Monday, November 18, 2024

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/18/2024 }

Gooood morning, good morning, good morning everyone!
 
How was your weekend?  Did you have a good one?  Mine was the usual, gym both Saturday and Sunday, cake and coffee at my niece's for her birthday, and just a lot of cleaning and resetting yesterday, for the week ahead.
 
We are beginning a new week and starting this day with the most glorious of rain.  
 
Curt is starting a new job today, he has been an instructor in the Air Force for the past 7 years, and he will now become an I.S. which is an Instructor Supervisor.  It is a huge change for him, a big promotion, but he loves teaching and won't be doing much of that anymore, so he's a bit sad about it.  Nonetheless, it is a big day for him, and I am so proud of what he has achieved, both as active duty and now as a retired veteran.
 
Anyway, it is a rainy day here in Texas, and I am just getting this post up so that I can begin my usual Monday morning chores.
 
I wish you all a wonderful, blessed week ahead.  
xoxoxoxo
 

 
 
*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 
We've had quite a bit of rain the past month, which I've been loving.  At the moment we are under a Tornado watch however (not normal for this time of year for us), and a flood warning.  We do have more rain today, but looks like it will dry up over the next week. 
 
Monday - Showers and thunderstorms, 67
Tuesday - Sunny, 69
Wednesday - Sunny, 61
Thursday - Sunny, 66
Friday - Mostly Sunny, 64
Saturday - Mostly Sunny, 70 
Sunday - Sunny, 76
 
 
 *** Things that make me happy ***
Coffee dates with family.  Coffee, a slice of cake and just sitting around the dining table chatting and catching up on the past week.  It's always wonderful to bring the whole family together, brothers and sisters in law and kids and little kids, and just enjoy each other's company.  
 
 
*** Book I'm reading *** 
Reading Isaiah in the Bible.   
 
Finished off both Gwenhwyfar by Mercedes Lackey, and Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibanez.  I have now started The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, which is the first in The Folk of the Air series.

 
On the Kindle, I can't believe I still have A Light in the Window by Marion Kummerow. I'm determined to finish it this week. 
 
 
*** What's on my tv today *** 
YouTube
- The Plague series from BBC
 
- I was asked last week by Debbie last week, if I could post some of the youtube channels I follow, so here are just a few I really enjoy. 
 
 
Just a few, and it's a mixture, so if you enjoy slow living, homemaking, books, England vloggers etc., give these a try.
 
 
Netflix 
The Great British Baking Show
Christmas movies 

 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
Had a cup of coffee, this morning it was Butterscotch Caramel, and a bowl of Weetabix, with sliced banana and coconut.   
 
 
*** On the lunch plate *** 
Chickpea tuna salad....chickpeas, tuna, boiled egg, onion, cilantro and parsley, salt and pepper, garlic and olive oil. 
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
Spaghetti, Focaccia, Greek Salad  
 
 
*** On the menu *** 
Starting to work on the new meal plan, so only have meals for two days. 

Monday
Spaghetti, Focaccia, Greek Salad
Tuesday 
Cauliflower Pizzas 
Wednesday 

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

 
*** On my to do list *** 
Change bed linens
Iron hubby's work shirts
Make the focaccia dough for dinner
Carpet clean
Meal plan and grocery list
Budget and bills

 
*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 
Not a new recipe, but Friday I made an old favorite which I hadn't made for a long time, I think the last time may have been back when we were stationed in Arizona.  Open Faced Lonestar Burgers.
 
Open faced lone star burgers 
 
 
*** What I am creating ***
Nordic Winter Afghan. 
I finished the Hygge Arrow Gloves, and also made a matching cowl.  



 
*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 
Candles and twinkle lights ♥ 
 
 
 
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
Praying for my husband as he starts his new job today.
Praying for my sister in law Hayley, who is also starting a new job today.
 


Monday, November 11, 2024

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/11/2024 }

Good morning everyone!
 
Happy Veteran's Day to all the amazing veterans in our country.  I want to send out a special thank you to my husband Curt, for his service.  He is a 22 year Air Force Veteran, and is still very much involved in shaping and instructing the newer airman coming in.
 
His devotion to this country is unshakeable.  
 
With that said, let's move on with our post.  Can you believe it's already the 11th of November?  This year has completely flown by.  We are so close to Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I actually have already started decorating for Christmas, I know for some of you it's too early, but not for me, I love this season.
 
Anyway, let's get going with our post.  I hope you all have a fantastic, blessed week ahead.  Enjoy your holiday today with your family, and don't forget to thank a Veteran for their sacrifices to our beautiful country.
 

 
 
*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 
I can finally say that we are done with hot weather.  Been waking up to shiny dewy grass, cold temperatures and the smell of fall and winter in the air.  I love it, this season is when I thrive. 
 
Monday - Mix of clouds and sun, 73
Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 75
Wednesday - Sunny, 72
Thursday - Sunny, 68
Friday - Sunny, 72
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 74 
Sunday - Showers, 74
 
 
 *** Things that make me happy ***
Christmas, everything about it.  Just pulling out the decorations makes me so happy, it truly lifts my spirits.  
 
 
*** Book I'm reading *** 
I was reading Romans in the Bible, but felt led to go to Isaiah instead.  I love the book of Isaiah and am loving digging in again.  
 
I am finishing off Gwenhwyfar by Mercedes Lackey.
And today I am starting the much anticipated second book from Isabel Ibanez, Where the Library Hides.  Been waiting for it for months, can't wait to sit down with it this afternoon with a warm blanket, and a cup of tea.
 
On the Kindle, still have A Light in the Window by Marion Kummerow. Haven't finished it yet.
 
 
*** What's on my tv today *** 
YouTube
Just the usual homemaking vlogs.
 
Netflix 
The Great British Baking Show
Christmas movies 

 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
Had a cup of coffee and some oatmeal. 
 
 
*** On the lunch plate *** 
Last night I made ribs, macaroni and cheese and a pan of roasted veggies.  I will be having the leftover roasted veggies for lunch.
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
Beef Curry, Rice and homemade naan. 
 
 
*** On the menu *** 

Monday
Beef Curry, Rice and homemade naan
Tuesday 
Stuffed Peppers, Salad
Wednesday 
Greek Baked Tilapia, Curried Quinoa, Sauteed Squash
Thursday
Amish Chicken Potpie, Broccoli and Cauliflower
Friday
Fried Kielbasa Sausage and Potatoes, Salad (I will have something else)
Saturday
Homemade Sub Sandwiches
Sunday
Turkish Doner Kebab, Fries
 
*** On my to do list *** 
Nothing today.  I am taking the day off to do the things that I enjoy.  Crocheting, reading, watching my favorite shows.

 
*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 
Made an amazing soup the other day, will be sharing on the food blog tomorrow. 
 
 
*** What I am creating ***
Nordic Winter Afghan. 
Crochet fingerless gloves.  I made a pair in one night and love them.  They are the Hygge Arrow Gloves, and they were very easy and quick to make.  
I will be making a matching cowl in the same color today, to match.

 
*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 
How stunning is the cover for this book?  It's on my reading pile, and I'm hoping to get to it this month.
 
 
 
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
God is always working for our good—even when it seems as if nothing is happening.


Friday, November 08, 2024

{ Books read in October 2024 }

November 5, 2024

 
I am so thrilled to be able to make this post, and say that I read 7 books in the month of October.  It's crazy to even type that out because I had been in such a reading slump, for years, and nothing I tried pulled me out of it.  

Then a few months, it just clicked again and that was it.  Sometimes all it takes is one book to bring that love back, and for me it was Where the River Flows by Isabel Ibanez.  Speaking of which, her newest is out today and out for delivery for me.  I pre-ordered it months ago and forgot about it until I saw the notification for delivery.

Can't wait to get into that one.

But anyway, I will talk more about that book in another post, let me show you what I read in October.

November 5, 2024

I read 5 physical books and 2 on my Kindle.  I used to not like the Kindle at all, and honestly I'll always be a physical book kinda girl.  To me nothing beats a real book, the smell of the pages and just holding it in my hand.  But, I have grown to enjoy the Kindle too, for moments when I want to read somewhere outside the home, or in the car.  It's easier to grab the Kindle and have hundreds of books at my fingertips.

Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked again, let's talk about the books I read not on the Kindle.

 
I read the entire Gold Seer Trilogy and really loved them.  I've added Rae Carson to my favorite authors list, and have actually ordered another of her books, that should be arriving within this week.  It is the first in another series.

The Gold Seer Trilogy takes place in the 1800's gold rush era and we follow Leah, a girl with a special gift of feeling out where gold is located.  Because of that gift, her parents are murdered and Leah is forced to flee to the west coast in search of a better future.  She teams up with the boy she loves, she runs from her crazy uncle, and in the midst of it all, she makes incredible friendships with other families also making the trek west on a wagon train.

Really enjoyed the series. 



Woven in Moonlight series by Isabel Ibanez.  

Isabel Ibanez is a new author for me, my first book of hers was back in September or August, when I read Where the River Flows, which I absolutely adored.  Because of that book, I pre-ordered the next in the series, which I currently have right in front of me, to begin reading today.

But while I waited for it's release, which was this Tuesday the 5th of November, I got her Woven in Moonlight Series.  Loved them both as well, though I will say, much as I enjoy Isabel Ibanez, I absolutely hate the way she ends her books.  

I always feel like I am left halfway or not getting closure or an actual ending.  For example, it's as if I have written you a story and built up this great love, and at the end they finally meet face to face.  And that's it, the book ends and I'm sitting there thinking.....ok and?  Did they hug, did they kiss, are they together, what happened?  It's kinda like that.  I don't enjoy the endings but the stories themselves are wonderful.

So, Woven in Moonlight and Written in Starlight.  In the first book, Woven in Moonlight, we follow the story of Ximena who has been living her life as a decoy, since she was 8, for the real condesa.  Her people have lost everything, they were massacred by Atoc and his army of summoned ghosts.  When he demands the hand in marriage of the real condesa, Ximena steps in as always.

It's a story of adventure and revenge and a young woman trying to do the right thing, but feeling like she doesn't belong and can't ever truly be herself.



In Written in Starlight, the story takes over from the real condesa Catalina.  She has been banished to the jungle and feels like she has lost everything.  Her chances of surviving are slim, until she is saved by Manuel, her former general's son and her true love.  It is another adventure story set in South America.  Again, I loved the story but had another quite disappointing ending.


November 5, 2024

On the Kindle, I read The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen. 
 
If you're looking for a good Christian author with the sweetest period stories, Klassen is it. I just love her books, they're wholesome, sweet, with good family oriented characters. 
 
I also read The Beauty and the Beast by Jenni James, part of the Faerie Tale Collection. It is a short story based off the fairy tale we have all come to know. It was a bit cheesy and not really a great read, but I mean, sometimes it's good to read something that is not heavy, or long or requires as much attention, so for that alone, I appreciated the quick albeit predictable story. 
 
November 5, 2024

7 books may not seem like a lot, but for me, that was a record read in one month.  I absolutely love books and being transported to different settings, stories, emotions and so on.  

I would love to know if you've read any books lately, and any good ones that you can recommend?  I'm always looking for new ones to add to my list.


Monday, November 04, 2024

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/04/2024 }

Good morning from a very wet and rainy Texas.  This is the part where I would go into how much I love this weather and so forth, but if you know me, you know how I feel about rainy weather.  I don't think I need to say it 🩷
 
I've had a wonderful rainy weekend, filled with warm drinks, books, naps, pitter patter of raindrops constantly hitting the roof of the house, and the beginning of Christmas decorations starting to emerge.
 
It is without a doubt, my favorite time of the year.  The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I can't wait.
 
I hope you've all had a weekend as wonderful as mine, and I wish you a blessed week ahead.  We are in for some craziness starting tomorrow, aren't we?  But let's keep our eyes on God, and focus on our families and our homes.  While craziness rages outside our walls, let's exude peace, calm and joy into the atmosphere.  That's what I plan to do!
 
Now, let's get going with our post for today.
 

 
 
*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 
We are fully into the cozy days of Autumn and Winter.  The shift seems to have happened this weekend, the temperatures dropped, the days have been rainy and dark, and there is the unmatchable scent of cooler days in the air. 
 
Monday - Thunderstorms, 72
Tuesday - Sunny, 64
Wednesday - Sunny, 72
Thursday - Rain, 67
Friday - Rain, 60
Saturday - Sunny, 65 
Sunday - Sunny, 69
 
 
 *** Things that make me happy ***
Homemade things, crafts, crochet, cooking, whatever it may be.  I love seen a home that is filled with items created by the owners hands.  Little bits and bobs that showcase the person's creativity and love for life.  
 
 
*** Book I'm reading *** 
As the month of October drew to an end, I realized that I had read 7 books in that month.  That is an incredible success for me, seeing that I hadn't been reading much, if anything at all, for years.  So happy to have that love for reading back, it transports me to different places, to excitement, romance, adventure.  
 
I'm already planning my November book pile, and am hoping to not only match the amount of books read for this month, but maybe even surpass it, even if just by one book.  
 
At the moment, I am still in the book of Romans, in the Bible.  
 
For a physical book, I am reading Gwenhwyfar by Mercedes Lackey.


 
And in my Kindle, I am still reading  A Light in the Window by Marion Kummerow
 

 
*** What's on my tv today *** 
YouTube
Vlogtober is over, much to my chagrin, but I guess I have Vlogmas to look forward to, right?
I will continue watching homemaking videos, calm and slow videos, book hauls, reviews and TBRs.
Ambience videos - Woodsy cabins, rain, snow 
 
Netflix 
The Great British Baking Show
I am a Killer
Christmas movies 

 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
Hubby and I love the Peppermint Mocha creamer, but we stopped using creamers months ago.  However during this time of the year, we really enjoy that creamer in our morning coffee.  Yesterday I bought the zero sugar peppermint mocha creamer.  It will literally be a small splash into our morning coffee, just to give it that peppermint taste.  That's what we had this morning and it was glorious.  I also had a bowl of Banana Nut Crunch Cereal.  
 
 
*** On the lunch plate *** 
Last night for dinner, I made a Portuguese pork roast with roast white and sweet potatoes, and roasted vegetables on the side.  For lunch, I will be having the leftover vegetables. 
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan, Egg Noodles, Salad. 
 
 
*** On the menu *** 
Time to plan the next two weeks again, so meals for this week, are just until Wednesday.  However, for Tuesday, I need to see what is in my freezer, because I somehow ended up with two pasta dishes back to back, Monday and Tuesday, and that is definitely not going to happen.  I need to switch something around.

Monday
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan and Egg Noodles, Salad
Tuesday 
 
Wednesday 
Beef Curry and Rice

 
*** On my to do list *** 
Monday home reset - laundry, changing bed linens, vacuum, carpet cleaning, dusting, window cleaning
Bible reading, devotional. 
Nordic Crochet Blanket.
Finish second crochet cowl.
Meal planning.

 
*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 
I have a lot of recipes bookmarked for Thanksgiving, I will be making the Traditional Thanksgiving meal, but I will also include some low carb, low sugar dishes for me to enjoy.  
 
 
*** What I am creating ***
Nordic Winter Afghan. 
Crochet cowls - if you read my previous Wednesday post, I shared a cowl that I wanted to try.  It was so quick and easy to make, that I made one, and am halfway through another.

 
*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 
This beautiful mourning dove that I photographed last week.     
 
IMG_8130
  
 
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
Thank you all for the prayers for my sister in law Nadine.  She was able to go home last week.  They did an endoscopy and turned out that she had a huge infection in her intestines, but she is fine now.  Thank God!
 
This week, I encourage you to pray for our beautiful country and the elections.  No matter the outcome, stay focused on God and His will and His plan for our nation and the world.  Pray for each other, pray for the end to violence, to anger, to division. 


Thursday, October 31, 2024

{ 31 Days of Prayer for my Husband - Day 31 }


 
 
Day 31
Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 10:4-5)



John 8:44 (King James Version)


44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (King James Version)


4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

{ Want to try that Wednesday }

 

 
A couple years ago, I did this Wednesday feature, where I would list a couple of things that I found online, or in a book or whatever the case may be, that I wanted to try.

They ranged in everything from recipes, to books, to a movie or show, a place to visit, a craft etc.

I don't know why this specific post popped into my mind again, but I have been saving a ton of things that I want to try lately, especially with the holidays coming up, and thought, why not?  Let's do this again.

I hope you enjoy it and maybe get some ideas for yourself as well.


 

I made a crochet cowl many years ago, but I've been wanting to try another and I have seen quite a few interesting ones online.  I've bookmarked them and will probably start on one very soon.  I think I will first make The Montero Cozy Cowl.
 
 
 

Since being on this health journey, I have tried and continue to look for many healthier recipes that I can enjoy, without giving up my sweet cravings completely.  With Thanksgiving coming up, I went on the look for Keto Low Carb Desserts, and came upon this yummy looking Keto Pumpkin Roll.  Will be making it this holiday.
 
 
2013_03230009 
 

I've been reading so much lately, and really loving grabbing all the books on my bookshelf, and trying to make a dent in that huge To Be Read pile.  I'm already thinking of what to read in November, and want to find some cozy reads, but not spooky.  I know a lot of people are into the spooky books for this time of year, but I would rather steer clear of those.  I have chosen to reread one of my favorites, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.  
 
 
 
 
A couple of years ago, I made book cozies.  I loved them so much, but just realized the other day, that not only do I not know where my previous ones went, but I also couldn't remember where I had gotten the pattern from.  While browsing through my blog earlier, I found the pattern I had used and now I'm so eager to make a few more of these cozies.
 

{ 31 Days of Prayer for my Husband - Day 30 }

 
 
 
Day 30
Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3:23-24)


1 Corinthians 10:13

13 No temptation[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

John 7:17-18

17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

Colossians 3:23-24

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

{ Autumn around here }

October 8, 2024

 
It is a beautiful Autumn morning, except for the unwanted wind which has been at it since Sunday afternoon.  My allergies are awful, and I don't say that lightly.  At this point, if I could scratch out my eyes and nose, I would.  It doesn't help that I really dislike taking allergy meds because of the drowsiness they give me, so I try to suffer it out, but honestly?  I can't wait for this wind to disappear, which seems to be happening only tomorrow.  *sigh*

I haven't done many update daily, life posts.  This month has been mainly filled with the Husband prayers, but since it's winding down and getting ready to end, I thought it was time to start bringing in the usual day in the life, what am I doing, kind of posts.

Just finished going by to visit all the Happy Homemaker Monday participants, and leaving some comments.  I love interacting with you all but don't always have the time.  
 

October 8, 2024

October 8, 2024

 
Autumn is finally starting to show it's full face.  It's been slow going, and up until what seems like overnight, it didn't seem like the leaves and the trees were going to change at all.  But, there's definite signs now, thank goodness.

I do love the changing colors, and maybe you're like me, and can smell the change in the air.  There is a specific change to the light of the day and the smell in the air.  It's pure bliss, to me at least.

October 8, 2024

IMG_8114

 
I've been loving waking up each morning, opening the blinds and windows and just stretching and waking up to the crisp air.  Well except for days like these with wind, there's no way I'm taking in a whiff of that wind, not with my allergies like this.  Hahahah
 
I spend a little time with the babies too.  They give us unconditional love, all day long, and they don't ask for much at all, so I love showering them with love and attention.  They certainly appreciate it ♥


IMG_8098

IMG_8104

 
Books have been read, and when I say that, I mean quite a few.  I am back on my reading streak and have just been inhaling books, left, right and center.  I feel like I can't get enough.  It does help that I'm a fast reader, so if I have time, I will usually start and sometimes finish a book the same day or the very next morning.

I've started dedicating my Sunday's to book reading as well.  After getting home from church and gym, I will take my shower, have a quick lunch then get into bed with a warm blanket, a hot cup of milky tea and a book.  I then spend the next 3 hours or so, just reading, sometimes napping but mainly reading.  It's been a very welcome calming routine that I think helps end the weekend, and reset our bodies for the week ahead.

IMG_8125

 
I've also been making it a priority to grab my camera more, and to take photos of life around me.  I've always enjoyed taking pictures of birds, so any chance I get, I take advantage.

This gorgeous mourning dove was perched on the tree right outside my bedroom window.  It sat there for a long time, just looking at me while I took photos.  How beautiful is it?
 

IMG_8133

IMG_8130

 
Life has been slowing down, but I know that here soon it will kick into high gear again with the holidays upon us.  I am already planning our Thanksgiving, Christmas Cards, Christmas shopping and so forth.

I love Christmas cards and I miss the days where sending out cards was a thing.  It feels like over the years people have gotten more comfortable with just sending an online card, or just wishing someone a Merry Christmas over a text or an impersonal post on social media.

But I love the exchange of actual cards and I really want to send more out this year.  I think we need to do that.  We need to make an effort to send out actual cards in the mail, and I would love to send some of you a card too, especially if you're one of my usual readers.  It would be quite fun to do a card exchange between us blog readers.

What do you think?  Let me know.

Right, it is almost 8:30am, and I'm still sitting in bed.  I need to do my prayers, read my devotional and my Bible and then get started with my day.

On the to do list for today:
Clean living room and dining room windows
Vacuum and dust
Pay bills
Start Thanksgiving Menu
Iron a pile of clothes
Workout and get my 10k steps in

Have a blessed Tuesday friends!

{ 31 Days of Prayer for my Husband - Day 29 }

 
 
Day 29
Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4, 7)

Ephesians 5:15-16

 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

1 Corinthians 12:4

 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.


1 Corinthians 7

Concerning Married Life
7 I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.

Monday, October 28, 2024

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 10/28/2024 }

Good morning sweet friends, and welcome back to my blog.  Can you believe this is the last Happy Homemaker Monday of October?  Where did this month go?
 
We are inching ever so closer to the last day of prayer for our husbands as well.  I know some of you don't like the overwhelming posts every day, but it's something I only do every few years, and it's important.  So, just 4 more days of praying for our husbands, then the blog will go back to normal.  Now that doesn't mean after these days we stop praying for them completely, we pray for them every day, of course.
 
Anyway, it's the start of a new week, and I wish you all a very blessed week ahead. 
 

 
 
 
*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 
We're still seeing pretty warm days, it's just a weird October.  We do have a good week ahead, weather wise, so I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest, especially the rain in the forecast.  We also have 3 days of wind which I am dreading, because they make my allergies flare up something fierce.
 
Monday - Windy and partly cloudy, 93
Tuesday - Windy and partly cloudy, 89
Wednesday - Windy and partly cloudy, 89
Thursday - Sunny, 73
Friday - PM showers, 74
Saturday - Thunderstorms, 72 
Sunday - Thunderstorms, 77
 
 
 *** Things that make me happy ***
Rain, lots of rain.  Rainy days, cloudy days, pitter patter of rain while I sip a cup of tea and read a good book. 
 
 
*** Book I'm reading *** 
Book of Romans, in the Bible.  
 
I finished Woven in Moonlight and the second book after, Written in Starlight.  Loved both but I don't like the way Isabel Ibanez ends her books, I always feel like it's mid sentence and I'm left hanging, if that makes sense?  
 
Next book on the list is Gwenhwyfar by Mercedes Lackey.


 
Also finished  Beauty and the Beast (Faerie Tale Collection Book 1), on the Kindle.  It was a quick cute story based on the popular Beauty and the Beast story we all know.  I have now started a Historical Fiction called A Light in the Window by Marion Kummerow.  It is available for free on the Kindle!  
 

 

*** What's on my tv today *** 
Vlogtober Videos on YouTube, they're also coming to an end this week.
The Great British Baking Show on Netflix.
 
 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
I had my usual cup of coffee.  Today's pick was Texas Pecan and it is delicious....with my 2% milk and Splenda.  I also had a bowl of Greek Honey Vanilla Yogurt with my homemade granola and a sliced banana.
 
 
*** On the lunch plate *** 
Probably a chickpea salad, as always.  On the weekends, hubby and I usually have our cheat days and eat things we don't usually eat.  I just had some KFC chicken tenders and a small fry, and let me tell you, my body did NOT like that.  I feel so yucky, my stomach felt heavy and so full after it.  Time to detox all that junk out of the system this week.
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
Sausage and Kale Stuffed Spaghetti Squash.
 
 
*** On the menu *** 

Monday
Fish Fillets in a creamy spinach sauce, Basmati rice (cauliflower rice for me), zucchini in tomato sauce
Tuesday 
Steak Pizzaiola, Mashed Potatoes, Salad
Wednesday 
Shrimp Fajitas, Beans, Cilantro Lime Rice
Thursday
Ham Alfredo, Salad, Focaccia
Friday
Homemade Pizza
Saturday
Fend for Yourself
Sunday
Beef Curry and Rice, Homemade Naan

 
*** On my to do list *** 
Monday home reset - laundry, changing bed linens, vacuum, carpet cleaning, dusting, window cleaning
Bible reading, devotional. 
Nordic Crochet Blanket.

 
*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 
Not a new recipe but something I've made only two times and really enjoy it.  I will make another this week and take some pics so I can post it on the blog.  Avocado Bread, which makes the best sandwich ever. 
 
 
*** What I am creating ***
Nordic Winter Afghan. 

 
*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 
I love my mornings with my babies.  They usually nap or sit and watch tv with me for a little, before we get up for the day.     
 

  
 
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
Praying for my sister in law Nadine.  She celebrated her 50th birthday yesterday, and unfortunately spent the day in the hospital with horrible stomach pain.  They've run a bunch of tests and thought it might be her gallbladder, but that didn't show up on the ultrasounds, so they're doing more tests today.  Please keep her in your prayers.