Happy Homemaker Monday - 4/27/15

I haven't participated in Happy Homemaker Monday so far this year.  Wow!  I always enjoyed doing this but blogging has gotten away from me.  But I'm really excited to start back up and join Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom again. 

So here we go!

The weather outside is::::
54 degrees, a bit chilly and cloudy.  We had some warm weather for awhile but the cool temps and wind came back.  Spring where are you?  Calling for rain later.  

On the breakfast plate this morning::::
I made a choice of cinnamon raisin bagels, mini chocolate donuts, eggs and bacon.  I usually don't cook a big breakfast like that but once in awhile I like to give the boys something special before sending them off to work and school.  My daughter and I also enjoyed some too.  

As I look outside my window::::
The sky is completely covered with white, puffy clouds.  The trees are blowing in the breeze.  The grass is green and freshly mowed.  

Right now I am::::
Moving between writing this up, playing dolls with my daughter and getting housework and laundry done.  Whew!  I needed a moment to sit.  

As I look around the house::::
It's very cluttered around here.  Toys all over.  No matter how I try to keep things tidy and organized it just doesn't last long.  In the corner is a pile of tiles and stuff from the kitchen backsplash.  When my husband is finished the backsplash then our kitchen renovation will be complete ... FINALLY.  

On today's to do list::::
Finish laundry, make stuffed peppers for dinner, housework, clean bird cage, and whatever else needs cleaning, help my son with his homework and play with the kids in between it all.  

Currently reading::::
Nothing lately.  Haven't had the time.  

On the TV today::::
We now have Netflix and Hulu so the kids love watching shows and movies on there.  Right now my daughter has The Incredible Hulk on.  The old tv series with Bill Bixby.  Yes my three year old loves it!  Most of the time when the tv is on it's shows my kids like.  After they are in bed my husband and I usually find something for us to watch but I'm not sure what that will be yet.  A show or movie on Netflix or a baseball game on tv?  You just never know with us!  

On the menu this week::::
Monday - stuffed peppers
Tuesday - hot dogs, tater tots, chili
Wednesday - chicken alfredo and garlic bread
Thursday -
Friday - pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans
Saturday -
Sunday - pizza made by husband

Favorite photo from the camera::::
This is my picture on top now.  I took it a few weeks ago of my tree.  I just love how the picture came out.

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" -- Ephesians 2:8

In Bloom

I especially love this time of year.  The weather is getting warmer, the birds are chirping and flying everywhere, the flowers have bloomed.  Beautiful!  I have these two trees in my front yard that have these white flowers.  They bloom twice a year and unfortunately the flowers don't last long.  When I see these flowers appear I know it's a sign that the better months are near.  I'm so excited for it.  Warm weather, barbecues, picnics, visits to the playgrounds, trips to our favorite amusement park, swimming in the pool, etc. 

The windows in my house are open allowing the mild breeze to bring in some fresh air.  It feels good.  It smells good.  I love it!  I'm looking forward to what's to come ...

Easter Is ...

To me Easter is so much more than dying eggs, hunting eggs, seeing the Easter Bunny and getting a visit from him on that Sunday morning and spending time with family ... however; those are the things we do each year to make it fun and exciting.

To me Easter is about the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  It is when Jesus died for our sins.  He did it because he loved us that much.  "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13.  It's just so amazing to think about.  Jesus was beaten and hung on a cross for our transgressions.  He did all of this for me ... for you ... for everyone.  Yet, are we giving enough back to Him?  I often wonder if I'm doing enough to show my appreciation.  

So on to talking about our Easter.  It was a good one.  The day before my husband took the kids to an egg hunt at our local community center.  I had a doctor appointment and couldn't attend.  Then our neighbors invited the kids to a little egg hunt they set up in their own backyard.  We also dyed eggs that day too ... our tradition, of course.  The next day was Easter.  We went to my father-in-law's church.  We regularly attend a different church but my father-in-law invited us along to his service.  My kids are used to going to Sunday School during the service at our church where they can run around and play.  So having to sit still for the entire hour was a challenge, especially for the three year old.  Once she spotted where the toy room was it was all over for her.  That's where she wanted to be.  After the service they had an egg hunt set up.  The kids had fun.  Then we headed home for lunch and then went to my parents' house where my oldest sister and her family were visiting.  We all had a ham dinner prepared by my sister.  I brought along dessert.  It was a great day spent with loved ones.

But we never fail to teach our kids the reason why we celebrate Easter.

Matthew 28:1-10
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Friday Favorites - "My Redeemer Lives"

In an effort to keep this blog going I decided to come up with some random things to write about each week/month.  I've been pondering some ideas and here is one of them.  It's called Friday Favorites.  Every Friday I will post a topic about something I like; whether it be a recipe for a favorite meal, a special keepsake, and well, anything I'd consider a "favorite."

Since it's Good Friday and Easter is in a few days I thought it would be perfect to start with a song that is perfect for this holiday. 

My Redeemer Lives

                by Nicole C Mullens

Who taught the sun
Where to stand in the morning
And who taught the ocean
You can only come this far
And who showed the moon
Where to hide till evening
Whose words alone can
Catch a falling star

Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives
Yeah

The very same God
That spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary
The worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands
That hold me when I'm broken
They conquer death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer

He lives to take away my shame
And He lives forever I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive and there's an empty grave

And I know my Redeemer, He lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry

I know my Redeemer
I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
I know that, I know that, I know that, I know that, I know
I know my Redeemer lives
(Because He lives I can face tomorrow)
He lives, I know, I know, I know.
He lives
(I spoke with Him this morning.)

He lives.
(The tomb is empty)
He lives.
(I'm gotta tell everybody)

It's April!

That's it, I'm quitting this blog!  Ha.  APRIL FOOL'S!  Although, I'm not sure if many people even read this ... but I don't care ... I enjoy writing.  Always have.  So no, I'm not quitting.  And yes, today is April Fool's Day and while others are playing pranks on each other I'm remembering a very special lady.  My grandmother.  Today would have been her birthday.  She's been gone for six years.  I was always very close to my grandma and I miss her so much.  I want so badly to hear her voice again.  Pain doesn't go away with time, but it gets easier.  Just a tad bit easier. 

Now that we're in a new month I thought I'd do something new.  I may do this once a week or just once a month.  Not sure yet.  I'll start by making it up as I go along.  If you'd like to join in go ahead but let me know so I can read yours too. 

Currently ... Sitting on the couch with the laptop on my lap as I type this up.  My daughter is napping, my son is in school and my husband is at work.  The house is so quiet. 

The weather ... is a beautiful sunny 51 degrees.  Love it!

Looking Forward To ... Celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior in a few days.  Getting new countertop in the kitchen tomorrow.  Possibly taking the kids to Disney on Ice in a few weeks. 

Excited ... That spring weather has finally arrived. 

On the to-do list ... finish laundry, fold, put it away. 

Bible Verse ... "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" -- Philippians 4:13

Favorite Picture ...

Catching Up

Has it really been 8 weeks since I've written here?  Wow!  I've always loved blogging but it just got away from me for awhile.  It's been quite a winter.  A dreadful, tiring, I'm-so-glad-it's-over winter.  Yes -- we have now entered spring and even though it's still quite cold outside the sun has been shining, the birds have been chirping and the green grass is finally showing (all that snow we had is GONE.  Finally GONE). 

I have been receiving help for my anxiety and I'm happy to say it's improved a lot.  I still have moments when I feel on edge when I'm out somewhere but it's gotten so much better.  I feel like I can live and be normal again.  Whew!

Because of the anxiety I unfortunately didn't go very many places through the winter.  It's been rough.  My husband has been busy with working 2 jobs, being a cub scout leader and now has started helping his dad with church tax stuff.  Baseball is starting soon and he's going to help coach again.  Yes he's quite busy ... but me, not so much.  Now that the warmer weather is coming I'm hoping to do more things with the kids. 

Since the last time I wrote we've had Valentines Day and St. Patrick's Day.  I try my best to make each holiday as great as I can for the kids.  I get candy and treats for my husband and the kids on Valentines Day.  On St. Patrick's Day a leprechaun sneaks into the house and destroys the place and leaves candy for the kids.  The kids love it!  It's so much fun.  We also have a pair of big green shamrock glasses my mom gave me husband years ago.  Every year the kids put it on and I take their picture.  Last year I bought a leprechaun hat too. 

Because it's been so cold outside the kids were excited when it was finally warm enough to play.  They love going up and down the driveway with their bikes and scooters or simply just coloring with sidewalk chalk. 

We've also been slowly working on renovating the kitchen.  It's a small kitchen but it's taking a lot of time and patience.  The contractor that my husband does bookkeeping for came and laid the tile for the floor.  He did an excellent job.  Even came up with his own diamond shape pattern in the middle and small glass tiles along the edge.  I love it! 

So far I'm very happy with how the kitchen is coming along.  Next week the counter top will be installed and we'll be almost done. 

My kids discovered the movie The Phantom of the Opera and have been glued to the television watching it constantly.  I don't mind.  I saw the Broadway play twice and LOVE it!  The movie from 2004 was excellently done.  This is my favorite play.  I'm so glad my kids enjoy it as well.  They were excited when they found masks at the craft store. 

I've started to becoming interested in jewelry making.  I've been looking up a ton of tutorials on Pinterest and Youtube.  I'd love to turn it into a way to make some money.  We'll see.  I bought some material but haven't really gotten too much done yet.  I know it's not going to be easy but it will be fun.  It's worth a shot.  I'm always finding ways to make money while staying at home.  If it doesn't work out at least I'll have some nice jewelry pieces to give as gifts ... hopefully. 

Now we prepare to celebrate Easter very soon.  School is more than halfway done for my son.  He's doing well academically.  He continues to enjoy cub scouts and will be starting baseball soon.  I recently registered my daughter for preschool that will start in September.  She's really interested in doing ballet.  Hopefully it will be affordable for us.  That's about it.  Not much else to say.  I will try to update more often.  I miss writing. 

Quiet Time

 I'm the type of person who enjoys needs quiet time every day.  Even if it's just for a few minutes.  I need this time to sit, relax, reflect and take a pause from life.  I've always been this way but since becoming a mother I find I need this time even more than ever. 

So here I lay on the couch with my feet up as I watch the snow fall outside.  My husband is at work, my son is in school after having a 2 hour delay and my daughter is napping.  I spent most of the morning playing dolls with her in between laundry and dishes.  Now it's time to take this moment and relax while the house is quiet. 

I haven't been the best at keeping up with this blog.  Lately I feel like I've been in quite a funk.  I spend so much time at home which drives me crazy but in the last few months anytime I go out I feel like I could pass out.  Still.  I'm in the process of getting treated to figure out why I am becoming this way.  It clearly is no fun at all.  On top of that I'm feeling the usual winter blues.  I'm trying to stay positive but I'm ready for sunshine and spring.  2015 isn't starting out so well.