Book Love - The Midwife of Hope River

I read this book after it was recommended by my good blogging friend and fellow book lover, Karen at Life is Good : ).  

I really enjoyed this book.  It is written in short sections that are only three or four pages long so it is highly readable, even though it is almost 400 pages in length.  It is  a lovely, memorable story of a midwife, Patience Murphy, who brings babies into the world in depression era Appalachia. Most of her work is done for free for people who cannot afford to pay her modest fee. Patience's life story is woven into the accounts of the births, deaths, tragedies, and triumphs she is part of. The character of Patience Murphy, is carefully revealed page by page, through the love and care she gives others, in the face of pain, poverty, prejudice. I really loved just about everything about this book - the characters were likable and believable and the descriptions were rich and realistic. I have gone through multiple pregnancies and births myself, but I learned  much about the truly miraculous process of pregnancy and birth from the author, Patricia Harman's descriptions and accounts, based on her own years as a midwife. Many of the descriptions of the actually birthing process are medically accurate and therefore quite explicit, so this may not be the book for children and teenagers.  For those who like to know what's coming, I should note that there is also a very brief reference to a Lesbian romantic encounter (the main character is not a Lesbian). The main character does engage in pre-marital sex twice - but there is no graphic or explicit description and the encounters are only very briefly mentioned.  All-in-all, The Midwife of Hope River is an excellent, uplifting and life-affirming book.  I couldn't wait to read it each day, and miss it now that I have finished. 

Sunday Thoughts and Gratitude

This weekend was another long one for me, as I took Friday off to take a family member to a doctor appointment.  The appointment had a good outcome and barring unforeseen problems with lab work, everything is good to go - health is always a very big thing to be grateful for!

Josh and I were able to go to the public open house at the new Gilbert LDS Temple.  The building was magnificent and such a special ambiance.  I am grateful that we were able to spend some time seeing this beautiful new House of God.

I am grateful that we will now have a temple located so close - only three miles from where we live.  I am also grateful that I have the opportunity to serve as a volunteer usher for some of the tours on an upcoming Saturday.  I am looking forward to that.

The winter weather here is always something to be grateful for.  We started out Saturday with a few clouds...

but today was bright and sunny with a cloudless blue sky,

and that bright blue sky turned into this lovely sunset.

Cold for us here in Arizona  is a morning that starts out below 50 degrees.  Today it was in the low 80s during the afternoon.  The summer heat will eventually have us sweltering (in a few months) making these delightful winter days only a pleasant weather memory.

I am grateful for a very nice mother/son lunch I had with Josh here at Oregano's Pizza  this weekend.  Josh had been wanting to try the place for a while and we finally got around to it.  The pizza was excellent and the time with my son, even better.  Charly and I have always tried to have individual outings or "dates" with all of our children as they were growing up, but now that only Josh remains at home, I appreciate more and more the time I can spend with him, nurturing a relationship that I hope will last throughout our lives and beyond.  

I am always thankful for pictures of my grandkids and my daughter in Maryland sent me some fun photos of her family making the most of a snow day from work and school this past week.

It doesn't look like anyone minds the cold and snow...

even if it does make the noses and cheeks a little red.

The handsome men of the family are all bundled up for the cold.

Whee....what fun!  It's been years since I've done this, but I would love to go out and do some sledding right now - especially if I could do it with my grandkids!

I am so grateful for my grandchildren -- all seven -- including the one that we won't get to meet until summer!

I am grateful today (as always) for books - including all of the books I have read, the one I am currently reading (shown above - one I am really enjoying) and all the books I hope to read in the future.  I read an article from the Pew Research Center today, that reported:

"Overall, 76% of adults read a book in some format over the previous 12 months. The typical American adult read or listened to 5 books in the past year, and the average for all adults was 12 books."

Read the entire article here, if you are interested.  

It is wonderful that 76% of us read at least one book in the past year, but that leaves almost a quarter of the adult population that did not.  As a teacher, mother and citizen of U.S., that number concerns me.  One source reported that in 1978, only 8% of Americans didn't read at least one book in a twelve month period, so if 24% of us are now non-readers, this is not a good trend.  New education standards, changes in school calendars, increased accountability for teachers, more technology and rigorous testing will do nothing if students simply won't read!  When I hear a student say "I hate to read" that makes me sad, and far too many students say that.  Statistics show that readers tend to be better educated and have higher incomes, but aside from that, reading just makes life better and richer and more interesting.  I am eternally grateful I enjoy reading.  I cannot imagine life as a non-reader.  I am so thankful that I was taught to read and then given a rich literary environment (i.e. lots of books) as a child and teen.  That is something that my parents did right and I am grateful for it.

I so agree with this quote from Gordon B. Hinckley:

"It is both relaxing and invigorating to occasionally set aside the worries of life, seek the company of a friendly book...from the reading of 'good books' there comes a richness of life that can be obtained in no other way."  

and this one from Thomas S. Monson:

"Reading is one of the true pleasures of life.  In our age of mass culture, when so much that we encounter is abridged, adapted, adulterated, shredded, and boiled down, it is mind-easing and mind-inspiring to sit down privately with a congenial book."

Other things that have been on my mind that I am grateful for:

• a nice long conversation with my oldest daughter.
• summer vacation plans that are coming along nicely and promise to be fun and exciting.
• multiple "thank yous" from my son for a weekend he really enjoyed.
• late night conversations and laughter to end the day.

I will end with my gratitude for the scriptures that I spend time with each day.  This is a scripture that impressed me and I have been thinking about it since I read it yesterday.  

"Who is wise, and he shall understand these things?  Prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

                                                                     --Hosea 14:9

May the coming week be a good one for you!

Happy Homemaker Monday - MLK Day Edition

Off today for the Martin Luther King holiday, I decided to join with Sandra at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

Outside my window...

It is clear and sunny, about 50 degrees.  Early this morning, we greeted the day with a stunning golden, pink and blue sunrise.

It was a beautiful way to begin the day.

Right now I am...

Multi-tasking - doing this blog post and reading some material for my online class as I wait for pictures to load.  I am also taking time outs to hang landry and help hubby with a weed killing project in the yard.

Earlier today, hubby and I did a quick clean out and rearrange of this closet which goes back under our stairway.

I went through the various coats, jackets, sweat shirts etc. that are kept in this closet and found several items that had been outgrown or were no longer worn.  I filled about half a big black garbage bag with these items that will be donated to Goodwill or Deseret Industries.

Thinking and Pondering...

About some possible big changes we are considering making in our lives.  We are seeking God's will and guidance in making some big decisions in the coming months and years.   I keep thinking of  this scripture and praying for the wisdom we need:

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

                                                                           --James 1:5

On my Reading Stack...
My scriptures, Daily Reflections for Highly Effective People by the late Stephen R. Covey, Power Thoughts by Joyce Meyer and The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman.

On my TV...

I gave Downton Abbey another chance last night.  I didn't much like the turn the show took with the rape of Anna so I hope that can be resolved because I really like Mr. and Mrs. Bates and want them to be happy! Saturday, I watched a couple of interesting programs on EWTN while I was ironing.  (I am not Catholic, but enjoy the Christian intellectual perspective of many of the shows on EWTN.  They provide food for thought and challenge me to be a better person). I haven't watched anything yet today.  I may watch a movie later while ironing.

On the Menu for the Week...

Chicken wings and potato soup tonight, round steak one night and then slow cooker stew with left-over round steak.  I will plan more as the week progresses and I see how much time I have to cook and what left-overs need to be creatively used up!

On My To-Do List...
Laundry
Ironing
Lesson 2 in my on-line history class

Plans for the Week...
A doctor appointment for son
Relief Society activity for the women at church Thursday evening
Attending the open house of the Gilbert Temple
Company for dinner on Friday (missionaries from church).
All-day training class for hubby on Saturday


What I am Creating...

I made some progress on my long-suffering crocheted afghan last night during Downton Abbey.  I would really like to get this afghan finished up and then move on to other things. I am also making progress on the puzzle I am working on.  I don't know if that counts as being creative, but it is fun and relaxing and I enjoy it.

My Simple Pleasures...

Walks with Charly

Reading

Working on a puzzle

Indexing historical records at Family Search Indexing.  Last night I indexed 50 birth records for babies born in the Philippines in 1947.   For me, indexing is fun, interesting and relaxing and I feel like I am some how contributing to the preservation of historical records.  

Lesson Learned this Past Week...

Keep calm, listen with the heart and remember that "this too will pass."

Looking around the House...

I can see that there is laundry and ironing to be done and the down stairs bathroom to be quick-cleaned and tidied up.

From the Camera...

These are the delicious chocolate chip cookies my son baked last night while Charly and I were out on our walk.   He had volunteered to take cookies to a Sunday evening Youth Activity and he found the recipe online himself and made and baked them totally without assistance.  They are really, really good!

Charly has a new toy - a weed torch.  While people in other parts of the country are shoveling snow, here in Arizona we are dealing with our winter weed crop.

 We have quite a crop of weeds coming up in the rocks in the yard.

In the past, we have tried to kill them with Round-Up or some other commercial weed killer, with mixed success.  Recently we saw a homeowner in his front yard killing weeds with a weed torch and decided that would be better than applying toxic chemicals to the ground around our home.  We got our weed torch on Saturday and Charly has been spending time outside burning the weeds.

It works pretty well on smaller weeds.  The larger weeds were not as easy to burn so we sprayed some Round-Up on them. Now that we have the torch, we can easily get the weeds taken care of as soon as they come up while they are still small, without poison.

Prayer List...

• Charly and I as we seek God's wisdom and guidance in big decisions
• All of my children and grandchildren but especially Josh as he finishes the last half of his senior year, graduates from high school and goes on to other things
• Mother-in-law who has recently had some new health challenges come up
• Daughter who is pregnant expecting her 4th child

Scripture Verse...

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

                                                        --Proverbs 3:5-6

Thankfulness and Accountability

Thursday night, I am thankful for the pleasures of home and family.

 This is what my family room looks like now that we have sold this:

I enjoyed the eliptical and used it alot, but now that it just causes pain to my knees, I am so thankful we were able to sell it to someone who can use it to get healthier, and now I have...

...a comfy reading corner and a much less cluttered family room.  There will be more de-cluttering and paring down to come.  I am thankful to have a comfortable home that we are working on making even more comfortable.

Charly had a training class last night and came home later than normal.  I took the opportunity to call my birth mom and we had a good chat while a worked on this puzzle.  I am thankful for the relationship I have with my birth mom.  While she could never replace the mom who raised me, she has become a good friend and I enjoy our chats.  She offers a listening ear and a different perspective on challenges and problems.  

I am also thankful for a blogging friend, Karen at Life is Good for reminding me how challenging, yet relaxing puzzles can be.  I went to the Dollar Store last night and came home with three more puzzles which I am excited to put together when the current one is complete!

I am thankful for this book, The Happiness Makeover by M.J. Ryan.  This was a Christmas gift from my husband and it was excellent!  This upbeat and positive book teaches that we are all responsible for our own happiness and there are ways to change the attitudes that become obstacles to happiness.  There were some excellent strategies and ideas in this book and I will be referring back to it often, especially on those days when I might not be feeling as happy as I could.  I am also thankful to my husband for gifting me this book at Christmas.  I had looked at it several times at the bookstore, but frugality always won out and I had never purchased it.  I am glad that he decided to give it to me.  

Other things I am thankful for this evening:

Apologies - have received and given several this week.

Laughter - with husband and son at the dinner table tonight.

Walks - those I take right after dinner almost every evening with my husband.  We didn't get to walk last night due to his training class which made tonight's walk together even sweeter.  I love being outside in the fresh air, discussing important or trivial things with my husband and just enjoying his company.

New Days - the opportunity to begin new each day and try a little harder to be the kind of person I want to be

At the beginning of January, I made several goals for the new year, and have decided to hold myself accountable for accomplishing them by reporting on my progress each month in my blog.  

Here are my goals for 2014 and what I have done toward them so far:

1. Read at least 28 books in 2014 - so far I have completed two books and have started on a third so I am on track with this goal.

2. Index 500 names at Family Search Indexing - so far I have indexed 25 names from an 1881 Canadian Census.  

3. Complete 14 more graduate level hours (5-7 classes) so I can go up on the salary scale at work - I have started another online class that will give me 2 hours toward this goal.   I am currently 1/6 of the way complete with the class.

4.  Record and track all expenditures - I am keeping track of the money I have spent since the first of the year.  I will add it up and categorize it at the end of the month so get a better picture of where the money goes.

5. Continue reading the scriptures every day - I have done this every day so far this year.

6.  Stop drinking soda - Although I have never been a big soda drinker, I had gotten into the habit of having a pick-me-up diet cola in the late afternoon.  I found however, that it increased my anxiety during the evening hours and decreased my ability to get to sleep on some nights.  Since making this goal, I have had only one afternoon soda.   That evening I felt anxious and had a hard time getting to sleep, so I renewed my goal to cut out the soda and I have not had any since then.

I end this post with a a quote from Christian Apologist G.K. Chesteron:

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."

Be thankful.  Be happy!

A Quick Catch-Up

There is time tonight only for a quick catch-up of the week and weekend before "Downton Abbey" takes the rest of my evening.

The weekend began very early Saturday morning for Charly and I with some time spent here:

I didn't take this picture, but it shows what the temple looked like when we arrived before most people are even up on a Saturday.  We do enjoy the peace of these early Saturday mornings spent at the temple.

After the temple, our Saturday was busy with lots of errands - shopping, banking, etc. We did take some time out mid-morning to meet our Realtor at this house to see if we could take a look.  Due to my arthritic knees, we have been contemplating selling our current home and buying one that is all on one level.  This house in the picture is in a nice area about a block away from the home of some very good friends and it was about the size and price range we were looking for.  We couldn't even get inside to take a look however, since the bank had changed the lock.  When our Realtor called to find out why the lock had been changed, she was told the house already had two offers on it.  This was actually the second time in a week we were unable to get into see a house that was listed for sale. At this point, I'm not actually sure we will keep looking since our son has told us he definitely does not want to move before he graduates from high school. He will graduate in May so we will likely stay put for now and not waste any more time going to see houses that we can't even get in to look at.  

Later on Saturday, I decided to check out half-price day at Goodwill.  For only $11, I got a pair of knee-shorts (I pretty much live in shorts like this during nine months of the year here in Phoenix), an Adidas "Climalite" shirt, a Cindy Woodsmall Amish novel, a "new" wallet and an "organizational" basket.

One of our goals for this year is to simplify our lives and pare-down our stuff.   We have listed several items on Craig's List since New Years Day when we began this project.  So far, we have sold an aquarium (empty after the last remaining fish died), a baby exersaucer (that the grandkids had either outgrown or rarely used), an outdoor grill (that we haven't used since we gave up the large covered patio our home in Southern California had), my eliptical exercise machine (that now causes a lot of pain in my knees) and most recently, this collection of "Doc Savage" books that my husband had kept since his teenage years.    It feels great to be turning some of these unused items into extra cash while making more room in our home and garage.  

Church today was good.  The messages were about the parables of Jesus and how they apply to our lives today.  A feast for the spirit.  After a little "after church nap," I arose with the craving for oatmeal cookies, so I dug out one of my tried and true Amish cookbooks and started baking.  The results were quite delicious!

Charly and I have decided to start doing puzzles together again.  It's been several years since we have done a puzzle together, but we have enjoyed doing these in the past.  This afternoon, I cleared off the table in our living room and put out the pieces to a puzzle with a picture of the Chicago Skyline.  So far, all we have done is turn over all the pieces.  It may be slow going since our days tend to be very busy, but we will persevere  until every piece is in place, and then we will begin again with a new puzzle!

Charly and Josh have been watching seasons I and II of "Grimm."  Charly's sister sent him the DVDs of the show for Christmas since it is a favorite of hers.  Charly and Josh are enjoying it too, but it's not really the kind of show I can get into.  Speaking of TV, although I have been watching "Downton Abbey," I am finding myself a bit disappointed with the new season. None of the story lines are really that interesting to me and the violent rape that occurred in tonight's episode was downright upsetting.  I don't like to watch such things on Sunday evening (or any time for that matter).  Any other opinions from "Abbey" fans?

Coming up this week:

At school, I will soon have about 120 essays to grade this week, in addition to the usual student assignments. I will also start tutoring during lunch, which makes my days even fuller than they already are.  On the home front, no big plans or looming appointments this week.  I am starting a new online class which begins Wednesday. Charly has an evening training class later in the week.  Seems like teachers are always going to school!   Next weekend is a "three-dayer" so we will all look forward to that.  

Thought for the new week:

"Let it be uppermost in [our] minds, now and at all time, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God who came into the world to lay down His life that we might live.  That is the truth, and is fundamental. Upon that our faith is built."

                                                                          --Joseph Fielding Smith

May you have God's blessings and guidance in the coming week!

Happy Homemaker Monday

As I look out the window...

It is dark outside now.  Earlier today, it was beautiful and sunny. The temperatures were on the chilly side but typical for Arizona this time of year.  Our high today was 67, and its about 60 right now (according to weather.com).  The prediction is that the temperature will fall to about 35 degrees tonight.  Brrrrr.

Right now I am...

Taking some time on the computer.  After dinner, hubby and I took a walk, then I indexed 25 names from a Canadian (Ontario) census from the 1881 at Family Search Indexing.  I really enjoy indexing at Family Search.  It is interesting and makes me feel like I am helping to preserve a part of history.  Hubby is talking to his sister on the phone and son is watching an episode of "Grimm."

Thinking and Pondering...

About how well the first day back to school for the new semester went for all of us (hubby, son and I) today. Son needed a schedule change and even that went smoothly.  I hope this is a sign of good things to come!

On My Reading Stack...

Power Thoughts Devotional by Joyce Meyer
The Happiness Makeover by M. J. Ryan
The New Testament - Book of Matthew (Everyday Life Amplified Version)
The Old Testament - Book of Hosea (Kings James Version)
The Book of Mormon - 1 Nephi
The Doctrine and Covenants

On My TV...

I watched most of Downton Abbey last night, but haven't watched anything so far today, except Joyce Meyer's program while I ate breakfast early this morning.  I may watch something a bit later as I iron.

Listening to...

Not much noise around here right now.  Just the sound of my computer keys clicking and my husband's mouse as he clicks at the computer right next to me.

Menu for the Week...

Monday  - leftovers from the weekend
Tuesday - pasta chicken salad (if the mood strikes)
Wednesday - something with hamburger...
Thursday - maybe something from the slow cooker...

I'm truly not a big menu planner, but we won't starve.

On My To-Do List...

• laundry
• ironing
• dentist appointment on Thursday after school!
• pick up a book on hold for me at the library

Plans for the Week...

To try to stay on top of things as much as possible - both at home and at school.

What I am Creating this Week...

I would like to try and do some crocheting.  I haven't worked on my afghan for a while. Also, the crocheted mood blanket challenge sounds interesting.  I may give that a try if the week doesn't get too busy.

My Simple Pleasures...

• Peaceful early Saturday mornings spent at the Mesa Temple.
• Reading in bed late at night.
• Walking with my husband.
• Blogging.
• Indexing names at Familysearch.org

Lessons Learned this Past Week...

The caffeine in the pick-me-up afternoon soda is best avoided.  Without it, my evenings are more relaxing, and much less anxious.  I've suspected this for some time, but now I know it.  I've added avoiding soda to my list of new year's resolutions.

Looking Around the House...

Things are basically clean and tidy, except for my husband's "landing spot" in the kitchen and I've just about given up on that.  The room I am in right now is my "drying room" so there is lots of damp laundry on various drying racks in the room.  

From the Camera...

This is a picture of my son, daughter, son-in-law and three of my grandchildren which I already posted last week.  That is the Gilbert, Arizona LDS temple in the background.  I love this picture because, while it is not my entire family, it reminds me that I want to be with my family for eternity.  My husband, children and grandchildren are some of the most precious blessings I have!

Prayer List...

My husband, children and grandchildren, especially my youngest son starting the last semester of his senior year in high school and my pregnant daughter (both shown in the picture above).  Also on my prayer list, an old friend who has been fighting cancer this past year and is now cancer free and starting to recover.

Bible Verse...

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, 

that he may exalt you in due time:  

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

                                                             --I Peter 5:6-7 KJV

Joining today with Sandra of Dairy of a Stay at Home Mom, Danielle of Blissful and Domestic and other blogging friends for Happy Homemaker Monday!  

Gratitude Sunday

There is much to be grateful for on this gorgeous first Sunday of the New year:

1.  I am thankful for beautiful weather over our two-week Christmas break.  I know that much of the country is in the middle of a snowy deep freeze right now, but the past two weeks we have been on Christmas break have been absolutely lovely here in Arizona. The sun has been shining, the sky has been a cloudless blue most days and the temperature has been just right -- not too hot and not too cold.  I am so thankful for this weather that has made it possible to do things like clean and organize in the garage, wash the cars, and take wonderful late afternoon walks with my husband.

2.  I am thankful that our house didn't burn down last week.  As you can see from this picture, we had a little problem that could have become a much bigger problem. Since mid-week, there had been a funny, burning smell in our kitchen which we could never quite pinpoint.  We though it might have been one of the small space heaters we had been using to take the chill off in the mornings and late evenings, so we threw it away.  The smell continued and got worse.  Yesterday afternoon, as my son was vacuuming (his weekly chore) the power in about half of our downstairs mysteriously went out.  Examining the breaker box, we found that the breaker had shut off and not knowing why (or putting two and two together) we turned the switch back on and went on about our afternoon.  A few minutes later, hubby called urgently for me to come into the kitchen where we found this blackened outlet and the melted plug of the can opener that had been plugged into it. When hubby took the outlet plate off, the wires inside were glowing red.  That was time to call the fire department. 

3.  I am thankful for fire fighters (and police officers).   The few times in my life I have had to call the police or fire department, I am awfully glad that there are brave men and women who show up to help me out.  This is the back of the fire truck driving down out street after four strong, buff (and good-looking) fire fighters and one police officer showed up at our home Saturday afternoon to help us (and our smoldering electrical wires) out.  (I admit that I was too embarrassed to ask the firemen to pose for a group shot - hence the picture of the back of the truck).  While in our home, the fire fighters noted that the wall where the wires smoldered was unusually warm. Simply cutting the power to that part of the house (half of the down-stairs) solved the problem and put the smoldering wires to rest, at least temporarily.  An electrician who worked Sundays came this morning to rewire and restore the power.   The exact reason for the problem is still a mystery - one that we hope won't reoccur!  

4.  I am thankful for fresh black berries as part of our dinner tonight!  They were delicious.

Blessings that I am truly grateful for even though I don't have pictures of them:

• Jobs that Charly and I will return to tomorrow after a two-week holiday break.
• Money to pay for the house and car repairs we have had to get done over our break.
• An easy going teenager in the house who is a joy to have around (most days).
• Afternoon and evening walks with the love of my life.
• Lunch with good friends.
• Enjoying fellowship at church with people I have really come to like and care for over the past twelve years.

There is always much to be grateful for.  

Be thankful today and have a good week.  

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts...and be ye thankful."

--Col 3:15

Wrapping Up New Year's Week

The week between Christmas and New Years was alternately relaxing and busy for us.

On Monday, we met our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren for lunch on their way back home to Utah from Arizona.   They had spent some time with us right after Christmas, then had gone on to Tucson to visit our son-in-law's parents and family.  We were so happy to get to see them again, even if only for lunch.  We met at Firehouse Subs and had some delicious sandwiches. This is my oldest grandson standing under the firefighter equipment in this restaurant that was actually started by several firefighters.  

My granddaughter is such a sweet and lovely young lady.  We are sure glad we got to see her again and eat lunch with her one last time in 2013!

The youngest grandson didn't want a fancy sub so he made his own peanut butter and jelly sandwich and ate that.

It was so fun to see this cute two-and-a-half-year-old make and then eat his own PB & J. That's our lovely daughter standing next to our little grandson.  She's a great mom and works with her kids and teaches them lots of things - like how to make their own sandwiches!

We have also been cleaning and organizing our home and garage this week.  I spent one afternoon organizing all of our canned and boxed food and cleaning and hygiene products. This was a big job but now I won't buy another can of creme of mushroom soup when I already have five cans of the same hiding somewhere on an unorganized shelf!

The hall pantry also got a thorough cleaning and reorganization.

Christmas decorations were put away until next year. This is the table where our Christmas tree and nativities were. 

The front door looks a little naked without all the fun and festive Christmas cards we received.  

We listed some items we weren't using any more on Craigs List and sold a couple of things like this nice grill which we used a lot when we lived in California but have rarely used since we moved to Arizona.

We also sold our aquarium, stand and all the fish supplies.  Our last remaining fish died a few days before Christmas and we decided that are finished with aquariums for now.

We plan to paint our downstairs hallway soon, so took all of the family pictures down and packed them away.  Since we will eventually be moving to a new house, because of my knee problems, we probably won't put the pictures back up in this house.

We packed two large boxes full of family pictures.  We will look forward to putting them back up some day in a new home!

I also took some time to make some several batches of the homemade laundry detergent that we use.  My recipe is:

2 cups of finally grated Ivory bar soap

1 cup Borax

1 cup Baking Soda

1 cup Washing Soda

Use 1/8 cup per load.

We've been using this for over a year now with excellent results.  It is very economical, and really cleans our clothing well.   These four large jars (washed out peanut butter jars) will probably last us well into the summer or longer.

We've also been busy with car maintenance and repairs as well as some repairs on the house. We had our downstairs furnace repaired and even though it is working again, we've been able to get by with just our space heaters since our Arizona weather been beautifully sunny with temps up into the 70s  almost every day of our holiday vacation. We felt blessed that the circuit board that controls both our downstairs heater and air conditioner went out during the cooler winter months and not the hot summer!  We also decided to give our home a bit of a Christmas gift...

...new thermostats to keep the temperatures just right all year long!

We have stayed busy, but we've also found some time to relax.  We've watch movies, done some reading and have enjoyed time with friends. 

And today, Charly finally got his last Christmas present, via FedEx.  It was supposed to be here Christmas Eve, but finally made it this morning. Despite the delay, he was very happy with Jim Cramer's newest book about the stock market and investing, even though it wasn't under the tree Christmas morning.

Here's hoping that your first week of 2014 has been a good one!