Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, November 30, 2009...

Outside my window...cold and rainy. I've left the soft crunch of Colorado snow for the mushy squish of East Texas mud. sniff, sigh.

I am remembering...my dad. He was a very fun guy.

I am thankful for...our quiet week away. Well, "quiet" like no computers, tv's, or phone calls. The actual volume level approached "raucous" at times just 'cause my family is hilarious, that's why.

I am creating...a celebratory environment for Christmas. (which is joy-code for "I have to vacuum the fireplace bricks & mantle today.")

I am going...somewhere special tomorrow...not sure if I can really say...but I've been looking forward to it for weeks. Nope, I can't tellya.

I am reading...through a pile of advent books...hoping to come up with this year's "plan". Yes, I know what tomorrow is.

I am hoping...the kids and I can happily find our groove today.

On my mind...all the things that need to be done today, and all the fun we had at Horn Creek.

From the learning rooms...we have one more day of holiday today. Then two weeks of lessons before our Christmas break. Should be "nothin' but a thang".

Noticing that...my lips no longer need an hourly application of chapstick. (Finding joy in humidity!)

Pondering these words..."Being thankful is therefore always more than a glib note of gratitude or a warm sentiment in general; it requires something far more personal. It not only chooses to recognize the gifts before us, but recognizes that there must also be a giver. There is Someone to thank. There is indeed One from whom all blessings flow." Jill Carattini, Slice of Infinity

From the kitchen..."starting from scratch" says it all. The kitchen has been empty and still for a full week. Maybe "up and running" says some of it:)

Around the house...Laundry bulges out of every hamper, but otherwise we are officially "unpacked". The tree is up but bare. The children are barely up.

One of my favorite things...is jalapeno pepper jelly with crackers & cream cheese.

From my picture journal...a few out-takes from the Christmas photo shoot



To participate or simply enjoy more daybooks, visit The Simple Woman.

Sisters

Kathy took Christmas photos this weekend. Here is a sample of Mari Alice and Elizabeth. More to follow. (yay)

One Way or The Other

You know when you're facing a tough decision...
There are pro's and con's...
Cost to benefit ratios...
A right way and a wrong way...

I wish life's choices were clearly marked: horrible ideas would appear red and really great ideas would seem green. As I look at the options, I feel like they might be color coded indeed.

But at present, I am color blind.

"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." Proverbs 3:5-6

What is the Deal?

For the last couple weeks, I've been stopping by Bloggerville - wondering who has posted recently, and my sidebar indicates that I am alone in the land of updates.

With a couple clicks around, I find this to be completely NOT true. Several friends have published recently, but my dealie-bop refuses to inform me.

Happy to find I'm not alone.
Frustrated that I've been missing out.

ok, so since we're sharing...

Ashlin came to me the other day and rattled off a bunch of information pertaining to her upcoming birthday celebration...the one I have not even thought about. She wanted to tell me what we were getting for her friends, she wondered aloud if so-in-so would be able to come, and she needed to show me what she might wear plus finalize the menu.

Slightly dazed, I explained, "Ash, we haven't really decided what to do to celebrate your big day..I don't really know what you're talking about...I don't quite understand..."

She stared at me with a hint of displeasure, but with a touch of patience. "OK, Mom. Do you want be to start over and speak slower?"

Thank You, God, for blogger. (You know I'm serious) I need a vent and this has served me well...even if it is a little high maintenance and unreliable (aren't we all?) Thank You for Ashlin. I look forward to submitting to her skillful preparation for Thanksgiving 2032 as she hosts it in her well-managed home.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, November 15, 2009...


Outside my window...the wind is whispering a wintry welcome.

I am remembering...how many times I lost my cool today. Lord, forgive me.

I am thankful for...new mercies for tomorrow! Thank You, Jesus!

I am creating...packing lists for Colorado.

I am going...to clean my room tomorrow is it's the ONLY thing I do.

I am reading...too many things. I need to slow down and focus.

I am hoping...everyone stays healthy for our trip.

On my mind...the children in the World Vision catalog.

From the learning rooms...completed assignments are means to an end: hunting, playing with friends, and travel plans.

Noticing that...my toenails need to be painted.

Pondering these words..."Whether we think of, or speak to, God, whether we act or suffer for Him, all is prayer, when we have no other object than His love, and the desire of pleasing Him." - John Wesley

From the kitchen...Pasta e Fagioli for family and friends followed by the joyful baking of banana bread and dark chocolate-craisin pumpkin bites.

Around the house...few chores and several children. (satisfied grin)

One of my favorite things...is crushed ice. Year round.

From my picture journal...


To participate or simply enjoy more daybooks, visit The Simple Woman.

Well Stated

William Temple: "Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God. It is the quickening of the conscience by his holiness; the nourishment of mind with his truth; the purifying of imagination by his beauty; the opening of the heart to his love; the surrender of will to his purpose—all this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable."

Synonyms & Weaponry with Mari

Yesterday at the lunch table, Mari Alice reported, "Big, Honkin', and Huge mean all the same thing."

Every time Luke and I get into a pretend scuffle - you know the kind where I've got him in a pretend choke hold & he's talkin' trash & pretending not to be in pain - Mari runs to her pretend kitchen and hurries back armed with a large wooden rolling pin. "Here, Momma, beat him with this!" Then we all just laugh, 'cause where did she even get that idea??

Hey Diddle Diddle

The cow...
...jumped over the moon...

...and the dish...

...ran away with the spoon.



Fall Festival 2009