Olympics!

What a great Olympic game this afternoon for hockey fans all over the world.

Growing up in So. California I don't remember hockey being played in our community or school athletics.

Now living in the northern mid west, I can say hockey is B.I.G. around here.

Kids learn to skate soon after learning to walk.

Our kids are not involved in hockey.  It's a year round sport now, and requires a major time commitment.

But they love the chance to play in the backyard rink at a friends' house.

Competition. . . these boys relish it!

After taking an afternoon nap trying to end this lingering cold, I caught the medal ceremony.

Congratulations, Canada!

Next Winter Olympic Games?

Sochi, Russia 2014

XXII Winter Olympic Games
7 - 23 February 1439 days left

The city of Sochi, Russia, has been elected as the host city for the XXII Olympic Winter Games in 2014. The announcement was made by IOC President Jacques Rogge in Guatemala City, where the IOC members were meeting. Sochi was elected in the second round of voting with 51 votes against 47 votes for PyeongChang, South Korea.

The vision of Sochi 2014 is to unite the resources of the city of Sochi, the Krasnodar region and the Russian nation to develop in Sochi greatly needed sports venues and resort infrastructure, in a sustainable, inclusive, environmentally responsible manner. Their goal is to deliver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games of unsurpassed excellence for the athletes, the Olympic family, the Paralympic family and the world.

 City Details: The city of Sochi is located in far southwestern Russia along the edge of the Black Sea. It fronts the massive peaks of the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains, a perfect venue for winter sports of all types. The last local census indicated 328,809 residents, but that will certainly increase as construction and development activities for the 2014 Winter Olympics progress.

We've sure enjoyed watching the Olympic Games each night.

Now it's time for earlier bedtimes.

Happy Sunday,

Heather

Bed Time

Bed time with the children. . . it's always umm, let's just say a test of my patience at the end of a long day.

But sometimes I just have to smile and take it all in.

I can vividly remember my sister and me calling for my mom to come tuck us in at night.  "All riiiiiiight mooooother, we're reeeeeadyyyyy", we would loudly announce in unison.  I loved having my mom sit on my bed and talk as I would try to lengthen the good night ritual.

So it was with Mr. A tonight, my soon to be six year old.

Usually I ask, "What was the best part of your day?"

Tonight he had similar questions for me as well as the answers he thought most fitting.

And then he had to show me the surprise under his pillow.

(He's had a sense of humor from the "get-go"!)

"Look what I'm hiding so the brothers won't take them!"

("Bullets" to his Nerf gun)

"Let's count them!"

And at the feet of his bed??

His beloved "guns". 

He's really "packin' the heat", huh?!

He loves to have his picture taken!

   

And I love to comply.

Finally after the many questions are answered and the final trip to the bathroom has been made, I say a final "Good Night, I love you." 

And I hear the words every mom loves to hear,

"I love you too momma."

Hope it was a happy Tuesday,

Heather

 

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window.....it's dark at 9:15pm.

I am thinking.....this cold I'm fighting has me draggin'.

I am thankful.....for the recent milder temperatures.  The 30's feel wonderful!

I am wearing.....my walking shorts, black tank and a plaid flannel shirt. . .totally precious!

I am hearing.....the Olympics on TV.

I am creating......DVD's of photos and videos to edit and give to friends.

I am going.....to clean up the kitchen, and make my husband's lunch before heading to bed.

I am reading.....my devotionals and a few low-carb cookbooks I picked up at the library.

I am praying.....for safe travels as my folks will be on the road heading south.

I am remembering.....(after just sneezing four times) a friend from years past (Pete Robinson) who would say after someone sneezed. . .  "God Bless you", and they sneezed again. . ."God Bless You". . . and they sneezed again. . . "the third time your on your own!"

I am hoping.....that I can keep losing the pounds as the scale revealed -3 this morning. Yeah!

On my mind.....we were exposed to the chicken pox so I'm curious what the next month will bring.  Also, my grandpa turns 93 tomorrow!

From the learning rooms....the solar system today. "My Very Educated Mother Just Showed Us Nine Planets".  (Mars, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto)

Noticing that....the Olympics have us watching lots of TV lately.  And it's been fun to follow those amazing athletes.

Pondering these words..... "God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us."  Augustine

From the kitchen.....Chicken noodle soup this week and hopefully a few new recipes from the cookbook I'm reading.

Around the house....the Monday laundry is done but not put away, and the counters are beginning to collect the usual clutter once again.

One of my favorite things.....watching the ice skaters in the Olympics.

A few plans for the rest of the week.....basketball games for the boys, home school sports club, watching a black belt ceremony and the final winter swim lesson.

Here's a picture thought I am sharing. . . The boys did a great job at their first piano recital last night.  A fun time was had by all!

Thank you for stopping and visiting my daybook. If you'd like to visit others who are participating or write a journal yourself, please stop over at Peggy's at Simple Women's Daybook.

Hope this last week in February is a good one for you!

Heather

Armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. . . .

 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, stand with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.  Ephesians 6:10-18

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Eph. 6:12

Equipped with your armor, have a victorious weekend!

Happy Friday!

Heather

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window.....I see blue skies and reflections of the sun on the snow covered landscape. 

I am thinking......it's going to be a great day!

I am thankful.....for a friend's thoughtfulness in letting us use their "rabbit ears" and converter box so we can watch the Olympics.  Yeah!!

I am wearing......my walking shorts and my husband's army green fleece sweatshirt.

I am hearing.....the kids playing downstairs as they take a school break before table time begins.

I am creating.....a "talk" about courage for our Thursday homeschool group.

I am going......to head to the library today and pick up a few books I ordered.

I am reading..... my A.W. Tozer devotional.

I am praying......for healing of my mom's painful foot.  She can hardly walk because of plantar fasciitis.

I am remembering.....Mr. A telling Little A, "I love you and Jesus loves you too--always remember that, OK?"

I am hoping......to find winter boots on sale for C-man who's been wearing rain boots this season.

On my mind......the thoughtfulness of our neighbor who took his time to snow blow our driveway.

From the learning rooms....Z-man is enjoying his new "Spelling Zoo" DVD program (Institute for Excellence in Writing).

Noticing that.....the more exercising I do the more energy I have during the day.

Pondering these words....."Sometimes God requires us to follow a fair amount of repetition for a considerable amount of time until He deems a season complete.  Then all of a sudden, He seems to do something profound or miraculous, and we can't figure out what changed." Beth Moore

From the kitchen.....leftovers and NO more sugary treats allowed around here.

Around the house.....my new bookshelves on sale from Target are great.   I even have room for more books.

One of my favorite things.....listening to my mom read Boxcar Children books aloud to the kids.

A few plans for the rest of the week.....helping the Food Pantry, orthodontist apts., library, homeschool sports club, and piano recital.

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

A friend's precious little boy.

Thank you for stopping and visiting my daybook. If you'd like to visit others who are participating or write a journal yourself, please stop over at Peggy's at Simple Woman's Daybook.

Happy Tuesday,

Heather

Happy Hearts Day!

 

"LOVE does not consist in gazing at each other

but in looking outward

together in the same direction."

-Antoine De Saint-Exupery

 

Hope you are surrounded with love on this Valentine's Day.

Heather

A Valentine for Him

9 ACROSS

V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E

Check this out. . .

For a fun Valentine to make for your special someone, go to puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com and create a free customized crossword that incorporates words and clues from your relationship.

I made this one:

ACROSS

2.  Our special day in 1989

3.  Where we met

5.  Kisses sweeter than _______

8.  Our first pet

9.  You want to do this one day

11.  Your favorite dessert

DOWN

1.  I make this for you every day

4.  Don't forget to tell me _________.

6.  You are a ___________ owl.

7.  I am this to you

10.  Our second hometown

12.  Arrows in your quiver

 

My Valentine surprised me with these last night.

I love flowers, especially tulips.

Love never gives up.  Love cares more for others than for self.  Love. . . puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.              1 Corinthians 13:4 MSG

Happy Saturday!

Heather

What??

As with many people, I'm inspired to begin positive lifestyle habits come the new year.

It is now February 10 and I've been doing fairly well on the whole eating healthier and exercising regularly routine.  My goal is to lose 30 pounds.  I haven't stepped on the scale because. . . if I don't see a number which is less than the number I saw the last time. . . it's just a depressing way to start the day, you know?!!  But this morning I was brave.  I physically prepared. . .bathrobe is off, hair is dry, bladder is empty. . .I think I'm ready.

WHAT???

I gained two whole pounds!!

{{SIGH}}

Then I ponder where I might have been making wrong choices. 

There were recent temptations such as these. . .

But I had done well avoiding those beautiful sweet things.

Then I remembered the sale on cereal and our recent pantry abundance of Corn Fakes and Cheerios.

These are major weaknesses of mine and one which I have indulged in too much.  Somehow I seem to rationalize that cereal doesn't contain THAT many calories. 

Seriously, I think there are valid reasons for the low carb diet, especially at my 40-something age.

So my plan is to begin cutting back on the carbs, as hard as it is for me.

I know that the exercising is healthy for my body, mind & spirit and I want to keep that up.

It's hard to not be discouraged.

{{SIGH}}

We've been studying Abraham Lincoln.

Did you know this?

LINCOLN'S ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE

Failed in business in 1831

Defeated for legislature in 1832

Second failure in business in  1833

Suffered a nervous breakdown in 1836

Defeated for Speaker in 1838

Defeated for Elector in 1840

Defeated for Congress in 1843

Defeated for Congress in 1848

Defeated for Senate in 1855

Defeated for Vice President in 1856

Defeated for Senate in 1858

Elected President in 1860

So no positive results today for me but tomorrow is another day.

And even though I'd like to grab an evening snack of Corn Flakes, I'll head to bed and say AMEN to this prayer by Augustine. . .

Let my soul take refuge. . . beneath the shadow of Your wings; let my heart, this sea of restless waves, find peace in You, O God. 

May you find peace, resting in Him this day.

Heather

Key to lasting love

The following story about UCLA basketball coach John Wooden was told by our youth pastor during a recent sermon.  It was so touching that I asked for a copy.  I think it will bring a smile to your face.

There has never been a finer person in American sports than John wooden or a finer coach.  He won ten NCAA basketball championships at UCLA, the last in 1975.  Nobody has ever come even within six of them.  He won 88 straight games, nobody has come within 42 since.  There has never been another coach like Wooden.  Loyal to one woman, one school, one way, walking around campus in sensible shoes and Jimmy Stewart morals.  Discipline yourself and others won't need to, coach would say.  Never lie, never cheat, never steal and earn the right to be proud and confident.  If you played for him, you played by his rules.  Never score without acknowledging your teammate.  One word of profanity and you're done for the day.  Treat your opponent with respect.   He believed in hopelessly out of date stuff but never did anything but win championships.  No long hair, no facial hair--it would take too long to dry and you will catch cold leaving the gym, he would say.  That one drove his players bonkers!  One day, all American center Bill Walton showed up with a full beard.  "It's my right!", he insisted.  Wooden asked if he believed that strongly, and Walton said he did.  "That's good, Bill, I admire people who have strong beliefs and stick by them.  I really do.  We're going to miss you."  Walton shaved it right then and there.  Now Walton calls coach once a week to tell him how much he loves him.  Wooden is almost 90 now, but on the 21st of the month, the best man I know will do what he always does on the 21st of the month.  He'll sit down and he'll pen a love letter to his best girl.  He'll say how much he misses her and loves her and can't wait to see her again.  Then he'll fold it once, slide it into a little envelope and walk into his bedroom.  He'll go to the stack of love letters sitting there on her pillow, untie the yellow ribbon, place the new one on top and tie the ribbon again.  The stack will be 180 letters high then because the 21st will be 15 years to the day since Nelly, his beloved wife of 53 years, died.  In her memory, he sleeps only on his half of the bed, only on his pillow, only on top of the sheets, never between, with just the old bedspread they shared to keep him warm.  You see, that kind of commitment is the key to lasting love.

And since we're talkin' about love and sports. . .

Here are a few snapshots of the twins lovin' their sports!

May you rejoice this Valentine's week in your lasting love.

Happy Tuesday,

Heather

 

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today February 8

Outside my window.....cloudy and lightly snowing

I am thinking.....it's a good afternoon to take a walk but I better do it quickly cause these eyelids are gettin' heavy. 

I am thankful.....for the loving friendships God has given to me.

I am wearing.....black pants, black top and rusty-orange sweater

I am hearing.....the hum of the computer while the kids have some quiet reading time.

I am creating.....valentines!

I am going.....to make and effort to recognize and reward positive behavior in my kids.

I am reading.....my devotionals in the morning.

I am praying.....about upcoming decisions regarding our church's children's ministry.

I am remembering.....how my dad would always buy my sister and me See's Candy for Valentine's Day.  As with anything now, you can order it online. It's the best!

I am hoping.....to sort through and organize our stacks of music CD's this week.

On my mind.....computer problems and making the time and effort to get them fixed.

From the learning rooms....I ordered the first 10 Caldecott Medal Winners from the library.  The award began in 1938 and I'd like to set a goal to read all 72 to the kids by the end of the year.

Noticing that....The kids are tired and cranky after staying up later for Superbowl fun.

Pondering these words. . . Lord, someone once said that anything that becomes a burden will be discarded with relief.  So please keep me from ever giving the children the impression that belonging to You and obeying You are a burden and a joyless journey.--Ruth Bell Graham

From the kitchen.....I'm cleaning out the freezer.  Steaks for dinner this week.

Around the house.....I finally have a clutter-free office!

One of my favorite things.....A positive "this tastes great, Mom!" comment at the dinner table.

A few plans for the rest of the week.....basketball game for the boys, soccer meeting, a special Valentine dinner with my husband, and friends in town for the weekend.

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

Little A requests that we "weed"  each night before bed.  Love those precious little hands.

Thank you for stopping and visiting my daybook. If you'd like to visit others who are participating or write a journal yourself, please stop over at Peggy's at Simple Woman's Daybook

Happy Monday,

Heather

Reflections

Saturday morning coffee, homemade waffles, a walk on the snow covered streets, bright sunshine on my face,

and reflections. . . of a childhood friends' mom who unexpectedly passed away yesterday.

We never have enough time with those we love.

Give a warm hug and a special "I love you" to those dear to your heart today.

Heather

 

A Simple Truth

It was a comment I heard this evening.

It's the simple truth.

I need to remember. . .

They aren't going to "catch it".  You have to teach them.

Teach them to pray.

Teach them to be respectful.

Teach them to be thankful.

Teach them to be kind.

Teach them to seek Him with all their heart, soul & mind.

And teach them over and over and over.

I remember as a new mom of a toddler thinking,

"We've gone over these rules before.  Why do I continually need to teach you the same thing?"

And yet as His child I continually need His Word, His guidance, His patient voice leading me, teaching me over & over & over. . . .  many of the same truths.

I long to be as patient with them as He is with me.

Happy Tuesday,

Heather

 

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today February 1

Outside my window......dark and cold, only 6 degrees.

I am thinking.....what a refreshing evening of encouragement and fellowship I enjoyed at a ladies gathering at church tonight.

I am thankful for......our down comforter which keeps us warm on these bitterly cold winter nights.

I am wearing...... black pants and a cream colored turtleneck sweater.

I am creating......a new cataloguing system for my 7,000 digital pictures taken in 2009 alone!

I am going.....to have fun reading the four new books I picked up at the free book table tonight

I am reading.....one of my new books entitled 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers.

I am praying.....for continuing wisdom in raising respectful children.

I am remembering.....today's visit from a neighbor who loaned us many family friendly movies to watch during these housebound winter months.  They have indeed been a blessing.

I am hoping......to keep up my weekly exercise regimen.

On my mind....two "God-nudges" today regarding having a heart of thankfulness, always.

From the learning rooms.....I'm starting school with jokes for the kids tomorrow!  A friend mentioned this evening that the endorphins released when laughing help to better engage the mind to understand the task at hand.  I printed 3 pages of jokes which should last awhile.

Here's one for ya'. . .

Q.  Why do fish live in salt water?

A.  Because pepper makes them sneeze!

Well, at least it will be a little change of pace, right?!

Noticing that....the days are getting a bit longer.  Love the brightness!

Pondering these words. . .

Fill Thou my life, O Lord my God,

In every part with praise,

That my whole being may proclaim

Thy being and Thy ways.

Not for the lip of praise alone,

Nor e'en the praising heart

I ask, but for a life made up

Of praise in every part.

Horatio Bonar

From the kitchen.....??????  (Not a good sign, huh?)

Around the house.....My Z-man has been on a mission to keep the kitchen clean in the afternoons and for that I have been very thankful.

One of my favorite things......Corn Flakes and Cheerios.  I could eat these three times a day.  Really!

A few plans for the rest of the week.....cleaning my disastrously cluttered office, church meeting, Superbowl fun, and the usual running of kids here and there. 

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

Remembering warmer days.

Thank you for stopping and visiting my daybook. If you'd like to visit others who are participating or write a journal yourself, please stop over at Peggy's at Simple Woman's Daybook.

Hope you had a happy Monday!

Heather