Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/9/19

The Weather Outside Is:

Rain for the next few days and then snow Tuesday night into Wednesday.  

On The Breakfast Plate This Morning:

A bowl of frosted flakes, a cup of coffee and then a cup of cranberry juice.  

As I Look Outside My Window:

Dark, foggy and drizzling.  

Right Now I Am:

Typing this up, of course.  I just finished vacuuming the floor and inside the couch.  The stuff that gets stuck inside the couch is gross, oh my.  Also, threw a load of wash into the wash machine and another in the dryer.  Trying to get as much cleaning done as possible before I head into work.  

As I Look Around The House:

The usual mess left behind from the weekend, although I did start to clean some of it.  The Christmas tree stands in the corner of the living room and lots of other decorations are around.  

On Today's To Do List:

Finish laundry, straighten up, head to work for my three hours in the cafeteria, figure out a menu plan for the week.  Take Bri to dance class tonight.  

On This Week's To Do List:

Monday - tap for Bri

Tuesday - basketball for Matt

Wednesday - basketball pictures

Thursday - basketball practice

Friday - ballet and praise classes for Bri

Saturday - pancake breakfast with scouts, basketball game

Sunday - church, rest!

On The Menu This Week:

I must confess, when it comes to having a full menu plan I stink at it.  I love being able to plan ahead and have everything purchased in one shopping trip but that doesn't seem to happen lately.  Tonight will be pork chops and tomorrow will be tacos but that's all I have so far.  

Currently Reading:

Nothing at the moment.  I haven't had the time.  

On The TV This Week:

Fuller House season 5 on Netflix 

Christmas movies

What I Am Creating At The Moment:

Whenever I find the free time I sit at my laptop and type up a story idea I have.  Getting a book published is my ultimate life goal.  

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes, Or Devotionals:

"I believe in Christ, like I believe in the sun - not because I can see it, but by it I can see everything else" -- C.S. Lewis

If you are interested in participating in Happy Homemaker Monday you can do so by going to the creator Sandra's page here.  

Have a wonderful and blessed week, friends!!  

Starting The Dream

As any good parent, we want what's best for our children.  I certainly do.  I may not always be able to afford to give them all that they want and that's okay.  Money isn't everything.  But dreams are.  I've always been a dreamer but never did much to fulfill any of them, sadly.  I want my kids to have dreams too and even though they may not succeed in all of them I'd like for them to at least try.  I also want to do my part in helping them achieve every goal and dream possible.

My daughter has loved to dance before she could even walk.  She would sit on the floor and just bounce around.  As a child I took ballet but only lasted five years.  I grew bored with it.  I regretted that later.  So when I had a daughter I decided to put her in dance class.  This is her fifth year and she loves it.  So far, her plan is to start teaching dance class when she's in high school and then attend college to become an elementary school teacher by day and a dance teacher at night.  It sounds like a pretty good plan.  She's still very young and that could change and I'm okay with that.  For now, I enjoy watching her.

For the second year she has joined her dance studio as they hosted Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker.  It's such an amazing experience where the young dancers are invited to join the professionals on stage.  She missed school that day because of having to be there early and I took off work so I could help her get ready and volunteer until show time.  We started the day with a little relaxing at home, then getting her hair and makeup ready.  We arrived at the theater just before 1pm.  The young dancers tried on costumes, had professional pictures taken and then we hung out in the dressing room until the professionals showed up.  They were traveling from Maine, where they had a show the night before, and ran into traffic and bus trouble.  Luckily, they arrived in time for an hour of rehearsal before the show was ready to start.  Then I joined my family and Brianna's teacher from last year in the audience.  I'm not sure if Moscow Ballet will be back in our town next year but I really hope they do.  It's an amazing opportunity.

Today my son had a chance to hang out with some former professionals in baseball.  He often talks about wanting to play baseball in college and then going pro.  I told him if he goes in the majors he better buy me a mansion and he agreed.  So, I guess I better help the boy achieve his dream so I can get that mansion.  😂  He's been playing baseball since the age of five and, in all honesty, he isn't the best on the team, but he tries his hardest and has so much passion for the sport.  Even if he doesn't make it to the pros, or even gets a spot on a college team, I will still believe in him and support him no matter what. Besides, I may be biased but I think he can do it!   As a belated birthday present my husband scheduled a practice with Jason Aspito, a former MLB player and a former player on our minor league team.  He runs a place in our county for baseball training along with some other former minor league players.  So that's where they went this morning.  It's a good experience for him.

Thank you Moscow Ballet and Backyard Baseball for making these events possible.

My kids are by far living a better life than I ever experienced or imagined.

Hello December

Hello everyone … happy Monday and happy December.  How did we get to December already?

I had typed up the Happy Homemaker Monday and then it deleted everything.  Ugh.  I have a new laptop with a very tricky and sensitive mouse.  I was able to get back in since it saved but when I tried again it deleted everything and when I tried to go back in everything was gone.  I thought Blogger automatically saved?  This happens when I start typing after posting a picture.  I'm not sure why but it's very frustrating.  So instead of redoing the Happy Homemaker Monday I decided to just simply write a quick post.  Next time I'll be sure to write out the future HHM posts on my computer, instead of this laptop.

It's a chilly day and we're expecting snow and rain.  We had a lot of rain yesterday and over night but so far this morning it's been dry.  The snow was supposed to start at 9am and so far nothing.  Don't you just love how wrong the weather forecast can be?  I hardly ever rely on it anymore.  The radar on my phone shows the rain and snow on top of us now but when I look out my window there's nothing going on.

The kids are enjoying their final day off of Thanksgiving vacation.  Here in PA they have off the Monday after for hunting season.  We are not hunters, so instead, we enjoy a relaxing day at home.  My parents are on their way to take our daughter to the movies to see Frozen 2.  My son didn't want to go so instead he and I will be doing some Cyber Monday shopping and I do need to run to the grocery store too.  The good thing about not doing a HHM post is I don't have a menu planned for the week yet.  Since we had a big Thanksgiving meal on Thursday and days since of eating leftovers, today I plan on making a garden salad with chicken strips.  Simple.  Healthy.  Then my daughter has to go to her tap class tonight.  Tomorrow she has rehearsal for The Nutcracker and on Wednesday is the show.  She'll be missing school on Wednesday and I'll be missing work because she has to be there early.  This will be the second year she's been part of the Dance With Me Program with Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker.  It's such a fun experience.

So, back to my first thought.  How did we get to December already?  Where has this year gone?  I can't say it's been the greatest year with having three skin cancer surgeries and a face that is full of scars and I'm hoping 2020 is better.  As for now, my focus is getting ready for Christmas.  We decorated last Friday and shopping for presents has only begun.  The older my kids get the more expensive their requests are.  This is the first year my son stopped believing in Santa and it's very sad for me.  He's also been filled with attitude lately and it's frustrating.  Help me!

Enjoy your week, friends!

Matthew is 12!

Over the weekend my son turned 12 years old.  He's my oldest and the one who made me a mother.  It's amazing how quickly the years are passing.  I remember the day he was born, waking up throughout the night for endless feedings, his first word, first step, putting him on the school bus for his first day of school, and so much more.

He's always been affectionate and continues to be that way.  I'm sure all those hugs, kisses and "I love you mom" will slow down soon and I'm embracing it as much as possible.  He still plays with toys and loves using his imagination.  That too will change soon, I know.  It's hard to believe that in one year he will be a teenager.  A TEENAGER!  I'm not ready for it.

Since his birthday fell on a Sunday this year and his favorite NFL team was playing at home he wanted to go to a game.  This is something he and his father had never experienced before.  I joked and told him we couldn't afford it, even when we had purchased the tickets already.  I'm so glad we made his wish come true.  Bonus: his team won!  If you know anything about the Washington Redskins you know that they have some of the most loyal fans who stick with them through years of one defeat after another.  It was cool to know that they won.  Only the two guys went to the game while me and my daughter stayed home.  It was kind of hard not being with my boy on his birthday but I knew he was having the time of his life.

My boy is 12.  As I said, he's very affectionate and also kind.  He's shy around people but at home he talks A LOT.  He has a bit of a speech issue and is working on it with a speech teacher in school.  Academically he does very well in school.  He's in an advanced math club and, well, can do arithmetic a lot better than I ever could.  He's involved in boy scouts, baseball, basketball, and plays trumpet with the school band.  This boy can take the music he learns on the trumpet and play it on the piano.  I'm amazed at his abilities.  I'm so, so proud!  As much as he picks on his sister I know he loves her and it's nice to see how much he enjoys playing with her.  I'm not sure what the teenage years will bring but I'm grateful for this kid!

Day Out and Dance Observation

In the last few days I haven't been feeling well.  It hurts when I take deep breaths, my head hurts and my body aches.  The change in season already spikes my depression and gets me emotionally down.  It also makes me feel tired and all I want to do is bundle up under a blanket and relax.  Now I have this to deal with.  I got a flu shot last week so I'm hoping it's not from that.  I never had an issue after getting a flu vaccination before, but I do hear a lot of people end up sick afterwards.  I'm just hoping this doesn't turn into something worse.

I wanted to write a recap on my mother/son day on Saturday.  We went to the mall in the next county.  He's in need of winter clothes so I did buy him some new pants and treated him to a drink and pretzel at Auntie Anne's.  I also bought him a new Pop Figure, he collects them.  Then he played in the arcade.   It was a simple day but he and I both enjoyed the quality time.  He and I never have one on one time together so we decided to make this a regular thing.  I told him our next mother/son date would be snow tubing.  He told me he likes walking around the mall and seemed very happy with the day but I know snow tubing will be something more exciting and fun.  I cannot believe this boy will be 12 in a few weeks.

Also, last week and this week is observation week at dance.  I love getting to watch my daughter dance in her classes.  This year she's in three different classes.  Kids Ballet, Kids Tap 2, and Praise.  

Praise

Ballet

Tap

This is her fifth year of dance and she's come so far.  When I was a child I only made it five years in ballet and I'm hoping she goes further.  She definitely has the desire to.  The girl loved dancing even before she knew how to walk.  

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!