Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's the middle of the week, time for my mid-week Hodgepodge courtesy of Joyce, From This Side of the Pond.


1.  When were you last facing an ocean? Using just ONE word, describe how you felt as you faced that ocean.
You know how it is, when you live near something you rarely go visit it?  Well, that's me and the ocean.  I can get to the beach in about a half hour, maybe less, but I can't remember the last time I was there.

2. What are three sounds you hate to hear?
Whining, doors slamming, and bad words coming out of children's mouths.

3. This question comes to you courtesy of some real life friends. Hi real life friends! When you shop for yourself, do you try everything on in the store before buying or do you buy, try on at home, and then return what you don't like or what doesn't fit?
I try on at the store.  I hate making return trips, especially with the price of gas being what it is.

4. February 26th is National Pistachio Day...are you a fan of the little green nut? Do you use them in cooking and baking or prefer to eat them right out of the shell?
I do like pistachios, but they don't like me back.  No kind of nuts for me unfortunately.

5. When did you last have to compromise with someone?  Were you happy to reach the compromise or slightly irritated it was necessary?
I can't remember any specific time, but I don't mind compromising.  As a mom I think it's important to teach my kids it can't always be their way.  They have to take the feelings of others into consideration.  This is especially true if they want to have a successful marriage someday.

6.  Have you ever written a letter to an elected official? Did you get a response?
I believe in grade school I did because it was a school assignment, and yes I got a response, but I cannot for the life of me remember who it was I wrote to.

7. We 'March' into a new month at the end of this week...what's something on your March calendar guaranteed to make you smile?
My oldest son's birthday on the 27th.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
February was a dry month except for today.  We've gotten lots of rain since early this morning.  It's been much needed, and behind it there's a cold front which will also be welcome.  It's not normal to get temps in the 80's in the middle of winter.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

It's time to sit with Patrice and Wendell as we enjoy some porch chats.  I get my weekly fix at Everyday Ruralty.


QUESTIONS
1. Is there a room in your home that you'd like to redecorate or remodel?
There is always a room I'd like to redecorate since I love decorating.  If I had to choose one, it would probably be the dining room.  Our dining room furniture is almost 13 years old and is starting to look its age.

2. Did you watch the Oscars?
I did, but only because my eyes were tired and burning from so much reading and there was nothing else on television.  I wasn't familiar with any of the movies, didn't know half the actors, and the only time I got excited was when the movie Brave won for Best Animated Film.  Quite the waste of time.

3. How many pair of blue jeans do you own?
Two pairs of long jeans and one pair of capris.  I only wear the jeans when I'm doing yard work to keep from getting a hundred mosquito bites, and the capris are kind of tight so I don't wear them too often either.  I'm usually in a skirt or dress.

4. What was your favorite toy as a child?
Wow, tough one.  I loved my toys so much.  I do remember having a rubber poodle for many years.  It got ruined during a fire in our building when it got soaked with the water used to put out the fire and the stench of smoke wouldn't go away.  I was pretty brokenhearted about that.

5. If you could visit a country in Europe, which would you choose?
I would like to visit Spain so I can see the country my ancestors came from.

Home Decorating Time

Sharing some items I bought at Kirklands a few weeks ago to change up the look in my living room a bit.  Since I now have the furniture we'd bought for the kids when they were living in Central Florida in the formal living room, some of the decor needed to be updated.  Kirkland's is my favorite place, because they have gorgeous items at incredible prices.  

Isn't this beautiful?  It's the first two verses of the 23rd Psalm.  I love the verses, and the colors used match perfectly with the look in the living room.  This is on the wall right by the front door on the right hand side.

Here is the view opposite the front door.  Now that my son's television is in the living room, I needed to do something different around it.  I took the pictures that were about the television out.  It looked too cluttered for my taste.  A sepia picture of a rose is on the left of the television. It cost under $20.  I originally had our olive green recliners in the living room but felt those fit better in the family room.  The sofa and loveseat that are now in the living room are taupe with dark red throw pillows.  The wall hangings compliment the look much better than the old picture frames did.

These wall hanging candleholders were also $20, and I love the copper color.  Even my daughter, who didn't care for them when I bought them, had to agree they add elegance to the room without making it feel formal. That's the look I'm going for.  The living room should look elegant, since it's the first room you see when you walk in the front door, but it should also be welcoming, not museum like.  I feel like that was achieved with these simple yet lovely pieces.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, February 26, 2013...

Outside my window...it's very cloudy.  It's a warm, humid day, but the weekend promises to be cooler and drier.

I am thinking...of my sister's visit in December.  I don't like long waits.

I am thankful for...God's presence in my life.  We saw a video in our Sunday school class about the vastness of the universe and how very small we are.  It blows my mind that even though I am such a tiny speck in God's creation, He still hears and answers my prayers.

I am going...to pick up my son from school in a little while.

I am wearing...a multi-colored top, jean skirt and flip-flops.  It's 81 degrees in beautiful South Florida.

I am noticing...the mess my son left on our family room coffee table.

In the kitchen...I kept it real simple.  Tyson chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, and a salad.

I am reading...Ruby, still, but I'm over halfway done.

I am hoping...my daughter does well on Friday.  She's performing at her church's concert.

I am looking forward to...the Casting Crowns concert on Saturday.

I am hearing...the keyboard clicks.  My daughter is at the church office, my older son is napping and my youngest is at school.  Oh, and Molly is asleep too.  :)

Around the house...most of the cleaning got done yesterday.  I had a doctor's appointment this morning so I haven't done anything, except wash the breakfast dishes and fix my bed.

A favorite quote of the day...“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” ― Dave Ramsey.

One of my favorite things...listening to the wind blow through the palm fronds in our back yard.

Here's a picture thought I'm sharing...my daughter belting out a song at the carnival:

A few plans for the rest of the week...tomorrow is Grand Prix at Awana, and I'm sure the T & T gang is excited!  Then Saturday it's Casting Crowns, can't wait!

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

Monday Quiz About Me

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Acting Balanced and Touristic

Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered!  Here I go:


1.  If you could go to any festival or event in the world; which one would you choose?
I would have liked to have gone to the South Beach Food and Wine festival this weekend on Miami Beach.  Maybe one year I'll make it.

2. What is the first sign you see that tells you spring is near?
The snowbirds fly back to Canada, and the rainy season starts.

3. When you were in school did you do your projects as soon as they were assigned or as close to the last minute as possible?
I have to admit, I procrastinated often on certain assignments.  If it was a book report I usually got it done on time because I love reading, but science was put on the back burner more often than not.

4. Would you rather have the power to be invisible or the power to read minds?
Invisibility for me, thank you.  I don't want to see what's going on in people's minds.

And now my fifth question:

5. If your house were on fire, what would be the first thing you grab? (This was an ongoing discussion on the radio this morning).
After seeing to my kids and our dog, I'd grab the cell phone so I can call 911!

Move It Mondays

This post should really read "Moved It Mondays" since it's now almost 8pm.  I didn't even pull out my computer till a little while ago.  Once I get my momentum going it's hard to stop.

After a breakfast of one fried egg, one slice of bacon and one English muffin, I took my son E to school and had my morning walk dropping him off.  I came home to fold 3 loads of laundry, clean the kitchen, vacuum and mop the family room, kitchen, dining room and living room, cleaned the family room ceiling fan, then finally sat for a few minutes to catch my breath before making some tilapia, fried plantains, rice pilaf, steamed broccoli and salad.  Not long after lunch I picked up E from school again, and just a little while ago I helped him with his Civics and Language Arts homeworks.  Now he's watching an old Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon.

My son R was covering for one of his coworkers and had to leave for work early.  My daughter A started her first day at Elevation Burger.  She really liked working at Old Navy, but working 4-8 hours per week wasn't going to pay the bills.  Most of her money was going just in gas, now that it's creeping up to $3.85/gallon.  She knew she had to find something close, and until the church is able to hire she is still interning.  Bills have to be paid, so a burger place it is.  At least this place is a little more upscale; they serve organic burgers.

The church carnival was a blast!  Especially Saturday, when my daughter and the church's youth band performed.  I videotaped the performance but I'm having a hard time downloading it.  My computer is an old dinosaur :P.  I'll have to wait till my daughter has time to download it using her Macbook.  It was a joy to listen to her powerhouse voice as she belted out songs by Jesus Culture and Hillsong.  I was afraid she wouldn't be able to sing the next morning at church, but the pastor said she sounded great!  That's God's gifts for ya, always available to use for His glory.

It's getting close to shower time, so I'll be packing up the computer soon.  Have a blessed night everyone!

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun

This is the 100th addition of the Friday fill-ins.  Congratulations Hilary at Feeling Beachie for achieving this milestone.


This week’s statements:
1. I can’t believe____
I can't believe we'll be changing our clocks in just 2 weeks!

2. I never liked the TV Show _____
I never liked the TV Show The Waltons until I got much older.  I find it heartwarming now.

3. If I were a ____________I would most definitely __________.
If I were a few years younger I would most definitely enjoy carnival rides more.

4. I ____________ when I ______________
I snack the most when I read.

Observing My Senses

For Today, February 23, 2013...

I am seeing...another sunshine filled day, perfect for our church carnival.

I am feeling...tired from the carnival last night, but excited to go again today and hear my daughter play and sing!

I am hearing...nothing.  The house is so quiet and peaceful.  I love these moments.

I am tasting...my breakfast: one fried egg, one sausage, one biscuit, one cup of coffee.

I am smelling...Pillsbury biscuits fresh out of the oven.  Nothing makes a home smell more homey than baked breads.

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

Five Question Friday

Thanks go out to Mama M for hosting this fun blog hop each week.  Join us at My Little Life.


1. What is a hobby you would love to learn and why?
I'd love to learn to play a musical instrument so I can join my daughter in a jam session.

2. What do you wish you could have delivered to your house but does not deliver?
I think it would be pretty cool if Walmart delivered so I wouldn't have to deal with their long lines.  Of course I would never have them deliver because I'd refuse to pay delivery charges.

3. What's your favorite snow day activity? Inside and out?
We don't get snow in South Florida.  When it's snowing in your neck of the woods, we like to barbecue.  Don't hate me.

4. Would you meet a stranger from an Internet dating site?
No!  I've watched too much Investigation Discovery shows to do anything that crazy.

5. If you had to spend 35 hours in a car with 4 other people, who would you choose?
I can't imagine anyone wanting to spend 35 hours in a car with me, quite frankly.  Let's see, who would I torture?  My kids, of course.  And my sister, because she's younger than me and has to mind her older sis ;).

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

Grab a cup of tea and join me, Patrice, Wendell and the gang on her porch for some chats at Everyday Ruralty.


1. What's your favorite fruit?
Seeing as I'm a native New Yorker, that would have to be apples.  In pies, in sauce, or just like it comes off the tree.  Raisins come in second.

2. Wendell would like to know if you've ever been horseback riding.
You know, I never have.  My uncle had a horse but it was so big it scared me and I never rode it.  Silly me.

3. Do you carry a small purse, a big one, or just a wallet?
I usually carry a mid-sized purse.  Not too big, because then I'll over fill it, but not too small since I always carry my folding umbrella in it.  If you live in Florida you know that an umbrella on hand is a necessity.

4. If you could travel to one state for a day (all expense paid), where would you go? If you're not in the US, where would you like to travel within your country?
I would visit Washington DC, or historic Virginia.  I love learning about the history of our great nation.

5. What was your first car?
A Buick Regal.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Here I am, trying to catch up on my posts again!  Join the Hodgepodge bunch at Joyce's, From This Side of the Pond.


1. When were you last 'on a mountaintop'?  You may answer in the literal or figurative sense.
Actual mountaintop - not since I was about 20 years old, in Puerto Rico.  There are no mountains in Florida.  Figuratively - last night when my daughter told me she'd won tickets to see Casting Crowns in concert.  I asked the Lord for those tickets, and He delivered.  I'm still on that mountaintop.

2.  Do you establish and maintain a strict budget in your household?  What is one piece of financial advice you would offer someone just starting out on their own?
Yes - at least I try very hard to.  My advice that I've given my own kids is to prepare a budget and stick to it.  Debt is a curse.  Avoid it at all costs.

3.  Cherries-yay or nay?  Cherry pie, cherry cola, black forest cake, or a scoop of Ben and Jerry's Cherries Garcia...pick one.
I love cherry pie.

4.  Should you ever discuss religion or politics with people you don't know?
I guess that depends on your confidence level.  I don't talk much about anything to people I don't know.

5.  When you take a road trip do you prefer to be the driver or the passenger?  Where were you headed on your last road trip?
I'd much rather be the passenger.  I only drive because I have to, not because I like to.  My last road trip was to Orlando several months ago.

6. If we peeked inside your closet, what color would we say is most prevalent?
I have a fairly colorful closet actually.  I think teal takes up a good portion, as does fuchsia/burgundy.

7. Who's your favorite senior citizen and why are they special?
That would be my mom.  'Cause she's my mom.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Okay, so Casting Crowns, one of my all-time favorite Christian bands, is performing in Boca Raton, and I knew I couldn't afford to buy tickets, which is a bummer.  So I asked God if it were His will to let me somehow get tickets.  My daughter went to see Chip Ingram yesterday at a local church and won 2 tickets!  God is so faithful!  It was a simple request I made once, and I didn't think about it again, but my Father didn't forget about it.  He is so good!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, February 21, 2013...

Outside my window...it feels more like late spring than mid winter.  There's a breeze, which is warm, but thankfully no humidity.

I am thinking...of how much fun this carnival is gonna be.  Our church is hosting a 4 day carnival with rides, music, food and fellowship.  And the best part?  My daughter will be performing on Saturday!

I am thankful for...God's faithfulness, and how He answers seemingly insignificant prayers.  I asked and He provided - free tickets to see Casting Crowns in Boca Raton on March 2!!!  Thank You Jesus!

I am going...to the first day of the carnival tonight.

I am wearing...a brown top, cream/brown/pink skirt, and flip-flops.  It's 80 degrees out right now.  Can you believe it?!

I am noticing...weird weather patterns.  It's 80 degrees out today.  It was in the 40's this weekend.

In the kitchen...kielbasa sausage, yellow rice with mixed vegetables, tater tots and salad.

I am reading...Ruby, by Lauraine Snelling.  It takes place in the Dakota Territory in the mid 1800's.  I love historical fiction.

I am hoping...the carnival is successful in reaching the community for Christ.

I am looking forward to...seeing my friends at the carnival and watching my son get on all the rides.  I might even join him.

I am hearing...nothing more than the whir of the ceiling fan and my fingers on the keyboard.

Around the house...I did the basics today.

A favorite quote of the day..."You know what you can do when you don't have any payments?  Anything you want." - Dave Ramsey.

One of my favorite things...snuggling in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and a good book.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Carnival, carnival, and more carnival.  My son wants to go everyday, and since I bought him the wristband for unlimited rides, it makes sense.

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

Monday Quiz About Me

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Acting Balanced and Touristic

Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered!  Here are my answers:


1. Who was the last person you said 'I love you to?'
That would be my youngest son, after I said Good Night.

2. What was the last non-kid friendly movie you saw?
Gone With The Wind.  It was on Turner Classic Movies the other night.  It's about as kid unfriendly as I get.

3. When was the last time you got angry about something that you felt silly about later?
I usually feel silly about getting angry, especially if it's something my youngest son is doing just because he's a new teenager and is getting into the role.  He can be annoying but it's not worth getting angry over.

4. Where is your favorite object at this moment?
My Nook.  I want to read at least one book a month, and the Nook makes it easy (and affordable).

Now my question:

5.  Do you think of President's Day as a true holiday or just a retailer's gimmick?
I'd like to think of President's Day as a day to show appreciation for the men who have led our country, but just as with so many other holidays, it's become nothing more than a day to get good deals at car dealerships and stores.  Gone are the days when stores actually closed on holidays and gave their employees a break. :(

Move It Mondays

Happy President's Day!  It's a day for super sales at the stores...oh yeah, and remembering our past presidents :P.  Let's face it, many of these holidays aren't true holidays at all, just excuses for the stores to get you to spend some money.  Plenty of people have no idea what today is, other than it's a day the kids get off from school and government workers get to stay home.

Okay, back to my reality here.  Let me mention the weather we've had for the last couple of days.  After 80+ degree weather all last week with heavy rain showers that started Thursday night, it's been in the 40's yesterday morning and today.  Forties!!  That's frigid cold in our neck of the woods.  We even have wind chill factors - in South Florida!  We should get into the upper 60's today.  That's perfect weather for oven cleaning, which I'll be doing later on when it's not as cold and I can open a window.

Another thing I have planned for today:  get a new television.  No, I'm not taking advantage of the President's Day sales.  I got my two Costco rebates which add up to $245.  Perfect timing, since our family room television has been giving us problems.  It's an old (almost 13 years old) set, a very large one that we got when we first moved into the house.  It still technically works, when it wants to.  It takes some coaxing to get it warmed up, and yesterday it went haywire for no reason (which it's done in the past), and I've known for some time that it's on its last leg.  With the rebate money I hope to get a 32" set for my bedroom, and move the 42" TV from my bedroom into the family room, since that set is really too big for the bedroom anyway.  Thankfully my son R is off from work today so he can help with the set up (read:  do all the setting up himself since I have no clue how to attach the Wii to anything).  The kids are excited; our old set has a pretty bad picture.  The colors are all faded and it doesn't look anything like the new HDTV's.  I can't wait to play Just Dance 4 on it ;).

My son has plenty of homework to keep him busy.  Yesterday he did math, science and reading.  Today he will finish math and work on a language arts project.  Mom is always here to help, so we'll see about getting that stuff taken care of.  We're having ground beef empanadas for lunch/dinner, to my kid's delight.  It'll be a busy, but hopefully productive day.  God bless, have a great President's Day!

Observing My Senses

For Today, February 16, 2013...

I am seeing...the sun drying the wet ground after 2 days of much rain.

I am feeling...full, because I just had breakfast.

I am hearing...the Wii Fit.  My daughter is on.

I am tasting...the remnants of my breakfast.  Pigs in a blanket and coffee.

I am smelling...the roses my son bought me for Valentine's day.

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

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun

Yes, I know it says Friday Fill-In.  Yes, I know today is Saturday.  Quit the guilt trippin', okay?  It's been a hectic week.

Friday Fill-In's are my favorites, because they make me think.  Visit Hilary at Feeling Beachie and start using your noggin' too.


This week’s statements:
1. Sometimes I _____ that is why______
Sometimes I want something sweet and chocolatey, that is why I keep Quaker Chewy Dipps in the house.

2. All I ___________ for ______________ is ____________.
All I desire for my children is that they make wise choices.

3. I _____________ therefore ____________.
I love eating junk food, therefore I must make the effort to eat right and exercise.

4. McDonalds’ is _______________ and ______________.

McDonald's is not the most nutritious food in the world and so I rarely eat there.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I'm excited to get back on my blog, and today is Wednesday, time for my Hodgepodge post.  Thanks to Joyce, From This Side of the Pond, for hosting.


1.  This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving something up or adding anything to your life during this season of the year?

I attend a Baptist church.  We don't give things up for Lent, but our pastor has suggested doing a church-wide fast as we listen to God's voice and His will for the church.  I'm thinking of giving up Facebook for the month of March, but I don't know if that is enough.  I may fast from something else as well, as the Lord leads.

2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday... tradition states you eat pancakes on this day. In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'pancake day'. How do you like your pancakes? Or don't you?

I love pancakes!  I make buttermilk pancakes from scratch.  Just a drizzle of syrup is enough for me.

3.  I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love?

Amazing Love.  "Amazing love, how can it be, that You my King should die for me?"  I get teary eyed every time I hear it.

4.  What are some things you do to let others know you love them?

My love language is Words of Affirmation, followed by Acts of Service.  I need words and actions that show love, and that is how I best show love as well.  Giving encouraging words and reminding people how much they mean to me, as well as doing a little something unexpected is how I show love best.

5.  Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color? Can you recall the last time someone gave you flowers? Given your choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies?

I've always favored red roses, but really any color rose is lovely.  My kids gave me roses for my birthday, and a friend gave me roses to thank me for a going away party we hosted for her and her husband.  If I had to choose, hands down it would be the red roses.  They are so beautiful.

6.  President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you?  Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park (FD Roosevelt's home) and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few. Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring?  Why?

I love all kinds of history, American history best.  I do enjoy learning about the Presidents and the decisions they made that help shape our nation.  Let's see, if I could tour just one of the houses listed...I've read that Monticello is extraordinarily beautiful, and the extensive grounds are also famous for the gardens, so I would definitely be interested in seeing it.

7.  Are you good at keeping secrets?

I think I'm pretty good at keeping secrets.  Why, would you like to share one? ;)

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I got a text message from our Awana leader yesterday asking if I would teach tonight's lesson.  I will be talking about making good choices, focusing on Abigail (1 Samuel 25).  Prayers are appreciated.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, February 12, 2013...

Outside my window...it's a perfect day for barbecuing.  I wish I had a grill.  It's beautiful out.

I am thinking...of our churchwide fast and what I will be giving up this coming month.  It has to be a real sacrifice.  Perhaps Facebook?

I am thankful for...all God has given me.  I'm also thankful for our new pastor, Pastor Matt.  He has given me much to think about.

I am going...to continue cleaning and shining up my floors.  I've done the kitchen, family room and dining room.  I'm working on the living room now.

I am wearing...a brown shirt, brown and teal skirt, and white flip-flops.  The rest of the East Coast may be struggling with snow and cold, but here in South Florida it's 81 degrees, sunny and breezy.

I am noticing...that my blog has been neglected.  Sorry about that!  I've been busy.

In the kitchen...I've got a rack of ribs in the oven that's making the entire house smell delicious!

I am reading...The Calling of Emily Evans.  I finished the Widow of Larkspur Inn and enjoyed it very much.

I am hoping...the cold front coming in this week will be a pleasant one.

I am looking forward to...eating those ribs.

I am hearing...peace and quiet.  Which is always nice.

Around the house...it's that time of year, when I polish the wood floors.  I got one of those Swiffer type mops, except it's by Rubbermaid and has the washable pad.  I'm loving it.

A favorite quote of the day..."It's all about the ribs."  - my hungry daughter.

One of my favorite things...barbecuing.  Which I can't do because I don't have a grill.  Yet.

A few plans for the rest of the week...it's Valentine's week, also known as Single's Awareness Day (or SAD).  I'll be baking red velvet cupcakes for the loves of my life.  It's a quiet week after that.

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, February 9, 2013...

I am seeing...some pretty thick fog, not common at this hour of the morning.

I am feeling...some pain, due to medical procedures I'm having done.

I am hearing...the ticking of the toaster oven.

I am tasting...nothing, but I'll be tasting breakfast soon.

I am smelling...an English muffin toasting, and an egg frying.

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

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, February 5, 2013...

Outside my window...the day started off chilly but it has warmed up quite a bit.  Not overly hot, though.  It's a beautiful day.

I am thinking...about 1 Corinthians chapter 15, the chapter we're studying in our Sunday school class.

I am thankful for...our new pastor, Pastor Matt, whose sermon's are refreshing as much as convicting.

I am going...to rest a bit.  I'm not feeling my best.

I am wearing...a mint green top, blue skirt, and ankle socks.  It's 76 degrees out but it feels colder inside the house, and my feet are cold.

I am noticing...my greys peeking out.  Time for me to color my roots.

In the kitchen...easy chicken and stuffing in the crock pot.  I love my crock pot so much!

I am reading...the Widow of Larkspur Inn, but I got a good amount of reading this morning.  I think I'm on chapter 13 now.

I am hoping...I feel better for Awana tomorrow.

I am looking forward to...our church's carnival in a couple of weeks.

I am hearing...a House Hunter's marathon.  I'm lying in bed and there's nothing else good on TV.  Maybe I'll just get my book.

Around the house...anything that needs to get done can either get done by my kids or wait.  I'm taking the day off.

A favorite quote of the day..."Cleverness is cheap. It is faith that He praises." - George Macdonald.

One of my favorite things...spending time with my kids.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Awana tomorrow, church on Sunday, nothing else planned yet.

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

Monday Quiz About Me

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Acting Balanced and Touristic

Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered!


Here are this week's Questions:

1. Are you good about going to the doctor?
No, I'm not.  I really should be more conscientious about it, but I hate sitting in the doctor's office for what seems like an eternity for something minor.  I have to be really sick to drag myself to the doctor's office.

2. What do you think about the practice of restaurants adding automatic tips for large groups or specific events?
It was always my understanding that a tip was given based on the service provided.  For excellent service, a waiter/waitress could expect an excellent tip; for lousy service, a lousy or no tip.  It seems to me that adding the tip automatically isn't much of an incentive for a service provider to provide the best service possible.

3. When was the last time you went out for dinner?
It was in December, for my birthday.  We typically don't go out for dinner; when we do go out it's for lunch, since lunch menus tend to be cheaper.

4. What is your best budget saving tip for recovering from an unexpected expense or planning for one?
Before spending money on something, ask yourself:  is this a need, or a want?  Stick to buying only what you need.  There will be time later on for the wants.

And now my question:

5.  Did you watch any part of the Super Bowl last night?
I watched absolutely zero.  Nothing.  Nada.  I didn't even find out who won till this morning.  And what's more, I don't feel like I missed out.

Move It Mondays

Happy Monday to all!  I'm feeling kind of lazy today, probably because I woke up at 4:20am and tossed and turned till 6:20 when I had to get up :P.  I've had that happen lately, where I wake up an hour or two before I need to and can't fall back asleep.  I hate when that happens.

I had a breakfast of waffles and bacon this morning.  After taking my son to school on this cold, crisp Monday (it was 55 degrees out, and in South Florida that is considered really cold) I went to the bank to make a quick deposit.  All the way I noticed the light on my car:  low tire pressure.  The same thing happened to my daughter the other day and she took care of it herself with a small generator her dad bought her while she was away at school.  I would fill up the tires myself, but she has gone to work at the church office and of course the generator is in her car.  I guess it'll have to wait till she gets back.

We're having steak today.  With rice and beans and tater tots and salad.  A nice well balanced meal.  Yum.

I'm also working on our taxes today.  Not quite as fun, but it needs to be done.

I'm hoping y'all have a blessed Monday.  Rejoice!  I say again, Rejoice!

Recipe Time: Slow Cooker Jambalaya

I got a request the other day for my Slow Cooker Jambalaya recipe.  Here you go, with my compliments.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Slow Cooker Jambalaya

1 pound chicken breast or breast tenders, cubed
1 polish kielbasa link, sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes (I like the petite diced)
1 tablespoon parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (I use Tony Cachere's)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound peeled, veined shrimp
Hot cooked rice

In sprayed slow cooker, combine all ingredients except shrimp and rice.  Cover and cook on low for 6 - 8 hours or on high for 3 -4 hours.  Stir in shrimp and cook on low for an additional 1 hour.  Serve over hot cooked rice.  Serves 6.

Observing My Senses

For Today, February 2, 2013...

I am seeing...a bright beautiful morning outside, floors full of dog hair inside.  That needs to be remedied.

I am feeling...the cool, crisp breeze coming in through the window.  I love it when it's cool enough to open windows.

I am hearing...a bird chirping outside, thanks to open windows. :)

I am tasting...my morning breakfast:  a leftover buttermilk pancake (made a batch yesterday), one sausage and coffee.

I am smelling...the clean fresh air coming in from, that's right, my open window.

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

Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun

Good Friday morning, the first for February!  It's Follow Friday Four Fill-in time (this blog post is brought to you by the letter F).  Thanks to Hilary at Feeling Beachie for hosting this fun blog hop.


This week’s statements:
1. I was probably the only kid in the world who ____
I was probably the only kid in the world who never learned to ride a bike.

2. ____ is my favorite juice
Passionfruit is my favorite juice, followed closely by tamarind.  My grandmother would make them from fruits in her backyard - oh my goodness, so delicious!

3. I never thought I would____until I___
I never thought I would enjoy playing Just Dance until I gave it a try.  Now I'm hooked.

4. I have always wanted to_____ but_____
I have always wanted to write a book but my mind gets distracted too easily.

Five Question Friday

It's another Teacher's Planning Day, so my son is off from school, making this feel more like a Saturday than a Friday.  Thank goodness for Mama M and my Five Question Friday post to remind me what day it is!  Visit My Little Life to answer your five questions too.


1. What is your favorite book to read with your kids?
Since my youngest is now 13 and can read all by himself, we typically read the Bible together and any book that he gets from school for his reading class to review for tests.  The last book we read together for school was The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

2. After having kids, what body part has changed the most?
Duh.  My waistline.  It isn't what it used to be.  It's almost non-existent actually.

3. Would you ever go back to college? What would you study?
I might study interior design since it's a topic that interests me.  Or I could go to Bible college and have a  more in depth study of Scripture.  But then, there's a 99.9% chance I would not go back to school.  I consider myself done in that respect.

4. How do you close a phone call? Bye, bye bye or other?
If it's a business call, I end with, "Thank you, goodbye."  If it's a close friend or family member, then I say, "Love you, bye."

5. What is the one food that will always be your "cheat food" on a diet?
Chips.  Especially with like, chunky salsa.  That is my weakness.