Happy Homemaker Monday: May 29, 2023

 Good morning! This weekend has been nonstop rain (but I did get enough of a reprieve in it to go for a run last night). I reckon it's good for the garden, not so great for my migraines. But, I've persevered. Got through both girls' birthdays and now I don't have to think about birthdays again until September, with Gabe. I'm giving myself a late start and maybe I'll even get to hang out with a friend later. Let's hope! And let's get on with Happy Homemaker Monday!

The weather: Lots of rain chances. 60's and 70's. Perfection. 

As I look outside my window: Cloudy but I don't think it's raining at this moment, which is great. My sinuses and head could use a break. Everything is green and thriving. My peonies are soooooo close. 

Right now I am: Debating breakfast (Ella made cinnamon rolls), typing up this post, and discussing Squishmallows and how they shouldn't get wet with Goose. She wants to take her new toy to errand-run, and I'm telling her it's not a great idea. 

Thinking and pondering: Planting season. Things at the B&B. The fact that laundry is neverending. Social media breaks are nice. It's a jumble, really. 

Listening to: Tall Heights and Goose singing along with it. The song is "Spirit Cold". The clack of the keyboard. 

How I am feeling: Good, a little tired. I guess that means more rain is on its way. 

On the breakfast plate: Either a cinnamon roll or leftover rotini. I'm leaning toward the rotini, honestly. Too much sweet for breakfast tends to make me sick. 

On the lunch plate: Maybe that cinnamon roll? Maybe nothing. Depends on how much I have to do at work. 

On the dinner plate: Sausage, Veggies, and Rice. Maybe I'll grab an extra salad if I get to hang out with a friend. 

What I'm wearing: A black and violet summer dress. I've decided I'm resurrecting the floral dress trend simply because I can. 

On my reading pile: My Bible, a book on propagating plants and Gardening in the Carolinas. I need to pick a novel and maybe I'll get to do that later. 

On my TV this week: Not sure. I finished "The Girl from Nowhere" and it is definitely the weirdest thing I've ever seen. I think I need a TV break to decompress. Maybe I'll create some art. Maybe I'll garden. Maybe I'll do both. 

Looking around the house: It's softly lit, and it's quiet. Goose is playing quietly. My little houseplants are thriving. All is right in my little world. 

On the menu:

Monday: Sausage, Veggies, and Rice

Tuesday: Turkey Stroganoff, Egg Noodles 

Wednesday: Hamburger Gravy, Mashed Potatoes 

Thursday: Chicken Fried Rice (of the Hamburger Helper variety)

Friday: Zuppa Toscana

Saturday: Beef tips and gravy, Roasted potatoes (or noodles) 

Sunday: Chicken gnocchi skillet 

To do list: This post. Some work. Laundry. Gardening. 

From the camera: 

My youngest, affectionately known as Goose, turned 6 yesterday. It was a pretty big deal :)

Devotional: Reading today about close fellowship with Christ and it hit a nerve. I think I need to lean into devotions more, even if it means waking up earlier or shifting priorities. 

Have a beautiful week!
 

Happy Homemaker Monday: May 22, 2023

 Good evening. Things here are crazy busy with planting season and wrapping up the rest of my tuber orders. I had plans to type up this post earlier, but I had to rush out and finish shipping. But here we go!

The weather: 60's and 70's. Rain chances most days. Perfect garden weather. 

As I look outside my window: Early evening sunshine. Things outside are pretty quiet. I'm grateful for days like this. 

Right now I am: Typing up this post. Sitting with my feet up. Listening to Benjamin Tod's "I Will Rise". The first time I heard it, I sobbed. 

Thinking and Pondering: I had to draw a pretty hard line with work after this weekend, which was ridiculously stressful. I've decided that unless I'm actively in a garden, I'm keeping banker's hours and won't accept phone calls or emails late. My sanity is important. 

Listening to: Music on Youtube. Right now, it's Joy Williams. Also listening to Goose talking about cartwheels. 

How I am feeling: Physically? Tired. Mentally? Accomplished and resolute. 

On the breakfast plate: A piece of breakfast pizza that I got on an early morning shopping run. We almost ran out of toilet paper, y'all. 

On the lunch plate: A blueberry-vanilla Kind bar. 

On the dinner plate: Turkey taco soup. 

What I'm wearing: My work uniform, still, which today is pajama shorts (don't judge me, I own my business and work alone most of the time), a green tank top and a hoodie. 

On my reading pile: The Complete Language of Flowers and The Complete Language of Herbs. 

On my TV this week: I need to finish up CSI so I know what the heck everybody is talking about with Folsom, ha. Firmly in the second season of The Girl from Nowhere. 

On the menu:

Monday: Turkey Taco Soup

Tuesday: Breakfast Skillet

Wednesday: Deconstructed Cabbage Rolls

Thursday: Swedish Meatballs

Friday: Beef Stew

Saturday: Chicken Stir Fry

Sunday: Rotini Skillet, Garlic Bread

Looking around the house: Tidy and happy. Ella and I ripped my kitchen apart last week. Then put it back together how I wanted it. Laundry room is next!

To do list: I've already been to work. I have some light gardening to do, and Goose and I are going to pop over to a friend's house. 

From the camera: 

I snapped this picture of Lily of the Valley at the Bed and Breakfast I help at. This is one of my favorite flowers. Also, my nails need done, but it's Goose's birthday this weekend and I'm waiting to do them until I take her with me on Saturday so she has pretty nails for her little party. 

Devotional: Not much of a devotional to share, but hoping for your input. My friend Kristi and I  have a Scripture Writing Ministry and group on Facebook and for June, we're looking for Scriptures about Biblical Love Stories (like David and Abigail, which is my personal favorite). Anything you can throw my way would be appreciated. 

Have a beautiful week!

Happy Homemaker Monday: May 15, 2023

 Good morning! I'm trying to get this post typed up before I have to head to work for another busy, busy Monday. 

The weather: I dare say that Spring has finally arrived in my little corner of the mountains! 60's and rain chances on the daily are the theme for this week. 

As I look outside my window: It's grey and cloudy, but it can change in a matter of minutes. There's a pot of violas on the front deck railing and they are thriving. 

Right now, I am: Typing up this post, and keeping an eye on the time and my youngest cat, Haroldeen. She's a little terror, but we love her. 

Thinking and pondering: Time management today. There's a lot to do and not a lot of time. I'm also trying to get ready for Ella's birthday. 

Listening to: Goose talking to Haroldeen, who is rummaging through the dollhouse. 

How I am feeling: Honestly, grouchy and irritable. May is a hard month for me. Ella turns 17 this Wednesday, which is a happy occasion, but it's also the 18th anniversary of the day I lost her older sister during pregnancy. So many conflicting feelings. I'm just emotionally bankrupt at this point. 

On the breakfast plate: Coffee, but I need to eat if I'm gonna take my medicine, otherwise it will just upset my stomach. 

On the lunch plate: Whatever I can grab at work. 

On the dinner plate: Sausage and Zucchini Skillet with Rice

What I am wearing: Pajamas. 

On my reading pile: I actually finished my Florabama book and am looking for something to read. Currently, all of my reading is Dahlia Society related, or garden related, and I need something else. 

On my TV this week: CSI and Next Level Chef. I also started watching The Girl from Nowhere on Netflix and goodness, it's about the weirdest thing I think I've ever watched. 

On the menu:

Monday: Sausage and Zucchni Skillet 

Tuesday: Breakfast for Dinner 

Wednesday: Chicken/Bacon Fettucine Alfredo (Ella's birthday, it's her choice)

Thursday: Enchilada Meatballs 

Friday: Roast, potatoes, salad

Saturday: Crockpot chicken soup, because I'm traveling for work yet AGAIN

Sunday: One pot spaghetti, salad

Looking around the house: Oh, Lort. It's gonna get some TLC when I come in from work today. It was Mothers Day yesterday and I was traveling all of Saturday. Stuff definitely needs doing. I did clean the kitchen when I woke up this morning...it was something I meant to do last night, but my head hit the pillow and I was OUT. 

To do list: This post, work (workworkworkWORK), clean the house, do some journaling and find time to REST. 

From the camera: 

I always take pictures OF my kids. Nearly never take pictures WITH my kids. Also, that's a sunflower sticker on Goose's cheek. 

Devotional: I read today about surrendering everything to God and I just realized (yet again) how bad I am at just handing things over, and not taking them back. Yikes. 

Have a beautiful week!!!

Wordless Wednesday

 

Happy Homemaker Monday: May 8, 2023

 Sorry I'm late, I was harrassed at the gate. Not really, but work had me hoppin' today and I'm just now able to sit down and post this. 

But, here we go!

The weather: Warm and sunny, rain chances on the daily. It SEEMS that Spring is finally here at last, hurray!

As I look outside my window: It's all green grass and sunny skies, with white clouds. The yard is aglow with yellow dandelions. Everything is growing, and this is truly my soul season. 

Right now, I am: Keeping an eye on the rice that's going, and reffereeing kids. Listening to Owl City because Ella has it playing while she plays a computer game. 

Thinking and pondering: Trying to make a list of all the things that need done between now and Sunday. I'm going to try my best to make Sunday a true day off. I feel like it's Mothers Day and gosh darn it, I deserve that much.

Listening to: "Gold" by Owl City. The timer in the kitchen ticking away. 

How I am feeling: Frustrated. Rushed. But so glad to be home and have a home to be frustrated and rushed in. Thankful. overall. 

On the breakfast plate: I had a bagel with ham, cheese, and clover sprouts. 

On the lunch plate: A Stouffer's individual veggie lasagna and a blueberry granola bar. 

On the dinner plate: Fajitas and rice. A salad

On the menu this week: 

Monday: Fajitas

Tuesday: Big Sur Chicken and Potatoes 

Wednesday: French Toast Casserole

Thursday: Hamburger Helper

Friday: Angel Chicken

Saturday: I'm traveling, so it's everyone for themselves 

Sunday: Spaghetti Bolognese

What I'm wearing: Dark-wash jeans, and a black tank top. My work uniform of choice lately. 

On my reading pile: Really getting into the Florabama book and I'm loving it. It's not slow going, I just don't have a ton of time to read. 

On my TV this week: Will Trent. CSI. 

Did anybody else happen to catch the last episode of Animal Control? I sobbed the whole time. 

Looking around the house: Windows are open. I need to organize the pantry. AGAIN. Argh. Laundry needs done. 

To do list: Laundry, the pantry shelves. I have to move plants from one place to another and run my pothos up the wall. If it trails down any further, the cat will get it. 

From the camera: 

I took this picture yesterday of Goose admiring my little jungle in the kitchen. 

Devotional: I'm reading about patience today and it's...timely. I always feel like I'm short on patience, especially with my youngest and with how ridiculous work has been lately. 

Have a great week! 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Happy Homemaker Monday: May 1, 2023

 Good morning! For the sake of my sanity, I've decided to give myself a later start on Mondays (except for peak season, there is no late start then). I had grand plans last week to have at least one other kind of post on here...a recipe, some photos, something. But I lived last week in survival mode as we had a super stressful week here, so I'm beyond ready for a new week. 

The weather: I cannot make this stuff up. We had snow in parts of my area last night. 40 mph winds. Under a wind advisory until tomorrow night. Hurry, Springtime, hurry fast. Thankfully, things seem to be warmer toward the end of the week. 

As I look outside my window: My windchime is dancing pretty wildly. It looks deceptively sunny out there. Hummingbird feeder is swining like crazy too. 

Right now, I am: Typing up this post, getting ready for work. Texting with my best friend from home. Two of her kids are down with the 'vid and she's pretty sure it's on its way to get her, too. Ugh. I don't recommend it. I got sick with it before it was trendy and I was super miserable. Gabe had it last Fall and he thankfully had a super mild case. 

Thinking and pondering: "If it's gonna be a cold, it may as well give my allergies a break." "I'm super thankful for the fireplace so I don't have to run my heat and run up my electric bill." "Is there a way to rework dinner tonight so it's not super late?" 

How I am feeling: Pretty good. Not thrilled with this weather, but I always think of Mondays as a new beginning. 

On the breakfast plate: Chicken soup (Lipton extra noodle, we fancy here), a buttered croissant and a few pieces of chocolate. I never get to sit down for breakfast, so you best believe I'm taking advantage of it. 

On the lunch plate: A Smart Ones Meal. 

On the dinner plate: Pulled Pork Sliders, a Salad

What I'm wearing: A purple shirt, blue jeans, my slippers. My hair's up in a bun and I feel put together. Goose has complimented me on everything from my hair to my bracelets to my nails to my nose ring, ha. 

On my reading pile: I'm just under halfway done with "The Florabama Ladies' Auxiliary & Sewing Circle" and honestly it's everything I needed right now. It's light and cozy and I like all the characters. Ella has been reading it with me and we're cackling at all the Southernisms...especially because we live in the South ourselves. 

On my TV this week: Will Trent. Ella and I are fully invested now. I read the books ages ago, and while this show has taken some liberties, I'm into it, oddly enough. Also, Animal Control because Joel McHale can do no wrong. CSI: Vegas, because I've been there since the beginning and I need to know what happens. 

On the menu this week:

Monday: Pork sliders, salad

Tuesday: Creamy Oregano Chicken, Mashed Potatoes

Wednesday: Taco Soup

Thursday: Bacon Fried Rice

Friday: Chicken Stew

Saturday: I'm traveling for work that day, so I have no clue

Sunday: Tortellini in a Pesto Sauce

Looking around the house: Fireplace is on. Josie is playing with dolls. Renfield is asleep in Ella's room. I have music playing. 

To do List: Finish up this post. Work, both jobs. Make dinner. Make work calls/answer work emails. 

From the camera: 

Goose and I went adventuring near our house yesterday and found a lovely bouquet of wildlflowers. I honestly live in such a beautiful place. 

Devotional: I have no one devotional today. I'm just really working on my time with Christ. 

Have a beautiful week!