Observing My Senses

For Today, April 30, 2011...

I am seeing...a sky that has been grey for the whole afternoon, only not one drop of rain has fallen. I hope we do get some rain. We need it.

I am feeling...thankful that my daughter is home for a quick weekend visit. It's a joy to have her home.

I am hearing...a commercial about diabetic cookbooks.

I am tasting...Tombstone pepperoni pizza.

I am smelling...the pizza mentioned above.

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

Five Question Friday

Okay, I'm having trouble keeping up with days, so you'll just have to forgive the fact that my five question Friday post is on Saturday. It's not the first time. It won't be the last.

1. If you could buy any car, money not an option, what would it be?
I had a BMW convertible when my youngest son was born and it was too small for us, so I had to trade it in for an SUV. I'm perfectly content with my Montero Sport, but if I could, I'd get another BMW. That is one smooooth ride.

2. What was your worst first date ever?
I went out with a guy who was so intent on impressing me by taking me to a fancy restaurant in NY and talking up a storm about himself, that he totally turned me off. Guys who talk that much about themselves are total bores.

3. How old were you when you fell in love for the first time?
Like, really really in love? About 19 years old. He's not the man I married. God had other plans.

4. When was the last time you reconciled your checkbook?
I don't reconcile my checkbook anymore. Not since the internet came along and doing everything from paying bills to checking my balance became as easy as a few keystrokes. I used to reconcile weekly, but it's not necessary nowadays. It's been years.

5. If you were going to fashion a "Wanted" Ad for a best friend, how would you word it?

Wanted: Middle aged woman with school-age and/or adult children who loves the Lord and her family, for friendship and encouragement. Must be trustworthy, have a sense of humor, and very forgiving. Offering likewise in return.

So, ready for your own five questions? Visit Mama M at My Little Life. Have a blessed weekend.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, April 27, 2011...

Outside my window...there are blue skies and warm breezes. And when I say warm I mean HOT! It's gonna be a really hot summer if this is the spring preview.

I am thinking...of all the changes going on, and the planning that it takes to execute everything efficiently.

I am thankful for...a forgiving God. He knows my short-comings and loves me anyway.

I am going...to Awana tonight.

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

I am hoping...we get some rain soon, to help cool us off.

I am praying for...the folks in Arkansas and the neighboring states experiencing all the storms and deadly tornadoes. Praying specifically for friends of mine in the area and for all the folks in general.

I am noticing...how different my floors look after they've been polished. It's like they're brand new.

From the learning rooms...FCAT's are done, praise the Lord! E got a C in science which had him pretty upset, but the rest of his grades are A's and B's. We're thankful he tries his best.

From the kitchen...tilapia today. Isn't it funny how the simplest meals are the most enjoyed?

I am reading...still on John, and Crazy Love. That book is full of conviction for me. I find it hard to read because I realize my faults, but also thankful that it points me closer to God. I finished She Walks in Beauty and absolutely loved it! It's a period piece, set in the gilded age, 1890's. If you like historically accurate reading, this is a great book to read.

On my mind...budgets!

Around the house...I got 5 loads of laundry done yesterday (after I was able to pick up laundry detergent). Today was filled with much activity.

One of my favorite things...good news, especially when it's unexpected!

A few plans for the rest of the week...E is going out with Daddy tomorrow; it's Take Your Child to Work day. Friday is his awards ceremony. It's also a visit from my daughter for the weekend which we're looking forward to! I haven't seen her in over a month, and I'm missing her dreadfully.

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

Words of Wisdom

Is God aloof from human pain

That ravages our mortal frame?

Oh, no, Christ felt our agony

When sin and death He overcame!

- D. De Haan

It's Good Friday. Do you know where your Savior is?

Five Question Friday

It's not just any Friday - today is Good Friday. Good for us. Good because Jesus chose to give His perfect life for my sinful one. What a wonderful gift! Thank You Lord for taking my place, I know I don't deserve it!

So, in keeping somewhat with the topic, here are my five answers to five questions:

1. What is your favorite Easter tradition?
We go to church early in the morning and celebrate the resurrection of Christ. And usually my youngest son will get a DVD. Last year it was Meet the Robinsons (I think). This year it's Mega-Mind (don't tell him!). We'll watch that after church.

2. Are you a "shower" or a "long, hot bath" kind of person?
Shower. I don't like sitting in standing water. I get the impression I'm swimming in my own body sweat and dirt. Yuck.

3. Can you parallel park and if so when is the last time you did it?
LOL!! I parallel parked when I took my driver's exam, and that's pretty much it. I've not seen many places in Florida where it's necessary to parallel park. In the 25 years I've been driving, I can probably count on one hand all the times I've had to parallel park, and that's just fine with me.

4. What is your favorite Easter candy?
Anything containing chocolate and nothing with marshmallows. Need I be more specific?

5. Easter: do you go all out with the Easter Bunny or focus on the religious part of the holiday?
I'm not fond of the word Easter. I like to call it Resurrection Sunday. There is no Easter bunny that visits our house. My children would get baskets from family members when they were little, but they knew who'd bought them. I know many people, Christians included, who like the bunny and egg aspect of the day, but I refuse to belittle the most important day in history by taking the focus off of Jesus. Now, I need to work on Santa...

Hey, head on over to Mama M's at My Little Life for your own Friday Five, and have a blessed weekend. He Is Risen!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, April 19, 2011...

Outside my window...the sun is blazing yet again, and spring has long left us. It's gonna be a scorcher of a summer!

I am thinking...of this Friday, which is Good Friday, a day to remember the greatest love of all.

I am thankful...for the sacrifice my Savior made for me.

I am going...to have Bible time with my son in a few minutes.

I am wearing...a white top with burgundy and black paisley design, burgundy skirt and brown flip-flops.

From the learning rooms...my son is taking his science FCAT's today and tomorrow. He says part one was really hard. I hope it gets easier tomorrow.

From the kitchen...tuna salad sandwiches. We kept it simple today.

I am creating...organized chaos in the garage.

I am reading...the book of John (specifically chapter 16), Craving God (a devotional), and She Walks in Beauty.

On my mind...my daughter, who finishes the school semester in 2 weeks but has tons to get done before then.

Around the house...much activity going on.

One of my favorite things...thunderstorms (but only when I'm inside the house!)

A few plans for the rest of the week...Friday is my hubby's birthday, so we'll be taking him out to eat. Thankfully there's no school that day. Awana on Wednesday, church on Friday afternoon, and Resurrection Sunday services. He is Risen!!!

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

Friend Makin' Monday

I'm doing pretty good catching up on my Monday posts, aren't I? I know, I know. But I couldn't pass this one up. It's about grocery shopping, one of my favorite pasttimes!

1. Do you make a list when you go grocery shopping? Do you stick to it?
I definitely shop with a list, or else I'll forget half the stuff I need. There are items I don't write down that I'll pick up because they're staples in my house (yogurt covered raisins, for instance). And if there's a good sale I might stock up. Otherwise, I stick to the list.

2. Do you buy more groceries when you're hungry?
Yes, which is why I try my best to go shopping right after lunch. My tummy is full, and walking around the store is good exercise.

3. Coupons. Use 'em?
I'm starting to again, but only on things that are on my list. I stopped using them for a time, a) because I started using more store brands, and b) because I used it as an excuse to buy things I didn't need. "It's okay, I've got a coupon!" No more of that. If it's not something I typically buy, I'm not clipping.

4. Have you ever complained to the manager of your grocery store?
I've tried to complain at Wal-mart, but alas, the manager is NEVER there when a customer is looking for one, especially if it's to complain. How convenient.

5. Do you like to buy groceries at huge chain stores like Wal-Mart and Target? Or do you shop exclusively at food stores?
Both. Wait, no. I shop at Wal-Mart but do not LIKE to. I go there to purchase items that aren't on sale at my local Winn-Dixie. I used to do all my shopping at Wal-Mart (the whole one-stop shopping thing appealed to me) but they began cutting alot of the brands I like. Plus, Winn-Dixie started having really good sales with prices lower than Wal-Mart, and it's closer to my house so I save on gas too. Target is good but the really nice Super Target is farther from me, and again, gas prices are too ridiculous to be going out that far for groceries.

6. How much time do you spend reading labels in the grocery store?
I only read labels on stuff I've never bought before, which is rare.

7. Do you push your own grocery cart to the car and return it?
Yes! Nothing annoys me like people leaving their carts in the middle of the parking lot. These are the same people who will later complain because their car got dinged. Put the shopping carts back and avoid that for everyone!

8. What is the one food item you always buy at the grocery store that you must have in the kitchen?
Well, there's those yogurt covered raisins I love so much :). I eat them everyday. Sooo good!

9. Do you enjoy grocery shopping?
For the most part, yes. So long as I go when the store isn't crowded. I hate going grocery shopping on the weekends. It's like I can't breathe with all that foot traffic. I go early in the mornings or right after lunch on a weekday, and it is quite pleasant.

10. How often do you shop for groceries?
Once a week, for the week. I buy bulk items once a month, meats every other week, and replenishment items on Fridays.

Now it's your turn! Visit Kenz at All The Weigh with your grocery trends!