Saturday, April 30, 2011

Observing My Senses

For Today, April 30, 2011...

I am seeing...a sky that has been grey for the whole afternoon, only not one drop of rain has fallen. I hope we do get some rain. We need it.

I am feeling...thankful that my daughter is home for a quick weekend visit. It's a joy to have her home.

I am hearing...a commercial about diabetic cookbooks.

I am tasting...Tombstone pepperoni pizza.

I am smelling...the pizza mentioned above.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Five Question Friday

Okay, I'm having trouble keeping up with days, so you'll just have to forgive the fact that my five question Friday post is on Saturday. It's not the first time. It won't be the last.


1. If you could buy any car, money not an option, what would it be?
I had a BMW convertible when my youngest son was born and it was too small for us, so I had to trade it in for an SUV. I'm perfectly content with my Montero Sport, but if I could, I'd get another BMW. That is one smooooth ride.

2. What was your worst first date ever?
I went out with a guy who was so intent on impressing me by taking me to a fancy restaurant in NY and talking up a storm about himself, that he totally turned me off. Guys who talk that much about themselves are total bores.

3. How old were you when you fell in love for the first time?
Like, really really in love? About 19 years old. He's not the man I married. God had other plans.

4. When was the last time you reconciled your checkbook?
I don't reconcile my checkbook anymore. Not since the internet came along and doing everything from paying bills to checking my balance became as easy as a few keystrokes. I used to reconcile weekly, but it's not necessary nowadays. It's been years.

5. If you were going to fashion a "Wanted" Ad for a best friend, how would you word it?

Wanted: Middle aged woman with school-age and/or adult children who loves the Lord and her family, for friendship and encouragement. Must be trustworthy, have a sense of humor, and very forgiving. Offering likewise in return.


So, ready for your own five questions? Visit Mama M at My Little Life. Have a blessed weekend.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, April 27, 2011...

Outside my window...there are blue skies and warm breezes. And when I say warm I mean HOT! It's gonna be a really hot summer if this is the spring preview.

I am thinking...of all the changes going on, and the planning that it takes to execute everything efficiently.

I am thankful for...a forgiving God. He knows my short-comings and loves me anyway.

I am going...to Awana tonight.

I am wearing...a light blue top, blue skirt, and white flip-flops.

I am hoping...we get some rain soon, to help cool us off.

I am praying for...the folks in Arkansas and the neighboring states experiencing all the storms and deadly tornadoes. Praying specifically for friends of mine in the area and for all the folks in general.

I am noticing...how different my floors look after they've been polished. It's like they're brand new.

From the learning rooms...FCAT's are done, praise the Lord! E got a C in science which had him pretty upset, but the rest of his grades are A's and B's. We're thankful he tries his best.

From the kitchen...tilapia today. Isn't it funny how the simplest meals are the most enjoyed?

I am reading...still on John, and Crazy Love. That book is full of conviction for me. I find it hard to read because I realize my faults, but also thankful that it points me closer to God. I finished She Walks in Beauty and absolutely loved it! It's a period piece, set in the gilded age, 1890's. If you like historically accurate reading, this is a great book to read.

On my mind...budgets!

Around the house...I got 5 loads of laundry done yesterday (after I was able to pick up laundry detergent). Today was filled with much activity.

One of my favorite things...good news, especially when it's unexpected!

A few plans for the rest of the week...E is going out with Daddy tomorrow; it's Take Your Child to Work day. Friday is his awards ceremony. It's also a visit from my daughter for the weekend which we're looking forward to! I haven't seen her in over a month, and I'm missing her dreadfully.

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

Friday, April 22, 2011

Words of Wisdom

Is God aloof from human pain

That ravages our mortal frame?

Oh, no, Christ felt our agony

When sin and death He overcame!


- D. De Haan


It's Good Friday. Do you know where your Savior is?

Five Question Friday

It's not just any Friday - today is Good Friday. Good for us. Good because Jesus chose to give His perfect life for my sinful one. What a wonderful gift! Thank You Lord for taking my place, I know I don't deserve it!

So, in keeping somewhat with the topic, here are my five answers to five questions:

1. What is your favorite Easter tradition?
We go to church early in the morning and celebrate the resurrection of Christ. And usually my youngest son will get a DVD. Last year it was Meet the Robinsons (I think). This year it's Mega-Mind (don't tell him!). We'll watch that after church.

2. Are you a "shower" or a "long, hot bath" kind of person?
Shower. I don't like sitting in standing water. I get the impression I'm swimming in my own body sweat and dirt. Yuck.

3. Can you parallel park and if so when is the last time you did it?
LOL!! I parallel parked when I took my driver's exam, and that's pretty much it. I've not seen many places in Florida where it's necessary to parallel park. In the 25 years I've been driving, I can probably count on one hand all the times I've had to parallel park, and that's just fine with me.

4. What is your favorite Easter candy?
Anything containing chocolate and nothing with marshmallows. Need I be more specific?

5. Easter: do you go all out with the Easter Bunny or focus on the religious part of the holiday?
I'm not fond of the word Easter. I like to call it Resurrection Sunday. There is no Easter bunny that visits our house. My children would get baskets from family members when they were little, but they knew who'd bought them. I know many people, Christians included, who like the bunny and egg aspect of the day, but I refuse to belittle the most important day in history by taking the focus off of Jesus. Now, I need to work on Santa...

Hey, head on over to Mama M's at My Little Life for your own Friday Five, and have a blessed weekend. He Is Risen!!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, April 19, 2011...

Outside my window...the sun is blazing yet again, and spring has long left us. It's gonna be a scorcher of a summer!

I am thinking...of this Friday, which is Good Friday, a day to remember the greatest love of all.

I am thankful...for the sacrifice my Savior made for me.

I am going...to have Bible time with my son in a few minutes.

I am wearing...a white top with burgundy and black paisley design, burgundy skirt and brown flip-flops.

From the learning rooms...my son is taking his science FCAT's today and tomorrow. He says part one was really hard. I hope it gets easier tomorrow.

From the kitchen...tuna salad sandwiches. We kept it simple today.

I am creating...organized chaos in the garage.

I am reading...the book of John (specifically chapter 16), Craving God (a devotional), and She Walks in Beauty.

On my mind...my daughter, who finishes the school semester in 2 weeks but has tons to get done before then.

Around the house...much activity going on.

One of my favorite things...thunderstorms (but only when I'm inside the house!)

A few plans for the rest of the week...Friday is my hubby's birthday, so we'll be taking him out to eat. Thankfully there's no school that day. Awana on Wednesday, church on Friday afternoon, and Resurrection Sunday services. He is Risen!!!

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

Friend Makin' Monday

I'm doing pretty good catching up on my Monday posts, aren't I? I know, I know. But I couldn't pass this one up. It's about grocery shopping, one of my favorite pasttimes!

1. Do you make a list when you go grocery shopping? Do you stick to it?
I definitely shop with a list, or else I'll forget half the stuff I need. There are items I don't write down that I'll pick up because they're staples in my house (yogurt covered raisins, for instance). And if there's a good sale I might stock up. Otherwise, I stick to the list.

2. Do you buy more groceries when you're hungry?
Yes, which is why I try my best to go shopping right after lunch. My tummy is full, and walking around the store is good exercise.

3. Coupons. Use 'em?
I'm starting to again, but only on things that are on my list. I stopped using them for a time, a) because I started using more store brands, and b) because I used it as an excuse to buy things I didn't need. "It's okay, I've got a coupon!" No more of that. If it's not something I typically buy, I'm not clipping.

4. Have you ever complained to the manager of your grocery store?
I've tried to complain at Wal-mart, but alas, the manager is NEVER there when a customer is looking for one, especially if it's to complain. How convenient.

5. Do you like to buy groceries at huge chain stores like Wal-Mart and Target? Or do you shop exclusively at food stores?
Both. Wait, no. I shop at Wal-Mart but do not LIKE to. I go there to purchase items that aren't on sale at my local Winn-Dixie. I used to do all my shopping at Wal-Mart (the whole one-stop shopping thing appealed to me) but they began cutting alot of the brands I like. Plus, Winn-Dixie started having really good sales with prices lower than Wal-Mart, and it's closer to my house so I save on gas too. Target is good but the really nice Super Target is farther from me, and again, gas prices are too ridiculous to be going out that far for groceries.

6. How much time do you spend reading labels in the grocery store?
I only read labels on stuff I've never bought before, which is rare.

7. Do you push your own grocery cart to the car and return it?
Yes! Nothing annoys me like people leaving their carts in the middle of the parking lot. These are the same people who will later complain because their car got dinged. Put the shopping carts back and avoid that for everyone!

8. What is the one food item you always buy at the grocery store that you must have in the kitchen?
Well, there's those yogurt covered raisins I love so much :). I eat them everyday. Sooo good!

9. Do you enjoy grocery shopping?
For the most part, yes. So long as I go when the store isn't crowded. I hate going grocery shopping on the weekends. It's like I can't breathe with all that foot traffic. I go early in the mornings or right after lunch on a weekday, and it is quite pleasant.

10. How often do you shop for groceries?
Once a week, for the week. I buy bulk items once a month, meats every other week, and replenishment items on Fridays.

Now it's your turn! Visit Kenz at All The Weigh with your grocery trends!

Meet Me on Monday



Hi there! It's time for Meet Me On...Tuesday! Hey, I've been busy, okay? At least I'm trying to catch up!



1. Caesar Salad or Garden Salad?

Depends on where I am. I love Caesar Salad best, but not everyone gets it right.


2. Will you be watching the Royal Wedding on April 29th
I'd like to. Of course, with my wonderful memory I'll probably forget it's on. :P


3. Last thing you spent lots of money on?

Ceiling fans. I needed them, and Costco put them on sale for $99.99. Regular price is $129.99. I bought 3 of them and saved $90.00. Yay me!


4. Window seat or aisle seat?

I think I feel better in an aisle seat. Less chances of getting motion sickness.

5. Do you know your blood type?

Does red count? No? Umm, okay, I think it's O something. Or maybe A.


Hope you had a great Monday and a blessed Holy Week. If you want to join in, visit Java at Never Growing Old.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Observing My Senses

For Today, April 16, 2011...

I am seeing...dark clouds rolling in. It almost looks like nighttime, even though it's not even 11:00 in the morning! We got lots of rain yesterday, and it looks like a repeat today. Thank You for the much needed rain Lord!

I am feeling...grateful, because the Lord is generous and merciful. Several of my dearest friends have been blessed this week, and it gives me great joy to rejoice with them.

I am hearing...a video game in the background.

I am tasting...boston cream pie yogurt. My mid-morning snack.

I am smelling...nothing in particular. The windows are closed because the rain is coming, and this yogurt doesn't have a strong smell.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Friday, April 15, 2011

Five Question Friday



It's been a busy week, and I've not been tending to my blog. Shame on me! To make up for it, here's my Five Questions for this very rain-filled Friday.

1. What is your favorite sign of spring?
The fact that there's a breeze and less humidity. Here in South Florida, the four seasons are different. We have warm, hot, excessively hot and humid, and hurricane season. Spring falls under the second one.

2. What was your best birthday ever?
Hmm, let's see. I think my best birthday ever hasn't happened yet. That way I have something to look forward to ;-).

3. What is your favorite dessert?
Probably cheesecake. Or ice cream. Or cheesecake with a side of ice cream. Yeah!

4. What is the best excuse you've ever used to get out of a ticket?
Praise the Lord, I've been driving 25 years and I've never gotten a ticket or been pulled over by a police officer. And I'd like to keep it that way Lord!

5. Do you wake up before your alarm, with your alarm, or after hitting snooze several times?
I normally wake up with the alarm. I'm an early riser, so getting up with the alarm is no biggy.

Okay, now it's your turn. Mosey on down to My Little Life and post your own Five. Have a blessed weekend.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Friend Making Monday



Mondays are my favorite, because there are so many fun meme's to take part in! For Friend Makin' Monday, hop on over to All The Weigh.

1) What is your favorite part of an average day?
I like mornings. It's when I have the most energy and can get the most things done.

2) Is there one food that you eat every single day? If so, what is it?
I eat raisins pretty much everyday. Nature's candy. Yum.

3) Are you an early bird, or do you prefer to sleep in late?
Early bird! Even when I don't have to get up early I do. The latest I'm ever in bed is 8:00am, and that's if I'm not feeling well. Otherwise I'm usually up at 7:00am or before.

4) Share one thing that you're looking forward to doing this week.
I hope to visit my aunt on Saturday and meet a cousin from up north that I only know through Facebook.

5) What's for dinner this evening?
London broil (made in the crockpot), rice, beans, salad, and fried green beans.

Have a blessed week!

Meet Me On Mondays



Welcome to my weekly Meet Me On Monday post. Little things about me that maybe you've wondered about, maybe you haven't, maybe I've wondered about, but it's all in fun.

1. Who would be your dream celebrity date? Being as I'm married I wouldn't date anyone (my hubby would be pretty upset!). But I'll say I'd love to meet Kirk Cameron. I know I'd learn alot from him!

2. Do you have any food restrictions? There are certain foods I have to stay away from because of food allergies, so yes. I can't have berries because I break out in hives. I also avoid foods high in citric acid because they give me migraines, and I'm lactose intolerant.

3. How much time do you take to get ready in the morning? I get up at 6:20am and my son and I are out the door by 7:45. So about an hour and a half.

4. Sausage or bacon? I'd happily eat either, but my favorite is bacon.

5. Do you Google, Bing or Yahoo? I like Google most for searches, and my account is with Yahoo. I'm not a big fan of Bing.

Now it's your turn! Hop on over to Never Growing Old and let's meet!

Move It Mondays

Good Monday morning friends! I had lots of plans, so much to do today. Instead, I woke up with a terrible sinus headache and congestion and don't feel like doing anything at all. Thank God I put a london broil in the crock pot last night! I'd already started feeling crummy yesterday and I knew it would get worse before it got better. I'm gonna try and take it easy today. I took some Tylenol Sinus and it's helping. Together with the london broil I plan on making rice and beans, broccoli and a salad. I did get a few things done so far:

*Went to pharmacy to pick up some meds
*Fixed beds
*Quick-cleaned bathrooms
*Quick-cleaned kitchen

I'd like to:

*Get a load of laundry done
*Iron J's shirts for the week

I wanted to do floors this week, cleaning and polishing them, but I don't think that'll happen today. If I feel better I might get started on it, but it's always best to not aggravate my sinuses with cleaners and such.

Move it Mondays is hosted by Kristilea at In The Lord's Path. Have a blessed week!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Observing My Senses

For Today, April 9, 2011...

I am seeing...more sunshine than normal for April. Our spring lasted, oh about 2 weeks. It's summer in South Florida. I don't care what the calendar says.

I am feeling...convicted, which is painful but good at the same time. When God begins working in my life, it reminds me just how much He loves me.

I am hearing...Pokemon cartoons, and my son making comments about it. I remember talking to the tv when I was a kid too. Like mother, like son.

I am tasting...an egg and bacon biscuit I made myself :)

I am smelling...Pillsbury Grands biscuits. The whole house smells of baked bread, which everyone knows is one of the BEST smells in the world!

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Five Question Friday

My poor neglected blog! I haven't posted for a couple of days because I've been busy with other things. Important things. Life-changing things. I'll post about that in the days to come. Right now I'll try and get caught up with some Five Question Friday.

1. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I would think of others before thinking of myself EVERY TIME, not just sometimes.


2. Write about a time when you got lost.

I remember getting "lost" when I was a little girl, about 3 or 4 years old. It's burned into my memory. My mom would get so angry because we'd go shopping and I'd wander off, which in NYC meant outdoors since there were no indoor malls, so she decided to teach me a lesson. The minute I started wandering she hid. She could see me, but I couldn't find her. I was terrified. It didn't take a long time before I started crying for my mommy, and she came out. Trust me, she didn't have to teach me that lesson again!


3. Camping or 5 star hotel?

Hotel. I'm an indoor girl.


4. Have you donated blood?

No. I have low iron blood and have to watch my diet and take vitamins or I quickly become anemic. Giving someone my blood would be bad for both parties involved.


5. Do you have a budget or do you 'fly by' most months?

I'm a strict budget keeper. Though I don't work outside the home now, I studied bookkeeping and must, for my own peace of mind, have everything spelled out carefully. I keep a spreadsheet with multiple pages. One page has our budget with necessary adjustments (increase in prices, like gas for instance), and pages with month-by-month spenditures to keep us accountable. I believe my husband is comforted by the fact that I do this. We wouldn't be able to do half the things we do if I didn't monitor our spending.


Now it's your turn. I know it's Saturday, but the questions are good all week ;-). Visit Mama M at My Little Life and answer your own questions. Then have a blessed weekend.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

I Got An Award!

A big Thank You to Allegro Mama who kindly gave me the Stylish Blogger Award! I'm honored and humbled that someone thought so much about my little blog. Thanks Tricia! The rules for this award are:

1.Thank and link back to the person that has given you this award- Thanks, Allegro Mama!
2. Share 7 thing's about yourself
3. Award 10-15 blogs you feel deserve the award
4. Contact these bloggers and let them know about the award

Okay, here we go. Seven things about myself:

1. I'm an avid reader.
2. I've never learned how to ride a bike.
3. I love decorating.
4. My favorite color is green, especially autumn shades.
5. My favorite ice cream is Blue Bell homemade vanilla.
6. I was born and raised in NY, but I've lived so long in Florida I consider myself a Southerner.
7. I love Jesus Christ and am so thankful to Him for all He's done for me.

Now for my 10 winners:

A Gracious Home
Cheaper By the Half Dozen
Guiding Light Homeschool
In The Lord's Path
Life in a Shoe
Living in My Magic Garden
Mandy Mom
My Life As A Christian Wife and Mom
My Little Life
Yaya Yarns

Congratulations to all! And thanks again!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, April 6, 2011...

Outside my window...the wind is blowing pretty strong, like rain is coming, only the sun is battling the clouds and it's hard to say who'll finish victorious. I hope it's the clouds. We haven't had much rain the past few months.

I am thinking...today would have been my parent's 48th wedding anniversary.

I am thankful...for good news I received today. Change is in the air!

I am going...to wash and dry my hair in a little while, and to Awana tonight.

I am wearing...a rust colored top, jean capris and brown flip-flops.

From the learning rooms...still preparing for the FCAT exams.

From the kitchen...tacos. Soft and hard, to please all tastes.

I am creating...a packing plan.

I am reading...a great Christian mystery novel called Invisible. Found it on ChristianBooks.com and downloaded it onto my Nook for free. It's a mystery but it's really funny too. I'm totally enjoying it! I'm also reading my Craving God devotional, and Crazy Love. And my Bible, of course.

On my mind...my sister-in-law, whose cancer is out of remission. Need to pray for her.

I am pondering these words..."Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet."

Around the house...I got 3 loads of laundry done today. Whew!

One of my favorite things...kisses for no reason.

A few plans for the rest of the week...not sure right now. A movie maybe? We'll see.

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. Have a blessed week.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Meet Me On Mondays

Happy Monday! Mondays are just as blessed a day as every other day of the week, so let's have fun with it!

1. If you had to eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Wow, that's a tough one! I guess I'd have to pick pasta. I don't think I'd get tired of pasta too quickly.

2. Do you write your blog posts in advance or the day you post them?
The day I post them. I'd be editing forever if I wrote them in advance.

3. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
Yes, with my oldest son. He was 2 1/2 years old and had a severe asthma attack that wasn't responding to medication. Not a pleasant experience.

4. What is your favorite candle scent?
I don't usually burn fragrance candles because of our allergies, but if I could I'd say my favorite are the cool breeze scents.

5. Coffee or tea?
Coffee, for sure!

Now it's your turn! Hop on over to Never Growing Old and let's meet up! Have a blessed week.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Observing My Senses

For Today, April 2, 2011...

I am seeing...another bright sunny day. The sky is the prettiest blue. There's not a single cloud to be seen. And the blue jays are back! I missed them.

I am feeling...a slight breeze coming in through the windows, but I don't expect it to last. Summer has come early to South Florida, and I expect June - September to be real killers. Humidity has been high but we've had little rain. Hopefully this latest "cold front" will cool things off.

I am hearing...Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

I am tasting...Smart Start cereal. It's my newest favorite.

I am smelling...fresh air and coffee. Typical morning scents.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Friday, April 1, 2011

Five Question Friday

It's April Fool's Day! Today is really Atheist's Day, as the Bible tells us, "The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1) Have you been fooled yet? I'm still in the clear, though the day is young.

Okay, here are my 5 questions for this week. Maybe you'll learn something new about me. Maybe not. It's still fun.

1. Have you ever had surgery? Yes, 3 times. And each time resulted in a precious baby. Too bad not all surgeries come with a gift.

2. Ever ride in an ambulance? Yes, when my oldest son was 2 1/2 years old and had to be rushed to the hospital with a severe asthma attack. I took him to his pediatrician and she had us go in the ambulance. As director of pediatrics in the hospital, she called ahead and told them it was a "life threatening situation." That was extremely scary. It didn't help that I was 7 months pregnant with my daughter either. If I never have to ride in an ambulance again I will be very thankful.

3. How are you in a medical emergency? Panicked? Calm? I tend to be calm until the emergency is over, then I go to pieces.

4. Do you have a garden? Flowers or veggies? I try to have a flower garden in spring and summer, but South Florida gets so hot and humid that spending time in the garden isn't quite so pleasant. But I do try.

5. When did you move out of your parents house? At the age of 22.

Now it's your turn. Visit Mama M at My Little Life and let's get to know each other a little better.