{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/20/2026 }

 

 

Good morning everyone, welcome to a very cloudy Texas.  I love cloudy cool days, and God blessed us with one this morning.  

 

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend, mine was busy as always.  I remember years ago or rather, when I was younger, the weekends seemed to drag on and I would often find myself bored.  Those days are long gone, now the weekends are full and busy and by the time Monday rolls around, I feel exhausted and like I didn't have a weekend at all.  Anyone else feel this way?

 

Anyway, let me get this post going so that I can get busy with my day.

 

Have a blessed week friends,

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Perfect.  Lots of rain and cool temperatures, and actually the past two days have been kind of chilly with mornings in the 40s.  Looks like more of the same this week.

 

Monday - Cloudy, 69

Tuesday - Showers, 65

Wednesday - Cloudy, 79

Thursday - Cloudy, 87

Friday - Cloudy, 88

Saturday - Cloudy, 86

Sunday - Cloudy, 80

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Trying to get this post up as fast as I can, as I'm running a little late.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Just how much I truly love being a homemaker and loving taking moments to do the things I really enjoy, like crocheting, reading, photography and cooking and baking.  

 

We sometimes take these things for granted, but it's such a blessing to be able to do these things.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired, but good otherwise.  

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I have a cup of coffee at 4:30 AM, then at 8 I had a cup of milky tea, two scrambled eggs and two pieces of toast.  

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Not really sure, I am quite full at the moment.  May just have some yogurt or a salad. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Saucy meatballs and noodles, steamed broccoli.    

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

It's that time again to work on the new meal plan, so these are the meals I have until Wednesday. 

 

Monday - Saucy meatballs and noodles, steamed broccoli

Tuesday -  Chicken Stifado, Basmati Rice, Salad 

Wednesday -  

Thursday -  

Friday - Arayes, Sweet Potato Fries

Saturday -   

Sunday -  Hamburgers and Hotdogs, Potato Salad

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my pajamas, but will change into a dress shortly.  

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I finished Mary Magdalene and absolutely loved it.  Like I said before, I think the reason I am loving biblical fiction is because I'm a visual person, and it helps me visualize the bible.  

 

In the Bible I finished Exodus and am about to finish Leviticus. 

 

For a book review I am reading God Won't Leave You There by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright.  

  

In Christian fiction, I have started Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette's.

  

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Turkish shows:

Guller Ve Gunahlar

Ayni Yagmur Altinda

Sevdigim Sensin

Yeralti

Abi

Cirkin 

 

YouTube homemaking and book videos, as well has some simple living and quiet vlogs.  

 

Hallmark: 

Hope Valley

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

It is quite dark this morning because of the cloudy skies.  I just need to open doors and windows to let in the fresh air, fluff up couch pillows, do some dusting and vacuuming.  The rest of the house is put together. 

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

Homemaking chores

Work on meal plan and budget

 

*** What I am creating *** 

I am working on the Universe in Bloom blanket.  It is a bit slow at the moment because these first few bits are mainly smaller pieces that are crocheted and then put together.  I much prefer a blanket that is all in one go, but that's okay, we will get through this last part and then we will be flowing in the crochet world.  

 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

The abundance that we have been getting from our chickens, is a HUGE blessing.  Every time we gather the eggs I smile.  What a joy to be able to have these daily. ♥

 

 

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

At church yesterday, we had a visiting pastor who delivered such a wonderful message.  God promises that when we face challenging times.  I will share it below for you all, I think you would enjoy hearing from Pastor Scott Dawson.   

 

{ Nero and Paul - TLC Book Tour }

 

 

About Nero & Paul: How the Gospel of Grace Defeated the Ruler of Rome (Ancient Evil, Living Hope)
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication date: March 10, 2026
Print length: 240 pages

Does gaining power, possessions, and popularity lead to happiness and fulfillment? Or does inner transformation and self-sacrificial love bring the most joy and satisfaction? New York Times bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford and scholar Bryan Litfin dive into these questions by bringing the stories of Nero and Paul to life in this creative nonfiction tale and identifying how these moral questions can be applied to modern Christian life.

Centuries ago, against the backdrop of Roman domination and decadence, a rabbi-turned-evangelist challenged the ideology of an immoral emperor. Two competing messages clashed—and they were messages that echo into our modern world.

One voice says, Do what feels good. Gain more influence. Focus on yourself and build your own kingdom. Another says, Live for something beyond yourself—something eternal. Carry out your God-given mission, no matter the cost. Follow your King to the end of the world if you must . Only then will you truly live.

Combining historical accuracy with narrative imagination, Nero and Paul drops you into the drama of human pride and divine destiny that unfolded on the stage of imperial Rome.

You’ll travel with Paul as he ventured from Jerusalem all the way to Spain, making friends, winning converts, and persisting through grueling opposition. You’ll see up close Nero’s kingdom of wealth, glamour, sex, and power—the proud trappings of a self-proclaimed god. In contrast, Paul boldly offered what the world desperately needed: the Messiah’s life-giving good news of God’s presence indwelling his people.

Though this epic clash of worldviews led to bloodshed and death, the crown of eternal life triumphed over the laurel wreaths of Rome—just as the light of Jesus triumphs over the darkness of the world in every age.

Don’t miss this ancient story with a timeless message that reverberates across the centuries and will light the fire of your faith today.

About the Authors
Kathie Lee Gifford’s four-time Emmy Award winning career has spanned television, film, recordings, Broadway, cabaret, and commercials. She has authored numerous books, including her most recent book, The God of the Way, and five New York Times bestselling books, including The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi and It’s Never Too Late. She is also an actress, singer, songwriter, playwright, producer, and director.

Dr. Bryan Litfin grew up in Dallas, TX; Oxford, England; and Memphis, TN. He earned a degree in print journalism from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in historical theology at Dallas Seminary, and a Ph.D. in the field of ancient church history at the University of Virginia. The author of four nonfiction books and six novels, Dr. Litfin now works as Professor of Bible and Theology at Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. 

{ Solstice Star Blanket - Finished }

This beauty may have been one of the fastest blankets I worked on, and probably because I had been in a crochet rut for so long, that when I finally felt like crocheting again, I just went for it and didn't stop until it was done. 

 

The colorway was completely accidental.  I knew I wanted to make the blanket, and I knew that if I didn't start it immediately the crochet bug may leave, and because I didn't want to take that chance, I decided to use whatever yarn I had on hand instead of waiting to go and buy or figure out the colors. 

 

Not the usual colors I would gravitate towards and this one definitely feels more of an Autumnal blanket, but I am so happy with the way it turned out.  The colors just seem to work.

 

I have been asked many times where I get the patience, or how do I do this because it's so big and looks so complicated.  I understand, I used to think the same way.  I would sit for hours just looking through the most gorgeous blankets and thinking "boy I wish I could do that, but there's no way, that's really advanced crochet."

 

Then I made my first, and quickly realized that while some patterns do get a little confusing, but only because of stitch counting and placement, the pattern and stitches themselves are easy.  If you can single crochet, double crochet, treble, double treble, do a puff stitch and back and front posts, you can make one of these.  I promise you.  It's all about where the stitches are placed that makes these masterpieces possible. 

 

 

Two of my favorite crochet designers are Helen Shrimpton at Crystals and Crochet, and Deidre Uys at Look At What I Made.  

 

Most of my blankets are from these two ladies and if you want to make one of your own, I highly encourage you to check out their websites.  

 

The Solstice Star is from Helen Shrimpton.  I just want to document it here, so that I know what I used when it comes to crochet hook size and the yarn.  I often forget to do this and then later on have no clue and can't remember what size or the name of the yarn or colors, this makes it easier.

 

I used a 4mm hook.

Red Heart Super Saver Acrylic Yarn in the colors:

 

Aran

Cafe Latte

 

 

Brick Red

 

Tea Leaf

  

{ Lately }

 

 

Well hello there!

 

Yes, it's me.  I know, I know, I've been a bit in the background lately, but life has been happening, and things have needed my attention, and so as always, when I have to let go of something for a bit, anything to do with social media or being online, goes first.

 

It's a cycle of life that I am getting accustomed to.  In the beginning it would really bother me, so much so that I grew frustrated anytime I needed to step back a bit, because I didn't want to.  But as with most things in life, the more you fight it, the less you win, so it's best to accept it and move on.

 

So, I am here.  Just checking in, cleaning the cobwebs off this little corner of blogland, and just coming in to show you what I've been up to lately.  Life has been moving ever so fast, even though it's been in the background, it just keeps going, never relenting and never seeming to slow down.

 

I've been dealing with a lot of things but have made it a point to find some joy every day, to do something that I love, even if just for a minute.  Sometimes I get chunks of 30 minutes at a time that I can invest in a loved hobby, and other times it is but a minute or two, to the point where I will do a few stitches on a crochet project, or read two paragraphs before having to set it aside.

 

And that's ok.  There's a time and season for everything, I heartily believe.

 

Anyway, the past two weeks, I have been in my little home bubble, doing and making.  Let me show you and tell you a few things.....

 

My Irises are starting to come up.  Every year I anxiously await their arrival.  They always look like they've died during the cold months, and then appear as if magically overnight during Spring.   

 

 

This sweet girl keeps us laughing.  She has the kindest soul but she is so silly and does the funniest things.  She will carry her treats around, broken into pieces.  Gathers all the pieces in her mouth as she moves from room to room.  

 

Here in this pic she seems to be winking at me.  

 

Do you remember when I used to kill all my plants?  Years ago, I wanted to have my house filled with plants everywhere, but I just couldn't keep them alive.  When we moved to this house in 2015, I told myself that I WILL have plants, no matter what.  I have spent so many hours just researching, and also moving plants to different rooms, and different windows.

 

No matter where I try to put them though, this window is their favorite.  And so my plant obsession is taking off.  It may not look like much to all you green thumbs out there, but to this plant killer here, it's everything. 

 

We are well into tornado season, it actually began in March for us, quite early, but we've had tornado watches and severe thunderstorms, strong winds, you name it.

 

It can be a little disconcerting, but in my attempt to always see the silver lining in everything, I choose to believe that it makes for some of the prettiest photos. 

 

Our duck friends have been gathering in our front yard, what started out as just 2 one year, has morphed into 30 now.  This is just some of them.  I find them absolutely stunning to look at.  

 

Our chickens are also happily laying, so we are gathering a dozen eggs a day.  We have so many eggs that at times it's hard to deal with, but we give them to family, my husband takes them to work for coworkers and I do a lot of boiled eggs, big batches at a time.  

 

There is another basket under this top one, I think I did 24 this morning.  Will leave some in the fridge for salads or a quick lunch or snack, and will make some into deviled eggs which is a favorite around here. 

 

I've been doing a lot of organizing here an there, and the fur babies are always nearby, usually just like this, asleep on the bed, living their best life.

 

The big Solstice Star Blanket has been put away on the shelf, and I have been sneaking in moments of crocheting the newest one.  These colors are also not what I usually pick but sometimes it's fun to try some new colors and just go with it. 

 

I am very much a creature of habit especially when it comes to crochet, but I have been wanting to branch out color wife and I think I have been able to do that.  Loving this new Universe in Bloom Blanket.

 

 

As for what I've been reading, I just finished my fiction book and have picked up the next, as I mentioned in my Happy Homemaker Monday post, but I also have a lot of Christian non fiction going.  The current read is God Won't Leave You There which is about Joseph's story and oh my goodness, I don't usually highlight in books but I have already highlighted a bunch in just the first few pages.

 

Loving it.

 

Still watching my favorite YouTube channels all about home, living, life, simple and quiet and books.

 

Been loving the new Hope Valley series as well on Hallmark.  Have watched a few Spring movies on Hallmark channel as well.

 

Still getting my daily workouts through Lucy Wyndham-Read and I can't recommend her enough, especially for us older ladies 50's and above, she has the perfect exercises.

 

I've also started working on the garden and yards, been moving things, planting things, cleaning up from winter and all that fun stuff, and I may have hung my first laundry on the clothesline too.

 

All in all, I just wanted to come in and say that I am here, I am well, just busy living life and all the crazy wrenches it throws our way.

 

I hope you are all well, healthy, happy, and blessed.  Thank you for always being here, I appreciate it more than you know.

 

Until next time, God bless!

Sandra 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/13/2026 }

 

 

Good morning friends.

 

Welcome back.  I am sorry for being away from the blog this past week, it has been a week, let's just say that.  I am actually getting this post up on Sunday afternoon to be ready to go in the morning, because I'll be heading to Oklahoma with my husband early morning for a dental appointment.

 

He has an infected tooth and the VA set up an appointment for September 28th.  I would cry if that didn't make me laugh.  But, we have the option to go to the army base and do an emergency dental visit, which is what we will be doing.  Hopefully we can get him fixed up and feeling better.

 

I hope you've all had a blessed weekend.  Mine was not very good, Saturday was my Nicholas' 23rd birthday, I can't believe he is 23 and 6 foot 2.  Wow!   Much as we tried to give him a good birthday, my poor husband was in excruciating pain and did his best to join in, but we felt awful for him.   I ended up convincing him, and it took a LOT (please tell me why men are so stubborn when it comes to doctors?), to go to urgent care Sunday morning and be seen.  He fought me on it but finally gave in and he was able to get a steroid shot, strong pain meds and antibiotics, which helped tremendously until we see the dentist.

 

Anyway, I've babbled enough.  Let's get this post up and then move on with our week.  Have a blessed week my friends.

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

It's been perfect and we've even had some much needed rain which has left everything looking so beautiful and green.  We have some more rain this week.  

 

Monday - Partly cloudy, 90

Tuesday - Thunderstorms, 84

Wednesday - Thunderstorms, 83

Thursday - Mostly sunny, 89

Friday - Thunderstorms, 86

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 69

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 73

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

At my desk, I just checked on Curt and he is finally pain free and fast asleep.  He was up all night with horrible pain, so I'm thrilled that he is finally sleeping. 

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

On the blessings that God provides.  As much as the tooth situation is frustrating, not just from the standpoint of seeing him in pain, but the fact that the VA gives him an appointment for September knowing he has a tooth infection, but in the middle of all this, God came through with a blessing.

 

The visit at the Urgent Care Clinic came to nothing.  We didn't have to pay a single cent because of our Tricare Military insurance and the VA insurance for him as well.  What a blessing! 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired, but thankful.  Although I was able to sleep last night, the stress of seeing him in pain wears me out.  

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Cup of coffee, not sure what else because we will be on the road pretty early.  Will probably grab something after the dental appointment. 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Not sure either, will probably be in Lawton still. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Ground Turkey Shepherd's Pie, Salad    

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Ground Turkey Shepherd's Pie, Salad

Tuesday -  Skirt Steak Tacos, Mexican Rice, steamed broccoli 

Wednesday - Grilled Chicken Thighs, Messy Vegetable Briam 

Thursday -  Sauce Meatballs and Egg Noodles, Garlic Bread, Salad

Friday - Arayes, Sweet Potato Fries

Saturday -   Leftovers

Sunday -  Hamburgers, Potato Salad

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Jeans, tank top, cardigan and loafers.   

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I am finishing off Mary Magdalene.  I didn't get as much reading as I would have liked because I took the week off to finish my crochet blanket, which I'm happy to say, is finished. ♥

  

 

In the Bible I am finishing off reading Exodus.

 

For a book review I have Nero and Paul by Kathie Lee Gifford and Dr. Bryan Litfin, and also God Won't Leave You There by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright.  It is a book about Joseph's story and I am really looking forward to this one so will start this one first.

 

  

In Christian fiction, I have the second book in Connilyn Cossette's Out of Egypt series, which is called Shadow of the Storm.

  

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Turkish shows:

Guller Ve Gunahlar

Ayni Yagmur Altinda

Sevdigim Sensin

Yeralti

Abi

Cirkin 

 

YouTube homemaking and book videos, as well has some simple living and quiet vlogs.  

 

Hallmark: 

Hope Valley

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I don't have to worry much about it, and since I'll be out all morning, I really only have to deal with the usual daily picking up and tidying, dishes etc. 

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

Homemaking chores

Dental appointment for Curtis 

 

*** What I am creating *** 

I finished the Solstice Star Blanket.  You guys, I debated last week whether I would just stop where I was or go all the way.  I wanted to stop but then something just said, don't, just go all the way you are only 6 rows away from completing it.  So I did.  

 

It is beautiful and well worth the time and effort it took to make it.   

 

 

I have just started the Universe in Bloom blanket this weekend and am enjoying it as well, I'm working with new to me yarn.  I've always stuck with the Red Heart Super Saver because, well, because I'm cheap to be fair Hahahah    

 

However, I found cheap yarn at Michael's and decided to try that for this blanket and am really loving it.  I might try and stick with this one for a while.  They are the Soft Classic which is an Acrylic Yarn but very soft and almost like a cotton feel to it.  It is lovely to work with.

  

 

*** From the camera *** 

My niece Tiffany, her husband Steven and the babies, Eva and Dalton at Easter ♥

 

 

 

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

God promises that when we face challenging times, He will be with us. He wants to be our teacher and guide, but we must position ourselves to respond to Him. We need to ... 

  

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/06/2026 }

 

 

Good morning friends.

 

Welcome back to my blog.  I hope you all had a wonderful Easter with your families and I pray your week ahead is blessed.

 

I had a good weekend, but went to bed a bit late last night and I'm dragging this morning, I'm so tired, that's ok though, we will push on.

 

Right, now let's get our day started. 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

It's been wonderful, aside from the strong storms and tornado watches, we've had a lot of much needed rain.  Everything is lush and green and beautiful.  We have another wonderful week coming up and more rain. 

 

Monday - Sunshine, 74

Tuesday - Mostly cloudy, 73

Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 79

Thursday - Mostly sunny, 84

Friday - Partly cloudy, 83

Saturday - Scattered thunderstorms, 78

Sunday - Thunderstorms, 82

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Getting this post up before I start my day.  I just had my breakfast and am now sitting at my desk with the last bit of my almost cold coffee.    

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Just what I need to do this week, which means finalizing our taxes.  Hate doing those, just hate them but it has to be done. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired, but good.  I am blessed to be here and healthy and although tired, it doesn't matter because it means I'm alive, right? 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Second cup of coffee right now, already had my first at 4am when I got up.  I just had two pieces of multigrain toast with irish butter, and two scrambled eggs.  

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Not sure, but I will probably stick to a salad.  I need to cut carbs and sugar again this week, as I have my routine blood work to do next Monday.        

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Smoked sausage pasta, salad.    

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Working on the new meal plan.

 

Monday - Smoked sausage pasta, salad

Tuesday -  Kofta, Chickpea salad 

Wednesday - Chicken Curry and rice, garlic naan 

Thursday -  

Friday - 

Saturday -   

Sunday -  

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

My pink polka dot pajamas at the moment, then switching to a dress or some shorts, not sure yet.   

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I finished Connilyn Cossette's Counted with the Stars and was just in awe.  What a beautiful story.  I am starting Mary Magdalene by Diana Wallis Taylor. 

 

Also finished Genesis in the Bible and have started Exodus. 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Turkish shows:

Guller Ve Gunahlar

Ayni Yagmur Altinda

Sevdigim Sensin

Yeralti

Abi

Cirkin 

 

YouTube homemaking and book videos, as well has some simple living and quiet vlogs.  

 

Hallmark - 

Hope Valley

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I definitely need to do some cleaning today after the family Easter get together.  My niece has two little ones, an 8 year old and a 3 year old, so you understand when you have small kids.  Hahahah

 

I very much look forward to Monday's though and the resetting of the home. 

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

Homemaking chores

 

*** What I am creating *** 

I was going to just end the blanket on Part 6 but I have decided to push ahead and just do the whole pattern as written.  I am now on the second row of Part 7, the final part, and just have 4 more rows then it's done and dusted.  I will take a picture once it's finished.

  

 

*** From the camera *** 

Books and books littered around my house.  I love living in a home that has books in every room.  ♥   

 

 

 

 

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

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19

 

{ Cooking Thursday - Portuguese Coconut Cakes }

 

If you don't yet know, I am a huge lover of coconut.  I just absolutely love coconut anything.  I grew up eating fresh coconut, drinking fresh coconut juice straight out of the coconut, and really there's nothing like it.

 

 

So it goes without saying that since I was a child, one of my favorite cakes are these Portuguese coconut little bars, sometimes they are round cakes too.  If we went to a Pastelaria (cake shop), I would usually order one of these.  

 

I haven't made them in years, but was having a craving for them yesterday, and since I had everything I needed on hand, I whipped up a quick batch.  Needless to say, I have got to be good and stay away from them, or I will eat the whole thing.  They are so good, and I hope you enjoy them too.

 

Bolos de Coco (Portuguese Coconut Cakes)

 

  

2 cups shredded coconut 

1 cup sugar 4 eggs 

1/2 cup butter, melted 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1/2 cup all-purpose flour 

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 

 

 In a bowl, mix shredded coconut and sugar together. Add eggs and melted butter to the mixture and stir well. Mix in vanilla extract and flour until combined. 

 

Grease a baking pan and pour the batter into it. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

{ Worldless Wednesday }