The Simple Woman's Daybook 9.28.09

FOR TODAY September 28, 2009...

Outside my window...Yay, the sun is shining for the third day in a row! Now, if I could just get healthy kids so we could enjoy it!

I am thinking...about "kindness" week. We are learning about the fruit of the spirit, kindness and will spend the whole week doing "random acts of kindness" even printed off a "kinded" card from this website.

I am thankful for...one sick child feeling better and two that haven't come down with it...yet!

From the learning rooms...bug collections, writing paragraphs, spelling lists, the usual...if we can get it done between sickos!

From the kitchen...just finished eating a serving of monkey bread, mmmmmm!

I am wearing... shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes.

I am creating...chaos from calmness--oops, turn that around, I hope!

I am going...to nurse sick kids and hopefully make it to the store to at least buy milk!

I am reading...the Bible and hoping that I can get the Workbox book soon!

I am hoping...that no one else comes down with this virus! We have friends coming Thursday that I haven't seen in YEARS and I don't want to miss out because we are all puny!

I am hearing...A screaming 21 month old...what else?

Around the house...laundry and Lysol!

One of my favorite things...Sunshine after two weeks of rain!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Dance, guitar, tutorial and hopefully a visit from friends!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Just for your amusement this morning...saw this sign as we were driving down the road awhile back. Not exactly sure when a cow becomes classified as used.

Have a great week!

To read more Daybooks, go to The Simple Woman's Daybook

Coffe Talk 9.25.09

Good Morning Ladies! Hope the morning finds you all doing well! Grab a Diet Soda or some Chocolate milk and a powdered donut...I know, my home isn't exactly a dieter's or a baker's dream lately, what can I say...the donuts were on the "oops we baked too much" rack and Dancer begged for them!

I can also offer you some chocolate revel bars which are usually a chocolate lover's dream come true. Unfortunately, I was baking and schooling at the same time and being somewhat distracted, I was a little creative with the recipe. A few left out ingredients, a few extra ingredients--a snack that can never be replicated, but hey, it is chocolate!

If you have ever been by here before, you may notice my new look. Now, I know some of you change blog designs frequently, but I have had this one ever since I moved to blogger at least 2 years ago! And...I did it myself! For a technology challenged person like me, that is impressive! Of course, it took at least 5 hours that I didn't have to waste and lots of frustration. My kids also didn't get the best education that day either! But I am excited to have done it, so I just had to take a moment to pat myself on the back!

In other weekly news, we are beginning plans for the ark that we are going to have to build soon. Ordinarily I get a little depressed when it rains non stop for two weeks. It really hasn't bothered me this time. My ferns are still alive! AND the weather has kept us from ball games, practices, and a couple of other extra curricular activities giving us one whole night this week at home. Total peace, it was beautiful! There is so much to be said for simplicity!

Finally, I am doing a Bible study by Voddie Baucham called "Ever Loving Truth" It is so very convicting. It talks about how politically incorrect it is to speak the truth of Jesus in our culture, but how necessary it is. I have really had it impressed upon me that I need to be more bold and not sit quietly by in order to "keep peace" or not offend anyone. So last night, on FB, an old high school friend made a comment about saying the pledge of allegiance in school but taking out the portion that says "under God". It is funny, because even though I won't see any of those people, probably ever, as I typed a response defending the Name of God, my heart just raced...it is so amazing how much we desire to fit in with a society that goes so against what we believe! Anyway, in a very small way, I stood up for my faith. I hope that as I proceed through this study and grow, that I will become more willing and more able to speak the truth.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. We have a busy day, with school, a haircut for Tigercub, guitar and dance. And ball tomorrow...if we haven't floated away before than! For more Coffee Talk, check out Home Sanctuary!

Lessons

On the Lighter Side:

1. I'm just really not even in the running for Mother of the Year. Don't get me wrong, I would love to be supermom. But surely there are a few standards: like being able to walk through the house without tripping over a shoe or maybe being able to eat a meal without first moving a stack of school papers. Then there is always the chance they would interview my children. THAT would surely be the end of the line. Once they had a little sit down and found out from Football Boy that not only would I not encourage Daddy to quit his job and move us all to L.A. to start FB's acting career and then this week we said no to the basketball team--well, we can forget about a vote from our oldest!!!
2. If you go to Jason's Deli on Tuesday night. AND you order from the new girl who is not entirely sure what she is doing. You can feed a family of six for Eleven dollars and some change. Yes! ELEVEN dollars! Plus, she'll throw in a free pickle for Dancer who is devastated it didn't come with her pb&j! I can't even cook for that cheap! Now--if they will just keep hiring new girls...
3. If you stop exercising, drinking your 8 cups of water and drinking your green smoothies at lunch and replace all that with a diet of candy corns, popcorn & M&M's, and chocolate covered peanuts, all that weight it took months to lose will come back very quickly and you will begin to look pregnant again--really NOT a good look!
4. If you leave a pan of uncooked rice out (that was being used in an educational activity, of course) and a certain 21 month old dumps it all over the kitchen floor, Tigerfan will volunteer to vacuum it up while you get the children bathed. Wondering if this would translate to all the rooms of the house...I may just have discovered how to get the house vacuumed this week!

On the More Serious Side:

1. You may or may not know that this has not been the best school year we have ever had (okay, I kid, everyone knows that because I have whined about it non stop for the last week or seven). I have been on my knees more than I ever have in my life trying to figure things out. I will be honest. I have been not only frustrated but just plain mad at God for not "fixing" things for me. On the bright side, I have found a much deeper faith than I have had in the past because despite the fact that at some points I have really WANTED to just stop talking to God, I have found that I can yell and whine to Him and tell Him how angry I am, but I can't stop believing in Him or ignoring His presence and authority. I have been disappointed after pouring out my heart, waking up optimistically to a new day only to find it was worse than the day before--and I have cried out asking why and what was I supposed to do. Things haven't changed much, although I can start to see a shifting a bit. What has changed is my perspective. As an American, I have gotten used to a pretty easy life (still live one, as a matter of fact). My struggles revolve around plumbing leaks and money woes...but I HAVE a house, and a husband, and enough food for my family. I have thought a lot lately about my struggles, and they are real. They are painful and frustrating and exhausting! But God never promised an easy life. I think as Americans, we have grown to expect that, I know I have. But there are many beautiful christian people in other countries who will not have enough food to feed their families today. There are faithful, loving Christians that will go to jail, be beaten, and possibly martyred today in other places simply for their faith! Our life abundant is not necessarily an easy life void of problems...it is a life full of Jesus and of a hope a non christian just doesn't have!
2. Along these lines, as we have suffered through this year, I am learning that I CANNOT do this alone on my strength. I am out of fight. I am tired! But that is where, if I choose to, I can lay down and let my Father in Heaven fight for me. You see, all this time, I have prayed, asked for peace or help or something...and then immediately taken back the control and tried to do things on my own. And right now, my own just isn't enough. I have never really been stripped down to just total dependence on Him, and that is where I am. I admit, I don't like it. I am kicking and screaming and shaking my fist. But in those moments when I remember, I don't have to do it alone...in those moments, I find peace.
3. Be careful what you pray about. A few months ago in a Bible Study, we discussed the growth that you have during a struggle. I realized I had never really struggled through anything. I have healthy children--a healthy family, no marital problems to speak of...other than I keep leaving my shoes out and that REALLY irritates Tigerfan, no major financial woes, no prodigal children. For the most part, I have never deeply struggled. And so, without really asking, I asked. I wanted a deeper relationship with God. I wondered if I was tested, would I stand. And now, here we are. I must admit, though this trial has been quite small compared to what many suffer, God has allowed me to walk through a tough time--and I am embarrassed by my lack of faith, my lack of trust...I have been so easily shaken. And yet--I already feel a bit stronger, knowing that my God has not left me. Understanding that my answers aren't always His, but His are always better. I am not sure how much longer this time of learning will be--I think it is going to be a tough year! But I KNOW that I have a Heavenly Father that is walking through it with me. Thank God for that hope!

The Simple Woman's Daybook 9.21.09

FOR TODAY(September 21, 2009)...

Outside my window...It is not daylight yet and the sky is cloudy, another day of rain perhaps? Strangely, it hasn't really bothered me this week. It just keeps me from having to water the ferns! :)

I am thinking...or wondering, really, why I just can't seem to fit exercise in anymore. I know I need it...

I am thankful for...a GREAT weekend with my family. Visited with out of town relatives, great day at church and a rained out ballgame meant Sunday afternoon nap...it just doesn't get any better than that!

From the learning rooms...Bug collection, Spanish practice and the usual, I am really striving to make learning more fun this year (not easy for me). Still struggling with our schedule and fitting everything in. I have just about resigned myself that this is going to be a "hang on tight to the Father" kind of year.

From the kitchen...Spaghetti, except I just discovered I forgot to buy noodles, hmmmm

I am wearing...pajamas--I don't even pretend I am going to exercise anymore!

I am creating...nothing

I am going...nowhere today, Yay!

I am reading...my Bible, that is it and I am doing the Bible Study "Ever Loving Truth" by Vodie Bachaum, very convicting!

I am hoping...for a peaceful day. Maybe a scrubbed bathroom or two and to finish school before bedtime!

I am hearing...silence, it is divine!

Around the house...Stairs need dusting, bathrooms need scrubbing, laundry needs to be started, I could go on and on!

One of my favorite things...My newest favorite song, "Orphans of God", playing on my sight for your listening enjoyment. It has a very powerful message. Heard it for the first time at the Ballet last week.

A few plans for the rest of the week:Dance, tutorial, guitar, church, mostly just the usual.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...I've got nothin' we actually TRIED to get a shot of Tigercub wearing his sister's dress up princess dress this weekend, but he was not cooperative, go figure!

Have a great, simple week! For more daybooks go to the Simple Woman's Daybook.

Coffee Talk 9/18/09

Good Morning Company Girls! I hope the morning finds you all doing well! I don't have much to offer this morning...I haven't been grocery shopping in awhile. However, I did go to the bread store last weekend (big mistake) and you will find some Ho Ho's and Ding Dongs in my freezer--throwbacks to childhood lunches, I guess!

If you hang around long enough, I may try out this recipe from Jolanthe today...it looks delicious and Tigerfan will LOVE it!

I haven't been around the blog world much lately, shamefully not even for the Small Things. We are still trying to figure out a workable routine around here and I am just barely keeping my head above water. I could whine but I think everyone is kind of sick of that so I choose not to.

We are staying very busy around here, although with nothing exciting, mostly school, dance and baseball. oh, and lest I forget, an almost two year old who goes from the sweetest, cutest, grinningest joy of my life to a little screaming hurricane trying to hit, kick and bite everything in his path. It is a joy!

Small things haven't been accomplished much lately, although I long to get back to them. However, we did get our kitchen vacuumed this week! I figure, if we can get one room vacuumed a month, by the end of the year we can have the whole house vacuumed one whole time! My grandma would be so proud!

The highlight of this week came last night. A ballet company by the name of Ballet Magnificat came to town to perform "The Hiding Place". It was AMAZING! I know, many of you out there are skeptical about the joy of a good ballet, but I am telling you, it was a worship experience! And, as the girl said before the show, there were no swans or miles of white tulle! Ballet Magnificat is a christian ballet company out of Jackson, Mississippi and they are amazing. First of all, we got the opportunity to talk to Dancer about how she could even use Dance to share with people about Jesus and secondly, it was just flat out good!

If you have never read "The Hiding Place" it is the incredible story of Corrie Ten Boom. My twelve year old will be reading it later this year in Language Arts so we drug him along, too. All the kids, even the nine year old boy enjoyed the show and we are now contemplating a Christmas trip to Jackson, MS to see their Christmas production...it was THAT good!

Now for the pictures of us all decked out for our night on the town. Oh, wait. I didn't take any! Trust me, we were stunning!

Today, we will do a little school, although after our late night, I am letting the kiddos sleep in. Then guitar practice, dance and visiting with Tigerfan's Mamaw, aunt and uncle who rolled into town last night. We also have an informational meeting about a basketball team FB is interested in joining...is it wrong to hope that doesn't work out? I don't need any more activities!

Baseball tomorrow if we don't have to build an ark due to the non stop raining it has been doing...which reminds me that we have another leak...this one in the ceiling, ain't home ownership grand?

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend and I really am going to do my best to get around to visiting everyone this weekend! Don't forget to stop by Home Sanctuary for more Coffee Talk!

The Simple Woman's Daybook 9.14.09

FOR TODAY 9/14/09

Outside my window...It is raining, the perfect day to sleep late, so why am I up?

I am thinking...about teaching math to FB today. Must teach the base 4 system. I am really questioning my decision not to put him into the math class at our tutorial!

I am thankful for...a quiet, peaceful few minutes this morning before the rush begins!

From the learning rooms...UGH! Having a rough year so far. Having to force myself into action every day! Teaching base 4 and the binary and hexadecimal systems this week are not helping!

From the kitchen...Should be lasagna, however, it should have been lasagna last Wed. when I pulled out the meat to defrost, pretty sure I shouldn't use that meat now so we may have to rethink the dinner plan!

I am wearing...blue jean capris and a short sleeved hoodie--Clinton and Stacy would be appalled!

I am creating...I am dreaming of creating a work box system in our home school. I am actually creating nothing!

I am going...a little crazy this year, please tell me there is an end in sight!

I am reading...Ha! I have a counter FULL of books that I am NOT reading, but that is all, other than my Bible!

I am hoping...that we will get into a better routine and that school will go smoother. I don't think I can survive a whole year of this unharmed!

I am hearing...the dishwasher humming, the rain falling and my pillow calling!

Around the house...Laundry everywhere, Counters cluttered with ideas, books, etc on how to make school go better, no house blessing in a month--I am falling helplessly behind and the housekeeping fairy is not answering my calls!!!

One of my favorite things...The unbridled enthusiasm for life found in my Tigercub. He is just so happy to be alive!

A few plans for the rest of the week:Dentist appointment for Dancer today, Dance on Tues. and Fri., hand bells and choir for the kids, tutorial, guitar lessons, and the ballet Thursday night!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Sorry, haven't taken any pictures lately...but I am pretty sure this is what you would see if there were a picture of me around anywhere!

Have a great week!

The Simple Woman's Daybook is hosted here! Not sure if she has started linking back up yet but go check it out and see!