Happy Homemaker Monday - 09/16/2024

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

 

It is a crisp and cool morning, and as of this moment (7:12 AM), the sun has yet to make an appearance.  We are definitely approaching Fall, with the mornings taking longer to get bright, and the evenings getting darker earlier.  I must say, I don't quite enjoy this part of the season, but I still love it.

 

I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend with your families, and as we all prepare for a new, full week ahead, I pray that you are blessed, that you are productive and that you are safe.  My week will be filled with crochet, reading and other random jobs around the home, intermingled into the usual daily homemaking tasks that go with running a household.

 

Wishing you all a blessed week ahead ♥

 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

It's been wonderful but this past weekend we once again saw triple digits.  Texas always reminds us that summer isn't quite over in September.  It has a way of tricking us into cooler temperatures only to bring them back every few days, letting us know who is in charge.  Such nonsense.  Hahah

 

Monday - Partly cloudy, 94

Tuesday - Sunny, 95

Wednesday - Sunny, 98

Thursday - Sunny, 100

Friday - Mostly sunny, 100

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 98 

Sunday - Mostly sunny, 93

 

 

 *** Right now I am ***

Sitting on the bed and working on getting this post up.  Also watching Julie Green on the TV.   

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

I have so many projects that I want to do, crochet, knitting, sewing, reading, it's just a jumble in my brain at the moment.  I love being creative but if you're a creative person, you will understand what I mean when I say that, sometimes, it's a bit overwhelming.  Your brain goes a mile a minute with a ton of new ideas and all the things you want to make, but there is clearly not enough hours in the day.   

 

 

*** How I am feeling *** 

I'm doing good.  Stomach is a little off because once again I ate sugar this weekend.  We had family over and I made two Portuguese desserts.  I know that sugar is not good for me anymore, but yet I fall into the trap each time then pay for it after.  Entirely my fault, but what can we do?    

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Cup of Caramel Pecan Coffee with skim milk, healthy waffle (1 egg, 1 tablespoon peanut butter).

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Green beans and tuna salad.  Have leftover green beans from Friday's dinner, so will add some tuna, tomato and onion.   

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Greek Shrimp with Orzo, Spaghetti Squash.   

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Monday

Greek Shrimp with Orzo, Spaghetti Squash.

Tuesday 

Chicken Broccoli, Basmati Rice (cauliflower rice for me)

Wednesday 

Oven Roasted Fish with Potatoes and Peppers, Bean Salad

Thursday

Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta, Garlic Bread, Salad

Friday

Frozen Pizza for the boys, Grilled Tomato and Onion Sandwich for me (multigrain bread)

Saturday

Green Bean Soup, Sandwiches (I will just eat the soup, since I'm having a sandwich the night before)

Sunday

Pampered Chef Taco Ring

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

My summer nightie at the moment.  Leggings and tank top when I get changed, as I will be working out today. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Finished 1 Samuel in the Bible.   I have learned to go into prayer and ask God what He wants me to read, which book He wants me to go to next.  I did that and sat there for 5 minutes waiting, then Joshua popped into my mind.  It wouldn't leave, it was like a big neon sign, constantly Joshua, Joshua, Joshua.  So that is the book I am starting today.

Still reading Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson, physical book.

On the Kindle, I am reading The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen.  Really enjoying Klassen right now, she is just the type of author I love reading.  Here is how she describes herself:

If you love romance, British accents, Jane Eyre, or anything by Jane Austen, then you and I are soul sisters and I write for you!

Well, yes, yes and YES!

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Homemaking channels on YouTube.  

Catching up on All Creatures Great and Small

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

The sun has just now started to come in through the windows and as always, it is my favorite time of the day, when the golden light hits every wall inside, and leaves everything looking so magical.  

 

I just need to do the usual Monday cleaning and tidying.     

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Bible and Devotional time 

Reading 

Finish one of the knitted owl gloves I started. 

Vacuum and dust.

Mop all floors.

Water inside plants.

*** What I am creating ***

Knitted Owl Gloves.  I made some many, MANY years ago.  I haven't knitted in years and just picked it up again, it hurts my hands more than crocheting though, so I'm not sure just how much I'll be able to enjoy, but I'm hoping to at least finish this pair.  

 

Also still working on my Winter Nordic Blanket.

 

*** From the camera *** 

The fabric pumpkins are so cute.  I love making these.  ♥  

 

  

 

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

Pray!

 

Just pray.  We are in unprecedented times, and need to be making sure to put on the full armor of God daily, cover ourselves and our families and homes with the blood of the lamb, and stay connected to God.  

 

Sewing Day

Good morning! 

 

I've often talked about my sweet grandmother and the fact that she was a seamstress, and taught me how to sew from a very early age.  I've also talked about how in those days, I felt frustrated because as much as I enjoyed spending time with her and learning new skills, I wasn't really wanting to spend hours sitting next to her while she worked on wedding dresses, and I was delegated the unpicking chore.  

 

If you sew you know what that means, it means taking the seam ripper and taking apart sewing stitches.  Boy did that annoy me, but if I had known then what I know now, I would have kept quiet, done it with a huge smile on my face and not complained one single second.  Why?

 

Because the tools that she passed onto me, are something I treasure so very deeply and am extremely grateful to have.

I don't often get to sew, as much as I love it, I find that I don't have the space to really get into it.  Sometimes I wish I had a studio where I could have all my yarn and fabric neatly packed and show cased, with a long table where my sewing machine is always plugged in and on display, an overlocking machine set up next to it, space to lay fabric, cut it out, a spot to iron and so on.

I don't.  At least not for the moment.  When Jasmine moved out, the plan was to make her bedroom into my studio/guest room.  But, that is when we found out that my brother in law was returning from Korea and staying with us until he bought his house.  So, that was set aside, and once he moves out, then I will work on that room.

Honestly can't wait, but I also am not rushing or desperately waiting for that to happen, so it will happen in God's timing.

With that said, it shouldn't hold me back from sewing.  I have so many projects swirling around in my head right now, with many things I want to make and sew.  So, even if the setting is not perfect for it, I think every week, I will set aside a day for sewing, use my desk as I have done here, and just go for it.   

 

Now, the first thing I wanted to make were some mushrooms, and I even got everything cut up and ready to go, but once I made the first stem, I realized it was just not working for me, they were far too small.  I'm going to do the tops and then find a different pattern for the bottom stem.

 

Since I couldn't do those, I set them aside and just went for the fabric pumpkins.  I think I may have far too many handmade pumpkins already, but I can't help it, I just love fabric and crocheted pumpkins.  They're perfect as decorations for this time of year, and super easy to make.

There are many, many tutorials online, both on google and YouTube, some are no sew using hot glue, and some are sewed, I much prefer sewing than doing a whole project with hot glue, but that is a personal preference.

Here is a good one from Aubree Originals.

I didn't use hers, because I've been making these for years, I think the first I made was back in Arizona when we were stationed at Luke AFB.  I don't remember where I got the tutorial from, maybe it's mentioned on the post, not sure, but you can check it out here.

 

Here are the finished pumpkins, I love them so much, they are the cutest.

Maybe I should do a Works in Progress Wednesday, and show you each week what I've made or what I'm working on, whether it's sewing, knitting or crocheting.  

Anyway, just wanted to quickly show you the fabric pumpkins, hope it inspires you to make some of your own.

Have a blessed day! ♥

Happy Homemaker Monday - 09/09/2024

Good morning sweet ladies, welcome back to this second HHM of September.  I can't believe I'm even saying that, September arrived and seems to be moving much faster than I want it too.  I kind of want to tell it to slow down a little, I'm not ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas yet.  Hahaha

 

Anyway, I'm going to keep this short and jump right into our post.  Let's see what is happening around our homes.

 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

The weather is absolutely gorgeous.  September came in and immediately brought the temperatures down.  Every morning now I open the windows and the back door and get the most wonderful of chills coming in.  Loving it!  It's thankfully started cooling down, and we are told the hot temperatures are finally over with.  I'm thrilled.  

 

Monday - Generally clear, 80 

Tuesday - Sunny, 92 

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, 93 

Thursday - Mostly sunny, 93 

Friday - Sunny, 99 

Saturday - Mostly sunny, 104 (this guy is clearly confused and thinking he's in August) 

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 99

 

 

 *** Right now I am ***

I just finished seeing hubby off to work, made my breakfast and another cup of coffee, and am back sitting in bed.  I'm listening to a Christian show on the TV while working on this post.   

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

About the menu plan for this upcoming week and the next.  I was thinking that surely I still have another week, because I JUST went grocery shopping and made the new menu, and now realized that nooooo, it is time again.  That was the fastest 2 weeks. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling *** 

Women time......you know.  No words needed, I think you all understand, so I'm a bit crampy this morning and have a slight headache brewing. 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

2 cups of coffee with skim milk, healthy banana pancake. 

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Tuna Salad. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Amish Chicken, Basmati rice, Sauteed Kabocha Squash 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Monday

Amish Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Kabocha Squash (I will have just the chicken and squash)

Tuesday 

Lentil and Chickpea Curry, Basmati Rice (Cauliflower rice for me)

Wednesday 

Bacon Spaghetti, Salad

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Summer pajamas.  Grey with pink and white flowers.  I got them for my birthday from my sister in law and brother.  Will put on either a dress or skirt or leggings....honestly don't know. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

1 Samuel in the Bible.  

Finished The Linen Queen by Patricia Falvey.  It was ok....I didn't enjoy it very much, the main character got on my nerves.

Also finished reading Daughter of Fire by Sophia Robleda which I loved.  It was really good.

Started Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson.

  

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Homemaking channels on YouTube.  

Time Team on Amazon Prime 

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

It is clean and tidy so I don't have much to do, other than the daily chores that come with running a home.   

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Bible and Devotional time 

Reading 

Starting the sleeves on my Fall Sweater. 

Meal plan and grocery list

*** What I am creating ***

I had some yarn that I didn't know what to do with, and while watching a slow living video on Youtube this weekend, I came across a pattern for a super easy and quick crochet sweater.  It's something I haven't done before, and really wanted to try, so I grabbed the yarn and the hook and just went for it.  I am loving it, and just finished the body yesterday, so will be starting on the sleeves today.  I can't wait. 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I love sewing and it's not something I get to do very often.  This past week, I took a whole day to devote to making some fabric pumpkins.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it, it always reminds me of my grandmother and I'll often sit and sew while being flooded with sweet memories from our time together. 

 

  

 

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

Maybe today you want the district attorney Jesus, who'll get all those people who've made your life hard.  He will be only your sovereign Savior King.  - New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp 

Autumn is slowly creeping in!

 

 

I opened the back door this morning and the most wonderful of chills came in.  It is the first day that opening the door didn't feel like checking your cake in the oven.   Another sign that summer is truly over.

Aside from the chill, the one other thing that tells me Autumn is creeping in, is the change in lighting.  It becomes warmer and everything seems golden and orange.  God truly is a master creator, I couldn't even imagine in my little brain, a fraction of the colors and details that He does. 

The past week I have truly immersed myself in crafting.  There's a shift in our emotional well being, when we pull away from social media and the world, and dig deep into hobbies, pretty things and connecting with the earth around us.

I've been enjoying my time outdoors more, not even going far, but a simple walk into the backyard with Kaia while she does her business, leaves me feeling so much happier.  Everything around us is changing, the leaves are turning from deep greens to dark oranges.  

I love this leaf in my grape vine, I feel like it shows the transition from summer to autumn.  I couldn't believe just how amazing it looked, almost as if perfectly cut down the middle, or as if we are watching a video transition slowly moving from green to orange. 

As things change outside, they slowly start shifting indoor as well.  I used to not decorate for Autumn, I just felt that it was pointless, so I would do Christmas and Halloween.  There was never really an inbetween season of decorating for me, but this was back many years ago, when the kids were little and I still did Halloween not understanding just how evil it truly is.  (I know we all have different opinions, but since this is my blog and my space, I can express mine and speak for myself)

That's a talk for another time and not something I really want to get into right now.....so.....back to the beautiful Autumn change.

I've brought out my decorations and have slowly been pulling things out, a little at a time.  Usually I would take it all out at once and be done, but I'm enjoying doing it slowly this year, just inching into the season with calmness.  We seem to rush into everything and want everything immediately and for last year.  But when we take the time to really take in each moment, we enjoy it more.

Above you can see the Granny Stripe Pumpkins I made a few days ago.  I just love how they turned out and they look perfect in my living room.

I made another one which needs a stem, and I have to find my glue gun sticks.  I know I have them but can't for the life of me remember where I put them, so can't really glue anything yet.  The two cinnamon stick stems in the pumpkins above are in place but I just want to secure them with some hot glue, to be sure they don't pop off.  For now though, they're right there, and no one messes with them so they're fine.

These little woodland candle holders are just the cutest aren't they?  They are the perfect size for a tealight and I love seeing them lit up at night, they look beautiful next to the autumn leaf garland.

Anyway, I just wanted to pop in real quick and show you just a little glimpse of Autumn around here. 

How is it going in your area, are you seeing signs yet, are the leaves turning, or are you still dealing with summer?

Wordless Wednesday!