{ This home that I love }

Do you ever just stop and look around your home, your property, your life, and think "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, I love my life"?

It's easy to get caught up in every day, and to forget to look around, and to be thankful for what you have.  I learned a few years ago, to thank God constantly, for everything, even those little things that we think He surely wouldn't care about.

But He does.  See He cares about everything that has to do with us, the big things, the little things, the important things, the mundane....all of it.  

 

 

I started my day in the kitchen, early, getting a batch of cinnamon rolls into the oven.  Most days, breakfast is more along the lines of a piece of toast, some cereal or oatmeal.  Whatever is quicker and at hand.  But sometimes, it's good to take the extra effort, to prepare a special treat for the family.

It's all about getting organized, and if you learn how to organize your time, you will be surprised at how much you can accomplish in just a few hours.

But, as I sat making the cinnamon rolls, the washer drumming a beat in the background with a load of laundry, the pets playing with pieces of ice, and the steam of my coffee cup rising ever so gently, I felt this overwhelming feeling of gratitude, of contentment, of pure joy.

 

The kind of feeling you wish you could bottle up, for those days where you're lacking joy, lacking motivation and just not feeling it.  And yes, we all have those days, those moments of sheer irritation that creep up on you, that make you snap at everyone and everything around you.  

I actually get on my own nerves on days like that.  Here's the kicker though, I can't get away from my own attitude, so I have to get through it, and change it.  Oof, it's not easy, but it's doable.

I pottered around the kitchen, sipped my coffee while the cinnamon rolls baked, replied to family member messages, switched laundry from the washer to the dryer, all while sporting a lazy smile on my face.

As the cinnamon rolls came out of the oven, the smell was incredible.  It's the smell of an Autumn morning, cinnamon and spice, coffee, all the wonderful scents that set your senses on high alert.

 

The kids came out of their rooms, gathered in the kitchen, and in between huge bites of gooey cinnamony goodness, chatted, with each other and with me.

I sat back for a second and watched them.  My 23 year old and my 19 year old, just chatting, laughing, egging each other on.  At that very moment, I had a pang of hurt in my heart, a want and need to deep to turn back the time, to go back to when they were toddlers running around my legs.  

We all want our children to grow, to become adults, to be successful, and then they get there and we start feeling like we want to pull them all the way back and do it again

I often see moms online complaining about their children, about the mess they create in their picture perfect living rooms.  How they are exhausted and wish they would just be older to take care of themselves.

I'm here to tell you that while I myself had those thoughts once or twice, back in the day, I regret it so much.  Because......well because you wish their childhood away, and because those toys you trip on today, will be the toys you wish you could trip on years from now.

I long for the chaotic home of runny noses, toys strewn all around the living room floor, tousled hair, tight hugs, and fingers stained with strawberries and blueberries that were enjoyed as a snack.

I'm in a different season of life now.  I no longer run after little feet.  My days consist of taking care of our home, running errands, cooking and running after Jesus.  I guess in a way we spend our lives running, running from things, running after things.

 

Most days now, you will find me in this little spot.  It's become my reading nook, right next to one of the big bookshelves.  After the housework is done, I grab a small blanket, a good book, and sit and read for at least an hour.  There is always a cup of milky tea next to me, and sometimes a few shortbread cookies.

I used to dislike the quiet, it reminded me too much of the noise of children that no longer were around.  But God has taught me to enjoy the quiet, to use it to  my advantage, to read, to relax, to be thankful that our children are grown, healthy and happy.

As I sit and enjoy the view from my reading nook, I smile, again, because I am where I never thought I would be, just led by God's hand.  We never in our lives thought or even considered living in Texas, it was not something in our plans.  

But then our plans are not God's plans, and He always knows where we belong, even if we don't.

Today, I am so thankful, so blessed to live in Texas, in this beautiful house, on this gorgeous property.  Feeling pure contentment and joy.  It's a great feeling to have.

{ Day in the Life - My Tuesday }

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10

We look around and the whole world seems to be crumbling, to be lost, to be in disarray.  Within the walls of our home, things are peaceful, calm, normal.

So how do we live in balance between the two?

By continuing to do God's work.  What He places before us, that is what we focus on.  We go about our days with joy in our hearts, being of service to others, to our families and to our homes.  Oh how I love being a placemaker for God's gospel and love.

Remember that no matter what is going on around us in the natural, we serve a mighty God who sees it all, and is constantly working it all for our good. *Romans 8:28*

 

I woke up yesterday morning with a joy so intense in my heart.  It caught me by surprise at first, because truth be told, our lives have been hard lately, so much loss, so much sadness, how could I be joyful and content in these circumstances?

Only through God's love and His peace that surpasses all understanding.  How grateful I am for that, for if I didn't feel it even in the midst of the darkness, life would be so much harder to get through.

I sat for a few moments on the bed, just enjoying Elliott sleeping next to me, the sun rays streaming through the window and the birds chirping outside.

 

Then I grabbed my camera, popped in the SD card and decided to share my day with you.  So grab a cup of coffee, sit back and come along with me as I show you what I got up to yesterday.

Always, the first thing is to make the bed, although this day I stripped it, threw everything in the laundry basket and let the bed air out for a couple of hours.

Next, coffee. I love a good cup of pour over coffee, there is nothing quite like it.  It also reminds me a lot of the way my great grandmother would make her coffee, and so many like her back in those days.  Sometimes the simpler and older things, are the best after all.

I usually make a big thermos and leave it in the kitchen so I can have another cuppa, throughout the day.  If you're wondering which pour over dripper  I'm using, it is this one from Amazon.

While in the kitchen, I washed my windows which immediately caught Elliott's attention.  He had to come and inspect the job and make sure I did it right.  

He has become such a joy to have.  I can't believe I didn't like cats and never wanted any.  As always God put him in our lives knowing full well that I would grow to adore this little boy.  He has been a blessing the past month, as I grieve my sweet boy Marley.

Before I made my bed, I went to grab my homemade odor eliminator (like febreze), and realized I was out, so quickly made a new batch. I actually doubled the ingredients to make a bigger bottle this time. 

 

I've shared it before but in case you missed it and want to give it a try, here are the measurements:

 

 

Homemade Odor Eliminator

 

100 ml (1 cup) water

100 ml (1 cup) rubbing alcohol

50 ml (1/2 cup) laundry softener. (I used suavitel but you can use downy or whatever you have on hand)

 

Mix all in a spray bottle, give it a good shake and use where needed.  I use it on my couches, curtains, carpets, when I iron my clothes and on my bedding and mattress.

 

 

I gave the house a good clean, changed the bedding, then sat down to reply to some emails and put up a book review that I needed to schedule on the blog.

Did a bit more housework and before I knew it, it was time to fix dinner.  You know I always meal plan, but for some reason this past menu didn't work out as well as it usually does.  I think the reason is that when I went grocery shopping two weeks ago, the prices had gone up so much, that I ended up not buying as much meat as I usually do.  It kinda threw everything out of whack and I've been trying to make do as I go along.

Let me say, it is NOT going to happen again.  I can't function without my meal plan and I am definitely not a fly by the seat of my pants, kinda cook.  Having to stand in front of the fridge trying to figure out what I'm making, on the day, is not for me.

I looked through my freezer and found a pound of ground beef and a pound of sausage, so I mixed both, fried them up and then went in search of a quick recipe I could use.  Thankfully I found one that looked delicious and I happened to have every ingredient on hand, including the greek yogurt, which is not something I usually have unless I'm specifically making a dish needing it.

The recipe is this one from A Family Feast, and oh my goodness it was delicious, and easy to put together.  I'll share the recipe on the blog later today.  Oh and speaking of recipes, I posted two last night.

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread

German Pizza

As my day came to a close, I took my shower, slipped on my pajamas and got into bed, with a smile on my face. I had a productive day, got a lot done and faced each task with joy in my heart.

Ending the day with the house clean, an empty sink, a full tummy and the family safe and healthy, is the best feeling in the world.

I am so thankful for my house, my family and my life.  I hope that the love I have for my homemaking, is felt through my blog and each post that I share.  I want nothing more than to motivate you all to embrace your homemaking, embrace old values and morals, and treasure your family.  

Those of us who are old fashioned homemakers, are standing in the gap.  I see so many looking down on traditions and Godly things, it breaks my heart.  My job is not to change anyone's mind, or pull anyone towards my way of living, but merely to share what I do, how God is working through me and around me, and why I love the life I live.

If it brings someone to God, that's wonderful.  If it reminds someone to spend more time with their family and in their homes, that's wonderful too.  As long as what you're getting from my blog, is positive and love filled, that's what I hope and strive for.

Have a wonderful Wednesday friends!

{ What makes a house a home }

house

noun

/hous/

a building for human habitation, especially one that is lived in by a family or small group of people.

We all have houses we live in, and that can be an actual house or an apartment, but there is a huge difference between a house and a home, at least in my eyes.

I follow a ton of accounts on Instagram, mainly homemaking and such because I love seeing like minded women going about their days, and sharing their lives, just like I do.

{ Slow Day }

From the minute my feet hit the ground, the whole pace of the day was slow.  There was no rushing, no need to be anywhere, or projects left dangling and waiting, no phone calls to make, no bills needing paid, and no feeling like there just aren't enough hours in the day.

A slow day.......

If you've ever had a slow day you will know that it moves at it's own beat, it's almost like the planet itself takes a break from the chaos of every day life.

I once read a quote that really struck me.  I must admit that I didn't quite understand its meaning at first, but when it sank in, it suddenly made all the sense in the world.  It's almost like a light bulb moment.

"You must go slow, in order to move fast."

Might seem a bit weird when you first read it, but it's quite simple and to the point.  If we go slow and calmly do things, then we do them right and therefore faster.  Quite eye opening isn't it?

So that was my day today, and I must admit it wasn't because I made it so, but my body did.  If you're a woman then you know that once a month we are forced to slow down a little.  I have never used my cycle as an excuse to get out of anything, but the first day it hits me like a ton of bricks, the cramps, the headache, the lower back ache, and even lightheaded.  Overall unwell feeling.

I'm lucky in that I don't work outside the home, because I can take that day off to just go with the flow, to slow down and to let my body do what it needs to.

I spent yesterday afternoon with my sister in law.  We had lunch together, we chatted and laughed and caught up, and then I taught her how to make the Bird Seed Wreaths.

They are so simple and in no time, we both had quite a few made and ready to dry overnight.


This morning I added some of my ribbons and tomorrow I'll go around and hang them from my front and back porch. I have quite a bit of chores that need done around the house tomorrow, and after having a bit of a slow day today, it will feel good to get back at it.

I do plan on meeting up with my sister in law, late morning, to run to the thrift store and have a quick look around, and then we're going for some ice cream.

Dinner tonight was a complete bust, I forgot to take out my chicken, and since my hubby knew that today I was feeling so run down, he picked up Charley's subs for dinner.  I LOVE Charley's and haven't had them in, oh.....a year or two?

Not to mention, no dishes or clean up to do and that's always a plus right?

I just finished some computer work, got two more book reviews lined up, which I'm excited for because I finally have my reading mojo back.  It had been gone for years, and I kid you not, it really had been years since I had enjoyed reading a book, but the Nancy E. Turner novel kick started that up for me again, thank goodness.

Monday, I have to go to base to pick up some prescriptions and I've decided to pop into the library and see what I can find.  I know it's totally ridiculous with the amount of books for review I still have on my shelf, but I haven't been to the library in a while, so it's a must.

Right now I have the TV on and I was trying to catch up on my crime shows in the DVR but I would rather read, so I'll turn it on to our usual Everybody Loves Raymond reruns and enjoy my story, which by the way, I am more than halfway through my book, all 600 pages of it.  Wow!!!!!

Tell me, when is the last time you had a slow day of your own, and how do you usually like to spend yours?

{ Sunday, Monday and Tuesday }

Today's post is going to be loaded with photos, so I hope you're up for that.

 The past 3 days I've snapped random pics throughout my days, just small glimpses as I go about my daily life.  You know sometimes it's good to just grab a camera and record those moments that you otherwise would find boring, or trivial.  I like to look at every moment in my life, as purposeful and meaningful, no matter what it is.


Sunday

Made an amazing roast chicken, potatoes and some steamed broccoli for Sunday dinner.  Growing up Sunday dinners were always the biggest of the week and it was either a Pot Roast, or Chicken Roast.  I have very fond memories of our big family sitting around the table and enjoying a meal together.

My Basil and Rosemary are slow going.  You know I miss my herb garden back in Arizona, I had so many herbs just growing beautifully and the aroma was just amazing.  I need to get an herb garden going here in Texas too, maybe this spring I'll go ahead and start one.

My kitchen is pretty dark, I only have a small window and with the wood cabinets, it's always felt dark for me, especially under the cabinets.  I would like to get some lighting installed, eventually, if we buy this house, but for now I wanted something quick. 

I racked my brain trying to think of a quick alternative, and then it hit me.  Christmas lights....White Christmas lights.....so I went in search, found a strand in one of my Christmas boxes and attached them to the back walls....just running on the bottom.

I thought about attaching them under the cabinets, but I couldn't figure out the best way and again, I wanted something really quick that I would put up without too much involved. 

I love how they turned out, I have more pictures for you below.

Monday

Monday started with one of the most beautiful sunrises I have seen in a long time.  I HAD to take a picture, and I still don't think the pictures do it justice, you can't ever quite catch the beauty of a sunrise or sunset on camera.

After getting the housework done, it was time to work on my sourdough bread baking.   I had made the dough the night before, because it needs to sit on the counter overnight to rise.  I divided the dough in half, made one half into a bread loaf and then took the other half and surprised my kids with some yummy cinnamon rolls. 

By the way, if you've never had sourdough cinnamon rolls, you have to give it a try.  I posted the recipe earlier for you all :) 

I did sneak one, even though I'm trying to be good and eat healthy, but in my defense, how can anyone resist a hot goeey cinnamon roll?



I also took some more pictures of the lighting.   To be honest, I don't much care for the back splash in this kitchen, I find it a bit too much, too busy for my liking.  If we ever buy this house, I'll be removing it for sure.

I'm thrilled with the way the lights look, it makes it all look so much brighter in there and gives it such a pretty glow.  I especially love my Cath Kidston mugs hanging so prettily :)

I have to tell you about this cereal, I usually have the Vanilla and Almond Special K and love it, but I saw this one when I went grocery shopping this weekend, and I had a coupon for it, so figured I would give it a try.

It is AMAZING!!!  I believe it may have become my go to cereal.  I love coconut, I love almonds and cranberries and this one is made with multi-grain flakes WITH Quinoa.  So so good!!!

My husband came home for lunch with a dozen eggs.  I was a little surprised because we have eggs in the fridge and asked him what they were for.  Like, I was honestly perplexed why he would go to the trouble of going to the store for some eggs especially since he's not a big fan of them to begin with  Hahaha

He then told me that one of his coworkers has chickens and tons of eggs, so he brought them into work to see if anyone wanted them.  I was so happy, I love fresh eggs.

I did inform my husband to let his coworker know that anytime he wants to get rid of eggs, I'm more than ok with taking them.

Tuesday

How beautiful is that sunrise?  I was outside early this morning with Marley so he could go potty, and I sat on the step from our house down into the patio.  I looked over to the grass and it just looked so pretty with the sun coming up over the fence line, it's huge rays shining over the grass and creating this gorgeous golden tone.

My post workout smoothie.  I did the T25 today instead of Zumba, I was needing a bit of a change up.

Can I just say that I have to literally fight myself to exercise, some days?  I just couldn't be bothered and then I tell myself that I need to exercise and either do Zumba or something else, but that little voice inside my head immediately tells me it's too much effort and I don't feel like it, and leave it for next week, you're so comfortable on the couch why would you want to get up and sweat and hurt.

It's ridiculous the things we tell ourselves to avoid workout, but I have to do it, I need to do it and every time I get my exercise in, I feel SO much better after.  It's just a matter of getting into it at first.

I do love my smoothies.  I use whatever I have on hand.  This morning I threw in a frozen banana, frozen strawberries and blueberries, some almond milk, a splash of skim milk, a tablespoon of peanut butter, chia seeds, some granola and spinach. 

It doesn't need any sweetener of any kind, it is delicious and filling and I get in my fruits and vegs. 

So there ya go my friends, a bit of my past 3 days.  I might do a video for you all tomorrow about some shows I am currently watching, or I may do a paperwork organization post and take you along with me.  I'm not sure yet.

I also plan on doing another Spend the Day with Me either Thursday or Friday, not sure which day yet.

It's just gone 8:30pm here, so I need to start getting ready for bed.  Have a wonderful night :)