Happy Homemaker Monday: June 19, 2023

 Good morning! I am trying super hard to get everything done before I find myself in the garden this morning, and I forget about everything else, ha. I had an alleged weekend off, which actually doesn't mean anything as I was in constant contact with work. I don't get a break ever, it feels like. Yikes. Anyway, let's get on with this post!

The weather: Kind of rainy currently and I looked on the 5 day forecast and there's a tropical storm out there. We'll see what it does though. Next week looks like it's supposed to be hotter, ugh. I know I shouldn't complain about 80's. I lived in Texas when Ella was little and it was hot out there. Hot. HAWT. But mountain living has spoiled me. 

As I look outside my window: It's brightening up out there, and that means garden work for the foreseeable future today. 

Right now I am: Typing up this post and mentally managing my time. 

Thinking and pondering: About how best to approach all the work I have in the gardens today, how to make it go by fastest, and how to keep my stress levels down. 

Listening to: The rain and "Keep Me" by Novo Amor on the radio. 

How I am feeling: Mentally, determined. Physically, kind of blah. I'm just tired and I think I need more sleep. Or more running time. Or both. 

On the breakfast plate: Oof, nothing. Coffee counts, right? Please tell me it counts. 

On the lunch plate: I may just fast through lunch today. Maybe I'll feel better by dinner time. 

On the dinner plate: Chicken soup. Everybody I know has the summer cold, and I'm not trying to have my household and my peoople catch it, bleh. 

On the menu this week: 

Monday: Chicken Soup

Tuesday: Crockpot Fajitas

Wednesday: Zuppa Toscana

Thursday: Buttermilk Chive Chicken, Mashed Potatoes 

Friday: Beef Veggie Soup (Crockpot)

Saturday: Stir Fry

Sunday: Spaghetti Bolognese

What I'm wearing: A green tank top, and my cut off shorts, and my hiking boots (my garden uniform)

On my reading pile: I'm about halfway done with The Lost Apothecary, and I'm already pretty sure it's gonna wreck certain parts of me. I'm down for that though. 

On my TV this week: Crime Scene Kitchen and Cruel Summer. I've been rewatching Moesha of all things, and it's giving my little middle/high school heart all of the feels. 

Looking around the house: Well, we're definitely recovering from the weekend, ha. Maybe I can tidy up a touch before I leave the house?/

To do list: This post, the laundry, going through Goose's clothes AGAIN. This kid is growing so fast it's not even funny. 

From the camera: 

In October of 2021, a cat showed up on my front steps. She was gonna stay "one night". Well, hours later, she had a name and two kids pleading her case. I'm a huge sucker when it comes to animals, so Haroldeen (named after a character in a James McBride book) joined our household. Isn't she beautiful?

Devotional, Verse, Thoughts: I'm reading a Spurgeon devotional, and I think I'm going to research some into Mr. Spurgeon himself. I wasn't raised on English/American religion (and truth be told, I don't like the word religion at all) and I just want to know more about his life. 

Have a beautiful week!

Happy Homemaker Monday: June 12, 2023

 Good...afternoon. I missed last week because I went to the garden super early and just did not find time to post.  I've actually been off for most of the day today because it's rained quite a bit (and I refuse to go mud-diving in the garden, ha) so I've spent every minute I could with the girls. Here we go! 

The weather: The temperatures have been amazing, but the air quality here has been absolute trash due to those Canada wildfires. I've been making do as I can. We thankfully got some rain and are slated for some more, so that'll be good for all of suffering with allergies. Otherwise, it's 60's and 70's in the day and 40's and 50's at night. Utter perfection. 

As I look outside my window: The sun is out one second, gone the next. My petunias are thriving. 

Right now, I am: Typing up this post and realizing in a slight panic that I am out of bell peppers, what the heck. 

Thinking and pondering: About those gosh darn peppers! Thankful for grocery stores. Hoping this slight weather headache gets lost, and soon. 

Listening to: "Fireflies" by Owl City and both of my kids singing along. I live for days like this. 

How I am feeling: Utterly grateful and maybe a little teary. I nearly never get days like this, but I'm super happy about it. 

On the breakfast plate: I had a cup of coffee and skipped breakfast otherwise. Whoops.

On the lunch plate: We went to Jillian's Cafe near us and had chicken tenders and fries. I had a salad. It was nice to just get to spend time with my kids without work looming over us. 

On the dinner plate: Country Club Chicken. and a salad. 

What I'm wearing: A lavender tank top and my pocket leggings. 

On my reading pile: "The Lost Apothecary" by Sarah Penner. The chapters are short and it's flowing along. I famously take forever to finish books, but I'm hoping to have this one knocked out soon. 

On my TV this week: "Crime Scene Kitchen" (if I haven't already mentioned how much I adore Joel McHale) and Cruel Summer, season 2 (What am I watching?!!!!) 

On the menu this week: 

Monday: Country Club Chicken Skillet

Tuesday: Pizza Soup in the Crockpot

Wednesday: Beef Stew (also in the crockpot) 

Thursday: Breakfast for Dinner

Friday: Hamburger Helper

Saturday: Pulled Pork Tacos 

Sunday: Beef Gnocchi Skillet 

Looking around the house: It's evening now. Still sunny. Everybody is quietly busying themselves, though the girls and I are probably going to test out our new telescope and I'll likely go for a run later this evening. 

To do list: I've done most of it. I'm gonna give the kitchen a quick clean and shower and sleep. 
That's it. 

From the camera: 

I had some free time yesterday and decided to take a solo hike. Somebody told me that touching moss was good therapy...and it is. 

Devotional, verse, thoughts: I was reading about how God has already fought our battles, already defeated our enemies, and it was extremely comforting. 

Have a beautiful week! 

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!