Chats on the Porch ~ 8/20/13

This week's questions are:

1. My oldest daughter has returned to college for her second year. Could I get you to give her some good wishes here? Please?

Have fun, work hard, be good!

2. Summer is about to move on, what will you miss the most? And the least?

I'm actually ready for fall :)  I'll miss the girls being home.  I'll least miss the unbearable heat.

3. Are you currently working on any craft, sewing, DIY home, or any other creative project?

Besides working on orders for my Etsy shop, I've been crocheting a shawl for a friend's birthday.

4. If you could have any treatment at a spa for free, what would it be?

I've only ever had a manicure and a pedicure, so I'd like to try a massage.

5. What's your favorite kind of pasta?

I'm a plain old spaghetti kind of girl :)

Let's chat and get to know one another!

Homemaker Monday ~ 8/5/13

Come join Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

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The Weather...

A gorgeous, sunny, 66F!  I'm loving it :)

Right Now I Am...

Taking a break from cleaning before I mop the floors.

Thinking...

That it would be nice to have the whole house clean at the same time...

On My Reading Pile...

Still didn't start this one.  I did absolutely NO reading this week other than my Bible.

On My TV...

We're having family movie night tonight and this will be one of the later showings.

We're hoping to be able to rent this movie for the all-family movie.  Hopefully it will be returned to the Redbox before this evening so we canrent it.

What I Found While Surfing the Net...

Click on picture for the recipe.

On the Menu This Week...

Monday:  Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Corn, Apples
Tuesday:  Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Broccoli, Oranges
Wednesday: Fellowship
Thursday:  Pork Chops, Pierogies, Green Beans, Grapes
Friday:  Pizza
Saturday:  Out
Sunday:  Fellowship

On My To Do List...

Today:  Floors and laundry
Tomorrow:  Babysitting, crocheting
Wednesday:  Taking the girls to the lake
Thursday:  Laundry
Friday:  Errands and shopping

In the Craft Basket...

Newborn baby Pod in Pearl.

Looking Forward To This Week...

Getting out of my reading slump.

Looking Around the House...

The girls and I are making progress today.

From the Camera...

Teaching her young :)

On My Prayer List...

Motivation and determination to get healthier, My good friend, Rhonda, who is having some major issues with a really bad ear infection.

Bible Verse, Devotional...

"Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, "You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to my teaching.  And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."  John 8:31-32 NLT

Homemaker Monday ~ 7/29/13

Come join Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

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The Weather...

A gorgeous, sunny, 67F!

Right Now I Am...

Doing everything but the dishes.  Procrastination...

Thinking...

That I really need to just get the dishes done and move on!  lol

On My Reading Pile...

I took this book with me camping this past weekend and didn't even crack it open!  After I get everything put away and situated, I hope to start it today.

On My TV...

We're trying to get caught up on AGT.

What I Found While Surfing the Net...

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Ingredients:

for the Pancakes:
4 cups all-purpose flour
8 tsps baking powder
2 tsp. salt
4 cups milk
4 tbsps vegetable oil
4 large eggs, lightly beaten

for the Cinnamon Filling
1 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon

for the Cream Cheese Glaze
1/2 cup butter
4 oz. cream cheese
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

To make the Cinnamon Filling:
Mix the three ingredients together. Place in a disposable piping bag and snip the end off or put in a Ziploc bag and snip the corner off.


To make the Pancakes:
Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another bowl. Stir them together until everything is moistened leaving a few lumps.

Heat your griddle to exactly 325 degrees. You don't want these too cook too quickly, and you won't want your cinnamon to burn.

Make desired size pancake on greased griddle and then using the piping bag and starting at the center of the pancake, create a cinnamon swirl. Wait until the pancake has lots of bubble before you try to turn it. You will find that when you turn it the cinnamon swirl will melt. The cinnamon will melt out and create the craters which the cream cheese glaze will fill.

To make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
In a microwave safe bowl melt the butter and cream cheese and then stir together. Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Add a little milk if needed to make
it a glaze consistency.

Place pancake on plate, then cover with cream cheese glaze.

On the Menu This Week...

Monday:  Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Corn, Apples
Tuesday:  Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Broccoli, Oranges
Wednesday: Fellowship
Thursday:  Kielbalsa, Noodles, Green Beans, Strawberries
Friday:  Pizza
Saturday:  Out
Sunday:  Fellowship

On My To Do List...

Today:  I'm watching my cousin's two kids today and laundry
Tomorrow:  Go through Laken's clothes and make a school list
Wednesday:  Go through Kaylee's clothes and make a school list
Thursday:  Babysitting, laundry, bills and grocery list
Friday:  Grocery Shopping

In the Craft Basket...

I'm making a 0-3 month Football beanie.

Looking Forward To This Week...

I started using a new planner!  I'm a dork and get excited about things like this :)

Looking Around the House...

It doesn't look too bad!  lol  We did some straightening up when we got back from camp yesterday.

From the Camera...

I forgot to take my camera on the camping trip.  I was so mad!  Kaylee got some pics with her ipod though.

On My Prayer List...

Motivation and determination to get healthier, the many people I know who are sick or having surgeries this week.

Bible Verse, Devotional...

"I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive al the good that we may do for Christ."  Philemon 6

Saturday 9 ~ Endless Summer ~ 7/20/13

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

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ENDLESS SUMMER

Thanks to Kwizgiver for recommending The Beach Boys

1) The best-selling Beach Boys album of all time is this two disc greatest hits compilation. Do you have favorite Beach Boys song?



2) The original members of the group were the Wilson brothers, their cousin Mike and a friend from the neighborhood. Have you ever worked with a family member?

Yes, I have more than once.  I worked with my grandmother, mom and aunts when I was growing up in their craft shop.

3) Originally released in the mid-1970s, Endless Summer was one of the first fast-selling albums sold on TV. Have you ever picked up the phone and purchased anything directly from TV?

Actually, I don't think I ever have!

4) The Beach Boys are very popular in Australia. Have you ever been Down Under?

No, I haven't, but I would love to someday.

5) Actor John Stamos played bongos on the Beach Boys' hit, "Kokomo." In his younger days, Stamos was Blackie on the daytime drama, General Hospital. Have you ever followed a soap opera?

I watched "Days of Our Lives" for years and even DVR'd it so I would miss any episodes.  I stopped watching when it got over-the-top.

6) Many Beach Boys songs revolve around the surf. How are you on a surf board?

I don't know because I've never been on one.  My guess would be pretty bad.  lol

7) Would you prefer summer to be endless? Or do you enjoy the changing seasons? 

I prefer the changing seasons.  It is a good thing I live in PA :)

8) Do your summer 2013 plans include a trip to a waterpark?

We are planning a trip to a small theme park that includes a waterpark.  Can't wait :)

9) Describe your swimsuit.

It has shorts and a long top.  Maybe someday I'll be able to comfortably wear a fashionable swimsuit again.

Homemaker Monday ~ 7/8/13

Come join Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

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The Weather...

Currently a rainy 69F with strong thunderstorms predicted for this morning.  Again...

Right Now I Am...

Cooling down from my 2 mile morning walk.

Thinking...

That I need to get in the shower...

On My Reading Pile...

This is the first book in the Chatam House series and the first book I'm reading as part of the the 2013 Once Upon a Read-a-Thon

On My TV...

On my DVR, waiting for me to watch it :)  Still...

What I Found While Surfing the Net...

On the Menu This Week...

Monday:  Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, apples
Tuesday:  Pork Chops, Buttered Noodles, Broccoli, oranges
Wednesday: Fellowship
Thursday:  Ham, Fried Potatoes, Green Beans, apples
Friday:  Pizza
Saturday:  Out
Sunday:  Fellowship

We went way off menu last week, so I'm able to keep it the same for this week.

On My To Do List...

Read, read, read!  Then some laundry, dishes and general housework.

In the Craft Basket...

I have 2 of these berets to make.

Looking Forward To This Week...

Getting back on some kind of schedule with housework, etc.

Looking Around the House...

I'm so excited that we finally got a new dishwasher!!!!  yay!!!!

From the Camera...

Nothing this week.  Must. Take. More. Pictures.

On My Prayer List...

Motivation and determination to get healthier, my family, VBS that is coming up soon.

Bible Verse, Devotional...

"For through Him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father."  Ephesian 2:18

Once Upon a Read-A-Thon 2013 ~ 7/8-7/10

This Readathon is hosted by Angela & Loretta at Reading Angels, Candace at Candace’s Book Blog and Pure Imagination. It runs from 12:01 am on July 8th to 11:59 on July 10th.  Click above to go sign up.

My Goals:

1.  Read every day.

2.  Participate in the mini-challenges

3.  Complete 3 books

My Books:

1.  Eye of the Storm by Hannah Alexander

2.  An Accidental Mom by Loree Lough

3.  Anna Meets Her Match by Arlene James

Wish me luck!

DAY ONE CHALLENGES:

Mini Challenge

For my mini challenge I would like to know...

1. Which book you are most excited to read in the coming year? It can be already released or coming soon.

2. Which book would you re-read if you had the time and weren't so busy reading ALL of the other good thing?

3. and lastly, If you could meet any fictional character who would it be and why?

Mr. Darcy and it should be self-explanatory :)

High Five for Friday ~ 7/5/13

Five things that made me smile this week :)

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1.  Fireworks!

2.  Watching my kids get super excited about fireworks!

3.  I got my hair done :)

4.  I'm already done with all 5 of my Read-a-Thon goal books :)

5.  Smores ;)

What made you smile this week?

Freedom ~ 7/4/13

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17

Lord, how blessed we are to live in a country where we are free to worship as we please.  Help us to never take such freedom for granted.  Today we ask You to bless any believers who are being persecuted for living out their faith.  Draw especially near to them, Lord.  Surround them with Your mighty army of angels.

"Long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light; 
protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King!" 
--Samuel F. Smith

Excerpt from:  A Woman's Daily Prayer Book

Hodgepodge ~ Freedom ~ 7/3/13

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

1. What's one simple small pleasure on your summer 'to-do' list? 

Stay up late reading and then sleeping in :)

2. Do you have strong feelings or opinions regarding the immigration debate in your home country? Feel free to share your thoughts, but please play nice.

My only thoughts on this is that it should be done legally.

3.  What's something in your home or wardrobe that could be described as 'star spangled'?

Each summer I get one of the cheap ($3.88) patriotic t-shirts from Wal-Mart.  They are some of my favorite comfy clothes.

4.  Is your house set up for a party?

If we can make it a cleaning party...

5. What one never-before-visited city in America, would you most like to see?

I've always wanted to travel to Williamsburg, VA to see the historic town and sights.

6. Your favorite red food? White food? Blue food?

Red-  Twizzlers
White-  Potatoes
Blue-  Blueberries (really, what else is there?  lol)

7. What freedom do you value the most, and why?

Freedom of religion.  There are so many countries where persecution for religion in horrible.  I am thankful that I have the right to be a Christian freely.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

The hubby is on vacation this week.  Yesterday we had a Movie-Theater-Marathon.  It actually started Saturday when we took the girls to see "Monsters University".  Then yesterday we went to see "Man of Steel" and then decided to stay for an early showing of "The Lone Ranger".  Out of all three, "The Lone Ranger" was my favorite :)

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Let's get hodgepodgey!

Summer Lovin' Read-a-Thon ~ 7/1-7/7

The Summer Lovin’ Readathon is a week-long readathon event hosted by seven independent bloggers! (Oh, Chrys!, Tumbling Books, Effortlessly Reading, Love Life Read, Shelf Addiction, Read Sleep Repeat, and Reviewing Wonderland) 

Spend the week reading at your own pace, when and how you want too. There will be daily challenges for awesome prizes and opportunities to get points toward the Grand Prize Packs. 

As if that weren’t enough – the week will end with a 24-hr marathon readathon! Twitter parties, mini-challenges, games, prizes given EVERY HOUR, and more chances to get points toward the Grand Prize Packs. 

Sign-ups will be open through July 6th. I’m in, are you?!

MY GOALS:

1.  Read every day.

2.  Participate in the daily challenges.

3.  Finish 5 books.

MY BOOKS:

1.  Keeping Guard by Christy Barritt ~ 7/4/13

2.  Seaside Reunion by Irene Hannon ~ 7/1/13

3.  Seaside Blessings by Irene Hannon ~ 7/1/13

4.  The Runaway Bride by Noelle Marchand ~ 7/3/13

5.  The Baby Quilt by Joyce Livingston~ 7/4/13 
Extra:  Pursuit of Justice by DiAnn Mills ~ 7/7/13

(I picked fairly short books to read as my husband is on vacation this week and I don't know how much time I'll have to read each day.)

DAY ONE CHALLENGES

About me:

I'm from Southern Pennsylvania and live in my hometown.  I am a SAHM with two daughters, ages 12 and 6.  I have been married to my husband for almost 13 years.  I enjoy a variety of genres but read mostly Christian/Inspirational books with a few mainstream thrown in upon occasion.  My love of reading started when I was fairly young and lived in the country.  Summers were spent reading book after book and making trip after trip to the library.

Teaser Tidbit

I'm currently reading Seaside Blessings by Irene Hannon



"Kristen Andrews eyed the laden skies over the gray Pacific Ocean as she maneuvered her rental car around yet another curve on cliff-hugging Highway 101.  Wasn't California supposed to be sunny and warm?"

Page 7

DAY TWO CHALLENGES

What is a summer must-read?



This book was AMAZING!


DAY THREE CHALLENGES

Who is my absolute favorite fictional character?



I absolutely loved Belle Tanner in "The Husband Tree" by Mary Connealy.  She is a tough, take-no-crap, kinda lady.  This book was so fun to read :)


DAY FOUR CHALLENGES

Share a book that really pulled on your heart strings:



Once again, I have to go with "My Stubborn Heart".  This book was amazing in so many ways.  The leading man has so much angst and pain.  The author describes his hurt and I can just picture the pain in his eyes.  The leading lady is determined to befriend him no matter how many times he pushes her away.  Wonderful, awesome, amazing book!


DAY FIVE CHALLENGES

Share your progress.  What are you plans for the rest of the RAT.

I finished ALL of my goal books!  You can see above that I've added on an "Extra" and will see if I can get that one read as well.  It is "Pursuit of Justice" by DiAnn Mills and is a longer, full length novel.  Wish me luck!

Listicle ~ Summer ~ 6/24/13

"10 Things Summer"

1.  Flip Flops

2.  Sand between my toes

3.  Sleeping in

4.  Staying up late reading

5.  Chlorine

6.  Fishing

7.  Camping

8.  Smores

9.  Sweat

10.  Air-conditioning :)

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Happy Monday!