HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 23 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful week/weekend. Our Memorial Day weekend was hot and humid when the air conditioning went out and we couldn’t get the A/C guy here until Tuesday morning – seems like these things always happen on a holiday weekend. Then, just shortly after I posted Happy Homemaker Monday last week my world fell apart and I lost most of the week.
 
Grief is a strange thing in how it affects us. We had to make the worst decision of our life at the emergency vet Monday morning.  Losing my best friend, my Whiskey dog, truly was the last straw in a string of multiple deaths the past few months and I just fell all to pieces. I know she was almost 15, but I just wasn’t ready for it to happen the way it did.
 
Once I started to pull out of the deep hole I was in I did get a few things done, but will try and take up the slack this week. Hoping to get back to myself this week.
 
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
 
I have given up on listening to the weatherman – the weather will be what it will be. The only thing I can count on is that hurricane season is here and it will be hot and humid! We did have a HUGE storm yesterday and have a pretty high chance of thunderstorms again today and tomorrow.
 

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Oatmeal with brown sugar and golden raisins with coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRYjust a couple loads of towels to be folded.
  • LIVING AREASmostly tidy, but need to do floors.
  • KITCHENquite clean, but I plan to make a mess soon as I do the last resurfacing of the countertops. 
  • STUDIO... I did a deep clean week before last and was planning on making messes as I began some Christmas cards but never got around to them with all the sadness from losing Whiskey.  I just couldn’t get into the spirit.
  • YARDAdding some grass seeds and fertilizer.
  • BLOGsome recipe updating and planning for future posts.  I’m even thinking ahead to BLOGMAS 2017

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We did watch two amazing movies this week.  I’m convinced RedBox released them just this week especially for me! Both movies were in perfect timing with the tough week we were having. The first was A DOG’S PURPOSE and then THE SHACK. They both spoke to my heart and soul to restore order to my world. It is just that simple!

Ironically, the quote that spoke the loudest to me was also the one Sandra posted.  We must have both felt the same thing, which is a good thing in my book.

I need to check and see if there are any new shows starting this week for the summer, but for now we are just watching some Netflix shows and waiting for the summer season to really kick in. At least America’s got talent is back and I like Tyra Banks as Nick Cannon’s replacement.

Still trying to finish the Ava Miles Dare River 5 book series. I’m on book 5 finally, The Fountain of Infinite Wishes

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

Last week’s menu never happened so we’ll try again this week. I did have a couple recipes from last week that were already ready to post at least.

 
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
OUT
OUT
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP
MEAT ROLL-UPS
SALAD
MEAT & CHEESE
OUT
OUT
DINNER
BEEF STROGANOFF & SALAD
VENETIAN CHICKEN AND MASHED POTATOES
PIONEER BEAN DINNER and CORN BREAD
ARTICHOKE FRITTERS & HOMEMADE MAC & CHEESE
PECAN CHICKEN with MAPLE CREAM SAUCE from LYNN’S PARADISE CAFE
OUT
OUT
DESSERT
             

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY or ON MY MIND

There have been so many things going on in our life the past few years that I have been fretting about or just being upset about.  I keep focusing on a time in my life when I wanted to do something (who can even remember what now?) and saying something along the lines of “That’s NOT fair!” and my dad replying with “who said life was gong to be fair?”. That one statement was maybe one of the best lessons I ever learned in life.  There are a few things I know for sure:

  • BAD things DO happen to GOOD people.
  • We can NEVER know for sure what someone else is thinking or feeling. 
  • OUR life experiences are only ours as are OUR reactions to events.

The scene in THE SHACK where Mack meets Wisdom spoke volumes to me.  It truly reminds me that we need to realize and remember that we are truly here to help others, NOT be their judge. Our path to happiness and a sense of purpose in this life that leaves us content depends on our ability to do just that.

The other important scene to me was where the Father teaches him about forgiveness. Forgiveness is for you as much as anything so you are not wallowing in your own grief and discontent. You can NEVER change the past so you MUST find a way to live in the present and be available to a future that is happy and loving.

LOOKING FORWARD TO

  • A short trip later this week for hubby’s military unit.
  • Planning our research trip for next month.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Granted this is from 15 years ago, but I had to post it. IT IS ONE OF MY TWO ALL TIME FAVORITES. I found enough old pictures to do Whiskey’s memorial post while I had it me to do it.

INSPIRATION

That said:

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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Sandra

Oh The Shack…..we’ve talked about it already, but yes, amazing, life changing movie. Now I have to watch A Dog’s Purpose, though I don’t know, I’m still struggling with the loss of Lola and it’s been almost a year, I don’t know how you were able to watch it so soon after your beautiful Whiskey passed. You’re strong for sure.

Hope you have an amazing week.

QuiltLady

Oh sweetie I went through a box of tissues (for each movie) and stopped and started the movie so many times, but I watched it to try and make sense of my loss. I was already hurting so much and crying my eyes out so I figured why not? Everyone I had talked to said it was actually a happy movie and I have to say I LOVED the ending! As for The Shack,it is a MUST see again and again – such a wonderful message.

Pamela

I’m so sorry, Tamy, sweet Whiskey is at peace now and even though that is a comfort, there will still be an emptiness that I hope we, your blog friends, can help to fill. Whiskey had a wonderful life with you and she will always by in your heart. Praying for comfort for you, my friend.

QuiltLady

Aw, thank you so much. It will take time, but I have faith it will get better and the support of friends is a true blessing. Have a great week.

Jean

I’m so very sorry for your loss, Tamy. What a beautiful tribute photo you shared. I hope you find some peace this week and in the weeks to come.

Carrie@northwoods scrapbook

Hi Sweetie!
I’m SO very sorry for the loss of your sweet pup. You have definitely had more than your share beautiful Lady. Your strength astounds – but as a Gal of faith as well I know the deepness of that well you draw from. I’ve been drawing from it a lot lately too. I need to watch the Shack soon too!

Keep being the wonderful, loving, forgiving, wise and strong Gal that you are dear Tamy! Richest blessings wished for you in the week ahead. xoxo

QuiltLady

Thank you so much Carrie. I always look forward to your encouraging and soothing words. You will LOVE The Shack, but keep those tissues handy! Have a Blessed week.