~Simple Woman's Daybook~

FOR TODAY

Outside my window…It is dusk.  We just had a heavy rainstorm so everything is fresh and clean...and wet!  There is a breeze, but just barely.  The frogs and crickets are making their presence known, in a LOUD way!

I am thinking…of all the things on my "to do" list.  I'm afraid that I may have over extended myself, again.  Oh well, such is life!

I am thankful…that I am alive!  That I can feel pain, love, happiness and joy.  That I can cry and laugh within the same 10 minutes.  That my family loves me, and that I love them.

In the kitchen…I'm getting ready to try OAMC (once a month cooking) for the very first time!  I've spent all weekend pulling out recipes I'd like to try and planning the menu!  Getting excited and anxious!

I am wearing…lavendar pajamas and enjoying quiet time at the computer (thanks to Spongebob)!

I am creating…a business plan for an idea I have had for years! I'm ready to actually create the "proto-type"!  I am VERY HAPPY about this!!

I am going… to have our house blessed again soon.  We had it done in 2000...time to do it again!  I need to put "Call Father" on that to-do list I talked about earlier!

I am wondering…if my children actually hear anything I say.  Sometime, I'm sure they are "tuning me out".  I guess all I can do is pray that I've done my job as a mom in the best way I can and then I need to trust God for the rest!  Parenting is scary stuff sometimes!

I am reading…The Catechesis and Ritual of The Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  I thought I knew what the spiritual meaning of the scapular was...but I'm finding I have a lot to learn!

I am hoping…that some day, we could find the right house at the right price at the right time and we can move.  Shhhh!  Don't tell anyone that I really, REALLY want to move from here!

I am looking forward to…my visit with a very dear friend in about 2 weeks.  He currently lives in Rome and so our visits are few and far between.

I am learning…that worrying accomplishes nothing.

Around the house…clutter, clutter and more clutter!  Books, dolls, doll clothes, boxes of honey (don't ask), laundry baskets of clothes ready to fold....and dust bunnies....lots of dust bunnies!  Hey, at least I'm honest!

I am pondering…my decision to try this once a month cooking idea!  Am I nuts?  Cooking for an entire month in one day????  This will be a massive undertaking.  I hope I'm up to the task.

A favorite quote for today…“There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.”
― G.K. Chesterton

One of my favorite things…magazines by Phyllis Hoffman.

A few plans for the rest of the week....a massive grocery shopping trip, answering emails, replying to a wedding invitation, getting my dreaded mammogram!  In that order!

A peek into my day…

Now, one might think after looking at this picture, that I had purchased this little sewing machine for my girls!  Well, one would be wrong!  I bought it for me!  The reason?  OK, you know that business project that I mentioned earlier?  Well, the proto-type actually requires some sewing.  At this point, I don't know if it's going to be easier to hand sew it or to use a machine.  Here's the thing...I don't own a sewing machine and I have NEVER even used one before.  I thought I would try out this little one ($24.99 at Joann Fabrics) to check it out.  IF (and that's a big "if") it seems to go smoothly, then I MIGHT be interested in purchasing a real machine...for adults!  Those cost waaaay more and I didn't want to buy one if it doesn't work.  These are very small items I will need to sew and the machine might just make it more complicated than it needs to be.  We will see soon enough!

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Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...the morning is just beginning.  It's still cool and crisp and clean.  It rained all weekend.  We needed it.

I am thinking...that I should probably take some special time with Nathan over the next few weeks.  He's been really struggling lately and it seems that he and I have been butting heads on a regular basis.  I think we both need some TLC.

I am thankful for...my husband.  I'm not sure why he puts up with me.  All I know is that he is a very patient man and that I am blessed to be married to him.

From the learning rooms...I wish I had something enlightening to share here, but I don't.  We are just trying to get through these last few weeks of school.  It's times like these that I will forever be grateful for our year of homeschooling.  Sometimes the "traditional school hoops" can leave us all tired from having to jump through them.  Sigh.


From the kitchen...I'm leaning towards a chicken and rice casserole of some sort with a side of steamed green beans.  If I don't get off my duff soon, it will just be grilled cheese sandwiches.

I am wearing...blue jeans, gray t-shirt, flip-flops (definitely NOT a fashion statement!)

I am creating...a plan for deep cleaning the house.  Dan and Nathan will be gone for several days in June...and I plan to get a babysitter for the girls while I PURGE!

I am going...to a very special concert at church tonight.  If you've ever heard Colleen Nixon sing, you know just how wonderful she is.  If you haven't, take a few minutes to listen.  You will be blessed.

I am reading...I'm actually in the middle of Stephen King book.  I wanted some mystery, intrigue and even some spookiness.  However, I'm never quite prepared though for the type of horror that King seems to be able to conjure up in his sick, sick mind.  It's over 1000 pages, and I may or may not finish it.  If he could just get on with the actual plot...instead of all this side stuff...I'd be really happy.

I am hoping...that the next week will be "event less". 

I am hearing...the fan on my laptop.


Around the house....signs that no one has taken the time to straighten up lately.

One of my favorite things...quiet.

A few plans for the rest of the week....concert at church, movie with my sister-in-law on Wednesday, my niece's college graduation on Friday....and lots of arguing about homework to fill in the gaps..

A picture thought I'd like to share:

Playing with our new camera....Clearly I haven't figured out how to use it yet!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...it's still dark.  It just seems wrong to be up and moving around when it still looks like the middle of the night!

I am thinking...that I really need to get going on finding a First Communion dress for Amelia.  May 12 is creeping up on us!

I am thankful for...my mother in law.  She is fully recovered from her car accident and she is ready to put it all behind her.

From the learning rooms...right now, Dan and I are really working with Amelia on controlling her anger.  This is a challenge for her.  We are trying to teach our kids to have better self control. 


From the kitchen...pork chops for dinner tonight.  I had wanted to put them in the crock pot, but I can't really find a recipe that I like and that fits with the "no carb" lifestyle.  I'll probably just bake them.

I am wearing...pajamas with little lavender flowers.

I am creating...a plan to get started on a project that could quite possibly become a small family business....we'll see.

I am going...to take the bird to the vet today for a follow up visit.  She has a clutched right foot and we aren't sure what's causing it.  Two weeks ago, the vet said she didn't think it was from an injury...so it could be a tumor or possibly a stroke.  She seems to be holding her own...eating and drinking.  Time will tell.

I am reading...I'm actually in the middle of several books...my goal is to finish them before I start something new.  Right now, though, I'm reading a book about the Total Consecration.

I am hoping...that one of these days soon, I can get caught up on laundry.  

I am hearing...the hum of the dryer and the coffee pot.


Around the house...signs that three children live here!

One of my favorite things...those rare days when everyone in my house gets along and there is no yelling or fighting.

A few plans for the rest of the week...babysitting a friend's grandchildren on Holy Thursday, attending all of the special masses this weekend, and just simply enjoying this time in the Liturgical calendar.

A picture thought I'd like to share:

Spanish moss hanging from the Oak Trees in our yard

A Simple Woman's Daybook!

Outside my window...it's still dark, very windy and a bit chilly (37 degrees).   The cat looked at me like I was nuts when I opened the door for her this morning.  Apparently, it's too cold and windy for her!

I am thinking...about how to keep myself the kids motivated for school today.

I am thankful for...my family, my faith and how God loves me in spite of how wretched I am.

From the learning rooms...we'll be doing some writing assignments, baking cookies and reading lots of books!  

From the kitchen...cookies, cookies and more cookies! Oh, and lasagna (Thank you Stouffers!)
and garlic bread for dinner!

I am wearing...pink pajama bottoms, a Smokey Mountains t-shirt (from our vacation this summer!) and fuzzy blue socks!  Clearly fashion is not my "thing"!

I am creating...lots of Christmas gifts!  I found some very cool ways to use our old Christmas cards.  I'll share the finished products...after Christmas, of course!

I am going...to prepare a place for the Traveling Madonna that made her way to our doorstep last night!  She will be with us for the whole week!  There will be many rosaries offered!  I love it when the statue of Our Lady of Fatima comes to our house, it's like having a special guest staying with us!

I am reading...well, I'm still reading Padre Pio~Man of Hope but I am also re-reading Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard.  This is probably my most favorite book in the whole wide world!

I am hoping...to get to the pharmacy today so that I can get a couple of prescriptions refilled.

I am hearing...the hum of the computer fan and the coffee pot working away at my first cup of the day (sorry, Judy!).

Around the house...signs of Christmas everywhere!  There is also lots of laundry to be attended to.

One of my favorite things...cold, overcast, windy days when I can snuggle up in my warm home with my kids.  Guess what?  TODAY is one of those days!  Yay!

A few plans for the rest of the week...finishing up our homemade gifts, a Christmas party at church on Thursday, and finishing up school so we can be free until after the first of the year!

A picture thought I'd like to share:

Our weather this week!

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On this last day of 2009!

Outside my window…Overcast, gray and rainy...I like it. Makes you want to hunker down and snuggle in your jammies.

I am thinking. . . that 2009 wasn't such a bad year! It actually went rather quickly! There are things that I wish I could have accomplished, but, being alive, healthy and with my family means more than anything!

I am thankful for. . . this life that God has given me, my children, my husband, my home, my job, family and friends.

From the kitchen. . .I think I'm going to make potato soup with the leftover ham from Christmas. It's definitely a good day for soup and homemade biscuits.

I am wearing. . . pajamas bottoms and a gray t-shirt.

I am going. . . to let the kids play GameCube this morning. They've been begging me all week. It annoys me terribly, so I usually say NO. But, I'll allow it today.

On the nightstand. . . MAJOR dust. Oh, and Going Rogue (Sarah Palin).

On the lookout for... space saving home organizers. I will be conducting a major purge this year and I'm looking for ways to save space.

I am hoping. . . That 2010 will be filled with opportunities for spiritual growth and for spending lots of time with family and friends.

I am hearing. . . Dan preparing to go to work and Nathan getting the GameCube ready.

Praying for... the Talley Family and for all those who have asked me to pray for them.

Around the house. . . lots of Christmas decorations to begin to put away and a bath tub that is in desperate need of cleaning!

One of my favorite things. . . sitting in my favorite chair, curled up with my laptop or a good book, listening to the laughter of my children.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . a special meal with extended family on New Years Day, putting up new calendars and getting the kids ready for school.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. .


borrowed from Bonny Blue Days

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today....Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Outside my window......total darkness-the "fall back" hour is much appreciated in this household!

I am thinking.....about my wonderful friend Michelle and the tragic loss of her mother on Friday.

I am thankful for.....my children, my husband and my faith.

I am wearing.....San Francisco 49er pajamas.

I am remembering.....all that is on my schedule for this week (let's hope I keep remembering and don't start forgetting).

I am going....into work early today.

I am reading....nothing right now (waiting for my hold from the library).

I am hoping.....that our family can remain healthy and that all those struggling with illnesses may be comforted.

On my mind.....my mom.

Noticing that.....it's already 5:36am and I need to get going.

From the kitchen.....I have absolutely no idea--perhaps instead of hoping for health, I should be hoping for the dinner fairy!

One of my favorite things......weekends with family.

A picture thought I'm sharing....

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...Monday, September 28th

Outside my window...still very dark

I am thinking...that we need two bathrooms

I am thankful for...my family (crazy as it is)

I am wearing...pajamas (Santa Claus bottoms and S.F. 49er top.....no they don't match but they were both clean!)

I am remembering...today is soccer practice (yippee)!!

I am going...to listen to Mother Angelica today on EWTN radio

I am reading...the flyer about "school spirit tshirts" and contemplating the fact that they are $10 each (x5 in our family)

I am hoping...to get an order placed with Oriental Trading company today (Thanksgiving crafts)

On my mind...plans for Michaelmas

Noticing that...my living room looks like a tornado hit it....again

Pondering these words..."you'll understand some day when you're a parent"

From the kitchen...I don't know yet, going to the grocery store during my lunch hour

Around the house...a lot of dust!

One of my favorite things....COFFEE!

From my picture journal...

Nathan at 2 years old checking out his pumpkin!

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Simple Woman's Daybook...

Outside my window... a perfect sunny, spring day here in Jacksonville. I'm watching the squirrels chase each other around the base of the big Oak tree.

I am thinking... about a call I just received from our pastor about someone at church who is having major surgery tomorrow for a cancerous tumor. She is a young, single mom and I want to be able to help her while honoring her dignity.

From the learning rooms... although we don't home school in the official way....I still work with the kids on those things that they struggle with. I received the results of Nathan's ITBS testing scores and we need to work on his math.

From the kitchen...I'm not sure yet. Not enough leftovers from last night's dinner....probably Polish sausage with brown rice and a veges.

I am wearing... still in my pj's (yes and it's 10:56am).

I am reading... Walk Away the Pounds by Leslie Sansone and Weight Watchers magazine. At some point I'm going to need to quit reading about it and DO IT.

I am hoping... to be able to make it to Barnes and Noble by 5pm tonight so that Nathan can meet Mary Pope Osborne (author of the Magic Tree House books) and have his book signed.

I am creating... a plan for Nathan's First Communion celebration.

I am praying... for a cure for cancer soon and for all those suffering with the disease in some way or another.

One of my favorite things...having a date with my husband. We're planning one for this next weekend!

A few plans for the rest of the week...getting to that book signing today, beginning my Walk Away the Pounds program and starting Weight Watchers (AGAIN), getting the girls haircut and cleaning up the back yard as we are going to have Nathan's First Communion party outside.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

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