Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/ 11/19

First, I want to thank those who read my HHM last week and for the comments and new followers.  My blogging journey started years ago on Xanga.  Xanga was a fun blogging community where I had a lot of followers and people I followed.  When Xanga decided to start charging its users everyone decided to leave and I think they eventually shut down.  I went on Wordpress for awhile and then joined Blogger.  At first I did have followers from those who had used Xanga and also went to Blogger, but they all seemed to give up on blogging.  Lack of time and interest, I guess?  Some of them are my Facebook "friends" now so, thankfully, we still get to keep in touch.  So, anyway, thank you to those who take the time to read my posts and comment.

Welcome to my Happy Homemaker, created by the wonderful Sandra at Diary of A Stay At Home Mom.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY to those who served and to the spouses/parents of those who have served (you deserve recognition too).

The weather outside is::::

Monday - 62, partly cloudy

Tuesday - 38, cloudy and rain, turning to snow

Wednesday - 36, partly cloudy

Thursday - 42, partly cloudy 

Friday - 50, sunny

Saturday - 40, partly cloudy
Sunday - 46, partly cloudy

It amazes me how much the weather changes day to day around here.  

On the breakfast plate this morning::::

  A cup of hot coffee, a bowl of berry flavored Cheerios, and a banana.  

As I look outside my window:::

      The air is a bit warm, the leaves on the trees are their autumn colors of orange, yellow and red, some have fallen on the ground.  The sky is filled with clouds.  

Right now I am::::

Typing this up while I finish a cup of coffee and prepare for a day of cleaning.  After the weekend the house looks like it was hit with a tornado.  

As I look around the house::::

Like I said, the house looks like it's been hit by a tornado.  The coffee table is filled with the kids' library books, school papers I have to sort through, and small toys.  The floor needs swept and mopped.  

On today's to do list::::

Make Murphy's kennel appointment

Clean floors

Work

Grocery shopping

Take daughter to tap class. observation night

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Tuesday - Tacos and Spanish rice 
Wednesday -  Pork chops, zucchini tomato bake 
Thursday -
Friday - Crock pot tater tot casserole
Saturday -
Sunday - My husband's homemade pizza 

Currently reading::::

Getting back into daily Bible reading because I need it.  

On the TV this week::::

This is Us

New Amsterdam

A Million Little Things
Dynasty

What I am creating at the moment::::

Writing a story I hope to be published.  It's going to take awhile, though, but I'm determined to get it done.  

New recipe I tried or want to try this week::::

 Zucchini tomato bake  found on Pinterest

Favorite photo from the camera:::: 

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

I was diagnosed with depression when I was a teenager and it's something that I have had to battle with since.  Some days are good and other days it takes all the strength I have just to get out of bed and get through the day.  Lately, I feel the depression hitting me hard.  It's definitely common this time of year when the weather gets colder.  It's harder to deal with when my husband doesn't understand and wants to argue with me when I'm down instead of giving me my space.  With my depression also comes thoughts of regrets I have on certain life decisions I've made.  I try really hard to think positive but I can't control what pops into my head.  I can say that my faith in God does help tremendously.  Without that belief I probably would have ended my life a long time ago.  I truly believe that when I'm battling and fighting through these feelings He's with me.

I know there are others, like me, who are battling through mental illness, or even a physical illness.  There are people who have lost a job and are having trouble finding a new one.  There are people struggling to put food on their table.  There are people mourning the loss of a loved one.  There are people who might possibly lose their house and need assurance that things will work out.  All over the world people are suffering with so many different things.  If you are currently suffering or struggling with something I want you to know that you are not alone.  As humans we can only see what's in front of us but God is omniscient, meaning He knows all and knows what will happen from beginning to end.  There may be a purpose or a reason for what you are going through.  Or maybe it's meant to be a lesson.  Whatever it is, put your faith and trust in the One who can get you through it.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but by everything in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" -- Philippians 4:6-7

Have a blessed week, all!

Happy Friday!

Good afternoon friends.

We made it to Friday!  How does time feel like it's going slow and fast at the same time?  I made it through another week of work in the cafeteria and in less than an hour the kids will be home from school.  There's so much around the house that needs done, as always, but I'm taking a moment to relax before the chaos starts again.  

Here is my dog bundled up beside me.  This old, lazy pug never misses an opportunity to snuggle.  As I type this up he's snoring away.  

The weather outside is cold and today was the first day I brought out the winter coat.  There have even been snow flurries falling throughout the day, the first of the season.  Personally, I prefer the warm weather but I am thankful to live in a state that experiences all four seasons.  

Dinner has been cooking in the crockpot all day and it's filling the house with a delicious smell.  My daughter has two dance classes tonight, and we can run home in between to eat.  Tonight is observation night so I get to watch and take a ton of pictures.  

Yesterday I had a doctor appointment.  You know - it's that lady appointment where you get poked and probed, at least that's what I call it.  I had some medical concerns but things seem to be okay.  Whew!  I did have to run to the lab this morning for a urine test for a possible bacteria infection.  It's wonderful growing older, isn't it?  

I promised my son that tomorrow we could have a mother/son day out.  He and I don't get a lot of one on one time together.  It makes me happy that a boy of almost 12 still loves wanting to be with his mom.  I'm not sure what we will do yet but I'm looking forward to the quality time.  

Well, friends and readers, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Stay warm!  

Halloween 2019

Where is this year going?  I feel as though September skipped us and October came through even faster.  I'm starting to see Christmas decorations going up in the neighborhood.  Personally, I like to wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas.  When I think about Thanksgiving I think about all things orange, yellow, brown, pumpkins, cornucopias, and turkeys.  It's really hard for me to combine that holiday with Christmas but to each his own, I guess.

This year for Halloween my daughter didn't want to be her usual cutesy princess.  She wanted to go as something scary.  We didn't plan on getting her a costume this year but when I saw the zombie ballerina at the Halloween store I couldn't resist.  It's perfect for a girl who already takes professional dance lessons.  My son kept the same costume as last year.

I took my daughter to her school's Trunk or Treat but my son had to miss it because of Boy Scouts but she was more than happy to share her candy with him.

 Because the weather was bad;  rain and heavy winds and a tornado watch, Trick-or-Treating in our community was changed from October 31 to November 2.  It was nice to have it on a Saturday.  The kids dressed up and we walked around the neighborhood.  They ended up with more candy then we know what to do with.  I'm not even sure I will allow them to keep it all.

Happy Homemaker Monday - November 4, 2019

Wow, I haven't done this in about a year or two.  I really enjoyed doing these, especially since it helped me stay organized and it was also fun to join in and read other posts.  This was created and is maintained by the wonderful Sandra at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.  I have to admit, she's my favorite blogger.  There aren't many blogs I follow these days, not like I used to, but I do hope to get back into it and find more blogs to follow.  Sandra's blog always has that warm and inviting feeling and her writing is simply just talking about her journey through being a wife, mom and homemaker.  So many blogs these days are just too formal, and want to focus on telling you how to live your life and offer advice on how to do this and how to do that and why you are doing things wrong.  I don't enjoy that, to be honest.  I love to hear about your day.  Hear about your struggles.  Your adventures.  Your experiences.  Your reasons to celebrate.  Etc.  Okay, okay, you get the point.  I'm sorry for mumbling.  Now onto this week's HHM and I hope to get back to it on a regular basis.  I don't always have all the answers filled out so I apologize for that.  Even on a Monday I'm still trying to figure out the week ahead.

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/04/2019 }

The weather outside is::::

Cold!  Ugh.  We actually had warm weather until the start of November.  Now the cold weather is starting to make it's appearance.  They are even calling for possible snow by the end of the week ... whaaaat?

Monday - Sunny, 57
Tuesday - Sunny, 60
Wednesday - Sunny 53
Thursday - Cloudy, rain 52
Friday - Cloudy, rain, possible flurries, 42
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 44
Sunday - (not sure, yet)

On the breakfast plate this morning::::

I just enjoyed a simple bowl of honey nut cheerios and a cup of coffee.  I'm on my second cup now.    

As I look outside my window:::

This morning we woke up to frost on the car windows but the sun is shining and melted it all away.  The grass is covered in yellow colored leaves that fell from the neighbor's tree.  Other trees in the neighborhood have changed to their yellow, orange and red colors.  The best part of fall.        

Right now I am::::

I finished up some housework and am currently sitting here typing this up before more housework begins and also my three hours at the elementary school cafeteria.

As I look around the house::::

It's a mess.  It's always a mess.  Especially from the weekend.  The dog is laying on the love seat while I'm on the couch.  The coffee table has a partially finished puzzle that my son started working on yesterday.  The fire is also on just for a few moments while my dog and I warm up our paws from the walk.

On today's to do list::::

Take dog for a walk

Clean bird cage

Clean guinea pigs cage

3 hours at work

Grocery shopping

Clean/organize 

Make dinner

Take daughter to tap class

On the menu this week::::

Monday - meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans
Tuesday - Pork chops, zucchini fries, pasta salad
Wednesday - Chicken and veggie salad
Thursday -
Friday - Crock pot chili mac and cheese
Saturday - weekends tbd
Sunday - 

Currently reading::::

Nothing at the moment but I do intend on getting a new book to read.  I've been spending my free time writing these days.

On the TV this week::::

This is Us

New Amsterdam

A Million Little Things
Dynasty

What I am creating at the moment::::

Writing a story I hope to be published.  It's going to take awhile, though, but I'm determined to get it done.  

New recipe I tried or want to try this week::::

The chili mac and cheese recipe I found on Pinterest   

Favorite photo from the camera:::: 

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

Praying for my mother as she battles through Alzhiemer's.  

Praying for answers in regards to my skin cancer.  

Praying for the physical pain my husband has been dealing with. 

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose," -- Romans 8:28

Walk For Alzheimer's 2019

Today my daughter accompanied me to the walk.  This is the second year I've participated in this event and I hope to make it every year.  Last year I raised over $1,000 and was part of the Grand Champion Club.  This year I raised $350 and I'm so thankful for those who donated.  

Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death and there is no survivors.  It's a horrible disease that has no cure.   Since my mother was diagnosed a few years ago I've done whatever I could to raise awareness, help fund research, and learn ways on how I could try to prevent the disease.  I watch as my mother struggles every day, I see how hard it is on my father, and it's hurting the rest of my family.  Watching the woman who brought me into the world slowly lose herself is the worst feeling in the world.  

My mother has trouble walking on her own, but that's how it's been since her stroke.  It's hard to understand anything she says and she's starting to have accidents more and more.  It's frustrating for her and she often cries.  I can see how exhausting it is for my father but he keeps going because she's the love of his life.  Many people forget how hard this is for the caregiver.  

Those who were at the walk today had an experience with the disease of their own.  Either they were fighting with it, or they knew a loved one fighting with it, or they knew someone who lost the battle.  Some were there just to support the cause.  Seeing the hundreds of people showed me that those of us experiencing this are not alone.  There is so much support out there.  Now, if only we can find a cure.  

41 YEARS YOUNG

I remember sitting on the couch with my best friend planning out the details of what I wanted to do for my 21st birthday as if it was yesterday.  When I turned 21 I was single and wondering if I'd ever be worthy of love, living at home with my parents, and a recent business school graduate realizing that I wasn't happy with the career choice I made and struggling to find a job that was suitable for me.  Later in that 21st year I fell in love with my male best friend and we made it official on his 21st birthday.

It's hard to believe that was twenty years ago.

Earlier this month I celebrated my 41st birthday.  41.  How did I get here so quickly?  I can recall certain moments on several birthdays … my 10th birthday when I was excited to be in the double digits, my 13th birthday when I was excited to finally be a teenager and given permission from my mom to wear makeup, my 18th birthday when I was considered an adult, my 29th birthday when I was pregnant and one month away from giving birth to my first child.  41 birthdays.  41 years.  So many memories.  So many experiences.  So many mistakes.  So many lessons learned.  So much growth.  I am thankful.

On my birthday I had to put in my three hours of work in the cafeteria.  My co-workers greeted me with birthday wishes.  My daughter wasn't shy about shouting to everyone it was my birthday and what age I turned.  We met my parents at the Olive Garden for dinner.  I got to choose where we went and with so many restaurant choices it was hard to decide but I went with good old Olive Garden.  Then my parents came back to the house with us where we had ice cream cake and I opened presents.  That's when I received a new laptop, which I'm typing on right now.  I needed a new laptop because my old one was just about shot.  I love it.  I've been coming up with ideas on a book and I can't wait to get it all done.  Being a writer is something I've dreamed about since I was a little girl and at 41 years old I realize that time is ticking away.  I'm ready to pursue my dream but it's having the time to sit and write, and also coming up with every detail of what to write is holding me back.  I'll get there, if Lord willing, I have the chance.

At 41 I still struggle with depression but I'm getting better at learning ways to manage it.  There are days when I wake up knowing that it's going to take all the strength to get through the day but somehow I push through.  I'm lucky to have four decades of good physical health but last year started my journey through skin cancer.  I've had three surgeries so far to remove spots on my face and there are more growing.  My dermatologist can't seem to figure out why this is happening and it's very frustrating for me.  I will be going to a Genetics Counselor in January and I'm not sure if that's going to help.  I scheduled an appointment with my primary care doctor next month to discuss other issues I've been having.  I guess it's that time when I'm feeling what getting old is all about.

I've never considered myself to be pretty, even though my husband tells me I am every day.  My weight is up more than it should be and I struggle to find motivation to get a good daily workout in.  My face, around both eyes, are covered in scars from surgery and I'm also missing some eye lashes because of it too.  I try to hide the flaws with makeup but it's not enough.  I've never spent much time worrying about my physical appearance and it shows, I guess.

Mentally I'm growing more and more every day.  I make it a point to show kindness to everyone, because I realized that I don't know what others are going through in their lives.  In a world that is filled with cruel people I want to be the one that shows kindness and compassion.  That has become a priority to me.  In school I'm always smiling and showing kindness to the children.  In my home I want my kids to know that they are loved and cared for and always joke around with them.   I've come a long way in my attitude.  My prayer life has become better and my faith is stronger.  I thank God every single day for the life I have, even in the moments when I don't feel strong enough to press on.  Without my faith I would not have any strength.

So, here I am at age 41.  Not feeling 100% my best but thankful for this life.

Just A Quick Hello

Hello friends ...

The fall weather is here.  Although, I'd prefer heat over the chillier days, but it's okay.  Fall is a great season.  Also, my birthday is in the season.  In fact, it was on the 8th of October.  I'd like to do a more thorough post about my birthday sometime, but one of the gifts I got was a brand new laptop.  I haven't had a chance to play around with it so that's what I'm doing tonight.  My old laptop only works when the charger is plugged in and it's very old.  This one gives me a fresh start and I love my husband for getting it for me.

We are definitely in life's busy season.  My daughter auditioned for The Nutcracker last Saturday and got a part with the Snowflakes.  Same as last year.  It's with Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker.  She's excited to be part of this again.  A ballerina from Moscow Ballet came to do the audition.  It was a great experience.  Every Saturday she will have rehearsal at the studio until the big show in December.

She also gets to dance in another Christmas show.  December will be here before we know it.  I can't believe how fast September went and how quickly October is passing by.

It's a quiet Friday night in my house and I'm going to go enjoy it.  Have a great weekend readers!