Happy Homemaker Monday

crusty outside + airy & soft inside = bagel perfection

{weather outside:}

Dark, cold and rainy but it's supposed to warm up to be around sixty by the middle of the day and stay at that temperature the rest of the week so, compared with the cold weather we've been having lately, I'm fine with that!

{around my home:}

All three boys are playing in the living room together. The older two are building a dragon dump truck with hooks and shovels out of mega blocks and the youngest is trying to destroy it every time they turn. ;) All the rain clouds are making it feel dark and cozy inside with all the lights on. Breakfast is cooking on the stove so the scent of cinnamon can be enjoyed throughout the house. A violin concerto is playing on the radio softly as the background music to my children's little voices as they discuss their play. 

{on the breakfast plate:}

me:

plain yogurt topped with pecan & quinoa granola, blackberries & a drizzle of maple syrup

fried eggs topped with sauteed baby arugula & sea salt

bengal spice herbal tea with cream & sugar

boys:

fried 'dippy' eggs topped with sauteed baby spinach

toast with neufchatel cheese, cinnamon & honey

vanilla chamomile tea with honey

baby:

cream of millet with shredded apple, mashed banana, baby spinach & cinnamon

{menu this week:}

monday: Tuna & Bagel Melts + Roasted Potatoes Wedges + Salad

tuesday: Taco Soup

wednesday: Roasted Chicken Thighs + Baked Sweet Potatoes + Asparagus

thursday: Italian Wedding Soup + Crusty Bread

friday: Bacon & Cheddar Quiche 

{new recipe:}

Toasted Almond, Raisin and Coconut Trail Mix

{today's to-do list:}

~ errands

~ upload photos

~ mop floors

~ 2 loads of laundry

~ straighten

{currently reading:}

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis {with my four-year-old}

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Love Letters by Debbie Macomber

{currently watching:}

How I Met Your Mother

{in my craft basket:}

A baby blanket for a custom order! :D

{favorite blog posts:}

How and Why My Kindergatener Memorizes Poetry

{looking forward to:}

Sunshine and warmer weather... hopefully!

{verse:}

But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

~ Isaiah 43:1

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Linking up Sandra with today:

Easter Menu

With the Easter Triduum upon us, the boys and I will be observing these holy days with an atmosphere of quiet {well, as quiet as possible with three boys under the age of five} anticipation. 

We will busy our hands with various tasks, some of which include scrubbing sinks, polishing appliances, mopping floors, organizing clothes, and dusting furniture throughout our little home {which is very much in need of some tender loving care!}. However, most of our time will be spent, as usual, in the kitchen where we will be preparing food fit for a joyous celebration!

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~ Resurrection Sunday Menu ~

{Breakfast}

Bacon & Cheddar Quiche 

Pecan Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Cinnamon Sugar Butter

Orange Juice
Coffee
Tea

{Dinner}

Grilled Flank Steak with Creamy Balsamic Sauce
Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan & Sea Salt

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Cinnamon & Toasted Pecans
Stuffed Peppers
Crescent Rolls
Punch Bowl

{Dessert}

Vanilla Bean Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Fresh Fruit Salad
Coffee
Tea

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In addition to preparing some delicious meals, the boys and I will also be making our most recent favorite granola recipe, Cinnamon Pecan Granola, to pack in pretty mason jars and give, along with a small pot of lavender hyacinths, to each of our guests. :)

Blessed Easter Triduum!

Happy Homemaker Monday

We welcomed the first day of Spring with a fresh layer of snow...

{weather outside:}

Although we got a good couple of inches overnight, I am happy to report that the sun is shining and the temperature is expected to reach 50 degrees so we should be seeing green again by this afternoon.

{around my home:}

My oldest son is playing dragon vs. t-rex at my feet, my middle son is riding on the rocking horse and my youngest son is nursing. We are enjoying the aroma of cinnamon from our Quinoa & Pecan Granola baking in the oven at the moment and it's pretty much heavenly. The white snow and the bright sunshine are making our living room particularly bright this morning. My little home is in desperate need of some straightening up, dish washing, and laundry folding but isn't that always the case on Monday morning, especially after a particularly busy weekend? 

{on the breakfast plate:}

me: 

plain yogurt topped with quinoa & pecan granola, blueberries & a drizzle of maple syrup

fried eggs topped with sauteed spinach & sea salt

pomegranate green tea with honey

boys: 

ham & spinach omelette 

plain yogurt topped with quinoa & pecan granola, blueberries & honey

bananas dipped in peanut butter

baby:

blueberry, banana, avocado, plain yogurt & coconut milk smoothie 

{menu this week:}

monday: Burgers, Broccoli & Sweet Potato Fries

tuesday: Loaded Baked Potatoes 

wednesday: Chicken, Hummus, & Red Pepper Wraps, Avocado Salad & Brown Rice

thursday: Spaghetti & Meatballs, Broccoli 

friday: Corn & Cauliflower Chowder

{today's to-do list:}

~ straighten living room

~ clean bathroom

~ fold laundry

~ wash dishes

~ change sheets

{currently reading:}

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S.Lewis {aloud, with four-year-old}

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill {audio, while sewing}

Last One Home by Debbie Macomber

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

{currently watching:}

How I Met Your Mother {with my husband}

Gilmore Girls

{in my craft basket:}

monogrammed dinosaur print cloth napkins for each of my boys' Easter baskets 

{looking forward to:}

Easter Sunday! Blessed Holy Week!

{verse:}

Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped; rather, made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

- Philippians 2:5 - 11

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Linking up with Sandra today:

Happy Homemaker Monday

Winter had almost caused me to forget how much I love a fresh, colorful salad.

{weather outside:}

Cold and rainy. Quite a change from last week's sunshine and warm temperatures but I'm planning a cozy afternoon filled with crafts and baking with my boys so I don't mind. 

{around my home:}

Quiet, aside from the pitter-patter of the rain and the squeaks and gurgles of my littlest  nursing. Just he and I are awake as the older two are taking longer than usual naps. Setting the clocks forward always creates havoc on my boys' {and my!} sleep schedule therefore, I am definitely not a fan of the whole ordeal. As I sit here I can see a few toys {duplos, dinosaurs, tractors} and blankets sprawled about the floor from my boys' play earlier this morning,  a large basket of laundry that needs to be folded and put away, and a bird grabbing a snack from the feeder that hangs outside our front window.

{on the breakfast plate:}

me:

plain yogurt topped with pecan & quinoa granola, blackberries & a drizzle of maple syrup
fried eggs topped with sauteed baby kale & sea salt

boys:

fried Egg, arugula & avocado in whole wheat wraps with plain yogurt to dip
pecan & quinoa granola topped with coconut milk & blackberries
bananas with cashew butter to dip

baby:

plain yogurt, avocado & banana with cinnamon, pureed

{menu this week:}

monday: Spaghetti Squash, Tomato Sauce & Meatballs
tuesday: Grilled Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Brussel Sprouts
wednesday: Chicken Avocado Burritos
thursday: Corned Beef, Cabbage, Mashed Potatoes
friday: Fried Flounder with Grapes, Brown Rice & Asparagus

{new recipe:}

Pecan & Quinoa Granola

{today's to-do list:}

~ fold laundry
~ vacuum rugs
~ errands
~ empty dishwasher
~ make beds
~ straighten

{currently reading:}

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S.Lewis {aloud, with four-year-old}

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill {audio, while sewing}

Last One Home by Debbie Macomber

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

{currently watching:}

How I Met Your Mother {with my husband}

{in my craft basket:}

apron for my aunt's birthday
blanket for my friend's baby shower

{looking forward to:}

Saint Patrick's Day! We always end the night with some Flogging Molly music and a little dance {jumping} party in the living room!

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Linking up with Sandra today:

Happy Homemaker Monday

Obsessing a bit over my latest granola recipe...

{weather outside:}

At this early hour, there is a light frost on the grass and a chill in the air but the forecast for today {and for the rest of the week!} looks dreamy: mid-60's to low-70's and sunny!

{around my home:}

Bright sunshine is streaming through the kitchen window as I sit in my usual spot to nurse my youngest. My other two boys are playing 'King George vs. Dragon' on the rug near my feet. Toys are scattered on the floor, pillows are dispersed around the couch, clean dishes are waiting to be emptied from the dishwasher, and laundry is piled in a basket needing to be folded: looks like a typical Monday.

{on the breakfast plate:}

me:
plain greek yogurt topped with cinnamon almond granola, blueberries & a drizzle of maple syrup
fried eggs topped with fresh baby arugula
apple cinnamon herbal tea with honey

boys:
strawberry banana smoothie
fried eggs topped with fresh baby arugula
toast topped with cashew butter, maple syrup & cinnamon

baby:
plain yogurt with cinnamon & mashed banana

{menu this week:}

monday: Chicken Pot Pie
tuesday: Roasted Chicken Thighs, Brussel Sprouts & Potatoes
wednesday: Chili & Cornbread
thursday: Beef Stew over Mashed Potatoes
friday: Fried Flounder with Grapes, Rice & Green Beans

{new recipe:}

Creamy Carrot Soup topped with Roasted Chickpeas

{today's to-do list:}

~ pay bills
~ 2 loads of laundry
~ straighten
~ upload photos
~ clean bathroom
~ vacuum bedrooms
~ empty dishwasher

{on my nightstand:}

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S.Lewis {aloud, with four-year-old}
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill {audio, while sewing}
Last One Home by Debbie Macomber
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

{on my television:}

How I Met Your Mother {with my husband}
Fuller House {hopefully with my sister... hint hint ;)}

{in my craft basket:}

apron for my aunt's birthday
blanket for my friend's baby shower

{on my mind:}

I'm trying not to dwell too much on the fact that my baby is going to be a year old! I really don't know how an entire year went by since he was tucked snugly in my tummy. What a crazy, busy year it's been. Everyone is right, it goes by so very fast and, while I do try my best to enjoy this time while my littles are still little, in the day to day moments when one is crying on my hip, one is pulling on my leg wanting his cape tied for the eighth time, one is running around in circles around the kitchen table singing Jingle Bells {yes - in March}, and I haven't even had a moment to take a bite of that egg I fried for myself twenty minutes ago, well, enjoying the moment can get a bit tricky. At the end of the day, however, I could not be happier living my life as a stay at home mom with full hands and a full heart and I hope that, in the future, when I look back at this phase of my life, I will be content in the fact that I tried my best to enjoy each moment in spite of my utter and complete exhaustion - ha!

{lesson learned:}

My Mother-In-Law gave us a Christian Lullaby album for Christmas and I finally played it one afternoon upon the request of my four-year-old. Well, the calming effect it had on the entire house gave me the idea to play it right before naps each afternoon. Such beautiful 'Baby Jesus' music - as my boys call it - gets everyone in the mood for some shut eye.

{looking forward to:}

A week filled with sunshine and high temperatures - let's hope the forecast is accurate anyway!

{verse:}

Rejoice in the Lord alway, again I say, rejoice. 

- Phillippians 4:4

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Linking up with Sandra today:

Simple Woman's Daybook: March 2016

{outside my window}

Bright sunshine is streaming through my front bay window at the moment. The temperature has been warming up to the 50's and 60's by mid afternoon the past couple of days and we've been trying to take advantage, even if just for an hour or so before the sun starts to set and it cools off again. All the trees are still bare but I am beginning to notice the very very beginning of early Spring plants starting to bud.

{I am thinking}

... about the chicken cutlets I plan on making for dinner tonight {food is usually on the forefront of my mind} and how eating them dipped in honey instantly brings me back to my childhood.

{I am thankful}

... to be able to stay at home with my precious boys - I try to thank my husband at least once a day for this great gift.
... for the health of my family. The older I get the more I have learned not to take this for granted.
... that I followed my instincts and waited until I felt my two-year-old was ready for potty-training. Now that he is both verbal and excited about it, the process has been a breeze!
... that my husband and I are more in love, better at communicating, and simply happier than we were five and a half years ago when we got married.

{I am wearing}

... black leggings, grey t-shirt, orange sweatshirt, house-slippers, black stretchy headband.

{I am creating}

... a sewing nook.
... a baby blanket.
... a growth chart.
... a children's book.
... an apron.

{I am wondering}

... if my husband will be out of work on time today.
... how my sister's day in the city with her friend is going.
... what to give our youngest for his birthday.

{I am reading}

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis (aloud, to my four-year-old)
North & South by Elizabeth Gaskill (audio, while sewing)
Last One Home by Debbie Macomber
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder


{I am hoping}

... that my camera is fixed soon.
... for the grace to be more patient with my boys today.
... to embrace small crosses with joy.
... to find some time to paint my nails this week.

{I am learning}

... to budget my time throughout the day so that I am able to spend some one-on-one with each of my boys but also have a little time leftover for me to well, breath ;), and pursue some of my interests which, at the moment include sewing baby blankets, writing a children's book, and sketching.
... to let go of my perfectionism and let my sons do their chores, on their own, so that they learn important life skills.
... to physically separate my older sons for periods throughout the day so that they can each have some quiet, independent play time.
... to recognize opportunities to offer up little sacrifices.
... to look for moments of silence externally and internally.

{in my garden}

The birth of our youngest and an unusually cold March kept us from planting our seeds in time last year and, I must say, a bounty of fresh vegetables was sorely missed by us all! This year we have no excuse so, with some warm temperatures on the forecast over the next couple of weeks, my plan is to get the garden beds weeded and the seeds ordered from our usual source by the end of this week so that our garden is planted by the end of this month.

{in my kitchen}

An early Easter, a first birthday, and some Irish genes are going to make for a pretty festive month in our house. Since a festivity is not very festive without delicious food, here's a little sampling of what I'll be preparing in my kitchen this month:

... Corned Beef, Cabbage & Boiled Red Potatoes
... Irish Soda Brown Bread
... Shamrock Sugar Cookies
... Overnight Apple French Toast
... Roasted Lamb with Peas, Carrots & New Potatoes in Tomato Sauce with Mint Jelly (of course) for
... Cinnamon Banana Birthday Cake with Buttercream Frosting

{in my schoolroom}

four-year-old:

... Math: I introduced subtraction last week, expecting a struggle. He caught on almost immediately. We're working on counting by 5's and 10's, telling time, story problems, counting coins and writing numbers 1 - 100.
... Reading: Allowing him to select his own early readers to use for his reading lesson has much such a difference in his motivation. He now looks forward to it and is so proud of himself after he completes each book.
... Phonics: Since he is already reading, most of what he is learning is review but I like that his understanding of blends, vowels, and other important rules are reinforced while boosting his confidence at the same time. Plus he loves all the coloring.
... Penmanship: He is writing all his vowels plus the letters: L, T & B. He is so excited to learn all his letters so that he can start writing 'notes' in his cards all by himself. (Such a sweetie! :)
... Catechism: He can pray Hail Mary and Guardian Angel on his own, without any prompts. He can recite his verses with some prompting. We are learning about Saint Joseph.

two-year-old:

... Colors: He knows purple, orange, yellow, and green. He still struggles with blue and red.
... Shapes: He knows circle. We're still working on the rest... ;)
... Letters: We have reviewed A & B. He can sing his ABC's all by himself {and is very proud of this fact}.
... Numbers: We have reviewed 0, 1, 2, & 3. He can count from 1 to 9.
... Catechism: We are learning about Saint Joseph.

{one of my favorite things}

The adorable earrings my husband gave me for Valentine's Day.

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Linking up with Peggy today:

Happy Homemaker Monday

yummy owl faces - idea from clubhouse junior magazine 

{weather outside}

Although the temperature is only in the low 30's at the moment, I felt a twinge of Spring in the air when I was outside feeding the chickens. The temperature is expected to reach the mid 40's by this afternoon so hopefully we will get to enjoy some sunshine later. 

{around my home:}

My oldest is doing his addition problems at the kitchen table, my middle son is eating his oatmeal at the kitchen table and I am watching them while nursing my littlest in the living room. We are chatting about the fact that the beautiful tulips my husband gave me for Valentine's Day are almost dead. I can hear my son adding 3 + 5 on the abacus, classical music playing on the radio, a garbage truck down the street, and the birds chirping outside my front window. There is a lingering scent of cinnamon and strawberry in the air from our breakfast. Aside from some of my littlest's toys scattered around on the rug and a nice big pile of muddy clothes by the side door, the house is pretty tidy at the moment.

{menu this week:}

monday: Chicken Cutlets, Mashed Potatoes & Asparagus

tuesday: Shepherd's Pie

wednesday: Taco Soup

thursday: Chicken Hummus Wraps, Roasted Potato Fries & Broccoli 

friday: Lentil & Swiss Chard Soup & Crusty Bread

{today's to-do list:}

~ empty dishwasher

~ 2 loads of laundry

~ organize catch-all cabinet

~ pay bills

~ vacuum floors
~ make beds
~ fold laundry

{on my nightstand:}

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill {listening to on tape while sewing}

Last One Home by Debbie Macomber

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis {reading to my four-year-old}
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

{in my craft basket:}

New baby blanket for my shop.

{on my mind:}

Reflecting on the nice weekend we enjoyed together as a family has been filling my heart with joy and gratitude. We got a little taste of Spring with the temperature going up as high as 60 degrees on Saturday! (And that's after a record low of -2 degrees last Sunday!) We had some muddy boys on our hands both Saturday and Sunday night but they had such a blast outside, making mud pies, chasing chickens, and stomping in the mostly melted snow that I didn't mind a bit. We ate lots of pizza and ice cream, watched a couple of movies - The Land Before Time and Ant Man - enjoyed my sister's company for dinner, went to my cousin's basketball game, and my husband and I got to go running together, all the boys in tow. I had almost forgotten how much I love warm weather!

{looking forward to:}

Spring! Now that we've had a little taste, I'm ready for more!

{verse:}

But Jesus came and touched them saying, 'Rise, and do not be afraid.'

- Matthew 17:7

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Linking up with Sandra today:

Meatless Meals for Lent

Now that Ash Wednesday is here and Lent upon us, one of the things that has been on this little homemaker's mind is meatless meals. For me, the difficulty lies, not so much in finding recipes for meatless meals but rather in remembering them when I am trying to plan my menu. It actually sometimes amazes me how many of the dinners I serve in rotation have no meat but, again, when I actually sit down and try to think of them, my mind draws a blank! So, for my own personal use and for anyone else who may benefit, here are my five favorite meatless meals, specifically for Fridays during Lent:

1. Lentil & Swiss Chard Soup:

Growing up, my two least favorite dinners were Pea Soup and Lentil Soup. Then one day when I was in high school my mom found a new Lentil Soup recipe and it's been one of my favorites ever since.  This Italian Lentil Soup is very similar to my mom's tomato-based version, pictured above. I always serve it topped with parmesan cheese and with this Crusty Bread on the side for dipping.

2. Fried Eggs over Polenta:

Somehow serving eggs with polenta and vegetables makes them seem a lot less like breakfast and more like dinner. I was a bit skeptical the first time I tried this combination but believe me, the warm, cheesy polenta and fried eggs go together perfectly!

3. Quiche:

I love this quiche recipe because there are so many ways to change it up by simply varying the cheese and/or vegetable. Of course it's great for breakfast or lunch but served with a nice green salad it makes a great Lenten Friday dinner too.

4. Chef Salad:

Basically, to make a meatless salad that is filling enough to serve as dinner I toss every and any protein-rich ingredient I can think of {cooked quinoa, hard boiled eggs, feta, chick peas, pecans, sunflower seeds, whole wheat rotini, etc.} over a bed of greens, bake some sweet potatoes, biscuits, or bread to serve on the side and call it a meal. And somehow, everyone in my family loves this dinner! This Vegetarian Kale Salad looks similar to mine, just minus a few add-ins.

5. Creamy Corn & Cauliflower Chowder:

I make a lot of different soups but most of them contain either chicken or beef broth. Luckily this one, along with the Lentil & Swiss Chard Soup above, call for water, not broth so they are a perfect meatless options for Lent.

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Linking up with Ashley today: 

Happy Homemaker Monday

 A goodie-filled package from my sweet blogging buddy, Carrie. :)

{weather outside:}

It is a cold, sunny morning, the perfect backdrop to the three feet of snow that is covering our home this morning. 

{around my home:}

Due to the weather, my husband is working from home today so the excitement level is a bit elevated in our house today, and for good reason! Although he's hidden in the back room working away at the moment, it will be nice to have him here with us an hour earlier than usual since he won't have to commute home tonight! I'm listening to the boys discuss the Highlights calendar they are coloring at the kitchen table while I nurse my littlest in the living room. The white snow is brightening our entire home so much so that I don't need to have any lights on.

{menu this week:}

monday: Honey Glazed Spiral Ham, Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Brussel Sprouts 

tuesday: Creamy Corn & Cauliflower Chowder & Biscuits 

wednesday: Ham, Feta & Quinoa Salad

thursday: Ham & Swiss Melts & Sweet Potato Fries

friday: Chef Salad 

{housekeeping tip:}

If you're out of chip-clips, clothespins make a great substitute.

{today's to-do list:}

~ fold laundry
~ vacuum rugs
~ mop floors
~ make beds
~ empty dishwasher
~ 2 loads of laundry
~ straighten

{on my nightstand:}

Last One Home by Debbie Macomber

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

{in my craft basket:}

Baby Blanket

{making me happy:}

The fun package I won from Carrie's giveaway back in December. Her goodies arrived in two Peanuts packages that just about made my boys' day! With all the treats at Christmastime I decided to save the highly anticipated Wild Rice Pancake Mix and Maple Syrup for later when we could really appreciate them. Well Saturday morning, in the midst of the blizzard, was the perfect time to make homemade waffles for breakfast. Thank you Carrie, we certainly enjoyed them! 

{thankful for:}

My hardworking husband who spent hours outside in the cold and wind shoveling this weekend. Even in the midst of the blizzard while most of our neighbors were warm in their homes, he and our older two boys were out there digging away as our youngest and I watched from the window. 

{verse:}

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. 

- Proverbs 3:5

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Linking up with Sandra today:

Happy Homemaker Monday

Our first snow of the season!

{weather outside}

Our first snowfall yesterday evening made for a very cozy night complete with football, pizza and ice cream. It's pretty cold and windy out there right now so I'm very thankful to be able to stay home with my boys in our warm little home for the day. My husband even fed the chickens for me so I wouldn't have to go out. :)

{around my home:}

I am watching my older two boys are eat their breakfast of fried eggs, 'Banana Bread Oatmeal' (a new favorite), and orange juice at the kitchen table while I nurse my little one in my usual chair. Last night's snow is creating a beautiful white glow throughout the dimly lit house, classical music is playing softly from the kitchen radio and the scent of cinnamon is still lingering in the air from our oatmeal.

{menu this week:}

monday: Eggplant Rolatini & Asparagus
tuesday: Creamy Chicken, Mushroom & Brown Rice Soup
wednesday: Chili & Cornbread
thursday: Chicken Cutlets, Risotto & Broccoli
friday: Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese

{new recipe:}

This Chicken & Mushroom Casserole was delicious! I served it with egg noodles and broccoli and we all loved it.

{today's to-do list:}

~ vacuum rugs
~ mop floors
~ 3 loads of laundry
~ straighten

{on my nightstand:}

An Old Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

{in my craft basket:}

Baby Blanket

{making me happy:}

My makeshift sewing nook.

{thankful for:}

A warm, cozy house to live in especially during these cold winter days.

{verse:}

As a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.

~ Isaiah 62:5

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Linking up with Sandra today:

Happy Homemaker Monday

Last shot with that "Christmas tree glow".... until next year. :)

{weather outside}

The fact that it went up to 60 degrees yesterday afternoon is making the 28 degree morning we've woken up to a bit more difficult to bear. However, snow is on the forecast for tomorrow so that adds a nice element of excitement to these low temperatures.

{around my home:}

I am sitting in my usual nursing chair in the living room watching the boys eat their breakfast of oatmeal, fried eggs, and orange juice. Since we had such a nice and early start to the day, we've already finished our lessons and it's only half past seven! We were home most of the weekend so I was able to catch up on laundry, pick up some groceries, keep the house straightened, and even mop the kitchen floor so I'm feeling very organized this Monday morning!

{menu this week:}

monday: Autumn Chicken
tuesday: Spaghetti Squash, Meatballs & Asparagus
wednesday: Creamy Chicken Soup & Biscuits
thursday: Turkey Burritos
friday: Winter Minestrone & Crusty Rolls

{today's to-do list:}

~ 2 loads of laundry
~ finish putting Christmas decorations away
~ empty dishwasher
~ pay bills
~ upload photos

{on my nightstand:}

Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

{in my craft basket:}

Baby Blanket

{making me happy:}

Listening to my boys play. Lately, with the new influx of Christmas toys, it's been "Hospital," "Christmas Pageant," "Building," "Dragon verses T-Rex," and "Saint Nicholas."

{thankful for:}

60 degree temperatures in January! Even if it was only for one day we thoroughly enjoyed going for a nice run together and playing outside in the backyard with the chickens yesterday.

{verse:}

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." 

- Joshua 1:9

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Linking up with Sandra today:

Happy Homemaker Monday

"Carrot Cake Oatmeal" 

{weather outside:}

Sunny, windy, and really cold. Feels just the way January ought to feel!

{around my home:}

Well, I'm thankful to say that it looks like a completely different home than the disastrous mess I woke up to this morning! I guess one of the perks of a tiny house is that it doesn't take as long to straighten/clean! Right now all the boys are napping and, although I should be starting dinner while I have the chance, instead I am drinking my tea, eating a candy cane shaped sugar cookie, listening to music from the ballet Swan Lake on the classical radio station, smelling sweet potatoes baking in the oven (for our biscuits tonight :) and sitting at our kitchen table, writing this. :)

{to-do today:}

~ straighten
~ vacuum
~ mop
~ clean bathroom
~ 2 loads of laundry
~ fold laundry
~ write grocery list
~ errands

{menu this week:}

monday: Turkey, Mushroom & Kale Soup with Sweet Potato Biscuits
tuesday: Cheeseburger Pie & Broccoli
wednesday: Balsamic Chicken topped with Cranberries & Feta over Brown Rice & Asparagus
thursday: Chili & Cornbread
friday: Leftovers

{new recipe:}

Not exactly a recipe per se but the boys and I have been loving the latest oatmeal variety we came up with last week: "Carrot Cake Oatmeal" as pictured above. I just add some shredded carrots, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice to our usual oats and milk. Before serving the boys get to top their bowls with raisins, chopped walnuts and a drizzle of honey and they are in heaven, thinking they are eating dessert for breakfast. And yes, I stir fresh, chopped baby spinach leaves to their oatmeal on a daily basis - though sometimes it's fresh baby kale instead! Since I've been doing it from the start, they don't think anything of the fact that there are green bits in their oatmeal so I don't even need to be sneaky about it! ;)

{on my nightstand:}

Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

{in my craft basket:}

growth chart for my kitchen

{making me happy:}

Those three little munchkins God entrusted to me.

{thankful for:}

The fact that my husband has a job, even though the boys are I were sad to see him return to it today.

{verse:}

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

- Romans 12:12

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Linking up with Sandra today:

Happy Homemaker Monday

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! How lovely are your branches.

{weather outside:}

And just like that it's December again! Right now it's in the 30's but the temperatures were in the lower 20's during the night making for a very brisk morning while the boys and I headed out for some early morning food shopping.

{around my home:}

Christmas music is playing on the radio. The smell of cinnamon is lingering in the air from our breakfast of oatmeal and fried eggs. Two very focused little boys are sitting at the kitchen table, coloring to their heart's delight. I am watching them as I sit in the living room in my usual spot, nursing while enjoying the soft glow from our cozy, beautiful tree.

{to-do today:}

~ errands
~ fold laundry
~ prepare Christmas Day outfits
~ bake cookies
~ wrap gifts

{menu this week:}

monday: London Broil, Baked Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli
tuesday: Steak & Hummus Wraps
wednesday:

{new recipe:}

I haven't actually made them yet but the boys and I are excited to be adding Carrie's Christmas Almond Bark to our Christmas Cookie Plates this year! Since I have yet to be disappointed by any recipes of hers that I have tried, I have a feeling this one will not be an exception!

{homemaking tip:}

To clean sterling silver jewelry:
Combine 1 T. each of baking soda and salt. Add 1 c. of boiling water. Pour hot mixture over jewelry in a shallow dish. Soak 10 minutes. Wipe clean with damp cloth. Dry. Viola - shiny jewelry!

{on my nightstand:}

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

{in my craft basket:}

blanket for my littlest
jewelry rack for my sister-in-law

{making me happy:}

Sewing. I truly enjoy this hobby and feel honored to share my creations with others.

{thankful for:}

A new friend for my boys and me.

{verse:}

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices 
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born!

Some beautiful lines from my very favorite Christmas Carol that never fail to move my heart.

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Linking up with Sandra today:

Happy Homemaker Monday

A Christmas Tree makes everything cozier.

{weather outside:}

Warm! 60 degrees today! We are having crazy weather here in the Northeast but I'm not complaining especially when it means my family gets to go for after dinner walks to look at Christmas lights without having to bundle up!

{around my home:}

Boys are napping and I am running around the house, flitting from one thing to the next, trying to get as much done as I can while they are all asleep! Christmas music is playing on the radio, a package filled with Christmas presents for my boys is sitting on the kitchen table, chicken for soup later this week is defrosting on the counter... Hoping I can even squeeze in a little wrapping session too! ;)

{menu this week:}

monday: Quesadillas & Green Salad

tuesday: Cheeseburger Pie 

wednesday: Creamy Chicken & Brown Rice Soup

thursday: BBQ Beef, Sweet Potato Fries & Asparagus

friday: Baked Tilapia, Rice & Broccoli 

{to-do today:}

~ wrap gifts

~ pay bills

~ 2 loads of laundry

~ vacuum rugs

~ upload photos

~ write grocery list

~ errands

{on my nightstand:}

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

{in my craft basket:}

Blanket for my littlest

Photo Book for my husband

Jewelry Rack for my sister-in-law

{making me happy:}

Just anticipating Christmas morning with my little family makes me smile. At four, two, and eight months, my boys are at perfect ages for Christmas morning excitement! Being a parent is so fun!

{verse:}

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

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Linking up with Sandra today:

Happy Homemaker Monday

Saint Nicholas Day

{weather outside:}

Cold at the moment. Temperatures went down to the 20's last night but by this afternoon they are supposed to get back up to the mid-50's! Very unusual December weather for us.

{around my home:}

Quiet and cozy since I'm the only one up so far. House is tidy but floors need a good cleaning. After a busy weekend I'm happy to spend today getting everything back in order. Relieved that, despite the business, I was able to keep up on laundry so that's one less thing to worry about the Monday morning.

{menu this week:}

monday: Chili & Cornbread
tuesday: Baked Ziti & Ceasar Salad
wednesday: Leftovers
thursday: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup & Biscuits
friday: Roasted Salmon & Broccoli with Brown Rice

{to-do today:}

~ 2 loads of laundry
~ straighten living room
~ mail Christmas cards
~ vacuum floors
~ empty dishwasher
~ write grocery list
~ upload photos

{new recipe:)

These BBQ Meatballs were a big hit at my Dad's 60th Birthday Party this weekend. The recipe is so ridiculously simple I almost didn't want to tell anyone my secret! ;)

{on my nightstand:}

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

{in my craft basket:}

Blanket for my littlest
Photo Book for my husband

{making me happy:}

My crawling, babbling, giggling eight-month-old ray of sunshine.

{thankful for:}

My family. I am so blest to have a wonderful husband and three sweet boys to share all the traditions of Christmas with.

{lesson learned:}

I can be pretty stubborn, especially when it comes to traditions - almost to the point where, everything has to be so perfect that I suck all the fun out of it! ;) Well, now that I have children I am definitely learning to be more flexible and just go with the flow.

{verse:}

O come, O come, Emmanuel 
And ranson captive Israel 
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice Rejoice Emmanuel
Shall come to Thee, O Israel. 

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Linking up with Sandra today:

Happy Homemaker Monday

Thanksgiving Breakfast: Cinnamon Bun Turkeys

{weather outside:}

Below freezing this morning but expected to warm up to mid 40's by this afternoon. As much as I dislike the cold, it is so very cozy to wake up to find frost outside in the morning.

{around my home:}

Two older boys are reading Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever on the couch, littlest is watching them contently from his playpen, classical music is playing on the radio, and apple cinnamon oatmeal is cooking on the stove. There is a good amount of cleaning that needs to be accomplished today but the house is relatively tidy so I am content with that for now.

{menu this week:}

monday: Autumn Chicken
tuesday: Taco Soup
wednesday:
thursday:
friday: Fried Tilapia & Grapes, Brown Rice & Asparagus

{to-do today:}

~ 3 loads laundry
~ finish planning menu
~ errands
~ mop kitchen floor
~ vacuum rugs
~ fold laundry

{new recipe:}

Billie Jo's Turkey Soup was amazing!

{homemaking tip:}

Ashley's idea to start a Thanksgiving Journal in which each family member writes what they are thankful for that year. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of time and thought each of our guests put into their entries.

{on my nightstand:}

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury

{making me happy:}

Christmas shopping. We keep things pretty simple so I really get to enjoy the whole process.

{thankful for:}

A wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving with my family.

{looking forward to:}

The Christmas cards I ordered to arrive in the mail this week. Hopefully they turned out as nice as I envision them!

{verse:}

Shepherd me O God beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

While singing this hymn at Mass this weekend I was struck by how contrary these words are to our culture especially right now when big question everyone is asking is "What do you want for Christmas?"

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Linking up with Sandra today:

Anticipation

When it comes to holidays, preparation, for me, is half the fun! 

I love anticipating, daydreaming about and looking forward to the big day. Between the Thanksgiving menu, decor, schedule, and, not to mention, outfits, my mind has been aflutter with ideas lately that I do my best to memorize until I have a free hand to write them all down. 

The weather today has been gloomy, dark, and cold. All my boys are napping and I am in my element of coziness here at the kitchen table, planning our Thanksgiving Day while sipping a mug of Apricot Tea, listening to classical music, smelling a Spiced Plum candle, and gazing at the soft glow that the foggy day outside is creating through the front bay window in the living room.

So far, these are my thoughts for our Thanksgiving Day Festivities: 

~ Schedule ~

Wednesday Evening:

Movie: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Thursday Morning:

Thanksgiving Day Family 5k

Breakfast

Thursday Afternoon:

Dinner

Game: UNO Flash, Thanksgiving Pictionary

Dessert

Thursday Evening:

Bonfire

Movie: While You Were Sleeping

~ Menu ~

Thanksgiving Eve Dinner:

Pepperoni Pizza with White Crust

Arugula & Tomato Pizza with Wheat Crust

Thanksgiving Breakfast: 

Sweet Potato Biscuits
Fresh Whipped Salted Butter
Fresh Whipped Pumpkin Pie Spice Butter

Turkey Shaped Cinnamon Buns

Fried Eggs
Bacon

Thanksgiving Day Dinner:

Roast Turkey

Sausage & Sage Stuffing

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Mashed Turnips

Roast Asparagus & Mushrooms
Cranberry Orange Relish

Thanksgiving Day Dessert:

Pumpkin Pie

Pecan Pie

Fresh Whipped Cream

Bonfire Snack:

Roasted Marshmallows

Sea Salt Popcorn

Mulled Cider

Hot Cocoa

~ Decor ~

Table: 

Centerpiece: Pumpkins, Acorns, Fall Leaves, Pine Cones

Covering: Rolled Brown Paper

Place Mats: 'Thankful For' Papers

Place Cards: Construction Paper Turkeys

China: Wedgewood by Martha Stewart Conservatory

Favor:
Pumpkin Spice Bread
Fresh Eggs

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I know the next couple of days will be busy but I plan on making my best effort to enjoy the anticipation that comes each time we countdown to our favorite holidays of the year!