Happy Homemaker Monday~ August 17, 2026

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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

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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Till Next Time,

Monique

14 years ~ Why am I Still Blogging (Sometimes)

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I recently saw a post from a fellow blogger talking about why she was still blogging after 20 years. One I was a little shocked because I've been reading her blog for years. I've watched as her kids have grown up, and it definitely hasn't felt like it had been that long. Boy, time flies when you're having fun.

It got me thinking, how long have I been at this? How long have I had my little blog?

It's been 14 years for me. I started back in November of 2012. I first started on WordPress and then decided to switch it over to Blogger. I had no idea what I was doing, but somehow, I managed it. I started out just wanting to share the ins and outs of our homeschooling days. At that time, trying to find information on homeschooling wasn't as easy. I've seen the world of homeschooling change and grow over the years through the different platforms of social media. I love seeing the growth. I'm a little jealous of all the information out there. I feel blessed what I did find back in the day and I hope that my little corner of the blogging world helped a few people out over the years. 

I'm happy I started this little blog back in the day. I'm amazed at how I've grown, changed, and all that I have learned over the years. I love the friendships I've made through this little adventure. I still keep in contact with a few homeschooling moms that I met online. They were there through the highs and lows. Friends can help any adventure feel right.

 

I'm proud that I jumped in. I was scared and a little unsure at the time. There were plenty of days where I felt like giving up. I wondered if anyone really read my posts. Did anyone really care about what I had to share? Were they enjoying what I was sharing? I'm thankful I stuck with it. I'm amazed that I just didn't give up on certain days. Self-doubt can be a terrible thing.

When I started this blog, I was a young mom of two amazing kids. Therese (Princess P) was 7 and Michael (Lego Man) was 8. We had been homeschooling for a few years already and I decided to share what we were doing. I planned all of our lesson. I researched, printed, and planned every lesson for them. No boxed curriculum for me, well except math. I loved sharing the books we were reading, the unit studies we were doing, and all the fun activities were we using. I did share a few other things along the way... fieldtrips, food recipes, vacations, etc. It was a wonderful way to journal about our homeschooling adventure. 

I often wonder why I started this little project. I guess thinking about it now, I'd have to say I needed an outlet. An adult activity. When you're a stay-at-home mom, sometimes you feel like you're losing yourself. You're so focused on being a mom and a wife, you forget who you are. I needed this little space to regroup. A place to sit back and relax. A place where I felt like I was conversing with other moms. It felt like going to your favorite coffee shop and visiting with close friends. It was my me time. 

I started posting slowly that first year. In the last 2 months of 2012, I only posted 9 times. Nothing big, nothing fancy. Just a slow start. As I got more comfortable, I started to share more and more. At the height of my blogging, I was posting 4 to 5 times a week. 

At one point in my blogging journey, I joined the Homeschool Review Crew! I loved this online community of homeschooling moms. We got to review homeschool curriculum and share about it. We had forums where we could share ideas, recipes, friendships, etc. I was part of this fantastic group for 5 years.  It was such a blessing to our homeschooling. I still miss this amazing group. I do keep up with a few of the ladies since they still have continued to blog even after their homeschooling journey has ended. A few are even still homeschooling (I'm a little jealous about that). 

The last 5 years have been a little different around here. I lost my purpose and my focus. The kids grew up and graduated high school. Michael graduated college. Therese will graduate next year. The years seemed to pass in a blink of an eye. 

I wasn't sure what to post, now. I had no idea what I had to share. It's hard when your life takes a new path. You're suddenly unsure. I felt like a small child learning to walk. Stumbling down a new path. I honestly felt like giving up and at one point, I did walk away. I decided to not post anymore. I wasn't going to delete my blog. I couldn't bring myself to do that. There were too many memories here. All the photos, the laughter and tears, the ups and downs. How could I destroy a living journal of my years with my family. I couldn't. so, I decided to keep it up but not write. Well, that didn't last long. I missed it. I missed the community, I had built. 

I will admit it's been hit and miss the last few years. Between 2022 and 2024, I only posted 80 times! I'm slowly making a comeback. I'm still trying to figure out my new path. It's forever changing. I'm now going to be a grandma, so that's a path I am heading into. I can't wait to share a few things. Oh my, all the new baby stuff is amazing. I'll be sharing my daughter's and I's favorite things!

So, my plan is to continue to share my life with y'all! Recipes, thrift finds, book reviews, and all things grandma (a young grandma)! If this sounds like something you'd like, stick around. Sign up for emails and stop by for a visit!

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Till Next Time,

Monique

We are lost....

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How did we get here? Twenty-four years ago, our world changed. Americans realized that they were vulnerable and that other countries could attack us. Now, we have a completely different attack going on here in America. Hate. Hate and a lack of empathy seem to be growing day by day. 

I look at the world we live in now, and I don't recognize it. How did we get this far gone? The horrible, senseless murders we have been seeing have no place here. Innocent people are dying. What is wrong with America? Nothing makes sense anymore. The world I knew and grew up in no longer exists. A world where we felt safe no longer exists. We shouldn't have to live in fear of being killed for having different opinions from others. I wonder what my grandmother felt raising her children back in the 1950s. Did she feel the same way I do know?

Yesterday, I spent the day cleaning our bedroom and vacuuming the house. I sat down for a quick break and opened up Facebook. I immediately saw a post asking for prayers for Charlie Kirk because he had been shot at an event on a college campus in Utah. I quickly did a search because you can never trust what you see on the internet. I turned on the TV and was immediately hit with the devastating news. I started praying for him and his family. 

After seeing the video, I knew it didn't look good for him, but I know God can do anything. What I saw today, I can't unsee. The sad thing is that many of us didn't get a choice in whether or not we saw it. It was plastered all over social media and still is. It was there, mixed in with dog videos and ads. Just another video adding to the chaos of our lives. It shouldn't have been there. Like so many other videos on social media. What have we become? This can't be real! This can't be the world we live in. Where is our compassion? Our love? Our humanity? I think we have forgotten what it is to be human. To love and respect one another. We have forgotten what it is to love one another, no matter what our differences are. We have lost God. I feel that this is the saddest part of our world and our lives. 

Last night, I sat there and was at a loss for words. I felt numb, confused, sad, and scared. Scared for the world our children live in. Scared for my sweet grandbaby that has yet to enter this world. The lack of respect for human life is disgusting. I sat there at the dining room table, and all I could hear in my head was the quote from Mother Terese, "We must not be surprised when we hear of murders, killings, of wars, or of hatred... If a mother can kill her own child but what is left but for us to kill each other?" 

I'm saddened we live in a world where lives are being taken simply for looking different, having different values, different faiths, and different political views. A world where being strong in your beliefs and standing up for what you believe in can put a target on your back. It's disheartening that we can be made to feel unsafe for expressing our faith, our culture, or even our own personal opinions. 

Why is it okay to hate others? Hate others just for their differences? How do we tell our children and grandchildren that there are people in this world who will hate them for who they are? People who will judge them without even knowing them. 

Charlie Kirk was just a man. A husband. A father. A friend. A brother.  A  son. A fellow Christian. A man standing up for America. A true patriot. He challenged young people to question, to think for themselves, and to stand up for what they believe. He wanted people to question the narrative. He was a role model for the next generation of young people. He was killed for encouraging peaceful debates. He was killed for expressing his own beliefs and values. Are we so far gone that we kill people who do not agree with us? Are we so morally lost that we no longer respect the sanctity of human life?

I grieve for our world. A world I no longer recognize. But I will turn to God. I will turn to my faith and pray! I will pray fervently. 

"When you look down in your arms and you see your child... 

everything that you're fighting for 

gets into absolute clarity."

~Charlie Kirk

Rest in peace, faithful servant. Eternal rest grant unto Charlie, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace with you forever. Amen. 

God bless y'all, and know that I am praying for all of you. 

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Traveling Thursdays~ Outer Banks, North Carolina

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Good Morning, dear friends. I stopped blogging for a bit, but I'm trying to get back into it on a pretty regular basis. I still need to share our trip we took last fall to Utah, so I'll be getting those posts typed up over the next few weeks. 

But first, I'll share about our trip to Waves, North Carolina, in the Outer Banks. The beach we stayed at is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 

Our house was right on the beach. We walked out the back patio door and up and over the sand dunes, and we were on the beach. It was a nice, quick walk, except in the middle of the day. The sand got so hot it burned your feet. A few of the kids (grown adults) used socks and sandals to get around, while a few ended up with blisters. 

We took both dogs with us. It was their first time at the beach. Maddie, our 11-year-old black lab, loved it. Ruby, our 2-year-old red fox lab, wasn't so sure at first. She quickly changed her mind, though. 

Since the sand got so hot during the middle of the day, I spent a lot of time with the dogs at the house. We stayed by the pool. I had a migraine for most of the trip, so it was easier to stay near the house too. We bought the girls a kiddie pool to cool off, since dogs were not allowed in the big pool. Maddie loved it. 

I did none of the touristy stuff. I hung out by the pool with Therese and the girls. We relaxed in the sun, read a book, One Golden Summer, swam, and played fetch with the girls. 

The boys went fishing and even went out on a fishing charter. They caught some Spanish Mackerel. 

Overall, it was a relaxing trip. It was a little different with the dogs, but we realized it wasn't that bad, and we would definitely take them on a trip again. They did exceptionally well and enjoyed themselves. 

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Monique

Happy Mother's Day!

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Wishing y'all a wonderful Mother's Day!

I hope you have a relaxing, joyous day.

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Happy Homemaker Monday~ April 14, 2025

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, friends. Happy Monday! 

Saturday was a bust. I wanted to get outside and work in the garden but it was raining again! Thankfully, it looks like the rain will give us a break this week. I spent the day cleaning and doing laundry. 

I hope y'all have a very blessed Holy Week. This is a big week for us Christians. Yesterday, Mass was packed. We received Blessed Palms and did a procession into Mass. After Mass, I taught Sunday school. We learned about Holy Week and Saint Peter. 

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 and say hi.

The Weather in My Neck of the Woods~

The temperatures are warming up a bit, but they still seem low for this time of year. The constant ups and downs are getting annoying. It needs to get warm and stay warm. 

Monday~ Cloudy, 75*

Tuesday~ Partly Sunny, 58*

Wedenesday~ Partly Sunny, 53*

Thursday~ Sunny, 59*

Friday~ Cloudy, 68*

Saturday~ Rain, 80*

Sunday~ Partly Sunny, 66*

I'm just glad we have a few days of the sun coming out. It's been a while since we have seen it and I'm like a cat. I need the sunshine to feel good. 

As I Look Out My Window~

It's gray and dreary out, right now. The sun is supposed to make an appearance later today. Well, see. 

Thinking and Pondering~

All the things I need to get down for Easter dinner. I'm cooking and we'll have my parents and my sister's family over. I think it'll be about 14 people. Even though I have a lot to do this week, I want to find time to sit and read the bible this week and really reflect on Holy Week. 

Right Now I Am ~

I am typing this post, enjoying my cup of coffee while I sit at the dining room table. I love looking at the tree in the front yard when it's in full bloom.

How am I Feeling~

I had a migraine yesterday. It has dulled some. I think it's weather-related. My stomach was bothering me a few days ago. I got a half-sweet/half-unsweet tea from Dunkin and it was really sweet. I diluted it but my stomach didn't like it. I hadn't been eating sugar lately, so I think my body revolted against it. 

What's on My Nightstand~  

My Kindle, a bottle of Tums, a wrist brace, and my wax warmer. I currently warming Lilac and Violets. 

What's for Breakfast~

I'm going to do a chocolate/peanut butter protein shake this morning. 

Looking Around the House~

The house needs to be vacuumed and mopped. I'll vacuum today but will wait until Thursday to mop. I have a few things to pick and put away. Overall the house is pretty tidy. I just need to dust, vacuum, and mop before Easter. 

On My To-Do List This Week~ 

Tuesday~ Baby's shot at the vet for her arthritis

Wednesday~ Grocery store

Thursday~ Mop and Dust

Friday~ Make Therese's Birthday cake and the other desserts for Easter

Saturday~ Make the sides for Easter dinner

                  Attend the Easter Vigil Mass

Happening This Week~

This week will be a busy one with it being Holy Week and Easter (and Therese's birthday) the following Sunday. Lots to do. I will be a busy, busy little bee. 

On My Reading Pile~

I finished The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach by Pam Jenoff and I highly recommend it. 

Last night I started Here to Stay by Mark Edwards. Aso far I'm enjoying it. It's a suspense thriller. 

I'm still reading Hour is Come by Victoria Tait. 

I'm still working through 52 Weeks in the Word and finishing up Discovering Our Dignity. 

On TV this week~

Netflix

The Resident

Call the Midwives

The Night Agent

Hulu

Good American Family

YouTube

Crochet Videos

Quilting Videos

Exercise videos

On the Menu this Week~

Monday~ Sunday Dinner Leftovers

Tuesday~ Tacos, Rice, and Corn

Wednesday~ Stuffed Peppers I didn't do them last week)

Thursday~Korean Beef with Brown Rice

Friday~ Fish

Saturday~Something easy

What I am Sewing, Quilting, and Creating~

I started a new wreath for the kitchen door. I have a few finishing touches to add to it.

My Simple Pleasures~

Sitting outside in the sun and reading a good book. Therese and I went to the library's used book sale last week. We got 2 bags full of books for $20.

Lesson Learned This Week~

Don't lose sight of what's important. We never know when our last day will be. Say I love you. Appreciate everything around you. 

Something Fun to Share (a blog, video, or tip)

I saw these on Facebook and thought they were too cute. I'd like them without the feet.

From the Camera~

Praying For~

My dad and his health

My Aunt Betty

Pope Francis

Our priest, Father Paul

My health

My kids

Our country

Friends and family

Inspirational Quote/Bible Verse/Faith~

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Happy Homemaker Monday~ April 7, 2025

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Happy first Monday of April!

Now if only the weather would realize that it's April and should be warmer. We have been getting plenty of rain, though. It's like the old saying goes... April showers bring May flowers!  

Good morning, dear friends. I'm so glad y'all have stopped by. Grab a cup of coffee and let's chat for a bit.   Last week was a slow week here. I did have a vet appointment for Maddie girl. She hates the vets, so going is always an ordeal. She has to get medication to stay calm.  Her old vet was not great and we found out that they muzzled her so she's a little traumatized by the whole thing. Her new vet is amazing and treats her so much better. They love her and say she's a sweet old girl. There's not a mean bone in this dog's body. The vet says she looks great for an almost 12-year-old lab. Her leg mobility is still good. She does have some arthritis, so they gave her some meds for that. Her blood work showed her thyroid was off, so they are sending it away for more testing. 

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 and say hi.

The Weather in My Neck of the Woods~

It's a cold, dreary, wet, day here today. We need the rain, especially since dear hubby planted some grass seed. I just wish it was warmer. 

Monday~ Rainy, 42*

Tuesday~ Sunny, 43*

Wedenesday~ Partly Sunny, 52*

Thursday~ Cloudy/Rain, 55*

Friday~ Cloudy/Rain, 56*

Saturday~ Cloudy/Rain, 52*

Sunday~ Partly Sunny, 57*

It's not a pretty week here at all. Hopefully, next week has at least some more sunny days. I love sunshine!

As I Look Out My Window~

It's gray and dreary out. It's a light rain, so that's good. We had thunderstorms a few days ago. This is a nice steady rain which will be good for the flowers and grass seed. 

Thinking and Pondering~

I need to get back into a routine. When the kids were younger and we were homeschooling, we had a routine and things worked well. After they started college, my routine became none existent. I really had no clue what to do. Of course, I knew I needed to do all the regular house stuff... laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc. It was like I didn't know what now that I was no longer a full-time mom and teacher. Coops ended.  Moms get together ended. Life got a little empty and lonely. Over the years, I've had friends through the kids, but they didn't last once the coops ended or when the kids went to public school. Life got busy with other things. I miss talking to other women and getting together. Why is it so hard for women to make friends at this age?

Right Now I Am ~

I am typing this post up and enjoying my cup of coffee.  I'm sitting on the couch with Maddie. Ruby is on the loveseat all stretched out.

How am I Feeling~

This is day two of a migraine. The meds my primary doctor prescribed don't seem to help much. My gut health is better. I've added more fruit and veggies to my diet. I've cut out most of the junk. I've been exercising more. Last week I walked on the treadmill or took the girls for a walk. I did this on 5 of the days last week. My goal is to exercise 6 days a week and then rest on Sunday!

What's on My Nightstand~  

My Kindle, a bottle of Tums, a wrist brace, and my wax warmer. I currently warming Black Raspberry Vanilla. I just finished reading Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods. It's book one in the Sweet Magnolia series. 

What's for Breakfast~

I'm going to do a protein shake this morning. I'll probably do a chocolate and peanut butter one. 

Looking Around the House~

The house needs to be vacuumed and mopped. With the few days of warmer temps, all the animals are shedding like crazy. I need to clean the bathrooms. I'm going to start spring cleaning for Easter this week too. I'll go room to room and do a deep clean. I'm starting with the kitchen.

On My To-Do List This Week~ 

Wednesday~ Chiro appointment for my shoulder

Thursday~ Bible Study

Plan the Easter dinner menu

Plan Therese's cake

Plan grocery list

Happening This Week~

I finally have a week with not much going on! The only appointment I have is a chiro appointment on Wednesday. 

On My Reading Pile~

I'm currently reading a book I checked out at the library, The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach by Pam Jenoff. 

I'm still reading Hour is Come by Victoria Tait. 

I'm still working through 52 Weeks in the Word and Discovering Our Dignity. We have two more lessons in Discovering Our Dignity before Bible study ends for the year. 

I'm also reading, Eat Fat, Lose Fat by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig. My chiropractor recommended it after I told him about my cholesterol levels. 

On TV this week~

Netflix

The Resident

Call the Midwives

The Night Agent

YouTube

Crochet Videos

Quilting Videos

Exercise videos

On the Menu this Week~

Monday~ Leftovers- Pulled Chicken

Tuesday~ Stuffed Peppers

Wednesday~ Chicken Stir Fry with Brown Rice

Thursday~?

Friday~ Fish

Saturday~?

What I am Sewing, Quilting, and Creating~

I have to mend a dress for Therese we got at Goodwill. I also have two patterns cut out. I just need to decide what fabric I want to use to make the skirts. 

My Simple Pleasures~

I love being outside when the temps are warm and the flowers are starting to fill the world with their vibrant colors. Spring is one of my favorite seasons. 

Lesson Learned this Week~

Good healthy food and exercise definitely make a difference in how you feel. 

From the Camera~

Praying For~

My dad and his health

My Aunt Betty

Pope Francis

My health

My kids

Our country

Friends and family

Inspirational Quote/Bible Verse/Faith~

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Till Next Time,

Monique