Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... May 12, 2009

Outside my Window... HOT, sunny, humid. - summer is already practically here.

I am remembering... All the many birthdays so far this month!! Amber on the 1st.... Kim on the 2nd... Andy (FIL), Ms. Kathy Jackson & the Reckner twins on the 5th... Ashlee-friend & Garske on the 7th... JAmes on the 11th... "Aunt Kathy" on the 12th... Baby Mac on the 13th.... Grandmother on the 14th... and so many more to come!! Harmony, Emily W, Ms Kathy P, Erika, and the list goes on!!

I am thankful for... the delivery work B has had this week for the florist shop - though we miss him!

I am thinking... What IS that song??? (Found it! ~ "Tara's theme," Gone with the Wind ~ Coolness!)

I am wearing... Jean skirt just below the knee, green cami, barefeet, hair a mess - I need to get in the shower....

From the bookshelf...
ReChecked: "Eating through the Alphabet" (Love that book!)

"Growing Vegetable soup" by Lois Ehlert - the same author as the afore mentioned "Eating through the Alphabet" -- This book has a cute concept, but I wasn't nearly as impressed by it as the other one. The colors are flat, it has poor contrast between object & background, and while the main wording is large... the print labeling the items is small, and hard to read. Would probably be better in a lap book size, and enjoyed by a beginner reader, rather than a toddler.

"Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?" by Nancy White Carlstrom and Bruce Degen - This Classic rhyming book, has a fun familiarity to our every day life. A little more lengthy than your average board book... but not as long as some story books (which KB does have the attention span for yet.).


From the kitchen...
Today we had Tuna on rice cakes topped with a cold slice of pickle, a mozzarella cheese stick, and [homemade] peach/mango/carrot juice smoothie for lunch.... and [organic] carrot sticks with natural peanut butter, for snack~ Last night we had Hamburgers, homemade mashed potatoes & green beans. ~ Yesterday, for lunch, we had nachos!

I am hoping/praying... For Anna & her baby boys... that everyone will get healthy & strong, so they can all be at home, together!

I am creating... just made KB crayons... as well as the new siggy/scrappy picture you'll see below... :)

I am hearing... Various Disney/Pixar soundtracks playing randomly from my player (Bugs Life, Monsters Inc, Aristocats, Incredibles, Ratatouille, Toy Story)

One of my favorite things...

Around the house... Working

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Other than a LLL meeting on Thursday morning.... hopefully a date night on Thursday night (we didn't get to go last week, and I *missed* it!!).... A Walk for Life on Saturday morning.... a 1st birthday party f0r baby Mac on Saturday afternoon... and a babyshower for my life-long friend, Kim (baby Isabella) on Sunday afternoon... I really have no idea. Oh I also have offertory Sunday morning, and special music both Sunday morning & night.

Quote...

photo courtesy of

Verse...
Oh! What was that verse I wanted to use here?? arg! I guess I will have to come back with it....

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

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... May 1, 2009

Outside my Window... warm, sunny & bright... with just a hint of a breeze.

I am remembering...

I am thankful for... the opportunity to meet my nephew, and have a wonderful visit with my family!

I am thinking... almost a quarter of a century.... wow!

I am wearing... Jean a-line skirt, blue patterned t shirt, barefeet (was flip-flops, when we went out, earlier), hair braided in two french braids met into a ponytail.

I am reading From the bookshelf... We just got back from the library!!

I got "Green Clean" by Hunter and Mikki Halpin, one of Elizabeth Pantley "No-Cry Solution" books, and a lullaby CD to preview for KB. ---- KB got...
­• "Eating through the Alphabet" - a Lap [board] book (A beautiful book, with water-color-like illustrations depicting various kinds of fruits & veggies - common & uncommon - for each letter of the alphabet)
• "Spot Goes to the Farm" & "Spot Big Book of Words"
• And two "Nutbrown hair books" (ie the bunny from "Guess How much I Love You").... "Colors Everywhere" and "When I'm Big" by Sam McBratney

From the kitchen...
Wednesday we had grilled Chicken, and brown rice with beans & sour cream... and yesterday was Grilled Salmon, with brown rice and green beans. Today, I think we'll do hamburgers or meatloaf... and tomorrow we are going to Disney for the day! - On the menu: brown rice/beans/veggies.... hummus/corn chips... carrots/ranch dip... granola bars.... apples.... grapes... & tuna with whole wheat (rye, for KB) crackers!
(the goal is to not have to buy anything - except maybe a birthday treat... ;-)

I am hoping/praying...

I am creating... ideas for KB's birthday presents.... I now have two crafty ideas!

I am hearing... Hubby's phone receiving text msgs... music playing on Pandora.... KB playing be

One of my favorite things...

Around the house... Just started a "game-plan" for Disney, tomorrow so we can go grocery shopping -- Did dishes, cleaned up the kitchen & made coffee. Need to sweep & mop the floor -- Currently doing a load of diapers. Once those are done, I'll need to hang them on the line, and do some clothes & towel laundry. -- Also would be nice to vacuum... though not important before we go, tomorrow.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Wednesday was the Master Club Pinewood Derby. Yesterday, we went to Keva Juice (free birthday smoothie... yes!), the Library, and Fed-ex to mail a package. Last night we had date night! (yay!).... a night in, with bogo b-day Blizzards. (Mmm!) Today I am doing stuff around the house.... getting ready to Disney for the day, tomorrow - just the three of us!! :-) Sunday, I have choir (accompaniment) & special music practice in the morning... and choir practice and special music in the evening. We also have a friend's, one-year-old's birthday party.

Quote...

Verse...
"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.." Colossians 4:6

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

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... March 4, 2009

Outside my Window... A cool, yet warm, sunny day!

I am remembering... only 2 more months till my birthday!

I am thankful for... The random side work B has been doing!! (and a possible job lead!)

And, for ALL the safe arrivals of:

My midwife (Harmony)'s baby, Rio on 1/22

Fallon Paige on 2/24

(her parents, Amanda & Dave work with us in the youth program at church! )

tiny, little Hope Alberta on 2/27... Hudson William on 3/2...
Edit (3/5): Connor on 3/4!!! (Whew! All these babies!!)

And not too much longer, before it's Ruth's baby... and then my nephew!! ~ yay!!

I am thinking... What needs to be done, to rearrange/redecorate the family/media room!!

I am wearing... bathing suit, white t-shirt, blue gym shorts, barefeet & hair in a ponytail.

I am reading.. still slowly making my way through Devil Wears Prada

From the kitchen... Smoothies! We have discovered that a handful of frozen cranberries are a wonderful addition, and give it a fantastic sweet/tart flavor!! ~ Friday, I made Teriyaki glazed Turkey (made the glaze sauce from scratch!) & fried rice (also from scratch - the first time). It was tasty! ~ Sunday, B made Pumpkin spice whole wheat waffles for the church breakfast. (yum!) ~ Monday, I made potato/leek soup... and it turned out *awesome*! Better than I thought! ~ Yesterday, I made brownies (just a box mix someone gave to us), for the dessert fellowship following the revival meeting. ~ Sometime this week, I want to get more honey (I am out! - the horror!) and try making this Butter Ball Cookie recipe I found! The ingredients are fairly healthy & it's wheat free! If they turn out well, I will post the recipe! ~

I am hoping/praying... Heather's ultrasound goes okay tomorrow, and everything looks perfect with her fluids, BE's size/development, etc!

I am creating... I just made KB a quick, throw-together apron... it came out really cute!

I am hearing... absolutely nothing.... weird.

One of my favorite things... Garlic! Not only is a a beautiful, delicious, & savory way to [rather inexpensively] embellish a dish... but it's also an excellent natural antibiotic, good for kicking whatever ails you!

Around the house... Thanx to B taking a load (comforter/bigger blankets) up to the laundry mat last week... we are finally close to being on top of all the laundry! ~ Kitchen is cleaned, dishwasher is run, and the floor was mopped this evening! ~ Almost all the clean clothes are (finally) put away. ~ Need to pick up random misplaced items in the family room, and the 2nd computer desk needs to be cleaned up so we can rearrange the room (hopefully) this weekend!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... We have Revival all this week at church. Friday night (the last night) is Teen night, where various church youth groups will be coming in for food, competitive games & fellowship. ~ Tomorrow, B is working an expo for his seasonal job "Trimmers" (side work!). ~ I would love to go Strawberry picking sometime soon! ~ And I hope to get some thing moved around this weekend.

Quote...
"''It is a sad fate for a man to die too well known to everybody else, and still unknown to himself." -- Francis Bacon

Verse...

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

Simple woman's daybook

For Today... February 15, 2009 (day after Valentines)

Outside my Window... KB's diapers on the line.... the dogs enjoying the sunshine... the lemon tree, just calling for me to come pick more lemons to juice!

I am remembering...

I am thankful for... Health. Generally, we are very healthy, and hardly ever get sick... that's why this bout has been so strange!

I am thinking... maybe part of KB's deal this weekend is teeth (she just broke through her bottom left molar, and is now working on getting the one on the right)... and part of mine is the start of a UTI (ugh!).

I am wearing... I was wearing my black cami, plaid pj pants, & socks with hair down.... but I just got out of the shower, and am now in just my unders, a white cami, barefeet & my hair in a messy bun.

I am reading.. Devil Wears Prada - it's only o.k.

From the kitchen... currently, just coffee!! (Mmm!!). The other day, I attempted to make pancakes out of oat flour instead of wheat. They turned out pretty good! ~ I also made KB a pizza alternative, by cooking up some wheat-free noodles, and mixing them with tomato sauce, cheese & turkey pepperonis... she LOVED it! ~ Some time this week, I'd like to make figure out how to adapt my sour cream chicken recipe, so it's wheat free.

I am hoping/praying... B's call back interview goes well on Tues (with the condo, doing a night shift/security job)... AND even more, that he gets his test materials for the Post Office job, soon, so he can go in for that! (which would be decent pay, & benefits!)

I am creating... I am hoping to get some old crayons soon, so I can make KB some toddler crayons. ~ I am also [finally] attempting to finish her rag doll, I started making ever so long ago.

I am hearing... Music playing on Pandora... the keys of the keyboard, as I type... KB breathing heavily on my lap... the dog snoring. (lol!)

One of my favorite things...

Around the house... With me being out sick all last week, and then again this weekend... very little [house wise] has been accomplished... :-( Wich means there is TONS of laundry to be done ( almost everything we own (including*all*my unders) seems to be dirty right now.).... and the house needs an good thorough pick-up & sweep of clutter control.

I also need to empty/load the dishwasher... put away the blessing food (more about that soon!)... and sweep/mop the kitchen floor.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Before Wednesday evening, I need to get a bunch of info-packets stuffed for Church. ~ We are going to Tampa tomorrow, to see about ordering my dress for Vanessa's wedding! (yay!) ~ Tuesday, B has his afore mentioned callback interview at the condo place. ~ Tuesday night, we have our reg. Chick-fil-A deal for dinner... and then we are going to Nouna's, for a game night with the Dagrins ~ Wednesday evening, is the normal church routine (youth group) ~ Thursday morning is Babywearing Group at Birthways ~ Saturday, looks like it's going to be insane.... as we are currently booked solid! There's a Church Blitz in the morning... a going away party for a friend (Tom, going into the Navy) from 2-6... B has paintball with the guys at 4... and then we have a youth activity at 6. I don't quite know how we're going to swing it.... ! ~ We are also hoping to get too see James for a little visit, while he is here in the state for the week (until Friday), on business!

Quote...

"A bosom friend--an intimate friend, you know--a really kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul. I've dreamed of meeting her all my life. I never really supposed I would, but so many of my loveliest dreams have come true all at once that perhaps this one will too. Do you think it's possible?' -- Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

Verse...
"I have set the Lord always before me...Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth:..." Psalm 16:8

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

The other morning.... Sitting at the table like a big girl, eating her breakfast (made by daddy, of course! <3) style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBkLvXverlMPSXFSBavg6T7B9Nxhys8izo2TQdZV1XPLoHkk1x8mfVqZCizuyNwKQC7-LndHM61fGDxO2dwHSgpCk2o2PetGkhNgQYxu0VOOPxp4Iz_giWk6-sl_1HL3J10mjGAf7_kyW/s800/IMG_6377.JPG" alt="" border="0">

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... January 07, 2009 (Happy New Year!!)

Outside my Window... Wet sheets, forgotten on the clothes line -- I forgot they were out there, then it was rainy all this morning, and then just overcast the rest of the day... so they never really had a chance to properly dry....

I am remembering...
My friend Samantha posted pictures of her daughter in a certain dress, and it reminded me of pictures we have, of KB wearing a dress exactly like it, when she was just 6 weeks old.. time is flying SO fast!

Katie:

KB :


I am thankful for... B's many hours of work this week - even despite not getting to see him much...

I am thinking... if only people would listen to their instinct instead of propaganda...

I am wearing... I was just wearing my TnT shirt, jean skirt, black clogs, makeup, hair back in a clip.... but just changed into blue gym shorts, a pink tank top, barefeet (hair & makeup still in place for now!)

I am reading... The first Trixie Belden book - someone gave my the first few, and I've heard they're good... so I decided to see for myself. Not a hard read, but entertaining, nonetheless! :)

From the kitchen... Currently, the last of the pumpkin muffins are the oven. -- I suddenly realized at about 5:20 this evening, that Mr. John we going to be picking us up in about an hour, and I didn't have *anything* for KB for snack tonight (unfortunately, she has to go in the nursery on Weds nights, and their snacks are sugar-laid, and unacceptable) - So I quickly threw together some whole wheat pumpkin muffins, and thankfully was able to get some of them baked in time to leave1

I also made a bean & pasta salad dish for lunch/dinner.

I am hoping/praying... For daily patience, creativity & wisdom, in raising up our daughter in the way she should go!

I am creating... Post session editing (color correction, etc.) on Vanessa & Chris' engagement photos!! <3

I am hearing... absolutely nothing.... :)

One of my favorite things...

Around the house... Need to buy some more laundry soap, so I can finish the laundry... need to scrub the bathroom... need to run the vaccum in the living room.... need to tidy up KB's room, and finish sorting through clothes.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Tomorrow morning we have a LaLeche league meeting, which Samantha is going to come get us for... other than that, there's not much going on. B is working a LOT. Regular church schedule on Sunday. I have choir, and I think I may also have offertory....

Quote...

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world!!" ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Verse...
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ~ Matthew 6:19-21

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

KB is really starting to try to talk, lately, and it's so much fun the hear her attempts at saying various words, and names...
(Marmee: "MwahMwah" - Papou: "Pawpa" - Grandma: "Mamaw" - David "Da-did" - Nouna" "Nahnah" - Dog: "Dah".... and this her, the other night, with her with her Autie "Doh" (aka Joy)...

SImple Woman's Daybook

For Today... December 30, 2008 (almost the end of 2008)

Outside my Window... a beautiful, sunny day! - perfect for taking pictures!!

I am remembering... back through everything this year has held... and what a year it's been!

I am thinking... how true this [lyrical] line is: "everything will change, but love remains the same..."

I am wearing... white tank, under orange striped shirt... knee length jean skirt... Old Navy flip flops... hair & makeup done..

From the kitchen... Just made some soup for lunch... we're having dinner at the DeVeaus house, tonight. - tomorrow, pizza at church - Thursday, we need to make mashed potatoes for dinner at Nouna's.... and if I have leftovers, I think I'll make shepherd's pie on Friday!!

I am creating... Getting ready to create engagement photos for Vanessa & Chris!! <3

I am hearing... Music playing from Pandora...

One of my favorite things... spending time with longtime friends!! ::warm fuzzies::

Around the house... Need to do laundry, and scrub bathroom... and there are always a few KB toys to pick up... but for the most part, it doesn't look half bad...

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Like I mentioned before, I have an Engagement session with Vanessa & Chris this afternoon, followed by dinner at the DeVeaus' house --- Tomorrow evening we have a New Years Eve Service, where I have to play for one of the special musics of the night. B will also be giving one of the eight [preaching] challenges during the service!! Then, following the service I think a few families are staying around for Pizza & Wii --- Thursday, we have dinner at Nouna's -- I would also like to drop off some "recovery" flowers to Mrs. M, who is having hand surgery on Weds afternoon --- Nora/Steve & JAmes (as well as Vanessa/Chris) leave to head back home, on Friday... so I am also hoping to see each of them, one more time before they leave!! --- B starts take-down with Trimmers on Friday afternoon. --- We're supposed to have a 4-H meeting on Sat, but with B working, I don't think I'll go. --- I think I have offertory on Sunday, again.

Quote...

"The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino.." - You've Got Mail

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

A shirt I got for Christmas...

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... December 22, 2008 (three days before Christmas!)

Outside my Window... It's getting chillier by the moment! (mid 50's and dropping) - I also see some smoke off in the distance (brush fire) - and two crazy dogs, that think they want to come inside.

I am remembering... putting up Christmas decorations last year..

I am thinking... I wonder what this Christmas will hold?

I am wearing... Royal Blue tank... black skirt with sequin detail... barefeet... hair pulled back in a clip & then a messy bun... bangs clipped back out of my face. (I might need to go put a sweater on, if it gets too much colder!)

I am reading... Nothing... I just finished the book I was currently working on.

From the kitchen... It's all cleaned up! (except for the floor - I need to buy a new mop!!) Spent much of the afternoon doing a much needed deep clean. Then made Ziti for lunch (something filling, since B will be working late)

I am creating... I just finished creating a beautiful Christmas atmosphere around the house...

I am hearing... The dogs while outside... KB playing with random objects around me.

One of my favorite things...
My Willow Tree Nativity...
Around the house... I [finally - it only took me several weeks of working on it here & there] finished putting all my Christmas decorations up... it looks SO pretty!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Need to buy some Coca-Cola... so I can finished my bartering deal, and get B's Christmas present! (heehee) -- James flies in tonight, so hopefully we'll get to see him sometime while he's here! -- Wednesday night we have a Christmas Eve Service at Church, during which I have to work in the nursery -- Thursday is Christmas, and [honestly] I don't know what all is planned -- Thursday night we are going over to Nouna's house for Joy's Birthday! -- Sunday I have Special Music in the morning.. and offertory in the evening.. there is also a Chalk Artist guy coming for the Evening Service! -- Meanwhile, I am sure B is going to continue to have to work late nights, to keep the lights maintained and the rich folk happy!

Quote...

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
- Dr. Seuss

Verse...

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21

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

At the TnT (youth group) Christmas party...

she didn't feel good, can you tell? :-(

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... December 15, 2008

Outside my Window... It's been dark & dreary all day... and was completely dark by 5:00...

I am remembering... All the wonderful extra curricular activities/ministries our family used to be a part of.... LAF (homeschool group), CF!E, and HMB (nursing home ministry).... such good times!

I am thankful for... My mom & sisters making it home safe & sound... just as the ice storm was starting to get bad!!

I am thinking... How blessed we are, to have such a healthy, energetic, busy, & vibrant little girl... after talking to a dear friend tonight (who's 17 month old has Spina Bifida), I was struck with the realization that not every one is nearly so lucky...

I am wearing... My new, super cute, brown (with silver music across the front) tee.. silver heart necklace around my neck... jean skirt... barefeet (with the cute french pedicure my sister did for me!)... hair pulled back in a messy bun, of sorts...

I am reading... NOT my script!! (the play was last night... and seems to have, thankfully, gone off REALLY well! - yay!)

From the kitchen... today for dinner it was macaroni & cheese with tuna fish in it... other than that, I have nothing scheduled... I need to menu plan!

I am hoping/praying... that even though B's job is supposed to be slow over the next 2½ weeks... that God will prove himself even bigger.. and keep them all nice and busy during that time! (even if that means lots of rain!!)

I am creating...

I am hearing... music playing from Pandora (currently: "Let The Words Escape", Chris Rice)... the dogs lapping up water from their bowls (B just got home, and let them inside)... B taking out the trash... KB sleeping on my lap...

One of my favorite things... Christmas music!!!

Around the house...
Diaper laundry... Deep clean the bathrooms... Kitchen floor... vacuum the carpets...

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... We just got back from the LAF Christmas party... It rained all day today, so B has to work tomorrow... maybe Chick-fil-A for dinner tomorrow (?)... Thursday night is the Class-A [leaders] Christmas party at the Greenes... Friday night we take the Class-A kids out for milk/cookies & to look at Christmas lights...

Quote...

"Funny how a photograph can take you back in time,
to places and embraces you thought you left behind."

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

Marmee hanging diapers on the line one beautiful morning...

(picture taken by my sister, Ashlee!)

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... December 09, 2008

Outside my Window... It's night... so it's dark... clear.. and chilly (58°)

I am remembering... Nearly two years ago... when we were just finding out that we were finally expecting! <3>

I am thankful for... My family being able to be with us for so long!

I am thinking... I'm hungry! and I really need to get H & Bryce's pictures done!

I am wearing... White tank... Ashlee's brown skirt with green stripes (I love stealing...ahem, borrowing my sister's clothes...!)

I am reading... Mandie & Joe's Christmas Surprise (I picked it up in the church library)...

From the kitchen... Though it seems as if there is always someone hungry.. and some sort of food being made... there is nothing coming out of there at the moment. (besides the tasty eggnog I just consumed).. Wednesday, I have to make "Texas potatoes" for a Christmas party/dinner... Thursday we are making Mediterranean lasagna for dinner.... and sometime (before Sun evening), we need to make buckeyes for the fellowship (following the play)...

I am hoping/praying... B will find another job SOON! (his current one officially ended last week... though with the big rain storm we had last Saturday, he's been kept plenty busy doing repairs over the last two days!)

I am creating...

I am hearing... my sisters watching BONES.. Marmee & Boo discussing their next move on Spider Solitaire... KB sleeping on my lap...

One of my favorite things... Spending time with my sisters... trying on random clothes at the store... and being random.... all because it's fun!

Around the house... These days, and with this many people... there is always something to do! ~ In the words of Marmee... "unless we're going naked, there's always laundry to do..." ~ There is always someone who's hungry, wanting to eat... there are always dishes to be done... and always something to be cleaned up.... :-)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... We just got back from a random trip to the mall (where we saw our 'little brother' Matt!)... tomorrow morning we are going out to breakfast with our dad... and then Ash & Christina are getting picked up at 10am for the Ditchfield dress rehearsal. Marmee, Becca, KB and I are meeting friends at the park, for a picnic lunch. Wednesday, is Marmee's birthday... and I have to make "Texas potatoes" for our LEARN Christmas party that afternoon... Friday night, we are going to the "Ditchfield Family Singers" Concert (yay!)... Sunday, we have to go in early, to prepare for & put on a special breakfast for our Class-A [Sunday school] kids... then I have to play preludes with the orchestra(cello) before the morning service... then go to play practice... then we have a final run through in the afternoon... and then the big night (ahh!!).

Quote...

"Remember to always say what you mean.
If you love someone, tell them.
Don’t be afraid to express yourself.

Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you.
Because when you decide that it is the right time,
it might be too later later.

Seize the day. Never have regrets.

And most importantly, stay close to your friends and family,
For they have helped make you the person that you are today."

Verse...

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. And she brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS."

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

I snapped this picture of Ryan at his Uncle Mark's 40th birthday last week...

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...

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!

<

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!!!

The Simple Women's Daybook

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

For Today... October 28, 2008

Outside my Window... It's *cold*!! I don't believe it has gotten any warmer than 65° all day!! (which is very unusual for FL... let alone October!!) - It's wonderful! ~ The sun is shining... the wind is blowing... there's not a cloud in the sky... and there's a pair of brown squirrels chasing each other on the wooden fence... it's truly paradise!!

I am remembering . . . Fun times in the "good ol' days"... they sure did go by fast!

I am thankful for... Hubby feeling better today -- FIL who just stopped by, to (finally) fix my dryer!!!

I am thinking... How awesome is the color Vanessa picked for our bridesmaids dresses... and how much fun it's going to be choosing one (style)!!!!
I am wearing... Flannel pants & teal t-shirt, under my plaid apron... barefeet (though I am actually considering going and putting some socks on!)... hair [partially] pulled back in a clip.

I am reading... my script for the church Christmas play (yup, it's a work in progress).... Various music books (I just got the music schedule for this month, and I am on for two choir pieces & three weeks [in a row] of offertories, starting next Sunday).... text messages (I luv my equally addicted, text-a-holic friends!)

From the kitchen... Warming the chicken [broth/noodles] soup I made yesterday... so I can add the chicken & some veggies! I also feel like making bread or rolls or something warm like that... I think I will also go make myself some hot tea!


I am hoping/praying... we hear something back from Best Buy soon... or hubby can find some other work, soon!

I am creating...


I am hearing... KB playing with her lion stacking toy behind me.. Hubby talking on the phone... and the clanking in the garage, of my FIL fixing my dryer!

One of my favorite things... My clothesline!! ~ I am so glad I have had it through all this time, my dryer has been absent!!

Around the house... It got pretty well cleaned, over the weekend... so other than slow process of the seemingly never-ending laundry.... it's not too bad.... just a few random things need picking up.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Well, I thought this week was looking pretty uneventful.... but now it seems as if it's out to prove me wrong! (and that's not necessarily a good thing).

As normal, we have church on Wednesday evening (but I think we have a missionary coming, which is different!)... We will also be attending a funeral/service for Delvis, sometime this week.... (edit: just found out the funeral in on Thursday morning)....

We also possibly, have another funeral to go to, later in the week/weekend. It's for an evangelist friend of my husband's family... (Ok people!! I know they say these things come in threes... but *please* no one else die to make that true, and our week busier... k???)

Quote...

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God" ~ Corrie Ten Boom

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

She's mommy's little helper, already...