{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 05/25/2026 }

 

 

Good morning friends, come on in.  

 

It is Monday morning, Memorial Day.  I want to start this post by thanking everyone who sacrificed their life, so that we may live in a free country.  Being the wife of a veteran, I know full well the love they have for their country and how hard they fight, to keep us all safe.

 

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day with your families, but please remember to send a prayer up to those who paid the ultimate price, and their family members as well.

 

I have had a busy weekend and have woken up quite tired this morning, but we keep pushing on.  I was going to have a BBQ with family today, but frankly, I am tired and don't want to go through all the faffing around, so I'll just make a nice dinner and have everyone over instead for that.  How are you spending your Memorial Day, any fun plans? 

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

We have been blessed with lots of rain, which we need because we are experiencing a bit of a drought here in the South.  I don't pray for severe weather, but wonderful calm rain is always very much welcomed.    

  

Monday - Mix of clouds and sun, 89

Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 83

Wednesday - Mostly cloudy, 78

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 84

Friday - Partly cloudy, 89

Saturday - Thunderstorms, 88

Sunday - Mostly cloudy, 82

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Sitting at my desk, I just finished my breakfast and am working on this post, while listening to a video on YouTube.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Just trying to sort out in my mind, all the things we have going on this week.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Really tired.  Friday was Curt's birthday so we were out for a bit, then I continued painting my bedroom, then out to dinner with the whole family.

 

Saturday we had gym in the morning, then we went out with Jasmine and her boyfriend Issac, as well as my brother and sister in law.  We went to the farmer's market, then a garden center, then Market street and finally out to lunch.  It was a full fun day.

 

Sunday, gym in the morning, followed by church, then Jasmine and Issac came over as they do every Sunday.  

 

I am tired this morning, but good otherwise. 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I had two scrambled eggs, 1 keto bread with irish butter, and two cups of coffee.  My first at 430 when I get up and the second at 7 when I ate my breakfast.  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Will be having salad.  As I've mentioned before, weekends I don't worry about carbs or sugar, I try not to overdo it, but still don't really worry about it.  Monday means reset for the week. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Mexican Skirt Steak

Queso Bratwurst - we first tried these last year and then they disappeared, and are finally back in stores now.  I think they're only out during Memorial Day and 4th of July time frame.

Buttered Basmati Rice

Roast potatoes 

Caesar Salad 

Still have a whole Tiramisu and a bit of chocolate cake left from Curt's birthday 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Memorial Day dinner (menu above) 

Tuesday -  Nando's Grilled Chicken, Sauteed Kale, Sweet Potato Fries 

Wednesday - Pastitsio, Garlic Bread, Salad

Thursday -  Homemade Chalupas, Mexican Rice, Beans

Friday - Turkish Lahmacun Pizza

Saturday - Fend for yourself

Sunday -  Meatball Subs

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my summer nightgown, will chance into some jeans soon as we need to head to Walmart. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Still working on getting through Deuteronomy in Bible.

 

Finished Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette.  The next book I started and then set aside when the Connilyn Cossette books came in the mail, but I am not far into it, so will go back and re-read the first few pages.

 

It is The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar. 

  

The beloved daughter of Jewish captives in Babylon, Keren is sold into Daniel’s household to help her family survive. She becomes Daniel’s most trusted scribe, while taking lessons and swordsmanship training alongside Daniel’s sons and their best friend, Jared.

But after a tragic accident changes the course of her life, Keren finds herself in a foreign country, charged with a mysterious task: teaching a shepherd boy how to become a lord. When she overhears whispers that hint at his true identity, she realizes she must protect him from the schemes of a bloodthirsty king.

Jared cannot forgive Keren. Still, he finds himself traveling over mountains to fetch her back to the safety of home. When he discovers the secret identity of Keren’s pupil, Jared knows he must help protect him. Love battles bitterness as they flee from the king’s agents, trying to save the boy who could one day deliver their people from captivity.

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Haven't watched much other than YouTube videos.  None of my shows are on, and even the Turkish shows are wrapping up their seasons, which means the whole summer without something to watch.  Blech! 

 

Turkish shows:

Guller Ve Gunahlar

Sevdigim Sensin

Yeralti

Abi

Cirkin 

 

YouTube:

Homemaking

Christian book vloggers

Quiet and simple living

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico 

 

Hallmark: 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I love mornings.  The quiet, the sound of the birds chirping outside, my roosters crowing, and the sun usually coming in through the open windows and doors.  However, this morning it is cloudy, so no golden sun rays shining through, but on rainy days, I feel that the house takes on a whole different atmosphere, one of coziness and warmth which I adore. 

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Today: 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

Homemaking chores

Walmart

 

This week:

VA dental clinic for Curt's appointment tomorrow 

 

*** What I am creating *** 

Still working on painting.  I finished my bedroom, save for the very top near the trim which I need my 6'3 son Nick to do hahahah

 

I will take a break this week from painting because my hands need to rest, so I will go back to my crochet blanket and work on that. 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

When my brother was visiting me this past December, he brought me two of these South African birds from his recent trip to the Kruger National Park.  These are the Southern yellow-billed Hornbills.  They're beautiful!  

 

In South Africa we usually refer to them as the Flying Bananas hahahah  because of their beak.

 

 Here is what an actual Hornbill looks like:

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

Our Pastor has started a new sermon series called Modern Family.  It is fantastic and I can't wait to hear and learn more.  

{ Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken by Sydney Anne Bennet - TLC Book Tour }

 

About Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken: Fighting for Faith When You’re Falling Apart

• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 28, 2026)
• Paperback: 240 pages

Are you battling chronic struggles—whether physical, mental, emotional, relational, or social? Are they eating away at your faith? Sydney Anne Bennett has been there.

She knows what it is to live in a body that is unraveling, a world that doesn’t understand, and a church that doesn’t always know what to say. With compassion, wit, and quiet strength, Sydney invites you to remember that some of life’s fiercest battles are fought flat on your back—and not one of them is wasted.

In Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken, Sydney shares her story of becoming disabled just two weeks after her honeymoon and learning to live with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)—a condition that disrupts the brain’s ability to send correct signals to the body, resulting in daily seizures, mobility loss, and chronic pain.

Learning to live with this disability, as well as the loss and pain that comes with it, has been one of her greatest struggles as well as the way in which God is building her strength. But Sydney doesn’t just talk about disability—she lives with it, coaches on it, and laughs through it, inviting her readers to join her journey. Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken aims to:

• discover practical strategies for coping with chronic struggles and limitations;
• make peace with questions and embrace the daily fight for faith;
• uncover strength in weakness and dignity in dependence; and
• receive heartfelt hope and encouragement to keep going—even when healing doesn’t come.

Sydney will be your unafraid guide through whatever valley you are walking through, normalizing doubt and the daily fight for faith, and recognizing the presence of God there.

About the author

Sydney Anne Bennett is a writer, disability advocate, and speaker who helps people struggling with chronic illness and pain find confidence and hope again—while pointing them to Jesus.

Two weeks after her honeymoon, Sydney became disabled and was later diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that disrupts the brain’s ability to send correct signals to the body. She experiences daily seizures, chronic pain, and mobility loss—and often uses a wheelchair.

In 2022, Sydney began sharing her story on Instagram as a way of processing grief, faith, and the strange in-between of being both young and disabled. Today, she encourages a global audience of over 300,000 people with honesty, humor, and hope that leans hard on Jesus.

She lives in Idaho with her husband, Colton, their daughter, Hadassah, and are joyfully awaiting the arrival of their second child in fall 2025.

 

 

My thoughts:

I have been on a faith filled journey.  As close as I believe I am to God, it never seems enough, and there is a constant daily battle against my mind.  Against the fears, the worries, the anxieties.  It's a never ending cycle that becomes quite exhausting after a while.

 

In my attempt to get closer to God and to shift my way of thinking, I have been reading a lot of Christian non fiction this year.  When I had the opportunity to receive a copy of Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken, I immediately said yes.  Not because I can relate to Sydney's personal health struggles, but as a Christian woman, I can certainly relate to the health anxiety and fears that seems to strike us all.

 

I love that Sydney wrote this book not only to share her personal struggles, but also at the same time encouraging and pointing us towards the one that can help through it all.  Jesus.

 

She writes in a way that feels like a conversation on paper, rather than a clinical medical report.  It made it easy to quickly read through it.

 

What do we do when we seek healing for ourselves or a family member, or friend, and it seems the healing never comes?  

How do we have faith through these situations and daily struggles?

 

Sydney uses her own tools to manage her disability, to help us learn ways to deal with life and those difficult moments.

 

Wonderfully told by an incredibly strong and courageous woman.

 

 

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson, for providing me with a copy. 

 

 

     

 

 

 

{ America the Beautiful Book Tag }

 

Source: PNG Tree

 It has been a hot minute since I've done a tag of any kind on the blog.  

 

Do you remember back in the old blogging days, when tags were going around all the time?  There were so many, and we tagged each other back and forth, and through those got to know each other better.  I always enjoyed learning more about a blogger through the answers they gave.

 

I saw this one going around the booktuber videos and I thought it was so cute, that I decided to bring it to the blog and tag some of you.  Don't feel like you have to do it, if you don't want to, that's perfectly fine. 

 

In honor of America's 250th birthday, here are the prompts, which were created by Taylor over at Tales and Treats with Kay.

 

Here are the prompts:

In God We Trust – A Christian fiction book 

Old Glory – A book that elicits strong emotion 

Superpower – Main character with a unique ability OR a big, epic book 

The American Dream– A book with a great family 

One Republic – a book with political intrigue 

Pledge of Allegiance – A book or series you are fiercely loyal to 

Oh Say Can You See – A book that surprised you and gave you chills at the ending 

Melting Pot – A book that is a blend of 2 genres 

Secret Six– A book with espionage 

Westward Expansion – Tag others!  

 

In God We Trust – A Christian fiction book

I have so many for this prompt, but I can't pick them all, so I will just pick one of the Christian fiction books I have enjoyed lately.

 

Counted with the Stars by Connilyn Cossette

 

 

 

 

 Old Glory – A book that elicits strong emotion

Without a doubt it has to be A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers.  To this day, I think about the book, the story, Hadassah and her faith.  Probably the most powerful faith filled fiction book, I have ever read.

 

A voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Superpower – Main character with a unique ability OR a big, epic book 

This one is hard, I don't read much fantasy at all, so I don't think I have a book that would fit this prompt.  As for big epic book, I guess I will have to use one that I am currently reading which is HUGE.

 

Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undsett

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The American Dream– A book with a great family

I would have to pick Nancy E. Turner and These is My Words.  The bond that Sarah's family has is incredible.  Being in the frontier, loss is almost an every day occurrence, but this family sticks together no matter what comes their way.

 

These is my Words by Nancy E. Turner 

 

 

 

One Republic – a book with political intrigue 

I don't usually read books about politics at all, it's not something I find interesting and actually it's something I steer clear off since we have to deal with it in real life.  I would rather it stay very far from my reading Hahaha

 

I would have to say though, the one closest to it would be the Megan Soja trilogy Harbor of Spies which focuses on the American Revolution Era.

 

Spark of the Revolution by Megan Soja

 

   

 

 

Pledge of Allegiance – A book or series you are fiercely loyal to 

Without a doubt the series that I have kept for years and will never get rid of, is the Nancy E. Turner series Sarah Agnes Pine.

 

These is my words

Sarah's Quilt

The Star Garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh Say Can You See – A book that surprised you and gave you chills at the ending

This is an easy one because Francine Rivers has a way of writing books that not only give you chills but have endings that leave you stunned.  Without a doubt, the book that did this for me and has now become my favorite book of all time, is:

 

A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Melting Pot – A book that is a blend of 2 genres 

Oohhh that's hard.  I don't tend to read books that mix different genres, but recently I did read a trilogy by Carrie Cotten that does just that.  Fantasy and Christian Fiction, and I loved the series, matter of fact I have book four waiting to be read.

 

The Huntress by Carrie Cotten 

 

 

 

 

Secret Six– A book with espionage  

For me, I will have to go with another from the Harbor of Spies trilogy.  This book has romance, spies, revolution, action, everything.

 

Secrets of the Revolution by Megan Soja 

 

 

 

Westward Expansion – Tag others!  

Now, I am going to tag some of you, but again you do not have to join in if you don't want to, or you don't read enough to have answers to these.  It's just for fun.  I know this is mainly tagged as an America the Beautiful and in celebration of the 250th Anniversary, but even if you don't live in the USA, you can still join in and add books that are your favorites, from your own country.

 

Luludou

Tamy

Carrie

Kristina

Sherry

Syl

Sarah

Magazine da De

Debbie

Lisa

Nicole

Mari 

Daniela 

{ Renovating the living room....a work in progress }

We moved into this house in May of 2015.  We bought the house in 2019.  Through all these years I have had a vision in my mind of what I wanted to do with each room.  

 

I'm sure you remember when we first moved in, that I had very strong opinions about some of the rooms, especially the dining room and the living room.  The paneled walls in the dining room are still not a favorite but I've learned to live with them, though I will be painting an accent wall in there.

 

The green living room on the other hand, boy did I hate it.  Let me remind you what I walked into. 

 

 

 

 

I couldn't do it, and I tried over the years but I kept hoping and hoping and looking forward to the day that I could change it all.  But that means money and time and God's timing for things to happen, so I waited and now all these years later, I am finally doing what I want to with the room.

 

My inspiration is a Boho, earthy, very calm and nature like living room.  Lots of dark green, wood, plants and comfy pillows, bookshelves filled with books and books in corners of the room too.  

 

So let me show you where we're at right now:

I knew I wanted a darker green, something in the sage green family, but I wasn't sure exactly which shade to get.  Funny enough, I walked into Lowe's, looked at the green swatches and immediately grabbed this one, which is called Olive Grove.

 

I was hoping it would be what I was looking for, but the minute I put it on the wall I knew I had picked the right color.  Curtis was still a bit unsure, he liked the darker but didn't know how the final result would look.  This was and is my project, so he gave me full reign to do whatever and just helped me with anything I needed, which was getting the second coat on some of the higher areas that I couldn't reach even with the step ladder. 

I was so eager to get this done that I just went to work with the little roller and little drip pan I had on hand.  Needless to say, that lasted about an hour and then I thought "nope, gotta get the bigger ones or I'll be painting until eternity".

 

Again, I am still working on the baseboards, trims, doorways and windowsills, but the main part of the room is finished and I could not be more thrilled.

 

As I decorate and get everything done, I will keep sharing with you, but here's what the room is looking like at the moment.  I couldn't love it any more if I tried. 

This lamp I already had in the living room, but I didn't think it fit with the look I wanted, and also didn't want to go spend money on a new lamp, so I decided to change it up with what I had on hand.

 

I used twine and redid the shade.  I LOVE how it turned out ♥

 

 

 

You can in the picture above, how the lamp used to look.

 

Overall, it's been a lot of work but I am really enjoying making these changes.  I am currently painting our bedroom in the same green, and of course I will show you that as well when I'm done.

 

What do you think?  Better than it was? Do you have any ideas for the room, would love any advice, tips etc.

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 05/18/2026 }

 

 

Good morning everyone.  Welcome back, come on in and sit a bit.  Let's get this day started the right way, with a cup of coffee or tea.

 

I am tired this morning, I slept really well this weekend but maybe that's the problem?  Maybe I slept too much?  Hahah  Oh goodness, we are never content fully no matter what, right?  

 

Anyway, let's get on with our Happy Homemaker Monday post.  I wish you all a very blessed week.

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

We've had cloudy and rainy days, which I love, but the winds are quite annoying.  I know I say that all the time, but for pete's sake, can it please just stop?  It knocks all my plants over, it throws furniture around and is just very annoying to do deal with.  We have more wind in the coming days and quite a bit of rainy weather.  

  

Monday - Cloudy and windy, 90

Tuesday - Thunderstorms, 71

Wednesday - Cloudy, 73

Thursday - Thunderstorms, 72

Friday - Cloudy, 83

Saturday - Cloudy, 84

Sunday - Cloudy, 85

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

I just finished getting my dishwasher going, grabbed a cup of coffee and am back at my desk to get this post up.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

How wonderful it was to see America being rededicated to God yesterday.  I never thought I would see something like that, and I've never seen it done in any other country, that I have lived in.  Truly incredible ♥ 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired and quite sore from my gym workout this weekend.  But, I am well otherwise. 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I had oatmeal with blueberries, coconut and walnuts.  I am on my second cup of coffee. 

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

I will have a salad and a crab cake.  

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Beef stew with peppers and potatoes, Sauteed collard greens

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Time to work on the new meal plan, so as always the menu will be incomplete.

 

Monday - Beef stew with peppers and potatoes, Sauteed collard greens

Tuesday -  Chicken Kofta, Pita bread, Chickpea salad 

Wednesday - 

Thursday -  

Friday - Curt's birthday, out to eat at an Italian restaurant

Saturday - 

Sunday -  

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Hahahah well, funny enough, I am wearing the exact same dress I wore last Monday.  I just noticed I put down the same black midi dress. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Getting through Deuteronomy in Bible.

 

Finished the book I was reading and am now reading the second in the series Cities of Refuge by Connilyn Cossette. 

  

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Sad that Hope Valley is finished, and have to wait until next year for the second season.  It's frustrating because there aren't many good family shows on the telly, and when it ends so quick, we are left with nothing to watch for a while.

 

The Turkish shows are also wrapping up their seasons, so I'll be left with nothing there to watch either.  Oh boy hahaha 

 

Turkish shows:

Guller Ve Gunahlar

Sevdigim Sensin

Yeralti

Abi

Cirkin 

 

YouTube:

Homemaking

Christian book vloggers

Quiet and simple living

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico 

 

Hallmark: 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

It is quite dark this morning with the rainy weather we have.  But I love days like these, so everything looks cozy and warm. 

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

Homemaking chores

Meal plan and grocery list

Budget for this month 

 

*** What I am creating *** 

Well guess what?  I didn't pick up the crochet again all of last week, I have been painting like a madwoman.  Crochet will have to wait for now.

 

I painted the entire living room, and will do a separate post showing up but will leave a little pic underneath the next category.  

 

I am now currently in the middle of painting my bedroom.  

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Just a before and now.  I am not finished with all the trim and the repainting of the doors and baseboards but it's already a huge difference and just how I wanted it.

 

So here's a before, when we first moved in, and until a few days ago, this living room was this mint green which I did not like at all.  This picture was taken right after we moved in.

 

  

This is how it looks now, my vision coming to fruition.  I want this room to be very boho, earthy, full of plants and neutral tones. 

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

Please pray for my niece, for God to move in her life and show her exactly what to do right now.

 

My daughter Jasmine will be having eye surgery next month, please pray for her as well.