Monday Monday....

I'm so glad it's Monday, I know I know, the weekend could have been longer, but being that it's monday already, it just means my hubby is home. I even welcome his snoring, it makes me happy just to hear him, would you believe me if I told you I actually MISSED the nightly serenade???

He just laughs at me because usually I complain and wake him up, oh, a hundred times a night just to tell him to lay on his side. But it's those little things that you miss when they're gone.

Anyway, I got up this morning and as I put the dogs outside to go potty, I saw this lonesome pinecone sitting there on my bench. I had to snap a picture. I don't know what it is about it that I love, maybe the thought that pinecones mean christmas trees, hence the realization that's it a mere 8 weeks away??? I love the smell of pine trees and when the pinecones start falling, I start collecting them for numerous projects around the house.

I know we're supposed to be in Fall Season, but it's been more like Winter here, there is frost on the grass, ice on the windshields and that wonderful crisp chilly air in the morning. It's only 36 degrees right now, and to say that I was freezing this morning when I took Jasmine to school, would be an understatement. We've quickly moved from a light jacket to sweaters, coats, gloves and hats. It's THAT cold!!! Brrrrr indeed!!!

I have a couple of errands to run this morning with hubby. He has tomorrow off but it's stuff that needs to get done today. Usually when they come back from a Deployment or TDY they have a week off to be with the family, not only does he not get that this time, but he's been put on Swing Shift. You all know how much we ALL love it....it's the shift where he goes in at 3pm and doesn't get home until 11:30 pm. He doesn't see the kids, especially Jasmine, so they're bummed about that, but as my sweet daughter reminded us "It's ok, I would rather have daddy home and working these hours, than having him gone, it's nice knowing that he is here with me". How sweet is that???

Nothing a like a child to bring things into perspective, I tell you, if we would allow ourselves to see things as kids do, at times, things would be so much easier and pleasant to deal with.

Last night, hubby insisted on me going upstairs and having 2 hours to myself, to read or watch tv or do whatever I wanted to. He spent time with the kids, which he dearly missed while gone, and I got to watch my movie "The Lake House"....what a sweet movie, it had me smiling the whole time, though I did get a little confused in some parts, then again, doesn't take much to confuse me these days ;)

Let's see, what else is going on over here in cold and dreary Idaho.....Oh tomorrow Jasmine's school is having a PTP Art Night for the family. We get to go in and decorate a pumpkin, something we always have a lot of fun doing. :)
We're also going to get some pumpkins to carve this week, and then enter them in Theresa's Blog-O-Lantern contest. Don't forget to get your pumpkins carved and pictures taken, we all want to see what you come up with.

I updated my Weekly Menu on my sidebar there on the right, and the meals that have recipes posted already...there's a link to them to make it easier for you all to check them out.
My menu for this week is also posted at Full Bellies, and speaking of menus, don't forget it's monday so Laura is hosting her weekly "Menu Plan Monday".

I want to ask you all for a prayer for my MIL. She has been going through the chemotherapy and we've seeing how amazing the Lord has been in shrinking her tumor by 50%. Unfortunately she's now starting to have a hard time with the chemotherapy and I don't want to go into details, but if you could please say a little prayer that she is able to get through the treatments without too much discomfort....I would appreciate it. She is very thankful to all of you who have kept her in her prayers and she appreciates all the well wishes :)

I need to get going so I'm leaving you with my usual daily happenings. Have a wonderful Monday and I'll be here tomorrow bright and early.

God Bless,

Tonight we're having Beef and Onions with Rice. I made Apple Cider Chicken last night, and though it was quite tasty, I think next time I am going to cut back on the Apple Cider Vinegar, it had a bit too much for my taste, but it's really good otherwise :)

Rachael Ray - *New*- The CW- 12pm

General Hospital - *New* -ABC- 1:00 pm

The Bachelor Rome - *New* - ABC - 8pm

What About Brian - *New* - ABC - 9pm

Errands
Clean bathrooms
Dusting