Happy Homemaker Monday

Good morning! Yep, it's Monday again! While my sweet hubby has a verrrry hard time getting up and out to work on Monday, I really don't mind!

I love starting a new week and getting my house back in order after a weekend (: I am strange I know!

Yesterday, while shaving my legs in the shower, I wrenched my back. It is sore today but not as bad as it was yesterday. It is amazing how messy the house can get when you can't bend over though!

The WEATHER in my neck of the woods: a little overcast at the moment but will be burning off soon
Things that make me HAPPPY: spending time with my family

Book(s) I am READING: I love the show Haven on Syfy which is based on Stephen King's The Colorado Kid. So that is what I am reading (:

What is on my TV today: Eureka and Warehouse 13
On the MENU for dinner tonight: something with chicken (lol)
On my TO DO LIST: plan my menu (:, organize my coupons, get my daughter packed for camp, make cupcakes
NEW RECIPE I want to try/have tried: For the first time ever, we grilled corn on the cob. Sooo yummy!
In the CRAFT BASKET: I am so lame, nothing
LOOKING FORWARD to this week: my daughter's birthday
TIPS and TRICKS: schedules & routines. Kids thrive on them and so do I!
My favorite BLOG POST of the week: I didn't do much blog hopping this week
BLOG HOPPING: see above
NO WORDS NEEDED: my husband in his whites during Seabee Days (*swoon*)
Lessons LEARNED in the past few days: just trying to keep my priorities straight
 On my MIND: my daughter. She is headed to an over night church camp for the week. I have never been away from her for that long!!
Devotionals, thoughts or scriptures: Show your gratitude.

Happy Homemaker Monday

Guess who hasn't participated in a Happy Homemaker Monday for a loooong time? Yes that would be me! So let me get back in the game!!

Weather in my neck of the woods: sunny and warm! I live in So. Cal so the weather doesn't change much (:

Things that make me Happy: celebrating my anniversary with my sweetheart

Books I am reading: Oh gosh, nothing really! Isn't that awful?!

What is on my tv today: catching up on DVR and a funny episode of Psych

On the menu for dinner tonight: marinaded chicken, potato salad, rolls

On my to do list: organizing my coupon binder, planning out shopping lists

New recipe I have tried or want to try soon: tonight I am making Nutella cresants with heath bits. I don't know what the recipe is called but I will share when I make it.

In the craft basket: a new chore chart for my son (using my cricut and velcro)

What I am looking forward to this week: my boys being at Cub Scout day camp (:

Tips & tricks: We just got back from a camping trip. When packing for 6 people, there is a high probability of forgetting things. So I pack full complete outfits and put them in a gallon size bag. From socks and underwear to hair things for my daughter. Also, if there will be an activity that they need "special" clothes for (like swimming) I put those in a seperate spot. Besides making sure that they have everything they need, it is easier to unpack without dumping a whole bag out for what you need. I don't throw the bags away, I use them for dirty clothes or wet clothes on the way home. Or...well for anything.

My favorite blog post this week: see below

Blog Hopping: I found this blog a bit ago and love all the advice and inspiration!!  Check out Organizing Made Fun

No Words Needed: favorite photo from this week >>>>>>>>>

Lesson learned the past few days: patience is a virtue!!

On my Mind: my family reunion next week

Devotionals, Scriptures or spiritual thoughts: Something that I have been trying to keep in mind is that " no outside success can compensate for failure in the home"

Happy Homemaker Monday

Wow, the week has completely gotten away from me! My inlaws have been visiting and I didn't plan my posts very well.

My sweet hubby leaves for a 7 mo. deployment on Friday, so I am not sure how much I will be posting this week either. Although keeping busy is a good thing during a deployment!

Anyway, here we go:

Weather in my neck of the woods: It's 5 am and still dark outside! But I think it is supposed to be rainy today!

Things that make me happy: naps!

Books I am reading: Sugar and Spice ( a collection of short stories about Christmas)

What is on my tv today: my inlaws are here so whatever they want

On the menu for dinner: chili pie casserole and biscuits

On my to do list: take my inlaws to tour the base, mail a pkg for my husband

New recipe I tried or want to try soon: I swear I have barely been in my kitchen lately :(

In the craft basket: nothing, but getting ready to start my Christmas cards

Looking forward to this week: taking the kiddos to "trunk or treat" since Halloween is on Sunday, our church has a trunk or treat on Saturday

Tips and Tricks: Before taking kids into a gift shop, let them know the amount they can spend. If any! Having a budget planned out makes it easier for them and for your wallet!

Favorite blog post of the week: I have barely posted on my own blog let alone go to others. But I am lovin' all the bento pics and ideas over at Another Lunch

Blog hopping( a new blog I discovered)same as above

No Words Needed: More Legoland fun

Lessons learned in the past few days: sometimes we are the ones that have the ability to serve others, sometimes it is us who need the service. Letting people help us is good for both parties!

On My Mind: D-Day, or in other words Deployment day! My husband leaves on Friday. 7 months on my own :(

Scriptures, devotionals, thoughts: At the moment, I've got nothin'!

I have a GIVEAWAY that is ending TONIGHT! It has low entries. So if you are interested I would love for you to stop by and sign up!

Happy Homemaker Monday

I can't believe it took so long for me to get this up!! I have been so BUSY today!

My in-laws are coming tomorrow and so I have been grocery shopping, meal planning, cleaning...oh and we just got back from a mini vacation last night! So to say that we are tired and busy is an understatement. Anyway, here goes...

Weather in my neck of the woods: It has been rainy and gloomy all day!!

Things that make me happy: trips to craft stores!

Books that I am reading: OK, this is awful but I can't remember the name! I am reading it on my ipod and so the title doesn't come up! Oh gracious I feel like a dork!

What's on my tv today: the kids had us DVR Scooby Doo and the Curse of the Lost Lake. Did anyone know that Shaggy and Velma are dating?!

On the menu today: I have been busy all afternoon so Dad made cresant dogs for the kiddos!

On my to do list: uhm, it is more like what isn't on there!

New Recipe I have/want to try soon: I have been looking at a ton of bento lunch sites but not many recipe ones! I need to change that!

In the craft basket: honestly, not much. I have been more creative in the kitchen though!

Looking forward to this week: Spending time with family! Ecspecially my dh as he gets ready to deploy soon!

Tips and Tricks: We took a little mini vacation this week and I can't count the number of times that a ziploc bag would have come in handy! I would recommend that you carry some with you in your purse! For used kleenex & baby wipes, snacks that are too small for a doggie bag, wet/soiled clothes, souveniers...

My favorite blog post this week: to be perfectly honest, I have been salivating over bento lunch sites all week. (: I love bento's but am just starting to make them.

Blog Hoppin' ( a new blog discovered) If you are looking for adorable ideas for lunches for your kids, go here

No Words Needed: having fun at Legoland

Lessons Learned in the past few days: patience really is a virtue!

On my mind: upcoming deployment

Scriptures, thoughts and devotionals: Normally, our family doesn't do things on Sundays. I am LDS and so we believe in not participating in activities on Sundays. We made an exception this weekend so that we could use our 2 day Legoland tickets before my husband left. All weekend, my kids kept asking us why we were there on the Sabbath. They couldn't believe that after telling them not to do things, that we were. It just really hit home that our kids do listen to what we tell them. They may not like it but they are listening. So we need to be careful what we say!!

********I am having a giveaway! I would LOVE for you to come and enter! I had an original post and than an updated post. So check out the info here

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weather in my neck of the woods: Sunny and warm! The morning was a touch chilly but it's warming up!

Things that make me happy: having a wi-fi connection!!! I have been having tech problems all weekend!

Book I am reading: Big sigh, I haven't read anything for a while. Any good recomendations?

What is on my tv today: My husband is home, so there is HGTV, Planet Green and ESPN

On the menu for dinner tonight: Beefaroni, rolls, salad

On my to do list: filing coupons, dishes and folding laundry

New Recipe I want to try soon or have tried: I have been so busy this week, and have had no internet connection so...yeah nothing. I am so lame today! (:

In the craft basket: Halloween trick or treat bags. You can seem them here

Looking forward to this week: Taking our kiddo's to Legoland!!

Tips & Tricks: I hate paying for juice boxes in my kids lunch boxes. They are expensive and not that nutritious. So my kids have water M-Th, and they get to have a juice box on Fridays. It helps me save money, and makes sure my kids get enough water!

My favorite blog post this week:

A new blog I have discovered: OK yeah no internet connection. It has been a sad week!

No words needed: My husband asleep with the remote grasped FIRMLY in his hand lol

Lessons learned in the past few days: put yourself out there a little more. Learn to trust in others, and not rely soley on yourself.

On my mind:my cute little Connor-bub! He is headed to a specialist today and I am hoping that things turn out ok!

Devotionals, thoughts, scriptures: "Search dilligently, pray always and be believing and all things shall work together for your good."

For more Happy Homemaker Mondays, head on over to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom!

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Happy Homemaker Monday

Weather in my neck of the woods: I can't believe it! It is chilly! Rainy, cloudy and cold!

Things that make me happy: family movie nights spent snuggling on the couch

Books I am reading: lol, I kept seeing the Sookie Stackhouse series everywhere so I am reading one of those

What is on my tv today: catching up on my DVR: Sandras Money Saving Meals, Mad Hungry...

On the menu for dinner: chicken pot pie

On my to do list: today is my moderate clean day and working on my grocery trips for this week

New Recipe I want to try/have tried: Homemade Mint Oreos

In the craft basket: the kids are decorating Halloween trick or treat bags tonight. The buckets just take up too much room when it comes time to put it all away. So we ar going to make bags instead!

Looking forward to this week: spending family time together this Saturday

Tips & Tricks: Make homework time easier by keeping school supplies together. Let each child have their own box/basket/container for their supplies. You can see my post about it here.

My favorite blog post this week:?????

Blog hopping: I love the Coupon Goddess. She is just too funny!

No words needed: An oldie! My kiddos at the zoo this summer.

Lessons learned in the past few days: Parenting is not a popularity contest.

On my mind: Not to sound like a broken record, but my husbands upcoming deployment. He leaves in 25 days and I am JUST NOT READY to be away from him for 7 months.

Devotionals, scriptures, thoughts: Just keep on keeping on!

Happy Homemaking Monday

I woke my kids up with their FAVORITE song this morning. "Get up, Get up, Get out of bed, get up, get up you sleepy heads. Get up, get up get out of bed, so early in the morning." They all sighed and groaned. My 9 yr old exclaimed, " I hate Mondays!!"

So while my kids weren't exactly happy to get up this morning, I am happy to send them off to school! My husband who had all last week off, went back to work. All I can say is I am happy this morning to get back to NORMAL!

WEATHER in my neck of the woods: it's crazy but we are having a heat wave! High 90's today!

THINGS that make me happy: routine

BOOK I am reading: I am really not reading anything right now :(

ON MY TV today: catching up on my DVR while I clip coupons and fold laundry

On the MENU for tonight: sloppy joes

on my TO DO list: finish organizing coupons, fold laundry (no it never ends!), bring a clarinet in to get fixed

NEW RECIPE I want to try soon: BLT dip

In the CRAFT BASKET: so sad, nothing there either. Although I am looking at ideas to use for my Christmas cards!

LOOKING FORWARD to this week: nothing to exciting going on really.

TIPS & TRICKS: Don't do everything by yourself. Teach your kids to help you. It is good for them and for you!

My FAVORITE blog post of the week: I didn't really do much on the computer at all this week!

BLOG HOPPING: see above

NO WORDS NEEDED:

LESSONS LEARNED the past few days: No matter how much my husband threw off my schedule by being home, it is worth it. Spending time with our loved ones is more important than a sparkling house. I have barely 6 weeks left before my husband deploys. I don't think I am going to be wishing I had cleaned more!

ON MY MIND: my oldest sister! She is headed into surgery this Wed. Hoping all goes well!

SCRIPTURES, DEVOTIONALS OR THOUGHTS: A new friend of mine said to me, " no matter where your kids go to school (ie public, private, charter, homeschool) they are HOMESCHOOLED by you. Schools do not teach character, patience, compassion etc. You are there first teacher." Why yes, yes she did have me crying! (:

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weather in my neck of the woods: it's always sunny in Camarillo (:

Things that make me happy: being within driving distance of family

Books I am reading:I am between books right now

What's on my tv today: dh is home...ie ESPN

On the menu for tonight: meatloaf, mashed potatoes & gravy, rolls, salad

On my to do list for today: lots and lots of laundry

New recipe I tried or want to try: too many to name

In the craft basket: a stuffed bear for my sons' kindergarten class

Looking forward to this week: having my husband home! He took a week of leave!

Tips & Tricks: You know, I've got nothin' today!! (:

My favorite blog posts for the week: sooo insanely busy this week! Didn't do to much hoppin'!

Blog Hopping: see above!

No words needed: Playing peekaboo with one of my blue eyed boys! ( 2/4 have blue)

Lessons learned in the past few days: That I need to do what I feel is best for my kids, not what others think is best

On my mind: my daughter. Still struggling with middle school. Talks of homeschool are in the works.

Scriptures, thoughts or devotionals: " do your best, leave the rest, Angels do no more"

Happy Homemaker Monday

It is so quiet! After a busy, rowdy, loud weekend, life has returned to normal. Husband off to work, kiddo's at school, and the baby (with no one to bother him!) is taking a nice long nap. Bliss.

The WEATHER in my neck of the woods: this morning was a chilly 55! The grey clouds and fog have broken and now it is sunny and warm.

Things that make me HAPPY:the quiet that comes with a Monday morning

BOOKS I am reading: The Hunger Game Series. These books are so well written and compelling but wow are they disturbing.

What's on my TV today: Matlock (:

On the menu for DINNER:hamburgers, potato salad and applesauce

What is on my TO DO LIST for the day: cleaning out the fridge! ugh I haven't done it since we have moved in!

New RECIPE I want to try soon: So many! Two I want to try are Pepperoni Pizza Pasta and Cookie Pretzel Peanut Bark

In the CRAFT basket:making vinyl signs

Looking FORWARD to this week: Our church womens group is meeting this week and making stockings for the troops. My husband will be gone over Christmas this year (sob) and so it just has a special place in my heart.

TIPS AND TRICKS: When cleaning up, grab and empty basket. Put everything in and go from room to room. When you put something away in one room, look for items that need to be removed. Make one big circle!


fAVORITE blog post of the week: See below

BLOG HOPPING: So this week, I was reading some of the links at Works for Me Wednesday. I clicked on one for a Star Wars cake and found the best site EVER! It took me all of 3 seconds to add it to my favs! Head on over to GLUESTICKS and check out all the fun crafty stuff she has going on! Adorable!

nO WORds nEEdED:My boys...being boys!

lESsoN LeaRNED tHiS week: To keep my priorites straight!

On my MIND: my sweet daughter. She is still managing the rough waters of middle school.

Scriptures & Devotionals: "No worldly success can compensate for failure in the home."

Happy Homemaker Monday

My husband is taking me to Ikea on Monday. So I am writing this on Sunday and posting it on Monday! Hope everyone has a great labor day!

Weather in my neck of the woods: ok I swear this answer never changes! Warm and sunny!

Things that make me happy: cute little boys who have learned how to balance but aren't walking yet, seeing my daughter snuggle with her Dad during family movie night

Books I am Reading: So I started reading the book "The Icing on the Cupcake", a book I got from the library. I am not enjoying it. I hate when that happens but it is a total chick lit book and just leaves a lot to be desired.

What is on my tv:I am typing this on Sunday so I am watching the Leverage marathon and then the season finale

On the menu for dinner:
I will be shopping all day so am planning to come home to dinner all made. How? Crockpot! Roast, potatoes & gravy, rolls

On my to do list:getting kids ready to go back to school:
washing clothes
signing papers
packing lunches
then big clean day!

new recipe I want to try soon: funny story, but I am going to try to make a new recipe every day this week. I will be sharing my menu for the week later.

In the craft basket: Ugh, I haven't done anything in a while :(

Looking forward to this week: a special devotional at church on Saturday

Tips & Tricks:
Now that school is back in, my alarm clock goes off a lot earlier! To help me get up, I don't keep my clock next to my bed...I leave it in the bathroom! Actually having to get up and turn it off helps me get up and going!

Favorite blog post of the week:I have been so stinkin' busy this week, I am amazed I got anything done! Needless to say, not a lot of blog reading going on!

Blog Hopping: Read answer above!

No words needed, fav photo: kiddo's skyping with Grandma

Lesson learned this past week:No matter how much I want to be the perfect mother, sometimes you just need to let go and let things fall where they may

On my mind: My sister, who is having struggles with her son, our troops, my kids

Scriptures, devotionals, thoughts: As I have been trying to do more with my blog, this verse has really spoken to me:
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee" 1 Timothy 4:14

Happy Homemaker Monday & a giveaway

GOOD MONDAY MORNING! I had a lovely weekend...with my husband! After 3 weeks he came home from training. He is currently sleeping as he has to get up and go to work tomorrow. Poor thing was literally getting 3-4 hours of sleep every night. Anyway, I am just feeling very happy this morning!


The weather in my neck of the woods: nice and warm. Not overly hot which is nice!

Things that make me happy:having ALL my family with me

Books I am reading:I have 2 books in my TBR pile but I just haven't had time to sit down and read. :( I did finish reading Paula Deen's memoirs and enjoyed it!

What's on my tv: I am currently watching a DVR'd episode of Memphis Beat (: Love this show.

On the menu for dinner:I am doing my coupon grocery shopping tonight, so Dad is in charge! Probably something easy like chef boyardee, or pizza...

On my to do list: get my boys to the dentist, quick trip to Target, then coupon grocery trip in the evening

New recipe I tried or want to try soon:I just made a yummy recipe for mustard chicken. I will post it on my blog soon!

In the craft basket:hoping to get some vinyl lettering up this week and some scrapbooking done...note I said *hoping* LOL

Looking forward to this week:sending my kids back to school!

Tips & Tricks:with school approaching, what I like to do, is make as much of my kids' lunches the night before. OK not just lunch, get as much done as possible the night before!

My favorite blog post of the week:So I have joined a few blog hops and have found sooo many fun blogs that I love and adore. I will have to start a list!

Blog hopping:see above (:

No words needed:I spend my days cleaning up after this kid. This picture was taken at my Mom's earlier this summer.

Lessons learned this week: that I am stronger than I think.

On my mind:My daughter. She starts middle school on Wed. She doesn't know anyone and is SCARED TO DEATH. I worry for and about her!

Scriptures, prayers, devotionals:My mind is drawing a blank...I spent all day at church yesterday chasing my 14 mo. old up and down the halls. Not much spiritual enlightenment there. :(

*******Please feel free to enter my giveaway. It ends on Thursday. I am giving away a copy of Once a Month Cooking and Once a Month Family Favorites. These are great books to get you started on freezer cooking...and with school back in session, who couldn't use some extra time?! So go here and sign up to win!

Happy Homemaker Monday & a giveaway

Good Morning! Starting the day out with folding lots of laundry. But wanted to post this!

The weather in my neck of the woods: sunny and warm

Things that make me happy: texts from my husband! He is gone on a field exercise and reception is awful. I just heard from him after 4 days!

Books I am reading:Black Out by Lisa Unger

TV shows I am enjoying: Burn Notice, Psych, Haven, Warehouse 13

On the menu for dinner:grilled ham & cheese sandwiches

On my to do list: folding many, many loads of laundry

New recipe I want to try soon: strawberry banana muffins

In the craft basket: starting back to school scrapbooks

Looking forward to this week: hopefully the return of my husband

Tips & Tricks: Don't let your kids/yourself leave a room/car empty handed. It helps keep things picked up!

My favorite blog post this week: haven't done too much this week

Blog Hopping: My best friend from high school just started a blog! So I have had fun reading hers. You can find it at Book Loving Mom

Favorite photo of the week: Somebody forgot to fasten the seatbelt!

Lesson learned the past few days:Deployments go faster when you keep busy! Romantic comedies are not the best things to watch when you are feeling lonely.

On my mind:my sweet husband, and the men who work under him. The temps are 3 digits where they are.

Devotionals & Scriptures: In church yesterday we talked about Job. It really made me think about how I need to put my trials in perspective!

** I am having a giveaway for the Once a Month Cooking and A Once a Month Cooking Family Favorites! You can go here to check it out!

Happy Homemaker Monday

(My oldest boy)
The Weather in my neck of the woods:warm and sunny (it's So. Cal!)

Things that make me Happy:

hearing from my husband while he is gone

Books I am reading: It ain't all about the food by Paula Deen

What I am Enjoying on TV:
catching up on my DVR recordings! Watching Leverage

On the menu for tonight:teriyaki chicken, brocoli and rice


On my to do list:

Mt Washmore :( laundry always

New recipe I want to try soon: Spaghetti Carbonara from Mommy's Kitchen

In the craft basket:catching up on some scrapbooking (:

Looking forward to this week:my kids going to a 3 day scripture camp at church

Tips & Tricks:No matter how short you think a trip will be, be prepared. I have young children and so I make sure to have a few snacks, water bottles, diapers, wipes, books, etch a sketch etc. We were stuck in major traffic the other day and a one hour trip turned into a 3 hr!

My favorite blog post this week:I found a great blog on meal planning from Org. Junkie

Blog hopping ( a new blog I found):OK, I don't remember what it was called, but I will make sure I do it next week!

No words needed: (favorite photo)at the top:

Lesson learned in the past few days:this too shall pass!!

On my mind: My sweet husband. He is out on a military field exercise and it is over 90 degrees every day. I pray and worry about his safety and the safety of the men under his command.

scriptures &prayers or devotionals:Proverbs 31. How can I be the best wife and mother that I want to be? These always give me a boost!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Trying to get updated on all of my posting! Here we go...

Weather in my neck of the woods: hot! Sunny and blue skies

One of my simple pleasures: sweet I love you's whispered from my kids

What is on my bedside table: "Praise for the Stay at Home Mom" by Dr. Laura, scriptures, kleenex

What is on my tv: LDS General Conference

What is on my menu for tonight: I have (big shocker) lots of ham and eggs! So we are having breakfast for dinner and eating scrambeled eggs w/ ham, hashbrowns, sliced oranges

On my to do list: that pesky never ending laundry, packing, decluttering

New recipe I tried this week: I tried a Taquito casserole from the Semi-Homemade magazine. I will be posting the recipe on this blog later!

In my craft basket: I am putting scrapbooking kits together for the group of girls I work with through church. We are teaching them about keeping their personal histories.

Looking forward to: SPRING BREAK!

Homemaking tip for this week:It is easier to pick up a little bit every day, instead of huge cleaning once a week! Clean as you go!

Favorite blog post from this week: I really haven't visited too many blogs this week!

Favorite photo from last week: at the top!

Lesson learned this week: This was actually a really hard lesson. I have had a rough past couple of weeks. I had really let things get out of hand. My home, laundry, meals etc. Well I have a son who is on the Autsim spectrum. His behavior has been very hard to deal with these past couple of weeks. And I realized that his "bad" behavior started once things got out of hand around here. I learned that as the Mother I set the tone and example in my home. My kids are going to follow my example whether good...or bad!

On my prayer list: family & friends, military overseas

Scripture, devotional or other spiritual thought: I have been reading and listening to so many that I have to many to share!

Happy Homemaker Monday

What a crazy day it has been!! I was all prepared for a day of getting errands done, and instead found myself in the ER with my son! The life of a mother I tell ya! He is fine, he just has an infection. So after some antibiotics he should be back to normal!

Anyway...

Weather in my neck of the woods: It has been raining off and on all day. At the moment it is pretty sunny.

One of my simple pleasures: an ice cold diet coke on a crazy busy day!

On my bedside table: a new issue of Country Sampler and a BHG issue on organization

On my tv: Pokemon (2 of my boys are home)

On my menu:

On my to do list: update blogs, straighten living room, laundry, baking Shamrock shaped cookies

New recipe I tried last week: Last week was sooo insane, I didn't try anything new!

In the craft basket: I made a lepurchan catcher for my son

Something I am looking forward to: hopefully a little nap!

Homemaking tip for the week: if you "live" in your car like I do, every time you get out, have each person take 4 or 5 things out. That way you can get trash, books, toys etc. out without doing a huge clean up job!

Favorite blog post of the week: I have been reading so many great sites about saving money at the grocery store!

Favorite photo from the week: at the top...my son right before he was baptized

Lesson learned the past few weeks: don't just say "I'm fine" if you aren't. Talk to someone and be open and honest!

On my prayer list:
family and friends
military overseas

Devotionals/prayers/scriptures from this week: "There is beauty all around when there's love at home." From the LDS hymn Love at Home

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weather in my neck of the woods: I live on a tropical island...what can I say? Blue skies and sunny!

One of my simple pleasures: having a good mail day!

What is on my bedside table: journal, pen, hair ties, book ( I have 3 or 4!)

What is on my tv: Handy Manny

On the menu for tonight:cheese pizzas, carrot sticks, breadsticks

To do List: vacum, sweep, swiffer, laundry, dishes...oh it never ends!

New Recipe I tried this week:I actually didn't make any this past week but have 3 on the menu for this week

Craft basket: making bookmarks with my daughter's church group tonight

Looking forward to: my son's baptism on Saturday

Homemaking tip: Routines are your friend!I did not follow mine last night or this morning and regretted it! Set up a routine, no matter how simple, and follow it. It will make your day go so much smoother!

Favorite blog post of the week: Although not one blog post, over at Money Saving Mom (link to her site on my side bar under Money Helps) has a great series going on Menu Planning and saving money at the grocery store

Favorite photo of the week: (at the top) My son learned how to ride a big boy bike! Next he just needs to get the training wheels off!

I had to add two because it was also our military ball this week. So the other is my husband and I!

Lesson learned this week: besides the routine one, I realized this week how important it is to get enough sleep. I am a girl who needs a lot and I certainly didn't get it this past week. So I am not being the wife and mother I want to be. Get your beauty sleep!

Prayer list: friends and family, our military serving overseas

Scripture, quote or inspirational thought: Hmmm...

Happy Homemaker Monday

I have missed doing this!If you are looking for the giveaway just scroll down to the next post! (:

Weather in my neck of the woods: summer all the time!

One of my simple pleasures: watching the sun come up

On my bedside table: Legos, clock, lamp, books, to do list

On my tv: nothing! It is blissfully quiet!

On my menu for tonight: pork tenderloin, couscous, rolls, steamed brocoli

On my to do list: too many things to list! LOL

New Recipe I tried last week: Pioneer Womans potato skins (yummo!)

In the craft basket: I finished making my son's birthday invites for his luau

Looking forward to: my son's party on Saturday

Homemaking tip: clean as you go! Don't save it all for one day!

Favorite blog post of the week: I read so, so many that I forget where I find them

Favorite photo of the week : posted at the top

Lesson learned this week: Last Saturday, I was gone from early morning until 1 pm. I had 3 out of 5 of my kids with me. After a tiring morning I was hoping to come home to a nice clean house. I didn't. I couldn't come home and relax.I had to get things done. It made me think about all the times that my husband has come home from a hard day at work, and the house is a mess. I am sure he has a hard time relaxing too. It really opened my eyes that I need to be more aware of what he is coming home too. I need to make our home a peaceful place to come home too.

On my prayer list: family and friends and troops overseas

scriptures or devotionals: I have been reading a lot lately. I will try to share one next week!

Happy Homemaker Monday

( My son as Harry Potter at school)

Whew! Feeling really under the weather today. I have not been feeling well since Friday evening. But I wanted to get this done as I haven't done one for so long! Here goes...

~Weather in my neck of the woods: blue skies, palm trees swaying in the breeze. Guam is gearing up for the dry season.

~Simple pleasure: big bear hugs from my husband and kids

~On my bedside table: Chocolate Chip cookie murder by Joanne Fluke

~On my tv:Scooby Doo season 2

~Menu for tonight: I am not 100% sure. Ben and the older boys have cub scouts, Harmony has girl scouts. I am thinking of just ham sandwiches, potato salad and apple sauce

~On my to do list:
fold the mountain of laundry sitting on the couch
afternoon routine
a nap since I am feeling yucky

~New recipe I tried last week: lol well I made a recipe called "ham and noodle bake". It was not good! I actually ended up tossing the whole thing and just making mac & cheese!!

~What is in the craft basket:getting my Christmas card idea ready to turn into reality

~Looking forward to: Friday. There is no school. Hoping to sleep in just a little!

~Homemaking tip of the week: my kids still struggle with cutting their food. Some meats and things like enchiladas etc. So I let them use a pizza cutter. It is easier for them to handle but they still feel like they "did it all by themselves!"

~Favorite blog post: I read so many it is hard for me to remember what I read and where!

~Favorite photo: at the top

~Lessons learned the past few days: I have been busy doing a lot of different projects for church, school, home etc. Some things have just not turned out the way I have planned. So I am trying to learn to let go a little. Things don't have to be perfect to be enjoyed.

~prayer list: family & friends

~Devotional: "If you unravel the family unit, you unravel the nation." -Bernard

Happy Homemaker Monday

( My 2nd to the youngest on his first day of pre-k)

Oh, oh, oh! Like my header says, when life gets busy, the first things to go are my house and home cooked meals. I was doing so well. My house was pretty clean, I was having fun baking and getting things in the freezer and then...I hit a wall. It started around labor day weekend. Since then I have just kind of...well...lost my mojo. The house is a WRECK. I am not lying. From where I am sitting I can see a stack of (clean!!) diapers waiting to get tossed in the basket, bottles needing to go to the sink, candy wrappers, shoes, blankets... I won't even mention the kitchen. It will not be easy to make a homemade dinner in there...considering there are no clean counters. Ugh. I am wondering...what do you do when it gets like this? Or do you never lose your home making mojo? I just can't seem to get with it!

Anyway...

The weather in my neck of the woods: windy and rainy. We are feeling the effects of a tropical storm. The winds were so strong last night, that our neighbors trampoline is in a tree!

One of my Simple Pleasures: going to bed early, and getting a good nights sleep

On my bedside table: My husband and I actually just switched sides of the bed. I know, sounds wierd right? Anyway, on his side of the bed are alarm clock, remote and *boring to ME magazines*

On my tv: my boys are playing Lego Indiana Jones

On the menu for tonight: mini meatloaves, applesauce, carrot sticks w/ dip and...I am not sure if anything else will be added!

On my to do list: write a check for Girl Scouts and turn in enrollment papers
write a check for book orders
clean my house

New recipe I tried last week: I actually tried this last night and we all loved it!

In the craft basket: nothing

Looking forward too: no school on Friday. It will be nice to have a break from the commute.

Homemaking tip of the week: Don't let your house get as bad as mine!!

Favorite blog post of the week: Hmmm I haven't read too much lately. Although two friends recently had babies and so it was fun seeing all the new baby pictures!

Favorite picture of the week: at the top!

Lesson learned from this week: I have to set priorities. I can't let other things get in the way of what is important to ME.

On my prayer list: same as always, friends & family

Scriptures & devotionals: Honestly, I have hardly read anything uplifting. Maybe that is why I have been struggling?

Happy Homemaker Monday

Long weekends are...just that, LONG! With having all the kids and my hubs home, the house looks like a tornado went through it, followed by a hurricane! It is a complete wreck. To top it off, our water is almost completely shut off!! We thought our whole housing was having problems but nope, just us. I am waiting for someone to come out and fix it. Right now the water is so bad, you can't have more than one water source running at a time. So dishes are waiting while laundry runs and vice versa. Oh I hope they come soon!

Weater in my neck of the woods: hot and humid

One of my Simple Pleasures: When I can sneak a nap in during the day

On my bedside table: word search book, hair ties, a couple of legos (courtesy of Ivan)ipod, lamp and clock

On my tv: Diego saves Christmas (Ivan's pick obviously!)

On my Menu for tonight:teriyaki chicken, rice, steamed brocoli, breadsticks

On my to do list: Since we don't have any water, I am working on putting laundry piles away. I am also changing our front entrance so the kids have a "dumping ground" for backpacks, lunch bags etc.

New Recipe I tried last week:I must be getting old because I can't even remember what I made last week! Let's just pretend I made a new recipe and it turned out fabulously! (:

In the Craft basket:So sad, once again nothing. Ever since Mason was born, I just don't really have the time!

Looking forward to: Ivan starting pre-k tomorrow! He will be in a regular ed class and we are so excited!

Homemaking Tip of the Week: Check your child's work. Do not let them have their free time until you have. My daughter got away with playing video games because I didn't check. When I went in later I was so upset. Had I just taken a few seconds to check, we would have both been happy with what happened.

Favorite Blog Post of the week: She is going to laugh, but it was my sisters! I don't remember if this was on her book blog or her personal blog. But she shared a story about her son, who prayed "Heavenly Fadder, please bless it to be Christmas tomorrow." Just about the cutest thing I have heard all week!

Favorite photo of the week: at the top. All my kiddos in their church clothes. Precious.

Favorite quote,scripture or devotional for the week:My husband and I watched a movie about one of the presidents of our church. While he was younger, his mother didn't scold him very often. Instead when he misbehaved she would simply say, "Remember who you are trying to be like." I loved it and wrote it on our chalk board as a reminder to our family.

Hope everyone has a great week!