Happy New Year!

We will be here to ring in the New Year. A place that could not be more perfect for reflecting, breathing, and slowing down to remember all the blessings of 2010. A place to discuss, dream and plan for the year we are about to embark on. God is good...all the time!

verry merry

What is done, is all that is going to get done. We are officially finished with work, for this year, and have begun our first vacation. Spending the day wrapping a couple of gifts, finishing up the baking and beginning Christmas Dinner preparations. This afternoon we head to Grandparents for Christmas Eve Italian Dinner. Please pass the eggnog!

Christmas Day Dinner
Pork Tenderloin
Spinach Salad
Green Beans
Seasoned Potatoes
Jello Salad
Bread

Desserts: Christmas Bark, Peanut Butter Fudge,
Biscotti, and anything else that shows up.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:10-14

Merry Christmas!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... December 21, 2010

Outside my window... it is a chilly morning. Much I was up and outside my window the sky was crystal clear, with a beautiful "red" moon and two falling stars...it was spectacular.

I am thinking... about a young friend leaving for Haiti today. She is trained, prepared and knows how to love on babies; but she is leaving her family five days before Christmas, and I just want all of them be alright. Prayers for travel, health, and a mighty presence for God.

I am thankful for... two young ladies that are the best of friends and love each other SO much. I am blessed to be their mama.

From the learning rooms... movie nights, game night, Jesse Tree, baking, reading, farming ~ OK, none of this is happening in the learning room, but plenty of learning is taking place.

From the kitchen... we are half way through two weeks of menus we created as a family and it is wonderful. Something I need to do all the time, not just during busy times. Everyone checks the menu and gets it done.

I am wearing... jammies.

I am creating... a tablecloth and a few Christmas gifts.

I am remembering... this family in prayer.

I am going... Christmas shopping later today.

I am currently reading... a book I can't even remember the title of...not much reading happening.

I am hoping... that in the midst of heartache, several families we know can celebrate the gift of Christmas. It has been a tough year of loss for some that we love.

I am hearing... silence, it is very unusual.

On my mind... the list of things that must be done at the beginning of the year.

Noticing that... this little farm is so much happier with a pig in the pen.

Around the house... we are still finishing Christmas decorations.

One of my favorite things... Christmas music.

From my picture journal...Miss Piggy came home in the dark. She needed a little pen work so she couldn't escape and the truck needed to be cleaned out. All had to be done with the help of headlights.




Thank you Peggy for hosting the Simple Woman's Daybook.
Thanks for stopping by, feel free to link over and read more Daybooks.

gratitude

#56 a friend to share an unplanned dinner out and a little Christmas shopping with

#57 parents celebrating 45 years of marriage...thanks for never giving up

#58 a little dreary, cold, damp and sometimes misty, weather ~ it feels a little more like winter during Christmas

#59 experience ~ that teaches me it is OK to be this unprepared for Christmas this late in the month

#60 only three and a half days of work left before a much needed extended break

#61 my church family

#62 the courage to begin a tablecloth by cutting the fabric I have had for more than a year, not nearly as difficult as I was making it

#63 grandparents that live close enough for movie nights and Christmas shopping...have fun girls

#64 a new perspective

#65 chickens that decided it is a good thing to lay eggs again

#66 in the middle of mountains of work, they still ask me to play (and I get to be the nana)
#67 warm flannel sheets to crawl into

#68 a sleep doctor that gave my husband a new life

#69 family movie night

#70 JESUS...the only gift that really matters

Merry Christmas!

Thank you Ann for hosting such thankfulness!

sunday snapshot

The pigs need water...farm work builds character,
makes this boy think twice about career choice.
Note to self, if I choose to be a farmer rental cost
of the trencher is worth it. Only one more pen to
run water to once this one is finished.
Thank you son, for your labor.

right now...at this moment

It has been a long time since I have been in this space and while much has happened it will show up in another post, maybe. My camera has also been as still as this little space, but I managed to pick it up and capture about fifteen minutes of life. These images represent the little things I am noticing, not wanting to forget, Living in the present...

A simple Christmas is happening all around...
no rushing, no panic, no chaos ~ it will all get done, it always does...

Girls needing some outside time, knitting included...

Remnants of last nights fire...a foreshadowing
of nights throughout the cool season...

Crisp laundry drying quickly in blustery days...

Cozy new flannel sheets ~ bed warmers used
nightly in this house that does not turn on heat...

New pigs in the pigpen...

Chicks growing quickly are moving to a bigger broader this weekend...

Little girls just waking up,,,

Cozy mornings and evenings standing in front of this spot...

Our Jesse Tree.

I pray you have a blessed week and in case I don't make it back here...

Merry Christmas!

a new season

Thankful this morning for the ordinary...

#41 a new season, crisp air allows windows to be open through the night and early in the day

#42 a weekend of rest

#43 a little bit of knitting

#44 a walk and a bike ride with my husband


#45 bacon cooking with open windows...what makes that so wonderful?

#46 one little girl that "loves ironing",(her words)

#47 school on the porch

#47 autumn breezes

#48 watching one son score a touchdown, glad I didn't blink at the wrong time

#49 children that must dawn a hat and gloves on the very first cool morning and go outside, usually to ride a bike ~ this happens like clock work every year

#50 anything baked apple (it's definitely Fall)

#51 a morning walk (or bike ride) that happens here...
#52 too much work, because it seems better than too little work

#53 a new haircut for Locks of Love...

before

after

#54 a dog that survived tick paralysis

#55 new (to us) furniture

Rest in Him...

A quiet Sunday...complete with a family meal, a nap, some football, some fishing, a little reading and maybe a movie. Thankful He instructed us to set aside a day to refresh before the hectic week continues.

This moment captured while home by myself, something that rarely happens, and I chose to rest.

Stop by Stefanie's to see and share your own Sunday snapshots.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today...
Wednesday, September 28, 2010.

Outside my window...
The sun must be up...but is is very gray. We should get much needed rain, but they said that yesterday too. I am ready for a break in the humidity, but so very thankful for the rain.

I am thinking...
cooler nights filled with outside fires, pots of soup and hot chocolate can't get here soon enough. About finishing my 100 photos project. I am on number 12, so this will require some focus.

I am thankful for...
Dave Ramsey and his insightful financial teaching.

From the kitchen...
homemade granola we are out of cereal. I buy cereal only on sale and when it's gone, it's gone. We try to have family supper on Wednesday because we are all home.

From the learning room...
things are going really well. We have definitely found our rhythm and everyone is making good progress.

I am wearing...
walking clothes.

I am creating...
a baby gift of knitted bib, knitted had and cute little onesie. It is finished to the point of blocking, wrapping and packing. I am ready to cast on my caplet for what I hope is the very last time.

I am going...
to go correct math as soon as this post is finished.

I am reading...
One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury, but I just don't have the time to read, to myself that is.

I am praying for...
so many people right now. A sweet family facing life threatening illness, marital problems in another family, life altering medical adjustments for an elder, healing in my own family, friends and family saying good bye to a women who died suddenly at only 39, and a dad to young children diagnosed with bone cancer that made it only 8 more days, just to name a few. So many people around us are hurting that my heart feels heavy and over burdened.

I am pondering these words...
(in light of all the pain those around me are facing)
"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

I am hoping...
to find some incredible deal on a flight to NYC.

I am hearing...
the pitter-patter of feet above my head. The alarm clock has been ringing far too long.

Around the house...
it is obvious we are a self employed homeschool family. I am tickled pink to have my closet light back. Not only do I have it back, it is no longer flouresent, which means my clothes appear the color they actually are. Thank you Mr. D.C for fixing that for me.

One of my favorite things...
hearing "These are a few of my Favorite Things", on the piano by my favorite twelve year old.

A few plans for the rest of the week: 4-H meeting, missed knitting, large project completed for our business, road trip for Friday night football game, some creative time.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... walking in the rain ~ dedication!

Thank you Peggy for the Simple Woman's Daybook {follow links to read more}.

a little participation

Jerralea tagged me to answer the following questions. I am supposed to answer these questions and then ask my own eight "new" questions and tag eight new people. I am really bad at this game. I have always been bad at the real tag too, never liked it. Ten days have passed (now you know why I was/am bad...I'm slow) and I am just now getting to the questions and I know there are no new questions coming and no tags. Thank you Jerralea for asking me to play along. Here are the answers to your thoughtful questions and I am sorry for not being a team player.

1. What was the first meal you ever prepared?

The first meal, I remember preparing, the month we were married, was a roast in the crock pot. The crock pot was a wedding gift. I was gone for the day to register for school an hour from home. I called home from a pay phone (remember those?), to ask my husband how it was coming along. He informed me when he returned from work it was still pink. What? This was after a day of tears trying to register in a new school, as a senior, having to retake the ACT because they would not take an SAT score, you get the picture. Long story short, we did not eat the roast, exchanged the crock pot and just for the record my husband does not eat roast. Maybe this was the best thing that could have happened. I would have been crushed that he did not like my supper.

2. What is your favorite worship song?

(easy peasy) In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

3. If you could do any occupation, what would it be?

I would like to be an independent contractor for government agencies as a Sign Language interpreter. I think it would be so rewarding to help people that can not communicate due to deafness. I would be able to work when I felt like it and I would think this would be a decent paying job, but honestly I have not researched that far.

4. What is your favorite flower? I don't really have a favorite. But I did grow these from seed.

5. Would you rather wear one pair of shoes all the time and switch purses, or only carry one purse and have different pairs of shoes?

I don't like to change purses and I don't have a lot of shoes. I would choose "one purse and different shoes" though.

6. Name one fashion fad you hope never comes back.

Bell bottoms...but they will.

7. Would you rather handwrite in cursive or print?

I would rather print for neatness, but write in cursive for speed. (I am not doing very well at answering these questions as Jerralea asked them.)

8. Would you rather see a bestselling movie, or read the book?
Read the book hands down! The book is ALWAYS better.

She is twelve...

What happens when you forget to prepare half of the meal for a birthday party? Sound scary? Instead of eating lunch, you eat supper. This happened yesterday, FOR REAL. We had family in for lunch to celebrate Hannah's twelfth birthday. On the menu was homemade burritos and I was way behind in my preparations.

Instead of getting everything done on Saturday I chose to take the girls to the beach to play with a new friend that was in town and we stayed for a very late supper.

We called home to check on all the men, who had been gone for the day, and asked them to go finish the grocery shopping for lunch on Sunday. We rolled in late, tired, relaxed and glad we had made time to visit with friends.

It was too late to bake the cake so I would have to get up early before church to get that done. Cake finished, I made grits to have with breakfast, they are her favorite. Didn't have time to start the burritos, they will have to wait until after service.

Once back home, I cut up all the toppings, mixed the dough and plugged in the tortilla press. Ran to my room for something and had a eureka moment...We are missing all of the hot "stuff" that goes in the burrito. No meat, no refried beans and worst of all the meat's still frozen.

How does this happen? In a state of panic, I stand at the microwave willing it to work faster. These are the things that make me crazy, why does my brain not work like it used too? In the light of eternity it really does not matter. My family will have a good laugh and memories are made. And above all else, I am still grateful because He is God and I am not.

An on going list of one thousand gifts...
#31 the defrost setting on my microwave

#32 movies like this

#33 a Savior that paid my debt

#34 a freshly washed dog

photo by one of the children

#35 a mopped kitchen floor

#36 a Sunday nap (no,I did not have one yesterday)

#37 children choosing to have a good attitude when things don't go their way

#38 cousins choosing to homeschool

#39 understanding family

#40 Hannah's new bike

Lisa Leonard New Necklace Giveaway

Really liking this today! And she is giving a couple away.

Multitude Monday

An ongoing list of one thousand gifts...

#16 a day of rest

#17 ice cold air conditioning

#18 a country lane to walk for exercise

#18 a daughter who turns twelve this week

#19 the right to vote

#20 goat noises

#21 good memories

#22 kitties that wait at the back door

#23 flowers in bloom

#24 a clean car

#25 to know that Fall is coming

#26 too much work

#27 my dryer on a rainy day

#28 finding money

#29 a friend dropping by

#30 teachable moments

Thank you Ann, for hosting this very profitable list that is a constant reminder of just how blessed we truly are.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... Saturday, September 4, 2010

Outside my window... it is sticky hot, sunny and boys are doing yard work...at the neighbors.

I am thinking... I would like to have a garage sale some time this Fall.

I am thankful for... the wee farm I live on.

From the learning rooms... back to school, speech, football, orchestra and business.

I am wearing...a nightgown at 11:30 on a Saturday morning...there are no children home.

I am creating...a caplet. It is finished and about half the size it should be. I will be casting it on larger needles tonight at knitting...and this was an EASY project. I am not sure I will ever knit anything very well. UPDATE...finished AGAIN on larger needles and way too big. I will cast on again and adjust the pattern. At knitting this week (8/17) the consensus was that when I used size 7 it was too little, size 11 and it was too big so size 9 and it will be just right. NO UPDATE TO REPORT.

I am going... to work on my menu planning and cooking ahead planning. This is soooo helpful with full schedules.

I am reading... a Karen Kingsbury novel, finished Oceans Apart and starting A Time to Embrace. I have done a lot of reading over the Summer and hope to keep it up into Fall.

I am praying for... a sweet family that wishes they could transition to homeschool and strength for a family ministering to a sick parent.

Pondering these words~ I'm sorry, but I just can't do that. Why is it I have such a hard time using these words and others have no trouble at all (even when they should NOT use them).
I am STILL hoping... to have breakfast and beach time with a friend soon. (I think I'll leave this here until we make this work.) UPDATE: running out of time, trying to figure our how to make this work. It is still plenty warm enough to go to the beach.

I am hearing...complete silence. Dad is still sleeping and all children are gone. This is a rare occasion at our house.

Around the house... garage sale pondering and purging.

One of my favorite things... an unexpected opportunity coming along when I thought there was no way possible. These are especially nice when I did nothing and yet they happened.

A few plans for the rest of the week: a couple of projects for Dad, helping children to do what they need to, preparing meals, morning walks...that seems like a pretty full life.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... Under Friday night lights...it must be Fall. coming soon (OK, later than I hoped)

Thank you Peggy for the Simple Woman's Daybook {follow links to read more}.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... Thursday, August 19, 2010

Outside my window... clouds are causing the day to go from bright sunny to overcast and then sunny again.

I am thinking... about a cousin who is just beginning her journey of homeschooling. She is nervous, insecure, unsure anxious. She is a wonderful mother and the best teacher her children will ever have. I pray she finds her groove, curriculum and a great support group.

I am thankful for...the girls safe return. They had a wonderful trip to the mountains with grandparents and an aunt. Two weeks was just about the perfect amount of time for them and me.

From the learning rooms... continuing to direct my effort towards Fall planning.

I am wearing...a visor when I walk in the morning. I find it less annoying than sun glasses.

I am creating...a caplet. It is finished and about half the size it should be. I will be casting it on larger needles tonight at knitting...and this was an EASY project. I am not sure I will ever knit anything very well. UPDATE...finished AGAIN on larger needles and way too big. I will cast on again and adjust the pattern. At knitting this week (8/17) the consensus was that when I used size 7 it was too little, size 11 and it was too big so size 9 and it will be just right.

I am going...to need a nap this afternoon. I will not have time for one but I wish I did.

I am reading... a Karen Kingsbury novel, finished Oceans Apart and starting A Time to Embrace. I have done a lot of reading over the Summer and hope to keep it up into Fall. UPDATE: So busy I have not even started this yet.

I am praying for... order to the "school" part of our day. We are so busy right now I find it overwhelming that we will need to set aside a chunk of our day for academics. I know this challenge will ease with the two older boys heading back to school daily but it still seems like a huge job.

Pondering these words~ It's bedtime. I need to go to bed before my children and I do not like that. We are discussing how to handle this in our house ~ everyone goes to bed, reading aloud, who can stay up, who needs instruction and or supervision, etc. This is an interesting issue to have on the table. Life would have been so much simpler if they would have all stayed about 5. I know this is not true, I remember when they were all about five, I needed a nap then too. There are numerous blessings to them growing up, they can go get milk when I forget it at the grocery, but today they could have stayed little ~ I have milk.
From the kitchen...The easiest casserole ever and I am a hero in the eyes of my children.

I am STILL hoping... to have breakfast and beach time with a friend soon. (I think I'll leave this here until we make this work.) UPDATE: running out of time, trying to figure our how to make this work.

I am hearing...the children laugh as they play wii golf. Apparently some of them look like they are playing other sports...polo?

Around the house... an effort to purge, straighten and clean is bringing order as we transition into a new school year.

One of my favorite things...changing seasons. A new beginning. (OK, that was two.)

A few plans for the rest of the week: (trying not to plan too much) However, tomorrow requires a trip to the heart doctor with an elderly neighbor and Jacob's university for one more meeting to try and get into the music department. I am ready for him to know what he is doing, I am sure he is too. Praying for God's perfect will for Him.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... Summer Fun...




Visit Peggy to read more Daybooks...or participate.

Simple Womand's Daybook

For today... Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Outside my window... is a beautiful day. The wash is blowing in the breeze, low humidity, fresh cut grass...Summer at it's finest.

I am thinking... about a Christmas gift for my husband. A great project came to mind late last night and I am so excited.

I am thankful for... girls that work farm animals (because since they have been gone I have been doing animal chores).

From the learning rooms... attention is being directed towards Fall planning. We did not accomplish as much as I had hoped over the Summer, that's not shocking, but it will require some careful calculations for how to begin the year.

I am wearing... my favorite apron.

I am creating...a caplet. It is finished and about half the size it should be. I will be casting it on larger needles tonight at knitting...and this was an EASY project. I am not sure I will ever knit anything very well. UPDATE...finished AGAIN on larger needles and way too big. I will cast on again and adjust the pattern.

I am going... to dinner for my dad's birthday (Fried shrimp) and to make homemade peach ice cream.

I am reading... a Karen Kingsbury novel, finished Oceans Apart and starting A Time to Embrace. I have done a lot of reading over the Summer and hope to keep it up into Fall.

I am praying for... order to the "school" part of our day. We are so busy right now I find it overwhelming that we will need to set aside a chunk of our day for academics. I know this challenge will ease with the two older boys heading back to school daily but it still seems like a huge job.

Pondering these words~ Give me work until my days are done and days until my work is done. I have no idea where to credit this saying.

From the kitchen... we are celebrating a do-it-yourself refrigerator fix, thank you Lord. Homemade pizza is happening a lot and I accidentally made pita bread. When you do not prick your crust with a fork and try to bake it for later use...Pita Bread!

I am STILL hoping... to have breakfast and beach time with a friend soon. (I think I'll leave this here until we make this work.)

I am hearing... the washing machine run and the question, "What kind of muffins are these? The answer... strawberry millet.

Around the house... a restlessness is telling me that a season change is way too close. I feel it, and according to everyone elses behavior I think they agree. What is that?

One of my favorite things... is a passing late morning rain shower.

A few plans for the rest of the week: (trying not to plan too much) A quick little get away just my husband and me. Football has started, the boys are doing a lot of yard work, Jacob is doing a lot of viola practice and the girls are still in the mountains.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...pita bread
Visit Peggy to read more Daybooks...or participate.

blessed...and very much so

Today I am joining Ann @ Holy Experience on her journey to 1000 Gifts. I have a hard time committing to something every week, because my time is not always mine. So this may or may not happen consistently; but non the less I am grateful.

Starting at the very beginning...because it's a very good place to start.
I have read this list in various places and it is feeling contagious at this moment. I am blessed and very much so...

#1 My Savior Jesus Christ, without you I can do nothing

#2 a wonderful husband to share this journey with

3# 5 healthy (and mostly happy) children

#4 homeschooling

#5 freckles, they cover a lot of flaws

#6 the music that fills our home every day

#7 fresh cut grass

#8 ice cold watermelon

#9 a repaired,instead of new, refrigerator

#10 farm fresh eggs

#11 freshly mopped floors

#12 sheets on the clothesline

#13 medicine that eases my pain

#14 parents that love and support me

#15 baby goats

Thank you Ann, for hosting this very profitable list that is a constant reminder of just how blessed we truly are.

Friday's Fave Five

Another busy week and Vacation starts today woohoo!

#1 The girls have gone to the mountains to stay with grandparents. Their vacation started on Wednesday. Unlike the boys (who had no phone service), they call me every morning and evening. It is a lovely way to start and end my day.

#2 Another successful bread class. I was tired and in a lot of pain and it was still fun and such a blessing to me. So many people excited to be grinding wheat and making bread from newly married to married 50 years. If you have been thinking about it...it's never too late to start.

#3 All paper work required by the state for homeschooling has been submitted. All paperwork for football has been submitted. Deep breath and relax. None of this is difficult, but it requires time and above all else brain power. Seth's transcript had to be redone three times, after I though it was finished, due to errors. His GPA went up and that was a good thing.

#4 Vacation starts today and because of too much work we are staying home. Time to get caught up and organized before Fall flies in fast and furious. We will have down time and we are probably going to head to the beach house for a couple of days. No real plans...naps are happening right now and as soon as this is posted I'm headed there.

#5 The refrigerator broke. I have hated my refrigerator since I got it...but I do NOT want to buy a new one. OK so maybe I didn't hate it as much as I complained about it. A little Internet research, a hair dryer, a little more Internet research and we think we have it narrowed down to two parts that will cost about $100 dollars. Yes, this is way better than the cost of a new fridge. I am so thankful my husband will try to fix something before we just go out and get something new. We are almost finished defrosting so we can put it back together and decide if we are going to go get the part this afternoon...yes, it is FRIDAY.

Off to my nap and then refrigerator repair work. Have a super fantastic weekend!

This is a nice way to reflect on the week and be grateful for all my blessings.
Visit Living to Tell the Story to participate in this memory of your week.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Internet issues caused the delay of this post.
For today... Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Outside my window... wash on the line everyday, a two and a half mile walk early, and heavy dew on the grass.

I am thinking... about another bread class this Thursday night, a vacation my husband so desperately wants to take but with so much work will have to wait.

I am thankful for... all the work, a budget and a plan to take back control of our life.

From the learning rooms... paperwork needs to be done for extra curricular activities. We are savoring every drop of Summer that we can.

I am wearing... walking clothes.

I am creating...a caplet. It is finished and about half the size it should be. I will be casting it on larger needles tonight at knitting...and this was an EASY project. I am not sure I will ever knit anything very well.

I am going... to work on... school paperwork, my ironing pile, a bread class, a business proposal for my husband to present.

I am reading... a Karen Kingsbury novel, Oceans Apart.

I am praying for... order to the "school" part of our day. We are so busy right now I find it overwhelming that we will need to set aside a chunk of our day for academics. I know this challenge will ease with the two older boys heading back to school daily but it still seems like a huge job.

Pondering these words~ It is well with my soul. Go here for the lyrics and story.

From the kitchen... we are working on the freezer. Every now and then I try to work with the things I have on hand and only add an item here or there. This helps save money in my grocery bill (for a little while) and eliminates throwing out things that could have been used. Sometimes I have to make order out of the chaos of my life...even if it is only in the freezer.

I am STILL hoping... to have breakfast and beach time with a friend soon. (I think I'll leave this here until we make this work.)

I am hearing... children stir. Everyone has a busy day today.

Around the house... we are doing well at maintaining so that at any time any one could drop in. This is a sure sign children are growing up.

One of my favorite things... RAIN and a nap. After two months with only one day of rain (and very little at that) we had a soaking...on a Sunday...and I got to read...and take a nap, it was glorious:)

A few plans for the rest of the week: (trying not to plan too much)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Visit Peggy to read more Daybooks...or participate.

friday's fave five

I thought I might try this and see how it goes. I have a hard time posting when life takes over.

This week has been a little strange. Yesterday felt like Monday and somehow it was already Thursday. That is what I'm talking about when I say, "Life takes over."

#1 My two oldest boys returned safely from a trip of a life time. They are tired, talkative and glad to be home. They hit the ground running to get back into "life" as we know it here.

#2 I am going to finish my knitting project today, or tomorrow, that I re-started more than 10 times. This is exciting beyond words, I can't wait to see it finished.

#3 I hosted a bread baking class in my home Monday night. 13 people attended and I had a lot of fun sharing my heart. So many people were unable to make it I am considering another one next week.

#4 An unexpected date. We have been extremely busy with work. My husband asked me to ride with him to make a delivery and while we were out we turned our trip into a date. It was fun, inexpensive and required no planning. Thank you S. for loving me.

#5 A baby Christian we have prayed for, invested in, loved and ministered to came home from prison this week. This will require time and more prayer, but God has been faithful, mighty and is stretching us in amazing ways.

This is a nice way to reflect on the week and be grateful for all my blessings.
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Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Outside my window... the sun is coming up, the clothesline is empty and the rooster is crowing so it must be time to start the day.

I am thinking... I really enjoyed teaching a bread class last night. I hope it was helpful, not too overwhelming and that people will not give up or be timid about asking for help.

I am thankful for... my church family. We had an scary incident happen in church Sunday and people around us came along side and took care of things. In hind site I know God was in control and we are loved.

From the learning rooms... loose ends and formalities need to take place to finish last year and plans need to be made for the coming year. I am having a hard time with all of this right in the middle of Summer.

I am wearing... walking clothes. Three weeks and still going strong.

I am creating...a caplet. I have started it 12 times, that's 12 times...no typo. I think this time

I'm going to conquer it. Pictures to show up here when it is finished. Still going well.

I am going... to take everyone to the city with me tomorrow.

I am reading... a Karen Kingsbury novel. Not A Time to Embrace, a different one.

I am praying for... a family that will say goodbye to a Mama tomorrow.

Pondering these words~ My grace is sufficient.

From the kitchen...an abundance of bread items, supper for a friend that is coming home the end of the week and menu planning maybe.

I am STILL hoping... to have breakfast and beach time with a friend soon. (I think I'll leave this here until we make this work.)

I am hearing... an alarm clock beeping for someone that doesn't want to get up, thankful for the reminder to watch my time here.

Around the house... everyone is sleeping and the chicken coop did get cleaned. (see last weeks post)

One of my favorite things... encouraging someone that feels hopeless.

A few plans for the rest of the week: (trying not to plan too much)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

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