We gather together...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Alle, alle auch sind frei!

Or should I say... Ollie Ollie Dachsund free?

Yup... that's right... we added another dog to our household, yesterday! His name is Oliver ("Ollie") , and he is a 3 year old, [not-so]-mini Dachshund. I say not-so... because that short little elongated body weighs a whoppen 23 lbs! He's a solid boy! (B adoringly calls him "beef log"... lol!) Though we really weren't looking at getting another dog... I have always been fond of dachshunds... and he was not-only free, but in need of an immediate good home... so here he is! He was raised by a single mom - who received him when he was only 5 weeks old - her young daughter (now 2½), a Massif, and another Mini-Dachshund. - So he is used to being around other dogs, and young children! His family was suddenly faced with having to move out of their place... and into another [not so animal friendly] one.... so she posted him on FreeCycle... and after no interest, was about to take him to the pound. I couldn't bear to see that happen... so I called her up, 20mins later she brought him over to "meet him"... and before I knew it, he was ours! He is really a sweet, affectionate, and fun-loving dog... and is adapting well into our home!

Counting down the days...

Thanksgiving is coming... and with it, ALL the people I love most! Marmee and the girls arrived Saturday night (yay!) and Heather & Bryce will be here in approx 47 hours 33 mins... I can't wait!! The last time we were all together, was last April (the picture above) for my grandfather's funeral...

Wordless: My Karaboo...

Dare to go against the flow....

Construction behind the scenes...

I am in the process of working on some coding issues and doing some updates... so if, at any time this site goes haywire... please be patient.. it will all be back to normal soon! Thank you for your understanding!

Give & it shall be given unto you!

During the Missions Conference last week, we were encouraged to pray about what the Lord would have us give as our Faith Promise (Missions) offering this year. We heard many testimonies on how God blesses those who give by faith. And tonight, we were blessed with the opportunity to witness this first hand!!

This afternoon, B had to turn in his hours for last week (Mon:10th -Sun: 16th).... and despite getting off early on Monday evening for Missions Conference... ending earlier on Tuesday (he actually got to church in time for the preaching!)... not working at all Wednesday (which was a blessing, since we had our last night of the Missions Conference & International Dinner)... getting home by 7:00pm on Thursday... and not working at all Saturday (which was another blessing, because we had a missions trip to Hope Children's Home!)... he still clocked over 50 hours of work last week!

God is SO good. We trusted in him.. and he's already providing the extra work to be able to give!! ~ Praise the Lord!!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... November 17, 2008 (Heather & Bryce's anniversary!)

Outside my Window... It's a cool 71° degrees... with crystal clear sunny skies! - it's another , beautiful day in [earthy] paradise!

I am remembering...

One year ago today...

I am thankful for... Everything the Lord has done for our family over the last year.... and am *SO*thankful that we can all (including Bryce & Heather [& baby Bryce]) be together again, this Thanksgiving holiday!

I am thinking... Man, I need to get going... I have SO much to do before my mom & sisters get here this weekend!

I am wearing... Red t-shirt, Grey & red Aéropostale hoddie, jean skirt, socks (can you believe it? - I'm actually not barefoot for once!), heart necklace, hair pulled loosely back in a clip.

I am reading... my script for the church Christmas play (have to have it memorized by this Sunday - ah!l)... Music, music & more music.. the little devotional booklet Marmee sent me... and "Mandie and Joe's Christmas Surprise" (I checked it out from the church library)

From the kitchen... Hopefully, bread. - I'd like to make a regular (wheat) loaf, & a pumpkin loaf! ... or since I have some sweet potatoes, maybe I'll try this Sweet Potato Streusel Muffin recipe!! I would also love to try to make a neat-looking recipe I found, for English Muffins!

I am hoping/praying... God will give B another job, as this one comes to a finishes.

I am creating... I am getting ready to make these Turkey Placemats for Thanksgiving... all you need is a shoe to trace out the body.... and hand prints (I am going to use KB's hand), cut out from various colored construction paper for the tail feathers... kinda like this:

I am hearing... a lawn mower outside...KB playing.

One of my favorite things... Laying out in the sun, soaking up some good 'ol vitamin D (and hopefully clearing up my skin a bit, too!)

Around the house... LOTS! Gotta get ready for the family to come this weekend! Mainly I need to work on getting KB's room and the spare bedroom picked/cleaned up. I am trying to get all caught up on laundry (it's been a process, after being without the dryer for so long!)... I need to scrub the kitchen floor.... All the carpets need vacuuming... and the bathrooms are in need of a good scrubbing. It would also be nice to give the great room a good mopping, too!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Tonight we are going our for chocolate fondue with the in-laws, Ann, (Tom), & Mimi for Mimi's birthday! - Tomorrow, hopefully we can get to chick-fil-A for dinner (haven't been in *weeks!*)... Wednesday I have learn - where hopefully we can make some major progress on the bells!... Thursday there's a babywearing group... Saturday we have to go pick up our Turkey for Thanksgiving.... and sometime in there, I need to get the house all cleaned up... for when family to comes in, on Saturday!! Sunday afternoon, there is a birthday party for KB's friend Kalina... and Sunday night I have another offertory (5th in a row!)

Quote...

“It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart.” - unknown

Verse...

"Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.... Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings..." - Psalm 17:5,8

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Two more very *special* pictures from last year, Heather's wedding...

Tea time!

You know how when you see/do certain things, they just give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside? Last Sunday afternoon, we had a Ladies Tea with our missionary wives/daughters, and as I sat sipping my wonderful cup full aromatic tea... I was suddenly overwhelmed with a whole array of memories! You see, tea has had a very prominent place in my life whilst growing up. Sweet-tea, is probably our family's number one beverage... being pretty much available, at just about any time in our home ~ While hot tea brings back memories of late night chats with Marmee... baking... lessons on manners & etiquette.... dress up, tea parties.... history lessons... EXCEL (where all we had in the way of caffeine for the majority of 8wks, was Earl Grey - hahaha)... and, most fondly, memories of chilly winter days - where Marmee always kept the tea kettle full & constantly warming on the stove, so that we could have hot tea whenever we needed it. (Actually, if you ever go visit her in the winter, you'll still find she still does that!!) .

Then it made me start to think of how really blessed I am. I grew up in house full of tea-loving girly-girls... with a Marmee who constantly pours herself into our lives.. teaching us, training us, guiding us in the things of the Lord. ~ She is truly an example of the faith... who, when steeped in the most challenging "hot waters" of life, trusted God completely to get through.. only to come out stronger & more robust in her walk with the the Lord!! And now, as a young wife & mommy - who is learning the joy & sorrows of life as an adult.... there are honestly times, where I would like nothing more than to run back to those carefree days of afternoon tea parties with the girls... but alas, life moves on, things change... and I only pray that I can be the same example to my daughter(s), as my mom has been to us....

Tea that helps our head and heart. Tea medicates most every part.
Tea rejuvenates the very old. Tea warms the hands of those who're cold.
~ J. Jonker, Amsterdam, circa 1670

My favortie pancake recipe...

From Kim Cahill's No Guesswork Cookingbook...

Image courtesy of NoGuessworkCooking.com

I'm going to be an uncle!!

Um... wait a minute... no matter what Fred, Ethel & Lucy say... that just doesn't work! LoL!
Ok, how about this... I am going to be an Aunt! to...

(much better!)

Heather had her ultrasound today! ~ Bryce Eric Reckner, II is due to join our family to arrive sometime the beginning of April! I am going to have a nephew!!! -- And now my parents and other three sisters, will have one of each!! (One granddaughter/niece (KB), and one grandson/nephew!) We are all SO excited!!!

Congratulations Heather & Bryce!!!

Chicken Enchiladas

Tonight we had Chicken Enchiladas with white cream sauce (out of my beloved NoGuesswork Cooking book) for dinner! It turned out SO tasty!! And was so filling, we have enough for a second meal!

Our friends orchid bush...

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... November 11, 2008 (KB's 15 month birthday!)

Outside my Window... It's a clear, sunny, beautiful day in [earthy] paradise (there's a warmth to the air, yet it's not hot. - very comfortable!)

I am remembering... - How so very little KB was last year at the missions conference... as I also marched in with the Bolivian Flag (odd coincidence, as a fill-in, I ended up being assigned the same flag two years in a row).. only with her so very tiny, snuggled into the front carrier!

I am thankful for... The willingness of church family/friends to help out when needed!

I am thinking... I can't wait for Thanksgiving (and everyone coming down for it) to arrive!!

I am wearing... Pink polo, white skirt (with pink & lime green flowers/embroidery).. barefeet (though I was wearing brown sandals a bit ago)... silver chain with diuble hearts charm back in place around my neck... makeup applied... hair pulled loosely back in a clip.

I am reading... my script for the church Christmas play (almost there ! - still working through the big section, though)... various pages of music (two offertories, & two special musics down... two more of each, to go! ~ I also need to get working on a Christmas piece!)... the little devotional booklet my Marmee sent me.

From the kitchen... We had lunch out (at church) today, and dinner will be Chick-fil-A. Sometime tomrrow, we have to get/assemble the stuff for a Greek Salad. Either tomorrow for lunch, or Thursday for dinner, we will have the leftover Sausage Casserole that I made for dinner on Monday night. I also want to make some more pumpkin bread at some point.

I am praying... as to what the Lord would have us to trust in him for our Faith Promise this year. ~ I have also decided to start praying for a new vehicle - as ours is old & wearing out!

I am creating... I am always creating photos! The other day, I took some of Zoe for her mommy's birthday!

We also recently created a play house for KB, out of a 3ft squared box that B brought home from work!!

I am hearing... KB sleeping in my lap..

One of my favorite things... A marvelous cup of iced coffee... a sweet, snugly baby on my lap... and a fantabulous convo with a good friend.

Around the house... Dishes are being run through the dishwasher - the kitchen floor is in need of a good scrubbing - Laundry seems to be never ending..though I have two loads floating around here, that need to be folded. - Family room needs to be picked up of all KB's toys (which her daddy actually dumped on the floor, in order to use her crate! for something) - And at some point, I am going to need to straighten up front bedroom, and prepare it for my mom & sister's arrival (18 days!)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... We're having our Missions Conference this week (Sun - Weds)... with that was a luncheon today... a service tonight (where I will bear the flag of Bolivia in the nightly march of flags)... and then an international dinner/service tomorrow night (for which we volunteered to bring a Greek salad!). ~ At some point we need to go grocery shopping to get the ingredients for the salad. ~ DH is still working a lot... but thankfully had Sunday off, was able to get off in time last night for the meeting, and (I think) is off tomorrow, as well! ~ Tomorrow I will be watching Zoe for a good part of the day. ~ Thursday, I have a LaLeche League Meeting. And (depending on B's schedule) we hope to be able to visit Hope Children's Home with the church group, on Saturday afternoon.

Quote...

“Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” - John Wooden

Verse...

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." ~ Acts 20:24

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...At the wedding we attended last Saturday (at the beach). The dress she's wearing is actually her "flower girl" dress she wore last year in my sister's wedding!

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Aprons

I have come to realize how much I LOVE aprons! They are not only pretty & feminine (you can't help but feel beautiful wearing one!)... but are also SO practical! You can stick just about anything in pockets - therefore leaving your arms/hands free for more important things - like hugging your children! - while the apron itself keeps your clothes clean & stain free (this is big for messy me! lol). They also seem to have a wonderful sense of domesticity about them! As if they are the costume of a true mother/keeper of the home! Have you ever noticed the sense of warmth & motivation you seem to get, after you've taken that apron down from it's nail, and slipped/ fastened it in place? It's powerful!

On a similar note... Another interest of mine, since I was a small girl - was learning about the daily lives, lessons, foods & clothing of historical time eras. I didn't necessarily love reading about them... but more the hands on living & learning. - esp that of the lives of women & children. (Don't worry, these two topics DO have a connection... I promise!) You could say this was somewhat ingrained into me... as much of our vacationing whilst growing up, were what you would call "educational" vacations - often being historically founded, in the form of reenactments, historical homes & villages, parks, and farms. Some of the eras I have become especially fond of are: Colonial America & the Revolutionary Period... the Pioneer times (mid to late 1800's)... and - the epoch I am probably most captivated by - the Victorian & Edwardian eras (early 1900's)! Admittedly, I love watching series like: Little House, & Road to Avonela... as well as movies like: Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, & Sarah Plain & Tall, for those very reasons!

Anyway... back to aprons. As I was watching Road to Avonlea the other day (one of my favorite period shows), and was admiring their beautiful styled clothing.... I couldn't help but notice their aprons! They not only covered their torsos well... but the bottom part was almost like a second skirt, the way the completely wrapped around. Very nice! As I was later talking to my mom... she mentioned that if I could find/ buy the apron pattern I like... she'd make us aprons to wear! (as sadly, I don't have a sewing machine.) Surprisingly, there are many different styles of aprons - even from the Turn of Century era.... but after looking around a bit. I found *the* one. It's called, simply, the "Edwardian Apron". Several sites have the pattern for this particular style apron... but the place I found offered the best price was Sense & Sensibility Patterns (awesome name, no?) - which is an awesome site offering authentic historic patterns from various eras! (They also have a ePatterns section for instant downloads at a discounted price!) So now, all I have to do is order the pattern... and then I will be well on my way to having one of my very own, beautiful apron!! :-)

Side note: I am also seriously drooling over the 1910's Tea Gown! ~ *so* pretty!

Strength

A woman is like a teabag -
only in hot water do you realize how strong she really is"   
~Eleanor Roosevelt

Let Them be Little...

Let Them Be Little ~ Billy Dean or Lonestar

I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand.
You felt so good in it; no bigger than a minute.
How it amazes me, you're changin' with every blink.
Faster than a flower blooms, they grow up all too soon.

So... let them be little,
' Cause they're only that way for a while...
Give 'em hope, give them praise,
Give them love - every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let 'em sleep in the middle,
Oh, just let them be little.

I never felt so much, in one little tender touch.
I live for those kisses, your prayers an' your wishes.
An' now you're teachin' me, things only a child can see.
Tonight, while we're on our knees, all I ask is:

Please.... Let them be little,
'Cause they're only that way for a while.
Give them hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let 'em sleep in the middle,
Oh, just let them be little.

So innocent, a precious soul:
You turn around, an' it's time to let them go.

So, let them be little,
'Cause they're only that way for a while.
Give them hope, give 'em praise,
Give them love every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let them sleep in the middle,
Oh, just let them be little.

Mmm...
Let them...
Be little.

B has been working such long days, and late nights lately... I have gotten a small glance at what it's like to be a "single parent"... and boy! Let me tell you... it's not easy, nor is it fun! (How do parents do it, when they just need 10 minutes to themselves and have no one to pass the baby off too?) ~ Anyway, it was nearing the end of a loooong day... and the closer bed time seemed to creep up... so did the end of my patience. As the result of said long day, in conjunction with KB breaking through new teeth.... she was being rough, testy (getting into everything she *knows* she not supposed to), needy, clingy, and well, plainly... a little stinker! She was pushing every one of my 'buttons' imaginable... and the more I tried to correct her/refocus her/help her, the more she seemed set on doing the opposite. I was starting to get quite frustrated - it was SO not cute anymore! - when this song came on to Pandora. Wow! What a way to set things back into perspective ! Children are only little for such a short time. Though I realize, as parents, it's our responsibility to teach/train them to do do right.... but we also need to be sure to balance that training with a bit of grace - just like the Lord graciously and patiently bestows upon us - his children. We waste so much time/energy getting upset over things that in the big picture, really aren't that big of a deal. Relax, have patience, give grace, and... just let them be little! What a beautiful, gentle [and much needed at the time] reminder!! And while some might say it purely coincidental the song came on when it did... in the words of Albert Einstein: “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” - So, thank you Lord for that gentle correction of my heart!

Change.... or Improvement?

My revelation from today...

Lately you hear much talk about the "change" Obama is supposedly going to bring to our country, during his upcoming presidency. And while that may sound great and all... in my opinion, believing in change alone, is only setting oneself up for failure! All change isn't necessarily good. Therefore, we shouldn't make changes and expect to see improvement.... we should make improvement, knowing that with it will come the positive changes our country needs!!!

Job!!!

I just realized I mentioned something the other day about being grateful for B's willingness to work such long hours to provide for us... but I never posted to tell you, B GOT A JOB!!! It's only through January... but it's decent $$ to pay the bills until something else come around!

Shortly after we received the "no go" call from Best Buy.... my MIL received/forwarded us an email from a family acquaintance, who has a flourishing [seasonal] business of putting up Christmas lights/decorations for [mostly] commercial properties. They were looking for some some extra help, at least through Thanksgiving -- apparently that's when most companies want to have their decorations in place by(read - crazy busy!) ... and for as long as through January (for take down/cleanup/storage).

Friday afternoon/evening, B put in the call.... and after a short conversation, they scheduled a time the next afternoon to pick up some paper work. Apparently his 1½ years of landscaping experience & many years of annually assisting in putting up his dad's crazy light displays were impressive... because they pretty much hired him on the spot! Saturday we went and picked up the paperwork (liability stuff), filled it out/returned it on Sunday, and he started working with them on Monday morning! The Lord is SO good! It's hard work and long days....but it's honest work. And with as much as he "complains" (for lack of a better terms).... he seems to like it a lot! Actually, he cracks me up when he comes home and shows me the "battle scars" he received while fluffing garland/wreaths, walking through shrubbery, stringing palm trees, or just going up and down the ladders & bucket trucks. ;-) He says it has a lot of similarities to his landscaping job... but it's nuch different than what he was was expecting it to be. ~ Though a good different!, it seems!

So far this week (three days).. he's already put in around 38 hours of work! (Thankfully he gets paid overtime.!!) He did get a slight refresher this morning - he didn't have to go in until 1:30 today - but then it was back to work. I think he possibly has tomorrow off (that would be nice!)... and I know he definitely has the weekend off.... so I am looking forward to that! As much as I appreciate everything he's doing to provide for us... we do miss him!! :-)

Anyway, thank you all SO much for all your prayers during this little adventure! God defintitely heard them... and we are eternally grateful!

Wordless Wednesday...

The Returns...

Note to readers: You don't have to read this if you don't want... I just wanted to have a record of the events that took place throughout the night! (Most if not all stats found on cnn.com)

10:30-10:40pm

Wow! What race! At around 8:30 (right after our polls closed), McCain was leading our liberal leaning county (who would have thunk).. by 9:51, as more precincts had reported, Obama had pulled slightly ahead, but only by a little more than 1,000 votes.... and now I just checked, and though Obama is still ahead, it's exactly 50/50 (100% reporting)... with 95,836 votes to 95,609 votes! - He only won our county by 227 votes! That's amazing! Also, Amendment 2 has remained at approx 60 yes/40 no all evening!

For our [battleground] state... it started with Obama leading 55 to 45 (with most of the panhandle counties still to come in)... but as the night wears on, I am slowly seeing that gap lessen... and more and more of the state turn red! So far, with 80% precincts reporting Obama is leading 51% (3,553,070) to 49% (3,378,887).... but they have yet to turn it red or blue... so ya never know! It's definitely gonna be close!!

For the Country, with only 45% of the precincts reporting so far.... it seems Obama is leading 207 electoral to McCain's 135... which actually just jumped up her was under 100 for the longest time. (looks like he getting TX which helps a lot!!!) Looks like one of the other battleground states, Ohio, which had been previously colored red, was just changed to blue stripes. Though it's only had 43% reporting... so it can always change back!

11:20 update:

They are now saying Obama has won (297 to 139)... yet, they are counting in/giving him states that were not long ago led by McCain(Ohio, Iowa & New Mexico), and who only have 52, 48 & 38 percent, repectively, of their reports in. I just don't get it. They have also given Obama states like CA, OR, WA, & HI... who - though I know usually go Democrat - have just barely closed their polls! - Don't you think it's a little early to be counting their chickens?? Interestingly enough, they have still not colored IN or FL. In both Obama is still in the lead (FL - 51% (3,661,970) to 49% (3,510,862), 85% reported-- IN: 50% (1273806) to 49% (1272007) 96% reported) but with much of both states looking mighty red... anything can definately still happen!

11:30 update:

They have just boosted the numbers to 333 (51% - 43,978,815 votes) / 155 (48% - 41,042,359 votes). ~ And though it's only 88% in... they are finally coloring in FL, and giving Obama our 27 electoral votes! (crap!) North Carolina is running a very close race with 94% in... they are at 50%/50% with a difference of only 4425 votes (in McCains favor). IN is currently in Obama's favor, by about 8300 votes (50/49% - 96% in). Needless to say, neither state have been colored yet.

11:45pm update:

Boosted it to 338 (51% - 46,171,361) / 155 (48% - 42,957, 258). They are now saying Nevada is going to go Obama's way (blue stripes) after all - though it's only in by 3% - once again, counting our chickens much? Ohio is still colored blue stripes.. though they are have only gone up to 60% with Obama leading 51 /48%. The gap has widened with Iowa... leading 54/45% - 74% in). FL is now up to 90% with a blue lead of 51% (3,841,372) to 49% (3,671,264). hmm... They have still yet to color in MO, though with 84% reporting McCain is leading 51/48% (over 66,000 votes). The awesome news is, Amendment 2 is still about the same as it has, with 62% yes - 38% no! and Prop 8 (the Ban on Gay Marriage in CA) is currently at 54% yes/48% no - Praise the Lord!

Total National Precinct:69% reporting

12:00am update:
Though only 70% of the precicts have reported... Obama had made his acceptance speech - McCain, his concession speech.... meaning, with his projected win, Barack Obama will become the nation's 44th president and its first African-American leader.

Honestly, I am totally bummed... disheartened... sickened... and confused by the whole thing. I can't quite comprehend what America was thinking - I truly don't understand it!! (May God have mercy on our country!) - But at the same time, I am at peace knowing that my Savior was, my Savior is and my Savior will be Jesus. Not Barack Obama. God is still on the throne... and still in control! As my good friend Sarah said:

"My first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man.
My first allegiance is not to democracy or blood.
It's to a kingdom and a King.".

Final Update (3am)...
yes, I am still up. My mind seems to be going a million miles an hour... therefore making in pretty much impossible to rest & sleep.

Here are the final standings for tonight...

Obama: 338 projected Electoral votes... (52% - 60,508,133 votes) ~ McCain 163 projected Electorals (47% - 54,165,199 votes)

FL finished (well, it's at 99%) with a historical democratic win (there have only been two other democratic wins in the last 40 years 1996 & 1976).... Obama beat out McCain, 51% (4,062,977) to 49% (3,864,089).

Three of the other battleground states.. MO, IN & NC.. never got officially colored in - though by the numbers IN & NC go to Obama & MO goes to McCain.

NV, CO, NM IA, OH & FL (IN & NC) - who were all republican in the 2004 election - made surprising party changes to the democratic side.

Prayers were answered in the Amendment/Proposition Bans on Gay Marriage! FL 2, finished off with a strong 62% yes to 38% no! (with a mind sweeping 4,657,031 to 2,848,490 votes!) ~ AZ is at 56% yes to 44% no (97% precinct reporting).... And CA 8, is at 52% yes to 48% no (with 52% precincts reporting). ~ Praise the Lord!

Next Morning:
Somehow though our country was already 100% reported, the numbers have gone up. Standings are now: 102,650 (Obama) to 102, 413 (McCain)... that's still only a crazy 237 vote lead! Talk about close!

Also...

In the states of Arizona, Florida and California voters said no to homosexual “marriage.” In fact, in the Sunshine State, 60% of the vote was needed to keep marriage only between a man and a woman, and our side was able to garner 62% of the vote.

We won in Arizona, too! This is significant because a couple of years ago the marriage amendment was defeated when the pro-homosexual marriage advocates played the fear card with senior citizens.

Finally, in California, our country’s largest and most liberal state, the citizens voted 52% to 48% to overturn the state Supreme Court’s decision to allow same-sex marriage. This is BIG news! Radical homosexual groups, Hollywood celebrities and the liberal media came together to try and defeat Proposition 8, yet the pro-family and pro-marriage citizens of California won a huge victory and, if I might add, put the arrogant California Supreme Court in its place!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, since I was unable to get it done yesterday....



For Today... November 4, 2008 (election day!)

Outside my Window... Our new McCain sign! Weather wise, it's slightly overcast, and seems to be getting cooler as the day wears on!

I am remembering... (as I look through pictures of her 1st, 2nd & 3rd weeks of life) -

Just how amazingly tiny KB was... and how it really wasn't that long ago...

I am thankful for... Hubby having a job, and being willing to work such long, crazy hours (26, so far this week!) just to provide for us! - That God is still on the throne, and is way bigger than anything or anyone that happens tonight!!

I am thinking... What the next four years are going to be like, depending on who wins tonight... kinda scary!

I am wearing... brown skirt, blue shirt, barefeet, hair (desperately needing a wash) pulled back in a ponytail, no makeup.

I am reading... my script for the church Christmas play (gotta get those lines down!).... my new cooking magazine I just got in the mail (holiday treats - yum!).... and soon, the election results.

From the kitchen... Just ate a late lunch of left over chili & biscuits from last night. Tonight if hubby has to work late, I will probably just make a big salad, and use up the lettuce & tomatoes that need to be eaten.

I am hoping/praying... God's will be done tonight, in the election results!
I am creating... nothing (I am so boring!)

I am hearing... The dog barking at something outside (again!)... KB wanting to get up in my lap.... the washer running in the garage.

One of my favorite things...

Around the house... The dog is driving me crazy, and therefore is spending the day outside... and KB is in a "needy" mood (I think she's teething).... Diapers are ready to go out on the line... Sheets are in the dryer, and then are going to need to be put back on the bed.... I finally got all the dishes done (goodness there were a lot of them!).... the counters are mostly cleared off, and wiped down... The kitchen floor is in desperate need of sweeping/mopping... carpets are needing to be vacuumed.... more laundry needs to be run... the bathrooms probably need to be scrubbed.... I also really need a shower.... and I have a headache, major chocolate cravings, & no energy to do any of it.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... DH is working in Tampa tomorrow. I have Babywearing in the morning (maybe), LEARN tomorrow afternoon, and church tomorrow night. Thursday, I am going to watch Miss Zoe. I have no idea what Friday holds... and Saturday we have a wedding to go to. Sunday morning we have a breakfast at church. I also have another Christmas program practice.. and yet another offering. Sunday also starts our Missions Conference!

Quote...

The sun's gonna shine and the rain's gonna fall, and in the end you might get burnt or wet, but that's life. So dance in the puddles and bathe in the sun, and at the end of the day, smile. Everything's gonna be alright. -author unknown

Verse...
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance." ~ Psalm 33:12

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." ~Galatians 6:7

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

My brother-in-law campaigning locally, with his Young Conservatives group, on Monday!

It warms my heart to see young people so proactive with the affairs of our country!!!

Don't forget...

...to VOTE.... and then PRAY!!

All we can do, is vote for life, truth, justice & freedom... trusting all the rest, to the one who reigns sovereign & supreme over all nations. And in the end.... no matter what happens, or who concludes this election day with their acceptance speech... know that there's an almighty & just God holds everything in his hands. There will never be a president with whom I agree completely. And whoever wins the office, is sure to make choices I don't agree with & decisions that are wrong. (if nothing else, he's human!) But despite what he does, or says, or believes, he will be my president - the leader of my country! And so, whether deserving or not, I will pray for & support him!

Crockpot Chili & Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

Today was B's first day with the new job!! Since I knew he wasn't going to be home until late... and probably would have worked up a pretty big appetite... I wanted to make something filling & comforting for dinner. The decision? This super easy, and very delicious Crockpot Chili... Garlic Cheddar Biscuits... a salad... and sweet tea! Yum!

Crockpot Chili...
Ingredients:

• 2 cans of Kidney beans
• 1/2 -3/4 lbs of Ground Beef
• 1 cup of onion (I used minced)
• 1 tsp Garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can stewed tomatoes (approx 18 oz)
• 1 can (approx 10 oz) Tomato Sauce
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 cubes beef bullion
• 4 tsp Chili powder
• 3/4 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• generous pinch of pepper

Directions:

1. Brown beef in a skillet, along with onion & garlic - pour into crockpot
2. Rinse and drain beans - add
3. Mix in the diced tomatoes & the stewed tomatoes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the Tomato sauce, Water, & Spices - whisk until smooth.
5. Add ;liquid mixture to the crockpot
6. sprinkle with additional garlic, to taste.
7. Cover & cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours.
   
   
   
   
   
   Note: You could also add raw vegetables to this recipe, if you wish...

Garlic Cheddar Biscuits...

Recipe coming soon...

Unmentionable deal...

No, the deal itself isn't unmentionable.... the deal is for unmentionables... you know, underwear!

www.victoriassecret.com

1. First add two of the VS Cotton Bras in the 2 for $40 section.

2. Then add one of the cotton panties for $7.50 (prints don't seem to work) works on colors: buff, pink, ivory, and black.

3. Check out - make sure to check the box that you have promo codes.

4. Enter and apply this coupon code:
25PTY for $25 off any two full priced bras and free cotton panty.

And you'll get 2 bras, and a pair of panties for only $15.00 (plus shipping)!

Our Weekend Project...

Yes - though it's on a much lighter note than my last entry - this is yet another politically related post. -- Don't worry, it will all be over soon and then we can get back to our regularly scheduled programming... whatever that may be! lol!

As I mentioned before, in a few previous posts... we've been having trouble with people vandalizing and/or stealing our campaign signs. Matter of fact, right after I wrote the last one, we left to go out to lunch/ get KB's new shoes... and we noticed that our two newest McCain/Palin signs had been ripped right off their metal stakes & stolen... >:(

So just like last time... we set out to replace the origial one(s) + add one extra. Unfortunately, being that we're not the only ones with this problem, the headquarters was all out of signs! Since B has been wanted one of the big signs anyway, we decided to shift to plan B, and make one... one that is BIG.... and one that is bold! It's was long process.. but a lot of fun!

Here's some pix of process & results...

The materials...

Getting it cleaned up...

Spray painting it blue...

Projecting the design (specifically designed for the dimensions of the board)...

So it could be traced it on, for easier painting....

Painting in the design... (B did all the bigger lettering... I did the tiny stuff.)

Putting it up...

The Finished product...

Think that'll get the point across??

(note: we had some shots that were better than the ones portrayed here... but they accidentally got erased from the computer... :sad:)