Observing My Senses

For Today, July 31, 2011...

I am seeing...the sunlight streaming through the blinds.

I am feeling...melancholy. Helping my kids get settled in their new place is bittersweet.

I am hearing...sausages sizzle.

I am tasting...instant coffee. My kids don't drink coffee so they have no coffee maker.

I am smelling...breakfast. The most important meal of the day.

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

I'm Still Alive

I know I've been gone from my blog for some time, but I have a good excuse. I've been in Central Florida for the past couple of weeks getting my older kids settled into their apartment. My daughter had been renting a townhouse with some friends, but they've either graduated or moved to other places. The townhouse was awful, filled with all kinds of maintenance problems that took forever to get taken care of. My oldest son R had also talked about moving up to Central Florida because there are many more job opportunities here and the cost of living is lower than in South Florida. So we found a nice apartment complex and I've been here with my daughter and youngest son E helping get them settled. We didn't get internet until yesterday, which is why I hadn't been able to post.

The townhouse where A had been living was fully furnished, so she had no furniture to speak of. R, living at home, didn't have anything to contribute either. So we found a couple of comfy couches at a furniture outlet store that are brand new for $600. These would easily have cost over $800 at the regular store, so it's a good deal. We also got mattresses for them, since their bedroom sets at home are small and it was time for them to upgrade to queen sized beds. I went to a few thrift stores but couldn't find anything they could use. Most of the furniture they had were china cabinets and hutches, things my kids don't need. So instead we went to Walmart and Target, and found a great table with 4 chairs at Target for $229. It's wood stained in an espresso color, very modern and comfortable. I also found a matching tv stand at Big Lots on sale. The regular price was $99.99, but they were having a 20% off everything in the store day and we were able to get it for $79.99. Considering the closest thing we saw at Walmart was over $150, I think we got a very good deal.

This move is bittersweet. I'm thankful they have a nice place, and that we have been able to help them get settled, but I know I'll be saying goodbye soon, and that is filling me with great sorrow. They are grown-ups, of course. R is 24 years old and A is 21. Both will be finishing up school soon and starting their work careers, Lord willing. This is what parents raise their children for, so that one day they can live independently and hopefully begin families of their own. It doesn't make it any easier for me, though. I'm going to miss them terribly. I'm thankful God saw fit to give me my youngest son to keep me from having that "empty nest" too soon. I don't think I'm ready for it.

There's still plenty to do around here, and E and I will most likely be here till Sunday or Monday. I need to get back to blogging again. It's my release when my feelings feel overly bottled up.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, July 13, 2011...

Outside my window...the sun is drying out the leftover wetness from yesterday's thunderstorm. That's Florida for you. This time of year, it's sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoon. We're used to it.

I am thinking...of all the work we need to do this week to get my kids settled in their apartment.

I am thankful...my son R found a store that will most likely take his transfer. He works at a local supermarket chain and needs to continue working, at least till he's done with school.

I am going...to be signing paperwork, getting the keys to the apartment, then shopping for furniture, most likely at Goodwill.

I am wearing...a light blue blouse, a blue/white prairie skirt, and white flip-flops.

I am praying...for strength, and wisdom.

I am currently...finishing up my breakfast before we get ready to head out this morning.

From the learning rooms...no book knowledge this week. Instead, we'll be learning about organization when moving and the importance of helping family.

From the kitchen...nothing. We'll be eating out today.

I am reading...the Psalms. I read chapter 56 today.

On my mind...more than this simple blog can handle.

Around the house...well, my nephew is staying at our house dog-sitting Molly. At my daughter's place, we'll be packing and moving.

One of my favorite things...organization. It's my type A personality.

A few plans for the rest of the week...we're in Central Florida this week, packing and moving my daughter's things to her new digs, then possibly some parks or pool time to wind down. It's gonna be a very busy week.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today July 9, 2011...

I am seeing...the sky kinda sorta clearing up. It rained this morning; the rain has stopped and there's some blue sky, but I wonder how long it will last.

I am feeling...some apprehension about our next trip to Orlando. We're leaving next Tuesday to get my older kids set up in their apartment, but we don't have a dog sitter yet, there's lots of moving and purchasing to be done, and my hubby wants to relax and go to some of the parks. I don't know if I can relax at this point.

I am hearing...cartoons in my bedroom. My youngest son is awake.

I am tasting...pancakes that got a little overdone. I usually make them on the cast iron skillet but this time I used a regular pan which overheated. These pancakes are just a tad crunchy.

I am smelling...Log Cabin syrup. I know this isn't authentic maple syrup, but it's what my mom used to buy, so it reminds me of my childhood.

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

Five Question Friday

It's Friday, and you know what that means! Five Question Friday time! Today's questions are doozies; let's see how well I do.

1. Do you think cursive writing is overrated? (Schools in Indiana have now voted to take teaching cursive writing out of their curriculum.)

I've always read that cursive writing helps with motor skills. It's also necessary to know some cursive if you plan on signing your name in a way that's legible. But I can understand why some schools want to take it out of the curriculum - everything is electronic now. Even signatures, like if you decide to do your income taxes online, are done electronically. Cursive is difficult for children like my son who are dyslexic, too. I would miss it, though. There's something so classy about a note or letter written in cursive.

2. Do you still use a pocket calendar or notepad or do you keep your info on your smart phone?

I use the calendar in the kitchen to keep my appointments and notes on. I have a Blackberry, but I just can't get used to putting stuff on it. I always forget.

3. What 3 things would you save if your house was burning down? (family & pets are already safe)

*Photo albums - especially scrapbooks. Those can't be replaced.

*Important documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. Replaceable, but it takes a long time to do

*I can't think of anything else valuable enough to keep me in a burning house.

4. Country Mouse or City Mouse, err Person?

Born and raised city mouse, but a country mouse at heart.

5. If you could pick ANY reality show to go on, which would you pick?

That's easy, 19 Kids and Counting! I'd love to visit the Duggars out in Tontitown, Arkansas. Of all the reality shows on TV, it's the only one that appears "real" to me. And those kids are just gorgeous!

Oh, come on, you know you want to do this meme too! Join Mama M at My Little Life and answer your own five questions. Have a blessed weekend.

Time for a Laugh

A Vision of Swine

At the beginning of children's Bible club, we always review the previous week's lesson. Getting the conversation going one evening about the story of Peter's vision of the heavenly sheet filled with animals, another teacher asked, "What did Peter see when he went up on the housetop to pray?"

One little boy waved his hand and yelled, "Pigs in a blanket!"

- From Church Laughs at ChristianityToday.com

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, July 5, 2011...

Outside my window...it's a bit overcast. Maybe more rain coming? I wouldn't be surprised. It's been hot and muggy all day.

I am thinking...about friendship, and how valuable it is.

I am thankful...for my daughter's car. We were able to get her a car yesterday which she needs for school. I'm thankful my hubby was able to get a good deal.

I am going...to finish cleaning up the kitchen after this post.

I am wearing...a black t-shirt, jean bermuda shorts and white flip-flops.

I am praying...for my friends and their needs.

I am currently...suffering from a stuffy nose, thanks to the weather which is aggravating my allergies :P

From the learning rooms...still working on the same book. We've had so many interruptions!

From the kitchen...baked macaroni and cheese, fried chicken tenders, corn and salad.

I am reading...through the Psalms, and my morning devotions.

On my mind...dentists. Hubby needs to see the dentist for a possible crown, my daughter's wisdom teeth are bothering her, and my youngest son needs a couple teeth pulled and a cleaning. I hope the insurance cards come soon!

Around the house...I vacuumed this morning and the house is full of dog hair again. Ugh!

One of my favorite things...a good book.

A few plans for the rest of the week...free movie again - looks like we'll be watching Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I also hope to get together with a dear friend for ice cream or something. I need me some girl time!

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

Meet Me on Mondays

I haven't done a Meet Me On Monday post in a while. Let's do one today!

1. What is your favorite food?

I don't know that I have one single favorite food, but if I had to choose what I like to prepare and eat most of all I would have to say lasagna. I think my family would agree.

2. What color scheme is your bedroom?

Burgundy and apple green.

3. Do you carry a donor card?

No, I don't. But I think my driver's license says I'm a donor. I'll have to check.

4. In your opinion, is the glass half empty or half full?

Over half full, thanks to Jesus.

5. Vanilla or Chocolate?

Can I have both? LOL! Okay, okay, of the two, definitely chocolate.

If you want to meet some fun people on Monday, visit Java at Never Growing Old. Have a blessed and safe 4th of July.

Move It Mondays

Happy Monday, and Happy Independence Day! It's a day of celebration, not just of a day off from work or of bar-b-queing (though those things are nice too), but of the freedom of our country. We take for granted the life we live in the United States of America, with its freedoms and rights. Do you realize there are people in our world, in this 21st century, who will go to prison if they're caught reading the Bible? Where the government, and not the people, decide where the citizens will live, what kind of possessions they will have, who will give them medical care, etc? There are still nations that consider wives as less valuable than livestock. There are children dying in this world in nations where the government officials live lives of luxury, and no one can speak against this treatment without going to jail, or worse. We are so blessed to live in the USA. Let's not let anyone take away what our founding fathers fought so hard for.

So, back to Monday. I have one load of laundry to do, and floor cleaning. We're having burgers on the indoor grill because we don't have a working outdoor grill right now. My son R brought some fireworks which hopefully we'll be able to enjoy tonight. I say hopefully because we've been getting lots of rain. As a matter of fact, it rained just before we got up this morning so everything is nice and wet outside. There are so many outdoor celebrations planned for tonight, I just hope the rain lets up! We need the rain, it's true, but just for tonight it would be so cool to be dry Lord!

Have a safe and blessed Independence Day! Move it Mondays is hosted by Kristilea at In The Lord's Path.

America The Beautiful

Oh beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain.

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain.

America, America,

God shed His grace on thee.

And crown thy good

With brotherhood

From sea to shining sea.

Have a safe and blessed celebration of our nation's independence. Happy 4th of July!

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 2, 2011...

I am seeing...the sun trying desperately to peek through the clouds, but I don't think it will win the battle today. Rainy season has started, a little late but ready to catch up! We've gotten steady rain for days now, and it may not let up till Monday. Just in time for fireworks!

I am feeling...a strong need to draw closer to God. I sometimes let the circumstances in my life get in the way :( but my God won't let me go. He's calling to me, I just know it.

I am hearing...the shower. My son R is getting ready for school.

I am tasting...my morning coffee after my morning cereal. I bought unsweetened almond milk this time, and while it took a bite or two to get adjusted to it, I now like it better than the sweetened.

I am smelling...the wetness in the air. It's kept our dog Molly inside for most of the day, to her delight :).

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

Five Question Friday

Welcome to Five Question Friday, the meme that asks, "How about 5 questions? Can you answer them? On Friday?" Here are my 5 answers for this first day of July:

1. If you had the opportunity to bungee jump, would you?
Absolutely and positively NOT!! Of all the laws in existence, I respect the law of gravity most.

2. Would you rather go to the movie theater or to the drive-in?
I've never been to a drive-in, so I don't know what that experience would be like. I think I'd still like the movie theater more. I don't have to pay for air conditioning that way.

3. Do you have your groceries delivered?
Unless you count the kids bringing them from the car to the house, the answer to that would be no. I like to be at the store personally so I can see the sales and compare prices.

4. Eyebrows: Do you wax, thread, pluck, or stay au naturel?
I plucked them when I was a teen, but now they stay natural. They are well shaped and I usually don't have strays. Please don't hate me.

5. Would the people you went to high school with be surprised by your life today?

I've found some of my high school buddies on Facebook, and I don't think surprised would be the right word. They seem happy for me which is nice, and I'm very happy for them. I love finding out where they live now, how many children they've had (if any), how many grandkids (that's a reality check right there; my classmates are grandparents?!). I think my classmates pretty much think I've been blessed, and they're right.

Now it's your turn. Hop on over to Mama M's My Little Life and answer your 5 questions. It's fun! Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend everybody.