{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 08/03/2026 }

Good morning, happy Monday!

 

I have had a week of just stress and frustration and really wish my weekend had been longer, but alas, here we are.  Monday!!!  A start of a new week and hopefully a better week for us all.

 

Let's see what is happening around our homes.

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

It's been disgusting, and I was all excited because on my phone it showed this coming week we would be in the 90s.  That happiness was short lived because it's now showing triple digits again.  Lord help us!    

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

At my desk working on this post, also talking through Whatsapp with my stepmom and my niece.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Just things that I want to get done this week, blog posts, sewing and crafting and getting ready for Fall.  I am just going to remove all thoughts of heat and summer and pretend it's cooler temperatures.  Fool that I am!  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired.  Last week as I said, was a bit stressful for Jasmine.  She had a few things going on, it feels like the enemy is directing an onslaught against her and as parents, it's sad to see and know that we can't do anything.

 

She had a situation on Tuesday, and then Friday morning woke up with ear pain in her left ear, and a horrible vertigo attack that came and went for hours.  I ended up taking her to urgent care, and it turns out she has fluid in that ear.  She was prescribed some medication and is starting to feel better, the spinning and vertigo has stopped but she still feels a bit light headed and dizzy.  

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I just had a cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal.  

*** On the lunch plate ***

Not sure yet, but will probably be a tuna salad.     

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Skillet Sausage and Potatoes, Salad  

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday -   Skillet Sausage and Potatoes, Okra and Tomatoes 

 

Tuesday -  Cowboy Lasagna, Salad 

 

Wednesday - Shrimp Fajitas, Mexican Rice, Beans  

 

Thursday - Pork Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli

 

Friday - Homemade Pizza

 

Saturday - Baked Ziti with Sausage, Garlic Bread, Salad

 

Sunday -  Turkey Burgers, Potato Wedges, Sauteed Cabbage  

 

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my nightgown and will change into a dress later.  

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I am reading in 1 samuel in the Bible.   

Finished Rachel Fordham's A Life Once Dreamed, last night.  I really enjoy Rachel Fordham.  

 

My next read will be All the Forgiveness by Elizabeth Hardinger. 

 

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

Turkish series:

None at the moment

 

Netflix:

I watched the new Idaho Four Documentary.  I wasn't going to because I've seen so many already but decided to go ahead and it was quite good.  Lots of videos and interviews and bodycams that we hadn't seen before.  

 

Apple TV:

For all Manking

 

Paramount Plus:

Star Trek Strange New Worlds 

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I have to do the usual Monday cleaning.  I would love to have my windows and patio door open but this heat does not allow that.  I just feel that the house is stuffy and needs some fresh air, so I'm going to open everything up this morning for at least 30 minutes.  

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study 

Daily 15k steps

Homemaking chores

Pay bills

Make bread for the week

Carpet clean  

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

I have been looking up some crochet fall potholders that I want to make.  Will start looking through my yarn and seeing if I have the colors I need.  Something like this below, and if you have any patterns or ideas for Fall inspired potholders please send them my way.  

 

*** From the camera *** 

Home ♥   

 

 

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

Isaiah 40:31: "Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/13/2026 }

 

Good morning everyone, welcome back.  How was your weekend?  

 

I hope it was a good one.  I for one had a quiet weekend with not going out and not having tons to do.  It's been months since I have had a proper relaxing weekend so it felt wonderful to be able to do that.

 

I am going to quickly put this post up because I need to head out the door, in about 20 minutes, with my husband, for his VA dental appointment in Oklahoma.  

 

I wish you all a very blessed week ahead, and thank you again for always stopping by even if I don't always have the time to return the favor.  I need to remedy that, truly, I do.   

Sandra

xoxoxoxo 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

  

Monday - Thunderstorms, 91 

Tuesday - Thunderstorms, 93  

Wednesday - Thunderstorms, 92

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 89 

Friday - Partly Sunny, 92 

Saturday - Sunny, 96 

Sunday - Sunny, 100

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

I just made my breakfast quickly and brought it to my desk so that I can eat and post at the same time.  I'm already dressed and hair done, makeup done everything, just have to put on some sandals and head out the door.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

My stepmom will be visiting us in September and I can't wait for it.  So I'm already thinking and planning everything ahead.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

A bit crampy this morning as it is the beginning of that week, you know.  But I keep telling myself, I'm turning 52 next month so this won't be for much longer, and I bet you by the time I'm through menopause, I will actually have days where I miss this.        

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Two pieces of wholewheat toast and two scrambled eggs with a cup of coffee.  However, I've had just half of it, and I think I'm done.  With the eggs and toast that is, the coffee will never stay just half, that has to go completely.  Hahah

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

Not sure, I don't know how long Curt's appointment will be so we may just have lunch in Oklahoma.    

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Ajo Chicken, Basmati Rice, Brussel Sprouts. 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Will start working on the new meal plan today.

 

Monday - Ajo Chicken, Basmati Rice, Brussel Sprouts  

 

 

 

Tuesday -  Garlic Lemon Tilapia, Roasted Veggies 

 

 

 

Wednesday -Beef Burrito Casserole, Salad

 

 

 

Thursday -  

 

Friday - 

 

 

Saturday - Fend for yourself

 

Sunday -  Islak Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries (This one will stay as I didn't get around to making it last week)

 

 

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Black midi dress, black sandals. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Still reading through Judges in the Bible. 

Read and finished Heart of Stone ( Irish Angel series book 1) by Jill Marie Landis.  It was a quick and sweet read.  

 

I have now started a huge collection of Christian fiction stories that I got a while back.  The first one is The New England Romance Collection with five inspiring love stories set in the historic North East.

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

World Cup:

We have only two games this week before the final on Sunday.  I can't believe it's already at the end, I don't know what to do with myself after this  Hahahah

 

Turkish series:

Doganin Kanunu 

Muhtemel Ask

Older series that I have not watched yet

 

Netflix:

Worst Roommate Ever

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I need to give it the usual Monday clean but that will have to wait until later this afternoon, or tomorrow morning. 

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study 

Daily 15k steps

Homemaking chores  

 

This week: 

Curt decided to go ahead and just paint the paneled dining room, the same color as the green in the living room.  I did one wall and need to do the rest this week.

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

 Still working on the crochet blanket.  Will take another picture and show the progress soon. 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I love regrowing vegetables.  

 

 

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

At church we have started a new series, and yesterday's sermon was about The Pain of Betrayal.  Very good!  

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/29/2026 }

 

 

Good morning friends, welcome back to my little corner.  How are you all doing this beautiful Monday?    

 

It is just gone 7:15 AM and it's so hot already.  We have been in the triple digits the past week and I am ready for it to end.  I don't know if you all feel the same, but when summer rolls around instead of going out and doing all the things, I tend to hibernate and become a recluse indoors, hiding in the darkness.  Hahahah   No but really, I spend a lot of time inside and away from the heat.

 

Anyway, let's get on with our post, we are at the last post of June 2026.  Insane!

 

Let's see what is going on around our homes, oh and I am also adding a new category for Weekly testimonies.  At least for me, God shows up every week, sometimes in small ways and sometimes in huge ways, and I think it's important to talk about and share those.    

 

Have a blessed week,

 

Sandra

xoxoxoxo 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

Gross, that's the only word I can think of.  Gross!!!

  

Monday - Mostly sunny, 101 

Tuesday - Sunny, 100  

Wednesday - Sunny, 99 

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 100 

Friday - Partly cloudy, 101 

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 102 

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 99

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

At my desk, I just ate my breakfast and I'm working on this post, or at least trying to work on it real quick because my neck is absolutely killing me, and it's uncomfortable even just sitting. 

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

About how absolutely amazing God is, the way He shows up for us and continues to show up.  

 

It always makes me sad when I remember that there are people out there who don't know Christ, and live a life without Him.  I don't know how to do that, and when I see the things he does for us all the time, I want that for others too.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired and my neck is really sore.  Curt and I have been back and forth helping Jasmine, building furniture and moving things, and we're not young children anymore, so by the time Monday rolls around we are feeling it.      

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I had a cup of coffee with sugar free Butterbeer Creamer, and a bowl of oatmeal with shredded coconut, brown sugar and dates.  I always put a little drizzle of heavy cream on top to make it creamer.  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

Tuna salad.   

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Rotisserie Chicken Quarters, Smashed Potatoes, Sauteed Honey Chili Cabbage.  

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Working on the new meal plan today, as always there are meals planned until Wednesday when I will get the groceries and the new menu kicks in.

 

Monday - Rotisserie Chicken Quarters, Smashed Potatoes, Sauteed Honey Chili Cabbage  

Tuesday -  Smothered Pork Chops, Buttered Rice, Roast Vegetables

Wednesday -

Thursday - 

Friday - 

Saturday - 

Sunday -  Islak Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Grey summer nightie, with pink lace trim.  Will put on a dress later.  

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I am now in Judges in the Bible. 

 

Finished all my fiction reading, both the Tessa Afshar and the Lynn Austin Wonderland Creek book, and have started a beast of a book that I have been wanting to read but have put off because of it's size.

 

Kristin Lavransdatter by Singrid Undset.   

 

 

Set in 14th-century Norway, it follows the tumultuous life of a headstrong noblewoman from childhood through motherhood to her death, exploring heavy themes of passion, faith, sin, and redemption.

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

World Cup:

Continuing to enjoy the matches  

 

Turkish series:

Doganin Kanunu 

Muhtemel Ask

Older series that I have not watched yet

 

Netflix:

Missing Dead or Alive

Maternal Instincts - this one really got to me, what a horrible thing to do to someone you call a friend 

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I need to give my house a good clean today as well as carpet clean both the living room and dining room.  Tomorrow I will do my bedroom and the office.

 

I feel like I haven't been able to focus on my house because we've been so busy helping Jasmine, but that is what being a parent is. 

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study 

Daily 15k steps

Homemaking chores  

 

This week: 

Meal planning and budget

Grocery shopping on Wednesday

Painting the entryway (was supposed to do it last week but I didn't realize I was out of roller replacements and brushes, but got those this weekend)

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

I have now gotten over the most frustrating and need a I say boring part of this blanket?  I know, it feels weird for me to say that, but I prefer projects that are a big one continuous thing, and this one has been compiled of different parts, so for each side (there's four sides), I have had to crochet separately over and over the same thing, which is the one thing about crocheting that I try to avoid because I get bored.

 

I am loving the blanket and how it is looking, but I am very happy to see that part behind, and we have now joined all four parts together and made the first continuous row.  Thank goodness.  I can't wait to show you the progress. 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I love this one, this sweet kitten which we've called Pepper, just loves hanging out on our patio furniture.  ♥

 

 

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

At church we just finished the series called Modern Family and yesterday's sermon was called Releasing Arrows.  It was about the way we raise our children and how we release them into the world, the things we equip them with or how we prepare them for the outside world when we are not around.

 

It was very good.  

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/22/2026 }

 

 

Good morning everyone, and Happy Summer!  Yuck!!!  hahaha  

 

Not going to lie, I am not happy that summer is here, but I will just buckle in and ride this out until Fall.  welcome back to another Happy Homemaker Monday. 

 

Anyway, welcome, come on in and let's see what is happening around our homes this week.  

 

Sandra

xoxoxoxo 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

Ugh, just Ugh!  Hot and crazy humidity.  We are supposed to get some rain this week, but I've realized that most of the time we get told we have rain coming, it never arrives.  So a forecast for a rainy week has instead been replaced by heat in the triple digits.  Lord help us!

 

Monday - Rain, 92 

Tuesday - Sunny, 88  

Wednesday - Sunny, 89 

Thursday - Sunny, 97 

Friday - Partly cloudy, 97 

Saturday - Sunny, 100 

Sunday - Sunny, 101

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Just made my breakfast and have sat down to work on this post.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

After four years of a relationship, Jasmine broke up with her boyfriend and told him to move out.  You know as our children get older and move out, we think they are settled and everything is good and then we start hearing and learning certain things.

 

She was in an abusive relationship, thankfully it didn't get to the physical part although he had started threatening it.  We also found out that the past 3 years she has paid all the bills on her own and he was just taking her bank card and using it for himself without her consent.  Curt and I are beyond upset.  So needless to say the past week has been stressful while we helped her get him out of her apartment, moved things around, helped her clean and get things back to sorts.  

 

I am stressed and tired and sore and frustrated and just absolutely sad for our daughter.  But it's ok, God has this and it will be ok.

 

All this just to say, speak to your children no matter how old they are.  You never know what is going on in the background, if I hadn't pushed her to tell me, she wouldn't have said anything because she didn't want to upset us as her parents.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired.  These past two days especially have been hard physically and emotionally for both Curt and I.     

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

On my second cup of coffee.  Also had my usual two scrambled eggs with half an avocado and a piece of toast.  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

Salad.   

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Fricassee Chicken, Pasta, Roast Veggies 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Fricassee Chicken, Pasta, Roast Veggies  

Tuesday -  Salmon, Curried Rice, Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Wednesday -Teriyaki Steak, Sesame Noodles, Kimchi

Thursday - Ground Beef with Cabbage, Broccoli and Cauliflower

Friday - Chicken Shawarma, Garlic Fries

Saturday - Fend for yourself, Leftovers

Sunday -  Turkish Gozleme

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my summer pajamas, pink with black polka dots. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Joshua in the Bible. 

 

Have just a few pages left of The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar.  Will finish it today and move on to the next, which I actually don't know what it will be. 

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

World Cup:

Lots of matches every day, and Portugal play on Tuesday as well  

 

Turkish series:

New summer series have begun, so watching, Doganin Kanunu and Muhtemel Ask. 

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

My house needs a good clean today, it's been a weekend of clothes from Jasmine and her belongings being moved back and forth from storage to the apartment etc.  She also bought a new couch and coffee table that were delivered here.

 

Needless to say I've been over at her place for days and I have neglected my own house, so a good clean is in order today. 

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study 

Daily 15k steps

Homemaking chores  

 

This week: 

Grocery shopping

Painting the entryway

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

Finished all the flowers on the crochet blanket and have now started the Hyacinths.  You don't see the Hyacinths in this picture because I took this right after I finished the tulip flowers. 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Rainy days will always be my favorite.

 

 

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

Praying for my daughter.  She is happy to be rid of her ex but it will take a bit of getting used to and she needs to heal.  

 

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/15/2026 }

 

 

Good morning everyone, welcome back to another Happy Homemaker Monday. 

 

It is a beautiful morning, the temperatures have dropped slightly which is very much welcome, and the sun is shining brightly.

 

I am tired this morning, surprise surprise, right?  hahaha  

 

Don't laugh, but seems to be my life every Monday morning.  What a crazy busy weekend we had.  I've always loved Mondays but lately even more so, because weekends we are running around and get no rest.  

 

Anyway, enough of that, let's get going with our post today.  I wish you all a blessed week, it is a shorter one with the holiday on Friday, so yay for that.

 

Now let's go, let's see what you all are doing around your homes.

 

Sandra

xoxoxoxo 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

You guys, help me, it's already so hot here in Texas and I'm over it.  This morning it is 68 and I am reacting as if it's 40 degrees.  Goodness.  We are actually under an excessive heat advisory for the week.  I may as well be back in Arizona at this point.  

 

Monday - Cloudy, 86  

Tuesday - Sunny, 95  

Wednesday - Sunny, 99 

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 90 

Friday - Mostly cloudy, 87 

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 96  

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 99 

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

I just sat at my desk, with my breakfast so that I can eat while I get this post up for you. 

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

About everything I need to get done this week, and hoping I don't forget something.  

 

You guys, pre menopause brain is insane, I am so forgetful.  If my doctor hadn't assured me this is normal, I would have thought something is wrong with me.

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired and you know.......that time.  So yeah, a bundle of joy over here  Hahahah  

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Cup of coffee with half and half, two scrambled eggs and two small pieces of homemade sourdough with Irish butter. 

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

Not sure, but will probably be tuna salad. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Roast chicken quarters, roast potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Will be working on the new meal plan today, so only have today's meal planned. 

 

Monday - Roast chicken quarters, roast potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower  

Tuesday -  

Wednesday -

Thursday - 

Friday - 

Saturday - 

Sunday -  

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my summer nightgown, will change into a dress here shortly.   

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Joshua in the Bible.  1 Thessalonians for our church series about Modern Family. 

 

Hoping to finish The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar.  It is taking me a while to get through this one, firstly because I've been crocheting more, but also I'm not quite enjoying this book as much as her previous ones.  

 

I also got in from paperbackswap, 1776 by David McCullough which I'm hoping to read over the rest of June and beginning of July, to celebrate America's 250th.  

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

Hallmark:  

I think the last episode of Way Back Home 

 

World Cup:

I have been in football (soccer) heaven for the past few days.  It is constantly on the tv and I even have my husband into it.  Hahahah

 

Turkish series:

Lot of series ending their seasons and some new ones beginning. 

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I want to get the rest of the painting done, so I'm hoping to do the entryway over the next few days, then I can move on to the hallway.  

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study 

Daily 15k steps

Homemaking chores  

 

This week: 

Grocery shopping

Helping my daughter with organization at her apartment 

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

Been loving the crochet blanket and it's looking so sweet.  Will continue with that. 

 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Our sweet Elliott ♥ 

 

 

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

Really enjoying the new series at church, called Modern Family.  We are talking about marriage, about being single, what our roles are and what marriage is supposed to be especially as it pertains to the role of a husband and a wife.  Really good.