Wednesday, November 06, 2019

{ Slow Day }

As my stress levels hit an all time high, I realized that it was not only affecting me mentally but physically too.  That is usually when I switch gears and force myself to slow down, to have a slow, cozy day surrounded by the things I love.

There was much needing done around the house, and so I slipped the apron over my head, tied the straps behind my back, took a deep breath and just got busy.

_MG_6764

I started with the dishes, since there's always piles in the sink, no matter how many times I run the dishwasher or hand wash.  While I was standing at the sink, I took the sprayer from the faucet and quickly gave the window a quick wash too.


_MG_6769

With the weather turning cold the past week, we've lit the fire twice, which means ashes needing to be cleared out from the fireplace.  It's not a chore I particularly enjoy but I do like a clean fireplace, so I got right to work.

I cleared out all the ashes, then gave the metal border and the glass doors a really good clean.  I then swept and vacuumed the brickwork and left the fireplace looking spotless.  I can't believe I didn't take a photo to show you, I'll have to do that tomorrow.

_MG_6773

I also emptied out the ash bucket, gave it a clean, and restocked some firewood in the basket.

_MG_6774

As I moved around the house, doing this and that, the rain started outside.  Within a few minutes the house darkened so much that it looked like nighttime, so I lit some lamps and candle warmers and continued working under the cozy lighting.

_MG_6778

I finished off a few loads of laundry, including one of kitchen towels and tablecloths.  Just because it was raining outside, didn't mean that I needed to run my big dryer for this load, so I set them up in the living room and let them sit overnight.

All I need to do now is iron them.  Maybe you think I'm strange for ironing kitchen towels and tablecloths, but I was raised by my great grandmother and she always instilled in me this love for homemaking, even in those menial tasks we would otherwise find useless to do.

_MG_6779

Furniture was polished, floors were vacuumed, windows were washed and rooms set to order.

There is something so calming and peaceful about a clean room.  I don't often show you Curt's office, I don't know why because it is one of my favorite rooms in the house, but maybe I'll do that another time.

_MG_6780

I have to tell you that I truly do love this house, and I would be extremely happy, and blessed, were we given the opportunity to buy it and stay forever.

But I know that this is all in God's hands and I'm letting Him take the reign. 

We may not have the certainty that this home will be ours, it will be a few more weeks until we know for sure, but for the moment,  I plan on enjoying it and loving it, just as much as if I already knew the outcome. 

And so, even in the uncertainty, I take the utmost care in every room that I clean, in every corner that I decorate, every floor I sweep or window I wash. 

It doesn't take but a bit of my time and effort, and it's the least I can give back to these four walls that have given us so much love the past 4 years.

Monday, November 04, 2019

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/04/2019 }

Good morning friends, happy Monday and welcome to another Happy Homemaker Monday.

Things around here have been stressful to say the least, if you've read my latest post you will understand, so be sure to check it out below.

Much as it's all stressful and up in the air, the Lord has also been moving mountains and making things happen for us, and it's been pure joy to sit back and watch Him work.  If only I had learned how to just sit, do my part and then wait, instead of expecting things to happen when I want them to, or how I want them to.

This whole situation has been a huge lesson for both Curt and I, it's been hard, it's been terrifying, it's been eye opening, but we have also learned a lot and continue to feel blessed.

If you could please keep us in your prayers, I would truly appreciate it.

Right, now that is out of the way, let's get right into our Happy Homemaker Monday.




The weather outside is::::
It is currently 47 degrees, so warmer than it's been lately.  This week we seem to be hitting some 70 degree days which is just so weird to me, from 20s and 30s to 70s, but hey ho, that is how this crazy weather is. 

Monday - Sunny,  71
Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 66
Wednesday - Scattered Thunderstorms,65
Thursday - Showers, 55
Friday - Partly cloudy, 52
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 65
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 65


On the breakfast plate this morning::::
Coffee with White Chocolate Raspberry creamer, toast with tomato jam.      


As I look outside my window:::
I don't particularly care for the whole daylight savings time change, but I must say that I do enjoy being able to get up in the morning and seeing the sun coming up, instead of it being pitch black.  Right now, the sun is shining through the bedroom windows, you can tell the crispness of the morning outside by the dew on the grass, so everything is glistening.       


Right now I am::::
Sitting in bed, working on this post.       


As I look around the house::::
I have taken down the Halloween decorations and now I need to give the house a good clean.  It's not that it isn't clean, but I always like to spruce it up anytime I switch out decorations. 

I have clean couch slipcovers hanging on my dining room chairs, I need to put them back on the couches today.  There are couch decorative pillows on the floor, Marley threw them off  LOL    


On today's to do list::::
Laundry....I have a big comforter and bed linens to wash.     
Cleaning....As I mentioned above, I need to give the house a good clean.  I also want to try and clean my living room and den windows.   
Homeschooling....Game Design, Chemistry test, Algebra Discussion and a couple other lessons to get through.    
Crocheting....I started Part 3 of the Rozeta CAL.  I find when I'm stressed and need some down time, crocheting helps me relax and stay focused. 
Cooking.....Lunch will probably be some Grilled Cheese and Ham.   Dinner will be Chicken and Dumplings.  I also need to get some homemade bread going and hubby and the kids have asked for some sort of dessert.   


On the menu this week::::
Monday - Chicken and Dumplings
Tuesday - Classic Cheesy Chili Loaded Frito Pie, Salad
Wednesday - Slow Cooked Cubed Steaks, Mashed Potatoes
Thursday - Butter Chicken, Basmati Rice
FridayCheesy Kielbasa Bake, Garlic Bread
Saturday - Pork Chops, Cubed Fried Potatoes, Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
Sunday - Potato Soup, Sandwiches




Currently reading::::
It would be night in Caracas by Karina Sainz Borgo.


On the TV this week::::

Youtube:
Homemaking Vlogs
True Crime Documentaries


TV:
Sanditon
Catherine the Great
His Dark Materials
Poldark


What I am creating at the moment::::
Rozeta CAL from Lilla Bjorn.     


New recipe I tried or want to try this week::::
Two of the recipes on the menu are new, the chili frito pie and the chicken and dumplings.  I'll let you all know how those were.       



Favorite photo from the camera:::: 





Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

♥♥♥ Curt's stepfather is in hospital at the moment.  He needs open heart surgery.  Please keep him in your prayers.
♥♥♥ My mother in law and her continuing fight with breast cancer.
♥♥♥ Curt and I need prayers through this house situation.  We know it will be ok in the end, we know God has it, but it is so stressful and we have no clue what we are doing.  It's such a humbling feeling too.  I try to be strong, and I guess I'm just thankful that God loves us enough to continue forgiving us for our shortcomings, because as a human being, we can't help but feel anxious and stressed and scared.  Just so you all know where we are at the moment, we made an offer, the owner accepted, and now we move forward with the VA loan process, which means appraiser coming out and so on.  This is a dream of Curt and I and I'm just so thankful that we have come this far.



Wednesday, October 30, 2019

{ Pumpkin Carving and a wrench thrown our way }

_MG_6742

Hello everyone, it's been a few days since I've posted.  Let's just say that we have been in a bit of a haze with certain things that have transpired.

You know, Curt and I have always prided ourselves in being good people, helping those we can, minding our own business and always thinking of other's feelings before we make any decision.  It is the way we have chosen to live our lives and honestly, we wouldn't change it for anything in the world.

Well, with that kind of living comes the realization that there are a lot of people out there that take advantage, and quite literally pull the rug out from under you.

_MG_6745

I'm not going to talk about all the details, but I will say that we have been in this house for 4 years, with the full intent of buying it, the owner knows it, the landlord knows it and we have just been working super hard the past few years to pay off all our debt.

Just this Monday we received a phone call from the landlord informing us that the lease we signed back in May, for another 2 years, was never signed by the owner and therefore on the 1st of November, they are putting the house on the market for sale and we either try to buy it or then we need to move.

We also were informed that we have been on a month to month basis since May.

To say that we were shocked, would be an understatement.  I have never in my life felt so disappointed, so shocked at the nerve of these people to pull something like that on us.  It's just not right.

_MG_6746


After a half a day of some crying, some panicking and dropping to my knees in prayer, my husband and I put it in God's hands and just let it go completely.  Much as we would like to stay in this house  and buy it, it is not a MUST for us, and if the Lord feels that it is not our forever home, then that is ok too.

We are now waiting to see what comes of this.  We've done our part, we've applied for a loan, whatever else happens, which ever way we go from here is up to the Lord.

So, if you would be so kind to throw some prayers our way, for the Lord's will to be done, one way or the other.  The way we see it and feel at the moment, is that no matter what, we will be fine and we win.

If we stay in this house that we love, great.  If we end up moving or buying another house, great.  Either way it is something to be thankful for and not panic about.

_MG_6750

_MG_6751

_MG_6752

_MG_6756

In the middle of this storm, we still managed to come together as a family, gather around the table and carve some pumpkins.  It was  lot of fun and I'm so glad that we did it this year, it reminded us of years gone by when the kids were little.

_MG_6757

I've also received some kitchen products to test out and review, and I am so excited to share them with you all.  It will probably be on Friday, so keep an eye out for that.

_MG_6759

_MG_6761

The weather has been crazy.  We are under  freeze watch, which is insane for this time of the year.  There's also been a ton of rain and wind, which means the fire has been going, but unfortunately today, I had to turn on the central heating because the temps dropped down to 30 and it was just incredibly cold in the house.

I'll be turning it off here in an hour or so because I don't want to have it running constantly.

So, there you have it, you are all caught up on what has been happening here.  As always, you know that I share my life, the ups and downs, and I don't want anyone thinking that it's all rainbows and puppies over here, though that would have been nice wouldn't it?  Haha

No, it's ups and downs and lefts and rights, rugs pulled out from under feet, falling flat on our faces, being attacked from one side and the other, but always and I mean always doing it with a smile on our faces and holding the Lord's hand.

I don't know if maybe one of you is going through a rough patch and feeling lost and hopeless, and maybe hearing my words will help you remember that we are not alone, even when we think we are.  Sometimes what seems like a bad thing is a blessing, we just have to let it go and let God do His work.

Right, I am going to snuggle under the covers and try to warm up.  Hope you're all staying warm, and if you're one of the few with snow already, I am so sorry and do hope you are able to get a little warmth soon.

Have a blessed day friends.

Monday, October 28, 2019

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 10/28/2019 }

Good morning everyone, hope you've had a wonderful weekend.  Mine was good but as always, what was supposed to be a relaxing, do nothing kind of weekend, turned into rearranging and cleaning out the garage and office.  It always goes like that doesn't it?

Both Curt and I woke up feeling like we needed another weekend.

We carved pumpkins last night and I managed to get a few photos, I'll take some of the finished pumpkins later.  Curt and I finished ours, the kids, not so much, they ended up losing steam and setting them aside to finish today.  Some things never change LOL

I have some cleaning to do today, and a ton of pumpkin and seeds to get through, roast, pack away in the freezer and so on.  I think it may turn into a kitchen day for me , and I couldn't be happier.

Hope you all have a blessed week ahead.  I wanted to quickly welcome all my new followers, there have been a few of you this past week, which makes me so incredibly happy.

Right, let's get going with our Happy Homemaker Monday. 




The weather outside is::::
Currently 39 degrees outside.  It is cold friends, not that I'm complaining because I've been waiting for these temperatures to drop for a while now.  We are only looking at a high of 57 today.  Woohoo!

Rest of the week we are staying pretty low, a few rainy days and the highest this coming week?  61. 

Monday - Partly cloudy,  57
Tuesday - Rain, 44
Wednesday - AM showers, wind, 43
Thursday - Sunny, 49
Friday - Sunny, 59
Saturday - Sunny, 57
Sunday - Mostly Sunny,61


On the breakfast plate this morning::::
Coffee with Butter Cookie Creamer and a bowl of hot porridge with cinnamon, dates and crunchy pecans.     


As I look outside my window:::
The sun hasn't been up too long so it's shining through the trees, giving the whole house and yard an orange glow.  I think early morning and sunset are the most beautiful times of the day.     


Right now I am::::
Typing up this post, listening to a podcast and trying to stay warm.  I'm so cold right now that not even my bed covers are keeping me warm.     


As I look around the house::::
It needs a good clean today and that's exactly what I plan on giving it.  Last night we carved pumpkins and since Curt was the first to be done, he went out to the garage and found the Halloween decorations.  We haven't really decorated for Halloween in quite a few years, the kids are not little anymore, they don't trick or treat and we are also out in the country so no one really sees the house so I guess we figured, why bother?
But my husband got into the spirit of the holiday and just decked out the whole living room, especially the fireplace.

I need to clean the area up, vacuum and put things away and so on.  You know how it goes.   


On today's to do list::::
Laundry....I have one comforter I want to wash, dry and pack away in the linen closet.  Other than that, no washing to be done.   
Cleaning....basic house chores. 
Homeschooling....Livelesson for Nick.  He also has a Chemistry and Algebra project to do so I need to sit with him and get that going.  
Crocheting....Hoping to start part 3 of the Rozeta CAL.  Also, pulled out some yarn because I'm determined to crochet myself some socks this winter.
Cooking.....For lunch I will probably do a tuna salad.  I don't often make lunch anymore, not since the kids have grown.  Jasmine is usually at work and Nick just does his own thing, like most 16 year olds do.  But when they're both home, they like it when I fix lunch and since Jasmine is off until Friday, I see some lunches in my future.  Dinner is Roast chicken thighs with some Garlic Butter potatoes.     


On the menu this week::::
Monday - Roast Chicken Thighs, Garlic Butter Potatoes
Tuesday - Panda Express Chow Mein and Pork
Wednesday - Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza  (using pepperoni instead of sausage)
Thursday - Fettucine Alfredo with Ham, Salad
Friday -  Out to dinner
Saturday -
Sunday -

I will be meal planning this week and shopping on Friday, so I'm not sure what is on the menu.  I have meals until Thursday night.  


Currently reading::::
It would be night in Caracas by Karina Sainz Borgo.


On the TV today::::
My TV doesn't really change, I pretty much watch the same things and so I feel like I keep giving you the same list every week.  Apologies for that, but here is what I'm kind of planning on watching.

Vlogtober Vlogs
Sanditon
Catherine the Great
Christmas movies 


What I am creating at the moment::::
Rozeta CAL from Lilla Bjorn.     


New recipe I tried or want to try this week::::
Nothing new last week, maybe something new this week?  I'm not entirely sure. I do plan on making my Pumpkin Donuts with Buttermilk Glaze.     

Pumpkin Donuts


Favorite photo from the camera::::





Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17


Friday, October 25, 2019

{ First fire of the season and hibernating }

_MG_6734

It is downright nippy here.

The temperatures plummeted yesterday morning, right down to 30 degrees and then rose to 47, that's it, 47 for the day.  Throw in wind and storms, and I actually found myself shivering as I climbed into bed.

The same rain, strong wings and chill temps have continued through today.  I've been eagerly awaiting the first real cool days, and here they are in all their glory.

_MG_6735

_MG_6736

I donned on my first sweater and boots of the season too and braved the cold rainy weather to take my daughter to work.  If there's one thing I highly dislike, is driving in the rain, it makes me quite anxious.

Upon returning home, I immediately got the fire going.  There's nothing quite like the first fire.

The smell of the wood burning, the crackling sounds and the popping flickers of fire flying up from the flames.

_MG_6738

_MG_6739

I sat for a few minutes, just listening to the fire and the high wind blowing outside, but I can't sit in my jeans and boots, I'm the kind of girl that needs to immediately change into some comfy sweat or pajama pants and warm slippers.

I quickly set the house to order, got the kitchen cleaned up, why is that the one room in the house that is constant disarray?  No matter how many dishes I wash, how many counters I clean, there is always and I mean always a dish here, a cup there, a wrapper on the counter.  Never ending job.

But as I sat washing the dishes and looking out into the trees outside the window, I began thinking and planning, and a word came to mind, hibernate.

I'm not a bear but I do tend to hibernate during the cold winter days.  I wish I could say that I fill my tummy and sleep for 3 or so months, but that is not the case.

I hibernate in the sense that I plan, and prepare and gather all I need for the winter months ahead.

Summer months mean gardening, swimming, barbecues and constant on the go moments, and as Fall starts swinging around, I start slowing down and looking forward to the dark nights, the stews and soups, hot chocolate and crackling fires, and nights spent on the recliner with a warm crochet blanket draped across my lap.

October 12, 2017

It's not a question of if we will need firewood or if cold days will come, it is a question of when, and so we start gathering, chopping and piling wood months before.  We started back in July and still have quite a lot to get through.

October 14, 2017

Our pecan trees are full, their branches littered with big pecans ready to be harvested to or knocked off by a gust of wind.  In the next two weeks we will harvest them all, big buckets of beautiful pecans that will then need to be shelled, bagged for pie for the holidays and pecan milk for the fridge, the rest will be frozen to use as needed.

_MG_7330

This is also the time of the year that I pull out my knitting needles and crochet hooks and work on new hats, scarves and blankets.  Of course you can buy these at the store, but there is something knitting or crocheting each item, putting your love into each row, not to mention that something homemade seems to be a lot warmer than the store bought ones.

_MG_7401

Stocking of candles, long tapered ones and small tea lights for nights where the power goes out.

Making of apple butter

I take this time of the year to also can jam, applesauce, salsa, tomato sauce and anything else I can think of.

Honey, Ginger and Lemon

Cold weather also means colds and flus.  Every year I like to prepare for those with some store bought items but mainly homemade remedies that are sure to keep those sore throats and coughs at bay.  If you've followed me for a while you will no doubt have seen me talk about my Honey, Ginger and Lemon Syrup.  I make it every.single.year and make sure to refresh it and make a new batch as soon as October comes around.

This year I'll also be making a Ginger shot sure to pack a punch.  One shot of it each day will keep those nasty bugs away.

June 6, 2019

The garden will be put to bed, plants will be moved indoors for the freezing weather and plans for Spring gardening will be drawn up.

I find the cooler months to be probably my favorite time of year, we have all the holidays to look forward to, time with family and delicious food to be consumed. 

We also have dark cozy nights with candle light, snowy storms outside and holiday movies on the TV.

So I'm preparing and prepping and getting ready to hibernate into the cooler months.  Tell me, do you hibernate as well?