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.