Happy Homemaker Monday for January 15th, 2018

I'm linking up today with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday 

THE WEATHER::  It's a very traditionally cold January type of weather this week.  Highs in the 20s.  We might get some snow mid-week. 

RIGHT NOW I AM:: Relaxing.  I just got back from Meijer for grocery shopping and Dollar Tree for some fun goodies.  

PLANNING:: The kids and I are going over to my dad's this evening.  I'm going to make everyone dinner.  Meatloaf, potato wedges, veggies, and a big salad.  

ON MY READING PILE::  I finished "Caroline: Little House Revisited".  You can read my review HERE. 

I'm mid-way through "Find Me Unafraid". I started this book a long time ago, took a break and now I am back.  

I started Tana French's "In the Woods" last night.  It was on sale for Kindle at 2.99 and I have heard good reviews.  

ON MY T.V.::  
Binge watching Hawaii 5-0  
YouTube videos 

FAVORITE BLOG/VLOG THIS WEEK::  I really, REALLY want to make one of these amazing "junk journals". I love how this YouTuber uses hers to document her everyday life.  I've already purchased some of the materials needed!  Squeeeee! 

FAVORITE THING OF THE WEEK::  How happy and appreciative my dad was when I cooked dinner for the family on Saturday.  I wish he would let me do more for him.  I would cook him dinner every night if he'd just let me! 

MY MENU PLAN:: 

BREAKFASTS:: I plan to try the two-ingredient dough that has broken the internet! Not sure how I'll use it yet, but most likely I will try these everything bagels. 

Breakfast hash using Simply Potatoes 

LUNCHES::
Skinny Ms. Chickpea Mediterranean Rice 

Also going to make a chicken and vegetable stir-fry over quinoa 


DINNERS:: 
Slender Kitchen's Lemon and Broccoli Pasta with Shrimp 

Spaghetti & Turkey Meatballs
Turkey tacos 
Leftovers 

Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice 

Fish Taco Cabbage Bowl

WINNING RECIPE OF LAST WEEK::  Super simple but it will definitely go into the rotation.  It was quick, easy, and yummy.  (p.s.  I used the Aldi multigrain wraps) 

BBQ CHICKEN FLATBREAD PIZZA 

TO-DO LIST::
Sunday:  Meal prep, clean, Bible study 
Monday:  Work, pick up a few odds and ends @ Aldi 
Tuesday:  Gym, work, Weight Watcher's Meeting, Bible study, read 
Wednesday:  Gym, work, doctor's appointment (finally getting my knee checked out) 
Thursday:  Work, visiting a friend 
Friday:  Gym, work, thrifting with Emme 
Saturday:  Family day with kids and family 

MY PLANNERS THIS WEEK::  

(My main planner) 

 (My health/fitness planner) 

TRYING TO BE CREATIVE::  I am going to try and make this $2 heart garland from Tater Tots & Jello.   I bought the ribbon and felt hearts, so I am ready to go! 

FROM THE CAMERA::   

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO::   After hurting my knee AGAIN - I am looking forward to being completely independent again.  I have had to rely on my daughters to help more with the housework and shopping, etc.  While I think they need to do their share, I don't want them to HAVE to do it because I'm unable.  

GRATEFUL:: Wednesday morning I was on my way to work.  It had been warmer on Tuesday and a lot of the snow melted, so there was a sheet of ice on everything.  I slid through at least 3 stop signs.  It was the kind of ice you can do nothing about.  At a stop light after a mild curve, I was going very slow and started to pump my brakes and I started to fishtail and slide into the car in front of me. I was able to steer into the median, praying the whole time that I didn't hit anyone.  I missed hitting a pole in the median by less than a foot when I finally was able to stop.  Then I saw in my rearview mirror a black SUV hitting the same patch of ice and doing a full 360 before sliding toward us.  I started praying again and he was able to find some control.  I was SO SO grateful to God that I was able to avoid hitting anyone or anything!  I felt God with me, that's for sure!  <3