The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 16, 2009

For today...

Outside my window...Cloudy, but it's suppose to be in the 60's so I'll take it.

I am thinking...about my To Do list for the week. It includes finally finishing Jamison's room (now that I'm feeling better!), starting Caleb's room, working in the yard and cleaning.

I am thankful for...nice weather. The day yesterday was so beautiful and we enjoyed every minute. We played outside and even got to clean up some of the yard! It makes me want spring to be here right now.

From the kitchen... it's gone now, but macaroni and cheese. Yesterday we went to Rondell's mom's for dinner and I made macaroni and cheese. It was one of my better ones, I must say...could be the reason that it's all gone!

I am wearing...grey and black.

I am reading...the Bible. I'm doing 3 studies at the moment and so a lot of my reading comes from here.

I am hoping...to get everything done on my To Do list.

I am creating...labels for Jamison's new containers. I have to go with Plan B because I couldn't find the materials for this project. Bummer.

Around the house...things are coming together organization wise. I'm very excited!

One of my favorite things...days like yesterday. Spending time outside, letting the house air out, having a good meal...I love days like that.

A few plans for the rest of the week...To Do list (do you see a theme, I'm getting things done!)

What's on your mind? Tell us!

Yeah! Friend Makin' Monday

I'm so excited...Friend Makin' Monday is back! OK, I'm dramatic...but I'm happy to participate and that Kasey is back and all is OK with her. Stop on over to her blog and play along.

This week she's given us some questions to answer that she received through a tag. Here it goes:

What is your blogger name? Kelli

When is your birthday? November 8...mark your calendars!

How long have you been blogging? Since January 2007, but steadily since June 2008.

Who tagged you? Kasey from All That is Good.

Tell me your five most favorite body parts. Really...five? 1. My eyes 2. My hair (is this a body part?) 3. My hands (not right now though because the winter has killed them) 4. My teeth (or smile) 5. My ears (not too big, not too small...)

What do you wish most for your birthday? To get together with friends with yummy appetizers and thoughtful gifts...Ron are you reading this????

What color are you nails right now? They are bare.

Have you had any depressing thoughts lately? Yes, but trying to conquer them!

What’s your plan for the next month? Oh wow...clean out the yard, finish organizing the house (I see a light at the end of the tunnel!), start walking (Mommy and I start tomorrow!)

At what age did you have your first crush? Michael Hudson...third grade.

Have you attended any school reunions? Nope.

Have you ever passed gas in public and pretended like you didn’t smell anything? Yes! How embarrassing, but sometimes you just can't help it.

Are you a clean freak? I'm a clean freak at heart but I don't always follow through. I'm working on it because messes drive me crazy.

What era do you wish you were born in? I'm pretty pleased with the one I got thanks!

Are you a vegetarian? What...and give up steak and burgers? Are you crazy???

How many pillows do you sleep with at night? I have to sleep with two, one that's really firm and then one on top that I can form to fit under me.

Are you a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Light when it comes to the noises of the kids, but heavy when it comes to other things. Is that normal? (Yes, Kasey that's normal!)

Do you secretly wear granny panties when your man is not around? I wear cute granny panties, ones with patterns, but comfortable.

What is your ultimate dream job? Still trying to figure that one out!

What does your husband do that annoys you the most? He's ssslllloooowwww.

What is your dream car? I'm driving it...Honda Odyssey.

Do you wake up easily in the morning? I'd have to say no because I love my sleep.

Do you like hairy men? I like my hairy man! He maintains it well.

How about a man with a goatee? I like one that is closely shaven.

Which would you prefer: a two-hour spa massage, a two-hour Thai massage, or a two-hour foot massage? None, I'm not big on massages (something about getting naked in front of a stranger) and I just can't imagine someone massaging my feet for two hours...that just seems long.

Have you ever wished you had a different name? If so, what name? No, I like my name.

What is the most extreme sport you have ever done? Para sailing.

Do you prefer traveling in Europe or Asia? I don't know, I've never done either.

What is your favorite food? Mexican.

What is your most embarrassing moment while out on a date? I didn't really date, so I don't have a story. I'll have to ask Rondell that one. Maybe the time when it was right before Rondell and I started seeing each other, my cousin set me up on a blind date for Sweetest Day. Come to find out Rondell had bought me a card and roses, but couldn't give them to me since I was out with another date. I felt bad and embarrassed!

You can just copy and paste my questions and answers onto your blog and then erase my answers and fill in your own!

Do You Miss Me?

I'm sorry I've been out of touch a little. I've been under the weather and just foggy. I've kept up with other blogs but just haven't had the creativity to do anything with mine. I have one more thing to do in Jamison's room...it got delayed because of my illness. I know you are all sitting on the edge of your seats (don't fall!). Soon!

Wordless Wednesday - Spring is Coming

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 9

For today...

Outside my window...is dark. Since daylight savings time happened this weekend it's darker in the morning now. Makes it a little harder to wake up.

I am thinking...about how wonderful my retreat was.

I am thankful for...my friend Sara who initiated the conversation about going to the retreat. I don't know that I would have gone by myself.

From the kitchen...This week Rondell wants steak and macaroni and cheese...yum. I also have a ton of cookies after going to the Cheryl & Co. sale.

I am wearing...Black (it was the first thing I grabbed this morning).

I am reading...I am working hard to finish Your Money Counts. It has some very interesting Biblical points about money and is a good way to start our Crown study.

I am hoping...to reread the notes from the retreat and go over the verses that she discussed.

I am creating...this week I tackle the craft of Jamison's letters. I've never done it before so this should be interesting (any tips?).

Around the house...still in transition.

One of my favorite things...Family time. We had a great day yesterday as a family and I wouldn't trade that for anything.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Finish Jamison's room and start on Caleb's room. We start our Crown study this week too and I'm looking forward to it.

Here's a picture I'm sharing with you...Relaxation.

To join in on the journaling go here!

What a Weekend!

I can say enough good things about this weekend. The main highlight was attending my church's Women's Spring Retreat. The speaker for the retreat was Dr. Tammy Smith. I really didn't know what to expect from the retreat, having never been on one before. I had not heard of Tammy Smith before, so I didn't know what kind of speaker she was. You know how there are people who are speakers but when you hear them they sound like the teacher's voice on Peanuts (you know the voice!). Well not Tammy. She blew me away.

She had the main focus of getting deep within and figuring out the lies that are affecting you (you know the ones that Satan knows about and reminds you of over and over again, making you feel this big) and getting rid of them (using God's Word and the Holy Spirit). She talked a lot about us being in a spiritual war and gave us tools to help us fight that war.

I took away so much from this retreat. I bonded with some girlfriends, but mostly I bonded with God, realizing how much He loves me, how worthy I am, and where my focus should be. If you ever have a chance to listen to her (she's based in Ohio and Texas, but I know she travels other places) go for it...she's amazing.

Here are some pictures of the weekend (please excuse the red eye and the glare on my glasses):

Here we are: Sabrina (she was my roomie...oh and the place where we stayed was SO nice), Angela, Sara and me.

Here's me and Angela (Anglea and I???). Angela is new to our small group and I've really enjoyed getting to know her. She is a sweet person.

Sabrina, Sara and me. Sara is the wife of Elliott, who is the leader of our small group. Sabrina has been in our group for a while. Both ladies and strong in the Word and have sincere hearts.

Getting ready to leave (I know the pictures are backwards but that's how they loaded).

I'm grateful to Rondell for taking time off to allow me this overnight. It uplifted me!

*************************************************************************************

Shortly after I got back I had a date with my friend Jodie. We had plans to go to Hobby Lobby and then have Chipotle. We don't get a chance to get together too often because of schedules so it was nice to hang with her...and she forgave me for all of my yawning (I stayed up a little late).

We also hit up the biggest cookie sale I've ever seen. Jodie got an email about Cheryl & Co. having a major sale and so we decided to go (you know because we were going to need dessert). I was thinking that we were going to a Cheryl & Co. store but it ended up being an empty grocery store and they had boxes and boxes of cookies...super cheap. You could only buy the cookies by the cases but for example, I got a box of 21 for only $10...and if you know about Cheryl & Co. cookies, you know that is a steal. They had a bunch of other stuff too...toys, pastry, chocolate, etc. The place was wild and filled with people, but the process was very smooth and well done. We walked away happy!

Today we were able to grill out...it was 70 degrees! I love a good burger on the grill. Mommy came over and I made her famous deviled eggs. She approved of them...score! It was a great end to a great weekend. What did you all do? Did you remember to set your clocks forward?

***Oh, and the reveal is scheduled for Thursday. I hope I'm not hyping it up too much, it's cute so far but not drastic. I just have to make these labels for the new containers and then paint her letters (anyone have any tips about hanging them with ribbon...I'm going to glue the ribbon to he back of the letters). I have a trip planned to Michaels tomorrow.

Coming Soon...

I'm very excited! Tonight I'm going on my first Women's Retreat with a few ladies from my Small Group. I've never been to a retreat before and I'm really looking forward to bonding and focusing on God.

So, when I get back I'll share the details of the overnight with you. And, Jamison's room is almost done so the "big reveal" will be early next week.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the nicer weather !

I'd Like to Thank the Academy...

Ok, really, I'd like to thank Tanielle for this award! This award is for turning lemons into lemonade, trying to stay positive and see the glass as half full. So, thanks Tanielle...my natural personality is upbeat and happy and I'm glad it's coming across through blogland.

Here are the rules for the award:
1) Put the logo on your blog or post.
2) Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude.
3) Link to your nominees within your post.
4) Let the nominees know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5) Share the love and link to the person from who you received your award.I have so many blogs that I love to read... here are a few I give the award to...

Meredith...Therapeutic Ramblings of a Mom

Jodie...My 3 Little Schwadlings

Summer...Source of Winsome

Ms. Tee...Delightful Home

Sarah...Clover Lane

Amy...The Mommy Chronicles

JoAnn...This Southern Girl's Nest

Carrie...Buzzings of a Queen Bee

Brittany...Mommee & Her Boys

Jamie...The Blissfully Happy Housewife

200th Post!!!

I can't believe that this is my 200th post. This blog has been such an adventure, one that I have truly enjoyed. I have made new "friends" and gotten a lot of encouragement and motivation. I thank you all who have been reading all along and those of you who have recently tuned in. I hope I keep your interest while documenting things about me and my family.

I honor of my 200th post I decided to interview Jamison about me. I've seen this going around on other blogs and on Facebook so I thought it would be fun to do for this post.

What is something Mommy always says to you?
Be a good listener.

What makes Mommy happy?
Being nice.

What makes Mommy sad?
Talking back.

How does Mommy make you laugh?
By telling funny jokes.

What was Mommy like as a child?
I don't know.

How old is Mommy?
I don't know...how old are you?

How tall is Mommy?
Like that tall (touching my head).

What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?
Go to work (she doesn't know me at all!).

What does Mommy do when you're not around?
Be sad.

If Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
Bringing the unicorn that I made for you to work (I guess because I'd be the mother of a famous artist).

What is Mommy really good at?
Making breakfast.

What is Mommy not very good at?
Making oatmeal (so true!).

What does Mommy do for her job?
Be a good listener.

What is Mommy's favorite food?
Pancakes (nope, pizza).

What makes Mommy proud of you?
Being good & staying on green at school (that means she had good behavior...green, yellow, red system).

If Mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Dora.

What do you and Mommy do together?
Eat dinner.

How are you and Mommy the same?
Same skin.

How are you and Mommy different?
You have a TV downstairs and in your room and I don't have one.

How do you know Mommy loves you?
By giving me hugs.

Where is Mommy's favorite place to go?
To your job (again, doesn't know me at all).

What would your kids say about you?

Kimm's GiveAWay

Head on over to Kimm's blog. She took a piece of "trash" (Goodwill find) and made it into a chalkboard. Genius! She's having a new series on Tuesdays called Trashed to Treasure. Check her out.

She's also having a giveaway, so I want you to go there because I want to support her but then I don't want you to go because I want to win!

Now That's What I Call A Life Verse...

But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it. Numbers 14:24

I've been saved for a number of years and know a lot of the main principles of the Bible, but I've only recently started studying the Bible (through BSF...I know I talk about it a lot but it's that good!). This year we are studying the life of Moses. Old Testament stories are truly a mystery to me. I mean I know about Adam and Eve and Noah and the Ark, but for the most part the stories in the OT are all new for me. So, I had no clue that there was a great individual by the name of Caleb in the book of Numbers.

See, my Caleb was named after Rondell's dad. I think maybe at some point a person mentioned that it is a Biblical name but that didn't stick with me.

So, I'm studying Numbers and I get to the section that talks about Caleb and how he stood up for God's principles against the other leaders of the tribes. WOW! So, I read the verse mentioned above and thought how cool of a life verse for Caleb. Of course, for him it my change over time but for now my plan is to creatively print it off and hang it in his room. I'll show you the finished product when it's done.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 2

For Today...

Outside my window...There is snow on the ground. I was not happy when I walked out the door and saw it. I know that others have more but I'm ready for spring so snow was not what I was looking for this morning.

I am thinking...of what to buy at Hobby Lobby for Jamison's room. I want to do letters for her wall that spell her name so I'm hoping that someone at the store can help me.

I am thankful for...quality time with Jamison this past weekend.

From the kitchen...Mondays are bad for this one because I have BSF and don't usually cook on Mondays. But yesterday I did make my cabbage and noodles so there are leftovers!

I am wearing...a green sweater and my usual black pants. I love this green sweater. Brings out my eyes!

I am reading...too much! I decided that I was trying to take on too much reading and so I've decided to cut back and concentrate on my study of Moses (which is so great!) and the new Crown financial study that Rondell and I are doing together. Then over the summer I can get back into my books!

I am hoping...to get Jamison's room mostly done by the end of this week.

I am creating...an art station in Jamison's room (do you notice a theme).

Around the house...things are getting more organized and I'm coming up with ideas of places for everything. I need to start carrying a notebook with me at all times around the house to write down my ideas.

One of my favorite things...Fresh flowers and potted plants. I'm working on my green thumb, wish me luck.

A few plans for the rest of the week...work on the house some more. I'd like to have it all done by the time that spring really hits, so this will be a theme for me for the next few weeks.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing with you...Spring is almost here!

What are your thoughts for today...go here to participate.

Happy Birthday to Her!

Stop over and wish my friend Brittany a Happy Birthday. Tell her I sent you...you'll see why.

Friend Makin' Monday

It's that time again. Wanna be my friend? Kasey has a really good question today:

If you had $1000 dollars, and a baby sitter for a period of 24 hours what would you do?

My instinct was to say that Rondell and I would run off to Destin...but then I realized the 24 hours time limit wouldn't allow for that so I had to really think about it:

First, I'd go to breakfast, just me and Rondell. Probably Bob Evans (if this was real dreamland there'd be an IHOP around the corner and I'd go there!).

Then, I'd send Rondell home so that he could have some him-time...and I'd be off to the scrapbook store. I really want to start a Destin (do you see a theme here?) scrapbook for each time that we go, so I'd go and get all of the materials needed and take a few hours to work on it. Ahhh...that sounds so relaxing.

Then, honestly....I'd probably take a nap.

Then, I'd get up and Rondell and I would hit up Easton (it's an outside/inside shopping area here in Columbus.) First, we'd go to the Container Store and I'd buy more things needed to organize my home. I could go crazy there! Then, we'd go to Abuelo's for dinner and Don Pablo's for dessert (I love their fried ice cream).

Finally, we'd end up at the Hilton where we'd sleep and not have to worry about Caleb waking up in the middle of the night or Jamison crawling into our bed. Once we got up we'd have Panera for breakfast (because the Panera at Easton has the BEST bagels...don't know why).

How would you spend your 24 hours. Join us!

Baby Steps

This organizing project is taking me longer than expected. I'm leaning on God for patience because I have the tendency to want it all...NOW. But these things take time. I got most of her bookshelf cleaned off (just not the top, which has a few piles...like how I conveniently left it out of the picture!). I pulled off all of the books that were either damaged beyond repair or too young for her. I decided to leave her puzzle where they are on the top shelf for easy access for her and not so much for Caleb.

I still need to think of some things for the shelves that are empty. Any suggestions?

Here's the basket of stuff that will go to Caleb's room (that's the next organization project):

And that's all I've done so far. I have piles right now: one of things to throw away, one of things that I might give to Caleb and a pile of things that I may donate.

I have decided that I'd like to do a board in her room so that she can put up pictures of her friends and art that she does or art that her friends give her. You know those boards have ribbon in Xs where you put things and don't have to use tacks? So I'll be on the hunt for that this week and the letters for her name.

I did also clean out my kids' cabinet...you know the one that has their plates and cups and snacks. I don't have a before picture because I didn't know I was going to do it until I was in the middle. You know how that happens, something falls out and you get frustrated that the cabinet is so stuffed that you end up pulling everything out and organizing. That's what happened to me today. Here's the end result (which only took about 10 minutes!):

I do have a plan to have a cuter snack container (see my boring one up at the top on the right?). I'd like to have a container where I can use rub-ons that say "Snacks." But I'm not to the kitchen yet...I say that to remind myself...to think of Jamison's room right now! Patience!