So much for posting early....

I thought I had it all figured out, and well....time got away from me yesterday, and before I knew it, the whole day had gone by and no post from me.  Goodness. 


Between laundry, schooling the kids and normal housework, I really didn't get to anything else and I have tons of emails to answer, reviews to organize, some bills left to pay and and and and....oh boy.

I haven't even had a chance to work on my crochet or quilt or anything.

This week is just getting away from me, and I constantly feel like I'm 3 steps behind while the hours are just flying by.

So, Thursday.  Here we are again.

I'm tired this morning, didn't sleep very well.  I've noticed as I've gotten older I'm starting to suffer more and more from insomnia.  I toss and turn and toss and turn, and look at the clock and the hours tick by and more tossing and turning.

Last night I managed to fall asleep around 2am and then at 3am Nicholas came into the bedroom because he had a nightmare.  Hubby told him to lay between us and he did, until he felt better, for about 30 minutes or so, and then hobbled on back to his bedroom.

I fell back asleep around 4am and the alarm clock went off an hour later.  It's going to be a long day for me.

Breakfast yesterday.  I like simple breakfasts, usually for me it will consist of a cup of coffee and some good Portuguese bread rolls, either toasted with butter, or buttered with a slice of cheese.  And I'm a dunker, I will dunk that right into the coffee, which my kids think is gross LOL

Also worked a bit more in the garden.  My mint is doing so well and growing rapidly, so I use a lot of it for Iced Tea which is so refreshing on warm days.

This morning I'll be back out there, but this time battling the weeds.  Sometimes I want to just rip apart the whole yard and start from scratch.  I have never seen a place where weeds grow like this.  Yes we've had weeds before, back in Idaho, but they were just a handful spread out throughout the yard, here they are EVERYWHERE.   Royal pain in the you know what.

I also really need to carve out some time for blog reading, I've been awful about it this week and I'm always ever so grateful for your visits and your comments.  I need to return the favor, and I will, so please know that I do appreciate you coming by and I haven't forgotten about you, just been a bit of crazy week.


WHAT I'M COOKING:

Lunch - Crab Salad for Nic and I, Tuna Salad for Jasmine (girl doesn't like any kind of seafood)
Dinner -  Honey Mustard Pork Scallopini with Baked Potato Rounds


WHAT I'M WATCHING:

Labyrinth -
Kate Mosse's best-selling novel comes to the screen in a thrilling two-part adaptation starring Jessica Brown Findlay, John Hurt and Vanessa Kirby. 17-year-old Alaïs Pelletier from 13th century Carcassonne and modern-day PhD graduate Dr Alice Tanner experience an adventure that intertwines their lives and may somehow lead to the Holy Grail...

Hidden Killers of the Victorian Home on BBC Four
In a genuine horror story, Suzannah Lipscomb reveals the lethal products, gadgets and conveniences that lurked in every room of the Victorian home and shows how they were unmasked.

The Baby Bomb on BBC Three
Series following first-time parents as they face the challenges of life with a new baby.


WHAT I'M DOING:

Laundry
Zumba
Homeschooling
Vacuum, sweep, mop floors
Sewing

Cooking Thursday - Bacon Swiss Garlic Bread

Good morning ladies, here we are at another Thursday and right around the corner from the weekend.

Here's a great twist on the usual garlic bread.

Bacon and Swiss Garlic Bread

Adapted from:  Taste of Home

1 loaf (1 pound) French bread (20 inches)
2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/3 cup chopped green onions
4 teaspoons prepared mustard
Garlic powder to taste
5 slices Swiss cheese
5 bacon strips

Cut bread into 1 inch slices, leaving slices attached at bottom.  In a bowl, combine butter, onions, mustard and garlic powder;  spread on both sides of each slice of bread.

Cut each slice of cheese diagonally into four triangles;  place between the slices of bread.  Cut bacon in half widthwise and then lengthwise;  drape a piece over each slice.

Place the loaf on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil.  Bake at 400 F for 20 to 25 minutes or until bacon is crisp.

Yield:  10 servings

If you're freezing for later, prepare as above, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze.  I don't know exactly how long it will last, I'm assuming as long as normal frozen garlic bread.  I will be using mine next week when I make another pasta dish so it won't sit in the freezer for too long.

Early morning chat

Good morning everyone :)

Won't you come on in and chat with me, I have some hot Hazelnut Coffee and Cinnamon Toast waiting.

I usually post at night, it gives me time to gather some photos during the day, and share anything that has gone on, but I've decided to maybe change things up a little and start posting in the mornings.

It might just set the mood for the rest of the day, and as for sharing photos I can still do that, I'll just be sharing the previous days going ons.  No biggie right?  It's what I used to do back in the day anyway.

So, here I am on this beautiful Tuesday morning, thinking of what I have ahead for the day, which includes a trip to the grocery store, some homeschooling, some more laundry which just never ends, and I'm hoping to get in some sewing on the quilt.

And speaking of sewing, for those of you lucky enough to live in the UK, premiering tonight on BBC Two is The Great British Sewing Bee.  Finally, a show devoted to us sewers, and how exciting is that?


You know I learned how to sew with my grandmother Odete, who is a seamstress, though she really doesn't do much anymore, she's 89 years old now so it's harder for her to work with a needle and thread.

I've mentioned her before on my blog, and how much she taught me, not just sewing wise.

So, yes, one show I think I will really enjoy, and I'm quite sure there are other sewers out there who will like it just as much.  If you do want to watch and are no in the UK, I will give you links as soon as they are available online.


It's just shy of 7:30AM, and the kids are both still asleep.

I need to take one last look at my grocery list and menu to be sure that I have everything.  I can't tell you how many times I have assumed I was prepared only to end up either missing out a meal by miscounting the days in the week, or thinking that I have something in the fridge/pantry and then realizing after grocery shopping that I don't.

And I don't know about the rest of you, but I never really return to the store between grocery days.  The whole thing of running back and forth every day for something, just does not appeal to me, so I usually do what I'm good at....make do with what I have.


We're quickly approaching the end of this school year, and I think the kids are about ready to be done.  You know how children get to this time of the year and their brains seem to shut off in anticipation for summer?

I don't know if they're burned out, or just eager for the break, but getting things done become increasingly harder and it's a fight to the end.  To be honest, I'm usually ready for summer time as well, there's nothing I like more than summer days when you wake up when you feel like it, you have no routines, no running around, no busy schedules and everyone is relaxed.

Something we do have to work on right now are Jasmine's High School courses.

It boggles my mind, quite frankly, because I did all my schooling in South Africa and things were done differently.

So, today, my husband and I are sitting down with her after dinner, and we'll be going through and picking courses.

To tell you the truth, it's a bitter sweet moment for me.  I can't believe that she's getting so big to the point of starting High School.  I still see her as my little Jasmine, and it tugs at my heart to think that she's quickly becoming a young lady and in two years she'll be driving and then off to college and then married and children.....UGH.....help me!  LOL

And now I better skidaddle on out, my coffee has gone cold and there's nothing worse than reaching for the mug, taking a big swig and....yeah....gross.  Time for a quick refill, then I have to get dressed for the day and be on my way.

I do hope you all have a fantastic Tuesday.  I will be coming around to say hi to everyone later today, probably this afternoon when I get a few moments in.  I've noticed it's kind of quiet around blogland, not sure why, but I'll find out right? :)

Oh and before I leave, you are all still invited to my Pampered Chef online party.  Don't forget you have until Friday to put in your order, and there are so many great products out there, old and new, I think half of my kitchen is Pampered Chef actually.  hahahah

Just go on over to the party website and place your order, and if you do I thank you and appreciate it :)



WHAT I'M COOKING:

Lunch - probably sandwiches, pickles, yogurt or fruit.
Dinner -  One Pot Sausage Etouffee



WHAT I'M WATCHING:

The Great British Sewing Bee on BBC Two
Keeping Britain Alive:  The NHS in a Day on BBC Two
Doctors on BBC One
History Detectives on PBS


WHAT I'M DOING:

Grocery Shopping
Laundry
Paying Bills
Working on Pampered Chef Online Party
Fill out intent to return for homeschooling

Monday around the house....

:::: Breakfast


::::  Enjoying this book


::::  Broccoli has gone to flower


::::  So pretty isn't it?  I'm going to let the Broccoli go to seed so I can harvest them and replant for next year



::::  Flowers are coming up in the front yard


::::  Candle on the window sill


::::  I get such a kick out of our Cookie Jar.  Every time you open it the light on top goes off and it makes the sound of the Tardis when it is flying. 


::::  My husband found this one at the Goodwill for just a few cents.  Love it.


::::   Harvested most of the Lavender and now it's drying, the rest is starting to regrow in the pot and I couldn't be happier, I've always had such a hard time with Lavender


::::  Love this teapot


::::  From the free cart at the Library


::::  Mix in a Pan Cake underway


::::   Turning hard boiled eggs into deviled eggs


Have had a good start to the week.

Everything I had on my to do list, is done, and even got some extra things in, which is always a plus.

At the moment, hubster is at Class, my kiddos are playing some games and I'm finally getting to sit down after a long day of go, go, go.

I'll have to go visit all the Happy Homemaker Monday participants in the morning.  Have a bit of a headache which is caused by my sinus.  The allergies around here are just wreaking havoc with me, if I could scratch out my eyes, I would.  Ugh!

Off to enjoy a cup of tea and do some reading. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/01/2013

Good morning ladies, hope you all had a lovely weekend and Easter with the family :)

Ours was good, quiet, relaxing and just what it's all about.  So, without further ado, let's get going with our Happy Homemaker Monday.

NOTE:  I've removed the category "favorite blog post", as I know that like me, many of you don't always have the chance to read blogs and so won't have something to share in that area.


The weather.....
We're definitely onto the warmer temperatures already.  I will just enjoy these for now because I know that in about a month we'll be seeing the triple digits.  :

Right now I am....
Typing this post up while making a mental list of what I have to do today.  Talking to my husband about our son's birthday and what I plan to do for his cake, and also enjoying a cup of hot coffee.
 
Thinking....
That I have quite a bit I want to accomplish, and hoping I get it all in.  Also thinking that last week I wasn't able to do Zumba as I wasn't feeling quite well, but can't wait to get back into it today.


On my reading pile....
An Elm Creek Quilts Collection by Jennifer Chiaverini.  (almost finished)
Bible
The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian


On my TV.....
Lightfields Episode 5
Broadchurch Episode 3
Orphan Black
And coming up tomorrow which I have my eye on, The Great British Sewing Bee.

Blog hopping (newly discovered blog)....
Pretty Little Things

On the menu for this week....
We had a late breakfast yesterday, and I did cook a whole ham, but it ended up just being sliced and used in sandwiches as no one was very hungry. So, it will be tonight's dinner...

Monday:  Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli, Caramel Brownie Sundaes
Tuesday:  One Pot Sausage Etouffee (ended up not being made last week)
Wednesday:  Honey Mustard Pork Scallopini, Baked Potato Rounds
Thursday:  Savory Beef and Noodles
Friday:  Smothered Chicken, Roasted Potato Wedges
Saturday:  Skinny Italian Spinach Meatballs
Sunday:  Baked Garlic Chicken with Basmati Rice

On my to do list....
Zumba
Pay Bills
Menu Plan and Grocery List
Homeschooling
Homemaking (make beds, sweeping, vacuuming, bathrooms, laundry, dusting)

In the craft basket....
New red, white and blue quilt.
New Crochet Ripply Blanket.

Looking forward to this week....
A quiet week of homemaking, homeschooling and life in general. 

Looking around the house....
Kitchen needs some attention, there are a few dishes in the sink soaking in soapy water, waiting to go into the dishwasher.  A few things on the counters from the weekend, kid toys, husband books etc.
Living room is clean, except for some of the kid's Easter chocolates on the ottoman.

From the camera....

On my prayer list.....
Our friends Jen and Matthew, as they go through some very difficult moments in their life.
Other friends who are needing some prayer at the moment.

Bible verse, Devotional....
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you - James 4:8