Time for a Laugh

- From ChristianityToday.com

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, March 29, 2011...

Outside my window...the ground is still soggy from yesterday's rain. The sun is trying to peek out from behind the clouds, but the clouds are supposed to win and we should be getting some more much needed rain this afternoon.

I am thinking...about my hubby in Central Florida getting soaked in the rain yesterday. I hope he doesn't get sick.

I am thankful...for my son who turned 24 on Sunday. It seems just yesterday I was carrying him in my arms, watching him learn to crawl and walk and talk. He's all grown up now, and I'm so thankful to call him not just my son but also my friend.

I am going...to clean the master bathroom today among other things.

I am wearing...two tank tops, one white and one black, a grey skirt and white flip-flops.

From the learning rooms...FCAT exams start April 11. Two days of math testing, two days of reading and two days of science. Praying my son does well in all of them.

From the kitchen...since J isn't here and R has both school and work today, I'll be making tuna sandwiches for me and leftovers for E.

I am creating...a garage sale pile. There's stuff on the dining room table and some in the garage.

I am reading...Craving God by Lisa Terkeurst, Fools Rush In (though I might skip it; I'm not getting into it), and of course my Bible.

On my mind...patience, and how God is using Bank of America to teach it to me. More on that at another time.

I am pondering these words..."No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar." - Honest Abe Lincoln.

Around the house...I got so much done yesterday I couldn't believe it! I still have plenty to do but I'm so thankful I was able to be productive.

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

A few plans for the rest of the week...Awana tomorrow night, then nothing else.

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

Friend Making Monday

Kenz over at All The Weigh has come up with this fun way of getting to know people, and making friends. I like having friends!

1) What is your favorite physical feature?

Okay, this may sound weird, but I like the fact that I look younger than I am. I don't know if that's considered a "physical feature" per se, but I like having people ask me if I'm in my 30's (even though I'm 47). It's also fun watching people's faces when I tell them I have a 24 year old son. Like, "Is she serious?"

2) List three adjectives that describe you.

Christian, mama, OCD (that last one is courtesy of my kids)

3) How old were you when you had your first kiss?

I think I was 16. Yeah, 16.

4) Do you believe in God?

Absolutely and unequivocally. There is no one I believe in more strongly.

5) How often do you watch the news?

Every weekday morning. I'm not a news hound but I do like to know what's going on in the world and in my community. Plus it's good to know weather and traffic before heading out the door.

Join in, and let's be friends, okay?

Meet Me On Monday

Happy Monday! Join me in this fun, start-of-the-week meme!

1. Crunchy or soft tacos?

Both! Though lately I've been eating the soft ones more than the crunchy.

2. Do you scrapbook?

Yes! Though not as often as I'd like.

3. Do you take any daily medications?

Praise God, no. I take my multi-vitamins and fish oil as recommended by my eye doctor for my dry eyes, but no medicines thank the Lord.

4. What is your favorite sound?

Birds chirping, rain hitting against the windows, breeze blowing through the trees...no, my favorite sound is when my loved ones tell me "I love you".

5. Where were you born?

Bronx, New York. Or as it's better known, The Bronx.

Join Java and the rest of us at Never Growing Old. Have a blessed week.

Move It Mondays

It's late for my Monday morning post, but I have good reason. My hubby was sent to Central Florida yesterday to work this week, and he took my lap-top. My oldest son was using the desktop till now. I had no way of getting on a computer, but that didn't stop me from making the most of my Monday! Rather than give a list of what I hope to do today, let me give you the lowdown of all I've gotten done, by the grace of God:

*Changed bedding on all beds
*Did 2 loads of laundry (whites and linen)
*Cleaned furniture in my daughter's room (she's off at college)
*Swept and mopped bedroom floors
*Cleaned small bathroom
*Gave living room a good cleaning, swept and mopped
*Vacuumed furniture in living and family rooms
*Made tacos (yum!)
*Swept and mopped family room and kitchen floors

I'll be off to pick up E from school in a little while, then hopefully we can go to the park later on. That is, if it doesn't rain. It got really dark this morning, and I was sure it would pour, but it cleared up and nothing happened. It's really humid out, and we could sure use a good downpour. Regardless, I got plenty done today and I feel great seeing all I've accomplished with the Lord's help.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, March 26, 2011...

I am seeing...a dining room table filled with stuff. Garage sale stuff. I'm seriously thinking of having a garage sale, and I'm gathering stuff to see if it's worthwhile.

I am feeling...thankful for so many blessings. My son turns 24 tomorrow. I'm very thankful for him.

I am hearing...Disaster DIY. Though I'm not really paying much attention to it.

I am tasting...nothing right now, a yogurt shortly.

I am smelling...Lysol Neutra-Air every time the automatic sprayer dispenses.

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

Recipe Time

I have just GOT to share this recipe with ya'll. Last week it was featured in our Publix circular, and it looked easy and interesting. Since I had a pork tenderloin in the freezer (they'd been Buy One Get One Free a few weeks back) I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm so glad I did! Even E, the finicky eater of the family, said it was great, and his Daddy (who E inherited finicky eating from) enjoyed it as well. So here you go. Give it a try.

Pork with Lemon Dill Sauce

1 pork tenderloin (about 1 lb.)
4 slices bacon
4 toothpicks
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup lemon dill sauce, divided *

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Cut tenderloin into 4 equal pieces. Wrap each piece of the pork with a slice of bacon, then secure ends of bacon with toothpicks; season with salt and pepper (Note: I seasoned the meat before wrapping with bacon). Place pork on baking sheet and top each with 1 tablespoon lemon dill sauce. Bake 15-20 minutes or until pork is 160 degrees F for medium (I baked for 45 minutes. Hubby likes his meat cooked longer). Let stand 2-3 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks and serve.

*I purchased already prepared lemon dill sauce from Publix. If you don't have Publix supermarkets in your area, check with the deli and see if they have something similar. Or, you can make Emeril Lagasse's Lemon Dill Sauce. You'll find the recipe here. I served this with fried plantains, broccoli and a salad, but it would also be delicious with cheesy mashed potatoes.

Thankful Thursdays

It's Thursday, and I hope you have time to read because I've got plenty to be thankful for!

Let me start with the first part of this story. At the beginning of the month the electric company was doing some work in our area at the same time I was trying to scan some paperwork onto my computer. We had 4 power outages and numerous surges, and at the end of it all our printer, which was already giving us problems for awhile, decided it had done its last work for us. I say this because it didn't stop working; it turns on and can even make copies. It just wouldn't work for US. It refused to print or scan anything.

My son had purchased this printer about 3 years ago during a Black Friday sale. My husband also went to a Black Friday sale at another store and purchased a printer the same day. Rather than return the printer, J decided to put it away in case we ever needed it. Now with our printer on strike, he proudly said we could use the printer he'd saved all these years. Great, I thought, this thing was taking up way too much space in our wall unit. It was finally going to be useful. I gave it to my computer literate son to install.

I should have known we'd have problems when R told me he'd had trouble connecting the printer to our computer because it was so old it didn't recognize Windows Vista. He managed to get it installed via some updates from HP, so I thought we were good to go. Oops, there was a problem. No ink cartridges. I know printers usually bring ink cartridges when first purchased, but this had been in our house for 3 years; maybe they'd gotten misplaced? Whatever, I thought, I'll just run over to Costco and get some. That's right, some. Turns out the printer required 6 ink cartridges in multiple colors, and wouldn't work unless all the cartridges were installed. (I was starting to not like this printer already). I purchased the cartridges at the tune of $120.89. Grrrr. Waaay to much money, but we needed a printer and this was what we had to work with. I'd get these put in and we'd be on our way. Or so I thought.

I put in the six cartridges and proceeded with the installation. It wouldn't print. I looked at the screen: Wrong Cartridges. What?!?! I'd bought the ones the manual said! What do mean they're wrong?! I went back to the manual and read the instructions again. That's when I came upon the part that said this printer required the special "introductory cartridges" that came in the box, and without those introductory cartridges installed first the printer would not work. I tore the wall unit apart looking all over for these cartridges but they were nowhere to be found. I asked J, who told me to ask R, who said he'd never even opened the package till he went to install the printer and there were no cartridges there. (I was starting to REALLY not like this printer). Time to call HP.

The three different customer service/technical folks I spoke to all said the same thing: the introductory cartridges should be in the box. It took a while to make them understand that we'd had this printer sitting around for the past 3 years and didn't have the box anymore. I couldn't take it back to the store because J didn't have the receipt nor the original packaging, and I couldn't get it to work without those cartridges. The techs were helpful, trying to find these necessary cartridges for us, but to no avail. This printer had last been manufactured in 2006 and there were no cartridges to be had anywhere. I looked all over the internet, but since these cartridges were never individually sold there were none on the market anywhere. Not only was I upset that we had this printer that was useless, but now I had $120.89 worth of cartridges that I'd already taken out of the package. (It was official - I now despised the printer). I decided to look for a new printer that would use these same cartridges, that way I would only be out a printer (that by the way cost my husband LESS than the cartridges). I did find several models that used the same cartridges, however the cheapest one cost $441 on amazon.com. It seemed hopeless. I was angry at a printer that wouldn't respond to the ink even though they were technically the right ones, and I was angry that I had basically lost $120.89 since I was sure Costco wouldn't take them back once I'd opened the package. Or would they?

This brings me to part 2 of the story. I buy quite a bit from Costco, and we have our American Express card with them. This means we get rebates at the end of the year for all our purchases, even gasoline. We could use our rebate money to get a new printer. I'd wanted the rebate money for a new vacuum cleaner, but the printer was more of a need. We also figured it wouldn't hurt to try and return the cartridges. I prayed as I drove to Costco in hopes they'd be kind and give us our money back, since the cartridges were opened but never used. Well, they did!!! I was praising God left and right for His goodness. It meant that we could still get the vacuum cleaner if the printer wasn't too expensive. Praise God once again, there was a printer/scanner/copier/fax machine on sale for $89.99! It allowed us to get the printer and the new Dyson DC14 vacuum cleaner, for only $45!! Am I thankful?! You better believe it!

God was so gracious in providing for us. This may seem like something insignificant to some people, God giving us a printer and a vacuum cleaner. But you know what? God doesn't just want to part the Red Sea for us. He wants to bless us in big ways and in little ways. He knew our budget, and He knew our needs, so He made it possible to get what we needed at a price we could afford. That's the kind of thing a loving God can do.

Thankful Thursdays is hosted by Iris at Grace Alone this month. Be blessed, and be thankful.

More Words of Wisdom

The power in words can build up or tear down -

Create a big smile or produce a sad frown;

So in all your contacts with people each day,

Be sure to encourage in all that you say.

- Fitzhugh

Words of Wisdom

Posted on my daughter's Twitter:

Profanity is someone's way of saying, "I'm too stupid to learn a real language."

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, March 22, 2011...

Outside my window...it's toasty warm! Thankfully there's a breeze, otherwise the heat would be oppressive.

I am thinking...of dinner, and how glad I am it's already done.

I am thankful...for my new vacuum cleaner and printer. More on that to come.

I am going...to the park once E finishes his homework, as long as it's not too hot.

I am wearing...a teal shirt, teal/brown/white skirt, and bare feet.

I am noticing...how tired we are in the mornings now that we've sprung the clock forward one hour. I like the days to be longer, but do I have to get up earlier to achieve it?

I am hearing...Phineas and Ferb. It's one of our favorite cartoons.

I am currently...resting in the family room.

I am reading...my Bible, Craving God (a 21 day devotional), and Fools Rush In, another Christian novel. On my Nook. :)

I am pondering these words..."Unless you have forgiven others, you read your own death-warrant when you repeat the Lord's Prayer." - Charles Spurgeon

From the kitchen...baked ziti. I make a 13X9 pan and it's enough for lunch and dinner, plus lunch for E tomorrow. He loves it when I pack homemade meals in his lunch box.

From the learning rooms...school started up again yesterday, and now it's the FCAT crunch. Florida Comprehensive Aptitude tests start next month.

Around the house...cleaning is much easier with a Dyson!

One of my favorite things...having a son that actually understands computers.

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

Friend Making Monday

Last week's questions were considered a bit girly. You know, what brand of make-up do you use is a pretty feminine questions ;-). So this week the questions are more on the masculine side. Let's see how many of these I can answer.

1. Who is your pick for the Final Four?
Final Four what? Oh, is this a sports question? Waaaay out of my "league" (get it?) I don't follow sports. My hubby is a sports fanatic, but I couldn't care less. This question is just too far over my head for me to reach it. On to the next question...


2. What is your favorite workout/fitness activity?
Okay, I can answer this one. I love walking. I like going to the park and going around it a couple of times while my son plays on the swing or with the neighborhood kids. I've been told the park is about 1 1/2 to 2 miles around, so I get plenty of exercise while enjoying the great outdoors.


3. Do you have a favorite healthy snack? Something that REALLY hits the
spot?
Oh yes, vanilla yogurt covered raisins. I could eat those all day!

4. What is your dream car?
A BMW convertible. I actually had one once, then my youngest son was born and it didn't fit our family anymore. I'd love to get another one, though. It was not only gorgeous but a smooth, comfortable ride.

5. Have you set any goals for yourself this month? What are they?
My goal for this month is to finish painting doors and door frames. I don't know if I'll actually achieve my goal, but I have made some progress. Let's see when the job will get finished.

Oh wow, that wasn't so bad after all! Why not give it a try? Visit Kenz at All The Weigh. Have a blessed week.

Meet Me On Mondays

Happy Monday! Here's a little something to get my brain working now that a new week has started.

1. What jewelry do you wear 24/7?
None. I take off my jewelry the minute I walk in the house. Once in a while I leave my very thin silver bracelet on but only because it's hard to get on and off. Otherwise, I wear none of it. It bothers me to be wearing so much stuff.

2. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
Twirl it. I grew up in New York where every Italian would tell you only babies cut their spaghetti. I'd be laughed at if I didn't twirl.

3. How many siblings do you have?
I have one brother and two sisters. I'm the oldest.

4. Were you named after anyone?
Yes. My mother's boss talked constantly about his daughter Arlene, and my mother was so touched by the love he had for his daughter that she said, "If I have a girl I'm going to name her Arlene." Her boss was flattered. It didn't hurt that my mom liked the name too.

5. Coke or Pepsi?
Coke of course!

What about you? Hop on over to Never Growing Old and tell us a little about yourself. It's fun!

Move It Mondays

Good Monday morning to all! My youngest son is back at school today, and my oldest starts again tomorrow. I'm thankful to get back into our schedules, though I miss my little one when he's not around.

I'm ahead of the game today! I started the crock pot last night, with a roast, potatoes, onions and carrots simmering all night long. This morning I just had to set it to warm. Lunch/dinner is done! Now for today, I've got the following lined up:

*Sweep floors
*Get some laundry done
*Tidy up the family room
*Iron J's shirts

Thankfully the house is looking pretty good so I don't have a mountain of stuff to do. It also helps that we're having such pleasant weather! Sunny, cool breezes, no humidity. Of course we desperately need rain, but right now I'm just thankful for the lovely weather we're enjoying. The rainy season will come soon enough.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, March 19, 2011...

I am seeing...another gorgeous day. This month is a great month to live in Florida. The days are sunshiny and pleasant.

I am feeling...the cool breeze coming in through the windows. No air conditioning necessary in March, for which my electric bill is thankful.


I am hearing...my son and nephew playing and watching cartoons. My son has a playmate today and is very happy.


I am tasting...donuts! My hubby stopped at Dunkin Donuts and bought chocolate, sugar and glazed donuts. I'm having a sugar one right now.


I am smelling...my aromatic coffee. It's not morning without it. And a cantaloupe melon ripening on the counter. It's my hubby's favorite.


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

Five Question Friday

Happy Friday everyone! It's time for Five Question Friday, one of my favorite meme's because I love Fridays!

1. Have you ever testified in court? For what?

Thank God no, I've never had to testify in court and I hope I never have to. The thought of sitting there while dozens of eyes are on me make me break out in a cold sweat.

2. Do you still have your wedding dress?
Umm, I think so. Waaay in the back of my closet. I'd have to check to make sure. Hey, it's not like I wear it anymore, okay?

3. Is there a special place you like to go when you're happy, sad, stressed, etc.?
I like going to the park across the street when I feel happy or stressed. Walking around the park clears my head, refreshes me and helps me appreciate God's wondrous creation.

4. If you have kids, do they sleep with you? If you don't have kids...will you let your kids sleep with you when/if you have them?
My kids have all slept with me at some point. The older ones don't anymore (they're 23 and 21 years old), but my youngest son, who is 11, likes to sleep with me whenever his dad has to go out of town to work. According to E, he does it so I won't feel lonely ;-). He's a sweet little boy.

5. Do you watch late night TV?

Ha! I hardly watch any TV at all. If I try to watch TV late at night, I'll fall asleep before the first commercials come on.

Have a blessed weekend everyone! And if you want to answer your own Friday Five, visit Mama M at My Little Life.

Wednesdays Words of Wisdom

I know not by what methods rare,

But this I know - God answers prayer;

I leave my prayers with Him alone,

Whose will is wiser than my own.

- Hickok

Friend Making Monday

...on Tuesday. I'm typically running late, aren't I? Oh well. I'm trying, really I am.


1) What's your favorite brand of make-up? I use Estee Lauder because my wonderful hubby buys it for me for Christmas. It is excellent make-up and long lasting, too. As for foundation and powder, I use Almay because of my sensitive skin.

2) What is the last thing you drank? Water. It's cool and refreshing.

3) What's your favorite Girl Scout cookie? I love all GS cookies, but Samoas are the best!

4) French Fries or Onion Rings? I have a real weakness for onion rings, but I suffer for it later. They keep coming back to visit me, and they're not better the second time around :P

5) Share something you've done in the last week that makes you proud of yourself. Pride is not something I like to cultivate in my life. I try to be thankful for what God has allowed me to do. This week I'm thankful the Lord has given me the energy to do some much needed spring cleaning.

6) What is your favorite inexpensive indulgence? Buying shoes at Payless. I love shoes (what woman doesn't?) but I don't like spending alot on them. I can find really great deals at Payless, especially with their BOGO's.

7) Are you currently reading a book? If so, which one? I just finished reading Daughter of Joy, so I need to see what else I downloaded onto my Nook. I'm an avid reader and the Nook my sister gave me for Christmas is a huge blessing.

8) Do you prefer to text or talk? I prefer to talk but thanks to having children who are young adults I text more often.

9) Have you ever performed on stage? Not since junior high. It wasn't a good experience. I'm very shy and standing in front of people locks up my throat and throws me into a cold sweat. Not pretty.

10) Are you more likely to pick truth or dare? Most likely truth. I'm not a very daring person.

Now it's your turn! Go to All The Weigh and make some friends today!

Time for a Laugh

Child to his father: "I heard the pastor say that he studies words with a Greek leprechaun!"

From Church Laughs at ChristianityToday.com

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, March 15, 2011...

Outside my window...the bright sunlight is blinding, but the cool breeze is refreshing.

I am thinking...of my niece who turns 16 today. I remember when she was a tiny baby. My, how time flies!

I am thankful...my daughter got back to school safely yesterday.

I am going...to do alot of laundry today.

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

I am noticing...how much our grass and plants are drying up. We've had very little rain and the ground is suffering.

I am hearing...my youngest son in the kitchen. It's spring break this week.

I am currently...caught up with most of my house cleaning.

I am reading...my bible, and I just finished Daughter of Joy. I can get free books on my Nook from ChristianBooks.com and Barnes and Noble. I love it!

I am pondering these words..."In Christ we're rich beyond belief, With wealth the world cannot see."

From the kitchen...pot roast, which is already simmering in the crock pot.

From the learning rooms...E got a spring break packet to work on this week. We're doing a little each day, and reading Danny the Champion of the World.

Around the house...laundry, and floor sweeping.

One of my favorite things...spring break.

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

Meet Me On Mondays

Welcome to another Monday! To help the day go smoother I'll focus on answering a few questions about myself. Why not try it yourself?

1. Do you have a fireplace in your home?
No. Fireplaces are wasted space in places like South Florida. While I've seen chimneys in some homes, they're few and far between. After all, how often would they get fired up? Once a year?

2. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes, though I haven't done it in a long time. I don't like driving stick. Florida is flat and there's too much traffic for stick shift to make sense.

3. How many computers are in your home?
Two, unless my daughter is home from school. Then there's three.

4. Are your taxes done yet? Do you do them yourself?
My taxes are done Praise the Lord! Yes, I do them myself using TaxCut. I've even got my tax refund already.

5. What is your favorite meal of the day?
It's a toss-up between breakfast and lunch. I guess brunch would be a real favorite. More to choose from!

If you're interested in joining the fun, visit Java at Never Growing Old. God bless!

Move It Mondays

Good Monday morning to all! I'm feeling a bit down today, because my daughter has left for school after being home for 10 days. It's so hard to say goodbye! But God in His mercy has left me with my youngest son who's on spring break this week. It's nice to have him here. I'm not so lonely that way.

Today I have most everything caught up. My plans include

*Making chicken parmegiana with spaghetti (yum!)
*Cleaning up the backyard
*Reading with my son
*Doing homework with E (he got a small homework packet for spring break. Mean teacher!)

Most of all I just want to spend time with my little boy and enjoy the fact that he's home. He's growing up so fast; I need to take advantage of every minute!

Happy Pi Day to everyone (3.14 = March 14)! Have a blessed Monday and a wonderful week.

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

Five Question Friday

It's a great Friday, because it's the beginning of my youngest son's spring break! Yay! Time to celebrate, but before we do, how about some questions about me? ;-)

1. Do you know what your REAL hair color is?

Why yes, it's black and white. The reason I color it is because I don't like the white :P

2. Do you plan ahead for summer, or fly by the seat of your pants?

I never make plans because my husband changes his mind more than he changes his socks (and he changes those at least twice a day). We still manage to have fun, though.

3. What is your favorite meal to cook?

I love making anything my family likes to eat, and one of our favorites is lasagna with italian bread and salad. Soooo good!

4. Do you get offended by not receiving thank yous?

Not so much offended as hurt. I try to always remember to say thank you because I wouldn't want someone else's feelings hurt.

5. How did you meet your best friend?

Well, my best girl friend I met when I was 4 1/2 years old and my mother brought her home from the hospital ;-). My best guy friend I'm married to; I met him at a dance.

What about you? Hop on over to My Little Life and answer some Friday questions too! Have a blessed weekend.

Words of Worship

Our Lord is worthy all our days

Of all our love and highest praise;

He died to take our sin and shame -

Oh, bless the Savior's holy name!

- Egner

Words of Wisdom

All God's testings have a purpose -

Someday you will see the light;

All He asks is that you trust Him,

Walk by faith and not by sight.

- Zoller

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, March 8, 2011...

Outside my window...the sun is fighting to stream in through the blinds. It's another beautiful day!

I am thinking...of my hubby who's working in Central Florida. He's bored with no one there to accompany him.

I am thankful for...the miracles God has done in my friend Ann's life. Prayer is a remarkable thing, and when we see the answers to our prayers it's awe-inspiring.

I am going...to try and figure out this new printer my hubby bought a few months ago.

I am wearing...a pale green top, jean bermudas and white flip-flops.

I am noticing...that I'm running out of vitamins. Need to buy a new bottle.

I am hearing...my oldest son snore. Really loud.

I am currently...doing my spring cleaning, mostly in my bedroom and closet.

I am reading...A Very Special Delivery. It's a Christian novel I got for free from Barnes and Noble on my Nook. I love reading, and free books are the best!

I am pondering these words..."What may seem insignificant,
Mundane, routine or small,
Is often used by God to show
His power over all." - Sper

From the kitchen...baked mac and cheese, and I think I'll bake up some cupcakes too.

From the learning rooms...E has a book report to do on Roald Dahl's Danny The Champion of the World. This is the same author who wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We're reading it together.

Around the house...a couple of loads of laundry are in order.

One of my favorite things...beautiful days like today.

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

Move It Mondays

It's Monday morning, and what a beautiful Monday morning it is! Wow, I could drink in this weather forever! It's probably close to 70 degrees by now. The sun is shining, the breeze is cool, the birds are singing...I just love days like today!

My hubby is in Central Florida this week covering for one of the salesmen who's on vacation. That means laundry will be slightly less, though my daughter is home for spring break so I guess that evens things out! Today I'm hoping to

*Finish up laundry
*Dust all the furniture in my bedroom
*Continue purging things from drawers

Spring is in the air, and that means spring cleaning! My closet is pretty neat since I'd worked on it a couple months ago, but I still need to go through drawers and get them organized. I also need to continue painting door frames and doors. I'm just about finished in my daughter's room. Still have the boys' room and my room to get done. Slowly but surely!

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

Meet Me On Mondays

All right! Now I got it right this time! It's Monday, and I'm doing my Meet Me on Monday post. You can too. Just go to Never Growing Old.

1. What is your favorite way to eat potatoes?

Ooh, tough question. I love potatoes. I would have to say my favorite way to have potatoes is as hash browns with lots of onions. Mmm, that is sooo good to have with eggs and sausages!

2. What was the last package that was delivered to your house?

I believe it was a pair of Nike sneakers my hubby ordered.

3. What is your favorite scent that you love to smell?

Babies. They smell so sweet, especially after a bath.

4. Do you smoke?

Nope. Never have, never will. I love my lungs too much.

5. Are your parents married or divorced?

My mother is a widow. My parents were separated but they never divorced. My father died in October 2001.

Have a blessed Monday and a productive week.

Meet Me On...Sunday?

I love this meme, but I often forget to do it just because I'm so busy on Mondays. But hey, it's never too late, right? Here we go!

1. What are you wearing right now?

A brown top, white skirt with brown and green geometric design, and brown flip-flops. It's what I wore to church, except I wore brown wedge heeled sandals instead of the flip-flops.

2. Do you have any freckles?

Yes, a few around my nose. The make-up covers them for the most part.

3. What is your favorite Lifesaver flavor?

The red one. I think that's raspberry. Followed closely by pineapple.

4. What is the last movie you saw in the theater?

We saw Rango at the theater yesterday. It was...eh. It almost put me to sleep. Not one I'd watch again.

5. Would you rather live without tv or without music?

I can live happily without TV. There's never anything good on anyways. Music, however, I would never want to live without. It's a beautiful way of expressing worship to the Lord.

Have a great rest of your Sunday. God bless!

Observing My Senses

For Today, March 5, 2011...

I am seeing...the curtains sway in the cool breeze, the sun shining brightly, and the beauty of God's creation. It's another gorgeous day!

I am feeling...blessed beyond measure. My God loves me!

I am hearing...cartoons, and my son talking to them. LOL!!

I am tasting...scrambled egg with vienna sausage on a buttered roll. Mmm!

I am smelling...banana muffins I baked from scratch this morning. There were some over-ripe bananas I wasn't about to throw out. My daughter will be especially pleased ;-).

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

Five Question Friday

Happy Friday! Here's my weekly look into my otherwise weird life ;-)

1. Have you ever forgotten your child in a store or at school?
No. If anything my kids tell me I'm overprotective. I grab onto them for dear life.

2. Where did you go on your very first date? (Like...first first, not first with your spouse or current significant other!)
Hmm, I don't remember. I know where I went on my first date with my husband (Olive Garden), but I guess he's done a good job of erasing every other memory from my mind.

3. What's your "silly" fear? (We're not talking water and heights.)
I would have to say lizards. Not that I'm afraid of them being around me, I just don't like them to touch me. The few times they have (eww!!!!) I've screamed like the girl that I am.

4. Confrontation: do you cause it, deal with is as it comes, or run far far away?
I run so far from it, it wouldn't recognize me if it bumped into me! I totally HATE confrontation. This can be good sometimes, bad other times, but it's just how I am.

5. Wood floors or carpet?

Wood, definitely! I used to think carpet was great till I had to keep it clean. Wood floors are a breeze, and are warm and inviting, more so than carpet in my opinion. We have laminate wood throughout the house - easy to clean and maintain. That's my idea of easy!

Now it's your turn! Answer the questions, then log your link at My Little Life. Have a blessed weekend.

Inspirational Quote

"If all things could be known to us as they are known to God, we should bless him with all our hearts for keeping us under the smarting rod, and not sparing us for our crying. If we could know the end as well as the beginning, we should praise the Lord for closed doors, and frowning looks, and unanswered petitions...If we can glorify God by being denied what we seek, we desire to be denied. Greatest of all our prayers, and sum of all the rest is this one, "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt."

- Charles Sturgeon, According To Promise

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, March 1, 2011...

Outside my window...the sun is blaring, the wind is sweet and cool, and there's no humidity to speak of. Who says it's still winter?

I am thinking...we're in March already?!

I am thankful...my hubby didn't get sent to Central Florida after all. One of his co-workers got sick and he's having to cover for him.

I am going...to try and finish painting doors and door frames. I say that everyday and everyday something else has to be done first.

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

I am hoping...for rain. It's been really dry out. Too dry.

I am noticing...my plants drooping from the dryness in the air. I have to be careful about watering, though. We're under restrictions again because we haven't gotten any rain.

I am currently...getting ready for spring cleaning. Actually I already got started cleaning out drawers. I can't help it; the weather drives my need for neatness ;-)

I am reading...just finished According to Promise and loved it. Still can't find Crazy Love :(.

I am pondering these words..."Like a compass, the Bible always points you in the right direction."

From the learning rooms...FCAT exams are coming up. The teachers get stressed about them, which makes the kids stressed as well. At home, E is memorizing the 10 Commandments. He's doing pretty good too.

Around the house...yeah, painting. And yard work.

One of my favorite things...hearing my son sing "How He Loves Us" in the back seat of the car :)

A few plans for the rest of the week...my daughter is due home on Thursday for spring break. Can't wait!

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