Good morning everyone, and Happy Summer! Yuck!!! hahaha
Not going to lie, I am not happy that summer is here, but I will just buckle in and ride this out until Fall. welcome back to another Happy Homemaker Monday.
Anyway, welcome, come on in and let's see what is happening around our homes this week.
Sandra
xoxoxoxo
*** The Weather ***
Ugh, just Ugh! Hot and crazy humidity. We are supposed to get some rain this week, but I've realized that most of the time we get told we have rain coming, it never arrives. So a forecast for a rainy week has instead been replaced by heat in the triple digits. Lord help us!
Monday - Rain, 92
Tuesday - Sunny, 88
Wednesday - Sunny, 89
Thursday - Sunny, 97
Friday - Partly cloudy, 97
Saturday - Sunny, 100
Sunday - Sunny, 101
*** Right now I am ***
Just made my breakfast and have sat down to work on this post.
*** Thinking and pondering ***
After four years of a relationship, Jasmine broke up with her boyfriend and told him to move out. You know as our children get older and move out, we think they are settled and everything is good and then we start hearing and learning certain things.
She was in an abusive relationship, thankfully it didn't get to the physical part although he had started threatening it. We also found out that the past 3 years she has paid all the bills on her own and he was just taking her bank card and using it for himself without her consent. Curt and I are beyond upset. So needless to say the past week has been stressful while we helped her get him out of her apartment, moved things around, helped her clean and get things back to sorts.
I am stressed and tired and sore and frustrated and just absolutely sad for our daughter. But it's ok, God has this and it will be ok.
All this just to say, speak to your children no matter how old they are. You never know what is going on in the background, if I hadn't pushed her to tell me, she wouldn't have said anything because she didn't want to upset us as her parents.
*** How I am feeling ***
Tired. These past two days especially have been hard physically and emotionally for both Curt and I.
*** On the breakfast plate ***
On my second cup of coffee. Also had my usual two scrambled eggs with half an avocado and a piece of toast.
*** On the lunch plate ***
Salad.
*** On the dinner plate ***
Fricassee Chicken, Pasta, Roast Veggies
*** On the menu ***
Monday - Fricassee Chicken, Pasta, Roast Veggies
Tuesday - Salmon, Curried Rice, Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Wednesday -Teriyaki Steak, Sesame Noodles, Kimchi
Thursday - Ground Beef with Cabbage, Broccoli and Cauliflower
Friday - Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Fries
Saturday - Fend for yourself, Leftovers
Sunday - Turkish Gozleme
*** What I am wearing ***
Still in my summer pajamas, pink with black polka dots.
*** On my reading pile ***
Joshua in the Bible.
Have just a few pages left of The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar. Will finish it today and move on to the next, which I actually don't know what it will be.
*** On my TV this week ***
YouTube:
Homemaking
Christian book vloggers
Quiet and simple living
Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico
World Cup:
Lots of matches every day, and Portugal play on Tuesday as well
Turkish series:
New summer series have begun, so watching, Doganin Kanunu and Muhtemel Ask.
*** Looking around the house ***
My house needs a good clean today, it's been a weekend of clothes from Jasmine and her belongings being moved back and forth from storage to the apartment etc. She also bought a new couch and coffee table that were delivered here.
Needless to say I've been over at her place for days and I have neglected my own house, so a good clean is in order today.
*** To do list ***
Water inside plants
Water plants and veggies outside on the patio
Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study
Daily 15k steps
Homemaking chores
This week:
Grocery shopping
Painting the entryway
*** What I am creating ***
Finished all the flowers on the crochet blanket and have now started the Hyacinths. You don't see the Hyacinths in this picture because I took this right after I finished the tulip flowers.
*** From the camera ***
Rainy days will always be my favorite.
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses ***
Praying for my daughter. She is happy to be rid of her ex but it will take a bit of getting used to and she needs to heal.
The Vanished series continues with Shattered: In a turbulent world reshaped by the Rapture, ancient prophecies stir as the ominous Antichrist rises.
In a world turned upside down by the cataclysmic events of the Rapture, the unraveling of divine prophecies stirs chaos and uncertainty. Saul Katz, a gifted scientist, finds his life irrevocably changed as he joins the 144,000 chosen evangelists.
In the shadows of Istanbul, John Haggerty embarks on his own perilous journey, driven by vengeance. He holds Matthias Vilks, the ominous face of the Antichrist, accountable for the collapse of America and his own heart-wrenching loss. But between the dangerous lures of power and the call to resist the satanic forces gathering, Haggs finds his choices shadowed by peril.
As darkness gathers and prophecy, betrayal, and redemption intertwine, faith and courage are the world’s final bastions of hope against impending doom.
About the Author
Dr. David Jeremiah is the founder of Turning Point Ministries, an international ministry committed to providing Christians with sound Bible teaching through radio and television, the internet, live events, and resource materials and books. He is the author of more than fifty books, including The Book of Signs, The Great Disappearance, Where Do We Go from Here? And The Promise of Heaven.
Dr. Jeremiah serves as the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California. He and his wife, Donna, have four children and twelve grandchildren.
Good morning everyone, welcome back to another Happy Homemaker Monday.
It is a beautiful morning, the temperatures have dropped slightly which is very much welcome, and the sun is shining brightly.
I am tired this morning, surprise surprise, right? hahaha
Don't laugh, but seems to be my life every Monday morning. What a crazy busy weekend we had. I've always loved Mondays but lately even more so, because weekends we are running around and get no rest.
Anyway, enough of that, let's get going with our post today. I wish you all a blessed week, it is a shorter one with the holiday on Friday, so yay for that.
Now let's go, let's see what you all are doing around your homes.
Sandra
xoxoxoxo
*** The Weather ***
You guys, help me, it's already so hot here in Texas and I'm over it. This morning it is 68 and I am reacting as if it's 40 degrees. Goodness. We are actually under an excessive heat advisory for the week. I may as well be back in Arizona at this point.
Monday - Cloudy, 86
Tuesday - Sunny, 95
Wednesday - Sunny, 99
Thursday - Partly cloudy, 90
Friday - Mostly cloudy, 87
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 96
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 99
*** Right now I am ***
I just sat at my desk, with my breakfast so that I can eat while I get this post up for you.
*** Thinking and pondering ***
About everything I need to get done this week, and hoping I don't forget something.
You guys, pre menopause brain is insane, I am so forgetful. If my doctor hadn't assured me this is normal, I would have thought something is wrong with me.
*** How I am feeling ***
Tired and you know.......that time. So yeah, a bundle of joy over here Hahahah
*** On the breakfast plate ***
Cup of coffee with half and half, two scrambled eggs and two small pieces of homemade sourdough with Irish butter.
*** On the lunch plate ***
Not sure, but will probably be tuna salad.
*** On the dinner plate ***
Roast chicken quarters, roast potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower
*** On the menu ***
Will be working on the new meal plan today, so only have today's meal planned.
Monday - Roast chicken quarters, roast potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
*** What I am wearing ***
Still in my summer nightgown, will change into a dress here shortly.
*** On my reading pile ***
Joshua in the Bible. 1 Thessalonians for our church series about Modern Family.
Hoping to finish The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar. It is taking me a while to get through this one, firstly because I've been crocheting more, but also I'm not quite enjoying this book as much as her previous ones.
I also got in from paperbackswap, 1776 by David McCullough which I'm hoping to read over the rest of June and beginning of July, to celebrate America's 250th.
*** On my TV this week ***
YouTube:
Homemaking
Christian book vloggers
Quiet and simple living
Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico
Hallmark:
I think the last episode of Way Back Home
World Cup:
I have been in football (soccer) heaven for the past few days. It is constantly on the tv and I even have my husband into it. Hahahah
Turkish series:
Lot of series ending their seasons and some new ones beginning.
*** Looking around the house ***
I want to get the rest of the painting done, so I'm hoping to do the entryway over the next few days, then I can move on to the hallway.
*** To do list ***
Water inside plants
Water plants and veggies outside on the patio
Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study
Daily 15k steps
Homemaking chores
This week:
Grocery shopping
Helping my daughter with organization at her apartment
*** What I am creating ***
Been loving the crochet blanket and it's looking so sweet. Will continue with that.
*** From the camera ***
Our sweet Elliott ♥
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses ***
Really enjoying the new series at church, called Modern Family. We are talking about marriage, about being single, what our roles are and what marriage is supposed to be especially as it pertains to the role of a husband and a wife. Really good.
“The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.”
―
Louisa May Alcott
Some of my favorite days are spent indoors, around my home, just pottering around, whether doing the usual daily tasks that are needed, creating something, or just sitting on a favorite chair with a blanket and good book.
You know how some people only associate blankets with cold weather? I am not one of those, and will often reach for a blanket to drape over my legs, no matter what I'm doing. To me it means cozy and comfy.
The kitchen seems to be the place I spend the most time in, there is always something to do, whether it's dishes or cooking or laundry. The humdrum of activity is never ending, even if no one is in there, the dishwasher will be going. I always think of my kitchen as a beating heart, constantly going, keeping the whole house powering through the day.
I recently started using these new Downy Botanicals laundry fragrance booster, and am really loving them. They are a bit pricey in my opinion, but they last me a long time because I don't use a lot, but the clothes smell amazing for days after.
So far I've tried the Folia and now the Peonia and I must say though they're both wonderful, I love the Peonia. Have you tried these?
I've been meticulous about watering my plants and moving them around to find the best place where they will thrive, and I think I've nailed it. They are growing so big and doing so well, I'm right chuffed with them.
When I think back on how many poor plants I killed over the years, oh goodness.
The rain has been coming down here and there. Some very strong storms, other just a sprinkle for what seems a minute then gone. But, always the sky littered with the sweetest looking puffy clouds.
I used to take photographs of the sky, all the time, when we were stationed in Arizona, and I haven't in a long time, but I think I need to start doing it again.
Once my homemaking chores for the day are complete, I usually take that time to get my steps in, do my quick daily workout and then read, although I haven't been reading as much, because I finally picked up my crochet blanket again. Yay!!!
I have made good progress on it and will be beginning Part 4 today. Here is the end of Part 3 where we created this lace effect and sweet flowers.
How pretty is that?
I will continue showing you as the blanket progresses.
My homemaking days are pretty much the same, and I think that's why I also stopped sharing as many posts because I didn't want to bore you all with the same thing over and over. However, my husband reminded me that as much as this blog is for others to read as well, it is mainly for me and for us as a memory for years to come, and as such, I need to post for us, so that we have these memories to look back in the future.
I think he's right. So, I apologize in advance if it bores you all but you will probably see more daily posts of just normal living and homemaking.
I love reading other blogs and seeing their day to day and never find them boring, so I am hoping you feel the same way. Fingers crossed!!!
Good morning everyone, welcome back to my little corner.
Started my day with my mammogram test results, and thankfully all is good, praise God. If you haven't yet done yours, please do it, I know it's scary but we need to take care of our health especially as we get older.
It is a beautiful morning here in Texas. We've had some rain this weekend, but temperatures are going to start rising, and I am not looking forward to that hahahah So, I'll put it out of my mind for now.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and I wish you a very blessed week ahead.
*** The Weather ***
We are entering the time of higher temperatures. Anyone else stop liking summer as they got older? I used to love summer and the heat, but the past few years I have grown to dislike it immensely and pray for it to come and go fast so that I can get on with Fall.
Monday - Partly cloudy, 97
Tuesday - Sunny, 95
Wednesday - Sunny, 97
Thursday - Partly cloudy, 97
Friday - Thunderstorms, 91
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 96
Sunday - Scattered storms, 90
*** Right now I am ***
At my desk. I just got my breakfast, and am working on this post while listening to a sermon the tv.
*** Thinking and pondering ***
My Jasmine is having eye surgery on the 18th of June. I am a little anxious about it, not because I am worried anything will go wrong, but eye stuff bothers me. She desperately needs it though. She is having ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery. Her ophthalmologist suggested normal lasik because her eye sight is so bad, but when she went for the exam in Dallas, they told her she can't do normal lasik because her cornea is paper thin. So they're doing the ICL.
If any of you have had it done or know anyone who has, please let me know.
*** How I am feeling ***
I'm
feeling good though a little tired, had family over yesterday and
didn't get to bed until after 10pm which is really late for me. I am a
girl who by 830pm is fast asleep.
I am also a bit sore from the gym work out and my stomach is a little
off, due to the dark chocolate that I indulged in for a few days, last
week. Will I ever learn? No, I don't believe so. Darn chocolate
temptation!
*** On the breakfast plate ***
Just had a second cup of coffee and two scrambled eggs with a little bit of mozzarella cheese, and one keto bread.
*** On the lunch plate ***
I'll be having a salad, that's what I'm in the mood for today.
Still in my pajamas but will change to some shorts soon.
*** On my reading pile ***
I am now in Joshua in the Bible.
Reading The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar.
*** On my TV this week ***
YouTube:
Homemaking
Christian book vloggers
Quiet and simple living
Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico
Hallmark:
Way Back Home
World Cup:
It is that time again, the World Cup is upon us and I am so excited for it. Portugal have played a friendly game on Saturday and they have another on Wednesday, and then the 11th the World Cup begins officially. YAY!
*** Looking around the house ***
I need to carpet clean again, also need to clean the living room and dining room windows.
*** To do list ***
Water inside plants
Water plants and veggies outside on the patio
Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study
I've upped my daily steps to 15k, so now trying to hit that goal.
Homemaking chores
This week:
Mow back yard
Drop off donations to local thrift store
*** What I am creating ***
Grabbing my blanket today, I really need to get on with it and have missed it.
Also want to try and create some DIY for the upcoming 250th Birthday of America.
*** From the camera ***
I used to hate my bedroom wall color, and didn't enjoy being in the room much at all. Since painting it this gorgeous Olive color, I am in love with how it looks.
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses ***
Punishing the Darkness was a fantastic book and I highly recommend it.
This week I am concentrating my prayers on my daughter's upcoming surgery.
Praying for our country, as always.
Praying for the continued instability all over the world, that it calms down, that it stills, that it stops, that people learn to get along and live their lives peacefully.
It is Sunday morning, barely, like 4 minutes to go until noon. But, I wanted to come in and sit and just chat a little. I wish I had ton to update you on, a really cool fun reason why I have reverted back to just one post a week, my Happy Homemaker Monday. Alas, there is no such thing, there is just life happening and a blogger (me), who apparently really sucks at this now.
I keep telling myself it's just a phase, but honestly how long does a phase need to last before you realize that maybe you are just not who you used to be, and things have changed?
I often say I miss my old blogging self, and I really do, like really really do.
The other morning I went to visit all the Happy Homemaker Monday participants, read their posts, left comments and realized just how much I miss that interaction, and how terrible I've been at doing it. It was that yearning for something long gone that you can't get back. Frustrated, I logged off the computer and went about my day.
Then I came back to the blog looking for something, I can't even tell you what because my pre-menopause almost 52 year old brain is so bad at remembering anything lately. Anyone else feel like this? My doctor says it's normal, I think it's ridiculous, we already have to go through so much change in our bodies at this time of our lives, can we at least leave our brains alone?
Anyway, I was looking through the blog and landed in 2016 and 2017. I miss that Sandra, that blogger that shared every day, the little things, the small things, the yard, the plants, the meals, the crochet blankets, what I was reading or watching, just my life in general. You would think that I stopped living the way I have stopped doing that, but no, life is the same for the most part, I have just stopped sharing. Why? I have no idea and if one of you does, let me know.
We have been enjoying quite a bit of rain lately, matter of fact leaving gym this morning we got caught in a crazy storm that seemed to have come out of nowhere. It was so strong and dropped so much water that driving down the road sent water flying up next to the windows, it was like a waterfall and we were standing behind the wall of water.
So, this weekend has been quiet, just done the bare minimum required of me, which I needed because weekends are so busy for us.
I am about to head to Walmart to pick up some cat food and some naan bread for tonight's curry, because I'm feeling lazy and don't want to make my own naan even though it's so easy to make. But anyway, after Walmart I plan on giving the house a quick vacuum and dusting and then relaxing until dinner time.
Oh I also got my mammogram done on Friday, and they have now changed the law here in Texas where we have to wait a full week for the results. Ask a person with health anxiety if that is ok LOL For pete sakes, I wanted the result the same day so I could move on, instead I am sitting here just waiting, wondering, letting my mind do it's usual panic. Have I told you before that I am so good with everything else, except waiting for doctor reports and results?
All the trust in God, knowing everything is fine and that I am healed by Jesus' stripes, goes flying out the window and the doom and gloom and negative thoughts take over. It's frustrating and something I have dealt with for so many years, I'm tired folks, I'm actually exhausted of feeling this way, but I know only God can help me conquer this. Pray for me please, that I learn to sit in His presence and not allow my mind to be taken over with worry, anxiety, fear and doubt.
Anyway, I will see you all back tomorrow morning for our Happy Homemaker Monday!
I don't even know how to say that with a straight face because it was just the end of the year of 2025, and we are already halfway through. I always talk about time moving so fast, but has anyone else noticed that everything seems to have sped up?
It's so strange.
Anyway, I hope you are all doing well, I will be coming by to visit you all this morning. I know I'm always apologizing for not having time, but I really need to work this into my schedule so that I take some time each morning to visit all my friend's blogs.
Right, so here we are the first day of June, almost summer and I am not looking forward to the hot weather, so I guess I can just think of it this way "summer is coming fast but that will also mean it will end just as quickly".
Have a blessed week friends.
*** The Weather ***
We have had a lot of rain which is a blessing and has kept the temperatures quite nice, but yesterday was hot enough for the real feel to be 102, and that was gross. Yuck!
We do have some more rain on the way, thankfully.
Monday - Sunshine, 100
Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 95
Wednesday - Mostly cloudy, 86
Thursday - Thunderstorms, 83
Friday - Thunderstorms, 83
Saturday - Thunderstorms, 87
Sunday - Thunderstorms, 89
*** Right now I am ***
Just sat down at my desk to get this post up. I am eating my breakfast as I do so.
*** Thinking and pondering ***
I have my mammogram on Friday and as I'm sure you all know, and understand, my anxiety is high. I honestly wish I could stop feeling this way every year when the mammogram comes around, but my mind is a strange thing and goes beserk each time.
*** How I am feeling ***
I'm feeling good though a little tired, had family over yesterday and didn't get to bed until after 10pm which is really late for me. I am a girl who by 830pm is fast asleep.
I am also a bit sore from the gym work out and my stomach is a little off, due to the dark chocolate that I indulged in for a few days, last week. Will I ever learn? No, I don't believe so. Darn chocolate temptation!
*** On the breakfast plate ***
I am having a cup of english tea with milk and a bowl of oatmeal with dates and shredded coconut, and I also added in a teaspoon of strawberry whipped honey. A local bee farmer sells it at the farmer's market, and it is delicious.
*** On the lunch plate ***
Leftover salad from dinner, and I'll add a boiled egg for protein and some tuna.
*** On the dinner plate ***
I made roast chicken last night and have quite a bit leftover, so will make a chicken pot pie for dinner.
*** On the menu ***
Have to work on the new meal plan so that I can get groceries tomorrow.
Monday - Chicken Pot Pie, Sauteed Greens
Tuesday - Pastitsio, Garlic Bread, Salad
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
*** What I am wearing ***
Pink shorts and a grey tank top.
*** On my reading pile ***
Finishing up Deuteronomy in the Bible.
Finished The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar and started the second in the series called The Peasant King. The first book was actually about Cyrus, it was really interesting.
In non-fiction, I am reading Punishing the Darkness by Pastor Joseph Z. What a fantastic book, I have only a few pages left. I have read most of it in just two days. Spiritual warfare and the battle for our mind. Yes, definitely something I needed to read.
*** On my TV this week ***
YouTube:
Homemaking
Christian book vloggers
Quiet and simple living
Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico
Hallmark:
My sister in law suggested I watch Way Back Home. I put on the first episode on Saturday morning and binged it all the way through, having watched the newer episode that just aired last night. That's four season, FOUR SEASONS. My word. But in my defense, I watch it while I go about my day, so it plays throughout cleaning, laundry, cooking etc. What a great show though, are any of you watching?
*** Looking around the house ***
We've had cloudy days for about two weeks but today we have wonderful sunshine, which is making the whole house look magical.
*** To do list ***
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
This week:
Mammogram on Friday
*** What I am creating ***
I have done nothing creative this past week, nothing. I needed to give my hands a rest because they hurt after painting the living room and bedroom.
*** From the camera ***
How beautiful is this picture? I thought it perfectly fit right now, as I actually have a sourdough boule in the oven.
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses ***
I mentioned the book I'm reading above, Punishing the Darkness. It has opened my eyes to so much and it's helped me to seek and find the peace of God and not let anxiety, worry and fear debilitate me leading up to my mammogram.
But one particular quote in that book, and still focusing on the battle for the mind, was about forgiveness and the inability to forgive someone. We all know that as Christians we are called to forgive, but we also know that it can incredibly difficult to get past whatever someone may have done to us.
Some things are so dark, so mean, so evil that it really does take everything inside and God's help to forgive. Yet some people still can't do it.
In the book Pastor Joseph says "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison daily, hoping for the other person to die." WOW!!!!!
Just WOW!!!!
What a powerful, impactful statement. I just felt that I needed to share it this morning, maybe someone out there is struggling with forgiveness so I hope this helps.