{ Blog 365 #120 - Writing out the Bible }

 

Two years ago, I read the Bible from beginning to end.  

It was one of the most rewarding things, I have ever done.  The closeness it brought me to God, the things I learned, what it opened my eyes and heart to, are indescribable.

 

 

Since then I have read through different books of the Bible, here and there, but I have wanted to go back and read it all again.  And so I started a few days ago, but this time, as I'm reading through, I am writing it out as well.

Some may thing I'm crazy, and maybe I am one of those crazy people.  I do find that as I write it, I remember it easier, and it also brings me this indescribable feeling of peace.  I can't put it into words.

 

 

I know that this is going to take me a really long time.  But I also can't wait to have it all written in my own writing.  What a wonderful keepsake that will be.

{ Blog 365 #119 - Grocery shopping and a few deals }

 

I usually go grocery shopping on a Friday.  It's a habit that was formed when we were active duty Air Force.  If you are in the military, or know someone in the military, then you know that we got paid the 1st and 15th of every month.  

Hence, my shopping for two weeks at a time, and on the first and 15th or so, of every month.

However, Friday, I ended up not going grocery shopping, and I don't remember why exactly.  I just know that something came up, so I left it for Saturday morning.

It was wonderful being back in the store.  I tend to flip flop between the commissary and Walmart pickup, and I don't know why because pickup always frustrates me in one way or another.  There is either something not available, or I get the wrong size or something.  And then I complain to my husband, and he always says "why are you continuing to do pickup then, go to the commissary."

He's right.  But don't tell him I said that.  Hahahaha

Anyway, I got all my groceries at the base commissary, and they had some good deals this weekend.  I guess they had a case lot sale, which is like a sidewalk sale where they sell in bulk.  They used to do it all the time back in Mountain Home, Idaho.  We loved those days because we stocked up on some great items, for cheap.

The first item I picked up, was this box, which was actually the last one they had.  $42, and it came with:

4 lbs. ground beef

3 lbs. boneless center cut pork chops

3 lbs. bottom round steaks

3 lbs. beef cube steaks

2 lbs. boneless pork tenderloin

I thought it was a pretty good deal.

 

The second deal I got, was this box of 10 lbs of spare ribs, for $10, so another great deal as well.  I don't always buy extra, because frankly, I don't always have the extra money for such.  But when we do, and I see a good buy, I grab it for our chest freezer.  

It's always good to have extra meat in there.

Aside from these two, I got my usual groceries.  Still spent $350, which seems to be the norm as of late.  Long gone are the days where I was able to get groceries for two weeks, for $250.  But, we adapt and try to adjust to the rising prices, as best as we can.

{ Blog 365 #118 - Friday }

Today I'm bringing a post from a few years ago.  I used to have a Friday Feature called Remember When?  In which I talked about my childhood, family stories, vacations, places we lived and so forth.  I don't know why I stopped doing it because it was a great way, to write down the memories that formed our family, and I think I may start it back up again.

But for today, I wanted to introduce you to who I am, and where I lived.  I hope you enjoy!

When we first moved to Portugal, it was in the 70's and right after the big Independence war in Mozambique, where I was born.

We left with nothing.

First fleeing to Rhodesia (now known as Zimbabwe), and then hopping a plane to Lisbon, Portugal.

I was but 2 years old, I didn't know what was going on, why we had to leave so suddenly and why we were now living in a completely different country. 

Things were not easy. 

For the first few months or a year that we lived in Portugal, the only place my parents could afford was this tiny little room in one of Lisbon's buildings.  Rua Sebastiao Saraiva Lima.

It's funny how I remember so many details even though I was really young at the time, but I think that some things are so deeply etched into your heart and memory that you will recollect them for many years to come.


One of the things I most remember was the front door to the building.  This massive wooden door, it always made me feel like I was walking into a castle.

Source

The buildings foyer was huge.  It had staircases on the left and the right going up to other rooms, but ours was on the bottom floor, almost as if in the basement.

I remember walking in, and turning to the right, going down these little stairs and then a hallway with a few doors.  Our room was there, behind one of those old wooden doors.

There were 6 of us in that bedroom.  My parents, me, my 2 older brothers and my baby brother who was but a few months old.

The two of us slept on the floor on a mattress, I would sleep right next to his bassinet and it didn't bother me that I was on the floor, I didn't know any better, I didn't think anything was wrong.  I kind of liked sleeping right next to the baby.

The only thing that I didn't like and would drive my parents insane, is that there were mice all over, and I would sometimes lay in the dark hearing their little feet scrambling across the floors, praying and praying that they wouldn't come anywhere near me.  For the most part, they stayed outside of the room, but there was the one night where not only did they come into the room, they ran right across me, onto the bassinet and across my baby brother.  GROSS!!!

During the day, my dad would go to work, and my stepmom would stay home with us.  There wasn't much to do, but we found ways of staying busy.  We pulled out pots and pans and would take them to the backyard of the building.  If you can call it a backyard.  It wasn't much of one, just a little area surrounded by big stone walls, a few potted plants and chickens.

Oh the chickens.  The smell is so unique that I have never forgotten it.

One could say that we were poor, but I don't think we were.  We were just starting out, in a new country, my parents desperately trying to plant roots, and start a good life for us all. 

Lisbon was a busy place.  Beautiful, old, full of history.

There was never a dull moment and we never ran out of places to see and visit.  All you had to do was take a walk in any direction and you were surrounded with cafes, shopping, museums etc.

Source

These are the kind of streets I remember. 

The kind of places I visited.

Source

And my favorite thing on earth to ride???  Carro Electrico.  The Tram Cars. 

These Trams have been in operation since 1873 and a huge favorite for tourists.  I was always fascinated with them and if we had to go anywhere, I would ask if we could ride those instead of taking a cab.

Mercado da Ribeira

Another favorite of mine, were the big markets.  We would go once a week for the fresh produce, fish, eat etc.  The smell was indescribable, it assaulted your senses.  On the one hand you had the smell of fresh fish, but then you had hot coffee, and flowers, and fruit and vegetables.  It was a kaleidoscope of scents.

The tiny streets that only fit one car going one way.

The alleyways between the buildings, stairs that seem to go on forever, and the hanging clothes above.

There was always so much to see, and as a child I don't think I need to tell you how exciting it was.

 Source

There's something magical about Lisbon.  The sights, the scents, the people.  It's such a gorgeous city and I'll always remember my times spent there, not only as a young child, but as a young adult when I returned to visit.

I only hope that one day I can my children and my husband to Portugal.  For now, I'll continue to tell them about my life there, what I did, where I went, what I saw, and maybe they can live vicariously through me, at least for the moment.  :)

{ Blog 365 #117 - Cooking Thursday - Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread }

 

 

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread

Source:  Taste of Home

2 cups all-purpose flour 

3/4 cup sugar 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1 large egg, room temperature 

3/4 cup 2% milk 

6 tablespoons butter, melted 

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, halved 

1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips 

STREUSEL: 

1/3 cup packed brown sugar 

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

2 tablespoons cold butter 

3/4 cup confectioners' sugar 

2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk 

 

 

 

1. Preheat oven to 325°. Line bottom of a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan with parchment; grease parchment. 

 

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk the egg, milk and butter; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in cranberries and chocolate chips. Transfer to prepared pan. 

 

3. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour and cinnamon; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 60-65 minutes. 

 

 

4. Cool for 10 minutes; loosen sides of bread from pan. Cool completely before removing from pan. For the glaze, mix confectioners' sugar and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth; if needed, add additional 1 tablespoon milk to reach desired consistency. 

 

Drizzle glaze over top of bread; allow to sit 10-15 minutes before slicing. 

 

{ Blog 365 #116 - Wordless Wednesday }

 

{ Blog 365 #115 - Love in Chains Period drama }

 

 

If you enjoyed Bridgerton, then you will most definitely enjoy Love in Chains.

 

I just had to come and show you all this stunning series.  It is a Russian tv series, that completely blew my mind and captivated my heart.  Unlike the usual shows we are used to watching, this one is full of twists and turns, that will leave you so frustrated at times, you will no doubt yell at the TV.  *I did*

 

As I've mentioned over the past few weeks, I have found a whole new world of brilliant period dramas, in foreign language, and oh am I so glad I did.

 

In Love and Chains, we follow the story of Katerina Verbitskaya.  She is a bondsmaid but has been raised as a noblewoman, and is very much loved by the mistress of the house.  When the owners son returns from war, he sets his eyes on Katerina, and becomes completely obsessed with her.  What follows are a series of quite uncomfortable scenes where he tries to take advantage of her, as he is so blinded by his love for the beautiful young woman.

 

However, she falls in love with a nobleman who doesn't know who she is at first.

 

I will leave it at that, because you really need to watch.  This show shines a light on bondsmen and women, the horrible conditions they were subjected to, the glaring different between the masters and their slaves, and love that sees no status.

 

It is such a beautiful series.  

 

 

You can watch the first season for free on Amazon Prime.  The second season is also available but for rent or buying.  There has been a Season 3 and 4 since then, and unfortunately they're not available on Amazon yet.  I did find and am watching the third season on Youtube, although it does not have an English subtitles available, so it's really hard to follow.

 

I do hope they make the last 2 seasons available, and preferably with subtitles.  But in the meantime, I love this series so much, that I am willing to watch with no subtitles, just because I need to know what happens.  Hahahah 

{ Blog 365 #114 - Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/24/2023 }

 

 

 

Good morning my sweet friends, come on in and sit with me a little. I have some hot coffee, and a slice of cake if you wish.  

Well, it's Monday morning, a brand new week is before us.  I must say, I had a wonderful weekend, but got no sleep last night, maybe 30 mins, if that.  So I'm slow moving this morning.

We have but one week left of Jasmine's work training.  It's been 8 weeks of crazy schedules, but we are at the finish line.  Thank God!

I can't wait to get back to my routine, my normal homemaking and blogging.  It's exciting. Anyway, it's a cloudy, rainy day, and I have a lot to get done, so I'll get right on with our post.

 

Have a blessed week my friends ♥

 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥ 

Hot afternoons, but some cooler mornings still.  I actually felt cold last night.   We are expecting some rain this week, which is always my favorite weather, as long as it doesn't develop into severe thunderstorms, because as you know, we live in Tornado Alley. 

 

Monday -  Cloudy, 62

Tuesday - Thunderstorms, 67

Wednesday - Thunderstorms, 62

Thursday - AM clouds, 67

Friday - PM showers, 69

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 68

Sunday - Sunny, 78

♥♥  As I look outside my window ♥ 

Cloudy skies, and a slight breeze moving across the trees. 

 

 

♥♥  Right now I am ♥♥ 

Working on this post, and watching my show on the TV.

 

 

♥♥  Thinking and pondering ♥♥ 

On how people seem to have lost their mind.  I had 2 cars in front of me this morning, on the highway, come to a complete stop and sit there honking at each other.  I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  I had to stop as well, while they continued their honking, and all because one needed to get over to the other lane, to make the exit, and the car next to it was not allowing him in.  

 

What on earth people? 

 

 

♥♥  How am I feeling ♥♥ 

Tired, but good otherwise.  

 

 

♥♥  On the breakfast plate ♥♥ 

Cup of coffee with peppermint mocha creamer, and 2 slices of toast with butter. 

 

 

♥♥   On the lunch plate ♥♥ 

I have my soup from yesterday, which I'm really looking forward to having, for lunch. 

 

 

♥♥  On the dinner plate ♥♥ 

Pork Chops, Potato Bake and sauteed squash. 

 

 

♥♥  What I'm wearing  ♥♥ 

Black leggings and a dark grey long sleeved v-neck. 

 

 

 ♥♥  On my reading pile ♥♥ 

Reading through Romans in the Bible

Paul David Tripp New Morning Mercies devotional. 

Starting Francine Rivers  A Lineage of Grace.

 

 

♥♥  On my TV this week  ♥♥ 

Love in Chains (loving this russian series)

Homemaking vlogs 

Expanse - watching this one with hubby

 

 

♥♥  On the menu  ♥♥ 

Will be working the new meal plan out, for the next two weeks, so I have meals until Thursday.

 

Monday - Pork Chops, Potato Bake and sauteed squash

Tuesday - Bacon wrapped Chicken legs, Basmati Rice, Salad

Wednesday -  Creamy Beef and Shells, Broccoli and Cauliflower

Thursday - Cowboy Stew, Salad

Friday - *Grocery Shopping*

Saturday - 

Sunday -

♥♥  Looking around the house  ♥♥ 

It is really quiet.  The chickens are asleep, Kaia and Elliott are also asleep on my bed.  Everyone else is off to work, so it's just me and a quiet house.

 

 

♥♥  To Do List ♥♥ 

- Happy Homemaker Monday post

- Laundry

- Start new menu plan

- Start new book

- Usual daily homemaking

 

 

♥♥  From the camera  ♥♥ 

Just love my Bearded Iris flowers, they are beautiful.  ♥  

 

 

 

♥♥  Devotional  ♥♥ 

Since God writes your story, He knows what you're facing and exactly what Grace you'll need to live His way. - New Morning Mercies

{ Blog 365 #113 - Slow weekend, tv and books }

 

I took this weekend off, to rest.  

 

Yes weekends are supposed to be for just that, but both Curt and I have been doing so much around the house lately, that we feel our weekends go by, and we don't really sit down and do nothing, or watch movies, or read.  We tend to start our Monday mornings, already tired and looking forward to the weekend again. 

So this time, we both decided that we were going nowhere, doing nothing, and just relaxing.  I don't think we even unlocked the front door.  

 

 

It's been a wonderful slow weekend.  I finished a book, finished a period drama series and even watched a movie too.

There's this sense of accomplishment, even though I did nothing, but I'm sure you understand what I mean.

 

You know I was watching a really sweet, down to earth family, in Brazil, the other day.  And it struck me just how simple their life is, how quiet and full of love and family moments.  It made me realize, again, because truly I've been slowly feeling glimpses of this within me.....that we are so caught up on trying to live like everyone else.  We want to be like others, live like others, do like others.  

It's all about being glamorous, driving the best cars and trucks, going on the best vacations, eating meals that are full of this ingredient and that special seasoning you never use again.  

We make everything so complicated, when in actuality, all we need is to live our lives, peacefully, quietly, minding our own business.  

I speak for myself here, I wouldn't dare to talk for anyone else, because I don't live anyone else's lives.  But it just made me once again think, that I need to just be me, like what I like, enjoy what I enjoy, eat the simple hearty, home cooked meal, that is filling instead of magazine cover worthy.

 

 

Days were we drink that simple cup of coffee with a splash of milk, talk with family, have a slice of cake in the afternoon.  Read the book we want and enjoy, just because, and not due to the influence of bestsellers or because everyone is talking about it.

I want to watch old shows, family movies, eat popcorn.  Have a warm bath at bedtime, and throw on that comfy nightgown that no one else would be caught dead wearing, simply because it's so old fashioned. 

And when someone asks what I'm watching on TV, I want to say "Little House on the Prairie", without someone laughing or thinking me silly.

I guess I'm just letting my mind run, at this point.  But I think a lot of you will understand me.  

 

 

Anyway, back to this weekend.  It's been just what we needed.

Today I got out all the veggies in my fridge and freezer, that needed using up, and made a delicious Portuguese Veggie Soup for lunch.  It is just the way I like it, thick and hearty, and so good.  I was going to make dinner as well, but Curt told me not to.  So we've been munching on this soup, all day long.

 

 

I also had carrots that needed using up, so some went into the soup, and the others went into this divine Carrot and Lemon Cake.  So yummy!!!

 

I will get this recipe up on the blog this week.  It's a simple cake, all mixed in the blender.  I love recipes like that.

 

 

On TV, I watched the first season of Love and Sacrifice.  It was so good, oh my word, but the second season has not been put up yet on PBS, and the last episode ended on a bit of a cliffhanger.  Hate when that happens, don't you?

It's worth a view though if you're interested.  It is Italian but with English subtitles.

and then I also watched the new Emily movie, which tells the story of Emily Bronte, who wrote Wuthering Heights.  What a beautiful movie and such a sweet, but sad and tragic story too.

 

 

 

Next on the list, and I'm already on the first episode of Season 1, is Love in Chains.

 

The series in Russian, so you'll have to watch with English subtitles.  It looks really good too.  It follows the story of Katerina Verbitskaya.  She is raised as a nobleman, and considered the property of a wealthy landowner.  However, she falls in love with a nobleman, so you can already imagine the drama that is going to ensue from that.

I'm very much looking forward to this series.  I mentioned in a previous post how I am enjoying all these international series.  When you get past the language barrier, you quickly realize, that they have some absolutely, visually stunning tv and movies.

 

 

 

As for books, I finished A Feather on the Water by Lindsay Ashford.  It was really good.  If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, this is a must read.

It tells the story of 3 women, all with different backgrounds and different life stories to tell.  They are brought together in Germany, to run a camp for Displaced Persons.  In other words, those who survived the concentration camps but have nowhere to go.   This is a camp with over 2000 people.

We get to learn more about Kitty, Martha and Delphine, their lives, what they left behind, their struggles trying to help others while trying to help themselves too.  They end up finding love, and finding missing family members and

Anyway my friends, I hope your weekend was a relaxing as mine.  I will see you all back here in the morning, for our Happy Homemaker Monday.

Until then, God bless!

xoxoxo

{ Blog 365 #112 - How the garden is doing }

 

We've had some rain, the past 2 days, and as always, the plants seem to come alive when that happens.  It's so sweet seeing nature and the way it reacts to a good rain storm.  Everything looks greener, flowers immediately open up, even the birds seem happier.

 

I started our seeds, finally, or rather, I started some of our seeds.  Still have quite a few left to plant, but will do that this week.  

 

I honestly can not wait, to get my garden area set up and going.  

 

The garden we had before, has been turned into our big chicken coop area, so now we have to plan where the actual veggie garden will go.   We have an idea, but it's a matter of setting down some raised beds, or dividers, and making sure the soil is ready for these new seedlings as soon as they are big enough to go in the ground.

 

 

In the meantime, I am left admiring the growth all around me.  Our fruit trees are doing really well, although I don't think we will have fruit yet this year, probably next year or the next.  

 

We still want to add an apple tree to the little orchard as well, so thinking of doing that within the next few weeks.

 

But here's a little peek at some of the beautiful greenery in our yard.

 

{ Blog 365 #111 - Cream Cheese Pound Cake }

 

 

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Source:  A Spicy Perspective

 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened (3 sticks)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 6 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

 

 

Directions:

 

• Set out the butter, eggs, and cream cheese to come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Move one oven rack to the center of the oven and remove any racks above it.
• Pull out a standard 12-cup capacity bundt pan. Grease the bundt pan with extra butter or shortening, then scoop 1/4 cup sugar into the pan and shake it around until the fat is well coated in sugar. Dump out any excess sugar. Set aside.
• Place the softened butter and cream cheese in the bowl on an electric. Beat on high until the mixture is totally smooth. Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula, then add the remaining 2 3/4 cups sugar. Beat on high again for 3-5 minutes to cream the ingredients until very light and fluffy. Scrape the bowl again.
• Turn the mixer on low and beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Then slowly add the flour a little at a time, until fully combined. Once the batter is smooth, turn off the mixer, as to not overmix the batter.
• Scoop the batter into the prepared pan. Bake on the center rack for 80-90 minutes. After 80 minutes, test the cake by inserting a toothpick deep into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, take the pound cake out of the oven.
• Let the cream cheese pound cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Then carefully flip the cake onto a platter or baking rack.

 

{ Blog 365 #110 - Almost the weekend...... }

 

 

Oh it's been one of those weeks, that I am just counting down the minutes, until the weekend.

 

I'm used to being busy, but this past week seems to have run on from the previous one, past the weekend, and right into Monday morning.  Goodness!

 

I've had Curt home since last week Wednesday, he's been on leave.  It's one of those cases of, having too much leave saved up and he needs to use it or lose it.  So, he begrudgingly took a week off, because if it was up to him, he would have just continued working.  I guess it's a good thing when you love your job that much, right?

 

Having Curt home though, has meant that we've taken the time to get projects done around the house.  The garage got cleaned out completely, the chicken coop is practically finished and ready for the girls to move in next week.  Yards have been mowed and weeded and redone, etc.

 

So a lot of work went in, but it also meant that he didn't really get time off, and since we worked through the weekend, neither one of us had much of a rest.

 

But that's ok.  Sometimes it's good to stop and remember that we are healthy, and we are blessed to have the energy and strength to do what needs doing.  

 

Anyway, it's been crazy and I'm really missing a more quiet, slow, homemaking.  Jasmine's new job training will be done on the 3rd, and then I have a whole month at home, not needing to go anywhere or do anything.  I don't quite know what I'm going to do with myself, but I think I will find a lot to entertain myself with.

 

Can't wait.

 

I do need to step out again, so I'll leave you with a slice of my Cream Cheese Pound Cake.  Hope you enjoy it ♥  

 

{ Blog 365 #109 - Wordless Wednesday }

{ Blog 365 #108 - Spring }

 

Don't you just love Spring?

I absolutely love stepping outside, and seeing all kinds of life blooming and growing.  From the trees, to the flowers and the birds in the trees.

{ Blog 365 #107 - Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/17/2023 }

 

Good morning sweet friends, and welcome to another Happy Homemaker Monday. 

 

I sure hope this day finds you doing well.  My weekend was busy, again, so I feel like I didn't really have a weekend and have just merged from one week, to the next. Oh well. 

 

Let's get right on with our post. Wishing you all a very blessed week! Sandra

xoxoxo

 

The Weather:::
Aside from some cool mornings, we have been enjoying warm weather.  Looks like more on the way and maybe even a little rain.   

 
Monday - Sun and clouds mixed, 82
Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 83
Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 91
Thursday - Mostly sunny, 83
Friday - Partly cloudy, 74
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 63
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 67

 

 

As I look outside my window::: 

Sun is shining, and so far, not a single cloud in the sky yet. There are grackles in my back yard, and a squirrel just went scurrying across the back fence. 

 

 

Right now I am::: 

Just finished having my breakfast, and am working on this post. 

 

 

Thinking and pondering::: 

The chickens are big enough now, to be moved outside. We are finishing work on their coop, and making sure it is safe proof from any predators. It's a strange feeling knowing that they're going outside soon, makes me want to keep them inside forever.Hahahah 

 

 

On my bedside table::: 

Cup of hot coffee, my phone, and a water bottle. 

 

 

On my tv this week::: 

Portuguese Soaps - Para Sempre and Flor Sem Tempo 

Homemaking Vlogs on Youtube 

Star Trek Picard 

The Ark 

More International Period Dramas 

 

This weekend I watched Bauhaus, which was only 2 episodes.  Really good though, I enjoyed it.  I wasn't familiar with the Bauhaus history and why it was so controversial, so this show was pretty interesting.  If you want to know more about the history of the Bauhaus, read here, or you can watch the show here.

 

Listening to::: 

The chickies in the office, they're running back and forth in their little coop, playing Also have the sound of the turtle tank filter, it sounds like a waterfall. 

 

 

On the lunch plate::: 

Not sure, I am craving McDonald's fries for some reason, so we may do that for lunch. 

 

 

On the dinner plate::: 

Swedish Meatballs, Mashed potatoes, Broccoli and Cauliflower in Cheese sauce. 

 

 

On the menu for this week::: 

Monday - Swedish Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli and Cauliflower in Cheese sauce

Tuesday - Chimichangas, Rice, Beans

Wednesday - Bacon wrapped Chicken Legs, Buttered Noodles, Sauteed Zucchini and Spaghetti Squash

Thursday - Porco de Cebolada (Pork Chops), Potato Casserole, Salad 

Friday - Loaded Tater Tots - Totchos

Saturday - Barbecue for Jasmine's birthday (Burgers, Beef Sausages, Potato Salad, Hawaiian Salad, Black Forest Cake)

Sunday - Potato and Onion Pierogies 

 

 

 

On my reading pile::: 

Longbourn by Jo Baker, really want to finish this one. 

Bible 

The Secret Garden 

 

The same books, still waiting. I really wish I could get my reading mojo back, it's frustrating to love reading so much, but not doing it. 

 

 

On my to do list:::

 Finally starting my seeds today, I am so late this year. 

 

 

Plans for this week::: 

Taking Nick to get his driver's permit 

Start Spring Cleaning 

 

 

What I am creating::: 

Chicken coop 

 

 

My simple pleasure::: 

Sitting out on the patio, drinking coffee, first thing in the morning. 

 

 

Looking around the house::: 

I need to carpet clean and vacuum, both the living room and the dining room. There is a pile of clean laundry on the dining table that needs putting away, I'm in the middle of doing laundry and have just been folding and placing it on the table, to be moved after. 

 

 

From the camera::: 

Homemaking, where I am the happiest. 

 

Bible verse, Devotional, Quote::: 

Faith means you take God at His word, you never let yourself think that you're smarter than Hm, and you live inside His boundaries.- New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp