HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY – Page 36 – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

HAPPY HOMEMAKER AND MENU PLAN MONDAY week 24 of 2017

We were away this past week for hubby’s military, 1st Cavalry, reunion and while the reunion itself was good (there is serious room for improvement for organization by those in charge of the actual events and the hotel was not staffed or equipped to handle a crowd of this size appropriately – the food really SUCKED!), we enjoyed seeing some old friends and catching up though. The weather was beautiful so it was really nice to head north and be relieved from the oppressive heat and humidity here at home.

We also spent an afternoon in a local college town who happened to be having a street fair that had good food and great music! AND I also found some parts I needed for some Christmas presents in one of their antique malls.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

VERY warm and VERY humid with lots of cloud cover and a threat of thunderstorms all week. After all, it is June on the Gulf Coast of Texas so not much changes – HOT, HUMID and OPPRESSIVE – HURRICANE SEASON PREVAILS.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Green tea and Honey Nut cheerios with a sliced banana.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

Today and tomorrow will be serious deep clean days since we were gone and the house sitter was her with Gunny and Sady. I usually vacuum every other day, sometimes every day with the animals so being away so long makes my OCD go nuts LOL!

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY… SEVERAL loads from being gone 4 days and not doing before we left – dang I should have thought that through!
LIVING AREAS… need to do a deep clean after being gone and not doing much before we left
KITCHEN… quite clean since we were gone, but I plan to make a mess soon. I’m such a messy cook as I invent
STUDIO… Needs a good cleaning, but still hoping to get to Christmas cards soon.
YARD… A little mowing, edging, pruning and dead heading of some old blooms.
BLOG… some recipe updating and planing for future posts.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We just got home so will try to catch up on anything that accumulated on the DVR and will check for anything that might start this week so I can set it to record. We always record so we don’t have to watch commercials.

As for reading, I’m now in between series so have to decide what series to start next.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	TOASTED FRENCH TOAST	CHICKEN & WAFFLES
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	CREAMED CHICKEN & MARINATED CARROTS	HUMPTY DUMPTY HAM	HUNGARIAN CHICKEN & SALAD	C.O.R.N.	FOIL WRAPPED CHICKEN	CASHEW CHICKEN with LIME MARMALADE DIPPING SAUCE	SOMETHING ON THE GRILL
DESSERT

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

Still trying to resolve the family situation with my uncle. We CANNOT wait to have this burden lifted from our shoulders. We pray every day will be the day the resolution happens and soon.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

My heart and soul are still refreshed from watching A DOG’S PURPOSE and THE SHACK. BOTH movies spoke directly to my heart and soul to restore order to my world. It is just that simple! I’m reveling in this renewed spirit.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

This is a picture of a picture from 2002 and already in a scrapbook, but is truly one of the best ones ever. When Whiskey was young I had to keep her and Gunny apart for about the first 6 months of her life because Gunny was SOOOOO BIG and she was so tiny. So when we were at home I kept a baby gate up between the front and back of the house (we had an old house with an actual door to a hallway that led to the back of the house) so I could monitor them.

This one day Whiskey was up on her toes at the gate and Gunny came along and wanted to play. Gunny took her ear in his teeth and put a paw on her head. Then he made the mistake of tugging forward on her ear and pushing back on her head at the same time. Whiskey became ALL teeth and needless to say ran the roost from then on.

I just can’t even tell you how much I MISS her! We did receive her beautifully carved box of ashes this week and I had a special tag made for it. Watching Gunny (who is even older yet) miss her so much is the hardest.

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 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

LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of towels to be folded.
LIVING AREAS… mostly tidy, but need to do floors.
KITCHEN… quite 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.
YARD… Adding some grass seeds and fertilizer.
BLOG… some 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

VANILLA COGNAC BRINED PORK and GINGERSNAP GRAVY
APPLE PIE SNICKERDOODLES
PIONEER BEAN DINNER

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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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 22 of 2017

I CANNOT believe we are entering the 22 week of the year! Where has the time gone? Memorial Day Weekend around our house is usually a VERY relaxed time where we pretty much do just what we want. We did watch a couple NASCAR races (rain delays and all) and we were going to truly finish the last project, putting up the shade cloth for the back patio so we can no spend a little time out there with our coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening, but alas the air conditioning went out on Saturday and we were just too warm and miserable to bother. Of course the air conditioning went out at 6pm on Saturday of a holiday weekend! W.O.R.S.T. case and time possible. It looks like it will be Tuesday sometime before we can even get it looked at so we’re just hanging in there hoping for cooler temperatures.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Already too warm for me today and with a dew point and humidity it looks like it’s going to be a VERY warm week with high humidity and we have a fairly high threat of thunderstorms EVERY day!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Ensure clear (berry flavored) and coffee

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I see plenty to do, but it will mostly wait until tomorrow.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY… just a couple loads
LIVING AREAS… mostly tidy, but need to do floors
KITCHEN… quite clean, but I plan to make a mess soon. I’m such a messy cook as I invent. BUT, I also need to finish the granite countertops.
STUDIO… I did a DEEP clean yesterday, now on to making messes as I begin some Christmas cards
YARD… A little pruning and deadheading of some old blooms and putting up the shade cloth if the weather permits
BLOG… some recipe updating and planing for future posts. I’m even thinking ahead to BLOGMAS 2017

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We are just watching some Netflix shows and waiting for the summer season to kick in. At least America’s got talent starts tomorrow night.

Still trying to finish the Ava Miles Dare River 5 book series. I’m on book 4, The Promise of Rainbows.

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

I need to get busy deciding on bindings, but I have yet to find the box with the rest of the material yet. At least these are ready for their bindings. I’m also still looking for the box with the ones that need to be finished pieced.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

There were a few recipes I didn’t get around to last week so have added them to this week’s recipe list.

	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	STEAK on the GRILL with BBQ BEANS and CORN on the COB	PECAN CHICKEN with MAPLE CREAM SAUCE from LYNN’S PARADISE CAFE	COGNAC BRINED PORK TENDERLOIN with GINGER SNAP JUS and SALAD from KRAZY KAT’S RESTAURANT in Delaware	C.O.R.N.	PIONEER BEAN DINNER and CORN BREAD	WILTED SPINACH SALAD with GRILLED CHICKEN	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

I drink a cup every night before bed. I figure it can’t hurt.

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

We are still in a holding pattern on being able to move forward on this. We do appreciate your continued prayers and support as we go through this mess.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Whiskey our almost 15 year old lab is starting to have mobility issues, but she is still the MOST adorable pup I’ve ever had. Lately she’s been laying wherever she can to use shelves and such as resting places.

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 21 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful week and weekend. I got quite a bit done around here, just a bunch of little stuff. We also watched both the NASCAR CAMPING WORLD truck and NASCAR MONSTER ENERGY car races as they were in the evenings.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We have been rather dry (for here anyway) for the past couple months, but no longer. The skies finally broke open late last night and have yet to stop. At least the sod we planted and fertilized will have gotten a good head start.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Scrambled eggs with cheese and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

This week I have a ton of straightening up to do after a busy weekend.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Ebay which seems never ending
Cleaning – really need to do deep cleaning on the floors
Laundry
a Couple of appointments
Grocery Shopping
a few errands

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR CRAFTS & PROJECTS

We are really getting into a summer schedule of nothingness and I’m searching for more and more Netflix and Amazon at night. We just finished IRON FIST on Netflix that we are really enjoying and just started Jessica Jones that might be okay – season 3 just started, but we’re binge watching 1 and 2 first.

I’m almost done catching up on all my cooking shows and 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 in years past so am interested in seeing how his being gone changes the dynamic of the show.

I’ve also ben watching some old Father Dowling Mysteries. I loved Tom Bosley, Tracy Nelson and Mary Wickes.

I’m currently reading Ava Miles Dare River 5 book series. I’m on book 4, The Promise of Rainbows.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

For several weeks I tried the Blue Apron home service and then also Home Chef and Home Fresh. I loved their recipes, the recipe cards and the fresh ingredients, but in the end had too many issues with slow or late delivery (which I’m sure is the delivery people and I’m probably at the end of the route as things wold show up at 8PM) and not enough choices that my family would like. I already do the Saturday morning Farmer’s market for my fresh produce and have been scratch cooking for MANY years so I came to realize I just need to search out some new recipes. This week I’ve chosen a cookbook from my shelf, Southern Living’s Off the Eaten Path, and am going to try some of the recipes I have marked. We’ll just go book to book from there.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	OUT	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	PECAN CHICKEN with MAPLE CREAM SAUCE from LYNN’S PARADISE CAFE	CAROL FAY’S FAMOUS MEATLOAF from the LOVELESS CAFE in Nashville	CHICKEN S.O.S. with SALAD	FONTINA STUFFED PORK CHOPS and BROCCOLI	VENETIAN CHICKEN and SALAD	PIONEER BEAN DINNER and CORN BREAD	COGNAC BRINED PORK TENDERLOIN with GINGER SNAP JUS and SALAD from KRAZY KAT’S RESTAURANT in Delaware
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

CARIBBEAN CHICKEN – MY 2ND FAVORITE FROM THE WEEK
CHICKEN S.O.S. – MY FAVORITE FROM THE WEEK
SLOW COOKER BALSAMIC CHICKEN
CHUNKY MONKEYS
RUSSIAN DRESSING
CATALINA DRESSING

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

UNFORTUNATELY, this continues to be a sore subject. The “ADULT” creating all our drama who continues to JUMP UP AND DOWN making demands on time and money that cannot be ignored and is throwing a tantrum like a small child is the same person that CANNOT seem to get his ducks in row (pieces to the playing board, bricks into the load… – you choose) to end the drama that he created, but is imposing on us. We are PRAYING for a resolution by the end of the month so we can move on with our life!

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY
Hubby has a military reunion where we will get to see some old friends and it is not too far from an area we are researching for our next project. The best part is that we have family there and are really looking forward to seeing that after way too long!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

Unfortunately, I know too many of these “Negative Nellies”. Some people are just self centered enough to not play nice in this game we call life.

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 20 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful mother’s day and was pampered by their families. Mine was quiet, which is okay. I got A LOT done and rested well too.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s been reasonably pleasant recently and looks like this week will stay the same with the potential of thunderstorms late week. As long as the humidity doesn’t go crazy I can live with it.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Coffee and an English muffin.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I did a deep clean last Friday and Saturday so I’m pretty happy.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

YAY the backyard is done as are all the heavy projects!!!!!!!

A couple doctor’s appointments
Some Ebaying.
Some laundry.
A few wood touch up projects.
Assemble some Christmas gifts.
Design Christmas cards.

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’ve also ben watching some old Father Dowling Mysteries. I loved Tom Bosley, Tracy Nelson and Mary Wickes.

I’m currently reading Ava Miles Dare River 5 book series. I’m on book 4, The Promise of Rainbows.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

This week I’m working on recreating and updating some of my grandmother’s recipes. If they work I will be posting them along the way. Unfortunately the age of the recipes and her chicken scratch writing have left some blank areas that I’m making assumptions to fill in those blanks. So, these are truly work in progress.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	TOASTED FRENCH TOAST	BLUEBERRY PANCAKES
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	CROCK-POT CELEBRATION CHICKEN with MASHED POTATOES and GLAZED CARROTS	CHICKEN PARMESAN SOUP with PARMESAN CRISPS	CROCK-POT BALSAMIC CHICKEN with JASMINE RICE and SNOW PEAS	VENETIAN CHICKEN and SALAD	PIONEER BEAN DINNER and CORN BREAD	C.O.R.N.	CRISPY PINEAPPLE CHICKEN & SHRIMP with JASMINE RICE
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Sometime this week we should have a resolution to a problem that has been weighing heavily on our minds and life in general. At that time I will FINALLY do the house update post and fill everyone in. It’s just a sad, sad situation.

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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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

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 18 of 2017

Good Morning. I hope you had a GREAT weekend. I did, even if it was still confined to the house for the most part. The good news is that my eye infection continues to get better and I’m down to 1 week of medication left as a precaution. As for the bigger diagnosis I’m waiting on I have been released from 2 of the 3 specialists as of Friday so at least we are getting closer to an area to concentrate on. I’m hoping to have some answers soon! This is getting old!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Last week was full of miserable days, but decent nights. Then Saturday night when the latest storm swooped in the temperature dropped, A LOT, and life is bearable again. This week is supposed to be really pleasant with MUCH lower humidity and quite a bit of rain on Wednesday.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

This morning is a mixed berry fruit smoothie and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I see a few things that still need attention, but I was able to tackle most of the big projects over the weekend.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

We finally ordered the leveling sand and patio pavers for the area just outside the back door on Saturday and were pleasantly surprised that they can deliver today. Fortunately the area we are working on is shaded until late afternoon so I’ll be able to work out there tomorrow.

Deep clean floors
Start loading sand into patio area.
Level sand.
Arrange pavers for BBQ area.
Order sod for dog run areas.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

The Good Witch season started last night and there are still a few straggler shows to finish from the spring season.

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	HAM & CHEESE BRUNCH CAKE
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	MEXICAN COBB SALAD with JALAPENO RANCH DRESSING	CHICKEN CAESAR SAMMIES (recipe to follow)	HOME CHEF SICILIAN HERBED CHICKEN with GREEN BEANS and TOMATOES PIZZAIOLA	HOME CHEF BUFFALO CHICKEN FRITES with BLUE CHEESE, CELERY and CARROT	COUNTRY HEAVEN LASAGNA (recipe to follow)	SALAD with BALSAMIC POMEGRANATE VINAIGRETTE (recipe to follow)	SLOW COOKER ROAST BEEF SAMMIES
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

I had several Blue Apron successes last week, 2 of which at hubby’s request are getting makeovers though. I’ll post those recipes once I try the makeovers.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

Still mulling over how to handle a family situation.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Finishing the house projects.
Feeling better.

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 15 of 2017

How was your week? Your weekend? Mine was productive and good. The weather was beautiful and we took full advantage of it. We had a wonderful dinner out Saturday with my uncle and great lunch out with friends on Sunday to celebrate my friend’s birthday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

So far it’s pretty outside, but the week is supposed to heat up quite a bit with rising humidity and a severe threat of thunderstorms. We shall see.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

I’m eating some leftover Quiche Lorraine and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I spent ALL day Saturday doing a DEEP clean, so am really happy with how the house looks.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Researching
Sorting
Ebaying
Packing

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 also started Kristen Proby’s Boudreaux Series #5 book, Easy Magic.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	OUT	Brunch at BRENNERS ON THE BAYOU
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	7 UP STEAK with POTATO GRATIN	IMPERIAL CHICKEN and GREEN SALAD	B.A. SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE	B.A. ZA’ATAR SPICED CHICKEN with PINK LEMON PAN SAUCE & PEARL COUSCOUS	B.A. POTATO & CHICKPEA STEW with PAN SEARED CHICKEN BREAST	GRILLED STEAKS and SALAD	ROASTED POBLANO CHILE & CORN CHICKEN BISQUE
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES & LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

We tried BLUE APRON last week and were really happy with it. We had Chicken Under a Brick, Fontina Stuffed Pork Chops and a Spinach Ricotta Flat Bread. Thanks again Carrie for the referral!

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

A couple months ago we had a HORRIBLE freeze. One day the temperature literally dropped 42 degrees almost all at once, OKAY SO IT WAS OVER 12 HOURS, BUT STILL SEVERE! Plants everywhere froze that night. No one had warning so plants didn’t get covered or brought in. We lost our Norfolk pine and it comes from Virginia! I noticed another neighbor had theirs out for trash this past week too. My Lantanas all froze and turned brown and crisp with all the leaves and flowers dropping like that been hit with liquid nitrogen. I cut them back and left them thinking I’d wait to do anything about it until spring got into full swing. I’m sure glad I waited! They are coming back heartier than ever with LOTS of NEW blooms too!

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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Category: HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY