Happy Homemaker Monday {January 14}

 It's been so long since I've done a Happy Homemaker Monday post. I'm sitting at the computer working, so I thought I'd make a post! :)

The Weather:
50 degrees and cloudy

Right now I am: 
Well, right now I'm on the computer and working on a project. Before that I just put in a load of diapers :).

Thinking:
About starting dinner pretty soon.  Glad that it's easy prep tonight.       

On my reading pile:::
Twelve Extraordinary Women of the Bible: How God Shaped Women of the Bible, and What He Wants to Do With You by John MacArthur It's been a blessing to study the lives of these extraordinary women with two of my dearest friends.  We live in 3 different states, so I'm so thankful that we have been able to continue studying God's Word together on a weekly basis over the phone.  

Fit to Burst:  Abundance Mayhem, & the Joys of Motherhood by Rachel Jankovic  
I loved her book Loving the Little Years  so I was thrilled when she came out with this new book this year.  It's been a great read so far.  She's hitting me right between the eyes, it's very convicting and challenging yet encouraging at the same time.

On my tv:::
Hubs and I are loving "Downton Abbey"!  

I've also been enjoying Market Warriors.  It's fun to see the team buy and sell antiques.  

Favorite Blog post this week (mine or other):::
A Promise to Live By and encouraging blog post from John Piper

Something fun to share:::
My hubs has been getting back into his art.  He just finished a project of a house painting for friends and he's currently working on developing some watercolor nursery decor.  He's planning to open an etsy shop in the future.  It's excited to see him using his talent!

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - fried chicken, augratin potatoes and green beans  
Tuesday - Busy Day Pork Chops, stuffing, veggie 
Wednesday - Turkey Bacon Cheddar Sandwiches, smiley face french fries, carrot sticks 
Thursday - Black Bean & Corn Taco Bake with salad 
Friday - pizza casserole
Saturday -  Pretzel Crusted Honey Mustard Chicken, green beans, rice
Sunday - leftover buffet

On my to do list:::
Laundry - two loads to put away and a load of cloth diapers 
preschool with Hannah 
dishes 
photo project
menu plan, clip/file coupons, grocery list
What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Finishing up a scarf for Hannah...just a few more rows.  Can't wait to see it on her!

Homemaking Tips:::
Make your own laundry detergent:  It cost almost nothing and cleans great.  I don't have to cook it on the stove and it makes one small batch at time, which I like.  Grate one bar of Ivory soap and mix it with 1 c. borax, and 1 cup washing soda...it's as easy at that.

Looking around the house:::
I started this post this afternoon and am finishing it this evening.  The house is quiet and picked up (mostly).  There are a few books still laying on the coffee table and Market Warriors on the TV. 

From the camera:::

love this pic of Bubby and his Puppy

On my prayer list:::
Praying for the sale of our house.  
Praying for many who are sick and recovering from surgery. 

Bible verse, Devotional:::
"Behold, the Lord God comes with might,
    and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense before him."
Isaiah 40:10