{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/15/2026 }

 

 

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.  

{ Wordless Wednesday }

{ A homemaking day }

“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!!! 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/08/2026 }

 

 

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.  

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Beef Manestra, Salad 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Monday - Beef Manestra, Salad 

Tuesday - Teriyaki Chicken, Rice, Egg Rolls 

Wednesday - Kofta Meatballs, Quinoa, Steamed Broccoli

Thursday - Chicken Ravioli, Salad

Friday - Pizza

Saturday - Fend for yourself

Sunday -  Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Salad

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

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.  

{ Hello, just me, chatting away.... }

 

 

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!

 

Have a blessed rest of Sunday,

xoxoxo 

 

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/01/2026 }

 

Good morning friends, and Happy June! 

 

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.

{ 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.