I've been Tagged!!

So I get this comment from dear Kristen over at Homemaker at Heart http://homemakerathearts.blogspot.com/ and I'm thinking, "Tagged? What is this tagged she speaks of?" So I go over to her blog and realize that, oh, she wants me to answer a survey! Silly me! I get it now. Okay, here we go:

How does your day normally begin?
On weekdays I get up at 5:30am and start by thanking my loving God for another day with my family. I go to the bathroom and wash my face, brush my teeth, you know, standard procedure, then I read my morning devotion from my Women's Devotional Bible (NIV). After that I get breakfast ready, wake up my youngest son so he can eat and get ready for school. Before he leaves we do morning devotions from his children's bible. Once everyone is off I have breakfast while I read, either from the Bible or (now) The Purpose Driven Life. I might watch the news in the morning, or I might be totally sick of it. Either way, I turn on The Message on XM radio and listen to Christian music while I do housework, laundry, etc. Mornings are my busiest time of the day.

What's for lunch during an average week?
Actually what is on my weekly menu is lunch, since my hubby comes home at about 1:00pm and eats, rests up a bit, exercises, then goes back out to work. The love of my life works in food sales. Mornings is deliveries, he's out making sure the stores are well stocked. Then in the afternoons he's taking orders for the next delivery. I thank God everyday that my husband works in food sales, 'cause as long as people eat he's got a job.

What's your favorite part of the day?
I love mornings because that's when I'm most productive, and I also love when my son comes home from school and says, "I'm hungry. What's there to eat?" I know, typical boy, but it warms my heart none the less.

Least favorite?
Hmm, that's a tough one. Now that I'm home all day I pretty much love every minute of it.

How does the day usually end?
After we have something light to eat, I iron my hubby's shirt and E's school uniform for the next day. Baths, pj's, the standard procedure for nighttime, prayers and bed. If there's something good on tv I might stay up and watch (like tonight the Duggar's are gonna be on TLC - such a godly family), but usually I'm out like a light by 10:00pm.

Let's see now, who am I going to tag (since I guess that's how this works)? I'm going to pick Marybeth Whalen over at http://www.marybethwhalen.blogspot.com/ because I've been reading her blog for a while and she inspires me to no end. Thanks for thinking of me Kristen. Maybe one day I'll return the favor :-)

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Sept 29, 2008

To join in the fun, see Peggy at http://www.thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

For Today...

Outside my Window...sun is starting to rise, lots of clouds. We got a ton of rain last night and probably will get more today. Hopefully this will bring some refreshment to our very warm and humid temps.

I am thinking...that I have so much to do today, I pray I can get it all done.

From the learning rooms...I'll be meeting with E's teachers today to see what I can do to help him improve in his reading and handwriting - yes Peggy, eventually boy's handwriting improves a tad...

I am thankful for...yesterday's church at the local high school for the first time. Plenty of room, and the kids seemed to enjoy it too. Such a blessing.

From the kitchen...salmon today. My hubby has asked for less red meat and more fish.

I am wearing...pj's still - it's pretty early. I'll be getting dressed soon, since my meeting with E's teachers is at 9:00am.

I am reading...still doing Purpose Driven Life, will start on NT reading today.

I am hoping...for small groups that are starting this week to go extremely well. May our Lord's blessing be upon each and every one.

I am creating...a warm and comfortable home for my family. Maybe I'll have time to do some more fall decorating this week.

I am hearing...the hum of the computer, the clicking of the keyboard and the whirr of the ceiling fan.

Around the house...oh boy, do I have a ton of stuff to do before tomorrow's small group!

One of my favorite things...is mornings. I'm a morning person. There aren't a whole lot like me out there.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...meet with E's teachers, take car in to have battery checked, small group at my house, paint, plus all the usual stuff that needs to get done at home. I'm tired just thinking about it.

Here is a prayer request I am sharing with you...please pray for our church's small groups. I'm sure reading through the NT and sharing with our brothers & sisters in Christ is going to be such a huge blessing, I don't want anyone to miss it!

Have a blessed week.

The Week in Review

Being a stay at home wife & mom has resulted in much more activity than I'd anticipated. I've always got something to do, somewhere to run to, some project to tackle. It's so funny when people automatically assume that either a) I'm going nuts because I'm bored at home all day, or b) I'm enjoying lounging around doing nothing all day. None of the above! What I can say is that I no longer feel stifled. I'm not going crazy playing catch-up all the time. And I'm not worried about what I don't have; God has generously provided, and we have all we need and them some.

I was at the doctor's this week, getting results from some tests I had done last week. I'd gone in because I was having some weird but strong pains in my left side, and trouble going to the bathroom. The doctor told me it was probably a kidney stone, and ran some blood work and x-rays. I was feeling much better after that, though the pain came back today. It lasted about an hour and a half, then went away on it's own. I'm going to monitor this and if it continues to happen I'll have to go to the doctor again. Anyway, I did receive some good news. I always have issues with anemia, ever since I got hepatitis (the curable one) when I was 12. This time I was surprised and overjoyed to find my iron level has gone up. It's still below normal; it should be 11.7 and it's 11. Still, I praise my Lord because I'm healthier now than I've been in a long time. Thank You Jesus!!

I started sanding the family room coffee table, only to find the sandpaper my husband gave me isn't doing the job. I'll have to run to Loew's this weekend to get coarser sandpaper, and paint for the boys room while I'm at it. My son R is still undecided what color he wants, so I told him I'm pulling rank and letting his little brother choose. It'll be another shade of blue, this time with a grey undertone, sort of like a slate blue. It should turn out very boyish.

I really want to see the movie Fireproof with Kurt Cameron. It looks like an excellent film, but I'll have to convince my hubby that it's an action film also, otherwise he'll think it's a "chick flick" and refuse to go. My husband isn't a believer, so I hope films like this can have a positive (and perhaps eternal?) influence on him.

I've got 3 people signed up for my small group. I spoke with Pastor John who's in charge of small groups regarding what would be the best time. Since I'm home I told him I could do a morning group, which he thought was a great idea. I'm just concerned that not enough people are at home during the morning hours and that's why I don't have more attendance. I'm prayerfully hoping more women will take advantage of a daytime group if they're able to.

I signed my son E to Awana a few weeks ago, and he's loving it more than I had imagined he would. My son is only 8 years old, but he accepted Christ at the ripe old age of 5. He loves the Lord very much and is so happy to be going to Awana on Wednesdays. He tells me so everyday. My dearest friend LN signed up her son RJ too, and she and I go to Bible study afterwards. This isn't at our church; we signed the boys up at a local Baptist church, since our church doesn't have activities during the week for children. Because we're a portable church we're limited as to what we can do during the week. I felt it was important for my son to have fellowship with kids his age and have time for learning and worship in a group setting. He had told me last year that it wasn't fair the church had small groups for everyone except the kids. I could tell this was something he was longing for, and I'm glad I signed him up.

So, now the weekend is coming up. I'll be teaching at children's church on Sunday - hopefully I'll get the lesson soon! Looking forward to a fun, relaxing weekend with my boys. That's my week in review! Hope yours is just as blessed.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Sept 23, 2008

To join in the fun, check out Peggy at http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

For Today...
Outside my Window...we got some rain a little while ago, and now the sun is shining again. It may be fall in the rest of the country, but here in South Florida it still feels like summer.
I am thinking...I hope the computer cooperates with me today. I tried to post yesterday but my blog entry got erased and I was too busy to bother with it anymore
I am thankful for...my 3 beautiful blessings, my children
From the kitchen...bourbon chicken and chinese style rice (I say chinese style because I make it my way which isn't entirely chinese)
I am wearing...peach striped shorts and an old t-shirt. That's right, I'm painting again.
I am reading...Ephesians for my morning devotions, Looking Ahead for Wednesday night Bible study, and I've started The Purpose Driven Life again. I've started it several times but never finish. Hopefully I'll complete it this time.
I am hoping...to continue with all the plans I have for the house. It's looking really nice!
I am creating...this blog post for the second time
I am hearing...the TV on in the family room. My oldest son R is watching cartoons (he's 21 years old)

Around the house...I've touched up the paint in the master bedroom, family room and living room. Everything looks and smells so clean and new!
One of my favorite things...is finishing a project. I love the feeling of accomplishment.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...finish painting, sand and refinish family room coffee table and kitchen barstools.
Here is a prayer request I am sharing with you...our church is moving from the movie theater we've been meeting in for the past 6 years to the local high school (better layout, no rushing to get out because a movie is starting). Please pray for a smooth transition.

Have a blessed week!

The redorating continues

After finishing with my daughter's room and touching up the master bath, I realized I had almost a gallon of leftover sage green paint. I'd had it for a long time but I wasn't about to get rid of it as paint is expensive and it was perfectly good. So, I decided it was time for a new look in our formal dining room.

This is the view from the family room. The original color in the dining room was a sort of coral color, almost peachy. It wasn't the color I'd intended, since the formal living room, family room and kitchen are a terra-cotta color. But my hubby had already painted most of it when I realized the color wasn't really what I wanted, and asking him to repaint would have not been happily accepted. So I decided to live with the color, and I've done so for the past couple of years.

But no more! I love how the the furniture, which is a light maple color, just pops against the green walls. The colors are appropriate for fall (my favorite season) or spring (my second favorite season!). All I have to do is change out the accessories and the room is ready to go.

Here are some more before and after shots:

This is standing by the window, facing the entrance to the formal living room on the left and the family room on the right. It's very open, and though you can't see it both entrances to the room have arched doorways. It's my favorite feature of the house.

Here's the after shot. It's a better view of the archway. The door you see is the air conditioner closet right outside the dining room. To the right of that is the kitchen.

This is the view from the formal living room. Here the archway to the family room is really appreciated.

The color seems dark here, but it's because of the way the sun is coming into the room. The color is warm and friendly but certainly not dark. I absolutely love the color. Hubby isn't sure it works with the other colors in the room, but I've assure him it works fine. He doesn't watch HGTV like I do :-). Funny thing is, he didn't care much for the original color when it first went up on the walls. Now he says he liked the coral color better. Just proves he needs to get used to it.

The only other room that will change color is the boys bedroom, though my son R still hasn't decided what color he wants. I will be touching up the paint in most of the house, so hopefully I can post more pics. This way, when my daughter gets homesick, she can come here and look at pictures of her beloved home.

The best way to redecorate...

...is with paint. It's also the cheapest, and has the most impact. Take my daughter A's bedroom. Just one week ago her bedroom was purple. The paint color was called Grape Escape. It had been this color since 2001.

I loved the purple. It went great with her white furniture and deep purple bedding. But, of course, she was tired of it and had outgrown the "little girl" look. So, pulling from the same bedspread, she chose blue. More of a turquoise, actually.

This is during the process. Notice the difference between the blue and purple. It should be noted that I am not fond of blue. I don't like blue walls, or blue furniture, especially pastel-y kinds of blue. But that's what she wanted, so I went with it.

The poster above the bed says, "I'm a stellar cleaner when I clean! WOOT!" It's a quote from an interview of Lauren Barlow of BarlowGirl. My daughter got the band to autograph the poster, so it has a prominent place in her room.

So, 4 out of 5 family members love the new color. And as for the fifth family member, well, it's starting to grow on me.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Sept 15, 2008

To join in the fun, check out Peggy at http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

For Today...

Outside my Window...the sun is out and not one branch on our coconut palms is moving. It'll be toasty today!

I am thinking...that staying at home is the busiest job I've ever had (and the most fulfilling)

I am thankful for...my hard working husband who regularly tells me not to worry because I'm not working

From the kitchen...chicken and vegetable soup - my son R's favorite

I am wearing...a ratty, faded yellow t-shirt, ratty grey capris and flip flops. I kncow, I said no more ratty clothes, but today I'm painting the master bathroom so it's excusable. I'll shower and dress nice once I'm done.

I am reading...The Facts of Life and Other Lessons My Father Taught Me by Lisa Whelchel. Lovely testimonial.

I am hoping...the days will cool off just a little - it's been in the high 80's and low 90's. I like mid to upper 70's myself.

I am creating...a new look in my home - will get pics up during the week

I am hearing...the clicking of the keyboard. Hubby and oldest son left for work, and youngest is in school. I have the house to myself. Oh, blessed silence!

Around the house...I painted my daughter's room last week and it looks and smells nice. I'll post before and after pics some time today or tomorrow.

One of my favorite things...is the smell of a freshly painted house. Lots of people don't like the smell of paint but I love it. It smells like newness.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...paint master bathroom and dining room, and the boys room if they decide what color they want (takes my son R longer to pick a color than his sister!)

Here is a prayer request I am sharing with you...please don't forget to pray for our brothers & sisters in Texas, especially those in the Galveston and Houston areas. Hurricanes are devastating, but aren't you thankful our God is stronger than the storm? May He forever be praised.

Have a blessed week!

Dressing the part

Tuesday was my son E's open house at school. As I prepared to get dressed, I looked at the options in my closet. Back when I was working I would come home, cook up something quick or serve whatever I'd picked up on my way home, and run off to open house in the clothes I'd gone to work in. I dressed fairly nicely; we had a dress code and weren't allowed to wear jeans or t-shirts most days. Now that I'm a stay at home wife and mom I realized that I had the choice of wearing something very casual, jeans or capri's and some ole shirt & flip flops. Instead, I chose to wear a nice blouse & skirt with matching sandals. Why? Because I wanted to show my son how important he is to me. Sure, I could dress "comfortably", in just anything. But if I dress up for work, shouldn't I dress up for my family? Don't they matter to me more?

When I was working, I'd iron clothes daily, style my hair & put on a full face of makeup. I did this routine Monday thru Friday. When Saturday came along, I was tired of dressing up, and I'd wear ratty t-shirts & shorts, or (horror!) my pj's or a house dress, until it was time to go grocery shopping, when I'd put on bermuda shorts or jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers. And makeup? No way! But as I started to see my future at home I thought, "Is this how I want my family to see me?" The last thing I wanted was for them to think that I valued my job outside the home more than the responsibility I had inside. So I purposed to look my best everyday. I change out of my jammies daily; no ratty shorts or shirts, but if I wear jeans or capri's I make sure they look neat. When I go grocery shopping or out to run errands, I fix my hair nicely (no more hair clips!) and put on some makeup - not necessarily full makeup, but some blush, mascara & lipstick. And when I have something to do with my sons, daughter or husband, I'll be sure to dress as pretty as possible. I know my little one is only 8 years old, and he probably won't notice it much now. But one day I hope my kids will look back and remember that they mattered enough to their mom that she'd look her best for them. Because they do.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Sept 8, 2008

Outside my Window...winds are picking up a bit. We should be getting some rain today, later in the afternoon. Right now though, it's sunny and beautiful.

I am thinking...about the people in Haiti and Cuba who were or are being pounded by storms.

I am thankful for...Hurricane Ike staying away from the Florida peninsula.

From the kitchen...roast pork in the crock pot, white rice, green pigeon peas.

I am wearing...a black t-shirt, jean capris, pink flip-flops.

I am reading..."Looking Ahead" by the 21st Century Baptist Convention. A study of the end times for Wednesday.

I am hoping...to start feeling better today. I've been under the weather the past few days.

I am creating...hmm, not really creating anything.

I am hearing...the Today show. I put the news on to see where Hurricane Ike was this morning, and I need to turn it off.

Around the house...laundry, tidying up.

One of my favorite things...the happy faces on my family when they eat home cooked meals.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...refrigerator repair, house alarm maintenance, open house at E's school tomorrow, more errands to run this week.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Hubby pressure cleaning the roof of the house. I thought he looked irresistably cute, in a masculine way of course!

Have a blessed week. If you want to join in on this meme, visit http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

The Week in Review

Well, my first week at home proved to be a busy one! I laugh at all the people who have asked me if I'm enjoying "the good life", meaning I no longer have a job so I'm lounging around at home. Let me make a correction right from the start: I do have a job, I just don't have a salary. Being a stay at home wife and mother is a huge responsibility, and I don't have all that much leisure time. I realize now that there were so many things I needed to get done but I continually pushed them to the end of the list because I had such a full schedule. I was working 9 hours per day, waking up at 5:30 am so I could get E ready for school and myself ready for work. Before leaving I had to make sure everything was cleaned up and I'd had my morning devotions. Then when I got home, it was dinner, laundry, homework, clean-up, baths, bedtime, and by the time 10:00 pm rolled around I was beat. Now I find that I'm still busy, but I'm getting things done and there is much satisfaction in that.

So, this week I was able to clean each room of the house except the kids rooms. I wanted to start prepping the bedrooms for painting, but I put that on the back burner thanks to Hurricane Ike. We needed to prepare for that first. I had errands to run every single day, plus all the household chores. One of the things I like best about being home, is having meals prepared early. It was awful to get home at almost 6:00pm to start dinner. Now, by early afternoon dinner is ready, and it gives me time to sit with my son E to do schoolwork.

I'm still a busy bee. I'm just not an overwhelmed bee. I feel like I can get everything done that needs to get done without the guilt of everything didn't get done. I'm attending to my family's needs, which brings me joy. It's only been a week, but I honestly feel like this is the best thing that could have ever happened to us. To me. Thank you Lord for bringing me to my home.

I DON'T like Ike

My oldest son went with me today to buy supplies. Four cases of bottled water, 4 loaves of bread, 4 boxes of Kool-Aid pouches, a big box of potato chips, cereal, you know, all those non-perishables that are necessary when a hurricane approaches. We already had batteries, flashlights, a full tank of propane for the barbeque, and canned foods thanks to the scare we got from Tropical Storm Fay. But I couldn't fill my gas tank. The line at Costco was going around the corner. Thank God we have hurricane shutters for the windows; I can only imagine what Home Depot was like. Of course I also have a freezer filled with meat. Winn-Dixie (local grocery store) had some great specials and buy one get one free stuff that I took advantage of. Now I wonder if that was the best idea :-( . Living in the Southeast means contending with all kinds of storms. I try to always be prepared, but there's no knowing when or where the storm will hit.

That reminds me of the bible study my friend LN and I went to this Wednesday. We dropped our boys off at Awana and decided to join in the new study about end times. The important point made is that Jesus' return is like a storm; we know it's coming but we don't know when it'll happen. So, are you prepared?

Let me ask you all to pray for the Carolinas, who will be experiencing Tropical Storm Hanna very soon, and pray for Florida, the Bahamas and Cuba as we brace ourselves for the possible onslaught of Ike. Better yet, pray that Ike stays in the water, heads north and disappears. Yeah, let's all pray for that.

The New Testament Challenge

It's no big surprise that most non-believers have never read the New Testament. What is a surprise that so many Christians haven't read it, either. When you consider that we have the most access to God's word than any other country, it warrants the question: Do we avail ourselves to the Word as we should?

Our church has small groups each year in the spring and fall. In the past, small group leaders were able to select, with the approval of the pastors, the curriculum we felt led by the Lord to study. There were plenty of small groups and curriculum to choose from: groups for men only, for women only, for couples, for youth. This season, the Lord has placed upon our pastor's heart the need that we become more familiar with His Word. The Bible is our source of spiritual sustenance and vitality. Reading the Word once a week would be like only having a meal once a week; we would become weak, and our health would suffer. So, to strengthen our spiritual health, this fall the entire church will be studying the New Testament. We will be challenged to read anywhere from 4 to 5 chapters daily. For those that don't like reading or find little time to do so, the New Testament on CD will be provided. This way the daily reading can be listened to in the car, while doing chores, etc. Even the Sunday message will tie in to the New Testament readings. Small groups will discuss the weekly readings and apply it to our everyday lives.

That's one of the challenges. The other is called the ServeOne challenge. Each person will be challenged to find one person to serve each day. Jesus said He came to serve, and we are to do the same. After all, that's the recipe for JOY: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.

I am so excited for this study to start. I know God is going to do some amazing things as we draw closer to Him during this study of His Word. I pray that we have 100% participation this small group season. The blessings gained from studying God's Word are immeasurable.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Sept. 1, 2008

I'm just loving this weekly meme! You can do it too. Sign up at http://www.thesimplewoman.blogspot.com and join the fun!

For Today... September 1, 2008

Outside my Window...very sunny, warm breeze, lovely day. Nice after the rain and wind we got from Gustav all weekend.
I am thinking...I bought 2 loaves of bread on Sunday. Today is Monday and there's only one loaf left. What do I live with, pirahnas?
I am thankful for...the message on finances the pastor gave yesterday. God knows exactly what I need when I need it. Perfect message now that I'm not working.
From the kitchen...homemade lasagna today, my families favorite. My mom's lasagna is so good we'd eat it for breakfast. Mine is pretty close.
I am wearing...a light pink tank top, pink shorts and pink bamboo flip flops (told you I can take a color to the max!)
I am reading...still on the book of Acts, plus the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with the day of the week.
I am hoping...that the whole church signs up for fall small groups - God has some amazing things He wants to teach us this season (more on that in a later post).
I am creating...a list of all the things that need to get done this week.
I am hearing...the dishwasher and air conditioner running, and the boys playing together in their room. I'm blessed that my boys get along so well despite the age difference (or perhaps because of it?)
Around the house...laundry's done, plenty of cleaning and organizing now that I'm home full time.
One of my favorite things... is talking to my daughter on the phone, hearing all about her new life in college (she's doing very well praise the Lord)
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... just finished applying for unemployment compensation for the first time in my life; need to get some more paperwork done and sent out. Run to the pharmacy, bank, general errands, clean bedrooms and prepare them for painting. Whoever thought I'd be sitting around leisurely at home now that I'm not working is NUTS!! Stay at home wives and moms have PLENTY to do!
Here is a prayer request I am sharing with you... please pray for our brothers & sisters in Christ who are facing Hurricane Gustav, especially those in Louisiana who are still trying to recover from Hurricane Katrina. May the Lord protect them and keep them safe.

Have a blessed week!