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

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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 ~ 1/12/18

1. I would like to ask   Jesus  why   He loves me ?  I know He does, but sometimes I don't understand why He would.  Maybe it is just my own insecurity.  Maybe it is because I know how much I mess up and don't feel worthy...  Maybe I just need reassurance sometimes.  Pretty deep, huh?

2. My favorite fast food restaurant is   Wendy's .  I love their burgers and fries.  Especially when they are paired with a Frosty :)

3. If I could go to any concert of someone still performing, it would be   Lady Antebellum .  I would actually have a REALLY hard time picking just one concert.  It has been so long since I've been to a concert that I'd love to go to just about any :) 

4. My Winter pastime is usually    reading and crocheting , because   they are very relaxing and can be done indoors where it is nice and cozy!

 

Book Review ~ The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter ~ 1/11/18

 

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Blurb:

 

She only remembers loving him. But he can’t forget the way she left.

Following a concussion, Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself.

It’s taken Zac months to move on after Lucy left him with no explanation. He’s thrown himself into his family’s farm and his restaurant business in Summer Harbor. Now Lucy’s back, vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. She needs his help putting the pieces together, but letting her back into his life is a risk—and the stakes are high. If he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life. But if her memory returns he’ll lose her all over again.  

My Thoughts:

 

I've now read the whole "Summer Harbor" series, but not in the right order :)  I read the last book first and then the first book and then the second book.  And I loved them all!

 

Basically, anytime I read a Denise Hunter novel, I can count on it being a good read.

 

I absolutely adored all three of the Callahan brothers.  I don't think I could pick a favorite if I wanted to.  Luckily, I don't have to pick.

 

I loved the storyline of this book.  I got to know a bit about Zac in book one of the series and was really excited to read more about him.  I was intrigued by the fact that Zac had no clue where Lucy went or why she left.

 

The book starts out with Lucy having absolutely no idea where she is and has lost 7 months of memory.  So, even she didn't know why she left Zac!

 

I was very excited to find out the where's and why's.

 

I'm a bit sorry to have read the last book set in Summer Harbor but I'm feeling very accomplished at having gotten my hands on all three novels and finishing the entire series :)

 

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 ~ 1/10/18

  

 

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

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1. January is National Mentoring Month. Have you ever had a mentor? Been a mentor? How would you rate the experience?

 

I would consider my Mom to be my mentor.  She has taught me everything I know about being a wife, a mother, a homemaker and a Christian.

 

I don't know if I would consider myself a mentor but I do have daughters that I hope look up to me and I try to teach them like my Mom taught me.  Being a mom rates a 10/10 for me!

 2. What current trend makes no sense to you?

 

Filling out those questionnaires on Facebook.  You know, the kind where you tell 100 things nobody knows about you or "Hey, get your kid to answer these questions about you".  I just don't have time for that... 

 3. I saw a cartoon on facebook highlighting a few 'weird' things that make you happy as an adult. The list included-writing with a nice pen, having plans cancelled, freshly cleaned sheets, eating the corner brownie, cleaning the dryer lint screen, and sipping coffee in that brief time before anyone else wakes up. (Credit for the cartoon goes here) Of the 'weird' things listed which one makes you happiest? What is one more 'weird' thing you'd add to the list?

 

These examples made me chuckle because almost all of them make me happy.  I don't see how cleaning the dryer lint screen would make a person happy but to each their own, I guess!

 

As for what makes me happy that isn't on the list:  getting snail mail that isn't a bill!  So much fun to open the mailbox and see something not a bill!

 4. What's the last good thing you ate?

 

I literally just ate a Golden Oreo.  I can't say that I prefer them over the original Oreos, but it was tasty :)

 5. Describe life in your 20's in one sentence.

 

I got married and had kids.

 6. Insert your own random thought here.

Now that the holidays are over, I need something to look forward to.  Last week, I mentioned that we were starting to think about a summer vacation.  But...  I need something a lot sooner than that to look forward to.  Maybe a date night.  Or a family movie night.  Any ideas????


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

Teaser Tuesday ~ The Goodbye Bride ~ 1/9/18

My teaser for this week is from:

Lucy Lovett had barely opened her eyes when she took notice of the pain hammering at the back of her head.  She groaned, her fingers finding the tender spot, a lump that pushed up through her thick brown hair.

She closed her eyes again as other details registered.  Her cheek, pressed to a cold, hard surface.  A girdle-like squeeze in her middle.  Pinched toes.

 

Also linking up to:

 


Happy Tuesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/8/18

 

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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The weather outside is::::

Absolutely freezing!  I mean really.  Negative temperatures can go away! 



On my breakfast plate:

Special K Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar

  

As I look around the house::::

 

Boxes, boxes and more boxes.

I've been trying to go through each load that we bring into the addition as we go, but there is just so much STUFF!

Our bedroom is pretty much situated.  The family room is getting there but we still need to move the couches in.

The girls are SO HAPPY to have their own rooms once again!  Kaylee (16) has been very responsible about setting up her room and organizing it and decluttering.  Laken (10) however, is happy to live in chaos.  We'll be "motivating" her this week and helping her come up with the best layout and organization.


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, organize boxes, RTW
Friday...  Work 8am-2:30pm, RTW
Saturday...  Laundry, RTW, Family Game Night
Sunday...  Church, RTW

Currently reading::::



I am so happy to be through with The Negotiator!  It just wasn't for me.

I'm also so happy to be reading The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter.  I've read the other two books in this series (our of order) and am really excited to be reading Zac's story.  So far, I'm really liking it :)
 

On the TV::::

Kids Baking Championship
Arthur
Leap

Listening to:

 

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Fish, French Fries, Peas, Oranges
Tuesday - Vegetable Soup, Noodles, Apples
Wednesday - Beef Stew, Rolls, Peaches
Thursday - Ham, Buttered Potatoes, Green Beans, Pears
Friday -  Pizza
Saturday - Breakfast
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

I've gotten 8 squares crocheted for the afghan to go in my bedroom using Redheart Ombre in Spearmint.  I love how the same yarn can make two squares that have different colors.  So easy!  I'm  really looking forward to seeing how they all come together.  I'm going to be making a total of either 70 or 80 squares for this afghan.  I'm still trying to decide whether to go 7X10 or 8X10.  What do you think?  Is bigger better?  My bed is King sized...

Picture From the Camera

Seeing my two pups, one old and one young, resting together made my heart smile :)  Kona is on the left and Lilah is on the right.

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 ~ 1/6/18

 

I had a loss this week!  I'm so excited!

I didn't have the best exercise week.  I only got in concentrated exercise time 3 days but I was so much more mindful of what I ate than I have been in the longest time.

I tried to cut out the junk food as much as I could and instead snacked on cheese sticks and the occasional cracker.  Sweets were almost non-existent, which is major for me!

I'm not going to lie....  I was HUNGRY a few times because I've gotten so used to eating whatever, whenever but I'm changing that.  (BTW, "Change" is my WORD for the year.)

I felt so much better knowing that I was doing something good for my health and am so happy that I got good results.  It really helps to keep me motivated when I can see myself moving toward my goal.

So, how did you do this week???

My week's stats:

 
Weigh-in: -2.2   Total:  -21.2 lbs. 

Exercise:  Saturday:  45 minutes
                  Sunday:
                  Monday:  25 minutes ~ 2 miles
                  Tuesday:  25 minutes ~ 2 miles
   


              TOTAL:   4 miles ~  95 minutes = 16/35 FitPoints

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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 ~ 1/5/18

1. My guiding word for 2018 is    "Change" . So many things have changed in the past year and so many things will be changing for me in 2018.  Good changes, I hope :)  

 

2. A house is not a home without    family.  Sometimes, I crave for some alone time.  But, usually, after an hour or two it gets lonely and I'm ready to have my family all around me again.  Family is what makes my life, not just a my home. 

3. I look forward to    turning 40  this year. I know that may sound strange to some people but each year I make it back around to my birthday, I celebrate!  This year just happens to be the big 4-0 . 

 

4.  I really need to   get healthier , because  Geesh!  I'm going to be 40!  lol .

 

Book Review ~ The Negotiator by Dee Henderson ~ 1/4/18

 

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Blurb:

 

FBI agent Dave Richman from Danger in the Shadows is back. He's about to meet Kate O'Malley, and his life will never be the same. She's a hostage negotiator. He protects people. He's about to find out that falling in love with a hostage negotiator is one thing, but keeping her safe is another!

Introducing the O'Malleys, an inspirational group of seven, all abandoned or orphaned as teens, who have made the choice to become a loyal and committed family. They have chosen their own surname, O'Malley, and have stood by each other through moments of joy and heartache. Their stories are told in CBA best-selling, inspirational romantic suspense novels that rock your heart and restore strength and hope to your spirit. 

My Thoughts:

 

I hate that the first review I'm writing in 2018 isn't a glowing one :(

 

I just COULD NOT get into this book.  I tried for weeks! And that is how long it took me to work my way through The Negotiator.

 

I had such high hopes for this author and this series that I made sure to have the complete series on my bookshelf before starting to read this book.

 

I know some readers absolutely adore this author but I'm not so sure.

 

I don't know yet if I'm going to give the rest of the series a go or gift them to a reader friend.

 

Have you read this series or anything by this author?  If so, 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 ~ 1/3/18

  

 

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

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 1. It's that time of year again...time for Lake Superior University to present a list of words (or phrases) they'd like to see banished (for over-use, mis-use, or genera uselessness) in 2018. You can read more about the decision making process and word meaning here, but this year's top vote getters are-

unpack, dish (as in dish out the latest rumor), pre-owned, onboarding/offboarding, nothingburger, let that sink in, let me ask you this, impactful, Cofefe, drill down, fake news, hot water heater (hot water doesn't need to be heated), and gig economy
Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?

 

Nothingburger????  What kind of word is that!  lol  I totally agree it should be banished!

 2. What's something you need to get rid of in the new year?

 

Extra weight!  I'm going to try REALLY hard to lose weight and get healthier.

 3. Where do you feel stuck?

 

I feel stuck with too much junk.  We are sorting through boxes from our old house and we have so much STUFF!  Lots of things are going to make a trip to Goodwill.

 4. January is National Soup Month. When did you last have a bowl of soup? Was it made from scratch or from a can? Your favorite canned soup? Your favorite soup to make from scratch on a cold winter's day?

 

My last bowl of soup was a few weeks ago when we had Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup for dinner.  Quick and easy from a can :)  Tomato is probably my favorite canned soup but I have to have lots of crackers also.  My favorite soup to make from scratch would be Homemade Ham Potpie (not really a pie :).

 5. Tell us one thing you're looking forward to in 2018.

 

We've already been discussing a vacation in 2018!  It is a milestone year for our family.  I turn 40.  The hubby turns 50.  Kaylee is graduating High School and Laken will be moving on to Middle School.  We're throwing around ideas.  If you have a MUST VISIT place in mind, please let me know.  Any ideas are welcome :)

 6. Insert your own random thought here.

I have been freezing the past few days.  It is sad to say that 20*F feels like a heat wave but that is what I'm feeling right now!  I'm so ready for Spring...


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

Teaser Tuesday ~ The Negotiator Part 2 ~ 1/2/18

My teaser for this week is from:

First Paragraph:

 Kate O'Malley had been in the dungeon since dawn.

The members of the emergency response group comprising the SWAT and hostage-rescue teams had been relegated to the basement of the county building during the last department reorganization.  The metal desks were crammed together, the concrete walls needed repainting; the old case files made the room smell musty; and the hot and cold water pipes coming from the boiler room rumbled overhead.

The team was proud of its little hovel even if the plants did die within days.  The location allowed for relaxed rules.  The only evidence of bureaucracy was a time clock by the steel door so those not on salary could get paid for all their overtime.

 

Teaser:

 

 

"Tempting."

 

"But you are passing."  The disappointment was intense.

 

"Taking a rain check.  It's late.  You need to go home."

 

Also linking up to:

 


Happy Tuesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/1/18

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

2018 IS GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR :)


The weather outside is::::

FREEZING!!!!!

And, we had snow for Christmas! 
It is still hanging around so full-on winter here in Pennsylvania :)
 



On my breakfast plate:

Special K Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar

  

As I look around the house::::

 

We got the OK from the Building Inspector to move into the addition!

I'm beyond excited to move into our space and have room to move about!  The first night we slept in our new bedroom, I couldn't sleep.  I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve.  I just kept looking around and thinking how big the room is!  Super excited!   :)

But...this means that we are going through boxes and purging.  We just don't have the space to put a whole house worth of furniture, etc.  I'm not afraid to admit that I went through the girls' boxes without them there so that we would be able to get rid of things that weren't important.  I didn't get rid of anything that I know they will want or means a lot to them.  I promise!


On today's to do list::::

Read Thru the Word
New Year's Dinner
Hang out with Family
Exercise
 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... See above.
Tuesday...  Menu and grocery list, groceries, laundry, exercise, RTW
Wednesday... Back to work:  8am-2:30pm, Prayer Meeting, RTW
Thursday... Off, laundry, organize boxes, RTW
Friday...  Work 8am-2:30pm, Family night, RTW
Saturday...  Undecorate, RTW
Sunday...  Church, RTW

Currently reading::::



I'm still reading The Negotiator.  I started it and was getting into reading it but then Christmas and moving into the addition happened and I've just been too busy to pick up the book.  I do want to give it another chance, though.  After all, I have the whole O'Malley series on my bookshelf!
 

On the TV::::

Holiday Baking Championship Finale!
White Christmas!

Listening to:

 

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Pork, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, Corn
Tuesday - Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Peas, peaches
Wednesday - Chicken and Rice, green beans, pears
Thursday - Meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, broccoli, oranges
Friday -  Pizza
Saturday - Breakfast
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

I'm still working on Laken's Giant Granny Square, but I also started working on an afghan squares for our bedroom in my favorite color!

I'm using Red Heart Ombre in Spearmint and Aran.  I can't wait to see how the colors change throughout each block.

 

My inspiration piece:

 

 

Picture From the Camera

My Mom (far right) and some of my aunts and one of my uncles trying to get a serious picture!
Left to right:  Aunt Debi, Aunt Mary, Aunt Donna, Mom and sitting is Uncle John.

We had a New Year's get-together on Saturday.  My Uncle John's 60th Birthday is on the January 3rd so we surprised him with cake and ice cream.

AND

Look how big my Kona is getting!


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