Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/17/2017

Hello all! I hope you are all having a fantastic start to the week. In my area the day is wrapping up and we are going into evening time. I have been trying to get this post up all day but it has been difficult. I have had one thing or another come up, but I've stayed determined. LOL Better late than never. Just another Manic Monday I guess. I am joining in with Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. She posts a Happy Homemaker Monday every week, and you definitely don't want to miss out so head on over and check her out! If you decide to link up as well the link up will be in her post! :)

::The weather::
Hot, humid, and rainy. The weather has not been a sure thing for the last week. It has either been cloudy and cool, or sunny and humid with a sudden downpour! But it's okay. I am not ready for snow so I won't complain about the heat. LOL

::Right now I am::
Typing up this post and rushing if I must be honest. I wanted to get this done first thing in the morning, but my day just did not allow for me too. It has been one crazy hectic day for me with one thing after another. 


::On my reading pile::
Nothing just yet. I finished about five books that I need to get up for review this week. I have been reading when everyone else goes to sleep whenever I can. It's about the only reading time I get anymore unless I set an alarm and get up extra early. Although sometimes my kids hear me up early and they get up too which kind of defeats that trick. LOL


::Movies or Shows I watched this weekend::
This weekend was my birthday and we decided we would all go out together and watch a movie in theaters. I wanted to go see Transformers the Last Knight, BUT the theater we go to didn't have it playing when we were able to go since hubby had to work the next day. We had to make sure it was over early enough to eat and get to bed at a decent time since hubby gets up so early for work. SO we seen Despicable Me 3 instead which was pretty funny. The kiddo's really had a blast there so that was awesome. Other than that I have watched no TV other than catching up on some of my favorite vlogs like PhillipsFamBam, She's In Her Apron, Style Mom XO, Happily A Housewife, and a few others. Right now I'm not thinking well just because I have a lot going on in the background so I can't think of the other vlogs right off the top of my head yet. LOL I'm sure all you fellow momma's out there know just what I'm talking about. 


::On my TV::
Nothing tonight although I will be watching some more vlogs probably in the morning if I have time before everyone wakes up. Me and hubby have quite the day packed with errands tomorrow so it won't leave much time for too many shows. Wednesday, however, me and the kids are going to watch Moana on Netflix since we haven't seen it yet. If I can fit some shows in I'm finishing up season 8 on The Vampire Diaries Thursday hopefully. There are also some documentary's I wouldn't mind watching on Netflix as well.


::On the menu for this week::

Monday 
Spaghetti & Homemade Garlic Cheese Bread    
Tuesday 
Crockpot Chicken & Noodles (I need to post a recipe of it soon, it is so easy and delicious), mashed potatoes, and rolls     
Wednesday 
Beef Stroganoff, Tater Tots, and peas
Thursday 
Chicken Nuggets, mac & cheese, corn (busy day this day with more errands so keeping it simple)
Friday  
Taco's
Saturday 
Pizza out (we have a busy family day planned)
Sunday 
Chicken Roast & Cornbread


::On my to do list::
Since it's already late I have pretty much gotten all my chores done for today other than the after dinner clean up. So I will just fill you in on what I did get done today.
Kitchen- got all the dishes caught up, swept and mopped the floors, tidied the cabinets and shelves
Living room- Vacuumed the couch, vacuumed the floor, picked up a thousand toys (probably not even exaggerating here)
Dining area- Wiped down the table and chairs which I do after every meal anyway so 3x a day since my kiddo's are some messy eaters regardless of how hard they try to be neat lol.
Laundry- washed 5 loads of clothes (we were all pretty much out of clean clothes it was sad. I'm not gonna lie I have been terrible on laundry the last couple weeks because we have been on the go nonstop).
I also washed all the bed linens, vacuumed the matresses off, and all the bedroom floors and upstairs hall.

Tomorrow I will be cleaning the bathrooms since I didn't get to them today although thankfully (and surprisingly) they are not messy at all. I tidy up and wipe the bathrooms down quickly every evening just because...kids you know which really helps keep up with the bathrooms and takes me no time at all. Tomorrow I really just want to wipe things down more in depth, sweep, mop, and change the hand towels and such.


::What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating::
I am looking for ideas on new chore charts for the kiddos, and looking to start a family command center in our house. Pinterest has tons of ideas, but if anyone has any suggestions please feel free to leave a comment below. Also I may look into zone cleaning. I seen it on She's In Her Apron and she says it has been a blessing! It's through FlyLady I guess so going to be looking into that.


::Looking around the house::
It's clean for now although I don't expect it to last that way long. haha. Give it a day or two before my tiny tornado's destroy it. I have candle's burning which I love! Makes the home feel so cozy and relaxing. I have dinner on and it is almost done so we will be eating soon.

::What I'm wearing today::
Black jeggings and a maroon t-shirt


::One of my simple pleasures::
Laundry. I just really do not mind doing laundry at all. I'm not a big fan of ironing a lot of the time. Sometimes I don't mind it, but as far as washing clothes, drying, putting them away. I really don't mind it. 


::Inspirational Quote, Bible verse, anything you want to share::

Happy Homemaker Monday 05/08/2017

Good afternoon all, hope you had a great weekend. I heard on the radio the other day how people always say they need more days in a week, but really we need more days for the weekend! LOL! How true that is! I have some exciting new ideas for the blog that I brainstormed about over the weekend. I will be doing a lot more hauls so those are coming up in the very near future.

::The weather::
Not too bad. We did have rain for 2 days straight but other than that it's been in the 50s & 60s but sunny. We at least don't need our thick winter coats.


::On my reading pile::
I finished Girl In Pieces (review will be posted this week) and I am now halfway through The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller.


::Movies or Shows I watched this weekend::
I didn't get around to watching much other than vlogs this past weekend.


::On my TV::
Catching up some missed episodes of Oak Island with hubby
Gotham with hubby tonight
Vlogs
Tomorrow a New show hubby found called Cooper's Treasure on Discovery. New episode comes on tomorrow at 10pm. Here is a summary:
COOPER'S TREASURE is a new documentary series that tells the incredible story of a legendary astronaut and the secret treasure map he began from space. In the 1960s, Gordon Cooper was one of NASA's original space pioneers, breaking the record for the longest space flight while completing a 122 hour mission. Sent to detect nuclear sites, it was on this mission he discovered something extraordinary that he would keep secret for over 40 years.

While in space Gordon noticed a series of anomalies around the South Caribbean and photographed over 100 of them. These anomalies were dark patches that appeared on his photographs of the earth. He believed there was only one explanation for these and thought them to be sunken ships, including the lost fleet of Christopher Columbus. Working for decades in secret, he created a map that he believed could uncover billions of pounds-worth of treasure. Before he passed away, Gordon shared his secret with his long-time friend Darrell Miklos in the hope that the exploration would continue and the mystery would finally be solved. Now, the one man Gordon trusted has the research and evidence, together with Gordon's map from space and is setting out with a team of seasoned explorers and researchers to once and for all accomplish his friend's long-held dream - to uncover the world's greatest treasures.

Cooper's Treasure airs Tuesdays 10pm on Discovery!


::On the menu for this week::

Monday 5/8
Baked Chicken & Chinese Rice w/veggies

Tuesday 5/9
Hubby's making his Chili

Wednesday 5/10
Tuna Patties, Mac & Cheese, Peas

Thursday 5/11
Spanish Rice, Fried Potatoes, Skillet bread

Friday 5/12
Crockpot BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches & Coleslaw

Saturday 5/13
Grocery shopping day for us this week

Sunday 5/14
Hubby is making me a surprise Mother's Day dinner


::On my to do list::
Monday - Laundry, general tidying up around the house today to straighten back up after the weekend.

Tuesday - rearrange kids bedrooms

Wednesday - meal planning, Make grocery list, more laundry, general household cleaning, book review to be posted

Thursday - normal chores and work on kids playhousek

Friday - errands

Saturday- Grocery shopping day

Sunday- Mother's Day. Spending time with the hubby and kids and my mom.


::What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating::
I have been working in my adult coloring books. They are so relaxing.


::Looking around the house::
Kitchen is tidy as I just cleaned counters, loaded the dishwasher, washed the dishes that couldn't got in the dishwasher, and cleaned the living room.


::What I'm wearing today::
Workout capris and a plain blue t-shirt.


::One of my simple pleasures::
Being the first to wake up on beautiful sunny mornings. I usually read, just relax in the quiet, or even just have some quiet time for my thoughts.


::Bible verse, Devotional::

I am joining in on a link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/24/2017

Good afternoon all, hope you had a great weekend. I had a busy one. It seemed like my kids were all extremely hyper this weekend! LOL
I think we are all just so excited that warmer weather and sunshine has finally reached us! It definitely boosts my mood. I'm hoping to get out in the yard this week. We are planning a little section to be a fairy garden. Have you seen them on Pinterest and Facebook? They are cute and whimsical.




::The weather::
We are back and forth in the 60s and 70s. We have some rain and thunderstorms coming this week but sunshine also.


::On my reading pile::
I am almost done with Girl In Pieces. I did not get to read any over the weekend. We were all so busy and by the time I got the kids wound down for the night each night I was more than ready for bed myself. It's an interesting read although some parts are tough to get through. This will be for review.


::Movies or Shows I watched this weekend::
I started watching some of the new TV series Riverdale. It is a television show on the CW based on the older Archie comics and cartoons. Such as Archie's Weird Mysteries which I used to love watching when I was younger. I also used to enjoy reading the comics. It is definitely different though for sure. I haven't watched enough to really say too much about it yet though.

I also watched a few vlogs. I found a family vlog I really enjoy on YouTube- PhillipsFamBam. If you haven't checked them out definitely give them a try. They do family style vlogs, cook with me's, eat with me's, Sunday sit downs, they go live, they do grocery hauls, work out videos, challenges, just a little of everything really. Plus what I love about them is they post consistently. You don't have to wait days to get new posts. One of their newest videos I plan to watch today is where they try a bunch of different Australian foods sent to them.
You can also send them recipes to be featured on their cook with me's and they will film them being made, trying them, etc.


::On my TV::
Oak Island with hubby
Catch up on some vlogs
Gotham with hubby tonight


::On the menu for this week::

Monday 17th
Homemade Mini Pizza's (The kiddos requested these again this week)

Tuesday 18th
Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, rolls

Wednesday 19th
Spanish rice, fried potatoes, skillet bread

Thursday 20th
Unsure but thinking Mongolian Beef. We are going to the store this day though so not sure. I do meal planning on Wednesdays and then we go to the store either Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays.

Friday 21st
See above

Saturday 22nd

Sunday 23rd


::On my to do list::
Monday - Laundry, general tidying up around the house today to straighten back up after the weekend. You know how that is.

Tuesday - going through stuff and spring cleaning some more. 5 people in a house can accumulate a lot more stuff than you would think. So much has to go. Some will be donated, some sold, and some will be trashed I'm sure.

Wednesday - meal planning, Make grocery list, more laundry, general household cleaning, book review to be posted this day also.

Thursday - Grocery shopping day. I am excited because our Aldi has been closed for remodeling and they are opening this day. Yay!
We also go to other stores depending on their sale

Friday - Chaperoning my son's field trip.

Saturday- We are going to visit my dad during the day and probably going to the park if its nice. Movie Night with the kiddos.


::What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating::
I have been playing around in my planner a bit working on layouts.


::Looking around the house::
Breakfast and lunch dishes are all on the counter. We were in a rush this morning and then I had a couple quick errands. We just got back for lunch and finished up so I have to scrape them all and give them a wash. Clean the kitchen, Gizmo needs a good bath and brushing so doing that today.


::What I'm wearing today::
Jeggings as usual a plain teal t-shirt.


::One of my simple pleasures::
Cooking and Baking. I LOVE baking! It's relaxing and rewarding. I love cooking for my family and seeing them enjoy their meals. It brings me a lot of joy.


::Bible verse, Devotional::

If you would like to join in on the Happy Homemaker Monday link up head on over to Sandra's blog Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. :)

Happy Homemaker Monday 04/17/2017

Good afternoon all, hope you all had a great Easter weekend and are ready for the week ahead.

I had a fun weekend, but a busy one. We had a lot of family over off and on all weekend and we also hosted Easter Dinner for the family.
While I love having family over and doing giant get togethers I'm exhausted. Haha

Photo Courtesy of Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

So without further ado let's dive in shall we?





::The weather::
Getting more spring like weather finally. Warm jacket weather and some days no jacket needed. Rain and sunshine off and on. This week temps will h in the 70s mostly with some days in the 60s and one day in the 50s.


::On my reading pile::
I am still reading Girl In Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow. With the holidays and everything I haven't got much time to read, but I expect to finish it sometime this week. I will be posting a review of it as soon as I am finished.


::Movies or Shows I watched this weekend::
I actually didn't get to watch anything as far as movies or shows. I watched a vlog or two but other than that it has just been too hectic.


::On my TV::
Oak Island with hubby
Catch up on missed episodes of Jane the Virgin
Catch up on some vlogs


::On the menu for this week::

Monday 17th
Leftovers

Tuesday 18th
Beef Pasta, Sauteed Green beans, Baked potatoes

Wednesday 19th
Cheeseburgers on the grill, salad

Thursday 20th
Homemade Mini Pizza's

Friday 21st
Chili

Saturday 22nd
Baked Chicken, Basmati Rice, Peas

Sunday 23rd
Crockpot Mac & Cheese, Broccoli


::On my to do list::
Monday - Laundry, general tidying up around the house today to straighten back up after the holidays.

Tuesday - going through stuff and spring cleaning

Wednesday - going out of town for the morning and afternoon. Also have to Make new meal plan and grocery list most which will probably be done on the road. Doggy bath day as well for Gizmo.

Thursday - 2 doctor appointments and grocery shopping this day. Yikes.

Friday - Game Night with the kiddos

Saturday- Deep cleaning my car. Movie Night with the kiddos.


::What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating::
Nothing creative this week or next although I probably will try to get some adult coloring time in.


::Looking around the house::
Mostly everything looks fine. I have been doing stuff here and there throughout the day. My youngest is taking a nap as I type this post, and  there are some dishes in the sink that needs washed from our lunch.


::What I'm wearing today::
Black Jeggings and a coral long comfy t-shirt I usually wear when I will just be around the house doing chores.


::One of my simple pleasures::
Taking a walk! This is something I should do more of, but I love just taking a walk without having a tight time limit and just gazing around. Taking a look around at even the littlest things like flowers blooming or birds in trees can be so rewarding. It is honestly good for the soul. I always feel better after taking a walk and taking a walk with your kids is even better as they usually point out stuff to you that you may not have even seen before.


::Bible verse, Devotional::

If you want to join in on the Happy Homemaker Monday link up head on over to Sandra's blog at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. Read her post and others that have linked up. :)
Have a great week!

Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/10/2017

Picture Credit: Picture is from Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Good afternoon all, hope you all had a great weekend and are ready for the week ahead.

I had a fun weekend, but a busy one. We took the kids to an Easter Egg Hunt and that was really fun. They all did really good and all had fun. They all won an Easter basket in the raffle too!

I am glad to be back to the Happy Homemaker Monday link up hosted by Sandra and I can't wait to read everyone else's HHM Post. So let's dive in shall we?





::The weather::
Weird. We had rain for about 3 days straight, then a bitter cold day, followed by nice sunny weather. It's off and on right now, but at least no snow so I can't complain.


::On my reading pile::
Girl In Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

I am reading this book for an upcoming review. I am a little late on it as I misplaced it a few weeks ago and hubby found it in his trunk! That has never happened to me before. I probably put it in there when we took his car out of town and I was unloading bags from the trunk.


::Movies or Shows I watched this weekend::
I actually didn't get to watch anything as far as movies or shows. I did get to catch up on some vlogs though. I still have more to catch up on so maybe later today.


::On my TV::
Vampire Diaries (I recently just started watching this. Very late I know)
60 Days In
Vlogs


::On the menu for this week::

Monday 10th
Crispy Oven Fried Chicken, Rice, Peas

Tuesday 11th
Crockpot Beef & Noodles, mashed potatoes, rolls

Wednesday 12th
Taco Night

Thursday 13th
Spaghetti with meat sauce and triple threat brownies for dessert

Friday 14th
Hamburger Helper, green beans

Saturday 15th
Baked Chicken, Rice, Carrots

Sunday 16th
Easter Dinner: We have the whole family coming for dinner and we are doing a little Easter Egg Hunt for all of the kids.
Dinner will be:
Ham, mashed potatoes, corn, deviled eggs, Mac and cheese, rolls, stuffing
Cherry Pie and Apple Pie


::On my to do list::
Monday - 2 appointments, laundry, Change Bed Linens, Re- Organize kitchen and bathroom cabinets (they need fixed up now and again from everyone in and out of them and things not always getting put back in place)

Tuesday - Hopefully our new dishwasher will be delivered. We have been without one for months and while I don't mind hand washing dishes it does get time consuming as our family has 5 people in it and we often have other family over for dinner a couple times a week as well. Needless to say I do miss having a dishwasher. LOL

Wednesday - Spring Cleaning downstairs, Make new meal plan and grocery list

Thursday - pay bills and work on blog

Friday - Grocery shopping and Last minute Easter shopping (I have just a few things to get for the kids Easter baskets and I will be done)

Saturday - we have a church event this day then we are doing a family movie night.


::What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating::
Working on some planner clips for my Happy Planner.


::Looking around the house::
Usual Monday morning mess. I always think of the song Manic Monday on Mondays. You know: "Just another manic monday". LOL
No matter what or how early we get up we always seemed rushed on Monday mornings. Things always get hectic. This makes for things being left out where they dont belong, and leaves the living room, dining area, bedrooms, and bathrooms definitely in need of tidying up. It didn't help that I had a couple appointments this morning so I am just now getting things picked up and cleaned. A very late start indeed.


::What I'm wearing today::
Jeggings and a long comfy shirt with a tank top underneath perfect for cleaning today. Just a simple, comfy, outfit.


::One of my simple pleasures::
Playing board games with hubby and with the kids. It's great family time and so fun! Plus we are all creating great memories.


::Bible verse, Devotional::

If you would like to link up to this Happy Homemaker Monday post just head on over to Sandra's blog Diary of a Stay at Home Mom and join in. Her blog is excellent so make sure you give it a follow as well! You won't be disappointed. Have a great week! :)

Happy Homemaker Monday 11/21/2016

Hello all! How is everyone? I apologize for my very long absence. As you all probably know I have been active on some of my social media just not all. We have had a lot of changes in the previous months, and a lot has kept me very busy. We moved, the kids have been more active in school, school has been more demanding than usual, and the hubby's work schedule has been quite a mix. So I finally feel like I have the chance to breathe again! Sometimes we just have to unplug for awhile to get our bearings, get back in touch with ourselves and family, and just refresh.

I do want to start my first blog post back with a Happy Homemaker Monday. This is Thanksgiving week and while I will be trying to play catch up I will also be very busy this week. As I'm sure you all will. I hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving! If you would like to join in Happy Homemaker Monday go on over to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom and link up your post on Sandra's linky.

Photo Credit: Sandra @ familycorner.blogspot.com

::As I look outside my window::

It is sunny but cold. There are leaves on the ground, one of the kids chair's looks like it has blown off the patio so I will have to get that right after this post.

::Right now I am::

Sitting on the couch typing up this post real quick before I get started on my evening duties.

::Thinking and pondering::

About how life can be so very hectic and demanding. We get so caught up in all the demands plus the day to day that before we know it the days have passed, our children are getting older, we are getting older, and we are stuck wondering where in the world the time went. I have felt there a little lately. As I said the last few months have been a tad crazy. I'm determined to slow down no matter what and just enjoy more than I have been.

::On my bedside table::

Nothing at the moment but some adult coloring books. All of my books are still packed up waiting to be unpacked.

::On my TV::

Gotham

Jane the Virgin

Gilmore Girls

Vlogs

::Playing on the radio::

Not playing the radio at the moment.

::On the menu for this week::

Monday- Grilled Cheese, Broccoli, and Fried Apples

Tuesday- Spaghetti & Cheesy Toast

Wednesday- Oven Baked Chicken, Salad, and Apple Slices

Thursday- Thanksgiving Dinner (I will not be making the entire meal this year for Thanksgiving. We are only making a few things and we will be going to my mom's to enjoy this year's Thanksgiving with family. I will list the things I will be making first, followed by the other things we will have on the menu. We have a lot of people coming this year so it will be a big dinner and others are bringing some stuff as well.

What I'm making: Ham, green bean casserole, oreo truffles, deviled eggs, BBQ Smokies, stuffing.

What else we will be having which others are bringing and my mom is making most of it: Oven Roasted Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, veggie, cheese and cracker tray, fruit salad, Pecan Pie, and Pumpkin Pie. 

There will also be an assortment of homemade candies. My mom makes candy and cookies every holiday and packs up little goody bags for everyone to take with them when they leave. It's something that I'm going to start doing when we host and let the kids help. We usually always have made cookies to give others, but I haven't done the candy except maybe once or twice.

Friday- Leftovers

Saturday- Family movie night we will be having a Goonie Themed Movie Night and ordering pizza, having Lay's Potato Chips, Pepsi, Baby Ruth's, etc. Definitely not the healthiest meal, but a lot of fun for the kids.

Sunday- Homemade Cheeseburgers and Fries

::On my to do list::

At this point in the day I have mostly done everything. I am joining in with this post very late in the day. I am about to help the kids with their homework, and do the lunch dishes left in the sink (our dishwasher is on the fritz and so I have had to hand-wash everything and we can't get it fixed until the week after thanksgiving. Speaking of hand-washing dishes does anyone out there still hand wash their dishes? If so do you prefer sponges or dish cloths? I'm just curious I have used both before, but so many say that dish cloths are a lot better and more sanitary.  I need to start dinner, and re-organize a few things in the living room to get ready for the Christmas Tree. I'm hoping to get that up the day after Thanksgiving.

::What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting, or creating::

I have been coloring with colored pencils in my adult coloring books. I find it VERY relaxing and therapeutic. I also need to sew my son a cape for his Grover Stuffed Animal. 

::My simple pleasure::

Playing board games with my family.

::Lesson learned this past week::

Age doesn't measure maturity.


::Looking around the house::
The kids have strewn their backpacks wherever so I need to have them put them in their place. They are revved up this week in anticipation of the holiday. :)


::Prayer list::
Some family and friends that are going through a tough time right now. Especially this time of year. As much as we all look forward to the holidays remember there are a lot of people out there that find this time of year a real struggle. Especially when it comes to finances. I know we have been there ourselves and could very well be there again at any given time. Regardless of the reason just think of all those out there that could be having a tough time and pray for them.


::Bible Verse / Devotional::

Happy Homemaker Monday 01/18/2016

Good afternoon everyone! This is going up way late for me, but it has been a hectic day so far! I feel lucky to get this time to sit and write. Usually I get morning time to blog, but the kids woke up a bit earlier than usual this morning. They were excited to have the day off school so they ended up waking up earlier than their usual school time. LOL
Still it has been a good day so far, and I am so glad to be sitting here with you all! I have visited a couple blogs so far on the link up, and plan on commenting later plus visit the other blogs when I get more time. I can't wait! :)
Anyway time to get started!

Photo Credit: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

::The Weather::
COLD! Oh my is it cold. Luckily we didn't have to go anywhere today, but we still have to let out our pup. You can feel the chill right through your clothes. Right now it is only 10 degrees F, and cloudy. The sun peeks through every now and then giving the illusion of warmth. Here's what we are looking forward to this week:

::Right now I am::
Sitting in the living room on the couch while my kiddos play blocks on the floor in front of me. It's rare that they are all currently occupied, but my youngest who is almost one is very into trying to tear down the tower her older brothers are building. Thankfully they adore her so much they just laugh and rebuild it. It's become more of a game to see how high they can get it before she tears it down. Then they all laugh as it tumbles. :)


::Thinking::
About how much I love watching my kiddos play.
Also about how much there is to do this week. I have tons of things on my to do list!
One of my resolutions to myself, or goals rather, was to eliminate clutter. We have accumulated so much stuff over the years. Especially toys, and I can't wait to purge some of those and straighten up my boys room! It is long overdo. Their room is clean, but a bit cluttered in my opinion. They never want to get rid of anything. A long forgotten toy can suddenly turn into a favorite if they know you are getting rid of it. haha!
I also can't wait to get my hands on our entry hall closet. Thanks to Pinterest I have a lot of good organizing ideas.


::On my reading pile::
Just recently finished a wonderful Amish Novella. Whispering to Horses by Thomas Nye!

It took me awhile to get around to it due to the holidays, but I finally did. A review will be coming for that one sometime this week.

I just started The Pounamu Prophecy by Cindy Williams. I am only on Chapter 8 so far as I just started it last night, but I am really liking it so far. I can't wait to see where it all goes!

Also I have been perusing The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook. I picked this up at my library over the weekend, and there are so many great recipes I cannot wait to try them. I think my hubby and children will especially love the Strawberry Pie. Our family loves strawberries.

::On my TV::
Not much of anything. A lot of our shows don't come back on until the end of this month or next.
We picked up some DVD series at the library though we will be watching here and there.
Duck Dynasty Season 8
Whale Wars
The Middle
Survivor man


::Things that make me happy::
Being a stay at home mom. There are some that frown upon it, something I have never understood. I truly love being a stay at home mom. I feel very thankful I get to stay home with my children, take care of my family, the home, etc.


::On the menu for this week::
Monday- Beef Pasta, Baked Potatoes, Peas
Tuesday- Baked Chicken, macaroni and cheese, corn
Wednesday- Taco Salad
Thursday- Grocery Shopping
Friday- see above
Saturday- 
Sunday- 


::On my to do list::
Most of my stuff has already been done. I still have a load of laundry to fold and put away.
I need to wash up our lunch dishes, and get ready to make dinner here soon.


::What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting, or creating::
I am sewing what seems like tons of ripped clothes. Usually it's just mending hubby's work uniforms, but it seems like this has been a month for ripping clothes or tearing them. I have a blanket of my daughters to fix. The stitching came loose on it, and I want to get it fixed before it gets worse.
Both sons have buttons missing off their school uniform shirts so I need to sew some new ones on.
Hubby has two shirts and three pairs of pants that need mended.


::Looking around the house::
Kids toys in the living room will need picked up. They have been great about doing that though so no worries there.
Need to give the kitchen a sweep, and wash the lunch dishes before dinner.


::On my prayer list::
Friends and family


::Bible verse, devotional, favorite quote::

That's all for today! I hope to join you all again next Monday! If you would like to link up with your own Happy Homemaker post please head on over to Sandra's blog: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 10/05/2015

Hello all! I hope you are all having a fantastic day so far, and here is to wishing you all a fantastic week ahead! :) 

I am happy to be participating in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday! It has been a busy morning so I know I'm joining a little late. Still better late than never! 

Happy Homemaker Monday is a weekly feature hosted by Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. If you want to join in please visit her blog HERE, comment, and link up! :)

Photo Credit: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

The weather in my neck of the woods:

It's 60 degrees and sunny outside. We are supposed to reach mid 70s today which will be nice. It is beautiful outside! Not too hot and not too cold with a bit of a breeze. I am loving this weather! All my windows are open letting in that fresh crisp air!

Things that make me happy: 

Spending time with my kiddos and hubby. The kids are on fall break for the next two weeks, and I love having them home with me. 

Book I'm reading:

I am still reading Catbird Singing by Thomas Nye. It is Book 2 in the Amish Horses Series. I am in love with this series, but I just have not had as much reading time as I usually do lately. Still I'm hoping to have it finished up this week, and will post a review once I'm done.

What's on my TV today: 

Not sure if I will get to watch much TV today. So far I've watched Paw Patrol with my kiddos. Later I may watch either some episodes of The Middle or Gilmore Girls. Both are two of my favorite series. Later me and hubby will watch Gotham.

On the menu for dinner:

Sliced Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Peas

On my To Do List:

• Laundry - wash, dry, iron, put away
• Dishes 
• Organize Bathroom Drawers (I had them done, but recently it has become chaos in there, and I can't take it anymore lol)

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

I tried a new Cornflake Chicken recipe for the family. Unfortunately I did not get any pictures. BUT we weren't a big fan of this recipe anyway. Needless to say regardless of adding in spices the cornflakes taste still mostly was overpowering. 

Still I'm glad we gave it a try. It was something interesting to try, but not something I would make again. 

In the craft basket:

Nothing at the moment. Hoping to make a trip to Jo-Ann Fabrics this weekend. :)

Looking forward to this week:

• Getting some extra time in with the kids. 
• Getting things organized around the house. Around this time of year I like to go through stuff and purge things. Especially toys and clothes because we have birthdays and Christmas coming up.

Tips and Tricks:

Take some baking soda and sprinkle it in windowsills, door cracks, patio door tracks, etc. Then spray some white vinegar on it. It will bubble up and make all the yucky dirt that has turned to gunk easier to remove. You just simply wipe it away. I did this with my patio door tracks and I was so excited by how well it worked! I didn't even have to scrub much at all!

My favorite blog post this week: 

I haven't got a lot of blog reading done in the past week honestly. We have had so much going on, and my oldest is just starting to get over this yucky throat and sinus infection he had. Thank goodness the medicine they gave him has helped so far! :)

We have all battled a cold over the last two weeks. It has seemed one of us gets sick and then as soon as that person gets well another person gets sick. Hopefully we are now all done with that.

A newly discovered blog or youtube channel you would like to share with the readers:

I haven't came across any new ones exactly since my reading time has been limited the last couple of weeks, but I hope to remedy that this week! I want to check into some vlogs! :)

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:

Time flies by and we have to enjoy it. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the day to day stuff. Take a little time out each day to appreciate everything around you. I find myself often looking forward to the next day, or getting in bed at night because I'm so exhausted. Sometimes the kids will be so hyper and crazy and so much will be going on I find myself getting stressed or feeling overwhelmed and looking forward to bedtime. But then I have to remind myself these are the good years! One day they won't be hyper and they will be out of the nest and I will long for these crazy scattered days! I love these years of them being little, watching cartoons, going for walks, playing games, going to the park. Seeing them get so excited over the little things like worms on the ground, pretty flowers, leaves changing colors. Hearing their little laughter which brings me so much joy. They are all 3 already getting so big! Goodness how time flies. Let us always appreciate and be thankful for the here and now. Enjoy the present, and don't let stress take your mind off the important things. It's easier said than done, but something I'm constantly working at.

On my mind:

• My kiddos
• Josh's work schedule. He had a schedule change due to a promotion which means he doesn't have as much time at home with us and is gone longer. On one hand it's a job he loves to do and he is happy with it. Plus there isn't as big of a risk of him getting laid off like his old position would get sometimes. But on the other hand we don't get as much time together as we would all like. He is often on call and like the other night he just came home and we sat down to dinner only to have him called away again because he was on call. He didn't get home until we were all in bed, and then by the time the kids were up he was already back at work. (He leaves very early before the sun even rises). Still we are grateful. There are other employees in his position and they all take turns being on call so it won't be an all the time thing. He has worked hard over the years, and deserves this promotion. It's just a huge adjustment for our family.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 08/03/2015

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend and hope you all have a good week ahead. It's been awhile since I got to join in on Happy Homemaker Monday but hoping to get back with it regularly. If you want to join in head on over to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. :)

Photo credit: Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
http://familycorner.blogspot.com
Happy Homemaker Monday

On the weather front:
Woke up throughout the night to some crazy storms. Thankfully power held up. This morning it's just a slight drizzle and a but gloomy but supposed to have some Sun later today and more later on the week. I'm loving summer just not the humidity. 

On my bedside table:
Catbird Singing by Thomas Nye


On my TV:
America's Got Talent this week. 

Also we have really gotten into watching The Middle. We are finishing up season 2 and will start season 3 hopefully this week.
I'm also hoping to find some good vlogs. :) I will probably check out some of Sandra's recommendations. 

On the menu for tonight:
Turkey Manhattans & Peas


On the menu for this week:

Monday - Turkey Manhattans & Peas
Tuesday - Cheeseburgers & Fries
Wednesday - Baked Chicken, Carrots, Rice
Thursday - Chicken & Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, Corn
Friday - Hamburger Helper, Fried Potatoes, Broccoli
Saturday - Pizza
Sunday - Nachos


On my To Do List:
Laundry - Our Linens & kids clothes

Setting up Gizmo a grooming appointmentMopping and Vacuuming
Bathrooms


New Recipe I tried last week:
No new ones

In the craft basket:
At the moment nothing, but hopefully that will change by next week. I want to make the kids a tie blanket each. 

Looking forward to:
Hearing about my little ones school day. Also this weekend. We are planning a family outing plus we have our weekly family movie night we all look forward to.


Homemaking Tip for this week:
If you have little ones label their drawers. This helps them learn where stuff goes and most enjoy it. For the real small kiddos use pictures and older ones words or also pictures if they prefer. Using both can also help your beginner readers. 


Favorite photo from last week:
My camera crashed. :(

Lesson learned the past few days:
Don't let others pressure you on social media. Don't feel that you have to post by a certain time, or that you must do reviews or whatever. Take your time, let family and yourself come first and go at your own speed. Blogging, facebook, Twitter, etc should never be a chore. It should be fun and enjoyable. 

On my Prayer List:
Our family as we each face our own struggles. 

Our world as there are many struggles all over. 

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.

Oscar Wilde

Happy Homemaker Monday - 09/15/2014

Well, it's Monday again. They always come way to fast, and I never quite adjust to how fast the weekends fly by. lol
I hope everyone is having a good Monday. Mine started out rocky, but is going okay for now. Hopefully it continues.
I know I'm getting started on this a bit late, but my whole morning has been a bit behind and I have been battling an annoying headache today.
If you would like to join in Happy Homemaker Monday please click the link in the caption under the photo below and join in from Sandra's page. :)

Image Credit: Sandra @ Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
If you would like to join in with HHM just click the above link. :)

::Breakfast time - what is on the plate this morning::
I had a glass of milk and some toast with cream cheese. 


::Looking around the house::
My little one is watching Blue's Clue's getting ready for his afternoon nap. The kitchen needs tidying up, my counters look horrid right now. People have placed papers and stuff just wherever on them. The living room needs vacuumed and a quick pick up. Bedrooms need vacuumed. Laundry needs ironed and put away. Daily cleaning of bathrooms needs done. (I have two boys so cleaning the bathrooms every day is a necessity in our household lol)


::On today's to do list::
Iron, fold, and put away clothes. No washing today thankfully.
Cleaning - kitchen, living room, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Cooking - dinner is all that's left to cook for now, lunch and breakfast is already done.


::Currently reading::
nothing at the moment


::On the TV today::
I honestly cannot think of anything that is on today. I haven't had a whole lot of time lately to catch up on any of my missed or favorite shows and I haven't really missed it all that much. I may just watch the nightly news, and that's it today. Unless of course my husband has a show that comes on and I forgot about. Then I'll watch that with him.


::The weather outside is::
67 degrees. It's sunny but not too hot. There's a bit of a breeze going, and it's a beautiful day really. I'm getting ready to pop open all my windows and let that fresh air and sunshine go through the house. I love this time of year when it's not too hot, not too cold, and the fresh air is just comforting.


::On the menu this week::
Hubby's hours have been cut at his work so our budget isn't very friendly, and won't be for awhile. We will have what we need but I won't have a lot of extra to work with and you may see some repeats of some meals from a week prior or so for awhile.

Monday- Spaghetti and garlic bread
Tuesday- Cheeseburger Macaroni, mashed potatoes, corn
Wednesday- Baked chicken, rice, broccoli
Thursday- shopping day
Friday- see above
Saturday-
Sunday-


::If I have a few minutes to myself, I will::
Read and visit some blogs


::New recipe I tried, or want to try this week::
I would like to try a new chicken casserole recipe. Lately I am all about casserole dishes, and crock-pot meals. I have been extremely tired lately so maybe that is why. LOL Stuff that is easy, cheap, but yummy.


::One of my simple pleasures::
Watching house hunters, and love it or list it. I like seeing people search for new homes, seeing what they are like after they have put their personal touches on things. I also like seeing old houses fixed up into something new and beautiful.


::Favorite photo from the camera::
Nothing this week


::Visiting with Blog friends (blog you want to share, blog post that caught your eye)::
No blog visiting this week other than Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. I just haven't had much time to really stop and chat sadly. Hopefully I can do so this week though. :)


::Praying for::
Finances, friends, family, ourselves.


::Bible Verse, Devotional that is resonating with me at the moment::