The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, November 30, 2010...

Outside my window...the sun is blaring and there's a light breeze. It feels more like late spring than late fall. A cold front is supposed to come in tomorrow and change that. I can't wait!

I am thinking...how blessed we are that hurricane season is over and we got no hurricanes this year.

I am thankful...for everything. God is so great!

I am going...to be doing lots of clean up around the house today.

I am wearing...a brown and pink shirt, jeans, and brown flip-flops.

I am noticing...summer doesn't want to leave us just yet.

I am currently...caught up decorating. Finally! I started on Friday and finished yesterday.

I am reading...James for morning devotions, and nothing else. I've been too busy decorating.

I am waiting...for a phone call.

On my mind...my daughter, who has 2 papers to finish this week and is preparing for finals. We're diligently praying for her.

From the learning rooms...E is learning the "powers" (10 to the 5th power, that sort of thing) and says it's so easy. I'm glad he catches on so quickly.

I am pondering these words..."Gossips and talebearers set on fire all the houses they enter."

Around the house...finish laundry, clean outdoor furniture, vacuum. Hubby was going to take the day off and power clean the roof, but Walmart gave them extra freezer space so he's off to work.

One of my favorite things...my Christmas tree. It's so gorgeous!

A few plans for the rest of the week...back to normal again. Library, Awana, Cub Scouts. Sunday is going to be busy - we're hosting a birthday party for a cousin's son who turns 1.

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

Move It...Day After Monday?

Yes, it's Tuesday. I moved a lot yesterday, though, just didn't have time to update.

My driver's license expires on my birthday, which is 2 weeks away. Since I renewed it online the last time, I'm required to renew in person this time around. I gathered all my documents and went over to the DMV early yesterday morning. I was so glad to see the place was practically empty! I got called right away, gave my paperwork to the clerk, had my eyes checked, and it looked like I was just about done.

It's never that easy though, is it?

When the clerk tried to get my information on his computer, he couldn't find it. He reviewed my documents and told me what the problem was: my social security card had my maiden name, and my driver's license has my married name. No big deal, I said. Here's a copy of my birth certificate and my marriage certificate. It's been enough documents these past almost 21 years to prove that I am who I am and I've always gotten my license with these papers. Sorry, they told me. Turns out now everything is linked to my social security number (I guess for security reasons; too many identity thefts). I had 2 options: either change my driver's license to my maiden name, or go to the Social Security Administration office and get my name updated there.

At first I thought, does it really matter? I'm the same person after all! But it does matter, because all my other paperwork (home title, credit cards, etc) are in my married name. If I'm asked for a picture ID, it won't match any of my other papers, and I'll be in trouble. So I had no choice: I went grocery shopping, got home, put everything away, made and ate lunch, then went to the SSA office and, after an hour of waiting (I consider I made good time), I changed my name on my ss card to my married name. Now I have to wait 24-48 hours for the system to be updated and I can go back and get my license renewed.

So it was a hectic but productive day. I hope today is productive too. Just not as hectic ;-).

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

The Friday Five

Hope everyone had a super Thanksgiving! In the spirit of the holiday, here are my Five Friday questions. You can join too - just visit My Little Life.

1. What is your favorite part of a Thanksgiving meal?
Is it okay to just say "the food"? I love the flavors of Thanksgiving. We have turkey and ham, mashed potatoes and stuffing, mac and cheese, corn, salad, rolls...okay, I'm getting hungry again!
Okay, my favorite - I'm gonna say the stuffing. I love stuffing, and not to sound like a snob or anything but everyone seems to love my stuffing.

2. Are you a host or a guest for Thanksgiving this year?
Hosting. It's easier since I do the majority of the cooking anyway. This way I don't have to cart the meal to anyone's house.

3. When you think of one Thanksgiving tradition, what comes to mind?
Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Even if I don't sit and watch it the whole time, just catching bits and pieces makes it feel like the holidays have begun.

4. You have two pieces of pie in front of you and you HAVE to eat one...do you choose pumpkin or pecan?
Oooh, that's a tough one. I love them both! But I guess I would pick pumpkin just because it has less sugar so I can have a bigger piece!

5. Are you a Black Friday Shopper?
NO WAY!! I HATE shopping the day after Thanksgiving! It's an absolute nightmare! Instead I stay home and begin decorating the home for Christmas. It takes me a full 3 days to get everything done so I try to start as soon as possible.

Have a great day after Thanksgiving everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This week, at our pastor's suggestion, we made up a Thankful poster and wrote different things we're thankful for. Let me share what we've got so far:

I Am Thankful...

1) For my family.

2) For my new haircut (that was me :)).

3) For free turkeys.

4) For the food.

5) That my sister comes home (that was E).

6) For Jesus Christ.

7) For medicine that takes away headaches :(

8) For E making the A-B Honor roll!

9) For E getting 3 awards: honor roll, perfect attendance, an citizenship.

10) For not being stick in a car anymore :P (that was my daughter -it was a long 4 hour drive home).

I hope you can take the time to express thankfulness too. It's so refreshing to the soul to see our blessings and give thanks for them! Happy Thanksgiving!!

A Thankful Mama

This is my youngest son, winner of the Citizenship Award, Perfect Attendance Award, and the A-B Honor Roll Award (he got straight A's and B's). I cannot begin to express how thrilled and grateful to the Lord I am for my son's accomplishments. E has worked really hard this year and it has paid off. What a way for Thanksgiving Eve to begin!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, November 23, 2010...

Outside my window...I'm hearing a helicopter overhead. It's probably the news chopper, since we live fairly close to one of the expressways. I'm hoping there isn't an accident.

I am thinking...of all the preparations needed for Thursday, and my little girl who'll be home tomorrow (yay!).

I am thankful...for my Savior, for my family, for the comfortable life He's given us, for the nation we live in, for my church family, for my extended family...oh my, the list goes on and on!

I am going...to get as much done today as possible, so that I can start baking tomorrow.

I am wearing...a mint green shirt, jean bermuda shorts and white flip flops. Hey, it's 75 degrees outside.

I am noticing...the chopper is still flying around.

I am currently...looking at cars for my daughter. She's going to need one, and we want to get as good a deal as possible for a safe dependable car.

I am reading...2 Timothy for morning devotions, and not much else. It's been pretty busy around here lately.

I am waiting...patiently for our Thanksgiving day feast!

On my mind...a multitude of plans, and changes, and all God is preparing us for. He's so good!

From the learning rooms...I've been invited to E's award ceremony tomorrow. Only parents of children who are getting awards got invited. I'm so thrilled! My son got straight A's and B's on his report card! Thank You Jesus!

I am pondering these words..."Thou who hast given so much to me, give me one more thing - a grateful heart!"

Around the house...finish floors, laundry, and clean bathrooms.

One of my favorite things...Hello, Thanksgiving!! LOL!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...we'll be prepping for Thanksgiving, hosting Thanksgiving, then 3 days of Christmas decorating. It's my favorite time of the year!

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

Move It Mondays

Actually, it should be Move It All Week this time around! We're hosting Thanksgiving at our house, so there's plenty of planning to do. This morning I have my hair appointment so I'll be off shortly to get my hair cut. Then it's cleaning floors throughout the house. So much to do, so little time!

Our pastor gave us a cool idea. Put up a poster board in the kitchen or wherever it'll be seen by everyone, and have everyone write what they are thankful for. Have a pen or marker nearby so when a thankful thought comes to mind it can be written down. I hope to have lots of thankfulness listed by this Thursday!

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." - Colossians 3:17

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, November 20, 2010...

I am seeing...bright sunshine and blue skies. It doesn't feel like autumn here in South Florida. It's more like early summer. I hope that cold front gets in here soon.

I am feeling...a bit down because my daughter is sick and I can't be with her. I miss her so much.

I am hearing...Spongebob Squarepants.

I am tasting...nothing at the moment. Breakfast was about an hour ago.

I am smelling...which is a good thing, since all I did yesterday was sneeze and not smell anything. Not a good day for allergy sufferers.

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

Five Question Friday

Talk about random! This week's 5 questions come from all directions - making it just a little strange, but fun none the less. Here are my answers for this week:

1. What Christmas song do you loathe?
I don't think I loathe any Christmas song, though I admit I like the more traditional Christmas carols more than the newer songs. But loathing? No way.

2. Do you and your significant other cuddle at night or sleep on opposite sides of the bed?
We sleep at opposite sides of the bed because even with the air conditioning on and a ceiling fan my hubby is sweating, meanwhile I'm under a comforter freezing. Guess that makes us polar opposites?

3. Have you ever had surgery?
Well yeah, that's how they got my three munchkins out of my belly. Other than that, no.

4. When do you typically have your holiday shopping done?
I try to have it all done before Thanksgiving, because I loathe shopping in December when the stores are packed and nothing can be found anywhere. I much prefer to be at home during the holidays, enjoying my family, listening to much loved Christmas songs, playing board games, that sort of thing. As of today, 6 days before Thanksgiving, I probably have over 90% of my shopping complete. Yay me!

5. If money were not an issue (and you HAD to pick something), what would your ultimate luxury item be?
Giving a boatload of cash to Operation Christmas Child. I would feel much better giving the money to children in need than buying some trinket for myself. After all, I've got all I ever needed or wanted. God is soooo good.

Why not join in the fun? Just jump on over to My Little Life. Have a blessed weekend.

Thankful Thursdays

It's exactly a week before Thanksgiving! What am I thankful for? And can I get it all in one post?

Let's see. I'm thankful:

1) My daughter will be home for Thanksgiving.
2) My hubby gets a free turkey from his job.
3) My hubby has a job.
4) This is the busiest time of the year for my hubby at his job as a supervisor for a food distribution company.
5) The weather seems to want to take a turn and give us cooler temperatures.
6) We're going to the Cub Scouts Thanksgiving feast tonight - we get to start being thankful early!
7) I've got at least 90% of my Christmas shopping done, and I've managed to get some really great deals by searching out sales. Woot!
8) I got a $25 Amazon gift certificate for some surveys I did online which helped pay for my hubby's Christmas present.
9) For my family.
10)Most of all, I'm thankful for my Savior. None of this stuff would matter if I didn't have Jesus. None of it is worth more than the love of my Lord.

What are you thankful for today? Why not share it at Women Taking a Stand? Have a blessed rest of your week.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, November 16, 2010...

Outside my window...the sun is shining brightly, there's a cool breeze but not cold. Temperatures have been a bit weird lately; some days cool and fall like, other days really toasty warm. I hope it stabilizes soon.

I am thinking...about our Thanksgiving menu and what still needs to be bought.

I am thankful...my God never leaves me nor forsakes me.

I am going...to call my hairdresser today. My ends are dry and need cutting.

I am wearing...a yellow short sleeved hoodie, jean bermuda shorts, and flip-flops. In mid-November. It's strange even to me.

I am noticing...a calm and peace in my heart. Thanks, Lord.

I am currently...done wrapping all the presents I've bought, but I still need to catch up on purchases. Looking for sales everywhere I go.

I am reading...Ephesians for morning devotions, and still working on an Agatha Christie mystery.

I am waiting...to hear from the Lord.

On my mind...my daughter will be coming home next week for Thanksgiving (yay!) and then the decorating starts.

From the learning rooms...lots of math lately. Word problems mostly.

I am pondering these words..."Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." - Proverbs 13:12. Such a beautiful verse.

Around the house...2 loads of laundry still need to be folded, and bathrooms need cleaning.

One of my favorite things...spending time with my children.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Thursday is the Cub Scouts Thanksgiving feast. We're looking forward to that.

Here's a picture thought I'm sharing...I found this ornament at Target and had to get it for my son R. The reindeer is sitting on a game console, so of course I put it on top of his XBox 360. He got a kick out of it!

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

Move It Mondays

Happy Monday to all! I'm late in getting my Move it Mondays post in because I've been doing lots of laundry. It piles up really quick! I went to Target this morning and got some more Christmas shopping out of the way. I got home and the laundry drill started right away! I changed all the bed linen and washed that, too.

This weekend I started cleaning my closet. I like decluttering at least once a year, since I hate to have junk around taking up space. The closet needed to be cleared out for another reason: that's where I keep the Christmas presents, nice and wrapped! Most of what I got this morning is already wrapped and put away.

This afternoon, E and I hope to take a walk in the park after he finishes his homework. I'd also like to bake a cake or some cupcakes so he can have that as an after-school snack. It's always nice to start the week with fresh baked goods.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, November 13, 2010...

I am seeing...cloud filled skies, but they're white clouds, not rain clouds. The trees are swaying in the breeze.

I am feeling...warm and fuzzy inside. I awoke at 5:30am and decided to spend my early morning with my heavenly Father. That was so sweet.

I am hearing...a lawn mower in the distance, and birds chirping.

I am tasting...Smart Start cereal with almond milk. A new favorite.

I am smelling...the fresh air coming in through the windows. I love this time of year; the air smells clean and fresh, there's little to no humidity, mornings are cool and delicious. It's my favorite time of the year.

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

The Friday Five

For more fun Friday 5's, visit My Little Life.

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?
Passing a kidney stone. I'm not kidding, it hurt worse that labor pains and c-sections. I never want to go through that again.

2. How much sleep do you get at night?
Typically about 8 hours, though lately I tend to toss and turn in the middle of the night which is annoying.

3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he does not exist?
Growing up in a Jehovah's Witness home we never had Christmas and never believed in Santa Claus. I missed out on alot.

4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?
I think it was Despicable Me. Yeah, that's right, we went while my daughter was home, just before they took it out of the theaters. Funny movie.

5. What do you wear to bed?
If it's very warm out I wear a long t-shirt or one of the cotton day-dresses my husband has brought back from his native Nicaragua. If it's cold, sweat pants or pj pants and a t-shirt.

Have a blessed weekend everyone!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, November 9, 2010...

Outside my window...the sun is setting on a beautiful day.

I am thinking...about my sister and brother-in-law who are celebrating 8 years of married bliss. Congratulations you two lovebirds!

I am thankful for...God's will in my life.

I am going...to finish eating my ham and salami sandwiches and then I'm going to wash my hair.

I am wearing...a black and white jersey top, jeans and flip flops.

I am noticing...the less I worry about stuff, the faster God reveals His will to me.

I am currently...behind on my Christmas shopping. I need to get on the ball here.

I am reading...1 Corinthians for morning devotions, and not much else just yet.

I am waiting...for Friday.

On my mind...Dr. Barnes' message on worry. What a great teacher Dr. Barnes is.

From the learning rooms...the science project is done! And E doesn't even have to turn it in till next week! Yay!

I am pondering these words..."Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance." - Psalm 42:5.

Around the house...I got a whole lot done today! Now just need to finish the laundry.

One of my favorite things...a clean house.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Thursday is Veterans Day, so there's no school or Cub scouts. E and I will have to figure out something fun to do ;-).

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

Move it Mondays

It's a beautiful Monday morning! The sky is cloudy which keeps the temperatures cool, in the 60's. It really feels like fall! I'm enjoying this very much. I love sunny days, but I also like cool autumn days, so I hope to really take advantage of this one!

There's plenty of stuff to be done around the house. Today my schedule looks like this:

Swiffer floors
Mop wherever necessary
Fold 2 loads of laundry
Tidy up bathrooms
Help my son finish his science project

I've also got phone calls to make. I don't like making calls to companies; answering services with "press one for yes and two for no" are so impersonal and take FOREVER before you get an actual human being, but it's gotta be done. I've got 2 done already, I need a couple more to go.

Move it Mondays is hosted by Kristilea at In the Lord's Path. Praying you all have a blessed week.

Observing My Senses

For Today, November 6, 2010...

I am seeing...the most beautiful blue sky I think I've ever seen. It's just absolutely gorgeous!

I am feeling...nervous, excited, apprehensive, but I must rest in the Lord. Once I'm in His arms I'm at peace.

I am hearing...the wind blowing the palm trees around. The windows are open because we're in the low 60's today (yay!) and it cools off the house.

I am tasting...a Baby Ruth mini. I love chocolate!

I am smelling...the fresh air coming in the windows. Such a sweet aroma.

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

The Friday Five

It's Friday, and what a gorgeous Friday it is! I wish I could freeze today's weather so it could be like this everyday! Sunny, cool, breezy, skies of blue - this is what I live in South Florida for!

So here we are again, and here are my Friday Five for today:

1. If you could have any talent and turn it into an occupation, what would it be?
That's easy: interior design. I love decorating my home, moving things around, changing, adjusting, turning four walls into a comfortable haven for my family. To be able to do this for others as well, would be a dream come true.

2. Would you rather have a house at the beach or a cabin in the woods?
Hmm, that's a good question. I can see the advantages of both, and I can also see the disadvantages. If I had to choose, I'd probably go with the beach house. Less chance of critters getting in the house.

3. Is there any meaning or reasoning for the names you chose for your child/children?
For my oldest son, his middle name starts with and has many of the letters of my name. My daughter's middle name is the feminine version of her father's name. My youngest son was named by his siblings; my daughter picked his first name, and my son picked his middle name.

4. What is your guilty pleasure? (I know we've done this one before, but I'm guessing people's "guilty pleasures" change frequently. At least, mine do!)
Haagen-Daz vanilla swiss almond ice cream. I could sit and eat an entire pint of it by myself. I know; I've done it. Suffered for it later, but I refuse to say it wasn't worth it.

5. Do you live in a house that is deep cleaned or straightened?
I spend alot of time trying to deep clean my home, yet I'm never quite satisfied. My children say it's because I'm OCD. I say it's because I hate nasty odors from filth, and clutter, and disorganization. Is that the definition of OCD?

Wanna take a crack at it? Visit My Little Life for the Friday Five questions. Have a blessed weekend.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, November 3, 2010...

Outside my window...the sun is peeking out after a quick (though fairly heavy) morning shower. I'm hoping the rain is done for the day; I'd like to clean up the back patio.

I am thinking...about what the Lord is trying to teach me, and why I have such a hard head that I can't see what it is.

I am thankful for...my online bible devotional group, who encourage and pray for me. I'm also thankful for my Sunday school bible class which teaches and convicts me. I need both of these so much.

I am going...to finish painting baseboards at some point in time. I don't see it happening this week, though.

I am wearing...a yellow top, jean capris and flip flops. It's 75 degrees outside. Yeah, I know, it's November, but we're in South Florida, remember?

I am noticing...my prayer life can easily go up and down if I'm not properly focused. That's something I can't let back-slide.

I am currently...thinking about cleaning out the garage, but it's been too hot to be out there. In the meantime I think I may tackle closets.

I am reading...Romans for morning devotions, and yet another Agatha Christie mystery.

I am waiting...to see if the rain is over before I try to do any yardwork.

On my mind...change. Which way is it going? Don't know yet.

From the learning rooms...the science project is almost complete. As a matter of fact, I think we'll be done by this weekend.

I am pondering these words..."May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13.

From the kitchen today...ground beef. Probably with rice.

Around the house...I have 2 loads of laundry to put away. I really want to get some fall cleaning done too.

One of my favorite things...chocolate. I don't think I have to go into detail.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Awana tonight, Cub scouts tomorrow, don't know what we'll do this weekend.

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

Move It Mondays

Welcome to the first Monday in November. This year has gone by so quickly; I feel like it was just January and we were putting away Christmas decorations, and now it's almost time to put them up again! My hubby expressed my sentiments the other day: "November is a fun month." Christmas shopping, Thanksgiving, Christmas decorations go up right after Thanksgiving; it's a busy month, in a good way.

I've already got quite a bit of Christmas shopping done. I love to be ahead of the game! It irritates me to go into stores in December because they're packed with people fighting over stuff and being rude to everyone because they HAVE to get the latest whatever. I prefer to get my shopping done early and enjoy the season. No shopping will be done today, though. E is at home today and tomorrow because of teacher planning days, so I hope we can get some of his science project done. I also plan to:

Fix beds
Tidy up and sweep the rest of the house
Clean my bathroom
Fold one load of laundry

There's always something to do around here! Hope ya'll have a blessed week.