Saturday, January 30, 2010

Observing My Senses

For Today, January 30,2010...

I am seeing...clouds overhead. It's supposed to be a rainy weekend.

I am hearing...Dateline on ID (Investigation Discovery channel).

I am feeling...hungry - it's lunchtime. I'm gonna make burgers.

I am tasting...cranapple juice.

I am smelling...my clean home. The windows are closed because the winds are blowing and it smells like cow manure outside. Not pleasant.

It just takes a moment to see what's going on around you. Won't you join me?

Friday, January 29, 2010

The Week in Review

Monday - I was in recovery mode. It was a long, activity filled weekend, with the Cub Scout camporee all day Saturday, and Children's ministry on Sunday. I couldn't get a ton of rest, though, because my husband was due back from Central Florida after a week of preparing stores for opening this week. My husband works for a food distribution company, and as one of the supervisors he needs to be present when a new store stocks their shelves to make sure everything is presented in the proper way. He got home pretty late and unfortunately very tired after not being able to get much rest.

Tuesday - I was very worried about my hubby. He clearly wasn't feeling well, partly because he was exhausted, and partly because his blood pressure was up. I managed to get him a doctor's appointment, and she was very thorough. Blood tests, x-rays, EKG, the works. Turns out he has a sinus infection on top of everything else. She changed his blood pressure medicine and prescribed antibiotics, but the one thing that helped the most was getting some sleep. It's amazing how the body recovers after proper rest. That, and some soup. My hubby isn't one for eating out much. He missed having home cooked food.

Wednesday - What a great Bible study! We are studying the life of Elijah in 1 Kings, and it is so interesting to see that even a man of God could run scared (1 Kings 19). My son had a great time at Awana; despite the fact that memorization is so hard for him due to his dyslexia, I'm seeing how he's not just learning but understanding Scripture, and he asks so many questions! It drives me nuts sometimes I admit; but God reminds me that the only way anyone can learn is by asking, and it's my responsibility as his mom to get the answers. I'm blessed to have a child that wants to know Jesus like E does.

Thursday - Not a good day for me, I'm afraid. My hubby headed out for Central Florida again. The store openings start Friday and the owners wanted him there so he left in the afternoon. I miss him already! On the positive side, E had a veeeery successful night at Cub Scouts. He received 3 belt loops: archery, BB shooting, and he was the only one in his group to get citizenship. Then, because he participated in the skit, which took 3rd place out of 18 packs, the leader gave him (and the other boys as well) a walking stick which she made herself. She actually got choked up as she presented them. As if that wasn't all, he also got a badge for participating in the camporee activities, and one of those flashlights that you put on your head like miners have. The first thing he did when he got home was call Dad and tell him all about it. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful loving son.

Friday - Today is actually a good day. No, hubby won't be home till Sunday night. But my daughter is coming down for the weekend! Of course I'd prefer if the whole family were here, but Daddy got to spend time with her last week when he was up near her school, so it's our turn to be with A. I'm looking forward to some mommy-daughter time.

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend. We're anticipating lots of rain the next two days, but that's okay - there were plenty of board games under the tree this Christmas, so we won't be bored. God bless!

Monday, January 25, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, January 25, 2010...

Outside my window...the sun is trying to peek out from behind the clouds. It poured earlier this morning (which we needed) and it might just rain again before the temps go down.

I am thinking...about my hubby who is due back home today from another trip to Central Florida.

I am thankful...for my family.

I am going...to get this house cleaned up before my hubby gets home (hopefully).

I am wearing...a brown linen blouse, taupe polka dotted skirt, and sandals.

I am remembering...the camporee this weekend. We ended up not sleeping over because I was having car trouble Friday, but we were there all day Saturday. My son's pack took 3rd place in their skit celebrating 100 years of Scouting. Yay!!

I am creating...a menu for this week. I know, I'm waaay behind!

I am reading...Numbers for morning devotions, John for SOAP devotions, Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver, finished Sense and Sensibility and planning to re-read Pride and Prejudice.

I am hoping...the weather cools off enough so I can open the windows again. The breeze today is too warm.

On my mind...a lot of issues that I'm praying through.

From the learning rooms...I totally forgot E had tutoring this morning, and he missed it. I hope they don't take him out of the program.

I am noticing that...I'm feeling better than last week, praise God.

I am pondering these words..."We can be living by the Spirit in one area (say, daily devotions) and still be totally controlled by the flesh in another area (for instance, our choice of entertainment or pattern of escape)." - Having a Mary Spirit. This really spoke to me!

From the kitchen today...tilapia.

Around the house...there's plenty to do.

One of my favorite things...is spending time with my boys. I miss my daughter so much, yet her being away gives me the chance to spend time just with the boys. There's such an age difference (R is almost 13 years older than E) that it makes our time together more interesting.

A few plans for the rest of the week: grocery shopping, a trip to Home Depot to look into tankless water heaters, Awana and Bible Study, library, Cub Scouts...I'm tired already!


Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Observing My Senses

For Today, January 24, 2010...

I am seeing...a cloudy sky - looks like it's gonna rain.

I am feeling...tired after a long day at Boy Scouts Camporee.

I am tasting...the bacon cheese burger I just had at Outback Steakhouse thanks to a generous gift certificate from the ladies at children's ministry. Yum-O!

I am hearing...the whirr of the ceiling fan and the wheels of the chair on the ground.

I am smelling...not a whole lot. Allergies acting up again; can't stop sneezing.

It takes just a moment to stop and observe what's going on around you. Won't you join me?

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Time for a Little Laughter

This is one my musical daughter would appreciate :-).


In a college music theory class one warm spring day, the other students and I were having a hard time concentrating. The heat was oppressive and a wasp buzzed threateningly above our heads.

The teacher—oblivious to the dive-bombing menace—continued lecturing while the rest of us dodged and swatted at the invader. Finally, it landed on one student's open book. With a quick slap, he snapped the text shut, killing the wasp. The professor, startled, looked up. "What was that?" she asked, annoyed. Thinking quickly, the killer answered sheepishly, "A bee flat."

From ChristianityToday.com.


Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Parenting Rant

Here's a universal truth: people don't like taking blame for anything. I fall under this category too; I like to find a scapegoat whenever things don't turn out right. It started with Adam and Eve. Eve blamed the serpent for the fact that she'd eaten the fruit rather than accept responsibility for her own actions. Adam was worse: he actually blamed God! "The woman You put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." (Genesis 3:12).

Parents are especially guilty of blaming others when their kids don't turn out right. Rather than ask, "What am I doing wrong, and how can I make it right?", we look for ways to say it's the fault of everyone else around us. But God has been showing me different ways in which parents (myself included) often drop the ball when it comes to raising children. This is just a small rant of 5 points where parents need to stop pointing to others and start making changes in their parenting lives:

  1. Role Models. We get so upset when one of our children's role models mess up. Athletes, television celebrities, and movie stars are expected to show our children how to live a model life. Even in the church, parents expect pastors and other church leaders to set the right example of living a godly life. Yet the Bible doesn't give that responsibility to outsiders. God expects parents to be the proper role models for their children. Want to be an effective parent and a good role model? Follow these instructions: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 1:5-8. We have to stop expecting others to be our kid's role models, and start living a life they'll want to emulate.
  2. Schooling. Now, to those parents who say they can't homeschool for whatever reason, that's not what I'm talking about. This isn't about the basics that teachers teach in school, like reading, writing and arithmetic. It's about teaching morals, values, and behavior. How many parents expect teachers to keep their kids in line, and show them right from wrong. If a child is caught cheating on a test, or stealing from another pupil, the parent expects the teacher to keep the child after school or issue punishment through some kind of assignment. That way the teacher is the bad guy and the parents can wash their hands of the whole nasty business. But once again, it's not the teachers responsibility to teach our children what God expects of them; it's ours: "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." - Deuteronomy 6:6-7. When kids mess up, and they WILL mess up, the children need to hear from their parents what is acceptable and what isn't, and the parents must issue whatever discipline is called for. No, your children will not hate you for it. They'll respect you for it.
  3. Materialism. We've turned into a very materialistic society. The value of a person is no longer viewed in terms of honesty and integrity; it's viewed by bank accounts and assets. If we show our children that money is what's most important, they will learn to value it above all else, even above us. "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." - Luke 16:13. Instead, let's teach our children about priorities. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33. This doesn't mean we should ignore the money issue - that would be equally irresponsible. We need to teach our children how to use money wisely (do you realize most children finish high school without having learned how to balance a checkbook?) but not to trust in it or overvalue it.
  4. Guilt. This falls partially under the whole "materialism" rant. The media loves to show us all the latest everything, and make us feel as though we're the worst parents in the world if we don't give our children everything they want or everything we wanted as children but couldn't get. So we work and work and work just to be able to save a few bucks so we can take a two week vacation with our family, then get back to work work work to finish paying it off. Now there's even more guilt, because we're spending more time outside the home than with our family. Since when is the media our measurement for what is good for our family? Why do we allow the world to tell us what our family needs are? God gives each family the choice of how they will live, and we need to be influenced by Him, not by outside sources. "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." - Joshua 24:15.
  5. Promoting laziness. I know, many parents will disagree with this, saying, "I'm constantly looking for things for my child to do. They are in (fill in the blank: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, karate, dance, music). I spend most of my time chauffering them around town to all their activities." Ah, but when it comes time to do chores around the house, well, "We need to let kids be kids." Don't you see? Keeping them busy with activities is supposed to nurture teamwork, yet when it comes to helping out around the house, mom and (sometimes) dad are expected to be the "team". By driving them here, there and everywhere to do their fun activities, are we really teaching them not to be lazy? Let's face it: life isn't always fun. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiates 3:1. We need to teach our children to have a good work ethic, and that starts in the home with chores. Whether you choose to reward their work with money is a personal matter; I personally believe children should help around the house because they live there. I also believe that when children are allowed to help around the house with chores, even if it's just taking out the trash, it gives them a feeling of belonging, of usefulness, and of gratitude for what the rest of the family does. Rather than teaching them that they deserve everything and therefore everything should be done for them, teach them to earn the respect of others by carrying out their responsibilities well.

Parents like to complain about children not coming with instructions. Actually, God has generously provided us with a manual for our lives and our children's lives. His Word outlines the best way to raise our children so that they can grow up to be godly, respectful, responsible adults. And the best way to start: by being godly, respectful, responsible adults ourselves.

Monday, January 18, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, January 18, 2010...

Outside my window...it begins to feel like South Florida again. The sun is shining, temps are in the 70's, the ocean breezes are cool, and everyone everywhere wants to be here.

I am thinking...about a lot of things lately. As Patrick Star once said, "The inner machinations of my mind are an enigma."

I am thankful...for my Lord and Savior who gave His life for me, and who has given me such a wonderful life.

I am going...nowhere today. I love stay at home days.

I am wearing...my jammies. I'll change in a little while.

I am remembering...friends from my school days, one in particular who has a birthday today. It's funny that I can see them now but my mind still sees them as 17 and 18 year old girls. I guess in my heart we've never grown up.

I am creating...nothing today. It'll be a kind of slow day, I think.

I am reading...Numbers for morning devotions, John for SOAP devotions, Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver for personal study, and Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen because I love her books.

I am hoping...this weekend's Boy Scout Camporee goes well. E has a part in one of the skits that we'll be practicing all week.

On my mind...still praying about what I was praying about last week.

From the learning rooms...no school today, it's Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. I know alot of kids who are very happy.

I am noticing that...my kidneys have started hurting again. This happens whenever I take iron pills or vitamins with iron. I suffer from anemia, and the doctor wants me to take vitamins with iron, but after awhile I get terrible pains in my back and kidneys. I'll have to call her about it again.

I am pondering these words..."I can't imagine anything more terrible than getting to the end of my life only to discover that God had so much more in mind for me - more freedom, more joy, more peace, more true effectiveness. And I had missed it all, simply because I refused to change." - Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary Spirit.

From the kitchen today...Puertorican style empanadas. Another family favorite.

Around the house...mostly laundry.

One of my favorite things...is a good book. One I can learn from and enjoy.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Awana on Wednesday, Cub Scouts on Thursday. No school on Friday, so we can probably get an early start at the camporee. This will be interesting for me; I'm definitely not an outdoors type, and this will be my first time ever camping out. What an adventure!

From my picture journal...Christmas memories. My son E on the right giving a big thumbs-up with his cousins.

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Observing My Senses

For Today, January 16, 2010...

I am seeing...night approaching, and the trees swaying in the breeze as a beautiful day comes to an end.

I am feeling...lighthearted and thankful.

I am tasting...pita chips with hummus. A refreshing and healthy snack.

I am hearing...the music from the mini-series "Pride and Prejudice" which my son got me on DVD for my birthday and which I don't tire of watching.

I am smelling...the breeze as it comes in the window. It was very cold at the beginning of the week, but it's warm and delicious out now. I love this weather!

It takes just a moment to stop and observe what's going on around you. Won't you join me?

Friday, January 15, 2010

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

I received this from one of my dearest friends. I don't know who the author is, but it's definitely someone with alot of insight. Hope it makes you think:

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING


A message every adult should read because children
are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'

LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT .

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend)
influences the life of a child.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

When I Was A Kid

I turned 46 years old last month. That might seem pretty old to some, but let me just point out that it is less than half a century. ;-)

Still, I've been thinking of how different things are now from when I was a kid. I think most people after the age of 30 begin to reminisce about the "good ole days," so I thought I'd make a small list of some of the changes that have happened since, say, the late 1960's - early 1980's:

Then - When I was a kid, doing my hair meant I'd wash it with shampoo, add some cream rinse if my mom had remembered to buy it, rinse and towel dry. After combing out the tangles, I was done. Since my hair was so long, this process would take about a half hour.

Now - Doing my hair today means shampoo and condition, add leave-in conditioner and frizz control after rinsing, then blow dry and iron straight. Now that my hair is just below my shoulders, it takes a good hour to go through all the steps.

Then - When we came home from school, we'd sit and watch cartoons from 3:00 - 5:00pm, after which the news would come on and we'd do homework, then play with our toys till it was bedtime.

Now - Kids have multiple channels of 24/7 cartoons, enough to keep them "entertained" and out of mom's hair till the wee hours of the night.

Then - A report for school meant going to the library and doing research, reading actual books and encyclopedias for information. Teachers would give at least 2 weeks so that all the material could be read and studied, then written down by hand or, for the luckier ones, on a typewriter.

Now - Encyclopedias have been replaced by Wikipedia, and library research consists of logging on to the Internet where any and all information, true or false, can be located. It takes just a few minutes of copying and pasting, and a report can be completed in less than an hour, with little to no reading done.

Then - Talking on the phone meant using an apparatus that was attached to the wall or sat on a desk. It had a cord which meant you couldn't walk very far from the contraption. What's more, it had one line, so if the phone was in use no one else could make or receive any calls. Those that called would get a busy signal.

Now - Families have multiple cell phones, some known as smart phones that feature call waiting, call forwarding, conference calling, text messaging, email, etc. Which brings me to my next point,

Then - Sending mail meant sitting down, writing out a letter, getting an envelope and stamp (which cost $.05), putting it in the mailbox and waiting anywhere from 1 - 7 days for the intended party to receive it.

Now - We go to a computer, probably in our own home, type up a letter and email it to anywhere in the world, where it will arrive within seconds.

Then - We looked forward to certain times of the year when our favorite movies would be shown on network television (CBS, NBC or ABC). Movies like The Wizard of Oz, Gone With the Wind and the Sound of Music would be shown once a year, and if you missed it, tough luck. It was another year before it would show again. As for Disney, we had to wait till Sunday night, when the Wonderful World of Disney came on after Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.

Now - Between cable and satellite television, DVD's, Blu-ray, Net-flix and Disney channel, we get instant gratification.

Then - An empty shoe box became a kitchen, or a doll house for Barbie.

Now - For a hefty price you can purchase a kitchen or doll's house that looks like the real thing; or better yet, get a virtual one on the computer that takes up less room.

Then - Most moms stayed at home; those that worked were considered neglectful of their homes and families, especially if they didn't "need" to work (meaning they were married and their husbands were supporting the household).

Now - Most moms work; those that stay at home are considered lazy underachievers. We're supposed to be superwomen, holding down the fort while having a career. A woman who chooses to be a homemaker is "short-changing" herself.

Now I understand why the older generations would talk about the simpler times. Yet I don't think times have changed as drastically at any other time in history as they have these past 25 years. Our way of seeing communication, entertainment and everything technological has changed our mindset about what's important. We need to work more so we can earn more so we can have more. In the end, though, are we enjoying more? Looking back, I've come to the conclusion that less is more. The less stuff I have, the less I worry about, and the more time I have for more important things, like family. I'm glad I'm alive today, but I'm gonna go ahead and say it: I miss my childhood days.

Monday, January 11, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, January 11, 2010...

Outside my window...is the coldest winter I can remember in South Florida, and I've lived here 23 years. It's 35 degrees, but with the wind chill it feels like 28. That's C-O-L-D!!

I am thinking...how did I live in New York so many years in those freezing temperatures? I can't stand being this cold.

I am thankful...that we have heat in our home to keep us warm. And blankets.

I am going...to make a few phone calls. Better than going out and running errands.

I am wearing...a grey henley under a grey hoodie, jeans and sneakers. Just got back from taking my son to school so I had to dress warm.

I am remembering...the fellowship and good food we had yesterday at lunch before the college kids drove back to school. Four left late yesterday afternoon, including my daughter.

I am creating...a home management book, or at least continue the one I started.

I am reading...Leviticus for morning devotions, and Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver.

I am hoping...my sinuses get better. They get so irritated in the cold weather.

On my mind...a decision I'm praying about regarding church. It's been heavy on my heart and I'm seeking the Lord's guidance.

From the learning rooms...kids are now all officially back in school. My daughter starts classes today.

I am noticing that...rather, I noticed it yesterday: a frozen iguana near our mailbox. Iguanas, like snakes, are cold-blooded creatures and cannot withstand these temperatures. News reported this morning that people were sending in pictures of frozen iguanas, just to give an idea how the cold is affecting us here.

I am pondering these words..."Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10.

From the kitchen today...we had sausage biscuits for breakfast, and I'll be making scalloped pasta and chicken later on.

Around the house...the bathrooms need cleaning, but the master bathroom doesn't have insulation so it gets REALLY COLD. I'll clean the other bathroom today.

One of my favorite things...is hot chocolate or hot coffee on a cold winters day.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Bible study, Awana, Cub Scouts, library, the usual stuff. It's supposed to get back to normal temperatures by Friday.

From my picture journal...I haven't downloaded them from my camera. Hopefully I'll get that done today.

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Observing My Senses

For Today, January 9, 2010...

I am seeing...rainfall. It's been raining all day, and judging by the clouds it's not going to stop anytime soon.

I am feeling...the COLD. Weatherman says it's 43 degrees but with 14 mph winds it feels like 36 degrees. The rain makes it feel even colder. I'm so thankful I don't have to go anywhere today.

I am tasting...soup. Chicken soup. What else would anyone eat on a cold day?

I am hearing...Batman cartoons. Superheroes never seem to get old. At least not the classic ones.

I am smelling...onions, zucchini, garlic, tomatoes; a delectable medley of vegetables.

It takes just a moment to stop and observe what's going on around you. Won't you join me?

Friday, January 8, 2010

The Week in Review

Actually, I did a mid-week update, so just to fill in the rest of the days:

- Hubby is still in Central Florida. At this point it looks like he may be there all weekend. New stores mean all the shelves and freezers have to be filled, and it takes alot of work. We're just thankful he has work.

- I switched out the furniture in the family and living rooms, and I'll be posting pics soon. It's so different, my daughter's best friend came over and thought we'd bought new furniture! Both rooms look bigger which is nice also.

- If you're in the frigid North, South Florida is the place to be today! It's 75 degrees out, sunny, no humidity, just beautiful. Weatherman says it won't last, though. Another cold front is due in tomorrow, and Sunday we're down to the 30's. This weather is just crazy! We hadn't had so many cold days in a row in a long time. It's due to get back to normal on Tuesday. Let's see if that's true.

- Wednesday night Bible study was a very interesting and thought provoking topic. "If 2010 were your last year on earth..." Hmm. What would I do? Who would I speak to about Jesus? Truth is, our lives can end at any moment. There's no guarantee any of us will reach old age. Do I live my life like today is my last day here?

- Cub Scouts are preparing for a big camp out this month. I hope to attend with my son, though I'm not an outdoor girl by any means. That will be a brand new experience for me.

Since it's Friday night and Hubby is still out of town, we'll be having frozen pizza for dinner. A's friend JB is coming over and we're gonna play a card game called Phase 10. We played it before and it's fun, though I was pretty upset after I was so far ahead and suddenly found myself losing. My son R cleaned the floor with all of us! Too bad he has to work tonight. It's so much fun when we have game nights.

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

What's Going On

- It is COLD outside! This morning the temperature reading was 39 degrees, but with the wind chill factor it felt like 32. This is South Florida, we aren't supposed to have wind chill factors! I know there are those up North who are poo-pooing weather in the 30's because they're suffering thru much more frigid temperatures. Let me just remind them: whether you're in sunny Florida or the snow capped mountains of Colorado, 32 degrees is COLD. And we're feeling it.

- My hubby is in Central Florida starting today for some store openings. It's colder up there: wind chills make it feel like it's in the 20's. He's not too happy. It's bad enough to be away from home and family for 3-5 days, but in this weather it's even more miserable.

- I took my daughter and her best friend to the mall yesterday because A had some gift certificates she wanted to spend, one from the Gap and two from Banana Republic. Mind you, we don't normally shop at these stores because the prices are what I call "stupid ridiculous". I had no intention of getting anything for myself because frankly, even if I could afford it, I won't pay $80 for a shirt. Since we went to an outlet mall the prices tend to be better, though. They had some corduroy skirts in the clearance rack which caught my eye. Corduroy is a fabric not commonly seen in South Florida. Out of curiosity I checked the price: $6.99. "Okay," I thought, "what's wrong with it?" I turned the skirt inside out and looked all around. It was a perfectly good skirt. I went to the dressing room; it's a little shorter than I typically wear, since it's right on the knee, but it's not too short to look tacky or immodest. So I went back and got one in burgundy and one in black, because at $6.99 it was a steal. Then I saw some more skirts and thought, "Could it be?" Sure enough, I found a beautiful grey pinstripe wrap-style skirt for $7.99 and a brown tweed skirt, same style as the grey, for $15.99 (better quality fabric). I got 4 skirts for $40 and was thrilled! We then went to Books-A-Million and I found a Bible Dictionary and Concordance for $9.97, and the book Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver for $4.97. I was so glad, because I was wanting a study guide for my personal study time and this price can't be beat. The book has a fourteen week study guide which I'm gonna take advantage of.

- I've got almost all the Christmas stuff packed in boxes waiting to go back into the attic. Problem is, my son's in school and working and now Hubby is out of town, which will delay things a bit. Still, I plan on pressing on. My latest decorating idea: I'm going to switch the living and family rooms a little. Not entirely; the furniture in the living room wouldn't all fit in the family room because of the layout. Just switching the sofas, love seat and chairs. It'll give the family room furniture a rest.

That's what's going on in my life so far. Have a blessed rest of your week.

Monday, January 4, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, January 4, 2010...

Outside my window...it's COLD!!! I woke up to 44 degrees this morning. I know, for many Northerners that's spring weather right now, but for us it's very cold. And tomorrow promises to be in the 30's.

I am thinking...yes, it's cold, but Minnesota is colder. I'd rather be here.

I am thankful...for our warm and cozy home.

I am going...grocery shopping.

I am wearing...blue button down shirt under blue sweater, jeans, socks.

I am remembering...Y2K. Can you believe that was 10 years ago?!?!

I am creating...well, already created a shopping list.

I am reading...Exodus for morning devotions, finished Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, and I'll be reading Sense and Sensibility again because my youngest son gave me the book for my birthday.

I am hoping...this cold weather doesn't aggravate my son's cough.

On my mind...I need to get all the Christmas decorations put away, but my oldest son hasn't been available to get the boxes down from the attic.

From the learning rooms...it's the first day back to school for E and R. My daughter A doesn't go back till next Monday.

I am noticing that...winter came later than usual for us. Does this mean it's gonna stick around longer too?

I am pondering these words..."He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction." - Proverbs 13:3.


From the kitchen today...tilapia. I didn't make it last week because we had so many leftovers.


Around the house...one word: LAUNDRY!!


One of my favorite things...is snuggling up under the covers on a cold winter day.


A few plans for the rest of the week...we're getting back to normal, with Awana and Cub Scouts. My daughter and I will be going to the mall to burn some gift cards. Hubby may be going to Central Florida this week for some store openings; he won't find out till later today. Haven't made too many plans waiting to see his schedule.


From my picture journal...the newest addition to the family: cousin N Jr. I've known his mom since she was 4 years old; now she the mommy of three little ones. My, how time flies!


Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Observing My Senses

For Today, January 2, 2010...

I am seeing...sunshine on a "cold" day. Cold for South Florida, anyway. It's 50 degrees outside, and windy.

I am feeling...the chill from a winter day. Not too cold, not hot. Very nice weather.

I am tasting...Italian cookies my niece made. Yummy with my morning coffee.

I am hearing...my son cough. He's got a bit of a cold.

I am smelling...clean air. When the weather is like this, the air smells crisp and wonderful.

It takes just a moment to stop and observe what's going on around you. Won't you join me?