Homekeepers Journal-August 10

I decided to participate in a new meme called  “A HomeKeeper’s Journal” Please visit Sylvia at Christian HomeKeeper Network to read what others are struggling with this week.

This week’s Journal is about struggles and what we do when we find ourselves struggling.

I struggle in my kitchen with ….. lately it seems like everything.  How to plan and cook for just the two of us.  Since it is usually just me and the hubby, and sometimes it is only me, I struggle to find the right solution for our eating needs.  What do I cook and will it be just me, etc….

Struggles of any kind have a tendency to make me …… on edge.  Seems like when I struggle I lose sight of all the lessons I have learned in the past. 

I struggle more when ……. I am not focused or organized.

When it comes to people, I struggle ….. with dishonesty and trust.  I think for me, this comes from being lied too by loved ones that you thought would never do anything to harm you.    

When it comes to struggles, I believe the Lord wants me to know ….. that he is near.  He will never leave me, and he can get me through this.

Please join in the fun by linking up here.

Psalm 46:1“[For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song.] God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Happy Monday Morning

Well we are off to another week….getting a bit closer to the big day around here.  Yesterday I had the opportunity to sit with my son and just share some time together.  Granted alot of it was talking wedding, and finalizing the lists (we have lots of them). But one thing that I have to do this week is contact the restaurant for the rehearsal dinner.  They needed the final head count a week before, so my son had to go over that list to make sure every name was on it that needed to be.  My mind is so crammed full of “wedding jumble” that I am scared I am going to forget something.  Tonight is my future DIL bachelorette party, sue to her work schedule (she has a really strange schedule) it is being done tonight.  My son’s bachelor party is going to be Saturday night.  Yikes, guess that means it is getting close huh? Family will start arriving here next Wednesday.  Quite honestly, it will be a good thing for me when my mom arrives because I know I will slow down a bit and she will help keep me calm.  :) 

So many things I would like to get accomplished this week, just hope I can stay on task.  Last week, I fell short.  I can’t seem to stay focused.  I really don’t like when I get that way.  Thinking I need to just slow down and bit and get my priorities back in check.  One minute my mind is fluttering with the house and the sale of, and then the wedding, projects that still need to be done for instance, we are going to paint and recarpet the basement.  Yeah, you heard me right (call us crazy)….plus we are getting ready to put a new roof on the house.  Still have estimates out but they should be hopefully all be in today so we can make a decision. The weather for the next ten days isn’t great with lots of rain in the forecast, and our goal was to have the roof on before the wedding.  They seem to think they can get the job done in one day so my prayer is that we can get it done before then, if not, it will be after May 1. 

As you have read from my past post, our weather has turned cold again.  Actually not cold, cold, because it is the average temperatures for this time of year, but because we have been having such warm to hot days, it has thrown me for a loop.  Tons I want to do outside, but can’t stand the cold or the wind…so I’ve limited myself to the inside of the house.  Hubby has the yard looking so good.  Yesterday in the blustery cold air, he mulched ALL the flowerbeds, and put out new flowers as well as mowed the lawn.  It was a all day venture.  The yard looks great, but of course, I felt guilty for not helping him.  Our weather forecast for the next ten days don’t look all that great either. So not sure how much time I will actually be outside.  Good thing I didn’t put the turtlenecks and sweat shirts away yet. 

I’ve fallen behind too on working on my bible study.  Each time I sit down to do it, my mind wonders.  I MUST try to get through it today or tomorrow.  Normally I have been ahead of the game on this, but not this past week. 

Guess that is enough out of me for today, two post in one day, that is a first in awhile. I hope you will take a look at the vblog I posted below this. This video really touched my heart as this is been my life’s goal.  Speaking of goal’s, what is your life goal?

Be blessed!

Tuesday

Every leaf speaks bliss to me,
Fluttering from the autumn tree.
Emily Bronte

Food for thought:

Do you ever feel like this woman? I know I do…today is one of those days. I feel like I have lots that I should be doing outside the home…but all I really want to do is get myself together. I am feeling like I am in a rut lately, and have to find something that I can do to get out of it. Any ideas? Suggestions appreciated.

My head is swimming with all kinds of thoughts today. I sometimes wonder when I feel this way if I will get anything accomplished. That is when it is essential that I stick to my list. Let’s see how well I do today.

BTW, the baked apples I made last night were so good. I think I would have preferred if I had of added a bit more sugar because the apples I used where a bit tart. But they were awesome. You can find the recipe here. Definitely will be making these again. They were so easy.

Last night, I didn’t do much, Michael got home from work and we watched a little TV. Afterwards he had some things to do, so I sat and listened to College Basketball via the computer. Last night was my favorite teams first game and even though it was a expedition game it was good to hear. But really made me homesick, would have loved to have been there real time. Go Cats!!

One of things I think I am going to start doing on my blog is scheduling certain days to do certain things. For instance, Monday’s I will share my weekend, Tuesday are for sharing a new site, I think you might enjoy. And so on….So since today is Tuesday, it is a site for inspiration. I love Melissa’s blog at 320*Sycamore. She always shares great home designing inspiration. If you haven’t visited with her before, please do. I am sure you will fall in love with her blog too.

Now I need to get to work on that list….

Have a blessed day!

Cindy

Wow, how time flies

My question is wow where does the time go?  I can't believe it has been over 1 1/2 months since I wrote anything on my blog.  Life has really been busy for me over the last month or so...it naturally is but for some reason this year it has been particularly busy. 

As you see from the last post, we got our house on the market, and that is a experience all in itself.  As any of you that have done this knows, it is alot of work to keep your home "show ready".  So that has taken up some of my time, not to mention having to leave the house each time someone wants to come and look at it.  Oh well, that is part of the process I guess.  Everyone keeps asking....nothing has happened yet with the house, but we have had a abundance of second and third time lookers.  Guess people are being cautious about spending that kind of money so they want to get the biggest bang for their buck.  Can't say I blame them.  So if and when it sells, you will be one of the first to know.

I also have started back to work full time and that has taken a adjustment...the early hours and early nights....so therefore my evenings are more structured and blogging doesn't always fit into the plan. 

This is the first weekend we have been home in a month.  Three weekends we had a unexpected trip to Missouri for my dil's mothers funeral.  It was such a shock and sad time.  She was only 52.  I think our dil was glad we came down, just wish there had been more we could have done for her.  She is such a sweetie and glad to have her as a part of our family. 

The next two weekends were spent in Williamsport Pa, for the Little League World Series.  It just so happened that both my hometown team, Russellville, Ky....the Logan County team made it as well as hubby's team from San Antonio...so of course we had to go and root our boys on. We had a great time, seeing old friends and making new ones.  Although neither of our teams won the title we were so proud of them and the way they represented us.  Our hats off to the parents and coach's of these young men.  What a wonderful experience for them to carry into adulthood.

Our weather here has turn almost fall like, and I welcome it.  It is by far my favorite season.  It has my mind reeling with all kinds of things I want to cook and bake....I love the days spent out going to craft fairs, fall festivals, apple picking, hayrides, shopping for the perfect pumpkin.  Is there anything about the fall NOT to like.  God blesses us with wonderful warm and cozy colors to set the perfect backdrop for this time of year.  Simply gorgeous!

I have also been reading like a mad woman...I have read some wonderful books written about the Amish...my favorite...and have a list of about 6 more to buy...both Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunstetter have new ones out.  Woo Hoo!  So might try to hit a bookstore over the weekend to pick them up, if not...here I come Amazon.

Well that is a brief snippet of what has been going on with me...with alot of little mundane sprinkled in there...but overall just real busy and feeling real blessed.  God is so good! 

Heading out this morning to get me a manicure which is in great need as lately typing has become a major chore....so going to take care of that before much else gets done. 

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Happy Labor Day, spent with those you love and capturing sweet moments that will linger as wonderful memories with your family and friends.

Till next time,

Hugs to all!

Thursday Thoughts

Hi buddies, Can you believe it, another post for me...what is she going to talk about today? Ah, who knows. I have had a slow morning here at work and so thought I would work on a post. I know I should be working on some more training, but don't feel inspired to that....YET! I will....

This morning my mind has been busy working overtime, with all kinds of thoughts about home, family, spiritual, you name it. I feel my existence tugging on me in a million little directions. Now for me that can be a bad thing, but actually now, it's not, It's a good thing. I feel like I have my motivation back, which has been lacking for a while now. Over the course of the last several days (maybe week) I have been working on getting my perspective back to where it is/was suppose to be. For a while, I was just one tired soul. Since my new schedule, I am feeling more "normal" and rested. It is simply amazing what a difference and outlook you have when your body gets proper rest. My optimistic attitude had become more negative. Which is a trait I simply hate. I know that is a strong word, but it is so true for me. Do you realize how many people have negative attitudes and they don't even realize it? For me, I do realize when mine is like that. And I don't like it. And seems no matter what I was doing it wasn't getting better. Praise God, I don't feel that way anymore. For the most part, I am back to my happy little self with way to much going on. :) Oh well, I know it is temporary. Once our house projects are complete, things should settle down.

So did you all see my video that I posted last night? Isn't Chondra a funny lady? Just love her humor and the way she can laugh at herself. I have found another woman that I also enjoy, her name is Jeanne Robertson, see what you think!

Well, I am going to work on a little post for my homemaking site, so if you want to check it out...jump on over there.

Hope your having a blessed week.

Cindy

Too many things

Happy Sunday everyone. I decided I needed to sit down and let you all know what is going on with me. I know it has been awhile since I posted but it just seems that I don't feel like I have anything to say. Nothing exciting going on but just regular everyday stuff. Days are full of going to work and nights filled with playing catch up or running errands, or simply resting.

Michael has been off the last several weeks as he is in between jobs. He is suppose to start his new one next week. He decided to take another week off so that he can take care of more things here at the house that he is wanting to get done before he starts back. Seems there is always a list of projects to take care of. He has made some great strides in the last couple of weeks. Woo hoo, that means there is less that I have to try to take care of when I get home. He is so thoughtful when it comes to helping me. I am so blessed that he is how he is. Each day when I get home, he tells me to go and lay down for a couple of hours and rest. I always feel so guilty for getting home and taking a nap instead of spending time with him, but it does make me feel so much better.

I am back at a very familiar place, looking for a balance in things. This is a place I know very well. My mind is racing with all kinds of things that I want to do... I am debating on what to get into today. Parts of me would like to do some cooking and baking, another part wants to spend time playing online, and another part just wants to watch old movies and cuddle with Michael, and another part wants to get out and go to a antique mall and reminisce the past and possibly find a trinket. Most likely will not do that, as yesterday Michael and I did get out and go to some yard sales. I found several finds. It was alot of fun. Yesterday the weather was a perfect day for it. Our little town had several community ones yesterday and I think we hit them all. We also went over to the high school to watch the girls softball game. My gf's daughter plays for the team and they are in the playoffs. Then we had to get home because Tori had to get ready for prom.

The prom theme for Tori's class was "Classic Hollywood". She and Matt looked so cute together.

We purchased Tori a pretty pink dress for prom, but she decided she wanted to wear the dress that she wore in our wedding. She got so many compliments on this dress. It really is lovely. The pictures don't do it justice. She has never wanted to wear a dress more than once, ugh! But she wanted to wear this one. She went to her dads last night after the prom so I haven't gotten to really talk to her, but she will home later today. She and Matt and his family are going to see the "Blue Angels" today. There is a air show, and Matt has never seen them perform before. Guess coming from the Navy backgroud that we do, we have had many opportunities to see them. Hopefully it will be a good day. At the moment it is raining here, and it suppose to the rest of the day. Quite a bit cooler than yesterday.

Well girls, I guess I should start on my day. Hope you have a blessed day.

Hugs!

Time is flying by

Where is the time going? I have so much going on and my mind is rattled but other than that, I am doing great. I realized that one month from now, I am going to married again. WHEW! Hard to believe that it is coming along so quickly. Everyday there has been something that I have had to do, but today, I came home from work and took a nap and just have been hanging out. I actually just got out of the shower, had to wash this hair...but I wanted to get that down so that I could try to watch AI tonight. Actually I am watching last night show as I type this.

Tomorrow, I am going in for my dress fitting and I am taking Tori with me, because afterwards we are going dress shopping for her. She is going to be my maid of honor and we still have to find something for her. I hope we can find something that we both can agree on.

Depending on what is going on this weekend, I might go and get my hair cut and get it highlighted...but if not this weekend, it will be next week. Michael said something about trying to get tickets to go see the San Antonio Spurs in Philly, this weekend as they are playing in there.

I am so sorry I haven't had time to get around to visit or to even update my blog lately. Just way to much going on. But I have really missed it and checking in with you.

I have been spending as much time as possible reading these days. I have been reading two different Elizabeth George books. Almost finished with the second one. I have read her book on prayer and " A woman after God's heart". If you haven't read them, I recommend them to you. Both are excellent books and Elizabeth has a way of relating God's intention for us in such a way that it is easy to read and understand. I have thoroughly enjoyed them. I have made a concious decision this year to balance out my life with my priorities as well a dedicate time each day with the Lord. I have had times throughout my life where I felt my life was more aligned with God's plan, but over recent years it kinda slipped away....and my heart has graved for that relationship again. Thus, I have been diligently seeking his will in my life and for my family's. I find when I have a few minutes of spare time these days, that is where you will find me, with a book in my hand trying to learn. I just want to stay "teachable".

Well, there is much more going on, but will stop for now. Hoping that I will get back here soon.

Have a great rest of the week.

Mixed Bag

Hi (wavin) I am heading out the door tonight for a meeting at the church but wanted to post a little something. Actually tonight there is a million things that I would like to chat about but don't have the time. My mind is racing with all kinds of thoughts. Kinda feels like a hamster on a wheel, keeps going round and round and doesn't stop. If I have time after my meeting tonight, I will jot a few of the things down and blog about them later.

I hope you are staying warm, and not having to get out in the frigid cold weather. We were suppose to get a dicey mix of precipitation today, but so far nothing. Hoping it stays that way.

Hate to dart, but gotta get going. Have a blessed night.

Hugs!