Daybook December 30, 2011

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December 30, 2011

FOR TODAY ...

Outside my window... the sun is shining and it's a seasonably warm day. I am really enjoying the moderate weather and that beautiful sunshine!

I am thinking... mostly about this past year and what the New Year will bring.

I am thankful... for all the blessings in my life! 2011 has been an extremely hard year for myself and my family but through it all we have been blessed over and over again. I am so very grateful!

In the kitchen... For dinner tonight we're having King Ranch Macaroni and Cheese with a green salad on the side. Yum, comfort food!

I am wearing... comfortable clothes. Friday is cleaning day at home as I get ready for a weekend at work.

I am creating... my goal list for the New Year.

I am going... to do more laundry, organize my pantry and spend quality time with my family tonight.

I am wondering... how fast the holidays rolled by!

I am hoping... that we'll have gorgeous weather for the holiday weekend.

I am looking forward to... getting back to our routine schedule. I have enjoyed the holidays but I am ready to get back to our regular routine. I'm not so sure the boys agree with me though. :)

I am hearing... the boys enjoying their vacation.

Around the house... laundry, organizing the pantry and setting the house to right.

I am pondering... my menu plan for next week. Lots of left overs from the holidays to make into soups and casseroles. My kind of comfort food!

One of my favorite things... Doran Beach in Bodega Bay, CA.

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year!

Tuesday Chat ~ July 5, 2011

July 5, 2011

Outside my window ~ Sunshine, lots of heat and humidity is on the forecast for today. It was 90 degrees at 6 am!

I am thinking ~ About how quickly this summer is going by and all the things we still want to do.

I am wearing ~ Comfortable around the house clothes.

I am creating ~ Nothing right now. Thinking of some projects but haven't started any yet.

From the kitchen ~ We're having picnic left overs tonight. Easy to re-heat and Yum!

I am reading ~

I am hearing ~ The quiet morning of a new day with birds chirping in the yard. I love this time of day!

Around the house today ~ Cleaning and possibly re-arranging our living room.

Stop by Peggy's to read what others are up to today!

Tuesday Chat ~ May 10, 2011

May 10, 2011

Outside my Window ~ It's early morning so it's still dark out there but already in the 80's.

I am thinking ~ about the lovely Mother's Day we had. I had to work but as I work from home, I was able to enjoy my wonderful family too.

I am wearing ~ My favorite comfortable pj's. Good thing you can't see my hair - it's going every which way! :)

I am creating ~ The layout of our new home to be! I toured it again last Saturday and now I'm planning the move, the room layouts with furniture (I know - I'm more than a bit detail oriented - LOL).

From the kitchen ~ Not sure yet. I've kind of fallen off the menu plan wagon. I really need to get back to that.

I am reading ~

I am hearing ~ The sounds of my family getting up and our dog, Cubix racing around the house to see who is still asleep so he can join them. He thinks 6 am is just too early for a little dog to have to get up. Oh, the joys of dog life!

Around the house today ~ Cleaning so I can start packing, packing for the move and then cleaning after packing. Oh well, it's all for a good cause and I can't wait to settle in our new house and make it a home.

Wishing you all a wonderful week! Stop by at Peggy's to see what others are doing this week.

Tuesday's Chat ~ 04/19/2011

April 19, 2011

Outside my Window ~ The sky is stormy and gray. The wind is blowing strong. There's a storm blowing in.

I am thinking ~ Yeah, we need the rain!

I am wearing ~ My at home comfortable clothes.

I am creating ~ Our Easter Sunday dinner menu.

From the kitchen ~ Egg Pasta with a side salad. Easy to make and super yummy! :)

I am reading ~

Hester: The Missing Years of the Scarlett Letter

by Paula Reed
Great book!







I am hearing ~ Rain pitter pattering on our roof. I love that sound!

Around the house today ~ Dishes, laundry, getting ready for the weekend.

One of my favorite things ~


Circle of Kindness Pfaltzgraff dish set and a creative spot to put my dishes where I don't have to be opening cabinet doors over and over again to get to them.

I love the green and purple colors and pattern designs; they make me smile! :)


Wishing you all a wonderful week! Stop by at Peggy's to see what others are doing this week.

Tuesday Chat

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September 28, 2010

Outside my window ~ I'm up early this morning so it's still pretty dark outside. There is a nice chill in the air; after a summer of 100 plus degree weather, I am just loving the colder mornings.

I am thinking ~ Where did the summer and year go? I can't believe we're heading into October already!

I am thankful for ~ the cooler weather.

I am wearing ~ my pj's and my pink slippers. Pure comfort.

I am creating ~ still working on moving in and putting a few more creative touches to make our new home comfortable and welcoming. We are loving our new house! I'll post pictures soon.

From the kitchen ~ Baked Corned Beef Hash from A Year From Oak Cottage. If you haven't visited Marie at both her blogs, take a moment and stop by. Her blog is wonderful!


I am hearing ~ Peaceful silence. I love this quiet time of the morning while everyone else is still sleeping. It allows me to recharge and get ready for the rest of the day.

Around the house ~ Today is laundry day and there's LOTS of it. Laundry is one of my least favorite chores but I do enjoy seeing all the clean clothes put away.

One of my favorite things ~ I love the crisp clean air; the crunch of dry leaves under my feet and the colors and fragrance of Fall. It's my favorite season!

Wishing you all a blessed week!

Tuesday Chat ~ 8/10/10

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August 10, 2010

Outside my window ~ It's sunny and hot. We've had a good bit of rain though this summer so everything is still pretty much green.

I am thinking ~ How to be the best Mom I can be. It's at times like these that I sure wish kids came with an instruction manual! :) My children are growing so fast and are now in the tween/almost teen years. With each new stage comes a new playing level, new rules, learning to let go and praying I'm doing it the way God wants me to and in a way that is best for my children.

I am thankful for ~ God's grace, forgiveness and love.

From the kitchen ~ not much this week. We're moving into our new home and living out of both the old and new. We'll be living off our freezer (homecooked) meals for most of this week. This move was completely unexpected so I'm glad we had a stash of good food in the freezer.

I am wearing ~ cleaning clothes - moving is a dusty job!

I am creating ~ a comfortable and peaceful home for all of us to enjoy.

I am hearing ~ the noises of a new house. You don't realize how many noises there can be and how you no longer "hear" them when you get used to them.

Around the house ~ We're moving in and for today I'm working on getting the kitchen scrubbed and clean to receive all our pots/pans and kitchen stuff tomorrow.

One of my favorite things ~ My family!

A few plans for the rest of the week ~

Packing...

moving...

and unpacking. :)

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Tuesday Chat ~ 8/3/10

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August 3, 2010

Outside my window ~ it is hot, hot and hot. It's well over 100 degrees and continuing an upward climb. Mmmm.... I'm dreaming of some cooler weather! :)

I am thinking ~ so much to do and in such a short time. When did the days start to fly by?

I am thankful for ~ my life. For the beauty of each simple moment, each breath, each opportunity that comes my way.

I am wearing ~ an old shirt and skirt . Comfy but they've both seen better days.

I am remembering ~ Margaret, my SIL. When I'm able, I'll post a bit more about her. She was such an amazing and special lady.

I am going ~ to putter around the house and clean up.

I am currently reading ~ several really good books! Click here to check out my book blog.

I am praying for ~ friends, family and loved ones.

On my mind ~ The wonderful week we just had celebrating Christmas in July. I think we've all decided this will become a family tradition. It was really a very special time.

Noticing that ~ the nights are getting darker a bit earlier. Can't wait till there is a chill in the air!

From the kitchen ~ Stromboli wraps (yum!) with an avocado, tomato and corn salad.

Around the house ~ laundry, cleaning and organizing.

I am creating ~ a warm and cozy home for my family and I.

One of my favorite things ~ a full pantry. What can I say? I'm a simple country girl at heart.

A few plans the rest of the week ~ I plan to enjoy the last few weeks of summer with two wonderful boys, their friends and a great husband.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Monday Chat ~ 12/7/09

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Today: December 7, 2009

Outside my window ~ It's gray, cold and cloudy. No snow but a chance of rain.

I am thinking ~ how lucky I am to be here. I am so glad and grateful to be home and I am enjoying my family.

I am thankful for ~ all those whose lifted up my family and I in prayer. We can't thank each of you enough!

I am wearing ~ my old pajamas and pink, fuzzy slippers.

I am going ~ start decorating for Christmas!

I am reading ~ The Noticer by Andy Andrews.

I am praying ~ everyone will be touched by God's love in this season of joy.

I am noticing that ~ I am behind the times. November is such a blur to me and I'm kind of amazed that December is already here.

Pondering these words ~ I can't keep from saying, "I am so glad to be home."

From the kitchen: Slow cooker mushroom and green bean stroganoff over egg noodles, side salad.

Around the house ~ I would be embarrassed if any of you came over to visit right now. There is so much to be done here and I'm tackling it little by little. Each day I find I am getting stronger and able to do more.

One of my favorite things ~ Sitting in my favorite chair cuddled in a blanket while sipping tea and reading a good book.

Have a great week!

Monday Chat ~ 10/12/09

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~ For Today ~

October 12, 2009

Outside my window ~ It's a gray, wet day. The rain and cooler temperatures are so welcome.

I am thinking ~ I sure do need this cup of coffee! (LOL)

I am thankful for ~ For all the blessings we have in our lives; we have so much to be thankful for.

I am wearing ~ A comfortable blue shirt, blue shorts and warm, comfy socks.

I am remembering ~ how much I love soups and stews in the Fall. YUM!

I am going ~ to finish re-organizing our learning room today.

I am reading ~ Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger Than Yourself by Austin Gutwein and Todd Hillard.

I am praying ~ For Margaret, my SIL to have a full recovery from her illness.

Noticing that ~ the leaves are starting to change color. Fall is finally here!

Pondering these words ~

"You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars. Regardless of who you are. So do whatever it takes ~ 'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life.Let nothing stand in your way!" ~ from a song by Nickelback.

From the kitchen ~ Homemade soup and bread with a green side salad for dinner.

Around the house ~ laundry, sweeping and mopping the kitchen. We're also planning to decorate the inside of the house for Halloween.

One of my favorite things ~ I love Fall; it's my favorite season of the year.

Monday Chat ~ A bit late

Here's my daybook for July 21, 2009:

Outside: It's sunny and the sky is clear. We woke up to severe thunder storms but they moved through fast; at least we had a few hours of good soaking rain.

In the kitchen: For dinner tonight we're having roasted fish, green beans with bacon and baked potatoes.

I'm grateful for: Our car was fixed for a really reasonable fee last week - that certainly was an answer to our prayers!

In my thoughts and prayers: My sister in law became ill and ended up in the ER on Sunday night. She's back home now and we're praying that all goes well with her tests and upcoming specialist appointments. It's times like these that make it hard living so far from family.

Around the house: I need to put laundry away, straighten the living room and kitchen.

On my bookshelf: Behind the Attic Wall.

I'm Creating: Christmas in July! I read a post about this tradition on another blog last week and the boys just became so excited that we thought we'd start doing this too. We're in the midst of creating our holiday and we plan to celebrate it next week.

This week: Well, it's a quiet week around our home. I am creating the Christmas in July holiday and hoping to get back into my crafts too. I plan on cooking a few new food dishes and will let y'all know how they turn out.

Monday Chat ~ 7/13/09

It's definitely a Monday morning and I'm working my way through a steaming cup of tasty coffee. I tried tea for awhile but I admit my first and true love is coffee! Aaron just left for work and the boys are still asleep. The house is quiet and it's so peaceful right now. I love this time of the morning.

Outside: It's already heating up outside and they are predicting it's going to be another scorcher today. This is the 12 or 13th day in a row of over 100 degrees. All I can say is ~ it's too hot!

In the kitchen: Click here to view my menu plan for this week.

In my thoughts and prayers: my family, a friend and her family. I'm also praying that our car can be fixed quickly and not too expensively.

Around the house: Monday is laundry day so I'll be focusing on that today. I also need to do some spot cleaning up in the kitchen and the living room.

On my bookshelf: I just finished re-reading a childhood favorite: Ruffles and Drums by Betty Cavanna. I'm currently reading The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger ~ it's a pretty good book!

Weekend wrap up: We had a really nice weekend. Our home was happily filled with my boys and four of their friends both Saturday and Sunday as it was too hot to do anything outside. They had tons of fun with legos, K'nex, board games and video game challenges. 

My challenge this weekend? Coming up with enough filling, good for you snacks for a group of growing boys!

This week: 

It's all about car repairs! Our car is on the fritz so we'll be having it taken in to be fixed. 

Library run to exchange books and dvds. Shopping for fall school supplies while things are on sale. Our area shops are having some great .50 cent sales on standard school supplies.

We'll, I'm off to wake up the kids, make breakfast and begin a wonderful new day. Hope y'all have a great week!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 5/11/09

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Today: May 11, 2009

Outside my window: It's a rainy day. This past weekend was sunny and absolutely gorgeous!

I am thinking: about the Mother's day I had yesterday. I spent the day with my husband and boys and it was a wonderful time.

I am thankful for: the rain, my boys and hubby, our two cats and dog. My life is wonderful and I am so grateful!

From the Kitchen: Dinner tonight is Cowboy beans, coleslaw and cornbread casserole.

We are creating: a care package for Grandma. The boys are finishing their projects and we hope to mail it off by the end of the week.

I am reading:

• Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: A Novel by Jamie Ford

I am hoping: to see sunny skies tomorrow!

I am praying: about some issues that are weighing heavy on my heart.

I am hearing: The boys finishing breakfast and getting ready for the day.

Around the house: Well, I hate to say this but there is laundry and laundry. Monday is wash day. I also hope to re-organize the desk and computer area today.

One of my favorite things: Chocolate!

Monday Daybook ~ 3/23/09

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Today: March 23, 2009

Outside my window: it's grey and cool. We're expecting rain later today.

I am thinking: of my wonderful hubby. He went and rented the Twilight DVD on Friday at 12 MN because he knew how excited I was about seeing it. He's the best! We watched the movie and it was good; a great adaptation from the book.

I am thankful for: Maria! She blessed me with the Lovely Award earlier this month. Maria, thank you so much! I am truly honored. If you haven't been to visit Maria, I highly recommend it. She is on fire for the Lord!

From the Kitchen: Cabbage and Bacon soup and homemade bread.

I am reading: 

A Mending at the Edge by Jane Kirkpatrick.

I am creating: plans for our vegetable garden. This year I am going to try out this garden style. I found it at The Empty Nester's blog. I'm really excited about this!

Around the house: I need to straighten the kitchen, do laundry and put it away and finish re-arranging/organizing the boys' new play room.

One of my favorite things: the sound of rain falling onto our roof.

A few plans for the rest of the week: plan our Easter menu, develop a unit study for Earth Hour and family party for this Saturday night.

Monday Chat ~ 10/13/08

Today: 10/13/2008

Outside My Window: It's kind of a gray day outside and windy. The weather is brisk and even without the sunshine, it's a gorgeous day!

On my mind:

Lists of what I'd like to accomplish today; phone calls to make and things to get done.

I am thankful for:

God, good friends and family.

From the Kitchen:

Salisbury steak, scalloped potatoes and roasted asparagus.

I am going to:

decorate the house for Halloween. The kids are excited about helping me.

I am reading:

The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children by Steven Vannoy.

I am hoping: to make some banana empanadas this afternoon. I keep buying bananas to make these and before I can get to them they're gone. Two growing boys....you know how it is.

I am hearing:

Silence. The kids are outside playing with their friends. They are sure happy to have a holiday from school.

Around the house:

hmmm.....I worked all weekend; don't really want to share the condition of our house right now - LOL!

A thought to share... 

"A path is only a path, and there is no affront, to oneself or to others, in dropping it if that is what your heart tells you. Look at every path closely and deliberately...Then ask yourself alone, one question: Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn't it is of no use." ~ Carlos Castaneda 

(I found this quote through a post from Patty of Morning Ramble - Thanks Patty!)

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 9/30/08

For Today: September 30, 2008

Outside My Window...

is beautiful sunshine, fluffy clouds and a cool brisk morning air. The trees in my yard have yellow and green leaves and are gently swaying from the breeze.

I am thinking...

about our country's economy and how very fragile it is right now. I am sifting through my fears and offering up prayers for a smooth resolution to this issue.

I am thankful...

that my family and I have a roof over our heads, food in the cupboard and each other.

From the kitchen...

tonight we're having Ina Garten's Mexican Chicken soup with salad and dinner rolls.

I am wearing...

an old t-shirt and shorts.

I am going...

to enjoy my children today and enjoy being with them while we learn, play and have fun.

I am reading...

The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children by Steven Vannoy. It's a wonderful book about parenting from the heart.

I am hoping...

for some special quiet time with my hubby tonight. We haven't had a chance to chat and hold hands much this last week. I do so love talking to my best friend.

I am hearing...

the washing machine and laundry machine working, working, working.

Around the house...

today is clean and organize the kitchen. I also hope to plan out 1-2 weeks worth of menus as well.

One of my favorite things...Children's books.

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 09/08/2008

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for hosting this.

FOR TODAY ~ September 8, 2008

Outside my Window:

Bright sunshine, blue skies and fluffy clouds.

I am thinking:

It's going to be a GREAT DAY!

I am thankful for:

Aaron having the day off - Yipee!

I am hearing:

my youngest son talking with his Dad; Lil' Pea has a cold and he can barely talk.

From the Kitchen:

We'll be having this for dinner: Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, salad and garlic bread.

Around the House:

You guessed it - It's Laundry Day!

Simple Joys:

Sunshine and cooler weather (at least for this morning - LOL!).

Everyone home and a fun day ahead of us.

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 9/2/2008

Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for hosting this.

FOR TODAY ~ September 2, 2008

Outside My Window:

The sun is coming up and the sky is overcast. We are expecting rain as Gustav (now a tropical rainstorm thankfully!) moves into our area today and tomorrow.

I am thinking:

of the wonderful day of family fun we had for Labor Day! We went shopping at the Goodwill and found some great prices for quilts, blankets and a few other things. The kid's got sleeping bags and were just happy campers. We had family fun, good eats and ended the day by watching Nim's Island. I am so grateful for our family time.

I am praying for:

all those that were and are in the path of Gustav.

I am thankful for:

our wonderful local library system. I can research and order books, movies, cd's online from the comfort of my home. Then, we go to the library weekly (sometimes 2 x week) and pick up our order. 

I am reading:

The Tale of Desperaux by Kate Dicamillo

I am hearing:

birds chirping and calling to each other; my hubby saying good-bye as he heads out for another day at work. My oldest son stirring; he'll soon be up to greet the day as well. No sounds from my youngest....he's still deeply asleep.

From the Kitchen:

We'll be having Slow Cooker Chili with corn chips and a salad for dinner.

Around the house:

Does the laundry never stop? 

Please don't answer that!

Simple Joys:

The peels of laughter from my youngest son as he watched Gilligan's Island for the first time this past week. 

He just loves that show! 

My oldest son saying, "Mom, can we do more science?"

The way my husband shows he loves me: bringing me my morning coffee, carrying in the grocery bags, surprising us with lunch on Friday (to brighten our day).