Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, Monday, January 26, 2009

Outside my window... The sun is shining and it's -6. We're gettin' warmer! It was -15 when I woke up!

I am thinking...I need to get out the carpet cleaner for the toothpaste disaster by Miss A yesterday!

I am thankful ...that Miss A. is still taking a morning nap.

From the learning rooms...We're working on AWANA, homonyms, antonyms, synonyms, mathmatic equations, and a spelling test.

From the kitchen...I forgot to thaw the meat last night. Tomato soup for lunch.

I am wearing...my pajamas! Yes, it is 11:00am and getting dressed is next on the agenda.

I am creating...Birthday cards for my niece and brother-in-law.

I am going...nowhere, I hope.

I am reading..."Living the God Life" by John Ortberg

I am hoping...these body aches are not a sign of things to come.

I am hearing...Mr. H. proclaiming that he made his bed nicely!

Around the house...I cleaned out the pantry yesterday. What a difference!

One of my favorite things...is hearing the kids laughter in the background.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . A Pampered Chef party and the start of swimming lessons for 5 kids.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Sillyness! And just think. . . someone, somewhere is lounging by the pool and basking in the warmth of the sunshine. I can dream!

You can check out other daybooks, or make one of your own simply by going HERE.

Tagged!

It's a first! I was tagged by Cassie over at Mageenme. So I need to post the sixth picture in my sixth folder of my picture file. So here we go. . . let's see what I find. . .

Oh boy, exciting, uh ladies? ha! This is my brother-in-law. This photo was taken on Sept. 21st 2008. I remember because that was my birthday. We had been out to dinner and my husband was so excited to hear that his brother shot a bear that he made a bee-line for the woods and took a bunch of pictures. No, I did not go along. Pictures are sufficient for me, when it comes to hunting!

Happy Sunday!

Heather

A Funny Story

If you want stories which make you laugh, you must tune in to Angie at The Arthur Clan. She is a great story teller. After laughing once again at one of Angie's stories, my husband and I are recalling a funny story which happened to him. . . one day. . . many years ago. The year was 1980 and my husband was a high school freshman (I wanted to post a yearbook picture but he wouldn't let me. . . "I looked like a dork!"). Not anymore, he's one handsome dude, if I do say so myself. :)

So here the story goes. . .

" My mother picked me up in the middle of the day for an apt. to have two wisdom teeth removed in preparation for getting braces. After she dropped me off, I proceeded into the office and directed to "the chair". At this time the Dr. explained that the shots he was about to give me were to numb the pain which was about to occur from removing the two wisdom teeth. And it indeed worked. . . my entire mouth including my lips were totally numb. I could feel. . . nothing. . . nada. . . zilch. The procedure went well and at the conclusion the Dr. instructed me to bite on a big wad of gauze in order to contain the bleeding from the extractions.

Shortly after, my mom picked me up to bring me back to school! That's right. . . directly back to school. No reason to miss . . . my parents intended for me to get my complete education!

However, through clenched teeth, I asked my mom if she'd stop at the bookstore so I could purchase a book.

She obliged and parked in front of the store. I quickly found what I was looking for and headed to the check-out. Upon approaching the counter, I thought it rather strange that the check-out lady had a very surprised look upon her face and her eyes kept getting bigger and BIGGER! So much so, that I looked behind me to see what she could possibly be looking at. Seeing no one behind me, I payed for my book and headed out the door.

As I got into the car and looked at my mom I now saw her eyes getting bigger and BIGGER! She quickly yelled, "WIPE YOUR MOUTH OFF!" Startled, I wiped the back of my wrist against my mouth and it was then that I realized the reason for all the LARGE eyes looking at me. . . My very dapper high school self had a loooooong bloody string of saliva that hung from the bottom of my lip and connected 12" down onto my shirt!

I can only imagine what the check-out lady thought when she saw this rabid, blood drooling, teenager staring her in the face!"

THE END

There you have it . . . a funny, "most embarrassing moment" story from my husband.

I spent 9 hours in the car today. . . so a good laugh is just what I needed! And now I need a good night's sleep!

Happy Friday!

Heather

Some people say. . .

"God will never ask me to do something I can't do." I have come to the place in my life that, if the assignment I sense God is giving me is something that I know I can handle, I know it is probably not from God. The kind of assignments God gives in the Bible are always God-sized. They are always beyond what people can do, because He wants to demonstrate His nature, His strength, His provision, and His kindness to His people and to a watching world. This is the only way the world will come to know Him. Henry Blackaby

Climbing a mountain in your life which seems pretty steep? Like the daily HUGE job of parenting?. . . or a new job?. . . or illness? . . . or financial pressures? . . . or. . . the list is endless in this life, isn't it? Beyond what people can do . . . this brings me to surrendering, and ultimately. . . His peace and bringing Him the glory. It's all about Him. (not me :))

Happy Thursday!

Heather

(The above Henry Blackaby quote was an excerpt from "Living the God Life" by John Ortberg)

I Heart Faces- Week 2

I Y Faces was a raging success for their grand opening last week. Week 2 is Anything Goes and I'm submitting a favorite photo I took last summer of Miss A. and Mr. J.

If you haven't already done so, go HERE and check out this site to submit your own photo or simply have fun seeing the photos others have taken and which ones win each week.

A Special Dinner

My mother-in-law (I guess she would be Mrs. E. Sr. :)) was recently hosting a dinner party at her home. Knowing my husband was willing to watch the kids for the day I thought it would be fun to head over to her place and help get ready. And fun it was . . . dipping strawberries in chocolate, getting out the pretty china, painting names onto place setting cards, setting out the gift bags, making the dessert and chicken main dish. (I must get that recipe and then I'll pass it on).

It was so great to do something I enjoy, help her out and simply revel in a "different" sort of day; a change of pace from the normal routine. Here are a few photos I took:

















Happy Tuesday!

Heather

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, January 19, 2009

Outside my window... It's 12 degrees and snowing

I am thinking... I'd like to go on a walk before my in-laws come this afternoon

I am thankful for... the time we've had together as a family since my husband has been without a job as well as the new job he will begin tomorrow.

From the learning rooms. . . we're working on contractions, equations, synonyms & antonyms.

From the kitchen...my mom brought us soup. Yummy!

I am wearing...My black sport pants and a brown sweater. All ready to go on a walk.

I am creating... a wishlist of things I'd like my husband to do on his last full day at home.

I am going...to really miss my husband being home during the day.

I am reading...a Martha Stewart magazine

I am hoping... this wellness streak in our home, LASTS.

I am hearing...my husband asking me to fix him some lunch. He's being very patient.:)

Around the house...Laundry is in, soup is on, Miss A. is in her high chair & Mr. C. is doing his math work.

One of my favorite things... is when my kids listen and obey without delay!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Meals, laundry, cleaning and the beginning of a new session of our homeschool co-op.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The kids sure love playing out in that snow!

You can go HERE to read other Daybooks or create one of your own.

Powerful

I thought you would find this as powerful as I did. May you be blessed by the awesome promises of our God.

Heather

Dear Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Psalm 139:1)

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)

I am familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139:3)

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31)

For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27)

In me you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:28)

For you are my offspring (Acts 17:28)

I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)

I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139:15-16)

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)

I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)

And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6)

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. (John 8:41-44)

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16)

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (1 John 3:1)

Simply because you are my child and I am your father. (1 John 3:1)

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11)

For I am the perfect father. (Matthew 5:48)

Every good gift that you received comes from my hand. (James 1:17)

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33)

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:1)

Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalms 139:17-18)

And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40)

For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41)

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3)

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29)

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13)

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Ephesians3:20)

For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18)

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. (Isaiah 40:11)

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. (Revelation 21:3-4)

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. (Revelation 21:3-4)

I am your father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. (John 17:23)

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (John 17:23)

He is the exact representation of my being. (Hebrews 1:3)

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. (Romans 8:31)

And to tell you I am not counting your sins. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. (1 John 4:10)

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:31-32)

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (1 John 2:33)

and nothing will ever separate you from my love again. (Romans 8:38-39)

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7)
I have always been Father, and I always will be Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15)

My question is...will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)

I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)

Your Heavenly Father

I read this on a blog called A Little Bird Told Me So. She found this on the back page of Hillsong's Colour Your World brochure.

A Classic!

Since we are having a lazy Saturday morning, the kids asked "Can we watch an I Love Lucy?" The I Love Lucy series on DVD was a Christmas gift this year. The kids (and adults) have had such a fun time laughing at this classic comedian. The family friendly choices on TV have grown so slim that this has been a wonderful option for family entertainment during these extremely cold housebound winter days. You can go to Amazon HERE to check it out or your local video store probably has a season to rent. You'll be glad you did. . . LAUGHTER is good for the soul!

A Treasured Gift

I was looking back at Christmas photo memories . . . (didn't take many due to the flu bug goin' around). . . and one very special gift stood out. . . that from my 10 year old nephew. My husband lost his job last October and the prayers of many have carried us to this point where we look forward to a new job beginning next week. One of our prayer warriors was my nephew, Jim. On Christmas Eve he presented our family with a gift that he had made. He said he wanted to encourage us during a difficult time and that he read through the Psalms for scripture that would specifically lift us up! We were blessed beyond words. He made us this card with the scriptures he chose. . .

I know the Lord is blessed when we encourage one another, and at 10 years old I think my nephew get's it!

Making a Christmas collage with Picasa 3:

Happy Thursday!

Heather

A Playdate with. . .

Corel Painter Essentials 4! I've had a fun afternoon "playing" with the free trial. You can too. . . Just go HERE.

Now, a few photos to show you. . .

Meanwhile. . . while I've been "playing", my kitchen counters look like. . .

THIS!

AND THIS!

Even the floor has not escaped the hurricane. . .

Do you see why I'd rather be at the "puter"? But now the time has come. Dinner hour. REALITY! I best go face it!

(P.S. This isn't the result of a typical grocery run. My grandpa has entered an assisted living home and I am the beneficiary of the kitchen goods. I really am thankful and my kids are ecstatic. . . .LOOK at all of this food that mom never lets us eat!! Pop-Tarts for snack-time! YEAH!)

Happy Wednesday!

Heather

I Heart Faces!

Look! There is a new fun blog on the street! You must go check it out at I Heart Faces. I do love learning about photography. . . I specifically enjoy taking pictures of people. . . And I have a lot to learn. It's a great site to learn techniques and oh! so fun to look at pictures others have taken.

I decided to enter the "Anything Goes" kids contest with a couple photos of Miss A. She was my first girl after five boys and this was her first Sunday church dress. So after church last May, I snapped these. . .

Well, it's 1:00 and those boys are anxious to eat lunch and mommy has been having fun on the "puter". Time to get busy!

Happy Tuesday!

Heather

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Monday, January 12, 2009

Outside my window... Clear skies and a frigid 1 degree on the thermometer.

I am thinking...I need patience as I have already heard arguing amongst the brothers .

I am thankful for...A good nights sleep.

From the learning rooms...The boys are beginning their day with quiet bible reading.

From the kitchen...After two trips to the grocery store yesterday, I should be able to come up with something for lunch and dinner.

I am wearing...My pajamas while typing fast cause I'm cold!

I am creating...Bookmarks for a baby shower next weekend.

I am going...to church tonight.

I am reading...a home organization book my sister gave me.

Help!Around the House - A Mother's Guide to Getting the Family to Pitch in and Clean Up

by Don Aslett

I am hoping...we can figure out our computer "issues" today.

I am hearing...Nothing! As I sent everyone to their rooms for some quiet time!

Around the house...I'll be cleaning a bathroom and vacuuming carpeted areas today.

One of my favorite things...A nice warm shower!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

To follow other Daybooks, or create your own, you can go HERE.

Happy Monday Everybody!
Heather

A Family Devotional

I was in the church library recently and look what I found! Growing up my dad would read this at the dinner table. This is a great family devotional by Allan Hart Hahsmann & Martin P. Simon. The kids really seem to be enjoying it. Every meditation has a short story, scripture to read and a prayer. You can find it at Amazon.com and it looks like this. . .

The older version which I am familiar with and which was first copyrighted in 1957, looks like this. . .
I am always on the look-out for recommended devotionals or books for my kids and I would definitely recommend this one. If you read One of Those Mornings, you'll understand how God brought something good out of our library time!

Show and Tell Friday

Kelly over at NoPlaceLikeHome is hosting "Show and Tell Friday". I'm joining the fun today and showing a favorite piece of pottery. This is a MA Hadley pitcher I received from my mom at one of my bridal showers. Growing up, my mom had one and I loved it because when you get to the bottom it says. . .

"The End" . . . I just always got a kick out of that as a kid. And now, it's one of those childhood warm fuzzy things. The boys will probably not care much but maybe Miss A will enjoy my love for dishes one day too.

Happy Friday!

Heather

The Eagles Nest

I've enjoyed my winter walks. My route brings me by a huge eagle nest. I took a picture of it today. . .
Did you know? . . .

• The largest nest ever found was in Ohio. It was nearly nine feet wide and twelve feet deep!
• Most nests are as big as your bed.
• Records show that some nest sites have been used for over thirty years.
• An eagle can see a rabbit two miles away!

Here's a familiar verse from scripture:

Isaiah 40:31 ". . . but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

• Eagles have a seven-foot wingspan. Once in flight, the long broad wings are ideal for hours of soaring over the countryside. Eagles use moving air currents to make travel effortless and quick. During a good journey, they will seldom flap their wings.

I've had times in my life when God carried me through some tough situations. When I read this verse I thought of those times. My strength was renewed, God carried me; I soared on wings like eagles. God is indeed faithful to His promises.

Happy Thursday!

Heather

(Eagle facts from Eagles For Kids by Charlene Gieck)

My Own Spot

You've heard it said "Everyone needs their own spot". . . Well, I think I've found mine. This Christmas I received a devotional which I'm really excited about. Here it is . . Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire.
























Although it sounds wonderful to wake up and have my devotion time while all is still quiet in the house, it seems I am always too late and the interruptions become way too distracting. And if I simply disappear during the day. . . you know a secret, silent, solitary moment. . . The kids think I'm playing hide and seek! Because in 20 seconds. . . Ready or not here we come! . . .They have all found me! So, today I tried another manuever . . .and hence found my own spot. Guess where?
























Yep, the bathroom! I made an announcement -- I'm heading to the bathroom . . . I'll be back in 10-15 minutes! I yell this for all to hear, ask an older one to watch little Miss A., head to my bathroom where they all know mom needs her privacy, lock the door, and what do you know? It worked! I brought this lovely little chair into my lovely little bathroom and there was silence. I LOVE silence. And my time with the Lord always spurs me on to live for Him and behave more like He wants me to. So there it is for all to see. . . my own little corner! :)

Hope it was a Happy Tuesday!
Heather

Puzzle Time!

I've spent the weekend taking down Christmas decorations, organizing "stuff" and trying to prepare myself for school and the weekly routine to begin again on Monday. It always feels good to get everything back in its place but what a chore, huh? And since it's January and the dead of winter in our neck of the woods, it's a great time to set up the puzzle table. Here's a look at the first one we put together last night. . .

It's a picture! My mom had this made at Walgreen's. Isn't this a great gift idea? Maybe with a favorite Christmas photo.

Our next puzzle is 1000 pieces. . . it'll take a bit longer!

Happy Sunday!

Heather

Year in Pictures

I was inspired by Donna over at QuietLife when I saw her Year in Pictures. So I've had fun the last two days reviewing our pictures and picking one, or two for every month of 2008. If you want to join in the fun or see other Year in Pictures, you can go HERE .

January: Mr. C and Mr. H join the cast of Rumpelstiltskin from the traveling MissoulaChildren'sTheatre (It becomes apparent that the acting bug has not bitten.)






















February: Happy 1st Valentine's Day Miss A!

























March:
Mr. Z builds a snowman with all our new snow!


























April: We head to Orlando and join Oma & Papa for Florida fun! Yes, we all wore neon chartreuse green t-shirts so we could easily see one another. And it worked!! Apologize for the glare :)


























May: My husband is ecstatic to bag his first turkey. Yes, we ate it. . . it was good.


























June: The princess and Mr. J enjoy the warm summer sunshine!


























July: This was the last time I saw my Grandma. She passed away 3 months later at the age of 88. She is especially missed by my Grandpa. They were married 67 years!



















August: My sister and family came to visit and we decided to have some family pictures taken. My friend Lisa came over and took many treasured shots. These are some of my favorites. Thanks again, Lisa!



























































































September: Kayaking on the river at a friends' home.

October: Happy 40th Kathy!

Fun, friends, flowers and a friendship quilt!


























November: My handsome husband at our family Thanksgiving gathering.






















December: We love having a fire in our fireplace during these cold winter months.