{ 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 }

 

{ Books read in March }

 

I am usually not consistent in keeping track of the books I have read, but this year, I seem to be devouring books faster than I can open them.  I have always been an avid reader, since I was a child, but life sometimes gets strange and I will go months and sometimes a year, without picking up a book.  It's sad!

 

However, this year, I have renewed or maybe refound my love for reading and have been loving it.  I have read 13 books so far this year, which is phenomenal for me, and I am not slowing down.

 

A big part of is the current mood I am in to read everything and anything that is Christian Fiction, Christian non fiction and Christian Biblical Fiction and there are so many good and new to me authors, that I do believe I will be in this phase for a long time, possibly the rest of the year.

 

So, let me just show tell you about the books I read in March.  I never used to do this on the blog, but it helps me keep track of what I'm reading and have read.

 

Christian Fiction:

 

  

Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor 

 

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented characters of the New Testament is Martha. Often painted in the colors of reproach, Martha seems to be the poster child for how not to be a follower of Jesus. From the mind of Diana Wallis Taylor comes this touching, well-researched portrayal of Martha of Bethany, sister of Mary and Lazarus. Through Taylor's lush descriptions and inspired combination of imagined and recorded dialogue, Martha's world--her trials, triumphs, and loves--vibrantly comes to life. Follow Martha as she is jilted by her betrothed, falls in love with a Roman soldier, grieves the death of her father, cares for her siblings, and serves her Lord with dignity and grace. Readers will never read the biblical story of Martha the same way again.

 

 

Lisbon by Valerie Sherwood

 

 

As this sprawling, frothy romance set in 18th-century England and Portugal opens, orphaned 15-year-old Charlotte Vayle falls in love with dashing young adventurer Tom Westig. It is the day when "she first realized what it could be like between a man and a woman." When Charlotte learns that her profligate uncle plans to pay his debts by marrying her off to foppish Lord Pimmerston, she and Westig make a dash for Scotland (where they can be legally wed), but are intercepted by her uncle's men, who throw Tom off a cliff, presumably to his death. Charlotte is then tricked into marriage with the violent, mysterious but sexually charismatic Rowan Keynes and bears him two daughters, the elder closely resembling Tom Westig. Charlotte and Tom meet again in Lisbon but are found out by Keynes; Charlotte is abandoned and Tom, presumably, put to death again. After following the lives of Charlotte's daughters in England, the narrative brings the entire cast to Lisbon for the denouement.

 

 

 

 

A Lady of High Regard by Tracie Peterson

 

Born into affluence, Mia Stanley is a winsome socialite with a knack for matchmaking. She's also a writer for Godey's Lady's Book magazine, much to the disdain of her family--and their society friends. A proper young lady of her social standing isn't meant to labor in such a way, but Mia has always had a way with words...

When her writing draws her into the world of downtrodden seamen's wives on Philadelphia's docks, Mia uncovers a scheme that puts her in harm's way. But her heart ends up on the line as well...Has her determination to always make a match driven away the one man whose esteem she covets? 

 

 

 

Christian Non Fiction:

 

 

The Faith to Flourish by Christine Caine

 

Sometimes it feels like hardships and struggles are endless. Like a new storm is always brewing on the horizon. You face challenging circumstances, strained relationships, or shattered dreams. And the weight of it all can feel crushing. You simply long for rest. But how can you flourish when you feel like you can barely breathe from it all?

 

In The Faith to Flourish, Christine shows you that it's possible to thrive in every season of life—including the hardest ones—by grounding yourself in God's truth and activating the peace, resilience, and purpose he gives you. Using the biblical symbolism of the olive tree in Psalm 52:8, Christine unpacks how you can.

 

 

 

 

 And She Got Up by Courtney Pray Duke

 

Have you found yourself wondering, Will I ever be able to make sense of the disappointments and disasters I've endured? Can I trust God with my pain? Will my life ever be restored? Perhaps you've done everything you can to rebuild the ruins of your life, but true restoration still seems so far off, if not impossible. And She Got Up is a firsthand account of being knocked down by tragedy and loss while relying on the power and presence of Jesus to rise and heal.

After being widowed at twenty-nine, Courtney Pray Duke found herself lying next to her husband's grave feeling like she couldn't go on. But she had three young kids who needed her and a faithful God who she knew could do anything.

 

 

The Divine Counselor by Alex Seeley

 

At a time when many feel anxious and discouraged, the idea of living whole, healed, and empowered sounds wonderful--but often out of reach. Counseling, self-help books, and podcasts seem to offer temporary relief, but what about life-changing transformation?

 

In The Divine Counselor, Pastor Alex Seeley introduces readers to the best therapist they'll ever meet: the Holy Spirit.

 

 

 

I am usually not a huge non fiction book reader, I have to be in the mood for those, but I have enjoyed the three that I have read this past month of March.  

 

The Christian fiction ones were amazing, both the Martha biblical fiction and Tracie Peterson's book which is the first in her Ladies of High Regard trilogy.  

 

The third book however, is not Christian and certainly not a clean read, it doesn't have a lot of spice or smut, but it definitely had some kissing and other nonsense going on.  I did not know that it would have that, and while I am not a prude, it's something I am choosing not to read right now, so while the story itself was wonderful and it was the usual typical romance book, it's not something I would recommend if you are not into clean reading stories.

 

With that said, I don't regret reading it, I really enjoyed it, but yes, I am definitely sticking with the clean, no spice Christian fiction books and I am just loving all the new to me authors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/30/2026 }

 

 

Good morning friends.

 

Oh goodness, I just spent over and hour trying to fix my template and the blog posts.  There was an html error in my Happy Homemaker Monday post from last week, which was pushing all the sidebar items to the bottom of the blog.  Took me a while to find the error, and then I thought it was fixed and it wasn't.

 

I need to go back and fix the post from last week, but at least the template is fixed and I will work on the other post after I get this one up.  Apologies for the lateness in getting this one going.

 

Anyway, have a blessed week friends.  It is a beautiful week ahead of Easter our Resurrection day next week.  Make sure you're in the word and remembering what we celebrate.

 

Right, let's get going.

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Aside from the winds, it's been gorgeous weather.  I think we have rain coming this week which we do need as we're looking at droughts upcoming in the next few weeks.  

 

Monday - Mix of clouds, 89

Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 88

Wednesday - Thunderstorms, 84

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 84

Friday - Thunderstorms, 86

Saturday - Rain, 65

Sunday - Mostly sunny, 67

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

I just went and ran to do the dishes, got the washer going and got my breakfast, so that I can come and sit down and get this post up.   

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Easter Sunday, I need to call my sister in law and figure out what we're making. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

I am doing good.  I have been crocheting and reading a ton and am so happy to be back doing the things I love.

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Second cup of coffee, of course, and I am currently eating a healthy banana pancake. 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Salad and fish sticks.       

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Pork chops in mustard sauce, basmati rice, sauteed squash    

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Pork chops in mustard sauce, basmati rice, sauteed squash

Tuesday -  Strogonoff Chicken, egg noodles, brussel sprouts 

Wednesday - Smoked Sausage Pasta, Broccoli Salad 

Thursday -  Kofta, Chickpea Salad, roast potatoes

Friday - Pizza

Saturday -   Burgers and Fries

Sunday - Easter 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

I am wearing a really cute summer dress.  

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Oh I have read some good ones.  I posted two of them this week for a review, both non fiction.  I am also reading another non fiction Christian for review, called The Divine Counselor.  

 

In my fiction, I finished the first book in a series, called A Lady of High Regard by Tracie Peterson.  I have the other two in the trilogy to read, but I am opting to start Connilyn Cossette's Counted with the Stars, it is a biblical fiction and the first in the Out of Egypt series.  It is alsomy first of this author's books, but I have heard so many good things about her.

 

 

Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation. When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all.

Choosing to flee with the Hebrews, Kiya finds herself reliant on a strange God and drawn to a man who despises her people. With everything she's ever known swept away and now facing the trials of the desert, will she turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?

 

 

*** 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 - the Spring lineup is underway so I'm watching those. 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I need to do the usual Monday cleaning, dusting and vacuuming, setting things in order after the weekend. 

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

Prepare a book for shipping out for Paperbackswap

 

*** What I am creating *** 

I am deciding whether I want to go all the way with the Solstice Star blanket, meaning finishing it completely, or stopping where I am.  The blanket is massive and practically done, but I am finishing off Part 6.  

 

I go back and forth because I feel that I can just end it now and it's fine, but then my brain goes "you are so close, you only have one more part, don't stop now." 

 

Decisions, decisions.  I will say, I am leaning towards finishing it completely for I fear I may regret not doing it later.  

 

 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I can't wrap my mind around the fact that these are Lego flowers.  Whoever came up with this is a genius ♥   

 

 

 

 

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

We have entered Holy week, so I will be focusing on that and reading the Bible reading up to Resurrection Sunday.

 

 

{ Book Feature - The Faith to Flourish by Christine Caine - TLC Book Tour }

 

About The Faith to Flourish: God’s Design for a Rooted, Resilient, and Fruitful Life 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publication date: February 10, 2026 

Print length: 240 pages 

 

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! 

 

Discover how God has created you and called you to flourish even in the most difficult times. 

 

Join bestselling author Christine Caine as she shows you how God created you with a powerful purpose and destiny. He wants you to flourish. 

 

Sometimes it feels like hardships and struggles are endless. Like a new storm is always brewing on the horizon. You face challenging circumstances, strained relationships, or shattered dreams. And the weight of it all can feel crushing. You simply long for rest. But how can you flourish when you feel like you can barely breathe from it all? 

 

 In The Faith to Flourish, Christine shows you that it’s possible to thrive in every season of life—including the hardest ones—by grounding yourself in God’s truth and activating the peace, resilience, and purpose he gives you. Using the biblical symbolism of the olive tree in Psalm 52:8, Christine unpacks how you can: 

 

•  Develop deep spiritual roots that anchor you to withstand life’s storms 
•  Identify spiritual stagnation and experience renewed vitality and purpose 
• Behold the beauty of God and cultivate a heart of wonder 
•  Nourish inner peace and joy through intentional shifts in perspective 
•  Foster reconciliation and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships 
• Embrace God’s plans and purpose for your life, while bearing fruit that impacts others 

 

No matter the challenges you face, God’s design for your life has not changed—to have the faith to flourish and be fruitful. This book will equip you with the courage, resilience, and wisdom you need to thrive through every challenge, in every season. 

 

About the Author 

 

Christine and her husband, Nick, have two daughters, Catherine and Sophia. Together, Chris and Nick founded A21, a global anti-human trafficking organization that prevents exploitation, recovers victims, and empowers survivors to rebuild their lives. She also founded Propel Women, an initiative that activates women to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and live confidently in their God-given purpose. You can tune into Christine’s Equip & Empower podcast and Life and Leadership podcast for practical insights and encouragement, drawing hope from Jesus wherever you are. 

 

To learn more about Christine and her resources, visit www.christinecaine.com. 

 

 

 

My Impressions:

 

I have not yet finished reading this book but what I have read of it, is quite good and very informative. 

 

I have always struggled with my Faith, and I think it's a common thing for all Christians at one point or another through their lives, to struggle with it.  We say we are strong, we say we have faith and we know God is there, but when certain trials come our way, we tend to fall, to falter, to suddenly feel like there's no way out and there's no way to get through this.

 

 

Christine teaches us how to flourish through our faith by using the example of the olive tree in Psalm 52:8.  The has done extensive research on the olive trees and how hardy they are, withstanding oftentimes situations that could tear them apart and destroy them completely, yet they stand firm.

 

I can't wait to finish this one.  It is really interesting and I know that it will help me grow my faith.