Monday, June 21, 2021

{ 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.


8 comments:

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Continued prayers for all, and for Marley. Our weekend was pretty good other than muggy and humid. Have a great week.

Lisa K Thomasson Jung said...

I will be keeping you and your family in our prayers. Have a good week.

savannah said...

I just prayed for your sister in law and Marley. He's a beautiful dog.
Take 1 hour for yourself. Close your eyes and nap. You need a respite.
You can't take care of everyone if your burned out!
Praying for you today.

carrie@northwoods scrapbook said...

Hello dear Friend! I'm sorry you're continuing in this season of dealing with so much. Prayers ofr Marley answers and healing for your SIL. Also for healing for YOU! Try to enjoy these summer days and keep focusing on the things you can control. You know God has the plan and is always holding you up in the palms of His hands. Feel His strength. Love ya Lady! 🙏 💕

Jean said...

Praying for some peace for you and your family. Do take care of yourself. Hope you have a great week.

threesidesofcrazy said...

Sending BIG hugs and prayers for Hayley and Marley as they journey through their prospective health issues.

The crock pot French dips sound perfect for warm weather and I can't wait for your chili dog casserole recipe.

Stay focused and positive my friend and know this is just a season in God's plan. Have a GREAT week.

Luludou said...

Hugs to you and your family & Marley. Hope this week goes smoothly with good news all around.

Unknown said...

Unfortunately there are times in life when we have to go through things we don't want to, things that are hard, things that are scary, things that are unpleasant. But God will see us through if we ask him to. I am asking Father God to see Marley and Hayley through this and to give them strength, and to give them peace, and to restore them both to good health. In your name I pray. Amen.