Happy Home Maker Monday: July 1st

It's been a while.  Monday's are our family day, so it's tricky to get on here and do a hhm post....but today Seth is working most of the day so that he can be with us to celebrate the 4th.  



The weather....Much cooler than last week.  75 degrees and cloudy.  

Right now I am....putting off folding 3 loads of laundry.   

On my reading pile...
"Anything" .  I'm doing this "Good Morning Girls"  book/Bible study with some friends and let me tell you, this is an excellent book.  

"Desperate: Hope for the Mom who Needs to Breath"  I read a lot of this book on the beach last week.  It was the perfect read for motivation and encouragement on my vacation.  Lots of great practical advice and encouragement....challenging and convicting too!  
On my TV.....Absolutely nothing.  

What I found while surfing the net....I liked these two posts about caring for your pastor...I want to care for our senior pastor in this way:  Pastors Need Your Care Part One and Part Two   

Faith Like a Child 

On the menu for this week....
Monday:  Deer Loin in the crockpot
Tuesday:  Slow cooker chicken caesar sandwiches
Wednesday:  Youthgroup night:  Chicken nuggets and tater tots.
Thursday:  The 4th!  Picnic with Family.
Friday:  Homemade Pizza night
Saturday:  Sausage and Pepper Pasta

On my to do list....finish unpacking, laundry, and bills 

In the craft basket....Making a summer wreath for my door.  This is my inspiration...love that I could get everything I needed from the dollar store (except for the wreath which came from a garage sale)  

Looking forward to this week....Getting back into routine.  Loving and spending time with my children.  Excited to celebrate the 4th of July with family!  

Looking around the house....Luggage and piles of laundry.   

From the camera....
My favorite picture of my husband and I.  We spent last week in Mexico celebrating 10 years of marriage.

On my prayer list.....Praying for a friend who will be delivering her 2nd baby this week, for the sale on our house to go through and for revival in the hearts and lives of the teenagers that we are serving.
Bible verse, Devotional....
Galations 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  

Praying that God's Spirit will be working in me to be victorious over sin today.  

Now off to do some laundry :)  

Happy Homemaker Monday

The Weather:::
35 degrees and sunny.  It's so nice to see the sun shining today!  

Right now I am: 
Editing pictures.  I would like to get caught up on my pictures and blog so that I can post pics from Hannah's birthday party :)

Thinking:
About my long to-do list and prioritizing what is the most important/best place to start

On my reading pile:::
Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges  I've just started and what I have read so far has been very good.  I'm prepared to be very convicted and challenged.  

On my tv::: 
With Downton Abbey being over, just not much to watch anymore...

Favorite Blog post this week (mine or other):::
Perfect

Something fun to share:::
My dear friend Julia had her 3 baby today!  I sweet little girl...they named her Vienna.  God is so good!!  It's always exciting to see godly parents having children...she is blessed to be born into the home that God sent her too!   

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - out to eat for family day
Tuesday - Tortellini with Mushrooms, Spinach and Italian Sausage 
Wednesday - Mom's chili with cornbread crackers  
Thursday -  weeknight quiche and salad
Friday - pizza and veggie sticks  
Saturday - Turkey Meatloaf and mashed potatoes 
Sunday -leftover buffet  

On my to do list:::
Laundry 
Homeschooling:  We started "A Pair of Red Clogs Today"  
Menu plan, grocery list, and coupons
work on family photo book

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Need to get started on some St.Patty's and Easter decorations  

Homemaking Tips:::
a load of laundry a day keeps the mountains of laundry away (I don't always get to a load every day...but it does the trick when I do :))

Looking around the house:::
It was nice to see the sun shining through the windows today.  Birthday decorations are coming down...making room for a little bit of green to go up.  Hannah played with her new birthday presents today and Isaac played along side her.  It was a great day.  :)

From the camera:::
My big {gasp} 5 year old all ready for her Strawberry Shortcake Birthday party!  

On my prayer list:::
Praising God for the birth of our friends new baby...so many answered prayers there.  Also praying for their family as they adjust to having an infant in the house again.  

Praying and trusting God for the details concerning our house.  

Praying today for our pastor and his wife and the people of our church.  

Bible verse, Devotional:::

"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit."

(James 5:13-18 ESV)

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

Happy Homemaker Monday {Sept. 6}

The weather in my neck of the woods: 70 degrees and cloudy

Things that make me happy: My house fully decorated for fall. This is a little earlier than I usually pull out my fall decor...but it's for sure my favorite season to decorate for and I'm glad to have it done before baby's arrival!

Books I'm reading: Haven't had a ton of time for reading...but I'm still working my way through "Her Mother's Hope" and Hannah's favorite book this week is: "Are you my mother?" ..this was a childhood favorite of mine too. Dad and Mom...how many times did YOU read this book?! :)

What's on my tv? Well..my hubby is home, so the tv is actually on. I'm not sure what's on it or that he's even watching it...but it's on.

On the menu for dinner? Well, usually I'm planned for this weeks meals by now..but I haven't done that yet...this whole holiday on a Monday throws me off! I think we'll have somethin' on the grill!

On my to-do list: Again, hubby is home so it's kinda a different day. Today's to do list is all about enjoying time as a family of 3. :)

New Recipe I tried or want to try: I tried two new recipes this week and both neither one of them went over very well: Skillet tacos and pizza roll up burritos- they were okay, but didn't make it to the family favorites list.

In the craft basket: I suppose that I should be working on something for the baby...but have been busy with things around the house lately.

Looking forward to this week: Meeting my baby boy!! I'm due in 7 days and hoping for his arrival any day now!!!! I'm not really looking forward to the labor and delivery part....but sure can't wait to hold him in my arms!

Tips and tricks: make a list!

My favorite blog post this week: I'm so excited that my dear friend Julia has created her own blog. She is a wonderful mom and is very purposeful in her mothering and discipline as you will see if you take the time to read this great post about training our kids!

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

love the friendship these two girls share!

Lesson learned in the past few days: patience. God's timing is not our timing, his ways and his plans are best!

On my mind: obviously thinking about and preparing myself for the whole labor/delivery/mom of two thing that is coming my way very soon. Giving my fears to the Lord and looking forward to the wonderful gift He is about to give our family.

Devotional, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Happy Homemaker Monday: {August 30th}

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Well...summer is back! Today is sunny and 91 degrees

Things that make me happy:
getting things crossed off my list

Book I'm reading:
Don't Make Me Count to Three by: Ginger Plowman
Her Mother's Hope by: Francine Rivers
and I read The Very Noisy Night at least twice a day..Hannah's favorite right now!

What's on my TV today:
nothin'

On the menu for dinner:
Pizza roll up burritos

On my To Do List:
books back to the library
de-fingerprint the house (mostly windows and mirrors)
wash sheets
clean stroller

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
scampi tilapia
italian spinach pie

In the craft basket:

nothing at the moment

Looking forward to this week:
Hannah's half birthday
maternity pics with Trenda

Tips and Tricks:
to clean your microwave...microwave a mug of vinegar and water for a few minutes then just wipe clean. Naturally clean!

My favorite blog post this week:
no favorites this week, I guess I haven't done very much blog reading

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
Lesson learned the past few days:
the importance of talking to God throughout my day...asking for his help/wisdom and praising him in the victories

On my mind:
having this baby: praying for a healthy baby, a safe/quick delivery, and a good platelet count.
praying for Hannah and wisdom for Seth and I as parents...parenting a toddler is no easy task!

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving thanks.

¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

² Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

³ Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Happy Homemaker Monday: {August 23rd}

The weather in my neck of the woods:
The forecast for this week looks great! Sunny and low 80's to high 70's all week!

Things that make me happy: seeing Hannah help out around the house

Book I'm reading:
Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers

What I'm enjoying on TV:I was enjoying watching Anne of Green Gables while on bed rest...maybe I'll have some time to finish it up in the evenings

On the menu for dinner:
fuss-free ravioli & cheese bake (I split it into 2 and now have a meal to put in the freezer for after baby comes!)

On my To Do List:

• clean kitchen- check
• clean coffee pot and microwave- check
• grocery store- check
• sweep floors- check
• fold and put away laundry
• iron ribbons for nursery letters and hang
• find a home for all the junk in our bedroom that we moved while getting the nursery and Hannah's room ready
  

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Pasta with sausage and broccoli..economical and easy...but nothin' too exciting

In the craft basket:

I need to fix a necklace for a friend that I've had forever

Looking forward to this week:
ah...so much!
first of all having a "normal" week (providing the baby doesn't come this week)...it's so good to be back on my feet!
Also looking forward to getting some work done around the house this week, David and Jessica's wedding on Saturday, and a picnic in the park with friends on Sunday afternoon.

Tips and Tricks:
Here is a good step-by-step on how to clean your coffee maker with vinegar

My favorite blog post this week:

• A Time to Grow
• Mother Fears

both from Girl Talk, one of my favorite blogs

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

Lesson learned the past few days:
the importance of trusting in the Lord without worry (a hard lesson that I am continually learning over and over)

On my prayer list:
praying for the health and quick/safe delivery of my baby and for friends with various prayer needs

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Happy Homemaker Monday {August 16}

The weather in my neck of the woods:
82 degrees and sunny!

Things that make me happy:
spending time with family

Book I'm reading: "Her Mother's Hope" by Francine Rivers

What I'm enjoying on TV:
Undercover Boss

On the menu for dinner:
leftovers (I think) unless my sister whips up something different...she's good like that so we'll see :)

On my To Do List:
edit photos
help Beth plan menu for the week
rest...doctors orders :)

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
no new recipes...I do miss cooking!

In the craft basket:
started knitting a baby blanket..we'll see if I have enough patients for it...good thing my sister is here to help if I need it :)

Looking forward to this week:
spending time with my sister and her son, Ethan. Also looking forward to my doctors appointment on Friday...sure hoping that my doctor will take these bed rest restrictions away!

Tips and Tricks:
not too much to share this week..I think I'm truly in resting mode

My favorite blog post this week:
Some good prayer posts over at Scripture Dig Using Prayer Cards and Double Wammy

Strength for a Weary Mom

Eve: Mom of Potential

Do Your Best!

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

Lesson learned the past few days:
I must say that I'm learning the lesson of humility...and keeping a positive (non-complaining) attitude. I've failed...esp. with the second one, but I'm learning through of this..that's for sure!

On my mind:
Keeping baby where he needs to be for a little while longer. Praying for his health, growth and development in these last few weeks and praying for a quick delivery when the time comes.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
I've been really enjoying Carolyn Mahaney's talks on Titus 2. You can download all of them for free! Here is the link for "Being Busy at Home" a great talk about how the Bible defines our role as women...not our culture.

Happy Homemaker Monday: August 9th

The weather in my neck of the woods:
mid 80's and cloudy....they say thunderstorms are coming

Things that make me happy:
the blessing of friendship

Books I'm reading:Don't Make Me Count to Three by: Ginger Plowman
Potty Train your Child in Just one Day: by Teri Crane

What I'm enjoying on TV:even on bed rest I'm not watching much tv....looking forward to borrowing Anne of Green Gables from a friend this week

On the menu for dinner:left overs from some wonderful meals sent to us from friends

On my To Do List:
well...even on bed rest I have a little bit of a list
-sort out expired coupons
-sort through both recipe boxes-write out recipes for Jessica's shower
-continue catching up Hannah's baby book

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Hawaiian meatloaf (a yummy summer meatloaf recipe)
Jerk Chicken Nachos
In the craft basket:

hairbows

Looking forward to this week:
going to the doctor...sound funny? Just looking forward to getting an update and seeing if there is an end in sight for this bed rest thing

Tips and Tricks:if you like lemon...add to your water...it sure has been helping me get my daily dose of water in (who says it has to be just a treat for the restaurant?).

My favorite blog post this week: Lovin' the short and practical tips over at Today's Housewife check out 31 Days to build a better home. Today is Day 9: Do Something Nice for a Neighbor

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
Lesson learned the past few days:
Being reminded of God's sovereign plan over my life. His plans are not always mine and are always good! I'm also learning to ask for help and be willing to accept it when it's offered or given. :)

On my mind:
Praying our little guy will stay put for a few more weeks. Praying for a fully developed, healthy, and happy baby. Also realizing that delivery day isn't that far away...praying for a quick and safe delivery.
Thanking God for the blessing of our church family and also my dear friends that have been so great to help with Hannah and bring us meals.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Loving and claiming Psalm 121

"I lift my eyes up to the hills,
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is the shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from evil;
he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore."

Happy Homemaker Monday: July 19

The weather in my neck of the woods:
84 degrees and cloudy...it actually feels really nice outside.

Things that make me happy:
listening to Hannah sing. Today she is singing "when I get to heaven" and "One Way Jesus"

Book I'm reading:
In between books right now.

What I'm enjoying on TV:
haven't watched tv is quite a while..

On the menu for dinner:
Tortellini-shrimp caesar salad

On my To Do List:

fold and put away laundry

ironing
work on our bedroom: clean blinds, dust and de-clutter the dressers
finish menu planning and maybe get to the grocery store.

In the craft basket:
umm...kids kamp craft shop this week! :)

Looking forward to this week:
seeing God work through the ministry of Kids Kamp at our church

Tips and Tricks:
make sure dishes are clean, counters are cleared and toys are put away before going to bed...sure makes for a nice way to wake up in the morning.

My favorite blog post this week:
seriously...way too busy for blog reading lately.

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

On my mind:
praying for our kids kamp going on at church this week. Praying for my dear husband who is running the whole thing. It's neat to see him use his gifts and talents for the Lord!

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Prov. 14:1 "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."

Happy Homemaker Monday: July 12

The weather in my neck of the woods:

81 degrees..the sun has been shining on and off and we got just enough rain this afternoon that I won't have to go out and water the flowers

Things that make me happy:

newly printed pictures of my little girl framed around the house

Book(s) I'm reading:

Toddlerwise (again), Unshaken by Francine Rivers, and does "It's not easy being a Bunny" count? :)

What I'm enjoying on TV:

Hmm...haven't watched too much tv lately

On the menu for dinner tonight:

going to try cheese hamburger quiche from my friend Ali's church cookbook

On my to-do list:

menu plan

run errands

start prep for kids camp crafts

write notes to mail

wash windows (trying to get a few done at a time..before baby comes)

New recipe I've tried or want to try soon:

made a strawberry banana trifle for small group yesterday...used vanilla wafers which cut on cost and time, chocolate cake truffles

In the craft basket:

kids camp crafts of course!

Looking forward to this week:

spending time with friends

Tips and tricks:
learned this from Erica last week: many times a teaspoon of peanut butter will stop hiccups.

Favorite blog post this week:

• If you are a young mom...this article is must read! You will be blessed and encouraged! "For the Young Mother: Ministry, Guilt, and Seasons of Life"


• A dream deferred


• "A Legacy: What I Want My Children to Remember About Me"

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

Lesson learned the past few days: it's worth the time to stop and rest (a hard lesson for me)

On my mind: praying for upcoming ministries at church: Farmington Festival this weekend and Kids Camp next week...

Devotional, Scripture Reading, Key Verse: "The people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work of the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as freewill offering to the Lord." Ex. 35:29

I was challenged by the generosity of the Israelites this morning...

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
60 degrees and sunny. It is suppose to warm up later this week, but today is the only sunny day in the forecast.

Things that make me happy:
Spending Mother's Day with my husband and little girl

What I'm enjoying on TV:been watching some 18 kids and counting when there's nothing else on.

On the menu for dinner:
potato and sausage stroganoff

On my To Do List:
wash and hang bedding
vacuum
target run
clip and file coupons
menu plan

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
homemade granola bars- these didn't stick together as well as I would have liked, but hubby and little one gobbled them up
baked teriyaki chicken- YUM!
oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars
chicken broccoli lo mein- Seth gave this one an A+
smoked sausage with vegetables

In the craft basket:

working on some gifts :)

Looking forward to this week:
time at home with my little one, the all daughters dinner at church this weekend

Tips and Tricks:
got this tip from my mom: ever get those stains on your husbands collars? Use shampoo to pre treat the stain. Shampoo is made to cut grease...works great! Thanks Mom!

My favorite blog post(s) this week:
The Prosperity "Gospel" a clip from the T4G conference
10 Things Every Ministers Wife Needs from Sandra at Heart for Him
Encouragement in the Ordinary: another great clip from T4G

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
I love this cheesy smile she's been giving me lately...and I sure have been having a good time learning how to edit my photos in photoshop :)
Lesson learned the past few days:
go with the flow. Sure wanted to get my flower beds weeded and mulched this weekend, but it was rather rainy and cold. Learning to just say "oh well"...
On my mind:
praying for one of our church members who had a heart cath this morning.
Also thanking God that my SIL is recovering from her e.coli scare and is home from the hospital.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
"Then Jesus told him (Thomas) 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'" John 20:29

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
63 degrees and sunny

Things that make me happy:
listening to Hannah sing...she's been singing all morning and it just blesses my heart!

Book I'm reading:
"The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace

What I'm enjoying on TV:
This question is going to get boring..because I only watch 2 tv show during the week...I'm enjoying American Idol.

On the menu for dinner:We are going to try cheesy broccoli potato soup.

On my To Do List:
vacuum
sweep floors
bathroom
grocery store
declutter
unload and load dishwasher
(let's hope Hannah takes a looonng nap!)

New Recipes I tried or want to try soon:
(it's been a while since a HHM..so these are from the past few weeks)
Ham and Pineapple kabobs
crispy rosemary chicken and fries ooey gooey butter cake
garlic and lime chicken

In the craft basket:

finally finished the hairbows :)

Looking forward to this week:the beginning of Healthy Living Shows. I'm teaming up with my dear friend Amber to do healthy living shows. For the pampered chef portion of the show, I will teach a healthy recipe and Amber (who is a personal trainer) will teach some good exercise ideas!
Tips and Tricks:
how about a beauty tip this week? Take the extra 30 seconds to curl your eye lashes...it makes a big difference! Then when applying mascara...start on the outside corners...your lashes need more there and your eyes will pop :)
My favorite blog post this week:
I'm trying to read more books, so I haven't done as much blog reading lately, but here's a few that I enjoyed:
Easy Like Sunday Morning
Motherhood is Messy

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
So excited to find out we are having a little boy!

On my mind:
thinking about and praying for a friend from church/our small group who is struggling with knee surgery complications.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb."
Psalm 139:13

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Today...a beautiful 73 and sunny!!

Things that make me happy: this beautiful weather! My favorite is when the sun is shining and I can go out with jeans, a t-shirt, and no coat...perfect!

Book I'm reading:
still the same 'ol. And does Family Fun magazine count?! :)

What I'm enjoying on TV:
American Idol

On the menu for dinner:
Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup (made with leftover ham from yesterday) :) and rolls

On my To Do List:
Tons to do today...but mostly enjoying the beautiful weather while we can.
laundry
sweep and wash floors
get dinner in the crockpot
missions meeting

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Potato and Sausage Casserole (so yummy!)Slow cooker ham (seriously SO easy and SO good!)

In the craft basket:

are you kidding? Any crafting time has been spent outside...it's been too beautiful! Maybe this week on one of the rainy days they are predicting...

Looking forward to this week:
some time with my family!!

Tips and Tricks:
my friend Amber (who's a personal trainer) and I have been talking about ways to fit a little bit of exercise into a busy mom's day. Here are some easy ways that we came up with?
-park a distance from the store
-do some squats while you brush your teeth
-don't be afraid to make a few trips up and down the stairs
-take the elevator
-go for walks with the stroller (my personal favorite)
What are some ways that you fit exercise into your day?

My favorite blog post this week:
God's Sovereignty

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
How to choose...I got so many great pics of my baby on Easter morning

Lesson learned the past few days:
reminded of how beneficial/important it is to spend time in prayer and the Word to prepare my heart for worship on Sunday morning.


On my mind:
praying for the family of the boy that was hit by a car last week here in our town...I don't even know them...but boy my heart aches for them.


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
1 Peter 1:3 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
46 and sunny

Things that make me happy: seeing our teenagers excited about spreading the good news of Jesus Christ!

Book I'm reading:
still working through "The Excellent Wife" and "The Power of a Praying Wife" reading both with other people, so we are just slowly plugging through them :)

What I'm enjoying on TV:
Just started watching "Undercover Boss" on Sunday nights...I cry every time...neat show.

On the menu for dinner:
buttermilk pancakes
On my To Do List:
laundry
grocery store
bathroom
vacuum
mops phone calls

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Banana nut muffins made with biscuit mix...so yummy! I'll post the recipe soon.

In the craft basket:

finally got the hot glue...hope to get these hair bows made this week.

Looking forward to this week:
So looking forward to the warm weather coming our way..should be in the 70's by Thursday! Also looking forward to making Easter sugar cookies, dying eggs, making resurrection rolls and celebrating a risen Savior on Sunday!

Tips and Tricks:

save and freeze bananas that are overly bruised or too ripe to eat. Thaw them in a bowl, then slip the fruit from the peels.

My favorite blog posts this week:
P.S. Your Hands are Beautiful
Today's the Day
Comparison Unmasked

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

On my prayer list:Still praying for my sis in law, Jill...it seems like she has been discharged today! Praying for continued healing and praising God for the answered prayer so far!
Praying for wisdom and patience as parenting a toddler as proved to be a true challenge lately.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples." John 8:31

Happy Homemaker Monday- March 21

The weather in my neck of the woods:
cloudy and 44 degrees. Kinda miss last weeks weather..but at least it's not the snow that we had in Chicago this weekend!

Things that make me happy:
the joy of staying home each day with my little girl

Book(s) I'm reading:
The Power of a Praying Wife
The Excellent Wife

What I'm enjoying on TV:
American Idol & The Office

On the menu for dinner:
Chicken Pasta Primavera

On my To Do List:
unpack from weekend,laundry, change sheets
baking

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Pepperoni Pizza Pie (very yummy!)

In the craft basket:
still working on those spring hair bows...I need to get to the craft store for more glue sticks!

Looking forward to this week:
our weekends have been super busy lately...looking forward to being here this weekend and spending a family day together on Friday.

Tips and Tricks:
When you can't use bleach in your laundry, hydrogen peroxide (1 cup to a load) makes for a good disinfectant.

My favorite blog post this week:
Celebrating Jesus with your kids...go here for great ideas on making your own resurrection eggs!

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

My sweet nephew: I love those blue eyes and his sweet smile!

On my mind:
Praying hard for my sister in law, Jill who is in a drug induced coma right now. She is having trouble breathing on her own, but slowly improving. I'm so glad that my God is the Great Physician and that she is in His hands.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" -Isaiah 6:8.

as always...thanks to Sandra for hosting Happy Homemaker Monday each week!