Happy Homemaker Monday June 29 2015

Wow, it is almost July, my kids are out of school and working (all of my kids are old enough to drive and have jobs!), and it is grilling and pool season. Today is a beautiful day. Life is good.

The Weather

It is gorgeous! The forecast was mostly cloudy (and maybe that will happen) but right now it is sunny with blue skies, 61 degrees (high is 75, perfect!), and supposedly 81% humidity, but it doesn't feel like it to me. Humidity is an important factor around here, probably more of a concern for us than the actual temperature. We only have this issue in the summer, but that humidity level is what can make or break us on a summer day.

Things That Make Me Happy

Reading a really good book. But what may make me even happier are book lists. Oh, the possibilities! 

Also what makes me happy is that all of my kids (and my husband, of course) have jobs. My oldest son, who is 21, is working for our local telephone company in business support. It is not an easy job, because it includes sales quotas, but he is doing really well. He has been earning great commissions and is paying off a lot of debt (caused by financing the band he was in). My daughter is working in a daycare and the kids, parents, and fellow teachers love her. She is really great with kids. She started there the summer before her senior year in high school, worked after school senior year, and summers and Christmas vacation when she is home from college. My youngest, who is 16 now, is working for a man from our church fixing and installing automatic pool covers. This good man has employed so many of our men and youth. The hours are long (because it requires a lot of traveling), and therefore the pay is good. It does require, however, that we leave the house at 6:25 (his hours are about 7 - 7, Monday through Friday). And my last child, my foster son, was supposed to work with his brother (biological brother), but he has not been responding to his calls or texts (this does NOT make me happy). So this morning he texted my youngest son's boss, and sure enough he told him he can start tomorrow. I am so grateful for this man, who also employed my oldest son at one time, and for the good young man who takes them all to work. We are truly blessed.

Menu for this week

can be found in separate posts here for June and here for July. 

What's on tv

Two of my kids have been rewatching Glee from the first season, and I get sucked in once in awhile. Other than that, no tv, other than an occasional movie on the weekend. We watched Mockingjay Part 1 this weekend. I had seen it before but my husband hadn't.

Looking Around the House

The main floor isn't terrible. My one son who is home today volunteered to clean the house because we have a crowd of people possibly coming over tonight. I gave the bathroom/laundry room on the main floor a good cleaning on Saturday, so no complaints.

On My To Do List

I already got my menu planning done, so I have grocery shopping, straightening up the house, and making dinner for the family. Also, calling/texting a bunch of people. We are waiting for a letter with my daughter's mission call in the mail and if it comes, I have to let everyone know to come over!

Looking forward to this week

My daughter's letter! Also, the holiday weekend.

Tips and tricks

This isn't really a tip or trick, but my favorite bathroom cleaner is Borax and kitchen sink cleaner is baking soda. I use a wet microfiber cloth for windows and mirrors and a steam mop on my floors. Why? Because I am very sensitive to chemicals and cannot stand breathing in fumes from spray bottles of cleaner. So grateful for microfiber cloths and Magic Eraser sponges (for the shower).

Favorite photo

Last day of school for the two boys (my daughter's last day of her summer college class was the next day). The boys are officially high school seniors, and my daughter is now a second semester college sophomore (once she transfers the credits).

On my mind

I am in a bit of a panic now because I remembered that I need a permission form from DCF in order for my foster son to climb Mt. Washington next week with the boy scouts since he will be out of state. So far I haven't been able to get in touch with his social worker, and since it is a holiday week, the chances are that she is on vacation. So I will be frantically calling tomorrow (again) and may have to take a 45 minute drive to the office to pick it up, or else he won't be able to go. (He will be 18 in less than a month and then all of this nonsense goes away, yes!)

Devotional

Psalm 37:7 in part: "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.. Something we need today as we await that mission call and await to hear about that permission form!

Have a great week!