Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 04/29/2013

 

I'm so glad to be joining Sandra and the rest of you participating in Happy Homemaker Monday! And to be back on my blog in general. It feels so great to be back! I'm just giddy with excitement, seriously. We have been swamped with the end of the school year activities so it hasn't been all that easy to get on lately. Finally things are winding down. Phew. I'm so ready for summer despite the high temps that I'm sure are on their way.
If you want to join in the Happy Homemaker Monday fun just head on over to Sandra's blog: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom and there's a Mister Linky you can add your name to! :)


::The weather::
Last year was actually cold! The kids had their winter coats on two of the three days and there were a few snowflakes that fell down in addition to ice cold rain. This week however it's rainy, but warm. Indiana weather, gotta love it. Today it's 70 degrees but a bit cloudy and still wet from yesterday's downpour. Still I have the windows open letting in the fresh breeze, it feels wonderful.


::Right now I am::
Sitting on the couch writing this post with my oldest in school, and my littlest one taking a nap. I'm just soaking in a bit of quiet time. TV off, radio off, just the sound of the birds chirping outside. I have a thousand and one chores to do today (or so it feels), so I'm taking this time to just relax for a bit.


::Thinking::
About all the chores I have to do today, and this week. It just seems like there are never enough hours in the day. Also that I need to make a trip to the craft store and pick up some yarn and materials for some upcoming crafts.


::On my reading pile::
Just finished Reasons for Belief by Norman L Geisler and Patty Tunnicliffe (review will be upcoming today or tomorrow)
Finishing up The Awakening (Harlequin Intrigue) by Jana DeLeon
Also reading Persecuted The Global Assault on Christians by Paul Marshall, Lela Gilbert, and Nina Shea


::On my TV::
Not much on the TV today what with all the chores on my to-do list. Probably my TV will be playing lots of Spongebob, Yo Gabba Gabba, and Jake and the Never Land Pirates.
Wednesday I will be catching the newest Nashville so there is that, but nothing else really planned for this week.


::Blog hopping (newly discovered blog)::

Stories of a Stay at Home Mom

http://thesquillantes.blogspot.com/

::On the menu for this week::
Monday
Breakfast: Homemade Cinnamin Rolls & Banana Smoothies
Lunch: Leftover chili
Dinner: taco salad

Tuesday
Breakfast: Cheesy omelets, toast, OJ
Lunch: Turkey wraps, carrot sticks with ranch dipping sauce
Dinner: beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, peas

Wednesday
Breakfast: oatmeal, toast
Lunch: Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, potato chips
Dinner: BBQ porkchops, scalloped potatoes, brocolli

Thursday
Breakfast: Homemade Doughnuts, fruit bowls
Lunch: Grilled hot dogs, mac and cheese
Dinner: Grilled chicken, rice, grilled corn on the cob


::On my to do list::
Half of it is done since I'm writing this in the afternoon.
Here's what I have accomplished so far:
My morning workout
Dishes
Laundry (wash, dry, iron, fold)
Cleaned kids rooms

And here is what I have left:
Laundry (put away)
Vacuum carpets
Clean bathroom
Dusting
Meal planning
Shopping list
Return library books


::In the craft basket::
Well I have been working my fingers to the bone crocheting dish cloths and I love making them, but I now have quite a few. So it's time to get ready to move onto something else. What that something is I don't know just yet, but I'm going to be scouring Pinterest to find some ideas.


::Looking forward to this week::
Nothing much is going on this week besides chores and errands. We are going to be meeting up with some friends towards the end of the week which will be really nice (weather permitting of course).


::Looking around the house::
All is quiet, and everything is picked up (for now). I just peeked in on my little one and he is still sleeping soundly. It's almost time for me to wake him up though. If he sleeps too long he has a really hard time going to bed. He will be in such a better mood after his nap though which will be amazing since he was so grumpy before.
Gizmo is chewing his rubber star toy, and birds are chirping outside. A soft breeze is blowing in the windows.


::From the camera::
Nothing this week. My camera needs batteries and all mine have disappeared into the boys toys. LOL. Need to add those to the grocery list.


::On my prayer list::
Family and friends to be in good health.
Hubby as work has been pretty stressful as of lately.


::Bible verse/devotional::

Look Who's Back! Plus announcing the HBW Winner!

So finally I'm back! Sorry if I missed everything, and I plan on doing some blog visiting tomorrow for sure.
We have been a whirlwind of activity here lately, and I haven't got to even touch the computer in days. I think it's been almost a week actually. And there's only so much I can use my phone for. 

Anyway Sunday was just beautiful in our area. I was so happy that there was finally warm weather and sunshine. Hubby was off work, the kiddos were in great spirits (and getting along might I add), and we grabbed our pup and headed to the park. We walked the trails, playing tag, played fetch with Gizmo, played on the jungle gym equipment with the kids, went out for ice cream, and then back home exhausted and happy.

Monday proved a bit more challenging, although the weather was still nice, our little one awoke with a swollen eye and fever. We took him right in to the doc where we found out he had a double ear infection and pink eye. I was surprised as the day before he was in great spirits and hadn't complained about his ears at all. They weren't red or anything, eye had no drainage, and just the day before it was normal. He's on antibiotics and eye drops now though. Hopefully my oldest doesn't get it.
Needless to say it's been a bit challenging since then, since he isn't feeling good he has been super grumpy. The kids have been fighting, little one doesn't want to leave my side, and we have had tons of errands which doesn't make things any easier. 

So anyway that is why I have been M.I.A. I haven't forgotten any of you though, and I look forward to visiting all your blogs tomorrow to catch up. :)


Now to announce the Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Courage book giveaway winner!

Carrie!

I will be sending you an email shortly to gather more info so your book can be mailed to you promptly. Thank you so much for entering! :)

Sincerely,

Tori

Invisible by Ginny L. Yttrup

It has been a long time since I have read a fiction book that carried me on such an uplifting journey. I was truly blown away by this book.

::About the book::

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: B&H Books (April 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1433671689
• ISBN-13: 978-1433671685

Ellyn DeMoss -- chef, café owner, and lover of butter -- is hiding behind her extra weight. But what is she hiding? While Ellyn sees the good in others, she has only condemnation for herself. So when a handsome widower claims he’s attracted to Ellyn, she’s certain there’s something wrong with him.

Sabina Jackson -- tall, slender, and exotic -- left her husband, young adult daughters, and a thriving counseling practice to spend a year in Northern California where she says she’s come to heal. But it seems to Ellyn that Sabina’s doing more hiding than healing. What’s she hiding from? Is it God?

Twila Boaz has come out of hiding and is working to gain back the pounds she lost when her only goal was to disappear. When her eating disorder is triggered again, though she longs to hide, she instead follows God and fights for her own survival. But will she succeed?

As these women’s lives intertwine, their eyes open to the glory within each of them as they begin to recognize themselves as being created in God’s image.

Through each character's own personal struggles they bond together in a form of friendship that, with God's love and guidance, proves unbeatable. Just when each character feels alone or at their worst, another character is there to uplift them.
Another character I would like to talk about a bit is Miles. He is a widowed doctor who shows interest in Ellyn. Despite her own condemning view of herself, Miles allows God to lead him on his journey with Ellyn and does not allow his judgement of her to be swayed by outward appearances. He seems to be some of the glue that holds things together at times.

::My thoughts::
I loved how this book spoke of very real issues that many deal with daily. Eating disorders, feelings of guilt, depression, and weight issues are very real topics. In today's society we are constantly trying to change who we are. We are constantly trying to transform ourselves so that we will be what society's ideal is rather than just be who God created us to be. We are all created in the image of Him. Even though this book is only fiction it could be anyone's journey. All the characters are awe inspiring.
The one thing we often do not see is how God works through others to bring us not only meaningful relationships, but bringing us closer to Him. This book speaks so matter of fact of his love, but in ways that we can all learn from. Life's journey is not always easy, but it is His way. He won't give us anything we can't handle, and He is always there for us.
This book was such a great reminder that we are all created in the image of God. He has created us how He wants us to be, and we only need to please Him. We should never be ashamed or feel alone because He will always be next to us holding out His hand just waiting for us to grab hold.
Although this book focused on several different characters it wasn't hard to follow. The words pulled me in from the beginning and there is a character for each individual to admire and relate to.
I mostly favored Ellyn as she was more easy to relate to. As the story progressed, however, Miles and Twila stood out the most. They each seemed to be a sort of glue that held all the characters together, and kept them all on the right path back to God.
In no way does this book preach religion. It's almost as if God is using Ginny's wonderful talents and speaking through her.
This book is a wonderful read for any individual, or any book club. There are even discussion questions at the end that you can discuss with others or read alone if you wish.
Either way this book is headed right to my favorites shelf, and this is one I will be recommending for years to come.


This book is available in:   Print   Kindle   Nook



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Happy Homemaker Monday 03/25/2013

I can't believe it's another Monday already! So soon! It seems like this year is going by faster than all of the others, or maybe it's just me...
I'm joining up with Sandra from Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. If you want to participate just head on over to her blog and add your name to Mister Linky. :)


::The weather::
Snow storm in my area. That's right a SNOW STORM in SPRING! I couldn't believe it myself, but here's some proof. This was from last night:

The rest of the week is going to be in the 30s, 40s, and 50s by the end of the week thank goodness. Hopefully all this snow melts by the weekend. Our spring break starts next week!

::Right now I am::
Watching my kiddos play with some ride on toys, talking to hubby as he is off work today. School was cancelled today due to road conditions so we have all just been taking it easy and enjoying. (Although I have some chores that I need to get done quickly before dinner time rolls around).


::Thinking::
About all that is ahead this week. There is so much going on it's unreal. Spring is always a busy time of year for us, and I also need to plan out my spring cleaning list. A friend of mine is putting together a spring project list. Every season she makes a list of projects she would like to accomplish that season whether it be craft projects, household projects, etc. I keep telling her she needs to start a blog. LOL. But I'm thinking of jumping on board and doing that idea myself.


::On my reading pile::
Finishing up...

::Favorite blog post last week (mine or other)::
I'm having a giveaway on my blog for Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Courage.

http://the-edge-of-the-sky.blogspot.com/2013/03/howard-b-wigglebottom-learns-about.html

This book explains to 4-8 year olds in a simple playful way how to work with fear issues. The eleventh book in the award winning Howard B. Wigglebottom series. Educator and counselor approved. Tips and lessons included. Giveaway ends on 04/07/2013.



 ::On my TV::
Tonight will be watching Lizard Lick with hubby.
Seinfeld
Nashville (on Wednesday, all new)
Bones
House Hunters
Love It or List It


::Blog hopping (newly discovered blog)::

How About Orange

How About Orange is a blog loaded with craft tutorials, DIY projects, free printables, fonts, decorating tips, and design inspiration.

::On the menu for this week::

Monday- southern style fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob

Tuesday- Kraft Shepherd's Pie

Wednesday- Corndogs, french fries, applesauce

Thursday- take out

Friday- grocery shopping

Saturday-

Sunday- Easter dinner- glazed ham, steamed baby carrots, homemade mac and cheese, homemade mashed potatoes, corn, hawaiin rolls, and deviled eggs. Dessert: easter decorated sugar cookies, homemade apple pie.

::On my to-do list::

Dishes

Load my car with some boxes of old toys I will be taking to goodwill tomorrow

Laundry (wash, dry, fold, iron, put away)

that's about it. We are trying to enjoy this snow day. :)

::In the craft basket::

I'm STILL working on the boys crocheted throw blankets. To be honest I have had next to no time to work on them this past week at all, and doubt I will get the chance this week. We have had tons of birthday's of friends and family the last couple weeks and still more upcoming within the next two weeks! Hoping to get to work on them this weekend and finish them up within the next couple weeks.

::Looking forward to this week::

Getting some clutter cleared out, and preparing for spring break. I'm planning a couple of lists of activities we can do indoors and out so I will be prepared. Since we can't go on any type of vacation I want to make sure the kiddos have fun, and we can enjoy some time as a family. Things can get so busy we don't even realize how fast time is passing us up until it's gone.

::From the camera::

::On my prayer list::

My parents

My great-grandmother

::Bible verse/devotional::

God Gave Us Easter

The Easter Bunny, egg hunts, candy filled baskets, oh my! What happened to the REAL meaning of Easter? What happened to teaching our children about Jesus' Resurrection as the actual reason for Easter? We can still have fun with our children with the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, and candy filled baskets. It's just so easy to lose the actual reason to celebrate Easter. Maybe it seems too hard to explain to our children? Luckily this is a book that will help with that.

It's so refreshing to find a colorful children's book that tells the TRUE meaning of Easter. Most books focus on the egg hunts, the Easter bunny, etc. This book however, puts things in an easy to understand manner for kids to take in. While this book in no way leaves out the Easter Bunny, it explains there's more to Easter than that. I love how Papa Bear takes the little bear on a walk to look at nature. God made everything, and along the journey Papa Bear explains how God had a plan for Easter from the beginning. Papa Bear shows his young one how death can bear fruit to life, but not in an upsetting or complicated way.
I also like how the author gave examples of how even the smallest voice can speak to Jesus, and how we can hear him in our hearts. That was my child's favorite part of the story. My preschooler especially took the most away from it. He has been asking questions about Easter, and this was the perfect book to answer those questions. He now knows we wouldn't have Easter if it weren't for Jesus, and He is the reason. My preschooler is also still excited about the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, baskets, etc., but he is now excited that we are celebrating Jesus coming back to life.
This is the perfect book for toddlers and elementary aged children. The illustrations are, as always, bright and detailed. The polar bear family makes the story fun and engaging, and this is definitely a book you can discuss with your children.


This book is available in the following formats:   Kindle   Nook   Hardcover   eBook

There are more books in the God Gave Us...series. If you liked this book check out some of the others: http://lisatawnbergren.com/books/

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.

ProFlowers Juniper Bonsai Review

Juniper Bonsai Tree from proflowers.com

I received the wonderful opportunity to get the above product, a Juniper Bonsai Tree from ProFlowers.com. I was very impressed with the care and handling of the tree. It was delicately boxed and shipped, and had plenty enough water to keep it hydrated during the trip. It wasn't dried out when I got it, and came with a humidity tray with rocks as pictured above. The bonsai tree is around 3 years old and comes with care instructions, and a beautiful ceramic pot it sits in.

I really love having plants around whether they are inside or outside. It adds an extra touch of peace and serenity to the surroundings. I have always been a fan of bonsai's and was pleasantly surprised at the care of this one once it arrived. Delivery was prompt, and the plant had been well maintained.

The Juniper Bonsai plant is small, but very easy to maintain. It is actually meant for outdoor use, but since there is snow on the ground where I live, I've had to keep it indoors for the time being. Still it is thriving healthy enough with some time in front of a cracked window now and again, and plenty of sunlight. Once the weather warms up it already has the perfect place on my balcony. Bonsai's are perfect for any dwelling, but I find they fit really well in our apartment. I can't wait to get more.

The price is definitely affordable and worth the money as the Juniper Bonsai is only $34.99 with all you see pictured above.

Juniper Bonsai's are the perfect plant to give as a gift to someone who is interested in getting started with Bonsai plants. You can fiddle around with this plant as far as trimming, and care is very simple. It's the perfect starter plant for Bonsai lovers who want to learn more.

ProFlowers has many a selection of bonsai's, flowers, and other beautiful plants that you can browse right at your fingertips.

As an added bonus you can find some great coupons by clicking the link below:

http://www.proflowers.com/coupon-codes.aspx

Disclaimer: I received the above mentioned product for free from ProFlowers in exchange for my unbiased review.

Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/18/2013

Credit: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
http://familycorner.blogspot.com

Yay! I'm finally back to join Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom this Monday! If you want to join in head on over to her blog.


::The Weather::
Gloomy, chilly, with more expected showers. It's the perfect stay inside kind of day, but I will admit I can't wait for spring to arrive. I'm over the gloom and chill. I'm ready for sunshine and warmth! :)


::Right now I am::
Drinking a warm cup of lemon tea. Lemon tea is my favorite whether it's served hot or cold. And I keep checking on my youngest, as it's almost time for him to wake up from his afternoon nap.


::Thinking::
Just about life in general. How God always has our prayers in mind. Even if he doesn't answer right away, or doesn't answer the way we may want Him too, He hears us. We just have to trust in Him.


::On my reading pile::
Invisible by Ginny Yttrup (review will be posted the first week of April)


::On my TV::
Bunheads
catching up on missed Nashville episodes
House Hunters
Bones


::Favorite blog post this week (mine or other)::
Give Me Just One Good Reason - Reduce Footprints


::Something fun to share::
Scientists Discover Children’s Cells Living in Mothers’ Brains

::On the menu for this week::

Monday- beef & noodles, mashed potatos, corn

Tuesday- Smoked Sausage, Cheesy Potato Casserole

Wednesday- Homemade Pizza

Thursday- Chili Cheese Dogs, sweet potato fries (kids choice) also shopping day

Friday-

Saturday-

::On my to do list::

For once I actually got everything accomplished this morning. I will of course have the normal chores after dinner, but for now there's nothing. It feels so weird, but so good!

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

I've been crocheting some throw blankets for the boys. It's been slow going as we have had a lot going on lately, but they are coming along nicely.

::Homemaking tips::

This is one I'm sure many of you already probably use, but storing your salad in mason jars keeps it fresher days longer. It keeps the lettuce from turning brown, and you can grab them on the go. Simply add your dressing. This is something I make for hubby often, as he loves taking salads to work. Mason jars are a must have in our house, there's so many uses for them.

::Looking around the house::

Gizmo is chewing on his bone at my feet. I'm sitting on the couch. Levi is taking his afternoon nap, and it's gloomy outside. I have all the curtains open in the house anyway to let in what light it will.

::From the camera::

no pictures this week.

::On my prayer list::

My husband as he has been pulling in a crazy amount of overtime. It has been hard on all of us because he has a long commute to and from work. Everyone has been taking their vacations and since a lot of people quit him and a couple others has had to take on an extra work load.

Some friends that are going through a difficult time.

::Bible verse/devotional::

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.