christmas passed.  The ones in my childhood, the ones when my children were younger, just all of it. 
 
 
*** Book I'm reading *** 
Reading Luke in the Bible.   
 
Physical book..... Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.  
 
 
 
*** What's on my tv today *** 
YouTube
Vlogmas 
Homemaking Vlogs
 
Great American Pure Flix
Christmas movies 
 
Hallmark 
Christmas movies 

 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
Cup of coffee and 2 pieces of multigrain bread toasted, with 2 scrambled eggs.
 
 
*** On the lunch plate *** 
Not sure, honestly can't think of anything right now.    
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
Turkish Chicken, Rice, Broccoli and Cauliflower.
 
 
*** On the menu *** 
Will be working on the new meal plan over the next couple of day.

Monday
Turkish Chicken, Rice, Broccoli and Cauliflower
Tuesday 
Roasted tomato, garlic and cream cheese pasta, garlic bread, salad  
Wednesday 
Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Cabbage
Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

 
*** On my to do list *** 
Change bed linens
Sort out my closet
Vacuum and dust
Mail out Christmas cards (I know, kinda late this year)
Meal plan and grocery list
Budget for the month
Christmas gifts list

 
*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 
I still haven't made the Melomakarona - Greek Cookies.  Not sure if I'll get to them, but I will try. 
    
 
*** What I am creating ***
Nordic Winter Afghan. 
Knitting a scarf.

 
*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 
I have found such peace in reading by the fire.  It just helps me to forget about everything and replenish my soul.  
 

 
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
Today's verse: 
Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. - 1 Corinthians 13: 4-5 


Friday, December 13, 2024

{ Catch up }

Good morning sweet friends.  I hope this post finds you all well.
 
 
 
I wanted to come in an chat a little, show you what I've been up to, and also explain why the Blogmas unfortunately dropped away after only 8 days.  My intention is always to do the full 24 days and while some years that is doable, some others it's not.  This year, I wanted to get it all done, and thought I would be able to, but I fell sick with a head cold and have been slowly moving through this week, just trying to feel better.
 
It's par for the course, isn't it?  This time of year, the temperature changes, always seems to knock off a couple of us, or, a lot of us.  There is so many friends sick at the moment.  If you are in the same boat, I wish you all well and pray that you heal fast.
 
 

December 13, 2024

December 13, 2024


T
he weather has been just perfect for this time of year.  We've woken up to foggy mornings that leave a mysterious atmosphere in the air, although they tend to quickly turn to windy conditions which I am not a fan of, at all.  

 

I

got the Christmas trees set up.  Usually we do the white tree and then a real tree, but this year, I decided to get another artificial tree, just to have for those years I don't get around to purchasing a real one.  It's not exactly what I prefer, but I have to be practical, and this year I just haven't made it round to the tree lot and it's too close to Christmas now to get one.  These will just have to do.

December 13, 2024

December 13, 2024 

B
aking has been an ongoing thing, mainly just with cookies and my sourdough, which by the way, I think I finally found the perfect sourdough starter.  I've struggled with my starters for years, but this one started a little rough (meaning it took longer to develop than the usual week), but once it did, oh my goodness, it's been just amazing and soft and spongy full of bubbles.  

December 13, 2024

December 13, 2024

December 13, 2024

December 13, 2024

December 13, 2024

December 13, 2024

December 13, 2024

December 13, 2024

L
astly, the kitchen got a little mini makeover, remodel.  We had a double oven that stopped working last year.  We've been meaning to get rid of it and just never got around to it.  Well, we finally did.  We pulled it from the wall, and my wonderful husband Curt, built me some shelves where the oven used to sit.  
 
 
I
absolutely love it.  It has opened up the kitchen, it has given me a place to pop in the microwave which had been sitting on the counter the whole time, and taking up way too much space.  We added some lighting as well, and I just can't believe how much I adore that little space.

December 13, 2024

December 13, 2024

T
hat's about it. In between these moments, I have found time to sit by the fire, drink my tea or coffee, and read a book. 

 

W
e need to take time to slow down during this season. There's just too much going on, too many places to be, get togethers and gifts and too much noise, in my humble opinion. The older I get, the more I want to go back in time to simpler quieter times. I am not cut out for these crazy busy holidays, it tends to take away from the magic of Christmas. 

 

A

nyway, enough about that.  I hope you're all enjoying the season but also taking time to slow down and smell the coffee and gingerbread.  Have a wonderful day friends!

Monday, December 09, 2024

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/09/2024 }

  
Good morning friends, how was your weekend and how is your Monday morning going?
 
We woke up to a very foggy morning, which I absolutely love.  I just love fog, I don't know why.  But yes, beautiful foggy cold morning, or should I say, perfect Winter day (yes I know it's not winter technically yet, but you know what I mean).
 
I had a great weekend, got a lot of Christmas decorating done, got a few gifts (I am so late in buying gifts this year, but oh well, it is what it is).  I also did my two days of gym which I always love and look forward to.
 
So, this week means some gift wrapping, some food planning for Christmas Eve, Gingerbread Cookie making and lots, but lots of Christmas movies.
 
I wish you all a very blessed week.  Take time to enjoy the season, and I mean the REAL reason for the season, not the commercialized, money wasting, crazy busy stuff everyone goes on about.  Just enjoy your family and this time of year. 

 
*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 
Cold foggy morning awaits us today.  It looks magical!  Tomorrow we are expecting another cold front, so I guess the fireplace will be working extra hard. 
 
Monday - Foggy,  57
Tuesday - Cloudy, 49
Wednesday - Sunny, 59
Thursday - Mostly Cloudy, 60
Friday - Partly cloudy, 69
Saturday - Sunny, 58 
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 63
 
 
 *** Things that make me happy ***
Christmas, the holidays, family, cookies and movies and just the anticipation of the whole month.
 
 
*** Book I'm reading *** 
Reading Isaiah in the Bible.   
 
Physical book..... Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.  
 
 
 
 
*** What's on my tv today *** 
YouTube
Vlogmas 
Homemaking Vlogs
 
Great American Pure Flix
Christmas movies 
 
Hallmark 
Christmas movies 

 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
Just had a cup of coffee and some oatmeal with coconut, walnuts and cinnamon.    
 
 
*** On the lunch plate *** 
Chickpea tuna salad with leftover roasted veggies.   
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
French Onion Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes (polenta for me), Sauteed Cabbage.
 
 
*** On the menu *** 

Monday
French Onion Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes (polenta for me), Sauteed Cabbage.
Tuesday 
Greek Chicken Stew, Homemade Fries, Salad  
Wednesday 
Sausage rice, Zucchini in Tomato Sauce
Thursday
Roasted tomato, garlic and cheese Pasta, Garlic Bread, Salad
Friday
Burgers, Macaroni Salad
Saturday
Fend for yourself
Sunday

 
*** On my to do list *** 
Change bed linens
Ironing Curt's work shirts
Vacuum and dust
Make sourdough bread
Make Gingerbread Cookie dough
Write Christmas Cards

 
*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 
I didn't get around to making the Melomakarona - Greek Cookies.  So will do that this week.
    
 
*** What I am creating ***
Nordic Winter Afghan. 
Juniper Garlands for the front of the house.
Paper Snowflakes for the big living room and dining room windows.
Knitting a scarf.

 
*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 
One of the reasons I love Christmas is because of the decorations.  I find that they bring out the best lighting and make the whole house seem magical ♥ 
 


 
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
Today's verse: 
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  - Jeremiah 17:7