Simple Woman's Daybook for April 1, 2013

Joining with other's at the Simple Woman's Daybook hub here.


FOR TODAY 

 Outside my window...  blue skies, tons of sunshine.  The school yard is quiet and there is no school traffic because the schools are on Easter break around here.

 I am thinking...  I'd love to get out in that sunshine and take a walk!

 I am thankful... for an extra day off today and the slow pace that is going to give me!  I'm soaking in every second!

 In the kitchen... Serbian Ground Beef, Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Casserole, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Lemony Tilapia Baked Fish Sticks, Crockpot  Rancher's Roast Beef


 I am going... no plans to go anywhere this week.  Avoiding the stores cause then I just spend money.  If the weather holds maybe going for a few outdoor walks this week.

 I am wondering... 

 I am reading... finishing up "Jesus" by Charles Swindoll.  Started "Shades of Morning" by Marlo Schalesky.  I am in chapter 5 and so far it is not grabbing me so I'll give it another chapter before I set it aside.  I've already set one other book aside in this Spring Into Reading Challenge so I hate to do another one but the way I look at it, so many books, so little time so why keep pressing in a book I'm not really enjoying all that much.  It's not like I have no other books I can stick into the slot.  My overflowing book basket would be glad to have a few more taken out of it.

 I am hoping... that the basement suite my daughter just moved into will not experience any water problems this spring.  Apparently the city she lives in has had so much snow that they are warning of flooding.  I'm praying for a slow snow melt over there

 I am looking forward to... an unrushed quiet day today and a more relaxed week in dayhome as there is no one to get ready for school and no one showing up in the middle of the day from school.  Our days can just mosey along.

 I am learning...  that I don't take nearly as much as I should be to God in prayer.  Must work at changing that.

Around the house... everything is actually pretty clean because it got a good cleaning on Friday for Easter. I'll probably get out today and clear out the flower bed of the dead leaves and garbage that blows into it over the winter.  I also need to get into my computer Recipe files and start cleaning them out

 I am pondering... all the principles and lessons learned over the last few weeks from the Beth Moore bible study I am involved in

 A favorite quote for today... 

"Our wise and merciful Lord creates every one of us with a God-shaped void in our lives 

so we will seek Him.

Dissatisfaction is not a terrible thing.  It's a God-thing.

The terrible thing is when we don't let it lead us to Christ"

Beth Moore

Breaking Free  - Updated Edition

Workbook pg 65

Copy write Living Proof Ministries, Inc. 2009

 One of my favorite things...  Having the whole family here for Easter.  I'll never take that for granted!

 A few plans for the rest of the week:  appointment at the gym, grocery shopping, hopefully a few gorgeous walks

 A peek into my day...

Just had to show the lovely potatoes I served for Easter dinner

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 11/5/12

For Today:


Outside my window...   Windy, windy, windy.  So windy it woke me up at 5:16.  In the a.m.  But the wind brings the warm, up to 18*C supposedly today.  We'll see.

 I am thinking...   about a meeting I have tonight concerning the church's food cupboard

 I am thankful...   for good friends 
   
 In the kitchen...  a quick Hungarian supper of sliced sausages, potatoes, onions in a type of stew, lots of apples on the counter so I'm hoping for an apple crisp.

 I am creating...  lists upon lists upon lists for all the things that are on my plate in the next couple of months

 I am going...   to ladies study tonight

 I am wondering...  where the heck all our phones are.  There are 4 of them.  The two I found are both dead and I can't locate the other two.  Which probably means they are also dead.

 I am reading... Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards.  Just started it after setting aside The Winter Palace.  Just could not get into it.

 I am hoping...  I get all my phone calls done that I need to make in the next 2 days.  About thirty of them.  I kid not.

 I am looking forward to... finding them durn phones.  LOL.  No really, I'm looking forward to an extra day off next week, maybe a day trip to the big city?

 I am learning...  to recognize when I no longer have a desire or vision to build and expand on areas and learning that it's okay to hand it off to someone else.  It is not a failure on my part if I do.

Around the house...  way too much cleaning to do.  After a busy weekend, the cleaning sort of got ignored.

 I am pondering...  the message from church yesterday on teaching your children and passing on your faith to them

 A favorite quote for today...   

"A good marriage is not something you find, it's something you work for" 

Gary Thomas

Sacred Marriage

pg. 133 

 One of my favorite things...  a fresh vacuumed carpet.  Weird, I know, but it makes me feel good

 A few plans for the rest of the week:   mega phone calls, grocery shopping, shopping for Operation Christmas Child boxes

A peek into my day:

Linking up with other daybook participants here
 

Simple Woman's Daybook 10/01/12

I'm joining in with other bloggers at the Simple Woman's Daybook.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it's just getting to be light out.  I'm now getting up in the dark every morning.  Which is tough.  It's cold outside but supposed to be a hot day.  Leaves are just beginning to fall which is a little late this year. 

I am thinking... I hate getting up in the dark.  It's hard to get going in the morning.

I am thankful... for mild and warm days so that I can take the dayhome kids outside while the playroom and craft room are under renovation.

In the kitchen...  maple pork loin, firecracker drumsticks, beef stew, lasagna

I am creating... a new space in my closet for some shoes

I am going... back to the dentist to get a root canal finished.  So nice not to live with almost constant toothache

I am wondering... why I feel guilty when something like an expensive root canal is called for on my part but don't think twice about the expense when other family members need it.  I have issues.

I am reading... almost done "Wherever Grace is Needed" and will be starting "Maggie" by Charles Martin this week.

I am hoping... I can get the basement back together for Thanksgiving company this weekend.

I am looking forward to... a break from renovations

I am learning... I need to relax and go with the flow more rather than stressing so much because things are not according to routine.  Hard stuff for me.  I like my routine especially when it comes to dayhome.

Around the house... the chaos has moved into the basement.  Sofa bed arrives Thursday

I am pondering... the messages on the kingdom of God that we have been hearing at church over the last month

A favorite quote for today... 

One of my favorite things... spicy fall scented candles

A few plans for the rest of the week... dentist, thanksgiving dinner shopping, prepare rooms for Oldest coming home for the weekend, clean downstairs and prepare it for her guest.

A peek into my day...

Daybook 07/30/12

Hosted by Peggy over here.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...  beautiful summer day with blue skies and no wind!

I am thinking...  of what I'm going to be doing this week during my "maintenance" week where dayhome is closed.  There is always plenty of painting, cleaning, sorting and purging to be done with the dayhome things but I feel totally unmotivated to do any of it.  I'll probably be packing up a few of the kitchen cupboards that hold things I don't use often in anticipation of my new cupboards coming at the end of the month.

I am thankful... for a time of rest from work.  I don't realize how badly I need it until it's here and then it's like a breath of fresh air

In the kitchen... grilled steaks that were on the menu for yesterday but didn't get done, probably potato salad (have been craving it)

I am creating... 

I am going... to the dentist today.  Have had an ongoing toothache in a tooth that was supposedly fixed a few months ago.  And now my dentist is retired, I found out, and I have no idea who this new one is.  

I am wondering... why the Olympics have not captivated me this year.  Usually I'm all over them.

I am reading...  "True Sisters" by Sandra Dallas.  Heartbreaking story based on the 1856 journey of Mormon converts who set out for the "promised land" on foot pushing handcarts over prairie and mountains from Iowa City to Salt Lake City.

I am hoping... I like this new dentist.  I went to the other one for 28 years.  

I am looking forward to... not setting my alarm for a whole week!

I am learning... how much I appreciate my senior pastors who are on a two month sabbatical.  It just isn't the same without them at church.

Around the house... taking a break today but wall washing and painting in the playroom will be on the agenda this week. 

I am pondering... all the options available for new cupboards.  What is "that's cool" feature and what is something that would suit my needs.  So many choices!

A favorite quote for today... "Happiness is a journey and not a destination".  Author Unknown

One of my favorite things... no commitments in the mornings so I can ease into the day rather than hitting the floor running.  Can you tell I'm in week off mode?

A few plans for the rest of the week:  dental appointment, screening appointment, movie tonight with the ladies group, purging and unpacking of some of the cupboards.

A peek into my day...

My cheery, colorful Gazania along my driveway make me smile every day!

Daybook 9/7/12

I am participating with others in writing The Simple Woman's Daybook.  To join in you can visit here.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... It's gonna be a warm one.  We've finally got consistent hot weather.  Though to some of you our hot weather is probably a breath of relief for you.  It will be 32*C today.  That would 89.6*F.  To me that is smoking hot.  The air conditioner has already come on this morning at 6:30 a.m.  My flowers are actually starting to finally take off.  They needed some sun and heat.

I am thinking... Not a whole lot as yet.  My brain has not quite kicked in for the day.  

I am thankful...That my Mom is still with us.  She turns 80 today!  And she is still not doing to bad considering her age.  I'm so thankful for her.

In the kitchen...nothing today, we're taking my Mom out.  The rest of the week I'm thinking simple as possible:  Greek spaghetti, grilled hot dogs, Brenda's tamale balls,  Faith's Tuscan Parmesan Pork Chops

I am creating...a few bible study's suited to our Ladies group that we can do over the summer.   From the book "Praying the Names of Jesus" by Ann Spangler.  I'm learning lots!

I am going...to do at least 4 walks this week

I am wondering...if I should get my Mom something other than dinner out for her birthday.  She says she doesn't want anything but it just doesn't feel right.

I am reading..."Waiting for Morning" by Karen Kingsbury (grabbed me right off the bat), "100 Days that Changed Canada" by Mark Reid (very interesting),  "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas (chock full of really good stuff).

I am hoping...this cabinet reno can be done on my maintenance week, otherwise it's going to be a nightmare with dayhome going.

I am looking forward to...my dayhome closure at the end of the month.  Even though I'll still be busy cleaning, painting, and sorting of my dayhome paraphenilia, it will still seem like time off because of no schedule that I'm forced to keep and no kids taking over house.

I am learning...that I can take my time with big decisions

Around the house...hubby is continuing to fix the deck, I really need to clean the craft room, 

I am pondering...cabinet choices, countertop choices, inside cupboard and drawer choices.  My brain is boggled!

A favorite quote for today...

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.  ~John Lubbock

        

One of my favorite things...soft ice cream dipped in chocolate on a hot summer day

A few plans for the rest of the week: not a lot on my plate this week except surviving the heat, laundry and a trip to the library to return dvd's

A peek into my day...

definitely plans to have water play happening

Daybook ~ 6/4/12

Joining in with others at the Simple Woman's Dayabook.  Hosted over here.

FOR TODAY

 Outside my window... Some blue sky, some grey clouds.  I am so ready for some sunshine!

 I am thinking... of everything on my plate this week.  Baby shower tonight, volunteer canvassing tomorrow, meeting on Thursday.

I am thankful... for good messages at church where you can really take away some good things and apply them to your life.

 In the kitchen...Three cheese tortellini with tomato sauce, chicken burgers, bbq chicken drumsticks, pork tenderloin, chicken wraps.

  I am creating...a plan for dayhome to get through the next week with a new babe starting who is not a very settled babe.

 I am going...nowhere interesting this week

I am wondering... how it will go with this new babe

 I am hoping...he settles in quickly

I am reading... "One More Sunrise" (very interesting premise so far), "Sacred Marriage" (took a couple of chapters to get into it but I think I'm on a roll with it now and getting lots out of it).  Trying to wrap up my goals for the Spring Reading Thing, don't know if I'll make it though.


I am looking forward to...  the baby shower tonight.  I love blessing new Moms.

 I am learning... how not to be so reactionary, to step back for a moment.  It's been a long process and I am nowhere where I want to be with this.

 Around the house... I need a deep cleaning done of the tv room downstairs.  Majorly.  The teenager and young adult who use this room and shall remain nameless, have not got a revelation of the meaning of deep clean.  They are more into the "just enough to make mom think we cleaned" mindset.

 I am pondering... the story of Gideon and how God whittled down his army to a loyal 300 to defeat the Midianites.  (Judges 7:1-22)

 A favorite quote for today...

"Sacrifice has taken on such negative connotations that people fear being a "codependant" more than they fear being perceived as selfish"  

Gary  Thomas, Sacred Marriage, pg 44

 One of my favorite things... Sunday evenings.  Reading, watching tv, tea, relaxing before plunging back into the work week

 A few plans for the rest of the week:   see above

 A peek into my day...

Contentment defined

(And no, I did not set this picture up, this is how I found him when I walked into the room)

The Simple Woman's Day Book 04/23/12

Joining in with those who journal with The Simple Woman's Daybook.  To join in go here.

FOR TODAY

 Outside my window... It is absolutely gorgeous outside.  It's supposed to get to a record breaking 29*C.  That's 84*F, summer weather for us.  I had to quickly make sure all my summer wear was clean and ready to go on the weekend.

I am thinking... I really need to trim my cedars before the wasps comes out.

 I am thankful... For the opportunity to get in a gorgeous coulee walk and a great bike ride over the weekend with my hubby.

In the kitchen... yikes, I have no idea yet.

I am creating... hopefully less cluttered and more organized closets and drawers

I am going... absolutely nowhere this week.  Too much yard work and things to get done at home

I am wondering... what study my ladies group will be doing next.  We just finished up a really challenging and good one about offense and forgiveness.  Wondering in which direction we'll go next

 I am reading...  Finishing up with "Need You Now" for a review.  Should be done today.  Next up?  "Mine is the Night" by Liz Curtis Higgs

 I am hoping... to get a yard sale together in the next couple of weeks.  I have a few bigger things to get rid of.  The sooner the better would be nice.

I am looking forward to... a week of cooking on the grill. Used it yesterday for the first time.  Love grilling.

 I am learning... how bad sugar actually is for us

Around the house...more purging, more boxes of yard sale stuff, more less cluttered shelves!

 I am pondering... how ridiculously expensive graduation around here is between the grad fees, the banquet tickets, the dress, the hair, the jewelry, the shoes, the photos.  It's crazy.  Way to over the top in my opinion!!!  

A quote for the day...

"The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came. Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory."                              -R.A. Torrey

 One of my favorite things... the smell of spring air coming in the windows first thing in the morning


 A few plans for the rest of the week... vote (today is provincial election day),  trim the cedar bushes, turn over the soil in the flower beds, make a meal for a friend who had a baby

 A peek into my day...

blue skies and fun clouds

Simple Woman Daybook 04/16/12

Joining in to journal with The Simple Woman's Daybook today.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it's a tad on the chilly side sitting at just below freezing.  We had a big spring snow on Saturday.  It's all my fault because I packed away all my winter stuff last week.

I am thinking... I'm not really thinking.  I just woke up and have only had one sip of coffee so my brain has not kicked into gear yet.

I am thankful... that my oldest daughter arrived back to her city safely after coming home for an Easter visit.

In the kitchen... I am cooking out of Taste of Home Meals on a Dime.  I borrowed it from the library and wanted to try a few things before I plunk down the money for it.

I am creating... a to-do list for spring cleaning

I am going... to a movie tonight with the lady's group in celebration of finishing off our study book.

I am wondering... what movie we should see.  Not a lot of really good stuff to spend money on.  Anyone see   "the Vow"?  Is it any good?

I am reading... "Need You Now" by Beth Wiseman.

I am hoping... my dayhome fills up again soon!

I am looking forward to... a week where I don't have to run around like a chicken with my head cut off

I am learning... to let God do the work instead of trying to nag the goal into being.  A very hard lesson for me.

Around the house... hubby just put up the back splash around the sink in the bathroom.  Loooove it!  Now it just needs grout and caulk and voila, my bathroom will be done.

I am pondering... faith and God's provision

A favorite quote for today... "In the desert God changes us and removes things that hinder us.  He forces us to draw deep upon His grace.  The desert is only a season in our life.  When He has accomplished what He wants in our lives in the desert, He will bring us out".   -Os Hillman

One of my favorite things... walks around lakes in different neighborhoods

A few plans for the rest of the week... not too much on my plate this week, thank goodness.  Last try on of the Youngest's grad dress to make sure it doesn't need any altering, finding a pair of shoes and necklace to match with it

Simple Woman Daybook 04/02/12

Joining in with others here.

FOR TODAY MONDAY APRIL 2, 2012

Outside my window... The sun is just starting to come up.  Beautiful blue skies are screaming spring and it looks likes it's winding up to be another windy day.

I am thinking...  of when on earth I'm supposed to go grocery shopping and clean for Easter this week.  I'm working everyday and have something going every night.

I am thankful...  that my hubby takes on the job of getting our papers together and organized for the girl who does our taxes

In the kitchen...   Southwest pork chops,  Hungarian rice sausage, bbq chicken drumsticks, lemon parmesan tilapia, chicken tenders, goose and ham for Easter

I am creating...the menu plan for Easter dinner

I am going... to get this house cleaned for Easter one way or another

I am wondering...  how on earth I'm going to fit it all in

I am reading...  continuing on in Anne of Green Gables.  Picked up and added "And the Angels Were Silent" by Max Lucado to my reading list because I really felt like getting into something pertaining to Jesus to get my heart ready for Easter

I am hoping... the weather stays nice for my daughter's drive home on Friday

I am looking forward to... having the family together for Easter

I am learning..  overbooking myself is not a great idea

Around the house...  Putting together a few major things for an impromptu yard sale in a couple weeks

I am pondering...  Jesus' last week before He was crucified (ala the book "And the Angels were Silent")

A favorite quote for today...  

"God wants us to quit worrying about HOW, and be content with WHO" 

                                                                                           Max Lucado

                                                                               And the Angels Were Silent
                                                                                           

One of my favorite things...  The occasions when I don't have to cook on Sunday

A few plans for the rest of the week...  cleaning, grocery shopping, bible study, hair cut, interview

A peek into my day...  Easter crafts with the dayhome,

The Simple Woman's Daybook~December 8/08

For Today:

Outside my window...It's cold, grey, covered in snow and has that chilly frosty hue. It had a little blizzard last night that first gave us a bit of freezing rain and then snow so it's also slippery out there. No kids running around the schoolyard today! In fact there is hardly a car going by.

I am hearing...the news on tv saying that a 71 one year old woman in India has just given birth to her first child. Oy.

I am thinking...of all the things I still have to do for decorating. It was supposed to be done on the weekend but plans went awry when we didn't get home on time because we had to creep home from visiting friends out of town and the blizzard hit. I'm telling ya, driving home with next to no visibility, with snow whipping past the window and the highway getting covered is not something I'm particularly wanting to do again anytime soon. It hit us totally by surprise. When I had checked the weather report yesterday morning it said light flurries for late Sunday. Wrong.

I am thankful for...getting home safe and sound. Thank you Lord!

I am wearing...black jeans, a red sweater, grey and red socks

I am hoping...to finish the decorating today. Finally.

From the dayhome...Continueing with the letter "C", Christmas tree craft, pine tree bough painting

From the kitchen...supper wise I haven't a clue, shortbread cookies, Christmas ufo's

I am reading...recipes. Lots of recipes.

I am creating...lists upon lists

Around the house...are way too many boxes of Christmas decorations yet to be put out.

One of my favorite things...eggnog in my coffee. A Christmasy way to start the day.

A few plans for the rest of the week..finish the decorating today, put away all the boxes, baking, shopping. I want to have everything done before the week of Christmas so that I can relax that last week and really enjoy the celebrations.

A picture thought I am sharing with you...

Making stone soup. And yes we do use a stone. See it in the pot? The person who gets the stone in their bowl gets a prize. This year I got it. My prize? Hugs and kisses from the kids. So much fun. You never know what kind of soup you will get because it's kept secret what each child brings. It's different everytime we make it. And perfect for a cold, blustery day.

For more daybooks and to join in visit here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook~December 1/08

For Today:

Outside my window...the Christmas icicle lights are blowing in the wind. Yes, it's windy again and cloud covered and the snow is gone. Something, though, is blowing in. I wonder if it will bring some moisture or if it's just all about being blustery. Kids are running around the perimeter of the school, the teacher's making them do phys. ed outside. I feel for them, I always hated that.

I am hearing... a news story about a shoe box full of money found in the bottom of a box of goodwill donations. The worker, it was her first day on the job, immediately told management and they found the owner. It made the news all over. Then someone else sent that goodwill a cheque for $7500 anonymously. A nice heartwarming story for Christmas.

I am thinking...of the annual Christmas juggling of the relatives that happens in my life. I'm exhausted just trying to work it out in my mind.

I am thankful for...work. I am very thankful and grateful that Dave found work right away when he was laid off in September. It especially hits home at this Season and especially as my heart is breaking for all those suffering job losses because of what's happening in the U.S..

I am wearing...jeans (does this ever change?), ugly green knit shirt (I really need some new shirts!)

I am hoping...that the coffee store allows me to exchange the bottles of coffee flavoring I bought on Saturday for gifts. Hubby and I don't drink so we thought instead of giving bottles of wine as gifts we would give bottles of really yummy coffee flavoring. The kind they have in fancy coffee shops. But one of the flavors we got wasn't so yummy. I opened a bottle for myself and tried it and it was horrid. Caribbean Rum. Oh my. I should have stuck with what I knew. Flavors like cinnamon, irish cream, macadamia nut, white chocolate! Please let them exchange the unopened bottles, is what I'm hoping!

From the dayhome...the letter "C" (falling perfectly with Christmas!), making pipe cleaner candy canes (letter "c" again!), Christmas countdown chains (more letter "c").

From the kitchen...paprika potatoes, chicken parmigan (didn't happen last week), salmon burgers, banana muffins, the start of Christmas baking with Lemon Poppyseed Cookies.

I am reading...The Sound of Music Companion, "Snitch", Christmas recipes

I am creating...my Christmas baking list

Around the house...the Christmas decorating awaits

One of my favorite things...getting an amazing deal on gifts. Yesterday I scored a beautiful perfume for my sister for her birthday which is regular $63 for $20! Yipee! Geez, I hope she doesn't read this before Thursday!

A few plans for the rest of the week...trying to exchange those coffee flavors today, shopping for hubby's gift, Christmas baking, dinner at a fancy dancy restaurant for the staff Christmas dinner with hubby's work, my sis's birthday.

A picture thought I'm sharing with you...

Just one of the tree decorating ideas featured in Better Homes and Gardens online magazine. For more wonderful ideas for everything from trees to entryway/porches, centerpieces to baking, crafts to baking check out their holiday page here.

For the Simple Woman's Daybook home page go here.

Simple Woman's Daybook Nov 24/08

For today:

Outside my window...it's very windy. The sky is sunny to the east, but dark blue to the west. It's supposed to be a nice day today. We'll see.

I am hearing...the wind blowing, the kids making siren noises, playing with the ambulance and tow trucks downstairs.

I am thinking...of the Ladies Church Christmas Party. I'm in charge of handing out the gift prizes and I'm trying to think of good questions to find winners. Such as "Who's got a Christmas list in their purse? Who has bright red lipstick in their purse? Who's got their tree up already?". But I used those last year, so I have to think of new ones. And I've got a ton of gift prizes. So I'm throwing it out there. Give me your best questions that I can throw at the ladies. Please. I'm resorting to begging ya! :v}

I am thankful for...Ibuprofen. I know that sounds weird but after having three headaches in a week, one a whopper, and having to care for 6 little ones, I can't just take to my bed for the day. I am so thankful that someone invented Ibuprofen.

I am wearing...navy socks, navy jeans and lilac colred knit shirt.

I am hoping... for payday to come quickly. I want to get my Christmas shopping over and done so I can relax more in December and not be so stressed.

From the dayhome... still learning letter "C", carrot & caterpillar craft.

From the kitchen... chicken parmigian, crockpot pork & mushrooms, goldfish chicken, cowboy cookies

I am reading...oi, still finishing "Snitch", Romans 9, What's Cooking magazine from Kraft

I am creating...not a thing

Around the house... the kitchen cupboards are getting nice and white thanks to hubby and a can of paint, as usual the dusting awaits (I don't know why I always put this off. I've hated dusting since I was a kid and it was my assigned chore).

One of my favorite things... celebrating birthdays which we did on Friday for hubby.

A few plans for the rest of the week... the ladies Christmas party, grocery shopping, start to sort through the Christmas decorations, put up the tree this weekend. And how could I forget. Remember the whole Canadian Idol hoopla of the summer? Well we're going to the top 3 concert.

A picture thought I'm sharing with you...

Housekeeping philosophy #18: A well placed end table hides a multitude of cord sins.

For more daybooks and to join in, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook Nov 17/08

For Today:

Outside my window...it's cold, grey and cloudy. After a weekend of awful winds thankfully today there is none.

I am hearing...the weather forecast on the morning news on tv. Hopefully the awful freezing fog in the city 2 hours away won't hit us today. Brrr.

I am thinking...of our Christmas budget.

I am thankful for...furnaces. So thankful for heat in my home.

I am wearing...jeans, burgundy sweater and nice warm socks.

I am hoping.... that the Advil I took gets rid of my migraine soon before it becomes a full out whole body migraine, if you know what I mean. I'm hoping I can get through today with all the kids without too much noise and on only 5 hours of sleep.

From the dayhome...coping today, but for the rest of the week we are moving onto the letter "c", TP roll caterpillar craft, packing 2 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

From the kitchen...hot hamburger sandwiches, crockpot pork/apples, hungarian goulash,

banana-pecan muffins

I am reading...still reading "Snitch" (I haven't been in a reading mood lately. I think the last couple of books I read are still really running through my mind), Chapter 1 of "I Second that Emotion" for study, Romans 7-9

I am creating...a cleaned out closet

Around the house...the aforementioned closet, laundry to do, the trim is slowly getting painted, Tia's room to paint will be next on the list.

One of my favorite things...shopping for and packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes with my kids.

A few plans for the rest of the week...ladies study tonight, church business meeting, grocery shopping, dinner out for hubby's birthday

A picture thought to share with you...

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The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ November 10/08

For today:

Outside my window...It is cool and crisp, 5*C (41*F), but calm with blue skies. The sun is peeking out over the tops of the trees. A beautiful fall morning.

I am hearing...nothing but the morning cartoon. There is only 2 kids here so far today and they are just sitting watching a cartoon.

I am thinking...of the presents I need to get for hubby's birthday next week.

I am thankful for...my kid's safe arrival home after being away all weekend for a youth conference. I found out when they came home that they hit freezing rain and there were cars and semi's in the ditch all over the place at one point on the road home. It is probably a good thing I didn't know about that before they got home or I would have been a basket case worrying about them. I'm so very grateful and thankful they made it home. Two hours later than we thought, but safe and sound.

I am wearing...dark wash jeans, grey socks, pink long sleeved shirt. I know, my wardrobe is so terribly exciting.

I am hoping...for a peaceful day today. There is no school today so my teens are home. I'm hoping it's going to be a nice relaxed day for them seeing their weekend was pretty full and add being on the road for about 8 hours yesterday, I'm just going to let them veg.

From the dayhome...Finishing the letter "B" this week with balloon paintings, a poppy craft today for Remembrance Day tomorrow.

From the kitchen...Cherry Crisp, Chicken Pot Pie with Cornbread Crust, Beef Stew, Hamburger Soup

I am reading...I haven't even started "Snitch" yet that I said I was reading last week. I sort of went into a reading slump. So that is still on the list here, Our Canada magazine, Romans 4

I am creating...Christmas and birthday lists

Around the house...repacking the kitchen cupboards that hubby painted for me this weekend. It's so nice to have freshly painted, clean cupboards. Thank you, hubby!

One of my favorite things...nice clean cupboards

A few plans for the rest of the week...birthday gift shopping, finish the grocery shopping, treating my best friend to dessert at her fave restaurant for her birthday, hopefully taking in the service for Remembrance Day tomorrow

Here's a picture thought I'm sharing with you...

Huh?! Sometimes this is exactly how I feel though. Do you ever feel your days are perfectly described by this sign? LOL.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook - November 3/08

For Today:

Outside my window...kids that are late for school hurrying along the street, a cool wind moving the bare branches of the trees, some blue sky but mostly ominous grey clouds blowing in, yet there is still a sunny look as the clouds haven't covered the sun.. There is a big shift in weather forecast. Gone is the beautiful warm tshirt weather we've been having. There might be snow coming.

I am thinking...about our ladies study tonight. I have to lead it tonight as the leader cannot make it and I'm trying not to freak. It's always a step of faith for me when I do something like this. We are kicking off with this book and study tonight. I'm looking forward to it as it's an area I struggle with.

I am thankful for...my ladies group being a small, intimate group where we are comfortable enough to talk freely and where we practice grace. I'm gonna need it tonight!

I am wearing...dark blue jeans and a fooler purple top with tiny burgundy flowers, socks.

From the dayhome...a more relaxed day as last week was very busy. Still working on the letter "B", we'll practice printing it, learning the sign language for it, and today we're making a bat paper bag puppet.

From the kitchen...this yummy pasta dish, crockpot cranberry chicken, peppered meatballs, stone soup. Oatmeal cookies.

I am reading...Snitch by Rene Gutteridge, I Second That Emotion (for study), Book of Romans

I am hoping...to get the little Christmas tree I want to send Kay in time to send it with the kid's when they go to a youth conference at her bible school/church this weekend. They couldn't get to it in the stock room yesterday.

I am creating...a less cluttered home. Slowly, very slowly, but surely.

I am hearing...the morning news on tv

Around the house...the dusting awaits. Again. Bathroom cleaning is on the list too. The big bedroom shuffles are finally done and we can settle into just organizing it a bit.

One of my favorite things...a Sunday afternoon with absolutely no committements, no place to run to, no things that need to be done. Rare, but I love them when they come around.

A few plans for the rest of the week...ladies study tonight, grocery shopping, making sure laundry is done for the kids, helping them pack for their weekend youth conference.

Here's a picture thought I am sharing with you...

I'm not the only one confused. Here's my Ohio Buckeye tree that thinks it's spring again. The thing dropped it's leaves a couple weeks ago when we had frost at nights. But now, can you believe, here it is November and because of the unusually warm, dry weather we've been having the last couple of weeks, the thing is budding out. Poor thing will be in shock if the forecasted snow comes today or tomorrow.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook-Oct.20/08

For Today:

Outside my window... it's still dusky outside with a bit of a breeze. The sky is cloud covered with the bottoms of the clouds glowing a pinky purple signalling a windy day ahead.

I am thinking...the font thing on my computer is gonna drive me nuts. Since the computer meltdown of '08 a couple weeks ago, I haven't been able to find a font that I like and now this post is coming out with leaning font and bolded. And really, I am not yelling at you, it's all the font fairies trying to mess with me.

From the dayhome...everybody here today due to no school. I don't feel well so I haven't a whole lot planned. I might even have an extra movie day this week just to get me through today.

I am thankful for...that first cup of coffee in the morning. Which is about all I'm allowed right now, thank you Dr. Man, so it is especially tasty.

From the kitchen... left over roast beef dinner for supper, peach coffee cake for ladies study (it's my turn to bring the goodies)

I am wearing...jeans, socks and a light purple long sleeved jersey shirt

I am reading... I just finished this book yesterday. Oh my word, this book was good. I'm still chewing on all the implications for my own life. And it was fiction! And I'm starting this new one today which looks awesome!

I am hoping... that I get my voice back otherwise all these kids are going to take full advantage of me today. LOL.

I am creating...an organized spot for DVD's and VHS's downstairs in the TV room. Canadian Tire again had cute baskets on for half price and they fit under the table that we have the tv on perfectly!

I am hearing... "Martha Speaks" on tv as a couple kids watch that. The rustling of papers as some open whatever their moms sent them for breakfast.

Around the house...we're trying to decide on a paint color for the bedroom. I think we're going to go a nice nuetral this time around that way I can change bedding as I please.

One of my favorite things...a nice comforting roast beef dinner on Sundays after church. It brings so many memories back of my childhood. I know we didn't have that every week but for some reason I associate roast beef and Sundays together. And having a crockpot makes it easy, easy. And I found a brand of instant mashed potatoes that taste homemade, at costco. Paradise Valley. No other ingrediants but potatoes, salt and butter. No preservatives. And creamy, and comforting. These don't even need gravy they are so nice. I'm not usually one for instant stuff like this but boy, oh boy, it sure is nice to have a great dinner on Sunday without slaving away in the kitchen by myself after church.

A few plans for the rest of the week... ladies study tonight (if I can talk by then), organizing the food cupboard at church, a trip to the library

Here's a picture thought I am sharing with you...

As lovely as this burst of color is, the three days of wind have left not a leaf on these huge trees down the boulevards of our street. So beautiful yet so fleeting around here with the wind.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

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For Today:

Outside my window... A calm, cool morning. With blue skies and puffy grey clouds. Lots of leaves on the ground, with some green leaves still hanging on for life on the trees, school kids playing soccer for phys. ed across the street

I am thinking... My girl is coming home this weekend, my girl is coming home! Oh my, my girl is coming home. I have so much to do!

From the dayhome... today we'll be doing tp roll trees with thumbprint fall colored "leaves. And something "turkey-ish" for Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend.

I am thankful for... my church and pastor. He has been doing such a great series on Stewardship. And not just of finances, although that was one week's topic. But stewardship of you talents, time, and life. So encouraging and yet so convicting all at the same time.

From the kitchen... Apple Pie Cake, crockpot sausage and beans.

I am wearing... a green and white light knit sweater, jeans, socks

I am reading... Finishing up "A Time to Mend" and having to get to "The Shape of Mercy" as the blog tour is next week. I'll be giving one away so check back next week.

I am hoping... my hand stops feeling numb and painful before I need to do all the Thanksgiving cooking this weekend. It's such a pain. Literally and figuratively.

I am creating... a new room for my son along with his help, a Thanksgiving menu for this weekend.

I am hearing... the kids playing downstairs

Around the house... Oh my word. So much to do. 'Cause did I tell you, my girl is coming home this weekend? We need another coat of paint on my son's new room, which is her old room, we need to get him moved down there, then shift the beds around in the two rooms upstairs (not the master). I need to finish organizing the rumpus room downstairs and get the unused exercise equipment out of there to make more room. Then I need to start getting together what I'll be cooking and baking for Thanksgiving.

One of my favorite things... that first sip of coffee in the morning, especially when it's ready and waiting for me. Thanks, Sweetie!

A few plans for the rest of the week... uhmm, read the above around the house.

Here's a picture thought I'm sharing with you...

I just have to show you the lovely set of dishes hubby bought for me. I just love them. Somehow food just tastes better on lovely dishes.