The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...
December 8, 2008

Outside my window...
it's gray and cool out this morning. Rain is expected later today.

I am thinking...
As I typed today's date I was reminded that it was 34 years ago today that my dad passed away. I was nine years old at the time. My mom was 35 years old and left to bring up 4 children ranging from 2 1/2 to 13 years old. She put her trust in the Lord to help her with the task and He was faithful to walk with her along the way. Thank you, Mom, for giving us that legacy. I love you!

I am thankful for...
a much needed good night's rest.

From the learning rooms...
The usual assignments this week. I want to look for some fun Christmas activities. Even though my student is in 9th grade, I think she would enjoy a fun Christmas art project : ) I regret not doing enough of those type things when the kids were younger. I can't have a do-over so I will just do what I can for today.

From the kitchen...
I am ever so thankful for freezer meals this week!!!! Tonight will be my only night at home until Sunday so most days I will cook a meal at noon and that way the guys have a nice supper to just heat and eat each night.

Monday... hamburgers
Tuesday... jambalaya (from the freezer)
Wednesday...stew (I will make a big batch and freeze 1/2)
Thursday... Crockpot scalloped potatoes with ham
Friday...spaghetti (sauce from the freezer)

I am wearing...
jeans, long sleeved Nutcracker 2007 tee shirt, tennis shoes, gray hoodie

I am creating...
with Rachel's help - Nutcracker gifts - jars of homemade cocoa mix. I might re-do my blog if I find the time this week. I'm not really happy with the font colors - some of it isn't easy on the eyes.

I am going...
nowhere today unless it's to the post office to mail Christmas packages!

I am reading...
the Matthew and Luke accounts of the birth of Christ

I am hoping...
to finish decorating my Christmas tree today; to put away all the light and decoration boxes that are scattered around my house; to start cleaning for the weekend.

I am hearing...
nothing expect the ticking of the clock and the clicking of the keyboard

Around the house...
lots of cleaning needs to be done in preparation for a visit from the in-laws for Nutcracker this weekend! I'm hoping to have time to do a little baking this week. I also have to make a dessert for an after-Nutcracker party - Anyone want to share an idea for a holiday dessert???? Feel free to leave your ideas in the comments!

One of my favorite things...
the smell of a freshly cut Virginia Pine Christmas tree standing in my living room after a trip to the Christmas tree farm.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Nutcracker, Nutcracker, Nutcracker!! You think I'm kidding?? I just spent my Saturday and all day and evening Sunday (after church) working at rehearsal and picture day. I'll spend Tuesday through Friday nights at the convention center volunteering at the security/check-in desk. I'll be there again during the Saturday morning performance and then I'll actually attend the night time performance and after-Nutcracker party. It will be a FULL week and despite the complaining I might do about all the time it takes, I really do LOVE it!!!! I am a little bit partial to the dancer who is dancing the parts of Spirit of Christmas, Snowflake, and Flower, just in case you wondered. Oh, and I do have a non-Nutcracker activity this week - it's book day on Thursday! We'll be discussing the book "Shopping for Time". I am excited about it - that was a very timely read for me and I look forward to hearing what others thought about the book as well.

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

Rachel's nativity set.

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