Cleaning the bedroom

Have you ever had one of those days that when you wake up you have all those things you want and need to get done that day? Today is one of those days for me. Today's focus room is the bedroom. I'm noticing a trend that hubby and I have of sprawling our clothes around and no, not in the dresser drawers or closets therefore, the piles of clothing in the bedroom is the first thing I needed to take care of. I made the bed then I managed to clean out the closet. It was a mess and I literally could not find anything in it anymore. I now can say I have a few more things to set back for my yard sale in the spring. I am determined to rid myself of all this useless junk once and for all! Last but not least I dusted and vacuumed the carpet. All done! I had time to make a pineapple upside down cake for supper tonight. Hubby can not wait to sample it. It has been a productive and tiring day.

Fishing

The ice is breaking up on the lake and with that, I can barely contain myself. I have been thinking about fishing probably as much as thinking about my garden. For me it is a hobby to relax and spend quality time with the husband and or friends. We live on a small fishing lake here in northern Indiana, bass, bluegill, crappie and perch are mainly fished here and are abundant. I like to fish for bluegill and bass but, I love bluegill the best for eating. My love for fishing goes way back. My parents used to have a pond on their property and as a little girl, I can remember my mom, dad, grandma and I fishing from it. Back then, I used a rather large cane pole. Not only was it large but, it was awkward for a small girl. I seemed to hook more than just fish. Those days are long gone but, are still in my memories. Today I fish with a fly rod, spin cast rod and a cane pole. My husband has taught me alot on fishing techniques ect.. including how to bait the hook. He has tried his best to teach me how to take the fish off the hook as well. but, somehow I cannot seem to master this as I cannot bring myself to touch those cold, scaly, slimy, jumpy, flippy things. Yea, I know, I even tried using gloves. Nope, its not going to happen! But, I love to catch them and let my hubby clean and fillet them. I love to fry them and really love to eat them. I am so blessed to have such a patient and loving husband!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for these 5 little things-
I am thankful my hubby and I have remained healthy so far this winter, my little aches and pains are only from age. LOL!
I am thankful that my life is as it is right now. It might not be how I planned or ever wished for but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I am thankful we have a roof over our head, we have clothes, and food, we are not without.
I am thankful for 5 healthy beautiful grandchildren. They are truly a blessing. I love being a Mimi.
I am thankful for God. He is faithful. He has always been our provider. As we live through ordinary, dull, or even discouraging days, we can confidently anticipate joyful surprises from him!

Update on brother-in-law

I am sorry, as I do not have a picture today for wordless Wednesday. I promise though I will have one for next Wednesday. So, I will give you an update on my brother-in-law instead. As you know, He has been in intensive care at the hospital from surgery and a pulmonary embolism. He is now getting better each day. My sister said he is walking around a little bit and she is hoping he will be home very soon. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all the prayers! I am a big believer in prayer and I know its because of all the prayers he is better. You should visit my sisters blog http://following31.blogspot.com you will be blessed!

Menards Rebate Program

My hubby and I love to shop at Menard's. Now, for those of you who do not know, most every week they sometimes offer free after rebate items. The last several weeks there has been 4-5 items each week. Most of them are limits of 1-5 each. This week is no exception. If you're not familiar with the Menard's rebate program or if you are new to Menard's, here is how the rebates works.Now, first off, keep in mind, in order to get the free after rebate items, you must purchase an additional $10.00 worth of non-rebated items. You only need $10.00 per transaction, no matter how many freebies you get. If you don't see anything you need or want at the time, you can buy a $10.00 gift card. Okay, say you purchase 1 measuring tape and 1 pry bar, you will need 1 rebate card for each different item you purchased. If you got 2 measuring tapes, you need 1 card for that rebate. After you check out be sure to pick up the rebate cards by the door. Remember, you will need 1 rebate card for each different item you purchased. When you get home, you simply put on an address label on each card and match it up with the rebate receipt that printed at the bottom of your receipt. That's it! In a few weeks you should begin getting the rebates in the mail. Its important for me to note that the rebates are not real checks. They are merchandise checks for Menard's and can only be spent at Menard's. This isn't a big deal to me because I plan on using the rebates to buy more free stuff at Menard's, kinda like we all use ECB"s at CVS....... Same idea! This weeks free after rebate deals are----------------

• 60 yd. duct tape, Free after $2.50 rebate, limit 3
• 7 pc. handy driver, Free after $2.00 rebate, limit 2
• ultimate all-season windshield washer, Free after $2.50 rebate, limit 2
• Led crank flashlight, Free after $5.00 rebate, limit 2

Menu Plan Monday

MONDAY - Pizza, tossed salad (wanted something easy since I had granddaughter's today)

TUESDAY- eating out

WEDNESDAY- macaroni and cheese, sausage, green beans

THURSDAY- Spaghetti, garlic bread, tossed salad

FRIDAY- cubed steak, mashed potatoes, pea salad (see recipe below)

SATURDAY- Sub sandwiches

SUNDAY- on your own

Pea Salad

1 pkg. 10 oz. frozen peas (or 80z. can, drained) ( I use frozen; they taste better and are not mushy.) 1/2 c. shredded (or cubed in small pieces) cheese (I often use cheddar but used colby this time.) 2 T. chopped onion 2 T. mayonnaise or salad dressing ( I always use real mayo!) 1 1/2 t. yellow mustard 1/4 t. salt 1 hard boiled egg

Rinse frozen peas under running cold water to separate. Drain. Mix remaining ingredients with drained peas. 1 recipe makes about 4 or 5 servings.

I like to make the salad in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight so flavors can blend.

Prayer

The snow just keeps coming and I am not taking it well. UGH! Please pray for my brother-in-law who has underwent surgery Friday just fine but, took a turn for the worse yesterday with a pulmonary embolism. He is in intensive care right now. Also pray for my sister and family, as, it has been hard on her and not to mention tiring. Thanks!

Waiting for spring

Every winter I anxiously await the first signs of spring. The long cold winter seems to never end. I am really trying to be patient with mother nature. We woke up this morning to snow everywhere coming down and it is really cold here also. The warmer spring like temperatures from a week or two ago have disappeared. I am disappointed once more spring will not be here for at least a little while longer. I should be used to this sort of thing living here in Indiana. The weather can be so unpredictable here. I can still dream though of planting my garden and having my yard sale......hmmmm....not sure which I am more excited about. In the meantime, I think I'll cheer myself up and look through the seed catalogs and websites, that will chase away my winter blahs.

Having Morning Coffee

I wasn't sure what I was going to post about today, but, the one thing that does come to mind is the mornings my father comes over for coffee. This morning was one of those days. I cannot say what a blessing it is. Both my husband and I enjoy the fellowship and time we spend with him, even Sassafrass looks forward to seeing him. Today we discussed the weather and how we wish the weather would break and spring would arrive. We discussed future plans for our gardens and how our president, as part of the stimulas package is boosting the unemployment for all americans $25.00 a week. The little time he spends with us we cherish as someday we may not have that time.

Thankful Thursday

Everyday we should count our blessings. When I think about it, I have so much to be thankful for. First and foremost I am most thankful that we have and serve an awsome God who is so faithful and merciful! We owe him everything we have because he spares us each and everyday with his grace and mercy. I am thankful he allowed me to see another day. I am thankful for my family. I am grateful and blessed to be the daughter of 2 great parents. with their help I stay humble and grounded. I am thankful for the ups and downs, highs and lows, because without them I would not appreciate what life has in store for me. I am thankful for my husband. It is beyond words to describe how incredibly blessed to have him. He has taught me alot about giving and material things are just that, they do not bring happiness, it is what you do in life, not what you have. This is something I never thought about until I started seeing him. He has showed me how to control my temper and anger, and to be strong in certian situations. This is something I struggle with at times. He is an amazing man. Lastly, I am most thankful for the peace that God gives me each day. All I need to do is stay focused on him and his word and all my worries, doubts, and concerns never seem to exist.

Wordless Wednesday

Tackle it Tuesday- Bathing my dog

I love my dog Sassafrass, a yorkie-shit-zu, one of the things I do to show my love for her is to bathe her on a regular basis along with keeping her groomed and flea proof as( much as possible) She is in dire need of grooming at the groomers but, for today a good bath will have to do. I have been slacking in this area. I usually bathe her once a week. Since Sassafrass is only 4 lbs.,I find it easiest to bathe her in the kitchen sink. First thing, check that you have all the necessary items in close proximity, a towel, dog shampoo, brush, blow dryer. Secondly check hair, is it tangled and knotted? if so give it a quick brush in order to loosen it. It also helps loosen any dirt. When bathing, the water should be of a lukewarm temperature. Be careful as to not get shampoo or water in the eyes or ears. I use a good flea shampoo. Make sure you rinse well. I then give her a soft cuddle and dry with a towel. I do not let her run around with wet hair if its a cold day, because there's a good chance she will get a cold I therefore use a hair dryer set on low, not getting too close to her skin. She loves this except when you are drying the top of her head. I cuddle and praise her. She is such a good girl. Here is a picture of my Sassafrass. Isn't she cute?

Menu Plan Monday

This week we will be eating from our freezer and stockpile from the pantry except, for Wednesday as, we will be running errands in town so, therefore will be eating out for that night.


Monday
pork chops
mashedpotatoes
(home canned green beans)


Tuesday
fish(bluegill from our lake)
french fries
tossed salad

Wednesday
eating out

Thursday
salsa chicken
corn casserole

Friday
sub sandwiches
vegetable soup

Saturday
cube steak
mashed potatoes
peas

Sunday
on your own

Another Monday at Mimi and Papa's house

Today was another full day taking care of 2 of my 4 granddaughter's. You see, my daughter who is a single mother has been going to college. On Mondays she doesn't have a sitter so, I take care of the girls ages 1 and 2 that day. Now, either I am getting used to this or the girls were just exceptionally good this week. Yep, we don't call Abby, Grabby Abby for nothing. I actually got 2 loads of laundry done and my dishes without interruption and sleep most all morning. How? you ask? The girls were exceptionally tired. Abby layed down with her sippy and fell asleep. Jocelyne curled up on the chair with a pillow and afghan. Soon her eyes gave out, and la la land she went. I believe this was a great opportunity for Mimi to get a few more zzzzzz's herself. We all slept until 12:30pm. The girls played well with each other the rest of the day. They were excited when Papa arrived home from work. The rest of the day was spent using Papa as a jungle gym. No zzzzzz"s for Papa today. Yep, just another Monday at Mimi and Papa's house.

My CVS Deals

It is my usual getting up at 6:30 in the morning, going out for breakfast with hubby at our favorite restaurant. Then its off to CVS, my all time favorite place to shop every week. These are the deals I got....

• 6 suave body wash $2.00 each


• 2 colgate total advanced toothpaste $5.98


• 2 herbal essences shampoo $5.98


• 2 herbal essences conditioners $5.98


• 1 gillette fusion gamer razor $7.99

I used $5.00/$30.00 cvs coupon, $13.00 MQ's, and $15.98 ecb's

Subtotal=.95 Tax=$1.19

Total=$2.14 Earned ecb's $17.98

Valentines Day

Sorry I am late with this posting. Hope everyone had a good Valentines day yesterday. My hubby took me out to dinner for prime rib.Yummm....I think the last time I had prime rib it was years ago. We went shopping after, not for anything in particular. Much to my surprise, Hubby buys me this beautiful 10K gold mystic fire necklace with matching earrings. I love it! Depending how the light hits it, the array of different colors is so amazing. I guess that is what drew me to the necklace. Anyways, to finish off the night we rented a movie. I have an amazing husband and had a perfect night.

WELCOME

Welcome all! This blog is about my day to day life. Taking one day at a time so to speak. It is about my adventures going to garage sales, tending my garden, spending time with my grand kids, my coupon adventures, fishing with my husband, whatever I may do or happen that particular day. So hope you will come join me for one day at a time.