{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/21/2021 }

Good morning everyone.  I hope you had a good weekend, and my wish for you is that the new week ahead is full of blessings and peace.

 

I am starting this week hopeful for the same thing.

 

Marley's test results from the Tick disease panel, all came back negative, so now we move onto a biopsy of his lymph nodes, in 10 days.  It's not the result we were wishing for, but it's God's plan and we will just keep pushing through with this.

 

My sister in law Hayley, also begins a week of multiple appointments, on her path to starting chemotherapy.  

 

Our family has been put through the ringer since last year, and the pattern seems to continue at the moment.  We will come out stronger on the other side, but it's incredibly difficult to get through each day.  I'm struggling a lot, trying to stay strong for everyone and myself, dealing with a dog that isn't feeling very well, and being there for my SIL, while also making sure that I'm taking care of myself.  It's hard!!!

 

Life is just hard at the moment.  

 

I feel so bad for neglecting my blog, only doing this post or book reviews that need to go up, but not able to come by and visit, to comment, to reply to everyone.  Please know that I read every single comment and I appreciate you all so much.  I'm going to try and reply to the comments, here directly on this post.

 

It's not the same as visiting you all, but at least it's something.  Thank you again for all the prayers, love, support, emails and private message over the past few weeks.  It has meant the world to me and my family.

 

Have a blessed week!!! 

 

♥♥The Weather♥♥ 

First day of summer, but it feels like we're well into it.  The weather here has been incredibly hot, my goodness.     

Monday - Scattered Afternoon Thunderstorms, 82
Tuesday -  Sunny, 85
Wednesday - Mostly sunny, 95
Thursday -  Partly cloudy, 100
Friday - Mostly sunny, 100
Saturday -  Scattered Thunderstorms, 89
Sunday -  Isolated Thunderstorms, 88

 

♥♥How I am feeling this morning♥♥

Really tired, but that's nothing new right?

Marley has been restless at night, the swelling in his lymph nodes are not painful but they bother him a lot.  He also runs low grade fevers, which means some nights he is just not sleeping well.  He had us up at 4:30 am to go potty so we both just got up for the day.

I'm tired, I am struggling with everything going on, but in the end I am blessed no matter what.        

 ♥♥On the breakfast plate♥♥

Just coffee for now.  I am not hungry, will eat something later this morning, though not sure what. 

♥♥On my reading pile♥♥ 

Still reading Luke in the Bible.

Also starting Eva and Eve for a book review.

 

 ♥♥On my tv♥♥

I haven't watched anything for a couple days, just haven't had the time. 

♥♥On the menu this week♥♥ 

Need to work on the new menu, as I go grocery shopping on Friday.

 

Monday - Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches, Homemade Fries

Tuesday - Copycat Hamburger Helper, Salad

Wednesday - Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs, Macaroni and Cheese

Thursday - Taco Pasta, Garlic Bread, Salad

Friday - Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken, Mash and Corn

Saturday - Grilled Brats and Burgers, Potato Salad

Sunday - Leftovers

 

♥♥From the camera♥♥

I have two recipes that I'll be adding to the food blog.  This one was a winner.  Quick to put together, filling and who doesn't love a good chili dog? 

 

♥♥Looking around the house♥♥

It is cloudy today, so this morning is not as bright or bathed in golden light, as it usually is.  The back patio door is open (screen closed, of course), and Marley is laying right by it, watching the birds and squirrels in the yard.  Elliott is laying close to him, going in and out of sleep.

Curt is getting ready for work, Jasmine is getting ready for work, Nick is asleep, and I have yet to get dressed.

 

I need to give my house a very good clean today.  I've been doing just general pick up and tidy, but when I don't feel well, I find that I need my house spotless.  I don't know why, it's like the only thing I can control at the moment, so I throw myself into it.

♥♥To relax this week, I will♥♥

Honestly, if I have a moment to relax this week, I may just sit, close my eyes and breathe deeply. 

♥♥Something I want to share♥♥ 

I love following Mayo, she has really interesting videos, and I love how she shares her life and finds joy in every little detail.  Check her out on Youtube!

 

Her video today is titled Living without a Refrigerator.

 

 

♥♥Devotional, inspirational, prayer list or Bible verse♥♥

♥♥ SIL Hayley, she has quite a few appointments this week, sonograms, EKG, blood work, and next week a Pet Scan. Please keep her in your prayers. 

♥♥ Marley, that this week is not too rough on him. He has to be off all meds for 10 days until the biopsy, which is so hard to do because the swelling has been going on for 3 months, so he is uncomfortable. 

♥♥ My brother Bruno in South Africa, for his work situation to be resolved. God knows what it is. 

♥♥ We have lost a lot of friends in South Africa, including my old family doctor, and his wife is currently in the ICU. Covid has hit hard over there, and many are suffering. Praying for the covid to end world wide.