Mountain of Grace Homeschooling and Life Thereafter : Happy Homemaker Monday~ January 18, 2021

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Good Morning, dear friends! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. It was a chilly one here. I spent the weekend catching up on laundry. I've had a lot of towels, sheets, and blankets from my father-in-law's house to wash and put away. I've also been washing clothes we've decided to donate. Organizing and purging unnecessary items was on the list this weekend.

The boys took a load of scrap metal to the scrap yard, a load of furniture to donate, and a few loads of trash. I think we are finally getting to the end of things here. Everyone is getting settled in. Houses are getting organized and cleaned out. It's starting to feel like there is an end in sight. Of course, it may be wishful thinking on my part.

My hubby is starting on our next renovation project....my laundry room. Currently, it's in the basement and it's rather dark and dreary down there. He is going to turn it into a nice, cheery room for me. I can't wait. I'll definitely share some pics.

Enough of the catching up! Let's get on with Happy Homemaker Monday (on a Tuesday). Yup, I'm a day behind. Let's join our beautiful host, Sandra over at A Diary of Stay at Home.

❀❀~The Weather~❀❀

Chilly, chilly temps are here and it looks like they are staying for awhile. The woodstoves are going and the cats are enjoying curling up in front of them.

Monday~ Partly Cloudy, 42*

Tuesday~ Partly Cloudy, 46*

Wednesday~ Partly Cloudy, 36*

Thursday~ Mostly Sunny, 49*

Friday~ Partly Cloudy, 36*

Saturday~ Partly Cloudy, 40*

Sunday~ Partly Cloudy, 40*

❀❀~How I'm feeling this morning~❀❀

Pretty good this morning. I didn't want to get out out bed, since it was nice and cozy under the blankets, but the day was calling. It definitely felt like a Monday, since the hubby was home yesterday.

❀❀~What I'm wearing~❀❀

My winter uniform! Leggings, a t-shirt, a comfy sweater, wool socks, and my Uggs. Comfy and warm.

❀❀~What I'm doing right now~❀❀

I'm typing up this post, drinking a glass of water. I'm trying to increase my water intake. I find in the winter, I just don't drink enough water.

I'm over-seeing the kids lessons.

I'm scheduling posts for my business. Social Media is so helpful, but time consuming at the same time.

One of the new warmers from our Valentine's Day Collection

If you're interested, stop by and check my pages out. I'd loved to see you there!

Mountain of Grace Homeschooling Blog Facebook Page

Monique's Pure Peace of Mind Facebook Page

Monique's Little Beauty Corner Page

VIP Groups

Monique's Inspirational Scents and Home Decor Group Page

Monique's Beauty Corner Group Page

Instagram Pages

Mountain of Grace

Scentsy_by_Monique

I'm trying to find a nice balance for it all. I think that's easier said than done.

I'm also looking over some of the reviews, I will be working on. I have a few great ones coming up! Book reviews, curriculum reviews, and even a few games!

❀❀~ What's on my mind~❀❀

A lot. The state of our country, my family, etc. I keep praying for things to get better, to settle down, and life to get back to normal (or at least somewhat normal). I know I have to put my faith in God, but sometimes it's hard to take that leap. We tend to want to control the things around us, especially when things are so crazy. I never thought I'd see what we are seeing happen in the United States during my life time. I worry for my kids and their futures. I just keep repeating Saint Padre Pio's short little prayer.

❀❀~What they kids are up to~❀❀

Schoolwork and then cleaning their rooms. They both have laundry to put away. Michael has to bring in wood and Therese is helping me rearrange my craft room (used to to be the school room). Therese is still taking amazing photos for her photography class. I'm so proud of her.

Michael has suddenly been getting letters and emails from colleges. I swear he gets a couple each day.

❀❀~What's for breakfast~❀❀

Coffee and my protein shake.

❀❀~My current reading pile~❀❀

I currently reading The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan . I really need to sit down and finish it. I have about 10 books checked out from the library that I need to read too! I just need more time in the day. Anyone else feel like that?

❀❀~What the Kids are Reading~❀❀

For history they are finishing up, Killing England: The Brutal Struggle for American Independence by Bill O'Reilly.

They have started reading the Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper

❀❀~Music I'm listening to~❀❀

I'm just listening to my music list....Taylor Swift, The Cranberries, U2, Adele, Lewis Capaldi, Kenney Chesney, and my 90's playlist.

❀❀~What I'm working on~❀❀

Cleaning and organizing the craft room still. It's slowly getting there. I can't wait to have it set up, so I can start sewing, scrapbooking, and crafting again. It will also serve as my office for my businesses. I desperately need to get my office set up, so I can feel organized and in control of things. I hate feeling lost. I have finally found 5 niches for my business. After a few months of searching, I found five companies that I love!

Drumroll please, I've decided to go...

For skincare and makeup, Beautycounter

My skin has never felt so soft and look so great. The products are free of harsh chemicals!

For household cleaners and a few personal care items, I'm in love with the products from Pure Haven. I absolutely love their Lemon Surface Cleaner and Master Blaster (it gets makeup stains out of those annoying masks we have to wear)!

For my house, I absolutely love my Scentsy products! I keep finding more and more warmers I want. I might not need them, but I definitely want them. I love that the wax is warmed in the Scentsy warmers, so they are not being burned and putting harsh chemicals into the air. Also my hubby loves that I no longer have candles burning. He was always paranoid I'd burn down the house.

I love fashion and jewelry! I'm sure it stems from my years of studying fashion design and merchandising. At times, I miss living in the Big City. So to support my fashion habit, I'm thrilled to be a jewelry designer for Origami Owl and a affiliate for Rose Rock Closet.

After years of homeschooling my two amazing kids, I now have time to find a few things I enjoy doing. I can work from home, still be there for my kids, but also spend some time doing things I enjoy. An added bonus, I can help support my family a little bit.

❀❀~What new for me~❀❀

I'm heading back to teach religious education at our church for a few weeks. I stepped down in the fall with everything that was going on. I just felt like I didn't have the time to fully commit. They needed a sub for 2nd grade for a few weeks, so I volunteered to help out. I'm actually excited to get back to see the kids. The funny thing is these are the same kids I had last year in 1st grade, so I'll get to see them all again. We'll be preparing for First Penance and First Holy Communion.

❀❀~Looking around the house~❀❀

The house needs a thorough deep cleaning again. All the rain we've had has created mud and the boys (and dog) keep tracking it in.

I'm thrilled with all the progress we've made around the house. It's starting to look like a home again. Boxes and clutter are slowly disappearing.

Christmas is all down. It always look so empty once it's gone, but it's nice to have things back to normal too.