Saturday, June 30, 2012

Observing My Senses

For Today, June 30, 2012...

I am seeing...boxes in the family room, a totally new set up in the living room, sunlight streaming through the sliding glass doors, and my daughter moving about as she puts things away in her room.

I am feeling...grateful to have my 3 children under my roof again, exhausted from the move, and overwhelmed by the amount of boxes to unpack and work yet to be done to get the house organized.

I am hearing...my son in the bathroom, my daughter in the family room, the washer doing a load of laundry.  The sweet sounds of home.

I am tasting...pancakes and bacon with my morning coffee.  We worked hard yesterday.  We earned a treat today :).

I am smelling...breakfast smells.  That's a comforting smell if I ever smelled one.

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

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The Simple Woman's Daybook


For Today, June 27, 2012...

Outside my window...the outer bands of Tropical Storm Debby are bringing some rain, not heavy, but enough to make the day look gloomy.

I am thinking...of all the packing that still needs to be done.  My son did a great job, but there's still more to do, plus cleaning the apartment, all by Friday.

I am thankful...that we got here yesterday safely even though I had to drive through a patch of extremely heavy rain.  I'm also thankful our children's pastor's wife got released from the hospital yesterday.  They were in a car accident on Friday and she was suffering from a headache that wouldn't go away.  All the tests came back negative, and she just needs to get some rest.  Thank You Jesus!

I am going...to get some breakfast for us, though I hate the idea of going out in the rain.

I am wearing...my I *heart* VBS t-shirt, jean capris and flip-flops.  Housework wear, because there's lots of housework needing to be done.

I am noticing...how much rainier this spring and summer have been compared to last year.  There certainly is no reason for turning on sprinklers this year!

In the kitchen...most everything has been packed away, so we'll be eating take-out or sandwiches.  I'm not too happy about that; we had delicious chicken wings from Buffalo Wild Wings last night and the scale is going to scream at me about it :P.

I am reading...my devotions and not much else.  Right now I'm focused on getting the apartment ready for the move on Friday.  I don't have much time to read.

I am wondering...what size truck J is bringing - will everything fit?

I am hoping...the storms will be gone by Friday.  Loading a truck while it's raining is no easy task.

I am looking forward to...having my children at home with me.  I'm not looking forward to the clutter, though.  I'm still trying to figure out how to fit everything in the house without it looking like one of the homes in that show Hoarders - Buried Alive.

Around the house...we will be packing up and cleaning bathrooms and the fridge today, and packing up anything that isn't already in a box.

I am pondering these words..."Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and the angels know of us." - Thomas Paine.

One of my favorite things...having my kids fight over who loves me most. :)

A few plans for the rest of the week...today and tomorrow it's packing and cleaning.  Friday the truck will be here to be loaded, and my kids will turn in the keys to the apartment they shared while in school here in Central Florida.  Saturday we'll be busy finding a place for everything, getting the beds set up and R's clothing put away.  The next few days will be hectic.  Lord, please, give me strength, patience, and contentment in the difficult moments!

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

Monday, June 25, 2012

Move It Mondays

Happy Monday folks!  Well, it's Monday evening, so I'm posting kind of late, but it's been a busy and productive day.  I got up early and headed to Winn-Dixie to pick up a few items that were on sale.  Afterwards I came home and did some cleaning.  We had sandwiches for lunch, then headed to the movie theater to watch Brave, the new Disney/Pixar movie.  What a great film!  I love Pixar movies, and this one did not disappoint.  We all left the theaters with our Scottish accents in full force!

When we got out of the movie theater we went to Walmart since it's a short drive away.  I picked up a few more necessities, then we headed back home to start packing.  Lord willing, we will be leaving tomorrow afternoon for Central Florida to get my son R packed up and bring him and all the stuff in my kid's apartment back home.  My daughter came home after graduation and has been looking for work.  She's been unsuccessful so far, but we trust that the Lord will provide the right job at the right time.  My son stayed behind for the last couple of months, but he's ready to come home.  His hours got cut dramatically at the store, so his paycheck has suffered.  Now that he's done with the semester he's eager to come back and get settled in South Florida again.  He misses us, his friends, and his old digs.  I'm happy because my kids will all be home again.  :)

It's gonna be one of those weeks, but I'll make every effort to keep everyone updated.  Have a blessed week!

I Got An Award!

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I was surprised and thrilled to win a Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award from Janice over at Janice's Footsteps.  It's an honor to be chosen, and I'm very thankful for this privilege, to join such an elite group.  Thank you for your kindness and generosity Janice.  I'm blessed and humbled.

In accepting this reward, I am to list seven random facts.  Here we go:

1.  I was born and raised in the South Bronx, yet most people wouldn't know it because I lost my New York accent years ago.

2.  All my children's birthdays are on the 27th of their respective months (one in March, two in December, no twins).

3.  We live in a town in South Florida that is behind a dairy farm.  When the wind blows just right...the aroma gives the cows away :P

4.  My favorite color is green.  Especially the darker tones, like forest green, olive green, hunter green, you get the picture.

5.  I never learned to ride a bike.  My mom was afraid I'd fall and break a leg or arm so she wouldn't let me try.

6.  If I could live anywhere in the world, I'd stay in Florida.  I love it here.

7.  I'm a little OCD about neatness and orderliness.  My kids would say I'm a lot OCD but don't listen to them.

And now, I pass this award on to the following bloggers who I enjoy:

Barb at Barb's Blog:  I love the music playing in the background, the pretty colors, but mostly the fun posts about her family and friends.  Such a sweet, caring person definitely deserves an award!

Kristi at In The Lord's Path:  One of the dearest friends I've never met ;).  We will meet one day, I'm sure of that.

Laryssa at Living in my Magic Garden:  My sister and best friend.  What more can I say?

Again, thank you for this award.  I will cherish it always.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Observing My Senses

For Today, June 23, 2012...

I am seeing...darkness, even though it's 8 o'clock in the morning.  It will most likely rain all day.

I am feeling...joy after a week of VBS and realizing just how blessed we are.

I am hearing...the rain hitting the patio, the automatic air freshener going off, the clock ticking, and nothing else.  The kids are still sleeping and the quiet is delicious :)

I am tasting...my yummy breakfast of one fried egg, 2 slices of bacon, one soft biscuit and my morning cup o'Joe.

I am smelling...the biscuit, the coffee, and the air freshener.  Pleasant smells of home.

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

Friday, June 22, 2012

Follow Friday Four Fill-In


I was so busy last week I didn't post my fill-ins, and I missed it!  I thought about doing it during the week, but even then I just couldn't find the time.  Well, not today!  I'm ready for the challenge.  If you're up to it, join Hilary and the rest of us at Feeling Beachie

1.       I love a ___
I love a thunderstorm in the middle of the night.  It's like a heavenly lullaby.


2.       If I could ____ anywhere I would ____
If I could travel anywhere I would visit Israel.  Maybe one day...

3.       When I grow up, I want to ________
When I grow up, I want to be a grandma to lots of grandkids!  I'm not rushing my own kids or anything, but I am looking forward to spoiling the little angels!

4.       the best _________________ I ever ____________________
The best restaurant I ever dined at was Emeril's on Miami Beach.  It's not hype, the food really is out of this world.

Five Question Friday


It's a happy Friday, for two big reasons.  First, VBS finished today with a bang.  We had over 20 kids accept Christ as their Savior!  Everything ran well despite several attempts at sabotage by the devil, including our children's ministry pastor getting into a car accident this morning.  Praise the Lord, he is fine, and we got through this week and God gave us success.  Thank You Jesus!

Second, all of South Florida is celebrating the Miami Heat championship win!  Even folks who don't care much about basketball are cheering our hometown champs!

There's one more reason to be happy - it's time for Five Question Friday!  To join in, visit Mama M at My Little Life.


1. What do you keep a stock pile of?
Three important items:  toilet paper, paper towels, and coffee.  Three things I can't be without.

2. If Ben & Jerry asked you to invent an ice cream, what would it be?
Haagen-Daz.  Sorry Ben and Jerry, but I've had your ice cream, and I am not impressed.  No matter what you add to it, it never tastes as good as Haagen-Daz.

3. How do you blow off steam?
I take a walk.  Inside the house, around the block, through the park, wherever it may be, I just need to take a walk.

4. What would you do if you had an hour to yourself anywhere within a ten mile radius of your home...no kids, no hubby, just you?
I'd go to my hairdresser and have her give me a wash with massage and a haircut/style.  There's nothing more relaxing to me than getting my hair done.

5. When you were 16, what was your curfew in the summertime?
Let's see, 16...I think it was 9:30pm.  That was a long time ago, people.  My memory isn't what it used to be ;).

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Thursday Thoughts

Wow, I've really let my postings go!  I've been so busy I barely get a chance to sit for 5 minutes on the computer and I've got to run again.  Let's see if I can recap some of what's been going on.

 - Last Friday we took a trip to the zoo.  I'd forgotten how nice, and how BIG, the zoo is!  We only did about half the zoo even though we were there for several hours.  We packed a lunch, and since they have picnic tables we were able to enjoy the breeze while we ate.  There was so much to see, and although it was a hot day there was a breeze which made it comfortable.  My thought had been to stop by and visit my aunt and uncle who live a short drive away, but the sky started turning grey and we could hear thunder in the distance.  We'd gotten thunderstorms the night before, and I didn't want to get stuck in that weather, so we high tailed it home, knowing Molly was by herself and doesn't like storms.  Unfortunately we got caught in a thunder/hailstorm that was really nasty!  Praise God we got home safely.  Hopefully we'll get to see our relatives the next time we go down - we got summer savings passes so we can go to the zoo as many times as we want all summer long!

 - After we got home my daughter noticed something in the tree in the front of our house.  It was 2 baby birds hanging out of their nest!  Apparently the wind and rain had knocked them out but they got tangled in the nest and were too small to get loose.  On the ground we saw 2 more baby birds, one clearly hurt, but there was nothing we could do for them.  The storm was intense, with lightning brightening the sky every second, and there was no way I was going to let my daughter go out there in that kind of weather.  She was beside herself looking at the little birdies but I had to be firm.

The next morning the birdies were still hanging from the nest.  The rain had stopped so we tried going out with the ladder to bring them down.  It wasn't possible; not only were they up high, but mama and papa bird were hovering over us, and they weren't too happy about us going near their babies.  We did get an idea.  We could use a long extension saw that I use to cut down dried palm fronds to bring the baby birds down.  It worked!  The whole nest came crashing down, but the birds were safe, and we put them into a plastic container along with their siblings that were still on the ground.  One of the birds that had fallen was very weak.  It looked like it had a broken wing.  We put all four in the container and kept an eye on it.  We were thrilled to see mama bird check on her babies, then start feeding them!  We felt like we'd saved the little birdies!  Sadly, the joy would not last.

The weak bird was the first to go.  We knew it would probably die, but it was still sad.  Then the sky started turning dark again, and we worried about the birds being in the plastic container in the rain.  I didn't make holes in the bottom of it, and they would drown if it rained heavily again.  So, my daughter moved the birds back to the nest and put the nest at the base of the tree.  We had some errands to run, and we left them there hoping they were safe.  To our dismay, when we got home one of the birdies was missing!  We knew they were too small to have flown away, and we have no idea where it could have gone.  It's possible the mama bird moved it, but there's also the possibility one of the neighborhood cats got to it :(.  We also noticed the strongest of the birdies was outside of the nest, behind the tree, and the fourth bird looked like it was dying as well.  That was especially disappointing, because it was one of the ones that had been hanging from the nest, and it looked like it would be okay, but now we could see it had been too much for the little birdie, and it died as well.  The only one that was left was behind the tree, and we didn't dare move it.  Next morning, it too had disappeared, and we can only hope it was taken to a safe haven by mama bird.  My daughter took it especially hard; she's an animal lover and it pains her that two of the birdies died.  Of course it's not her fault and there was nothing she could do, but it still made her very sad.

 - In happier news, we've had Vacation Bible School (VBS) this week, and it's been so much fun!  This year my son E was a volunteer, since he's now officially a 7th grader and too old to attend.  He has been helping the 9-10 year old kids.  I did registration again this year, and it's been busy!  We've averaged 290 kids each day, including a fairly large group from the orphanage where my daughter volunteers.  Yesterday 20 kids accepted Christ as their personal Savior, and we rejoiced at their decisions to follow Jesus!  It's really satisfying and humbling to be used by God to make a difference in these children's lives.

 - When I wasn't at VBS, I was home preparing the house for my son's impending move.  My two older kids had been living in an apartment in Central Florida for the past year.  My daughter graduated college and decided to come back home; she missed her family and friends.  My son was undecided for awhile, but then he said he wanted to come back to South Florida as well, just not back home.  His intention was to get a place with his best friend.  Well, things don't always turn out the way we hope.  First off, one of his loans became due, and he's had to start paying it off.  It's an added expense he wasn't planning on having yet.  Then his hours at the store got cut dramatically to almost half what he'd been working, so his paycheck took a severe hit.  He's had to use his savings to pay his bills, and that has caused him to not have enough money for a downpayment anywhere.  He has to come home till he can save up enough money.  I told him this will always be his home, and I meant it.  My only problem is, moving a 2 bedroom apartment into my already furnished 3 bedroom home.  I can't afford a storage facility at this time, so we'll have to make do.  Today I made a trip to Goodwill to get rid of items we don't use or need.  I've been getting the garage in order, since some of the furniture will have to go in there.  I'm also moving things around inside the house to make room for some of their furniture.  This isn't easy for me; I absolutely hate clutter and disorganization, and I shudder at the thought of the house looking like on of those hoarders homes they show on TV.  Still, it's my son, and for my kids I will make the sacrifice.

Okay, that's what's been happening.  See, I told you I've been busy ;).  A mother's work is never done!  Have a blessed rest of your week.

The Simple Woman's Daybook


For Today, June 21, 2012...

Outside my window...it doesn't look like the first day of summer.  It doesn't look like I live in the Sunshine State.  It's cloudy and gloomy and I'm pretty certain we'll be getting more rain shortly.

I am thinking...of the week we've had, of how the enemy has tried to sabotage what God has planned, and how he's been defeated each time.  Praise the Lord!

I am thankful...for the opportunity to serve in our church's VBS (that's Vacation Bible School for those unfamiliar with the term).

I am going...to rest after this busy day.

I am wearing...a tank top, jeans, and flip-flops.  I was wearing my yellow "I *heart* VBS" shirt this morning, but I hung it up for tomorrow.

I am noticing...how much hotter it is up north than it is here.  I'm glad I'm in Florida!

In the kitchen...the menu today called for fried chicken, Stove Top stuffing and mixed veggies, with a slice of marble pound cake for dessert.  Yum!

I am reading...believe it or not, the same stuff I've been reading, whenever I get the chance.  I've been running non-stop for several days and haven't gotten a lot of reading done.  At least not as much as I'd like.

I am wondering...about my son's pending move back home.  How am I going to fit so much stuff into this house?

I am hoping...the rain calms down tomorrow.  Game time for our VBS kids is outdoors, but we've had to bring them in twice this week because of the weather.  Instead of games we had worship in the chapel, which was very special, but I know the kids love being outside.

I am looking forward to...the last day of VBS tomorrow, and our trip to Central Florida next week to move my son back home.

Around the house...I've been clearing out the garage and moving things around to make room for my son R's things and to fit his bedroom furniture in his old room.

I am pondering these words..."I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." - 3 John 4.

One of my favorite things...VBS week at our church!

A few plans for the rest of the week...tomorrow is the last day of VBS, and afterwards we will have a fellowship lunch with all the volunteers.  I'd really like to see the movie Brave this weekend - Disney's Pixar films are my favorites!  And of course church on Sunday.

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

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Five Question Friday


It's another one of those weeks where it's been non-stop, and I've only just gotten a chance to get my 5 questions post up.  If you want to do the same, even if it is a day late, hop on over to Mama M's at My Little Life.


1. Would you grow your hair out to donate it?
While I believe it's a noble cause, I don't think I would do it myself.  It would mean letting my natural hair color grow out first, and I can't see anyone wanting my black and white hair.

2. What song makes you think of summer?
Boys of Summer by Don Henley, of course.

3. Are you a flip flops or sandals kind of person?
I pretty much live in flip-flops.  Sandals are nice but nothing beats a cute pair of flip-flops.

4. Favorite summer treat (ie ice cream, snow cones, etc)?
Lemon flavored italian ice.  It's cool, refreshing, low in fat and calories...the perfect treat.

5. Do you do something special for the father of your children?
Since my kids are old enough, they get to choose what they want to do with their father.  It's more personal that way.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Words of Wisdom

 "Character is always lost when a high ideal is sacrificied on the altar of conformity and popularity."
 - Charles H. Spurgeon

 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
 - Romans 12:2

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The Simple Woman's Daybook


For Today, June 12, 2012...

Outside my window...it is a spectacularly gorgeous day!  Humidity is low, so even though the temperature is high it doesn't feel uncomfortable.

I am thinking...about a dear friend whose birthday is today.  I only just noticed it when I looked at the date on my computer.  I'm gonna have to give her a call.

I am thankful for...the lovely weather we had yesterday when we visited the Miami Seaquarium.  Hot but not humid, very breezy, perfect for seeing God's underwater creations!

I am going...to walk Molly in a little while.  Not quite yet, though.  The sun is out and blazing, which means the sidewalks are too hot for her to walk on.

I am wearing...a yellow t-shirt, brown and white shorts, and flip-flops.  This is my stay-at-home-cleaning wardrobe.  It's 86 degrees out and sunny.

I am noticing...some sinus irritation today.  I don't like that.

In the kitchen...there's kielbasa that I fried up with onions and added some tomato sauce to; I served it with yellow rice and mixed veggies, and tater tots.  A salad to go with it all, and I'm one happy stuffed mama ;)

I am reading...Genesis with my son, Proverbs with my daughter, and still reading In Search of Christian Freedom.

I am wondering...if God is closing doors and keeping only one open for my daughter.  If that's the case, then the answer is right there in front of her.

I am hoping...the weather is this nice on Friday.  Lord willing, we will be headed out to the zoo and a short visit to my aunt and uncle.

I am looking forward to...more beautiful, relaxing days with my kids, and having my older son here too.

Around the house...since we stayed in today, I vacuumed and mopped the floors, cleaned some furniture, tidied up one bathroom, cleaned up in the kitchen, and now the house is just the way I like it. :)

I am pondering these words..."Human things must be known to be loved: but Divine things must be loved to be known." - Blaise Pascal.

One of my favorite things...trips to places that are fun and educational.

A few plans for the rest of the week...we're going to the movies tomorrow to watch one of the free movies at our local theater, a picnic at our church (I'm bringing cupcakes!), a doctor's appointment on Thursday, the zoo on Friday, and church on Sunday.  Unless the Lord has other plans, of course.

Here's a picture thought I'd like to share...a couple of pics from our visit to the Seaquarium yesterday.

 Sea lions!

This area was hit by Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and has been fixed up.  The view is beautiful.

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

Monday, June 11, 2012

Move It Mondays

It's actually Monday evening, and I'm done moving it for today.  That's because I moved it a lot today, and my legs are sore!

What was I doing, you ask?  My daughter A, my son E, and I went to Miami Seaquarium and spent the day watching and learning about God's marine creations!  We had such a great time.  E was so tired he fell asleep in the car, and told me he doesn't want to go anywhere tomorrow because he wants to sleep in!

We really did enjoy seeing sharks, dolphin, sea lions, and Lolita the killer whale.  We read all about different kinds of fish and marine life and learned all kinds of fun facts.  It was fun and educational, and healthy too since we walked for about 4 hours.

One of my fellow leaders from Awana told me about a great local deal called the Summer Savings Pass.  For one price we can visit 3 different parks and a museum in South Florida all summer long as many times as we want.  Just visiting 2 of the parks once pays for the ticket; visiting all 4 places once is like buying tickets at half price.  It was too good a deal to pass up.  To make the trip more economical and healthy, we packed our lunch and took plenty of water bottles.  We didn't buy any souvenirs or snacks because we knew it would be out of our budget, but we didn't need any of these.  We took plenty of pictures, and brought our own snacks.  It was a perfect day, weather-wise and every way else.  I'm so glad we did it!

I know, I should post some of the pictures.  I will.  I'm just too tired today. ;)  Have a relaxing evening everyone.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Observing My Senses

For Today, June 9, 2012...

I am seeing...a rainy morning.  It had dried up this week, enough for the children to enjoy their last few days of field day at school.  Now, it's back to the rains.

I am feeling...sore after spending 2 days painting my daughter's room.  Now I have to get started on laundry :P

I am hearing...sausages sizzling in the frying pan.

I am tasting...nothing yet.  Breakfast is in the beginning stages.

I am smelling...sausages and hot coffee.

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

Friday, June 8, 2012

Follow Friday Four Fill-In


Thank you Hilary at Feeling Beachie for another week of fill-ins.  Everyone is welcome to join in, so give it a try!


1.       When I ___ I ____
When I eat certain citrus fruits, I get a migraine.  Orange juice is the worst for me :(

2.       I wish I was ___
I wish I was a little less introverted.  

3.       If the world is my oyster then _________________
If the world is my oyster then it's kind of slimy.  Unless it's fried, then it's crispy.  ;)

4.       My favorite meal of the day is __________ and the food I think would be my favorite to eat then would be __________
My favorite meal of the day is breakfast and the food I think would be my favorite to eat then would be a western omelet with hash browns and a cup of coffee.  (Great, now I'm hungry.)

Five Question Friday

Happy Friday y'all!  It's the first day of summer vacation for my son, and he's going to the drive-in movies with his sister and the youth group to see Madagascar 3.  Fun fun fun!  Momma's been home painting her little girl's room - pics to follow!  In the meantime here are my Five Question Friday answers, questions courtesy of Mama M at My Little Life.  Won't you give it a chance?


1. Did you do anything special for your kids on the last day of school? Or did you parents do anything special for you?
We didn't do anything special yesterday.  Usually we leave the special stuff for the rest of the summer.

2. What's your favorite summer tradition with your children?
Wow, there's so much we love to do!  My son and I like going to the movies to see free summer movies.  We used to go to Disney World or Universal Studios every summer, but it's gotten out of our budget.  This year we hope to enjoy things more locally and look for bargains.  That'll be our new tradition!

3. What was your favorite thing to do during the summer as a kid?
I loved it when we went to Puerto Rico to visit family and spent the entire summer there.  I'd play with my cousins, go to the beach, play outside, all the things we didn't do in New York because it was cold most of the time.  Those are the best memories of my childhood.

4. How old were you when you were married? Were you a Bridezilla?
I was 23 years old when I got married, and no, I wasn't a Bridezilla.  We got married at the courthouse, very simple.

5. What is your favorite girl name? (I'm needing suggestions.)
If my youngest child had been a girl, she would have been named Nathalie.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Thursday Thoughts

It's the last day of school, and my son is extremely thankful!  It has been a good year for him.  He raised his FCAT reading score from a 1 last year to a 3 this year.  The highest grade is a 6, so a 3 is equivalent to a C.  This is the highest his reading grade has ever been, and I am just thrilled at how well he has done.  I am especially thankful to his reading teacher, Mrs. Legra, who encouraged the students, and made character development as important as reading.  She did so much to help my son, and it shows in his progress.  I love when teachers give their all.

 - Saturday was my cousin's little boy's first birthday, and we were able to go to his birthday party.  It was a chance to see my aunt and uncle who are getting up in years, but what was even nicer was seeing their daughter, my cousin, the baby's grandmother, whom I hadn't seen in about 30 years.  She looks fantastic, and was all smiles at her only grandson's party.  We were able to chat for awhile, which I enjoyed.  Her daughter also came with her husband, and it was great seeing them as well.      

 - This week my daughter's childhood bedroom set left our home after 22 years.  Her father had built the furniture when she was just a few months old, and she's had it all these years.  It was all white, with the bed, 2 nightstands, a desk, and a wall unit full of drawers.  Very spacious, but not for A.  It was a child's bedroom set, and she's a young adult.  Her bedroom set in Central Florida will be taking it's place, but in the meantime we are painting her bedroom to fit her new furniture.  With the white furniture she had asked for teal walls, which looked nice though still pretty young.  Her new bedroom set is a dark merlot finish, and her bedding is black and grey.  Teal just wasn't gonna work with it, so we are making it more modern and edgy.  Two walls are being painted grey, one full wall will be purple, and the window wall will have both colors in a diagonal split.  I think it's gonna look really cool; we did the two full grey walls today and it already looks more grown up.  She's really excited to see her room completed.

 - My oldest son R stayed in Central Florida and planned to come back home in July.  He called me to say he needs to come home sooner.  Turns out when he told the store manager that he'd be leaving in July, they cut his hours dramatically, to the point that he can no longer afford to stay up there.  We're looking at driving up the last week of this month, packing everything up and bringing it down on a truck.  Hopefully he'll be able to transfer to his old store, or find full-time work.

 - To make matters even more complicated, my sonogram results came in, and I definitely have gallstones.  My doctor has referred me to a surgeon.  I have an appointment for next Thursday, in which I hope to find a way to avoid having surgery.  Truth is, the gallstones are there but I don't have pain.  There is occasional discomfort, heartburn, and some bloating, but I don't have any other symptoms, and certainly no painful episodes as so many gallstone victims complain of.  Maybe the surgeon will agree with me that surgery isn't necessary at this time?  We'll have to wait and see.

 - The arthritis pain comes and goes.  I find the pain in my elbow is worse when I don't use my arm; I wake up at night when I try to turn over because of the pain.  I need to find a pain reliever that doesn't upset my stomach.  Ibuprofen makes me nauseous, and Aleve is even worse.  Tylenol unfortunately doesn't take the pain away.  :P

 - The rain has calmed down a bit.  At least it hasn't rained these past 3 days, which is nice since the kids had their field days at school.  From the look of it that trend will end soon, though.  The skies are grey right now and weather lady says tomorrow's rain chance is 50%.

I'm looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow morning, preparing a special breakfast for my (now) 7th grader, then getting to work painting.  Have a great rest of your week folks!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Simple Woman's Daybook


For Today, June 5, 2012...

Outside my window...I am happy to say there is not a rain cloud in sight (yet!).

I am thinking...of what to do next week, since school ends officially this Thursday.

I am thankful for...my son's reading teacher, all the work and encouragement she gave him this year, and how it has helped him tremendously.  His reading FCAT score went up 2 points, from a 1 (which was a failing grade) to a 3 (equivalent to a C).  It's an incredible achievement, and we are thrilled!

I am going...to feed Molly once I'm done with this post.

I am wearing...a light blue top, blue/grey skirt, and black flip-flops.  It is very hot and humid today, in the 90's.

I am noticing...the wind picking up.  That usually means rain is on the way.

In the kitchen...I made lentil soup today.  I just had a hankerin' for it.

I am reading...the same book because I'm taking it a little at a time and I don't have as much time for reading as I would like.

I am wondering...how my daughter is doing.  She's volunteering at a local orphanage today.  It's her second time; she volunteered on Saturday and worked with the autistic children.  I wonder if she's working with them again today?

I am hoping...it doesn't rain tomorrow or Thursday, at least till school lets out.  It's field day for the 7th and 8th graders.

I am looking forward to...summer vacation and all the fun plans we have.

Around the house...I cleaned both bathrooms today.  Yesterday I cut the grass.

I am pondering these words..."If we are not governed by God, then we will be ruled by tyrants." -
William Penn

One of my favorite things...is Molly's face when I'm getting her food together.  She looks like a puppy waiting for a new toy.

A few plans for the rest of the week...my son E has a birthday party to go to on Saturday.  Other than that, it'll be a quiet week, especially once school lets out.

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

Monday, June 4, 2012

Move It Monday

Happy Monday y'all!  Welcome to the last week of school, yay!  Today was a full day of "school" for my son E; in reality he had a party in his science class, a movie in language arts (Madagascar), and physical education which was free play time.  Tomorrow is field day, and Wednesday and Thursday are all day homeroom - all day being half a day.  It's really a short week, and then it's summer vacation!  Can't wait!

Today I walked our dog Molly and got home so tired!  It's hot and humid out, which tires a person out real quick.  My daughter and I had our Bible study in the book of Proverbs after lunch, then I picked up E from school.  There was a semi-cool breeze, and I decided it was time to cut the grass before we get more rain.  It has been raining everyday, but today it's been dry.  We're supposed to get more rain this week, so cutting the grass today was necessary.  Of course the lawn mower died on me just as I was finishing the one side of the house :P.  Guess that will have to wait till tomorrow - the lawn mower overheats and quits.

All in all it was a productive day, and I'm looking forward to an even more productive week.  Have a blessed one!

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."

Without the Lord as your guide through the fog of life, and His Word as your compass, you will wander aimlessly.


My Lord is ever with me
Along life's busy way;
I'll trust in Him completely
For guidance day by day. —Anon.

Have a blessed day!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Observing My Senses

For Today, June 2, 2012...

I am seeing...bright sunshine and blue skies, even though we have 96% humidity.  Wonder when the rains will come?

I am feeling...sticky after taking Molly for her walk.  It's so muggy out!

I am hearing...Sonic the Hedgehog.  My son loves those games.

I am tasting...nothing right now.  I had breakfast earlier - egg, bacon and hash browns.

I am smelling...french toast sticks fresh out of the toaster oven.  My daughter prefers them to eggs.

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

Friday, June 1, 2012

Follow Friday Four Fill-In


Yep, it's Friday!  Time for my Friday four fill-in.  Let me just say, not as easy as you might think!  Give it a try, I dare you.  Then let Hilary at Feeling Beachie know you played along.


1.       I always ___when I___
I always dread when I have to drive far.  I drive because I have to, not because I like to.

2.       ___ is very hard for me to do
Speaking in large groups is very hard for me to do.  I'm an introvert, so any kind of public speaking is difficult for me.

3.       Whenever I eat ________, I want to _____________.
Whenever I eat anything spicy, I want to have a tall cold drink nearby.

4.       If I ruled the world, ____________ wouldn’t exist and everyone would _______.
If I ruled the world, different skin colors wouldn't exist and everyone would complain about how boring we look.  Because you know that's what would happen.  We are never satisfied.

Five Question Friday


It's the first day of June, and you know what that means?!  That's right, it's the start of hurricane season. :P  Here's to hoping for a very quiet and uneventful one.  It also means there's only 4 more days of school, though that's not really accurate, since the last 3 days of school aren't "school" days, they're field days, so no classes, and Monday most of the teachers will have a goodbye party, so if anything today is really the last day of school.  It's also Five Question Friday day, and if you want to be a part of it, visit Mama M at My Little Life.


1. What were you scared of as a kid?
The same thing I'm scared of as an adult - mice.  Eww, even looking at the word gives me the creeps.

2. Do you sleep well in a hotel?
I sleep well anywhere.  I can fall asleep standing up - I did once, on a one day cruise that was relaxing but also exhausting.  By the time we got back and were waiting for the ship to dock, I leaned up against a wall and dozed off.  It's a gift.

3. If you could meet any celebrity, dead or alive, who and why?
It's so funny, I'm not the least bit starstruck.  I mean I'd like to meet Michelle Duggar because she's such a great lady, but I'm in no rush, I'll see her in heaven.

4. It's a hot summer day. Do you prefer to be pool side or at the beach?
I prefer any place with air conditioning ;).  If I had to choose between the two, I'd say the beach.  There's something about pools resembling large public toilets that doesn't appeal to me :P

5. What is your favorite summer dish?
Anything on the barbecue grill is perfect in my estimation, except I don't have a grill. :P  I love sausages, especially kielbasa, on the grill, along with grilled veggies and oh! grilled pineapple!  Oh my word that is so delicious!  Put pineapple along with chicken, shrimp, peppers and zucchini on a skewer and put that on the barbecue - to die for!