Happy Homemaker Monday

Wow, we have already finished the first month of 2015! Time sure is passing by. We are halfway through our school year. It's hard to believe that we will be done in 4 months. It doesn't seem possible that we will be completing our 9th year. It feels like I was just starting preschool with Lego Man...he's no longer my little man.

As I look out my window....

Cloudy and gray. They're calling for rain today, not snow for us. Our temps will be in the mid 50's. This winter has been so crazy. 20 degrees one day and the next 50 degrees. No wonder everyone is sick. 

The warm weather has brought out the birds. They are singing cheerful little tunes. Of course, Colonel Drumstick is drowning them out. 

He's really loud this morning.

What's for breakfast this morning....

Coffee, You have to have coffee, at least I do. Eggs and an orange. We need to increase our vitamin C. Princess P is sick and the rest of us do not want it.

Right now I am....

Writing this blog post and drinking my first cup of coffee, while Princess P lounges on the couch watching 19 Kids and Counting. It's finally back on. I do wish they would show more appropriate commercials during the show time. Some of the shows they advertise are not child friendly. You would think, TV producers would think about stuff like that!

As I look around the house....

We need to finish putting Christmas away...yup, we still have a few items out still. So we have a Christmas Valentine's day combo going on. We need to get the rest of the house cleaned.  We have lots of blankets lying around. I'll have to wash them to keep the sick germs away.

On my to do list for the week....

Laundry

Cleaning

Mopping the floors

Cleaning the bathrooms

Starting our seeds for our garden

Currently reading....

Curriculum Catalogs! I'm working on next years curriculum already. I'm trying to get everything planned out and getting the books ordered.

What for dinner....

Sunday- Tuna Melts, Scalloped Potatoes and Salad

Monday- Chicken Stir Fry and Rice

Tuesday- Potato Soup

Wednesday- ???

Thursday- Asian Lettuce Wraps

Friday- Mahi Mahi

Saturday- ???

Happy Moment

Till next time,

 ~Monique

Linking up with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

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Happy Homemaker Monday

As I look out my window....
Snow! The sky is filled with clouds of soft gray. The snow has been a little slower getting here, but it has arrived. The weather reports seem to be varying in the amount we will get...as usual. The kids are excited since we are getting enough for some fun in the snow...sledding, snow angels, snowball fights, and making snowmen. Winter fun!

Right now I am..... 
I am enjoying my second cup of coffee. I am watching Lego Man put together a solar powered car kit. It was a gift and he is excited to put it together. The rest of the house is quite. We are enjoying our relaxing morning after traveling this weekend.

I am thankful for....
My family. We visited my parents this weekend to help out with cleaning out my grandfather's house and help out around my parent's house while my mom is recovering from hip surgery. Thankfully she is healing quickly and should be home soon.
This weekend was a sad one. It's hard knowing I will never step foot into my grandparent's house again. For over 50 years my grandparents lived there. I have so many happy childhood memories of our days there. I know it's just a house and that they are not there now, but it's hard saying goodbye. I am so thankful for the memories I do have. I look forward to the day when I will see them again.

What I am praying for.....
My family
My mom
This crazy world we live in

What's for dinner....
Sunday~Mac n' Cheese..not very healthy, but we had been out of town
Monday~ Ham steak, roasted potatoes, and a veggie
Tuesday~ Lemon chicken, rice, and green beans
Wednesday~ Burgers
Thursday~ Bacon-wrapped pork chops
Friday~ Mahi Mahi
Saturday~ Don't know yet?

What I am working on....
I am starting to look into next year's school plans. I can't believe it's already that time of year again. I'm cleaning up my sewing area, so I can get down to sewing again. Of course, I am doing laundry.
Princess P and I are getting ideas for her 10th birthday....how can my baby almost be 10!?!

Captured

Till next time,

 ~Monique

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Happy Homemaker Monday

As I look out my window.....

I see the rustle of leaves as the wind blows gently. More and more leaves have tints of red, orange, and yellow. They look like they have been dipped into paint. Fall is definitely coming. A few of the trees are almost bare.

Right now I am....

Drinking coffee and collecting the supplies needed for another day of co-op. The kids are excited to see their friends again on a weekly basis. I'm sure in a few weeks they will be back to begging to sleep in.

Thinking and Pondering.....

I'm trying to imagine what it's like to have to say goodbye to your precious child. Right now, a wonderful lady is having to do just that. After being blessed with her beautiful daughter for 22 years, she is slowly having to say goodbye. I see so much strength in her and yet I know she is struggling. How do you say goodbye? How do just sit back and watch? How do you stay behind? My heart breaks for Mary as she has to carry this cross. Mary has shared her journey with her daughter and so many of us have been blessed by knowing Miss Courtney. Please say a prayer for Mary and her family as they travel this difficult road.

Listening to...

Gregorian Hymns from our Chant Kit Cd. I find the chants so peaceful and calming. We are also listening to classical music from the renaissance time period.

What I am Reading...

I am finishing up the book about Saint Rita of Cascia. I am now reading Trim Healthy Mama.

What's on the dinner menu...

Sunday~ Chicken Wings 

Monday~ Shredded Crock Pot Chicken and Salad

Tuesday~ Stuffed Peppers with Turkey Burger & Black Beans

Wednesday~Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops and Green Beans

Thursday~ Honey Mustard Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, and Peas

Friday~ Gluten Free Pizza

Saturday~ Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs

What I am creating this week....

I'm not quite sure. I would like to get a few new skirts sewn for Princess P. Some of her skirts are a little too short now. I have to get a new iron before I can start sewing again. My iron just died while I was ironing a shirt. So I am now looking for a new one..hopefully a better one than I had. It didn't even last a year!

What I am praying for....

Mary and her family. 

Captured

Happy Homemaker Monday

As I look at my window...

I see sunny skies and a cat sitting on top of the clothesline. He looks like a gargoyle basking in the sun.

Right now I am......

Drinking my morning coffee and preparing the lessons for school today. We are in our second week of school, so we are still getting use to the idea of being back to school.

Thinking and Pondering.....

Listening to.....

If We're Honest by Francesca Battistelli's and Utopia Triumphans-The Great Polyphony of the Renaissance. We are studying the Renaissance time period for history this year.

Reading............

The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way by Amanda Ripley. 

I'm still reading Saint Rita of Cascia who was the patron saint of my grandmother.

What's on the dinner menu.......

Sunday~ Sloppy Joe's with fries

Monday~ Gluten Free Grilled Lemon Chicken

Tuesday~ Pork Chops, Baked Apples, Beans

Wednesday~ Herb Roasted Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Peas

Thursday~ Homemade Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets, Gluten Free Mac n' Cheese, Beans

Friday~ Pizza

Saturday~ Gluten Free Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken

On my to do list this week........

Completing the second week of school with the kids (last week went very well)

Call my priest to discuss a homeschool group for our church (didn't get to this last week)

Clean the bathrooms

Have the kids straighten up the downstairs

Start sewing my dress 

Sew some skirts for Princess P

Finish alphabet books for our preschool class at co-op

What I am creating this week....

My bulletin boards for my 1st grade CCD. Our religious education classes start in 2 weeks, so not much time left. I have bee hive to make, bumble bees to make, and colored tissue flowers to make.

Looking around the house.....

I need to weed the flower beds and trim the bushes. They have gone wild! I want to get some mums to add some color to the beds since the summer flowers are starting to dwindle. It's feels like fall here. We even have a few red leaves already.

My prayers for this week......

I am praying that they are able to find a teacher for my daughter's CCD class. Father asked for volunteers today, so hopefully someone finds it in their heart to help out.

Captured

Linking up with....The Littlest Way and Happy Homemaker Monday

Happy Homemaker Monday

Happy Monday, y'all! Sorry it's a day late.

As I look out my window....

I see rain! It started raining last night and has continued with a nice steady rain. I don't mind since we need it. I only wish we would have had this rain when we put the garden in. Our garden this year has done horribly. No beans, no cucumbers.....the list goes on. Hopefully we get a good fall crop.

Right now I am....

Sitting on the couch drinking my morning cup of coffee. Maddie, our black lab, is circle up on the couch next to me. Yup, we allow our pets on the furniture. 

The cats are chasing each other down the hall. They are usually filled with lots of energy on the mornings. Lego Man is wrapped up in a blanket watching some morning cartoons, while Princess P is still sleeping.

Thinking and Pondering....

My mind has been filled with lots of thoughts lately. Our co-op, our homeschooling lessons, my lessons for CCD, purging the house, cleaning the house, etc. More importantly I have been thinking about the world we live in. It scares me the way the world is. There is so much pain and sadness in this world. It makes you want to lock the doors, close up the curtains and hide inside your home. I pray everyday for the thousands of Christians being tortured and killed, especially the children. When I think of families being slaughtered Mother Teresa's quote always pops in my mind.

Listening to....

Oldies and Goodies! I am still listening to the Cd's I got from my grandfather after he passed. He had a few Cd's of music from the 1940's! 

I love the music from that time period.

Reading.....

Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax, M.D. The book talks about factors that are causing our boys to be unmotivated and underachievers.

and St. Rita of Cascia by Rev. Father Joseph Sicardo

She is the patron saint my grandmother was named after.

What's on the dinner menu......

Sunday-Grilled Steak and Zucchini

Monday- Hamburgers, Homemade mac n cheese, Green beans

Tuesday- Grilled Italian Chicken, Leftover Mac n Cheese, Salad

Wednesday- Dinner out with In-laws

Thursday- Asian Lettuce Wraps with Rice

Friday- Pasta or Gnocchi?

Saturday- ?

On my to do list this week.....Too Much

Finishing cleaning out the house

Finishing deep cleaning the house 

Organize school room 

Finish lesson plans for my kiddos-  #1 priority since school starts next week for us

Call my priest to set a small homeschool group in my parish

Get CCD plans reorganized and start room decorations

Visit with in-laws that are coming from out of town

Laundry

Finish Alphabet books for our homeschool co-op

Start art projects for co-op

What I am creating this week.....

I really want to start sewing the dress I cut out 2 weeks ago. I am hoping I will get to it by Friday!

Looking around the house......

The school room and the bathrooms need attention. After they are done, we are good! Well except for the outside. Maybe we'll work on that next week. 

My prayers for this week.....

My prayers are for us as a nation and for all Christians that are being persecuted for their faith.

Captured.....

Summer time fun in the pool.

Happy Homemaker Monday

As I look out my window...
The sky is dark and gray. It doesn't look like the sun will make an appearance today. Hopefully it will later.

Right now I am...
I am enjoying a cup of coffee, while listening to Mama cat play around in a box and Baby kitty dump her food off the counter. It seems like the cats are in rare for today.

I am thankful for....
My kids. They keep me focused and grounded when things in life are hectic and out of control. I am blessed to have them.

What I am reading....
I am currently reading Balancing It All by Candace Cameron Bure.





 and
The Domestic Church: Room by Room A Study Guide for Mothers by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle.




What I am listening to...
I am currently listening to various Cd's that belonged to my late grandfather. They're songs of the Big Band Era. I love listening to the old songs. They remind me of him. It's only been a few months since he passed and I miss him. Listening to the songs makes me feel close to him. I can picture him and grandmother dancing together.

What I am working on....
I am turning 3 of Princess P's outgrown dresses in to skirts for her to wear.

What's on the menu this week...
Sunday~ Hamburgers, Gluten Free Pasta Salads, Green Beans
Monday~ Spaghetti with Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs
Tuesday~ Unbelievable Chicken, Homemade Fries, and Corn
Wednesday~ Baked Pork Chops, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans
Thursday~ Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs, Potato Salad, Peas
Friday~ Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Lima Beans
Saturday~ Honey Mustard Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, Broccoli

Captured....

A sweet baby.

Linking up with....The Littlest Way and Happy Homemaker Monday

Moments of Grace

As I look out my window.....
I see snow! SNOW! Almost April and snow/sleet is falling. Thankfully it isn't sticking to the ground. I keep hoping and praying for spring to arrive. I am starting to have my doubts if we will see it soon.

I am thankful for....
friends to share frustrations with
my fellow homeschool moms
children using their imagination
"vikings" running through my house
viking shields and swords being constructed out of household items
date night with the hubby
a warm fire on a cold snowy day (even if it's almost April)

What I am reading.....
I'm still reading through the CCM teacher's manual for the Gamma year. I have all my science lessons planned and my reading list for history done. I am halfway done with the history outline. I think I am on target for getting the lessons planned for next year done by MAY!

What I am working on....
Planning lessons for next year, updating our lessons for the rest of the year, and purging things we no longer need. I have gone through the kids spring/summer clothes to see what fits and what doesn't. I would love to get their closets switched out but since we keep getting snow it doesn't seem like I will get to do that anytime soon.

What's on the menu....
Sunday- Potato soup
Monday- Crockpot shredded chicken with tacos
Tuesday- Leftovers
Wednesday- Chicken lettuce wraps
Thursday- Spaghetti and turkey meatballs
Friday- Lenten Supper at our church
Saturday- Pork chops, cooked apples, green beans

What I am praying for....
A fellow homeschool familiy who lost everything in a fire this past week. They lost their house, car, and everything in their house. God was watching out for them; they all made it out safely. They are relying on God during this difficult time.

A Prayer....
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

This prayer was on my grandmother's fridge growing up and it always helps me when we are struggling with our homeschooling or day to day life.

Captured
A sign of spring to come

Linking up with....Moments of Grace and Happy Homemaker Monday

Moments of Grace

As I look out my window.....
I see "the girls" scratching away in the leaves.

They have been enjoying the few warm days we've had and have loved searching for bugs. They are calling for snow in our area again! NO MORE SNOW! I really am hoping this will be the last snowstorm of the season.

I am thankful for......
daffodils emerging from the cold hard ground
Stations of the Cross
a boy conquering his fears
Lenten suppers
a Saint Patrick's day dinner
the loud purr of a cat curled up on my lap
family dinners
spending warm, sunny days outside with family
children giggling while they do dishes

What I am reading......
The Classically Catholic Memory Gamma Year textbook.

I am reading through it and starting to plan out next years lessons. I am hoping to have them done by May! This is the 3rd year we will be using the CCM books. We love the program and are so happy we found it.



What I am working on.......
Lesson plans and spring cleaning. I love planning lessons for the upcoming year. I get excited about the lessons and what we will be learning next year. Spring cleaning is something I don't enjoy. I really wish the house just cleaned itself.



What's on the menu this week....
Sunday~ Chicken Kabobs with homemade french fries
Monday~ Gluten Free Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Tuesday~ ???
Wednesday~ Leftovers
Thursday~ Tacos
Friday~ Lenten Supper at the Church
Saturday~ Italian Chicken, Potatoes, and Beans


A favorite prayer......
Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from Christ's side, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me to come unto Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy Saints
and with Thy Angels
Forever and Ever
Amen


Captured

The kids captured this photo when I left the room. Miss Maddie decided she was going to be the teacher for awhile. Silly puppy!




Linking up with Plain Grace and Happy Homemaker Monday

Moments of Grace

As I look outside my window....
I see robins hopping around on the ground searching for worms. I am hoping the robins are a sign spring is around the corner. I am done with the frigid temps, ice, and snow. After receiving 30 inches last week, I would be very happy not to see snow again.

I am thankful for....
tears falling freely
having my grandfather in my life for 92 years
a small train engine
being able to say goodbye
TAPS played on a bugle
spending time with family

What I am praying for....
the healing of my family
God to provide comfort and guidance as my mom, aunt, and uncle begin the tedious task of going through my grandfather's belongings
the soul of my grandfather
my great aunt's husband who has cancer
my uncle who was just diagnosed with leukemia
my great aunt who had a minor stroke

What I am Reading....
The Amish Bride



What I am working on....
Getting back to normal. 2014 has not started well for us. Between being sick and the death of my grandfather, the year so far has not been good. I am praying it doesn't get worse before it gets better. This week my goal is to get back to school full time and get the house back in order. A cleaning fairy would be a great thing to have right about now.

Whats on the Menu this week.....
Sunday~ Breakfast foods...eggs, sausage, and biscuits
Monday~Gluten Free spaghetti with marinara sauce and turkey meatballs
Tuesday~ Pork Chops, stewed apples, green beans
Wednesday~ Lemon Chicken with rice
Thursday~ Undecided
Friday~ Pizza
Saturday~ Roasted Chicken, Mashed potatoes, Peas

Captured

Linking up with Plain Grace and Happy Homemaker Monday

Moments of Grace

Hello friends!

I am linking up again with Jenny from Plain Grace

I am thankful for....

a sweet daughter that helps a mama out when she is sick with the flu

a healthy son

seeing my children growing up into wonderful, caring people

fresh eggs

a warm wood stove

a husband that takes care of his family

cherished visits with my grandfather

What I am praying for....

that we stay helthy for the rest of the winter

my grandfather as his body slowly shuts down

my mom, uncle, and aunt that they may find peace as their father grows weaker

warmer weather, I am over winter and it's frigid temperatures

What I am reading....

Why Can't I Get Better Solving the Mystery of Lyme and Chronic Disease by Richard Horowitz M.D.

Favorite quote right now....

What I am working on...

Getting back to cleaning and taking down the Christmas decorations. Being sick, then away, and sick again has delayed the cleaning process. It's hard to clean with all you want to do is sleep.

Captured...

Sweet Puppy with her Christmas collar

Moments of Grace

                                       

Hi friends! Today, I am linking up with Jenny from Plain Grace.

                                              


I am thankful for......
homeschooling my kids
a hubby that will take care of me when I am sick
firewood and my young man who brings it in everyday
playing dolls with my sweet little princess
a dog to keep my feet warm
the start of a new year

I am praying for....
For me to feel better soon and to get over this flu. There is so much to do and I hate feeling sick.
My grandfather that he may continue to improve. He is now taking a few steps. I pray God continues to give him his strength back. For all those people affected by the cold. frigid temps that are stretching across the country.

I am listening to...
Mysteries by Danielle Rose. They are beautiful songs about the rosary. I received the CD as a Christmas present and am enjoying it immensely.

I am reading....
A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life. I just started reading this book last night but after going online  and seeing the reviews I don't know if I could finish it. It's about a man that takes in a Border collie and then makes the decision to euthanize him. The Border collie is only 8 and perfectly healthy. I would like to try to finish it just to see why he chose that horrible choice, but I'm not sure I can after losing out lovable Border collie two months ago.

I don't think I could read about a man who gives up on his dog. I would love to have our crazy, fun loving, non-listening Border collie back. He was a handful, but he was still a part of the family. I may have to stop reading and pick it back up when the wound isn't so fresh. I think the book would just make me mad and sad.

Crystal Cove (Friday Harbor)

On Heaven and Earth: Pope Francis on Faith, Family, and the Church in the Twenty-First Century


A favorite quote right now....

What I am pondering.....

How to make this year better. I want to focus more on the positive and appreciate all the blessings I have been given. Too often we stuck on what we don't have or what could be better. We forget to stop and give thanks for all that we have. We take so much for granted in life. My goal this year is to stay positive and appreciate all the small stuff that makes up every day life.

What I am working on....

I am trying to get the house declutter and organized. One of my goals this year is to spend less time cleaning and more time with my family. With homeschooling, housework, and everything else going on our house turns into a disaster zone. 

I am also working on starting my Esty store with girls dresses, skirts, doll clothes and doll food. My goal is to have it up and running by February! Princess P is helping, so I am excited to be starting this journey.

What I am looking ahead to....

Staying warm tomorrow when our temps will be in 11 degrees but will be in the negatives with the wind chill. It will be a good day to cuddle together around the fire. 

Captured

A rare moment when the cat and dog get along.