Happy Homemaker Monday

From: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

The weather in my neck of the woods:

Spring like! Low 70's, mid 60's! Sunny and great!

Except...Saturday its suppose to rain... Saturday is also moving day. Go figure.

Things that make me happy:

A great group of friends at church.

Having dinner delivered to us by a lovely woman.

Being debt free, & buying big purchases with cash!

Book(s) I'm reading:

“Parenting isn't for Cowards" Jame Dobson

What I'm enjoying on TV:

Parenthood. My I'm going to be so sad when this season ends!

On the menu for dinner:

Chicken, Potato salad, rolls & lemonade :)

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

None yet.

On my To Do List:

Buy more packing tape

Laundry

Pack

Take girls to the park

In the Craft Basket:

One letter order to finish up! Then I'm done for a few days for the move!

Looking forward to this week:

Moving!

Our last Foster Care training class.

My favorite blog post this week (Mine or other):

"The Art of Being All There" from Breaking Through

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:

Don't let anyone make you feel that what your doing for God is not "big" enough, or in recent situations.."cool" enough. If you are doing anything for the lord at all, you will be blessed!

On My Prayer List:

Sanity for this move

Another great Foster Care class

Hearts & eyes will be opened to the children in the foster care system, from adoption to needing a safe place to stay for a few nights.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

"There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."

1 Corinthians 12:5

Happy Homemaker Monday

From: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

The weather in my neck of the woods:

Rainy & Cold. Good snuggle weather :)

Things that make me happy:

Lunch with my hubby & kids at Chic fil a

Cute for a Cause "taking off"

Little sister sleeping through the night without waking once!

Book(s) I'm reading:

Psalms

What I'm enjoying on TV:

Parenthood! So can't wait for tomorrow's episode!

On the menu for dinner:

No idea, actually. I should get on that...

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

Baked penne

On my To Do List:

Trip to the scrapbook store downtown

Call a wholesale letter place

Get a hold of FC man.

In the Craft Basket:

An "S"

A monogram set.

The name "Keaton"

A "J" & "D"

Looking forward to this week:

My 22nd Birthday!

My favorite blog post this week (Mine or other):

Just One by Popp Life

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:

Positive reinforcement is the best "punishment".

My family IS an "Incredible Family"

and, I don't have to like everyone, or pretend to!

On My Prayer List:

That everything continues to work out as it has been with our foster care licensing.

That we stay in God's will.

For the children in the foster care system who are hurting & have been torn apart from not only their parents, but their siblings too.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

“"The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time..." Psalm 35:19

Happy Homemaker Monday

From: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

The weather in my neck of the woods:

Today is cloudy & 62 degrees. It's going to be a depressing week, because the weather is calling for rain & clouds ALL week. Uck.

Things that make me happy:

Freshly waxed eyebrows.

Having my husband home.

My babies feeling better.

God's Promises.

Book(s) I'm reading:

None! :/

What I'm enjoying on TV:

Jersey Shore! No really. It is my secret obsession. It's so awfully addicting. I get really mad at myself if I miss it!

On the menu for dinner:

Pancakes, eggs, and bacon! Sure do wish I had my birthday griddle! Wish the 9th would hurry up! Ok, not really.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

Maple walnut french toast and I'd like to make my own steak & cheese's :)

On my To Do List:

Make a phone call.

Girls appointments tomorrow.

In the Craft Basket:

2 letter orders!

Looking forward to this week:

Turning in our home study paperwork tomorrow!

Spending the day alone with my hubby in Charleston later this week as we celebrate THREE BIG things!

1) BEING DEBT FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!

2)MY 22ND BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

3)TURNING IN OUR HOME STUDY PAPERS!!!!!

My favorite blog post this week (Mine or other):

Love Where You Live by Enjoying the Small Things

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:

Mother's always mean the best for their children. Even my mom. Even when I dont think so ;)

On My Prayer List:

That we actually really do turn in our home study! Who knows what could happen to stop us from doing it tomorrow.

Patience for God's plans...I have to let go, and let God!

My babies heal 100%

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

‎"These thing's I plan will not happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time will approach when my vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely happen and not be a single day late!" Habakuk 2:3

Happy Homemaker Monday

From: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

The weather in my neck of the woods:

High 40's, low 50's. Im ready for spring!

Things that make me happy:

I finally hopped back on the bow making train!

Book(s) I'm reading:

None! I do have a few on my birthday list though.

What I'm enjoying on TV:

Parenthood.

Teen Mom 2

Jersey Shore.

Extreme Home Makeover.

On the menu for dinner:

Baked Ziti

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

Nada

On my To Do List:

Have my TB test read

Pick up pictures from walgreens

Get little sisters B.C

Make lots of copies

In the Craft Basket:

Paint a coat hanger for the girl's bedroom (for dress up clothes and little purses)

Make some bows.

Looking forward to this week:

Getting our home study paperwork turned in

My favorite blog post this week (Mine or other):

6 tips for the first 24 hours of placement by Foster Parent Journey

Ok, it's the only blog I've read all day...so far...

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

(today was craft day. we painted jewelry boxes and made beaded necklaces.)

Lesson learned the past few days:

I can't do everything & be everywhere. OK, didn't just learn it, but I was pretty bummed that I didn't get to work on our friends extreme house because little sister was up all night. But now im over it, family needs (and my sleep/sanity) come first!

On My Prayer List:

That we get all of this home study stuff done and turned in by Friday!

That I get back on track with my weight loss

That middle sister will get over this clothing phase

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

"Fear the Lord, you his Godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord with lack no good thing. " Psalm 34:9-10

Can you tell I've been reading the book of Psalms?

Happy Homemaker Monday

From: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

The weather in my neck of the woods:

Cold! (30's). Rain. Ice.

Things that make me happy:

Late night movies with my husband.

Building cool Lego towers with my girls.

Book(s) I'm reading:

Haven’t been reading much recently

What I'm enjoying on TV:

Jersey Shore (uck, I know...but it's addicting!)

Parenthood

The new Teen Mom

On the menu for dinner:

Homemade pizza

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

Nada

On my To Do List:

Drop off stuff for donation

Trip to the bank

Drop by the doctors office

Get little sisters birth certificate

In the Craft Basket:

Nothing...really :/

Looking forward to this week:

Our initial home visit, a baby shower for a dear friend

My favorite blog post this week (Mine or other):

"Do Orphans Need Saving?" By Rage Against the Minivan

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:

Hope & Future have come up in my mind a few times this past week. I have reminded myself of God's promises of a Hope & A Future (Jer 29:11) for not just me, but my husband, and for each one of our children and the child that will be placed with us. He has come to give us life, and life abundantly.

On My Prayer List:

Safety for family & friends driving in our icy conditions

That our initial visit goes well this week

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. Psalm 25:4-5

Happy Homemaker Monday

From: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

The weather in my neck of the woods:

50's & 60's- perfect for playing outside this week!

Things that make me happy:

A new year, & how excited little sister gets when I talk to her

Book(s) I'm reading:

None! Except the bible...which I'm always reading.

What I'm enjoying on TV:

16 & Pregnant (when Ashley gives her baby up for adoption)...made me cry harder than I have in a long time....sigh.

On the menu for dinner:

The girls had fish sticks & mac & cheese. We had...well..I'm not going to say because we are suppose to be fasting in the new year starting today...but, we're starting tomorrow...(grin).

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

Curry chicken casserole!

On my To Do List:

Make little sister's 6 month well check up

Clean up/ hang some laundry to dry

Put something in the mail

Bring the girl's to get a toy from the $ store because they got five stickers on their good behavior charts.

Catch up on blogs

In the Craft Basket:

Initial bow hanger..things.

Looking forward to this week:

My eye exam Friday! I know- sad. It's bad when you look forward to an eye exam because you can tell you need them badly!

My favorite blog post this week (Mine or other):

I Am from Enjoying the Small Things

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:

"Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers..."

On My Prayer List:

We are praying about our girls, foster care, what this year has in store for us, and peace in decisions.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither and they prosper in all they do."

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:

Mid-low 40's. Right now, is 46.

Things that make me happy:

Spending time with my best friend and our kids

Dr. Seuss

My husbands work schedule

Book(s) I'm reading:

David Platt's Radical... maybe one day this will change...I actually haven't picked it up in weeks.

What I'm enjoying on TV:

Nothing really.

On the menu for dinner:

Grilled chicken fajitas

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

This yummy chicken & cheese casserole with French fried onions and cream of mushroom soup.

On my to do list:

Make myself another eye exam appointment...since I wasted an hour and half last week at the previous eye place, only for me to finally get in the exam room and the doc tell me he doesn't accept our insurance.

In the craft basket:

Christmas pillow case dresses

Looking forward to this week:

Christmas Eve and Christmas, of course!

My Favorite Blog Post this week:

"Fostering: A Bigger Picture" from With Great Joy

No words needed favorite photo from this week:


Lesson I've learned the past few days:

Every parent is different, every child is unique, how you choose to parent will differ from someone else...and that is okay.

On my prayer list:

Confidence

Devotionals, Key Readings, Scripture Verses:

‎"You will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus..." Phil 4:7

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:

Cold, Cold, Cold!

High of 37, low of 21!

Things that make me happy:

Good times with sweet friends

Games with my hubby

Bundling up in cold weather

Book(s) I'm reading:

David Platt's Radical...taking me a long time to get through.

What I'm enjoying on TV:

We just got Despicable Me, my favorite!

On the menu for dinner:

Omelette's & bacon! I've been kinda craving bacon.

(Not the pregnancy kind of cravings)

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

Still the oreo balls. Waiting for my next shopping trip to make them :)

On my to do list:

Make myself an eye appointment

Call foster care licensing

In the craft basket:

Paper chains for the tree

Lots of material for me to sew

Looking forward to this week:

Big sister's last soccer game tonight

Church Christmas dinner Wednesday

My Favorite Blog Post this week:

"Small & Simple Things Challenge" by Our Busy Homeschool.

No words needed favorite photo from this week:


Lesson I've learned the past few days:

My house is not always going to be clean with three kids, and nobody expects it to be, so neither should I.

On my prayer list:

Still waiting to hear about our FC application.

Devotionals, Key Readings, Scripture Verses:

I'm reading Isaiah.

"Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord. Give the Lord no rest until he completes his work"

Isaiah 62:6-7

Happy Homemaker Monday

From: Dairy of a Stay at Home Mom

The weather in my neck of the woods:

50's during the day, 30's at night.

Things that make me happy:

When my girls play sweetly together

Seeing the joy and magic of Christmas through my little girl's eyes

Book(s) I'm reading:

David Platt's Radical

What I'm enjoying on TV:

Parenthood is by far my favorite show right now

Then, The Walking Dead- which the first season just ended last night.

On the menu for dinner:

Yesterday was tomato soup & grilled cheese

Tonight, was sloppy joe's.

Tomorrow, is homemade pizza.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

Hmmm.

Nothing really.

Maybe oreo balls that my friend tweeted about.

On my to do list:

Call Honda about a recall that may or may not include my van. OH, yep..my VAN. {grin}

In the craft basket:

Letters to Santa

Paper chains for the tree

Lots of material for me to sew

Looking forward to this week:

Festival of Lights with my beautiful children

Finishing Christmas shopping & day with my husband all to myself

My husbands Christmas party

My Favorite Blog Post this week:

"How we got here" by Popp Life

No words needed favorite photo from this week:


Lesson I've learned the past few days:

God made me to be me, not a copy of someone else. Live, lead & preach with the personality God gave me.

On my prayer list:

Patience with my little ones.

Our Foster care application will find its way into the right hands, that we will be approved, of course!

Ignore the lies from the devil.

Devotionals, Key Readings, Scripture Verses:

I'm reading Isiah.

But- my current "verse" im holding onto right now is:

"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" Habakkuk 2:3