HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a productive, but also a lazy weekend here. I was able to catch up on a bunch of paperwork though I am NO where near done! I was able to complete more of my “reading” corner in the master bedroom and hung my newly stained shelf in there also.  I read somewhere that your dresser an nightstand tops should be clear for a more soothing “air” to the room.  Well, a clear dresser top will NEVER happen at our house, but the shelf is going to help A LOT!  I need to make another one for hubby’s side of the room.

We had a quiet Valentine’s Day dinner at home, but went out for lunch at one of my favorite seafood restaurants and were not disappointed.  We also rented the movie, The Martian.  We really enjoyed this movie – the possibilities of space and the will to survive are so mind boggling.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It is gray and overcast with a threat of a thunderstorm soon.  It’s supposed to be warmer this week and I am NOT ready for warm weather!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
  • 5 year oncology check up
  • ZOO
TUESDAY
  • unload studio of all boxes and such
WEDNESDAY
  • hospital – my aunt is having surgery to replace the knee she shattered recently – ALL prayers welcome as she has a heart condition, an aspergilus allergy and is an Alzheimer’s patient.
THURSDAY
  • paint studio & begin again LOL
FRIDAY
  • Organize studio items
  • be available to help hubby with wainscoting and bathroom fixtures installation
SATURDAY
  • Farmer’s Market
  • install kitchen molding and paint it
SUNDAY
  • cleaning and laundry

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
We’re still just watching whatever comes our way.  We’re still working long days.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I made a few prototypes this past week for some really neat things, but want to perfect them a bit more before I share them.

HOUSE PROJECTS
LOL this is a never ending category, but we are hoping to have the house in working order by the time we host Easter.  It is possible. It is even probable. WE WILL SUCCEED!

KITCHEN WISHES
I’m getting a replacement stove on Tuesday as I’m having a continuous issue with uneven heating.

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
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • LESS stress
  • Project completions
  • MORE energy

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

There is still A LOT of trim work to do, but I love my “Tom Sawyer meets the Waltons” look for the kitchen.  I did get a few shelves done in the kitchen and LOVE having ingredients at hand!

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Last week did NOT go as planned, so we’ll try again this week. I’ve been getting quite frustrated with ALL there is to still do and not getting there faster.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
The weekend was absolutely gorgeous and even though the week is supposed to start out cooler, it is supposed to be a beautiful week in the 60’s.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
  • quick trip to home depot and grocery
  • last coat of grout on entry
  • paint spare bath vanity
  • paint new pantry door
  • stain living room shelves
  • paint cabinet tops for living room
  • sand master bath shower and prep for resurfacing
TUESDAY
  • order last base unit for kitchen
  • stain last upper kitchen cabinet
  • mount last upper kitchen cabinet
  • chalkboard paint pantry door
  • laundry
  • cleaning
WEDNESDAY
  • pick up another load of molding at Lowe’s
  • paint living room ceiling and wall behind cabinets
  • mount living room cabinets
THURSDAY
  • paint remaining living room walls
  • paint around light box in atrium
  • mount light in atrium
  • remount cold air returns
FRIDAY
  • change out 15 light switches and several outlets
  • install rolling kitchen shelves
  • continue with sorting and organizing kitchen
SATURDAY
  • Farmer’s Market
  • install kitchen molding and paint it
SUNDAY
  • ??

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Hoping for some new episodes this week of our favorite shows.

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
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT







HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
I keep a small ramekin of apple cider vinegar on my drain board at ALL times.  It attracts any of the gnats and/or fruit flies you may inadvertently bring home from the grocery store.

ON MY MIND
I have always felt that we give too much celebrity to sports figures for the sake of a sport.  I have the utmost respect for those that use their celebrity for bigger and better things.  The Walter Payton Man of The Year award (formerly known as the NFL Man of the year Award) is something that gets glossed over, but should really spotlight those that make an effort to make a difference like this year’s award winner, Anquan Boldin.  We need more Warrick Dunns and Anquan Boldins for the youth of today to look up to emulate.  A list of ALL winners since its inception in 1970 and its history can be found here.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Sunny days and getting closer to having an atrium to spend sunny afternoons in reading
  • Getting the paint off my arms and fingers

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I don’t want to be ALL sappy or anything, but today is a HUGE day in my life. 5 years ago today I lost 10 pounds in the form of a volleyball sized ovarian cancer tumor.  I know how INCREDIBLY blessed I am to be here and to be in complete remission.  So without soap box lecturing or anything I want to remind you all to get your yearly well woman exams.  They could save your life.  Mine did.

We had a beautiful and productive weekend.  What a difference a day makes.  Each day is looking better and better with projects getting accomplished and packing boxes going away!  We are still a long ways from being done, but we do feel more like we have a house now – even with the BIG BANG lawn furniture for the living room.

Our goal is to have the living room, master bath, atrium and laundry area done by the time we host Easter dinner. We had a fortunate find yesterday. The wall in the living room with the biggest crack from the foundation issues also had the ugliest dated paneling on it and it was painted a yellowish color that had become a pukey looking color with the added nicotine staining. We had decided that we would just work over it with a wainscoting wall board and with nothing to lose I decided to take a “peek” under it and was pleasantly pleased to find a beautiful finished sheet rocked wall that just needs the crack patched and paint!

WEATHER OUTSIDE
The weekend was gorgeous and today is going to be great, but we’re supposed to be taking a serious (15-20 degrees) dip on Wednesday.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • MONDAY – errands, grocery shopping as well as parts and supplies gathering for this week’s projects. The parts we need this week are going to take several trips because of their sizes. Install last 2 living room entertainment center cabinets and get them stained. Order the rest of cabinet handles and track lighting for the atrium.
  • TUESDAY – Costco and more parts and supplies gathering for this week’s projects. Second coat of stain on new living room cabinets. Install last cabinets for hubby’s “BAR” as well as the linen closet cabinets. Get cabinets stained.
  • WEDNESDAY – Prep and prime living room for painting.
  • THURSDAY – Paint living room.
  • FRIDAY – Stress test and we’ll see from there.
  • SATURDAY – Master bathroom walls and ceiling and paint if all goes well.
  • SUNDAY – SUPERBOWL COMMERCIALS AND FOOTBALL FOOD.

CURRENTLY READING
I’m still trying to finish Sinister – Shaye Archer Book #2 by Jana Deleon.  I’m just too tired at the end of each day to get much done.

TELEVISION / DVR
Whatever happens our way at the end of each day.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Still just acquiring prts and hope to share some things soon.

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
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Everything having a place and being in its place!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

 A little paint will make EVERYTHING brighter! PLUS the new fan will be better.

This is the most wonderful smelling Hyacinth!  So pretty too.  My uncle brought it as a bread and butter gift when he came for dinner Saturday night.

We’re building an entertainment area that will house the games, DVDs and CDs. There are a few more cabinets to be installed here and will look SO much better after they are stained.

A little patch and paint and we ill have a brand new wall.

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY + 90 DAY UPDATE

With the playoffs yesterday we tried to cram everything into Saturday and boy am I tired!

Last week did NOT go as planned thanks to the unprofessional plumbing team working on the foundation plumbing repairs under the house.  The plumbing is 40 years old and a week ago Friday they broke loose the drain in the tub.  They were supposed to fix it THAT day and of course left without doing so.  We made a temporary type repair so we could shower since it is our only working shower.  Monday came and went and then Tuesday and Wednesday without the actual plumber showing up, just the diggers under the house.  My week wasn’t going on schedule as it was and I had just finished moving everything from the sewing room into the spare bedroom on Thursday and was patching walls, cleaning corners and demolishing molding when the plumber arrived to fix the tub.  Several minutes after he began he announced that he was going to have to punch an access hole into the wall to be able to fix it since today’s standard sizes are different from 40 years ago.  No big deal right? Except the wall was inside the room that I had just filled to the hilt!  I told him he’d have to come back tomorrow as it would take me several hours to clear a path.  He told me I couldn’t use it in the meantime and I told him he better find a way to temporary it as I was not going without a shower because of their lack of communication and follow through.

Friday and Saturday went much more productively thank goodness.  I’m even seeing some serious organizational progress.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
The forecast has changed every hour for the last 2 days so I’m taking this with a grain of salt.  Supposedly today’s clouds will give way to 2 days of rain and then we will take a cold drop again.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
While I’m being more realistic this week, I still have high hopes in meeting my self imposed deadlines.

  • MONDAY – Grout entryway, Paint walls in refrigerator alcove, Set tiles for under refrigerator so we can get it moved out of the living room, Texture kitchen wall and get it painted, Paint bathroom walls with gripper paint to get it ready for texturing, Finish sorting through kitchen utensils and organize 1-2 cabinets.
  • TUESDAY –  Get blood drawn, Walmart and grocery store. Finish the migration of “things”.
  • WEDNESDAY – We’re getting a little more realistic with projects and because of the size and shape of the living room with the cathedral ceilings we’re going to do it one wall at a time starting with the wall that the TV will mount to.  LOL must have the TV by Superbowl.  This wall will also have the built in cabinetry for the DVD’s, CD’s, games, etc… So today I will get the ceiling painted in the center so hubby can get the new fan and lght mounted.  I’m hoping to also get the TV wall painted.
  • THURSDAY – Laundry, clean and a bit of spray painting to be done.
  • FRIDAY – Tonight and tomorrow night we will have company and I get to really cook for the first time in a long time! Cook and prep for Brent and Carlie’s stay.
  • SATURDAY – Cook and prep for dinner with George.
  • SUNDAY – Not sure yet.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Whatever we can find time for.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I came up with a few more ideas for those Christmas presents and have ordered a few parts I needed to get them started.

HOUSE PROJECTS
LOL see to do 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
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
SANDWICH
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT
C.O.R.N.

DESSERT





SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HOMEMAKING TIP
I keep a square block of soap around to stand my widget in so it’s safe but always ready for duty.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Having the space to be a bit more creative.
  • Hubby’s garage is almost empty of gramp’s and my uncle’s things.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
We were able to finish removing the dated paneling from the atrium which was NO easy feat on the 20 foot tall wall. And this is the first time the dining room table has been completely clear since we got here 90 days ago!

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY #3 – DAY 83

YAY! We had a productive weekend! We tried to go out for breakfast Saturday, but decided too late and the little diner that sounded so great on line turned out to be another ‘wait in line to order and pay‘ place.  We really want to find some real mom and pop places to go out and be served at, but they are becoming harder and harder to find for casual dining, especially for breakfast.

We ran errands Saturday morning and made it home before the skies opened up fortunately.  One of the errands was to buy the new range.  It went really well and will even be delivered sometime today!  I’m so excited – a sink and a range in the same week.  WOW I can cook again!

I had been unpacking and trying to pare down things, but it has become an unruly mess and I will be actually packing a few things back up for now.  We took 6 big totes for donation on Saturday and already have 3 more packed for this week.  I was serious about becoming a minimalist!

One of the things I’m having issues with is my “tools” still all in boxes.  So this week I’m going to empty gram’s old sewing room into the living room which I have spent the past 2 days cleaning out and get that room painted as it’s going to be the spare bedroom which we need done by the 29th.

Then I’m going to get my studio set up so I can get my tools and things organized. I seriously love having ‘deadlines’ to help me stay focused on what needs done next. They really work as great incentives.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
We had a cool weekend especially when the wind was blowing and it rained off and on all day Saturday, but it is supposed to be beautiful the rest of the week.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • MONDAY – Empty Sewing Room and pack up a few things.
  • TUESDAY – Paint “sewing” room and turn it into the new spare bedroom.
  • WEDNESDAY – Paint studio and begin organizing.
  • THURSDAY – I bet I’ll still be organizing the studio LOL
  • FRIDAY – There used to be an atrium and gramps closed it in back in 1982 so it has been a part of the house for a very long time, but I just don’t know what else to call this room. Anyway, gramps also “paneled” over the Hardy Plank so it is VERY dated.  We’re removing the paneling (which is what I’ll be doing today) and going to paint the Hardy Plank.  Hubby is then going to get very creative with the molding around each arch where there used to be sliding glass doors many years ago.  Unfortunately gramps just paneled right over the dryrot.  There also used to be a faux beam across the room at a really low level with a ceiling fan, but we removed the faux beam and will be doing track lighting from the electrical outlet at the wall instead.
  • SATURDAY – Laundry, relax & football.
  • SUNDAY – Read, relax & Football.

CURRENTLY READING
I’m pretty tired at night so am not getting much reading done, but I’m STILL reading:

TELEVISION / DVR
Just a few of the normals as we have time.  We have been so tired that we don’t care too much about TV.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
None right now, but I hope that changes soon as I have quite a few ideas for the Old Fashioned Christmas homemade gifts that I’m really excited about.

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
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
Hot Wings & Celery sticks with Bleu Cheese
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HOMEMAKING TIP
Want to get the rest of the wax out of a candle, but it’s in a stubborn place? Place the entire candle in the freezer for an hour and the wax will shrink and come right out after.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Being able to cook again!
  • Seeing the progress on the house.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Gramps delivered special delivery mail for many years so this was an awesome find in the garage.  It was in the bottom of a tin can full of screws. I’m going to try and clean it up when I get time.
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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had an eventful and productive weekend with having to adapt the kitchen sink base for all the plumbing reroute issues, but FINALLY we will have a working kitchen sink yet today and hubby even got the old dishwasher working.  LOL when we took out the dishwasher to begin the cabinets we found that whoever installed the dishwasher originally had it running off of the cold water so no wonder it didn’t clean the dishes.  We decided to reinstall it for now (to the hot water) and give it a chance.  I’m just so excited that I won’t have to wash dishes on my hands and knees in the bathtub that I won’t even mind doing them by hand! I admit it, I’m exhausted!!!!! It’s been 76 VERY LONG days of manual labor and emotional strain.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
This past weekend Old Man Winter came roaring into town Friday night with threat of tornado.  Fortunately all we had was torrential rain, MEGA wind and hail and a 25 degree temperature drop over night.  This week is cold and windy, but clear though there is supposed to be more storming later in the week.  I have learned not to take the weather report too seriously though – just stay prepared.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Monday – Idiot Plumbers will be back to begin finishing their tunneling under the house and repairs. Many phone calls including the foundation company to have them come check up on the plumbers as the plumbers have undermined work that the foundation people just did and are claiming otherwise despite my pictures proving differently. Stain the new 3 kitchen cabinets that we decided to add. Grout front entry floor. Lay master bath floor tile. Pick up cleaning and run a few errands.
  • Tuesday – Hang new cabinets. Grout master bath floor tile and start sanding shower for refinishing. Laundry. Tile floor under stove, refrigerator and dishwasher area.
  • Wednesday – Hopefully today is the day we get a stove! LOL Or at least get it ordered. Also buying the new toilet for the master bath and hopefully will have it set by end of day.
  • Thursday – Wash pantry containers and organize pantry and cabinets.  Doing this will get LOTS of things off the tables in the other rooms and make it easier to work.
  • Friday – Start refinishing shower and possibly do floor tile in spare bath depending on the idiot plumbers.
  • Saturday – Flea  Market, Farmer’s Market and Football playoffs
  • SundayCOOK! and Football playoffs

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
We still have no cable and are getting used to this central time zone with prime time starting at 7PM.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
WOOHOO I have actually started my homemade Christmas gifts for next year and believe I have come up with some pretty neat ideas that everyone will appreciate and really like.

HOUSE PROJECTS
LOL See my to do list!

KITCHEN WISHES

  • flooring
  • counter tops

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
??
??
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
??
??


DINNER
EXPERIMENT NIGHT
COCK-a-LEEKIE soup


C.O.R.N.


MALIBU CHICKEN & VEGGIES
Cream of Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese



DESSERT






RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
This is the first time in quite some time that I took some time off this past weekend and actually read a few magazines and cookbooks.  With the weather having turned so cold I was really interested in some stews and soups and I just happened to have a magazine of recipes I received at Christmas.

  • Cock-a-Leekie Soup
  • Chicken BLT Soup
  • Chicken Soup with Potato Dumplings
  • Brazilian Black Bean Soup
  • Goulash Soup
  • Ham & Vegetable Stew
  • Mexican Potato Soup
  • Stuffed Baked Potato Soup
  • Edamame Soup
  • Creamy Cabbage Soup 
  • Buttermilk Pecan Pancakes with Bourbon Molasses Butter
  • Filet of Beef with Horseradish sauce
I believe this quote speaks to my state of mind right now!
I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.  ~Martha Washington

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Seeing the progress in the kitchen.
  • Seeing less and less packing boxes in the living room!
  • Having less laundry to do.

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

WEATHER OUTSIDE
We are starting the week cool and clear which I love because I want to get the “Christmas” tree planted in the new planter today and set outside where it will do well.  We are supposed to temporarily warm up for a bit later in the week with thunderstorms, but they keep saying not to get used to it as mid month we will turn quite cold for the rest of the winter.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Monday – Remove cabinet and 2 walls in master bath to assess plumbing needs. Remove hot water heater wall in laundry area to asses parts to redo the platform and bring things up to code. If there is time I will put the second coat of stain on the insides of kitchen cabinets and then shower to run errands and go to grocery store.
  • Tuesday – Going to IKEA to pick up lazy susan and rug for dining room as well as have lunch, nightstand shopping and central market. Then off to home depot to pick up last parts for the kitchen sink plumbing, stain for cabinet outsides and the flooring tiles.
  • Wednesday – Installing last cabinets in kitchen and hooking up kitchen sink (hopefully) finally!
  • Thursday – Laundry and some more unpacking I hope.
  • Friday – moving water heater and starting the kitchen floor.
  • Saturday & Sunday – Football playoffs and a few

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Not much, but I do want to see a few of the returning and new shows beginning this week.
 
CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Making a list and compiling what I need to begin Christmas gifts for next year.  We’re planning a BIG Old Fashioned Christmas for 2016 and I want to get an early start to doing it right!

HOUSE PROJECTS
See below
 
KITCHEN WISHES
Hoping to have the range later 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
CORNED BEEF HASH and OVER MEDIUM EGGS & TOAST
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
??
DINNER
EXPERIMENT NIGHT
C.O.R.N.
MALIBU CHICKEN & VEGGIES
DESSERT






THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • The kitchen will be done soon!
  • The entry way is almost done!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
There are several this week as we progressed through the kitchen. Green board is mostly up, cabinets are level and attached to the walls and quite a few boxes have been unpacked.  For now I’m just stacking everything behind closed doors to get rid of the packing boxes (which we use for trash like taking out walls) and I will do a major clean and organization in a few weeks.  I have found a few broken pieces, but all and all everything has done well for having been packed nd stored for so many years.

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.

GOOD MORNING MONDAY

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! My cousin hosted this year since we are in such a disarray, but I promised I’ll do next year.  We had a WONDERFUL day with a terrific meal and TONS of laughter.  It’s great to be around family with lots of memories and stories.

I love Christmas and it was EXTREMELY difficult for me this year to not be able to put up a tree or decorate, but especially not be able to make all the goodies and applesauce for neighbors and friends.  I’m already looking forward to and planning for next year.  I even threatened to start in July in an effort to make up for this year.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
FINALLY it’s cold enough to call it winter which makes think, “Be careful what you wish for!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • MONDAY – We’re getting up super early to get to Lowes and Home Depot before we have to be back  to let the plumbers in. The plumbers bailed last week and NEVER finished announcing they would be back today.  Needless to say they will be getting NO more work from us ever! They left me without running water anywhere near the kitchen and I’ve been doing the dishes in the bathtub! We’ll spend the remainder of the day green boarding the kitchen back splash area and installing kitchen cabinets.
  • TUESDAY – Painting and tiling the entry way.
  • WEDNESDAY – Peeling wall paper in the master and spare bath.
  • THURSDAY – unpacking kitchen items.  The idea is to get them unpacked and put behind close doors any way possible for now so we can get rid of the boxes and start on the living room.  The electrician can’t begin to figure out the dead plugs until he has more access to them.
  • FRIDAY – Taking the day off and watching the rose parade and whatever else we want to do.
  • SATURDAYHOPEFULLY working on restoring order to the backyard and maybe installing the bedroom window.
  • SUNDAY – FOOTBALL and relaxing!

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Whatever happens our way though we’re looking forward to getting cable in the next week or so.
 
CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Nothing new, but hoping that can change in the next few months. I’m really hoping to start next year’s Christmas cards and projects early.

HOUSE PROJECTS
Everything!

KITCHEN WISHES
A stove by mid month.
 
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 OVER MEDIUM EGGS & TOAST
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
??

??

DINNER


C.O.R.N.


C.O.R.N.
DESSERT








THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • SAM the elf was a success!
  • I’m starting to see daily progress in the remodel though we are seriously sweat rich and penny poor at this point.  It was never supposed to be like this. 

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

The donations are piling up and since I took this picture you can no longer see this room. I’m so glad to be giving so much to the women’s shelter.

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

With so much to do on this remodel I have been working 12-14-16 hour days and lost track of ALL time!I hope you are all ready for spending some quality time with your family and friends.  Don’t overdo so you can’t enjoy it.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
We’ve warmed up considerably (which I HATE) and are supposed to be having scattered thunderstorms all week.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • MONDAY – Finish the Christmas shopping and grocery shopping. After that I’ll be shifting furniture and boxes to TRY and create a living room area. Hopefully the plumbers will be done with the repair to the collapsed drain line.  The foundation guys strike again!  Evidently they piled too much dirt on top of the sleeve where they struck the line with a tool and it collapsed the line backing it up into the drain line in the wall.  I also need to call the restoration guy to seal the shower and refinish it as well as float the walls in the master bath.
  • TUESDAY – I’ll be having lunch with an IRL friend that began as a blog friend.  I can’t wait to see her. Cleaning up after the plumbers and trying to make some sense of the mess in the office area hopefully..
  • WEDNESDAY – Hopefully I’ll be doing laundry ALL day and finishing the furniture and box shift.
  • THURSDAY – Finish wrecking out the dated 70’s paneling in the office area to finish exposing the dry rot so we can deal with it.
  • FRIDAYMERRY CHRISTMAS – dinner at my cousin Kevin’s house.
  • SATURDAY –  Try to clean up the yard – the plumbers have made a HUGE mess behind the house where they are tunneling under the house. We have to do this so we can install the window in the master bedroom and the sod the backyard.
  • SUNDAY –  Unpack what I can and begin to organize a bit.

CURRENTLY READING
I keep trying to read before bed, but am so exhausted at the end of the day that I doze off before I can even read a paragraph.

TELEVISION / DVR
Not much – not enough time!

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Hoping to find my Brother and SIL’s Christmas gift I’ve been working on and get it finished as fast as possible.  Unfortunately it WILL be late, but it will also be from the heart so I know they’ll understand.  This remodel and not yet having unpack has put a serious cramp in my style!

HOUSE PROJECTS
Finish wrecking out the dated 70’s paneling in the office area to finish exposing the dry rot so we can deal with it. Hubby still has a few pieces of molding to paint and install, but we did get the carpeting last Friday in the master bedroom

KITCHEN WISHES
Planning on starting the cabinets and flooring this next 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
CORNED BEEF HASH and OVER MEDIUM EGGS & TOAST
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
??
DINNER
EXPERIMENT NIGHT
Grilled Hamburgers with Cole Slaw
C.O.R.N.
Ham Steak with Mac & Cheese
Dinner at my cousin Kevin’s house
??


DESSERT








HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
So I tried the glass of vinegar in the freshly painted room trick and guess what?  It works!! Within 10 minutes the walls were still wet, but there was NO paint smell!

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Being able to finally see past the mess from 55 days ago (that feels like years).
  • Sleeping in my own bed instead of a futon.
  • Spending time with friends and family.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I actually have 2 this week.  We finished the bedroom, well at least 95% and began putting away the clothes.  The spread I ordered is too small but fits perfectly in the spare bedroom. Now remember we have been traveling for the better part of a decade and A LOT of things were in storage so we HAD a lot of clothing and much of it cold weather. So we had a ton of decisions to make on what to keep and what to get rid of.  EVERYTHING is now in the closet, a drawer or the donation pile. We did keep quite a bit of cold weather clothing, but with the new walk in closet just stored it in totes on the top shelves. It’s going to take a while to inventory all of this for donation!

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

Good morning my friends.  I’m getting an early start this week.  Seems like my 14 hour days are just not enough to get it all done!  I hope you had wonderful weekends.  We had wind and rain and I loved it! I had plenty to keep me busy, so it was wonderful to watch out the window.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
We had tons of rain and wind over the weekend, but today is gorgeous! The rest of the week is supposed to be clear and nice also.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • MONDAY – Contact plumber about the leak caused by the foundation people, finish the Christmas shopping, grocery shopping, prep the boxes for mailing, finish hanging the clothes in the closet, 2nd coat of paint in the pantry, 1st coat of paint in bedroom and build framework for the kitchen sink so we can finish ripping out the lower kitchen cabinets.
  • TUESDAY – Electrician will be here to fix the problems in the kitchen and finish  – PROGRESS!, paper back walls of pantry, cut shelf paper for pantry shelves. Finish removing the vanity and sink in master bath to determine where the leak is coming from.
  • WEDNESDAY – If the plumber is done I want to tile the laundry room and refrigerator area as well as the pantry.
  • THURSDAY – PAINT!!!!! Make appetizer for the Holiday party at the clubhouse
  • FRIDAY – Carpet installation? 
  • SATURDAY – If carpet is done, finish the molding and move into OUR bedroom FINALLY.
  • SUNDAY –  FOOTBALL!!!

HOUSE PROJECTS

  • MASTER BEDROOM
  • PANTRY
  • LAUNDRY ROOM

KITCHEN WISHES

  • FLOOR 
  • LIGHTING
  • CABINETS
  • COUNTER TOPS 
  • BACK SPLASH
  • RANGE & HOOD
  • DISHWASHER

 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
WAFFLES


PANCAKES & BACON
LUNCH
FRUIT &  CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
??


MEAT & CHEESE
?? ??
DINNER
EXPERIMENT NIGHT
C.O.R.N.
OUT


DESSERT




CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE


HOMEMAKING TIP
As you know we have been doing a ton of painting around here.  A tip that REALLY works is to place a glass of vinegar in the room you are painting and it absorbs the paint fumes!

I know you have all seen this, but I’m actually doing it!  Turn ALL your hangers backwards at the beginning of the year. At the end of the year, any hanger that is still backwards should be donated.  I already filled 2 bags just hanging the clothes that had been in storage.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • FINISHED PROJECTS!!!!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

After 47 days here I can FINALLY begin hanging clothes in the closet!

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

This past week really flew by. These busy days are good, but also not letting me enjoy my favorite season the way we traditionally do.For now just thankful that we are healthy.  On that note all the manual labor has been really good for me.  As of yesterday I’ve lost 19 pounds.  On the bad note, I may need a new wardrobe!

WEATHER OUTSIDE
Our evenings and nights are still quite cool and crisp, but our days are sunny and warm again really helping to get a few projects done.  It is supposed to start storming at the end of the week so am hoping to get as much of the trash pile out of our hair.  Thank goodness for 2 trash days a week.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • MONDAY – setting the tile in the master bedroom closet and painting the pantry.
  • TUESDAY – grocery shopping and errands, hanging clothes in closet and storing all the totes (YAY!!) then prepping more walls for paint.
  • WEDNESDAY – painting the bedroom and meeting with the insurance agent as well as hopefully meeting with the carpet people.
  • THURSDAY – 2nd coat of paint in the bedroom, pantry and 1st coat in the refrigerator area.
  • FRIDAY – Tear out wall behind laundry area where there have been sever leaks – what we find will decide how we proceed.
  • SATURDAY – Farmer’s Market if weather permits. Wrapping gifts and going to a friends Christmas party.
  • SUNDAY – still up in the air

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
We’ve seen a few movies and caught a few shows here and there, but the remodel is keeping us busy until late into the evening most days.
  
CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I wish there was something to report here.  I owe everyone BIG homemade Christmas gifts NEXT year.

HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Master Bedroom this week as well as unpacking a few more boxes in the office area.

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
OUT
BACON & EGGS


LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
??
??
DINNER
CHILI’S with my uncle

SOUTH of the BORDER CHICKEN WINGS & BEER BAKED BEANS

C.O.R.N.
TERIYAKI CHICKEN
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT








ON MY MIND
There are a few things I’d like to mention, but need to mull over a bit more so I don’t speak from anger.  We’ll see how I feel next week.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • That we’re going to be sleeping in our own bed by Christmas.  This futon is breaking my back.
  • Our granddaughter will be with us for Christmas.
  • Starting to see a tunnel.  The light at the end is still a long ways off, but now that a majority of the clean out is done things are beginning to take shape and can be more easily visualized.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I’ll get this recipe up soon.  It was one of the best things I have ever made in a slow cooker!

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! Ours got a little mixed up and we actually ended up working part of the day before heading over to my uncle’s house for dinner.  LOL he called and said he was putting in the turkey (it was smoked and just needed to warm) and heading for a shower.  We were going to originally eat between 1 and 2 o’clock, but he and my aunt got hung up at church when they dropped off the turkeys they had prepared for the meal for the needy and next thing you know it’s 2 o’clock and they were just getting home.  Hubs and I got there and my uncle was still in the shower and my aunt (who has Alzeimer’s) was so surprised to see us.  After all the work at the church she forgot it was Thanksgiving and that anyone was coming over.  My cousin showed up shortly after we did and it occurred to us that we weren’t smelling turkey.  Long story short, as if that’s possible, Kevy and I started trying to throw together dinner.  He peeled potatoes and I cut.  We threw the turkey in to warm and started a search for a vegetable.  As the potatoes finished boiling, I drained them and he went for the milk.  LOL there was NO milk! Then we could find the mixer, but NO beaters. We ended up using Redi whip (made with real cream) and butter and they were good! It was NOT a conventional meal, but we had a good time and laughed A LOT!

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It turned cold on Saturday and rainy too. Looks like winter is finally here.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
Lots and lots, but I find I do better with making lists!

  • Monday – Measure for the new bedroom window and get it ordered.  Finish wrapping the Christmas presents that need to be mailed, get them boxed up and addressed.  Start patch work in the bedroom and the carpet guy will be here to measure in the afternoon.
  • Tuesday – The electrician will be here to look at our screwy wiring and it’s trash day so have to be available to help the guys and give them their beer and soda.
  • Wednesday – We’re taking the day to visit all the Habitat for Humanity Restores in the area to seek out necessary parts we need, pick up the cleaning and do the grocery shopping.
  • Thursday – finish patch work on bedroom and begin removing vanity and kitchen cabinets for the dumpster which should arrive in the afternoon.
  • Friday – Load dumpster and it will probably take ALL day.
  • Saturday – Finish wrecking out and/or loading the dumpster!
  • Sundaytaking the day OFF! When we did our last remodel hubby set a rule that we would quit by 6PM every day and Sundays were to be days where we only did what we wanted and I didn’t cook.  The didn’t cook part didn’t last as I finally convinced him that cooking was something I wanted to do!

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
We’re catching up on a few movies we had been wanting to see and not much else – just too tired at the end of the day.

HOUSE PROJECTS
We are trying to finish the bedroom and the kitchen before Christmas.  If we are lucky that will extend to the living room, but I really doubt it.  So far each project seems to be plagued by the domino effect and each task is more difficult than it should be.

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 OVER MEDIUM EGGS & TOAST
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
??
DINNER
Crockpot Lasagna
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • wrapping gifts for my favorite munchkins
  • getting closer to sleeping in my own bed
  • cooler weather 

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.