The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, March 30, 2010...

Outside my window...it's a gorgeous afternoon. It rained on and off yesterday, but today the day was so incredibly beautiful. This is what I call Florida weather.

I am thinking...about our trip out to see my aunt and uncle. They recently celebrated 59 years of wedded bliss. Is that not wonderful?

I am thankful for...my sister and brother-in-law who are visiting and the fun time we're having together.

I am going...to make some dinner very soon.

I am wearing...a brown shirt, tan polka dotted skirt, and brown flats.

I am remembering...my aunt and uncle's home in Puerto Rico. I had so much fun there.

I am currently...resting after a day of visiting with family.

I am reading...2 Kings for morning devotions, Having a Mary Spirit, and finishing up Sherlock Holmes.

I am hoping...one day I can celebrate 59 years of marriage too.

On my mind...a trip to an outlet mall this week.

From the learning rooms...it's spring break, so all we're doing is reading.

I am noticing...the weather is getting better, though it was still in the 50's this morning.

I am pondering these words...Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." - Luke 19:39-40.

From the kitchen today...we had a huge lunch at my aunt's house, and she cooks so amazingly delicious, that I have no space in my tummy for anything else.

Around the house...finishing up some laundry.

One of my favorite things...is my family.

A few plans for the rest of the week...bowling, an outlet mall visit, some type of zoo visit.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, March 27, 2010...

I am seeing...my grown up son, who is turning 23 today, as he gets up from bed. As of today, he is officially half my age.

I am hearing...birds chirping. The day is breezy and sunny, totally beautiful, and the windows are open.

I am feeling...exhilarated, because my sister and brother in law will be here in a few hours. We're so excited! They haven't been down for a visit in several years. We're looking forward to some intense family time.

I am tasting...honey wheat toast and scrambled eggs.

I am smelling...the sweet scent of springtime. It's finally here!

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

Tackle It Tuesdays

On Wednesday. Yeah, a day late. But in my defense, I was so busy tackling stuff yesterday I didn't have time to go on the computer to blog about it. Here's what my day looked like yesterday:

4 loads of laundry - includes shower curtains
swept and mopped entire house
vacuumed all area rugs
vacuumed insides of sofas
waxed floors in 2 bedrooms
scrubbed master bathroom
library run

This, together with all the regular stuff (fixing beds, preparing meals, endless cleaning of kitchen). We also went to McDonalds in the afternoon because my son's school had a fund-raiser, with a bunch of the teachers and administration working at a local McD's. Part of the proceeds from the day went to the PTSA. By the end of the day, I was pretty exhausted, but satisfied with all I'd gotten done.

One other thing I've been doing alot of since yesterday: praying. There's a little girl who needs our prayers. Little Merikalyn will be going in for surgery to have a brain tumor removed. You can read about it here. Please lift up this family in prayer every chance you get.

Tackle It Tuesdays is hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom. Have a blessed day.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, March 22, 2010...

Outside my window...spring showers are beginning. Or at least I hope they are. It's very muggy out. The weatherman says this is a day of rain followed by another cold front. I really want it to be springtime already.

I am thinking...of all the things I'd like to accomplish before my sister and brother-in-law's arrival on Saturday.

I am thankful for...Swiffer sweepers. And the fact that my youngest son enjoys using the Swiffer sweeper as though cleaning were some kind of fun game. Wanna play! ;-)

I am going...to Walmart and Costco to do some grocery shopping, and Home Depot for a rake and some plants for the front yard. I think the weather is finally taking a turn and I can plant some goodies.

I am wearing...a Florida Marlins t-shirt, pink shorts and sandals. Just house cleaning clothes till I leave for the store.

I am remembering...Sherlock Holmes mysteries (see I am reading below).

I am currently...thinking of some blog entries. I need to get some stuff written down that's floating around in my head.

I am reading...1 Kings for morning devotions (almost finished) and Having a Mary Spirit for personal study. I also found a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories at the library that I'm reading. I used to read Sherlock Holmes mysteries when I was in high school, and I totally loved them. I'm enjoying reading them again.

I am hoping...I can get some nice plants for the front yard. We pulled out so much dead stuff this past week. Most of our plants couldn't survive the weather this winter and just withered. Time for replenishing.

On my mind...the front and back yards. Mostly the front yard right now.

From the learning rooms...it's spirit week at E's school. Today he was supposed to dress in something from the past, but I couldn't find anything. Hopefully we'll be more successful the rest of the week.

I am noticing...the chairs in my back porch have been scratched by the neighborhood cats that get into my yard. No money to replace them right now. I'll have to figure out what to do.

I am pondering these words..."You're the best mommy in the world." Doesn't every mommy enjoy savoring those words?

From the kitchen today...easy chicken and stuffing in the crock pot. Fast, easy, and yummy.

Around the house...I'm keeping up with everything which is good.

One of my favorite things...is pretty spring flowers.

A few plans for the rest of the week...getting the house ready for a long awaited visit from my sister and brother-in-law. My youngest son is SOOO excited! So are the rest of us. Oh, and that haircut I was hoping to get last week? Not happened yet. This week, for sure.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, March 20, 2010...

I am seeing...a house that is neat and clean except for the master bathroom which hubby is doing some tile repair on. Hopefully that'll get finished today and I can clean up.

I am hearing...the whirr of the computer, and the chatter of cartoons.

I am feeling...the chill in the air that comes from a morning in the 50's. Typically we don't have such low temperatures in March, but it's been a strangely cold winter. Spring starts tomorrow, though. Yay!

I am tasting...chocolate donuts. I know, shame on me. They were on sale, buy one get one free. Who can resist chocolate frosted Entenmann's donuts?

I am smelling...pretty good this morning, thank-you-very-much. ;-)

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

Thankful Thursdays

Today I'm thankful because I feel so much better than I did yesterday! Apparently it was a 24 hour virus, because yesterday I was able to eat a light dinner and slept very well. I feel like a new woman today! Which is great, because the Cub Scouts have a field trip this afternoon to visit and learn about the Coast Guard, and I didn't want my son to miss it because mommy was out of commission. Thank the Lord for His healing and His grace!


Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

Wanna join in? Click on over to Grace Alone. God bless.

Ugh...

I'm feeling miserable today. From what I've heard, there's a stomach flu going around. For some reason it decided to stop and visit me.

Yesterday morning I got up feeling a bit tired but not too bad. I had my breakfast, took my son to school, then had some juice mid-morning. My stomach started to hurt after that. And when I say hurt, I mean like someone sucker-punched me in the gut. I felt weak, too. I figured it was the juice that hadn't agreed with me; I have problems with foods that are high in acid content. I had lunch at 1:00pm, not because I was very hungry but because I didn't want to keep my stomach empty for long. I figured I'd feel worse if I didn't eat anything. But as the day went on, I just felt yuckier and yuckier.

I picked up my son from school and we went to the library to return some books. I told him we needed to hurry because I was starting to feel really bad. Bad colic, bad stomach pains, running to the bathroom. A while later I began shivering. I thought, "That's strange, the a/c isn't on nor are the windows open or the ceiling fans running. Why am I so cold?" So I took my temperature. I had a low grade fever, so I decided to rest for a while. Unfortunately I just felt worse. I took my temperature again, and saw it was steadily rising, so I took a couple of Tylenol and got a blanket. All I could do was lay on the sofa, freezing. I finally went to bed after one episode of the Duggars because my body was screaming at me for rest. Only thing is, rest wasn't coming. I tossed and turned most of the night, achy, feverish, and nauseous. This morning I finally threw up (mind you, I hadn't eaten anything since 1:00 pm yesterday). I still have a low grade fever, but at least I've been able to have my morning coffee and it hasn't revisited me. I hope I can get some rest now and feel better. Ugh...

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, March 15, 2010...

Outside my window...I first thought it was going to be cloudy again. Then I remembered daylight savings time ended and we were up an hour earlier. The sun is out, the breezy is cool but the day is warm. It's 60 degrees and gorgeous in South Florida.

I am thinking...of my oldest son's new school schedule and my husband's diet. That's how I'll figure out this week's menu.

I am thankful...that my daughter arrived safely back to school, and that she was here for the week.

I am going...to start cleaning up the front of the house and planting this week, now that the weather is nicer.

I am wearing...a red t-shirt my daughter gave me, brown and white shorts, and sandals. It's cleaning day; no need to get too dressed up.

I am remembering...my niece when she was just a baby. She turns 15 today. Where has the time gone?

I am currently...restaining the kitchen barstools. I did the first one but I don't like how parts of it came out; too streaky. I couldn't work on it because we had so much rain, but hopefully today will be a better day. I need to sand and restain some areas.

I am reading...1 Kings for morning devotions, John for SOAP devotions, Having a Mary Spirit for personal study, and just finished reading the Duggar book 20 And Counting. Again. I love their story. It's very encouraging.

I am hoping...to get that haircut this week. My ends are very dry and I don't want them to start splitting.

On my mind...home projects and spring cleaning.

From the learning rooms...the teachers start taking it easy once the FCAT exams are done. E and I have been reading the "My Weird School" series which we found at the library. Hilarious.

I am noticing...how much neater the boy's room is now that R and I purchased some shelves to put books, DVD's and other stuff on. I love neatness.

I am pondering these words..."Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." - Psalm 37:5.

From the kitchen today...chicken of some sort. I need to find recipes that my hubby will like and are approved for his low fat diet.

Around the house...most of the dust from the flooring project has settled, so alot of dusting needs to be done. Thankfully my youngest son loves cleaning with the Swiffer sweeper, so my floors look great!

One of my favorite things...this daybook.

A few plans for the rest of the week...the Cub Scouts will be visiting the local Coast Guard base. That will be a great learning experience! That's for Thursday; we have Awana on Wednesday, plus a run to the library to return books and get new ones. Oh, and that haircut...

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, March 13, 2010...

I am seeing...the sun shining brightly after 3 days of clouds and rain. I missed the sun so much!

I am hearing...cartoons.

I am feeling...a little sad because my daughter left a little while ago back to school. At least we had her home for a week.

I am tasting...pigs in a blanket with honey mustard.

I am smelling...the yummy spicy honey mustard. Mmm....

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

Thankful Thursdays

How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

I'm thankful this week because my three children are home! My daughter is home from college thanks to spring break, so we are all together once again. We've gone shopping, played dominoes, listened to music, and just been home. It's our favorite place to be!

Wanna join in? Click on over to Grace Alone. God bless.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, March 8, 2010...

Outside my window...the sun is shining bright, and it's about 59 degrees, the warmest it's been in the last few weeks. Normally this time of year, it's in the upper 60's in the morning, so we're still below average. Thankfully we seem to be inching our way up the thermometer.

I am thinking...of what I'm gonna do next. After this post, I mean.

I am thankful...for my family being all together. It's spring break, so my daughter is back home. Yay!

I am going...to take my daughter to the eye doctor. She's complaining that her glasses aren't doing the trick anymore.

I am wearing...a burgundy blouse, jeans, and red flats.

I am remembering...the dark corridors of my high school. I didn't realize then how dreary it looked. I see the high school in my neighborhood now and it's so bright and cheery. What a difference!

I am creating...nothing right now. Creativity is on break.

I am reading...2 Samuel for morning devotions, John for SOAP devotions, and Having a Mary Spirit for personal study.

I am hoping...to get my hair trimmed soon. It's pretty shapeless right now.

On my mind...my sister, who is starting her new career today: homemaker.

From the learning rooms...FCAT exams are this week. Trying to keep my son from stressing.

I am noticing...that staying up after 11:00pm is just not an option anymore.

I am pondering these words..."Sometimes, you have to forgo doing what is popular in order to do what's right." - Mo'Nique, in her Oscar acceptance speech. What profound words.

From the kitchen today...meatloaf. One of my family's favorites.

Around the house...need to attack the laundry again. For the most part everything is in order.
One of my favorite things...warm sunny days.

A few plans for the rest of the week...probably gonna run around with my daughter getting things done before she goes back to school on Saturday.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, March 6, 2010...

I am seeing...a bright, sunny, COLD morning. Again. In South Florida. In March. If I see Mr. Al Gore I will punch him in the face (okay not really, but everytime I hear about global warming while I'm shivering in a sweater and jacket I wanna scream).

I am hearing...my oldest son's light snore. He'll be 23 this month and still lives at home. To some that may seem too old to be with his parents, but I'm grateful that he's still here with us.

I am feeling...very happy because my daughter is home for spring break which means our family is all under one roof again.

I am tasting...sausage biscuits (made at home) with my morning coffee.

I am smelling...the aroma of baked biscuits. I can't think of anything that says home like the smell of bread baking. It's so comforting.

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

Thankful Thursdays

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?

- Ecclesiastes 4:9-11

Today I'm thankful because my hunny got home yesterday late in the afternoon from his business trip to Central Florida. He'd called me the night before and said it looked like he'd be gone all week. I didn't like the sound of that. At.all. I missed him a bunch. So did my youngest son. But he called yesterday at noon to say he was done and on his way! He got home just after 4:00pm (he had to drop off his parents at their house first), and he looked so relieved to be in his own home, eating food prepared by his own wife, sleeping in his own bed. As a matter of fact, he slept like a baby! I was especially glad, because it was REALLY cold again last night (lower 40's; yes, that's cold!) but it isn't so bad when there's someone to cuddle up to :-). What a blessing to have my hubby back home!

Wanna join in? Visit Iris at Grace Alone. God bless.

The Things Kids Say

As I was taking my son E to school this morning, we listened to a new Christian radio station that was quoting a Bible verse. I asked my son about it, and his answer to me was, "Oh, sorry, I wasn't paying attention. I was in E-Land. It's my special place, where there's no school, kids can fart in public, and ice cream is a vegetable."

This kid amazes me sometimes.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, March 1, 2010...

Outside my window...it's cold again! What's going on?! I don't recall such a cold winter here in Florida. It was in the mid 40's this morning, and the weatherman says we can expect the same for the rest of the week. I can't wait till we get real springtime weather again. Of course I shouldn't complain; at least there's no snow to shovel.

I am thinking...of how God has blessed me with yet another unemployment compensation extension. Once again I did not apply for this extension nor did I request it. It just came. God is so generous!

I am thankful...for the life I have in Christ. Life in this world isn't perfect, but the hope I have in Him makes it so much more worthwhile.

I am going...to be returning a bunch of stuff we bought for the floors that didn't get used, and grocery shopping in a little while.

I am wearing...a NYC t-shirt, light blue capris and white flip flops. It's cold outside, but comfortable inside.

I am remembering...all the hard work we did on Friday and Saturday. It's nice to see the fruits of our labors.

I am creating...nothing today. My creativity is taking a rest.

I am reading...1 Samuel for morning devotions, still studying Having a Mary Spirit for my quiet time.

I am hoping...to have the house back in order before my daughter comes home for spring break this weekend.

On my mind...my hubby who is in Central Florida again for the next couple of days. This time he took his parents with him; he was the only one from his company traveling and had a big room all to himself, so he decided to take his mom and dad for a short vacation. I'm sure they'll enjoy that.

From the learning rooms...no school today, it's a teacher's planning day.

I am noticing...how much we've done to this house in the almost 10 years we've lived here. It was brand-spanking new when we moved in, yet we've done projects in all the rooms and outside too.

I am pondering these words..."Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:12-13. As our pastor said yesterday, if you want to marry the right person, you have to BE the right person.

From the kitchen today...ground beef and rice, my son's favorite.

Around the house...I did almost all the laundry yesterday (yay!), all I have left to do is bedding. The house is pretty clean but the baseboards need to be finished so I can clean up the bedrooms.

One of my favorite things...being home.

A few plans for the rest of the week...getting this house in order! I hate clutter.

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