Simple Woman's Daybook

Since yesterday was Eli's birthday, I decided to devote all of my posts to him. So, this week's Daybook is coming a day late. And I'm going to skip my What a Kid! Wednesday post, because it's Christmas week and by default all my kids are great this week!

For Today ~ December 23, 2009

Outside my window... it's just finished raining.

I am thinking... about how Christmas really starts for me today, because we finished the last of the birthdays yesterday. I just can't fully be thinking "Christmas" until that happens. So now, today, I have lots of preparations to begin.

I am thankful ... for family and getting to spend Christmas with them.

I am wearing... my pjs and robe. I intentionally slept in today (if you call 8:30 sleeping in), and am needing to get moving for a busy day. Gotta get in my computer time, though.

I am remembering... Christmas traditions of my childhood: Going to my Grandma Alice's on Christmas Eve (loved that Christmas celebration!), then to Calhoun to some friends' with a huge group of people until really late that night; doing Santa on Christmas morning; then how the Christmas tree was undecorated and in the ditch by noon on Christmas Day before we went to my Grandma Joan's in the afternoon.

I am creating... a frenzy of wrapping paper and such today. Gotta get those gifts wrapped!

I am going... to doctor's appointments the next two days to have all of my womanlies checked .. Merry Christmas to me!

I am reading... The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (YES, still, still ... again), and it's my goal to finish it next week at my parents'.

I am hoping... that the weather in Missouri doesn't get bad over the next two days so that my family (including my daughter) is able to make it here Christmas Day.

On my mind... is when we will be allowed to move and what we are to do in the meantime.

From the learning rooms... NOTHING! Although I am finishing working with Eli on learning his full name, birthday, parents' names, telephone number and address so that when he gets back to school he can recite it to join his class' High Five Club.

Pondering these words ... "Oh mommy, it is so very perfect!" ~ Eli when he came in and saw the extremely amateur on-the-fly all-taped-up Mario Brothers centerpiece I made for his birthday party. It was all worth it at that moment.

From the kitchen... we're eating lots of yummies this week!!! Can't wait! I am also going to make homemade Almond Joy balls sometime today. You use mashed potatoes .. isn't that strange?

Around the house... there are Hot Wheels cars everywhere, and a huge Hot Wheels trick track that's hooked to my dishwasher door and runs the full length of the kitchen into the dining room.

One of my favorite things... is the true belief of Eli and Brynne that Santa is watching them and really going to come bring them presents! I have used the "Oh, you better not do that because Santa is watching" trick like crazy and as soon as I say it they straighten right up and say, "I'm sorry mommy". I have been asked several times if I think they are still on the Nice list. I think they might still be.

A few plans for the rest of the week... I have a doctor's appointment today and then am getting my nails done. Most of the day today will be devoted to wrapping presents. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and Rick's sister and her family will come to celebrate with us as we always do on Christmas Eve. We'll be up at the crack of dawn, or before, on Christmas morning and my family and Kyndal are (hopefully) coming to spend the day and night. We'll spend the whole day eating, and hopefully playing some cards. On Saturday the kids and I will get up and head to Missouri to spend several days at my parents'. While we're gone Rick will take down all of the Christmas decorations and get them stored. When I come home, my house will be back to normal. (I love it that he is an organization freak!)

From my picture journal.


My best attempt at a Mario Brothers centerpiece.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today ~ December 15, 2009

Outside my window... it's sunny and beautiful! But, don't be deceived ... it's also 20 degrees!

I am thinking... about how I need to get busy because I have so much to do today!

I am thankful ... for the ability to stay home with my children when they are sick without the worry of missing a day, or more, of work.

I am wearing... my pjs and robe (at 10:25 a.m.), but am planning to get in the shower and get changed in a minute.

I am remembering... my workout from yesterday .. yow!

I am creating... the pieces to the stocking craft for Eli's school Christmas party on Thursday.

I am going... to have to take Eli out with me today to grocery shop, even though he is on the tail end of being sick. (I promise to wipe down the grocery cart with an anti-bacterial wipe!)

I am reading... The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (yes, still ... again), and the Bible in my SOAP study on Love.

I am hoping... that we are able to get our house sold sooner than later so that we can move forward with our dream to move.

On my mind... is how to punch holes cleanly through felt.

From the learning rooms... Finals week for the older two ... so lots of studying, or cramming, as the case may be!

Pondering these words ... "We should not always expect or readily desire comfort and earthly prosperity, as this world encourages us to attain. Instead, we should look for ways to serve our families, expecting trials, knowing that by choosing to live the more challenging life we will be made wise through our faith in Jesus!" ~ comforting yet challenging words from Lisa Metzger in her article "Carefree Living .. Is it for Me?" submitted on At the Well ... In Pursuit of Titus 2.

From the kitchen... we're eating some special requests and trying a couple of new things.

Around the house... there are Christmas gifts stashed everywhere! I need to get started wrapping!

One of my favorite things... is having a sick (but not too sick) kid. Come on moms, don't we just love when they revert back to sweet, cuddly babies who need us???

A few plans for the rest of the week... I'm going grocery shopping this afternoon. We are sticking close to home all week getting ready for finals. Eli's all day Christmas party is on Thursday, and I'm homeroom mom (so there's lots to do!) Then Brynne's party is Thursday afternoon and I'm slipping out to go to that, too. I have about 6 dozen cookies to bake for their parties. And both of them have pj days at school on Friday. Rick leaves on Friday to go to Reno to visit his mom, dad and brother who live there. His sister is already there (she lives here) so they will have a nice little family reunion. Kyndal and my niece go to the Justin Bieber concert on Sunday night, so my mom, sister and niece will be here for that. Not much going on, really.

From my picture journal.

Although I hate decorating, I love the way our house looks when it is.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today ~ December 8, 2009

Outside my window... it's rainy, foggy and cold!!!

I am thinking... about how much this blog has come to mean to me, and the friends I have made doing it. But, that it's gotten to a point where I feel like I have to "watch what I say" more often than I would like to. That's why I have decided to make my blog Private starting on Monday. I do hope my followers will contact me to continue to follow because I will miss any who decide to drop out. But this has become necessary so that my blog can continue to grow with me.

I am thankful ... for smiles.

I am wearing... my new free Victoria's Secret scarf! jeans, my fav moccasins, a red shirt and my brown rain trench (the best money I think I've ever spent .. and its stylish!)

I am remembering... all that has happened this year and how it has affected me, and trying to pull the positives from each thing.

I am creating... the completion of my Christmas shopping!

I am going... to get to spend the majority of the day today by myself shopping at the mall.

I am reading... The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (still ... again).

I am hoping... that today goes well for Rick and that he has great discernment about it all.

On my mind... is Dawson being sick today, and I hope he gets better quick!

From the learning rooms... We're coasting along well.

Pondering these words ... " ... children control a conversation through semantic play, withholding vital information, and playing ignorant. A parent need not panic if they realize this kind of competitive sparring is going on in conversations with their children. It is normal and natural. It means the kids are thinking through situations, are learning to use the language in creative ways, and are forcing their parents to parent." ~ from wise Warren Baldwin in his article Like Digging for Gold from Titus 2 in Action.

From the kitchen... we're eating last week's meals.

Around the house... it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

One of my favorite things... is having all of my nighttime duties done super early in the evening (heck, late afternoon is even better) and getting into my pjs and robe shortly thereafter.

A few plans for the rest of the week... I'm shopping in Tulsa today and hoping to finish up my list. Rick is doing important work for our family today. I'll do copies at school on Thursday. We're watching lots of Christmas specials on t.v. this week. On Friday I have my followup doctor's appointment from a few months ago. I have supposed to have been stress-free these past few months. I am dreading the results of the test. Friday Morning Rick has "Donuts with Dad" with Eli at his school. The rest of the weekend is full of parties ~ Kyndal's FCCLA Christmas party on Friday, Brynne's friend's birthday party and Rick's office Christmas party here on Saturday.

From my picture journal.

Look, it's a picture of me doing a family activity! Usually the pictures are just of everybody else.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today ~ December 1, 2009

Outside my window... it's clear and crisp.

I am thinking... about how I just know this decision by Kyndal and her dad for her to go live with him is wrong, wrong, wrong. Yet I feel powerless to keep her from making a decision I know she will regret someday. And I am not going to even try to talk her into staying.

I am thankful ... that this family's future looks bright.

I am wearing... my Jackson Hole Wyoming shirt, my favorite jeans, my most comfortable and casual shoes and my hair in a pony.

I am remembering... a time in my life when I made the biggest mistake of it to date, that I was pretty sure at the time was a mistake, all because I was impatient about having a life I wanted.

I am creating... a completion of my Christmas shopping list.

I am going... to clean the heck out of my house this afternoon, and then get my new blog set up to get this house sold.

I am reading... The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (still).

I am hoping... that 2010 is a better year.

On my mind... is losing my daughter.

From the learning rooms... We are getting close to wrapping up the semester, which means lots of projects and tests for the older two. Eli and Brynne are continuing with their letter studies. Brynne and I need to decorate a gingerbread man this week. I think we'll use leftover candy from Halloween!

Pondering these words ... "I'm not afraid to try." ~ Kyndal

From the kitchen... we're eating Weight Watcher's inspired meals because Rick is wanting to lose some weight before Christmas.

Around the house... our neighbors have up all of their Christmas decorations. We still do not. That is the plan for this weekend.

One of my favorite things... is getting good bargains, and I have gotten tons of them lately thanks to Sherri @ Luv a Bargain!!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Today Brynne and I are going to the grocery store, and then I'm cleaning house. Kyndal has an ortho appointment on Thursday. And this week I am finishing up my Christmas gift for Rick. Other than that I am just keeping the girls this week and trying to get through it with as few emotional breakdowns as possible. I'm likely moving Kyndal out this weekend. Sad week here, I'm afraid. There will be lots of tears. We'll try to pull it all together this weekend to get up our Christmas decorations. I just really want to put a focus on the real meaning of Christmas this year! We need to be pointed to Jesus now more than ever.

From my picture journal.

A photo of the back of the house we are looking to buy in Missouri, if Rick's job thing works out. Look at that property! Isn't it beautiful??? There are horses next door, tons of gardening spots, apple and pear trees and tons of berry bushes! Don't be deceived, though, it needs TONS of work! But, the price is right. We'll see!!! This is what gives me hope of better days to come.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today ~ November 24, 2009

Outside my window... the sun is starting to come up.

I am thinking... about how we ran out of raffia yesterday at our craft party and whether we have enough ribbon to tie to the top of our Indian Corn craft (I don't have time to buy more raffia!)

I am thankful ... that despite it's ups and downs, I have managed to create a stable life for myself and my kids over the last 10 years.

I am wearing... a cream colored long sleeved shirt, brown puffy vest, jeans, my brown moccasins, and my new cute little acorn necklace made from an actual acorn.

I am remembering... how difficult and lonely, at times, it is to be a teenager, and how I need to really dig deep to be supportive and understanding of mine who have different personalities than me.

I am creating... fun little holiday t-shirts for Brynne. Another one is in the works!

I am going... to absolutely enjoy this Thanksgiving weekend with my family and remember all I have to be thankful for.

I am reading... The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (still).

I am hoping... that Kyndal is having a really great time on her cruise with my mom, sister and niece and that they have an uneventful trip home so we can see them on Thanksgiving Day.

On my mind... is my future and what I want to do with it.

From the learning rooms... We just need a break!

Pondering these words ... "Hey kids .. guess what time it is? ...... It's 9:00 and I'm looking at you ... so go to bed!" ~ From Futurama. It's a horrible show, but it was on in the living room and I overheard that line and it made me chuckle! I have always said I stop being a mommy at 9:00, so the kids better be in their beds where I don't see them again until morning!

From the kitchen... we're eating light and easy in preparations for the stuff-a-thon that will start first thing Thursday.

Around the house... it's still fall decorations for me. I absolutely refuse to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving is over!!

One of my favorite things... is driving the kids to school. I love driving there with my coffee (in the mornings) or a glass of ice water (in the afternoons). It's so relaxing. And the kids are always excited and happy and I love, love, love to see their sweet smiles when they get out of the car and walk into the school.They are so grown up and it almost makes me cry every day.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Today we finish up our two-day craft party for our school's kindergarten and first graders. Then I'm hoping to get away and get my nails done. Wednesday I am helping a friend make my turkey shirts for her two girls. Then on Thursday morning we're heading to mom and dad's for Thanksgiving weekend. We'll stuff ourselves 'till we're sick on Thursday. Then on Friday I'm making Rick go to Black Friday at 5:00 a.m. at Walmart to hopefully steal some deals (he's very excited ... not!) Then we're driving on up to Kansas City to scope things out and spend the night in a hotel without kids!! On Saturday we'll come back to mom and dad's and hang out there until Sunday when we'll make the trip back home.

From my picture journal.

My girls laying on the bare kitchen floor eating icing out of a tub with their fingers. And for no reason except they wanted to.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

** Before we get started on my Daybook, don't forget to go here to enter my first Giveaway! You have to leave a comment on the Giveaway post to be entered! So go there now!

** And don't forget to go here to learn all about Sherri at Luv a Bargain!

Now, on to the Daybook ...

For Today ~ November 17, 2009

Outside my window... it is still very dark and cold!

I am thinking... about the conversation Rick and I had last night about how we feel like we have turned a page in our book and are moving on to the next chapter. We feel complete freedom for the first time in a really long time.

I am thankful ... that my husband went into town last night at 8:00 and bought me a new coffee pot when mine went on the fritz.

I am wearing... my workout clothes. I just got back from the Y.

I am remembering... my Sunday night Bible study group in Springfield and Camino friends in Missouri from years ago. I didn't know it then, but that's what the local church is supposed to look like. And I miss it.

I am creating... well, really, working with other moms to create the final plans for our kindergarten and 1st grade craft party we are having next Monday and Tuesday at school.

I am going... to get a Temporary Power of Attorney for my mom today so Kyndal can go on a cruise with her on Saturday.

I am reading... The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks.

I am hoping... that we get a buyer for our house now that we are selling it "By Owner".

On my mind... is how over the past several years I have become this pretentious religious and legalistic snob to so many, most specifically my family, and how much eased up I feel right now (and how happy everybody seems to be .. like a huge weight has been lifted off everybody's shoulders).

From the learning rooms... Everybody is trying to hang in there before Thanksgiving Break. Brynne is a whirlwind of learning. I told her last night that school was over so she could take a break. She said, "School is not over! It's Monday!"

Pondering these words... " ... even though people are left behind, new ones will inevitably take their place; that every place has something good -- and bad -- to offer." ~ from The Lucky One, by Nicholas Sparks.

From the kitchen... we're having lots of yummy meals this week. And, I made two loaves of Amish Friendship Break on Sunday that are really good. Got another start going now for more bread in 10 days.

Around the house... Fall decorations need to start coming down so we can start decorating for Christmas. Can you believe that?

One of my favorite things... is getting all the kids to bed at night and watching t.v. with Rick.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Today I need to run some errands and then am working at the school to start getting organized for the craft party days next week. Tomorrow is Kyndal's 15th birthday. I'm taking her for donuts in the morning because her dad is picking her up from school to take her to her grandparents' that night. Then she leaves for her cruise with her Grandma Aleta, Aunt Krissi and cousin Rylee on Thursday. I'll do any prep work for the kindergarten teachers, on Thursday, for next week. But that ought to be minimal because of the craft party. On Friday Rick and I are having Thanksgiving lunch with Eli at school, and then I'm having another work day in prep for the craft party. On Saturday I'm going to An Affair of the Heart. I love doing that! Remember to sign up for my Giveaway for a prize from there! Then I'm meeting up with Rick and the little kids at a birthday party Eli is going to. Sunday we'll hang out and take it easy. And then the start of next week will be busy with the craft party.

From my picture journal.

We haven't found our Turkey that escaped and disguised himself. But, we found one of its turkey feathers. Weird .. it has Brynne's name in it!

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Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today ~ November 10, 2009

Outside my window... it is foggy! But as my dad has always said, "It'll burn off." It's supposed to be another unseasonably beautiful day!

I am thinking... about how much stress I cause by needing things to be done my way.

I am thankful ... that Rick has created a situation where I don't have to be stressed about the finances of the holidays. He takes such good care of me!

I am wearing... my robe and slippers, but getting ready to get dressed.

I am remembering... that things do not always have to be perfect or done perfectly, because no one is going to even be able to tell it's not anyway. And if they do, so what. It's just a pride thing and my choleric personality rearing the ugly side of its head!

I am creating... less for Kyndal's party than we had planned because of a necessary change of date from Friday to Saturday, and an already busy schedule for Saturday. As long as she has fun, it doesn't matter.

I am going... to get my nails done today, and then going for a walk.

I am reading... The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks.

I am hoping... that I get the working out bug again soon!

On my mind... is ... I don't know ... blah! I'm feeling a little under the weather this morning.

From the learning rooms... Kyndal and Dawson are continuing to work hard. Eli is studying "Oo" and Brynne is studying "Cc". Brynne is also working on her turkey feather for her class turkey bulletin board.

Pondering these words... "Thank you !! For always supporting everything I do. I (heart) you. Love, your loving daughter." ~ a postcard I got in the mail from Kyndal that she wrote at youth service that they mailed.

From the kitchen... it's been a "week off" since Rick's been on a business trip. We had french toast Sunday night and frozen pizza last night. Tonight I am actually cooking because Rick may be coming home a day early .. it's my favorite Asian Chicken Stirfry. We'll see how the rest of the week goes. I'm keeping it easy, though.

Around the house... the leaves are almost off all of the trees and we are beginning to have a view off the bluff behind our house.

One of my favorite things... is listening to my kids laugh hysterically when watching America's Funniest Home Videos, or "The Funny Movie" as they call it. I swear one of them is going to hurt him or herself by laughing so hard!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Rick is hopefully coming home from a business trip today. I'm spending the afternoon getting organized for Kyndal's party on Saturday and getting my nails done. Not much else is going on this week until Saturday. And that's when it's all going on! Brynne has her last soccer game in the morning, and then ice cream with her teammates. Kyndal and I are going to see Little House on the Prairie, the musical, starring Melissa Gilbert on Saturday afternoon. I am really looking forward to it! A once in a lifetime opportunity! Then Kyndal's Friday the 13th party is that night, on the 14th. The football team is playing in playoffs at home on Friday night, so everybody wanted to go the game. That's why we rescheduled her party.

From my picture journal.

We seem to have lost our turkey for Thanksgiving! He must have snuck out of the freezer. Has anybody seen him?? (Eli's class project. It was a "family" project, as you can tell, to disguise a turkey so he didn't get eaten for Thanksgiving.)

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Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today ~ November 3, 2009

Outside my window... the sun is coming up and it's going to be a warm, sunny, beautiful day!

I am thinking... about how I haven't worked out since last Tuesday and I am going to regret it the next time I do it and how I might want to search FitTV for good ol' episodes of Gilad and do them this week!

I am thankful ... that my future is in motion, even when it feels like things are standing still.

I am wearing... my pjs, robe and slippers.

I am remembering... how great it feels to have God actually speak to me through my Bible reading.

I am creating... plans for Kyndal's birthday party that is next week ~ Friday the 13th! Waaahaaahaaa!!!

I am going... nowhere because Brynne is still sick. I guess I'll work on Christmas gifts today.

I am reading... magazines because I only have time for small pieces of reading. But Kyndal is checking me out a Nicholas Sparks book from her library today, because I love them! And I'm reading a scripture (or more) about Love every day.

I am hoping... that my little Brynne gets over her fever soon so she can go back to school. She is so sad not to get to go. And, I really hope nobody else gets sick!

On my mind... are the friendships I have formed by blogging. I am so grateful for words of encouragement and positive comments!

From the learning rooms... I'm actually teaching Brynne this week since she is home with me. She did all of her actual school work yesterday, so now I am supplementing with "N" assignments because she is so bored being home all day. We are also going to do some projects on "Creation".

Pondering these words... "You just kissed me on the lips and that made me all better." ~ My 4-year old, Brynne, who has been sick with a fever for two days.

From the kitchen... leftover chicken legs need to be picked apart to be used in our Chicken Nachos tonight. I might also make chocolate chip cookies for my little sick girl.

Around the house... it smells of Lysol and disinfectant and windows are wide open trying to flush out all of the germs!

One of my favorite things... is sitting in my red paisley chair in the afternoons with my head laid back taking a 10-minute power nap.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Well, not much is going on around here this week. With Brynne being sick, I'm not going anywhere. I don't like to get up and work out early in the a.m. because I don't want her to wake up and me not be here. I'm not able to keep any of my 3 girls while Brynne is sick, so it's extra quiet around here during the day and poor Brynne is bored out of her mind! I'm hoping to be able to get out and do copies at school a couple of afternoons this week, after the older kids get home. The older kids don't have much going on, either. We are going to a concert on Friday night to see Jeremy Camp, Natalie Grant and Bebo Norman. I hope that Brynne is better so we can do that! Rick's just working and trying to fit in some workouts in the evenings. And, that's really about it! (And, it's actually kind of nice.)

From my picture journal.

The sunset on the way to the So You Think You Can Dance show. Yes, I was driving, so this was a treacherous photo to take, and I couldn't get the shot I really wanted. But, it was beautiful .. especially on the views where you could see the Tulsa downtown skyline in the middle of it!

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