Sunday Night Chit-Chat

I made it for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat!!! After missing for the last two weeks I feel pretty accomplished to just be putting words to page on this fine Sunday night! Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily initiates the Sunday Night Chit-Chat each week and I love to play along when I can:) First up is my picture...

The dog ate my chair:(

Sooo, let's get started!

I am...

Reading...Fortunate Harbor by Emilie Richards (book 2 of the Happiness Key series). 

Watching...My plans are to finish reading my book tonight so no TV. We did however watch the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie we taped from a few weeks ago called "The Makeover" this afternoon.

Listening to...Our English Bulldog, Rocky, snoring at my feet (the very same dog who chewed up my chair while I was sleeping).

Cooking/Baking...I baked two loaves of bread today. This was the first bread I have baked in at least two weeks!

Happy I accomplished this week...I got over the flu and managed to clean the house a little. I kept the laundry up all week even though I was sick!

Looking forward to next week...My stamping club that I postponed because I was sick will be this Wednesday! I love getting together with these ladies!

Thankful for today...I know I say this a lot but I am thankful to be well again. Since the beginning of September, being healthy has not been easy. I do think it's getting better though. This last bout with the flu was just another reminder that my immune system is not where it needs to be.

BONUS QUESTION: What item is currently at the *TOP* of my wish list? The top item would have to be an Infrared Sauna because of the health benefits.

Well, that's it for tonight! See you tomorrow for Happy Homemaker Monday!

Kat

Happy Homemaker Monday

It's Monday! What does that mean?!!! Happy Homemaker Monday, of course:) I was really lazy over the weekend and didn't even do the Sunday Night Chit-Chat last night:( Happy Homemaker Monday is hosted each week by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. I love reading Sandra's blog because it reminds me of my life when my children were growing up...homeschooling, reading the Bible and Bible stories to the children before bed, cooking from scratch, reading cookbooks, crocheting and sewing...sometimes I miss those days; get a little teary thinking about them. But now I am on the Gramma side of things and have waayyy less energy to accomplish a day's duties so I guess the Bible is right, "To every thing there is a season..." Ecclesiastes 3:1 

Happy Homemaker button courtesy of Sandra @ Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

So, let's get started with our Happy Homemaker Monday!

The Weather...45 degrees (F) today with blue skies and bright sunshine:) 

Right now I am...Sitting in my chair, sipping Yerba Mate tea, blogging, listening to my hubby talk to his brother and sister-in-law about our coast trip tomorrow:)

Thinking...About about our fun trip to the coast this week.

On my reading pile...I am on the second book in the Happiness Key series, Fortunate Harbor by Emilie Richards. The first book in the series finally got my interest about chapter 18. The fact that I hung in that long is amazing but I am looking forward to this next book in the series.

On my TV...Downton Abbey was wonderful last night but was not expecting two hours! Guess that was a bonus! Next Sunday is the season finale! How long are we going to have to wait till Season Four?!!!

Favorite Blog post this week (mine or other)...
A Really Big Morning by Cindy at Just North of Wiarton and South of the Checkerboard! I really related to this post.

Something fun to share...I'm coming up with a blank for today!

On the menu for this week...

Monday--Spaghetti, salad, garlic french bread
Tuesday--Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant in Clackamas, OR on our way to the coast:)
Wednesday--Restaurant in Lincoln City, OR
Thursday--Valentine's Day dinner at a restaurant in Seaside, OR
Friday--most likely Sweet Tomatoes on our way home
Saturday
Sunday

On my "to do" list...

• Pack for our trip to the Oregon Coast
• Visit a yarn/craft store in Seaside
• Shop at the Outlet Mall in Lincoln City
• Peruse at least one used bookstore
• Peruse at least one Thrift store
• Take pictures while at the coast to share with YOU!

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting, or crafting...

I purchased this book from Annie's Attic as a digital download (on my iPad) to take with me to the coast. Crochet thread projects are easy to transport:) Looking forward to making some pretty doilies! Pineapples are my favorite!

Homemaking Tips: Since I am packing and getting ready for our trip, I will share an old packing tip. Fold your clothes and then roll them to get more in your suitcase. I pack a wool sock to put my curling iron or hair straightener in just in case it's hot when I'm packing to come home.

Looking around the house...The dogs are sprawled out across the living room floor, in front of the wood stove, with their toys (as usual). Things look pretty good around here today:)

From the camera...

A box of Happy Mail! I will share more in a post later today!

On my Prayer List...
Friends with health issues; friends trying to sell their business to be able to spend more time with their children; friend preparing for move this summer to Japan (military family); 

Bible verse; Devotional...

To everything there is a season,

And a time for every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; 

A time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to week, and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose;

A time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; 

A time of war, and a time of peace."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (KJV)

Have a wonderful day! I will be back a little later with my Happy Mail post:)

Kat

January Goal Update/February Goals

I downloaded the Kindle edition of Attack Your Day to my iPad to help with my disorganizedness. I am in a constant state of learning to be more organized but I think I have attention deficit disorder when it comes to organization. It's often one step forward, two back but sometimes it's three or four steps forward and only one back. Hopefully this book will help. At the time of this writing, the Kindle Edition of Attack Your Day is FREE! At Amazon that doesn't usually last long so if you're interested, hurry on over!

So, this is how I did on January's Goals! I have a lot of improving to do for February but it was a start!

1. Complete Carla's January No/Low Spend & Decluttering Challenge which means I will be removing 100 items from my home (throw away or give away) and I have limited myself to spending only $20 of this month's allowance. Hubby does the grocery shopping and takes care of the bills so I don't worry about that money (he is sooo good with money). I do however want to start saving some of my allowance and stamping income each month. I flunked this challenge==big time:( I spent most of my allowance and ALL of my Stamping income:( 
2. Bible Study for 30 minutes per day. I did pretty well with this one but will continue on with it in February.
3. Write in my journal 3 x per week. I haven't written in my journal once this year...yet!
4. Exercise 30 minutes 3 x per week. I flunked this one too but will work on this in February.
5. Make two of the sewing projects on my list and post on blog. Haven't started yet
6. New Blog Header sooner than later! Done! Do you like it?!!!
7. New Thankful Thursday button! Done!
8. Make Thank You cards and send for Christmas gifts received and to hubby's clients. 5 done and about 10 more to go but am giving myself a pass on this one.
9. FINISH pair of socks I am knitting--both of them! Haven't been working on them but I did make two knitted headband/earwarmers.
10. Complete and post my Design Team project for The Cupboard Trilogy Challenge for February. Finished and posted:)

It looks like I have a lot of improvements to make in February so will need to get busy! My goals for February are...

1. Bible Study for 30 minutes per day.
2. Exercise 30 minutes 3 x per week.
3. Make two sewing projects and post on blog.
4. Write in Journal 3 x week.
5. Finish pair of socks I am knitting--both of them
6. Make/buy and send one RAK
7. Clean one closet, cupboard or drawer per week
8. Declutter 50 items this month
9. Make and keep lunch date with girlfriend
10. Finish reading Happiness Key series (almost finished with book 1 of 3 and it's finally getting good).
11. Read Attack Your Day!!!

Well, that's it for my February Goals. I will keep you updated weekly as to my progress. Hopefully my new book will help!

Are you super organized or a wannabe? It's a lifelong dream of mine to be organized but so far it hasn't happened:(

Have a great day!

Kat

Happy Homemaker Monday

Good Morning! Welcome to Happy Homemaker Monday started each week by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom! I am having a much easier time blogging this morning! The internet is working a lot faster, probably because I don't as much competition for bandwidth:)

So, what's going on this Monday morning?

The Weather...50s, rainy and windy. I am in Seattle today and tomorrow and I do believe Seattle has 100% chance of rain three seasons of the year! But it is green and beautiful:)

Right now I am...Sitting on the bed in my hotel room, watching reports on Hurricane Sandy on TV and writing this post. Oh, where is that cup of tea I was going to have?!! Will get that going and be right back!

Thinking...About what I am going to do tomorrow after I check out of the hotel. I will have five hours between check out and when my hubby gets out of his training.

On my reading pile...Haven't done much reading in the last week so am still working my way through Emilie Richards Happiness Key series. I also brought my latest copies of Stampin' Success, Knit Simple and Weight Watchers magazines. I also have the latest copy of Better Homes & Gardens magazine on my new iPad.

On my tv...Will be watching lots of storm news most of today. Not sure for the rest of the week.

On the menu this week...
Monday--restaurants
Tuesday--restaurants
Wednesday--Vegetable Stew, Coleslaw/Ramen Salad
Thursday--Baked Potatoes, Baked Butternut Squash and Broccoli
Friday--Mushroom Barley Soup
Saturday--I will take homemade bread and a green salad for church potluck
Sunday--not sure yet

On my to do list...I need to do a stamping order today but other than that, I am just planning to read, knit, blog and watch about the storm on TV. Will need to do some laundry and clean house when I get home but don't plan much until Thursday.

What I am crocheting, knitting, sewing or creating...I am knitting a simple infinity scarf in Lion Brand Homespun yarn; knitting a Christmas stocking ornament; might start a pair of socks today if I get really bored:)

Homemaking Tips...To sanitize countertops, sinks, sponges, etc. just fill a small spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and spray surfaces you want to sanitize! Hydrogen peroxide is cheap, only $1 or less for 16 oz., and safe. There are many uses for hydrogen peroxide besides disinfecting owies! I tried putting bleach in a spray bottle but it ate the spray mechanism:( And bleach is not a safe or green cleaner.

Looking around the house (or in my case, hotel room)...Room a little cluttered with our stuff--jugs of water, crackers, hubby's jeans and socks, my knitting bag. Glad I'm not looking around my HOUSE right now!

From the camera...

Infinity Scarf I am knitting

On my Prayer List...

1. Those in the path of Hurricane Sandy.
2. Friends/family who have recently lost loved ones.
3. Lena--a special blog "friend"

Bible Verse; Devotional...

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3

I hope you are having a great Monday and are safe, healthy and happy. See you tomorrow:)

Kat

Sunday Night Chit-Chat

It's time for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat once again! It is frustrating trying to type this post as the Wifi in the hotel is sooo slow:( But I will persevere! I may have this post finished by next Sunday!

My picture today is a cartoon that was in the e-newsletter from my favorite fabric store, Quilter's Roundup! First rule of purchasing fabric, Leave the husband at home!!!

As you know, the Sunday Night Chit-Chat is started each week by Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily. So let's get started!

I am...

Reading...Still reading Happiness Key by Emilie Richards! I should finish it this week though as I will have lots of reading time while I am at the hotel. We finished our read aloud Hiking Through by Paul Stutzman and it was one of the best books I have ever read! It was so inspirational! I was truly sorry when we finished it!

Watching...Revenge. I really didn't mean to get caught up in this one but...I am!

Listening to...The TV. I miss the puppy snoring:)

Cooking/Baking...I baked bread before I left for Seattle.

Happy I accomplished this week...I made it through the week without actually coming down with the flu that was trying to take hold. I had a few days with low energy and feeling kinda yucky but never did get really sick. I used lots of Airborne, Wellness Formula, Vitamin C and Aloe Vera juice.

Looking forward to next week...Hubby has training near Seattle so we are staying in a nice hotel, eating in restaurants and enjoying a few days away from home. 

Thankful for today...That I am feeling better so I can enjoy the time in Seattle with my hubby!

*BONUS QUESTION*
Am I located in an area that's supposed to be affected by Hurricane Sandy? No, I live on the West Coast:)

Hooray! I made it through the post:))) I think it's just that a lot of other people are on the internet at the same time so it's slowing everything down. 

Have a great night and I will be back tomorrow. Hope to see you then!

Please join me in praying for all those in the path of Hurricane Sandy!

Kat

Happy Homemaker Monday

Well, in order to get back on track this week I decided to post twice today! I really didn't want to miss out on Happy Homemaker Monday! Happy Homemaker Monday is originated each week by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. Be sure to check out her blog to see what she has been up to. 

I am posting this in the evening this week so my answers will reflect that.

The Weather...Brrr! It is 42.9 degrees (F). I don't think it got much over 45 degrees today. And rainy--it's a good thing but I don't have to like it.

Right now I am...Winding down for the day. 

Thinking...About getting ready for Thanksgiving and making some Patchwork Zippy Wallets (tutorial by Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily).

On my reading pile...Still the Happiness Key series by Emilie Richards. I am really wanting another Amish series and I see that Karen Kingsbury has a new book coming out soon:) I haven't been reading very much lately.

On the tv...I finished Ringer on Netflix so now will finish watching McLeod's Daughters on Netflix. It will likely take awhile. Hmmm...I think The Voice may be on tonight.

On the menu for this week...

• Monday--Leftover Potato Soup
• Tuesday--not sure yet
• Wednesday--Spaghetti, green salad and french bread (didn't happen last week)
• Thursday--Mizidra
• Friday--Vegetable Stew with dumplings
• Saturday--Potluck at church
• Sunday--Baked Potatoes, Butternut Squash (from our garden), Cabbage Salad with Ramen Noodles

On my to do list...

• Thank you cards for October customers
• Zippy wallet
• Laundry
• Reverse 100 Things Challenge or as I call it The 100 Thing Fling Boogie (thanks to the Fly Lady)--more about this one tomorrow:)
• Clean guest apartment after my brother left
• Get package together for Secret Sister Swap
• Get RAK ready to mail

What I am sewing, knitting, crocheting or creating...

• Do you want to hear it again?!!! A Patchwork Zippy Wallet!!! I hope to have it made and ready to post before Friday. 
• Slowly cross stitching napkins. Having trouble getting into it.
• I really, really, really want to start a winter scarf.

Homemaking Tips...I use Clorox (or other brands) Wipes to clean the toilet. But the best tip is using Clorox Wipes to clean the floor around the toilet; keeps it smelling fresh and clean--even with men in the house!

Looking around the house...I see three lazy dogs snoozing away and their toys are littering the living room! 

From the camera...

A tease for tomorrow's post:)

On my prayer list...

• My brother as he's working his way through the grieving process after losing his sweet wife in June.
• Our Thanksgiving guest list. 
• A friend who is moving to Texas soon to be near her children.

Bible Verse; Devotional...

"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV)

Thank you for stopping by. Have a good evening and I will be back with a card tomorrow--the tease from above:)

Kat

Sunday Night Chit-Chat

My picture for the Sunday Night Chit-Chat is of the beautiful flowers my hubby brought me on Thursday...for no reason at all:) The very best reason is no reason:D

The Sunday Night Chit-Chat is started each week by the very sweet Carla at My Half Dozen Daily. For the rules please check out Carla's website. Sooo, let's get started...

I am...

Reading...Happiness Key by Emilie Richards. It is the first book in a Trilogy. I was able to get the first and third books for 50 cents each but am ordering book two from Amazon. We are also still reading Hiking Though by Paul Stutzman as our read aloud. This book is so inspirational! I LOVE it!!!

Watching...The Note 3.

Listening to...The movie we are watching.

Cooking/Baking...I made Mushroom Barley Soup with a big green salad for dinner. I made a delicious recipe of Honey Mustard Salad Dressing:)

Happy you accomplished this week...I got the house cleaned up after being gone for a week. 

Looking forward to next week...My Happy Stampers Club meeting:) I love those ladies and we have such a good time together!

Thankful for today...My wonderful family:) And for my wonderful blog readers!

**BONUS QUESTION**

What time do I go to bed at and wake up in the morning?  I am usually in bed by 9:00 and asleep by 10:00. I get up at 6:00 in the morning. I would like to get up at 5:00 in the morning to be able to read my Bible and will start working toward that end this week. 

Thank you for visiting tonight! I hope you will visit again soon!

Kat