Happy Homemaker Monday - Goodbye 2012

Good morning.

Well here we are, the last day of 2012.  I can't believe how fast this year has flown, and I know I usually say time goes fast but this is just ridiculous.

The last day of 2012.  Wow, lots done, lots seen, lots accomplished and lots wished for this year, so what exactly does the new year hold in store for us?

Many more Happy Homemaker Monday's, that's for sure :)


The Weather:::
37 degrees right now, actually nice and chilly.  I've had to turn on the heat in the house and last night I was freezing my toes off.  For many of you it may seem nothing, but for me, it feels good to say that.

Right now I am:
Sipping my Hazelnut coffee, wearing my pj's and wrapped in my ripply blanket.

Thinking:
That I need to run a few errands today, pay some bills, finish my menu plan and grocery list and do a quick lesson with the kids for homeschool.  Even though we are on break, I like doing some things so they don't completely forget.      

On my reading pile:::
Reading Follow the River by James Alexander Thom.  It's a wonderful book albeit quite graphic at times, I've read it before and am enjoying it again.  It follows the story of Mary Ingles who is taken captive by the Shawnee Indians when she is just 23 years old, married and pregnant.

On my tv:::
World Without End (still watching)
Doctor Who Season 6, last few episodes then onto Season 7
Ripper Street (new BBC series starring Matthew MacFadyen, you can watch the first episode on the BBC iPlayer or here)

Favorite Blog post this week (mine or other):::
There will now be a short interlude by Welsh Hills Again.

Something fun to share:::
I've had my eye on this website/magazine for a while. I think I may need to search for it at Barnes and Noble or JoAnn's. Finally a magazine for us Homemakers :)

On the menu for this week:::
Lots of Amish recipes the new two weeks :)

Monday - New Year's Eve.  We'll be having a few appetizers instead of a big meal.
Tuesday - Mexican Casserole
Wednesday - Chicken Veggie Fajitas
Thursday -  Ella's Beef Casserole
Friday - Ham Stuffed Manicotti
Saturday - Biscuit Pizza Bake
Sunday - Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy, Homemade noodles

On my to do list:::
Laundry - as always
Homeschooling - one quick refresher lesson
Pay bills
Finish Menu plan and grocery list
Run some errands
Quick trip to the commissary for some food items

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Finished the front of the Bavarian Crochet Cushion cover I'm making.  Finished a hot water bottle cover last night.  Don't have anything yet on the needles/hooks, but I'm sure will start something today :)

Homemaking Tips:::
Use everything you have and don't throw anything out without first seeing if you can use it again OR for another purpose.  Re-purposing saves a lot of money.

Looking around the house:::
Everyone is still asleep, including my pug girls :)   It's cold in this house so the heater is on and it just kicked off so I can hear it humming through the walls.  Living room is clean, kitchen is clean, house is pretty much tidy and clean so I don't have to do much today. 

From the camera:::
The hot water bottle cover I crocheted last night.....I started it last week and did the first row and then Christmas was in full force around me and I had to set it aside.  Totally winged this one and I'm happy it turned out so cute :)

On my prayer list:::
Praying for my family in South Africa, for health and financial help. 
Always praying for my husband and my children.
Prayers also for my friends both off and online, for whatever it is they may be needing or going through right now. 

Bible verse, Devotional:::
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
– Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)