The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, November 29, 2010

Outside my window...it is dark and pouring down rain. 

I am thinking...well, I thought all day that it was the 28th of November, so I think I lost a day somewhere. 

I am thankful for...the blessings of a wonderful Christian mother and father who taught me to love and fear the Lord. 

From the learning rooms...school work has been sporadic the last couple of weeks, but Tiny Love is reading and writing for fun, and Curlyjo is as well.  Between that and the multitudes of UNO games that have taken place in recent days, I figure we have several subjects covered ;)

From the kitchen...I served "That's Italian" soup and turtle bars from a Betty Crocker mix.  It was delicious and sweet enough to induce a raging sugar headache.  Thanks, Betty.

I am wearing...more skirts.  I get a lot of weird looks, but I feel feminine and modest, which pleases the Lord and keeps me from being hyper-focused on whether or not my jeans make my bottom look big.

I am creating...memories.

I am going...to start a Bible study with a sweet and wise friend tomorrow.  I am very excited!

I am reading..."Little Women."  I just love this book!  I am also reading the book of Isaiah.

I am hoping...in the Lord for deliverance from some bad habits and self-defeating thoughts.

I am hearing...my kids laughing at "America's Funniest Home Videos." 

Around the house...there is laundry, toys, coats, and books.  It is time for evening clean up!

One of my favorite things...hot tea, shared with a friend, on a rainy afternoon.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Women's Bible study here in my house, lunch with my siblings, Christmas shopping, and fitting in school!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing:  all I want for Christmas is this!

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, October 11, 2010

Outside my window...the sun has yet to peek above the trees, but the birds are singing.  It is cool and comfortable.  I can hear the world waking up.

I am thinking...about my "To Do" list for today.  I think I may have over estimated the hours in one day.

I am thankful for...beef, which always entices Brother to come and visit me.

From the learning rooms...we are having school today, as we don't observe Columbus Day.  Not because he is a legendary farce...well, that may have something to do with it.

From the kitchen...we will be having burgers on the grill, oven fries, and salad.  Come and get it, Brother.

I am wearing...men's boxer shorts and a men's undershirt.  Maybe I am having an identity crisis. 

I am creating...balance in my life.  Starting with desserts.  Today I will balance the amount of desserts in my life.  No, one for each hand is not the direction I was headed with that.

I am going...to Beaver Dam with friends for lunch. 

I am reading...The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.  It is awesome, in that "Wow, I have no idea what I am doing in life" sort of way.

I am hoping...that the weather begins to reflect that summer is over. 

I am hearing...cars driving by, little Daisy Dog feet trotting on the wood floors, and the bell on Chins' collar.

Around the house...there is lots to do.  Today I will mop the kitchen floor and clean the bathroom.  When the kids get up, they will find out that they have a chore list, too.  I am sure it will be a welcome surprise.

One of my favorite things...watching the sun come up and touch the tops of the trees in my back yard.  I love that the top branches of the trees may be the ones that feel the wind first, but they also get touched by the sun first.  God is very good that way.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Dinner out with my friends, Awana, chores, school, hayride on Saturday!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Mom and Dad will be home in three weeks!  I am so ready.  I miss them terribly. 

Mom will be with her kids, smiling and happy.

Dad will be sitting in his rightful place, at the head of the table, which will make his children smile and be happy.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, September 15, 2010


Outside my window...the sun is rising, the fog is lifting, the new day has begun.  Funny, that is exactly what is happening in my heart.

I am thinking...about someone who is very important to me, but also very upset with me.  I am praying that God will heal that relationship, because I don't want to be without it.

I am thankful for...God's grace, deliverance, and assurance in times of trouble.

From the learning rooms...Tiny Love thinks she can't read yet, but can.  I remember this phase with Curlyjo, and the amazing moment when she realized that she could indeed read.

From the kitchen...tonight we are having dinner at the church before Awana.  On the menu:  hamburger horseshoes with fries.  I don't think that is going to work.

I am wearing...workout clothes, as I have already walked the dog and will be going to the gym, come hades or high water.

I am creating...a budget for the Financial Peace University class I am taking.  Ack, I hate this process.

I am going...to get things done today.  Yesterday felt like a total bust.

I am reading...Where the Red Fern Grows to the kids.  I love it!

I am hoping...in the Lord.

I am hearing...the bell on Chins' collar as he wanders around the house, waiting for the girls to get up.

Around the house...there is animal hair.  I need to vacuum again. 

One of my favorite things...walking Daisy Dog, even though she has to smell every blade of grass and wait until we get REALLY close to home to do her "business."  My neighbors are going to hate me.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Visiting with a friend and her new baby this afternoon.  I can't wait to hold that sweet baby!  Then Awana starts tonight (so excited!), and we may take a field trip to the apple orchard later this week. 

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...the sweet little reasons I vacuum daily.

Cuddle time for Chins Monroe and Daisy Dog.

My fur babies.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY:  September 2, 2010

Outside my window...it is gray and wet.  Not a good day for dog walking.

I am thinking...about how to keep my dog from peeing in the house while it rains.  I am also thinking about the AWANA meeting that I will be attending tonight, my friend who had a new baby yesterday, and how to celebrate our 13 year wedding anniversary this weekend.

I am thankful for...the last 13 years, even the really difficult ones.

From the learning rooms...we are back to school!  It is going really well, though in true back-to-school fashion, the kids have caught a cold.  Germs do not discriminate between public and home schools.

From the kitchen...tonight I will be serving pasta with bacon and peas, one of my favorite dishes.  The husband will pick out the bacon and avoid the peas. 

I am wearing...my glasses, so I hope no one comes to the door.

I am creating...a stack of note cards on which I have written all of the verses I need to memorize for AWANA. 

I am going...to the gym, even though I don't want to, especially because I don't want to.  Flexing the old "self-discipline muscle."  If it gets strong enough, maybe it will push away the brownies.

I am reading...Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions by George Barna. 

I am hoping...that fall will set in soon, and that my grocery store will start carrying canned pumpkin soon.  I NEED some pumpkin in my life...pumpkin oatmeal, pumpkin bread, pumpkin yogurt. 

I am hearing...the fridge humming, the dog snoring, my fingers tapping the keys, and my brain chattering.

Around the house...things are so neat and clean :)  I love it.  Yesterday I went to do laundry and didn't have enough for a load.  It was strange.

One of my favorite things...my parents, who will be home exactly two months from today...for good.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Getting cable TV, which goes against my personal convictions, but not enough to not get DVR.  I am so mainstream.  We will also be cleaning Mom's house for Brother (ewwwww), walking the dog too often to mention, and (hopefully) going out to eat for our anniversary WITHOUT the kids this year (last year we took them with us). 

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Almost 13 years already? 

Love you, Husband.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY:  August 10, 2010


Outside my window...there is sun, heat, and condensation on the windows.  It is going to be hot today!

I am thinking...about my Kitty Friend, who is having surgery today. 

I am thankful for...wonderful friends and family, who love me enough to care about my cat. 

From the learning rooms...Curlyjo learned Roman Numerals in one lesson.  I was so impressed.   Tiny Love has discovered that adding can be fun, so she wants to do an addition worksheet at odd times...like bedtime.
From the kitchen...I am making Garden Minestrone today, because soup is good food, even when it is over a hundred degrees outside.

I am wearing...my glasses.  It promises to be an emotional day, and crying dries out my contacts.  It is good to plan ahead. 

I am creating...a beautiful apron.  I began this sewing project three years ago, and I have decided to finish what I started.

I am going...to the vet to visit my Friend, to have coffee with a friend, and to Walgreens to get free stuff with coupons.

I am reading...too many books at the same time.  I am also reading 1 Samuel for my Bible study.

I am hoping...for good news for Brother about his job situation.  I am also hoping that my sisters, brother-in-law, and niece are doing well in El Salvador, digging a well and telling others about Jesus.

I am hearing...quiet.  Outside it is quiet.  Inside me, I wish there was more quiet.

Around the house...I am about to see more boxes.  I will begin packing this week, as the big move back to our own house is coming soon.

One of my favorite things...is the Bible, which gave me so much encouragement this morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  attempting to find time in my schedule to get to the gym.  The treadmill is my stress management apparatus, and we need some time together.  I will also be keeping my nephew, The Roo, for a couple of days this week.  I am very happy to get to see him!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...my Friend, when she was happy, healthy and taking a nap in her favorite position.  I hope she will be again soon.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, July 20, 2010


Outside my window...It is dark and rainy.  Perfect weather for sleeping late!

I am thinking...about the storms we have had in the last couple of days.  Storms make me think of how awesome God is, that if He were to come over me with even a fraction of His power, I would bend like the trees in the wind.

I am thankful for...my husband, who works so hard so that I can be home with our children.

From the learning rooms...I have been freaking out about planning our next school year.  I am looking forward to having a normal routine again. 

From the kitchen...I am about to make breakfast, which Tiny Love likes to include syrup.  I am out of almond butter.  This is not good.

I am wearing...a t-shirt, boxer shorts, no socks.  But my hair is done, makeup on.  Priorities.

I am creating...a very detailed information packet to take on vacation.  It has maps, directions, local businesses, lists of things to pack for each family member, phone numbers, and instructions for Brother while I am gone.  I love lists.

I am going...to get a pedicure today with a dear friend.  I haven't had one in a few years, so I will try to swallow my pride and not feel ashamed of my calluses.  Running is unkind to the feet. 

I am reading...A Little Piece of Earth by Maria Finn.  Now I need a worm farm in my basement.

I am hoping...to buy almond butter today.  Sorry, the almond butter is obviously distracting me today.

I am hearing...Tiny Love give me her itinerary for the next few days. 

Around the house...Tiny Love is dusting my printer.  She can leave her room so trashed that I can't find my way to her bed to kiss her goodnight, but dust on the printer requires immediate action.  I don't get it.

One of my favorite things...almond butter.  Again with the obsession.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Packing for vacation, getting my teeth cleaned (which I hate), helping with VBS, putting some mileage on my sneakers, and the usual (dishes, laundry).

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The beautiful and elusive Curlyjo has a loose tooth.  Loose teeth are all the rage around here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY:  May 25, 2010

Outside my window...it is a little cloudy and hazy, and it looks hot out there already. 

I am thinking...about my Mom, hoping she will be released from the hospital today. 

I am thankful for...the Holy Spirit, who is speaking to my heart today about my selfishness.  I am so thankful that God doesn't leave me as I am.

From the learning rooms...I am finishing Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. E. Prentiss.  The girls have the day off of school today!
From the kitchen...I just had my morning bowl of Banana Oats.  Apparently my breakfast rut is back.

I am wearing...PJ bottoms, t shirt, no socks.

I am creating...laundry piles.  I have four loads to fold and put away. 

I am going...to take Curlyjo to piano lessons today.  I am also getting my hair trimmed today, but I really just want to shave it all and start over.

I am reading...the book of Proverbs.  I need some wisdom (see the above statement).

I am hoping...that through this current trial, my family will be stronger, and I will be less interested in myself.

I am hearing...Curlyjo and her friend giggling upstairs.

Around the house...is the evidence that my mind has been distracted the last few days.  Things are disheveled and making me crazy.

One of my favorite things...fresh strawberries, local and in season.  One of my dearest friends gave me some, and it did just brighten my day.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Catching cuddles from my nephew (who is spending the night tonight),  keeping the garden watered, lunch at the park with friends, missing my sisters (who are traveling to Canada to see my parents).

Here is picture for thought I am sharing:

 

If you see these two ladies at the airport, be sure to tell them that the air in Canada is "so FREEEESH." 

It will make them smile :)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...May 14, 2010

Outside my window...it is cloudy again.  On the back deck there are eight cats waiting for me to feed them their breakfast. 

I am thinking...about my Bible study that I read this morning.  I saw Abraham and Isaac a new way, and it was wonderful. 

I am thankful for...Jesus Christ, and His love for me.  And the Husband, who used his over-time money to buy me a new bike.  He is the most self-less guy. 

From the learning rooms...Today I fully intend, if I get nothing else done, to read the Bible with my kids and practice our memory verses.  If raising my children in the fear and admonition of the Lord is the most important reason that I homeschool, why do these things come AFTER Math, reading and writing? 

From the kitchen...Norman made himself an omelet for breakfast, of which he was so proud that he made me look at it before he ate it.  I plan to bake bread today, though it may be a bust as it is so humid.

I am wearing...the husband's boxer shorts and my Walk for Water tee.  Bare feet.  I am not moving very fast today.  LOL

I am creating...a giant mess on my desk, a serious stockpile of body wash in the bathroom cabinet, and a recipe that uses coconut oil.

I am going...well, I am not going to the gym.  My legs are too sore and tired to even walk normally.  I need a rest day.  And a ride on my new bike.

I am reading...Walden with my book club.  I am also reading The Peacemaker by Ken Sande, which is so awesome that I wish I would have read it about a year and a half ago.  It would have helped immensely.  Last, I am reading Home Education by Charlotte Mason. 

I am hoping...that it will not rain today.  I need some sunshine.  I am also hoping that July comes really fast, because I get to see my parents and go to Florida!

I am hearing...the ceiling fan humming, the clock ticking, the birds singing, and chores calling.

Around the house...there are signs that little girls live here:  baby dolls, strollers, little flip-flops.  There are also signs that a teenage boy lives here:  opened bags of potato chips, socks on the couch, toothpaste splattered on every bathroom surface.

One of my favorite things...coffee.  I think I love it too much.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Well, it is the weekend.  So I hope to have dinner with my cousin and her husband, get some cleaning done, and have a nice Sunday dinner with my family.  I also hope to see my mom on the webcam soon.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

How many cats do you see?

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