Wednesday, December 23, 2020

{ Elliott got neutered, ready for Christmas and some bread baking }

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We are inching ever so close to Christmas day. 

My word, has this year flown by. 

I don't think anyone is complaining because it definitely has been one for the history books.  But through all the chaos, grief, craziness, obstacles thrown our way, it has also brought my family abundant blessings and a huge growth spiritually.

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I am still not quite there with the Christmas spirit, but I do remind myself daily that the reason we celebrate, is not one to let slip by unnoticed.  So for that reason alone, I am pushing on and trying my best to embrace the season.

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The days have slowed down, the temperatures have been true to winter, well, somewhat, because the past two days we've hit the 70s.  Go figure!

I have been spending time in the kitchen, organizing and changing things around a bit.  I don't know about you all, but I feel that things are never quiet like I want them to be.  I think it should be one way, this drawer for that thing, or that shelf for this and that, and then as I go about my day, I realize that it's not working.

Guess what I'm trying to say is that, even 5 years into living in this house, I don't think I've yet figured out exactly where I want my kitchen things to go.  Hahahah 

Maybe one day I'll get there.

 

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My Christmas shopping is completely done, everything is wrapped and under the tree.  Actually, I do have my brother's present still arriving, hopefully today.  That will be the last one to wrap and then yes, I can say I am officially done. 

We are spending Christmas Eve at my brother's house, and then Christmas day at home, as we always do, eating leftovers and enjoying all the new gifts we receive.

I will show you what I get in a post after Christmas, probably this coming weekend.

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I've done quite a bit of baking, Portuguese rolls, Italian Bread and some amazing butter swim biscuits.  I really need to get these all on the food blog, but I just haven't had the time.

Switching gears a bit because I want to show you my Philodendron.  Remember I got her back in the summer?

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She has grown sooooooo much.  She is actually now resting on my Peace Lily, crazy.

I have trimmed her, I have also propagated her and now have a new one growing.  I will take pictures of that one and show you as well.  Once it rooted, I transplanted it to a pot with soil and she is very happy in there.

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 Our little Elliott got neutered yesterday morning.  It broke my heart to leave him at the vet, I always feel so bad leaving them with strangers.  I would like to say that I didn't cry, but that would be a lie hahah

I was counting down the minutes until we could pick him up.  When we did, the nurse asked us to go back with her because he was not happy at all.  He was still coming out of anesthesia, his pupils were dilated and obviously he didn't know anyone around him, so he was hissing and growling at the nurses.

As soon as we walked in, I called his name and starting talking to him like I do, and he gave out the sweetest meow and calmed down.  Curt got him from the cage and wrapped him in his blanket.  I held him all the way home and he just either stared up at me, or closed his eyes and burrowed his face into my chest.  Poor baby.

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I will say, this was the easiest neutering ever.  He came home with no pain, no sutures and no cone.  He was starving, so was very happy to get his food and then even though he was slightly drowsy still, he started playing with his toys, jumping off and on things (much to my distress, but you can't really control a cat from jumping).

We opted to do a laser treatment on his incision, which was done right after surgery and closed up the incision, there was no need for sutures and it also means no risk of infection etc.  For $25, I think it is well worth it.  He hasn't licked at the area, he hasn't messed with it, he is already acting like his old self.  It is great.

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 He has been quite sleepy though.  They gave us some pain meds for the next two days, and I gave him one this morning.  He has been sleeping since then, which is wonderful to see, it means he is healing and not jumping up and down on things.

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 I have also been enjoying my time with God.  I never thought I would enjoy reading the Bible as much as I have.  I will say, getting the right version makes all the difference in the world.  This is my first NIV version and I wish all my other Bibles were the same, it makes reading the word a breeze, I understand it, which is a great thing especially when you're moving through the Old Testament. 

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Another thing I've been busy with, is creating a new recipe folder for myself.  I love old folders.  I won't say I don't like having recipes online, I mean,  I have a food blog for goodness sake, but I really enjoy having a folder with printed or hand written recipes.

So, been printing a lot of yummy recipes, some favorites that I want to have on hand, other new ones that I tried and have enjoyed too.  It's been a lot of fun.

Today I plan on going through my hand written recipes, I have some with my grandmothers handwriting, that I want to put in this folder too.

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Also received some amazing Gooseberry Patch Christmas books from my sweet friend Tina.  She is such a sweetheart and knows how much I love Gooseberry Patch.  Thank you Tina :)

So there you have it, that is what has been going on here at home.

I am looking forward to the beginning of a new year, and to really get back to blogging.  If 2020 taught me something, is that life is short and time is precious, and we need to do what we love and enjoy, and stop focusing on things that don't matter.

It was a hard lesson to learn but it sure has changed my perspective on many things.

Anyway, I think I have talked for long enough, if you've made it all the way to the bottom here, thank you and God bless you hahah

I'm off to get dressed, start a load of laundry and then run to Walmart with Curt, I'm not sure what he needs but he wants to run by there quick.

Have a wonderful Wednesday friends.  Hope you are all ready for Christmas.

Monday, December 21, 2020

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/21/2020 }

Good morning everyone, how was your weekend? 

Mine was good, did my last minute Christmas shopping on Saturday.  Can I just say how frustrating Christmas shopping has become?  Is it just me who feels this way?
 
I used to love Christmas shopping, but now it's just a headache.  I think we put so much pressure on ourselves to find the perfect gift, it takes all the joy out of buying a gift for someone.  At least for me.
 
Anyway, it is early Monday morning, Christmas is literally right around the corner.  Can't believe how quickly this year has gone.  
 
Oh and just as an update, I mentioned my blood work last week, everything is fine, the doctor says all levels are within normal limits and I'm good to go.  Thank the Lord.
 
Right, let's get on with our HHM.  BTW you'll be seeing me around here a bit more, I'm taking a break from Instagram at least until the end of the month and into January.  I will be on there once in a while just to check messages because I do need my page up for book review purposes.  I just won't be sharing anything about my life etc.  The new data policy changes are quite intrusive and for the moment, I do not feel comfortable being on there.



The weather outside is::::
Currently 37 degrees, but we will have a high of 65 today, so that will be nice. 

Monday - 65
Tuesday -  72
Wednesday -  51
Thursday -  57
Friday - 61
Saturday -  65
Sunday - 62


On the breakfast plate this morning::::
I'm sipping on some coffee with Sweet Cream creamer.  I'll be making instant pot creamy oatmeal for breakfast, later.  

 
As I look outside my window::::
It is pitch black outside, the sun hasn't yet come out.  I do have my window open, so I can hear cars in the distance and birds chirping nearby.     


As I look around the house::::
Aside from the lit Christmas tree, I don't think it really looks like the holidays in my house.  We've struggled with getting into the spirit and decorating, didn't even put up my Village.  Oh well.       

 
What I'm wearing today::::
For the moment I'm in my pajamas, not sure what I'll wear later.            

 
Currently reading::::
Reading through Isaiah.   
Also finishing up a book for review this week.  

 
On the TV for this week::::
My Portuguese soap "Bem me Quer"
Vlogs on Youtube
 
 
On the menu this week::::
 
Monday - Bratwurst Tray Bake, Salad
Tuesday - Fricassee Chicken, Rice
Wednesday  - Beef roast with Potatoes, Cheesy Cauliflower
Thursday - Christmas Eve (Shrimp Rissois, Sausage Rolls, Chocolate pyramids, cheeseburger sliders, yule log)  My sister in law is making ham, potato bake and a few other things
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday -  *Grocery shopping*
Sunday -
 
 
Something fun to share::::
Bringing you another beautiful video this morning, this one is from M vlogs, and it's called Delights of December.  Hope you enjoy!   

 
 
Favorite photo from the camera::::
Early morning light paired with twinkly Christmas tree lights.  Such a beautiful combination.     
 
 

Prayers, Inspiration quotes, Devotionals::::
Have a few on my prayer list this week.
 
Joca in Portugal - he is in the hospital with covid and having some issues with his respiration.
Ze - a dear friend's husband in South Africa, he has liver cancer and is hospitalized at the moment with fluid in the lungs.
Isabel - friend in South Africa, she is 42 years old and has ovarian cancer that unfortunately has spread.  She is going through a very difficult time.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

{ The Empathy Advantage by Lynne Azarchi - TLC Book Tour }

 

• Hardcover: 324 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers; Illustrated edition (November 4, 2020)

 

We live in a time when empathy is not only lacking but on the decline. Kids are bullied because of the color of their skin, religion, culture, a disability and more. Bullying and cyberbullying are increasing, especially for black and brown kids, LGBT youth, and Jewish and Muslim youth. Fueled by decreases in respect, kindness, and compassion, the house is on fire!

Empathy may be not be a cure-all, but just a little effort can transform a child into a more sensitive, caring human being. The good news is that empathy – the ability to “walk in someone else’s shoes” – can be taught. This book is all about teaching adults to teach empathy to kids. The payoff will last a lifetime.

In this helpful guide, parents, caregivers and teachers are coached to help their children and students to develop social-emotional skills that will equip them to better navigate the world with self-compassion and empathetic concern.

The Empathy Advantage is for the busiest parents and educators. It provides tips, strategies, online resources, and activities that are fun and engaging and take just 10 to 20 minutes. It emphasizes the importance of starting early, being good role models, spending quality face-to-face time together, and more. It will help readers understand the dynamics of bullying and teach children to stand up not only for themselves but others. And it explores other topics including managing media in the home, the value of pets in inculcating empathy, active listening, and self-compassion – i.e. being as forgiving and kind to yourself as you would to a friend.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

About Lynne Azarchi

LYNNE AZARCHI, author of THE EMPATHY ADVANTAGE, is Executive Director of Kidsbridge Tolerance Center outside of Trenton, New Jersey—a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering bullying prevention, anti-bias, diversity appreciation, empathy, and empowerment strategies for youth.  She is a tireless advocate for improving the lives of at-risk youth in communities across New Jersey. Kidsbridge helps more than 2,500 preschool, elementary, and middle school students and educators improve their social-emotional skills each year.  Azarchi has won many awards and her articles have been published both in newspapers and academic journals.  She is a frequent speaker to parent and teacher groups, corporations and major educational conferences.
 
 
REVIEW: 

The more I look around our current world situation, the more I am convinced that we are not teaching our children empathy.  That may be a pretty blunt statement to make, but it's my honest belief, and when I started reading The Empathy Advantage, it just became more and more obvious that it is true.

I have always tried to be a good mom, wading my way through the crazy ups and downs of parenthood, from infant, to toddler, preteen, teen and now an adult child with another 6 months from being an adult.

As parents, we tend to question everything we do, whether we are teaching them right, teaching them enough, and while it may be true that life experience is something that we have to learn for ourselves, as parents, we can make a difference by molding our children and equipping them with moral values to carry forth in their life.

What is empathy?

Having the ability to put ourselves in someone's else's shoes.

Lynne Azarchi provides us with chapters filled with information, tips and tricks to teach empathy, how to be kind, how to be respectful. 
 
The author teaches us how to instill these traits in our children, and she focuses on a myriad of situations and daily life.  With chapters on social media, bullying prevention, self compassion, what parents want and active listening.
 
I think this is a wonderful book for parents of any age children, but I honestly wish I had had this book when mine were still little.  It would have helped me a lot.
 
Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

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::::