Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Hot!!!I have been working outside in the heat (after I finish at Skylar's) trying to get my flower beds cleaned out and all landscaping finished before my son's wedding (September 12th). I am sunburned, which is uncomfortable and I have a sinus infection, brought on by my allergies.

One of my simple pleasures:
Sometimes when I am cooking or doing the dishes my husband will come up behind me and put his arms around me. I always enjoy the feel of his arms around me.

On my bedside table:
tissues, tv remote, lamp, phone, book ("Flies on the butter" by Denise Hildreth).

On my TV:
Jon & Kate Plus 8

On the menu for tonight:
Bar-B-Q, slaw, baked potato, macaroni & cheese, baked beans, and buttered Bar-B-Q bread.

On my To Do List:
Make the bed and pick up in bedroom
Go over and help Skylar (4 hours)
Do a few loads of laundry.
Wash dishes
Sweep & mop kitchen floor
Work outside cleaning flower beds in goldfish pond area.
Cook supper and wash dishes.

New recipe I tried last week:
No time to try new recipes.

In the craft basket:
Skylar's new jeans that I need to tailor to fit his legs and I still have fabric for new curtains for the den.

Looking forward to:
having more time to relax.

Homemaking tip for this week:

Beatitudes for a Housewife

Blessed is she whose daily tasks are a labor of love; for her willing hand and happy heart translate duty into privilege, and her labor becomes a service to God and all mankind.

Blessed is she who opens the door to welcome both stranger and well-loved friend; for gracious hospitality is a test of brotherly love.

Blessed is she who mends stockings and toys and broken hearts, for her understanding is a balm to humanity.

Blessed is she who children love, for the love of a child is more to be valued that a fortune or fame.

Blessed is she who sings at her work; for music lightens the heaviest load and brightens the dullest chore.

Blessed is she who dusts away doubt and fear and sweeps out the cobwebs of confusion; for her faith will triumph over all adversity.

Blessed is she who serves laughter and smiles with every meal; for her buoyancy of spirit is an aid to mental and physical digestion.

Blessed is she who preserves the sanctity of the Christian home; for hers is a sacred trust that crowns her with dignity.

Author unknown- Taken from the Yankee Kitchen Cookbook, 1969

Favorite photo from last week:

My nephew, Skylar, texting on his phone while visiting with us last week. He uses a toothpick that he holds in his mouth to text, call, and answer his phone(you can enlarge the photo to get a better view). For those who do not know about Skylar, he was in an automobile accident in September 2007 and is paralyzed from the shoulders down. He uses a sip-n-puff device on his wheelchair that he controls by sucking or blowing through a straw (the white tube in front) to get around. I am amazed each day at all that he endures and still manages to smile and I love him very much.

Lesson learned the past few days:
I've learned that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

On my Prayer List:
My husband and children
Skylar and my mom.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
"Prayer is the practice of the presence of God. It is where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is admitting our need, adopting humility, and claiming dependence upon God. Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through the Son of God, Jesus our Lord."

Thank you Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for hosting this event each week.