The Simple Woman's Daybook - Weekend Joy

For today...

Outside my window...SUNNY!  It looks like it's going to be our only sunny day this week so I'm going to soak up every minute :)  I'm grateful that my office space has a window.

I am thinking...about my wonderful weekend.  It was relaxing, productive, sunny, and time well spent with friends...some of my favorite things.

I am thankful...for all of the wonderful help I had on Saturday when I picked up Girl Scout cookies for Jamison's entire troop.  Five moms and their girls all made the time to come over and help sort and organize.  I felt such a wonderful sense of community and it made the task easy to manage.

**This is a fraction of the delivery...there's plenty more on the other side of my dining area**

In the kitchen...Rondell made his famous (to me) chili.  It is absolutely delicious!  We also recently purchased glass containers to store our food in and over this next week we are planning on getting rid of all of our plastic containers.  I am so excited about that...I guess it's the little things.

I am wearing...my favorite long sleeve shirt.  It's charcoal gray...one of my secondary favorite colors (along with orange).

I am going...to become a co-leader for Jamison's Girl Scout troop.  This is something I never thought I would do but it is becoming more of an interest of mine and I'm so grateful that I am able to help.

I am wondering...about this blog and where I'm going with it.  Most days I have nothing, but at the same time I miss it.  I also realize that I don't take enough pictures...and what's a blog post without pictures.  I really need to pray about whether or not to continue.  In a lot of ways it keeps me connected to those precious friends who I've met through blogging, but I'm wondering if now we can also be connecting in other ways...emails, texts, letters.  I'm not sure...

I am reading... Unglued and it is fantastic so far.  I see it being placed in my 'must read again and again' pile.

I am looking forward to...Spring Break!

Around the house...it's filled with Girl Scout cookies.  It is going to take a while to get all of Jamison's boxes sorted and delivered.

One of my favorite things...snail mail.  I'm working on getting into the habit of sending 'just because' mail because it's a little forgotten.  How fun to open your mailbox to find a little token of someone's appreciation. I love it and plan to do it more often.  I sent out a few last week :)

A few plans for the rest of the week...library, cleaning Jamison's room, reading to Caleb's class and spending less time checking my phone ;)

a link up

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today...

Outside my window...sunshine!  I can't tell you how much sunshine brings me JOY :)

I am thinking...still about friendships.  I'll have to elaborate about that one day.

I am thankful...for today's sunshine.

In the kitchen...busted!  I have no meals planned for this week.  Our weekend got away from us and we didn't even go to the store.  I think Rondell and I will do some fast planning tonight.

I am creating...cards for a few people who have ordered them from me.

I am going...to BSF tonight.  It was cancelled last week due to weather.  This year will be my last year for a while, as the upcoming studies are ones that I have done before.  It will be strange not going there on Monday nights next year.

I am reading...Safe Haven!  This book is really good...you should read it.  I always have to read the book before seeing the movie...anyone else like that?

I am hoping...that Spring arrives sooner than later.

I am looking forward to...reading my book tonight after BSF...always a sign of a good book.

I am learning...that my security is in Him and Him alone.  It's a daily struggle.

Around the house...there's a new basketball hoop in our driveway.  Hopefully there will be time to break it in a little this week.

A favorite quote for today...'I have to make the choice every day to invite God's Spirit to interrupt my fleshly tendencies so that I can have gentle answers that turn away wrath.'  This is from an article written by Lysa TerKeurst that my friend Angie sent to me.  Definitely pondering these words today.

One of my favorite things...Twizzlers.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Finish up Valentine's Day prep, continue to purge my home, finish my book, volunteer in Jamison's class, and parent/teacher conferences.

Happy Monday :)

a link up

The Simple Woman's Daybook...Returns

One of my favorite posts when I was blogging regularly was The Simple Woman's Daybook.  As I ease back into the blogging world I'm going to start with comfort...and these posts are comfort for me.

Happy Monday!

For Today:

Outside my window...it's overcast and cold!  This year we are having a normal winter, but because we did not have one last year (I think it may have snowed once) I think everyone's system is in shock.  I must admit that I'll be one happy camper once Spring arrives.

I am thinking...about friendships.

I am thankful...that my mom came over last night to watch the Super Bowl with us.  She's a huge football fan (as is Rondell), so it was nice for Ron to have someone to talk stats with.  I enjoy the game, but I don't get into all of the details.  Plus last night I had to enter all of the Girl Scout cookie orders for Jamison's troop, so I didn't see much of the game (sniff...I wanted San Fran to win!).

In the kitchen...Rondell cooked up a spread!

Chicken for our Chicken Sliders

I'm good for saying to Rondell "ooh, look what recipe I found.  Doesn't that look good?"  Hooks him every time.  On Saturday I showed him this recipe from the Pioneer Woman's blog and he instantly made plans to make it for the Super Bowl.  He had four flavors...Italian, BBQ, Asian, and mojito lime (my favorite).  I'm so blessed to have a man who loves to cook.

I am wearing...yellow!  I love it.

I am going...to the post office tomorrow to mail some cards my friend's mom ordered and a little something for a sweet friend.

I am reading...nothing.  I have been quite the slacker when it comes to reading lately.  There are a couple of books on my nightstand that I'd like to read, but I haven't made the time...I need to do that.  Do any of you have any good suggestions.  

I am looking forward to...taking Jamison to a play in a few weeks.  One of our local high schools is putting on The Little Mermaid...it should be a lot of fun.

I am learning...that I need to give my kids much more grace.

Around the house...is really in the need of maintaining.  Emotions have been a wreck, the house is in disarray, and things on the To Do list need to be check off.  

One of my favorite things...supportive teachers.  Jamison has been having some emotional meltdown issues at school again and her teachers have been amazing in trying to help her resolve this challenge that she faces.  It's always comforting to know that my kids are being cared for by people who truly care about them.

A few plans for the rest of the week...spend time reading to my kids (Caleb and I started the Magic Treehouse series), clean (I was under the weather last week and so my chores suffered), work through my fear of my sewing machine and maybe attempt to sew on Jamison's Girl Scout patches, witness one of my friends become and American citizen, and clean :)

I hope you all have a wonderful week.

If you want to post a Daybook entry, join in here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Tuesday, December 13, 2011

1.  Outside my window...sunny, blue skies & COLD.  Cold or no cold, I will take the sun any day :)

This is not a picture of this morning, but the sky looked exactly the same...gorgeous.

I am thinking...about my day and the little things that I want to accomplish.

I am thankful...for friends who can relate to me.  Sometimes it's a good feeling to know that I'm not the only one who (fill in the blank).

In the kitchen...Yesterday I was off and made dinner for last night and tonight...taco bake & cabbage/noodles/kielbasa.

I am wearing...earrings.  I don't wear them often enough...I have gotten so many compliments :)

I am creating...my Christmas cards.  I don't think I have ever been this behind...it's going to be a crazy few nights.

I am going...to Jamison's choir performance tomorrow night, where...wait for it...she has a SOLO!!

I am wondering...what to make for our Christmas Eve gathering...appetizers or a full meal?

I am reading...the book of Hebrews.  We recently covered this book in BSF but over the break (BSF takes off for Christmas) I want to read it again...there is so much to ponder within those 13 chapters.

I am hoping...to have my entire house deep cleaned before Christmas (I don't know how realistic this is).

I am looking forward to...Christmas morning.

Around the house...disorder...I don't like disorder.

One of my favorite things...my BSF discussion group.

A few plans for the rest of the week...watch the new NCIS with my mom, attend a cookie party tomorrow (we're making those jars where you add the ingredients of the cookies), make my Christmas cards & catch up on shows that Rondell & I have on our DVR.

If you want to share your day go here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, April 4, 2011

For today...

Outside my window...cloudy...BUT it's almost 70 degrees.  I'll take that any day.

I am thinking...about what I'm going to do with the kids tomorrow.  Jamison is on Spring Break and I don't have anyone to watch her so I'm going to stay home.  It's not going to be as warm tomorrow but we may try and go to the park anyways.

I am thankful for...friends who have offered to include Jamison in their plans this week.  It will be nice for her to be able to get out and do some things instead of being at home all day.

 

In the kitchen...cheeseburger pie and chicken tetrazzini so far.  I really want to make some cookies but Rondell gave up sweets for Lent and so I think that would be cruel...I'm kinda nice like that :)

I am wearing...my favorite gray top...it's so comfortable and cute.

I am creating...our Destin To Do and packing list.  I have some tips to share with you this week about planning for a road trip.

I am going...to enjoy my day off with the kids.  Even if we don't do anything outdoors it will be nice to just hang out with them for a day.

I am reading...Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua still.  I'm almost done with it and I'm amazed by the views she has on Western parents.  I'm pretty certain I'm not a Tiger Mother.  

Around the house...I still have more cleaning to do.  I got a lot done in the kitchen this weekend, but I do have more things to do.  Spring Cleaning is more than just cleaning...there's a lot of planning.  Where do I want this to go...what will work best here...etc.  I did a lot of staring at the cabinets trying to figure out the best system.  I can't wait until it's all done.  Next up is the living/dining room.

One of my favorite things...reading with Jamison.  Last night we were reading in her Jesus Storybook Bible and had such a great time and wonderful discussions.

What's in your daybook?

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, March 28, 2011

For today...

Outside my window...Blue skies and cold, cold.  While I'm still annoyed with the cold weather I'm very grateful to have the sun shining.

 

I am thinking...that it has been a really long time since I've done this post and I've kind of missed it.  I need to find a way to incorporate it maybe on a different day or with my miscellany monday posts because I love those too.

I am thankful for...the fact that Rondell's mandatory is overtime is over.  He has had to work both weekend days for the last three weeks.  It will be nice to have him home this weekend :)

 

From the kitchen...baked ziti and potato soup.  I made both last night so we'd have dinner and lunch for a few days.  Once again too, Rondell packed up some ziti for me to take to work this morning and it was so nice...so easy.  Thanks Ron.

I think we're also going to have chicken club wrap and pigs in a blanket...simple.

I am wearing...long sleeves because it is cold outside.  I can't wait for shorts weather.

I am creating...new cards with more embellishments.  I'll be sure to share with you once I start playing around some more.  I'm also thinking of opening an etsy shop for my cards, but I have to see what all goes into it.

I am going...straight home to pick up Jamison for Girl Scouts and then to Bible Study...well, after work.

I am reading...Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua.  It's a book my step-mother let me borrow about a Chinese mother and how she raises her children in comparison to mothers in the US.  It's very interesting and thought provoking.

Around the house...it's Spring cleaning season.  This week I will be tackling the kitchen...washing cabinets, cleaning off the microwave stand, cleaning out the fridge and freezer, pulling out the food in the cabinet and rearranging, etc.

One of my favorite things...open windows.  I love to have fresh air entering our home!

Share what's in your book here.

The Simple Woman's Eveningbook - Monday, July 5, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...dark and warm. We went to Cleveland today so I'm just now getting a chance to do my Monday post.

I am thinking...about the WONDERFUL 4th of July weekend that we had.

Gorgeous weather...check.

First up...the 4th of July Parade:

The kids were excited...and hot.

Gotta get the chairs ready...I love these little chairs. This one is my friend Amber's son's chair...Go Bucks!

Lyndsey and I getting our cameras ready!

Gotta get the perfect spot.

Here come the fire trucks...let the parade begin.

What's a parade without the clowns?

Caleb...I never did figure out why he was so mesmerized.

Next up...Food, Fun & Fireworks:

Got to hang out with lots of friends, including these two lovely ladies...Marja and Kim. Marja has been my friend for years, one of my best friends, and Kim & I met through blogging and realized we attend the same church...she's the sweetest!

Marja & Mila getting ready for the fireworks.

Mila & Jamison waiting some more for the fireworks...that was the hardest part of the evening, waiting for them to start. But, once they did...

Day Two took us to our friends Jason and Angela's for a cookout and a dip in the pool:

Then we headed to my in-laws to hang out with family and see the newest member of the clan...baby Quincy!

Day Three took us to Cleveland to see some of our favorite people:

We stopped by to say hello to my homie Kristina. We've been friends since the 3rd grade and I love her like a sister! The kids liked being there because Miss Linda gave them Popsicles.

We also got to see my dear friend Tanysha and her family. They were in town from Georgia and she asked us to come up and see them. Tanysha is another friend who is just like a sister to me.

Here are Caleb and Tanysha's son Marcus.

We also got to surprise these two:

My dad and Renee had no idea we were coming!

I am praying...still to be able to adjust to our new schedule. We've been pretty busy lately and I'm praying that this week we can sit down and figure out a good system. Order just helps me function...it just does.

I am reading...nothing. Same as last week, I haven't made the time. I have a book on reserve by James Patterson that I'm going to pick up tomorrow. I'm determined to get some reading done this week...I miss it.

From the kitchen...I haven't even thought about meals for this week!

A few plans for the rest of the week...Well since I got nothing productive done this weekend (but well worth it I must say...we had a GREAT weekend) I plan on tackling my To Do list and figuring out a good routine for us for the summer.

Tell me about you...here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, June 28, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...rain. It is supposed to rain all day and then the rest of the week is supposed to be sunny with cooler temps. It was really hot this weekend so it was nice to be able to go to the Spray Park on Saturday and then swimming at my mom's on Sunday...thanks Mommy.

I am thinking...about my first Stampin Up workshop and all of the things that need to be done to prepare. I'm really nervous about it and I hope to have a descent turn out.

I am praying...for my children to adjust well to our new schedule...Caleb had a bit of a rough morning.

I am thankful...for God's grace. I need to work on keeping that knowledge in my heart as well as in my head.

I am reading...nothing, it feels like. I just haven't had much time to read over the past week or so. I'm sure that once our new routine is settled (which I know I keep talking about but it is a big change for us now that my aunt is gone) I'll have more time for reading. I miss it!

I am creating...cards. I made this one for my up-line:

I used a set from the SU! Summer Mini catalog called Bouquet Bunch. I absolutely love it because it has so many possibilities.

From the kitchen...baked ziti, a new pizza bake recipe that I got from a co-worker and I'm going to try and make hummus.

A few plans for the rest of the week...my To Do list for the week, go see Eclipse with my friends Lyndsey and Amber (I just watched New Moon), and have a fun-filled Saturday with a 4th of July parade and our church's Food, Fun & Fireworks event.

It's your turn to share...here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, June 21, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...sunny and warm...this afternoon it will be close to 90.

I am thinking...about my To Do list. I'm trying to plan out when I'm going to do each item so that I can be successful this week.

I am praying...for FOCUS. It is my word for 2010 (here) and I need to make sure that I'm focusing (ha, ha) on it.

I am thankful...that our God-daughter Jewel called Rondell yesterday to wish him a Happy Father's Day. It was so nice to talk to her since we've kind of lost touch over the years. We realized that we don't live too far from one another and she and her mom are going to stop by tomorrow...we are excited!

Pondering these words... Caleb: "Ooh Mommy (looking at the skirt I had on), you look like Sleeping Beauty." I just love him.

I am reading...the same as last week...Isaiah and Bitter is the New Black. Things are starting to slow down so I should have more time to read this week.

From the kitchen...key lime pie! It was so easy and so tasty. Here's what I did:

Mix 1/2 cup of key lime juice (I found it in the juice aisle), 3 egg yolks, and a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk.
Add to graham cracker pie crust (store bought).
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
Let cool and refrigerate.
Simple and delicious!

A few plans for the rest of the week...see my God-daughter tomorrow, work on my To Do list, make a few magnets (I'm still missing some months from the time I made them here), and go see Toy Story 3 with Ron and the kids.

What about you...what's in your daybook?

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, June 14, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...partly cloudy. We have had a lot of rain lately and are expecting to get more this week.

I am thinking...about something fun to have for dinner tomorrow...it's my anniversary (8 years!).

I am praying...for obedience, less distraction, and for my children to have a healthy and fun (and potty trained!!!) summer.

I am thankful...that for almost 7 years my aunt took excellent care of my children. Her last day was Friday and she will be truly missed.

I am reading...Isaiah still. I'm trying not to get discouraged because it is VERY confusing. I just have to remember that I have the study coming up and then some questions will be answered.

I'm also still reading Bitter is the New Black. Funny!

From the kitchen...chicken tetrazzini (we didn't get to this last week) and I think I'm going to try and make a key lime pie for Rondell (his birthday is Saturday).

A few plans for the rest of the week...hang with Rondell tomorrow for our anniversary, shop for a baby gift for my cousin, shop for items for my Schools-Out-For-Summer Bash, and celebrate Rondell this weekend...so if you're keeping track, that's our anniversary tomorrow, Rondell's birthday Saturday and Father's Day Sunday. This is always a fulfilling week for us.

What's in your daybook?

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, June 7, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...Cloudy. The temperature (or degrees...hi mom) is cooling down, but it's supposed to heat back up by the weekend. It's nice to be able to turn off the air for a couple of days...I love fresh air!

I am thinking...about some items I'm putting together as a gift for Jamison's teacher. She's going camping this summer so I'm going with that theme. My good blog friend Vivienne gave me some great ideas (you really should check out her camping posts...almost makes me want to go).

I am praying...for a fun, safe, productive and pull up-free summer.

I am thankful...for blog friends who checked in on me (hi Joanna and Viv!).

I am wearing...lime green. I'm trying to wear more color.

I am reading...Isaiah...and I must say that I'm SO glad that it is being covered by BSF because I am beyond confused. So far, I'm getting that God is really mad at Israel. Whew!

I also borrowed Bitter is the New Black from the library because I hear it's good. Not a huge fan of the language, but it is pretty funny so far.

From the kitchen...Breakfast for dinner (including bacon, which is Caleb's favorite), chicken tetrazzini (what can I say, we love it), cabbage & noodles (click here for the recipe) and hamburgers on the grill.

Around the house...it's time to go through the kids' toys and get rid of some stuff. I think the Little People phase is now over...sniff.

A few plans for the rest of the week...help a friend pack up her dorm room, clean Jamison's closet, go to my Small Group book club, have a dinner for Aunt Roni since this is her last week, and maybe to go a friend's house to see Taken.

Share you daybook here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Tuesday, June 1, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...Cloudy. It was sunny (and humid) most of the weekend, but it rained a lot yesterday and we're supposed to get more this week.

I am thinking...about my planner and how I have neglected it lately. I need to pull it out and start planning out our summer. I'd like to do a few fun activities with the kids, like the zoo and our local water park.

I am praying...about potty training. Caleb is just not on board and I really need him to be on board so he can go to preschool in the Fall. I might have to take a weekend and do nothing but send him to the potty. He gets it, but just doesn't want to put Thomas down.

I am thankful...for our neighbor who stopped by on Friday to take Jamison to the spray park with another little girl she was babysitting. I thought that was so sweet and thoughtful.

I am wearing...turquoise...reminds me of a pool. Oh, how I love the pool.

I am reading...Isaiah. The study for BSF this year is Isaiah and I've never read the entire book. I've referenced it before but to actually sit and read it...I haven't. So, I thought I'd try and be a little prepared by reading through it this summer. So far I've been reading a chapter daily. If you're looking for an in depth study of Isaiah you should really check out and see if there is a BSF class near you.

From the kitchen...no plans...I know!

Around the house...I'm trying to get stuff ready for a different routine. With Aunt Roni leaving we will have to adjust the way we do things and I need to try and plan a little how things are going to run.

A few plans for the rest of the week...put mulch down, gather up some clothes for donation, start cleaning out Jamison's room and get with Rondell to talk about some projects we want to do over the summer.

What's in your daybook?

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, May 24, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...sunny and bright.  While we were gone it rained like crazy (and we could tell by the length of our grass), so I'm glad that we came back to sunshine.

I am thinking...about all of the things that need to be done this week to get back to normal.  And now that vacation is over I really need to get back into doing the things I love and things I want to learn...like card making, sewing, organizing.  I have to be more obedient about these things.  I did reorganize my hall closet and that was very refreshing.

I am praying...still for my children (they really revealed some things to me over vacation and I can see some of our parenting techniques need to be adjusted), for me to be less anxious and for obedience.

I am thankful...for a wonderful vacation and a safe trip all around.

I am wearing...green...it's bringing out my tan :)

I am reading...Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire.  Great book about improving your prayer life.  We are reading it together as a Small Group.  I haven't given up on reading the Bible though.  I plan to jump back in this week.

From the kitchen...last night I made baked ziti.  We'll also have chicken tetrazzini, burgers on the grill...I need to finish my meal plan.

Around the house...so much still to unpack and put away.  Luckily we came home with all clean clothes (I washed them all at the condo before coming home...they had a really nice washer/dryer).  I have a ton of weeds to pull because of all the rain.

A few plans for the rest of the week...get things back to normal, work on my post about our vacation, start looking for a new (to us) car for Rondell, meet up with my Small Group ladies to discuss the Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire book and plant some flowers.

What's in your daybook? 

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, May 17, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...sunny.  Yeah!

I am thankful for...family time.  I love just being able to relax and enjoy each person, nothing to rush off to...just being in the moment.

I am praying...to relax.

I am reading...Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire.  It was a recommendation by my Small Group leader Katie.  We are reading it together as a group to increase our prayer life.

From the kitchen...food on the grill, tacos and Jamison and I might attempt to make crab cakes...Ina Garten style!

Around the house...a list of projects...I've come to realize that it's neverending.

A few plans for the rest of the week...another relaxing week (I'm sure we'll be busy once summer hits) and watching the last of LOST (and hoping questions are really answered!)

Share your daybook!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, May 10, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...Cool and sunny. We woke up to frost this morning. So odd for this time of year.

I am thinking...home maintenance. There are a few things we need to do around the house and I need to plan them out. As soon as school is out I think we're going to get started on the kitchen...painting the walls and the cabinets. I also need to check around on prices for painting the trim of our house.

I am praying...to relax.

I am thankful...for my Pandora bracelet that my wonderful husband bought me for Mother's Day. I got the bracelet only and over time we'll add charms...I can't wait.

I am reading...1 Chronicles! Yes, that's right I'm out of 2 Kings and into another book...finally. I'm not doing as well with the reading as I had hoped but I'm gonna to keep pressin' on!

From the kitchen...leftovers...we grilled out yesterday and I made mac & cheese, baked beans and salad. It will make for yummy leftovers tonight. I think we'll also have breakfast for dinner one day.

Around the house...I need to clean the carpets and continue to get rid of our clutter. This weekend I pulled out summer clothes and started putting away winter clothing (even though we may still need long sleeve shirts for a bit with this crazy weather).

A few plans for the rest of the week...not a lot...enjoying each other.

Share you book here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, May 3, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...sunny and REALLY humid. It rained pretty much all weekend and the humidity is out of control. Yesterday I told Rondell that this would be a great time to be in AZ!

I am thinking...about the oil spill. I'm thinking of all of the people who are going to be affected by it as well as how it will affect the trip we have planned to Destin this year. I am sad that it could mean that we won't be able to go to the beach, but it feels silly to be so sad about it when people's entire lives will be affected. I'm praying to keep in all in perspective...and listen to my mother and husband who say it will still be a great time. It's not all about me...

I am praying...about how to respond to the message I heard at church yesterday.

I am thankful...that Rondell made dinner last night!

I am wearing...green...with my cute dangle green earrings.

I am reading...2 Kings yup, still there. I honestly haven't made the time to commit to reading this week. I am also finishing up the book of John this week with BSF.

From the kitchen...lasagna (that's what Rondell made last night). I don't have any meal plans for this week, sigh.

Around the house...I've been doing bits of Spring cleaning here and there but I've decided that I need a better plan of attack. I've decided that I need to tackle an entire area at a time. Last night I broke the house down into areas and tomorrow I will start with the living/dining area.

A few plans for the rest of the week...nothing...we have no real plans. We'll probably play outside, clean, work in the yard and just spend some time together...sounds lovely!

How does your daybook look? Share!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, April 26, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...cold and gloomy. I'm at home today because I have had a headache since yesterday (I'm better now). It was making my stomach hurt, so it was nice to have a dreary day to rest and try to feel better.

I am thinking...about an email I got yesterday from Jamison's teacher...time to really teach Jamison how to be humble and how to speak kindly to others. I feel we have always taught her these things but it may be time to take it to another level.

I am thankful...to have been a part of a few baptism celebrations yesterday (more on that later in the week).

I am praying...for my children and for focus.

I am reading...2 Kings. I am having such a hard time getting through this book. I'm thinking of reading a different translation (I'm reading the ESV) to make it go smoother. So many kings...

From the kitchen...lasagna, burgers on the grill (this is a staple when the weather is warmer), homemade pizza (we're really doing this on Friday...finally)...

Around the house...Rondell and I cleaned under the fridge and stove and you'll be amazed at the things that collect under that (I'll show you tomorrow). It's so nice to have it done though. I'd also like to tackle Jamison's closet this week.

A few plans for the rest of the week...I'm getting together with my Stampin Up! demonstrator tomorrow to play, snuggle with my babies, and go for a few walks.

How is your day?

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, April 19, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...sunny and cool. We have a frost advisory this morning.

I am thinking...about my work To Do list.

I am thankful...for all of your sweet comments on this post.

I am praying...for my children...that I listen to God's guidance to raise them to be God-loving and well-rounded little people.

I am wearing...orange...so Spring-like.

I am reading...2 Kings...and man, it is hard to get through. Luckily I found a chart (here) where I can keep track of all of the Kings of Israel/Judah.

On my mind...Destin, Florida!

From the kitchen...I would like to try and tackle homemade pizza again (we didn't get to this last week) and yesterday Rondell and I made chocolate chip cookies...yum!

Around the house...LOTS of work done in the yard over the weekend. We split and replanted hosta, pulled 1001 weeds, mowed the grass (well, Ron did that), clipped dead daffodils, raked, added top soil to some flower beds that needed some serious love, added pavers around two flower beds...it looks so much better already. I'll show you some of our progress this week.

A few plans for the rest of the week...BSF tonight (only a few more to go), more yard work and create a Destin check list.

What's in your daybook?

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, April 12, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...beauty! The sun is shining, the sky is clear (for the most part) and the temperature is cool. We had a gorgeous weekend and this week is looking just a nice (with just a few rainy days).

I am thinking...about Jamison's first day back at school after Spring Break...I know she's excited to go back and to see her friends.

I am thankful for...all of the help that my mom gives us with our yard. She is so knowledgeable and works in our yard just as hard (if not a little more) than we do. I looked this morning at all of the work that we did yesterday and I can't say that my yard would look the same without her.

I am remembering...an old friend of my mom's. She past away recently and I went to her memorial on Saturday. She was someone I had know my entire life and I am remembering various things about her...her love of jazz, the time she accidentally burned me with her cigarette (I never let her live it down), eating Tommy's pizza at her house, her love for gardening, etc.

I am reading...2 Kings...that's right people, I finally finished Beth's book and I'm back to reading through the Bible. I'll recap some highlights of Beth's book this week...I highly recommend it.

I am hoping...for a productive week.

From the kitchen...tacos (we had those last night), chicken & dumplings (Aunt Roni agreed to make them), roast and mac & cheese, chili dogs and homemade pizza. Menu planning is back!

Around the house...so much to do. I have not been as dedicated to deep cleaning inside (it's been too nice outside) and I really need to get down to business.

A few plans for the rest of the week...BSF tonight, yard work, deep cleaning the kitchen and maybe Family Night on Friday.

How is your day...please share?

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, April 5, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...mostly cloudy with mild temperatures. It's supposed to rain today and then tomorrow we're supposed to have sunshine!

I am praying...for no distractions.

I am thinking...about how I did not take any pictures this weekend...sigh. It was a really nice weekend filled with egg hunts, praising God, and playing outside.

I am thankful for...my mother-in-law dying eggs with my kids because it is not one of my favorite things to do, which is strange because my mom and I did it all the time when I was little and I loved it.

I am reading...the end of So Long Insecurity...finally. I have truly been a slow reader lately.

I am hoping...to get together with my friend Tonya this week.

From the kitchen...hamburgers on the grill, enchilada bake and soon I need to convince my aunt to make some chicken & dumplings.

Around the house...So, I bought this new cleaner for the kitchen (mainly because of the scent), but it is not getting the deep cleaning job done. My friend Georgia recommend Ivory dish soap and I'm going to try that this week!

A few plans for the rest of the week...continue working on cleaning up the yard, deep clean the kitchen (that might have to wait until the weekend), and hopefully see my mom (hi mom!).

Share with me your daybook!