The Simple Woman's Daybook

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.