The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, June 28, 2011...

Outside my window...looks like it might have rained last night. It's so humid out, even the dog doesn't want to be outdoors.

I am thinking...of my kids, and their impending move.

I am thankful...for God's word. It's comforting to know my God hears my prayers and answers me through Scripture.

I am going...to be doing a lot of cleaning. I did mostly laundry and grocery shopping yesterday. Today, it's floors and bathrooms.

I am wearing...jammies :P. I'll change shortly.

I am praying...for my dear friend who is struggling with fibromyalgia, and my sister who struggles with a multitude of health issues.

I am currently...cooking sauce in the crock pot.

From the learning rooms...E and I are still reading A Dog Called Grk. It's a real interesting and exciting story!

From the kitchen...baked ziti and bread, and later on I'm baking brownies.

I am reading...nothing but my morning devotions. I've been to busy to finish anything else.

On my mind...my car. It needs a new transmission shift solenoid, and throttle position sensor. Don't know what those are gonna cost. The car has been giving me trouble, and right now it sounds like a helicopter taking off. I hope it can get repaired. We need to get my daughter A a car; we can't afford to replace mine too.

Around the house...I'm almost done with laundry, just need to fold the last basket. The floors need cleaning, as do the bathrooms, and the garage needs to be organized.

One of my favorite things...air conditioning!!! If we didn't have a/c right now, it would be stifling in this house.

A few plans for the rest of the week...they're showing Karate Kid for free at the theater so we're gonna see that. Tomorrow evening is our church's picnic; hopefully it'll cool down before then.

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

Move It Mondays

Good morning! It's a new week, and the last week of June. Some kids will be getting out of school this week, but here in Florida they've been out of school for a while. We just got back from my daughter's place in Central Florida. Her apartment has been a nightmare, so we found a much nicer place for her to live. Now today I have so much catching up to do! Here's my list, which probably will take 2 days to complete:

*Fold 3 loads of laundry

*Get groceries

*Clean both bathrooms

*Sweep and mop floors

*Organize garage

The garage will most likely have to wait till tomorrow. There's lots to do there, and the heat is just unbearable! I don't even want to think how hot July and August are gonna be. Praise God for air conditioning!

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, June 25, 2011...

I am seeing...water spots on the window after a very rainy evening.

I am feeling...thankful that the Lord has put wise and loving women in my life.

I am hearing...the hum of the refrigerator. Everyone's asleep.

I am tasting...a honey and nut cluster cereal with raisin that I added in, and almond milk.

I am smelling...my morning coffee, and the morning dew.

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

Five Question Friday

Good Friday morning! Can you believe it - I'm posting my Friday post, on Friday! I'm actually on schedule! I'm so impressed with myself. I'm also thankful it's Friday. It's been a long and busy week. This post should help me relax a bit:

1. What is your current favorite tv show?

That would be 19 Kids and Counting. I love the Duggars! What a loving, God-fearing family. It's also nice that I can watch it with my kids and not worry about content. Even during Anna Duggar's labor and birth there was nothing inappropriate. That's a lot to say in today's TV world. 10,000 channels and nothing good to watch.

2. What's the worst haircut you ever got?

There's something I remember vividly. My m-i-l was going to beauty school, studying to be a hair stylist. I'd allowed her to practice on me once, just a trim, and that was okay. She was doing hair coloring and needed actual hair to practice getting colors and tones right. I had long hair at the time, just under my shoulder blades. She asked if I was willing to give her my hair for her class, and I said no. I've never liked short hair for myself. So she was giving the family haircuts to practice, and stupid me let her give me haircut. I didn't have a mirror in front of me so I couldn't see what she was doing, and it didn't occur to me that she would do anything differently than what I'd asked. Before I knew it, she'd cut my hair so short it was like a guy's haircut. I was so upset I refused to let her touch my hair again. She never finished the beauty course, either.

3. What was something that you did as a child that you thought you were so cool for doing?

I thought playing the clarinet was pretty cool, until my friends started playing drums. Then I thought drums were way cooler :P.

4. Do you have any GREAT frugal family fun tips?

We're always looking for ways to save money, especially in the summer. We have 2 local Cobb Theaters that show free movies Tuesday - Thursday mornings at 10:00am. Last week we saw Shrek Forever After, totally free. The movies are typically one or two years old but hey, it's free, and the air conditioned theater feels really nice.

5. Would you drive across country if you had the money to fly?

That's an interesting question. I enjoy flying, and love the fact that I'll be where I need to be lickety-split. But this is a beautiful country, with all types of different terrains to be seen and discovered. I wouldn't mind driving through and seeing snow-capped mountains, lush green plains, deserts and beaches. Florida is wonderful, don't get me wrong, but it would also be great to see everything the USA has to offer.

See how easy that was? Now it's your turn. Join us at Mama M's My Little Life for some fun Friday trivia. Have a blessed weekend.

Today's Devotion

I've been reading the Psalms this month - actually since last month. One per day to meditate on. I read Psalm 37 this morning - Awesome! It's a lesson on what to do when life's circumstances disappoint us (as they so often do!).

Verse 1 - "Do not fret" - fretting gets us nowhere fast. It doesn't allow us to focus on the positive, only on the negative.

Verse 3 - "Trust in the Lord and do good" - trying to get revenge won't solve our problems. Only when we trust God and do what is right will we see improvements in our lives.

Verse 5 - "Commit your way to the Lord" - rather than try to manipulate the circumstances, give the problems to God, then obey.

Verse 7 - "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him" - yes, wait. Be patient. He will answer in His perfect timing.

Verse 8 - "Cease from anger and forsake wrath" - rather than being angry or depressed in our circumstances, be thankful for the blessings we receive. In the midst of the storm this may be hard, but making a list of all that God has done and is doing in our lives helps us to see the whole picture and not just the momentary pain.

I've always been the type to sulk and pout when I don't get my way. The Lord is obviously working this out of me, and at times I've rebelled, but this psalm tells me that when I delight myself in the Lord He will give me the desires of my heart (verse 4). It's not that first I get the desires of my heart and then I delight in the Lord; it's the other way around. When I truly trust in His love and care for me, and believe that all things work for good, then I will see the desires of my heart fulfilled because they will also be the desires of His heart for me.

Have a blessed day.

Words of Wisdom

‎"You do not need to see God to believe. The Jews in the Book of Numbers saw the Lord as a cloud by day and fire by night and they still blew it. You don't need sight, you need faith."

- Chuck Swindoll

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, June 21, 2011...

Outside my window...it looks like summer, but feels like a sauna! It's gonna be another scorcher in Florida.

I am thinking...of all the things we'd like to get done while we're in Central Florida.

I am thankful...for technology, and how we can be over 200 miles from home but still keep in touch with family and friends all over.

I am going...to see some apartments for rent with my daughter.

I am wearing...a teal sleeveless top, brown/teal/white skirt, and white flip-flops. I was wearing brown flip-flops, but they got dirty walking Molly in the back yard.

I am praying...for my cousin's baby who is still in the NICU. He's growing stronger each day, but he'll have to stay in the hospital another 3-4 weeks.

I am currently...sitting in the dining area of my daughter's apartment.

From the learning rooms...E and I are reading A Dog Named Grk, about an English boy who wants to return a lost dog to it's owner in Stanislavia. A fun mystery-type book.

From the kitchen...my daughter promised to make chicken quesadillas today. I don't mind being fed!

I am reading...still working on Making Waves. We've been so busy with packing and traveling I haven't had time to read. I'm still reading through the Psalms every morning, too.

On my mind...my children. I don't care how old they are, we never stop thinking of our children.

Around the house...I've got nothing, because I'm not at home! I left everything cleaned up, and most of the laundry done before we left.

One of my favorite things...my precious children. God generously gave me some really great kids. I can't thank Him enough!

A few plans for the rest of the week...see more apartments, meet a friend for frozen yogurt, go to the pool, get my haircut on Thursday (my ends are fried! I haven't had a haircut since December!), and head back home on Friday or Saturday. Busy busy busy!!!

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

Meet Me on Mondays

Welcome to Meet Me On Monday, the meme that says, "Hey, it's Monday, wanna meet me?" So here we go!

1. What feature of the opposite sex do you notice first?

I purpose to look at a person's face first, regardless of whether they're male or female. A person's countenance says a lot about them.

2. Do you talk to yourself?

Yes, and when I do, I give myself my undivided attention.

3. What is your current relationship status?

My husband and I have been married 21 years.

4. Do you have a garden?

I have some plants out front, and some in planters, but that's about it. We have a mango tree in the yard but it doesn't give much fruit. I guess we don't have green thumbs.

5. What is your favorite licorice flavor?

Eww, licorice! I don't have any favorite flavor because I don't like it. Yuck!

Who would you like to meet? Meet Java at Never Growing Old, and meet other Monday folks!

Move It Mondays

Happy Monday, folks! It's been a busy Monday, which is why I haven't posted. I've just gotten the opportunity now! We drove up to Central Florida this morning. Rather, we started off this morning but arrived mid-afternoon. It was raining in our neck of the woods, which apparently caused an accident that slowed traffic through a good chunk of the county. Thankfully, there were no other issues and we arrived safely by the Lord's hand.

We'll be here for the rest of the week looking for an apartment for my older kids. We had other plans for the family that didn't pan out, so my son R and daughter A will be sharing a place as they finish school. I have to admit, it has caused many tears on my part. It was terribly hard when just my daughter was up here, but now both my older ones will be gone, and I don't know how I'll be able to tolerate not having them around! I'd gladly carry them for 9 months again and have another c-section if it meant having them at home. The pain in my belly was nothing compared to the pain in my heart.

Other than that, it'll be kind of like vacation. My daughter still has her apartment here, though she has no intention of staying in this complex. There have been multiple problems from day one, and today we found there's no electricity in her bedroom and it can't be fixed till tomorrow. But at least the complex has a pool! We get to enjoy that. We'll be looking at 2 bedroom apartments that they can share. I'm so thankful my kids get along so well. I can leave knowing they will help each other and look after each other.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, June 18, 2011...

I am seeing...the trees moving slightly in the breeze.

I am feeling...the heat! It must be in the 80's already. Hot and humid.

I am hearing...the fridge and the ceiling fan, and the footsteps of my youngest son who just woke up.

I am tasting...scrambled egg, and a Pillsbury Grands biscuit.

I am smelling...sausages.

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

Five Question Friday

It's Saturday morning, so I think I'll do Five Question Friday today! Hey, I checked yesterday morning and the questions weren't up. So technically it's not my fault if I'm a day late ;). Oh, all right, here we go:


1. What is your favorite summer time activity?

These questions make me chuckle. I know most people live in 4 season climates, but I live in South Florida, so for me summer is just a bit more hot and humid than the rest of the year. It's not a huge change in activities. I guess we spend more time at the park or the pool but only because school's out, not because the weather has improved. If anything, summer is my least favorite season here because it's sweltering hot the entire day. I'm looking forward to the fall.

2. Do you have one laundry soap you stick to, or do you buy whatever's on sale?

Sale. I worked for over 11 years at a cosmetic and suncare manufacturing firm, and I found out that most of these detergents, soaps, make-up, sunscreens, etc. are basically the same exact thing. All that changes is color, fragrance, and in some cases a few "additives" that are put in at such low percentages they barely make a difference. In other words, for effectiveness they're all pretty much the same thing, so I buy what's cheapest. That's what works for me.

3. What is your favorite dinner to make in the summer?

Again with the summertime theme! LOL!! Okay, okay, I'll say barbeque. Which, by the way, is used year round in my part of the country. It's common to see people roasting entire pigs outdoors for Christmas and New Years. That's life in forever summer land.

4. Do you have any talents?

Yes. Everyone does. God gifts us all with certain talents, we just need to figure out what they are. I have found that I have the gift of teaching, especially children. I'm not a school teacher but I've taught Sunday school and I've led a few women's Bible study classes, and it's something I enjoy even though I'm very shy and speaking to large groups (read: 3 or more people at once) makes me break out in a cold sweat. That's how I know it's not just a talent, it's a God-given gift that He uses for His glory.

5. If you could instantly be an expert in something, what would it be? Why?

I would instantly become an interior designer/decorator. It's a passion of mine, to take something that looks "bleh" and turn it into something that looks "ahhh". I've done it in my own home and helped others too, and I just love it! Of course, it's not something I'd call myself an expert on; I realize interior designers study their art and work at it diligently, while I just enjoy looking through magazines and finding pretty things for my home. But it's something I've always loved and would happily do it as a profession.

Look, I know it's a day late, but wouldn't you like to answer some Friday questions even if it is Saturday? C'mon, give it a try! Visit Mama M at My Little Life, and have yourself a blessed weekend.

A Duggar Giveaway

I got this off the Duggar Family Blog, and I'm super excited! I totally want to win an autographed copy of their book! Don't you?! Then keep reading:

How would you like to win an autographed copy of the Duggars' new book? You've come to the right place! We are currently giving away two copies of A Love that Multiplies, each signed personally by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar!
Keep reading to find out how to enter this giveaway...
TO ENTER
Post a comment answering the following question:How many books have the Duggars written?
For optional extra entries, do one or more of the following. (Each option counts as an additional entry): Become a Google Follower of the blog, and leave a comment on the blog letting us know. If you were already a follower, please leave a comment as well. "Like" the Duggar Family Blog Facebook page, and leave a comment letting us know. If you were already a fan, please leave a comment as well. Blog about this giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment letting us know. Must include the URL of your post that advertises our giveaway. Become a follower of DuggarBlog on Twitter, and leave a comment letting us know. If you are already a follower, please leave a comment as well. Sign up for email updates, and leave a comment letting us know. If you already receive email updates, please leave a comment as well. RULES

To qualify for the giveaway, you must include your first name and last initial in each comment.

We need a way to contact the winner, so include your email address in each of your comments, or send your email address to DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com (along with your first name and last initial). If you are a winner, we will shoot you an email asking for your shipping address.
To qualify, all comments must be posted to this blog. They will not be accepted if they are posted to Facebook or Twitter.
Giveaway ends Monday, June 27th, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST. Ready, Set, GO!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, June 14, 2011...

Outside my window...it's so hot and steamy! There's no breeze to speak of, and the sun is blaring down.

I am thinking...of my children. I love them so much!

I am thankful...my cousin's little baby boy is doing so well. He was born 2 months premature and is in the NICU but getting stronger each day.

I am going...to go see the little tyke tomorrow.

I am wearing...a black top, black and white skirt and no shoes.

I am praying...for my dear friend's brother who had an accident and is in the hospital with a fractured skull. Praise the Lord, he is out of the ICU and didn't need any surgery! Praying for him and his family.

I am currently...trying to figure out how to get 25 hours worth of stuff into a 24 hour day.

From the learning rooms...it's summer vacation, and we've done nothing so far. Hopefully we can go to the library tomorrow and get some books.

From the kitchen...mexican style chicken and vegetable soup. A family favorite.

I am reading...another free Nook book, Making Waves. It's set in the 1800's. I love historical novels, and especially Christian ones with beautiful life lessons. This one's been interesting so far!

On my mind...the new Duggar episode tonight. From the previews, it looks like little Josie got really sick. Yikes! Can't miss this episode!

Around the house...didn't do much today, other than vacuum. I had to take my daughter to the dermatologist. As suspected, she has rosacea. Hoping the treatments work.

One of my favorite things...getting my chores done early.

A few plans for the rest of the week...free movies at our local theaters start this week. They'll be showing Shrek Forever After and Ramona and Beezus. I really want to see the second one; I remember reading those books when I was little. A library run, a visit to see our new preemie cousin, and we'll see what else we can get done!

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

Meet Me on Mondays

Okay, it's been a while, and I said I'd try not to neglect my blog anymore, so here we go with my Meet Me on Mondays post, sponsored by Java at Never Growing Old.

1. What is your favorite yogurt flavor?

Coconut with fresh pineapple. I like frozen yogurt more than the supermarket kind, but either way coconut is the one for me!

2. Ankle or knee socks? and on the same theme, white socks or coloured??

Ankle. I live in South Florida, and socks are rarely used, much less knee socks. I prefer white socks.

3. How is the weather right now?

So H-O-T!!! It must be in the 90's right now, and it's that steamy kind of hot. Even our dog Molly refuses to go out to the yard because it's so hot!

4. Are you a fast typer?

I think so. I used to type at about 55 - 60 wpm. I may be a bit slower since I don't type as often, but I think I'm still pretty quick. Maybe 50 - 55 wpm.

5. Red or White Wine?

Neither. I choose not to drink. It's a personal conviction.

Move It Mondays

Good morning to all, on this first Monday of no school! My youngest son stayed over at his grandma's house, and I'm missing him terribly. I'll have to keep myself and my mind busy today. Here's the to-do list for today:

*Vacuum and mop floors

*Do 2 loads of laundry

*Make lunch - ham slice with pineapple in oven, potatoes, veggie, salad

Hope I get everything done early. That'll give me time to read my new Nook book, Making Waves.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, June 11, 2011...

I am seeing...lots of dog hair all over the floor. I'll be breaking out the vacuum cleaner shortly.

I am feeling...confused and overwhelmed.

I am hearing...the crunching of my breakfast cereal.

I am tasting...Smart Start cereal.

I am smelling...almond milk in my cereal. Vanilla flavored. Tastes delicious.

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

Five Question Friday

Good Friday morning! It's the first day of summer vacation, but I still got up early this morning. I'm a morning person. I get up before 7:30 in the morning or my day is shot. I'm actually thankful for that. Firstly, because it's how God created me, and secondly, because I get everything done early and can relax later in the day. Or at least try to ;).

So here we are, another Friday, and another 5 questions, this time focusing on summer. Summertime used to be my favorite season, till I moved to South Florida where it's summer all the time. Now my favorite season is fall, but that's a few months away. Till then, here's to summer:

1. How close to your childhood dreams is your life now?

Let's see...as a child what I wanted most was to be a wife and mom, living in a nice house with a yard in a tropical climate (because I hate the cold). God has been veeeery good to me. He gave me the desires of my heart, and so much more.

2. What is one must have item for the summer?

Flip-flops. I wear them all the time, except for church. I'm old-school; I like dressing up for church. But everywhere else, it's flip-flops. Which reminds me, I'll need to get a pair of white ones. I had a pair for almost a year, but after wearing them day in and day out, they gave out. I can say I got good use out of them, that's for sure.

3. Do you have your kids stay up on school stuff during summer vacation? (Or, if you don't have kiddos, did your parents make you keep up on school stuff during summer?)

I do try to keep up, especially with reading. We go to the library once a week and look for fun reading material to read together. In the past we've also done some type of report. One year we studied about Australia because that was the VBS topic, and it was so interesting! I haven't decided what to study this year, but I do want to make sure we get some good books to read.

4. Do you can or freeze fresh produce?

No, I don't. I'm sure my mom knows how, but we grew up in the city where there wasn't much opportunity for canning or freezing.

5. Do you get ready for the day first thing in the morning?

Absolutely. Like I mentioned before, I'm a morning person. I have my devotions in the morning, as soon as I wake up, and it helps keep my day focused.

Would you like to give it a try? Visit Mama M. at My Little Life for your 5 questions. Have a blessed weekend.

Wednesday Words of Weight Loss

I enjoyed doing Words of Weight Loss last week, so I'm here again, though a day late. I'm thankful I'm at the weight I need to be, and healthier because of it, but I do know the importance of maintenance. It's one thing to lose the weight; it's a whole other thing to keep it off. So anything that helps me in that respect is great. Take a walk over to Everyday Ruralty and try the journey to health too.

1. What's your favorite food at a BBQ?

I like shish-kabobs with marinated chicken, shrimp, peppers, onions, and pineapple. Or just plain burgers.

2. Do you have any good tips for making recipes healthier?

Reduce the salt. Once I started eating less sodium I found weight loss to be much easier and my body felt lots better.

3. As you know, I'm a chef. If I knocked at your door and told you that I would prepare any dinner you wanted, what would that be?

Something with fish. I love fish, but hate cooking it because of the smell. Mahi-mahi, or tuna steaks, or sea bass...great, now I'm getting hungry!

4. Running or walking?
Walking. I'm not a runner. Never have been. Of course, Molly our dog is a runner. :P

5. What are you reading lately?

I hope to finish It Happens Every Spring today. It's by Catherine Palmer and Gary Chapman (author of the Five Love Languages). It's about the different seasons of marriage and is oh so good! If you have a Nook, the download is free. I highly recommend it.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, June 7, 2011...

Outside my window...there seems to be a breeze. Of course it's a warm breeze. Just another summer day in South Florida. That's right, summer. We skipped spring altogether this year.

I am thinking...about the Duggars. There's a marathon on TLC I'm watching.

I am thankful...for my family.

I am going...to watch the new Duggar episode tonight. Then the Heat game.

I am wearing...a black and white dress and white flip-flops.

I am praying...that the Lord would give me a spirit of encouragement so I can be encouraging to others.

I am currently...watching the Duggars!

From the learning rooms...E got a medal today, for citizenship. I am so blessed to be his mommy! Talked to his teacher today, and he's passed to 6th grade. Just 2 days of school left - woot!

From the kitchen...tilapia, fries, broccoli and salad.

I am reading...a book by Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer called It Happens Every Spring. Gary Chapman is the author of the Five Love Languages, and this novel is about the different seasons of marriage. I'm really enjoying it! For my devotions I'm reading through the Psalms.

On my mind...how life can change from one moment to the next.

Around the house...I didn't get a whole lot done today. With E's award ceremony and early dismissal it through my schedule off.

One of my favorite things...watching the Duggars!

A few plans for the rest of the week...church tomorrow night, Thursday is the last day of school, and I'm hoping to see my newest cousin at the hospital. He was born a couple months early so he's in the NICU.

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

Move It Mondays

Good Monday morning! It's the last week of school, and my son is oh so happy! I am too. It means I don't have to get up as early (though I probably will anyways; I'm a morning person). It's gonna be a busy one today. We had friends over yesterday to watch the basketball game. What can I say - GO HEAT!!! Now I have this lovely list to tackle:

*Clean kitchen
*Vacuum
*Finish laundry
*Iron
*Cook lunch

I sure need to get everything caught up again. So much to do, so little time!

Move it Mondays is hosted by Kristilea at In The Lord's Path. God bless and have a wonderful week.

Five Question Friday

Good Friday morning to all! It's the end of the week, and almost the end of they school year. My son is at his 5th grade banquet today; he looked so handsome in his black dress shirt and grey dress pants. I can't believe my baby boy is finishing elementary school! It's no joke, they really do grow up fast.

So, here we go with my 5 questions for today. A peek into the simple life of this wife and mom:

1. If you had to choose, how would you prefer to choose to spend money...on landscaping or a pool?
Okay, as a Floridian I should be saying pool, but the truth is, pools require alot of maintenance, and no one wants to do it. Everyone wants to enjoy the pool but no one ever wants to clean it. Landscaping also requires maintenance, but I'm more prone to get my hands dirty pulling weeds and watering plants than cleaning bugs out of a pool. Besides, there's a public pool not far from here that I don't have to clean but we get use of. So landscaping it is.

2. (Scott likes to get things stirred up...) Death penalty, yay or nay?
For me, that's a tough one. I'm not against the death penalty; nor is the Lord, as we see in Scripture. However, if I personally were on a jury, I don't think I could condemn someone to death. Hopefully I'll never find myself in that situation.

3. What's the worst thing your kid has gotten into when you turned your back/blogged/showered/blinked?
Oh boy. Since my kids are older they don't get into things they shouldn't. I have to think back...probably the worse thing would be unrolling the roll of toilet paper. And really, that's not so bad. I mean, it's not like they were in any physical danger, you know?

4. How often do you REALLY go to the dentist?
Not often enough. Actually, it's probably been about 5 years. I hate dentists, but that's not why I haven't gone. Dentists are expensive, dental insurance is expensive, deductibles are expensive; yeah, it's all about money. Which is a shame.

5. What is your favorite animal (doesn't have to be a pet-type animal)?
Owls. I think they are the most beautiful, most majestic of all birds. And they eat mice. Which makes them number one in my book.

Okay, now it's your turn. Join Mama M at My Little Life and let us know about your Friday 5. God bless you and have a great weekend.

Wednesday Words of Weight Loss

I ran across this meme done by Patrice at Everyday Ruralty and thought the questions (and topic) were very interesting. So here I go, another meme:

1. Has your diet changed a lot since the warmer weather came?
Sure - I eat more ice cream! Seriously, the weather in South Florida doesn't change that dramatically. There's more shakes and frozen yogurt, but otherwise I tend to cook the same.

2. Did you do anything interesting over Memorial weekend?
We took an unplanned trip to Orlando for a couple of days. Needed to take a look at some stuff up there, and since my daughter still has her apartment it was easy.

3. If you could plan a get together with your blog friends, what would that look like?
I'm part of an online bible study group, and the girls there are like family even though I've never met any of them face to face. I think our group would get together for dessert and coffee, laughing, crying, praying, fellowshipping, singing praises to the Lord, and just having the best time of our lives. I hope it really happens one day.

4. Do you like yogurt? What's your favorite kind or favorite way of eating it?
Oh yeah! We had frozen yogurt at a shop in Orlando called Mix. They have lots of different flavors of frozen yogurt, and more toppings than I can list! The best part is, you can mix flavors and toppings all you want (hence the name) and they charge by weight, not items. I had the most amazing coconut frozen yogurt with fresh pineapple and shredded coconut (can you tell I love coconuts?). I can still taste it now....

5. What's the most important quality or character trait in a friend?
Trustworthiness. I want to be able to tell my friend something and have the confidence that no one else will hear it from her. That, and a good sense of humor. I love to laugh.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, June 1, 2011...

Outside my window...it's HOT!! So much for springtime - summer is definitely here!

I am thinking...too much. My brain needs a break.

I am thankful...Molly's medicine worked and she's doing really well.

I am going...to rest after a very busy morning.

I am wearing...a brown and pink paisley top, capri jeans and white flip-flops.

I am praying...for friends going through health issues, and for answers to my many questions.

I am currently...listening to my daughter while I type. I can't stop because she's talking to me. I'd never get anything done. Yeah, she's a chatterbox. ;)

From the learning rooms...school's almost done for E. Tomorrow is his school's Blast Day, which is like field day, and Friday is the 5th grade dance. Not much school going on there. The 2 older kids are done for the semester.

From the kitchen...tacos. I'm stuffed. :D

I am reading...the Psalms. One per day. Chapter 15 today.

On my mind...patience. Why is it so hard to be patient?

Around the house...I got the vacuuming done, cleaned both bathrooms and did 2 loads of laundry. It's been a busy day.

One of my favorite things...frozen yogurt from Mix Yogurt shop. Soooo good!

A few plans for the rest of the week...E has a paintball birthday party on Saturday. He's been to one before and loved it.

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