Meet Me On Mondays

It's another Monday, another glorious week in the Lord, and another chance to do a Meet Me On Monday's post!  You can visit Java at Never Growing Old to join in the fun.


1. My current weather is _______?
73 degrees and cloudy.  Looks like we might get some more rain this morning.

2. What is your favorite sound?
A baby's laughter.  You know, that heart-felt belly laugh they belt out because you made a funny face.  That sound is just precious.

3. What is the worst flavor of ice cream?
Coffee flavor.  Yuck!  The only thing in the world that should taste like coffee, is coffee.

4. What magazine do you look for when you are stuck in the waiting room?
I don't.  I take a book, or now my Nook, and read that.

5. What is your favorite condiment?
Depends on what I'm cooking.  For hispanic foods, I like using cilantro.  For Italian foods, I use plenty of oregano and basil.  And for Mexican food, you've got to have cumin.

Move it Mondays

Good Monday morning to all!  It's a lovely morning here in South Florida, at least for those of us who aren't in the flooded areas!  We got so much rain this weekend that flooding has caused accidents and cars stalling, which isn't a good place to be.  Thankfully our area isn't that bad; the park has a new "lake", and there are some big puddles, but nothing getting into people's homes or stopping traffic.  We may get more rain today as well, which would wash out lots of Halloween and harvest festival celebrations.  We'll just have to see what the afternoon brings.

I have so much laundry to do again today.  I also have to vacuum, since there's dog hair everywhere.  I would like to give Molly a bath today, but it depends on whether it rains again or not.  I give her a bath outside because she's a big dog who doesn't like baths.  She absolutely would NOT get into a bath tub.  Even getting her to stay put on her leash is a task.  She just doesn't like the water.  If it's raining there's no way I can give her a bath.  Again, let's see what the afternoon brings.

I'm preparing, with the Lord's help, to go to Central Florida this weekend to see my brother, sister and her husband who are coming down for a visit.  Praying the Lord gives us some fun time together!  I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed week.

Observing My Senses

For Today, October 29, 2011...

I am seeing...the sun again, finally.  We got a lot of rain last night, and there are more storms on the horizon.  Thankfully none are hurricanes!

I am feeling...like this cold has met its match.  Lots of nasty stuff coming out of my nose this morning, but less coughing and no sore throat.  That's a definite improvement.

I am hearing...a Zhu-zhu pets commercial.

I am tasting...nothing.  That's the worst part of having a stuffy, runny nose.

I am smelling...even less.  Though this morning when we checked E's science project, I could definitely smell the rotting beans.  They penetrated my sinuses!  Thank God that's over, pictures were taken, the samples are in the trash, and this science project can (hopefully) be completed.

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

Some Beautiful Encouragement

Five Question Friday

Happy Friday!  I'm thankful it's Friday, thankful I'm feeling a tad better today than I did yesterday (my sore throat is gone, but my nose is still suffering.  At least one symptom is gone), and especially thankful that my youngest son E is home taking care of me today because it's a teacher's planning day.  We walked Molly this morning, and it was pretty humid out.  It looks like it might rain, but we haven't gotten anything yet.  We also enjoyed a game of Electronic Monopoly.  Now, it's time for my Friday questions, courtesy of Mama M at My Little Life.  Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

1. Do you prefer cotton, silk, or flannel sheets?
I like cotton.  It's nice and cool, which is necessary here in South Florida.  I'd be sweatin' up a storm in flannel sheets, and silk is too fancy.  I'd be afraid of getting them wrinkled.

2. What time zone are you in?
I live in Florida, so I'm in the Eastern Standard time zone.  Have been all my life.

3. What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
The decorations.  I love pulling out all my holiday decor and transforming my house into a warm, cozy autumn retreat, or a wintry wonderland (as much as is possible in sunny South Florida!).

4. What is your favorite "wintry" drink? (It doesn't have to be an "alcoholic" drink!)
I love me a big mug of hot chocolate, except I'm lactose intolerant, and let's be honest, it doesn't taste the same with soy or nut milk.  So I'll stick with my all season favorite, coffee.  With sugar and non-dairy creamer.

5. In your opinion, what is the worst job in the world?
That would have to be anything dealing with poop.  Whether it's cleaning septic tanks, unclogging toilets, or sweeping a barn, if there's poop in it, it's disgusting.

Now go on and give it a try.  It's fun!

Thursday Thoughts

Here's what's on my mind today.  It's pretty random.

- I'm so, so, so, so, so, so very Thankful the hurricane seems to be going on a totally different course than originally thought and it isn't expected to come anywhere near South Florida or any part of Florida for that matter!  Praise the Lord for that precious miracle!

- This cold refuses to leave.  Today I have a seriously drippy nose.  I've sneezed so much, every time I sneeze again I check to make sure my nose is still in place.  I bought some Tylenol Cold for daytime and nighttime relief.  I sure hope it works.

- I'm glad I attended Awana yesterday.  I wasn't feeling well, didn't have much of a voice, but we went and had a good time, and the girls are such an encouragement to me.  My group is third grade, though we have from third to sixth grade all together so I still get to see the girls from last year.  They're all loving and sweet.  How thankful I am that God put me to work in this ministry.

- When I look at these girls, I don't see 8 and 9 year olds.  I see tomorrow's leaders.  I see women authors, writing books of praise, or encouragement, or enlightenment.  I see missionaries, going to far off lands to help, encourage, and spread the Gospel.  It gives me a greater motivation when I look at these girls' potential to be used by God instead of just seeing little girls.

- I did great at Winn-Dixie today.  They had a lot of good sales, plus I had a $5 off coupon.  So I spent $69 and saved $57.  I was very pleased to get Duncan Hines cake mixes buy-one-get-one free.  At $2.19 each they're too expensive; Walmart has them for $1.25.  But when they're BOGO, each comes out to about $1.095.  It's the cheapest I've seen at any store in our area.

- Duncan Hines is my favorite cake mix.  I don't typically make it per the box instructions; I like to jazz it up a bit, and only Duncan Hines cakes turn out the way we like.  I'm hoping to stock up on some cake mixes.  I like giving cakes as Christmas presents to my neighbors (and they appreciate the sweet gift!).

- Another thing to be thankful for:  no school tomorrow!  It's a teacher's planning day, so the kids (and by association, me) get the day off, which is perfect since I need all the rest I can get.  Not having to get up early to get my son ready for school is a huge blessing!

- And speaking of school, E's science experiment is moving along very nicely.  His experiment is about cooking beans to see if they grow better.  So far, the only ones that have sprouted are the raw beans.

- My son is currently on the phone with his cousin, trying to convince him to come to our house for a sleepover.  I love my little boy, but why does he have to insist on doing this when I'm sick? :P

Wow, no wonder I'm tired.  My mind is going a mile a minute!  Maybe it's time for a nap.  If my nose stops dripping, of course.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

"The thing that preserves a man from panic is his relationship to God."

 - Oswald Chambers

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, October 25, 2011...

Outside my window...the sun is out and it's warmer than it's been the past few days.  It's also more humid, which means I can't have the windows open.  Bummer.

I am thinking...of this new hurricane that just appeared and is headed towards Cancun Mexico.  Here we are, almost at the end of hurricane season, and it looks like this one is headed our way!  We're gonna have to keep an eye on it.

I am thankful...for the technology that tracks hurricanes.  Just think if we didn't know the storms were coming and didn't have time to prepare!  The men and women working at the hurricane center do a great service for us.

I am going...to be cleaning bathrooms this morning.  My very least favorite chore. :P

I am wearing...a white shirt with black and purple paisley print, jean capris and flip-flops.  It's 76 degrees out this morning.

I am noticing...how the changes in weather affect me.  I have a sore throat and my voice is almost gone.

I am hoping...hurricane Rina skirts between Florida and Cuba and doesn't touch land.  At.  All.

I am pondering these words..."Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving." - Colossians 3:23-24.

I am praying...for a family that lost a son in a 4-wheeler accident.  A tenth grader.  I can't begin to imagine the pain they're suffering.

From the learning rooms...E got an "AAA" on his history project (Yay!) and we began the actual experiment for his science project yesterday.  There are 7 petri dishes on the dining room window sill, with lentil beans in each.  The first has raw beans, the rest have beans cooked at different intervals.  Let's see which ones grow.

From the kitchen...I haven't decided yet.  Chicken, I think.  I'm just not feeling well today.

I am reading...my Bible, and nothing else.  I hate when I don't feel well.  Even the energy to read is gone.

On my mind...sore throats and hurricanes.  I need something cheerful to replace these worrisome thoughts.

Around the house...I gave the kitchen a good scrubbing yesterday.  Then I cooked.  Kitchens don't stay clean for very long :P.  Today it's bathrooms.  Same story.

One of my favorite things...a nice hot cup of coffee in the morning.

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

Meet Me On Mondays

It's another blessed Monday, and to celebrate, here's a post to help you get to know me just a little bit better.


1. My favorite kind of animal is _______?
Owls.  They are so beautiful and majestic.

2. Do you like your handwriting?
Yes, I do.  It's clear and legible, which I think are the only really important qualities handwriting should have.

3. What is the last movie you saw?
E and I were watching My Neighbor Totoro last night.  We got it from the library.

4. Do you buy things on eBay?
Nope, can't say that I ever have.

5. What did you have for lunch yesterday?
A ham, salami, and swiss cheese sandwich on french bread with lettuce, mayo and dressing.  I made it myself and enjoyed it immensely.

I'd like to meet you too!  Join the fun at Never Growing Old.  Have a blessed week!

Move It Mondays

Happy Monday morning to everyone!  It's a perfect day here in South Florida, 73 degrees and a cool breeze blowing through the windows.  I wish everyday was this nice!  The weekend was also incredible.  I think we've only turned the a/c on at nights, and even then it doesn't stay on because it's been so pleasant out.  It's why I love the fall so much!

There's plenty to do today, so I'd best get started.  I've already got a load of laundry in the washer and another in the dryer, plus I've got 2 more to do after that.  How we have so much dirty laundry when there are only 3 of us living in the house is a mystery to me, especially because I do laundry during the week as well.  I'm gonna vacuum and mop and also get some dusting done.  Then I'll be making meat patties (empanadas) for lunch/dinner.  They are E's favorites.  Looking forward to getting much accomplished around the house today!

May your Monday be a pleasant and productive one too!

Observing My Senses

For Today, October 22, 2011...

I am seeing...a messy room.  This place needs to be cleaned up.

I am feeling...excited to be going out on this exceptionally beautiful day.  My son has an outdoor birthday party to attend.  With temps in the 60's and 70's, it's the perfect day to be outside.

I am hearing...the whir of the ceiling fan, and cartoons.

I am smelling...nothing right now.  Breakfast is done and eaten.

I am tasting...cold coffee :P.  Time to get rid of this and go wash my hair.

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

Five Question Friday

Welcome to Five Question Friday on this amazingly beautiful Friday morning!  It's days like these that I say, "Thank You Lord for allowing me to live in Florida!"  It was 64 degrees this morning, and it's still in the 60's now.  The sun is out, there is a calm cool breeze, no humidity in the air...*sigh* I could just sit back and breathe in the fresh air all day!  But instead, I'll post my Friday questions and answers.  How's that?

1. Where do you escape to when you've had enough?
I don't typically "escape" I don't think.  I feel safe at home, and I just go to any room that isn't presently inhabited.  My daughter's room would be the perfect place right now, I guess.

2. What shows are you watching this fall?
19 Kids and Counting!  It's almost the only show I watch, really.  My youngest son and I watch America's Funniest Home Videos or Mythbusters sometimes, but other than that he watches Disney channel and cartoons, and I watch the Duggars.  TV isn't all that entertaining to us.

3. What was the longest roadtrip you've ever taken and where did you go?
Years ago I went with my oldest son all the way to New York on bus.  It was awful, uncomfortable, and I'll gladly NEVER do that again.

4. Do you plan on taking your kids to Disney World?
When you live in South Florida, Disney World is a part of life.  It was our yearly family vacation for a long time.  Actually, I haven't gone in a few years because my kids feel too "old" for it and prefer going to Universal Studios.  I on the other hand, am never too old for Mickey and friends.  I'd go today if I could.

5. What is something people would surprised to know about you?
I never learned to ride a bicycle.  My mom, the pessimist, was sure I'd fall and break something so she never allowed me to try.  Once I got older and was able to I did try, but was so unsure of myself I couldn't find my center of gravity.  So, to this day, I cannot ride a bike unless it's stationary.

What about you?  Have some fun facts you want to share?  Hop on over to Mama M's at My Little Life and  share your Friday Five.  Then have yourself a great weekend.

More Words of Wisdom

More Words of Wisdom

"Only God's Word in our mind, on our heart, and out of our lips will burn away the darkness of untruth and arm us with a double-edged sword more powerful than any weapon the opposition can use against us."

 - Stormie O'Martian, Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

You are more than the choices that you've made,

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You've been remade.

 - You Are More, Tenth Avenue North

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, October 18, 2011...

Outside my window...the rain continues.  It's been raining pretty steadily since Sunday afternoon.  The rain has been heavy at times, but most of it has been drizzling.  The sky is grey and dreary.

I am thinking...of my sister and brother and their upcoming trip to Florida.

I am thankful...for our public library.  It's a treasure trove if you have the time and patience to peruse.

I am going...to stay home this evening.  It's too wet out to be going anywhere.

I am wearing...a dark pink top, white skirt with pink and brown geometric pattern, and white flip-flops.

I am hoping...the weather lady is right and Thursday will bring temps in the 60's.  That's more fall-like than all this rain.

I am pondering these words..."Living He loved me, dying He saved me, buried He carried my sins far away.  Rising He justified freely forever.  One day He's coming, Oh Glorious Day, Oh Glorious Day!" - Casting Crowns.

I am praying...for my daughter's best friend JB.  She's having trouble at her new job.  It's tough to get a job in this economy, and even tougher when you do get a job and your boss is a jerk.

From the learning rooms...E is finishing up his geography report, and we're still working on the science project. We're on the bibliography page.

From the kitchen...spaghetti and shrimp.  I know, that was tomorrow's menu, but I swapped the days.

I am reading...nothing at the moment.  Just finished the Duggar's book A Love That Multiplies.  Gleaned some good ideas from that one.

On my mind...nothing.  I'm tired right now.

Around the house...I got a lot done yesterday but didn't get caught up yet.  Still have a load of laundry to do.  How do 3 people generate so much dirty clothes?

One of my favorite things...Menchies!  It's a local frozen yogurt shop.  E and I just got back from there.  I had chocolate yogurt with crunch pieces over coconut yogurt with pineapple chunks.  That was my dinner, and boy was it yummy!

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

Meet Me On Mondays

I'm trying to get back on track with my posts.  I don't like neglecting my blog.  Since it's Monday, the beginning of the week, why not get started by getting to know me a little better?  Here's a little trivia you may not have known:


1. The thing that scares me the most is __________?
Rats.  The very word makes my skin crawl.  I hate them.

2. Do you like nuts in your Chocolate Chip cookies?
Very much so, but unfortunately I'm the only one in the house that does so our chocolate chip cookies are usually nut-less.

3. If you couldn't change the channel, what tv show would drive you from the room?
Most of them :P.  There isn't anything good on TV anymore.

4. Pulp or no pulp in your Orange Juice?
I prefer no pulp.  Though I don't drink orange juice.  It gives me migraine headaches.

5. Who do you miss the most?
My oldest son and my daughter.  They're living up in Central Florida right now.  My home is empty without them. :'(

Now I'd like to meet you!  Post your answers at Never Growing Old and let's compare!  Have a great week!

Move It Mondays

Remember that song by the Carpenters, "Rainy days and Mondays always get me down,"?  Well, rainy Mondays are killers!  The rain started shortly after we got home from church yesterday and it hasn't let up much since then.  We got to play Parcheesi and The Game of Life Spongebob edition, something we enjoyed very much.  Right now it's drizzling, which doesn't seem like much except that we've gotten so much rain the past week or so we've developed new lakes in our area.  Thankfully our backyard hasn't flooded (yet).

So, what's the perfect thing for rainy Mondays?  Soup!  I'll be making my Mexican-style chicken and vegetable soup for lunch.  Before that, I have about 4 loads of laundry to do, and the floors need cleaning.  Molly comes in and out and tracks dirt, so I've got some major cleaning to do.  The good thing is, she doesn't like going out when it's raining so basically she goes when she needs to, about twice a day.  Less clean up afterwards.  I may move some furniture too.  I'd switched the living room and family room furniture, but I think I'll put everything back the way it was.  We like our recliners in the family room so we can...recline!  It means I have a busy morning ahead of me.  And that's just fine.

Have a blessed Monday everyone!

Observing My Senses

For Today, October 15, 2011...

I am seeing...the sun trying desperately to shine through the cloud cover.  It feels like it'll rain today.

I am feeling...joyful.

I am hearing...my cell phone go off.  Must be a text message or email.

I am tasting...pancakes and sausages.

I am smelling...maple syrup.

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

Five Question Friday

Welcome to another edition of Five Question Friday!  The day before what's expected to be a rainy weekend. Hmm.  We only got so much rain this week there's a new lake in our park and the backyard started flooding.  The good thing?  It washed away all of Molly's backyard mountains ;).  Here we go:

1. Do you prefer your ice cream in a bowl or in a cone?
I'm not a fan of cones, because they tend to get soft before I'm done savoring my ice cream and they fall apart. My favorite way to have ice cream is in a bowl on top of apple pie or apple crisp or something with apples.  Apples + ice cream = happy me!

2. What three things do you love the smell of?
Roses, towels out of the dryer, and a newborn baby's skin.

3. Giftcards or no? (In regards to gift giving...)
I prefer not to give gift cards because I think an actual gift is more personal.  However, in the case of people I'm not particularly familiar with (school teachers, for instance), I don't mind giving a gift cards to Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts.  These are people I know as acquaintances but I may not know their personal taste, so I figure this way I can't go wrong.  Unless of course they hate coffee and sweets. :P

4. What sports did you play in high school if any and do you still play them?
I've never been the athletic type, but I did enjoy playing volleyball in high school.  I don't play it anymore.  Again, not into sports.

5. Were you in band in high school? What instrument did you play?
In elementary school and junior high I played the clarinet, though not in a band setting.  Music in high school consisted of singing, and I wasn't in the chorus either.

Now it's your turn.  Mosey on down to Mama M's and answer your five for Friday.  Then have a blessed weekend.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, October 12, 2011...

Outside my window...the sun is helping the waters recede from yesterday's intense storms.  The rain started around 4:30pm and continued till late into the night.  It rained heavy enough that the backyard was starting to flood.  Good thing the waters went down - I was starting to thing we were gonna have to build an ark!

I am thinking...of the reading for this week, Genesis 37, and Joseph.  A righteous young man who served the Lord yet everything kept going wrong.  Life is often like that, and I'm glad we have these godly examples in Scripture to remind us God is in control.

I am thankful...for my family.

I am going...to Awana tonight.

I am wearing...a blue top, blue and white prairie style skirt, and flip-flops.  It's still warm here, in the mid 70's during the night and morning, and mid 80's by the afternoon.

I am noticing...darker mornings.  Daylight savings time is coming up, and not a moment too soon.

I am pondering these words..."God is responsible for the end results of my efforts to obey and follow Him.  I'm responsible for staying on the path He has marked out for me." - Dr. Bob Barnes.

I am praying...for our Awana team and the girls in my group.

From the learning rooms...science projects have begun, and E is doing the Cooked Bean Experiment.  He's also working on a project for Geography, a pictionary with drawings and definitions of different earth formations and such.

From the kitchen...fish tacos.  My newest favorite meal.

I am reading...the newest Duggar book, A Love That Multiplies.  Got it yesterday from Amazon.  Loving it so far.

On my mind...doctor's appointments and possible procedures.  I have very bad monthly cycles which lead to anemia.  I'm looking into a procedure that would help correct that.

Around the house...not a whole lot to do today.  I'm thankful for that.

One of my favorite things...brownies a la mode.  I baked some Duncan Hines brownies that are to die for, and with a scoop of vanilla Blue Bell ice cream, I'm one happy mama.

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

Meet Me On Mondays

Happy Monday!  I haven't been keeping up with my blog as I should, but thankfully it's a new week, a new beginning, and a new chance to get caught up!  Let's start with a Meet Me On Monday post.


1. The best part of waking up each day is __________?
Being able to thank God for a new day.  God is gracious.  No day is guaranteed; I don't know if this is my last day on Earth.  Just to be able to live another day with my family and friends is a great blessing.

2. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
Well, let's see...whenever I tell people I'm 47, they're surprised I'm in my 40's at all.  So I'm gonna say the age number for me is 37.  What are 10 years between friends, anyway? ;)

3. Red or Green Apples?
Oooh, tough question!  I'm from New York, and we love our apples!  I love green apples for baking, especially if you're gonna make pies - yum!  But for eating just as God gave them to us, I'll pick red (though gala apples are currently my favorites, and they are red and green and delicious!).

4. Do you forgive easily?
I try to.  When I remember how forgiving Jesus has been to me, it makes it easier to forgive others.

5. If you could live in any home on a television series, which would it be?
Typically I think homes on television series are either over-decorated or impractical.  The only house I thought that was tastefully done and looked like a home a family would be comfortable in was the Cosby house on The Cosby Show.  That was an elegant home without looking like a museum.

To join in, visit Java at Never Growing Old.  Have a blessed week.

Observing My Senses

For Today, October 8, 2011...

I am seeing...more rain clouds closing in.  It started raining yesterday and has stopped only for short intervals.  We've gotten lots of rain and thunderstorms, which is great because it has lowered the temps a bit.  The last few days were dry and breezy, now it's rainy and breezy.  It's starting to feel like fall.

I am feeling...empowered.  The Lord gives me strength beyond measure.  His promise to never leave me nor forsake me is evident.  "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." - Psalm 23:4

I am hearing...the fan in my daughter's bedroom.  I keep it on for our dog Molly.

I am tasting...the hash browns I had for breakfast this morning.  I don't want to keep tasting them, even if they were good.

I am smelling...Lysol air freshener.  Molly needs a bath, but I can't bathe her inside the house.  She hates baths and would make a mess.  I also can't bathe her outside because of the rain.  She isn't the type of dog that freaks out during thunderstorms, but don't expect her to take a step outside during one!  So her bath will have to wait, and in the meantime Lysol will keep the air fresh. :)

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, October 2, 2011...

I am seeing...blue skies, white clouds, and some grass that needs cutting.

I am feeling...tired.  E has strep throat, and spent 2 nights with fever and chills.  Thankfully he's feeling better today, but Molly has an upset stomach again.  I caught her eating some berries that fell off a neighbor's palm tree and that seems to have given her diarrhea.  No fun.

I am hearing...nothing but the whir of the fan.  E is taking a nap.  So is Molly.

I am tasting...nothing right now.

I am smelling...very little, since my sinuses are giving me a hard time.  We got some rain earlier this week but it's been pretty dry since.  It's allergy season and lack of rain doesn't help.  Maybe we'll get some later on this week.  It'll help bring the temps down, too.

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