Happy Homemaker Monday~ August 24, 2026

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Welcome back, friends! We had an eventful weekend. My hubby took off on Friday so Michael and he could change the oil in the cars and trucks. They also took a few of the vehicles to get their state inspection. Fun times! We then had a date night we ate at a local restaurant and then went to see the new Spiderman movie. It was pretty good. Out of all the Spiderman actors over the years, I think Tom Holland is the best. 

On Saturday, we watched Peanut since Therese had to work and then she headed out with friends for a night out before her nursing classes start back up on Monday. It rained during the day. 

On Sunday, Peanut and I were going to go to Mass, but he had a rough night with teething, and I was having stomach issues from eating out on Friday. I must have gotten gluten contamination somehow. I worked on my Sunday school lesson plans and reorganizing my files for the upcoming year. I still have to get into the classroom to set up and clean. 

Let's get on with Happy Homemaker Monday with our beautiful hostess Sandra from Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. Be sure to stop in and say hey there.

The Weather~

We've had cooler temps this past week and it seems to be the same pattern for this upcoming week. I was hoping it would be warm enough for Peanut to get in his pool one or two more times for we're done for the season. He can sit up now, so I know he'll enjoy it. Maybe on Thursday when it's 86.

Monday~ Sunny,78*

Tuesday~ Sunny, 81*

Wednesday~ Sunny, 81*

Thursday~ Chance of Thunderstorms, 80*

Friday~ Sunny, 83*

Saturday~ Partly Sunny, 81*

Sunday~ Partly Sunny, 84*

As I Look Out My Window~

 The sun is barely up. I see my flowers blooming on the porch. I don't mind fall, but I hate seeing all my flowers slowly turn brown and die. I hear the crows calling. We've had a flock that have hung out here all summer. I haven't minded them because I read one time that they help keep hawks away. We haven't had any hawk attacks this summer, so I guess there's some truth to it. The crows can be a little loud at times. 

Right Now I Am ~

The house is quiet. A pretty rare thing now a days with a baby in the house. I've given Maddie her meds so now the dogs have to wait an hour until they can have food. I'm glad here lab work is clear, and her kidneys are working perfectly, but having to give meds 3 times a day is not fun. She is starting to fight it. If you have a dog, you understand. Just a friendly reminder, do not leave chewable pills down. They taste good and dogs will eat them all up. 

Thinking and Pondering~

Our little Peanut is 6 months old already. It's hard to believe. He's sitting up and trying to scoot around the room. Crawling is probably right around the corner... that's kind of scary.  I know times flies when you have children, but I swear it feels like it's flying by even faster with this sweet little boy. He is such a happy baby and is always smiling. He really is a good baby. 

How am I Feeling~

I'm feeling pretty good. My stomach is still bothering me but that's nothing new. My eyes have been itchy, so there is definitely something bothering my allergies right now. I know our Vet says when the mums are out the allergies pick up for dogs so maybe there's something there. 

What's for Breakfast~

I'm drinking coffee as I write up this post which I spilled as I placed the mug on the end table. I have a feeling it's going to be one of those days. 

Since February, things have been a little off around here. I think we all have had to find our new normal with a baby in the house. I slacked horribly when it comes to eating healthy and exercising. So, I decided to simplify things. I'm going to eat 3 main meals for breakfast: eggs with yogurt and fruit, a protein shake, or oatmeal with fruit. So today I'm eating eggs and fruit. 

Looking Around the House~ 

I'm starting a deep clean and baby proofing. I figured I'd go from room to room and clean thoroughly and Peanut proof the house, so he'll be safe. You really do forget how much work little ones are gone. 

On the To-Do List This Week~ 

Monday~ Chiro appointment, watch Peanut

Tuesday~ Hair appointment, watch Peanut

Wednesday~ Therese has a doctor's appointment, trip to Trader Joes

Thursday~ Watch Peanut

Friday~ 

Saturday~

Sunday~ Mass and a Catechist meeting for the upcoming year, watch Peanut

Blue

On My Reading Pile~

I have 3 ARC books from BookSirens that I need to read and write up a review for. One is due in September. The other two books I have 90 days to finish. 

The Long Way Home by Helen Dwyer

Moonlight Shadow Mysteries Harvest Moon Book 1 by Blake Rivers

A Match for Katie by Reese Marley  (Review is due on September 19th)

I'm still reading...

Age Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz

Fascinating Womanhood by Helen B. Andelin

Buttons & Devotion Beyond Buttons Book 3 by Penelope Sky 

 

On TV this week~

I keep meaning to watch The Devil Wears Prada 2 on Disney. I just need to find the time. 

Therese and I were talking about watching the Marvel movies and shows to prepare for the movie that is coming out in December. There's a few we missed and lots that I have forgotten. 

Netflix~

Grey's Anatomy

Found

Rizzoli and Isles

Sullivan's Crossing

On the Menu this Week~

Monday~ Chicken piccata meatballs with egg noodles

Tuesday~ Buffalo chicken rice bowl

Wednesday~ Shredded chicken tacos, rice, and corn

Thursday~ Chicken fried rice

Friday~ Pizza

Saturday~ Eat out

Sunday~ Lasagne

If I Have a Few Minutes to Myself, I Will~

I honestly don't get to many free moments right now. After my hair appointment, I plan on doing a few returns, head to Hobby Lobby to look at fall and Christmas decorations. I need to find some kid friendly decorations since Peanut will be crawling and possibly walking by then. 

I'd love to get him the Step 2 My First Christmas tree

and the Step 2 My First Gingerbread House and the My First Snowman

                              

  

I just think they are just too cute for little ones. 

One of My Simple Pleasures~

A mocha latte from the farmer's market up the road from us. It opened up this year, and they have delicious gourmet coffee. It rather strange to have such good coffee close by because we live way out in the country. The next closest thing to us is a Sheetz gas station.  

From the Camera~

Maddie using a cat toy as a pillow

Inspirational Quote/Bible Verse/Faith/Funny Quote~

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Sunday Inspiration~ August 23, 2026

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Traveling Thursday~ Hello Arizona

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Well, hello there! It's been a while since I've shared a Traveling Thursday post. We've traveled a bit since my last post. I figured I'd start sharing some of our recent trips. A few things have changed from when I posted last. We have officially completed our homeschooling journey. Both Michael and Therese have graduated high school and both have earned an associate's degree from the local community college. They are both currently working on the next step in their journey. Therese is continuing her education, while Michael is currently in the hiring process as a firefighter/paramedic. Life goes by so quickly!

So what does that mean as far as our traveling journeys? 

It means the last few trips have been just my hubby and I. It's been a little weird to travel without kids again. It's nice but completely different. There have been many times during our trips that I stop and think how much they would love to see what we are exploring. I miss experiencing new adventures with them, but I am loving the time with my hubby.

So first up... Arizona! This past September, we traveled to Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. We spent 2.5 weeks exploring this beautiful area. We had never been to Arizona or Utah before so it was amazing to see these stunning states. We both had been to Colorado as children, so it was a different feel for both of us.

The last time I flew anywhere was when we went to Disney World when the kids were 3 and 4. So it had been a while. Security is crazy now. The airport in Virginia was better and quicker with its security line. Phoenix was not good!

My gf free meal on the plane. 

I got sick so I didn't eat my meal on the return flight.

We flew into Phoenix, Arizona. It was hot, hot, hot! It was a city. Not a city like New York City, but still a city. Nothing too spectacular to me. 

I tried to get the Welcome to Arizona sign but as you can tell I missed it. I missed quite a few along the trip. Oh well! We did see Sequia cactuses alongside the ride though.

We picked up our rental car...a Jeep!

It was a fun ride. It was great to take the top off when we were sightseeing. 

The pictures don't do the sky justice. Coming from the east coast it always amazing me how blue the sky is out here. The difference is drastic. 

From Phoneix, we drove straight to the Grand Canyon! 

Stay tuned for our adventure there!

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Wednesday Hodgepodge~ August , 19, 2026

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Hello friends!  I'm joining Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond for Wednesday's Hodgepodge. Each week, she hosts a weekly link-up that is a collection of questions for bloggers to answer. It's to help bloggers get to know each other better and have a little bit of fun! It's a great way to hang out with friends. So, grab a cup of coffee or tea if you prefer and join in on the fun. 

So, what is a hodgepodge? A hodgepodge is an unorganized mixture of various things, a jumble of items that don't belong together. 

Here are this week's questions and my answers for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge~ 

1. August 19th is National Aviation Day...do you like to fly? Last time you were on an airplane? The date is chosen in honor of the history and development of aviation and celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright. Have you ever been to the Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina? The city of Dayton in Ohio (their birthplace)?

I don't mind flying. When I first started flying in my 20s. I hated taking off. 

The last time I flew was in September of 2025. The hubby and I were heading to Utah and Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon and the Mighty Five National Parks. 

I have been to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. We've been to the Outer Banks for a beach vacation 4 times. I do have to admit that we've never visited the Wright Brothers museum there. We've also been to Dayton, Ohio too. I have no clue if there is a museum dedicated to the brothers there or not. Now, I feel the urge to google and research it more. 

2. In what area of your life do you tend to 'wing it'? Is this an area you should be winging? 

LOL... everything right now. Having a 6-month-old in the house definitely shakes things up again. I love it, but planning your day can only get you so far now. I can have my whole day planned out but then Peanut can change all that in a few minutes. I forgot how time consuming a baby is and how you have to plan less during the day. Baby cuddles are way more important anyway. They only are so little for a tiny bit.

3. A favorite book, song, or movie that relates to flight in some way?   

Wow, I really had to think about this one. 

Song~ Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver is the first song to pop up in my mind.  I wouldn't say it's a favorite, but it is well known. 

Book~ The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros. It has a diary from World War II and there are pilots flying at times. It's not strictly to do with flight, but it does have World War II pilots and a wonderful, emotional story. I highly recommend it. 

Movie~ The first movie that popped in my mind was UP by Disney. How can you top a house that floats away with balloons. 

4. Soft serve, gelato, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or good old fashioned ice cream...what's your pleasure? Your favorite flavor? How often do you indulge?  

Sadly, I can't eat regular ice cream. I can have almond milk or coconut milk ice cream. I like chocolate and peanut butter flavors. Chocolate with peanut butter chucks is the best. It's hard to find flavors I'll eat in dairy free and gluten free. A lot of the dairy free brands put non gluten free pieces in them. I don't eat it often because I can't find the flavors I like locally. I can't remember the last time I ate ice cream. It was probably last summer. I haven't had any this summer. 

5. I never get tired of______________________. 

I never get tired of reading a good book. There's something about being drawn in and becoming part of the book. I love it when the characters start to feel like family and when you're done, you're left wanting for more. 

The last really good book that I read was The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros. 

6. My Random Thought

Books, really good books. I know I'm not an amazing writer hence why I don't write books. I do consider myself a book snob at times. It's probably from having to read Shakespeare and all the classics starting int middle school. (if not sooner). I'm finding too many books now a days are not good. They're written with very simple language. Books geared for adults feel like a book for a 4th grader with how it is written. The plots are all the same. I can't tell you how many times I start to read a book, and I suddenly realize that I read it already from a different, better author. It's said that the stories feel copied and that they lack a real feel of connection with the reader. And don't get me started with all the typos. If I buy a book, I expect it have been proofread. I have stopped reading books if I find more than 5 typos within the first 2 chapters. I think it's too easy to write a book and have it published now a days. 

                                                          Enjoyed this post? 

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Monique

Happy Homemaker Monday~ August 17, 2026

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Good morning, dear friends! I apologize for missing last Monday. I had a chiropractor appointment and then our day was a little hectic running errands the rest of the day. I can't believe we are already halfway through August. Where has summer gone? I swear it was just June!

We went to the county fair on Wednesday. It was Peanut's first time, of course. We saw cows, pigs, sheep, goats, bunnies, and chickens. The other entries for the other exhibits were half of what they used to be. They were very few sewing projects, artwork, etc. Even the horticulture entries were small. It's sad to see how our rural county is changing with the new develop of houses and the people moving in from Northern Virginia and DC. I think I might be ready to move to a quieter country town!

We had an eventful weekend. I had an eye appointment on Friday followed by a trip to T.J. Maxx and Target for a few things. We got Peanut some outfits for the fall. When I got home Friday afternoon, I discovered Maddie, our almost 13-year-old Labrador retriever had eaten her arthritis meds... ALL OF THEM! Luckily, the bottle was less than half full. Unfortunately, these particular meds can cause Kidney failure pretty quick. I placed a call to our vet and then the animal poison control number. FYI.. it costs $110 just to talk to them! After talking to them, they recommended taking her to our local emergency vet. They ran bloodwork and a urine analysis. Her numbers were still good. They gave her fluids. We opted for at home care with medication and us watching her closely. For them to keep her for fluids, meds, and observation, it would have been $5000! If we took her to a specialist, it would have cost us $20,000! Who has that kind of money? We had to take her back on Saturday for more tests. They still looked good. She was acting fine, so we were hopeful. 

 On Sunday, I missed Mass due to a horrible migraine. I did get my list of students for Sunday school. So far, I have 16 students, 11 boys and 5 girls. In the afternoon, we took Maddie back to the emergency vet for another round of tests.  Her lab results look great. The vet said they looked really, really good. She just told us to watch her over the next 2 weeks and if she shows any signs of kidney failure to bring her back for more tests. 

So, let's get started with Happy Homemaker Monday with our beautiful hostess, Sandra from Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. Be sure to stop in, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and say hi.

The Weather in My Neck of the Woods~

We had rain off and on yesterday. It poured in the evening. This week looks beautiful. The temperatures are dropping a little. My flowers are loving the cooler temps. My rose bushes are blooming like crazy now that the temps are not in the high 90s.

Monday~ Sunny, 88/66*

Tuesday~ Sunny, 84/63*

Wednesday ~ Sunny, 87/68* 

Thursday~ Rain, 84/68*

Friday~ Rain, 78/67*

Saturday~ Afternoon Thunderstorms, 80/64*

Sunday~ Partly Cloudy 82/62*

As I Look Out My Window~

It's 6:30 here, so the sun is still starting to peek out. It's supposed to be a sunny day today. My flowers are a little droopy from all the rain yesterday. I need to deadhead some blooms. I love summertime flowers. The colors just make the world seem more beautiful. 

Thinking and Pondering~

I'm hoping for a less eventful week. Between the kitten and Maddie's drama it has been like a zoo around here. We did catch the one of the kittens running around. We only thought there was one, but after catching one we realized that it was a different kitten. It was still gray, but it didn't have a white tip. We're still trying to catch the other one, but sadly we haven't seen it. It's so hard out here with all the wildlife. A small kitten can easily become food for a mama fox and her kits. 

Meet Blue!

He's about 9 weeks now according to the vet. He's had all the lab tests done and he's healthy. We've decided to keep him. Peanut loves him and he loves Peanut. They are very cute together. Blue loves Peanut's toys too. 

It took him a whole 12 hours before he acted like he lived here. He's made friends with both Maddie and Ruby. Baby tolerates him, but the other two cats want nothing to do with him. Poor little guy. 

How I'm Feeling~

I'm feeling pretty good. My migraine has dulled. I'll take some more meds today to hopefully get rid of it. 

What's on My Nightstand~  

My warmer, my Garmin watch, Meet Me at the Lake, and three Clifford books that I read to Peanut. 

What's for Breakfast~

Right now, I'm drinking my coffee with my collagen added to it. I'll have 2 eggs and some toast later while I feed Peanut oatmeal and bananas. 

Looking Around the House~

We need to finish up baby proofing the house. I need to mop. 

On My To-Do List This Week~

Laundry

Organize the spice cabinet 

Clean the bathroom

Organize sewing room 

Happening This Week~

Monday~ Watch Peanut in the morning

Tuesday~ Watch Peanut

Wednesday~ Watch Peanut & Clean up my classroom at church

Thursday~ Watch Peanut

Friday

Saturday~ Watch Peanut

Sunday~ Mass & watch Peanut

 

On My Reading Pile~

I'm still working through the same books. Taking care of a 6-month-old cuts into my reading time. 

I finished Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune. It was a nice romance. I love how she describes the setting. It always makes me want to visit!

Beach Town by Mary Kay Andrews

Age Like a Girl: How Menopause Rewires Your Brain by Dr. Mindy Pelz

Fascinating Womanhood 

I need to order the two books we are reading this year for our women's bible study group at church. 

What I'm Listening To~

Country music. I've been focuses more on female country artists lately. 

Classic children's songs

On TV this week~

Netflix

Grey's Anatomy (for the hundredth time)

Found

Sullivan's Crossing

Rizzoli & Isles

On the Menu this Week~

Monday~ Porkchops, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and peas

Tuesday~ Spaghetti and meatballs

Wednesday~ Leftovers

Thursday~ Tacos, rice, and street corn

Friday~ Date Night

Saturday~ Not sure yet

What I am Sewing, Quilting, and Creating~

Still nothing. I need to figure out a time to work on a few things. Life is crazy with a baby. I wouldn't trade it though. It's hard to find the time to focus on sewing or crafts. I have quite a few things I want to get done, but they have been left sitting on the table. I have a quilt I want to start for Peanut. I need to get a few more fabrics to go along with the panel I found online. 

My Simple Pleasures~

Baby cuddles

Baby belly laughs

A good book and a cup of tea (I'm looking forward to fall)

Clean sheets and a comfy blanket

From the Camera~

Praying For~

My parents

My sister and her family

My marriage

My husband and son

My daughter and her little Peanut

Our country

All our friends and family

Inspirational Quote/Bible Verse/Faith~

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Sunday Inspiration~ August , 2026

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

 

Enjoyed this post? 

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Till Next Time,

Monique

How Do You Grieve Someone You Never Knew?

Good morning, dear friends. I wanted to blog sooner. I always have the best intentions of getting back into blogging regularly but then life happens. Doesn't that always seem to happen?

A few days ago, I learned my biological father died. When I first received the text, I honestly didn't realize what father my sister was talking about. In my mind, I was like whose dad died? You left out an important piece of the conversation. Then it hit me. She meant our father (or her father). I don't claim him as my dad. My stepdad is my daddy. He supported me, raised me, and has always been there for me since he married my mom when I was 6 years old.

After realizing who she was talking about, I suddenly felt nothing. I was shocked, but I didn't feel any sadness or any pain. No tears flowed.  I kept thinking was that wrong.  There's something wrong with me. Shouldn't I feel something? This is the man that helped create me. I share his DNA for crying out loud. I have his eyes, his hair color.

I was nine the last time I went to stay with him. The custody agreement at that time stated we had to go every other weekend.  I stopped going because he wasn't part of our lives. He didn't do anything with us when we were at his house.  We were our stepmother's problem for the weekend. She took care of us. She baked cookies with us.  After choosing to not go anymore, he never reached out again. Before, I stopped seeing he never called during the week or the times we didn't see him. After I stopped going there were no calls, no birthday cards, no Christmas presents, no calls to see how I was. He paid his child support most of the time. It was often late and at one point they had to go after his paycheck.  When I turned 18, he literally calculated the amount for the first 6 days (my birthday is the 6th) and only paid that. I know this because I opened up the mail. How low do you have to be? What type of man slacks in his financial responsibilities to his child? My stepdad offered to adopt us, but our biological dad said no. I still wonder why he just didn't let him. He wouldn't have had to pay child support, and he would have been able to go enjoy his new life. He did remarry. They never had any children. I don't know if she couldn't or didn't want any. 

I did see my biological dad one more time at 12 years old. I was at a friend's house for a sleepover. She lived on the same street as him.  We were playing kickball in the street. He drove up and honked at us to get out of the road. I stood in the road until he honked his horn again. I slowly moved and stepped off to the side. He looked at me through his driver's side window and had no clue who I was. That hurt. It had only been 3 years, and I hadn't changed how I looked. The best part is I resemble him. You would have thought he would have recognized me. 

Years ago, my sister started talking to him. She reached out to him. He didn't reach out to her or me ever. She said he had regrets.  I would hope so. I felt nothing. Before kids, I might have forgiven him for walking out. He walked out on my 3rd Birthday. It's one of the first memories I have. After having my kids, I can't understand how you do that. I would walk through hell and back all day long before I would ever abandon my children. What type of person walks away from their child? You're the adult, act like one. Grow up and take some responsibility. It's your responsibility to be there, to support them, to love them, to show up!! It wasn't mine; I was the child who lost their daddy. I was hurt and confused. When I was younger, I often wondered what I did to make him not love me, not want to see me, not be a part of his life.

It's been 4 days since I learned of his passing. He was buried yesterday. I did find his obituary online. It came out a few days ago. It mentioned my kids and I. I was angry when I saw it. How dare they claim that he's survived by us. He doesn't know us. He never met my children. It's been 43 years since he even saw me, talked to me, acknowledged me. I realize now I'm angry. Angry at him for never apologizing. Never admitting he screwed up. He was dying from lung cancer and never had the thought to make amends.  Maybe that's just television drama. You would that sometime during the past 43 years, he would have reached out, apologized, or admitted he messed up and was wrong. 

I don't miss him. I won't miss. Someone has to love you to be a part of your life in order to make an impact on you. I won't grieve for him. I did that years ago. 

I guess now, I'll just always have the question of why.

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Monique