Life at the Lake

FIVE Years!!

2011-07-05T22:28:00.002-05:00

Today is July 5, 2011…just another day to most people, but not to me. Today marks 5 years survival from a breast cancer diagnosis!! July 5 will forever be etched in my mind as the anniversary of the day I heard the four words that forever changed my life: “you have breast cancer”.

July 5, 2006, I was 40 years old, living and loving life with my husband and two children who were 16 and 12 at the time. I was in the midst of packing for a trip to North Carolina with my kids and older sister to visit my younger sister and her family. I’d had an ultrasound guided core needle biopsy a week prior after my first routine mammogram, and a follow up ultrasound both showed an area of concern. Having had two benign tumors in my mid- and late-20’s I wasn’t overly concerned. At every test the doctors had been reassuring that they felt it was just a fluid-filled cyst – nothing to worry about. When my phone rang that morning, I knew it would be the surgeon’s office with the results. What I didn’t know was that they were about to tell me I had cancer. I remember being stunned as I listened and tried to write down what the doctor (my doc was on vacation so it was one of the others in the practice) was telling me and trying to keep my composure. He made it sound like it probably wasn’t too bad and that I needed to follow up with my doctor when I got back into town after vacation. I mean, how could I have cancer? I didn’t have a family history of cancer; I was *only* 40 years old; there was no palpable lump; and this was my first routine mammogram – surely I didn’t have cancer. The first call I made was to Robert and I could barely utter the words. I don’t remember the conversation other than hearing him telling me I would be okay. When I told my family, I think I went into survival mode and was very matter-of-fact, trying not to fall apart. I promptly left town the next day as planned and stayed gone for almost 2 weeks (having a great time with my sisters was probably the best thing I could have done at the time!). I called the surgeon when I returned and heard “where have you been”? I should have known then that this would not be an easy, simple road to travel.

I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy in early August and received the official diagnosis and staging: invasive ductal carcinoma, stage IIB, with 2/10 lymph nodes testing positive for cancer as well. The referral to an oncologist came next and I *really* lost it when I found I would have to have chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal treatment in addition to the surgery I’d had. Chemotherapy meant losing my hair and we all know how important hair is, right?? In addition to losing my hair, you have to understand I have had a life-long needle and throw-up phobia and chemotherapy definitely involves needles and when you read the side-effects of those drugs, well, it sounds like throw-up will be involved too!! However, God is good and faithful – I managed to reign in the needle fear (I didn’t say I got over it!!) and I never threw up!!

Three days after my 41^st birthday, I started 27 weeks of weekly chemotherapy. I participated in a clinical trial and received adriamyacin and cytoxan every Friday for 15 weeks, followed by taxol every Friday for 12 weeks. During the first 15 weeks of treatment I also was to get a neupogen shot every day. Remember how I mentioned my fear of needles? Well, when you find out you have to give yourself an injection every day for 15 weeks, you begin to get over that fear just a bit!! At first, we thought Robert would be able to give me the injections, then we found out that they had to be done at a certain time every day and that it would be impossible for him to do. I did lots of praying at 10:00 every morning!! I finished chemo on April 6, 2007 and began taking radiation treatments five days a week for 7 weeks. By the time radiation was finished I had very short hair (and I do mean short) and it was getting hot so I decided to do away with the wig. What freedom!! In early May 2007 I started taking the anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen. One of the somewhat unexpected side effects of chemotherapy has been early menopause; therefore, I was switched from tamoxifen to anastrozole in 2010. Tamoxifen and anastrozole caused a lot of joint and bone pain that were heavily interfering with daily life so I recently switched to femara. Thankfully, the side effects are not as severe with this drug. I will have to take this drug for the next 5 to 10 years. In February 2008, I also had to have another excisional biopsy which happily was not cancer – just a lymph node that showed up in the wrong place. After you are diagnosed with cancer, you spend a lot of time in doctor’s offices. I was so happy when I was finally able to move to seeing my oncologist every 6 months and my surgeon yearly!! Every little step you take moves you that much closer to feeling “normal” again. I’ve hoped to keep making progress forward to the point that cancer is just a distant memory, but I am learning that is a hard place to get to. I have come a long way in 5 years, but I still have a way to go.

My mom recently finished treatment for ovarian cancer – Yay! for finishing treatment and being on the road to recovery for her!!

After my mom’s diagnosis, my doctors wanted me to have genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations. It was a hard decision to make – I was almost 5 years out from my own diagnosis and that is a huge milestone in the life of a cancer survivor. To be tested meant being thrown back in “cancer land”, while not testing would mean having to go through heavy surveillance, possibly unnecessarily. In the end, I decided to have the test and this spring found out that I am BRCA1 positive. This was not the news I wanted to hear…AT…ALL. Hereditary cancer is really not that common – it’s pretty rare actually. However, it means my odds of having a recurrence or a new breast cancer or ovarian cancer are much higher than is normal. With the BRCA1 mutation, all three of my doctors – oncologist, surgeon and gyn are heavily recommending I have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and hysterectomy. They tell me it is really not a case of “if” breast cancer will return, but “when”. I have always said that if I had cancer again, I would have a mastectomy, but to have to make that decision when I do not have cancer is tough. I am currently researching surgeons to have a consultation/second opinion with. If I opt to not have the surgery, it means more scans and surveillance than usual and I am not sure I can do that. Every time you return to the doctor after cancer treatment, there is a certain amount of anxiety that comes with it. Every mammogram, every blood test, every ultrasound, every exam causes anxiety for days leading up to and in the days waiting for results. I am so fortunate that I have friends and acquaintances locally and across the nation that I can turn to for support and advice when needed. I have turned to a number of them in the past couple of months. Those friends and acquaintances are one of the positive things to come from having had breast cancer. As I mark this fifth anniversary of survival, I am happy to be here celebrating this significant milestone and refuse to let what lies ahead darken the coming days. I choose to celebrate and live life…every day!!

I would be remiss if I didn’t give some testimony of God’s goodness through the past five years. As I look back through a journal I kept and scriptures I wrote in the back of my church notebook during the past five years I am reminded of how He has had his hand on my life. In the few months leading up to my diagnosis, I began to let go of some of the responsibilities I had held in our homeschool support group (I had been serving as co-op administrator) and working in children’s ministry at church. As a homeschool mom, I believed I needed to be more available to our son as he was finishing his high school work over the next two years and preparing for college. Little did I know how important those decisions would be in the coming months. After I was diagnosed one of the questions I faced was “what about school”? I prayed and these scriptures were an answer:

I Thessalonians 5:24 “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

We continued on with school, relying on God every step of the way. My kids were awesome – on days I could barely get out of bed, they got busy and did their schoolwork with little help or they curled up on the couch with me for help. They learned a lot about housework that year as well☺. The following year was hard too, but we persevered leaning on this scripture:

6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Allan was a senior and through perseverance we saw him earn his Eagle Scout award, successfully take college algebra as concurrent enrollment, graduate from high school and he was awarded a scholarship for college!!

We had many friends and family who provided meals, cards, playdates, and sleepovers – we were blessed! Those meals, cards and sleepovers always came at just the right time – God’s time. We were blessed by Robert’s job in that he was able to take me to chemo *every* week except one that he had to be out of town – 27 days or ½ days off is a lot!!

Today and on the days I am not sure what to do or what lies ahead, I try to remember this scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

I share my story in hopes that it will bless or encourage someone with God’s faithfulness. There is no doubt in my mind that God has his hand on my life and that He walks with me every step of the way, never leaving me, and carrying me when I cannot walk alone. I don’t have all the answers and I don’t always understand, I just have to trust and believe.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-11-04T09:33:00.003-05:00

For Today...November 4, 2010

Outside my window...beautiful sunny, blue skies and a pretty good west wind blowing across the lake.

I am thinking...about the growing number of phone calls I need to make today (because they have been put off much too long) and the fact that due to terrible cell reception at my house, I should really drive to town and sit in my car to make the calls. I won't go into how much I can't wait for May so I can finally be free of this cell phone contract and go back to being able to talk on the phone *in* my house. I wish it wouldn't cost $$$$ to get out of a cell contract!!!!

I am thankful for...health insurance. We have been blessed with excellent coverage for years. This was so evident when I was in treatment for breast cancer several years ago. Yes, there are things I have had to fight for coverage for and it hasn't always been easy to deal with. However, I know many who have suffered devastating financial problems due to medical expenses after a serious illness. This week we have to sign up for our benefits for the coming year and although there are changes to our plan I'm not crazy about, I am thankful for the coverage and thankful that the premium isn't going up. I'll have more expense out of my own pocket in the form of a deductible we haven't had previously, but I know the Lord will take care of us.

From the learning room... we began a Music Appreciation course this week. Rachel is loving it! I watched her listening to the CD Monday and I knew exactly what was going on in her mind - she was choreographing ballet to the music!! It was pretty funny when she told me that's what she was doing because I could already tell : ) We are also starting a new writing program this week and I am actually excited about it. Wow, did I just say that?? We are starting Jensen's Format Writing and praying for good results.

From the kitchen...Today I will be making Taco Soup to take to Mom's Renew tonight. My family will be having leftovers ; ) They don't mind and there is a choice - Dirty Rice, Crockpot Mexican chicken and rice or sandwiches. Love that I have an easy to please family!!

I am wearing...jeans and a black turtleneck. So glad to be able to start wearing some fall clothes now that the weather is cooler.

I am creating...lesson plans and Christmas lists.

I am going...to our homeschool group's Mom's Renew tonight. Tonight is a Souper Renew - soup, bread, and dessert and Detra Thomas will be sharing a light-hearted message with us followed by a sweet time of fellowship.

I am reading...A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. It's the story of Bill Bryson hiking the Appalachian Trail. Parts of it are quite funny and some of it I'm not crazy about because I think he's an evolutionist so I skip over it because it gets boring and I don't agree with him ; ) Mostly, I love the tales he tells of his hikes! He adds in some of the history of AT as well as the National Forest Service. I'll give you a warning if you might be inclined to read it - it has some foul/crude language in it.

I am hoping...to find the perfect pair of shoes for the Western Arkansas Ballet Silver Anniversary Gala. I found the outfit yesterday, but no shoes. I tried raiding Rachel's closet but that didn't work out too well - her foot is bigger than mine : ( I have a couple of other places to shop this afternoon.

I am hearing...Pencil eraser and the gas heater. It's pretty quiet in the school room : )

Around the house...let's skip this one and hope no one knocks on my door for a few more days!! Let's just say I can't wait for Saturday to get here so I can get some major cleaning done. The dust bunnies are taking over.

One of my favorite things...parent observation month at ballet! I observed Rachel's Advanced Pointe class on Monday. She even asked me to videotape some of the center work. Love the opportunity to sit in on her classes and see progression from one year to the next.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Saturday night I'll be attending the Silver Anniversary Gala for Western Arkansas Ballet. We've spent untold hours with this organization for the past 10 years and look forward to celebrating this milestone with them!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
Wishing I was back here. Spent a week in this house @ Estes Park, CO in August with all my siblings and most of their kids. One of the greatest vacations ever...

To read more Daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Summer Fun - July 2010

2010-07-21T23:02:00.021-05:00

Robert and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary on February 22, 2010! We wanted to take a trip but we knew it would have to be later in the year since Robert's job as outage coordinator keeps him working long hours and unable to take vacation pretty much from Feb. - May. Then, Rachel got accepted to a 4 week ballet intensive in MI and we decided to let her go, knowing we might not be able to have quite the trip we were hoping for. Robert was pretty surprised that I would sacrifice the trip, knowing how much I'd wanted it but, I really wanted Rachel to have the opportunity to attend this particular intensive. So, we decided that we would send Rachel to MI and hopefully be able to enjoy a short trip to pick her up at the end of her camp. The Lord blessed us unexpectedly this spring so we were able to plan a trip after all!! We decided that we would fly Rachel to MI and then we would drive up at the end of her camp to see her performances and bring her home, stopping in Chicago for a few days on the way north. The highlights of the trip follow.

Monday, July 12, 2010

We left Fort Smith about 10:00 a.m., stopping in Springfield, MO for a late lunch. We considered spending the night in St. Louis but decided to go ahead and get most of the drive to Chicago out of the way on day 1. We stopped for the night in Ratoul, IL. Our drive was great. I've never seen so many cornfields in my life!! There were some beautiful farms along the way. I have traveled through quite a few states in my life but I had never been through Indiana and Illinois.

Illinois Cornfield

Tuesday, July 13

We arrived in Chicago about 11:00 a.m. First stop was the Museum of Science and Industry and Lake Michigan. We parked at the museum and walked under Lakeshore Drive to see Lake Michigan - wow! It's so pretty and felt like we were at the beach : ) We walked back to the museum and spent a few hours exploring the exhibits. Very cool place - we could have spent a few more hours there. We'll keep it on our list of places to visit next time. We drove further north on Lakeshore and got checked in at our hotel, The Ambassador East, in the Gold Coast area. The hotel is on a quiet, mostly residential street about 2 blocks from Lake Michigan. We could see a bit of the lake from our room. We got settled in and then started the first of many miles of walking we did in the city! We stopped at the Water Tower Visitor Center and bought 3 day CTA passes that are for the buses and El. We had great Chicago pizza at Giordano's, thanks to the recommendation of several friends. The hotel porter asked if we were going to have pizza while in town and when we told him Giordano's on the recommendation of friends, he said we have good friends!! Thanks LeAnn and Janine! After dinner, we took the bus to Navy Pier and enjoyed a few hours there. We then walked down Michigan Avenue and back to our hotel.

Lake Michigan

Navy Pier

Wednesday, July 14
The first adventure today was taking the bus to the Farmer's Market at Lincoln Park. WOW! What an awesome farmer's market! We enjoyed strolling through the booths and seeing all the great produce and baked goods. We bought some raspberries and enjoyed while listening to some music. We walked a bit through Lincoln Park and then took a bus back to State Street. We had an awesome lunch at P.J. Clarke's. Spent the afternoon exploring more of the city by bus, the El and walking, of course - shopping at Macy's, texting pics of Joffrey Ballet studios to Rachel (love ya girlie!!), exploring Millennium Park and taking pics at Cloud Gate. After returning to the hotel we had a quick dinner and then headed for Burnham Harbor. We took a three hour sunset/Navy Pier fireworks sail on the tall ship Red Witch. It had been a hot day but on the water it was nice and cool. A very fun evening! As if we hadn't experienced enough of the transportation options of the city, we hailed a taxi for a ride back to the hotel.

Joffrey Ballet

Cloud Gate @ Millennium Park
Helping raise the sails

Thursday, July 15
We started the day with a late breakfast at Lou Mitchell's. Located at the beginning of the old Route 66, this place was like walking back in time. The food was oh, so good! Can you say fresh squeezed orange juice, double yolk egg omelettes, and fried potatoes? Robert says this was probably the most expensive breakfast we have had but it was so good and there's nothing like going to a good old-fashioned diner every now and then. We took a peek in Union Station and walked along the Chicago River for a bit before taking a water taxi to Navy Pier. We considered taking an architectural river cruise but decided to just take the water taxi instead. In the end we were glad we opted for the shorter water taxi to the pier as it was pretty hot on the river and the architectural cruise was 90 minutes in the sun. In the past two days we had done so much walking that by this time, I had shin splints and was exhausted!! We decided to spend the afternoon visiting "Sue" at the Field Museum of Natural History. This was a museum that we could definitely pass up on our next visit to Chicago. It was a good escape from the heat of the afternoon but we didn't enjoy it near as much as we enjoyed the Museum of Science and Industry. We spent an adventurous hour trying to get back to the Magnificent Mile by bus as rush hour was starting. I'm still not sure how they got that many people on that bus!!!! At one stop we finally decided we could probably manage to get off the bus so we did. We caught the next one and it was nearly empty : ) We enjoyed a really nice seafood dinner at Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish house, followed by a little people watching in the park across from Tavern on Rush. It was fun watching the valet's parking all the $$$$$ cars and then watching them try to open a car they had locked the keys in : ) We made our way out to the shores of Lake Michigan and enjoyed spending some time at the water on our last night.

View from the water taxi

Another view of the river

"Sue"

Friday, July 16
Today we said goodbye to Chicago and headed for Flint, MI. We got a call from Rachel while we were stopped for lunch and she said if we made it to Flint before 5:00 to call her as she had a three hour break between rehearsals. We made it to Flint about 4:30 and stopped by the Whiting for a quick hello and of course, a great hug! It was so good to see our girlie, even for just a moment. A month is a long time, you know!! We checked into our hotel in Flint and then drove about 20 miles north to Frankenmuth, MI to visit Bronner's Christmas World. I ordered some Nutcracker ornaments from Bronner's last year and somehow remembered it was close to Flint. It's the largest Christmas store in the world so, of course we had to shop a little! After we had had enough of Christmas in July we drove to the Bavarian Inn Restaurant to try a little German food. Let me re-phrase that - it was A LOT of German food!! Neither of us had ever had German food but we really liked it. It was fun to try something new. I'd love to go back to Frankenmuth for a visit if we are ever in the area again. It was a really neat little town.

Saturday, July 17

Today is the day - We get to see Rachel's end of camp performances! We spent a lazy morning at the hotel then walked across the street to visit Flint's Farmer's Market. They have an awesome market - part of it is in a permanent building and is open year-round with fresh meat, chicken, cheese, wine, and produce. During the spring, summer, and early fall there are booths outside selling produce, flowers and homemade salsas, etc. After visiting farmer's market's in Flint and Chicago, I think I'll have to try the Fort Smith market soon. We met Bob and LeAnn (their daughter was in Flint as well) for lunch and then we went to the matinee performance of the Magnus Midwest Dance Intensive at The Whiting. Rachel's level danced their ballet piece in the matinee performance and all levels were cast in the finale. After the matinee we went out for a light dinner with Bob and LeAnn. We had fun with our waiter who liked to hear our southern accents! The evening performance was great and we loved seeing Rachel perform her jazz piece. Fun to watch our mostly classical ballet dancer in a jazz piece with a blonde, bobbed wig as part of her costume!! The evening performance was followed by a nice reception and we finally got to see our girlie again - all dressed up. She spent her last night back at the dorm with her friends, enjoying those last few bittersweet hours before the girls would all say goodbye and head back to their home studios.

Post performance family pic

Sunday, July 18
We moved Rachel out of the dorm and were on the road by about 10:15 a.m. We stopped for lunch in Lansing, MI, dinner in Effingham, IL and made a stop at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO before stopping for the night on the west side of St. Louis. Enjoyed hearing Rachel's stories from her month in MI along the way.

Flooded Mississippi River @ St. Louis

Gateway Arch

Monday, July 19
We were on the road by 8:45 a.m., made a lunch stop in Joplin, MO and were home around 4:30 p.m. It was a great trip and it's good to be back home with everyone back under one roof. Now the unpacking and laundry begin ; )

Thank you, Lord, for blessing us - first, with 25 years of marriage and secondly, with a fun trip to celebrate.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-03-29T22:45:00.007-05:00

For today...March 29, 2010

Outside my window...another late night daybook entry means it's dark outside

I am thinking...about how much I would love to finally get around to some long overdue blog posts. I love the daybook because it's pretty easy but I really want to sit and blog some other thoughts.

I am thankful for...God's word - ever so timely! Pastor Marty preached on Lordship yesterday and the message really helped me determine some priorities today, including getting back to having a daily quiet time in the MORNING. Last night an unpopular clothing decision had been made involving the girlie in our house and she wasn't very happy about it even though she knew the reasons behind the decision. This morning after I had read my devotional and some scriptures, I picked up The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian (it's been untouched for months) and flipped to a page to read. The title, you ask? "Staying Attracted to Holiness and Purity". Hmm, coincidence? I don't think so!! Here's a portion of the prayer included with this chapter: "You have said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" Matthew 5:8. May a desire for holiness that comes from a pure heart be reflected in all that she does. Let it be manifested in her appearance as well. I pray that the clothes she wears and the way she styles her hair and chooses to adorn her body and face will reflect a reverence and a desire to glorify you, Lord." At lunch I was able to share this with my daughter and let her know that I believed this was confirmation that the correct decision had been made. Later this afternoon, we went shopping together and were able to find clothing that she liked and that also met with the approval of the parents. She admitted as we left the store today that she was just mad last night because she couldn't get the "cute" stuff online but what she had found today was much to her liking. Cute and appropriate - thank you, Lord for showing us the way!!

From the learning room...trying to regroup after spring break and get as much work done as possible before ballet festival mid-week, next week.

From the kitchen...
Monday...Fajitas and refried beans
Tuesday...Turkey Club Pizza and salad
Wednesday...Red Beans and Rice (from scratch, not a box mix, just for Robert!)
Thursday...Italian Chicken and Pasta Toss, salad, french bread
Friday...not sure yet
(maybe I'll blog some of these recipes this week)

I am wearing...the usual - jeans and a shirt

I am creating...a plan for planting! I bought basil, parsley, and cilantro seeds to start this week. I already have mint that has come up from last year. I want to get flowers in my bed but the weather man says not to plant the flowers before April 10, the average date for a last hard freeze here.

I am going...to Mom's RENEW tomorrow night. This is a gathering of Mom's from my homeschool support group. We'll be discussing high school transcripts and enjoying sweet fellowship with one another.

I am reading...Return from Tomorrow by George G. Ritchie with Elizabeth Sherrill.

I am hoping...for a date night soon : ) Those are especially rare during "shutdown" but a girl can hope! We were given a gift card for our 25th anniversary and we haven't used it yet so who knows, maybe this long weekend will give us the opportunity.

I am hearing...noticing the neighbor's dog finally quit barking. I can only imagine how annoyed some of our neighbors must have been when we had a dog who would sometimes bark endlessly when there was a possum or some other critter outside at night.

Around the house...it's a mess! There's no other way to put it : ) Rachel and I started cleaning out closets last week when we got home from visiting family. The closets look great but the "stuff" that we are getting rid of is still in various places in my house. Gotta get it outta here!!!

One of my favorite things...sweet surprises from sweet friends. For example, Rachel turned 16 last week and some friends got together a surprise lunch for her at one of her favorite restaurants! She was truly surprised. I wish I'd had a picture of her when the realization of what was going on hit her : )

A few plans for the rest of the week...Mom's RENEW, Rachel's getting a haircut tomorrow, returning library books, and preparing for celebrating our risen Savior!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Happy Birthday Rach!

To read more daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-03-16T21:56:00.005-05:00

For Today...March 16, 2010

Outside my window...night has come after a beautiful spring day with lots of sunshine

I am thinking...about planting flowers in my flower beds. I'm sure I'll be really inspired after I visit my sister this weekend and see what she's been planting!

I am thankful for...the trip I took to Oregon two weeks ago. My grandma went home to be with her Lord and Savior and I was able to fly back for her funeral which was really a "celebration of her life". She was blessed with a long life - 93 years! I have so many great memories of visits with her and my grandpa. There are nine grandchildren on this side of my family and we were all able to be at the service. It was the first time since 1977 that all nine cousins were together in the same place at the same time!!

From the learning rooms...trying to get some work done before we take our spring break. Geometry...proofs...need..I..say..more??

From the kitchen...yummy lasagna from the freezer. Gotta love freezer meals : )

I am wearing...jeans and a new super soft sweater
I am creating...a packing list, an errand list, and a to-do list

I am going...to visit my mom, sister, and in-laws later this week : )

I am reading...just finished Karen Kingsbury's Even Now and Ever After. Need to finish What the Bible Says About Healthy Living by Rex Russell, M.D. and Eat Right for Your Type by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo
I am hoping...I get lots accomplished tomorrow despite a couple of appointments that will interrupt our day.

I am hearing...Rachel's ankle's pop as she walks down the hall! That girl pops and cracks like crazy. Must be a ballet thing - the girls at the studio do it all the time too!!

Around the house...preparation for my trip to La. later this week. Trying to think about decluttering and spring cleaning *soon*

One of my favorite things... long phone calls to catch up with a lifelong friend...then knowing we might actually get a rare "in person" visit in a few days!

A few plans for the rest of the week...couple of appointments tomorrow for Rachel; prep for my *baby's* sweet sixteen birthday next week!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing..
Nancy, Carolyn, Jody
3 Cousins at the Oregon Coast

To read more Daybook Entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-02-08T22:29:00.006-06:00

FOR TODAY... February 8, 2010

Outside my window...this is a late Daybook entry so it's dark outside, but I have my back porch light on so I can still watch it snowing!

I am thinking...about how nice it has been to have had a day at home since all activities were canceled tonight due to the snowy weather.

I am thankful for...SNOW! I think I am worse than a kid - I love the snow. I don't like being out in the snow, but I love watching it fall and how fresh it makes everything look. Now, tomorrow, will be a different story...wet, slushy, mud.

I am wearing...sweats, a turtleneck, a long sleeve tee, and warm socks

I am remembering...that I need to type lesson plans for the rest of the week

I am going... to run errands tomorrow afternoon ~ need to buy a birthday present for my sister, do some banking, and return library books while Rachel is at ballet

I am currently reading...Lots of travel books : )

I am hoping... to figure out Quickbooks soon!!!!!!

On my mind... my Mom and my big sis - called them both this evening and had a nice visit. Can't wait to see them in April.

Noticing that...the picture collage frames are still waiting to be hung on the wall. I just have to hurry and choose which pictures to finish filling them with and decide where to hang them. Decisions, decisions, decisions...(and I'm learning

after all these years that I really don't like making decisions!)

Pondering these words...Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." From Pastor Marty's "First" series to start 2010.

From the kitchen...used this slow, snowy day in this busy, busy week to spend some time in the kitchen and put some things in my freezer. Bieroks for dinner tonight and the freezer; beef and bean burritos for dinner tomorrow night and for the freezer.

BIEROKS (a pocket type sandwich)
1 lb. ground chuck
chopped onion (to taste -

maybe 1/4 cup)
chopped green pepper (to taste - maybe 1/4 cup or less)
1 can sauerkraut
1 bag frozen roll dough (I use Rhodes brand and I usually thaw about 20)

Thaw the roll dough according to the directions on the package. Brown the ground chuck with the onions and peppers, then stir in the sauerkraut. Take two balls of roll dough and roll them flat on a lightly floured surface. Spoon several tablespoons of meat filling in the center of one piece of the rolled out dough. Top with another dough circle and press the edges to seal, making a "pocket" type sandwich. Place on a cookie sheet. Continue until you have used all of the meat filling and rolls. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes - until golden brown. These freeze well, wrapped in foil.

Around the house... laundry and ironing tomorrow

One of my favorite things...SNOW!

From my picture journal...another picture from the Jan. 29 snow. I didn't really take any today. It's not near as pretty today because the temperature stayed about 33 or 34 so the snow was melting all day as it was snowing. The pictures of today's snow would never show the amount we actually got because of the ongoing melting.

To read more Daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-02-01T08:45:00.004-06:00

FOR TODAY... February 1, 2010

Outside my window...there is still a good bit of snow left from Friday's storm but the sun is trying to shine today.

I am thinking...I have really neglected my blog for a long while.

I am thankful for... the simple things in life...a long walk through the snowy neighborhood with my favorite person : )

I am wearing...jeans

I am remembering...the nice slow weekend with nowhere to go.

I am going... it's a typical Monday ~ home until early evening; then, drop Rachel at ballet and I'll go to the young women's cancer support group I am part of.

I am currently reading...Lots of travel books : )

I am hoping... to find a decent airfare this week for my trip to Atlanta at then end of the month.

On my mind... my Grandma who is in the hospital and scheduled for surgery today.

Noticing that...I really need to hang the collage frames the kids gave me for Christmas.

Pondering these words...Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." From Pastor Marty's "First" series to start 2010.

From the kitchen... crock pot barbecue

Around the house... laundry and cleaning floors

One of my favorite things...SNOW!

From my picture journal...

A snowy view of our house from the dam.

To read more daybook entries, join Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-01-04T12:48:00.003-06:00

FOR TODAY... January 4, 2010

Outside my window... cold and sunny after waking up to a surprise dusting of snow and light snow throughout the early morning.

I am thinking... hubby asked me last night where I would like to go to celebrate our upcoming 25th anniversary. I'm not sure so I've been doing some looking online and thinking about where I'd like to go. We'll most likely be staying in the states. Any ideas?? Where are your favorite places?? Leave a comment to let me know your favorites!

I am thankful for... my warm home

I am wearing... jeans and a turtleneck layered with a new tee

I am remembering... how nice it was to spend time with family through the month of December

I am going... nowhere until this evening!!

I am currently reading... Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

I am hoping... to get my blog layout changed. I intended to do it months ago but have neglected my blog since then. I tried earlier but I can't seem to get the layout saved.

On my mind... friends who are going through some difficulties.

Noticing that... I need to put away a few more Christmas items.

Pondering these words... " Why do we give all the power to the new-year and overlook the power of a new day? Why do we believe January 1 has more hope than a simple sunrise?" Pastor Marty Sloan

From the kitchen... Monday - Broccoli Ham Ring & salad
Tuesday - Homemade Pizza
Wednesday - Chicken Enchiladas, corn & salad
Thursday - Jambalaya from the freezer & salad
Friday - Meatloaf from the freezer, roasted red potatoes
I'm also making vegetable soup with a leftover ham bone which will be great with all the frigid weather this week.

Around the house... still trying to get the house back in order after Christmas and traveling the week after. Most of the boxes are packed away but there are still a few items lingering that need to find their homes : )

One of my favorite things... seeing joy on the face of my daughter!

A photo I am sharing with you...

Allan & Rachel on Nutcracker day

To read more Daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

2009-11-02T16:22:00.003-06:00

FOR TODAY... November 2, 2009

Outside my window... a beautiful fall day with sunny blue skies, mild temperatures and a gorgeous maple tree

I am thinking... how nice it was to wake up to sunlight this morning

I am thankful for... a convicting message at church reminding me that my #1 priority should be teaching my kids to worship our Almighty God. Sometimes it's easy to let our other schoolwork take that #1 spot. Thankful it's never too late to readjust our priorities : )

I am wearing... the typical - jeans and a fall top

I am remembering... how nice it feels to wake up and get my day going early so I have time to sit and blog in the afternoon instead of running like crazy all day, trying to catch up

I am going... to Young Women's Cancer Support Group tonight with yummy desserts in hand. Tomorrow I get to stay home all day - yippee! No ballet tomorrow night and no where else I have to be.

I am reading... hoping to get to some reading I have bookmarked about vitamins and supplements

I am hoping... to have dinner with a couple of friends later in the week

On my mind... changes I need to make in my daily routine

From the learning rooms... Rachel says she is finally to the part of American History she likes - don't laugh - the wars! She said she doesn't much care for all of the exploration stuff and she's finally finished with that and moving on.

Noticing that... I need to update the background of my blog - maybe something "fall" looking

From the kitchen... brownies and a new recipe from Southern Plate, Pumpkin Crumb Cake. The Pumpkin Crumb Cake is really yummy!

Around the house... really wanting to start decluttering before the holidays! Need to get a plan of action going.

One of my favorite things... days at home

From my picture journal...

To read more daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-10-19T21:43:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY...October 19th, 2009

Outside my window...a cool autumn evening

I am thinking... about making plans for the weekend

I am thankful for...a productive day and a fairly empty calendar for the week

I am wearing... jeans and a new fall top

I am remembering... Pastor Marty's message yesterday..."The Perfect Family". It's nice to be reminded that there is no such thing as a perfect family, so try as we might, we will never have a perfect family.

I am going...to bed at a decent hour this week ; )

I am reading...my Bible

I am hoping...to take the kids pictures this week with the beautiful fall colors as a backdrop

On my mind... planning for a possible weekend trip to Branson

From the learning rooms... American History test, Biology test, and Algebra test

Noticing that... the leaves are rapidly changing color and they are so pretty!

Pondering these words... "No perfect family exists. The idea of perfection keeps us from pursuing betterment."

From the kitchen... tonight was leftover night. Tomorrow I'm planning to bake granola and Cajun pretzels

Around the house... cleaning out Rachel's closet and dresser to see what she needs for winter

One of my favorite things~ a day spent with three friends visiting craft fairs in NW Arkansas last week. Years ago we would try to make it to the spring and fall fairs. It's been a few years since we've done it so it was that much sweeter. So thankful for those girlfriends : )

From my picture journal...

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2009
We spent the weekend at the Balloon Fiesta last weekend!

Thanks to Peggy for hosting at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-09-28T08:55:00.006-05:00

FOR TODAY...September 28, 2009

Outside my window...cool morning with blue skies

I am thinking...about cards I need to buy for a few upcoming birthdays

I am thankful for...a good night's sleep.

I am wearing...shorts, t-shirt, flip flops

I am remembering...the fun and laughter shared with Rachel and her friend, Rachel over the weekend

I am going...to the fair this week to see Rachel's photography exhibits!

I am reading...Summer, by Karen Kingsbury; Know Who You Believe, by Paul Little

I am hoping...for a very productive week for both Rachel & I

On my mind...what comes next on my "to do" list today

From the learning room...extras this week: homework for photography class and driver's education

From the kitchen...need to bake a batch of granola and some cookies
Monday...baked ham, potato salad, baked beans
Tuesday...new recipe to try - poppy seed chicken
Wednesday...crockpot meal - ham & scalloped potatoes
Thursday...parmesan crusted tilapia
Friday...maybe broccoli ham ring?

Around the house...ironing - one of my least favorite jobs. At least I mopped over the weekend : )

One of my favorite things...fall candle scents

A picture thought I am sharing with you...

One of Rachel's entries in the fair. Picture was taken during the ice storm last winter.

For more Daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-09-14T23:33:00.009-05:00

FOR TODAY...September 14, 2009

Outside my window...another dreary, overcast day makes me realize that autumn is just around the corner.

I am thinking...it's nice to be creating a Daybook Entry again after a break for summer.

I am thankful for...the blessing of friends in my life: homeschooling friends, church friends, ballet mom friends, longtime friends, and probably best of all - sister friends!

I am wearing...jeans and last year's Paint the Park Pink tee shirt.

I am remembering...what a great summer I had! I enjoyed having so much time with my sisters, brother and their families.

I am creating...this blog post for the second time - it disappeared last night when I uploaded a pictures so I'm doing my best to re-create it.

I am going...to drive Rachel to ballet tonight and run a couple of errands while she is in class.

I am reading...I've been reading Karen Kingsbury's Redemption series, followed by her Firstborn series. I have two books left in the Firstborn series and I can't wait to read them. I checked out the previous two on Thursday and had them both finished by Sunday evening : ) This week, Rachel and I will start reading "Know Who You Believe", "Know What You Believe", and Know Why You Believe" by Paul Little as part of her schooling.

I am hoping...Allan will get his car fixed this weekend so I don't have to share a car with him another week! I'm really not trying to be selfish : ) It just makes an already crazy schedule even crazier!!

On my mind...the phone call I have to make to my health insurance company. Asking the Lord for favor : )

From the learning rooms...finally getting back in the routine. On the schedule this year: English, American Lit., American History, Biology, Spanish, Algebra I (almost completed) and then Geometry, Fine Arts/Photography Class, and Home Ec.

Noticing that...there are birds singing in my backyard this morning. They've been quiet lately. Saw a cardinal for the first time in a while.

Pondering these words...from Sunday's sermon: "Faith that works, is Faith that works"

From the kitchen...
Monday - St. Mary's Stew
Tuesday - Crockpot Layered Steak and Potatoes (thanks Kelli!)
Wednesday - Turkey Club Pizza
Thursday - Crockpot Saucy Pork Chops
Friday - work dinner @ Shogun

Around the house...a little lingering laundry and a little ironing

One of my favorite things...laughter and silliness of teenage girls

A few plans for the rest of the week: the usual driving Rachel to ballet and photography class this week, dinner with a couple of ballet mom friends Wednesday night, a nice quiet weekend at home

From my picture journal...

Ballet Company swim party - they wouldn't let the rain stop them from having a blast!

To read more Daybook entries, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

More Summer Fun

2009-08-30T14:48:00.009-05:00

I returned home from Amy's wedding to unpack, wash clothes, pay bills, catch up on household chores, and finally...repack all within a week's time. Rachel was headed to North Carolina for a month-long summer dance intensive. My sister, Nancy, joined Rachel and I for this road trip. After all the wedding planning and festivities, I think she was due for a "sister's trip"!

Nancy, Rachel and I headed out of town about 4:30 a.m. on July 1, hoping to arrive in Charlotte by dark. I think this was the easiest road trip we have ever taken to Charlotte. After weeks of sweltering heat, we enjoyed awesome cool weather on the day of our trip. We stopped for a picnic lunch in TN and it was actually quite cool in the shade! We had no traffic delays and pulled into Wendy's (baby sister) driveway 961 miles after leaving home and just before 9:00 p.m. EST.

Sister's Pic

BrookeEmily

July 2 we just enjoyed visiting and playing with Emily & Brooke. Friday, Wendy took us shopping at the Metrolina Expo. It's a large expo of booths selling everything from antiques to artwork to gifts. Then, Nancy treated us to pedicures and what a treat it was! What a fun day we had. Saturday we celebrated Independence Day! Wendy & Brad live in a great neighborhood and every year they have a parade on July 4. The kids decorate their bikes, scooters, power wheels, and some parents even decorate floats and cars. Emily rode her bike and Brooke rode her scooter all decked out in red, white, and blue. What fun to watch all the kids having such a great time, making great memories! Brad fired up the grill for a cookout that night with some of his family and a neighbor family.

Fun on the 4th
Emily
Brooke

Brad, Brooke, Wendy & Bentley

Sunday, July 5, was check-in day for Rachel. After lunch, Nancy and I drove her to University of North Carolina at Charlotte and moved her into the dorm. We got to meet her roommate and suitemates and their parents before we left. If I didn't already know my "little" girl was growing up - she let me know that day. She had us help her take everything out of the suitcases, assemble the drying rack, etc. and then she said, "Emily and I will get our room organized how we want it after you leave." I took that as my cue that it was time to say our goodbyes. What a difference a year makes. She asked me not to cry because she knew it would make her cry so I tried my best to hold up my end of the deal. I did okay but, I did feel a few tears fall on my cheeks as I turned to leave. She had lots to do to get settled in that night and to be ready to start classes Monday morning."Roomies" - Rachel & Emily P.

Monday was spent shopping at Southpark Mall after lunch at Cheesecake Factory. My girlie called that night to say she LOVED her classes and had a great day. A great report for this mom's heart! Rachel's dorm room was really cold so we borrowed an extra blanket from Aunt Wendy and delivered it to her after classes on Wednesday. I said goodbye again knowing that I was headed toward home the next day and wouldn't see her again for at least 3 weeks.

Before leaving on our trip, Nancy and I had decided to spend a couple of nights in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN on the way home. We were delighted when it worked out for Wendy to join us for those two nights. We set out Thursday morning, headed for a lunch stop in Ashville, NC. We had a great lunch at a Greek cafe and walked around downtown Ashville before heading on to the mountains. We ran into a bit of rain after leaving Ashville but it wasn't bad until my windshield wiper blade started coming apart...in the middle of nowhere!! Wendy's following me and I'm driving as best I can when it's finally evident I'm going to have to pull over and try to fix the wiper or wait until the rain stops (and it doesn't look like it's stopping anytime soon). I found an abandoned gas station with a cover to stop under. I get out to tell Wendy why we are stopped and I'm trying to fix my wiper and realize it's NOT going to go back together and the blade is separating from the wiper. Wendy came to the rescue with a ponytail holder!! So, picture me wrapping a ponytail holder around my wiper blade on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. Hey, it worked!! As we drove into Gatlinburg, I spotted a Napa store so I stopped and bought a blade and was so thankful for the saleman putting it on the van for me!! Note to self: learn how to replace a wiper blade. We arrived at our condo, unpacked the car and headed to dinner at Joses. Awesome Mexican restaurant!! We did a little shopping around the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge after dinner and then headed back to the condo to map out a plan for Friday. Friday morning we started with an awesome breakfast at The Old Mill to fuel our bodies for the shopping and sightseeing we had planned for the day. After breakfast we drove in to Gatlinburg shopped in the downtown area. Lots of neat little shops there, especially at The Village. Next, we decided a drive in the mountains was a great way to rest our feet. We drove through some of Smoky Mountain National Park and took lots of pictures - it was gorgeous!! Back from our mountain drive, we decided to take a lunch break but couldn't decide what to have so we did what all good mom's do when they are on a trip with no kids - we had Baskin Robbins ice cream for lunch. We drove back to Pigeon Forge and hit the outlet mall and the Incredible Christmas Place. There's nothing like shopping in a multi-building Christmas store when it's about 90 outside. We finished the shopping we had planned to do for the day and we weren't really ready for dinner so we pondered what to do. Finally, we decided to drive back to Gatlinburg and drive the 5 mile loop we had skipped earlier in the day. So, we start down this loop road and it's just like a regular road for a while. Pretty scenery along the way. Then, we see a sign that the "loop" is beginning and it becomes a one way road. Well, can you say "sweaty palms"? I was driving but I could not look out my side window for some of the drive - it was straight down...a...long...way...down! It was a beautiful drive but it was a little scary at times. My family would never believe I drove on that road. We finally finished the loop drive and decided on a late dinner at Red Lobster. We spent the rest of the evening enjoying our last hours together, knowing it might be next summer before we are all together again.

Smoky Mountain National Park
A picture from the "loop" drive : )
The Old Mill - Pigeon Forge, TN
Fun at the Incredible Christmas Place, Pigeon Forge, TN

Gatlinburg, TN

The Village

The Village Fountain

Saturday morning we packed our cars and headed our separate ways - Wendy back home to Charlotte; Nancy and I back to Fort Smith. Nancy and I had a good drive home and were glad we had shaved a few hours off of our trip by not driving straight from Charlotte. I was thankful to have spent a week with my sisters and so happy that the three of us were able to spend a couple of nights together in the mountains with no kids and no hubby's - just us girls!!

Summer Fun - Post #1 - Trip to La. & Amy's Wedding

2009-07-20T10:28:00.010-05:00

So, it's been a while since I blogged. I do have a great excuse - I've been having fun staying on the go!!

Rachel and I drove to La. June 10. I dropped her off at Robert's parent's house for her summer visit *alone* with Granny & Grandad. She loves spending time with them in the summer and who wouldn't? She gets to sleep late, swim, drive the golf cart, watch cable tv (yes, we are those weird people who don't have cable at home!!) usually gets pretty spoiled - who wouldn't like it?? After getting Rachel settled in with her grandparents I continued on across town to "set up camp" at Nancy's (my older sister). It's always so nice to stay at Nancy & Jerry's - they live at the end of a country lane so it's always very quiet out there and she has beautiful flower gardens to enjoy and this year they even have a pool to lounge in.

I got to have lunch with two of my childhood friends and one of my junior high/high school friends while I was in town. One of my childhood friends, Kelly, and I were roommates in college as well and have kept in touch through the years. We may not talk to each other for months but she's the kind of friend you could talk to after all that time and it would be like you had talked to her yesterday. Janice is another friend from childhood - we went through school together and then I have seen her periodically over the years. My other friend, Lori and I became friends when she moved to town in 8th grade and we went to the same church and school. We were suitemates our first year of college and kept in touch for some time. The last time I saw Lori was about 12 years ago when I was in Oregon visiting my grandma and Lori drove up from where she lives to visit. Sometime after that visit, we lost contact with each other but thanks to Facebook, I found her again and found out she was going to be visiting her dad in East Texas while I was going to be in La. We made a plan and met for lunch - Lori, Kelly, Janice and I. It was fun to catch up on what we have all been doing for the last ?? years!!!

Rachel and I drove down to visit Mom and Jack on Sunday. Mom cooked a great lunch on the grill for us and we enjoyed visiting with them. Wendy, Emily and Brooke (baby sister and her girls) came in from NC a few days later. We girls had so much fun together!!! Mom and Jack invited us all down for dinner at Fisherman's Galley on Toledo Bend Lake. Had a nice dinner and visit. Grammy & G'pa Jack with Rachel, Brooke & Emily

Okay, so on the the REAL reason we were in Louisiana - my neice Amy was getting married!!! Amy is the oldest cousin on my side of the family and the first to get married so everyone was really excited for her. Rachel was honored to be asked to be one of Amy's bridesmaids. I was there to help my sister with anything she needed me to do : ) We ran errands; folded, hole punched & tied ribbons in the programs; tied ribbons on the little tubes of bubbles (after washing the sticky off of them all!); got sunburned in the pool; got stuck in a carwash; went to the nail salon with Amy; had dinner with Amy & Jeffrey; planned a family cookout for the day after the wedding; and who knows what else we did but it was so much fun to be there and help get things ready for Amy's big day. Nancy is the ultimate list maker and planner - you should see that girl's wedding planning notebook. When one of my kids gets married, guess who I am calling first? You got it - Nancy and her notebook : )
some of our "work"

Dinner w/Amy & Jeffrey
Stuck in a car wash!!!!!!
Amy, Emily & Rachel @ the nail salon

Rob, Sharon & Ryan (bro & sil) at rehearsal dinner
my nephew Charlie @ rehearsal dinner

Allan & cousin Emily @ rehearsal dinner
Emily, Sophie & Amy - flower girls & the "princess"

Amy & Jeffrey's wedding was wonderful. She was a beautiful bride : ) The ceremony was very nice and the reception was lots of fun - just ask the flower girls who danced all night!! I wish Amy and Jeffrey all the happiness in the world as they begin their married life together in their beautiful new home. They have a really neat story - they dated in high school, then went their separate ways, only to find their way back to one another and end up getting married! We enjoyed visiting with family and friends, some of whom we haven't seen in a number of years, at the rehearsal, wedding, and reception.
Rachel & Amy

Father of the Bride!

Jerry, Nancy, Amy & Charlie
Rachel & Grammy
Aunt Dot & Uncle Bruce
Groom's cake - how disgusting - LSU????

Robert and Allan drove down on Friday for the wedding and we all spent a few days with Robert's parents before driving home on Tuesday. It was a great trip and a great beginning to a great summer.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-06-01T20:26:00.003-05:00

For Today...June 1, 2009

Outside my window...the sun is setting after a really nice day. It was a bit on the warm side but a pretty day.

I am thinking...about working on my "to do" list. I have a lot on that list this week but there is even more to be done that isn't actually on the list.

I am thankful for...Allan's willingness to help me grocery shop this evening.

From the learning rooms...I have declared that school is officially on summer break with the exception of working on finishing algebra and English on the days we are home. Cleaning out books for the book sale later this month.

From the kitchen...tonight - chicken strips, roasted red potatoes, and steamed broccoli.

I am wearing...jeans and a favorite shirt

I am creating...lists, lists, and more lists. Shopping lists, "to do" lists, packing lists, etc.

I am going...to bed early tonight!!!! Early meaning before 1 a.m., Lol!

I am reading...no time to read right now.

I am hoping...and praying that Rachel's appointment tomorrow goes well. She has to have a toenail removed (it's already on the way off) and it totally grosses me out to even think about it. Wonder if daddy might be willing to take her?? When Allan had to have an ingrown toenail taken care of several years ago, Dad got the honor of taking him because Mom was a chicken.

I am hearing...the t.v. and a shower running

Around the house...working on laundry and the stacks of homeschool membership renewals and new applications.

One of my favorite things...my wicker swing. It used to hang in our downstairs den but has recently been moved outside because we rarely use the downstairs den. It's in my carport overlooking my flower beds. A nice place to sit out in the shade for a bit.

A few plans for the rest of the week...still need a dress for my neice's wedding. I bought one but it's just not "the one". So, shopping for a dress and shoes; Orientation meeting for our homeschool group - this is the first for Robert and I as we transition to take over membership duties for our group in addition to the treasurer job; shopping for camp supplies for Rachel; helping Rach sew multiple pair of pointe shoes for camp.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...I'll have to add the picture tomorrow as it's too dark to take the picture now. I'll share a picture of my wicker swing.

To read more daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-05-04T14:06:00.004-05:00

For Today...May 3, 2009

Outside my window...the sun is trying to peek through the clouds

I am thinking...I should be going to the grocery store instead of blogging ; )

I am thankful for...safety during weekend storms. The kids and I were in La. visiting my sister and my in-laws when severe storms passed through. Many trees were uprooted near my sister's home and power lines were down. They are without electricity and water still today. Thankful everyone was kept from harm.

From the learning rooms...today's work is almost done!! Lesson plans are ready for the next few weeks as we try to finish up.

From the kitchen...homemade guacamole and bean burritos for lunch.

I am wearing...jeans and a sweater

I am creating...a plan for the weekend

I am going...to the grocery store when I finish this post

I am reading...new curriculum catalogs trying to decide for sure about next year's curriculum

I am hoping...to clean off a table in my bedroom - which means putting a year's worth of photos in order and in books.

I am hearing...birds singing; Rachel asking questions about her geography review pages

Around the house...catching up on laundry from the weekend

One of my favorite things...getting to spend the weekend with my sister. Spent last weekend there - went to a wedding shower for my niece.

A few plans for the rest of the week...a family trip to Branson, MO for the weekend!!!

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

This Painted Bunting visited our bird feeder this morning!! We were so excited to see it. Robert sees them occasionally on his drive to work but we've never seen one at our house. We've watched for him to return but so far, we haven't seen him.

To read more entries for The Simple Woman's Daybook, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Weekend

2009-04-27T09:27:00.019-05:00

SATURDAY

I participated in my first Komen Race for the Cure Saturday. I was so happy when I was getting ready to register and Rachel told me she would like to participate with me!! We had to get up at 4:15 to pick up one of my support group friends at 5:15 and be in Rogers by 6:30 for the survivor breakfast festivities. It was an early morning but it was a fun day! We met up with several of the other ladies from my support group at breakfast. I wish we'd gotten a picture together but we got in a hurry and I didn't get it. I was AMAZED by the number of people who were there. They say there were about 18,000 registered for the run (I think that includes the 5K and the 1 mile family fun walk). Let's just say this - there were A LOT of people there!! I was even interviewed by a young man from a student newspaper - I didn't ask but I am assuming from U of A. I think it all finally hit me Saturday night when I hit the shower and I was thinking about a question I heard being asked that day - why do you run?? My simple answer came to me in that short moment - because I CAN, because I am HERE, because I am HEALED!! I was overcome with emotion thinking of how grateful I am because I know some who are not able and some who are not here. To GOD be the glory!!This is after the 5K participants took off and we were waiting for the 1 mile family fun walkI wish these pictures were better to show you how many people there were - they were stretched as far as the eye could see!!
Rachel & I at the Survivor Breakfast

SUNDAY
I lost or deleted this while uploading the pictures so I hope it works this time!! Robert bought a used canoe over the weekend and Rachel decided Sunday would be a great time for a family float trip to try it out. The guys have been on several multi-day float trips in the past few years but Rachel and I haven't been on the river for a while. Robert and Allan started loading the canoes and gear while Rachel and I packed a picnic lunch and lots of sunscreen (that I *should* have put on my legs). We decided to float the Mulberry River from Byrd's to Turner Bend which was about a 3 1/2 hour float. It was a gorgeous day for a float trip!! We headed out from Byrd's with Robert and I in our aluminum canoe with the cooler and most of the other gear. The kids were in the "new to us" canoe which is a smaller fiberglass? Mohawak canoe. They did well for the first little bit and then...they were upside down for the first of about 4 times to turn over. Rachel was fine after the initial shock of it. Allan...he was a great sport about it all - even after the last spill!! Robert and I never turned over!!!! We did have to stop to empty the water twice after getting swamped going through some rapids though. It was such a fun day together! Normally, we probably wouldn't have skipped church for a day of canoeing but these kind of days have been rare since the summer of 2006 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am finally feeling somewhat normal again and trying to live life to the fullest! It's great to be on the go again - the kids and I will be in Mansfield this weekend for a wedding shower for my niece, Amy; the following weekend we'll all be at The Wilderness Lodge at Big Cedar in Branson. It's great to be living...loving...life!!!

The kids took a different route and had to portage over two trees!!

On the go again

Pretty water

Pretty girl ; )

more pretty water

There were lots of these butterflies around

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-04-27T08:32:00.005-05:00

For Today...April 27, 2009

Outside my window...dark grey clouds

I am thinking...about what needs to be accomplished this week. We'll have a four day week this week so I need to get lots done in a short amount of time. The kids and I will head for La. Friday morning. Rachel and I are so happy we get to share in wedding shower festivities for my niece!!

I am thankful for...time spent with my family over the weekend! I've learned as my kids have gotten older that family time with all of us together is something to cherish. Saturday we were gone our separate ways...Robert was at a BSA campout, Rachel & I were at Race for the Cure in NW Arkansas, and Allan was working on his car. Robert came home with a "new to us" canoe that a friend found at a garage sale on Friday and promptly sold to Robert : ) Rachel decided it might be fun to go canoeing Sunday as we haven't been as a family in a few years. So, Sunday morning we loaded our 2 canoes, all the gear, and a picnic lunch and drove to Turner Bend for a day on the Mulberry River! What a gorgeous day and what a fun time we had together!!!

From the learning rooms...work on the last regular chapter of English!! The last few are optional review chapters. Attempt to get five days work done in four : )

From the kitchen...thinking of making barbecue chicken in the crockpot. It would be much better on the grill but since the forecast calls for heavy rain and storms later today I think I'll go with an inside cooking plan.

I am wearing...t-shirt and *soft* knit capri pants that are easy on the sunburned legs until I have to go to town later : ) btw - luckily the only place I got a sunburn was my legs!!

I am creating...well, I bought some scrapbook paper and stickers last week. Does that count for "creating" even if I am nowhere near ready to scrap those pages???? I suppose you could say I am creating "ideas" - Lol! I need to wrap my Mom's birthday gift and niece's wedding shower gift, too.

I am going...to spend the weekend with my sister!!

I am reading...nothing at the moment...just trying to get through the end of the school year.

I am hoping...we don't get bad storms this week.

I am hearing...the weather report on the news. I'm not hearing the washer which means it's time to go "reboot" the laundry : )

Around the house...LOTS and LOTS of laundry. Needless to say, after our canoe trip yesterday, there was an added load of "wet" stuff on top of lots to be done anyway. I think laundry multiplies as soon as it hits the basket.

One of my favorite things...enjoying God's creation with Rachel. She has developed a love for birdwatching which has led to watching all sorts of nature in our yard. This weekend we spotted a red-breasted Grosbeak at our feeder. We have a rabbit that appears to be living down by the lake underneath our pedal boat. He's fun to watch in the morning when he comes out to sun. We saw lots of pretty, small lavender butterflies at the river yesterday.

A few plans for the rest of the week...a few errands later this morning. Ballet schedule is a little different this week - WAB company is dancing at Mayor's Honors tomorrow night so tonight is dress rehearsal. Tomorrow I'll attend the Mayor's Honors as one of our studio teachers is being honored for her contribution to the arts in Fort Smith. Need to make sure the house is clean and pack for our weekend trip.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...today I'll share two pictures from our weekend canoe trip.

To read more "Simple Woman's Daybook" entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Easter Pictures and maybe my last post of the day : )

2009-04-22T21:46:00.004-05:00

The weather on Easter wasn't very conducive for our normal outdoor Easter pictures and I had one person who didn't really want his picture taken. Therefore, there aren't many pictures to show!

Note to my mom (who wondered if everything was okay since I hadn't blogged in a while) - I think I'm caught up on my blogging with the exception of a post about Allan's car! Happy reading and enjoy the pictures. Love you!!!

Cinderella Ballet

2009-04-22T21:28:00.004-05:00

Rachel danced as the Winter Fairy and a Ball Guest in "Cinderella" last weekend. Here are some pictures from the weekend.Rachel & her fairy attendent

Winter Fairy, Spring Fairy, Summer Fairy, Autumn Fairy

Fairy Godmother & Rachel
Rachel & Cinderella

Getting the hairpiece in just rightReady for "Paquita" at the Monday school performance

Thank you Rach for more great memories!

Our Birthday Girl

2009-04-22T20:36:00.003-05:00

Rachel's 15th birthday started off with a surprise at breakfast while we were at RDA in Sugar Land, TX. All the ballet company girls gathered in the breakfast room and surprised Rachel with cookie cake and singing Happy Birthday. There were two cookie cakes and sadly, I only got a picture of one of them. The other one had white frosting and a pink ballet shoe - it was so pretty! Most of the girls ate some of the cookie and then we packed the vans to come home. One of the guys at the hotel was helping me load my van so I set the leftover cookie cakes on the curb while we unloaded the luggage cart. About an hour down the road the girls started asking about the leftovers and suddenly I remembered I had set them on the curb and guess what? They were still there!!!!!! Well, really, they probably weren't still there. I would imagine that at least the unopened one was probably enjoyed by the valet parking attendents who had teased earlier in the weekend that they took French fries for tips : ) Rachel did finally forgive me for leaving her cakes on the curb!

A couple of days later I took Rachel and her friend, Jessica out for lunch and to a movie to celebrate. For our family celebration we made her favorite chocolate cake and had dinner at Cheddars. She also got to stop by the driver's license office and pick up a study guide to study for her driver's permit - oh, no!!
Rachel entered the world just before midnight, March 23, 1994 after 20 *long* hours of labor ending in a c-section. We were overjoyed to have a girl join our family as girls are rare on Robert's side of the family. Rachel was such a good baby! She was quite shy as a preschooler and through early elementary age but she was never quiet at home : ) We started homeschooling when she was in second grade. She's always been a hard worker and always wants to please and do things correctly. Rachel started dancing that same year and hasn't stopped. She *loves* ballet and is a senior company member of Western Arkansas Ballet. She takes class four nights a week as well as many Saturday rehearsals for The Nutcracker and Cinderella ballets each year. Rachel loves the Lord and her favorite passages to read are usually Psalms and Proverbs. The next year should be exciting to see her grow and mature. She's leaving home for the month of July to attend a summer dance intensive at North Carolina Dance Theatre and she'll be learning to drive soon. She's gaining her independence and growing her wings - a scary thing for this mom, yet also a welcome sign of growing up. We love you birthday girl!!

Regional Dance America/Southwest Festival 2009 - Sugar Land, Texas

2009-04-22T11:18:00.004-05:00

I traveled to Sugar Land, Texas with the ballet company from Western Arkansas Ballet in March. They were attending Regional Dance America- Southwest Region's 2009 Festival. This was my third trip to RDA with the WAB girls, but my first to attend as a chaperone. Oh my goodness, can you say EXHAUSTED?? That's exactly how I felt when we got home and I didn't even dance ; ) We drove down on Thursday, checked in the hotel and took the girls to dinner. Friday - Sunday the girls took classes from 8:30 a.m. until 4 or 4:30 p.m. Each night there were performances to watch. A few of our girls danced Friday night in an emerging choreography piece by one of our former company members. There is a dancer party following the performance on Friday night so we were out until about midnight. Most of our girls danced Saturday night in the piece that our adjudicator had chosen. Saturday night there was no event after the performance so we got to bed maybe a little earlier. Sunday night was Gala Night - 3 hours of ballet followed by a VERY late banquet. We were up early Monday morning for the long drive home - exhausted!! As a chaperone, I had three girls in my room and also had responsibility for making sure the girls were fed at meal time. The festival provides pre-ordered box lunches so all we had to do was pick those up each day, but supper was a fun experience. Ever try to order takeout for about 25 people? Umm, giving an Italian food order to a man with a heavy Spanish accent while riding in a car in Houston traffic was a memorable experience! Hey, they delivered and got the order perfect. Chik-fil-a rocks when placing a large order, especially when you place it early in the afternoon! They priced each order individually so LeAnn and I weren't stuck with a calculator for an hour like we had been the day before!! Actually, as exhausting as it was - it was a lot of fun and our girls were great. The only downside of the entire trip was that Rachel was playing around in a van on the way down and cut her toe and is losing a toenail. She didn't take some of her classes so she missed out on some good stuff but I hope she learned a lesson about taking off her shoes in the back seat of a van and kicking the seat in front of her - Lol : ) Rachel @ RDA Gala with some friends from last summer's OU SummerWind Dance Intensive

WAB Company girls @ RDA Gala (being silly late at night)

Rachel & Emily at dinner before the Gala performance
Rachel & Mom

February - Dallas Trip & YSC/LBBC Conference

2009-04-22T09:47:00.010-05:00

Rachel and I traveled to Dallas the last weekend of February and spent a few days at Rob & Sharon's with Nancy & Jerry, Wendy & Brad, Sophie, Ryan, Emily & Brooke. This was our first visit to meet the newest addition to our family, Ryan Thomas Schmitz! Isn't he a cutie??
Sophie started playing soccer last year and she is an awesome little soccer player!! I was so happy we got to see one of her practices. Nothing like watching a bunch of preschoolers playing soccer. And, I have to give it to the girls - they were tough!! There were boys practicing on the next field over and they were the ones crying and whining for mom - NOT the GIRLS!!! Way to go Soph!
We took the kids to what my nieces refer to as a "bounce house". It's a big warehouse type building full of inflatables - what a way to keep them occupied, entertained and wear them out all at once!

Soph on the slides

Brooke & Emily at the soccer fields:

Somehow, we missed getting a picture of the adults this trip. We usually try to do that when we are all together but it was a little hectic this trip. We'll all be together again in June and I'm sure there will be lots of picture taking at Amy's wedding.

While we were in Dallas, Rachel got to spend the weekend with her cousins, aunts and uncles while I slipped away for a few days. I attended the 9th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer at the Hotel Anatole. This conference is sponsored by Living Beyond Breast Cancer and the Young Survival Coalition. I participate in a YSC bulletin board and have come to "know" many women who, like me, were diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 or younger. I was able to meet some of these awesome women over the weekend as well as make new friends.

Vendors and Survivors!!

I attended workshops on Bone Health, Practical Tools for Living with a History of Breast Cancer, and Breast Cancer Genetics. There were general sessions with Medical Updates, Embracing Life Through and After Cancer, and Diet and Nutrition Research. At the banquet, I sat with women from Arkansas, California, South Africa, Arizona, and another state but I can't remember which one ; ) I had a great time and hope to attend next year in Atlanta!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-03-30T08:43:00.005-05:00

For Today...
March 30, 2009

Outside my window...
The birds are singing and the sun is shining through a partly cloudy sky. After a cold rain on Saturday, yesterday was a gorgeous spring today. Today promises more of the same.

I am thinking...
I am thinking about Pastor Marty's sermon yesterday. He did part 2 of a 3 part series on The Seasons of Life. I need to download last weeks message since I missed it while I was out of town. For some time I have felt that I am in a winter season and I have hated it. I really didn't realize it was a season - I just thought I was in a "funk" : ) Pastor Marty told us that each season brings the opportunity for challenge, change, and God's blessing.

1. I can't change what season I am in but I can change me in the season. God is in charge of all the seasons - Acts 1:7

^"And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power."

2. I need to work within God's season - the present season I am in, not the season I desire to be in. Proverbs 20:4
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing."

3. Do not force season changes - Galatians 6:9
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not"

4. Prepare for the next season in the present season. - Proverbs 6:6-8
" ⁶Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: ⁷Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, ⁸Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."

5. My season today is an opportunity, not an obstacle. - Jeremiah 5:24
"Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest."

There's nothing like a fresh new perspective from the Lord!

I am thankful for...
God's blessing in my husband's job, especially in light of the current economic situation of our country!!

From the learning rooms...
back to school after spring break.

From the kitchen...
breakfast...waffles, bacon, fresh strawberries
dinner...broccoli ham ring
hopefully a batch of granola!

I am wearing...
still in pj's. (But I have a good excuse!!!) Lymphedema Therapy is at noon today and I am leaving my arm in the compression wrap as long as possible. I'll unwrap it and shower soon : ) This is my last week of therapy - hallelujah!!!

I am creating...
absolutely nothing. It's been a long 3 weeks of therapy and I have extremely limited use of my left hand while it's wrapped everyday. I decided to try my best to create my daybook entry today because I have really missed blogging!!

I am going...
to therapy, run a couple of errands, take Rachel to ballet tonight, slip in on a cancer support group meeting for a short time, and then finally finish my day at a homeschool support group board meeting. What a Monday!!

I am reading...
a book about Lymphedema

I am hoping...
for a week of nice weather! The sunshine always makes me happier!

I am hearing...
It's pretty quiet around here this morning. Allan is gone to work, then school later. Rachel is preparing to start on her schoolwork.

Around the house...
Rachel and I cleaned the living room Saturday and put out some Easter decorations. I haven't decorated for Easter in 2 years - how sad! I even found a beautiful spring ceramic bowl that I didn't remember having. Someone must have given it to me the Easter before I was sick because it was packed away with the decorations and I haven't decorated since that Easter. I am so thankful that life is resuming normalcy again!!!

One of my favorite things...
Sharing the Easter story using our set of Ressurection Eggs - yes, even with my 15 year old!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Therapy every day this week, taking Rachel to ballet Mon. - Thur. and again all day Saturday, Rachel's optometrist appt., my dentist appt. (hopefully no cavities this time!!!), and just trying to get back in our normal routine after spring break.

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

Haley, Rachel, Annie, & Emily at Regional Dance America/Southwest Region Festival
Gala Banquet
March 22, 2009 - Sugar Land, Texas

Haley, Annie & Emily are friends from OU SummerWind Dance Intensive last summer. Their dance company is also a member of RDA/SW so the girls were excited to see one another.

To read more daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

I'm Still Here

2009-03-13T19:52:00.003-05:00

Just in case you read my blog and wonder where I am lately - I haven't forgotten my blog or dropped of the face of the earth. I actually have several things I want to blog about; like my MRI results, my trip to Dallas, the YSC Conference, an upcoming trip to Houston to name a few.

First - the MRI and mammogram were CLEAR!! I am free from scans for another six months. I'd hoped for a year but that didn't happen this time as I'd thought. That's okay - six months is good. I still see my oncologist every four months so I'm still under surveillance on a fairly regular basis. That has it's own pros and cons : )

The rest of the posts will have to wait a bit longer. I am somewhat impaired at the moment and it's not easy to type!! I am undergoing a month of physical therapy for lymphedema. Lymphedema is swelling in my arm that is a result of having lymph nodes removed when I had a lumpectomy and node removal in 2006. Not everyone gets this after lymph node removal but for some reason I have it. Thankfully, it isn't too bad but needs to be taken care of so it doesn't cause other problems that can be very serious. I go to therapy every day and then I am wrapped from shoulder to finger joints in a compression wrap until it's time to go the next day. This is not fun!!! I'll try to post more about it when I am finished with therapy but here's a picture of what my arm looks like wrapped:

Scan Day

2009-02-23T23:59:00.003-06:00

Today was scan day for me - my 6 month mammogram. The new "standard of care" now calls for a bilateral MRI for women who have had breast cancer so that was added to the mix today. Having never had an MRI, I wasn't sure what to expect. Thankfully, it wasn't really as bad as I had imagined. It was REALLY loud - even with earplugs. It would get quiet and then start again and I was hoping I wasn't moving when it did because you are supposed to be really still. I was glad my doctor had given me a prescription for an anti-anxiety med because it helped me stay fairly relaxed and I think I did finally fall asleep. When the machine started all I could think was that it was going to be the longest 40 minutes of my life but the next thing I knew they were telling me it was done. I have a lot riding on this round of scans - if they come back clear, which I fully expect, I get to "graduate" to yearly scans and visits to the surgeon!!!!! So, now we wait for the results. I am glad I am busy for the next week or so until I see my doctor : )

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-23T23:30:00.002-06:00

For Today...
February 23, 2009

Outside my window...
darkness - I'm very late posting but it is still Monday : )

I am thinking...
about what needs to be done tomorrow and prioritizing what needs to be done in the morning and what can wait until evening. I already know it's going to be a crazy day.

I am thankful for...
my hubby and for the wonderful weekend we shared celebrating 24 years of marriage! We had a weekend alone - the first in a long time.

From the learning rooms...
trying to complete a few tests and get to a good stopping point. We're taking a few days off this week for a trip.

From the kitchen...
today was homemade chicken strips, roasted red potatoes and salad
tomorrow is crockpot chili
the rest of the week, the girls are gone and the guys are on their own. Don't worry, they won't starve - I did grocery shop for them!!

I am wearing...
jeans and a sweater

I am creating...
a plan for tomorrow; thinking about doing an anniversary post but it might have to wait until after my trip this week

I am reading...
not much happening here this week

I am hoping...
that Rachel's bridesmaid dress we are picking up in NWA tomorrow doesn't need any alterations. I think if she wears heels it will be fine : ) We just need to remember to take the shoes tomorrow.

I am hearing...
the humidifier and the heater

Around the house...
A few things need to be put away in the morning and ironing needs to be done

One of my favorite things...
dates with my hubby

A few plans for the rest of the week...
errands in town and a trip to NWA tomorrow; trip to Dallas Wednesday - get to meet my newest nephew AND see all my siblings - yippee! Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer is Friday - Sunday.

To read more daybook entries, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Giveaway at Southern Plate

2009-02-19T09:12:00.003-06:00

My favorite cooking blog, Southern Plate, is hosting a Pioneer Brand Product giveaway!! Visit Christy at Southern Plate and leave a comment on her post to be entered to win the basket full of Pioneer Products.

Christy posts great "southern cooking" recipes from her Southern Plate cookbook. She adds tidbits from everyday family life in Alabama with a touch of humor for a great read. You'll want to bookmark her site to visit often!! She's found a permanent place on my blog - see her button there at the bottom of the right hand column.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-16T13:54:00.005-06:00

For Today...February 16, 2009

Outside my window...
warm sunshine and blue skies; freshly pruned shrubs thanks to my hubby who has the day off

I am thinking...
it's been a very productive day today and schoolwork is almost complete!!

I am thankful for...
Pastor's message yesterday about our plans vs. God's instruction and plans

From the learning rooms...
back to grammar after a break for a writing intensive course

From the kitchen...
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, broccoli, and rolls

I am wearing...
the usual - jeans, turtleneck, fleece, tennis shoes

I am creating...
not feeling too creative

I am reading...
still reading When God Winks at You, How God Speaks Directly to You Through the Power of Coincidence, by Squire Rushnell. This has been a light and easy read to pick up whenever I have few minutes. This book caught my eye one day as I was browsing the CBD sale. I was intrigued as I had posted on my blog about my own "God Wink" before I knew what a God wink was!

I am hoping...
to get many things done this week in anticipation of being gone for a few days next week.

I am hearing...
the rustle of papers as Rachel works on her English assignment

Around the house...
laundry is finished for the day and put away; only one or two hot spots that need to be tackled.

One of my favorite things...
Getting out the "good" dishes to set a pretty table for our family Valentine's dinner. We had lasagna, salad, French bread, and Rachel baked a Neiman Marcus cake. My "good" dishes are a set of china that originally belonged to my great-grandparents.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Support group tonight; Tomorrow will be busy- therapy appointment in the morning, followed by errands while I am in town and lunch with a friend; need to make plans for the weekend - we are celebrating our 24th anniversary on Sunday!!

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

My valentine : ) These are wonderful chocolates, made locally. Our homeschool group took a field trip tour of their store last spring -while they were making Easter candy. It was a fun field trip.

To read more daybook entries, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-09T09:53:00.003-06:00

For Today...
February 9, 2009

Outside my window...
it's raining. I hated driving in it this morning when I had to take Rachel to the Performing Arts Center and I couldn't see the road but we really need the rain.

I am thinking...
about how strange it feels to be home alone on a weekday. Allan's gone to work and school. Rachel is performing with the Symphony today and had an 8:00 a.m. call time at the performing arts center. The symphony has a program "Earquake" that they perform for 6th graders from schools in the area. Our ballet company has been invited to perform with them for the past several years. Tomorrow they will travel for the first time to Bentonville and perform for the schools in the Bentonville/Rogers area. I'll be chaperoning and driving tomorrow so I hope we don't have the heavy rain until we are back home tomorrow afternoon!!

I am thankful for...
the laughter and fun I witnessed as some of the ballet company girls went out for dinner together last night after dress rehearsal. Let's just say, it was an answer to the prayers of a few of the Mom's. God is good!!!

From the learning rooms...
a short week due to Earquake.

From the kitchen...
Monday... Mexican Casserole, salad
Tuesday...leftovers
Wednesday...Blackened or baked salmon, baked potatoes, salad
Thursday...Pinto Beans, cole slaw & cornbread
Friday...Wendy's Chicken Strips, roasted red potatoes, green beans
Saturday...Valentine's Dinner - Lasagna, salad, French bread and for dessert - probably a heart shaped chocolate chip cookie cake
Sunday...Homemade Pizza (Sunday's are frequently our homemade pizza night lately)
I am also going to make homemade granola for the first time this week!

Mexican Casserole
Brown one pound of ground beef or turkey with onion and bell pepper. Layer in a 9" x 13" casserole dish: tortilla chips, meat mixture, 1 can ranch style or black beans, shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers. Then, mix 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, and one can Rotel tomatoes. Pour on top of the layers then top with cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees till bubbly.

I am wearing...
jeans, black shirt, gray hoodie

I am creating...
working on getting photos sorted and into albums; hoping to get back to Rachel's ballet scrapbook. I keep putting it off because I haven't touched it in over a year and it's already about 4 years behind! Help!!!

I am reading...
When God Winks at You

I am hoping...
to get all the laundry done before I pick Rachel up this afternoon.

I am hearing...
quiet solitude : )

Around the house...
I see laundry that needs to be put away ; ) I really want to mop my floors today but I know it would be better to wait until Wednesday when the rain and humidity are gone!!

One of my favorite things...
A night out with my hubby! We don't go out alone very often. We are so busy during the week that by the weekend, we often just want to have NOWHERE to go!! We had a dinner date Saturday night - sweet!! This will be a big month - we'll have another date in a couple of weeks for our 24th anniversary : )

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Bentonville with the ballet company tomorrow; hoping to get a physical therapy appointment for later in the week as well.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
I'll share another photo from the ice storm. This picture is from one of the last days before the ice melted. The north side of the lake had a layer of ice!

To read more daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-03T08:17:00.002-06:00

FOR TODAY...
February 3, 2009
I'm a day late with my daybook, but I chose to go to bed at a decent hour last night instead of staying up late to make sure I got my daybook entry done : )

Outside my window...
overcast skies; everything has the "blah" winter look.

I am thinking...
about how to deal with a potential conflict in plans this weekend.

I am thankful for...
warmer weather. It's still cold, but it is warmer than it was last week. I'm also thankful that the days are getting longer again. It was nice to leave for ballet yesterday in daylight.

From the learning rooms...
trying to get ahead. We'll miss a few days next week when Rachel's ballet company dances with the symphony at their program for 6th graders, "Earquake". This year they are also doing the same program in Bentonville the following day.

From the kitchen...
waffles for breakfast, deli spirals for lunch, beef stew for supper

I am wearing...
I am being lazy this morning - I'm still in my jammies : )

I am creating...
looking at ideas for Rachel's bedroom. She'd like a room makeover for her birthday.

I am going...
to run errands later today while Rachel is at ballet.

I am reading...
"When God Winks at You" by Squire Rushnell

I am hoping...
for a great oncology checkup tomorrow and hoping that I get moved from 4 mo. checkups to 6 months!

I am hearing...
tick, tock, of the cuckoo clock

Around the house...
menu plans to be made, bills to be paid

One of my favorite things...
Fun days spent with my kids. Rachel and I drove to Tulsa for a ballet audition on Sunday. Lots of talk time in the car : ) (read that as she had no iPod with her!!) Made a quick run through Woodland Hills Mall, then had a great supper at Abuelos before heading home. Good conversation, lots of laughs, fun memories - those are priceless with a teenager!! btw - she was auditioning for a summer intensive with Atlanta Ballet and was accepted to their advanced intensive : ) She was also accepted and has chosen to attend North Carolina Dance Theatre which was her top choice.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
tomorrow's doctor appointment; driving Rachel to ballet, as usual; some tentative weekend plans that can't be finalized just yet.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
a view of the ice storm we woke to last Tuesday morning

If you would like to read more daybook entries or participate, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-26T15:12:00.003-06:00

For Today...
January 26, 2009

Outside my window...
Gray skies have been the color for today

I am thinking...
about baking some cookies after I type my day book entry

I am thankful for...
a warm house on this very cold day

From the learning rooms...
we modified today's schedule to prepare our home for the impending ice storm; more work this week on the writing intensive

From the kitchen...
today - crock pot barbecue chicken, potato salad, baked beans
for the rest of the week, provided we do not lose electricity:
Creamy Tacos
Country Casserole (a Southern Plate recipe)
Fish
Leftovers

I am wearing...
jeans, turtleneck, and fleece

I am creating...
the creative juices are not flowing right now

I am going...
ballet adjudication was scheduled for tonight but the adjudicator is stranded on the tarmac in OK City so it's been canceled. That means I get to stay home in my nice warm house tonight.

I am reading...
still haven't started my new book other than the first couple of pages.

I am hoping...
we do not lose our electricity during the ice storm forecast for tonight

I am hearing...
the t.v. and the hum of the humidifier

Around the house...
We have an ice storm forecast for tonight and have been warned to prepare for loss of utilities so Rachel and I worked on laundry and house cleaning chores today; checked the battery supplies; checked the supply of candles and matches; made tea and lemonade; when the day book is finished I think I will bake a quick batch of chocolate chip cookies

One of my favorite things...
sitting in my favorite chair with a warm blanket, a good book, and a mug of spiced tea on a cold day

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Spring Co-op Registration and a doctor's appointment

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

The birds have been swarming Rachel's feeder this past week. These are a few of the gold finches. I think they know when cold weather is coming!

To read more day book entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

"The Packet"

2009-01-25T22:52:00.003-06:00

This is a follow up to my post 665 Miles.

We watched the mail every day last week for mail from North Carolina Dance Theatre. Everyday, Rachel would go to the mailbox and come back in and announce, "no packet today". I assured her that we should hear something soon - they told the girls to expect news within 3 weeks and it had only been one week : )

I spent Friday afternoon running errands and grocery shopping. I called to check in with Rachel and when she didn't mention the mail, I knew that once again, the packet had not been delivered. I thought "we're just at 2 weeks out from the audition, there's still time". I was at my last stop before heading home and Rachel calls to let me know her school work is complete except for the writing intensive (and does she have to do that today???). I tell her I'm almost done and will be home shortly. I'm about 10 minutes from home and my phone rings again and as I answer it I notice it's another call from home so I'm thinking, "WHAT NOW??" I answer the phone and Rachel is excited and crying - she had checked her email and had gotten the notice of acceptance she had been so anxiously watching the mailbox for!! Once I got home and we got all of the groceries put away and dinner cooked and cleaned up, we finally printed out "the packet", all 18 pages of it!!

Now, we just have to fill out her registration papers and get them in the mail (along with some $$$ of course) and she will be set to go. That's the easy part. The hard part - having her gone for 4 weeks this summer. I think once this summer is over, I will NOT want to take any trips for a while. We have plans for my sister and I to drive her to NC and we'll visit our other sister who lives there! Robert and I will go back to pick her up at the end of the intensive so we can see her performance. We'll make a mad dash back home for a week and then head out for a Florida vacation. It's gonna be a crazy summer!

CONGRATULATIONS RACHEL!!!!

Bird Watching

2009-01-22T14:09:00.003-06:00

Rachel has been interested in birds for quite some time. I enjoy watching them but usually am not very good about keeping a feeder full which drives hubby crazy. He says if we're going to feed the birds, we need to feed the birds and not let their feeder sit empty. That said, I usually forgo feeding the birds and even quit hanging my hummingbird feeders a few years ago. However, several days ago, Rachel started feeding the birds some old bread we had. She enjoyed watching them and finally asked if I would buy her a bag of bird seed. I caved and bought the seed which consequently means I will be buying bird seed for the duration of winter! Yesterday morning we filled the feeder and set it on our patio table on the back deck. It didn't take long and the birds were going crazy over the bird seed. They emptied 1/2 of the feeder yesterday. I have to admit - I have enjoyed watching the birds as much as Rachel has. Early this morning we had fun watching an even greater variety of birds at the feeder. So far, we have seen these birds: house wren, junco, blue jay, tufted titmouse, chickadee, cardinal, goldfinch, house finch, sparrow, woodpecker, blackbird, and eastern bluebirds. The bluebirds weren't at the feeder but were in and out of the bluebird box all morning. It's been fun watching them and I guess if you spot me at Wal-Mart, I'll be the one with the large bag of bird seed!!!

Here are some pictures we took.

lots of gold finches this morning

female cardinal, house finch, gold finch

house finch, junco, male cardinal

tufted titmousewoodpecker - he came around a few times but I think he prefers the nearby river birch tree!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-19T12:34:00.006-06:00

For Today...
January 19, 2009

Outside my window... blue, sunny skies, warm sunshine coming through the window

I am thinking... about how I could have handled things better with my kids this morning. I woke up late and tired after not sleeping well at all last night, despite the fact that I was in bed at 10:00. Then, I walked into the kitchen to make coffee and discovered dirty dishes in the sink from last nights snacks. This is something we have discussed more times than I care to count. They are beyond old enough to have to be reminded to clean up after themselves. So, I raised my voice with #2 because she's the one who has to be constantly reminded and always has an excuse. #1 merely got a stern warning that I have had enough. They both were reminded that we all have to do our part in this house and that things need to change NOW. I later apologized to #2 for raising my voice and she was very forgiving. I wish I could have gone back to bed and gotten up on the "right" side and started all over again : )

From the learning rooms... We are going back to a literature textbook for the remainder of the year beginning today. We have been doing real books and study guides but it just isn't working right now. Last week I decided that if it wasn't working, it was time to change.

I am thankful for... Jodie who is loaning us the literature text. I am also thankful that I got to sit and visit with her when she delivered the books on Friday. I have known her since both our kids were in public school before we both began homeschooling, but I don't see her often. Our oldest kids are both freshman at UAFS.

A free ticket given to Rachel to see the ballet "Sleeping Beauty" tonight! Money is tight after the holidays and paying our portion of Allan's spring semester tuition and books so this was a great blessing. I had almost bought her ticket online Friday but was waiting to see if a friend was going as well. Friday afternoon we got a call offering her a free ticket - yay!!

From the kitchen... On the menu this week: Roast, Pork Chops, Chicken Fried Steak, Beef Stew, Spicy Chicken Spaghetti

I am wearing... jeans, turtleneck, and fleece sweater

I am reading... want to start a new book I ordered before Christmas. "When God Winks at You" by Squire Rushnell

I am hoping... I get to go to a Pampered Chef party on Saturday!! I sold PC for several years when my kids were small. I LOVE their kitchen tools and I have some that are wearing out after 12 years of use.

I am creating... I am trying t0 create a home that is not in a constant state of CHAOS (can't have anyone over syndrome - for those unfamiliar with Flylady.)

I am hearing... bombing at Ft. Chaffee; my washing machine on the spin cycle

Around the house...Slowly but surely, I'm completing some projects that I have wanted done for a long time but I kept putting off.

One of my favorite things... sunshine and warm days that remind me that Spring will return eventually

A few plans for the rest of the week... Nothing besides ballet on the calendar this week.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
#1 on his 19th birthday

For more Daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

665 Miles

2009-01-12T09:34:00.003-06:00

Rachel and I made a quick road trip to Kansas City on Saturday. She was auditioning for a summer ballet intensive at North Carolina Dance Theatre. That was one long day! We were on the road just after 7:00 a.m. and arrived in Overland Park, KS about 12:30. We had a nice lunch at Mimi's Cafe and spent about half an hour at the Oak Park Mall. Rachel thinks we need to visit Kansas City again and spend lots of time at the mall! It's a really nice mall with lots of shopping choices. We left the mall and headed across the border to Kansas City, MO for Kansas City Ballet studio. Rachel had her audition class and then we were back on the road, headed for home. We stopped and picked up dinner on the road and made a quick stopped at Pinnacle Hills Promenade before they closed to look for a game she wanted. We made it home about 10:00 p.m., 665 miles later. I have never driven that far without another adult with me to help drive or at least keep me awake, so it was quite an accomplishment! I didn't even get sleepy which was the really amazing part, but not really, when you consider we started our day by praying and asking the Lord to be with us and to help me stay awake and alert!!! We had a very nice day together and saw lots of neat things. I'd like to visit Kansas City again, staying over to explore the area.

Happy Birthday Allan

2009-01-12T08:49:00.004-06:00

A picture from Allan's first birthday!
A picture from Allan's 19th Birthday

Our first born entered the world on January 11, 1990. We celebrated his 19th birthday yesterday!! I can't believe it has been that many years. A few things about him:

First, he doesn't much like having his picture taken, therefore, at the moment, I don't have a good picture for this post. Hopefully tonight I will get one and add it later. He's quiet, content, thoughtful, a great helper, a hard worker, and fun to be around. He loves the Lord.

For his birthday, we took him out for lunch at Logan's Roadhouse after church yesterday. He loves steak!! Friday at work, they gave him a cookie cake (one of his favorites!!) so he asked me to wait until today to bake his birthday cake. It will be a chocolate cake with white buttercream icing, FROM SCRATCH. You see, my kids usually pick what kind of cake they want: cookie cake, bakery cake, home baked cake, etc. Well, I have made lot's of birthday cakes over the years but usually I started with a box mix ; ) For my birthday in 2007, I had been gone for the afternoon and came home to find that Allan had baked a cake for me - FROM SCRATCH. There wasn't a cake mix around so he used the recipe from the box of cake flour! Homemade chocolate cake with chocolate icing. It was THE BEST birthday cake. So, he raised the bar, and now I have to keep up! I'll be in the kitchen later this morning baking his favorite.

Allan is such a good kid and a joy to us. I am so thankful for the blessing he is to our family. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for him in the coming years!

Happy Birthday Son!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-12T08:10:00.005-06:00

For Today...
January 12, 2009

Outside my window...
Blue skies and sunshine. Just what I need to get motivated on a Monday morning!

I am thinking...
about what to tackle first this morning... laundry or bathrooms? Actually, the laundry is started already but there is LOTS still there.

I am thankful for...
Allan, our oldest child. We celebrated his 19th birthday yesterday. I'm hoping to do a blog post in honor of his birthday later today.

From the learning rooms...
Hitting the books HARD today. We have a busy, busy few months coming up and need to work diligently to stay on track. We're starting the Student Writing Intensive today.

From the kitchen...
Baking Allan's birthday cake. We didn't have cake yesterday because he came home from work on Friday with cookie cake leftovers (he works for the nicest people) and asked me to wait until this week to bake his cake. It will be chocolate cake with white buttercream icing.

I am wearing...
jeans and shirt

I am creating...
a home that is happy and welcoming

I am going...
to work on my house this week - completing the household bookkeeping changeover from 2008 to 2009; organize some photos that need to go in albums or scrapbooks.

I am reading...
hoping to start a new book this week.

I am hoping...
school goes well for Allan today. The spring semester begins today and he is "changing directions" this semester. He still doesn't know for sure what he wants to do but it seems that this is more in line with where his "giftings" are. Praying that God will bless his work and give him a definite direction.

I am hearing...
President Bush talking on t.v.

Around the house...
laundry, bathrooms to be cleaned, picking up after the weekend.

One of my favorite things...
long talks with my sisters

A few plans for the rest of the week...
cancer support group; home school group's officer's meeting; taking Rach to ballet every night

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
A beautiful view from my kitchen window on Christmas morning. This heron frequents the area in front of our house, especially during winter.

To read more Daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

December in Review

2009-01-01T10:23:00.011-06:00

Family Picture after Christmas Eve service

I had hoped to get a last post of 2008 posted yesterday but it never happened so I will start 2009 with a look back at December 0f 2008.

Rachel has danced in The Nutcracker for the past 7 years and that always makes the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas fly by. We spent Thanksgiving this year in Louisiana with our families and returned home on Saturday night to begin Christmas and Nutcracker preparations. Our family has several traditions at Christmas time and I'll share a few of those with you.

We started our Christmas decorating the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The years we have had an artificial Christmas tree we usually put the tree up on Thanksgiving weekend. For the past several years we have gone back to taking a trip to Pine Grove Tree Farm in Charleston to cut a fresh tree. When we have a fresh tree, we wait a little longer to put the tree up so it doesn't get so dry before we are ready to remove it. This year we took a trip to the tree farm December 6. We love our trips to the tree farm, especially the guys - they drive our 1937 Chevrolet truck to the tree farm!! (We girls usually meet them there - we have to come straight from Nutcracker rehearsal : ) They love the look of a fresh cut tree in that antique truck and so do many others. The guy who loaded our tree this year was so scared he would scratch the truck or something and we had to assure him it was okay - we don't want ours to be just a "look but don't dare touch" truck. It has had trees loaded in the back for the past few years and we love it. We made a stop for pizza on the way home and then started decorating the tree. We usually put our tree in our den where we enjoy it every day, all day. We have a couple of rubbermaid tubs full of ornaments that we have collected through the years. Some ornaments are from Robert and my childhoods. Others are ones that we have gotten since marriage and then there are those that are our kids' and will be passed on to them as they leave home. Most of our ornaments have some meaning behind them so it is always a fun time to reminisce as we hang the ornaments. Rachel has received so many ballet or Nutcracker themed ornaments during her years in The Nutcracker that we finally bought her a tree for her bedroom last year. She fills it up with her ballet and Nutcracker ornaments then puts others on our big tree. I have to admit that as I packed away the ornaments this year, I wondered how many more Christmases I will get to pack away Allan's ornaments. I hope quite a few!!!

1937 Chevy at the tree farm

The decorated tree

The angel that has topped our tree since 1986. Robert and I bought her on a trip to Eureka Springs before we lived in AR.

Allan and Rachel each have their own nativity set that they set out each year. Allan has a Fontanini/Roman "My First Creche" set that we were given at his baby shower. Each year we have given him a new piece to add to the set until this year. He has so many pieces now that they fill a coffee table so we decided that we might not add more pieces unless I find a special piece. Otherwise, he can add to it when he has his own home. Rachel has a Precious Moments mini nativity set. We started hers when she was a toddler mostly because Granny thought Rachel needed to have her own because Allan did!! So began the tradition of trying to find a new piece for hers each year. The only problem was that Precious Moments doesn't have an extensive collection of pieces to add so Rachel's is pretty much complete. Both kids love their nativity sets and enjoy setting them out each year. I suppose that when the kids are grown and gone, it will be time to get my own nativity set.

Allan's nativity set

Rachel's nativity set

Robert and Allan worked on Allan's car for a bit on Christmas Eve and Rachel and I spent some time in the kitchen. We made a variety of finger/party foods for our meal before Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion service at church. Candlelight Communion is one of the highlights of Christmas for me. It's always such a blessing to be still for that hour in the midst of all of our preparations and reflect on Christ's birth, sing carols, and then see the church aglow in candlelight. After church it's been our tradition to drive around looking at lights. We almost skipped it this year because we had driven to Van Buren to look at lights when Robert's parents were visiting. Rachel nearly had a fit that we would NOT go look at lights after church. Soooo, we ended up driving through a different neighborhood than usual and saw some pretty lights. The kids always get to open one gift on Christmas Eve and it's always pj's, slippers, or a robe. This is a tradition carried on from my childhood. I almost skipped it this year in my effort to simplify and I knew Rachel did NOT need any pj's. Then, I realized that Allan did need some pj's so I decided to stick with the tradition. I found a really cute pair of pj's for Rachel at Old Navy that are just cotton (not flannel or fleece) and would be great through spring. Even found matching fuzzy socks, so she was fully taken care of. I finally found something Allan would like at Target. Somehow, it just isn't as fun to shop for boys sleep pants and tee shirts.

Christmas morning, Robert and I realized that we are officially parents of older teens. WE were the ones who were up at 7:30 and the kids slept in till around 9:00. We had a nice Christmas morning enjoying our homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast and opening our gifts. I cooked a chicken and dressing casserole, green beans, fruit salad, and homemade rolls for dinner. It was such a relaxing day!!

As I type this post on New Year's Day, all traces of Christmas (except the nativity sets which will be packed today) have been neatly packed away for another year. We'll look forward to taking them out next year and repeating this all again. I love decorating for Christmas but I also love having my house back to "normal". It always feels good.

I'll back-track a bit and tell you a little bit about Nutcracker. Rachel danced in what was her 7th Nutcracker. She danced the parts of The Spirit of Christmas, a Flower, and a Snowflake. The girls put so much work into this performance - rehearsals begin in September for our ballet company and then the rest of the cast begins in October. Full cast rehearsal begin the first week of November and continue until the performance the second week of December. It is so much work but it is always such a beautiful part of our Christmas season. I tend to gripe and complain about all the volunteer hours it takes but I really do try to enjoy it and know that I only have a few more years that this will be a part of our Christmas. I will miss the busyness one day. It gives us great joy to watch Rachel dance and enjoy something she has worked so hard at. Robert's parents have come each year to watch Rachel dance and some years some of my family has been here as well. This year it was just Robert's parents. We enjoyed having them here for a few days with us. My family was all rejoicing over the birth of a new baby boy in our family that week! My brother and his wife welcomed their second child, Ryan Thomas into the world on December 10. He's such a pretty baby - Rob said I could call him a "pretty boy" until he's about 6 months old and then I can't call him that anymore - lol!!!

We had a wonderful December to remember as we celebrated the birth of our Savior. It is my prayer that you will enjoy at blessed 2009.

I'll leave you with some pictures from our December.

Rachel as a flower with Rachel W. (Clara)

What's Christmas without cookies??

All ready for Christmas dinner
Proud Papa (my brother Rob) with baby Ryan

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-12-22T10:14:00.003-06:00

For Today...
December 22, 2008

Outside my window...
it's very cold; 17 degrees with a windchill of 8. Probably the coldest weather this year and unusual for our area. The sun is trying to peek through some clouds. Maybe we'll make it to the predicted high of 29.

I am thinking...
about our friend Travis and his "home going" service today. This is a young man who taught me so much about grace and strength in the midst of your circumstances through the way he lived his short life. You can read more about his story at www.prayfortravis.com

I am thankful for...
the gift of our Savior; the gift shopping and grocery shopping being done; the gifts that are wrapped and under the tree; a childhood that included lots of Christmas traditions that I carry on with my own children today, especially when I am reminded that not everyone has those same kind of memories and traditions.

From the learning rooms...
Christmas Break!!!! Well other than some things that could be considered "Home Economics" - you know lots of help is needed and wanted in the kitchen.

From the kitchen...
This morning started with French toast for breakfast. We'll end the day with a pot of chili, which is perfect for this very cold day. For the rest of the week, we'll be working on some holiday food: cut-out and decorated sugar cookies, pralines, and orange balls (extras to share with friends), refrigerator roll recipe that will make cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning breakfast and dinner rolls for Christmas dinner, everybody's favorite finger foods for Christmas Eve dinner.
Christmas Day dinner is Chicken and Dressing Casserole, green beans, black olives, rolls, and fruit salad, and Jesus' birthday cake.

Aunt Vickie's Chicken Casserole

3 chicken breasts, cooked, boned and cut up
Mix 2 cans cream of chicken soup with one soup can of milk and one small container of sour cream. Spoon liquid over cooked chicken in a 9x13 pan. Mix 1 package Pepperidge Farm herb seasoned stuffing mix, 1 cup water, and 1 stick of melted butter. Spread on top of soup and chicken mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Orange Balls

1 stick of butter, softened
1 - 6 oz. can frozen orange juice, thawed
1 - 12 oz. box vanilla wafers, crushed
1 box powdered sugar
1 package coconut and or chopped pecans

Add sugar to softened butter and cream well. Add juice and mix well. Mix in crushed vanilla wafers. Roll into 1" balls and then roll in coconut or finely crushed pecans. Chill for 3 hours.

I am wearing...
still in my warm flannel pj's.

I am creating...
a to-do list

I am going...
as few places as possible this week

I am reading...
The Shack

I am hoping...
to end today with a very clean house, clean laundry and the baking started.

I am hearing...
Rachel cleaning the kitchen. She's an excellent kitchen cleaner!!! I am blessed.

Around the house...
Dusting, sweeping, moping, cleaning bathrooms, and laundry. I want to get it all done today so I can bake tomorrow and then enjoy the rest of the week with my family and very little to do except fun stuff!!

One of my favorite things...
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service

A few plans for the rest of the week...
preparing our home for Christmas, spending time with Robert (who's on vacation after today), Candlelight Communion Service at church, probably board games and movies with the kids.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
The last daybook entry I shared a picture of Rachel's nativity set. This time, it is Allan's. He received the Fontanini "My First Creche" set as a gift at his baby shower (he is an early January baby) and we have added a piece to it for the past 18 years.

Merry Christmas to all and thank you to Peggy for hosting at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-12-08T08:32:00.004-06:00

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.

To read more "The Simple Woman's Daybook" entries, visit Peggy here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-12-01T21:35:00.002-06:00

For Today...December 1, 2008

Outside my window...This is a late Monday post - it's dark, COLD, and I see the pretty Christmas lights my son put up yesterday.

I am thinking...about how much I need to do in so little time.

I am thankful for...my husband, my son, my daughter, my warm home, hubby's job, health and happiness.

From the learning room...trying to get lots of work done this week since next week will be a week of long, late night rehearsals for Nutcracker. I usually assign an easier workload the week of Nutcracker.

From the kitchen...Tonight's dinner was meatloaf (from the freezer - YA! for freezer meals), macaroni and cheese, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. Most of the rest of the week is unplanned for the most part. I'll be using some freezer meals and things from the pantry. Robert's on vacation this week so I am trying to be a bit flexible ; )

I am wearing...jeans, gray, burgandy and black turtleneck

I am creating...worked on Christmas cards today

I am going...to do some Christmas shopping tomorrow afternoon.

I am reading...re-reading Shopping for Time.

I am hoping...to find a good deal on a dress for Rachel for an after-Nutcracker party.

I am hearing...the t.v. and Robert on the phone

Around the house...Christmas decoration boxes are everywhere, waiting to be put away or used; the laundry pile from our Thanksgiving trip is significantly smaller than it was this morning.

One of my favorite things...shopping and lunch with my big sis last week.

A few plans for the rest of the week...hopefully a trip to the Christmas tree farm on Saturday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
(I'll have to try to add one later - we had to change printers this morning and the one that's currently connected doesn't have a picture card slot)

Thanks to Peggy for hosting The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-11-24T08:26:00.004-06:00

For Today...
November 24, 2008

Outside my window...
Blue, sunny skies, a bare tree, mild temperatures

I am thinking...
about how much laundry there is to do today.

I am thankful for...
an early morning shared with Robert; a beautiful moon he showed me on his way out this morning - the sun was reflecting on the moon and it was so pretty. I wish I had grabbed the camera but it probably wouldn't have shown up well anyway.

From the learning room...
We'll have school today and tomorrow but we are working with a modified schedule. We'll work on science, Spanish, geography and literature. Those have taken a little longer than anticipated at times so we'll work on catching back up on those as needed.

From the kitchen...
I've been working on my holiday baking plans.
Menu for the week -
Monday - Chicken Tenderloins
you can find the recipe from Southern Plate here.
Tuesday - One-Pot Salsa Beef Skillet
Out of town the rest of the week : )

I am wearing...
the usual

I am creating...
lists, lists, and more lists. The holidays tend to do that to me. I have to tell a funny story on myself. I recently started keeping a spiral bound notebook - nothing fancy - just something from the school supply cabinet. It has my grocery list, errand list, Christmas shopping list, and it has a nice pocket page in front where I had some coupons, you get the idea. Well, after church yesterday, I knew I wouldn't have a car today so I decided to do my grocery shopping for Thanksgiving stuff. Last night, I went to pick up my notebook to check my lists and make some more. The notebook was nowhere to be found. I finally realized I must have left it in my shopping cart. I was a bit embarrassed to call and ask if it had been turned in - like I said, it was nothing fancy, BUT, it had all my lists in it!! I got up the nerve to call and ask if it had been turned in. Sure enough, it was at the service desk. I get ready to make a mad dash to pick it up and then I can't find my keys. Can you hear the laughter that was going on in my house!!!! I was an open target for lots of jokes. Now that I have my handy notebook back - all is well once again. Might need to make a list of places my keys might be ; )

I am going...
to observe Rachel's ballet class tonight. It's parent observation month at the studio so I have been observing a class a week. Tonight's the last one.

I am reading...
Shopping for Time...How To Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney. This is our "Book Day" group selection for next month. I received the book last week and read it in a couple of days. I am going to read it again this week, highlighting some specifics. It's an easy, fun read but also very convicting to me right now. Definitely something I needed to read for this present time.

I am hoping...
Allan's meeting with an advisor today will produce a plan for his spring semester of college.

I am hearing...
Christmas music from Rachel's room. I know; it's not even Thanksgiving yet. I caved and let her turn it on while she finishes decorating her room.

Around the house...
lots of laundry today. Preparations for our trip to Louisiana. Rachel started decorating her room for Christmas last night. She's finishing some of it today - all but the tree. Normally, she wouldn't do it until after Thanksgiving, but when we return home from our trip, she won't have much free time because of Nutcracker rehearsals. This is her 7th year to be in The Nutcracker and I can't begin to tell you how many nutcrackers she has in her collection. She decorates her room with them and last year we finally bought her a tree for her bedroom because she has more Nutcracker/ballet ornaments than will fit on our family tree!!!!

One of my favorite things...
the reaction when I splurge on a "coffee shop" hot cocoa for us girls after a long day of ballet rehearsal followed by Christmas shopping. I am so glad my kids appreciate these "little" things!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
spending time with our families, giving thanks for the many blessings of the Lord in our lives.

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

Some of the collection of Nutcrackers

Thank you, Peggy, for hosting The Simple Woman's Daybook each week.

Giving Thanks

2008-11-23T23:16:00.004-06:00

This post has been swimming in my head for more than a week. I wasn't sure whether to post or not, but as I think about the week ahead and all that I have to be thankful for, it seems an appropriate post. It's just one of those posts that is hard to write - it would be easier just to tell you, except that I would probably have a hard time getting it all out. And, now, I will have a written record of this to look back on.

Many of you know of my battle with breast cancer. Many of you who read my blog are family or friends who were there to pray for me and offer your words of encouragement along the way. You may be one who prayed, called, brought meals, invited Rachel for a sleepover at just the right time, sent a card, took me to a doctor's appointment, or if you happen to be my loving husband reading this - you took off work every Friday for 27 weeks to take me for my chemo treatment and sat with me for those long boring hours. I have said it before and I will say it again; there are no words to adequately express my deep gratitude to those who held me up through the greatest battle I have ever faced. As we approach Thanksgiving Day 2008, I am reminded of just how much I have to be thankful for, especially the fact that I am here, enjoying life, and all tests indicate that I am cancer free!! Two years ago, I was sick, bald, and definitely not enjoying life too much. What a difference!!

What I really want to share with you is how thankful I am for friends who follow the leading of the Lord to pray when he burdens their hearts and also how God works to meet our needs when we aren't even aware. A few weeks ago, after my quarterly checkup with my oncologist, I was scheduled for a bone scan to check out some back pain I had been having. I shared that information with my family and a couple of close friends and asked them to pray. If you have ever had cancer, you know that waiting for tests can cause great anxiety. I was doing pretty well keeping the anxiety level low while trying to also prepare myself for what might be. I just kept praying for the Lord to give me peace about it. The Thursday I was scheduled for my scan, Allan and I had to share a ride to town so I dropped him at the college and ran by the FBC Library to check out some school materials and a book to read during my wait time. It never even entered my mind that morning that it was the day for our Book Day group to meet at FBC (I had previously planned to not participate in that particular book day because of other commitments). I wasn't terribly surprised when I ran into one of the ladies who leads the group, but then the light bulb came on and I remembered it was book day. We said hello and chatted for a moment. I opened up and mentioned to her that I was going for a scan shortly and she told me the ladies in our group would pray. I left thinking about how glad I was to have seen her and to know they would be praying for me because my nerves were shot already and it was only 8:30 a.m. They would be meeting and praying soon. I headed for my 9:30 appointment at the hospital and I was finished with my scan by 12:30, then met a friend for lunch. The next morning, a neighbor, who I don't see much any more, other than in passing, called. She's a nurse and she helped me give myself the first shot I had to take daily during chemo ; ) We chatted for a few minutes and then she asked, "so, how are you doing"? I'm sure there was a pause on my end of the phone. I was thinking, "okay, I haven't seen her in a while, and she's calling me to see how I am doing. Is this just a coincidence or do I tell her I had a scan the day before or do I just skip that and say I'm fine?" Long story short - I told her what was going on. She told me she'd really had me on her heart lately and now she knew why. I hung up the phone and really began to think about how God was taking care of me. I finally got the call the following Monday with the scan results. I had been dreading the call, not just because of the obvious, but because, to be honest, my doctor's nurse is just not very personable. She's usually pretty short and curt. Well, it ended up that one of my favorite chemo nurses called with the results and she actually read the report to me with emphasis on the "no evidence of disease" and was just as happy as I was on the phone with her!! Then, the story goes even a step further. Rachel was talking to one of her remix leaders last week and she asked Rachel how I was doing and told Rach she'd been praying for me lately. She had no idea that anything had been going on.

Isn't God good?? Sometimes, this journey begins to overwhelm me with the realization that it doesn't really ever end and I get so discouraged. Then God reminds me through instances such as these that all I really have to do is to trust him because my life is truly in HIS hands. I believe God orchestrated every step of this to remind me just how much He cares for me and every detail of my life. How could I ever even doubt it for a moment? I want God to get the glory in this and that is my purpose in sharing with you.

I have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." Romans 1:21

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2008-11-20T11:29:00.002-06:00

My friend LeAnn shared this recipe with me a couple of months ago and I have been wanting to try it ever since. I finally got the chance to try it today. I fixed it for lunch and Rachel and I both loved this. It's very easy too, especially if you have cooked chicken in your freezer : )

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 tbs. olive oil
2 medium - large onions, cut into medium dice
4 large garlic cloves, minced
4 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. dried oregano
2 28-oz. cans crushed tomatoes
1 quart chicken broth
1 16-oz. package frozen corn
2 4-oz. cans chopped green chilies
2 15.5-oz. cans black beans (drained)
4 cups shredded, cooked chicken
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Tortilla Chips, to serve
Shredded cheddar cheese, to serve (optional)

Heat oil in large soup kettle over medium-high heat. Add onions; saute until tender, about 4 minutes. Add garlic cloves, chili powder, and oregano; saute 1 minute longer. Add tomatoes, broth, corn, chilies, beans, and chicken. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, to blend flavors, about 20 minutes. Stir in cilantro; let stand a couple of minutes. Serve warm with tortilla chips, and top with cheese if desired. (After cooling, soup can be refrigerated for 3 days.)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-11-17T15:55:00.005-06:00

For Today...
November 17, 2008

Outside my window...
It's been a beautiful fall day - lots of sun, cool temperatures, still some pretty leaves on the trees; As I type my daybook, I can see Allan working on his project outside - his 1979 convertible Super Beetle.

I am thinking...
about how close Allan is getting to finishing his car! He worked on it all weekend with diligence even in the very cold wind on Saturday. He ran into a couple of problems, just things he couldn't figure out, but today, with a fresh look, he found the solutions - such a smart guy!!

I am thankful for...
friends who prayed at the Lord's prompting, even though they didn't know the circumstances or that there was actually even a need. I am also thankful that they shared this with me because it shows me just how much the Lord takes care of me.

From the learning room...
good plans for a productive week

From the kitchen...
Monday - homemade chicken and dumplings
Tuesday - Beef Stew (with extras for the freezer)
Wednesday - baked flounder
Thursday - Red Beans and Rice
Friday - Grilled hamburgers or meatloaf - depends on the weather ; )
Saturday - Chicken Tenderloins (another recipe from Southern Plate)

I am wearing...
My favorite jeans, burgandy shirt, and Clarks

I am creating...
plans for Christmas shopping; Christmas card list

I am going...
to Sam's for the ballet studio and to my cancer support group

I am reading...
No Holly, No Ivy by Wanda Luttrell (read over the weekend)
I received my next "Book Day" book, Shopping for Time, How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney, in the mail today and read the introduction. I can't wait to get home tonight and have a little time to read more.

I am hoping...
to get some Christmas shopping done later this week

I am hearing...
music from Rachel's room as she gets dressed for ballet

Around the house...
got lots of laundry done today!! Trying to keep the clutter under control after working hard on it Friday. Thinking about how to decorate for Christmas this year - where oh, where is the tree going this year?

One of my favorite things...
making holiday plans that include a trip to visit family!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Just a few errands to run while I am in town taking Rachel to ballet; books are due at the public library and the FBC library; It's a pretty quiet week at our house.

He is a picture thought I am sharing...

This brilliant orange tree was outside the conference center at Lindsey's Resort last weekend.

Thanks to Peggy for hosting The Simple Woman's Daybook

Mom's RENEW

2008-11-12T11:05:00.008-06:00

Last night was our home school support group Mom's RENEW. Kelli showed us how to get really creative with our holiday food plans! I had seen pictures of some things Kelli had done in the past but she outdid herself last night. I am hoping to try a couple of the ideas with Rachel through the holidays. This might make for some fun home economics lessons! Here are some pictures of what Kelli presented (and these are only the things I took pictures of - there was more).

Turkey Shaped Cheese Ball

Veggie Pizza Wreath

dipped fruit to form a wreath

Turkey Bread Bowl for Dip

Indian Corn Cookies

Cornucopia Veggie Tray

Pilgrim Hats

Veggie Tree

Ham and Cheese Stuffed Tree

These were all so pretty and tasted great. Most of them don't seem that difficult but we'll see how it goes when we try them at home. I'd like to try the turkey cheese ball, cornucopia veggie tray, and veggie pizza wreath. Rachel wants to make the Pilgrim Hats and I am sure she will want to make more things when she sees the hand out Kelli shared with us. LOTS of cute ideas. Visit Kelli's blog here to see more pictures. Thanks Kelli for your inspiration!!

Fly Fishing and Fellowship

2008-11-10T11:14:00.004-06:00

I had the opportunity this past weekend to attend a Casting for Recovery "reunion" retreat. All of the women who have participated in the five retreats held in Arkansas were invited. There were about 40 women who attended this past weekend. We met at Lindsey's Resort in Heber Springs, AR for a weekend of fellowship and fishing. We were blessed with gorgeous fall weekend weather - cool, lots of sun, low water, and the peak weekend of leaves changing colors. I was a participant in the June 2008 retreat which you can read more about here. I shared a ride to that retreat with Charlene, from Fayetteville. We shared a ride once again and enjoyed the drive - catching up on what's happened in our lives since June. We were some of the first to arrive at the resort (or as some of us determined - it was more of a man's fish camp than what we termed a "resort"!) and were delighted to find that we had the only cabin (we shared the cabin with Judy and Ruth - two ladies from our June retreat) that was on the river!! We got unpacked as others began arriving and there were lots of hugs and laughter as we reunited with those we had met at our June retreat and met new friends who had attended retreats in earlier years. We walked around the resort a bit then we all met in the conference center for dinner. After dinner and dessert we visited for a long while, made plans for Saturday and then headed back to our cabins. Saturday morning dawned sunny and cold as we made our way back to the conference center for breakfast. After breakfast we split up into groups - those who were fishing and those who were shopping or sight-seeing in the area. Of course, I chose to fish - especially since I have an awesome CFR fly rod that has been begging to be used since June!! I fished with Denise (who is an instructor/former guide , so she was helping us instead of actually fishing) Tasha, Diane and Sister Carol at Cow Shoals. Diane was the only one to catch anything but we all had a great morning on the river. The group met at a riverside lodge, The Driftwood Lodge, for a catered lunch, served riverside. The proprietor, Sherry, and her daughter served an excellent lunch with wonderful hospitality! After lunch, I fished near the dam with Denise and Tasha - again, I didn't catch any but neither did a lot of the people we saw fishing so I didn't feel too bad about it. Denise fished this time and she did catch one brown. I just enjoyed the serenity of where I was for the day! After we decided we were cold enough and not catching any fish, we headed back to the resort to rest a bit before dinner. We met in the conference center for dinner, dessert, and lots of visiting. We finally headed back to our cabin about 9:30 but the four of us sharing the cabin continued to visit until the wee hours of the morning. Sunday morning ended with breakfast and plans for future reunions, a cookbook to raise funds for future reunions, and a website to help us keep in touch with one another. We shared lots of hugs and "till we meet again's" before we headed for home.

As Charlene and I visited on our way home, we reflected on the weekend and on the June retreat. The June retreat was a very emotional weekend for me in many ways. It was a very good time for reflection on where I had been but also a time to begin looking forward and thinking about where to go from where I was at that point in time. I came home with some much needed new perspective on some areas of my life. It had been very "out of my box" to even apply to attend a retreat with people I didn't even know. It proved to be a great step forward for me. There still are no words to really say how that weekend affected me in so many areas of my life. I just know that I am thankful I had the opportunity to participate and to meet so many wonderful women who I wouldn't have otherwise had the opportunity to meet.

This retreat was somewhat different. It was a wonderful, laid back time of fellowship, friendship, encouragement, fly fishing, or shopping, just whatever you wanted it to be. This weekend, I felt as if I were among 40 of my best friends, laughing and playing, encouraging and being encouraged. No matter where we have been or where we are going, we are bonded by our experiences with breast cancer, experiences that no matter how they try, no one else can really understand. I am thankful for these women whom God has placed in my life. They are angels of encouragement and hope.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-11-10T09:47:00.004-06:00

FOR TODAY...
November 10, 2008

Outside my window...
it's cloudy and just beginning to rain - a much needed rain. The temperatures today are forecast to be in the 50's. The maple outside my window has lost almost all of it's leaves. It's beginning to look a bit like winter.

I am thinking...
about the holidays. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas! We'll be traveling this Thanksgiving to share the holiday with our families!! I can't wait until we return home and pull out the boxes of Christmas decorations and go to the tree farm to choose and cut our tree.

I am thankful for...
my wonderful weekend away! Lots of fun with fellow breast cancer survivors - some I met at a retreat this summer, some new friends who attended earlier retreats; a full day of fly fishing on a gorgeous river with the leaves at peak color.

From the learning room...
back to regularly scheduled programming (after dad's vacation last week). Reading Jane Eyre with Rachel

From the kitchen...
I think we'll have crock pot chili today - it's excellent on a cold, rainy day! I had intended to make this Friday morning for my family to have Friday night while I was gone but I totally forgot about it in the excitement of getting ready to leave. I called home after lunch to admit I had forgotten and they laughed at me and told me it would be fine as long as I brought home some trout on Sunday - ha, ha!!

I am wearing...
I hate to admit it but I am still sitting here in my warm flannel pj's ; )

I am creating...
a Christmas shopping list

I am going...
very few places this week - yah!!

I am reading...
Jane Eyre with Rachel; hope to get my book day book in the mail this week!!

I am hoping...
to start getting some photos put into books this week. It's a project that's been looming since spring but I keep putting it off. It really shouldn't even take that long - just a matter of tackling it!

I am hearing...
the rain outside my window.

Around the house...
it's laundry day; unpacking that didn't get done last night.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
A fun Mom's RENEW on creative cooking ideas for the holidays; observation at a ballet class

One of my favorite things...
the peace that is found, standing in the middle of a cold stream, fly rod in hand, surrounded by beautiful trees, fishing for trout. God created such an awesome landscape for us to enjoy!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

To read more Simple Woman's Daybook entries, visit Peggy here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-11-04T12:58:00.004-06:00

For Today...
November 4, 2008
(I'm a day late this time)

Outside my window...
It's a beautiful, sunny, warm day. The maple tree outside my window is shwoing lots of color.

I am thinking...
about how nice it is that Robert is on vacation this week and how I am glad he is blessed with good weather to enjoy.

From the learning rooms...
The usual, but also some extra time with daddy this week since he is on vacation

I am thankful for...
the Worldview Weekend materials I found at the FBC Library last week. We missed the seminar recently and I am so thankful for this blessing from the library.

From the kitchen...
Beans and cornbread

I am wearing...
Jeans and a red top

I am reading...
some magazines; Jane Eyre with Rachel

I am hoping...
for a great weekend! Fly Fishing on the Little Red River on a beautiful fall weekend at Casting For Recovery "reunion retreat".

I am creating...
nothing at the moment ; )

I am hearing...
someone mowing their lawn - actually probably mowing their leaves!

Around the house...
Clearing off the bar; clean laundry

One of my favorite things...
walking through the fall leaves on a warm, sunny day

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Observing ballet class tonight; having a tooth filled tomorrow - yuck!!!; retreat this weekend

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

To read more daybook entries, visit Peggy here.

TGIF

2008-10-31T11:59:00.002-05:00

Ever had one of those weeks when you were glad it was over? This week fits that category. I'm glad it's Friday and we get to start Monday with a fresh slate!! I had such big plans for this week, too. Rachel had fallen a little behind on some of her schoolwork. Not bad. Just enough that I had hoped to get her back up where she needed to be in those few subjects. Last Friday, she started showing signs of not feeling well. By Sunday afternoon, she was on the couch and sleeping a lot. She is finally feeling somewhat better today. It's been a long week. School has happened every day except Tuesday, which was her worst day. But, no catching up as hoped. So, we started out with a sick child. Then, we had to have our dog put to sleep Monday afternoon. She'd been a part of our family for almost 10 years. Lots of sadness, yet relief that she was no longer suffering. Yesterday was a crazy day with lots of running around town and lots of time waiting around during some tests I was having. The good part was - I checked out a book at the FBC library and got lots of reading done during my waiting time. In fact, by bedtime last night, I had finished my book!! Now, I can't wait to return the book and get another by the same author (Terri Blackstock). I am glad that next week is a new week, and I hope and pray that we will accomplish much to make up for this week. Robert will be on vacation and it will be nice to have him around during the day. We have some projects that need to be tackled too - hope we get them done!!

Road Trip

2008-10-28T12:45:00.012-05:00

We came from Arkansas, Louisiana, and North Carolina. Some by car, others by plane, didn't matter; the destination was the same: Texas! Rachel and I had a wonderful trip to Dallas to visit my brother and his family. We set out early Friday morning, stopped in Sherman, TX for lunch and then headed on to Rob's. We made it there just in time to go with Sharon, Sophie, Wendy, Emily, and Sophie's GiGi (Sharon's mom, Jean) to have Sophie and Emily's pictures taken at the Pumpkin Patch. Oh, what fun to watch those girls at the Pumpkin Patch. They were adorable for the photographer and oh, so patient while she took photos of the girls together as well as separately. When the pictures were finished, the girls were off to the bounce houses, and inflatable slides. After the inflatables, they rode a barrel train, ferris wheel and a live pony! What fun for two little city girls. When the girls were worn out, we headed back to Rob and Sharon's to wait for the rest of the family to arrive from Louisiana. I took on the task of providing dinner for Friday night - making ahead and freezing lasagna and manicotti to bake there. We had a nice dinner of lasagna, manicotti, salad, and some wonderful bread from the bakery at Tom Thumb. We spent Friday night catching up and watching the little girls play.

Saturday morning we all headed out for Sharon's baby shower. Her friends gave her a very nice shower/brunch. Lots of good food, fun games, and lots and lots of gifts for baby boy!! After the shower I wanted to take Rachel to one of her favorite stores that we don't have at home, Delia's, so we headed to Southlake for a quick shopping trip. She found some jeans and a couple of other items on sale which was great. Wendy took on the task of Saturday night dinner and made one of our old family favorites from growing up, Chicken Enchilada casserole, with salad and bread. We finished the night with lots of visiting.

Sunday we enjoyed spending some time outside playing with the girls before it was time to leave. It had been such a wonderful weekend, great family time, beautiful weather, lots of love; it was hard to say goodbye. It is pretty rare for all of my siblings and my mom to all be together in one place so we try to savor the moments when we can. Rob and Sharon were real troopers to have us all stay at their house!! We offered to stay in a hotel but Sharon wanted one big sleepover, so one big sleepover she got! There were eleven of us for the weekend. I'm pretty sure we'll all be making our way back to their house when baby boy arrives but we'll be kind and not all show up at once!!!

Here are a few pictures from our weekend together:

Nancy, Wendy, Jody, Rob, Mom

Pumpkin Patch fun!

The baby shower

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-10-27T21:41:00.006-05:00

For Today...
October 27, 2008

Outside my window...
it's dark and cold.

I am thinking...
about what meal to take to a friend having surgery next week.

From the learning room...
just regular school this week. Co-op classes ended last week.

I am thankful for...
time spent with family last weekend; hearing my sister's voices last night and tonight.

From the kitchen...
today's menu was
breakfast - pancakes
lunch - leftover Frito pie
dinner - dirty rice, black-eyed peas, War Eagle Mill Biscuits

I am wearing...
jeans and a turtleneck (yeah for cooler weather and a change of wardrobe!)

I am reading...
the book of James; A Singer sewing instruction book

I am hoping...
for a quiet week; my girlie to feel better soon; my post to not disappear into cyberspace this week ; )

I am creating...
some baby gifts again

I am hearing...
my kids watching tv; the dryer - lots of laundry has been done today

Around the house...
bathrooms were scrubbed today; lots of laundry was washed and dried; bills were paid

One of my favorite things...
playing the Hungry Caterpillar Game with Soph

A few plans for the rest of the week...
get lots of school work done!! work Saturday's Nutcracker rehearsal; hopefully a little fly rod casting practice

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Rachel, Sophie & Emily at the Pumpkin Patch

To read more of The Simple Woman's Daybook, visit Peggy

Pray for Travis

2008-10-14T23:48:00.001-05:00

Asking my friends to please pray for our friend Travis. You can read his story here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-10-13T09:51:00.003-05:00

For today...
October 13, 2008

Outside my window...
early morning clouds have broken and left us with a mostly sunny, cool morning. A breeze is blowing through my open windows.

I am thinking...
about phone calls that need to be made today, errands that need to be run this week, and school planning that I need to work on

From the learning room...
we need to choose a new book for literature study; press pattern pieces and cut fabric for a pair of sleep pants; hopefully get those pants completed this week

I am thankful for...
the chance to participate in Paint the Park Pink on Saturday with my friends from the young women's cancer support group I am a part of. There were eight of us from the group who attended the survivor breakfast and did the one mile walk. I am also thankful that my girlie decided to walk with us this year! It was a fun morning.

From the kitchen...
hmmm...that area needs some help this week ; ) Let's see, when I looked at the menu yesterday to see what's ahead for the week, I noticed some empty spots. That's not a good thing! (well, it might be for me - I could stand to miss a few meals) My family might really like having meals this week though. I'm not sure what happened when I menu planned, maybe I just left some blank because we have a busy week and I wasn't sure how it was going to go. I think this will be my plan:
Monday - baked fish, salad, baked potatoes
Tuesday - still not sure here (it might have to be eat out because of our schedule)
Wednesday - leftover jambalaya
Thursday - from the freezer - Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, and a veggie
Friday - Sunday - those days are up to the guys - the girls will be gone!!!!

I am wearing...
denim shorts, sunflower tee, tennis shoes

I am reading...
nothing particular at the moment. I have forgotten to order the book I need for this month's book day so maybe I can get that and get started reading.

I am hoping...
to stay on task this week. Lots to do before a weekend trip.

I am creating...
working on Rachel's sewing project with her this week. Baby gifts are DONE!

I am hearing...
the washer and dryer, barking dogs, the breeze blowing my blinds

Around the house...
The kids and I worked on cleaning over the weekend so not much to do except keep it clean! I did some closet cleaning this morning.

One of my favorite things...
visits with family

A few plans for the rest of the week...
homeschool support group officer's meeting, quarterly oncologist appointment, homeschool co-op classes, Rachel and I are driving to Dallas to visit my brother and s-i-l. We'll be there for her baby shower as well as my Mom, two sisters, and three nieces - fun times.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
These beautiful girls are cousins. They are two of the nieces I can't wait to see this weekend!

For more of the Simple Woman's Daybook, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman.

Grab a Glass of Sweet Tea and Sit a Spell

2008-10-10T18:42:00.004-05:00

Yes, you really do need to get that glass of sweet tea to enjoy while you read this post because I just know you are going to go visit Christy at Southern Plate and your mouth will be watering as you read. I was recently introduced to Southern Plate while reading Kim's blog. Kim raved about some recipes she had tried so I just had to take a peek and see for myself. Now, I love to read cookbooks and have a nice collection of them with a few favorites that are pulled from the shelf time and time again. As much as I love to read cookbooks, I have never been very good about actually trying new recipes. All that changed when I found Southern Plate. I was so inspired (maybe it was the picture tutorials!) that I immediately printed out six recipes and we tried four, yes FOUR, new recipes in one week. The first recipe we tried was Country Casserole. I doubled the recipe - it was too easy not to make one to freeze. My family loved this casserole and I loved how easy it was. Next, we tried Pizza Rolls and they are great for busy weeks or weekends when everyone is eating at different times. The other two recipes we tried were Salisbury Steak and Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing. The Salisbury Steak was great and pretty easy so I doubled that recipe and froze half so that all I have to do is thaw and throw it in the crock pot to heat on a busy day. The Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing was good and will feed a crowd. I love crock pot recipes because we have one or two days a week that our schedules make it hard to get a good meal on the table without the help of the crock pot. I have two more recipes that I printed that I want to try soon. Robert's favorite salad dressing is Thousand Island and Christy has a recipe for homemade Thousand Island that I can't wait to surprise him with. The other recipe I can't wait to try is Chocolate Cobbler!! This looks divine and according to Jen, it is! I think we have to have some ice cream to go with this one though and I forgot to buy ice cream this week. The great thing about Chocolate Cobbler is that the ingredients are readily available in my pantry. I hope you took the time to visit Christy as you read this post! If you are like me, you might just decide you'll have to add her cookbook to your collection.

EDITED to add: We tried the Chocolate Cobbler over the weekend and it was a wonderful dessert - warm, gooey, plenty of chocolate served with vanilla ice cream on top.

A Beautiful Day!

2008-10-06T11:10:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day! Robert had to drive over to Camp Orr yesterday to complete some training for climbing and rappelling for Boy Scouts. The original training weekend was last month but they were unable to complete the training because of bad weather with hurricane Ike. They left early so as to not get flooded in by a low water bridge at the camp. We saw damage yesterday that Ike left in his wake - they had to cut 7 trees that fell on the road leading out of camp - if you have never been to Camp Orr, let's just say, it's an adventure getting there!! If you haven't been to Camp Orr but have been to Kyle's Landing on the Buffalo River, you would understand - Camp Orr turns off of the road to Kyle's Landing. To say the rocky road is steep and winding as it makes it's way to the valley floor would almost be an understatement.

I decided to ride along yesterday so Robert wouldn't have to make the trip by himself. I knew it would be a long day for him as it's about a 3+ hours drive from home. This is also one of our busiest times of year and our time together is at a premium. Now, for those of you who don't know me well, I am NOT an early morning person. To ride along, meant a 4:45 a.m. alarm, being on the road by 5:30. But I was determined to go! I had never been to Camp Orr and was looking forward to seeing where "my guys" have spent some summers and weekends Boy Scout camping. I love the Buffalo River area and knew the camp was on the river and would be beautiful. It was tempting to stay home and go to church, spend the afternoon working on laundry, sewing some baby gifts, and cleaning (I know Sunday should be a day of rest but it isn't always around here!!). I am so glad I didn't stay home.

Here are some reasons why:

A beautiful sunrise (my picture doesn't do it justice)

I got to spend some quiet time alone at this outdoor chapel with an awesome view of God's wonderful creation. There's nothing like quiet time in a place like this, no distractions other than pure beauty.

This is another view from the chapel area. It was so quiet and peaceful here. The trees are just beginning to show some color. The birds were soaring in the thermals.

Twin Falls. A short hike near the entrance to Camp Orr. I heard this is one of the most photographed places in Arkansas.
An elk in Boxley Valley. Robert saw a herd of about 50 when he drove through the area last month. We didn't see that many but there were probably about a dozen or so in this field. They were a little hard to see but Robert stood on top of the truck to get a good picture. This was on our way home. There were a few people stopped watching for them. Early in the morning there were LOTS of people watching for them but it was quite foggy so they probably had to wait a bit for the fog to lift.
The entrance to Camp Orr with the fog lifting.

Robert training for "Weekend on Ropes". Yesterday they practiced rescues at the tower, then they hiked to Copperhead Cave (what a name - and NO - I didn't go along - just the name will keep me away from there - lol!) to practice rappelling down into the cave. I watched them at the tower then went exploring while they went to the cave. I don't particularly like caves - something about being surrounded by darkness and not knowing what's in there just gives me the willies.
I went exploring at the "swimming hole" at Camp Orr. This is the Buffalo National River - absolutely beautiful river. We love to canoe there although I haven't gotten to go for a few years. Maybe next year!
Just playing with the camera shooting some leaves that had fallen in the river.
We made it home about 8:30 last night. We had dinner at the Pizza Hut in Clarksville which reminded me of our dating and early married days when we had Pizza Hut pizza a lot because there weren't many choices in the town where we lived. As if my day hadn't been blessed enough, I walked in the door and immediately noticed that my kiddos had done some cleaning and laundry when they got home from church yesterday! This blessed me beyond measure because they had no idea how much I had struggled with the decision to be gone for the day, knowing that there were many things at home that really needed my attention. I believe the Lord knew I needed the day away and took care of the rest for me! It was a day that was good for the soul.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-10-06T10:26:00.004-05:00

For Today...
October 6, 2008

Outside my window...
We woke up to much needed rain this morning! The rain has stopped but it's still cloudy with more rain expected later. I looked out my window a few minutes ago and found this little chipmunk at my flower bed. They are so cute but I don't like it when they burrow in the flower bed!!

I am thinking...
about what needs to be accomplished today, like catching up on laundry and paying bills

From the learning rooms...
writing lessons, a pretty regular day

I am thankful for...
the time I got to spend with my husband yesterday!! (I think I will give yesterday it's own blog post later today)

From the kitchen...
breakfast was French toast.
The menu for the rest of the week:
Monday - Chicken & Dumplings
Tuesday - Beef tips & Noodles
Wednesday - Spaghetti & meatballs
Thursday - Blackened flounder
Friday - Spicy Chicken Spaghetti
Saturday - Homemade Pizza
Sunday - Rob's Jambalaya

I am wearing...
jeans, Cinderella ballet t-shirt, tennis shoes

I am reading...
Hope to get back to "The Excellent Wife" and complete it

I am hoping...
to complete the baby gifts I have been working on

I am creating...
Those baby gifts referred to above. Finished the "minky" blankey Saturday!!

I am hearing...
the dryer just stopped meaning I need to finish my post and reboot the laundry

Around the house...
I finally got the fall decorations out Saturday!!

One of my favorite things...
being gone, then returning home to a nice clean house, thanks to my kiddos who did it without being asked. It made yesterday and even better day than it had already been.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
home school co-op classes, Mom's Renew, Paint the Park Pink

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

This is the chapel at the Boy Scout Camp ORR. I spent some quiet time alone here yesterday. What a beautiful site for a chapel, overlooking God's beautiful creation.

To read more Daybook entries, visit Peggy at "The Simple Woman"

The Simple Woman's Daybook -11

2008-09-29T12:39:00.005-05:00

For Today...
September 29, 2008

Outside my Window...
bright sunshine, warm afternoon

I am thinking...
I'm glad a cool front is forecast for tomorrow. I am ready for more fall days with the house opened up for fresh air; relief from the air conditioner bill

From the learning rooms...
working on writing skills today; end of chapter reviews in science and geography

I am thankful for..
encouragement from many unexpected places last week - not that I should be surprised, doesn't the Lord always provide just *what* we need, just *when* we need it? Everywhere I turned I felt like someone had been "reading my mail"!

From the kitchen...
meatloaf, oven roasted red potatoes, and green beans

I am wearing...
jeans, melon colored blouse, and a pair of Clarks that are a "hand-me-down" from my daughter(now that's fun - getting hardly worn shoes that she outgrew - she has a big foot : )

I am reading...
my Bible

I am hoping...
to be home as much as possible this week and to enjoy this beautiful weather.

I am creating...
I have been working on the prep work for some baby gifts. Need to get busy with the sewing machine this week.

I am hearing...
the birds singing in the tree outside my window.

Around the house...
working on implementing Flylady once again. After an encouraging Mom's RENEW last week I have been inspired to *really* work on this as I work toward a welcoming, peaceful home.

One of my favorite things...
cooler temperatures and changing colors

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
working on school stuff, "snack mom" run to Sam's for ballet today, Rachel's optometrist appointment for a check up and new contact lenses, homeschool co-op classes, maybe a date with hubby to see the new movie "Fireproof"

A picture thought I am sharing with you...
a beautiful picture that my sister shared with me from her recent trip to Canada (thanks Nancy!). I think it looks like a postcard! Maybe one day I will get to see Moraine Lake myself.

For more Simple Woman's Daybook entries, visit Peggy

Handbag Giveaway @ Handbag Plantet

2008-09-26T11:41:00.002-05:00

Handbag Planet is having a handbag giveaway to celebrate it's launch on October 15. Free handbag every hour for 24 hours!! Register online.

Encouraging Words

2008-09-23T08:09:00.002-05:00

Yesterday as I sought encouragement from God's Word this is what I found:

Psalm 43:2-4 "You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight."

Psalm 27:1-5 "The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling."

Fear and doubt creep into my mind little by little, it seems, and then suddenly I find myself in this "pit". Then I tend to feel so guilty that I have let those things take hold that it just compounds that feeling of failure and I feel so unworthy. As I read these Psalms yesterday, the realization hit me that even David, and the sons of Korah, had to seek the Lord for encouragement. They didn't write the Psalms when things were going great in their lives. They encountered times of troubles and heavy hearts just as we do today. Not that I didn't know that before - it just spoke to me in a different way as I read it this time!

Casting Crowns has a new song, Slow Fade, that I have been hearing on the radio and it has really spoken to me as well. These lyrics warn that things don't happen "in a day" that it's a slow fade. What a warning to heed! Those thoughts that slowly come in and take hold can lead to a "slow fade" if I am not standing on God's Word. Here's the chorus to that song:

"It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
And thoughts invade, choices are made,
a price will be paid when you give yourself away, people never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, It's a slow fade."

The Simple Woman's Daybook -10

2008-09-22T08:19:00.004-05:00

For Today...
September 22, 2008

Outside my window...
On this first day of Autumn, a thick fog is beginning to lift and I see peeks of blue sky

I am thinking...
about what needs to be accomplished this week

I am thankful for...
a restful weekend

From the kitchen...
For dinner - a new recipe, Pizza Rolls, from Southern Plate
We tried Country Casserole over the weekend and it was a keeper!

I am wearing...
jeans, t-shirt, tennis shoes

I am reading...
nothing new this week

I am hoping...
to keep grounded in the Word of God this week in an effort to overcome the battle of the mind that I have been engaged in for some time but especially this weekend. This is NOT a place I want to be! I came to the realization this weekend that although my "war" is essentially over, I have emerged a wounded soldier. Our pastor taught a message on "Great Faith" yesterday and I see that I need to embrace that message to help with healing my wounds. Some days, I'll be honest, I'm just not sure I can do it. I know I cannot do it within myself - only with the Lord's help. It's the battle between what God's Word says and what the natural world says. I suppose it shows my weakness and where I MUST rely on the Lord every day. I am thankful that I have a Savior who heals all wounds. I pray for much personal growth as I work through these issues.

I am creating...
working on creating a peaceful heart this week

I am hearing...
birds singing and Nutcracker music. An odd combination, I know, but when you live with a ballet company member, it happens...in September!!

Around the house...
I need to get out the fall decorations

One of my favorite things...
good conversations with my teenagers : )

A few plans for the rest of the week...
young women's support group, home school mom's RENEW (topic is Flylady - a personal favorite), hopefully lunch with a friend that was supposed to happen last week but didn't.

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

my blog is titled "Life at the Lake" and here's a view from my back deck!

To read more "The Simple Woman" posts, visit Peggy

Paint the Park Pink

2008-09-16T11:36:00.002-05:00

Paint the Park Pink

Join us for our 2nd annual Paint the Park Pink at Creekmore Park on October 11th. Survivor's breakfast will begin at 7:30 at the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House and the Walk will begin by the gazebo at 9 a.m. Help us get closer to our vision of a world without breast cancer and register today! You can do so online or by mailing in the registration form to our Affiliate office.

This is a community event to increase awareness of breast cancer, provide education about breast health and raise funds to support research, education screening and treatment that will end breast cancer forever!

I participated in the 1st Anuual Paint the Park Pink last year and it was an awesome event - especially for a first year event. I will be participating again this year and want to invite any of my local blog readers to join in the fun!! You can register online by clicking the link above or print and mail a registration form.

The Simple Woman's Daybook -9

2008-09-15T14:30:00.006-05:00

For Today...

Outside my Window...it feels like autumn; the tell-tale sign is that the windows are OPEN! endless blue sky and cool temperatures

I am thinking...how I wish I had a clothes line for drying my sheets today

From the learning rooms...science experiment that dad was home to help with; literature discussion; more new Spanish words

I am thankful for...hubby's safe arrival at 2:30 a.m. Sunday in the midst of a tropical storm (yes, a tropical storm, in Arkansas). He had been at a boy scout camp for "Weekend on Ropes" training but headed home about 11:30 p.m. rather than risk being stranded at the camp for several days because of high water over the low water bridges

From the kitchen...breakfast - biscuits and gravy, fresh strawberries, and War Eagle Mill grits
lunch - weekend leftovers
dinner - grilled chicken, squash casserole, and green beans

I am wearing...denim capris, tee shirt, and tennis shoes

I am reading...nothing at the moment

I am hoping...to make time for lunch with a friend this week

I am creating...baby gifts for a coming nephew

I am hearing...birds singing

Around the house...floors are swept, dishes washed, sheets washed, rugs hanging to dry on the deck

One of my favorite things...cool nights with the windows open - it's kind of like camping but in my own comfy bed!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...errands to run; first week of co-op classes with our homeschool group; ballet guild meeting

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

I am really not much of a gardener but I am trying to learn. My sister has beautiful flower gardens that inspire me to try because I love seeing the flowers. I have planted zinnias for the past two years and I love the color they add all summer long. They must be very "forgiving" if I am able to keep them alive! Soon it will be time to pull them up and replace them with pansies for cooler weather.

For more of "The Simple Woman's Daybook" visit Peggy.

The Homeschool Freebie of the Day

2008-09-08T11:33:00.003-05:00

The Homeschool Freebie of the Day is an awesome website that offers free downloads every day. I learned of this website earlier in the summer and I look forward to the weekly email that gives me a sneak peek about what's to come each week. Be sure to check out their website and join their list if you'd like the weekly sneak peek email. Here's a look at this week's offerings:

Monday, Sept 8: The Adventures of Pinocchio
Delightful audio dramatization starring Mel Blanc
(the voice of Bugs Bunny) + coloring pages to keep
little hands busy! Cool!

Tuesday, Sept 9: The Story Book of Science
A classic "living book" of stories
about science in nature, provided by
Yesterday's Classics.

Wednesday, Sept 10: 60 Easy Recipes for Body & Bath
Make your own lotions, bath salts, etc.
for family use or as gifts!

Thursday, Sept 11: The Pearl Box, 100 Beautiful Stories
for Young People - classic inspirational &
moral tales for little ones

Friday, Sept 12: Be A Stargazer
Great classic book introducing Astronomy & the
science of light

Make a note of the ones you want, and be sure to stop
by that day and get your copy!

You can download all of these on their respective days
at our site: www.HomeschoolFreebieOfTheDay.com

Simple Woman's Daybook - 8

2008-09-08T07:46:00.006-05:00

For Today...

September 8, 2008

Outside my Window...

another beautiful, sunny day

I am thinking...
about my sister, Nancy, as she travels home from Canada today, hoping she had an awesome trip and has lots of pictures to share

From the learning rooms...
Rachel cleaned and re-arranged her room yesterday with help from dad. They re-bunked her beds and she has soooo much more room; moved her desk to a place where it will receive more natural light from her window; these should make her work space very conducive to learning this week. Learning how to make yeast rolls. Hopefully we will begin a sewing project late in the week.

I am thankful for...
the birthday I will celebrate later this week; a sweet hubby who took me away for the day on Friday to celebrate early since he will be out of town next weekend.

From the kitchen...
breakfast - homemade blueberry muffins (leftovers from yesterday)

lunch - leftover enchiladas

dinner - dirty rice (freezer meal), salad, homemade rolls

I am wearing...
shorts and a tee shirt

I am reading...

When Did I Stop Being Barbie & Become Mrs. Potato Head? by Mary Pierce and The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace

I am hoping...

to have a very productive week this week with few or no interruptions. Hubby was home on vacation last week and it was great having him here and we did school like we should but it's always easier when it's pretty quiet around here : )

I am creating...
Planning some baby gifts I need to make; teaching Rachel about patterns, fabric and sewing - she'll make a pair of sleep pants

I am hearing...

Doves cooing in the tree outside my window; music from Rachel's room.

Around the house...
Ironing, bill paying, and *hopefully* clean off the table in my room that is covered with books to be sold (or packed away to sell next year), photos that need to go in a book or box, and books from last year that need to be stored in the cabinets downstairs - can you say - procrastination : )

One of my favorite things...
Pictures that my siblings send of my nieces

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Our home school support group Co-op registration is Thursday. My husband and I serve as treasurers of our group so I will be busy taking money on Thursday. Rachel will register for a computer class (learning HTML - maybe she can teach me a thing or two!!), and I will assist with a PE class this semester. We have missed co-op for the past two years and are looking forward to participating once again!!

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

This picture of my niece was shared with me over the weekend. Isn't she adorable?? Okay, I know I am a little biased!!

Thank you Peggy for hosting the Simple Woman's Daybook each week. To read more Daybook entries, visit here.

Random Ramblings

2008-09-06T18:33:00.002-05:00

The last couple of weeks have kept us pretty busy getting adjusted to everyone's new fall schedule. Allan is doing well at college and adjusting well to his new schedule of school in the morning and work in the afternoon. His car is back at the paint shop (having the doors repainted) and will hopefully be done this week and on it's way to the "top" shop to have its new convertible top installed. I will be glad when he has it finished so we don't have to juggle cars when it rains.

Rachel is doing very well with her schoolwork. Last week was the first week for regular classes at ballet. Company girls have been having class since the first week of August but now we start our regular fall schedule with everyone else. It doesn't seem like we should be thinking about Christmas already but, Nutcracker auditions are next Saturday. Rachel doesn't have to audition but she will be helping with the auditions.

We went to Louisiana last weekend for the long holiday weekend. We haven't done that for a long time! It was nice to see our families, even for just a short visit. We saw more of Robert's family than anticipated - they had to evacuate from their homes in south Texas because of hurricane Gustav. Thankfully, they didn't have damage. Mom and my sister both lost electricity at their homes but Mom's was restored the following day. Not sure about Nancy's - She left for a long awaited trip to Canada hoping hers would be turned back on soon! I hope she is having a great trip celebrating her 25th anniversary!! I can't wait till she's back and I get to see her pictures.

We enjoyed having Robert home last week on vacation. Yesterday, the two of us spent a fun day away for an early birthday celebration. It was a beautiful day, sunny and cool, so we drove up Hwy. 71 and stopped by the new Lake Fort Smith State Park. It is very pretty - nice lake, campsites (although we wish they were closer to the lake), visitor center, and pool. Maybe we'll camp there sometime in the future. It would be a great place to take Allan's boat. We left the park and drove to Rogers for lunch at Abuelo's (Mexican) and shopping at Pinnacle Hills Promenade. We stopped at Target on our way home. It will be SO nice when our Target opens next month!!!! We had a great day.

Back to School

2008-08-27T22:17:00.002-05:00

Rachel started school last Monday and it is going well. We are trying some new things this year and so far they are all working very well. I am NOT a morning person so for all the years we have home educated our kids, I haven't ever done very well with making the kids get up early. However, things are changing this year!! I am getting up at 6:00 and Rachel is up by 6:30. Our days have been very productive and it feels good to have that sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. We changed some curriculum this year and so far it has been good. Rachel is a good student but she has always struggled with getting her math finished in a timely manner. Some days it seemed that she would never get finished. I was dreading this year because it's time for Algebra I and I knew I didn't want to use the curriculum we used for Allan. We decided to use Teaching Textbooks Algebra I for Rachel and it is amazing. She LIKES doing her algebra. And not only does she like it, it does not take her all day to complete an assignment - what a blessing it is. She is also taking Spanish I, Physical Science, Home Economics, English, Literature, and World Geography. She likes all of her subjects except science. We change from Abeka to Apologia for high school and it doesn't have all the pretty pictures like Abeka and it also requires the student to think a little more. We are "test driving" a four day school week this year with Friday mornings to do home economics projects and Friday afternoons for chores and completing any assignments that might not have been finished by Thursday afternoon. Rachel is doing her own laundry now and Fridays are a good day since she doesn't have ballet!

Allan began his freshman year of college on Monday. His classes are going well so far and he likes his schedule. All of his classes are morning classes and that makes it easy for him to get school out of the way before he goes to work. It has been very different with him gone from home all day. I suppose it is no different from kids who are in public school all day but it is very different from what our last 7 years have been. I am so thankful for the time that we had together for his last seven years of school and that we were open to the Lord's leading us on this path.

Freezer Cooking

2008-08-27T13:00:00.003-05:00

I usually do a menu plan for two weeks and do the bulk of the shopping at once. It is so helpful for me to have a plan and know what's for dinner so I am not left trying to figure it out at 4:00 in the afternoon! Several days of the week I actually cook our main meal at noon because I am not home in the evening. Our current plan included several meals with ground meat so I bought a bunch and hadn't put it in the freezer yet. Yesterday's menu was meatloaf, green beans and loaded mashed potatoes. When I make meatloaf, I always make an extra to freeze - it's too easy not to. Well, I decided that if I was going to chop onion and bell pepper for meatloaf, why not go ahead and make all the meals I had planned for these two weeks that call for ground beef, onion and bell pepper?? So, here's what I ended up with: One meatloaf to bake, one to freeze, two meals of Dirty Rice, big batch of taco meat, two meals of Jones Burgers (sloppy joes), and one bag of seasoned ground beef that can be used in any casserole. Today I have two cut up chickens cooking in the crock pot and plans to make Spicy Chicken Spaghetti and Chicken Pot Pie this evening. I should get at least 4 meals from these. I'll share our 2 week menu plan below as well as a few of the recipes.

Meatloaf, loaded mashed potatoes, green beans
Spicy Chicken Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread
Steak & Mushrooms, salad, corn
Chicken Pot Pie, salad
Tacos (and maybe enchiladas)
Grilled Chicken and squash casserole (from the freezer) - Grill extra chicken for fajitas later
Dirty Rice, salad, rolls
Chicken Fajitas (from chicken cooked earlier) and beans
Jones Burgers
Hot Tamale Casserole

Spicy Chicken Spaghetti

8 oz. package of spaghetti
1/4 cup butter
1/2 large onion chopped
8 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed
10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped (I use whatever kind of chicken I have)
1 can cream of chicken soup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook Spaghetti and drain. Place in a 13" x 9" baking dish coated with cooking spray. Melt butter in a large skillet; add onion and saute for 3 to 5 minutes. Add cheese and rotel, stirring until cheese melts. Stir in chicken and soup, blending well. Pour over spaghetti in baking dish. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

NOTE: For freezing - I just mix all the ingredients together and freeze in a gallon size ziploc bag. Thaw overnight, then pour into a greased casserole dish and bake as directed.

Dirty Rice

1 lb. ground chuck
chopped onion
chopped bell pepper
salt to taste
1 can French onion soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup uncooked long grain rice

Brown beef, onions, and bell pepper. Drain. Add the soups and rice. You can add a little water if needed to thin the mixture. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees in a 9" x 13" pan for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.

FOR FREEZER - After mixing all ingredients, pour into a gallon ziploc bag and freeze. Thaw, pour into casserole dish and bake as directed.

Chicken Pot Pie

4 Chicken breasts, cooked and deboned
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cans mixed vegetables
1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust

Cook and debone the chicken. Mix with the soups and the drained vegetables. Pour into a 9" x 13" casserole and top with the pie crusts. Bake at 400 degrees until the crust is nicely browned and the filling is bubbly (about 45 minutes).

For Freezer: Mix the chicken, soups and vegetables. Pour into a gallon ziploc bag and freeze. Thaw, pour into casserole dish, top with crust and bake as directed.

These are all three recipes our family likes and they freeze well. Because we have a small family, I usually mix the recipe and divide into two meals (cooking in a 9" square pan) - one to eat and one to freeze. However, they are really easy to double if you want to make larger portions.

I was introduced to freezer cooking by some moms in our home school support group several years ago. I hadn't done a lot of freezer cooking but tried to double recipes when I could and freeze them. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, I had several friends who literally filled our freezer with freezer meals. I cannot tell you what a blessing it was during those 7 months of weekly chemotherapy treatments to be able to pull a meal from the freezer when I was unable to prepare a meal for my family myself. After that, I determined that I wanted to do more freezer meals and then I realized how nice it is to have at least several meals in the freezer at a time!

Simple Woman's Daybook - 7

2008-08-25T23:14:00.003-05:00

For Today...
August 25, 2008

Outside my Window...
Darkness. I was gone all day so am late posting.

I am thinking...

I should be in bed : )

I am thankful for...
as my doctor put it - a boringly normal mammogram

From the kitchen...
Lots of cooking this week, doubling recipes for freezer meals

I am wearing...
pj's

I am reading...

When Did I Stop Being Barbie & Become Mrs. Potato Head? by Mary Pierce and The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace

I am hoping...
Allan's second day as a college Freshman is awesome and that he likes all of his professors (he didn't like one today ; )

I am hearing...

it's very quiet - everyone's in bed; the cuckoo clock ticking

Around the house...
a little bit of pick up to do in the morning

One of my favorite things...

movies with Rach

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...

today was BUSY - I was only home about 1 1/2 hours between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. so I am thankful the rest of the week is pretty normal - school, ballet, church, quiet weekend at home.

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

To read more Daybook Entries, visit Peggy at Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman's Daybook - 6

2008-08-18T13:54:00.001-05:00

For Today...

Outside my Window...overcast skies, keeping it on the cooler side today.

I am thinking...about errands I need to take care of while in town this afternoon.

I am thankful for...a great first day of school; clean laundry; clean sheets

From the kitchen...the menu for the week:
Monday: Sandwiches
Tuesday: Taco Salad
Wednesday: Crockpot barbecue
Thursday: Hot Tamales and pinto beans
Friday: Homemade Pizza

I am wearing...jeans, red tank, red plaid button down

I am reading... The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace (for Book Day)

I am hoping...to take Allan for a quick shopping trip this afternoon (he needs some clothes to start college)

I am hearing...the clicking of the keyboard

Around the house...Need to menu plan for the next 2-4 weeks; need to reintroduce FlyLady
to my house.

One of my favorite things...Seeing Rachel embrace the change in math curriculum today!! Also watching her curled up in my chair, reading.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Get settled in our school routine; doctor appointment; Book Day on Friday.

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

Thanks to Peggy for hosting "The Simple Woman's Daybook" each week!

Ouch!

2008-08-15T16:36:00.002-05:00

Allan's first semester of college begins a week from Monday. In preparation, I took him to buy books yesterday. Can you say "OUCH"! 6 courses, 16 hours, $575 worth of USED books. Now we just have to pay the rest of his fees and tuition that aren't covered by his scholarship. I know, I better get used to it. This is just the beginning of the next 4 years. And then it will be Rachel's turn so it's really just the beginning of the next 8 years. I'm just glad they aren't going to be in college at the same time!!

School starts for Rachel on Monday. 9th grade and classes like Spanish, World Geography, Algebra I, English & Literature, Home Economics, and Physical Science. We are trying a new Algebra program and I hope it will be really good for her. The beginning of high school for her. I feel kind of like it's the beginning of the end for me. The transition to only one child at home (well in school at home - Allan is still living at home), and the last time I will use these books with my child. I can't imagine what it will feel like when she is a senior and then she is the one starting college. I don't really think I even want to go there right now!!

The house has been quiet for the past two weeks. Allan works in the morning until early afternoon or sometimes, like today, late afternoon. Rachel has been at ballet for the past two weeks; this week from 9:30 a.m. until 7:15 p.m. Next week might be hard to get back into a school routine but I am looking forward to it. It's always good to get back on a schedule. It keeps me a bit more accountable for my time and takes lots more planning to get it all done. I have a menu planned through the end of next week but need to work on the following week and into September. During the school year it takes some planning to get meals on the table because we are all home at different times. Eating out is such a budget breaker and we need to keep it to a bare minimum this year. I'm looking for quick meals for those days when time is at a premium and also for meals that reheat well. Some days it's easier if I cook our main meal at lunch time but it needs to be something that is good reheated for those who aren't home at lunch.

I'm heading out to dinner with my hubby - yeah for a date night!

Simple Woman's Daybook - 5

2008-08-11T10:59:00.004-05:00

For Today...

Outside my Window...it’s a cloudy morning; the rain has stopped for now but will probably return later in the day. It’s rained a lot since Saturday evening but it is a very welcome rain, refreshing after our recent hot, dry spell.

I am thinking...and praying for a young friend who is undergoing surgery this morning to remove another brain tumor. You can read his story here: Pray for Travis

I am thankful for...the good news I just received; a convicting message at church yesterday – yes, I said I am thankful for that : ) Sometimes we have sin that we don’t even consider to be sin until it is pointed out in a message where you least expect it. I am so thankful for a loving Savior who I can turn to in repentance and receive forgiveness for the ugliness in my life.

From the kitchen...the menu for the week:
Monday: Sub Sandwiches
Tuesday: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Wednesday: BIG recipe of Spaghetti and homemade Meatballs (extras for the freezer)
Thursday: Blackened Flounder
Friday: Turkey Club Pizza
Saturday: Chicken & Dumplings (thanks for the inspiration from my sisters and a recipe from “Dingbats in the Kitchen”)
Sunday: Taco Salad

I am wearing...my favorite – jeans : )

I am reading... The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace (for Book Day)

I am hoping...to get lots of school planning done this afternoon

I am hearing...a favorite praise and worship CD

Around the house...lots of laundry waiting to be tackled. Plans to make homemade laundry soap using a recipe from BusyBusyMommy and At Home with the Hobbs

One of my favorite things...the opportunity to show hospitality. It seems like in the busy world we live in that we don’t take time to offer hospitality like in days past. One of hubby’s high school friends and his family came for a visit yesterday. They are headed to the northern U.S. (from TX) on vacation and called to see if it would be okay if they stopped here for a visit. Are you kidding?? You have to ask?? This is one of those friendships that they don’t talk to one another often but when they do, it’s just like they talked last week. We so enjoyed catching up on life since the last time we saw them, seeing how their boys are growing up, and enjoying a meal together. We pray they have a blessed and safe two weeks on the road. They have been hitting the road in their travel trailer for the past few years for two weeks at a time in hopes of showing their boys all 48 lower states before they are grown and leave home. How fun!!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Lots of preparation for the coming school year. The plan is to begin school next Monday – yikes.

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

Thanks to Peggy for hosting "The Simple Woman's Daybook" each week!

Traveling Sisters

2008-08-06T09:33:00.005-05:00

My life has been blessed with a brother and two sisters. I am #2, the middle girl. As kids we weren't always appreciative of one another and weren't always close, but as adults we have all become very close to one another. We grew up in Louisiana but have since scattered across the south to Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and North Carolina. We learned that as you have children it is harder to get together but my sisters and I (and sometimes brother and sil) have tried to get together at least once a year for the past five or six years. We call it our "sister's trip". The older two of us have older children but the younger two have young children and babies. Makes it lots of fun!! The first sister trip was with no kids and we had tons of fun in Myrtle Beach. The subsequent trips have been to NC, TX, and LA to one of our homes and included some or all of our children. Sometimes we drive, sometimes we fly (seems there's always an adventure getting there). This year we found really great airfare so we got to fly - and we made it with no delays and no lost luggage, no extraordinary adventures. We love just being together and hanging out, spoiling each others children, and getting to know them better. Last week was our most recent sister trip to NC. We helped our 5 year old niece, Emily, celebrate her birthday and that was lots of fun. She had a big party with a backyard water slide, lunch and a mermaid cake made by her creative mommy. Her baby sister Brooke, 21 mos., was so much fun! She had grown up a lot since we saw her last summer. Rachel got lots of experience taking care of the girls and hopes to use some of that experience babysitting. Shopping in NC is always a treat with it's wide variety of stores all very close to Wendy's house, so we engaged in a little "retail therapy" while there. Nancy, Wendy and I went to see Mama Mia and had fun laughing at all the music we remembered (well Nancy and I did - Wendy is the baby and that music was before her time!!). The week was over all too quickly, but we were so thankful we had the opportunity once again to be together and share lots of love and laughter. We leave one another, usually in tears, planning our next rendezvous, always thankful for the time we have shared together, always thankful that we are sisters and that we have an unfailing love for one another. To my sisters - thank you for the memories and most of all, thank you for your laughter and love. Until next time, I love you!