Move It Mondays

It's Monday, and the sun is coming out again - just in time to set in about an hour.  The weather went from sunny and warm in the early morning hours, to sunny and breezy later in the morning, to showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, and now in the evening the sun is back out.  Ah, spring.  Season of confusion.

I had a pretty busy day today, but I found myself even more organized than usual.  Why, you ask?  Because of Any.DO.  It's a free app on my iPhone that's basically a to-do list that I carry with me wherever I go.  When I remember something that needs to get done, I record it on Any.DO so I don't forget.  I plan out my week on Any.DO, and whatever doesn't get done gets moved over to the next day.  What I love most is that I scratch off the items on the list as they get done, and at the end of the day when I erase them, the app says, "Good job!" or "Way to go!"  I need all the encouragement I can get ;).

First off, I got my son to school nice and early.  One of the ladies in my Sunday school class made a breakfast quiche and I brought some home for my son E, so I didn't have to make breakfast for him.  I barbecued yesterday and made enough so I could pack him a burger and a hot dog for lunch, so I didn't have much to do there either.  My breakfast consisted of chocolate Fiber One cereal, cinnamon raisin toast with a little Olivio (spread made from olive oil), and coffee.  After dropping him off at school, I proceeded to do my weekly grocery shopping.  I'd made my shopping list last night and put everything on the iPhone as well.  I find that grocery shopping goes much faster on Friday than any other day of the week.

When I got home I was pleasantly surprised to see that my oldest son R was getting ready to make lunch - an offer I never refuse!  He made fried pork wontons, and they were delicious!  I put away all the groceries, and took advantage of this unforeseen blessing by using the time to mow the lawn.  I'd read that we're supposed to get rain this week, so I figured it would be best to tame the beast before the rain made it grow any taller.  Good thing too, because about a half hour after I'd finished the rain started!  It took just an hour to get the entire lawn mowed, and after my shower I was treated to lunch.

I only rested a short while before I had to pick my son E up from school and take him to the barber.  His hair grows fast, like mine, and is much harder to tame.  Good thing boys get to wear their hair short!  We got home and had dinner - fried pork wontons again, since my son made 44 of them - then I sat and helped E with his science homework.  He's doing some additional homework on the computer, then he wants me to help him with language arts homework.  We counted this morning, and there are only 28 days left of school, which his teachers apparently want to load with as much work as possible!  He's so looking forward to the summer.  I am too - I got an email from our local bowling alley stating that they're having their Summer Unplugged offer again.  Kids 15 and under get to bowl 2 games per day everyday for the whole summer.  We did it last year and really enjoyed it!  For the rest of the family we got a summer pass for $29.95 for the same amount of games, but this year the price has gone up to $34.95.  I'm still going to get it though.  It's way cheaper to pay for the summer pass than it is to pay every time we go, and bowling is a fun and healthy sport.

One other thing I'm working on:  I'm making an apron, by hand.  I found the pattern at Walmart on clearance for $8.97.  I don't have a sewing machine, but I figured an apron shouldn't be too hard to sew by hand.  So far it hasn't been, and I'm really enjoying doing something with hands.

That's the fabric after cutting it out.  I'm in the process of hemming the apron before I add on the flounce that goes around the bottom.  I'm really excited about how pretty this apron is looking!  Hopefully I'll have a picture of the finished product soon.

That's it for now.  Hope everyone is having a delightfully blessed Monday!

The New Addition to the Household

I've been wanting to post about this for the whole week - well, since Wednesday when they got delivered.  But let me give some background first.

We've been living in this house for the past 13 years.  It was brand spanking new when we moved in.  Through the years we've replaced bathroom tiles and cabinets, kitchen cabinets and appliances, floors, even the air conditioning unit.  For the past couple of years our washer and dryer have been barely working, though, and I'd told the Mister they needed replacing soon.  Since I didn't make a big huff about it (after all, we were supposed to be moving out of this house) the old washer and dryer stayed.

The past few months the machines really started quitting on me, especially the washer.  It was a top loader with the rotating mechanism in the center.  Or what was supposed to be a rotating mechanism, since it had stopped rotating years earlier.  The top half didn't rotate but the bottom did so the clothes got semi-washed. Now the bottom portion had also stopped rotating, so basically the clothes sat in soapy water, then the water got dumped, then it sat in rinse water, then the spin cycle which occasionally wouldn't work either and I'd have to repeat it.  Towels and a blouse of mine got ruined with fabric softener because of the clothing not being properly distributed.  The dryer wasn't doing a whole lot better; it was taking an hour or more to dry a basket of clothes.  Energy efficient they weren't.

Of course, the nice new energy efficient machines cost money, and I couldn't afford to get new ones or even get the old ones repaired (not that I thought it was worth it; they'd been repaired 3 times over the years already).  That is, until my income tax return arrived.  The time had come to replace the old machines.

Say, Goodbye Old Dryer.  You served me for a long time.

I said goodbye to the old washer too.  I'm so glad Home Depot not only delivers new appliances, but they take the old ones away for free.  I'd never had been able to get rid of those "antiques" any other way.

Speaking of which, Home Depot has an incredible sale going on till May 1st (no, they are not paying me to say this.  I just want to share the great deal I got).  These are the new washer and dryer now occupying the space of the old:

Aren't they gorgeous?!  But here's the deal:  Regular price for these LG washer and dryer is $999 each.  They were on sale for $886 each, but with an additional 10% off till May 1 I was able to get them for $798 each.  Still a chunk of change, but when you consider that I can wash in one load what used to take me 2 and 3 loads in my old washer, and that the clothes actually come out clean...the difference is noticeable.  Besides, my old washer and dryer's energy cost for the year ran into the $50+ each.  These beauties only cost $10 each for the year, AND the washer uses less water.  I'd say both of my new machines will pay for themselves in the long run.

And you want to know what else is great?  My kids are wanting to help with laundry now :-).  Can it get any better?!

Observing My Senses

For Today, April 27, 2013...

I am seeing...a lovely bunch of yellow flowers and my little mango tree that I planted from a seed growing taller each day.

I am feeling...blessed because we get to serve at our church today.  We are going to be making food packages to send to needy families in Haiti.

I am hearing...the quiet stillness of our home.

I am tasting...Fiber One chocolate cereal, raisin bread toast, and coffee.  Trying to eat healthy so I can lose some unneeded extra poundage.

I am smelling...sausages, my son's favorite part of breakfast.

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

Move It Mondays

It's a cloudy, slightly rainy Monday in South Florida.  It's been a cloudy, partly rainy weekend, too.  Our rainy season has started earlier than usual, which is fine because we had a very dry winter.  It makes the days kind of dreary, though, not what I need right now.  My kid's dad has been pretty annoying lately, and having days like these doesn't help.

I'm working on losing the extra pounds I've gained lately, and I'm doing better than I expected.  So far I've lost over 6 pounds and I'm back into the 140's, but there's plenty more that has to be lost.  I've cut out the chocolate (except for my breakfast cereal; I found chocolate Fiber One, and I couldn't pass that up!), and any other sweets I had craving.  I'm measuring my food and making sure I get plenty of water.  Already I'm feeling more energetic, which is a good sign.  I downloaded Runtastic onto my phone to help me count by steps and make sure I'm getting enough physical activity as well.  I'll admit I ate way too much pizza yesterday, but it was Sunday and we got Little Caesar's and I couldn't resist.  I paid for it later though; my stomach was not happy after several days of salads, fruits and veggies.  All the good stuff made my digestive system happy.  Cheese and pepperoni pizza?  Not so much.

I got up early and followed my usual morning routine:  get breakfast ready for my son E, pack his lunch, and have my own breakfast.  I've been eating cereal with almond milk so my breakfast is easy.  My son is 13 and growing like a weed; cereal won't cut it for him.  So I made him a scrambled egg, bacon and a hash brown patty.  I was surprised to find that he'd eaten the hash brown and a bite of his egg, but none of the bacon.  That is not like him!  He said his stomach felt a bit weird, but that has happened before when he has to get up early in the morning.  It usually settles, so I told him to get ready so we could leave.  As we were on our way to his school he mentioned again that his stomach was hurting a bit.  I thought it might be hunger, since he hadn't finished eating, or again the fact that he was up early after a weekend of sleeping in.  I told him he could call me if he felt bad enough to come home.  He saw his friend and ran to catch up with him, so I figured he was okay.

I was off to Winn-Dixie with my pedometer and shopping list on my phone.  I'm so thankful my kids got me the iPhone!  What a great gadget!  I finished at Winn-Dixie and headed out to Walmart.  Halfway through the store my phone rings; it's my son's school.  Sure enough, he felt worse.  Thankfully my daughter was able to pick him up so I didn't have to leave my groceries in Walmart to run and get him.  I then went to Costco to buy a large package of toilet paper.  The youth pastor at our church and his young family are going through some rough times financially, so the youth leaders decided to throw them a "pounding party".  I'd never heard of this, but what I understand is it's a party where you give gifts of needed items by the pound.  This package has 30 rolls of TP which is way more than a pound, but it's definitely a necessity, and one that has gotten ridiculously expensive.  I'm glad folks are willing to lend them a helping hand with diapers, wipes, (they have a toddler) and any other stuff.  I love seeing the body of Christ at work!

Once I got home and put away the groceries, I made kielbasa with onions, yellow rice with mixed veggies, fries and a salad for our lunch.  Now I'm off to clean the second bathroom which didn't get done this weekend, then hopefully I can relax awhile (yeah, right!).  One thing I need to start doing is looking for work.  Much as I enjoy being at home with my son, I realize I can't continue being dependent on someone who then thinks he has authority over me while living with his girlfriend.  It's such a complicated situation, but one that needs to be remedied.  I have faith the Lord will lead me to make the wise decisions.

Have a blessed Monday everyone!

Observing My Senses

For Today, April 20, 2013...

I am seeing...lots of dog hair on the floor.  Time to break out the vacuum cleaner.  Again.

I am feeling...ecstatic at my recent purchase - a new high efficiency washer and dryer at a super price.  Delivery is scheduled for Wednesday.  Pics to follow.

I am hearing...my boys playing with a Nerf style bow and arrow.  No matter how old they are they will always be boys.

I am tasting...Smart Start cereal with almond milk.  Doctor says I need to be eating more whole grains, fruits and veggies.  He's right - I've already dropped over 6 pounds!  Yay me!

I am smelling...things better today than yesterday.  It was a Benadryl kind of day.  I hope the pollen goes away.

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

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun

Just yesterday I said I was gonna take a break from some of my blog hops.  Well, this isn't one of them!  I really enjoy this one because it makes me think.  Join Hilary and the gang at Feeling Beachie to see if you can undertake this challenge.


This week’s statements:
1. I hate __
I hate it when my perfectly laid out plans don't play out the way I want them to.

2. I used to love playing _____ as a kid
I used to love playing with my siblings as a kid.  I don't think I appreciated them nearly as much then as I do now.

3. Common sense says ______, but I tend to ____________
Common sense says that I'll feel better if I eat healthier, but I tend to crave the things that aren't so good for me.

4. Once, I was surprised to find myself __________________.
Once, I was surprised to find myself eating fried eel at a Japanese restaurant.  I was even more surprised at the fact that I liked it!

Thoughtful Thursday

I've had so much going on and such a busy schedule lately I haven't been on the computer.  There's moments I think of all kinds of things I could blog about if I could just get a moment to sit down.

I think I'm gonna take a break from some of my favorite blog hops.  Not all, just some.  As it is I barely have time to update my Facebook status - not that it matters.  I'm getting bored with Facebook.  Too much politics, too much nonsense, not enough keeping up with people.  There are a few family members I enjoy keeping up with, but mostly there isn't anything worth spending time on.

There's construction going on in my neighborhood.  We live in a town that used to be dairy farms.  Behind our development one still exists, which we really love.  It makes it feel like we're living in the country.  Our street is a dead-end because of the dairy farm, but it won't be for much longer.  They've decided to open up the avenue, going through the dairy farm.  The mayor and town council have been trying for a long time to get the street opened, but it wasn't possible because it used to be an Indian burial ground.  Some kind of ceremony had to be performed before the construction could continue.  Now the dust and mud is taking over, our cows will have to be moved, and the quiet of our neighborhood will be no more.  See, since the road was a dead-end there was no thru traffic, which kept the noise level at a minimum.  Once the street is done, it will be a 4 lane road, and the amount of traffic will increase exponentially.  It's something I'm not looking forward to, nor are my neighbors.

My youngest son has been taking his FCAT exams this week.  FCAT is the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.  E had the math portion on Monday, and the reading portion today and tomorrow.  This is the second year in a row that he's done the reading portion on the computer.  All 6th and 7th graders get the computerized version of the exam.  Unfortunately, they have to take the test in the computer lab, and there not enough computers for the entire grade to test at once, so they are taking turns.  Testing will continue throughout the next week, during which time my son goes to one class per day.  The school cannot have students in the hallways during testing, so students can't switch classes.  He stays in the one class, does a little work, then they watch movies or play board games till it's time to leave.  School sure is different from when I was a kid.

I stepped on the Wii Fit scale this morning, and became very upset.  It's time for some re-evaluating of what I'm eating.  I'm back on MyFitnessPal trying to get a grip on my calorie intake.  I hate the fact that the older I get the harder it is to keep my weight where it should be, but it's the reality of life and I need to make sure I'm eating right if I don't want any serious health issues later.

I have to be honest here: I was multi-tasking.  I just finished watching Wreck-It Ralph while getting this post up.  I love that movie!  Disney/Pixar films are the best.  This movie is a definite winner, but my all-time favorite Pixar film is still The Incredibles.

Time to get everything ready before bed.  The saying is true, a woman's work is never done!  Good night friends.

Move It Mondays

Today I had a "brain-fart" day.  Ever had one of those?  Where you seem to forget everything?  Those days where you wish you could go back to bed and start all over again?  That's been my day.  Is this what old age is gonna be like?

I got up early this morning and made breakfast as usual, then started my son E's lunch.  He doesn't like any of the school lunches so he takes a pack lunch with him.  We sat down to have breakfast, then I ironed my son's pants, got dressed, fixed my bed, the normal things I do every morning.  My son was dragging his feet because today was the start of the FCAT's, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests.  He knew he had to take his math exam today, and it was making him so nervous he couldn't get ready fast enough.  We were already 10 minutes late walking out the door when he asks if I have his lunchbox.  That's when I realize, I didn't pack it!  First time in I don't know how long that I totally forgot to pack his lunch.  That made us an extra 5 minutes late.  Thank God I had made the lunch and only needed to pack it, otherwise it would have been much worse.

We made it to his school just in time (thank You Jesus!) and I went on to do my grocery shopping.  My first stop was Winn-Dixie.  I like that their mobile app allows me to prepare a shopping list of their specials which I can then compare to my weekly shopping list.  I always prepare a shopping list to take with me so I know I'm not forgetting anything.  I looked at both lists, got what I needed, checked out and headed to Walmart.  Once inside Walmart, I reached into my purse to get my shopping list.  I couldn't find it.  I checked again.  Nothing.  I emptied out the entire purse, checked every little nook and cranny, and had to accept the truth: I'd lost my shopping list.  Ugh!

As I went through Walmart reviewing in my mind what I could remember from the list and what the menu for the week was, I also made notes on my phone of the things I remembered I needed to get from Costco.  I think I got everything; of course I won't know until I try to find something and realize I don't have it.  I left Walmart just as a rain shower was starting; thankfully I had my umbrella in my bag.  I loaded the car and headed to Costco where I also got gas at a bargain $3.509/gallon :P.  I went into Costco with my new list, got everything I needed, and made it to the checkout just in time for an old man to cut in front of me so he could get to the register first.  I made a mental note to teach my boys better manners, then as I was ready to start putting my purchases on the conveyor, I remembered we have no toilet paper in the house.  I had to go back and get TP or we'd be in trouble!  And wouldn't you know, the toilet paper is waaaaay in the back of the warehouse, on the absolute opposite end of where the registers are.  Oh well, at least I remembered before I'd left the store.

By this time the rain had stopped, and I was thankful that I was done with my errands and could go home.  I loaded the car and left.  As I got to the last traffic light before entering my neighborhood I remembered that I was supposed to get a referral from my doctor for an appointment I have tomorrow morning.  How could I forget that?!  I had it on my mind all weekend!  I didn't want to turn around, so I figured I'd go after lunch.  I got home and started unloading the groceries when I noticed I'd forgotten to start the dishwasher before I left the house.  Great.  We'd be eating on paper plates. :P

After lunch I hopped into the car and drove over to the doctor's office, only to find it closed.  Really?!  I'd gone out of my way for this?!  It was at that point I decided it might be best to ask for a redo of my day, or just accept that there are days like these and it's best to laugh it off.  So I shook it off, picked up my son from school, took him to the dentist for his cleaning, and came back home to relax.

Everyone has days that are more upside down than right side up.  And for some strange reason, those days tend to be on Mondays ;-).  It's okay.  Everyday is a blessing.  Enjoy today.

This is the day the Lord has made;

We will rejoice and be glad in it.

 - Psalm 118:24

Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun

It's Saturday morning, but I'm still up to the challenge!  Here are four incomplete statements - fill in the blanks if you can!  Thanks to Hilary at Feeling Beachie for hosting.


This week’s statements:
1. I don’t like to ____
I don't like to clean bathrooms.  I wish someone would invent self-cleaning ones.  That would be great.

2. I love to ___ in the morning
I love to get a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning.

3. If I could change one thing in my life it would be _______
If I could change one thing in my life it would be my sarcastic nature.  Not everyone understands or appreciates it.  It can get a person in trouble.

4. If I was better at _____, I would _____
If I was better at sports, I would probably get more exercise.

Observing My Senses

For Today, April 13, 2013...

I am seeing...a clean kitchen - wonder how long that will last?

I am feeling...doubtful that I'll get to barbecue if those clouds don't move away.

I am hearing...nothing now.  My daughter was talking to me, but she's off to her room to get dressed.

I am tasting...pigs in a blanket, and my morning coffee.

I am smelling...biscuits.  Wrapped around Vienna sausages.  Yum.

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

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

This week is Patrice's birthday, so it's a celebration on the porch.  Happy Birthday Miss Patrice!  Join Patrice, Wendell, and all the gang at Everyday Ruralty.


1.Are you enjoying spring?
Yes, of course!  Spring in South Florida means warm temperatures with cool breezes, rainy afternoons, flowers blooming everywhere, with the humidity still low enough that we can enjoy the weather.  

2.Where would you take Patrice for her birthday, if you could spend a day together. Wendell hopes you would bring her back!
I would take Patrice to beautiful Hollywood Beach to enjoy the sand and surf.

3.What's your favorite spring flower?
I just planted some petunias in my backyard planter, and they are looking so pretty!  I'll say petunias.

4.What do you do when you are going through a really stressful time?
The best place to be during stressful times is on my knees.  Jesus is the only One who can get me through the trials of life.

5.What kind of birthday cake would you get for Patrice? And Wendell?
Wendell would have to have a carrot cake, of course!  For Patrice, hmm, since I'm in South Florida, how about pie instead of cake?  If you've never had key lime pie, I would get you one so you can know what a delicious and refreshing taste it has.  I think you would love it.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, April 9, 2013...

Outside my window...the clouds are covering up the sunshine, and a breeze has picked up.  Wonder if that means more rain?

I am thinking...about the many needs of my friends, and how I need to write them down so I can pray for them.

I am thankful for...the fact that I live in Florida.  I love it here.

I am going...to program the television so I don't forget to watch the Duggar's tonight.  I hate when that happens!  I often don't even have the TV on which only complicates matters.

I am wearing...a black and white summer dress with a red camisole underneath, and black sandals.  It's 81 degrees out so the lighter the better.

I am noticing...the temps in New York where my family lives are almost the same as our temps here.  That doesn't happen often in April!

In the kitchen...I made smothered pork chops - I made Tyler Florence's recipe found here - with buttered noodles and a salad.  Those chops are so delicious!

I am reading...Land of My Heart.  I just started it last night.  Got one chapter read before I started dozing off.  Not that the book is boring; I always doze off when I read at night.  My son E and I are also reading a chapter of Proverbs and of Psalms every night.

I am hoping...to get the oil changed on my car this week, before the coupon I got from Pep Boys expires.

I am looking forward to...Christ's return.  Are you?

I am hearing...my daughter singing and playing her guitar.

Around the house...I haven't done much because I've had errands to run every morning and helping my son E with his homework every afternoon.  I hope to get some stuff done tomorrow or Thursday.

A favorite quote of the day..."My great concern is not whether God is on our side; my great concern is to be on God's side." - Abraham Lincoln

One of my favorite things...getting a good deal on anything.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Awana tomorrow night, and helping my son prepare for exams next week.  It's FCAT time again (ugh!).

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

Observing My Senses

For Today, April 6, 2013...

I am seeing...lots of bright sunshine after a couple of days of intense rain showers.  My flowers are looking cheerful.

I am feeling...crampy.  That's right, I said it.

I am hearing...cartoons.  My son is taking a break from his long list of homework assignments, but he's gonna have to get back to it soon.

I am tasting...nothing right now.  We had breakfast a little while ago and it'll be time for lunch soon.

I am smelling...pancakes.  The smell of breakfast lingers.

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

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun

I'm catching up on my Friday posts, and one that can't be forgotten is my fill-in post, hosted by Hilary at Feeling Beachie.  It's challenging and fun!


This week’s statements:
1. I don’t remember the last time I ____
I don't remember the last time I went to the movies to watch a grown-up film.  Unless you count Avengers.

2. Sometimes ___ but usually ____
Sometimes I sleep in but usually I'm up by 7:30am.

3. When I think of my childhood, I ______
When I think of my childhood, I notice similarities in my kid's childhoods.  We aren't that much different, are we?

4. I am not ______, but I _______.
I am not tall, but I certainly am not short either.  I'd say 5'4" is pretty average.

Five Question Friday

I didn't get on the computer yesterday; I wasn't feeling up to it.  Now I have some catching up to do!  Here are my Five Answers to Five Question Friday, hosted by Mama M at My Little Life.


1. Would you go to your high school reunion?
Probably not, unless it was held in South Florida.  I went to school in New York, and traveling up there for a high school reunion is not high on the priority list.  If it were held here I would definitely go.  It's not an impossibility either - lots of my schoolmates have moved down to Florida.  I'm sure a reunion is feasible.

2. What's something that you've recently splurged on; either for yourself or someone else?
I don't regularly splurge.  As a matter of fact, splurging is an unknown term in my house.  I did buy myself a couple of skirts at the outlet mall for $15 each.  And I took the family to a Japanese restaurant for my son R's birthday - buffet, $11.95 per person, all you can eat.  I don't know that any of those qualifies for splurges, but for me it certainly does.

3. How do you handle your child's fever?
Tylenol, and wet compresses.  If it goes up to 103 degrees it's time to go to the doctor.

4. What's the nicest thing to happen to you lately?
After volunteering at our old church, I received a hand written thank you card from the pastor.  I thought that was kind and thoughtful.

5. What is your current favorite song?
I never have just one favorite song, so that makes it hard.  I love 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman, Blessings by Laura Story, and I really really love Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin.  Oh!  And there's this awesome song by Rend Collective Experiment called Build Your Kingdom Here.  It sounds like Irish folk music.  Super cool!

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

I'm joining Patrice and Wendell on their farmhouse porch today.  Would you like to come too?  We'll be drinking tea and having fun chats at Everyday Ruralty.


1. What did you do for Easter?
We had amazing church services Friday afternoon, Saturday evening and Sunday morning.  Afterwards we grilled chicken and pineapple and had a pleasant afternoon at home.

2. How bad were you with candy or treats? (On a scale of 1-10. 1 being good, 10 being sugared up)
I would say I was at a 2.  I didn't eat too much candy but I did have a little.

3. What's one of the first things you'd like to do when you have consistent spring temperatures?
Open up the windows.  Summers in South Florida are sweltering.  Spring is breezy and comfortable.  I like letting that sweet clean air into the house.

4. How are you at gift buying?
I'd say I'm pretty good at gift buying.  I try to focus on what folks need, not just what's pretty or shiny or the latest model.

5. Do you have an projects in mind for the month of April?
Not anything specific.  I planted some flowers in the backyard planter, and if the weather holds up I would like to get the front yard fixed up too.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, April 2, 2013...

Outside my window...the sun has set and there is pitch darkness.

I am thinking...it's gonna be another hot summer.  It was a real scorcher today.

I am thankful...I was able to get two cars washed today.  My oldest son had to go to work early so I didn't get to his car, but my daughter's and mine are spotless.

I am going...to watch The Duggars in a little while.

I am wearing...a blue polka dotted top, jean bermuda shorts and flip-flops.  It was in the low 80's today so this was most appropriate wear.

I am noticing...the nice color the neighbors put on their house.  I want to paint the outside of our house, too.  It hasn't been painted in 7 years.  It needs it.

In the kitchen...we had ham steaks, plantains and salad.  I kept it simple because my daughter and I were out bridal shower shopping this morning.

I am reading...one chapter of Proverbs a day with my son.  I finally finished Ruby so it's time to find a new book.

I am hoping...I can get caught up in the house.

I am looking forward to...a good night's sleep.

I am hearing...my son singing in the shower.  "I've been working on the railroad, all the live long day."  He's such a character.

Around the house...the floors need cleaning.

A favorite quote of the day...“Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God's will.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

One of my favorite things...seeing what the Duggar's are up to.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Awana starts up again tomorrow after a week off.  Church on Sunday.  Nothing else planned.  Yet.

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

Move It Mondays

Happy Atheists Day!  What, you didn't know today was Atheists day?  The Bible tells us so.  "The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” - Psalm 14:1.  Chew on that for a bit.

Our weekend was an extraordinary and very busy one.  We had a beautiful Good Friday service Friday afternoon.  Communion is so special on that day; it's like reliving the last supper Jesus had with His disciples before He was carried off to be crucified.  Pastor Matt gave such a moving sermon.  I don't think there was a dry eye in the whole church.  What a sacrifice the Father made to give us eternal life!  We who are nothing more than wretched sinners!  It just shows God's enormous love for us.  We can never be thankful enough.

Saturday night the church where my daughter interns had their first Easter service and I was asked to help with one of the children's ministry classes.  It gave me the opportunity to listen to my daughter lead worship, and teach the 2nd and 3rd grade children about Jesus and the Resurrection.  The teaching was excellent, the class time was phenomenal, and I left there feeling content and joyful because I'd had the chance to share with these great kids.  I feel so incredibly blessed.

Sunday morning we had our Resurrection Sunday service, and once again Pastor Matt hit it out of the park!  The first service was pretty full, I can only imagine what second service was like!  Worship time was inspiring, too.  We did upbeat and happy songs, celebrating the risen Christ, and it was just awesome.  After church we came home and I grilled up some chicken breasts, pineapple spears, made some pasta, and we relaxed after a very busy but very fulfilling weekend.  I won't forget this one anytime soon.

Today was back to our routine.  School started up again, and I ran errands most of the morning.  I bought some annuals at Lowe's and planted them in the planters on the backyard patio.  It livened things up!  This winter has been extremely dry, so I didn't plant anything waiting for the rainy season to start.  I've been hearing thunder all afternoon, but other than about 5 drops we haven't gotten any rain.  My cousin, who lives about 25 minutes south of us, says it was pouring rain by her, so it may very well be sneaking up on us soon. My grass will be most appreciative.

For lunch today I made our family favorite:  ground beef and rice.  My kids would happily eat this everyday! It's fast and easy, which is good since I was tired after running errands all morning.  After picking up my son E from school, I got an email from Menchie's with a new sorbet flavor:  pink lemonade.  Since we have BOGO coupons from Menchie's, and I love pink lemonade, it was the perfect treat!  I can still taste it now, so cool and refreshing.  They've got green apple sorbet as well, so yummy!  While their specialty is frozen yogurt, the sorbets are delicious and perfect for 70 degree weather, which is what we're currently enjoying.

Around the house, I put away some laundry I'd washed, tidied up a bit, but other than that I haven't done anything.  I guess it'll have to wait till tomorrow.  I'll clean up the kitchen now, help my son with his homework, then get ready for bed.  Goodnight to all, God bless you this Monday and everyday.