Teaser Tuesday ~ For Love of Eli ~ 1/30/18

My teaser for this week is from:

 Taylor stood at the bottom of the stairs and held her breath.  It only seems like a hundred steps, she told herself.

As she planted her foot on the first tread, Eli whispered "You really goin' up there this time?"


 

Also linking up to:

 



Happy Tuesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/29/18

 

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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The weather outside is::::

It has been staying around 40*F but has been rainy off and on.  Which...creates lots of mud!
 



On my breakfast plate:

Chocolate Chip Granola Bar

  

As I look around the house::::

 

~I see laundry that needs finishing.
~I see that we finally got some gravel for in the driveway.
~I still see muddy paw prints.  As quick as I clean them up, there are more!
I see a soon to be 11-year old!


On today's to do list::::

Read Thru the Word
Work 8am-2:30pm
Pick the girls up from school
Supper
 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... See above.
Tuesday...  Babysit Damon, Menu and grocery list, groceries, exercise, RTW
Wednesday... Work 8am-2:30pm, laundry, Prayer Meeting, RTW
Thursday... Babysit Damon, schedule, RTW, Moogly CAL
Friday...  Laken's Birthday, Weigh-in, Work 8am-2:30pm, RTW, Family Dinner
Saturday...  Laundry, RTW, Game Night
Sunday...  Church, RTW

Currently reading::::



I haven't had much time to read this past week.  I've been busy trying to adjust to a new schedule and have been so tired come bedtime, that I don't even need to read to relax.  I climb in bed and am out like a light!

I've barley got started on "For Love of Eli" but have really enjoyed the Quilts of Love series in the past.
 

On the TV::::

BBC's Sherlock Holmes
Safe Haven
No Reservations

Listening to:



I was so excited to see Lanco's album at Wal-Mart when I was there a few days ago.  I absolutely love "Greatest Love Story" and couldn't wait to hear the rest of the CD!  This is one of my favorites from the CD.

 

On the menu this week::::

Monday - BBQ Ribs, Mac-N-Cheese, peas, pears
Tuesday - Ham Bundles, corn, peaches
Wednesday - Chicken, Alfredo Noodles, broccoli, oranges
Thursday - Kielbasa, Cheesy Potatoes, green beans, apples
Friday -  Pizza
Saturday - Breakfast
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

This is the first block of the Moogly CAL 2018.

It is called Flower Burst by Jessie at Home.  The pattern was great to read and make!

Picture From the Camera

 

I thought I'd show you my little blogging area of the Family Room.  The desk was my MIL's that I inherited when she passed away so it is special to me.  Behind my laptop is one of our wedding announcements that my aunt framed as a gift for our wedding nearly 18 years ago.  (How can it be that long ago???)  The rest is my just my "stuff".


Bible Verse/Devotional

 

 

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Linking up to :What Are You Reading,  Merry Monday, Modest Mom Monday,  Art of Homemaking, Soul Survival,   Good Morning Monday, Menu Plan Monday ,  Mommy Monday, Busy Monday, The Scoop,  Homemaking Linkup, Music Monday, Craft On, Creative Gallery, Pieces By Polly, Hooking on Hump Day, Yarn Along

 

Saturday Weigh-In ~ 1/27/18

 

This week has been long...

I already was working Monday, Wednesday and Friday at our local community college.  This week, I started watching my cousin's baby on Tuesday and Thursday.  So I'm essentially working full-time and have been adjusting to my new schedule.

I just could NOT make myself exercise this week.  I wrote last week that I was struggling with fitting exercise in and it did NOT get any better this week.  In fact, it was worse.  I didn't exercise even one time!  ugghhh!

I have been trying my best to stick to my diet plan though and I guess that is where my tiny little loss came from.

My goal for next week is to exercise at least 3 times even if I have to force myself!


How was your week?

My week's stats:

 
Weigh-in:    -0.4   Total:  -24.4 lbs. 

Exercise:   
              TOTAL:   0 miles ~  0 minutes

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Whether you've got 100 (or more) pounds to lose or just 5.  Whether you've been weighing in for years or just starting.  Whether you do Weight Watchers or some other diet or exercise program.  Whether you are 65 or 25.  I'd love, love, love to have your support and friendship in this constant struggle which is weight loss/healthy living.

 

So please leave a comment with a link to your fitness/healthy living/weigh-in post and let us be each other's accountability.
 

Linking to:  Dare to Share, Saturday Sparks, Bouquet of Talent, Saturday Shuffle, Saturday Sharefest,  Sundays at Home, Sunday's Best, Dishing It and Digging It. Simple Sunday, Wellness Wednesday

Tea Time ~ Movie Nights and Sloppy Kisses ~ 1/26/18

 

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 has been a while since I shared a Tea Time, so I thought I'd better get back at it!

~I mentioned the other day that I've started babysitting my cousin's baby boy a few days a week.  His name is Damon and he is the sweetest little thing!  He has been so very good for me and is so pleasant.  So far, at least!  One of my favorite things about watching him is getting sloppy wet baby kisses :)

~Our new TV came!  It is so exciting to be able to sit on our couch and watch TV together as a family.  The girls have taken over the Family Room now that they can watch Netflix somewhere other than their rooms.  Next week:  cable :)

~Being that we know can sit and watch TV as a family, we had a Family Movie Night on Saturday complete with Twizzlers and M&M's.  We got three movies from the Redbox.  Dunkirk, The Dark Tower and The Mountain Between Us.  Have you seen any of these?  My favorite was The Mountain Between Us :)

~My cousin Steph's other little boy, Dex, who I've mentioned on the blog before lost his front tooth!  He wouldn't smile at me for anything until I figured out that it was because there was a tooth missing.  Such a cutie :)

~I'm very pleased to say that almost a month into the 2018 and I'm still caught up with my One Year Chronological Bible reading.  I'm in the Book of Job right now.  Not the happiest Book of the Bible, but at least I'm keeping on track :)

How was your week?
 

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

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday , Tricky's Five , Friday's Fave Five. Fresh Friday Finds, , Sweet Inspirations, Funtastic Friday .

Book Review ~ Tide and Tempest by Elizabeth Ludwig ~ 1/25/18

 

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Blurb:

 

Two years ago, her fiance perished
during their voyage to America.

Now she discovers it may have been murder...

Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiance by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she's left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream--to open a home for orphaned children.

Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman's deathbed confession reveals her fiance's demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well--dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiancé.

My Thoughts:

 

This is the second book in a row that I've read to finish up a series.  This series is called Edge of Freedom with this book being the third of the series.  All three books of the series were amazing.  In fact, I would say that are must reads if you enjoy suspenseful historical fiction with a romantic twist.

 

Throughout the whole series, you are left wondering who "The Celt" is.  The author wraps the series up nice and neatly with the revealing.

 

I was surprised out how much spunk Tillie had.  From the first two books, I would have never guessed!

 

I thought it a bit funny that the hero's name is Captain Morgan!  lol  I wonder if the author realized it when she named him???

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of the ladies at Miss Amelia's boarding house.

 

Have you read any of this series?  What did you think?

 

CLICK HERE FOR A TEASER!

For the Biblical "Way of Salvation" please see my header or click HERE.

 

Linking up to:  Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Literacy Musings and Saturday Situation, Booknificent. Party at My Place , Saturday Review of Book , Book Nook, Hearts for Home, The Monday Review, Homemaking Party,  Favorite Things

Hodgepodge ~ 1/24/18

  

 

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

1. January 24th is National Compliment Day. Is it easy or not so easy for you to accept a compliment? Share a recent compliment you've given or received.
It is not very easy for me to accept a compliment.  It just feels awkward.  A recent compliment I received was about something I baked.

 2. Ten little things you are loving right now.
~The hubby
~Kaylee
~Laken
~My parents
~Babysitting Damon
~Diet Dr. Pepper
~Pizza
~Twizzlers
~Movie Nights
~Date Nights

 3. Would people describe you as a positive person? Do you see yourself that way? I read here  a list/description of eight things positive people do differently-

Positive people find something to look forward to every day, they celebrate the small stuff, they're kind, they stay busy, accept responsibility for their actions, forgive themselves, know when to move on, and resist comparisons
Which action on the list would you say you do regularly? Which action could you add to your life to give you a more positive outlook? If you're a positive person, what's something you do regularly that's not on the list?
I don't know if I would consider myself a positive person.  I'm about half and half.  I love to celebrate the small stuff!  I could do better on forgiving myself.

 4. Homemade chicken soup, beef stew, or a bowl of chili...what's your pleasure on a cold winter's day?
Beef Stew with homemade rolls!

 5. The best part of my day is....
Picking up the girls from school and seeing my hubby pull in the driveway after work :)

 6.  Insert your own random thought here.

I've recently started babysitting my cousin's little boy, Damon, two days a week.  He is almost 6 months old and I'm loving the baby snuggles and sloppy wet kisses!


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

Teaser Tuesday ~ Greeting from the Flipside ~ 1/23/18

My teaser for this week is from:

 "Suck it in.  Come on, suck it in."

"My stomach is on the other side of my spine," Hope wheezed, barely enough air in her lungs to finish the sentence.  Becca tugged and jiggled the zipper while trying to maintain a smile for the crowd of elderly residents who'd gathered around for the fitting.  Normally Hope would be leading them all into a bingo hall, but today was different.  Special.  There was a certain excitement on all the faces of those who'd managed to stay conscious.  "Are you sure you gave them the right measurements?"  Hope whispered to Becca.

"Are you sure you haven't been eating cheese?  Or Popsicles?  Both?"

 

Also linking up to:

 


Happy Tuesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/22/18

 

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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The weather outside is::::

We had a beautiful weekend weather-wise.  It makes me long for Spring!
 



On my breakfast plate:

Chocolate Chip Granola Bar

  

As I look around the house::::

 

I see a new TV hanging in the Family Room!
I see that the girls' rooms are really starting to come together!
I see that boxes are dwindling slowly but surely!


On today's to do list::::

Read Thru the Word
Work 8am-2:30pm
Pick the girls up from school
Supper
 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... See above.
Tuesday...  Babysit Damon, Menu and grocery list, groceries, exercise, RTW
Wednesday... Work 8am-2:30pm, laundry, Prayer Meeting, RTW
Thursday... Babysit Damon, schedule, Bills, RTW
Friday...  Weigh-in, Work 8am-2:30pm, RTW
Saturday...  Laundry, RTW, Date Night
Sunday...  Church, RTW

Currently reading::::



I'm still ahead of schedule on my Goodreads Challenge!

This is another book that I unpacked from a box in storage.  I'm excited to get started :)
 

On the TV::::

Zumbo's Just Desserts on Netflix
The Dark Tower
Dunkird
The Mountain Between

Listening to:

 

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Steak, Au Gratin Potatoes, peas, pears
Tuesday - Pork Chops, noodles, broccoli, peaches
Wednesday - Chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, oranges
Thursday - Soup, grilled cheese sandwiches
Friday -  Pizza
Saturday - Breakfast
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

This is another Ravelry BAMCAL square but it is from the 2017 squares.

The square is called Moon Blossom by Karen Smith.

 

I love how the flowers stand out in the middle :)

Picture From the Camera

 

Laken received a set of Hot Curlers for Christmas so we played "Beauty Salon" and did her hair.  It turned out really cute!  She's as bad as her big sister at keeping her eyes open when the camera flashes!

Bible Verse/Devotional

 

 

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Linking up to :What Are You Reading,  Merry Monday, Modest Mom Monday,  Art of Homemaking, Soul Survival,   Good Morning Monday, Menu Plan Monday ,  Mommy Monday, Busy Monday, The Scoop,  Homemaking Linkup, Music Monday, Craft On, Creative Gallery, Pieces By Polly, Hooking on Hump Day, Yarn Along

 

Saturday Weigh-In ~ 1/20/18

 

Big sigh of relief over here in Southern Pennsylvania!  New batteries are in the scale and guess what???

I lost 2.8 lbs this week!!!  Whoohoo!!

I didn't do very well on the exercise front this week and only laced up my tennis shoes 1 time for concentrated exercise.

I must have done something right with my eating to lose the weight.  I tried to stay on track as best as I could.

Now to just get that exercise in.  I know I would feel better physically and mentally.  I always feel better when I'm exercising consistently.  Any tips to make it happen?

How was your week?

My week's stats:

 
Weigh-in:  -2.8     Total:  -24.0 lbs. 

Exercise:    Saturday:  1.25 miles ~ 15 minutes


              TOTAL:   1.25 miles ~ 15 minutes = 3/35 FitPoints

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Whether you've got 100 (or more) pounds to lose or just 5.  Whether you've been weighing in for years or just starting.  Whether you do Weight Watchers or some other diet or exercise program.  Whether you are 65 or 25.  I'd love, love, love to have your support and friendship in this constant struggle which is weight loss/healthy living.

 

So please leave a comment with a link to your fitness/healthy living/weigh-in post and let us be each other's accountability.
 

Linking to:  Dare to Share, Saturday Sparks, Bouquet of Talent, Saturday Shuffle, Saturday Sharefest,  Sundays at Home, Sunday's Best, Dishing It and Digging It. Simple Sunday, Wellness Wednesday

Friendly Fill-Ins ~ 1/19/18

1. I have never been able to    roller skate.  I just can't do it!  I'm too afraid to let go and just skate.  I'm a life-long wall-hugger ;) 

2. I wish I could still   fit in my clothes from 20 years ago.  That would be awesome! 

3.    Snuggling up on the couch with my hubby and kids while watching a movie  is my ideal winter night. 

4.    I love Doug  and   Kayle and Laken!

 

Hodgepodge ~ 1/17/18

  

 

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

1. What keeps you blogging?


I've often pondered this question and sometimes I've taken blogging breaks, but always come back to this space to write.  I think it is because this blog is something all my own.  It is a way to be creative, write and have interaction with people from far and wide.

 

2. Some people like to travel in the winter months. Do you enjoy the beach in winter? According to Southern Living the best U.S. beach towns to visit this winter are-

St Simons Island (Georgia), Hilton Head (South Carolina), Bald Head Island (North Carolina), Seaside (Florida), Bay St. Louis (Mississippi), Cape San Blas (Florida), South Padre Island (Texas), Folly Beach (South Carolina), Chincoteague (Virginia), Duck Key (Florida), Nags Head (North Carolina), and Fairhope (Alabama)

Have you been to any of the towns listed (in any season)? Which on the list appeals to you most this winter? 

I've never beach to the beach in the winter.  Am I missing out or what?  All of those listed appeal to me.  I could make a list of the next 10 vacation I want to take from this list!


 3. What's a song you're embarrassed to know all the lyrics to? Are you really embarrassed or do just think you should be?

 

The Barney theme song.  But, doesn't everyone know that one.  It is short and sweet and we had to listen to it over and over when my oldest was little.  I still remember some of the other songs from Barney as well such as the one about brushing your teeth!  lol

4. When you were a kid what's something you thought would be fantastic as an adult, but now that you're an adult you realize it's not all that fantastic?

 

Just plain being an adult!  Sometimes it stinks...

5. Share a quote you hope will inspire you in 2018.

"If God is all you have, you've got all you need."


 6. Insert your own random thought here.


I thought it would be interesting to see where everyone who reads my blog is from.  Please leave a comment with your state, territory, etc.


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

Teaser Tuesday ~ Tide and Tempest ~ 1/16/18

My teaser for this week is from:

 "Captain Morgan?  Sir?"

Keondric Morgan glared over his shoulder at the deckhand waving furiously at him from the bow of the Caitriona Marie.  He slowed his steps, halting the rhythmic cadence of his feet against the gangplank.  "What now, Donal?"

His fingers beat with irritation against the pouch strapped to his side.  He had somewhere to be, and if he had to mind every move his crewmen made, he'd never get there.

 

Also linking up to:

 


Happy Tuesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/15/18

 

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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The weather outside is::::

This weather has been absolutely crazy!

First we had negative temperatures.  Then we had 60*F and rain.  Then, we had sleet and snow.

I'm ready for Spring!
 



On my breakfast plate:

Special K Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar

  

As I look around the house::::

 

I see mud being tracked in from the dogs.
I see boxes that still need to be sorted.
I see my afghans on the couch.
I see my things about me :)


On today's to do list::::

Read Thru the Word
Work 8am-2:30pm
Pick the girls up from school
Supper
 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... See above.
Tuesday...  Menu and grocery list, groceries, laundry, exercise, RTW
Wednesday... Work 8am-2:30pm, Prayer Meeting, RTW
Thursday... Off, laundry, schedule, RTW
Friday...  Weigh-in, Work 8am-2:30pm, RTW
Saturday...  Laundry, RTW, Family Movie Night
Sunday...  Church, RTW

Currently reading::::



I'm ahead of schedule on my Goodreads Challenge!  So far, so good :)

I was unpacking my boxes of books and got so excited to see that I had this book already.  I didn't remember having it but I've read the first 2 books of the series while this one was packed away.  It went straight to the top of the TBR list!
 

On the TV::::

Kids Baking Championship
Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
King Kong
King Arthur

Listening to:

 

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Ham, Fried Potatoes, Corn, Oranges
Tuesday - Vegetable Soup
Wednesday - Smothered Chicken, Noodles, Peas, Pears
Thursday - Chili, Cornbread, Peaches
Friday -  Pizza
Saturday - Breakfast
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

I decided to join in the Ravelry group BAMCAL 2018 to use up some stash yarn.

 

This square is the square that was voted on by the members for January called Sunrise Beach by Jen Tyler.  This picture shows as the pattern is written (plus a few of my mistakes along the way).  I still need to add a few rounds to get it up to 12 inches but I haven't decided what color to use.  I'm thinking cream and then use cream to join the squares as well.

 

I'm not going to sugar coat it.  This pattern was a bit difficult to read and took some concentration.  I'm so happy with the result though!  It is so pretty :)

Picture From the Camera

 

I made Kaylee some curtains for her bedroom using the pictured Solar System fabric.  I had enough left over to make a throw pillow for her bed.  After many tries to take a picture without her blinking this is the result!  hehe  (Don't tell her I put this on the blog.  She doesn't know :)

Bible Verse/Devotional

 

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Linking up to :What Are You Reading,  Merry Monday, Modest Mom Monday,  Art of Homemaking, Soul Survival,   Good Morning Monday, Menu Plan Monday ,  Mommy Monday, Busy Monday, The Scoop,  Homemaking Linkup, Music Monday, Craft On, Creative Gallery, Pieces By Polly, Hooking on Hump Day, Yarn Along, Sparks

 

Saturday Weigh-In ~ 1/13/18

 

I promised I was going to share the good, the bad and the ugly on my Saturday Weigh-In post.

And this week was ugly!

It was as if I've already forgotten my goals.  Arrggghhhh!!!!  I had absolutely no exercise logged and I didn't track my food.

All that after having a loss last week.  You would think it would have motivated me to stay strong instead of slacking off.  But that is what I did:  I slacked!

Even though it was a rough week, I was going to weigh-in.  I hopped on my scale ready to be devastated only to find that the batteries must have died.  It has just been that kind of week...

So, this coming week I'm going to strive to get on track.  I've already scheduled my exercise days:  Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.  I've also added a line on my daily schedule to remind me to track even if I go way over my daily points.  And I'll be getting new batteries for my scale.

Hopefully I'll have better news next week.  Until then...

How was your week?

My week's stats:

 
Weigh-in:       Total:  -21.2 lbs. 

Exercise:    


              TOTAL:   0 miles ~ 0 minutes = 0/35 FitPoints

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Whether you've got 100 (or more) pounds to lose or just 5.  Whether you've been weighing in for years or just starting.  Whether you do Weight Watchers or some other diet or exercise program.  Whether you are 65 or 25.  I'd love, love, love to have your support and friendship in this constant struggle which is weight loss/healthy living.

 

So please leave a comment with a link to your fitness/healthy living/weigh-in post and let us be each other's accountability.
 

Linking to:  Dare to Share, Saturday Sparks, Bouquet of Talent, Saturday Shuffle, Saturday Sharefest,  Sundays at Home, Sunday's Best, Dishing It and Digging It. Simple Sunday, Wellness Wednesday