Tea Time ~ Homecoming and Cream Puff Cake ~ 9/30/16

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things that made me smile this week :)

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~It is Homecoming Week in our small town!  Go Hornets!!!!! :)

~Monday was picture day for the girls!  It was so nice to see them both dressed in something other than a t-shirt and jeans :)

~I think I'm over my reading slump!  It took a murder mystery to do it :)

~My Mom and I made Cream Puff Cake for our weekly baking session together!  Love my Mom and Cream Puff Cake :)

~Today is the last day of September!  I get to turn the calendar tomorrow :)  (It is the little things that make me smile :)

 

What made you smile this week?

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Friday Fragments, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday , Diary of a Real Housewife and Love Made My Home.

 

Thankful Thursday ~ My Family ~ 9/29/16

 

Today I am thankful for:

 

This is my very first Thankful Thursday so I thought I would start out with the basics of what I am thankful for.

 

My family.

 

I am so very blessed to have my family.  I remember the days back before my husband and I started dating that I wondered if I would ever have a family of my own.  I had (still do) wonderful parents and a brother but I wanted a family of my very own.

 

September 17, 2000 I married the best friend I've ever had.  I call him Babe or Douglas depending on my mood or the situation  :)

 

(picture of a picture)

 

On Wednesday, June 13, 2001 God brought our first darling daughter into the world.  Kaylee Ann has been a learning experience for me.  Gone were the days of only thinking of myself.  I was responsible for a tiny human.  She is now 15 year old and reminds me so much of myself it is not even funny! 

 

Then on Friday, February 2, 2007 (yes, Groundhog's Day) Laken Amelia made her appearance.  She has been keeping us on our toes ever since.  She is such a character.  She makes me laugh and makes me so mad sometimes.  Her dream is to grow up and own a bakery...Girl after my own heart :)

 

I love my little glasses wearing family more than I ever imagined possible. 

 

I am truly Thankful and Blessed :)

 

 



Book Review ~ Injustice for All by Robin Caroll ~ 9/29/16

 

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Blurb:

 

A federal judge lies bleeding on his office floor, betrayed by a most unlikely source—people who helped him bring criminals to justice. Now, why would someone working for the FBI need to disappear after witnessing this crime?

When Remington Wyatt sees her godfather’s murder, she recognizes the killers and knows it’s only a matter of time before they come to silence her. She must do the only thing possible to stay alive . . . run.

FBI agent Rafe Baxter is serious about his career, and solving a cold case involving a federal judge’s death puts him in line for the promotion he so desires. But the case leads him to the small town of Hopewell, Louisiana, where some secrets seem inextricably hidden deep within the bayou.

Injustice for All explores what happens when everything a person believes in is utterly destroyed. Who can you trust?

My Thoughts:

 

I was in a major, I mean MAJOR, reading slump.  I tried several different genres to get me snapped out of it but they didn't work.

 

Until....

 

I picked up this book!

 

If you read my TEASER TUESDAY, you can tell that it is action packed from the very first line.

 

I absolutely had the hardest time putting this book down.  I loved the characters and the setting.  It was interesting to read a book based near the bayou.

 

The great thing is that I have the next 2 books of this series on my bookshelf!  I'm so very excited to read Book 2 of the "Justice Seekers" series.

 

I'm so glad I picked up this book :) 

 

 

 Thanks for stopping by!  Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

 

Linking up to:  Inspritation2 , Creative Ways,  Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Literacy Musings and Saturday Situation, Booknificent. Party at My Place , Saturday Review of Books

Wednesday Hodgepodge ~ 9/28/16

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

1. Have you ever been to and/or lived near the desert? What did you think? Travel and Leisure lists the 'coolest' American desert towns as-

Palm Springs CA, Virgina City NE, Bend OR, Winslow AZ, Marfa TX, Grand Junction CO, Silver City NM, Moab UT, Taos NM, Yakima WA, Borrego Springs CA, Terlingua TX, and St. George UT, and Tubac AZ

Have you been to any of these? Would you like to visit a desert town? Which on the list would you most like to see?

 

I've never even been near a desert.  I love road trips so I think I'd enjoy traveling to at least one of the cities on the list!
 

2. What's a plan or project you've deserted in the past year? 

 

I've deserted many crochet projects.  Sometimes I start a project and just don't "feel" the colors or pattern.  No sense wasting my time on something I'm not enjoying, so it never gets finished.

3. Desert-dessert? Share two or three words you find yourself having to think twice about when it comes to spelling.  

 

Its and It's

 

4. High and dry, like watching paint dry, dry run, dry as dust, not a dry eye in the house...which phrase can you relate to currently? Explain. 

 

Like watching paint dry.  Waiting, waiting, waiting....

5. How often do you frequent the dry cleaners? Starch or no starch?  

 

Never.  I make sure to buy clothing that is the "throw in the washer and dryer" type.

6. What's a food or beverage you enjoy that's named for a place? 

 

Boston Cream Pie

7. Do you need solitude? 

 

YES!!!!  I need a bit of solitude every day for my peace of mind.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Hubby went to work.  The girls are about to go out the door to school.  It is almost SOLITUDE time!!!!!

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I'd love to return the visit!  Please leave a comment and a link!

Teaser Tuesday ~ Injustice for All ~ 9/27/16

 

My teaser for this week is from:

 

 

~"Cha-chk.     Every muscle in my body stiffened, and my mouth went spitless.  Chambering a round was a distinct sound, unmistakable."~

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Also linking up to:




Happy Tuesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 9/26/16

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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The weather outside is::::

 Cool and Crisp!

On the breakfast plate this morning::::

 

2 pieces of toast and some caffeine

As I look outside my window:::

 

  I think it is finally FALL!  I love FALL!
 

As I look around the house::::

 

It is most definitely cleaning/laundry day!

It is also picture day and the girls are having a terrible time deciding what to wear even though I told them to pick it out LAST night!

On today's to do list::::

 

  Clean house.  Do laundry.

 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday....Clean, laundry, work on Demelza, watch Poldark, Cheer rally.
Tuesday....Finish folding laundry, Demelza.
Wednesday... Baking day with Mom, Prayer Meeting.
Thursday.....Menu and grocery list, work on Demelza .
Friday....Grocery Shopping
Saturday....Schedule for next week, Homecoming & Fall Foliage.

Currently reading::::




Well, I still haven't gotten my reading groove back.  I did read a few chapters but have been more interested in crocheting lately than reading.  Maybe I need to set aside time each day to dedicate to reading.  How do you get out of a reading slump?
 

On the TV today::::

I've watched a few movies this week.
"Me Before You":  Bawled my eyes out!
"Zootopia":  great little family movie
"The Four Feathers":  great movie.  Made me sad that Heath Ledger is gone.

I have a bunch of new shows in my DVR to try to get caught up on.

On the menu this week::::

I didn't stick to the menu very well last week, so a few are the same.

Monday - Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Corn
Tuesday - Baked Chicken, buttered noodles, broccoli
Wednesday - Chicken Casserole, rolls.
Thursday - Dan's Day (My brother will bring something home, so no cooking!)
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - Pancakes, eggs, bacon
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment:::: 

 

Demelza Part 3.

1 down, 7 more to go!

 

 

 I got all of Part 2 done before Part 3 came out.  EXCEPT for those pesky ends I still need to tie in.  Why do I wait?!?  BTW, this CAL is going on in the Pippin Crochet Club group on facebook.

 

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

"For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Hebrews 10:30-31 NASB

 

 

Linking up to : Art of Homemaking, Menu Plan Monday , Yarn Along, Keep Calm Craft On, Linky Ladies, Pieces by Polly , Homemaking Linkup.

Tea Time ~ Football and Spelling Tests ~ 9/23/16

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things that made me smile this week :)

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~I'm back from a VERY LONG blogging break!  It is good to be back in blog land :)

 ~Laken got a 100% on a very hard spelling test this week!  So proud of my girl :)

~The Steelers kicked butt this Sunday!  Love me some Steeler football :)

~Part 3 of the Pippin Crochet Club Demelza CAL came out Thursday!  This CAL is so much fun :)

~We got the applications for permits to build!  Taking it step by step :)

 

What made you smile this week?

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Friday Fragments, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday , Diary of a Real Housewife and Love Made My Home.

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge ~ 9/21/16

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

1. Thursday (September 22) is the first official day of autumn in this part of the world...how will you welcome the season? I know some of you have been celebrating way too early, but it's official now so permission granted. House Beautiful recently listed ten ways to make your home smell like fall (you can read the list here) What's a scent you love this time of year and how will you add it to your home? 

I love Fall!  I think it is my favorite season.  I don't really decorate much for it but I do change my candle scents.  My favorite is Pumpkin Pie but I also like to mix it up with Apple.


 2. Apple pie or pumpkin pie? Apple cake or pumpkin bread? Warm apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte?

I can't decide!  It so hard to pick!

 

3. Do you suffer from what is sometimes referred to as an afternoon slump? What helps ward it off before it hits and/or tell us what helps you shake it off once it's here?

Yes, I often get an afternoon slump.  A little nap is what I like best.  I love naps!

 

4. Ladies-how have your friendships with women inspired you or made you a better person? For the men here today- how have your friendships with men inspired you or made you a better person?

My friendship with my Mom has inspired me and made me a better woman.  Mu other friendships are mostly with women in the Church so they also greatly inspire me in faithfulness.
 

5. Are you a people pleaser? If you said yes, do you think that's a good or bad thing? If you said no, do you wish you were more of a people pleaser? 
 

I used to really be a people pleaser.  I'm not so much anymore.  I've grown a bit of a back bone lately.
 

6. The seasons are a-changin'...share a favorite song relating in some way to change (not necessarily seasonal change, it could be change of any kind).

This song is about a change in outlook:

7. What do you wish would never change? 

 

Having my parents alive and well.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

It has been a LONG time since I've hodgepodged.  It was fun getting back :)

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I'd love to return the visit!  Please leave a comment and a link!

Teaser Tuesday ~ Promise Lodge ~ 9/20/16

 

My teaser for this week is from:

 

 

~"Rosetta Bender stepped out of the stable with a bucket of fresh goat milk in each hand, gazing toward the pink and peach horizon.  Sunrises felt special here at her new home.  She was grateful to God for helping her and her two sisters jump through all the necessary hoops to acquire this abandoned church camp.  Its name alone -- Promise Lodge -- made Rosetta feel hopeful, made her dare to dream of a better life for her family and for the other Plain folks they hoped to attract to their new settlement.  Even so, she let out a long sigh."~

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Also linking up to:




Happy Tuesday!

A Loooonnnngggg Bloggy Break

I've noticed a trend with myself.  I'll blog hot and heavy for a while and then I need a break.

My last bloggy break was about 2-3 months long.  This bloggy break was (unintentionally) about 4-5 months long.  I just lost my blogging creativity, desire and plain old "took a break".

I woke up this morning with my desire back.  I actually had a dream that I was blogging and woke up thinking, "I need to start blogging again".  So here I am.

Lots has changed since I last blogged.  Well, not "a lot" but something pretty big has been taking place.

We moved!

My cousin is buying our house, praise the Lord!  So we've temporarily moved in with my brother.

"The Plan" is to build onto my Mom and Dad's house next spring.  We'll be building an addition so that we can have our own space while still being with my parents to help them take care of the place.  They live out in the country and have a good bit of land to take care of. 

They are in really good health but we are thinking of the future.  It will be beneficial for all, I believe.

I'm excited to once again be a country girl.  We're even talking about getting some chickens!

The hubby is excited to be planning a building project.  All he talks about is lumber and cement and roofing, etc.  He also grew up out-of-town and I think he's looking forward to being able to walk out the door and see wildlife.

Kaylee, the oldest daughter, isn't so happy about being out of town but she will soon have her driver's license and won't be "stranded in the country".  Laken, youngest daughter, is thrilled and would move in with my parents now if we'd let her.

So, lots of packing has occurred.    Lots of sifting, sorting and downsizing, too.  I have no idea how we accumulated so much STUFF!  It feels good to have finally pared down on "things" that we have no need for.  Very liberating!

So, I'm settling in for at least a 6 month wait until things begin with the addition.  Lots of planning to do and permits to get.

Hopefully blogging again will help the time pass quickly.

It is good to be back :)

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 9/19/16

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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The weather outside is::::

 Too early to tell.  It is still dark outside as I type this.  Yesterday was rainy off and on.

On the breakfast plate this morning::::

 

Cereal.  Probably Captain Crunch?

As I look outside my window:::

 

  In about 2 hours, I'll be seeing school buses going up and down the street taking the wee ones to school.
 

As I look around the house::::

 

Dogs that have decided that don't want to go out in the rain to do their business!  Aargh!

On today's to do list::::

 

  Clean house.

 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday....Clean, laundry, dishes, work on Demelza.
Tuesday....Finish folding laundry, Demelza.
Wednesday... Baking day with Mom, Prayer Meeting.
Thursday.....Payday, bills, menu and grocery list .
Friday....Grocery Shopping
Saturday....Schedule for next week,  Church Cleaning Day

Currently reading::::



I haven't read in FOREVER!  I got off to a roaring start this year and read, read, read!  Then I didn't anymore.  As it happens, I'm still 3 books ahead of my Goodreads goal of 52 books this year.  I have 12 more to go.  Hopefully this book will get me get back in my reading groove.

On the TV today::::

The new shows are starting!  I'm so excited!

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Corn
Tuesday - Baked Chicken, buttered noodles, broccoli
Wednesday - Spaghetti, garlic bread, green beans
Thursday - Dan's Day (My brother will bring something home, so no cooking!)
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - Pancakes, eggs, bacon
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment:::: 

 

Demelza Part 2.

 

 

 

I still have 2 more blocks to complete and all the ends to tie in before Part 3 comes out this Thursday.  I think I can. I think I can.   BTW, this CAL is going on in the Pippin Crochet Club group on facebook.

 

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."

Ephesians 4:29 NASB

 

Linking up to :  Menu Plan Monday , Yarn Along, Keep Calm Craft On, Linky Ladies, Pieces by Polly , Homemaking Linkup.