Move It Mondays

Happy Monday everyone, and happy last day in February! The shortest month of the year goes by even faster than the rest. I know plenty of people are looking forward to March and spring. We've had above normal temperatures this winter, so it already feels like spring, and it's getting me in a spring cleaning mode! This is what I hope to accomplish today:

*Sweep floors
*Fold 2 loads of laundry
*Clean both bathrooms

And for the rest of the week, I want to continue painting doors and door frames. I need to get this done already! I've gotten about half way done; hopefully I can finish this week so I can start on closets and drawers.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, February 26, 2011...

I a seeing...a kitchen after breakfast prep. Need to get this place cleaned up.

I am feeling...excited. God is so good. I love my God, my family and my friends.

I am hearing...cartoons, and my son playing with his Beyblades.

I am tasting...pancakes and sausages. I like making this on the weekends. So does my family.

I am smelling...the sweet air coming in through the windows. It's probably in the 70's now so it's very pleasant.

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

Five Question Friday

Yep, it's Friday! I'm so thankful too. How about some questions into my life? Okay, here we go:

1. Can you drive a stick shift?

Why yes, yes I can! I learned later in life, after my hubby learned to drive stick. He bought a Montero Sport that I really liked, but if I wanted to drive it I'd have to learn. So I did. And I didn't like it. After 3 years we traded it in for the same car but automatic. That was in 2001, and I'm still driving that car.

2. What are two foods you just can't eat?

Berries, because I'm allergic to them. And oranges, because the high acid content gives me migraines. Wouldn't you know it, two of the healthiest foods around, and I can't have any. Bummer.

3. Do you buy Girl Scout Cookies? What is your favorite kind?

I have bought GS cookies, and I haven't had any I don't like. They are all so yummy! I guess if I had to pick it would be Samoas. Or the peanut butter ones. Or maybe those lemony ones. Oh, I could eat them all!

4. How do you pamper yourself?

I'm not much of a pamperer, but I do like doing my nails occasionally. I also like going to the salon and getting my hair washed, cut and styled. It's nice to have someone playing with my hair.

5. What is your nickname and how did you get it?

My nickname is Mom. I got it after my oldest son started talking. I'm either known as Mom to my own kids or R's mom, A's mom and E's mom to their friends. I like that name alot :D

Now it's your turn. Join Mama M at My Little Life and let us know about your life.

Just for Laughs

"When my grandson, Billy, and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use, Grandpa. The mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."

- From Church Laughs at ChristianityToday.Com

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, February 22, 2011...

Outside my window...the day is winding down. It was warmer than usual today, something the tourists are happy for I'm sure.

I am thinking...about more things than I care to write about.

I am thankful...for my hubby and 21 years of marriage.

I am going...to have something to eat, then wash my hair.

I am wearing...a purply-blue short sleeve turtleneck, jeans and flip-flops.

I am hoping...I hear from someone real soon.

I am noticing...the mess in the boy's room. There are books and papers everywhere :P

I am currently...painting door frames and doors. Hopefully I'll be done before the end of the week.

I am reading...almost finished with According to Promise. I was reading Crazy Love but I can't find it! I have no idea where I put that book, and it's driving me crazy!

I am pondering these words..."God's work in us isn't over when we receive Christ - it has just begun."

From the learning rooms...E got a "C" on his progress report for science. Need to find out why.

Around the house...there's floors to be mopped, but I was out most of the day and didn't get it done.

One of my favorite things...pizza crust.

A few plans for the rest of the week...just the usual this week.

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

Move It Mondays

Good Monday morning, and Happy President's Day to all! We got home yesterday afternoon from Central Florida and I have plenty to get caught up on today. My hope is to:

*Wash 3 loads of laundry
*Unpack and put everything away
*Enjoy this special day

Special day, you ask? Why yes, it is. It's our wedding anniversary! Twenty one years of marriage - I guess that makes us of legal age LOL! My husband was sent to Southwest Florida today but should be home by this afternoon. I hope to have most everything done before he gets here so we can spend the rest of the day together.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, February 19, 2011...

I am seeing...a different view from outside the window, as we're still in Central Florida with my daughter. Looks like it's gonna be another beautiful day!

I am feeling...grateful to God for this time spent here, and excited about all we're gonna do today.

I am hearing...my oldest son snoring.

I am tasting...Smart Start cereal with almond milk.

I am smelling...a Febreze flameless candle. Smells nice, but makes me sneeze :P

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

Five Question Friday

Good Friday morning to all! We arrived safely in Orlando yesterday afternoon, and we've been pretty busy today. Now my daughter is doing homework, so I'll take this moment and answer my five questions for today.

1. Have you worn the same outfit more than one day in a row?
Well yes, but only because I'd wear an outfit to go to church Wednesday night for about an hour so I'd wear it again the next day. It didn't stink or anything like that.

2. If you had to choose any LARGE city to live in, which would it be?
Definitely Orlando Florida. Even Mickey and Minnie agree with me :D

3. Fly or drive with the kids on vacation?
We always drive except for when we went to NY. Either way they behave very well so it makes no difference to me.

4. What is your idea of "spring cleaning"?
Oh, I tear the house apart! I declutter my already non-cluttered home, scrub, wax, polish, like I'm preparing the home for a Good Housekeeping photo shoot. My kids say it's 'cause I'm OCD. :P

5. What is the best book you have ever read?
The Bible. Nothing has changed my life the same way.

Now it's your turn. Visit Mama M at My Little Life and tell a little about yourself. Have a blessed weekend.

Thankful Thursdays

It's a special Thursday, because I'm leaving this afternoon to spend the weekend with my daughter in Central Florida! Yay!! She's in her junior year of college. I miss her so much. Getting to spend a few days with her is precious. I'm not looking forward to the drive; I hate driving, and only do it because I have to. But it's so worth it to be with my little girl.

What are you thankful for? Let us know at Women Taking a Stand. Have a blessed weekend.

Another Great Thought

"You have heard it said that worry doesn't change anything...but it does. Worry changes you! It changes your capacity to make decisions, your energy level, your personality, and even your phyical appearance. Most of all, it changes your view of God. Worry belongs to those who believe in a small, weak god...so they have to take matters into their own hands."

- Ron Moore, The Journey Radio Ministry

"Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing." - Luke 12:22-23

Have a blessed, worry-free day!

Thought of the Day

"We can trust men too much, but we can never do so towards God. It is the surest thing that has been, or that can ever be. To believe His Word is to believe what none can fairly question. Has God said it? Then so it must be."

Charles Sturgeon, According to Promise

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, February 15, 2011...

Outside my window...the sun is a bit deceiving - it's chilly out there! By chilly I mean 55 degrees and breezy. Don't hate me.

I am thinking...of the drive up to Central Florida. I don't like driving. It's the only part of my trip that I'm dreading.

I am thankful...that my car got fixed and should make the trip with no problems.

I am going...to get a bunch of laundry done so we can pack.

I am wearing...a BarlowGirl t-shirt under a green hoodie, jean capris and red flats.

I am hoping...the weather holds up. I know we need the rain, but I don't want to drive in it :P

I am noticing...lots of weeds in our backyard. How come weeds grow no matter what the weather is?

I am currently...doing the first load of laundry. Load #2 will follow shortly.

I am reading...Crazy Love by Francis Chan, and According to Promise by Charles Sturgeon. And my Bible, of course.

I am pondering these words..."Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace."

From the learning rooms...more fractions. Surprisingly, my son understands and does them very well. Actually, not so surprising - children with dyslexia tend to do better in math and music than reading and writing.

Around the house...didn't get to those bathrooms yesterday. Need to do them today :P

One of my favorite things...the Nook my sister sent me. So nice and compact, and easy to read! I totally love it!

A few plans for the rest of the week: we leave early afternoon Thursday to see my daughter, and will be there till Sunday.

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

Meet Me On Mondays

Happy Valentine's Day! Here are my Monday questions and answers. A little bit about me:

1. Did you get any Valentine's Gifts?

No, not yet anyway :-( .

2. What is your favorite topping on something toasted?

Hummus. It's my favorite topping on untoasted stuff too.

3. Do you pick out your outfit the night before?

No way. I'd change my mind before I got out of bed.

4. What food item do you absolutely despise?

Okra. Yuck! That stuff inside reminds me of snot. *Gag*

5. Righty or lefty?

We are all righties here at our house.

What about you? Join us at Never Growing Old. Have a lovely Valentine's Day!

Move It Mondays

Good morning, and Happy Valentine's Day to all! I hope everyone is excited about this Monday, since it's a day in which we are reminded of the importance of loving one another. It's also a day to get stuff done, especially since we'll be traveling up to Central Florida this weekend! My son has Friday off from school, so we can get an extra day with my daughter. To get ready for this weekend, I hope to accomplish the following today:

*Change bed linens
*Sweep floors
*Clean bathroom
*Bake red velvet cupcakes (it is Valentine's day, after all)
*Start packing!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and productive day!

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, February 12, 2011...

I am seeing...a cloudy, rainy day. Yay! We need the rain desperately. My plants are very happy right now!

I am feeling...joy because God has allowed me to raise 3 wonderful children.

I am hearing...cartoons. I think it's Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

I am tasting...pancakes, sausages, and my morning coffee. It's E's favorite breakfast, so I decided to treat him as a reward for his good grades.

I am smelling...that sweet smell in the air when it rains. Like God is spring cleaning His earth.

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

A Special Day

Just wanted to share my sweet little boy getting his awards today. He made the A-B Honor roll for the 2nd grading period, and he also got a citizenship award. We are so thrilled for him! I'm thankful, because I get to be this special and precious little boy's mommy. God must love me so much, to give me such a wonderful gift.

Mommy loves you!

Five Question Friday

It's time for 5 Question Friday!

1. Would you rather be on ABC's Extreme Home MakeOver or TLC's What not to Wear?

I like my house, it's decorated just the way I like it. I also like my wardrobe. What a dilemma! Okay, if I absolutely had to pick...I guess I'd go with the home makeover, because that way we'd all enjoy it, as opposed to the wardrobe which would be only for me. It's no fun to have a new wardrobe if I'm gonna feel guilty about it.

2. Do you have any tattoos?

None. Zero. Zilch. I'm allergic to needles, and pain.

3. Do you tell your kids about things you did growing up?

Sure. Why not? I wasn't perfect, and it's good for them to know that. I had a great time with my siblings, and they should know that too. And I've got a wonderful mom. Do they know every stupid little thing I did? No. I don't think that's necessary. But I do let them know I've made mistakes and I'm forgiven.

4. If the traffic signal turns yellow, do you stop or speed up?

Um, well, you see, it's like this officer...okay, I'll come clean. I usually speed up. Everyone in South Florida does! It's, like, the norm. (I know that's a lousy excuse, okay?)

5. What's your preference: chocolate or chips?

Chocolate, baby! Though I also like chips, I won't deny it. However, chocolate has antioxidants and chips have fat. Therefore it's healthier for me to have the chocolate. And DON'T try to convince me otherwise.

What about you? Post your answers and join Mama M at My Little Life. Have a great weekend!

Thankful Thursdays

Here's a doozy for ya: today, I'm thanking God for my weakness.

Yes, I know that's counter-cultural. Have you ever noticed how much in Scripture is? How the last will be first, and it's better to serve than to be served? That we should repay evil with good? God doesn't do things our way, and unfortunately we don't do things God's way. That's why we're always in such a mess.

When Paul complained to the Lord about his weaknesses, God answered, "My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9a). To be strong, we have to first be weak. I read this in Francis Chan's book Crazy Love, and this verse made great sense to me.

If life were stable, I'd never need God's help. Since it's not I reach out for Him regularly. I am thankful for the unknowns and that I don't have control, because it makes me run to God.

If I considered myself strong, would I seek God? Probably not. I'd become self-sufficient, turning to Him only for what I considered to be the "big ticket items" in my life and "taking care of" everything else on my own. What a disaster that would be! In realizing my weakness, I turn to Him more and more often, because I know I can't take care of anything on my own. "For when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10b). Not strong of my own strength, but strong in God's strength.

What are you thankful for today? Let us know at Women Taking a Stand. God bless.

Quote of the Day

To be brutally honest, it doesn't really matter what place you find yourself in right now. Your part is to bring Him glory - whether eating a sandwich on a lunch break, drinking coffee at 12:04 a.m. so you can stay awake to study, or watching your four-month-old take a nap. The point of your life is to point to Him.

- Francis Chan, Crazy Love

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, February 9, 2011...

Outside my window...temps are in the 60's, the sun is shining bright and the leaves are blowing in the breeze. My friends up north are wishing they were here.

I am thinking...of my next visit to see my daughter a week and a half from today.

I am thankful...for this weather. I don't think I could stand the cold and snow anymore.

I am going...to finish painting at some point in time. Not today, though. I have a sore shoulder blade.

I am wearing...a teal button-down blouse, jeans and flip-flops.

I am hearing...quiet. My favorite sound.

I am noticing...how tall my youngest son is getting. He's 2 inches shy of 5 feet, which is taller than his grandma, great-grandma, aunts, pretty much all the women in my hubby's family.

I am currently...doing some spring cleaning. Getting rid of stuff we don't need. I hate clutter.

I am reading...Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I read the first chapter, and cried like a baby. I didn't realize it would impact me so.

I am pondering these words..."Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches — Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the LORD?” Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God." - Proverbs 30:8-9.

From the learning rooms...my sweet little boy got straight A's and B's again. I am so thankful!

Around the house...just some tidying up. Don't want to aggravate the sore shoulder.

One of my favorite things...baked ziti. Made some yesterday. Yumm!

A few plans for the rest of the week: hmm, don't really have anything planned. Just the usual stuff.

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

Friend Makin' Monday

Mondays are a great day to answer questions like these. They get the brain to wake up from the weekend and get back into weekday mode. ;-)

Here's this week's question:

Did you watch the Superbowl? If so, did you enjoy it? If not, what did you do instead?

Funny how many blogs are talking about the Super Bowl. Must be pretty popular. :P

No, I didn't watch the Super Bowl. I'm just not into football. Occasionally I'll watch a college game because my daughter will ask me to watch her school play, but truthfully I don't understand a lot of it so it gets boring. My youngest son and I decided to watch Planet 51 instead. I was in bed when my hubby said Green Bay had won. I was bummed, only because I have a dear friend who lives outside of Pittsburgh and I know she was rooting for the Steelers, and for her I wanted them to win. Oh well, try again next year.

Now it's your turn to answer the question. Then hop on over to All The Weigh and see what everyone else did last night. Have a blessed week.

Meet Me On Monday

Here's a fun way to know a little more about me!

1. Did you watch the Superbowl?

Nope. My hubby did. I just can't get into football.

2. What is the last book that you read?

In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. Excellent read.

3. What is your favorite kind of cake?

Pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting. Yumm-o!

4. Do you snore?

I say no. My hubby says yes. Who're you gonna believe?

5. Do you play an instrument?

I used to play clarinet, but if I got one in my hands now I wouldn't know what to do with it. Such a shame.

Let me know a little bit about you! Join us at Never Growing Old. Have a blessed day.

Move It Mondays

Good Monday morning all! I'll bet a lot of people are ready to clean up after their Super Bowl parties. I'm not; my hubby watched the game but there was no huge feast here for it. J is the only one that really enjoys the sport. My daughter will watch college football, and only when her school is playing. As for the rest of us, we don't care for it much. Still, I have plenty to do around the house today. Here's my list that I hope to accomplish:

*Fix bed and sweep bedroom floors
*Tidy up living, dining and family rooms
*Mop in living area
*Clean kitchen
*Do 2 loads of laundry

Hmm, was there a party here after all, and I just didn't notice it? LOL! I hope ya'll have a productive Monday and a blessed week.

Move It Mondays is hosted by Kristilea at In The Lord's Path.

Just for a Laugh

Thousands gather to protest global warming...

LOL!! I couldn't resist!

Observing My Senses

For Today, February 5, 2011...

I am seeing...lots of cloud cover, though no sign of actual rain which we really need. Unlike the rest of the country, we've been unseasonably warm and dry.

I am feeling...thankful because my son brought home a wonderful report card again. Two A's and 7 B's. We're so pleased with his progress and hard work.

I am hearing...cartoons in the distance.

I am tasting...this morning's breakfast. It isn't better the second time around :P.

I am smelling...very little, thanks to another round of post nasal drip. Thankfully the Mucinex seems to be taking effect.

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

Five Question Friday

Mama M. at My Little Life is going through a sad time right now. Her brother-in-law was killed in an accident this week. Please pray for the family. He leaves a wife and 7 children behind.

I went thru Mama M.'s archives and found some Friday 5's I hadn't done, so I thought I'd answer them today.

1. Are you a neat sleeper or a messy sleeper?
I'm a neat sleeper next to a messy sleeper. You know what they say, opposites attract.

2. Fill in the blank. I wish I was more ________________.
Like Jesus.

3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?
How much a cesarean section HURTS!! I was in labor for over 24 hours, my water had broken 15 hours previously, and I'd stopped dilating at 4 centimeters. When the doctor said he was going to perform a c-section because he was afraid of the baby pooping while still inside, my only thought was, "How quickly can you put me to sleep?!" I was in pain, Demerol is a joke, I wasn't even offered an epidural, and I wanted to be done. When I woke from the anesthesia (I had general, it was what they gave at the time if you were having an emergency c-section), I thought my insides had been ripped out. Now THAT was pain!

4. What was the best thing you ever found at a garage sale/flea market?
Back in the 80's canvas paintings were all the rage, and they were going for $250 and up at the mall. I liked them but wasn't about to fork over that kind of money. We were at a local flea market and one was selling for $80 that was perfect for the decor in our house, but hubby said no way he was paying that much money. He haggled most of the day, but we got the painting for $45. My sweetie was very popular that day!

5. If you could have any meal brought to you right now, what would it be?
Actually, I already had dinner so I'm too stuffed to think about food. Thanks for the offer, though ;-).

Have a blessed weekend everyone!

Thursday Thought

God's unseen presence comforts me,

I know He's always near;

And when life's storms besiege our soul,

He says, "My child, I'm here."

- D. De Haan

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, February 2, 2011...

Outside my window...it's very different from other parts of the country. It's sunny and in the low 70's. The breeze is cool, and it's very pleasant out.

I am thinking...of all the people stuck in tons of snow. Mr. Al Gore is probably not very popular right now.

I am thankful...for my nephew who is turning 13 today. Where has the time gone?!

I am going...to be teaching tonight at Awana. Pray for me!

I am wearing...a pink tank top under a short sleeve hoodie, jeans and flip-flops.

I am hearing...the whirr of the computer. It's quiet.

I am noticing...that there aren't any bluejays around lately. Lots of ducks, though.

I am currently...working on our income tax returns.

I am reading...actually I'm going to start reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan for a woman's bible study group. We'll be meeting every couple of weeks. I've heard great reviews and am looking forward to reading this book.

I am pondering these words...The Bible gives us all we need, To live our lives for God each day, But it won't help if we don't read, And practice what its pages say. - Sper.

From the learning rooms...fractions and graphs.

Around the house...bathroom cleaning day :P

One of my favorite things...being a mommy.

A few plans for the rest of the week...we're going over to sing happy birthday to my nephew tonight after Awana. Regular week after that.

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