Happy Homemaker Monday - 10/28/2013

It's been a couple months since I've gotten to participate in Happy Homemaker Monday and I am so glad to be back, I can't even begin to tell you how glad! Well, I could, but then I'd just bore you. haha
Things have been completely insane around here and finally things are starting to slow down enough to where I can get back to regular blogging. I am so glad!
So firstly I'll start with joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday. If you want to join in head on over to her blog and link up! :)

photo is from Sandra @ Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

~::As I look outside my window::~
Sunny but cold outside. All the leaves are falling off the branches faster than I'm used to, but there are plenty of birds and squirrels coming to eat the food put out for them. The grass is still mostly green with a few brown and yellow patches here and there. All the frost from this morning has melted away. Here's a look at our weather this week:

~::Right now I am::~
Sitting on the couch while my youngest takes his nap. I've been doing laundry all morning and the normal day to day chores. Gilmore Girls is playing on the TV.



~::Thinking and pondering::~
About how busy this week is going to be. Tonight there's a Halloween school carnival at my oldest son's school, tomorrow is karate practice, Wednesday I'm babysitting, Thursday is errand day, karate practice, and Halloween (trick or treating), and luckily nothing is going on for Friday just yet. Hopefully it stays that way. Also thinking how nice it would be to have hubby home. He has been working non-stop all the time lately and it's been hard to handle as we are barely seeing him. It's been a big adjustment and one we all are not taking to well. It's been very stressful.



~::On my bedside table::~
The Hanging Tree by: Michael Phillip Cash
Stillwell Manor by: Michael Phillip Cash
going to the library this week so I'm sure this list will grow. I also just finished about five books, so I'll get some reviews up for those :)



~::On my TV tonight::~
Gilmore Girls
Bones
The Voice



~::Playing on the radio::~
The radio is off at the moment



~::On the menu for this week::~
Monday- porkchops, steamed baby carrots, rice
Tuesday- chicken casserole, biscuits
Wednesday- pizza pasta casserole, garlic bread
Thursday- (shopping day) something out as we won't have a lot of time
Friday-
Saturday-
Sunday-


~::On my to do list::~
Washing and ironing Lucas's Gi
Change bed linens
Cleaning windows and shelves
Mopping kitchen and bathroom floors
Vacuuming living room, and bedrooms
Give Gizmo a bath
Organize kitchen cabinets
Organize living room shelf (sadly it's become our dumping ground and all things are getting put there when we come inside as it's right in front of the door. I'm going to clear it off today, and set it back to rights)
normal day to day chores


~::What I am sewing, knitting, or creating::~
Not much of a chance to do anything lately. I've been lucky to find time to read or even sit for more than fifteen minutes lately. LOL
I am hoping to start on some crafts soon, especially since my local Walmart finally started carrying fabrics! I'm very excited about that fact.


~::My simple pleasure::~
Hot cup of freshly brewed tea and any kind of chocolate. :)


~::Lesson learned this past week::~
You can't always do what pleases others. You have to put yourself and family first. When times get hard people will give you all kinds of advice, some good and some bad. If they truly care about you they have good intentions. Trust God and trust your heart to do what is best for you and your family. You can't please everyone. Everything worth having is worth fighting for at some point or another in life. Life isn't life without some struggles here and there, but God holds our hand every step of the way, and you are NEVER alone in anything, even when it feels like it.


~::Looking around the house::~
Some dishes in the sink I need to get done, living room needs a little picking up from the kids coloring in here before school this morning, Levi is napping, Gizmo is laying on my feet, and I'm about to make BLT's for lunch.


~::From the camera::~
Nothing this week. Sorry :(



~::On my prayer list::~

• Our family as we go through some financial struggles.
• Me and hubby, we have had some tough times the last few months. It has been extremely difficult as we have had to get used to some changes that have not been easy on any of us.
• Family and friends for good health. It seems like everyone around us is getting sick, and I know how rough that can be. We were all sick for about two weeks and actually spent my son's whole fall break being sick! It took a huge toll on us, but I am thankful we are all back to normal now. Praying for everyone else's good health.
• Family and friends who are going through some personal struggles.

~::Bible verse/Devotional::~
John 5:30
"I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

Songs That Make Us Sing Saturday ~ 02/08/2013

I'm glad to be back for the Songs That Make Us Sing Saturdays blog hop hosted by::

Because I'm The Mommy

(not) Just Another Mom of Twins

If you would like to join in the fun visit the above links and check out their Saturday Songs and link up! :)

Today I'm going to share one of my favorites. I heard it on the radio the other day, and it always makes me sing.

Songs That Make Us Sing - Aug 18th

I can't believe it's time already for another songs that make us sing saturday! Time is going so fast, of course I am writing this on Thursday but it's scheduled to post Sat. haha. I'm probably up to my knees in boxes and we are moving today as you read this so pray for me! I just really did not want to miss this blog hop, its so fun!
If you want to enter in the fun just head on over to these blogs and add up your link::

(not) Just Another Mom of Twins

&

Because I'm The Mommy

Here's my song for the week::

Fantasy - Mariah Carey

Visit the links above to link up. I'm going to link up from my phone and I will try to visit from my phone throughout the day (when I can get the chance).

Songs That Make Us Sing Saturday ~ August 11th

I just love this song so I thought I'd share it for this week's Songs That Make Us Sing BLOG HOP.
If you want to enter in the fun just head on over to these blogs and add up your link::

(not) Just Another Mom of Twins

&

Because I'm The Mommy

You will hear some great songs and meet some great people. Go ahead and give the blogs a follow you won't regret it because they are just that awesome! :) Happy weekend everyone! Hope it's a good one.

I'm Burnin' For You- Blue Oyster Cult

ABC's of Me

The lovely ladies from vB have been doing ABC's of me for awhile now, and for some reason I keep putting it off because I can't think of something to go with every letter. It's high time to post this though so I'm going to sit down and just go with it. You may learn something about me you didn't know. :) So here we go:::

::Age:: 25
::Bed Size:: King size memory foam we just bought this Feb 2012 (when the boys need us it helps to have a big bed, and when the boys sleep in their own room it still helps to have a big bed cos hubby is a bit of a bed hog! haha)
::Chore I hate:: Dishes and laundry (they are never-ending)
::Down Comforters:: I LOVE them. So soft and snuggly and warm without all the weight.
::Envelopes:: I hate to lick them.
::Favorite color:: Any color blue
::Giggles:: Something that can be heard in our house about every single day. Couldn't do without it. LOL
::Height:: I'm 5'9"
::Ice Cream:: Dot's Ice Cream. I seriously can't get enough! If you haven't tried it yet your really missing out. But it's SO hard to find! It's at the zoo we frequent and other than that we have to wait until we are at a theme park to get some, but such a treat every time! LOL)
::Josh:: My husband and soul mate. We are husband/wife, best friends, you name it.
::Kids:: I have two boys, Lucas-age 4 and Levi-age 1 1/2. They are my world :)
::Living arrangements:: 2 bedroom apartment just me, hubby, and our 2 boys.
::Mom's name:: Beverly
::Nicknames:: Hubby jokes around and calls me Princess. LOL. It's something he's always done because I like certain things a certain way.
::Overnight hospital stays:: Both of my pregnancy's resulted in kidney infections so severe I was in the hospital. With Lucas I was in there for 7 days at about 6 months into the pregnancy and with Levi I was in there 3 days at about 8 months into the pregnancy. For some reason I always get kidney infections when I'm pregnant.
::Prayer:: Helps the mind, body, and soul if you ask me. I'm guilty of not praying like I should, but it's something I'm definitely working on.
::Quirks:: I have a really weird quirk of smelling drinking glasses/cups before I drink out of them. Hubby calls it an obsessive compulsive disorder, but it's something I have ALWAYS done and I just call it a weird quirk.
::Reading:: I LOVE to read! I am ALWAYS in the process of reading something, and I just can't stand not to read.
::Siblings:: None by blood or marriage, but I have friends who are like siblings to me regardless. Particularly my best friend and children's god mother Rachel.
::Tori:: My first name.
::Unknown fact:: Unlike most women I can't stand to have long nails! LOL. I like to keep them fairly short so they don't get in the way of chores and playing with the boys. If they get long I will end up biting them or obsessing over them getting dirty because I hate dirt under my nails. I don't keep them super short like men's nails, but I don't let them grow over my fingertips either.
::Vegetables:: A big thing in our house and something we all eat. My kids even eat broccoli, cauliflower, peas, etc., with no problem. They've always loved veggies and broccoli just happens to be their fav.
::Water:: My all time favorite drink! When we go to restaurants with family I order water and they think I do it to save money so there's always a long drawn out discussion about me getting a drink, but I really do want water. I always drink water.
::X-Rays:: I've had quite a few in my life and I detest them! Obviously they don't hurt but I feel so invaded nonetheless. LOL
::Yummy treat I like to indulge in:: Icy Mocha's/Frozen Mocha Frappe's. I have a weakness for frozen coffee.
::Zucchini:: One of my favorite things to eat breaded, fried, etc.


So there you go. It was definitely a challenge to come up with a fact about me for each letter, but it's there. haha. Maybe you've learned something new about me, or maybe we have something in common. Regardless if you participate in the ABC's of me feel free to leave your post url in a comment and I will be glad to visit you and learn a bit about you!


Sincerely,
Tori

Songs That Make Us Sing Saturday - July 14

Okay so I was searching YouTube for this week's song (which I actually already had picked out) and this song caught my eye was randomly in the list. It wasn't what I searched for, but its something that all moms can identify with and it is hilarious! I'm so glad I clicked on it, and after I listened to it I can't get it out of my head. HAHA
Hope you enjoy it, it's verrryy catchy though just to warn you. :)

The Mom Song

(with Lyrics)

Artist: Anita Renfroe

If you want to join this awesome blog hop feel free to link up at the following blogs and join in our fun! :)

Because I'm the Mommy

(not) Just Another Mom of Twins

Silly Saturdays #2

Welcome to Silly Saturdays. If you would like to participate feel free to comment and leave a link to your blog. :)

We all need a little laugh now and again so feel free to post a video, jike, comment, story, picture, etc that makes you laugh.

I love this commercial. It's so silly and funny. Perfect for Silly
Saturdays I think. haha

Happy Homemaker Monday #5

Just to give you an update on the previous week: Last week was a really fun week albeit a busy one. Friday we went to my son's school carnival and it was a blast for all of us. We played games, had snowcones, won prizes, etc. They had a few bounce houses among the games which the children really enjoyed and went on several times. The kids were exhausted so I'm glad we ate dinner before we went since they were asleep before we even got home. It was all I could do to get them in their pajamas, teeth brushed, etc. Josh (my husband) and I entered into the school auction where we scored some awesome tickets to some local family fun places nearby. Our local children's museum, an interactive history park, etc. They were taking bids on baskets and tickets that were donated by local businesses. My mom won the bid on my son's class basket, the theme was gardening. The money goes for the children a popcorn/pizza party so it was money well spent all around. I'm thankful that the businesses donated tickets, gift cards, etc so the school could have that.

If you would like to participate in Happy Homemaker Monday feel free to link up your blog using Mr. Linky found at the bottom of this post.




The weather in my part of the world::

On my reading pile::
How We Love Our Kids by: Milan & Kay Yerkovich (to read)

The Fault In Our Stars by: John Green (to read)

The Messenger by: Siri Mitchell

The Bible (always reading)

On my TV this week::
Shark Tank
Undercover Boss
House Hunters
Hart of Dixie



On the menu for this week’s dinner::
Monday- Spaghetti, Garlic Bread / brownies for dessert
Tuesday- Cheeseburger hamburger helper (homemade version), peas, mashed potatoes
Wednesday- Fried Chicken, corn, fried potatoes
Thursday- grocery shopping this day
Friday- see thursday
Saturday- see thursday
Sunday- see thursday





Recipe I tried or want to try soon::

WANT TO TRY SOON

http://extremelyblessedmomof7.blogspot.com/2012/04/hot-and-hearty-southwest-beef-pie.html

I seen this recipe posted by Cheyene, a fellow VB mom blogger. It looks SO tasty, and it's made using crescent rolls, shredded cheese, mexican-style corn, tomatoes, chili beans, chili sauce, and ground sirloin. I can already assume that this is going to be a big hit with our family. You should definitely check out her blog for some more fantastic recipes and other fun stuff. :)



Looking around the home::
Dishes are clean and I have a new Relaxation candle burning on the kitchen counter. The smell is heavenly and it has become one of my favorite candles. It kind of reminds me of a spa scent, and it really is relaxing.
Everyone is still sleeping so I am getting ready to start breakfast. That is sure to wake everyone quickly. :)
Books are still laid out on the end table by the couch that we read before bed so those need to be placed back on the boys bookshelves.
There is a basket of laundry waiting to be ironed, folded, and put away.
My calendar is laid out on the table where I am going to make sure to have all of our upcoming appointments, bill due dates, etc updated. I find it so much easier to maintain a schedule, and keep bills paid when there is a family calendar. It keeps everything more orderly.



On my to-do list::
Put some stray books back in their places on the bookshelves
Laundry needs folded and put away
Going to toy around with re-organizing our bedroom.
Need to make brownies so we can have dessert for later.
Work on my kindle fire case



My projects::
Still working on my kindle fire case. I haven't had much opportunity this week to work on it so it has been sitting in my craft basket. I'm hoping to resume it this week, but I need to make a trip to the hobby store and get some more items. I'm so excited and eager to see how it turns out.



From the camera::
A cross that is hanging in my kitchen. I couldn't get any good outside pictures this week so this will have to do. I love this cross, and it hangs on the wall behind our kitchen table. There's a side view, and a front view.

Something fun to share::

I found this while browsing Pinterest. You can see it by CLICKING HERE
This truly is every kid's dream staircase. I know I would have been thrilled
to have seen this anywhere as a child. LOL

Bible Verse/Devotional::
Matthew 6:34  “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Feel free to use Mister Linky below to link up your Happy Homemaker Monday.

Double Feature Friday!

It's time for double feature blog Friday again! I have chosen two very awesome blogs for this week's features. I hope you check them out and look into following.

        

New Blog Hop Double Features! Coming Soon!

Starting every Friday I am going to be starting a "Blog Hop Double Feature", if you are interested in having your blog featured just leave me a comment.
I will occasionally be browsing through my followers as well checking out their blogs and scouring the web. I enjoy reading others blogs, in particular mom blogs, it really helps mothers connect and it is such a great way to learn new things. After all we moms have to stick together. I have picked up some awesome recipes that others have posted on their blogs, as well as gained helpful information.
In particular this blog hop can be helpful to moms who review products because some companies will only allow you to review products based on the number of followers you have.
So as I enjoy reading blogs and helping others I figure this is a win win situation for us all. Just wanted to let all the readers of Mommy's Musings in on what is to come. If you know any blogs that need more exposure but don't get a lot of followers please send them my way, and feel free to send popular blogs my way as well. After all, I understand it can be a bit difficult to get your blog off the ground sometimes, there are some amazing blogs out there that just aren't getting enough exposure. Cornily put it's a "blog eat blog world"
So hopefully my readers will enjoy this, I know I'm looking forward to it for sure! Here is a bit of a preview:

Have a great and blessed day!