Tuesday, November 30, 2021

{ The Book of Timothy by Joan Nockels Wilson - TLC Book Tour }

 

About The Book of Timothy

Publisher: Red Hen Press (November 9, 2021)
• Paperback: 320 pages

Set in Rome, Chicago, and Anchorage, and spanning thirty years from crime to confrontation, The Book of Timothy: The Devil, My Brother, and Me recounts in lyric movements a sister’s journey, partly through trickery, but eventually through truth, to gain a long-absent admission from the priest who abused her brother. While on that journey, Nockels Wilson, a former prosecutor, confronts not only the priest, but her personal quest for vengeance. She further seeks an understanding of how the first Book of Timothy, the work of St. Paul, contributed to the silencing of women in her once loved Catholic Church. This Book of Timothy promises to take the reader on a quest for justice and down a path of unexpected coincidences that ends where it first began: out of a great love for a brother and in the power of first memory.

Purchase Links

IndieBound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

About Joan Nockels Wilson

Joan Nockels Wilson is a writer and lawyer. A native of Chicago and a forever-learner, she has studied at Northwestern University; University of California, Berkeley; Lewis and Clark College; and the University of Alaska. She holds a Master’s of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction, is a Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist award winner, and is a member of the Breadloaf community of writers. Her work has appeared in literary journals and audio shows, most recently Cirque and Arctic Entries. She lives with her husband, daughter, and a vizsla named Vivian in Anchorage, Alaska. This is her first book.

Learn more about Joan on her website, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

REVIEW:
This was not an easy book to read, I will start by saying that and giving you a heads up.  It could trigger some people as it deals with sexual abuse, molestation, pedophilia, and suicide.
 
The book itself is written by Joan Nockels Wilson, who is directly involved, as the sister of the victim in this case.....and yes this was and still kind of is a huge case, that maybe many of you will remember or even know yourselves.  
 
I wasn't exactly sure who the case was about until I started reading, and then it hit me.  "Oh my goodness, I followed this case when it hit the news, and I know what they are talking about."  
 
Never in a million years did I think, I would be reading the first hand accounts of the victim, and find out the back story, how it started, how it happened and how it came to light.  It is a fascinating albeit heartbreaking and extremely difficult story, to read.  
 
Ok, so with that out of the way.  This is the story of Timothy Nockels and the abuse he suffered at the hands of his family priest, John Baptist Ormechea.   

As Joan begins unraveling this horrifying story, through the accounts of her brother, more victims begin stepping forward.  The more information that is divulged and brought to light, the more the author feels, she needs to do something about it, culminating in her confronting the priest in Italy.  

This book is a memoir and follows not only the fight Joan is determined to win, against her brother's abuser, but it flips back and forth through different decades and countries, cities, to give us the full story of the atrocities committed against children.  

Again, as I stated above, it wasn't an easy book to read because anything to do with children and abuse, is very difficult for me to get through, but the book it self is very well written and I feel touches on a subject that unfortunately is extremely prevalent in our day and age.  

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Red Hen Press for providing me with a review copy.



Monday, November 29, 2021

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/29/2021 }

Good morning dear friends.  Hope you're all staying warm, hope you've had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families, and most of all I hope you are all doing well mentally and physically.
 
I've been a bit away from the computer and social media.  Sometimes it's good to step back and focus on ourselves and our families, it helps us to shift our minds back to those things that really matter, and to push away the noise and toxicity of every day life.
 
As we head into December, I have a lot I want to do.  Beginning with my Christmas decorating, which is slowly starting to happen.  I also plan on doing a full month Bible Reading Plan for the month of December, and I'll be sharing that with you all, in case someone wants to join in.
 
Daily posts are also going to happen, so I'm really excited and looking forward to this month coming up.  
 
I have made a new graphic for our Happy Homemaker Monday, just thought it would be nice to change it up a bit, and make it more Christmas and holiday themed.  Feel free to save it and use it in your HHM posts this month.  You will also notice that I've changed some of the categories for this month to make it a bit more holiday themed as well, so I'm hoping all these little changes, will bring you joy.
 
But, let's get going, by the way, I'm sure many of you will have already completed your posts with the usual categories, and that's ok.  If you want to go back and change them you can, and if you want to just join in from next week, that is fine too.  Whatever works for you.
 
Have a blessed week, friends!!!



♥♥The Weather♥♥ 
We are still dealing with pretty warm afternoons and cold mornings, which has been wreaking havoc on everyone around here, and especially my sciatica.  Really hoping the weather settles on one temperature and stays there.   
 

♥♥How I am feeling this morning♥♥
Pretty good, slept well and aside from the sciatica pain, I'm good. 
 

♥♥On my mind♥♥ 
The holidays, I can't believe we are just 26 days from Christmas.  Now my mind goes into overdrive and starts trying to get everything done in time.     
 

 ♥♥Something Christmas related I've done the past few days♥♥
I just redid my fireplace mantel.  I usually do the Christmas village on it, but decided against it this year, and have just gone with a simpler look.  Garland, candles, pinecones and twinkly lights. 
          

♥♥Christmas movie I watched♥♥
A Castle for Christmas on Netflix, with Brooke Shields.  Very cute movie.   


♥♥What I'm wearing today♥♥
Still in my pajamas while finishing up this post, then tights and a long sleeved shirt, paired with my fave slippers.  Jasmine is off today, so I can stay home.   

♥♥On my reading pile♥♥ 
I am getting ready to do a December reading plan, leading up to Christmas.  I will share it daily here on the blog, starting December 1st.  
Also reading a few review books. 

♥♥On today's to do list♥♥
Sweet and mop kitchen floor
Pull out more Christmas decorations
Cancel my husband's bank cards, he lost his wallet yesterday. 
Start a list for Christmas cooking and baking
Start a list for Christmas gifts.  This year we are buying for our own immediate families (husband, children), then pulling names for the remaining family to make it cheaper.  We will also do a White Elephant Gift Exchange.  


 ♥♥On my tv♥♥
Christmas movies.....today I'll be watching Let it Snow on Netflix.


♥♥What I'm listening to♥♥
Christmas ambience videos on Youtube

♥♥On the menu this week♥♥

As I was preparing my menu plan for the next two weeks, and my grocery list, I did a quick look through my freezers to see what meats I still had.  Turns out I had quite a few, thank God, so I planned my meals around what I already had.  The half kielbasa sausage, will be used for an Alfredo pasta.  I also had bratwurst that I bought on sale about 2 months ago, so will make some of that for one meal.  
 
Tuesday - Kielbasa Alfredo Pasta, Sauteed Greens
Wednesday - Grilled Bratwurst, Potato Salad 
Thursday - Roast Chicken Thighs, Buttered Rice, Cauliflower Gratin
Friday - Steaks with Pepper Sauce, Baked Potatoes, Veggies
Saturday - Ikea Style Meatballs, Garlic Noodles, Creamed Corn
Sunday -  Leftovers

 
♥♥From the camera♥♥
Homemaking is filled with mundane chores, some done over and over on the same day.  Others, once a week and still others once a month.  However we choose to tackled these chores, determines how we feel about our homes.  I always look at them as taking care of my family, as making my home cozy and warm or as simply adding my love into the four walls that surround us.
 
Washing kitchen towels and rags, is not exactly what I would call fun, but I do enjoy walking by my kitchen sink and seeing beautiful colors submerged in bubbly hot water.  It's the little things that count.   
 


♥♥Looking around the house♥♥
I pulled out my garlands yesterday so there are tons of tiny little green pieces all over my carpets.  I thought I had vacuumed them all up, but just walking through the living room, I realized I missed some, so that needs to be taken care of.
There are a few glimpses of Christmas here and there, but nothing much yet.  I plan to change that today. 
  

♥♥In preparation for the holidays♥♥
I will be making Rissois as I always do, and they take quite a bit of time, so I am thinking about making them this week, freezing them and then all that I need to do is fry them on Christmas Eve. 

♥♥On my prayer list♥♥ 
My sister in law Hayley.  She has a tough decision to make, her surgeon wants her to decide on a lumpectomy or a full double mastectomy.  I pray the Lord guide her, give her clarity, wisdom and revelation for the right decision.  



Tuesday, November 23, 2021

{ Daughters of War by Dinah Jefferies - TLC Book Tour }

 

About Daughters of War

• Publisher: HarperCollins (November 16, 2021)
• Paperback: 544 pages

The first in an epic new series from the #1 international bestselling author, Daughters of War is a stunning tale of sisters, secrets and bravery in the darkness of war-torn France…

A new sweeping historical novel of World War II from the international bestselling author of The Tea Planter’s Wife. Available to pre-order now!
France, 1944.

In an old stone cottage, on the edge of a beautiful French village, three sisters long for the end of the war.

HĂ©lĂšne, the eldest, is trying her hardest to steer her family to safety, even as the Nazi occupation becomes more threatening.

Elise, the rebel, is determined to help the Resistance, whatever the cost.

And Florence, the dreamer, just yearns for a world where France is free.

Then, one dark night, the Allies come knocking for help. And HĂ©lĂšne knows that she cannot sit on the sidelines any longer. But secrets from their own mysterious past threaten to unravel everything they hold most dear…

Purchase Links

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

About Dinah Jefferies

Dinah was born in Malaya in 1948 and moved to England at the age of nine. In 1985, the sudden death of her fourteen year old son changed the course of her life, and deeply influenced her writing. Dinah drew on that experience, and on her own childhood spent in Malaya during the 1950s to write her debut novel, The Separation.

Now living in Gloucestershire with her husband and slightly overweight Norfolk terrier, she spends her days writing, with time off to make tiaras and dinosaurs with her grandchildren.

Find out more about Dinah on her website, Twitter, and Facebook.

 
REVIEW:
Historical Fiction at it's best.  For those of us who love history and most specifically World War II, this book needs to be added to your library.  It would make an amazing Christmas gift as well, for any of your family and friends who love history and reading.

So Dinah Jefferies, takes us back in time to France, 1944, where we meet three sisters, Helene, Elise and Florence.  The one thing they have in common, is the want and need to be free from the war, and to go back to normal lives, but with an impending German invasion, each sister is forced to make decisions they never thought they would have to make.

Helene is the eldest and she feels she needs to protect their sisters, from everything, especially the war.   I would think the one more like her in thinking, would probably be Florence, who just yearns for the atrocities of war to end and for her country to be free.

But as with every family and multiple siblings (I am one of four), there is always the rebel, the one who wants to live on the edge or push the envelope.  And we certainly get that in Elise.  She is the free spirit, ready to fight for her country and pick up arms and do whatever she can to help the resistance.

Of course, that means a bit of butting heads and scary moments, intermingled with the chaos of war and vivid imagery brought to us by the author.

For someone like me who absolute loves history, this was right up my alley and one that I couldn't put down.  

Thank you TLC Book Tours and Harper Collins for providing me with a copy for review.





Monday, November 22, 2021

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/22/2021 }

Good morning friends, welcome back to my blog.
 
It is a cold day  here in Texas, just 32 degrees at the moment, dark and gloomy.  Some don't like it, but I myself really enjoy days like these, I'm thinking I may actually light my first fire of the season.
 
I'm in a bit of a rush, I have so much to do leading up to Thanksgiving, so I need to sit down and make some lists, and get on them.  I must admit I've been a bit lazy at times, because those moments that I actually have downtime, I would rather sit and read a little or watch a quick video, than clean this or organize that.  
 
It never used to be this way, but life was very different when the kids were younger, I seem to be busier now than when they were toddlers, how does that even work?
 
Anyway, let's get going with our Happy Homemaker Monday post, so that I can get dressed and start my day. 
 
Have a blessed week, friends!!!


♥♥The Weather♥♥ 
Cold this morning.  Last week we had quite a few days of 80s, but I think we are finally past that point.  Looks like a pretty cool week ahead.    
 


♥♥How I am feeling this morning♥♥
Actually slept quite well which is always a good thing, when you tend to suffer from insomnia. 
 
 

♥♥On my mind♥♥ 
The victims and families of the horrific incident in Waukesha, Wisconsin.  I will never understand the level of evil that surrounds us on a day to day basis.  My heart breaks in a million pieces.  
It's hard to sometimes wrap our minds around these things, but we have to stay focused on God and remember that we are in the middle of a huge spiritual battle.         
 
 

 ♥♥On the breakfast plate♥♥
I just had some coffee at 6am, with Curt.  We always share a cup of coffee before he heads to work, and then at around 8 or 9am, I'll have another cup and my breakfast.  My favorite creamer of the moment, is actually from Aldi, it's the White Chocolate Peppermint Bark.  So good!!
For breakfast today, I think I'm going to have some Instant Pot Oatmeal.    
          

♥♥Right now I am♥♥
In bed, cause it's cold and I have Elliott snuggled next to me.  I'm just finishing up this post, then I'll ge dressed and start my day. 


♥♥What I'm wearing today♥♥
For the moment, one of my warm winter pajamas.  I'll be putting on some jeans, a sweater and my black boots later, as I'm taking Jasmine to the hairdresser for her appointment.  (Taking her, aka, she drives and I sit next to her)     

♥♥On my reading pile♥♥ 
I am starting the Bible up again today.  I was supposed to do it last week, but then got distracted with some review books that needed to be finished.  I am so excited to read it again and see what I learn from it, this time around.  What is God going to show me in this second reading?
Will I read through the Bible faster this time, or take longer? 
Also have a couple books for review.

♥♥On today's to do list♥♥
Get gas in the car (anyone else cringe anytime you have to?)
Jasmine's hair appointment at 11am.
Pay a bill that is due in a few days.
Make a list of what I'm cooking and when, and also check on the turkeys that I have thawing in fridge.
Wash all the bedding, for all the bedrooms.  
Continue carpet cleaning.
Run by my sister in law's house, to have a quick coffee, and drop off Tiffany's Birthday presents.


 ♥♥On my tv♥♥
Homemaking vlogs
Dexter
Christmas movies
Christmas and Thanksgiving Ambience videos


♥♥What I'm listening to♥♥
At the moment, just the hum of the central heater going.  Aside from that, it is so quiet in the house.

♥♥On the menu this week♥♥

I have to work on my next meal plan, sometimes this week, although with Thanksgiving coming up, and all the cooking, prepping, cleaning the house and so forth, I'm not sure when I'll squeeze that in.  

Monday - Panda Express Chow Mein with Chicken (didn't make it last week)
Tuesday - Amish Country Poor Man's Steak, Mash, Veggies (also didn't make last week)
Wednesday - Creamy Sausages, Rice, Salad
Thursday - Thanksgiving:
Garlic Butter Roast Turkey
Fried Turkey
Brown Sugar and Mustard Ham
Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Cauliflower Gratin
Sweet Potato Casserole
Easy Batter Rolls
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Homemade Gravy
Sugar Free Jello Dessert (some family members are diabetic)
Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Cheesecake Pie
Tiramisu
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bake
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday -
Sunday

 
♥♥From the camera♥♥
With all our coffee machines, and Keurigs and gadgets, I still prefer a good ol' cup of drip coffee.  I think the whole process is so calming for me, from pouring the boiling water over the coffee, to hearing the dripping, smelling the amazing scent and seeing the steam floating upwards from the dripper. 



♥♥Looking around the house♥♥
My Thanksgiving tree is lit and I don't know about y'all, but for me, it always gives such a nice cozy ambience to a room.  
I need to open my curtains and windows to let in a little fresh morning air.   
  

♥♥To relax this week, I will♥♥
There will be no relaxing this week, there is just too much to do.  I always look forward to the holidays, and to family get togethers, but honestly, they do stress me and I always feel like I'm running around, overtired for days leading up to, and after.  But, that's half the fun of it right???  

♥♥On my prayer list♥♥ 
My sister in law had her last treatment on Friday, and she got to ring the bell.  What a wonderful accomplishment for her.  She has an appointment with her surgeon tomorrow, to discuss her surgery date, so please keep her in your prayers.
Praying for Waukesha, Wisconsin. 


Tuesday, November 16, 2021

{ A Saint a Day by Meredith Hinds - TLC Book Tour }


A Saint A Day:
365 True Stories of Faith and Heroism
 
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 23, 2021) 
Hardcover: 400 pages 
 
Teach your child to walk in faith, act justly, and lead with kindness and humility with this 365-day devotional for kids. A Saint a Day includes fascinating historical stories as it introduces young readers to over 300 saints who did extraordinary things for God. 
 
Mother Teresa left her family at age 18 to become a missionary. St. Patrick helped spread Christianity to Ireland. St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin–and also had a pet lion! 
 
Written for ages 8 to 12, A Saint a Day inspires young readers with remarkable stories of people who made extraordinary choices to love and serve God. Featuring popular saints such as Teresa of Ávila, Francis of Assisi, Juan Diego, and Thomas Aquinas, each of the 365 devotions includes: 
 
• A Scripture verse and prayer 
• A short summary or inspiring story of a saint 
• A fun fact 
• Artwork with a fresh, kid-friendly design 
 
This daily devotional for kids is: 
 
• An ideal gift for First Communion, Confirmation, or Advent 
• A unique book for strengthening a child’s faith 
• A great way to share Catholic church history with kids 
 
A Saint a Day will help your child realize the long history of people of faith. As you journey through this yearlong devotional, your children will grow in their understanding of church history and better understand how they can love and serve God. 
 
 
REVIEW:
First things first, I felt that I needed to start by saying that I am not Catholic, though being Portuguese means that I grew up in a Catholic home.  It's almost like tradition for us, most Portuguese are Catholic and you just go into it and follow the family steps.
 
I did stop following the Catholic faith when I was around 15 years old, so talking about Saints is not something I do every day, but it is something I am aware of and know about.

The Saint a Day devotional, is a year long devotional that tells the story of each saint, what they did, what they are known for.  It is such a sweet way to learn about these saints and what they stood for.  Some are well known, others I had no clue who they were but it was interesting to browse through and read little tidbits about them.

From Jesus' mother Mary, to Joan of Arc, Mother Theresa and many others.


For example, today's devotional is about Saint Margaret of Scotland and quotes Romans 12:12.

She was so beloved by her Scottish subjects, that she was known as The Pearl of Scotland.  She was actually an English Princess and a Scottish Queen.

Whether you are Catholic or Christian, this is such a sweet and interesting devotional, perfect for little ones.
 
 


Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson for this fantastic review copy.
 


Monday, November 15, 2021

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/15/2021 }

 
Good morning everyone, welcome back!

I am a little late, well later than usual, getting this post up.  I had to drop Jasmine off at work very early this morning, and when I returned home, my behind made a beeline for the coffee.  Now that I'm settled with a hot cup, let's get going.
 
Have a wonderful blessed week, friends. 


♥♥The Weather♥♥ 
We still seem to be playing the, cold as bitter in the morning, with icy lawns, and then hot as Hades in the afternoon, game.  I'm ready to just embrace the cooler temps, but I don't think mother nature is listening to me just yet.   
 


♥♥How I am feeling this morning♥♥
I'm feeling good.  It's been a long time since I've felt content and joyful, truly joyful.  It's been a year and a half at least, so to wake up feeling this way, is amazing.  I thank God for that. 
 
 

♥♥On my mind♥♥ 
The Lord has delivered us from a tough situation.  I am not going to go into details, because truthfully there are things that are personal, family related and so on, that don't need to be talked about.  But, it was a situation that had me feeling pretty sad and stressed, and I prayed on it the past year, religiously, without ceasing, always waiting on the Lord's timing, and He came through.  In a big way.  Maybe one day I'll talk about it, if the person involved is ok with that.  But, yes, that is on my mind, feeling extremely grateful to God right now.       
 
 

 ♥♥On the breakfast plate♥♥
I've just had some toast with butter, and a second cup of coffee, with White Chocolate Raspberry Creamer.   
          

♥♥Right now I am♥♥
Are you ready for this?  For once, not still in bed, but sitting on my couch with the TV on in the background, while I type up this post.


♥♥What I'm wearing today♥♥
Jeans, grey v neck top with a grey sweater, with big ruffle sleeves.  Of course slippers are on my feet, does anyone else immediately change to slippers as soon as they get home?   

 

♥♥On my reading pile♥♥ 
I completed 3 plans on my Bible app, and I'm also starting on Genesis again today.  I am so excited to do it, can't even put it into words.
Also reading Francine Rivers A Lineage of Grace.  

 

♥♥On today's to do list♥♥
Dropped Jasmine off early this morning, and am picking her up at 2pm.  
 
Finishing off this post, then starting on cleaning the house.  I am about to fill it with Christmas decorations, I am just really excited for Christmas this year and can't wait.  
Also need to look up some ideas for Thanksgiving dinner, the table setting, food etc.



 ♥♥On my tv♥♥
Homemaking vlogs
Dexter


♥♥What I'm listening to♥♥
Air1 Worship radio

♥♥On the menu this week♥♥

Monday - Beef Fajitas, Tortilla Chips, Salsa
Tuesday - Amish Country Poor Man's Steak, Mash, Veggies
Wednesday - Creamy Bacon Chicken, Noodles, Salad
Thursday - Portuguese Pork Chops and Potatoes, Sauteed Collard Greens
Friday - Creamy Beef and Shells
Saturday - Panda Express Chow Mein with Chicken
Sunday -  Leftovers, Sandwiches


 
♥♥From the camera♥♥
This past Saturday, our church family threw a baby shower for Tiffany.  These ladies are so sweet, so caring and just absolutely amazing.  From the food to the decorations, and the cutest gifts baby boy received.
 
We are so thankful to our church.  



♥♥Looking around the house♥♥
It's a bit of a tip at the moment, well, the living room at least because I'm moving things around getting ready for Thanksgiving.  Need to vacuum and dust and put things right.  
  

♥♥To relax this week, I will♥♥
Try to read if I have some time, but with the holidays around the corner, I'll be working on lists, food prep and some homemade decorations.  
     


♥♥On my prayer list♥♥ 
My wonderful sister in law, has her last treatment this week.  She has an appointment with her surgeon next week to set up surgery and then has radiation to do as well, before she can take a breather.  Please pray and come into agreement for the Lord's will to be done, for complete healing in her body, and for that cancer to be crushed and cast out in Jesus name.
For our country and administration.  
For the world in general.



Tuesday, November 09, 2021

{ Let's catch up }

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Good morning ladies! 
 
It's been a while.  Couple of weeks at least, since I've sat down and just talked, shared, updated and had a cup of coffee with you all.
 
I have another busy day today, but I felt so pushed to come in and just share.  Share the photos I've been taking, because even though I haven't been posting them, they've been accumulating in my camera, and so this weekend, I did a photo dump, edited everything I had, uploaded it to my Flickr Account and cleaned out the card to start again.
 
So let's start, grab a cup of coffee or tea, sit back and let me just chit chat for a few minutes.....hopefully, though if you know me you know that sometimes I just start talking and keep going.  *snicker*

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♥ Deer ♥
I love this time of the year. The weather gets cooler, the leaves start turning and our property gets an influx of deer.  Big bucks, does and fawns, all colors and sizes.  It is fascinating and I always thank God for his works of art.  The beauty of this animals is just unlike anything else.  
 

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♥ Cleaning and organizing ♥
In between my errands, chauffeur mom duties, cooking, etc.  I have been slowly organizing and cleaning out a room at a time.
 
I keep my house clean and tidy, but we all know that things tend to pile up, it's just normal for a day to day household, and we as moms are always going around trying to get things back where they belong.  But even as moms we tend to sometimes leave a pile of laundry on the couch for a day, or a stack of books in a corner of the room waiting to be put on the shelf.  
 
It's those little things that have been bothering me, so I have been making it a priority to pick up, organize and put away all the random bits and bobs around the house. 

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♥ Preparing for the holidays ♥
I've started making plans for Thanksgiving, planning, buying food for the meals, working on Christmas gift lists and getting ready for the holidays.

I can not wait to celebrate, especially this year.  We have so much to be thankful for, even in the middle of the uncertainty and chaotic world we live in.  This Thanksgiving we will be giving thanks for another year gone by, for the blessings God bestowed upon us, for a new baby boy due in December and for my sister in law finishing her treatments on the 19th of November.  

With all this in mind, one of the first things I do every year, is make my fruitcakes.  It didn't happen last year though, if you remember it was right after my sweet mother in law passed away, so we didn't celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas the way we usually do.  We just didn't have it in us to do.

But, the fruitcakes are baked this year, and instead of the usual rum I use to drizzle on top, I decided to try something different.  Kahlua Salted Caramel Liqueur.  It tastes amazing in the fruit cake.  Yes, I always take a little bit to try and make sure they're good.  

Speaking of which, I need to go and give the cakes another drizzle this morning.
 

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♥ Reading ♥ 
Reading has come back into my heart, with a bang.  I missed it so much.  I have this tremendous love for books.  My shelves are full, and anytime I am in a bookstore, I can't help but purchase one or two more.  There is just something about a physical book in my hands, that brings such joy to my heart.
 
Among the review books that I have, I also have my own piles of books waiting to be read.  I don't always have the time for mine because my review books take priority, but when I have a little break in that commitment, I immediately grab one of mine.

The review book I just finished is called The Book of Timothy and it is a true story, based on quite a famous case from many years ago.  It is the story of Timothy Nockels who was abused by a Catholic priest.  It's quite hard to read because of the circumstances, but a very good book nonetheless.

From my own pile, I have grabbed Francine River's A Lineage of Grace which tells the fictional stories, of 5 very important women in the lineage of Jesus Christ.  Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary.

I also have Sons of Encouragement which is also part of the same series, and tells the fictional story of Aaron, Caleb, Jonathan, Amos and Silas.  That sounds like a phenomenal book too.

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♥ Sweet Elliott Time ♥
This little boy has crept into my heart and has been a life saver, since my heart broke in August, when my Marley left.  I don't talk about it much because I am still grieving.  

I have not been Ok. I still cry, I still miss him, I still don't understand why this happened and I still hurt like nothing I've ever felt before.  But Elliott has been my little shadow.  He is quite naughty at times, and that's expected since he is just a year old, but he follows me around, snuggles up next to me in bed or the couch for naps, and gets so happy when he seems me get up each morning.

He immediately starts purring, rubbing against my legs, drops and just lays at my feet, closing his eyes while I pet him.  He plays with me, he loves playing fetch with the aluminum foil balls, he loves laying in the kitchen while I cook.  He is just my companion and I thank God every day for him.
 
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♥ Fall Cooking ♥
I love cooking all year long, but Fall and Winter time just brings forth all the stick to your ribs, filling, yummy stews and soups.  We've had soup a few times already, starting with the one I just posted above which was a Portuguese bean soup, with sausage and potato and carrots.  It was one of the best soups we have ever eaten, so good, so filling and thick and tummy warming.
 
I also made an Amish Chicken recipe which was delicious and so easy to make.  I'll have that recipe on the blog later today.
 
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Curt is still working on his Master's Degree, he will be done in March of 2022.  He has been listening to the Lord and trying to figure out what and where He is leading him, and lately he has felt the pull to do Youth Ministry, so he has talked to our church pastor about it.  We are praying on it and will see where God takes us.

Jasmine has been doing amazing at driving.  She loves it, she has a renewed confidence about her that I am incredibly grateful for.  She is loving work, loving her cowokers, has gone out with them after work and is just living life to the fullest at the moment.  As always we pray for her and continually ask the Holy spirit to pursue her heart.

Nick is also starting his journey towards getting his driver's license as well, and he is trying to figure out where to go with his future.  He is not sure if he wants to go to college or go straight to work.  We are praying on that as well, that God continues to guide him.

I'm doing well, I'm still holding on to the Lord's hand and continuing on my own spiritual journey.  It has been life changing in so many ways, I am so much more aware of everything around me.  I never understood discernment until last year, and now I can't imagine life without it.

I hope to do a full post on discernment, what it is, and why you need it.

And that's it my friends.  You are all caught up on what has been happening around here.  Just plain ol' living, being with family and keeping our heads above the water in this crazy world.

Have a blessed Tuesday, thank you as always for coming by to see me and leaving such sweet comments.  I really appreciate them.

I'm going to end this post here, go and give my fruitcakes their weekly boozy bath, and make myself a salad for lunch, before I have to step out to pick Jasmine up from work.

Monday, November 08, 2021

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/08/2021 }

Good morning everyone!  
 
Welcome back to my blog.  I know, I know, lately all you really see here are these Monday posts and some book tours.  It's not what my blog is about, well, maybe for the moment, but hopefully not for long.
 
So where have I been, what have I been doing?   Just living folks, just living life and going with the flow.  This year has flown by, I can't believe we are in November already, and just around the corner from Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Crazy!!!
 
I really need to a proper post updating and chatting with you all, but need to find the time for that.  I haven't been very active on Instagram either, just been keeping to myself and my family, and concentrating on family life.
 
So yes, that's basically where I've been and what I've been doing.
 
I wish you all a blessed week ahead, may everything you pray for be answered by the God.  May there be miracles, breakthroughs and revelations sprung forth, for you and your family. 


♥♥The Weather♥♥ 
Blissful, that's all I can think of.  The hot weather is gone, the cool has come in and I'm all here for it.  Most of the week we will be in the 60s, which in my books is perfect weather.  Not hot, and not cold.     
 

♥♥How I am feeling this morning♥♥
I'm doing good, except for the finger thing.  So it is not the bite, it's not infected.  We are leaning strongly towards Osteoarthritis.  I have all the symptoms of that, so will probably have to make an appointment. But, aside from that, I am good, thankfully.
 
 

♥♥On my mind♥♥ 
The holidays.  I'm already in holiday mode and trying to plan.  I feel like years before, I took more time to start working on it, but like I said above, this year seems to be flying by and if I don't get on it, Thanksgiving will be upon us.     
 
 

 ♥♥On the breakfast plate♥♥
I've had my usual early morning cup of coffee, with Curt this morning.  I'll have another in about an hour when I eat my breakfast.  I'm not sure what I'll have though, I might do some toast with a slice of Queso Fresco (fresh cheese).  
          
 

♥♥Right now I am♥♥
In bed, in my nightgown, with Elliott sleeping at my feet.  I'm typing up this post, of course, watching some youtube videos while I do it, and watching the morning sun streaming in through the windows.  
Honestly, I'm also trying to adjust to the time change hahaha


♥♥What I'm wearing today♥♥
I want to get some cleaning down, so I'll probably throw on some sweat pants and a tshirt. 

 

♥♥On my reading pile♥♥ 
I've been missing my Bible, and I was telling Curt that I may have to start reading it again sooner than January.  I don't think I can wait that long, it was so much a part of my daily routine, that I feel quite lost without it.
I do have other books to read, and I'm trying to get through those, but my Bible is missed terribly. 

 

♥♥On today's to do list♥♥
Jasmine's driving lesson at 1pm.  She is off today, but we still have her lesson.  Folks, she is doing so well, and she actually really enjoys driving.  I am thrilled for her that she has worked through her anxiety and is actually not only facing it straight on, but loving the actual driving. 
  • Driving lesson
  • Dust, sweep, mop
  • Crochet my second crochet sock to finish the pair

 ♥♥On my tv♥♥
The usual homemaking vlogs.
Dexter
Not sure what else, over the years I've left my TV watching list to whatever I felt like at the moment.


♥♥On the menu this week♥♥

Monday - Spaghetti Pie, Salad
Tuesday - Beef Fajitas, Cilantro Rice, Beans
Wednesday - Hamburger Helper, Salad, Garlic Bread
Thursday - Burrito Style Cheeseburger Wraps, Fries
Friday - *Grocer Shopping*
Saturday -
Sunday

 
♥♥From the camera♥♥
On Saturday, my niece asked me to take some Maternity photos for her.  I've told her over and over that I'm not a photographer, so I always feel so nervous when I go and take these kind of pictures.  But she loves my photos and is always so thankful for them.  I am pretty happy with the way they turned out, she truly makes a beautiful pregnant woman.   



♥♥Looking around the house♥♥
Such beautiful sunlight streaming through the windows.  I need to do some picking up because Elliott has thrown his aluminum foil balls all over the living room and den.  He has so much fun with them.  

♥♥To relax this week, I will♥♥
Read, and crochet some more socks.      


♥♥On my prayer list♥♥ 
My sister in law Hayley, she has just 2 more treatments left, her last one is on the 19th of November.  Praying for the victims and the families, of that horrible event in Houston.  My heart just breaks for this generation, I often feel like they are constantly under attack.
For our country and all the other nations in the world.
For my brothers and sisters in Christ.