{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/21/2022 }

 

 

 

Good morning friends.  Today's post is going to be a quick one.  We are extremely sick here at home, with Flu A.  And this just 2 weeks after the bad cold we got.   

 

Jasmine picked it up from one of her cowokers, and she's been sick all week.  I ended up having to take her to Urgent Care on Friday, and after testing for Covid, strep, RSV and Flu, it came back positive for Flu A.  She also has a bit of a chest infection.  Saturday morning, it hit me, and after a call to my doctor, I was told I have the same Flu as it's highly contagious.  At the moment, Flu and RSV are spreading like wildfire in our area.   I have been extremely sick, terrible high fevers, body aches, headaches and not able to eat much of anything.

 

Yesterday, my poor husband got hit with it too and he is home sick today.  Nick thankfully is ok, and I pray he doesn't get it.  We've had to cancel our Thanksgiving plans with the family because Dalton is not even 1 years old yet, and I would hate for him to catch the flu or RSV.   Please keep us in our prayers.

 

Have a wonderful, blessed week friends,

Sandra

♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥
Cold in the mornings, not as bad in the afternoons.

Monday - Cloudy, 59
Tuesday - Sunny, 64
Wednesday - Cloudy, 58
Thursday - Partly cloudy, 60
Friday - Showers, 50
Saturday - Showers, 59  

Sunday - Sunday, 62



♥♥ As I look outside my window ♥♥
Laying in bed so can't see much at all from here.  

 

♥♥ Right now I am ♥♥
Laying in bed trying to work on this post.  Hubby is laying next to me, shivering with the fever and really unwell.     

♥♥ Thinking and pondering ♥♥
Just thanking God for our health, even in the middle of this horrible Flu.  Thinking about how our Thanksgiving will be so different this year, but it will be ok.  Our health has to come first. 

 

♥♥ How am I feeling ♥♥
I have a headache, and my body is really sore.  My high fevers seem to have left yesterday afternoon, and now I just feel slightly warm.  I am exhausted, I feel weak, and can't seem to find a comfortable position to lay.  

 

 

 
♥♥ Listening to ♥♥

Alexa playing Thunderstorms on my Echo machine.  

♥♥ On the breakfast plate ♥♥
I haven't been able to drink coffee since Friday, I'm just off coffee during this flu.  I have been living on hot tea with lemon and honey.  

               

  

♥♥ On the lunch plate ♥♥
Not sure I'll be up to eating anything.      

 

 

♥♥ On the dinner plate ♥♥
The past few days we have been eating sandwiches, or whatever we can find.  Everyone has been fending for themselves.  I really hope I am to cooking today, I think we could all do with some homemade food.         

 

 

♥♥ What I'm wearing ♥♥
Pajamas.            

 


♥♥ On my reading pile ♥♥
My Bible.

Paul David Tripp New Morning Mercies devotional.
Morning and Evening Devotional by Charles Spurgeon.   

The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn.

♥♥ On my TV this week ♥♥
We finished Star Trek Discovery, so moving on to Picard.  ne with the last season.  UGH!  We've been enjoying this one so much.  We will move onto Picard next.   

Homemaking, simple living, and quiet living vlogs

World Cup 2022

♥♥ On the menu ♥♥

Not really sure, I have my menu planned, but nothing looks appealing, and I can't seem to eat anything without feeling like I'll be sick.  I need to also work on the new menu, but not sure when I'll be able to do that.....so, I'm giving you the meal plan, but I can't say for sure if that's what we'll be eating or not.

 

Monday - Bacon Cheeseburger Tatertot Casserole, Broccoli
Tuesday - Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach Bake, Salad

Wednesday - Chicken Stew

Thursday -   Thanksgiving (hoping to be well enough to cook something for me and my family)

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday - 

Sunday - 

♥♥ Looking around the house ♥♥
It is in desperate need of some cleaning, but I just can't handle it at the moment.  I'm working around it very slowly, but that's all I can do. 

 

♥♥ To Do List ♥♥
- Get this post up 

- Hopefully cook dinner

- Get over this horrid Flu 's.

 

 

♥♥ From the camera ♥♥
Thankfully, I cooked all my Thanksgiving pies last week.    

 

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/14/2022 }

 

 

 

Good morning everyone, welcome back to my little blog. 

 

I am coming to you this morning, from a very cold, rainy Texas.  We are even expecting some snow mixed in with the rain.  Crazy!

I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend.  Ours went too fast.  Friday we met up with Curt's aunt and cousin, in Oklahoma, for a catch up lunch, and to go visit my mother in law's grave.  It was great catching up, we hadn't seen each other since March.  Anyway, Saturday I went grocery shopping at the base commissary.  I have so missed shopping in store.  

If you missed my previous post, I gave an update on Kaia, she is well now, back to normal and thankfully over this gastro issue she had.  Thank the Lord!

 

And with that, I'm going to move right into our post for today.  Have a wonderful, blessed week friends,

Sandra

♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥
Cold and hot.  That's the best way to describe this nonsense. 

Monday - Cloudy skies, 66
Tuesday - Cloudy, 77
Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 81
Thursday - Partly cloudy, 81
Friday - Sunny, 54
Saturday - Sunny, 52  

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 56



♥♥ As I look outside my window ♥♥
Cloudy and really dreary this morning.  All the trees in our yard are a beautiful orange and yellow.  I always find that the contrast between the leaves being that color, and the cloudy skies, makes for such a beautiful picture. 

 

♥♥ Right now I am ♥♥
Sitting on my bed, typing up this post.     

♥♥ Thinking and pondering ♥♥
About Kaia.  I hate seeing one of our babies unwell.  I will tell you, it has brought up a lot of anxiety for me.  Marley's sickness traumatized me in ways I never thought possible.  It's so strange how our brains immediately go to some place, during different situations.  I am just trying to stay focused, and not allow my mind to shift back to those thoughts, because it sends my anxiety into a tail spin. 

 

♥♥ How am I feeling ♥♥
Really tired.  The past 3 nights, I haven't slept well, and am just feeling exhausted.

 

 

 
♥♥ Listening to ♥♥

A sermon on the tv.

♥♥ On the breakfast plate ♥♥
Just had a second cup of coffee, and some toast.  

                 

  

♥♥ On the lunch plate ♥♥
I have leftover steamed broccoli from dinner on Saturday, so I'll be adding a can of tuna to it, a little bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and that will be my lunch.     

 

 

♥♥ On the dinner plate ♥♥
Chicken Enchiladas, Tomato rice, Beans.         

 

 

♥♥ What I'm wearing ♥♥
I have a pair of black leggings on, and a love sleeved dark grey top.  Also have some warm socks on my feet, because it's quite cold right now.          

 


♥♥ On my reading pile ♥♥
My Bible.

Paul David Tripp New Morning Mercies devotional.
Morning and Evening Devotional by Charles Spurgeon.   

The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn.

♥♥ On my TV this week ♥♥
Star Trek Discovery.....we are almost done with the last season.  UGH!  We've been enjoying this one so much.  We will move onto Picard next.   

Homemaking, simple living, and quiet living vlogs

The Great British Bake Off 

All Creatures Great and Small

Christmas movies on Lifetime Youtube channel

♥♥ On the menu ♥♥

 

Monday - Chicken Enchiladas, Tomato Rice, Beans  
Tuesday - Spicy Pork Noodles

Wednesday - Instant Pot Chili Mac, Salad

Thursday -   Sausage Rice, Butternut Squash

Friday - Cheeseburgers, Fries

Saturday - Crockpot Mississippi Chicken Sandwiches
Sunday - Chicken Stew, Garlic Biscuits, Sauteed Spinach



♥♥ Looking around the house ♥♥
It is quite dark, as it's raining outside.  By the back patio door in the living room, area all my veggies from outside.  They are still thriving and producing, but we have been having frost in the morning, and I don't want them to die.

 

We potted them all and brought them in, until they're done producing veggies.  At the moment I have quite a lot of plants in my house, and that's ok, I love seeing all the green. 

 

♥♥ To Do List ♥♥
- Get this post up 

- Load of laundry to wash, plus 2 of Curt's work shirts to iron

- Finish cracking the bag of pecans on the kitchen counter

- Make Kaia's food

- Do the dishes

- Start another batch of french bread, in the bread machine

- Take out chicken for dinner

- Wash cilantro, parsley and lettuce to store in tupperware.  Cilantro and parsley will be chopped up and frozen, as I always do.

- Make my Thanksgiving list of to do's.

- Read the Bible and do devotionals

 

 

♥♥ From the camera ♥♥
I just love this photo and the colors.  So many different beautiful colors of fall in these leaves.  ♥  

 

  

♥♥ Devotional ♥♥ 

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May our loving Father protect you in the time of trouble and surround you with songs of deliverance. Selah!

{ A bit of a stressful week, but all things are back on track }

Oh what a stressful week it was.

Monday morning, we woke up to Kaia being unwell, lethargic and running a fever.   What we assumed was just an upset stomach, quickly became a bit scary.  We took her to the vet that afternoon, and they did a Parvo test, as a precaution because she is under 1 year old.

Thankfully, it was negative, as the vet and we both suspected.

It turned out to be a gastrointestinal issue, due to her eating a pig bone.  One of Curt's students had given him a pig bone for her to chew on.  The thing is, Kaia chewed right through it and ate some of it.  I have never liked pig bones, or any bones for the dogs, I always worry about it splintering and creating shards.

The veterinary confirmed that pig bones are not to be given to your dogs, neither are rawhide bones, or any kind of bone that can splinter and shard.  We were horrified.  She set our minds at easy and told us that it wasn't our fault, that we didn't know, and she sees a lot of this at her office because people don't know.  But from that moment on, not to give her any.  

It was a slow week.  She was put on antibiotics with an added medicine to rectify and regulate her gastrointestinal system.  She was also put on anti nausea pills, because she was really nauseous.

She didn't full recover until Thursday afternoon.  Today she is back to her bubbly normal self, running, eating and being as sweet as can be.

So, I guess I just wanted to share that with you, to warn you of the pig bones and rawhide bones.  The vet suggest rather giving them a knuckle, which doesn't break apart or shard.  

 

This sweet boy has been understanding, and for the most part left her alone, although Monday morning, he was trying to play with her and she got quite annoyed.  They usually play hide and seek, chase each other etc.  He didn't understand that she wasn't well, so when she came walking slowly into our bedroom, he came running out from under the bed and jumped on her.  

As I'm sure you can understand, she was not impressed.  Poor baby!

He quickly understood she wasn't well, and left her alone the rest of the week.

 

 

The early mornings I spent with my sick girl, meant a lot of moments with my Bible and the Lord.  I love getting up long before everyone else, lighting a candle, grabbing a cup of coffee and just enjoying the stillness of dawn.

And then as the sun starts to shine, I step outside just to catch the magical light reflecting off the leaves and vines on the fence.  

 

With the days getting shorter, and colder, I have been making use of my clothesline even more.  I want to enjoy every minute that I can still hang my clothes out to dry.

So when I washed my kitchen towels, tablecloth, fall kitchen towels and placemats, they all went straight out on the line.  I think it's one of those timeless homemaking chores, that we as homemakers will always be connected by.  

 

I also removed and packed away all the Fall decorations.  If it were up to me, all the Christmas would come out, but I've had to hold off on it because hubby says "Only after Thanskgiving".  Hahaha

He's lucky I love him, so I'll just humor him.  But everything is ready to go.  

 

And with the cold coming in, it also means I get to pull out my big fuzzy slippers, sweaters, long sleeves, scarves and hats.  I do love winter time.  I used to prefer summer, but with me inching ever more closer to menopause, I just can't handle the heat anymore.  

 

At least with the cold I can layer, and put on more, wrap myself in a blanket and so forth.  Love it! 

 

 

I've slipped on the flannel sheets, and for some reason I sleep so much better in the winter, with the flannel sheets, than in the summer.  It's probably all psychological, but nonetheless, it is what it is.

 

As we get closer to Thanksgiving, I am full speed ahead with planning and lists.  I want to try and get as much done before the day, as possible.  This year, I don't know if I've mentioned it yet, but the World Cup 2022, begins right around Thanksgiving, and both Portugal and Brasil are playing on Thanksgiving day.

 

My family and I are so thrilled, not only do we eat yummy food, but we get to watch something that we LOVE.  It is sure to be an amazing day. 

 

 

Right now, I am going to watch a Christmas movie, while I continue to crack pecans.  Yes, I am still trying to get through the boxes we have.  But it's a blessing to have these many, especially since I can freeze them.

I will leave you with a picture of mine and Curt's gifts above, from our church, last weekend.  It was in celebration of Veteran's day and they gifted both the veteran and the wives.  It was extremely sweet of them.

Anyway, I hope you are all having a wonderful, restful weekend.  

I will see you all back here in the morning, for our Happy Homemaker Monday!!!

{ Gather and Give by Amy Nelson - TLC Book Tour }

About Gather and Give: Sharing God’s Heart Through Everyday Hospitality

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 18, 2022)

Hardcover: 208 pages

 

Now more than ever, the world is hungry to gather and thirsty for connection.

Many of us wish to share a meal, share our faith, and share our lives with others. We want to open our home to friends and neighbors for the sake of meaningful community, but we’re overwhelmed with hospitality hang-ups. How do I extend an invitation? What will they think of my house or the food? Our welcome has been influenced by the messages of the world that tell us hospitality is about our ability to be, host, live, and cook a certain way.

In Gather & Give, Amy Hannon inspires you to embrace the simple hospitality of the Bible that values connection more than perfection and people more than presentation. Amy shares scriptural principles and practical ideas to make everyday hospitality a natural, joy-filled part of your life. You will feel encouraged and equipped to view your home as:

• a holy wellspring of welcome to offer hope to a weary world;
• a strategic springboard for ministering to those around you; and
• the perfect platform for influencing others for Christ.

Find freedom in knowing that the hospitality of the Bible is uncomplicated and effortless, that a welcome can be used by God to share His love and hope with the world, and that there is abounding joy in following the Lord in His hospitality command. Whether preparing shrimp and grits for a crowd or picking up barbecue with new neighbors, you can invite with intention, plate with purpose, and love others well.

About the Author

Amy Nelson Hannon is a preacher’s wife, a mom of three, and the woman behind an influential andexpansive hospitality brand. She owns Euna Mae’s, a one-of-a-kind kitchen shop and gathering room named after her grandmother that is a special place to locals and has become a destination for many near and far. In addition to her brick-and-mortar store, Amy is the heart of a broad media platform that has included a daily cooking show on Northwest Arkansas’ NBC affiliate, a food blog, a cookbook, partnerships with national brands, and engaging social media. Amy uses every opportunity to share a message of simple, biblical hospitality.

Amy’s infectious personality and love for Jesus and the table are inspiring households from coast to coast to embrace the message of intentional kitchening based on 1 Peter 4:8-11.

 

 

My Thoughts:

I have not yet finished this one, but I am 3/4 of the way done, and I love every.single.page.  

 

I never used to like entertaining.  When I first got married, I avoided it like the plague.  I just found the whole idea of having people over, quite overwhelming and it gave me anxiety.  

 

I didn't know what to do, or I would drive myself sick preparing for the day, to the point that when it arrived, I just didn't enjoy it.  I felt overwhelmed and ready for it to be over, before the guests even arrived.

But as time went on, I started to try to enjoy the time spent with family and friends, and really began enjoying the whole process.

In Gather and Give, Amy Nelson shows us how to be hospitable, according to the Bible, focusing on sharing quality time with  people, not focusing so much on perfection, or worrying about what people will think of our food or our home.  Because really, in the end, that is not what it's all about.  It is about gathering, sharing, 

She offers tips, encouragement and even some recipes to share with our guests.

Hosting does not have to be this overwhelming, scary experience.  The world around us wants us to believe that in order to have someone over, you need the perfect home, the perfect food, the perfect conversation.  It is about ministering, talking about the Lord and sharing.

 

Keep it simple!!!

 

As I said above, I have not yet finished this one, but I can for certain tell you that it will be added to my favorite books pile.

 

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

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/07/2022 }

 

 

Good morning from a crisp, cold Texas.

 

I stepped outside with Kaia and couldn't believe how cold I felt.  It's just the mornings though because in the afternoons, we are still reaching upper 70's and mid 80's.  

 

I don't need to go anywhere today, however, Kaia has been unwell this weekend, so I'm giving the Vet a call in about 30 minutes, to see if I need to bring her in.  I'm pretty certain it's her stomach.  She threw up her breakfast Friday morning, but nothing since then.  She's just been gassy, she seems to be running a low grade fever the past two days, and she's very lethargic and seems that her stomach is hurting her.  So, I know stomach issues often go away in a few days, but I would rather talk to the vet and see what she suggests. 

 

Poor pup is just not happy at all.  Please keep her in your prayers.  Anyway, let's get on with our post today, and see what is happening around our homes.

 

Have a wonderful, blessed week friends,

Sandra

♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥
Cold and hot.  That's the best way to describe this nonsense. 

Monday - Cloudy skies, 66
Tuesday - Cloudy, 77
Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 81
Thursday - Partly cloudy, 81
Friday - Sunny, 54
Saturday - Sunny, 52  

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 56



♥♥ As I look outside my window ♥♥
Cloudy and really dreary this morning.  All the trees in our yard are a beautiful orange and yellow.  I always find that the contrast between the leaves being that color, and the cloudy skies, makes for such a beautiful picture. 

 

♥♥ Right now I am ♥♥
Sitting on my bed, typing up this post.     

♥♥ Thinking and pondering ♥♥
About Kaia.  I hate seeing one of our babies unwell.  I will tell you, it has brought up a lot of anxiety for me.  Marley's sickness traumatized me in ways I never thought possible.  It's so strange how our brains immediately go to some place, during different situations.  I am just trying to stay focused, and not allow my mind to shift back to those thoughts, because it sends my anxiety into a tail spin. 

 

♥♥ How am I feeling ♥♥
Exhausted.  Was practically up all night with Kaia.  She wasn't feeling well, she was shivering from the fever and whining a bit, and just wanted our attention.  I'm just glad she is sleeping peacefully at the moment, and after I've talked to the vet, I may try and take a nap.   

 


♥♥ On the breakfast plate ♥♥
I made a cup of coffee at 6am, like I always do, but didn't drink it.  I'm so tired that I'm not even in the mood for coffee.  Good grief, that is a first.                 

  

♥♥ On the lunch plate ♥♥
I am not sure yet.  I made some ravioli for dinner last night, so may have some of that, but it depends on how I'm feeling at the time.   

 

 

♥♥ On the dinner plate ♥♥
Feijoada (Portuguese bean stew), Rice, Sauteed greens          

 

 

♥♥ What I'm wearing ♥♥
Still in my nightgown and robe.  If I have to take Kaia to the vet, then I'll change into jeans a tshirt, but if not, then I'll probably throw on some leggins.....and a tshirt of course.  Not gonna walk around with just leggings, that wouldn't be appropriate  LOL        

 


♥♥ On my reading pile ♥♥
My Bible.

Paul David Tripp New Morning Mercies devotional.
Morning and Evening Devotional by Charles Spurgeon.   

The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn.

Gather and Give by Amy Hannon

♥♥ On my TV this week ♥♥
Star Trek Discovery.....we are LOVING this one too. 

Homemaking, simple living, and quiet living vlogs

The Great British Bake Off 

All Creatures Great and Small

Christmas movies

♥♥ On the menu ♥♥

 

Monday - Feijoada, Rice, Sauteed Greens  
Tuesday - Roast chicken legs with roast potatoes and mixed veggies 

Wednesday - Olive Garden's Angry Alfredo with Roasted Cauliflower

Thursday -   Olive Garden's Five Cheese Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread

Friday - *grocery shopping....new meal plan kicks in*

Saturday -
Sunday -



♥♥ Looking around the house ♥♥
The house is clean and tidy, I got it all done over the weekend, so I don't need to do anything today, aside from the usual daily maintenance and cooking.  

 

I am starting to bring down the Fall decorations, fabric pumpkins, wreaths etc.  I don't know if I'll put any Christmas decorations up this week, but definitely by this weekend they will show up.  One thing, I am hoping to put up this week though, is my Thanksgiving tree.

   

♥♥ To Do List ♥♥
- First on the list is to call the vet in a few minutes, when they open (just called and she has an appointment at 3pm

- Start the new meal plan and grocery list 

- Make chicken and rice for Kaia

- Write up the new monthly budget

 

♥♥ From the camera ♥♥
There is something so magical about Fall season and the light it creates on the world around it.  I always enjoy looking out every morning and seeing how everything looks, the grass, the trees. 

 

 

♥♥ Devotional ♥♥ 

 

God calls you to deny yourself and then blesses you with the indwelling Holy Spirit so you have the power to say no.  

 

From New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp

{ A cozy rainy day in the kitchen }

 

The morning started like any other.  Bright blue skies, and the most gorgeous of yellow and orange leaves on the trees.

I always step out back, and while Kaia does her business, I just look up and admire God's handiwork.  Is there anything more beautiful?  The detail, and the vivid colors that I certainly could never imagine.

 

 

 

I had a home day, which meant, no need to leave the house at all, and for that I was grateful as we had some severe storms coming in, in the afternoon.

Looking at the bright blue sky, you wouldn't know it, but believe me they showed up in force.

I got busy with cleaning the house real quick, then got into the kitchen and continued my baking.  I made Cinnamon bread and Pumpkin Spice bread the day before, and yesterday, I concentrated on making french bread loaves for subs and pizza.  We love french bread pizza and it's even tastier when you make the bread yourself.

 

Some people say they don't have a bread maker, and those that do say they hardly ever use it.  I use mine at least once a week.  I couldn't do without it.

 

 

The recipe I use is supposed to make two loaves, but I split mine into 8, and make smaller ones which are just right for the pizza.  I slice them in half, and that's 16 pizzas for the freezer.  Or, if we want subs then I take 4 of those out and make pizza from the remaining 4 loaves.

Either way, it's delicious bread and so easy to make, especially since the bread maker does all the work, and all I have to do is shape it, let it rise and bake it.  Saves me a lot of time in the kitchen.

As I was busy with the bread, the sky started turning a dark purple, the wind moved in, gorgeous fall leaves started dancing down from the trees, and the pitter patter of rain drops began.

 

I immediately lit candles, opened the back patio door and found a spot on the couch near the big living room windows, to watch the rain.  At one point, it was me, Kaia and Elliott, all watching.  I do love my furry babies.

 

 

We sat for a bit, then I decided to head straight back into the kitchen, to make some Bolinhos de Chuva.  If you're Portuguese you understand what that means, but if you're not, they translate to Rain Cakes.  Basically little donuts, rolled in sugar and cinnamon.  We always make them when it rains.  

 

Just picture a few of these with a hot cup of coffee, on a rainy day.  Yum!!! 

 

The rest of the day was spent on the couch, under the blankets, with my babies, reading, listening to the rain and just enjoying a cozy day at home.

For dinner, I made a delicious pizza.  It was supposed to be a deep dish, but I divided the dough into 2 pizzas, so ended up with not a deep dish, but a delicious pizza nonetheless.  

The recipe was a new one to us, I love copycat recipes, and this was the Uno Pizzeria Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.  I know, I created a faux pas by dividing the dough, but I won't do it next time.  I am going to try the actual deep dish and I'm sure it will be just as delicious as the one I made yesterday.

I do have another deep dish pizza recipe on my food blog, which is equally delicious.  Give it a look.

 

 

I think it was the perfect ending to a rainy Friday.

How did you spend yours?

{ Welcome November }

 

I'm a few days late in welcoming the wonderful month of November.  I honestly thought that I was still in October, for some reason.

But alas, no, November is here in all it's beautiful Fall glory.

The days have gotten shorter, the mornings are filled with dew covered grass and ice on the windows, and dinner is being eaten in with the lights on.  I do so love the colder, darker days.

I have switched gears from the busyness of Summer to cold weather, which means, gathering fire wood, gathering pine cones from our huge tree out back, for decorations, starting the Thanksgiving meal plan and list......and pulling out some Christmas decorations.

 

I want to fill my days with homemaking, decorating, reading, cups of tea and coffee, and warm cookies straight from the oven.  I also want to keep sharing more here on the blog, so I am trying to come up with a few ideas, and then get them on paper and eventually on to here.

 

I also want to get a list of Christmas movies ready to watch.  Usually I start watching them on the 1st, but like I said above, I am a few days late.  But, I'm going to take a look through Hallmark and some other channels to see what is new, even though there are always the usual family favorites that get watched every year.

 

Christmas planning is also underway, more specifically gifts.  We're trying to keep it all on the light side this year, both in the holiday meals and in the gifts.  Curt and I have decided that we are only giving gifts to our kids this year, probably not even giving to each other.  We will see as we get closer to the date.

 

This weekend I need to get the back yard cleaned and the summer furniture and decorations put away.  We usually just pull it all under the covered patio, and cover with tarp.  However, I do need to give the patio a good sweep and hose down, before that happens.  

I find it easier to do these chores when the weather is not yet too cold.

Also need to fit in an oil change in my car, sometime on Saturday.  Anyone else sometimes find that their weekends are busier than the weekdays?  There are weeks that seem to slip from weekdays to weekends and back to weekdays before I even take a break.  But I guess we have to take it all in stride, and thank God for the blessing of living.

 

I am also trying to get through my book pile.  I feel that the minute I pick up one of my own to read, another bunch come in the mail for review, so I have a revolving book pile that never seems to end.  That's a good problem to have though, in my opinion.

 

I was just thinking that I need to find a new devotional for next year, because I like to get a new one either for Christmas or January, and low and behold, I receive one in the mail to review.

 

 

It looks really good, and since it's also a year long devotional, I think it may be my new devotional for 2023, along with another.  I don't know why, but I always have two devotionals going at the same time.  This year, I have been reading New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp and Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon.

I've had so many questions on Instagram about these two, especially the Paul David Tripp one, which if I may add, has to be my favorite devotional to date.  I'm linking both below for you, in case you're looking for some new ones to add to your collection.

New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp

Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon

If you have any devotionals that you love, or think I would enjoy too, please let me know in the comment section.

I am going to end this one here, as I need to run to base to pick up my Vitamin D from the pharmacy.  

I hope you are all well, and having a good start to your November.  Thank you for always stopping by, and leaving such sweet comments.  I do appreciate them all very much.

Have a blessed day friends,

Sandra

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 10/31/2022 }

 

 

Good morning, and a very happy Monday.  I know today is Halloween, but I stopped giving it any consideration, years ago when I truly cemented my relationship with my Lord.  I can't in good conscience, as a Christian take part in anything to do with this day, so I claim it for the Lord.  

 

So, I have already gone out, and am back home, with a hot cup of coffee, my laptop open, and ready to get going with our post for today.  I am so glad that I was able to go and visit all the participants last week, I really enjoyed seeing everyone's posts.

 

Being that today is the last day of October, we are going full speed into the holiday planning.  I'm excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas, though we've decided this year there will be no gifts exchanged, things are tough, money is tight for everyone, so we will celebrate the day as simply as we can, keeping the focus on what really matters and what it is about.  

 

Anyway, let's get on with our post today, and see what is happening around our homes.

 

Have a wonderful, blessed week friends,

Sandra

♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥
Cool temperatures, rain, crisp mornings and dew on the grass.  We are done with summer, for good, thank goodness.  We will see upper 70's this week, but I don't mind that.    

Monday - Sunshine and clouds, 76
Tuesday - Sunny, 78
Wednesday - Sunny, 78
Thursday - Cloudy and windy, 78
Friday - Thunderstorms, 75
Saturday - AM showers, 64  

Sunday - Sunny, 71



♥♥ As I look outside my window ♥♥
It is a bit cloudy but the sun is shining through the trees, and making the changing leaves look absolutely stunning.  There is dew on the grass, which always looks like diamonds sparkling.  It's one of my favorite things about Fall.

 

♥♥ Right now I am ♥♥
Just came to sit on my bed so that I can work on this post, while I watch a video on youtube.  I'm also enjoying my cup of coffee.   

♥♥ Thinking and pondering ♥♥
I've switched my brain to Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I have a mental list going of what I need to do, what I'm cooking and so forth.  Just need to get it all on paper. 

 

♥♥ How am I feeling ♥♥
Finally over that cold, although both Nick and I have lingering coughs and congestion.  I'm also thrilled that my blood work came back and everything is good.  Thank God. 

 


♥♥ On the breakfast plate ♥♥
Had a cup of coffee at 6am and just having a second one with my favorite, Peppermint Mocha Creamer.  Also just had toast with butter and liver spread.                 

 

♥♥ On the lunch plate ♥♥
Not sure, I won't eat lunch for a couple more hours, so will see what I feel like.  It will either be a salad, or I have no clue, really.  Hahahah     

 

 

♥♥ On the dinner plate ♥♥
Best chili Ever, Rice          

 

 

 

♥♥ What I'm wearing ♥♥
Black leggings, dark grey tank top and a plaid black and white shirt over the tank.  Also have comfy soft socks on cause I'm cold.          

 


♥♥ On my reading pile ♥♥
My Bible.

Paul David Tripp New Morning Mercies devotional.
Morning and Evening Devotional by Charles Spurgeon.   

The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn.

Gather and Give by Amy Hannon

♥♥ On my TV this week ♥♥
Star Trek Discover.....we are LOVING this one too. 

Homemaking, simple living, and quiet living vlogs
House of Dragons

The Lord of the Rings Series on Amazon Prime

The Serpent Queen

The Great British Bake Off 

All Creatures Great and Small

The Watcher on Netflix

♥♥ On the menu ♥♥

 

Monday - Best Chili Ever, Rice, Homemade rolls  
Tuesday - Million Dollar Gnocchi, Salad, Garlic Bread
Wednesday - Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli

Thursday -   Bifanas (pork sandwiches), Air Fried Potato Wedges

Friday - Copycat Uno's Pizza

Saturday - Breakfast for dinner (biscuits and gravy, hashbrown casserole)
Sunday - Onion and potato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches



♥♥ Looking around the house ♥♥
Need to carpet clean, with the rain we had this weekend, the going in and out of the house by Kaia, has caused some muddy prints.  I've cleaned them as I go, but want to give the carpet a good clean. 

   

♥♥ To Do List ♥♥
- Tidy up the house - carpet clean, fluff pillows, open curtains and windows

- Food prep for the week - wash veggies, wash and pack lettuce and spinach for salads, make garlic paste, wash grapes to be ready for eating
- Start Thanksgiving meal planning

 

♥♥ From the camera ♥♥
There is something so magical about Fall season and the light it creates on the world around it.  I always enjoy looking out every morning and seeing how everything looks, the grass, the trees. 

 

 

♥♥ Devotional ♥♥ 

From In Touch Ministries......

 

Life can hit us with the most unexpected and undesirable circumstances. When that happens, we might wonder, Does God really care about me? Here are three truths to remember:

1. Scripture tells us, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). This means His very nature is characterized by compassion and concern. Love originated with God, and He is the greatest example of how to express it. Together with the reality that God is holy, this means our Father is perfect in His love—He’ll never make a mistake in the way He cares for us. 

2. God loves us because He calls us His children. “To those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” writes John in his gospel (John 1:12 NIV). Sadly, for some who’ve had a difficult upbringing, this may not be encouraging news. But God is the perfect parent, and He loves us perfectly.

3. God gave the supreme demonstration of His love at the cross. God’s Son came to earth as an expression of His Father’s infinite love and sacrificially did for us what no one else could do. 

After considering these three facts about God’s love, how could we not expect Him to take care of even the smallest details of our life? Look for ways He is expressing His love to you, and remember Jesus’s own words on the subject: “Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).