Happy Homemaker Monday

On a cold and blustery first day of February, I am joining with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for:

The weather today:
Cold and windy with rain in the forecast.

Right now I am:
Typing this post - sitting down to take a time out after finishing some cleaning.

Thinking:
About my mother-in-law who has been put in hospice care and is expected to pass sometime this week.  I am also thinking about her children (my husband, his brother and sister) as they deal with the passing of their mom.  This is never an easy thing.

Looking forward to:
Seeing my daughter, her husband and children later this month when they come to Arizona for a visit.

On my reading pile:

I will be finished with Anne of Avonlea, which I read as part of this reading challenge, later today.  I was supposed to read it in January, and I just about did.  I had plans to finish it yesterday, January 31, but then with all the phone calls and conversations about my mother-in-law going back and forth, I got side tracked and didn't finish.  Coming up in February, I am planning to join in Barbara's Laura Ingalls Wilder reading challenge  by reading one of these Wilder books.  I also have a book from a publisher that I will be reading and posting a review of.  

On TV:

I don't watch much TV, but I do enjoy American Greed reruns on Friday night as well as Downton Abbey and Mercy Street on Sunday evenings.  Other than occasionally tuning into the news or watching part of an old movie on TCM, that is the extent of my TV viewing.

Things making me happy this week:

• I am out of my boot - walking in regular shoes now.  My foot is still a bit swollen and will be for about six months according to my doctor.  The foot is still sore and the joint the big toe is still a bit stiff, but we are making progress.  Baby steps...baby steps.

• Letters and emails from missionaries - my own and others that I write to.

On my to-do list:
General cleaning
Laundry
Ironing
Generally staying on top of things in case we are spending a day or two with funeral arrangements and services.

Looking around the house:

Things are pretty much in their normal order - no little ones around to "un-order things."  I want to get out and work in the garage and get that in better shape as soon as my foot is farther along the path to complete healing.

Prayer list:

I am praying for my children and grand children, missionaries - especially Josh and my "adopted" missionaries. Special prayers for my mother-in-law as she transitions to the next realm and my husband, brother-in-law and sister-in-law whose momma is going to heaven.

Ponderizing Scripture for the week:

Thought for the week:

Happy Homemaker Monday - Christmas Week Edition

Welcome to the week of Christmas.  I am still "laying low" and trying to stay off my feet as I heal after last week's foot surgery. While I am staying home "taking it easy," I decided to join with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

The weather outside is:
Cold but bright and sunny. The temperature here in the "Valley of the Sun" is about 40 degrees.

On the breakfast plate this morning:
Wheat toast with homemade jam (a Christmas gift from a good friend who teaches in the room next door to mine), fresh black berries with juice and Zip Fizz to drink.

As I look out my window:
I see the the bright yellow lemons on my lemon tree.  When I am more mobile, I need to pick some lemons.  There are always more than we can possibly use.   

Right now I am:

Writing this post and carefully watching my email in-box for the weekly email from my son Josh, serving as a missionary in Mexico.  We probably won't hear from him until much later in the day, but I keep a pretty close watch on my email all day every Monday.

As I look around the house:

I have been sleeping on the couch in the family room since my surgery, to avoid going up and down the stairs, so that room is looking very "lived in" today.  It will probably stay that way for another week or so, until the doctor clears me to be on my foot longer and go up and down stairs. The rest of the house is fine. The living room, where our tree is, is looking festive and lovely.

On today's "to-do" list:

Don't  stress about what I can't do right now.  Keep my foot elevated and iced as much as possible. Read.  Watch Christmas movies. Enjoy the down time ~ "this too will pass."

Happening this week:

Follow-up trip to the doctor. Wrapping the very last of the Christmas gifts that I ordered on Amazon this past weekend. Skype call on Christmas Day with my son, Josh! 

Currently reading:

This early Christmas present from my daughter Tiffany.

On the TV: 

CNBC - the business channel.  Hubby listens to it every day he is home. Later today and tonight, I hope to watch some Christmas movies.

Menu for the week:

First we will finish off the left-overs from delicious meals that have been brought in to help out since I had my surgery.

What I am creating:

I am seriously considering making some scarves with my knitting loom.  It has been a while since I have made anything like that.

Some pictures from the last few days:

Our little Christmas Tree with most of the gifts under it.

This beautiful nativity was hand made and painted for my mother by one of her neighbors many years ago.  I "inherited" it when my mother passed.  I still love putting it out every year.  

A thoughtful bouquet of "Christmasy" flowers from a family at church.  

My early Christmas present...

...helping me stay off my my foot get around a little more quickly and painlessly.

Thoughts for this Christmas week:

Happy Homemaker Monday

It seems like ages since I have joined in with Happy Homemaker Monday, so as I sit here at my computer waiting for my son's once-a-week email, I decided to join in

The weather outside is...
Mostly sunny with a few clouds.  It is about 81 degrees where I live.

On the dinner table this evening...
Leftover vegetarian pizza. One of the advantages of being "empty nesters" is that a family size pizza will last two meals!

As I look out my window...
I see the lemon tree in my back yard, laden with yellow fruit.  Looks like its time for some fresh lemonade.

Right now I am...
Multi-tasking.  I am waiting for my son Joshua's weekly email from Mexico while writing this post and also finishing up a paper for a college class that Charly and I am taking.

As I look around the house...
I have a card table up in the family room where I was wrapping presents last night and will continue doing so later tonight.  I still have gifts to get in the mail to grown children and grandchildren who live in different states.  In the living room, the trees are up, the lights are on and everything looks very  festive.

On today's to-do list...
Finishing that paper for tomorrow night's class  (done), wrapping more presents, doing some laundry, folding and putting closes away, finishing up the last of the Christmas cards

Happening this week...
Quiz for the class we are taking, big after-school meeting, Christmas package mailing, baptism for a friend's son

Currently reading...
Lost December by Richard Paul Evans.  It is described as being a "modern-day holiday version of the biblical story of the prodigal son, a powerful tale of redemption, hope, and the true meaning of love." I hope I like it as well as the last book I read, 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol.

On TV...
Last night I watched the Christmas Devotional from Temple Square in Salt Lake City.  It had some wonderful Christmas music and messages just right to get me in the mood for this wonderful season. I would like to watch a Christmas movie tonight, maybe "A Christmas Carol" while I wrap more presents.

From the camera...

Our newest Christmas ornament.

I love this beautifully simple nativity scene at the Gilbert Temple.

This awesome surprise showed up in my Facebook feed this afternoon, courtesy of the mother of another missionary serving with Josh. That is Josh, (a.k.a. Elder Jones) over on the left end of the picture.  It was sure good to see him. We don't get many pictures from him, so this made my day!

My scripture for this week:

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

~ Psalms 31:24

Some thoughts for the season:

Mid-September Happy Homemaker Monday

Breakfast time - on the menu this morning:

oatmeal with ground flax seed flakes and blueberries on the side.

On today's to do list:
-make doctor appoint first thing when his office opens
-laundry
-ironing
-update Elder Jones' blogs as soon as this week's email comes in
-read, rest and get feeling better

Currently reading:
I am still only about half-way done with...

On the TV today:
Possibly the news or  Shark Tank  tonight while I am ironing.

The weather this week is:

On the menu this week:
Always subject to change but this is what is planned -
Monday - leftover Chinese take-out
Tuesday - Veggie burgers
Wednesday- Brats
Thursday - Chicken sandwiches
Friday- Grilled cheese sandwiches and soup

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will: 
read my book or some blogs

Favorite photo:
I didn't take this picture - my sister did - but it is my birth mom, who celebrated her 76th birthday yesterday.

Homemaking tip:
I tried something new for my lunch last week and it worked really well - making sandwiches ahead, freezing them and then grabbing one on the way out the door in the morning. Add an apple or banana, and you have a fairly nutritious lunch that is super quick economical.  I usually take left-overs for lunch, but when there are no left-overs, being able to grab a pre-made sandwich as I leave the house is super quick and convenient.  Last week I tried this with peanut butter and jelly. This week I am trying it with a deli-sub sandwich that I got on manager's clearance at the grocery store Saturday evening.  I cut the sandwich in half, wrapped both halves in foil and put it in the freezer.  I am hoping that it is is just as good as last week's PB & Js!  

Visiting with blog friends:

I mentioned this in my last post, but I love this service project that Tracey is doing over at her lovely blog, Clover. Check it out and help if you can.

My frozen PB & J tip came from Danielle over at Blissful and Domestic. Danielle has a little bit of everything over at her blog and it is always fun and interesting. She has even written a book which I want to read - Living a Beautiful Life on Less.

Praying for:

Elder Jones in Mexico, other missionaries in need of extra prayers, family members who are struggling to forgive and let go of grudges, a good friend battling stage-three lung cancer, another good friend whose father passed away this weekend.

Scripture :

"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

                                                                           --James 3:16-18

Thought for this week:

Joining with Sandra at Dairy of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

A HOT Happy Homemaker Monday

On the weather front:
HOT, HOT, HOT
Maybe a little rain at the beginning of the week, but we will be back up to 110 by Friday.  I am ready for a break from the heat.

On my bedside table:
Non-fiction book Quiet by Susan Cain.  This book was loaned to me by a friend, but honestly, I'm not finding it as interesting as she did.  Lots and lots of scientific research about the personalities of introverts and extroverts.  I watched the TED Talk the author did on this subject and that about summed it up in ten minutes.

On my TV:
The only thing I have watched in the past few days is American Greed on CNBC on Friday night. Hubby and I enjoy this show about true life "Scams, suckers and scoundrels."

Favorite Youtube video last week:
I actually have a couple to share.  Check this one out.  It reminds me of Elder Jones, so I love it!  :-) 
This one may made me think about how I treat others and share what I have. Both are worth watching.

News stories that caught my attention:

• The craziness in the stock market is always interesting in an anxiety producing sort of way. 
• The Denver City Council may decide NOT to let to Chick-Fil-A have a restaurant at the Denver airport because of it's CEO's views on gay marriage.  What happened to freedom of speech and religion in American? 
• The story three Americans who stopped the train massacre is definitely a big news story. These three young men no doubt saved many lives and are truly brave heroes!

On the menu:
I made a big pan of cheese enchilada for dinner last nigh, so we will have those left overs for a couple of days.  Beyond that, I haven't decided, although there is plenty of potential in the freezer.

Looking forward to:

• Starting the real estate class that Charly and I are taking together at the local community college.  
• Finishing the book I'm currently reading so I can go on to something more interesting to me.

What I plan on doing for myself this week:

Keep up with everything I have going on so I don't feel overwhelmed by the end of the week!  I also plan to eat smart, cut back on sugar and salt, monitor my blood pressure, exercise and get enough sleep. Take some time to read and relax every day.

Favorite photos:

A flowering plant in our backyard.  I love the tiny delicate little individual flowers the make up the larger blossom.

This evening's sunset makes me think of clouds with silver linings.

Lesson learned last week:

Don't procrastinate.  Keep up with daily chores, especially when life is at it's busiest.  Get things done early if possible.

A meaningful scripture:
"Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee...

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when though sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
                                                                               --Deuteronomy 6: 3,5-7

Linking today with Sandra at Diary of a Stay-at-Home for

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ Getting Ready for Christmas!

It seems like forever since I last participated in with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday, but I am glad to have a few minutes this evening to join in. 

The weather outside is:

warm and lovely!  Our high here in the Phoenix area was 82 today.  This week's forecast is for temps in the 80s all week with lows at night in the high 50s.  This is the time of year that I most love living in Arizona. 

On our dinner table this evening:

leftovers!  Josh was not a big fan of leftovers, but since he has been gone, Charly and I are perfectly content with the occasional mix and match dinner that uses up whatever is left in the refrigerator.  

As I look outside my window:

I see a blue sky with some high thin white clouds and lots of sunshine.  The lemon tree in the back yard is filled with fruit just starting to turn yellow. We'll have fresh lemonade for Christmast!

Right now I am:

writing this post, waiting for the washing machine to finish the laundry so I can hang up the clothes to dry. 

As I look around the house:

several unfinished projects including a large basket of dry laundry that needs to be put away, our family Christmas cards that were ordered from Costco last week, but won't be addressed and mailed out until after Thanksgiving, and Josh's Christmas box wrapped addressed and waiting to go in the mail to Mexico.

Tonight's to-do list:

includes folding laundry, doing some laundry, continuing going through and organizing Josh's closet preparing for Christmas visitors that will be using his room.  I also want to relax and do some reading.

Currently reading:

this social science non-fiction book recommended by my youngest daughter a couple of years ago. It is an interesting read.

 

On the TV:

Whatever I watch while doing some ironing tonight.  I will probably try to watch American Ride - an interesting history show I have been trying to catch on Monday evenings.  

What I recently created:

This cute "copy-cat" Missionary Christmas stocking to send to my son Josh in his Christmas box.

Favorites from the camera:

The contents of Josh's Christmas box.  It has been a challenge to find fun, practical Christmas gifts that can all be packed into a small box weighing less than four pounds. This much stuff will cost about $50 to mail to Mexico. The cards are Christmas greetings from members of our church congregation.  I know Josh will enjoy hearing from everyone.

The teenage girls at church made this poster for Josh.  He will love this!

Josh's Christmas box wrapped and ready to go to Mexico.  We were told (by a clerk at the post office as well as other "Mexico Missionary Moms") that putting Christian/Catholic stickers on the box might help insure that it would actually get to its destination, so we thought we'd give it a try. I am told that mail to Mexico is very "iffy" and that customs agents can open and "appropriate' items for their own use.  We are praying that the box arrives safely to give our son a bit of home for Christmas.

This is my favorite place to be first thing every Saturday morning.  I love the temple and that wonderful, blue cloudless sky.

This is a picture Josh emailed home last week.  It is the missionary badge he wears every day now that he is a missionary.   Since he will be serving in Mexico, the name of the church is in Spanish.

Another picture Josh emailed home last week.  This is Josh with another missionary who he said was a great help and encouragement to him.  This missionary was flying out to Mexico City today, so I am glad Josh at least has this rather blurry picture to remember him by.  

Speaking of Josh, I will end this post with a quick excerpt from the last email we received from Josh. I  must admit that it brought happy tears to my eyes...

"Everything is going alright. Today I got to go to the temple - every p-day, so it's a good opportunity for me. I know that Spanish will eventually come...it feels good to know that I'm almost there - only two more weeks left and I'm sure it'll go by fast cause it already has. I'll be in Mexico before I know it. The other day I had an interesting experience with my MTC [Missionary Training Center] Branch President [Pastor]. He told me that he's seen a change in me these past few weeks...he's a good inspired man. I can't say that the MTC is just a blast or that it's easy, but it requires putting your faith in Heavenly Father and relying on Him like never before...one of the other missionaries in my zone told me the Lord will stretch you but He won't let you fail...I love all of you and pray that God will watch over you."

Enjoy this week everyone.  We all have so much to be grateful for!

Happy Homemaker Labor Day Monday

With school back in session, I am not usually able to participate in Happy Homemaker Monday, but since I have the day off, I decided to take part.  Besides, it is a brand new month and I want to start it off right!

Breakfast time...on the plate this morning~

Whole grain cheerios and milk with a bowl of fresh blue berries and raspberries on the side.  I also had one oatmeal/peanut butter cookie from the goodie plate someone from church brought by yesterday.  I washed it all down with orange flavored zip fizz!

On the to-do list for today~

laundry (done)

ironing

helping Charly clean the pool (done)

shopping at Winco Foods and Walmart (done)

starting on Fleece blanket project ~ our church women have been asked to make fleece blankets for women at the local domestic violence shelter (very likely won't get done today)

Currently reading~

The Bible KJV ~ book of Genesis

The Book of Mormon ~ book of Helaman

Little Ways to Keep Calm and Carry On by Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D.

Whom the Lord Loveth, The Journey of Discipleship by Neal A. Maxwell

500 Little-Known Facts in Mormon History by George A. Givens

On the TV today~

Nothing so far.  Hopefully, I will be able to find something interesting to watch while I iron later.

The weather outside~

Still hot, but cooling down a bit as the week goes on.

On the menu this week~

Monday ~ homemade pizza

Tuesday ~ left overs

Wednesday ~ meat loaf

Thursday ~ chicken sandwiches

When I had a few minutes to myself today I~

Wrote this post and visited other blogs

Read

Took a short nap

Spoke to both of my daughters on the phone

Went to half-price day at Savers and found a couple of books, two tops and a pair of pants for school.

From the camera~

This picture is not from my camera.  I am borrowing it from my daughter's blog, but is is so sweet, I just had to share.  These are my four grandchildren who live in Utah (including new baby sister less than a month old). The oldest three came for a surprise Sunday morning visit yesterday with their dad.  They have now gone home to Utah leaving sweet memories behind.  I love this picture.

Looking around the house~

I see that the downstairs bathroom (the one my son uses) could use a quick cleaning.  I have clothes drying in the back bedroom (my dryer room) that will need to be folded and put away when they are dry.  The rest of the house isn't too bad.  Of course we always seem to have more stuff on the kitchen island than I like to have there.  It seems to be our family "landing pad."

Visiting with blog friends~

I have been reading this blog a lot lately and really like what this guy has to say.  This post, which is about the current disgusting spate of Carl's Junior ads, was especially relevant, I thought, so please take just a minute to read it, and get involved if you feel so inclined.  Media has, in many cases, become an open sewer line into our homes and it is impacting all of us, especially our children.

Praying for~

my family, especially my son preparing to serve in Mexico

Scripture verse that is resonating with me~

"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day.

~ Exodus 14:13

Thought for the week~

The thought for the week comes from my good friend Karen's blog, Life is Good.  She recently wrote about a challenge which her pastor, Dennis Leatherman, gave the members of the congregation ~ five things to do every day.  I thought this was a great challenge and I have now included these five things as part of my day. They are:

1.  Read the bible

2.  Pray

3.  Do an act of kindness

4.  Thank God for something specific

5.  Witness to someone or share the gospel

Joining again today with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

Happy Homemaker Monday

Last week, with the beginning of school, life was a little busy.  There was so much to do, adjusting to a new school year and new schedules, and just taking care of the business of life around here, that there was very little time for blogging.  There was no time for posting or catching up with blogging friends and I missed that, so I am getting an early start on Happy Homemaker Monday, joining with Sandra at Dairy of a Stay At Home Mom. 

Breakfast time, on the plate this morning...

I am writing this post late Sunday evening but, I get up very early (4:30 a.m.) to be at school by 6:30 a.m. to teach A hour.  I always take time for a nutritious breakfast however ~ I have made a conscious effort to make a good breakfast part of my day.  Most mornings, I have a blueberry and banana smoothie with a bowl of whole grain cheerios or my own breakfast concoction which is bananas, unsweetened apple sauce and flaxseed meal/wheat bran/oat bran all mashed up and mixed together.   Sounds weird, I know, but it is actually quite tasty and pretty healthy.  After that, I usually have a bowl of blue berries, then I wash it all down with a large glass of zip fizz, mixed with lite cranberry grape juice.  That will keep me going until lunch time.

On today's to do list...

At school I need to finish printing off seating charts which I was unable to do on Friday because our grading and attendance program went down.  I also need to give some thought to which novel my Junior English Essentials classes will be reading. Tuesday evening is Parent Night so I will need to make sure I am prepared for that too.  Of course this is in addition to my main occupation of teaching and working with my students for five class periods during the day.

At home there is laundry, folding and ironing to be finished.  I need to call the doctor about an immunization Josh needs before he heads off to Mexico.  I also need to stop by the store and get some apple juice that I need for a slow cooker recipe I have planned for this week.

Currently reading...

I just barely started The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I decided it was time for an Amish novel "comfort read."  Over the weekend, I finished this great little book by John Bytheway called Lifestyles of the Great & Spacious.  If  you are Mormon, you have probably hear of John Bytheway.  He has written a series of scripture commentaries, which are interesting and thought-provoking.  You can see from all the colored tabbed pages, there was plenty in this book that I found to be worth referring back to.  You can read my Goodreads review here.

On the TV...

I don't have any set plans for TV, but hopefully will find something interesting to keep my attention while I iron.  Last week, I found some interesting episodes of American Greed on CNBC to watch.  

The weather outside...
The forecast for this week is cooler temps (low 100s) and some rain.  As I write this post, I can hear thunder!

On the menu...
Monday ~ subway sandwiches
Tuesday ~ slower cooker beef and mushrooms over rice
Wednesday ~ leftovers

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will...
Check in with my blogging friends to see what is new!

Favorite photos...
These pictures of my brand new grand daughter surrounded by her family are just so sweet.  I borrowed them from my son-in-law's Facebook page and just had to share.  I sure do love this little family!

Homemaking/parenting tip...
Teach children when they are very young that they are part of the family and that everyone in the family helps out and does his part.  I love the way my daughter and her husband (pictured above) have done this with their family. Children may not always do what they are asked right away, but gently and politely make sure they know that they are expected to do their part and they will do it.  Being firm while ignoring whining and tantrums when they are little is much easier than dealing with much bigger problems when they are older.

Visiting with blog friends...
Karen's lovely, happy blog Life is Good was one of the first blogs I started to follow and comment on several years ago.  Her posts are always upbeat and happy and she looks for the good in the simple every day things of life.  She has become a role model of sorts for me and I freely admit to copy catting some of her great ideas. Reading her blog makes me want to be a better, kinder person. Thanks Karen for bringing happiness into blog land!

The week and weekend in review...

It was a busy, hectic week.  Monday and Tuesday were teacher meetings for Charly and I. Josh went to school with me on Tuesday and helped out with whatever I needed him to do.  I loved having him there in the classroom with me. Josh had some unexpected time off since the remodeling contractor/house flipper he works for finished up the three houses he is currently flipping and temporarily ran out of work for Josh. Wednesday the students came back to school and I was pretty much exhausted the rest of the week.  Josh and I volunteered at the Bishop's Storehouse Saturday afternoon. This is the second time we have volunteered there.  We were put to work weighing and putting potatoes into five-pound bags. If my math is correct, we weighed and bagged around 1500 pounds of potatoes during the time we worked.  We stayed busy and happy and loved being able to help out.

Praying for...
Josh as his departure for his mission grows ever closer. Praying for Charly and I as we begin another new school year. Our students that they can have good experiences in our classrooms and learn what they need to learn.  I am also praying for my son's friends who are preparing for or serving missions themselves. Praying for my children and grandchildren and missionaries around the world as well as the Christians in Iraq who are being hunted down, threatened and killed by ISIS. I don't like to get political in my blog, but I find it very upsetting that this is happening after so many Americans gave their lives so that Iraq could be a free and democratic country.  This is so very sad.

Bible verse...

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

As we have there fore opportunity, let us do good unto all men..."

--Galatians 6:9-10

Have a good week.  Stay safe, healthy and happy!