Monday, May 25, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY May 25, 2009

Outside my window...then sun is getting lower, the air is humid, and the grass needs to be mowed.

I am thinking... about the things I need to get done before bedtime to get ready for tomorrow.

I am thankful for... our soldiers, past and present. Thank you for making that sacrifice for me and the rest of our country!

From the learning rooms... planning and praying for next year.

From the kitchen...full freezers and full pantry thanks to a great shopping trip this morning.

I am wearing...jeans and a white top, bare feet as usual.

I am creating... Nothing currently

I am going... to bed early! I am so sleepy...

I am reading... Stephen King's dark Tower series, Book 2: The drawing of The Three, and still reading my Bible.

I am hoping... that this week flies by, and my kids will be out for the summer!

I am hearing... a cartoon playing in the den

I am praying... for overtime on my husband's paycheck. His company has cut everyone's hours(save his and a few others) down to 32 hours a week.

Around the house... toys from #3's birthday party Saturday. We had to have it a week early, his real birthday is next Saturday.

One of my favorite things... long weekends!

A few plans for the rest of the week: a field trip for #2, exams for #1, cleaning out the spare room for my nephew, T.



Here is picture thought I am sharing...


#3 at his birthday party



Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Monday, May 4, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook







FOR TODAY May 4, 2009

Outside my window...big fat rain drops have just started falling, and the sound they make when they hit the roof is so loud...

I am thinking... about my best friend's graduation party. On Thursday she will officially be an R.N., and we are celebrating this weekend!

I am thankful for... many things. I'm especially thankful for COUPONS right now, as I've saved 50-70% every week for the last month with them.

From the learning rooms... planning and praying for next year.

From the kitchen...frozen pizza tonight

I am wearing...jeans and a white top, bare feet as usual

I am creating... a plan, as usual. This time it's for a party.

I am going... no where, I'm in for the night.

I am reading... no new books, still reading my Bible, 1 Samuel

I am hoping... to get myself enrolled into the nursing program soon.

I am hearing... thunder, and a deluge of rain assaulting my rooftop. I like it.

I am praying... for guidance, as always! I've gotten better at listening :)

Around the house... much clutter to go through and clear out.

One of my favorite things... Tuesdays, when my husband is off from work, and we have time to ourselves. Even if there's work around here to be done, we can fit in a conversation or two!

A few plans for the rest of the week: ordering a graduation cake, making two banners, organizing guests and their dishes...all party stuff.



Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Trixie in the clover...





Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Monday, April 27, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook







FOR TODAY April 27, 2009

Outside my window... it is humid and hot already.

I am thinking... about #3, and wondering what kind of day he's having. I'm second guessing myself (as usual) about the decisions I'm making about school next year.

I am thankful for... the wonderful day at the beach with my family yesterday. We had a great time together.

From the learning rooms... planning and praying for next year.

From the kitchen...a full pantry, thanks to my new coupon craze. I'll never go back to shopping the old way again.

I am wearing...jeans and a lavender top, my feet are bare

I am creating... doubt in myself, which is one of my biggest faults.

I am going... no where today until school gets out. Mondays are for cleaning the house.

I am reading... nothing right now. I need a good distraction!

I am hoping... that I'm doing the right thing for #3.

I am hearing... a truck down the road

I am praying... for guidance, as always!

Around the house... weekend mess awaits me.

One of my favorite things... being able to depend on God when I can't depend on myself.

A few plans for the rest of the week: de-cluttering the kids' rooms and laundry room shelves, taking Mom to the dr. Friday for a cortisone shot.



Here is picture thought I am sharing...



#3 flying his kite at the beach



Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Monday, April 20, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook







FOR TODAY April 20, 2009

Outside my window... the lawn has been mowed, my garden is looking sad, and I see a cloudy sky promising rain.

I am thinking... about our country, and how to best prepare my children for the future.

I am thankful for... God's blessings.

From the learning rooms... not much, still planning for next year. We've decided to send #2 and #3 to the brand new elementary school in our neighborhood next year. If we don't like it, we'll bring them home. We're still planning on homeschooling #1 and T, my nephew.

From the kitchen...the beginning of a nice stockpile. Tons of pasta and cereal bought for a song with coupons.

I am wearing...yoga pants and a tee

I am creating... a plan, as always. This one includes sending myself back to school.

I am going... only to pick up the kids this afternoon. All errands will wait for Friday.

I am reading... Stephen King's From A Buick 8, still. Almost done, though.

I am hoping... that I'm making the right choices for my family. My heart tells me I am.

I am hearing... the TV from the den, just background noise.

Around the house... several new games and activity sets for the kids, given to us by a friend, waiting to be be put away.

One of my favorite things... weekend Wii bowling tournaments with my mom! So much fun.



Here is picture thought I am sharing...



#2 being way too nice at her Taekwondo belt test Saturday.



Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Friday, April 17, 2009

Great Money-Saving Site, PLUS Giveaway

I've found an awesome money-saving site, Southern Savers. Jenny finds all the best deals and matches them up with current coupons (a service some people actually pay for), and helps thousands of people save a ton of money every day, and often getting things for FREE. I love that Jenny also encourages donating your excess goodies to charities. To celebrate ONE MILLION visitors, she's having a giveaway for 4 $25 Amazon Gift Cards. Awesome, right? Go check it out...you'll be hooked!

Monday, April 13, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY April 13, 2009

Outside my window... it's cloudy and windy, and I'm hoping for rain

I am thinking... about some big changes

I am thankful for... God's guidance. He has opened my eyes to things I've been overlooking, and things can only get better from here.

From the learning rooms... some changes in plans. Homeschooling is still in our future, but differently than we had planned.

From the kitchen...dirty dishes that are waiting for me

I am wearing... jeans and a t-shirt

I am creating... a education plan for our family, including myself.

I am going... to pick the kids up soon, and then maybe to meet the principal of the brand-new elementary school nearby.

I am reading... Stephen King

I am hoping... that my husband gets some overtime this week. This economy seems hopeless.

I am hearing... the wind blowing through the trees.

Around the house... just weekend clutter to pick up.

One of my favorite things... realizing I'm right on track when I actually thought I was lost!



Here is picture thought I am sharing...



Our lovely Easter eggs!



Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Sunday, April 12, 2009

My Redeemer lives!


The Resurrection Pictures, Images and Photos


I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.

Job 19:25


Monday, April 6, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY April 6, 2009

Outside my window... it's cloudy and muggy, and there's rain in the forecast

I am thinking... about my Granny, who went home to be with our Lord last night. She was 97 years old, and passed in her sleep.

I am thankful for... The peaceful way my Granny took her last breath, without suffering.

From the learning rooms... still researching curriculum for the older kids

From the kitchen...today I'm planning meals and making shopping lists

I am wearing... capris and a t-shirt

I am creating... a plan for this week...it's going to be a busy one

I am going... on a field trip Wednesday with #2, class Easter parties on Thursday, and Granny's funeral in Georgia Friday.

I am reading... nothing right now

I am hoping... that this week goes smoothly

I am hearing... #3 tossing and turning, he's home sick today with a fever

Around the house... much cleaning to do

One of my favorite things... Easter! It's my favorite holiday



Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Granny with the kids


Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Giveaway over at Apron Strings

There's a great Spring giveaway over at Apron Strings! Stop by and check it out, and tell Judy you heard about it in Mommyville!

Monday, March 30, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY March 30, 2009

Outside my window... it's surprisingly cool

I am thinking... this is going to be a crazy week

I am thankful for... God's guidance! I'd be completely lost right now without it.

From the learning rooms... making decisions about #1's curriculum, and for my 13 year old nephew, T, who's coming to live with us.

From the kitchen...coupons clipped and grocery list made, just need to shop now

I am wearing... yoga pants and a t-shirt

I am creating... a plan for my children

I am going... grocery shopping, and to lunch with my mom and sister

I am reading... and old Stephen King, Night Shift, and Little House with #2

I am hoping... that T loves it here

I am hearing... the heat running. By noon, the a.c. will need to come on!

Around the house... Laundry to fold, and weekend aftermath

One of my favorite things... playing outside with my kids on warm spring days

A few plans for the rest of the week: the kids have standardized testing this week at school, dr's appointment Thursday, dentist on Friday


Here is picture thought I am sharing...


My nephew, T, at Edisto Island last summer.


Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Monday, March 23, 2009

Thank goodness Spring is here!

The kids and I took a walk around the yard today, admiring new Spring blooms.

Here's a daffodil...





And some yellow jasmine, which happens to be our state flower...






And I can't remember what these are called, but they're shrubs that look similar to a crape myrtle, at least it's leaves do...






These are our blueberry blossoms. Every summer we get a ton of berries...






And this, of course, is a clover. #2 pointed it out, and I dismissed it, telling her it was a weed. She promptly reminded me that it's a flower nonetheless. She's right, of course.



Take some time to look at the beauty in your own yard...even the weeds.

The Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY March 23, 2009

Outside my window... it's cool now, but warming up today

I am thinking... I can't wait to get my seedlings in the ground today

I am thankful for... mornings that go smoothly

From the learning rooms... a new choice in curriculum

From the kitchen...a full pantry and fridge

I am wearing... capris and a t-shirt

I am creating... my garden: tomatoes, squash, peppers, beans, cucumbers, melons!

I am going... nowhere until it's time to pick up the kids

I am reading... and old Stephen King, Night Shift, and Little House with #2

I am hoping... that I get everything in the ground today

I am hearing... the dog whining to be held

Around the house... weekend mess to be cleaned

One of my favorite things... hot coffee in my big red mug

A few plans for the rest of the week: going through toys and clothes to donate or trash


Here is picture thought I am sharing...



Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Monday, March 16, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY March 16, 2009

Outside my window... it's wet. We finally got some rain last night!

I am thinking... how behind I am on my garden, it still needs to be tilled

I am thankful for... a small laundry pile, thanks to my husband

From the learning rooms... planning and preparation

From the kitchen...a menu to plan, and shopping list to be made.

I am wearing... a nightgown

I am creating... a shopping list for curriculum

I am going... grocery shopping, and maybe to the pediatrician

I am reading... Little House on the Prairie with #2

I am hoping... that #1 and #3 get over this bug today, we've had enough of this to last a lifetime!

I am hearing... Scooby Doo from the den

Around the house... sick kids, Vaporub, chicken soup, and a tired Mommy

One of my favorite things...Little House on the Prairie

A few plans for the rest of the week: disinfecting the house, getting back to a routine


Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Squash seedlings gone wild!

Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Monday, March 9, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY March 9, 2009

Outside my window... it's very warm out, and the pine pollen is already coating everything

I am thinking... about what to do this week, the kids are on Spring Break and hubby is off, too

I am thankful for... this week with my family

From the learning rooms... planning and preparation

From the kitchen...cleaning to do, pork roast for dinner

I am wearing... a t-shirt and capris, bare feet

I am creating... a plan for our week

I am going... nowhere today

I am reading... Just After Sunset by Stephen King...almost done

I am hoping... that the kids don't get this virus I have

I am hearing... the tv in the den, although no one is watching it, it's still blaring

Around the house... almost everything's clean and tidy

One of my favorite things...uninterrupted time with my family, like this week

A few plans for the rest of the week: karate for the kids, a visit to Granny's, dentist for the kids


Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Sunset over St. Helena Sound viewed from Edisto Island...wish we were there right now!

Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Monday, March 2, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY March 2, 2009

Outside my window... it's freezing cold and night has fallen

I am thinking... about how much I got accomplished today

I am thankful for... a warm home

From the learning rooms... planning and preparation

From the kitchen...a shiny sink, and clean counters

I am wearing...jeans, long-sleeved shirt, and socks

I am creating... a new routine

I am going... nowhere for now, I'm in for the night

I am reading... Just After Sunset by Stephen King

I am hoping... to go to bed early tonight

I am hearing... the bath running in the next room

Around the house... everything's clean

One of my favorite things...snuggling up on the couch with my babies on cold nights like this

A few plans for the rest of the week: karate for the kids, walking for me, decluttering...same as last week


Here is picture thought I am sharing...


This is a hawk that lives in our area. He caught a rabbit that was too big for him to carry away, so we got a rare glimpse of him on the ground.

Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Monday, February 23, 2009

Giveaway! Amy Butler bag pattern PLUS fabric!

The Fabric Shopper is giving away this Amy Butler Design Frenchy bag pattern, plus a $25 Gift Certificate for Fresh Squeezed Fabrics.
How cute is this bag?Get over there and check it out!

The Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY February 23, 2009

Outside my window... sunny but cold with a crisp wind

I am thinking... about cleaning my house today

I am thankful for...my husband and children

From the learning rooms...planning, planning, and more planning

From the kitchen...hot coffee awaits

I am wearing...jeans, long-sleeved shirt, and tennis shoes

I am creating... a plan for my health and fitness

I am going... nowhere today

I am reading...homeschool catalogs...still

I am hoping... to get the house clean before the kids come home from school

I am hearing... the heat running

Around the house... lies weekend aftermath, typical Monday

One of my favorite things...listening to my son read me a bedtime story

A few plans for the rest of the week: karate for the kids, walking for me, decluttering


Here is picture thought I am sharing...




Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Fireproof DVD Giveaway at Nanna Days!

Click on over to Nanna Days and check out this awesome giveaway for the Fireproof DVD! The drawing is February 28, so get over there and enter! Good luck!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

When mommies get sick

Here in Mommyville, I've seen my fair share of flu, colds, stomach viruses, ear infections, and even pneumonia. And two of my brood are asthmatic (that's another matter altogether). I've held my sick babies with fevers sometime high enough for an emergency room visit. I've given breathing treatments, bribed and/or forced antibiotics into little bodies, cleaned poop, mopped up vomit, spoon-fed chicken soup, and washed sheets and blankets and towels for what seemed to be 3 days straight (or longer). It's what I do. Just one of my many jobs as mayor of Mommyville.

But what happens when Mommy gets sick? This week I've had the worst cough. The cold wasn't so bad. It was gone in a couple of days. But this cough! One of those that makes your stomach muscles hurt from constantly contracting them. The kind that feels like you have sandpaper stuck in your throat. The kind that can make you pee your pants if you're not careful. The kind that makes you vomit. Oh yeah, it's that bad. And it's still here.

So, Daddy (I think of him as my deputy mayor) has picked up the slack where he can. He's picking the kids up from school, and taking them to their karate practices. He can only do so much though, with that pesky job of his taking up 10+ hours a day and all. On his way home from work this morning (he's on night shift this week) he did bring the kids McDonald's for breakfast. The only thing is, he gets home at 5:40 a.m. And he woke everyone up "just a little early" to enjoy breakfast with Daddy. They actually got up! Even #1, the perpetual late sleeper. So he gets and "A+" for feeding them breakfast, and saving them from eating coughed-on Cheerios.

But you Mommies know that even a sick Mommy has to get up and "DO". There's always something that only I can do (at least in my opinion). I'm a laundry Nazi. Only I can do it the right way. The dishwasher must be loaded the right way too, or we all know it doesn't get as clean. So this week, I've been researching home remedies for coughs from hell. I'm not a fan of OTC cold medicines, for my kids or myself (a couple of years ago, after giving #2 a cough suppressant for a few days, she developed pneumonia from NOT coughing enough. All the yucky stuff that needed to come up was draining into her lungs. Scary, huh?) The good ones just knock you out anyway, and this Mommy doesn't have the luxury of being comatose while riding the cold out. Dishes, laundry, remember? So here are some things I tried:


Vick's Vaporub Cream
I've tried the old "smother-your-feet-with-Vick's" trick. It works pretty well. But you must be laying down and doing nothing for it to be effective. It's not so good for walking around doing housework. So, heavy slathering on the soles of your feet, then thick socks on, then go to bed. It helps. During the day, I still use it on my chest. It helps a little.




Honey
I take two teaspoons of honey. On one spoonful I sprinkle ground ginger. This really helps me! I don't know what it is about honey, but it's effective. I think the spiciness of the ginger helps open up your airways. You could also try cayenne or black pepper. I'm not worried about overdosing, so I use this a few times a day, whenever I feel like I need it, and at bedtime.




Spicy Foods
Just like the ginger, I think anything spicy helps. So In the last few days, I've eaten tacos, breakfast burritos with hot sauce, grits with hot salsa, and soup with lots of pepper. Spicy is good.




But truthfully, I'm still coughing. It's getting better, but it's still here. What works for you? If you have any tried and true home remedies, I'd love to hear them!

Monday, February 16, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY February 16, 2009

Outside my window... it's rainy and cold

I am thinking... about bringing our nephew to live with us

I am thankful for...a wonderful birthday party for my daughter. She loved it!

From the learning rooms...preparations for next year's homeschooling

From the kitchen...my shopping list is waiting to be written

I am wearing...yoga pants and a t-shirt

I am creating...a plan for next school year

I am going...out to run errands today

I am reading...Sense and Sensibility

I am hoping...that my cold is gone soon!

I am hearing... the hum of the computer

Around the house...it looks like cupid threw up, lol. Valentine's junk is everywhere!

One of my favorite things...watching my children play

A few plans for the rest of the week: not much until I get rid of this cold


Here is picture thought I am sharing...




My Princess on her birthday!



Visit The Simple Woman's Day Book
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Friday, February 13, 2009

Happy Birthday to my baby girl!

My girl is growing up on me...8 years old today!












Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Monday, February 9, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY February 9 , 2009

Outside my window... it's a little warmer

I am thinking... about buying a new alarm clock since my has failed me 3 times in the past two weeks.

I am thankful for...my family, and the opportunity to support my friends in their time of grief

From the learning rooms...preparations for next year's homeschooling

From the kitchen...Monday: Chicken noodle soup with yeast rolls
Tuesday: Meatball Stroganoff with noodles
Wednesday: Beef Enchiladas
Thursday: Country Fried Steak and gravy with Rice
Friday: Sloppy Joes

I am wearing...comfy pants and a t-shirt

I am creating...a legacy for my children

I am going...nowhere today, I'm keeping my best friends' child while they attend a funeral

I am reading...Sense and Sensibility

I am hoping...that I can bless my house this morning

I am hearing... Night at the Museum playing in the den

Around the house...are the remnants of a weekend full of children

One of my favorite things...waking up late, yet being organized enough to still get everyone out the door on time...no tardies!

A few plans for the rest of the week: decluttering kitchen cabinets, Karate with the kids


Here is picture thought I am sharing...






Visit The Simple Woman's Day Book
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Monday, February 2, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY February 2, 2009

Outside my window... the sun is shining and the temperature is warming up for a few days

I am thinking... about how much I have to do today

I am thankful for...the support of my family

From the learning rooms...preparations for next year's homeschooling

From the kitchen...Monday: Chicken quesadillas with guacamole
Tuesday: Burgers and fries
Wednesday: Ranch Chicken with rice
Thursday: Beef Stew
Friday: Spaghetti and salad with homemade rolls

I am wearing...jeans and a t-shirt, and slippers on my feet

I am creating...an idea for a quilt

I am going...nowhere today

I am reading...Sense and Sensibility

I am hoping...to have an appointment for my son by Wednesday

I am hearing... classical music on the phone as I wait on hold

Around the house...is weekend clutter, waiting to be picked up

One of my favorite things...reading while sipping my coffee

A few plans for the rest of the week: decluttering the house, filing taxes, paying bills

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
A horseshoe crab from our vacation at the beach last June. I can't wait to go back!




Visit The Simple Woman's Day Book
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/