August Challenge - Question 4

It's the last day in August. The time has gone by pretty quickly, and now I have a chance to post the last of the August challenge questions for this month. Who knows, maybe I'll turn back and post some more thoughts in September. In the meantime, here is a question that pulled at my heartstrings.

I remember when my children were all little and I thought I'd never live through those days of constant demands and endless needs. Now I have no more preschoolers at my house! What stage of life are you in? Are you content or wishing it would end? Write about the view from where you are right now.

What I wouldn't give to have my kids little again! When my youngest was born, I had an infant, a 10 year old and an almost 13 year old. Different stages, different needs, but I loved being with each of them. There was much to be learned, by them and by me, about them and about myself.

Today, my oldest is 24 years old, my second is 21 and my "baby" is 11. The two older children are living on their own, going to school and learning to live apart from the family unit they've known all their lives. Only the youngest is with me. I believe God gave me my youngest child because He knew how difficult it would be for me to let go of 2 children at once. The pain was so intense I wanted to go to sleep and never awaken to it again. I thought sending my daughter away to college was hard; saying goodbye to the two of them at the same time was almost unbearable. If not for my little boy I might have crawled into a corner and bawled.

Am I content with this season in life? I don't know if content is the right word. I'm learning to accept that this is part of life, and that my children need to leave the nest just as I once did. I know I will be content at some point, but I'm not sure I'm there yet. Do I wish this season would end? No. Much as I would love to keep my children little and with me forever, I realize that just cannot be. They were given to me to raise into independent adults; if they stay with me forever, then I've failed as a parent. Only when they leave and show the maturity they've acquired can I know for sure I did the best job I could with them. Do I wish I could go back in time, even if just for one day, and have them little again? Oh boy, would I!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, August 31, 2011...

Outside my window...it's getting ready to rain. Again. I think we've had 2 days total without rain this month. I sure hope we don't get any hurricanes. With the ground this saturated, we'd flood in no time.

I am thinking...about the people up north who are trying to clean up after Irene. Just goes to show, there's no such thing as a minor hurricane.

I am thankful...we got home before it started raining again, though we have to go out this evening for open house at E's school. Hopefully the rain will have subsided by then.

I am going...yeah, I just mentioned it. Open house at school.

I am wearing...a black top, black and white skirt, and white flip-flops.

I am praying...for moms like me whose children are leaving the nest. It's a traumatic experience, even though we're fully aware it has to happen. It's hard letting those baby chicks go.

I am currently...in the process of decorating for the fall. It's my very favorite season! Well, except for Christmas season of course ;). I've got plenty of stuff going up around the house. Maybe it'll make the weather get cooler too? I doubt it.

I am noticing...the headache I had this morning is coming back. It's a sinus headache, I'm sure.

From the learning rooms...E is getting the hang of middle school. He's got geography for social studies. The teachers also have him on a couple of online study guides to help him with reading and math.

From the kitchen...tacos.

I am reading...Psalms and Proverbs. I haven't picked up a book all week, other than finishing up Crazy Love (finally!). That book is amazing. I may read it several more times.

On my mind...a dentist appointment for E tomorrow. He needs a cleaning, and a baby molar removed. It's been there for a while and he refuses to have anyone touch it, though half of it is already off the gum. Okay, if that's the way he wants it, the dentist will take care of it.

Around the house...there are pumpkins galore! Lots of orange candles too. I love how it looks!

One of my favorite things...autumn!

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

Move It Mondays

It's Monday morning again, and the last week of August! Wow, this summer has gone by exceedingly fast! Time to get the house spruced up for the fall, my favorite season. The weather should (hopefully) get a bit cooler now, which will be a welcome relief since our temps have been in the 90's everyday. With the humidity it feels like it's over 100 degrees. We've gotten lots of much needed rain this month which has made everything lush and green; not fall-like but lovely to see.

This week I'm hoping to get a lot done. Today will be cleaning and organizing.

*Fix beds

*Vacuum floors

*Dust

*Put away one load of laundry

*Tidy kitchen (I gave it a good cleaning on Saturday)

*Mop

My plan is to work on one room per day, decorating for the fall. It should take me all week, but I hope to enjoy it for the next few months.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, August 27, 2011...

I am seeing...blue skies and sunshine, thanks to Hurricane Irene finally leaving our waters. We only got the outer bands, but it kept us in rain, wind and dark skies for all of Wednesday night through Thursday.

I am feeling...sad for all those in the path of hurricane Irene, though also thankful that it's been downgraded to a category 1. Not that it isn't still dangerous, but it's less dangerous than a category 2 or 3 which is what was originally expected.

I am hearing...Sirius XM radio. We get it through our satellite provider. I listen to The Message, which is contemporary Christian music 24 hours a day. I especially like having Sirius XM during the holidays. One of the stations plays Christmas songs all day long for an entire month.

I am tasting...the banana I had for breakfast.

I am smelling...a clean kitchen. Just spent an hour cleaning and reorganizing the pantry, something my daughter usually does for me but she's back at school now so I have to do it. I really miss her :(.

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

Five Question Friday

Welcome to another episode of Five Question Friday! Brought to you by Mama M at My Little Life.

I'm calmly posting this today because the hurricane decided to stay away from Florida! Yay for us! Boo for the East Coast from North Carolina on up! My family is in New York, and they're expecting to be hit with category 1 winds and rain. Not fun! Please keep them in your prayers.

On to my questions for today!

1. Did you make any fun purchases this week?

Why yes, yes I did! I had $30 in Kohl's cash from back to school shopping, and it expired today, so I got myself a couple of prairie style skirts. One is blue with cream colored flowers, and the other is cream colored with blue flowers. Seeing a pattern here?

2. If you could go to any musical concert, what would it be?

Night of Joy! Disney puts on this musical spectacular every year in September. I've been there twice, and enjoyed it to the max! Night of Joy is actually a bunch of Christian bands and artists performing in different parts of Magic Kingdom simultaneously. My daughter and I went together, and it's a night of praise and worship like no other! We saw BarlowGirl, Casting Crowns, Third Day, Mercy Me, Salvador, David Crowder Band, Leeland, Sanctus Real, Jaci Velazquez, and more (can't remember them all off the top of my head). I'd love to go again this year!

3. What is your least fav/ most fav house chore?

Least favorite would be cleaning bathrooms. I've NEVER liked cleaning bathrooms. It takes me a long time because I'm overly meticulous, and because boys are not the cleanest creatures on earth :P. My favorite chore would be cleaning floors. I love how they look right after they've been swept and mopped :).

4. Would you prefer new appliances or clothes?

My kitchen appliances are fairly new, but I'd love to get a new washer/dryer. I don't need anymore new clothes.

5. Miracle Whip or Mayo?

I'm a mayo lover. Mmmm...

Have a blessed weekend everyone!

The Earthquake

The Weather Channel says Tuesday's east coast earthquake was caused by an unknown fault line running under D.C. and through Virginia. It is now being called Obama's Fault, though Obama will say it's really Bush's Fault. Other theories are that it was the founding fathers rolling over in their graves or that what we all believed to be an earthquake was actually the effects of a 14.6 trillion dollar check bouncing in Washington... ~ Ivonne Sola

August Challenge - Question 3

I've just been to Marybeth Whalen's blog and found another interesting question that I want to ponder on. This is the 3rd question for me, the fifteenth on her blog.

What did you want to be as a child? How was that desire an indicator of the person you'd become? If you have kids, write about how you can foster those desires (to help, to teach, to nurture, etc.) in them.

I grew up in the 60's and 70's. My mom was a stay-at-home mom, as were many of the moms at the time, though the tide had already begun to change in the 60's and less women were staying at home with their children. My father refused to allow my mother to work outside the home, and with 4 children I can say my mom had her hands full anyway.

My mother taught me the art of homemaking from a young age. I would get up on a chair to help wash dishes, and remember vividly burning my fingers trying to iron clothes at age 5. Sewing and crocheting were part of my "curriculum", though I never excelled in either. Cooking was much more productive. I was in the kitchen on my own by age 9. It started with simple things, frying eggs, boiling pasta, making pancakes. By the time I was 14 I could prepare an entire meal for the family with little to no help from my mother.

When I turned 14 my mother took a nasty fall and was in bed with a herniated disc for a couple of weeks. Being the oldest, I was in charge of taking care of my mother and my younger siblings, and running the household. I hadn't realized until then how much my mother had taught me. I would get up early in the morning, prepare breakfast for myself, my brother and sisters, and my mom, and make something for my mom's lunch so she wouldn't have to get up for anything. I would see the younger kids off to school and head off to high school myself. When I got home, I had to finish my homework quickly so I could make dinner, help the younger kids with their homework, feed them, feed my mom and dad when he got home from work, clean up, get some laundry done, and prepare for the next day. It was exhausting work, but at the same time it was satisfying. I was helping my family and making sure everything ran smoothly. I knew then that this was the path I wanted to take. I didn't care about a career or making lots of money. I wanted a home for myself, my own mini corporation if you will.

Of course, things don't always go the way we plan. Until 3 years ago, I worked to help support my home and family. It was never what I would call a career; my career was motherhood, and I've enjoyed it more than any amount of money I could have ever earned. Honestly, I worked because I felt I had to, and on some occasions I did, but I didn't love it. I made the best of it and kept in mind I was doing it for my family.

I'm thankful God gave me the opportunity 3 years ago when I lost my job, to stay home and just be a homemaker. I know many feminists consider this a step-down, but I see it quite differently. For years I worked so that others could make money and live comfortably. Now I work to keep my family comfortable. It brings me great joy to serve my loved ones, no matter how menial the job may seem.

I'm also thankful my own daughter has learned many of the skills my mother taught me. While I didn't have her ironing clothes at age 5, she does know how to prepare a meal, clean up, do laundry, simple sewing, maintain a household budget, decorate...her friends laugh at how domestic she is, but they also are impressed with her abilities. I don't tell my daughter she has to be a homemaker if she wants to do something else. She has to follow the path God lays out for her. But I'm thankful knowing she's prepared to take care of a family one day, and I know she too will experience great joy in doing so.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, August 23, 2011...

Outside my window...the sun is out again, though everything is wet from our daily thunderstorm just an hour ago. At least it's not a hurricane...

I am thinking...9 years ago this week Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida as a category 5 hurricane and destroyed the city of Homestead and parts of Miami. It was devastating.

I am thankful...hurricane Irene didn't do much damage in Puerto Rico.

I am going...to pick up my son E from school, then off to Walmart to buy more school supplies.

I am wearing...a blue top, blue prairie style skirt, and white flip-flops.

I am praying...for the Bahamas and the Carolinas. It looks like hurricane Irene is headed their way.

I am currently...finishing up this post so I can get going.

I am noticing...a few extra pounds that shouldn't be on my body. I weighed myself this morning and found I'm less than a pound away from 140. That should not be! I'm back on MyFitnessPal.

From the learning rooms...E started school again yesterday. He was very happy with his teachers and his classes. Yesterday was science, language arts, and beginning computers. Can't wait to hear how his day went today with math, intensive reading and social studies.

From the kitchen...fried chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, salad, and Pillsbury Crescent rolls.

I am reading...a verse from Proverbs each day with E, and a Psalm a day. I started The Swan House but I haven't had time to read this week. Which is a shame, since the book is really interesting.

On my mind...hurricane season. Irene in particular.

Around the house...I got a lot done yesterday, but I still have bathrooms to clean.

One of my favorite things...a foot massage.

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

Move It Mondays

Okay, today it's more like Moved it Monday, since it's almost 5 in the afternoon. It's been a busy one for sure! It's the first day of school, or more specifically, the first day of middle school for E and the first day of A's senior year in college, so it's a pretty important day for both of them.

E enjoyed his first day. Schools here have a block schedule; that means on Mondays and Thursdays he goes to 1st, 3rd and 5th periods, on Tuesdays and Thursdays he goes to 2nd, 4th, and 6th periods, and Wednesdays he goes to all 6 classes. Today he had science, language arts and computers, which he picked as his elective. Tomorrow he'll have social studies, intensive reading, and math. He still struggles with reading which is why he needs the intensive course. I'm glad for that.

A only had one class today, Christian Thought. She did call me to say she's most likely going to drop her Hebrew class. It's a heavy load this year since it's her last, and the course is just too difficult. She's decided instead to take a physical education class; either bowling or tennis. I think this is a good choice. Hebrew is a beautiful language but not one to be studied for a couple of semesters just to fill up your requirements. If she can't give it the attention it deserves, then she should leave it for when she can.

Today was also internet set-up day. Our internet service was set up in my son R's name, but now that he's moved out I needed to put it in my name, and they sent out a technician to do the set-up. So I spent the morning vacuuming, cleaning floors, dusting, getting the dishes washed, doing a load of towels...I was exhausted by the time the gentleman got here! Then I made lunch while I watched updates of hurricane Irene. That's a troublesome one. It looks like it's headed this way, though it could veer to the right which would mean it would stay in the ocean. We're keeping an eye on it and praying for safety for ourselves and everyone in its path.

We had a really strong thunderstorm hit at about 1pm and it lasted till after 3:30. The rain had settled some by the time I picked E up from school but everything was flooded. I guess since we didn't get any rain yesterday the clouds were extra full! We've gotten rain pretty much everyday this month. The grass is very happy for it!

Well, time to help E with his homework. Ahh, a momma's work is never done! Move it Mondays is hosted by Kristilea at In The Lord's Path. Have a blessed week.

August Challenge - Question 2

I had wanted to participate in this more frequently, but my internet connection has been on and off this week. I believe it's the weather, since we've been getting rain everyday and thunderstorms more often than not. Here is one question, though, that I wanted to tackle because I've asked it myself in the past.

Some people think the number 13 is an unlucky number. Do you ever feel unlucky? Read Psalm 73 about Asaph, who felt unlucky but then reached some wonderful conclusions. Journal some verses from this Psalm and why these verses were special to you.

Hmm, do I feel unlucky? There are times when things don't go the way I'd like, when issues and problems come out of left field and I'm left wondering how these things could happen. Is it luck, bad or otherwise?

For that matter, what is luck? According to the World English dictionary, it's "having or bringing good fortune; happening by chance, especially as desired." So the question really is, do I believe things happen by chance, or is there a definite reason for what happens in my life and the life of everyone else?

I'd read Psalm 73 a few weeks ago. I've been reading one Psalm per day, and I'm in the 90's now. I recall understanding where Asaph was coming from. "How is it good things happen to bad people?" Asaph was asking (verses 3-9). It seems unfair that wicked, scheming people appear to get away with their evil doings, yet whenever a righteous person tries to do what is right he is chastised, ridiculed, even persecuted. Is it a matter of luck? Asaph realized it wasn't. He tried figuring it out on his own; verse 16 says when he tried to understand it all, it was too painful. Then he went before God, and once God revealed His justice, Asaph was able to comprehend the truth. "Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction." (verse 18). We can only see what's happening before our eyes, but God sees the bigger picture. He knows what's going on in each person's heart, and He knows perfectly well where evil desires lead. It may seem these people are "lucky" for a time, but in the end righteousness prevails.

I don't believe in luck. I do, however, believe in blessings. I believe that God bestows gifts upon those who obey Him and seek to please Him. Does that mean we never have problems? No. Problems have a purpose in our lives, too: they bring us closer to God, and teach us to seek His will. Then they can be used to help and encourage others. Problems start off as painful, but with the right attitude can be turned into blessings.

Am I unlucky? Not at all. I am blessed beyond measure, and loved beyond words.

Five Question Friday

It's that time of the week again - Friday! Time for my Five Question Friday post, which I look forward to all week long.

1. Do you close the bathroom door when you are home alone?

Of course not! I don't even close the door when my family's home. I mean, I shut the door but I don't lock it. But if I'm home alone I don't even do that. What's the point?

2. You have to walk around with a word on your forehead. That word describes you. One word. What is it?

Christian. It's the word I want most to be associated with. Hopefully I'm living up to it.

3. What store do you refuse to shop at and why?

Hot Topic. It's creepy looking.

4. If you participated in arranged marriages for your child(ren), who would you choose for your child(ren)?

A godly man/woman who loves the Lord more than themselves. One who understands and lives a life of honesty and integrity. A hard worker, with a bit of a sense of humor and a love of music. Most of all, someone who trusts Jesus and loves others.

5. If you could pick how and when you would die, would you?

No. It's not really my life to begin with. My life belongs to Jesus, and it's His decision how it will be played out and when it will end. It would be presumptuous of me to think I can decide when is the right time to die. I leave that in the Hands of the Expert.

Okay, now it's your turn. Hop on over to Mama M's and answer your own Friday Five. Then have a blessed weekend.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, August 19, 2011...

Outside my window...the rain seems to have stopped but it won't be for long. It's the wettest August I can remember in a long time.

I am thinking...about my older children, and how much I miss them already.

I am thankful...my daughter was able to drive all by herself to Central Florida without any problems. It took her about 4 hours since she stopped for lunch, then had to wait till the rain let up, but she's where she needs to be right now and the Lord got her there safely.

I am going...nowhere. I went to the bank, the car dealership, Costco, Walmart, Winn-Dixie, and now I'm done with errands. For today.

I am wearing...a mint green top, blue-grey skirt, and white flip-flops.

I am praying...for peace from the Lord. Yesterday was a particularly sad day for me, as my daughter left. My older son is already in Central Florida, and I'm missing him dreadfully. Now my little girl is gone too. Now I know why God gave me my youngest son. The sadness of my children leaving the nest is overwhelming.

I am currently...relaxing after running around all morning and part of the afternoon.

I am noticing...lots of interruptions to our internet service. I saw the AT&T truck outside but I don't know if they're just doing routine work or if the daily thunderstorms have anything to do with it, but we were without internet for over a day this week. To think, 20 years ago this thing didn't exist, and now we can't live without it.

From the learning rooms...E got his class assignment, and now I can't find the card! Grrr! I can't believe I've misplaced it. Watch me find it the day after school starts :P

From the kitchen...pork chops, fried plantains, and salad. For dinner we're having pizza (it was on sale at Winn-Dixie).

I am reading...The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser. It's set in the early 1960's in Atlanta, Georgia. It's a long book but I'm looking forward to reading about the turmoil of the times. I finished reading The Affectionate Adversary. It was a good read, though it did copy Jane Austen a bit too much for my liking. I love Jane Austen, don't get me wrong. I just don't like it when other authors copy her works.

On my mind...my children. Always.

Around the house...everything is in pretty good shape, though I need to vacuum again. Dog hair everywhere!

One of my favorite things...God's word, and the comfort it brings.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing...my old car needed both engine and transmission repair, and it turned out the repairs were going to cost more than the car was worth. It served me well for 10 years, but it was time to retire it. Here is the replacement: a 2012 Hyundai Sonata, in silvery blue (it's a very girly color). The pic is mostly for my sister's benefit, since I'd already told her we were looking for a new car.

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

August Challenge - Question 1

The first question for the August challenge is an interesting one, and I thought it would be a good one to tackle. Here it is:

How do you want to be seen in ten years? Think beyond just one area of your life-- really dig into socially, spiritually, physically, etc.

Well, let's see. For starters, 10 years from now I'll be 57 years old. *makes face* My son R will be 34, my daughter A will be 31, and my baby will be 21 years old. Wow. I have trouble seeing my older kids as adults now, I don't know about them in their 30's and my little guy a man.

How do I want to be seen in 10 years? I don't typically think of this, as I'm a firm believer in not worrying about tomorrow, as tomorrow has its own troubles, but focusing on the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33-34). But the question posed is how I'd like to be seen in 10 years, not what I'm planning. Because let's face it, I'm not in control of what my future holds, God is. So let's look at it from the perspective of who I would like to be as opposed to what my future plans are.

I think in 10 years I'd like to see myself in heaven! That may sound a bit morbid, but Jesus did say He would come again for His church (1 Thessalonians 4:17). It would be awesome if Christ came in the next 10 years! It would be the end of suffering, of tears, of pain. Oh what a glorious day that will be!

But since we don't know when that day is, if I'm still living here on earth, how would I like to be seen? First off, I'm hoping by then I'm a grandma! I'm not pushing my children to marry, and I want them to be with the one God has for them, but I would love to be able to hold my grandchildren 10 years from now, and play with them, and take them on trips to Disney World, and spoil them as only a grandma can. I've heard about the love of a grandma, but I believe it's one of those things you have to experience personally, and I'm looking forward to that!

With 3 children all grown up, I would like very much to be more involved in ministry and volunteer work. I think Americans live a sheltered life. We know there's poverty and disease and suffering out there, but we avoid looking at it or touching it ourselves. To alleviate the guilt we write out a little check and hope that will make enough of a difference. I'm not against donations, those are always welcome at any charitable organization, but I think it's not enough, at least not for me. I want to be hands-on. Whether that's building and/or repairing houses, or helping out at a food bank, or spending time reading to folks living in assisted living facilities, or any other of the many noble organizations that help folks in need, I would love for God to put me in a place where I can be used by Him to comfort others. That would bring me much more joy that having a fancy house, or a large bank account. It would be more fulfilling than taking trips or eating at expensive restaurants. If I can bring happiness to others, then I'll see the meaning of my own life all the more.

What about you? How do you see yourself in the next 10 years? Think about that today.

August Challenge

Marybeth Whalen over at Cheaper By The Half Dozen is hosting an August Challenge. Each day there's a question, or a verse, or a quote to journal about. I wish I'd seen this sooner! I love writing, and I love things that make me think and ponder. I won't do all of the questions, since today is already the 13th and half the month is gone (did that not happen waaay too quickly?!) but I'll journal about a few of them, those that strike me the most. Head on over to Marybeth's blog and try your hand at journaling too!

Observing My Senses

For Today, August 13, 2011...

I am seeing...Rock'Em Sock'Em Robots. Remember those? I found them super cheap when K-B Toys was closing down and gave them to E for Christmas.

I am feeling...a little under the weather. There are certain foods I know I shouldn't eat, but I eat them anyway because I like them, then suffer later on. When will I learn?

I am hearing...the crunch of my cereal.

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

I am smelling...salami and cheese. One of E's favorite breakfasts is a salami and muenster cheese sandwich.

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

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, August 9, 2011...

Outside my window...the skies are grey and the ground is wet. Rainy season has started late this year, but it's consistent. We're getting rain pretty much every afternoon.

I am thinking...about middle school orientation tomorrow.

I am thankful for...my friends, who love and encourage me.

I am going...to have a busy week.

I am wearing...a yellow top, blue skirt, and white flip-flops.

I am praying...for the families of the Navy Seals who died last week. I can't imagine the pain they must be feeling.

I am currently...cleaning up after Molly multiple times a day. She's going through her bi-yearly cycle. She's being well behaved for the most part, and of course she can't help being messy. She's such a good dog, we can't get mad at her.

From the learning rooms...we have orientation tomorrow to learn more about E's "new" school. It's not entirely new; he attends a K-8 school that houses middle schoolers in a building next to the elementary school. The two schools have the same principal, and both are A+ schools. They are separate but together, if that makes sense.

From the kitchen...my daughter A cooked today. She made a three cheese risotto and fried chicken. She'd never made risotto before. She was very critical of it, but it was pretty good. She needs to tweek the cooking time a bit, but otherwise it was quite tasty.

I am reading...The Affectionate Adversary. It's a story set in the 1800's, very much in the style of Jane Austen. I'm enjoying it. I'm also still reading through the Psalms.

On my mind...a new school year, and my two oldest children gone from the nest.

Around the house...I still haven't cleaned the bathrooms. I got tons of stuff done yesterday but couldn't get everything on my list. Today was my daughter's dermatologist appointment which took waaaay too long. I'll try to get it done tomorrow.

One of my favorite things...having someone else cook for me!

A few plans for the rest of the week...orientation for middle school and an Awana leaders meeting tomorrow,. E's friend is coming over on Thursday to have some play time. Church on Sunday.

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

Move It Mondays

Good Monday morning to everyone! I have lots to do today, and I'm fighting off a headache I've had since yesterday. I'll have to try and take things one step at a time and not try to get everything done if I can't. Here's my to-do list for today:

*Clean bathrooms

*Vacuum floors

*Mop

Our dog Molly is going through her cycle, which means extra cleaning needs to be done. She's being very good though, and for that I'm thankful. It means more work, but she's such a good dog, she's definitely worth it!

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, August 6, 2011...

I am seeing...the sun streaming through the windows, the trees perfectly still. It's most like gonna be another scorcher.

I am feeling...sadness. My son is gone, and my daughter will be leaving soon.

I am hearing...the ticking of the clock.

I am smelling...Pillsbury Grands just out of the oven.

I am tasting...toothpaste and mouthwash. Haven't eaten anything yet.

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

Five Question Friday

I haven't done my Five Questions in a while, since we were out of town. I'm so glad to be able to get back to this meme, it's lots of fun! Here we go:

1. Do you have siblings and are you close with them?

I have 2 younger sisters and a younger brother. None of them live nearby. I'm very close to my one sister, who is 5 years younger than me.

2. Would you rather be slightly UNDER weight or slightly OVER weight?

I'm of the belief that none of these options is healthy, but I think I'd rather be slightly over weight. I can purpose to lose the weight and get back to healthy eating fairly easily when I go over my goal weight. If I'm under weight, I get carried away trying to gain again and then go over. That seesaw effect is worse on the body than just being under or over weight.

3. What's your favorite State Fair food to splurge on?

Here in South Florida the favorite would be roasted corn on the cob. Oh. My. Word. That is just so sweet and delicious! If I were in NY it would be caramel apples. I looked forward to the fall in NY because the teachers would make jelly and caramel

apples for the class. Yum!

4. What are your thoughts on your kid(s) going to school in a few weeks?

I can't say I'm excited about it. I'm gonna miss my older kids who've moved to Central Florida, and then having my little one in school as well...it's gonna get really lonely. :(

5. Pool or Ocean?

I have to say ocean. I love the smells of the sea and the rhythm of the waves. I'm not a big fan of chlorine. Besides, if someone pees in the ocean, there's less chance of me swimming in it. :P

Okay, now it's your turn. Visit Mama M at My Little Life and post your own answers to Five Question Friday. Have a blessed weekend!

Why I Love Mike Huckabee

"People have said it was insensitive of the President to hold a lavish fundraiser when Americans can’t find jobs or scrape together enough money to pay their mortgages...but in his defense…it does take a lot of campaign ad money to convince 14 million unemployed people the economy has turned the corner and is back to creating jobs!" - From Mike Huckabee's Facebook page. Tell it like it is Mr. Huckabee!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, August 3, 2011...

Outside my window...the skies are turning grey again. It gets dark in the afternoons, and it looks like we'll get a ton of rain, then all we get is a quick, light shower. We need rain badly. The heat and humidity leave me feeling breathless.

I am thinking...about my son, who is by himself in Central Florida. The rest of us came home on Monday to get more stuff packed and put away.

I am thankful for...the grocery store chain that transferred my son to Central Florida and got him into a really big, really busy store. I'm praying he meets people and begins to feel at home there.

I am going...to pick up my nephew for a sleepover once he finishes a project he's working on.

I am wearing...a grey tank top, faded pink bermuda shorts and white flip-flops. It's been a cleaning frenzy since we got back home.

I am praying...for several friends, for my children, and for strength in these changing times.

I am currently...done cleaning everything except the living room.

From the learning rooms...we found out today that August 22nd is the first day of middle school for E. It also happens to be the first day of my daughter's senior year of college. How time flies.

From the kitchen...we had ground beef empanadas for lunch, and rice with beef for dinner.

I am reading...Psalms still. I read Psalm 77 today. I also finished a couple of Nookbooks while in Central Florida. I hope to start another one soon, after I'm caught up with the house work.

On my mind...so many changes in such short time.

Around the house...I finished cleaning the boy's room this morning. R took all his stuff to his new place, and I organized the room for E. I cried during a good portion of it.

One of my favorite things...a good book on a rainy day.

A few plans for the rest of the week...I need to finish getting things cleaned. We were gone for 3 weeks, and the house looked and smelled abandoned. Maybe we'll catch a movie tomorrow.

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

Move It Mondays

Good Monday morning to all. I will be doing a lot of moving today, because our plan is to drive back to South Florida this afternoon. That means we need to get a list of things taken care of first. Here is my to-do list before traveling:

*Do 2 loads of laundry

*Finish packing

*Take A to get her parking permit from school

*Take A to get a new bank account opened (the bank we use is not local)

*Get the internet back home switched from R's name to mine

I'm thankful to God that the apartment is well set up. My kids can live here the way it is right now and be completely comfortable. Missing them is going to be the hardest part, but I pray the Lord will give me strength to get through this new season of life.

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