{ New Year Fun - 2024 }

 

Every year, on the last day of the year, I do this post.  It is a way of looking back on what we've done, where we've been and what has happened throughout the year.

2024 was a good year for us, not that anything major happened, but in the sense that it was a year of normalcy.  From 2020 on, it's been absolute hell at times, lots of loss, grieving, difficult situations and so on.  For the longest time, I felt I couldn't breathe, couldn't catch a break and was just ready for normalcy, for quiet, for nothing to happen.  God brought us through all the difficult years, and when I look back now I honestly wouldn't have done it without him.  I don't know how I survived those years, it's almost a blur.

 

My wish for 2025, is that it is a continuation of 2024, in the sense of normalcy, of normal living, of normal day to day life.  It's all in God's hands, and I've given it all to Him, and asked Him to take the reigns, that His will be done and not mine.  Though I don't do goals for the new year, I do have a few things this year that I want to focus on.  Lost of these I already do, like my health journey, the 10k steps a day and eating less processed, and working out everyday even if just 5 minutes, plus going to the gym every Saturday and Sunday, but want to continue focusing on them.

 

• Stay strong on my health journey
  
• 10 000 steps a day
• Eat healthy, less processed 
• Gym twice a week, workout every day
  
• Read more
• Blog more
• Live more
• Do more of what I love, sewing, photography, knit/crochet
• Less social media
• More family wholesome movies and tv shows
• Read the whole Bible again
• Do more devotionals

 

My wish for you all is that you are blessed beyond measure.  That God brings you blessings, and health and joy in the new year.  That if you don't have a relationship with God, that you start one.  

 

I thank you once again for being with me throughout 2024, and truly hope that you stick around for 2025 and beyond.  

 

Much love to you all ♥

With that said.....goodbye 2024, and hello 2025!!!

Post the first sentence of your first blog post of each month. You can also add a favorite picture from each month.

Happy New Year everyone!

******************************************

 

January 2024

Good morning my friends, and welcome 2024!

 

 

February 2024

This month has been a bit of a blur, it seemed to have come in quietly, quickly moved through the year and disappeared out the back door with nary a sound.

 

 

March 2024

Good morning ladies, welcome back to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. 

 

 

April 2024

Good morning everyone, welcome back to my blog.

 

 

May 2024

Can you believe that we are already in May?

 

 

June 2024

Well good morning, it is almost noon here in North Texas, and I just got done editing some photos to share with you, have a chat and just a quick catch up I guess.

 

 

July 2024

Raise your hand if you are obsessed with books.  I'll go first ✋ 

 

 

August 2024

Hello everyone, how have you all been?

 

September 2024

Good morning Fall, so happy to see you!

 

 

October 2024

Starting today, I am doing a 31 days of prayer for my husband.  

 

 

November 2024

Good morning from a very wet and rainy Texas.

 

 

December 2024

Hello December, hello my favorite time of year.

 

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/30/2024 }

 

Good morning dear friends, and welcome to the very last Happy Homemaker Monday, of 2024.  Can you believe that we are at the very end of this year?

 

I always go into the end of a year, and beginning of a new one, with a bit of anxiety and trepidation, not ever knowing what to expect and that leaves me a bit overwhelmed.  But this year, I have decided not to allow that feeling to overtake me, but rather to embrace the year that is coming upon us, with love and excitement instead.  

 

We are blessed to be here, and no matter what may come our way, we have to stand in faith.  I've been thinking about this for days and I really want to change things around me, to remove myself from social media (not completely but a LOT), and to focus more on living, on being in the moment, of spending time with those who truly matter and doing things that I love.  Returning to my blog, returning to daily posts, to reading wholesome books, and watching wholesome shows.  That is my hope!

 

Anyway, let's get on with our last HHM for this year.  I wish you all a very happy and blessed new year, for you and your families.  May God continue to bless you immensely, in every single area of your life.  Thank you for being here with me, even though I've been a terrible blogger for the past year, but seeing your sweet comments every week, just brings the biggest smile to my face, so thank you.

 

Have a blessed week friends! ♥

 

*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 

The weather has been strange.  A bit too warm for this time of the year, tornadoes ravaging our State, just weird. 

 

Monday - Clear and Windy,  75

Tuesday - Sunny, 54

Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 50

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 58

Friday - Partly cloudy, 58

Saturday - Mostly cloudy, 67 

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 45

 

 

 *** Things that make me happy ***

God.  Everything about Him, everything He's done for me and continues doing.  Reading the Bible replenishes my soul and faith and just leaves me feeling happy.    

 

 

*** Book I'm reading *** 

I am going to read the whole Bible again, starting January 1st.     

 

 Women of the West series, by Janette Oke.

 

  

*** What's on my tv today *** 

YouTube

Homemaking Vlogs

 

Great American Pure Flix

Christmas movies 

 

Amazon Prime

Emily of New Moon (very similar to Anne of Green Gables)

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Cup of cinnamon honey coffee, and some scrambled eggs with turkey sausage.

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

I'll be having some chickpea tuna salad. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Tomato and Onion Fish Fillets, Curried Rice, Salad.  

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Will be working on the new meal plan today, so as usual, meals are only until Wednesday.

Monday

Tomato and Onion Fish Fillets, Curried Rice, Salad

Tuesday 

Fettucine Alfredo, Garlic Bread

Wednesday 

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

*** On my to do list *** 

Change bed linens

Gym workout

Meal plan and grocery list

Oil change in my car

 

*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 

I have a few written down to try this week, one of those will be for a Turkish Pasta.  Can't wait to try and share with you.  I've neglected my food blog for far too long, need to really get back on that. 

    

 

*** What I am creating ***

This week I'm working on my Reading list for the month of January.  Reading is something I fell back in love with last year, but December was not a good month for me, I've been so busy that I have not read a single book.  Ugh!

 

But yes, I will be sharing my January reading list, this week. 

 

*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 

Foggy mornings, something I love so much during this time of the year.

 

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

Today's verse: 

You Lord are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. - Psalm 86:5  

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/23/2024 }

Good morning friends.  Welcome back to my blog.  

 

I want to start by wishing you all, and your families, a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, blessed New Year.  I know Christmas is not today, but I won't be back on the blog until next Monday, and didn't want to go without wishing you all a Merry Christmas. 

 

I am currently sat on my couch, with a cup of cold coffee.  It seems that in the winter this is the norm, by the time I get to the bottom of the cup, the last few gulps are cold.  Yuck!

 

It is just shy of 5:30 AM, and as always, I have been up since 4:30.  The older I get, the earlier I rise.  I used to think that was a weird thing when I was a child and my grandmother and greatgrandmother would be up around this time, but I guess it's a normal thing.  Hahahah

 

Today is going to be, well, today and tomorrow, are going to be super busy days for me.  I know that once I get up from this couch, I will hit the ground running and only stop on Christmas morning.  Would you believe that only today, Curt and I are going Christmas shopping?  We just haven't had the time.  So, shopping and probably wrapping today, tomorrow I will be in the kitchen all day long cooking, because as you know us Portuguese celebrate the 24th.  I have a ton of things to make and bake.  It's going to be busy and chaotic for the next two days, but I'm looking forward to it, and then resting on Wednesday, and by this weekend, all the decorations will be gone.  I'm over it already LOL 

Have a blessed week ♥

 

*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 

You guys, we went from Winter to whatever this is.  We are going to have hot weather this week, which is not right for Christmas, in my opinion.  Anyway, high 60s.  Nuts!  

 

Monday - Cloudy chance of rain,  67

Tuesday - Cloudy, 59

Wednesday - Cloudy, 55

Thursday - Rain, 58

Friday - Cloudy, 63

Saturday - Sunny, 66 

Sunday - Cloudy, 67

 

 

 *** Things that make me happy ***

Portuguese food and our traditions.   

 

 

*** Book I'm reading *** 

Reading Luke in the Bible.   

 

I set aside Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.  Not because I wasn't enjoying it, but because I caught up on When Calls the Heart, and suddenly wanted to read all my Janette Oke books, so I started the Women of the West series.  I just love her writing and her books, they are good family, homey kind of stories that I enjoy so very much.

 

 

 

*** What's on my tv today *** 

YouTube

Vlogmas 

Homemaking Vlogs

 

Great American Pure Flix

Christmas movies 

 

Hallmark 

Christmas movies  

This category does not change much for me, although today there will be not tv watching, except for some quick vlogmas videos on Youtube while I get ready to go out.

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Just my cup of coffee, but I will have some Weetabix soon. 

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

We are going to be in town, so we are actually picking up Jasmine from her place, and taking her to lunch with us at McAlisters, which is a deli with delicious sandwiches and soup.  I can't wait. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Not sure what time we will be back, so I'm going to make a quick Spaghetti for dinner.  

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Monday

Spaghetti, Salad

Tuesday 

Christmas Eve:

Rissois de Camarao (Shrimp Rissoles)

Croquetes de Carne (Meat Croquettes) 

Bola de Carne (Meat Bread)

Sausage Rolls

Sausage Bites

Sliders

Bolo de Bolacha (Portuguese cookie cake)

Rabanadas

Tronco de Natal (Yule log)

Vetkoek and Mince 

Sandwiches

Bruschetta  

Wednesday 

Leftovers

Thursday

Oven Fish Fillets, Tomato Rice, Zucchini Squash

Friday

Pizza

Saturday

Fend for yourself

Sunday

Mediterranean Chicken legs, orzo, bean salad

*** On my to do list *** 

Change bed linens

Christmas Shopping

Wrapping presents

Gym with hubby

 

*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 

No new recipe this week as I'll be making family favorites for Christmas.

    

 

*** What I am creating ***

Still working on the Nordic Winter Afghan and scarf.

I am however creating paper snowflakes for my gifts.  I did it before and loved how they turned out, so decided to do it this year again, mainly for the bigger gifts.

 

*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 

I have found such peace in reading by the fire.  It just helps me to forget about everything and replenish my soul.  

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

Today's verse: 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1: 9  

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/16/2024 }

 

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

 

I hope you've all been doing well.  I am fine now but was sick last week with what seemed to have been a cold/head cold/sinus kinda thing.  I'm so thankful that I am well now because truly, there's nothing worse than being sick around Christmas.  I guess when we were younger and had no responsibilities, it would have been ok, but when you are hosting, and have a ton to cook and a Christmas to put together, it's not exactly the best thing to be under the weather.

 

If any of you are sick, I pray you get well soon.

 

Ok, let's move on with our post for today.  I'm trying to get this up quickly because I have a pretty busy homemaking day ahead.  

 

Have a blessed week ♥

 

*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 

Winter....that should tell you all you need to know.  Although, yesterday we hit the mid 70's.  Crazy Texas! 

 

Monday - Partly cloudy,  64

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 68

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, 53

Thursday - Sunny, 62

Friday - Partly cloudy, 69

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 59 

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 61

 

 

 *** Things that make me happy ***

Remembering old Christmas passed.  The ones in my childhood, the ones when my children were younger, just all of it. 

 

 

*** Book I'm reading *** 

Reading Luke in the Bible.   

 

Physical book..... Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.  

 

 

 

*** What's on my tv today *** 

YouTube

Vlogmas 

Homemaking Vlogs

 

Great American Pure Flix

Christmas movies 

 

Hallmark 

Christmas movies 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Cup of coffee and 2 pieces of multigrain bread toasted, with 2 scrambled eggs.

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Not sure, honestly can't think of anything right now.    

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Turkish Chicken, Rice, Broccoli and Cauliflower.

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Will be working on the new meal plan over the next couple of day.

Monday

Turkish Chicken, Rice, Broccoli and Cauliflower

Tuesday 

Roasted tomato, garlic and cream cheese pasta, garlic bread, salad  

Wednesday 

Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Cabbage

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

 

*** On my to do list *** 

Change bed linens

Sort out my closet

Vacuum and dust

Mail out Christmas cards (I know, kinda late this year)

Meal plan and grocery list

Budget for the month

Christmas gifts list

 

*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 

I still haven't made the Melomakarona - Greek Cookies.  Not sure if I'll get to them, but I will try. 

    

 

*** What I am creating ***

Nordic Winter Afghan. 

Knitting a scarf.

 

*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 

I have found such peace in reading by the fire.  It just helps me to forget about everything and replenish my soul.  

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

Today's verse: 

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. - 1 Corinthians 13: 4-5 

{ Catch up }

Good morning sweet friends.  I hope this post finds you all well.

 

 

 

I wanted to come in an chat a little, show you what I've been up to, and also explain why the Blogmas unfortunately dropped away after only 8 days.  My intention is always to do the full 24 days and while some years that is doable, some others it's not.  This year, I wanted to get it all done, and thought I would be able to, but I fell sick with a head cold and have been slowly moving through this week, just trying to feel better.

 

It's par for the course, isn't it?  This time of year, the temperature changes, always seems to knock off a couple of us, or, a lot of us.  There is so many friends sick at the moment.  If you are in the same boat, I wish you all well and pray that you heal fast.

 

 

T

he weather has been just perfect for this time of year.  We've woken up to foggy mornings that leave a mysterious atmosphere in the air, although they tend to quickly turn to windy conditions which I am not a fan of, at all.  

 

I

got the Christmas trees set up.  Usually we do the white tree and then a real tree, but this year, I decided to get another artificial tree, just to have for those years I don't get around to purchasing a real one.  It's not exactly what I prefer, but I have to be practical, and this year I just haven't made it round to the tree lot and it's too close to Christmas now to get one.  These will just have to do.

 

B

aking has been an ongoing thing, mainly just with cookies and my sourdough, which by the way, I think I finally found the perfect sourdough starter.  I've struggled with my starters for years, but this one started a little rough (meaning it took longer to develop than the usual week), but once it did, oh my goodness, it's been just amazing and soft and spongy full of bubbles.  

L

astly, the kitchen got a little mini makeover, remodel.  We had a double oven that stopped working last year.  We've been meaning to get rid of it and just never got around to it.  Well, we finally did.  We pulled it from the wall, and my wonderful husband Curt, built me some shelves where the oven used to sit.  

 

 

I

absolutely love it.  It has opened up the kitchen, it has given me a place to pop in the microwave which had been sitting on the counter the whole time, and taking up way too much space.  We added some lighting as well, and I just can't believe how much I adore that little space.

T

hat's about it. In between these moments, I have found time to sit by the fire, drink my tea or coffee, and read a book. 

 

W

e need to take time to slow down during this season. There's just too much going on, too many places to be, get togethers and gifts and too much noise, in my humble opinion. The older I get, the more I want to go back in time to simpler quieter times. I am not cut out for these crazy busy holidays, it tends to take away from the magic of Christmas. 

 

A

nyway, enough about that.  I hope you're all enjoying the season but also taking time to slow down and smell the coffee and gingerbread.  Have a wonderful day friends!

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/09/2024 }

  

Good morning friends, how was your weekend and how is your Monday morning going?

 

We woke up to a very foggy morning, which I absolutely love.  I just love fog, I don't know why.  But yes, beautiful foggy cold morning, or should I say, perfect Winter day (yes I know it's not winter technically yet, but you know what I mean).

 

I had a great weekend, got a lot of Christmas decorating done, got a few gifts (I am so late in buying gifts this year, but oh well, it is what it is).  I also did my two days of gym which I always love and look forward to.

 

So, this week means some gift wrapping, some food planning for Christmas Eve, Gingerbread Cookie making and lots, but lots of Christmas movies.

 

I wish you all a very blessed week.  Take time to enjoy the season, and I mean the REAL reason for the season, not the commercialized, money wasting, crazy busy stuff everyone goes on about.  Just enjoy your family and this time of year. 

 

*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 

Cold foggy morning awaits us today.  It looks magical!  Tomorrow we are expecting another cold front, so I guess the fireplace will be working extra hard. 

 

Monday - Foggy,  57

Tuesday - Cloudy, 49

Wednesday - Sunny, 59

Thursday - Mostly Cloudy, 60

Friday - Partly cloudy, 69

Saturday - Sunny, 58 

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 63

 

 

 *** Things that make me happy ***

Christmas, the holidays, family, cookies and movies and just the anticipation of the whole month.

 

 

*** Book I'm reading *** 

Reading Isaiah in the Bible.   

 

Physical book..... Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.  

 

Kindle.....Christmas at Marshmallow Cafe.

 

 

 

*** What's on my tv today *** 

YouTube

Vlogmas 

Homemaking Vlogs

 

Great American Pure Flix

Christmas movies 

 

Hallmark 

Christmas movies 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Just had a cup of coffee and some oatmeal with coconut, walnuts and cinnamon.    

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Chickpea tuna salad with leftover roasted veggies.   

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

French Onion Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes (polenta for me), Sauteed Cabbage.

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Monday

French Onion Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes (polenta for me), Sauteed Cabbage.

Tuesday 

Greek Chicken Stew, Homemade Fries, Salad  

Wednesday 

Sausage rice, Zucchini in Tomato Sauce

Thursday

Roasted tomato, garlic and cheese Pasta, Garlic Bread, Salad

Friday

Burgers, Macaroni Salad

Saturday

Fend for yourself

Sunday

Smoked Sausage Stuffed Sandwiches

 

*** On my to do list *** 

Change bed linens

Ironing Curt's work shirts

Vacuum and dust

Make sourdough bread

Make Gingerbread Cookie dough

Write Christmas Cards

 

*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 

I didn't get around to making the Melomakarona - Greek Cookies.  So will do that this week.

    

 

*** What I am creating ***

Nordic Winter Afghan. 

Juniper Garlands for the front of the house.

Paper Snowflakes for the big living room and dining room windows.

Knitting a scarf.

 

*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 

One of the reasons I love Christmas is because of the decorations.  I find that they bring out the best lighting and make the whole house seem magical ♥ 

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

Today's verse: 

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  - Jeremiah 17:7

{ Blogmas 2024 - Day 8 - Christmas Wishlist }

 

 

I have a running list on Amazon, actually it's not a running list, it's my cart.  Does anyone else put random things into their cart and just leave it in there?  I do this throughout the year, anything that I want or would really like to have, I add to the cart and then save for later.  As I can afford, I then move to the cart again and purchase.  But most things sit there for Birthday and Christmas ideas.

My family knows to go and check the cart if they're looking for gift for me.  

Here's some of my wants this year:

The 6QT Programmable Slow Cooker by Drew Barrymore.  I love this cornflower color and it would fit perfectly in my blue kitchen.

Sungmor Cast Iron Teapot Warmer.  I've wanted one of these for a while.

Kate Humble's Home made.  It's a bit of a pricey cookbook but I've had my eye on it for a while as well.

This adorable book shaped decorative planter.  I mean, Jane Austen, books, plants?  I love it.

The Brambly Hedge Collection.  I would LOVE to have this one.  But again a lot of these items are a little pricey, so they remain in my cart and I buy them as I can.

 

{ Blogmas 2024 - Day 7 - Christmas movies }

 

 

 

I have been on a Christmas movie binge the past two weeks.  I think I may have possibly watched every Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel and Great American Pure Flix.  I just adore these movies, though they have the exact same plot, you know what's going to happen and even what they're going to say, but you still get pulled in.  Well, at least I do.

Aside from all of those wonderful TV movies, I have a few that are must watches during the holiday.  Here are mine: