{ Ironing and my favorite Vlogmas Channels }

My skin has been so dry the past month or so, it's quite awful and no matter how much wash it or apply lotion, it just doesn't seem to help.  So this morning, I decided to start with a Rose Face Mask which I've had on hand for a while but hadn't yet gotten around to trying it.

It smells amazing, and it worked really well hydrating my face.  I'll have to keep using it throughout the winter months.

{ Little bits here and there }

I was out all morning, drove Curt to work, Jasmine to work, then had to pick up prescriptions at the base hospital and then pick up my husband for lunch.  He dropped me off at home around 12:30 and that was when I was finally able to start on my household chores.

The first thing I got into were the dishes and the kitchen, because for some reason, I find that if my kitchen is clean and tidy, then everything else seems to run smoothly.  It may sound silly considering the kitchen is predominantly just for cooking, but when mine is sparkling clean, the rest of the house seems to follow and things just run better for me.

Once I was done with that I got started on some Christmas cards.  I don't think I got around to sending any last year, I had the best intentions but it just got away from me.  I do miss the days where every single day in December we would get cards in the mail, but I think with the technology and social media, it's all become online business and people no longer take the time to sit and write a personal note.

{ A simple Christmas }

:::: Have you ever heard the saying "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"?

It is actually one of my favorite quotes, so much so that I've mentioned it quite a few times here on the blog.

I'm a huge believer in using what is already on hand and not spending money on unnecessary things, and with Christmas literally around the corner, I've decided that one thing I am not going to spend money on, is wrapping paper.  Why?   Well because I have a few small pieces left from last year, and I've also got brown wrapping paper, which I used for my Thanksgiving Table.

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/10/2018 }

Good morning everyone, how was your weekend?

I had a pretty good one, but for the past two days, I've been dealing with a niggling headache.  I'm pretty certain it is sinus because it's right between my eyes and the top of the head and I feel quite congested.

I've been taking Ibuprofen and it does keep it manageable but the minute it wears off, there it is again.  Goodness!!!

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead as you prepare for Christmas and holidays with the family.  :)

{ Present wrapping and some crochet }

Can we just stop a moment to appreciate this cuteness?  He is just so sweet, love his face :)

Although, have to tell you a quick funny story.  Mister decided to try and get into his present today.  This year I'm wrapping some of the gifts in brown paper, I'm trying to go for a simpler effect, while also saving money on buying wrapping paper by using the leftover from last year that I already had on hand.

I was cleaning in the living room and heard him rustling some paper, when I turned around, there he was, with HIS present in his mouth, trying to get into it.  I can't folks, I have never had a dog do this, and he has never done this either, he usually stays away from the tree.

But the fact that not only did he try to get into a present, but it was HIS, was just enough to make us all have a good laugh.

{ A Quiet Heart }

“If we are pre-occupied with ourselves, trying to fulfill ourselves …

do you know what we are asking for there?

We are asking for the kind of peace that the WORLD can give.

But when we let go of ourselves, and put ourselves totally at the disposal of God,

He gives us His kind of peace – supernatural peace – the kind that the world can never give.

The quietness of my heart is the fruit of an absolute confidence in good.

That is a source of a quiet heart…

Every assignment is measured and controlled for my eternal good.

As I accept the given portion other options are cancelled.

Decisions become much easier, directions clearer,

and hence my heart becomes inexpressibly quieter.”

– Elisabeth Elliot, Keep a Quiet Heart

{ Winter Watch }

My day started very early, as always.  Lately I find that when the alarm goes off at 6am, I feel like I have slept for only about 5 minutes.  It's so hard getting out of a warm comfy bed, to dark skies, freezing cold and rain.

{ Once a midwife by Patricia Harman - TLC Book Tour }

About Once a Midwife

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (November 6, 2018)

Welcome back to Hope River in USA Today bestselling author Patricia Harman’s newest novel as midwife Patience Hester, along with her family and friends, face the challenges of the home front during World War II.

The women of Hope River trust midwife Patience Hester, whose skill in delivering babies is known for miles around. But though the Great Depression is behind them, troubles are not, for Europe is at war…and it can only be a matter of time before the U.S. enters the fray.

And while some are eager to join the fight, Patience’s husband, Daniel, is not. Daniel is a patriot—but he saw too much bloodshed during the First World War, and has vowed never to take up arms again.
His stance leaves Patience and their four children vulnerable—to the neighbors who might judge them, and to the government, who imprison Daniel for his beliefs.

Patience must support their family and fight for her husband’s release despite her own misgivings. And with need greater than ever, she must also keep her practice running during this tumultuous time…relying on generous friends, like Bitsy, who has returned to Hope River, stalwart neighbors, and her own indomitable strength to see them all through.

Social Media
Please use the hashtag #onceamidwife and tag @williammorrowbooks and @tlcbooktours.

{ Wintery Day }

Folks, it was cold here today, like chill to the bones cold.

I knew it before I even walked out of my bedroom.  The feel of the cold tiled floors in the bathroom and the foggy and condensed windows told me all I needed to know.

[ Fatal Invasion by Marie Force - TLC Book Tour }

 

About Fatal Invasion (The Fatal Series #13)

Mass Market Paperback: 416 Pages
Publisher: HQN; Original edition (November 27, 2018)
First the fire, then the heat…
A brutal home invasion. Two small traumatized survivors who may have witnessed the horror. Lieutenant Sam Holland has never worked a case quite like this one, in which her eyewitnesses are five-year-old twins. But when Sam steps up in a big way for them, she risks her heart as much as her career.
While Sam and her husband, Vice President Nick Cappuano, go to battle in more ways than one for her tiny witnesses, her colleague Sergeant Tommy “Gonzo” Gonzales battles his own demons. Months of unbearable grief and despair come to a head in an unimaginable way that threatens Gonzo’s status with the department and his relationship with his fiancée, Christina.
With trouble both at the precinct and on the case, Sam struggles to keep her priorities straight at home and at work while trying not to lose her heart to her latest crime victims.

{ On the go all.day.long }

I like to think that I'm easily adapted to change, at least in my family I seem to be one of the few who doesn't freak out when things completely change or routines fly out the window.  You know I'm learned over the years that sometimes life will throw you for a loop and you can either adapt and roll with it, or you can fight and complain and be absolutely miserable.

{ Bagels, Beef Stew and Biscuits }

It was a proper winter day here in North Texas.  The skies were grey, it was cold, it was windy and it just felt like we were finally in the middle of winter and not still holding onto summer temperatures.

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/03/2018 }

Good morning everyone, hope you had a wonderful weekend.  Mine was quite uneventful, which is a good thing.  I did manage to start Christmas decorating, finally.

I'll try to finish it off today, but I have quite a few things I want to go get done and not sure if I'll have enough time, but I'm going to try.

Let's get right into our HHM.

{ And then it happened }

My day was your typical Sunday, chores, laundry, dishes and pottering around the house.  I cleaned out two of our hallway closets and moved some things around.  In doing so I found my box with all my African decorations.

{ Grocery shopping on a cold day }

Today was grocery shopping day.  I like going to the store as soon as it opens up at 8am, I just find that at that time of the day there are not a lot of shoppers, it's quiet, I can take my time and then I have the rest of the day free to do whatever else I need doing.

I had the best of intentions and what I thought was a full list of to dos, and I fully intended to do them all.

Then I woke up with a sore throat which immediately threw me off kilter.  I'm not yet over the cold I had and really don't want to deal with round two.

The morning was cold, and very windy, but you know that as a mom and wife, you have to get things done and can't put them off just because you're not 100%.

{ A cold wintry day }

The Texas weather is a bit of a phenomenon.  I always heard people talking about how insane the weather was over here, and how it would flip flop from hot to cold and rain to shine.  But when you don't live in the area you just assume people are being dramatic or exaggerating.

Then we moved to this state and for the past 3 years, I often find myself scratching my head and wondering just what on earth Mother Nature is doing.

{ Change of plans is not always a bad thing }

My hubby is no longer going away, well, at least for the moment, which makes me so incredibly happy.  I'm not a clingy person but for some reason, when I'm sick, I like to have him nearby, so this morning when he texted me from work to let me know the TDY had been cancelled, I felt such relief.   I kinda love this guy :)

That bit of news made my day, it's almost like I went back to breathing, as if I had been holding my breath all along.  It's not surprising, it's exactly how I felt when he was active duty and had to leave or deployments.  You tend to go into auto mode and start planning and doing things on your own, a few days before he is even out the door.

{ Slow day - Working on blog to book }

I'm slowly, and I mean very slowly starting to turn the corner with this cold.  Just letting my body dictate how fast or slow I move, and how much I do.

{ Try not to overdo it }

That's the worst thing you can tell a mom/wife/homemaker.

I mean, technically I understand because that's what I tell family and friends when they're unwell, but in reality it's not that easy to follow through.  I think that's why our bodies take it upon themselves to force us into rest.

The past few days that's just what my body has done.  I've had no energy to do anything and have felt so unwell, so I've basically been in bed, taking meds, in and out of sleep, no appetite.  Today was the first day I felt slightly less horrid, and managed to change my bed linens, do some dusting and vacuuming, general tidying up and cooked a meal that I managed to eat. 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/26/2018 }

Good morning everyone, welcome back to my blog :)

I'm sorry this post is going up a little later than usual, but I am down with a bad cold and not feeling well at all.  Thanksgiving went great and then Friday afternoon it came out of nowhere.  I've spent the whole weekend, practically in bed with a sore throat, horrible sinus congestion and headache and generally unwell.

I'm really hoping this cold goes away soon, I just can't function like this.

Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving with your families. 

{ Preparing for Thanksgiving }

The holidays have officially kicked off for us.

I honestly can't believe that Thanksgiving is tomorrow, this whole year seems to have sped by at turbo pace.

As always, there is a lot to do, decorating, planning for all the guests, the menu and then cooking all the food.

I used to do all the cooking on the actual day, but that was when there were only 4 of us and didn't have anyone coming over.  It's easier to take it slow, not rush and not really worry about what time the meal is ready.

{ Getting ready for Thanksgiving - Tips and Recipes }

Thanksgiving is 3 days away.  3 DAYS AWAY!!!

I always love this time of year, the cooking and baking, planning and getting the house ready for guests.  I don't let it stress me out because I look at it as a fun time and the anticipation of family and good food, but if I don't get myself organized it can be a bit overwhelming.

Let's face it, no one wants to be stuck in the kitchen during the holidays, while everyone else is having fun.

Before I give you all some tips and tell you my menu and so forth, if you haven't yet taken your turkey out of the freezer, RUN, don't walk, RUN and pop that baby in the fridge.  I shared this graphic the other day but here it is again, just as a reminder.

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/19/2018 }

Good morning everyone and welcome back to my little corner of the world.

I can't believe that by next Monday, Thanksgiving will be over and done with. Goodness gracious!!!

I hope you are all ready for the celebrations this week, spending time with family and indulging in all that glorious food.

I wanted to take this opportunity, and wish you and your family, a blessed wonderful Thanksgiving :)

{ Sunday Vibes }

::::Early morning

{ Slow Day }

Before I even set foot out of bed this morning, I knew it was going to be one of those days.  I woke up with a bad cough, brought on by allergies.  The kind of cough that I seem to get when the dog is shedding and everything that I'm allergic to is surrounding me.

I took an allergy pill and from then on, the day went downhill.

{ Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy - TLC Book Tour }

 
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (October 23, 2018)

A bold, heartfelt tale of life at Green Gables . . . before Anne: A marvelously entertaining and moving historical novel, set in rural Prince Edward Island in the nineteenth century, that imagines the young life of spinster Marilla Cuthbert, and the choices that will open her life to the possibility of heartbreak—and unimaginable greatness.

Plucky and ambitious, Marilla Cuthbert is thirteen years old when her world is turned upside down. Her beloved mother dies in childbirth, and Marilla suddenly must bear the responsibilities of a farm wife: cooking, sewing, keeping house, and overseeing the day-to-day life of Green Gables with her brother, Matthew and father, Hugh.

In Avonlea—a small, tight-knit farming town on a remote island—life holds few options for farm girls. Her one connection to the wider world is Aunt Elizabeth “Izzy” Johnson, her mother’s sister, who managed to escape from Avonlea to the bustling city of St. Catharines. An opinionated spinster, Aunt Izzy’s talent as a seamstress has allowed her to build a thriving business and make her own way in the world.

{ The Thanksgiving Tree }

I had such a blessed weekend.  It was a whirlwind of activity, overnight guests, games, laughter, catching up and fellowship.  We talked about what we had each been up to, but we also talked about God, about our individual journeys and what the Lord has been doing in our lives.

It was wonderful!!!

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/12/2018 }

Good morning everyone, welcome back to my little corner of the world :)

I sure do hope you've had a blessed weekend, mine was a very good one filled with family, church, laughs and games.  You know sometimes the unexpected visits turn out to be the best.

Anyway, let's get right into our post for today and see what is happening around our households.

{ Fall vibes }

{ National Geographic's Space Atlas - TLC Book Tour }

 About Space Atlas

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic; 2 edition (October 23, 2018)

Space Atlas combines updated maps, lavish photographs, and elegant illustrations to chart the solar system, the universe, and beyond. For space enthusiasts, science lovers, and star gazers, here is the newly revised edition of National Geographic's enduring guide to space, with a new introduction by American hero Buzz Aldrin.

In this guided tour of our planetary neighborhood, the Milky Way and other galaxies, and beyond, detailed maps and fascinating imagery from recent space missions partner with clear, authoritative scientific information. Starting with the sun and moving outward into space, acclaimed science writer and physicist James Trefil illuminates each planet, the most important moons, significant asteroids, and other objects in our solar system. Looking beyond, he explains what we know about the Milky Way and other galaxies--and how we know it, with clear explanations of the basics of astrophysics, including dark matter and gravitational waves. For this new edition, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his moonwalk, astronaut and American hero Buzz Aldrin offers a new special section on Earth's moon and its essential role in space exploration past and future.

{ Being a homebody }

A few years ago, I used to struggle with being a homebody.  Not because of my own thoughts and feelings, but because of the way I was perceived by others, the comments, the digs, the "you're so anti social" and the constant need to make me feel like I was boring and didn't fit in.

It's hard to try and please people and society in general, when it goes against everything you think and feel.  I struggled, a lot, and then one day I thought, to heck with it, this is who I am and I don't need to apologize or force myself to fit into some mold that was created by society.

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/05/2018 }

Good morning dear friends, and welcome to another Happy Homemaker Monday :)

It's a beautiful Fall morning, crisp and clear skies and the gentlest of breezes.  I hope wherever you are reading this from, you are doing well and my wish for you is that you are immensely blessed today, this week and every day after.

Let's see what we are all up to in our HHM.   

{ Weekend in Review }

 

Saturday - Spending time with Eva and taking Jasmine to the airport

I am so excited, my gorgeous great niece Eva is in town with my niece, for the next two months.  The last time I saw baby girl was at her birth and when she was 2 weeks old.  I haven't been able to see her, hold her, love on her since then and I'm loving every second that I get to do it now.

Eva is now 4 months old.  She is not just absolutely gorgeous, but the happiest, friendliest, sweetest little baby in the world.  She just looks at a person and gives the biggest smile, coos, babbles, squeals and so on. 

My Saturday started with an early grocery shopping trip to the commissary.  I came home, got everything put away, started the laundry and then at 12:30 we went over to my brother's house for a barbecue and just family time.

{ Christmas Movie Kick Off - Hallmark and Freeform }

It is that time of year, the Christmas movies start rolling on in and it's full steam ahead until the end of December.

I always enjoy sitting down to watch at least one Christmas movie a day, and while my favorite channel for these is Hallmark, Freeform has a ton of wonderful movies to watch as well, not just new ones but some old favorites.

I put together a list for both the Hallmark and the Freeform movies, as a way to keep track of what is playing when, so I'm sharing those with you today.  Now I know for a fact that many of you out there enjoy these movies just as much as I do, and sharing is caring, right?

It may seem like I'm talking about Christmas a bit early on in the game, but if you know me at all, then you understand that November is pretty much the kick off of the holidays for this gal, so don't fight it, just go with it and enjoy :)

{ Hello November }

It is here, November is finally here, though it didn't come in with an bang or loudly make an entrance, it just sort of showed up out of nowhere.  I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by, my word.

My husband took the day off, something he has not done in a year or so, but he did it for a good reason.

This morning we headed off to the local VA office to get his medical process started, that is a big step for him and I'm so proud of him and everything he has accomplished in life.  I don't talk about my husband too much, but he truly is the best husband I could have ever wished for.  I count my blessings every night for the family I have.

{ Seduced by a Scot by Julia London - TLC Book Tour }

 

Series: The Highland Grooms (Book 6)
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: HQN; Original edition (October 30, 2018)

There’s no matchmaking an unruly heart

When a prominent Scottish family faces a major scandal weeks before their daughter’s wedding, they turn in desperation to the enigmatic fixer for the aristocracy, Nichol Bain. Remarkably skilled at making high-profile problems go away, Nichol understands the issue immediately. The family’s raven-haired ward, Maura Darby, has caught the wandering eye—and rather untoward advances—of the groom.

Nichol assuredly escorts Maura toward his proposed solution: an aging bachelor for her to marry. But rebellious Maura has no interest in marrying a stranger, especially when her handsome traveling companion has captivated her so completely. Thankfully, Nichol loves a challenge, but traveling with the bold and brash Maura has him viewing her as far more than somebody’s problem. Which raises a much bigger issue—how can he possibly elude disaster when the heart of the problem is his own?

{ Carving Pumpkins - Blogtober 2018 }

It's the last day of October, my word, how did we get here so fast?

The morning started cold and wet and stayed that way all day long.  It was just the most perfect Autumn Day, yet.

{ Crochet, a little sewing and finally Fall - Blogtober 2018 }

The past two days have been all about crafting, in one way or another.  I've pulled out my Ubuntu CAL and made sure to work diligently on it, until I was completely caught up.  Which I'm proud to say, I am!!!

It is all ready for tomorrow's Part 8 to come out.  It is definitely a labor of love, and really so are all my crochet blankets, especially these intricate ones I've made the past 2 or 3 years.

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 10/29/2018 }

Good morning friends, and a very happy Monday to you all :)

I hope you had a fantastic weekend and I wanted to quickly wish you all a wonderful, blessed week ahead.

Let's get right into our HHM, seeing as I'm a little late putting it up this week.   

{ Unusually warm day - Blogtober 2018 }

It's been a bit of a scorcher today.  82 degrees.

After two weeks of cooler temperatures, I was a bit surprised with today's warmth and as much as I've complained about wanting cooler temperatures, I will tell you that I used today's heat to my full advantage.

There's nothing better than clothes drying in the warm sun, and it felt good to not have to turn on the dryer for at least one more day :)

That pumpkin up there is the only pumpkin we picked up this year, to carve.

{ Finishing off crochet projects - Blogtober 2018 }

I went to let Marley out last night and was in awe of the moon.  It was not quite yet full but it was so big, and bright, a yellow glow to it, that I had to run back in and grab the camera.

No matter how many moon photos I have taken over the years, I never get enough, there is something so fascinating and magical about the night sky, that has always drawn me to it.

{ Winter Tea Syrup - Blogtober 2018 }

Hey everyone, come on in and let me show you real quick, how to make a wonderful Winter Tea Syrup, that will surely help when the colds and flus start coming around this season.

The first time I shared this with you all, was back in 2012, and I've been making it every year since, matter of face I make it around this time of the year, and it sits in my fridge for a couple months, all through the winter season actually.

The way to replenish it, is to keep adding fresh lemon and ginger, and let it sit and do it's thing, in the refrigerator.

Since Sue and Jean both asked me yesterday how to make the syrup, I thought I would come in and show you all again :)

{ One of those days - Blogtober 2018 }

I hobbled on out of bed and dragged myself into the kitchen this morning.  It was dark, it was raining, it was cold and I did not feel like being up doing anything.  Some mornings, I feel like I can't quite gather my thoughts, like my mind is still fast asleep while I'm having to make coffee and prepare my husband's lunch.

This morning, the rain was already coming down and it's continued all day long, never letting up, not even for a second.

{ Fall days - Blogtober 2018 }

The leaves have yet to turn color.  I spend a lot of time looking out the window, from all areas of the house, just trying to catch that first glimpse that makes the bold statement that Fall is definitely here.

The calendar states it's fall, the earlier setting sun and the dark cool mornings all tell us that this is it, but the trees seem to be taking their time making that announcement.  It's almost as if they're holding on to summer and warm days, for as long as they possibly can.

But I'm feeling impatient, especially when there's days like today and yesterday, where it's blue skies and 70 degrees outside.  It just doesn't feel right.

{ The Girl Left Behind by Roxanne Veletzos - TLC Book Tour and GIVEAWAY }

Hardcover: 368 Pages
Publisher: Atria Books (October 9, 2018)

A sweeping family saga and love story that offers a vivid and unique portrayal of life in war-torn 1941 Bucharest and life behind the Iron Curtain during the Soviet Union occupation—perfect for fans of Lilac Girls and Sarah’s Key.

On a freezing night in January 1941, a little Jewish girl is found on the steps of an apartment building in Bucharest. With Romania recently allied with the Nazis, the Jewish population is in grave danger, undergoing increasingly violent persecution. The girl is placed in an orphanage and eventually adopted by a wealthy childless couple who name her Natalia. As she assimilates into her new life, she all but forgets the parents who were forced to leave her behind. They are even further from her mind when Romania falls under Soviet occupation.