INSPIRATIONAL – Page 7 – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 19 of 2017

WOW I can’t believe it’s not only Monday again, but also that we’re into the 5th month of the new year already! I hope you all had a great weekend. Ours was quite busy with LOTS of little things! I’m still on the “stay out of the sun” medication, but have been able to work around that with working in the shady parts of the yard as we try and get the backyard finished once and for all.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has been beautiful lately with warm afternoons, but low dew point and low humidity so extremely tolerable. I call it barefoot weather and love it! The humidity is supposed to rise a bit this week, but I’m hoping it stays in the tolerable range.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

This morning is coffee and oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I’m pretty happy. I deep cleaned all the floors on Friday and then deep cleaned my studio on Saturday as I made room for my sewing table to be set up. I also got all the laundry done over the weekend.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Order the sod for the backyard
Doctor’s appointment for B12 shot #2 of 12 trying to get my stamina back
Ebay
Vacuum
Dust

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We are really getting into a summer schedule of nothingness and I’m searching more and more Netflix and amazon at night. We did find IRON FIST on Netflix that we are really enjoying and just started Bosch on Amazon that might be okay – season 3 just started, but we’re binge watching 1 and 2 first. I’m looking forward to America’s Got Talent coming back at the end of the month. We really enjoyed Nick Cannon as the host so interested in seeing how his being gone changes the dynamic of the show.

I’m currently reading Ava Miles Dare River 5 book series. I’m on book 3, Fireflies and Magnolias.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	QUICHE LORRAINE	SHIRRED EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	ROSEMARY MUSTARD CHICKEN and RANCH FRENCH FRIES	BUFFALO CHICKEN FRITES	GARLIC CREAM CHICKEN and SALAD	FONTINA STUFFED PORK CHOPS and PARMESAN ROASTED CARROTS	BUTTERMILK CHIVE CHICKEN and RANCH GREEN BEANS	STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD with BACON VINAIGRETTE	CAST IRON SKILLET ROAST CHICKEN with ROASTED POTATOES
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We’ve been working hard on the backyard. 6000 pounds of sand, 960 pounds of river rock, 1320 pounds of pavers and several flower pots later we’re getting close! We still need to order the top soil and sod to be delivered, but within 2 weeks the backyard will be done! I’m using my old herb rack in this corner to get the pots started out of the direct sun.

INSPIRATION

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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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 17 of 2017

I hope you all had a GREAT weekend. Ours was quiet. I’m stuck in the house for the most part again.

Having a compromised immunity SUCKS. Thank you SLE. It especially sucks when you’re working with a house like this and constantly exposed to something lurking. Despite my constant effort to wash the dirt and grime away I keep ending up with bacterial infections from what I am coming in contact with. Fortunately this time I got into the doctor the next day after I noticed a problem . She took one look and said I had what she thought was cellulitis. She referred me a great specialist the same day who says we caught it in time to avoid the hospital and eye surgery.

The ophthalmologist also told me that cellulitis can be from a mosquito or spider bite. It usually affects the skin of the lower legs, but mine is in the muscle of my lower eyelid which makes even blinking painful. While it isn’t contagious, it can spread withing your own body quickly making it a potentially serious bacterial infection that can become life threatening by spreading to the lymph nodes or bloodstream when left untreated, Boy am I glad I didn’t ignore the pain and went to the doctor right away. I can’t be out in the sun because of the medications so, it will be a quiet week indoors for me again.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s supposed to warm up quite a bit this week, high 80’s+ and even a low 90’s, but at least there is no rain in the forecast for the next 5 days!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Black Cherry yogurt and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I’m pretty happy. Doing the laundry and deep cleans on Saturdays are making for HAPPY Mondays!

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

We’re going to work on some finishing touches around here this week:

Caulk and seal new molding on door frames
Seal windows

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Not much on TV at this time of year, just a few straggler shows that are about to wrap up for the season and some cooking shows backing up on the DVR so I’ll catch up on those this week. We did find a new show on Netflix that we are liking and we watched Adam Sandler’s Sandy Wexler this past weekend. It was okay.

I’m currently reading Ava Miles Dare River 5 book series. I’m on the second book, Chocolate Garden.

CRAFTS/PROJECTS

I’m working to finish a quilt for my niece Jill and her first baby, Luca. I used a Noah’s Ark theme for one side and spring showers for the back.

KITCHEN WISHES

LOL nothing for now, but dreaming about my next kitchen.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	BACON & EGGS	PANCAKES or WAFFLES
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	C.O.R.N.
DINNER	CHICKEN CHOW MEIN	INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIES	BLUE APRON TAWANESE CHICKEN & RICE	BLUE APRON SEARED COD IN CREME FRAICHE SAUCE	BLUE APRON SILCILIAN STEAK & FREGOLA SALAD	C.O.R.N.	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

Health tips for Kids – Precautions are better than treatment

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

INSPIRATION

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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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 16 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend. Ours was quiet, but really nice. Our church service was a bit odd and we have been wanting a change from that church, but with all the other things going on we are going to wait until we know more about where we are going to land before make those changes. We’re still working out some kinks in a stressful situation around here, but hope to have some concrete answers soon so we can make some decisions about our next project.

We were originally going to go out for brunch after church, but changed our mind and had a small quiet Easter dinner here with my uncle and a neighbor. We had a pineapple carrot glazed ham with all the fixin’s.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s cloudy and war already, but thankfully there is a small breeze. I will be indoors for medical testing most the day so fortunately will not even notice much.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Yogurt with strawberries, blueberries and granola.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

Not bad as I did a deep clean Saturday before having Easter dinner yesterday.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Not much on TV at this time of year, just a few straggler shows that are about to wrap up for the season and some cooking shows backing up on the DVR so I’ll catch up on those this week.

I’m still reading Kristen Proby’s Boudreaux Series #5 book, Easy Magic.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

A busy week here and hoping to get a ton done!

A couple doctor appointments
Researching
Ebaying
Sorting and Donating

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	QUICHE LORRAINE	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	CHICKEN CHILE CORN CHOWDER and GRILLED CHEESE	C.O.R.N. Y.O.Y.O.	MEATLOAF and SALAD	PAN SEARED CHICKEN with MCGILLICUDDY SAUCE	C.O.R.N. Y.O.Y.O.	BLACK BEAN SALSA CHEDDAR CHICKEN	POT ROAST HASH & EGGS
DESSERT

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Family fun for a special birthday and memorial weekend at FAT ASS ranch and winery.

INSPIRATION

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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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY WEEK 14 of 2017

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Mine was a whirlwind of road trip travel, surprises, a milestone birthday and memorials coupled with trying to stay out of the tornado warnings and weather. It was a wonderful weekend of family, friends, love, loss, tears and laughter.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It is beautiful and supposed to be quite warm and then cool off by the end of the week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

I really have to get to the grocery store today so it’s black cherry yogurt and coffee because that is all that is in the house LOL.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

Everything is in good standing. The dog sitter was here all weekend and kept it quite neat.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Laundry
Ebay
Studio sorting

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

LOL I have NO idea! We’ll try to play catch-up on the DVR and go from there.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

My first Blue Apron order will be here Wednesday and I’m looking forward to trying some new recipes. A HUGE thank you to Carrie!

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	QUICHE LORRAINE leftovers	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	QUICHE LORRAINE	CAJUN POT ROAST AND MASHED POTATOES	BLUE APRON CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK	BLUE APRON FONTINA STUFFED PORK CHOPS	BLUE APRON SPINACH AND FRESH MOZZARELLA PIZZA	WILTED SPINACH SALAD with GRILLED CHICKEN	POT ROAST HASH & EGGS
DESSERT

ON MY MIND

It’s been a long week and I’m still recovering, but just have to say, LIFE IS TOO SHORT to not enjoy your family and friends. Don’t put off seeing your family and friends. Don’t put off telling them how much they mean to you. Tell them how much you love them ALWAYS!

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Hubby and I are making very specific lists to begin researching where we will make home for our next project.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I haven’t gone through all the pictures, but this was one of the most interesting. It was a high rise on the San Antonio River Walk that creates this awesome optical illusion to make it look completely flat.

And this was one of my favorites I borrowed it from my IG account. It’s from the afternoon of the memorial and “surprise appearance”. Love you LOLA, Happy milestone BIRTHDAY! RIP Ray, we love you!

#2ofmyFavoritePeople toasting to #1oftheBestMenEver #LifeAsItHappens

A post shared by 3 Sides of Crazy (@threesidesofcrazy) on Mar 31, 2017 at 2:07pm PDT

INSPIRATION

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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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 13 of 2017

Did everyone have a good weekend? Ours started out with a violent thunderstorm and tornado warnings, but we woke up Saturday to beautiful skies and warm temperatures. I’ve been doing a lot of ebaying and organizing while I continue the minimizing and donating so wasn’t too bothered by the warm weather.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

After a beautiful, but warm weekend we are slated for more thunderstorms, warmer temperatures and high humidity as the week progresses – good thing I have a lot of inside activities this week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

I’m having blueberry yogurt with granola and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house is in good order despite the activities I have going on.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

A couple doctor appointments – hoping to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
EBAY pictures and descriptions
Trip to surprise a friend for her significant birthday.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Still reading Jan Deleon novels trying to get caught up on all her series books. This week is Book #3 of the Family Inheritance series.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	TOASTED FRENCH TOAST	CREAMED CHICKEN ON TOAST
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	CREAMED CHICKEN ON TOAST and SALAD	CAMPFIRE CHICKEN and POTATOES in foil and SALAD	GRILLED TAMARIND CHICKEN SKEWERS with MORITA CHILE SAUCE	C.O.R.N.	C.O.R.N.	GRILLED STEAKS and ASPARAGUS	TAVERN CHICKEN and NOODLES
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER

ASIAN PEAR and GRAPE CABBAGE SALAD
RED, WHITE & BLEU MEATBALLS
PAN SEARED CHICKEN with HERBED WINE SAUCE
SESAME CHICKEN
LEMON CURD CHEESECAKE
CHICKEN BOG
CHICKEN and SAUSAGE JAMBALAYA
CREAMY CRAB DIP
NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN DIP
CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY and ALMOND RUGELACH
MOLTEN RED VELVET CAKES
BRAISED TOMATO MUSHROOM CHICKEN
TAVERN CHICKEN

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

2017 has been a rough year so far. My MIL passed away on the 7th and it has taken me a couple weeks to process this. Mom was 4 days shy of her 97th birthday. Can you believe she was almost 90 in this picture taken at a family camp out several years ago? She lived a VERY FULL and mostly happy life leaving behind a long legacy of love and family. While at that age you know it’s natural causes and inevitable, it never lessens the severity of the impact. She had been saying for years that she was ready to go, but I just never wanted it to happen. Just knowing I’ll never be able to hear her sweet voice again leaves me with a heavy heart.

Then on the 21st my favorite BIL, Ray, entered hospice as his cancer continued to eat away at his body. He passed quietly surrounded by family on the 25th. Ray was one of the best men I have EVER known in my entire life. I LOVED talking to him for hours – we have so many beliefs and ideals in common, almost like we shared the same thought process despite the HUGE age difference (hubby is almost 20 years older than me and his sister is 7 years older than him and my BIL was 3 years older than her – you get the picture). He lived a VERY FULL and happy life also leaving behind a long legacy of love and family.

His death is hitting me the hardest I think as we were both diagnosed with reproductive cancers within weeks of each other. He did everything right, just a bit too late for when his was diagnosed. I have had to struggle with moving past the Survivor’s Guilt of a high mortality cancer for the past 6 years and 99% of the time I’m doing well with it, I just wish he was walking that same path with me!

I REALLY MISS THEM BOTH!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

My violets are REALLY going to town in this window!

We had a visitor pop into our yard last Wednesday and couldn’t convince him he wasn’t ours. He had a collar, but no tags. I tried calling rescues and local shelters and walking him through the neighborhood asking everyone I saw if they knew him. As for the shelters they were NO help at all, at least by phone. Everyone said I was not in their jurisdiction and were actually quite rude! The last woman told me to just let him go, someone else would take care of him. Can you believe that? So, we took him to our vet to see if maybe he was microchipped (he wasn’t) or they had any info on him. They sent us to the nicest no kill shelter where he was immediately welcomed and seemed happy to be there. Bye Jake (that’s what we called him). I pray you are adopted by a really nice family with 2 little boys and a HUGE yard.

INSPIRATION

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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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 11 of 2017

I hope you all had a GREAT weekend and remembered to adjust your clocks so you weren’t late this morning. We seem to have quite a few clocks so I adjusted them all late Saturday and changed all the batteries too. Ironically our atomic clock is no longer changing itself so I think it’s on its last legs. I’m just getting used to this new time and someone from a research firm called to do a survey going on 11PM last night and woke me up. So, last night’s sleep was much less than stellar.

Life has been chaotic at best with my health concerns and appointments. I had to reschedule two specialty appointments and find a new primary care manager when mine up and closed up his office with no forward or warning and without following through with ANYTHING! Fortunately my insurance was able to get me a new PCM with no wait due to the circumstances. BUT, now I have to see the new PCM before she will do referrals which is postponing appoinments already scheduled – ALL the technical loopholes are a PAIN in the butt, especially all the time spent on the phone dealing with it. Unfortunately, this has left me a bit lacking on my blogging. I am really going to try and get my groove back and post more often.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We had a rainy weekend so everything is a bit wet still, but the temperatures dropped quite a bit too making it more enjoyable around here. Looks like it will be a really nice week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

A little blueberry yogurt and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I’m fairly happy with the house. There is still some sorting to do in the studio, but all and all it looks great, at least until I do the laundry.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY
SHOWER the dog
EBAY – we have quite a few totes full after all our sorting so really want to get moving on listing these items and moving everything out! What doesn’t sell will get donated to lighten the load.
STUDIO – sorting and paperwork
BACKYARD – we are waiting on a couple contractor projects (Garage siding and fencing) to be finished before we can complete the backyard so this will stay on the list until the rain lets up and we can actually finish it!

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Trying to get into a few new shows, but just don’t seem to have any interest in TV right now. I did start a new book though, The Lost Girls of Johnson’s Bayou by Jana DeLeon.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

Nothing new this week. Hubby is still working on some of my parts for assembly, but his old grinder broke and we’re waiting on the replacement.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	CORNED BEEF HASH and EGGS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	CROCKPOT EXPERIMENT NIGHT	GRILL NIGHT and POTATO SALAD	PARMESAN CHICKEN MEATBALLS and PASTA	DANISH CUBE STEAKS	CORNED BEEF and CABBAGE of course with CARROTS and POTATOES	BEEF & NOODLES	ORANGE CHICKEN & CHOW MEIN
DESSERT

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

INSPIRATION

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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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 10 of 2017

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Saturday was productive even as the rain began, but we had a double header NASCAR race to occupy our afternoon and then on Sunday I made a nice brunch and ran a couple errands before the deluge of rain began and everything is now wet and soggy.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It poured ALL day yesterday and there are DEEP puddles and standing water EVERYWHERE! It’s supposed to be in the mid 70’s today, continue to rain off and on, but with all the water unless a breeze comes up it will be HUMID!! Looks like the last storm to hit the west coast is going to make our week wet and yucky here as it travels east!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

This morning is blueberry yogurt and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house is clean, but slightly cluttered as I began packing the bookcase and sorting for donation also.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Hoping the contractor shows for the garage siding and side fencing, but doubt he will since things are so wet.
Keep sorting books and paperwork.
Laundry
Doctor appointment

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

It’s that time of year again when some of my favorite shows are going on hiatus and replacements are premiering. The only one I’ve seen so far is DOUBT and I like it so far, but I think it is being canceled as is TRAINING DAY with Bill Paxton’s death. TIME AFTER TIME looks promising, but I never judge a show by the pilot. I also love the kids cooking shows and MASTERCHEF JUNIOR begins this week. I liked the pilot of TAKEN also, but we’ll see where that goes. I LOVE the new CHICAGO JUSTICE as it fits right in with CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO P.D. and CHICAGO MED.

SHAY ARCHER series #4 WICKED by Jana DeLeon

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

We got started on a few Christmas presents and hubby is doing some “garage work” on some of the parts for me, but it looks like they may sit for awhile. We have started packing and are hoping to be able to sell and be out of here within a few months so will begin the assembly process of the pieces on the other end.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	EGGS in the CLOUDS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	APRICOT PORK TENDERLOIN and BAKED CARROTS	SESAME PORK with PINEAPPLE and BROCCOLI	C.O.R.N.	RED, WHITE & BLUE MEATBALLS with PARSLEY NOODLES	PAN SEARED CHICKEN with HERB WINE SAUCE	CHICKEN & NOODLES	HAMBURGER STROGANOFF
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

TENDERLOIN GRILLADES
INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIES
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE with MOZZA STUFFED MEATBALLS
INSIDE OUT BEEF POT PIES (recipe later this week)

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER

STOVE TOP MAC & CHEESE
DECADENT CHOCOLATE CAKE with MOCHA FROSTING
GOLDEN CUPCAKES with MOCHA FROSTING
LEMON CUPCAKES
ORANGE MAPLE FRENCH TOAST BRUNCH CASSEROLE

RECIPES THAT TASTED GREAT BUT WON’T BE MAKING AGAIN

It was good, but just not up “our” alley for taste.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND/THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I am still feeling betrayed by an elder I should be able to rely on and trust, but trying not to dwell on it. I do realize he’s not in his right mind as there appears to be serious dementia and/or Alzheimers going on that has yet to be diagnosed because his normal toxic/caustic/racist nature prevents people from realizing there is a problem unless they see him daily and hear the same stories and see him forget what he just wrote down… Unfortunately there is also an outside influence by a gold digging woman who has NO idea what is really going on within his family as she has NEVER been here or met any of his family. Just working to move forward and live a better life, especially during this Lenten season. I also believe that Karma is a bitch and will take care of this for me. So, on to happy thoughts and moving life forward!

Trying to figure out my cell phone problems. My OLD cell phone was “acting” up, or so I thought. My new phone is doing much the same things. I’ve come to the conclusion that because this house sits on the boundary of 3 separate cities and 2 counties that there are some “dead” zones where cell towers overlap and that there may be no real solution until we move.

INSPIRATION

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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MAKE A DIFFERENCE – PRAY – ACT – LOVE

As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized the importance of living my life as if every day is Christmas or better explained, to carry Christmas in my heart ALL year long. I just think life goes smoother if it becomes a way of life ALL the time, not just seasonal.

As a Christian woman I believe life is all about change and that learning to cope with it as it happens will help you through life as you help others. I believe in Murphy’s Law, the Domino Effect, Payback’s a Bitch, and Karma. I also believe that Pay It Forward and living by the Golden Rule go a long way to keep the former from happening to begin with.

I believe everything happens for a reason and that life is one big adventure. I try to see life through rose colored glasses and be as tolerant as possible. My glass is always half full, as well as refillable. I am an optimist, extremely positive minded and usually a really upbeat person so anything goes within reason.

Lent is another of those seasons that I try to carry in my heart ALL year long. The traditional purpose of Lent is preparation through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, atonement, and self-denial. Many Christians commit to fasting or giving up certain types of luxuries as a form of penance. Many Christians also add daily devotionals and praying to draw themselves near to God.

Traditionally Lent is described as lasting for forty days, in commemoration of the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. These 40 days are marked by fasting, both from foods and festivities, and by other acts of penance. The three traditional practices to be taken up with renewed vigor during Lent are prayer – justice towards God, fasting – justice towards self, and almsgiving and forgiveness – justice towards neighbors. In these more modern times, observers give up partaking in vices and often invest the time or money saved in charitable purposes or organizations. I choose to do this ALL year long, it just makes life easier and happier. It takes so little to be a good person ALL the time.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 9 of 2017

I hope everyone had a fantastic week. Mine was not so much, but that only makes me think this week will be better. I had my annual Ovarian Cancer check up (6 years NED), blood work and mammogram. Unfortunately it did not go as planned and we spent all day at the hospital. Then, the next day I received a call from a scheduler and was forced back for another round of testing all day Friday. Long story short everything is okay, but there was a seriously tense 72 hours there until we were sure not to mention all the invasive testing and wait times.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

An unexpected storm came through last night which is making today miserable already this morning.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Blueberry yogurt and coffee.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

A few appointments for us both and paperwork for me to find.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We’ve been catching up on some Netflix and Amazon shows and I’m going to catch up on so cooking shows this week.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	EGGS in the CLOUDS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	TENDERLOIN GRILLADES	CHICKEN POT PIE	C.O.R.N.	OUT FOR HUBBY’S BIRTHDAY	WHITE WINE CHICKEN & RICE	ROASTED PEPPER BEEF GHOULASH	APRICOT PORK LOIN with BAKED CARROTS
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

This past week brought much emotion and disappointment too. While I’m not ready to talk about any of it because of the betrayal and disregard of a loved one I know whatever happens that I’m confident that God has a plan to turn this into something good and I’m so thankful for that!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

This is another toss up week for me on pictures. Because last week was SOOOOOO bad I really loved finding my pretty African Violets full of blooms already bloomed and so many more about to. I was especially surprised since I have neglected them so much recently. I also LOVE this salad. It’s my go to comfort health food, a combination of tuna, chicken and egg salad on a bed of chopped cucumbers and grape tomatoes with homemade 1000 island dressing.

INSPIRATION

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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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 8 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, or still is as since it’s a 3 day weekend for President’s Day. Saturday we finished the clean up from last week’s tornado like storm damage that left us with a MAJOR roof leak into the attic and down into the laundry room as well as a window seal that failed causing a small river flowing into the atrium. Now we are ready for the current storm that started last night and just praying that all the repairs are complete enough. Yesterday we took it easy and watched the NASCAR Clash (YAY racing season has begun!), a few new movies and just relaxed.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Imagine that, it’s gray, rainy and windy, AGAIN!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Yogurt, fruit and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I see a few clutter spots that I need to address this morning, but all in all, not too bad.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

2/20 MONDAY

groceries (weather permitting)
laundry

2/21 TUESDAY

studio organization

2/22 WEDNESDAY

early morning doctors appointments
Lunch
Mummy Exhibition at the museum

2/23 THURSDAY

estimator appointment
backyard

2/24 FRIDAY

cleaning

2/25 SATURDAY

Race
Work in Studio

2/26 SUNDAY

Work on menus and recipes
Race

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Have been catching a few episodes on Netflix and Amazon Prime of a few favorite shows as well as a few of our normal prime time shows. I need to start a new book, but have yet to decide which one.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

I just need to finish the binding, but the first of the Christmas presents for 2017 is almost done. Its a large Log Cabin Calico quilt.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	BAKED EGGS and HAM	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	Y.O.Y.O.
DINNER	PEANUT BUTTER ROOT BEER BEEF STEW	CHICKEN POT PIE	APRICOT PORK TENDERLOIN and CELERY SEED DRESSING SALAD	PAN SEARED CHICKEN PARMESAN with WILTED SPINACH	SMOKEY NAVY BEAN SOUP	TENDERLOIN GRILLADES and BAKED CARROTS	CHICKEN CHOW MEIN
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

Praying that people in general become less self absorbed and start paying attention to those around them. Living in a bigger city again has reminded me that many people tend to make things WAY MORE complicated and involved than they need to in an effort to be in control of things, situations or others. Seriously, give me the country life again! And don’t even get me started on “social” media LOL

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

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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GARBAGE TRUCK RULE

EVERY time this story makes its way into my inbox, I smile. I smile because it is SOOOOOOOO true.

GARBAGE TRUCK RULE

One day, I hopped into a taxi and took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly, a black car, jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed the brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, “Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!” This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, ‘The Law of the Garbage Truck’

He explained, “Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they’ll dump it on you. NEVER take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on with the routine life.” Don’t take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life’s too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so…… ‘Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don’t.’

Life is 10% what you make and 90% how you take!

HAPPY HOMEMAKER and MENU PLAN MONDAY week 7 of 2017

It’s week 7 of 2017 and I have to say week 6 was so horrible I want a MULLIGAN! We had a lot of family tragedy this past week with multiple new cancer diagnoses, one of which is very grim, my favorite BIL being entered into hospice for his cancer, the very sudden passing of a dear friend and just plain malaise because of it all. since I still feel so poorly. I’m ready for a GOOD week.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It has been quite gray and cloudy and extremely warm again, but we’re supposed to cool off the next several days and actually have some rain too. If it’s going to be gray and cloudy anyway, I WANT rain!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

A scrambled egg, toast and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house is quite put together considering how out of it I have been recently.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

The new tile guy came (45 minutes late) to give us an estimate to complete the master shower this past weekend and it was OUTRAGEOUS!! He’s not even licensed or bonded! and his bid was 3 times as high as any of the licensed and bonded contractors! So, I did some research and we found a product available at home depot that will refresh the existing grout. I’ve been working for several days on cleaning the individual grout lines (and there are a ton of them with the tiny tiles) which I should finish this morning and then I will use the POLYBLEND GROUT RENEW in DELOREAN GRAY. If all goes well, Friday morning we will be showering in there again instead of the spare bathroom!
I also spent some time working in the studio last week and believe it or not am making headway!
Standard cleaning, vacuuming, and laundry.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I’ve been catching up on my cooking shows. I LOVE Guy’s Grocery Games, Guy’s BIG Bite, Valerie’s Home Cooking, Diners Drive-ins and Dives.

I’m also still reading the OKLAHOMA BRANDS series by Maggie Shayne.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

Hubby actually helped me with several parts of some Christmas presents that are FINALLY in the works. They were supposed to be ready for 2016, but obviously they will be 2017 instead. I’ll be sharing some pictures soon as the ieces come together.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	EGGS in the CLOUDS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	LEMON SPAGHETTI with SHRIMP	SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CACCIATORE with BUTTERED PARSLEY NOODLES	C.O.R.N.	PAN SEARED LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN and PARMESAN GNICCHI	RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT	OVEN BAKED TACOS and SAKAD	MEATLOAF with PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES & BROCCOLI
DESSERT		TIRAMISU PUDDING CAKE	TIRAMISU CAKE		CHOCOLATE CHIP CANNOLI

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN with PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES and PEPPERED GRAVY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

With all the sadness going on in my life right now I have really been thinking about trying harder to stay positive and appreciate life more.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I couldn’t decide which picture was my favorite. The sunset Wednesday night was absolutely beautiful, but I also loved Tuxedo in the neighbor’s palm tree.

INSPIRATION

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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Category: INSPIRATIONAL