Monday, December 14, 2020

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/14/2020 }

Good morning friends, welcome back to my blog.

I am starting this week with a bad cold.  Jasmine was sick last week, I was sick one day last week then this weekend it hit me and Nick, so here we are.

I also had my blood work done last week and it came back with my platelet volume slightly elevated.  I'm waiting to get a call back from the doctor.  I really wish that I wouldn't google things because you know google always goes to the worst case scenario and it has left me feeling quite worried.  

I would appreciate some prayers being sent my way this morning.

Anyway, let's get right on with our post.  I have to take Jasmine to work this morning so can't diddle daddle around.

Hope you all have a blessed week ahead.



The weather outside is::::
Currently 23 degrees.  It is so cold.  We even had some snow flurries yesterday afternoon, crazy weather.      

Monday - 47
Tuesday -  41
Wednesday -  49
Thursday -  58
Friday - 61
Saturday -  55
Sunday - 61


On the breakfast plate this morning::::
All I've had is my coffee, which I couldn't really taste very well.  It's the one thing about colds that drives me nuts, the taste and smell go in and out.

 
As I look outside my window::::
The grass has a white coating from all the ice overnight.  My car windows also need to be scraped off before I leave.   


As I look around the house::::
We did some organizing and cleaning in Curt's office yesterday, so it looks so much better.  It's amazing how much clutter these men seem to accumulate.     

 
What I'm wearing today::::
Just in my winter warm pajamas at the moment.          

 
Currently reading::::
Reading through Isaiah.   
Have a book review coming up on Wednesday.
But, need to pick another book to read in the meantime.   

 
On the TV for this week::::
My Portuguese soap "Bem me Quer"
Vlogs on Youtube
Christmas movies
 
 
On the menu this week::::
 
Monday - Gnocchi Bolognese, Salad
Tuesday - Beef Stew
Wednesday - Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom sauce, Rice
Thursday - Stuffed Shells, Steamed Broccoli
Friday - Meatballs with Spaghetti
Saturday -  Chicken Fried Steak, Mash, Veggies
Sunday - Fricassee Chicken, Rice, Salad
 
 
Something fun to share::::
Another beautiful video from Tina Sosna.  Enjoy!   

 
 
Favorite photo from the camera::::
Love this time of year, mostly for all the lit candles around the house.    
 



Prayers, Inspiration quotes, Devotionals::::
Praying for my blood work results. I know I'm fine but it's always a bit nerve wrecking waiting for the phone call.

Monday, December 07, 2020

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/07/2020 }

Good morning, welcome back :)
 
How was your weekend?  Mine as usual, had some downtime but lots of running around as well.  I seriously need to learn to just force myself to be still.  But, I don't know about you, I just have a hard time sitting down for long, I start feeling guilty.
 
Anyway, it is early morning, and I am sitting here without my coffee.  I have some routine blood work I need to get done this morning, so fasting is needed.  
 
I hope you all have a blessed week ahead!
 


The weather outside is::::
Currently 33 degrees.  Looks like a week of 50s and 60s is in the forecast.     

Monday - 65
Tuesday -  68
Wednesday -  73
Thursday -  70
Friday - 58
Saturday -  56
Sunday - 55


On the breakfast plate this morning::::
Haven't had my coffee yet, but going to make it and take it with me.  Think I'll take a sandwich with me as well so that I can eat in the car after the blood tests.      

 
As I look outside my window::::
Pitch black outside.  I can hear birds singing and the usual early morning cars and noise as people head off to work. 


As I look around the house::::
We got our Christmas tree yesterday afternoon, but all it has on are the lights.  I need to finish decorating it today.  As per the usual Christmas decorating, there are boxes littered throughout the house which need to be emptied and put away.  Random furniture moved out of the place and so on.  Will deal with all of that after I get back from dropping off Jasmine at work.   

 
What I'm wearing today::::
My pajamas at the moment, then jeans, sweater and boots.        

 
To do today or this week::::
Monday - 
Blood test this morning
Drop Jasmine off at work
Decorate Christmas Tree
Clean and organize house

Tuesday - 
Take Jasmine to work

Wednesday -
Post office

Thursday -
Take Jasmine to work
Write up the new meal plan

Friday -
Take Jasmine to work
Grocery shopping


Currently reading::::
Reading through Isaiah.   
Haven't read the past week, but have a ton of books to pick from and no review books at the moment, so will grab one from my shelf and get going. 

 
On the TV for this week::::
My Portuguese soap "Bem me Quer"
Vlogs on Youtube
Christmas movies
 
 
On the menu this week::::
 
Monday - Beef tips, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli
Tuesday - Spaghetti, Homemade Garlic Bread
Wednesday - Mongolian Beef, Basmati Rice
Thursday - Cheesy Hot Beef Sandwiches, Homemade Fries
Friday - 
Saturday - 
Sunday -
 
 
Something fun to share::::
I am thrilled with how much you all are enjoying the videos I have been sharing in this category.  I have so many more.  Are you ready for another fantastic video?  This one is from another of my favorite channels, Jonna Jinton.  She produces such stunning visuals and takes us on beautiful trips through her country of Sweden.  
 
Prepare yourself for a gorgeous video. 

 
 
Favorite photo from the camera::::
Dried apple slices waiting to go on the tree, and made into a garland for the fireplace too.  
 

 

Prayers, Inspiration quotes, Devotionals::::


Sunday, December 06, 2020

{ The sweet joy of homemaking }

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I have always been the biggest cheerleader of homemakers and homemaking in general. There is something so beautiful to me, in the act of keeping home. 
 
The importance as a homemaker, a wife, a mom, to take care of these four walls that we have been blessed with, is of utmost importance, not just for our families

But sometimes life gets a bit crazy and those things that we love doing, are forced to the side.  It's understandable, but anytime that happens, the moment I am able to get back to basics, so to speak, is like nothing I could ever describe.

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 I think about my days back in Arizona, where my children were little, my husband was active duty, and we just had this routine in place.  I was full on homemaker, every second, every minute of my day was spent taking care of my house, taking care of my children and husband.  I cooked, I cleaned, I baked, I grocery shopped and made decorations for our house.

 I loved it all so much, it's like I went to bed each night completely content and couldn't wait to get up the next morning, to get back it, to slip on that apron and go about my chores.

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Things are different now, so obviously I still am a homemaker and still do my chores and tasks around the house, but it's so different, so completely different than what it was before.

Every day that I am able to have a semblance of those days, years ago, I am filled with such joy and contentment.

It's almost like going home when you've been away for a long time.

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I was able to have a day such as that, just last week.  And oh how I grabbed onto it with both hands, and enjoyed every minute.

The simple act of vacuuming while the pets run around.  Stopping to play with Marley, cleaning, doing dishes and folding laundry.  

Oh but those are such mundane and boring tasks Sandra, how do you find any joy in that?

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I get it.  Homemaking has been frowned upon and as the decades have gone by, the thought of being a homemaker makes some cringe.  It's not cool enough, or popular enough.  It's sad, but it is the truth.

I look at my own daughter, she is 21 and not interested at all in any homemaking or anything to do with running a house.  Crazy, I know.  I always thought that my own daughter would want to follow in my steps, not necessarily to be a homemaker, but at the very least, to love taking care of the house, or show interest in some way.  She doesn't.  

That used to bother me at first, I felt almost betrayed.  Ha!

If there's one thing God has taught me, is that, whether we agree or disagree with the choices our children make, it is THEIR choices.  Just because I love everything to do with homemaking, doesn't mean my children have to feel the same way.  It's ok!

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What I do know is that we ourselves, as a society, have created and accepted such a negative look on homemaking, that our children can't help but be swayed by the majority.

I only wish schools still offered Home Economics and Wood Shop like they did back in our day.  Personally, I think every school kid could benefit from those.

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Times are just different, and that is fine, but there are things we should continue to incorporate into our lives.  Things that are just as important today as they were decades ago.

I don't think I will ever tire of being a homemaker.  I'm pretty sure God ingrained that in my DNA, from the moment of conception.  

So, I've been trying very hard to get back to what matters.  And yes, every moment that I spend doing anything cleaning or organizing or cooking, even decorating in my home, I am so happy to do it.  It actually brings me peace, weird to say, but it does.

Today, I am pottering around the house a bit, I do want to get some Christmas decorating done, and still need to get a tree.  But, I also want to watch a few Christmas movies with the family, so hopefully, I am able to do that.

 Whatever I choose to do today, one thing is for sure, I will do it with a happy heart and a joyful soul.

Thursday, December 03, 2020

{ Slow Cooking Thursday Christmas Edition - Week 1 }

 

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Welcome to the Slow Cooking Thursday Christmas Edition 
 
 As we head into the month of December, many of us are planning our Christmas Eve and Christmas day meals.  

This year may be a little different than usual, but one thing still remains the same,  our families are counting on us to provide them with delicious meals.  But we also know that this can be quite a busy time of year and we don't want to be stuck in the kitchen for days on end, so when we can, using a crockpot is the next best thing.

Since I'm going to rely on my slow cookers to make some of the dishes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I thought it would be a great idea to bring back my Slow Cooking Thursday for this month.  I may keep it going beyond, but let's focus on the next few weeks first.  

I'm sharing with you a recipe for a delicious slow cooked ham.  Trust me, you will be happy you dropped your ham into the slow cooker and let it cook itself.
 
 
 
Slow Cooked Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

 
6 to 10lb spiral bone in ham (or whatever size ham will fit in your slow cooker)
3 cups of brown sugar
1 (20 oz) can of crushed pineapple


In a large slow cooker, add half of the sugar and half of the pineapple, then place your ham on top of the mixture.  Separate the layers of the ham as best as you can, then cover with the remaining brown sugar and pineapple.

Close and cook on LOW for 4 hours.  Once done, I like to switch mine to a nice dish, and I also like to cover it with some pineapple slices, cherries and cloves and pop it in the oven for about 30 minutes.
 
If you don't have a slow cooker, you can also use an instant pot on the slow cooker setting.

Tuesday, December 01, 2020

{ Slow Cooking Thursday Christmas Edition }

 

On the 14th of September, 2006, I started a feature on my blog called Slow Cooking Thursday.

I had been blogging just a few months and I was really enjoying getting to know other homemakers in blogland, exchanging recipes and ideas, joining in different weekly features on other blogs, and so on.

I decided to start up Slow Cooking Thursday as a means to share all the great crockpot recipes I made or wanted to try, thinking other homemakers would enjoy them as well.  The feature was received with huge enthusiasm and participation and quickly became a favorite for many.

It went for many years and then as life got busy and I wasn't gathering or trying many slow cooker recipes, I just stopped posting.

But I've missed it over the years and I was thinking last night that it's been a long time since I've posted a Slow Cooking Thursday, and I have a few recipes that I've been wanting to try over the holidays.  So, I've decided to dust it off, and bring it back at least for the month of December, to begin with, and to do a Christmas Edition.

If you want to join in, you are more than welcome, I will put up a linky starting this Thursday, and every Thursday for this month.  

Below are the banners I will use, I have made one for each week and if you join in, I would really appreciate it if you would use the ones I provided and not make one of your own.  

Week 1


Week 2



Week 3



Week 4



Share your favorite slow cooking recipes for the holidays, they can be a main dish, a side dish, a dessert or even a drink such as your favorite hot chocolate, apple cider or punch.

Be sure to visit each participant and leave a comment.  My hope is that through this exchange we can gather a bunch of new recipes to try, and who knows, we may just find our new favorite for the holidays.

Monday, November 30, 2020

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/30/2020 }

Welcome back to my blog, and welcome to the last day of November 2020.

*insert comment about how time is flying*

I for one am very glad to see this year zipping full speed into the end.  I think we have all had about enough of this 2020 nonsense.

So, it is 6:23am, freezing cold outside, my hubby is getting ready for work and the kids are still asleep, and that includes the two fur babies who are all snuggled up on my bed, enjoying the heater.

I hope you all have a fantastic week, a great start into your December and a great end to this crazy year.  Let's see what is happening in our Happy Homemaker Monday.
 


The weather outside is::::
Currently 27 degrees with a real feel of 20.  Yes, it is cold.  We are expecting a pretty cold week, with the high temperatures staying in the 50s.   

Monday - 52
Tuesday -  62
Wednesday -  46
Thursday -  46
Friday - 49
Saturday -  57
Sunday - 59


On the breakfast plate this morning::::
Just finishing up a cup of coffee with Butter Cookie Creamer.  I think breakfast later will be either cream of wheat or oatmeal, it is the perfect weather for that.    

 
As I look outside my window::::
It is still dark, sun hasn't yet started to rise. 


As I look around the house::::
It is early morning, but we have Christmas lights hung outside and some around our big windows, so there's this wonderful glow throughout the house.  Don't you just Winter time when all the twinkly lights come out and give everything such a beautiful romantic glow? 

 
What I'm wearing today::::
Sitting in bed, as always, in my nightgown, typing up this post.  I do have a doctors appointment this morning so will be putting on some jeans, sweater and my boots.      

 
To do today or this week::::
Monday - 
Doctors appointment this morning (Just a check up to see if my allergy meds are still working or if we need to try something different)

Tuesday - 
Start putting up Christmas decorations

Wednesday -
Start planning Christmas dinner, making lists, gifts etc.

Thursday -
Pay bills
Paperwork 

Friday -
Take Jasmine to work
Put up Christmas village


Currently reading::::
Reading through Isaiah.   
Have so many books to read and not sure which to pick up first. 

 
On the TV for this week::::
My Portuguese soap "Bem me Quer"
Vlogs on Youtube
The Spanish Queen Season 2
Virgin River Season 2 came out on Netflix and I am ashamed to say that I binged it in one day.  It is that good.
 
 
On the menu this week::::
Some meals didn't get made last week, so I've moved them to this new meal plan.
 
Wednesday - Ikea Style Meatballs, Roast potatoes, Steamed Broccoli
Thursday - Turkey Noodle Casserole, Salad
Friday -  Beef Tips with Gravy, Rice, Mixed Veggies
Saturday - Cheesy Hot Beef Sandwiches, Homemade Fries
Sunday - One pan Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
 
 
Something fun to share::::
Are you ready for another fantastic video?  You will need to turn on your captions for this one, or you can just enjoy the beautiful imagery without it.  This is another of my favorite new channels to follow, the videos are so beautiful and I absolutely love seeing different countries and different cultures going about their day.  This one is from ErmiChuiyan and it's called Chili/Hotpot in Snowy Day.  Enjoy!

 
 
Favorite photo from the camera::::
Fresh hot coffee on cold wintery days. 
 
 

Prayers, Inspiration quotes, Devotionals::::


Wednesday, November 25, 2020

{ Busy day in the kitchen }

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It had been a long time since I walked into the kitchen, and spent some hours pottering around, cooking, baking, prepping and just enjoying being in that little space. 
 
The kitchen is the heart of the home!
 
I have always said that my favorite room in my homes, the many we've lived in, has always been the kitchen.  But when Curt retired from the Air Force, 7 years ago, our lives took a huge tumble, and everything that I was used to, the routines, the schedules, the moments I had perfected over the years, just fell to the wayside.

I've struggled to find my footing since then.

"But it's been 7 years Sandra, surely by now you've gotten back on track?".

Well, no.  You would think that 7 years is long enough to get back to that way of doing things, but the truth is that life has changed and I don't think I will ever truly get back to exactly how I used to do things.  It's understandable, I'm older, my children are older, we are in a different State, we've been through a lot and frankly, we are not the people we were back in those days.

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I've slowly been molding a new way of doing things, pulling some of the old habits and incorporating newer routines and so forth.

Yesterday though, was a day that very much reminded me of the way things used to be.

I was in my kitchen for hours, and I loved every second spent in there.

I was mostly trying to do some food prep and getting some things ready for Thanksgiving, and by that I mean making sure I had all the ingredients I needed on hand, ordering some last minute things from Walmart pick up, and doing some baking because I needed to use up cranberries before they went bad.

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 I had picked up this magazine from Taste of Home, a while ago, and the recipe on the cover was calling my name.  I had everything I needed on hand so quickly whipped up this Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread, the recipe will be on my food blog today.

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I have about 2 cups of cranberries left so I'm going to make some homemade cranberry sauce today.  I have never made it myself so we will see how that turns out, and of course I'll share with you my thoughts and the recipe too.

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I also had some oranges that were starting to go back, so got those sliced up and in the oven to dry, for my orange garlands.  I make one every year, to hang over the fireplace and as a decoration for my real Christmas tree.

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While working in the kitchen, I put my instant pot to good use.  I don't know about you all, but I love mine so much and use it at least 4 times a week, some weeks I am using mine every single day.

I cooked up some sweet potatoes, I realized I only had 2 so I've added a bag of sweet potatoes to my Walmart pick up.  My Jasmine will never forgive me if I don't make some sweet potato casserole for her.

And with the remaining potatoes, I will make a sweet potato pie and then slice some up for fries, blanche and freeze them for future meals.

If you're wondering how to make sweet potato in the instant pot, I place them on the metal trivet, or you can use a steaming basket (which reminds me I don't have one for my pressure cooker, so I think I'll add that to my Christmas wish list lol).

Anyway, wash the potatoes, add them to the trivet or basket, add a cup of water, and then pressure cook on HIGH for 26 minutes for 4 to 5 potatoes.  Quick release the steam.

Since I only had 2 potatoes I cooked them for 20 minutes, and it is the perfect timing.  Once they were out, I let them cool slightly and then pulled the skin right off, and put them in the fridge until I use them.

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While the food was cooking and baking in the kitchen, I gave my fireplace a quick clean to get it ready for winter.  We have had pretty good temperatures so far, and we never light the fire unless it gets to 30 degrees or below.

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I must say, these cold winter like mornings have been wonderful.  Oatmeal has been my go to breakfast, and now that I've figured out how to make it in the instant pot, I'm loving it even more.
 
I'm a creamy oatmeal kinda girl, my daughter on the other hand loves thick clumpy oatmeal. 
 
If you enjoy creamy oatmeal like I do, then here is the recipe for you, give it a try and let me know what you think.
 
Instant Pot Creamy Oatmeal
 
1 and half cups old fashioned oats
1 and 3/4 cups of water
2 and 1/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons brown sugar
 
Cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes, then do a quick release.
 
Note:  If you use steel cut oats, cook for 5 minutes on HIGH,  then naturally release for 20 minutes.
If you use quick oats, cook for just 1 minute on HIGH and do a quick release.


Today, I plan on making all of my pies, and then just do the turkey and side dishes tomorrow.   I think I will more than likely put up a Thanksgiving post with the food I'm making including the recipes.  

Are you having a Thanksgiving dinner with family, or is it just you and your immediately family at home?  What are you fixing, keeping with the traditional big Thanksgiving meal or making it smaller, changing it up this year?

Would love to know what your plans are, let's have a chat down below :)

Monday, November 23, 2020

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/23/2020 }

 Good morning, welcome back to my blog. 

Hope you had a restful night's sleep and a great weekend with your family.  Are you ready for Thanksgiving this week?  Can you believe we are here already, almost to Christmas, almost to the end of this insane year?  

I am so thankful that the year is coming to an end, I think we are all ready to put this year behind us and move on with life.

I didn't sleep very well, what's new, but yesterday I was eating a pretzel or a chip, I can't remember which, and I remember hurting my gum on the bottom right side.  Basically stabbed myself with the pretzel/chip  LOL

Didn't think much of it, though it did hurt.  But through the night it started hurting to the point where my cheek on that side hurts, and feels swollen.  It's not swollen, and the two sores made aren't even that big, but my word does it hurt and feel weird.  It's worse when I talk or drink or move my mouth because I think my cheek rubs against it.  Anyway, didn't sleep well, so glad Jasmine is off today and I can just stay home and take it easy.  

Thank you all for coming back each week and joining in, this is my longest running feature on the blog, and I'm so proud of it, it's wonderful seeing it go on for year after year.   Ok enough babbling, let's get right into it.  
 


The weather outside is::::
Currently 36 degrees.  We are still getting pretty warm weather for this time of year, but this week we are dropping temperatures a bit and getting some rainy days too, so I'm looking forward to that.  

Monday - Cloudy, 56
Tuesday -  Morning showers, 74
Wednesday -  Sunny, 64
Thursday -  Mostly sunny, 75
Friday - PM showers, 60
Saturday -  Showers, 57
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 59


On the breakfast plate this morning::::
Still making my way through a huge cup of coffee with Peppermint Creamer.  I'll make some Instant Pot Oatmeal in about an hour or so.    

 
As I look outside my window::::
The sun is trying to peek through the clouds, but it is quite cloudy out there.  The trees have just a few leaves left on the branches, so it's looking very wintery out there.    


As I look around the house::::
My husband picked up a new carpet cleaner over the weekend.  Inexpensive but boy it is fantastic.  He started doing the den carpets, and got half done before dinner time.  The difference in just that area is crazy.  I can't wait to pick up where he left off today and get all my carpets nice and clean. 

 
What I'm wearing today::::
Sitting in bed, in my nightgown and have my robe on as well, I'm cold folks.  Since I'm staying home, I will throw on a pair of sweat pants later and a long sleeve top.     

 
To do today or this week::::
Monday - 
Gotta take my turkey out of the freezer and move it to the refrigerator

Tuesday - 
Carpet clean office 

Wednesday -
Make pecan pie, pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie

Thursday -
Thanksgiving.  It is just us 4 this year, I don't want to host, and my husband is also not up to a big one since it's the first one that mom is gone.  I will take my time cooking through the day, stay in pajamas, eat leftovers, cry if we have to and just make it through the day best we can.  

Friday -
Take Jasmine to work
Put up Christmas village and decorations


Currently reading::::
Started Isaiah and am so excited for it.   
Waiting on next review book so will be starting one from my bookshelf.

 
On the TV for this week::::
My Portuguese soap "Bem me Quer"
Vlogs on Youtube
The Spanish Queen Season 2
 
 
On the menu this week::::
 
Monday - Fish cakes, Garlic Butter Potatoes, Salad 
Tuesday - Fettucine Alfredo, Homemade Creamy Garlic Bread
Wednesday - Mushroom Beef Strogonoff, Rice 
Thursday - Thanksgiving - Fried Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Stuffing, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Dinner Rolls, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Pie 
Friday -  Leftovers
Saturday - Grocery Shopping
Sunday - 
 
 
Something fun to share::::
I'm so glad you've all been enjoying the videos I've been sharing.  I bring you another great one today, from a Channel named Tina Sosna, she lives in Europe and makes some really stunning vlogs.  This one is called October Vlog and Cabin Vlog.  

 


 
Favorite photo from the camera::::
This cute fur ball sleeps in the sweetest way, I always love watching him.  



Prayers, Inspiration quotes, Devotionals::::
** Praying for a friend whose husband just lost his job this past week.  He has an interview today and I pray that God blesses him with this job, and if not, then that the job God has planned for him comes through very soon.
**  My father in law had surgery on Wednesday, so praying for a quick recovery and healing for him.
**  Continuing to pray for our country in the middle of all this chaos.  Praying that truth prevails, that corruption is ended  and that those involved are brought to justice.  The American people deserve to live in a country where they know their vote matters and is respected.  


Sunday, November 22, 2020

{ Fresh haircut and finally have bedside tables }

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It is Sunday night, and I am in my bed, under the warm covers, shivering.   I am so cold!

The weather hasn't been too bad for this time of the year, we've been in the high 70's which is not normal for end of November, but today they dropped down, we had rain and high winds and all sorts of winter weather.

I will say though, we have yet to light the fire.  We try to hold out until it gets much colder so that we don't go through our wood pile too quickly.

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Let me show you how I spent my weekend.

Starting with Friday morning, I dropped Jasmine off at work, then went to my commissary.  Last Friday when I got my groceries, I did a Walmart pick up, and as much as I like the convenience of it, there is always something that I order that doesn't make it to my house.  Which is ok, if they told me they didn't have the item, but they don't, they just leave it out of the order and I usually don't even realize until I'm ready to cook and am missing something.

I know, my fault too because I should check as soon as I get home, and I don't.

Anyway, some chicken, pork chops, and a few other items never made it to the pickup, and I kind of put it off for a week, but really needed them for meals, so decided to go ahead and make a trip to the store.

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I managed to get everything I needed and a few extras my husband asked for, like chips.  The ground beef was also pretty cheap, so I picked up a few extra for the freezer.

Got home, got it all put away, with my trusty helper, Elliott.  He is the inspector, checks every bag, smells everything, you know quality inspector.  Hahah

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Didn't do much else on Friday other than picking up my daughter from work, making dinner and cleaning the house.

Saturday morning we dropped her back off at work and then drove by Walmart to pick up the peanut oil we needed for our turkey.  Luckily for us, we spotted some really nice bedside tables for a very good price, and decided to go ahead and get them.

Got back home, and Curt got busy with his college work, he had a few papers to write.  I decided to build the furniture myself while he did that.

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Love how they turned out, it is exactly what I was looking for.

While I worked on those, someone took a nap on the bed.  He is so cute, and look at just how fluffy he is.  Sweet boy!

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Curt brought in some more harvest from our Fall/Winter garden.  My lettuce is going crazy out there, and so are my green onions.

I soaked everything in a water and vinegar bath, then set them out to dry on clean kitchen towels, and packed everything away between paper towels, for use during the week.

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While that was drying, I worked on laundry, folded a ton while hanging out with hubby.  Look at the smile on his face hahahah  He figured out the camera was set and quickly looked back like this.  LOL

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Marley sat at my feet, chewing on a piece of cardboard he ripped from a box.  He is such a gorgeous looking dog.  Love him so much.

And yes, I got a fresh hair cut.  I was trying so hard to grow out my hair but I just can't do it.  I have very thick heavy hair and it becomes a hassle for me.  I got a bob, not an asymmetrical one, just a plain bob and it already feels lighter.

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And cutey Elliott sat on the couch, next to the laundry basket, pawing at every article of clothing I pulled out. 

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Now let me show you Elliott's mama.  She is our barn cat, remember I told you the story of how she abandoned him in our workshop.  She took all the others and left our sweet boy behind.  

I know it's normal for this to happen, but every time I think about it, it makes me so sad.  Just thankful Curt went to the workshop that day and found them, or he would have died in there.

But, regardless of that, he looks so much like her, the face is different though and she is not fluffy like he is, but you can tell they are related.

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Today, we started with rain and high winds.  I took Jasmine to work early morning and then came home, worked on editing these photos, let Marley sleep on my lap for a little and just took it easy.

Marley wasn't feeling very well today, he threw up a few times this morning and his stomach was making loud noises all morning long.  When he feels that way, he likes to lay on my lap and rest, so I let him do that.

I kind of needed that moment too.

While I was driving back home this morning, it was raining and the wind was blowing , and my little car always feels like it's being smacked around on the road.  It makes me nervous and uneasy, and so I turn to prayer and keep it going until I pull into my driveway.

But as I was driving, I was praying and listening to worship music and the tears just started to flow.  I don't know why or where they came from, but I got a knot in my throat and it just went from there.  

I started then thinking of my sweet mother in law and how she is no longer among us, how this is the first Thanksgiving without her, and it really hit me that she is gone for good.

Needless to say by the time I got home, I wanted to lay on my bed and nap all these feelings away.

And I did just that, a very short nap and then back to laundry.

Little did I know that Elliott was about to give me a huge surprise.  I had washed some bed sheets yesterday, but set them on the couch and didn't get to fold them because we got busy with other stuff.

I went to fold them today and as I started folding the flat sheet I realized that it smelled weird, and I couldn't figure out why.  I brought it to my nose, smelled it and again pulled it away.  I didn't know why it was smelling like that because I had just washed them.  That's when my eyes shifted to the couch, and a dead mouse was laying there, right where the sheet was.

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You guys, the scream I let out must have been heard countrywide.

I dropped the sheets to the ground and ran to the kitchen.  Shoved my face under water and washed as hard as I could all the time gagging and trying to tell myself that it was ok that my nose touched the sheet that was on the dead mouse.  Hahahah

I don't know, I don't know if I can handle this mice thing with cats.  Lord knows I can't stand mice, they make my skin crawl, and now it's been 3 mice that I've had to encounter hahahah

Jesus give me strength!

Anyway, I thought that was a funny story to share and some of you cat moms can appreciate.

I am going to get this post up, then try and get some reading done before bed.  How has another weekend gone by so fast, how is it Thanksgiving in a few days?  Goodness.

Have a blessed night friends, I'll be back in the morning with our Happy Homemaker Monday.