Homeschool Mother's Journal

In my life this week…no one has been sick; the house is getting back to normal. I am thinking of summer plans.
In our homeschool this week…I started thinking how I will have a fresh kindergartener. I am so excited and nervous to officially add another blessing to our classroom.
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…Strawberry picking. We were going to go this morning but it is raining.
My favorite thing this week was…taking my children swimming. It was so much fun to just set and play with them.
What’s working/not working for us…getting up early again is working. The goal is always 7am but for the last couple of months I have let them sleep in until they wake up closer to 8 because I am enjoying the quiet. The little ones get up before 7 so there is no reason to not have everyone up.
Questions/thoughts I have…
Things I’m working on…puppy training, we had our first puppy class last night.
I’m reading… nothing this week
I’m cooking…Sugar cookies, I got boxes of sugar cookie mix for 39 cents. So I bought 20. I am excited
I’m grateful for…friends who help me when I need it, friends who
I’m praying for…my children. Honestly this week we had several (okay 3) things that my children lied about. It not only shocked me but saddened me.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
It is breathable, it is nice to be outside and feel the cool air again. It is currently 66 degrees. If only it would stay that way. I do see it is going to be 90 degrees tomorrow. That is crazy.



Things that make me happy: My children praying. Even the 2 year old that visits my house during the day has begun to pray. It is the most precious thing in the world


Book I'm reading:
Prayers that Avail much for women. I have had it for a while but just re found it.


What's on my TV today:
NOTHING, I have been keeping it turned off more and more. It is too distracting to keep it on.


On the menu for dinner:
country fried steak, I have not made it in years so this should be interesting.


On my To Do List:
Put away laundry, normal school stuff. Make a real grocery list. 2 dental appointments, a doctor’s appointment, a promotion ceremony, Scouts, PWOC, Small group on Wednesday and AWANA, it has all started and I am ready to go.


New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

Pumpkin Scones, I am determined to make them this week.


In the craft basket:
It is shut down, closed, not available to be looked at. Unless you consider the fact that I will somehow be decorating a reception table for my husband’s promotion.


Looking forward to this week:
My hero get’s promoted on Friday, he so deserves this.


Tips and Tricks:
I have started keeping a bucket of water with my laundry soap in it on the kitchen counter right next to the laundry room. That way when I take the babies clothes off of him I can put it right in there to pre soak. We do laundry daily so it is not setting there long and it helps get out all the stains we forget about.


My favorite blog post this week:
Pray for me Monday, Look who is linking up with her.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Jeub Family, I loved watching there show but never dreamed to look to see if they had a blog.

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





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Lesson learned the past few days:
That PWOC is going to be fun. That I may even enjoy it and I need to go a couple more weeks. That my older children can get some work done without me while I am gone.


On my mind:
So much. Last night we let my son watch 102 minutes. He is 14 and has been through 7 deployments with dad. I walked in and asked him what he thought about it. Then I said do you think differently about your dad deploying. Then I asked him if he thought it was hard for daddy to deploy. He said “no mom dad has JOY”. JOY, Jesus first, Others next, Yourself last. WOW, that is awesome to hear. I worry so often that the deployments will change who my children are.


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses: Plillipians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold

Happy Homemaking Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
I just checked and it said a perfect 66 degrees. If only it would stay that way. It will be 90 by this afternoon. It says 60 in the morning and high 80’s all week. I am ready for it to cool off but not so much that the kids cannot go outside and play.


Things that make me happy:
Waking to a straightened kitchen, it makes me want to jump in and bake something for no reason. I love a clean kitchen.


Book I'm reading:
Night Light by James Dobson, I have had it for years and just re picked it up. It is what I am using for my morning quiet time.


What's on my TV today:
My baby can read, I am sure I am not doing it properly, but at least I feel like I have something I can turn on that is guilt free.


On the menu for dinner:
chicken or something with homemade mash potatoes. I need to really work on a menu. I am getting better at setting things out. Although I think I will make this my hero’s job so I do not have to remember and he can pick what he likes.


On my To Do List:
oh my, we have company coming this weekend. My washer and dryer need cleaned off, my fridge needs wiped out, my deck needs swept, my linen closet needs re folded.



New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Peanut butter smoothies. Banana, peanut butter and honey and milk. Oh man a great breakfast




In the craft basket:
I have not had time to breath let alone craft. Last week I did make my daughter 2 skirts. I took a pair of her older sisters’ jeans and cut the legs off them and made Grace a blue jeans skirt for pictures. Then I took a old pillow case dress and turned it into a skirt.


Looking forward to this week:
My mother in law is coming in town in 6 days. I cannot wait to see her, to set and talk to her, to laugh with her. To beg her to make me homemade mac-n-cheese and potato candy.


Tips and Tricks:
To get rid of knats, mix a half a cup of vinegar with 1T dish soap and leave setting out. After a couple of hours they will be gone. Sadly the next day you have to start the process over again.




My favorite blog post this week:

I am sorry I did not write it down, I will get better at this. Although, I have been watching all the cooking carnivals. I just saw a recipe for no bake cookies with nutella.

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

Pamela

Homemaking Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Hot, I am scared to look at the temperature. Okay, I looked it says it is only 81 degrees. WOW that is almost a perfect day.


Things that make me happy:
My hero home, someone calling me mommy, when a child says I love you.


Book I'm reading:
The bible, seriously it is all I can get in right now.

What's on my TV today:
nothing, N O T H I N G , I am so TV’d out, I seriously wish we could just pull the plug.


On the menu for dinner:
spaghetti, with homemade garlic bread.


On my To Do List:
My house needs vacuumed. I need to order curriculum. I need to post a couple of reviews and thank you’s on my blog.


New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Added fruit to store bought ice cream. Oh so yummy. We had oranges going bad so I added them to vanilla ice cream. It was a HUGE hit



In the craft basket:
I tried making the girls a blue jean skirt out of old blue jeans. It seems easy except They were too snug around the knees, any suggestions


Looking forward to this week:
just relaxing, we only have one appointment. I am keeping a friends kids on Thursday so it will be nice to have company.


Tips and Tricks:
Do you have knats? Mix a half a cup of apple cider vinegar with a tablespoon of dish soap and leave setting out.




My favorite blog post this week:
HMMM, I cannot think of any right now.


Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I have not found one particular. I did find several new homeschooling blogs that seem like a great encouragement.



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


Lesson learned the past few days:
That children are blessings and that they thrive so much more when you take the time to just love on them and encourage there good behavior.


On my mind: my hero is going away for a week and I am going to miss him. The other thing I am thinking about is how can I sneak Oreos without sharing with my kids.

Happy Homemaking Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
This week seems to have had beautiful weather. Even the little bit of rain just brought me comfort



Things that make me happy: the way I am able to comfort my child when they get a boo boo. Listening to my child tell us what it means to be saved.



Book I'm reading:



What's on my TV today: I hate to admit it but for some reason I turned on Brothers & Sisters on Netflix and have watched about 40 episodes. I do not think I could watch it week by week but watching it all at once is comical.




On the menu for dinner: I need to see what is in our freezer, trying to make sure I use up the meat we have before I buy more.



On my To Do List: I have a friend coming over to help me cut out fabric. She is going to teach me how to make a rag quilt.



New Recipe I tried or want to try soon: Nothing special. I tried a new cinnamon cake mix that turned out beyond yummy.

In the craft basket: a rag quilt, but it may have to wait a couple of weeks.


Looking forward to this week: taking my children swimming this week

Tips and Tricks: when you are cooking dinner tonight, double the recipe and serve it for dinner tomorrow or for lunch for the next couple of days.

My favorite blog post this week: Honestly it would be the one I posted today called Miscellany Monday. Because it is embarrassing to admit that I did not shave for the last month.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
Pamela
If you would like to link up with Happy Homemaking Monday head over to family corner.

Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods: it looks like it is going to be a beautiful week.


Things that make me happy: my son holding a friends baby this week He is going to make a wonderful father one day. I love this boy.

Book I'm reading: Surrender by Nancy Lee Demoss

What's on my TV today: Army Wives, although honestly I should be in bed. I am exhausted


On the menu for dinner:
I have not really thought about it. I am thinking of rotisserie a chicken tomorrow night.


On my To Do List: make aprons with girls, cut coupons, run to walmart for a few things, get nails done



New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Smores muffins, I may make them in the morning


In the craft basket:
Aprons with butterflies on them, we are having a ladies tea this Saturday and are suppose to wear a apron and the theme is butterflies.

Looking forward to this week:
Being calm, we had a crazy busy week last week and I am ready to calm down. I am also looking forward to the ladies tea at church.
Tips and Tricks:
As mosquito’s come out, it is time to remember this trick. As soon as you realize you have been bit spray chloraseptic throat spray on it. It is amazing how quickly it stops itching.




My favorite blog post this week:
This week I did not have much time to write much. Hoping to have some time to set down this week and take all the notes I have stashed in my purse and turn them into blog post.


Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
It is not a blog, but a Carnegie page of a soldier who was recently injured. It is breaking my heart and bringing me comfort with each update



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



Pamela
This post is being linked to Homemaker Monday

Homemaking Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
It is 10pm and it is still 55 degrees. This weather is amazing and I want to enjoy it.
Things that make me happy:
My girls telling me that I am amazing today, it does not matter that I was stopping for ice cream


Book I'm reading: same as last week. I am reading May Bell’s daughter. I am determined to finish it this week.
What's on my TV today:
nothing really. We will spend ANOTHER two hours at the dentist.


On the menu for dinner:
hmm, something yummy since this is the main night we are home together.


On my To Do List: dust my house and get caught up on laundry today.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
oreo sugar cookies and oreo pancakes. Doesn’t that sound yummy



In the craft basket: nothing right this minute. But this weekend I would like to work on making some shorts for my girls for this summer.

Looking forward to this week:
helping my boys get ready for the camping weekend. Having a friend visit our home
Tips and Tricks:
instead of buying a stain remover spray just put my homemade laundry soap in a spray bottle and use it


My favorite blog post this week:
I was not very creative, I am happy to say I have been working on new post for my blog.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I have not found one this week. If you have a blog please leave me a comment so I can visit it.

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






Lesson learned the past few days:.
That God is faithful and he does not promise rainbows and gumdrops for everyday. But he does promise not to give me more than I can handle and to hold my hand while I go through it.

On my mind: bears, the last time my boys went to the mountains they had a bear attack my husbands truck

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses: not one verse but the whole book of Proverbs. Every time I read it I am amazed
Want to see what other homemakers have going on, then check out Homemaker Monday

Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Beautiful, warm and I may even see the sunshine again. The sunshine is so healing for me. When summer comes I almost hibernate in fear of being burned but this time of year it gives me energy.
Things that make me happy:
Sunshine, my son saying something to encourage me. Yesterday he told me it was okay to facebook about him. So maybe he is not ashamed of me.
Book I'm reading:
May Bell’s Daughter. She was a friend of a friend when I heard her story. I have had the book for many years but never read it.
What's on my TV today:
The today show. My children are still asleep and I am watching about the devastation in Japan. Oh dear Lord please care for them and show them your love and send people with love to care for your people.


On the menu for dinner:
Brats, My husband got a new grill a week ago and every meal has been on it since. I love his new grill.


On my To Do List:
Homeschooling
Laundry-which honestly seems to be multiplying, haircuts and getting my boys ready for a camp out.
New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I bought a JUMBO muffin pan. It takes an entire cake mix to make the muffin. I want to make it today and fill it with strawberry pudding for my hero.




In the craft basket:
My daughter is learning to crotchet and I want to encourage that. Last night I could not sleep and was having visions of making pajama pants for my girls. I already have the material


Looking forward to this week:
My daughter getting her hair cut, she has been waiting so long. Getting laundry caught up and taking time to relax.
Tips and Tricks:
I use my homemade laundry soap in a spray bottle as stain stick. No buying more products


My favorite blog post this week:



Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
This is not new but I have not been there for a while. Live Above Ministies
No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):






Lesson learned the past few days:
Not to try to run in the rain while carrying a friend’s two year old. And if you are going to run in the rain make sure you pay attention to where you are going so you do not go the wrong way and have to run in the rain even longer.


On my mind:
My baby girl (okay she is really her mom’s baby girl and she is 23). She needs help right now and her mom is having a hard time getting her that help and it breaks my heart for her.


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Hebrews 12:4-11 God Disciplines His Children
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Want to connect with other homemakers and see what they are up to? Then head over to Diary of a stay at home mom.
Pamela

Happy Homemaking Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Crazy beautiful. It was in the 80’s yesterday. My hero cleaned out our van which is scary.
Things that make me happy:
Getting to see my friends newborn baby today. I am counting the minutes.
Book I'm reading:
Effective parenting in a defensive world. WOW it is amazing.
What's on my TV today:
19 kids and counting tonight. Other than that not much.


On the menu for dinner:
roast beef with potatoes and carrots and homemade bread. I am leaving the house this morning with food in the crockpot and bread in the bread machine. We do not love the way bread machine bread looks but it will be able to cook while I am gone.


On my To Do List:
Homeschooling
grocery list
Dentist with 2 kids
Help a friend with her girls while she prepares to bring her baby boy home from the hospital.



New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I saw a recipe similar to rice crispy treats except you add chow mein noodles and pretzels and m&m’s.
In the craft basket:
Nothing right now, but I want to learn to make a rag quilt. Oh wait, I forgot we are making blankets to be put into foster care bags. They are fleece and you tie them instead of sew them.



Looking forward to this week:
the weather and holding a newborn, both are relaxing.

Tips and Tricks:
Be prepared with quick meals for your family so you are not tempted to go out. Baked potatoes with a can of chilli, hotdogs in the freezer.




My favorite blog post this week:
reading about Mckmamma’s trip has been amazing.


Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I honestly have not had much time to blog hop this week.


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


Lesson learned the past few days:
I feel like I learn more daily. I love the verse Eph. 6:4. I am trying to live it. I realized that I do it without meaning to. Last weekend we insisted that my teenager go to a birthday party with our daughters. I only wanted him to go because there was a great picture opportunity. What I realized later is he was right. There was no one his age there; he would have been bored and even out of place. I did apologize later and was glad at the last minute we did not make him go.

On my mind:
a four year old boy who we were told about this week. Please pray for this little boy.


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Ephesians 6:4

Pamela

Happy Homemaking Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Crazy, high 60’s one day and 30’s the next. It says this week we can get up to the 50’s and down in the 20’s.


Things that make me happy:
My daughter breathing clearly, my girls snuggling with there daddy.

Book I'm reading:
James, we are studying it in small group and this week I have a ton of homework. If you have anything you would like to teach me on the book of James feel free.

What's on my TV today:
I watched Annie with my girls today and WOW I never realized how bad the language was in it.

On the menu for dinner:
Leftover wings for hubby and leftover biscuits and gravy for me.



On my To Do List:
Dinner for 20, and at least 200 cupcakes, and so much more. I wrote about it here.



New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
This is so simple. I bought graham cracker crust for .29 cents. I filled it with marshmallows, topped with chocolate chips and baked. We had a yummy indoor smore for desert and everyone loved it.


In the craft basket:
200 cupcakes, past that nothing this week, the kids need to make valentines day cards but that is really it.

Looking forward to this week:
Father/daughter dance, I love seeing him in his dress blue’s. I love watching him with my girls.


Tips and Tricks:
Blog during the super bowl, your husband will think you are being nice to watch it with him and you can work ahead. Honestly this is the only game he watches so I can support him.


My favorite blog post this week:
My week needs help, because it helped me remember everything I need to do this week.


Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Trenches of Mommyhood. I do not know how I found it but it has touched me the last couple of weeks.

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







Lesson learned the past few days:
That I need to trust myself more when it comes to my babies and when I think they need to see a DR do not pause but go immediately.


On my mind:
My dear friend Ellie, she was my mom’s friend growing up. She is the one who inspired me to drink sweat tea and learn to sew and cook. She is in the hospital and could use our prayers



Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
This week I am studying James. We are studying it in small group on Wednesday nights and it is amazing.

Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
so stinken weird, it was 60 this weekend and this morning I started a fire and we may get ice on Wednesday.
Things that make me happy:

Book I'm reading:
I am not reading a book and fill bad. I am behind in my bible study and I need to get my act together
What's on my TV today:
nothing really, right this minute is wordworld. I love this show with my kids.


On the menu for dinner:
20 minutes ago it was pork roast but my husband just called and asked if I wanted to go on a date tonight. Want to know what we are doing. First, we are going grocery shopping then picking up fast food and going to get our taxes done.



On my To Do List: scrubbing my fridge this afternoon since It is super empty right now.



New Recipe I tried or want to try soon: last week at church they had chicken pot pie and my girls ate it up. So I want to make one for our home. I never dreamed they would love that.


In the craft basket: This weekend I made 2 pillow case dresses for the little girl I babysit. I love being able to make something as a gift. It was her birthday



Looking forward to this week: This Saturday my hero and I are going on a real date. We are going to a mystery theatre with friends. Honestly I do not know if I will love the show but it will be great to spend time with friends.


Tips and Tricks: clean your fridge the day before going grocery shopping because that is when it is the closest to being empty. Put a dry erase board on the outside of your deep freezer with a list of the food inside so you always know what you have



My favorite blog post this week: When I announced the winner of the Purex Crystals. I love giving things away and wish I could do it more often.


Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers): this one I am going to leave blank because I want you to tell me about your blog and encourage me to visit it.



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



Lesson learned the past few days:
That taking a parenting class is still a great idea even if you have older children and think there is nothing else to learn. After our first class I am amazed and excited to go back


On my mind:. A lot, we need to make some decisions as what we want our kids involved in, how we will spend our income tax and some other things.


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses Eph 6:4

Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Saturday I was walking on the beach in sleet and on Sunday the sun was shinning, currently it is 26 degrees.
Things that make me happy:
Friends I can trust, the smile on our chaplains face.


Book I'm reading:
Proverbs daily. Francine Rivers, Leota’s Garden.


What's on my TV today:
Today show now and then lots of word world and Sid the Science guy.
On the menu for dinner:
No clue, need to check the freezer.



On my To Do List:
A couple of loads of laundry, school with the kids and getting prizes ready to be mailed out.
New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I made a chocolate chip cheeseball for the first time in a long time and it will be my new favorite.


In the craft basket:
Nothing currently, I would like to start a new quilt but need to buy the fabric

Looking forward to this week:
Being with my children.


Tips and Tricks:
I learned about a go girl this week. I may have to order on just for emergencies.

My favorite blog post this week:
Did I tell you about the chocolate chip cheeseball, actually this weekend I took the time to move a bunch of my recipes to my recipe blog to make them easier to find.
Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):.
Trenches of Motherhood

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



Lesson learned the past few days:
Things are not always what they seem.

On my mind:
How I need to change a few things in my life, what do I really want my life to stand for.
Devotionals, Scripture Reading:
Proverbs
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight

Pamela
***It is not too late to enter my Purex Crystals Give away right here.

Homemaking Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
25 degrees, high of 38. There is about a inch of snow. The roads are crazy and I am praying my husband makes it home safely. He is on his way home now.

Things that make me happy:
The clean bathroom I woke up to. My husband cleaned one bathroom last night and WOW it looks great. The living room also looks great. I love to wake up and see a clean house. It makes me entire day.

Book I'm reading:
I am reading a couple of things. I am reading through Proverbs this month and everyday it is speaking to me in a different way. I am also reading a book called God+military Spouse, it is amazing and so true.

What's on my TV today:
The Today show right now and then probably not a lot, my husband signed us up for Netflix this weekend, so I am sure we will be watching lots of different movies. Okay, I guess that is on my TV.



On the menu for dinner:
A pork Roast is set out and I will still cook it. But I made a pizza casserole for a friend and now due to weather I may not be able to take it to her. If I do not then we will have it for lunch.


On my To Do List:
Homeschooling
Straighten our office
Straighten my bedroom
Make burp clothes for a couple of friends.


New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I really want to learn to make beans of any kind. Can you believe I have never made a pot of beans. I have never served my kids beans. I know it is a cheap way to feed my family and I need to get on it. My poor husband has suffered without beans long enough.


In the craft basket:
Making burp clothes. I also want to make several hot pads to get mailed out to friends.


Looking forward to this week:
My husband being home today. I love him so much and he helps me get through the days. He is already off on Friday. Depending upon weather he may be off tomorrow.

Tips and Tricks:
Load your dishwasher and washer and dryer at night and run them. Most places have lower electric rates at night and it will save you money. Try to turn you heat down a couple of degrees this week. Put on a pair of fuzzy socks and see how much it saves you.



My favorite blog post this week:
Amazing Grace, I love the song and I think it is the type of blogging I would like to do more of.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I am sorry I have not found a new one this week but hope to. So if you know a good one please share. If you read my blog and have not seen me on yours please leave me a comment because I would love to check out your blog.

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



Lesson learned the past few days:
That if we let our baby girl sleep in our bed we are going to wake up to a warm wet spot. This is crazy because she never wets her bed.

On my mind:
A friend who is 32 weeks pregnant and is not feeling well and having some difficulties, please pray for her.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses
Proverbs, I am telling you every verse has spoke to me this week. Verses on guarding my tongue on the day I had trouble with it. Or how we need to continue to study the word daily. Because this is a struggle I have.

Happy Homemaking Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods: is in the 30’s right now but is going to get in the low 50’s today. It is so crazy that last Sunday we had 7 inches of snow and this Sunday it was 55 degrees.

Things that make me happy: my children’s laughter, when I hear my son make my girls giggle it just makes me smile. I just heard him smooch her cheek. They so look up to their big brother and he has no idea. I love on rare occasions when they wake up before me and lay in bed and giggle with one another. Little girl giggles are the best.

Book I'm reading: Honestly, I have not started it. Well I have read a couple of pages but really want to dig deeper. I bought the new Beth Moore study so long insecurities and so need to read it.

What's on my TV today: Right now the Today show until the kids wake up and other than that no plans for TV today.

On the menu for dinner: Rotisserie chicken, my husband told me last night he is cooking it and I cannot wait. Actually we will probably cook 2 so we have left over’s for tomorrow. I love chicken.

On my To Do List: to buy thread today. How can I woman run out of thread, I will tell you how. I have only been sewing a year and have not built up a stock yet. This is another goal in the next few months.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon: I saw a recipe for a crockpot pizza casserole and this looks amazing. Sadly after falling and dropping my crockpot last week it will have to wait until we get a new crock pot.

In the craft basket: my own cookbook. I save so many recipes to my computer but then have to take my laptop into the kitchen so I bought a 3 ring binder and page protectors. I need to print out all my recipes so I will have them in one place.
Looking forward to this week: This morning, actually in one hour, I am leaving to have lunch with a friend. I am so excited. It has been a long time since I have set with a friend to talk. I am hoping we can set for hours and talk. I also need to re straighten up our school books and get us ready to start a new semester tomorow.

Tips and Tricks: make your own laundry soap. It is about 8 cents a gallon and you never have to worry about running out.

My favorite blog post this week: was my first tutorial on how to make a camera strap cover. It is hard to believe that a year ago I could not thread a needle.
Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers): I have a friend who is Mennonite and wow can she cook. This week I printed off every recipe on her blog to send her since she no longer has internet. My stomach is grumbling just thinking about all the yummy recipes.

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


Lesson learned the past few days: That my daughter has been using Q-tips to wipe her bottom. I could not figure out why we were going through Q-tips so often.

On my mind: We are starting Financial Peace in a couple of weeks and I am super nervous. I know it is the right choice but it is still going to be hard.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses: John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.