Purely Drivel

simple woman's daybook: the first parsonage edition

Outside my window...we're in this wonderful, surprising cool-down. Instead of the 100's+ of a week or so ago, we're looking at mid-80's and enjoying every second of it. Sunny, but pleasant.

I am thinking...about how to order my new little scrapbooking area so it actually works for me. It's the last major area in the parsonage that needs tweaking.

I am hearing...the coffee pot gurgling and that's it. We finally made it up before the kids.

I am thankful for...the amazing story God has given us as He's lead Tom into this first official pastorate...this wonderful parsonage, that fits us so well...the church members, who have all gone so out of their way to love on us.

I am praying for...God's vision of what it looks like for me to be the pastor's wife...His vision of where the needs are in this community...a vision and a plan for reaching them.

Toward a healthier me....somewhere, in the move and the crazy week preceding it, I lost my gym mojo and am struggling to get it back. Meal planning is back in swing, which is definitely helping...but the gym is a necessity.

Inspiring me this week...etsy love (from yesterday) and a trip to Home Goods last weekend. Oh, how I love Home Goods!

From the kitchen.. here's a peek at this week's menu plan. Lots of yummy stuff. And I finally broke down and ordered a bag of Jule's Gluten Free Flour - I tried the one pound bag a few months ago and it's been my favorite pre-mixed flour so far. I've been dying to bake, but just don't seem to have the patience to mix flours right now.

I am wearing...pajamas still. Workout clothes next.

I am creating...places for things that don't have a home yet.

I am going...to clean the floors (so much more to mop!) and tackle the table of indecision (photos, wall decor and other stuff I just don't know what to do with.

I am reading...just finished Tunnels and the Percy Jackson series (again), and now I'm reading Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos. Our wireless was down for a bit, I haven't downloaded anything new to the Kindle and we unpacked all of the kids books...hence the young adult reading.

Toward a lifelong education...looking for something new to read. A few nutrition books I've been considering, but none I've wanted to read enough to purchase.

On keeping home...I'm working on a homekeeping schedule - something on Mondays (not sure what), dusting and linens on Tuesdays, floors on Thursdays, bathrooms on Fridays sort of thing. This house is a lot bigger than anywere we've lived before and it's taking a lot more to clean it! I clean the kitchen every night and am trying to get back in the habit of a load of laundry a day...but I'm not sure about the rest. Also working on chore charts for the kiddos.

One of my favorite things...this recipe for baked brown rice. Totally blew me away and has me thinking the $35 per year subscription to Cook's Illustrated is worth it. Hmmm....I do have a birthday coming up in a few weeks...

A verse for this week:

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8

A few plans for the rest of the week: those pesky floors, haircuts for Tom and Caleb, a day trip up to King's Canyon National Forest and church on Sunday. Nice and quiet.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Ian, enjoying the inflatable pool long after the big boys left...splishing and splashing and having a blast...stopping only long enough to remind me "Aunt Sam, I no need a towel" and "Aunt Sam, I not done!".

Daybook...mid-March

Outside my window...it's a bit gray.  I can see Tom walking the chickens, the trees blowing in a light breeze (nothing at all like the blowing wind of yesterday).  Beautiful.  

I am thinking...about food.  Big surprise, I know.  A couple of epiphanies this week.  The more restricted my diet has become, the more creative and fulfilling it is.  Intentional eating - choosing foods for what is naturally in them, rather than what has been taken out to make them "healthier" - is the only way to go.

I am hearing...puppies on the hardwood, the washing machine.  And not much else.  Nice.

I am thankful for...guidance and vision.  Big chickens and little (that I'm not going anywhere near).  Decent sales on eBay.  God's provision.  Surprising opportunities.

I am praying for...God's continuing guidance, vision and provision.  The next steps.  Local ministry possibilities.  Friends fighting cancer...not just one, but two.  Both my age.  Both fighting hard.  

Toward a healthier me....I think I can call the gym a daily habit now...with the exception of Sunday's, when they're closed.  Down about 8 pounds and as many inches, I think.  Increasing distance, time and calories burned on the treadmill.  Feeling the changes in my body.  Realizing days just don't work when I don't excercise.

Inspiring me this week...chickens...from afar.  Contemplating the omelettes and fritatas I can make once they decide to start laying.  If they decide to start laying.  

From the kitchen.. no definite plans this week. We're going to the Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner at church with my Grammy tonight.  Contemplating some new ideas to help me get some meals planned.  I don't like not having meal plans in place!

I am wearing...purple shirt, olive cargo pants, black socks.  Cozy on a coolish day.  

I am creating...piecings, piecings and more piecings.  Listings have been selling fairly well.  

I am going...to take a gluten-free baking class Sunday afternoon in Santa Cruz.  I'm a little bit excited and a little bit terrified, but I feel like it's a huge first step towards overcoming that fear I wrote about a few weeks ago.

I am reading...Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only (still - but I'm finally getting back to a solid Bible study time) and whatever else I can get my hands on.  Ann VosKamp's One Thousand Gifts has been on my list for the past few months and I'm hoping to start it later this week.

Toward a lifelong education... researching going back to school.  Waiting for $10,000 to fall from the sky for tuition.  

On keeping home...I keep wondering how our schedule seems so full when we have so few commitments.  I can hardly seem to keep up with dinners!

One of my favorite things...being here to celebrate two nephew's birthdays this weekend.  That is just the sort of thing I've missed so desperately living so far away for the past six years.

A verse for this week:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
                                                                                                                                                                    2 Timothy 1:7

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Caleb's first baseball practice, pancake supper and a 7th grade parent's meeting tonight, bus duty (picking up the kids and cousins) tomorrow, lots of work to catch up on, and a day trip to Santa Cruz on Sunday.  I'm anxious to get Caleb's baseball schedule and see exactly how often he's going to have practices and games.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

From a few week's ago.  After living in Florida for so long, I think I'd forgotten about puddles and I'm finding them rather enjoyable.

Enjoy reading more Day Books?  Head on over to The Simple Woman's Daybook for more everyday moments.

Daybook - the first Dos Palos edition

Outside my window...lots of golden California sunshine.  A slight breeze.  Altogether lovely and making me dream of Spring.

I am thinking...that it would be lovely to have everyone well again.  Tom and Caleb have both been sick since last week (and still are lagging) and Hanna seems to have come down with it now.  I'm not feeling great, but not bad enough to really slow me down.

I am hearing...South Pacific on the tv.  Not my favorite Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, but better than most afternoon television. 

I am thankful for...new checks with a California address, the kids new insurance cards, my grandparent's 62nd wedding anniversary and that we were able to be here to help them celebrate, time with Aunt Cindy, church yesterday with Grammy, God's continued provision.

I am praying for...God's continuing guidance, vision and provision.  That we hear soon whether or not Tom made it to the next round of interviews (and that He would provide a way for us to stay in the Valley near family).  I'm so afraid to pray that he gets this job - I don't want to get my hopes up.  Ultimately, we want to be doing what God wants us to...but I'd so desperately love for it to keep us in the Valley. 

Toward a healthier me....13 trips to the gym in the past 15 days.  Carefully watching what I eat.  From 2 minutes on the elliptical on day one to 30 today (plus weights), bu no actual weight loss.  Yet.  As hard as I'm working, I know I'm building lots of muscle.  The weight loss will come.  Hopefully soon.

Inspiring me this week...still waiting on my new Baker Creek Seeds catalog, but I've been poking around the website a bit.  I'm so ready to get things growing.

From the kitchen... a couple of roasts in the slow cooker today for shredded beef tacos.  The rest of the week planned out...but I'm not sure where I left the list!  I think I've got my favorite brown rice gratin in there and an Asian night for Tom and Roger and the pizza that didn't get made last week. 

I am wearing...jeans and a favorite grey and white striped long sleeved t-shirt.  I seem to have settled into two or three outfits that I'm wearing over and over.  Right now, I just don't have much need to get dressed up. 

I am creating...a plan to get back to work.  I can't seem to find the right space and time to get anything done, but need to get some new creations listed on eBay this week. 

I am going...to spend some serious time getting back into my Bible Study routine this week.

I am reading...Crazy Love by Francis Chan (ever-so-slowly), Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only (which should take me into Lent) and Eat, Pray, Love (which I'm feeling conflicted about - I just don't agree with the way she's living her life, but I find her style engaging).  I feel like I've been on a reading binge since we got here. 

Toward a lifelong education... praying about going back to school.  So much will depend on whether or not Tom gets this job or wherever else we might end up.  Feeling called to study nutrition more formally and actually do something with it.

On keeping home...getting back in the one load of laundry a day routine - it just works better for us.  Pondering how best to attack cleaning out the rest of the refrigerator and freezer.  I'm so worried I'm going to throw away something I shouldn't, but I'm fairly certain no one really knows what all is in there!

One of my favorite things...sharing a piece of my favorite cake (chocolate cake with penuche icing) with my brother this weekend.  He's not big on the frosting, I can't eat the cake...so we each ate what we could.  Good planning!

A verse for this week:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
                                                                                                                                                        Joshua 1:9

A few plans for the rest of the week:  work and listings, upping my time on the elliptical to 35 minutes, and perhaps a chicken-coop build this weekend.  Maybe get started on a few raised garden beds.  My fingers are getting itchy to get in the soil.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

 to be added as soon as I can get one to upload!

Enjoy reading more Day Books?  Head on over to The Simple Woman's Daybook for more everyday moments.

Daybook - the almost moving edition

Outside my window...drizzly, gray day.  We got some much needed rain last night with a cold front that's moving through.

I am thinking...that I've packed just about everything that can be packed until the day or so before the move.

I am hearing... it's quiet.  For the first time in weeks!

I am thankful for...hope, hope, hope.   The family that has been here to help, the church family that has loved on us so much, the family that is waiting to welcome us.

I am praying for...God's continuing guidance, vision and provision.  For the church He will be bringing us to, and the one we leave here. 

Toward a healthier me....is on hold until we arrive in California on the 19th.   I'm so anxious to get back to regular exercise.  I'm so anxious to get back to a better diet.  I've gained 12 pounds over these stressful months and I'm not happy about that one bit.  I'd love to lose 50 pounds in 2011.  I'm praying we can find a way to join a gym - the elliptical machine has been calling my name.

Inspiring me this week...empty cupboards and closets.

From the kitchen... a whole lot of randomness.  Trying to finish things up, and making rather strange meals out of odds and ends.

I am wearing...ancient sweats and a grey t-shirt.  Trying to slowly pare down and pack up clothes. 

I am creating...plans for health when I get home.  Lists of where things need to be.  A stash of snacks and gluten-free eating options for the 6 day drive across country.

I am going...to try to enjoy this last week as a Floridian.

I am reading...Crazy Love by Francis Chan (just started - finally!), The China Study (but I don't want to be a vegan!  darn my inquisitive, open mind), The Hangman's Daughter (for fun) and Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only (which should take me to Lent...I think). 

Toward a lifelong education... reading and pondering through The China Study.  It goes so against so much of what I've been reading and learning about traditional nutrition over the past few years...but I can't deny that I feel better when I eat a predominantly plant based diet.  I'm still anxious about the soy issue that comes along with a more vegeterian/vegan diet.  I'm thinking I'll try a week or two totally veg once the move is done and then determine where to go from there.  It's how I started with my gluten-free diet, and 5 months later I still feel better than I have in years.

On keeping home...hmmmm.....it's a little easier when 90% of anything is in boxes, but I still can't figure out how it can get so messy when it's mostly packe dup!  There's a bit of deep cleaning that still needs to be done. 

One of my favorite things...I talked to my grandmother the other night and was able to say "I'll see you in two weeks!" and not know that there was a leaving date after that already set.  It was awesome.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  dinner tonight with one of our favorite families and a moving sale, a wedding (and rehearsal), the last youth group and Hanna's birthday this weekend.  Tom's in class Monday through Wednesday all day long.  We pick up the moving truck next Thursday.  We leave next Friday.  And I expect there will be a fair amount of tears tucked in there.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

  
A photo by Hanna I found on the camera.  Love the colors, the circles, the bit of styrofoam texture behind the buttons.  She's been taking lots of really close up pictures lately and I'm finding I really enjoy them.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - 11.15.10

Oh my gosh - proof that this year has flown?  It's been five months since my last Daybook  post.   I do love the snapshot this takes of my life, so here we go again.

Outside my window...the weather has been lovely for the past few weeks.  A bit warmer today, but the weather report last night said we'll be back in the 70's for the next week. 

I am thinking...about too much that I can't do anything about.  Put it in God's hands, Sam, and leave it there.

I am hearing...Tom and Caleb watching the news.  I'm typing this the night before it's posted. 

I am thankful for...God's clear voice as we face some of the most difficult struggles and decisions we've ever made as a family.  His will has been so clear to my lately - through my devotional and prayer time, and also through the speakers I've been listening to on the radio.   I guess I should be thankful for Moody Radio too.  And family, family, family. 

I am praying for...God's continuing guidance and provision.  That we would know His timing and His path as we continue on this journey.

Toward a healthier me....to say I've been under stress lately would be an understatement of massive proportions.  I've still managed to remain gluten-free, but I haven't been choosing the most nourishing foods or exercising very consistently.  If I'm going to be at my best through these next few months of craziness, that needs to become a priority again.

Inspiring me this week...lots of crazy cleaning and purging throughout the home.  We've got a giant pile of boxes out the garage waiting for a garage sale, with everything getting marked to sell as it gets put into the box.  Organization is a good thing.

From the kitchen...here's our two week menu plan.   I've got one more gluten-free pie crust recipe I want to try before Thanksgiving (this weekend?) and my baking has fallen off quite a bit.  I need to plan a baking day to stock the freezer with muffins and a few other snacky treat type things.

I am wearing...cut off yoga pants and a gray t-shirt that is too big.  I spent all day working on piecings and need to be comfortable for that.

I am creating...a better plan for our first gluten-free Thanksgiving.  I think some simplifying is going to be in order.

I am going...to clean continue the purge in the kid's bedrooms this weekend, and then all that's left is the kitchen cupboards and drawers and the bookcases in the living room.

I am reading...I set down Breaking Free by Beth Moore a few months ago and finally picked it up again a week or so ago, and I'm finding it speaking to where I am right now so much more than it did before.  The themes of loss, of change, of authority - each day seems as if it was written for me.   My little Today in the Word devotionals are feeling the same way.  Sadly, not much time for pleasure reading lately.

Toward a lifelong education... not much "official" learning for me right now, but lots and lots of heart lessons that will shape who I am for a very long time.

On keeping home...more purging - I think we should be done by this weekend if I keep up the pace I'm currently working at.  Just in time for our Thanksgiving guest to arrive!

One of my favorite things...quiet nights at home.  I am a homebody and love having everyone  safe and sound before the sun sets.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  layouts, cleaning, minimal errands...a quiet week before the storm of the holidays.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

 
The fixings plate from our pho lunch last week.  I'm really loving that crisp green against teh blue and white of the plate.  Makes me want to paint things =)

Have a blessed week!

Read more Daybooks here, where they are graciously hosted by Peggy

The Simple Woman's Daybook: 06.07.10

Outside my window...it's bright and sunny.  The weatherman said that the humidity should be diminishing a bit for the next few days.  I'm not going to believe it until I see it, but it certainly would be lovely.

I am thinking...that I'd really like to start working with a trainer at the gym when I get home from vacation.  I'm consistently losing weight and doing fairly well, but I'd like to focus on getting stronger and I'm not sure how to do that on my own.

I am hearing...morning cartoons. 

I am thankful for...the countdown to vacation, a busy-but-not-stressful-busy week, everyone that's going on the Bahamas mission trip with Tom, a stronger sense of God's will and His direction, a to-do list that is growing smaller each day.

I am praying for...God's will - clear and strong.

Toward a healthier me....six days of exercise last week and good eating through a stressful week.  I'm still at 31 pounds lost total, but I did lose another half an inch.  Even better?   I went shopping this weekend and bought new clothes in the "regular sizes" section.  Awesome!  I'm hoping to hit the gym 3 times a week for the next two weeks before vacation and need to look at my exercise options for when I'm in California.

Inspiring me this week...this blog post on living without air conditioning.  I don't think I could live in Central Florida, without it but there are lots of tips that we could use to help cut our bill.  We tend to turn our AC on in April and don't turn it off until October...those bills add up!

From the learning rooms...we're officially done with homeschooling.  I sent in the kid's evaluations and termination letters, and will be registering them for public school early next week.  I'm sad to see this time end, but I know that it's the best decision for our family right now.

From the kitchen...here's the meal plan for the next two weeks, plus lots of fruits and veggies.

I am wearing...my workout clothes - cut off yoga pants that I turned into capris and a tank top.

I am creating...a day by day list of what has to be done before we leave in less than two weeks.  It's going far, far too quickly!

I am going...be just fine with Tom gone for a few days....or so I keep telling myself.

I am reading...whatever I seem to pick up.  I really should find a used book store before we get on the train. 

Toward a lifelong education... lots of new cooking shows, and some older ones that are new to us on the new Cooking Channel.   I love learning new techniques and getting new ideas for the kitchen!

On keeping home...we have a big cleaning day planned for Saturday, but I'm trying to get one big Purge item crossed off my list each day.  Yesterday was our bedroom, today is the refrigerator, and I think Wednesday will be a good day to sort through our book collection.  The kitchen cupboards could really use a good sorting, as well as the pantry. 

One of my favorite things...this silly post about counting down the days until we leave for our train trip, and my Dad's response to it.  I think Tom's a little scared.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  the gym, a doctor's appointment, lots of cleaning, a little scrapbooking, some family time on Friday and some more cleaning on Saturday.  Tom leaves for a missions trip on Sunday and the kids and I are trying to plan something fun each day until Grandma and Grandpa get here on the 17th.  Eep!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Tom needed a quick headshot for something the other morning, and here's one of the outtakes.  Caleb's face kind of cracks me up a little.

Have a blessed week!

Read more Daybooks here, where they are graciously hosted by Peggy each week.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - 05.18.2010

Outside my window...the sun is almost up.  I the weatherman is to be believed, we could be in for some big storms this afternoon.

I am thinking...about what I'd like the possible family photo shoot we might do this summer to look like.  I'm so over the black or white shirt and jeans thing.  I want color!  My first thought was turquoise and browns, with a bit of red and maybe some cheetah print thrown in.  Tom was a bit horrified surprised by that.  I'm thinking perhaps turquoise, a bright green and browns now.  Thankfully, I've got time to plan.

I am hearing...Caleb and Hanna sniffling.  All of our allergies seem to be going nuts this week.

I am thankful for...two more weeks of school, less than a month until Mom and Dad get here for a little visit, 5 weeks until I see my nephews again, options...knowing that God is always there, leading and preparing us.  And that even though we walk through trying days, we do so as a strong family seeking God's will.

I am praying for...God's will - clear and strong.

Toward a healthier me....six days of exercise this last week and two were at the gym.  And yet, my weight was up (less than a pound) and my measurements didn't change at all for the first time.  A little frustrating, but I know I wasn't eating as well as I need to be last week (stress!).  I've also become convinced that my green smoothies are vital - not sure if it's the concentration of fruits and veggies or the coconut oil, but weeks where I drink them every morning for breakfast are weeks that I feel better and lost more consistently.  Even if it's not in smoothie form, I do eat a lot of fresh greens (and other fruits and veggies), so I'm sort of leaning toward the coconut oil.  Still working on a blog post on it's wonders.

Inspiring me this week...this quote:

We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them.
~Charles C. West

 

I am feeling very much "on the cusp" right now.

From the learning rooms...two more weeks to go.  History is, well, history.  We're working on some techniques to help Caleb with writing control.  Hanna has finally taken her area and circumference of circles test.  I'm ready for a rest.

From the kitchen...this week's meal plan can be seen here.  I'm also planning a couple of baking/fill the freezer days for this weekend.  Check back Thursday to see what I'm hoping to accomplish.

I am wearing...pajamas still. 

I am creating... a list of photos from the past four weeks to edit and get ready for printing.  If I can do it every month, I feel so much more on top of it!

I am going...to hit the gym at least twice again this week, and add one more weight machine.

I am reading...still reading Dangerous Wonder by Mike Yaconelli and my One Year Bible.  I'm also working on a list of books I'd like to read this summer.

Toward a lifelong education... thinking a lot about internet safety and the line between responsible parenting and helicopter parenting.

On keeping home...I'm feeling the need to pare down and clean out.  I know I won't be able to have it all done before our trip to California, but I'm making lists of what all I want done to keep me on track. 

One of my favorite things...hearing a word of confirmation in times of shaky foundations.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  gym, school, a bit of work on layouts, a doctor's appointment or two, a bit of organizing, a haircut.  It's been far, far too long on that last one!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

 
Watching the last launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis from our front yard.

Have a blessed week!

Read more Daybooks here, where they are graciously hosted by Peggy each week.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - beginning of May

Outside my window...it's going to be hot again.  I'm not ready for 90's and humidity yet!

I am thinking...about trying to find some more time to scrapbook. 

I am hearing...it's quiet.  Too quiet. 

I am thankful for...the last month of school, God's grace, His continued provision, that our trip to visit family is less than two months away.

I am praying for...a mortgage modification, which would go so far towards relieving my stress.  For answers to the writing issues Caleb's having.  For a quiet month before the craziness of June.

Toward a healthier me....I'm officially down 25 pounds since the day after Thanksgiving.  It hasn't been easy or fast, but it's going down.  Still another 40 to go before I'm back to where I was when I got sick last Spring.   I was thrilled to try on my favorite skirt from last spring on Sunday morning and find that it actually fit again!

Inspiring me this week...this quote:

Nothing is more noble, nothing more venerable than fidelity.  Faithfulness and truth are the most sacred excellences and endowments of the human mind.  Marcus Tullius Cicero

So much to think about in those few words.

From the learning rooms...history will be done this week.  Caleb is cruising through multiplication and Hanna is nearly done with her math book.  Yesterday, school took about an hour.  I need to find a little something extra to add in.

From the kitchen...this week's meal plan can be seen here, but I'm feeling very bored with our meals lately.  I need to spend a little time searching out some new recipes.

I am wearing...navy blue t-shirt and khaki shorts. 

I am creating... new scrapbook listings for eBay and starting on my summer lists.  We'll be heading to California for part of June and much of July, and there's so much to do!

I am going... to the UMw Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show on Saturday as the guest of a very dear lady.  I'm a little bit excited about it =)

I am reading...still reading Dangerous Wonder by Mike Yaconelli and my One Year Bible.  I also pulled out Into Thin Air like I have this time every year since I bought it in 1997 (I think).  Tom keeps asking if I think the ending will change =P

Toward a lifelong education... working on a post about soy products and why we don't eat them (unless they're traditionally fermented).  It's been quite a bit more work than I anticipated!

On keeping home...for some reason, we've got an extra twin mattress that has made it's way into the living room and taken up residence there for the last few days.  It's kind of driving me nuts, but the kids have been playing on it like crazy and I'm hesitant to remove anything that encourages play without fighting!

One of my favorite things...new scrappy supplies.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  middle school youth tonight, church on Wednesday, the gym once or twice, the Spring Luncheon on Saturday and Mother's Day on Sunday. 

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

 

Caleb and one of his Sunday School teachers for the past two years, Mr. Chuck.  Mr. Chuck and his wife, Miss Kate, are pretty humble about it but they've made an incredible impact on the life of this little boy.  It's one that will have an eternal impact and I am so very grateful for them.

Have a blessed week!

Read more Daybooks here, where they are graciously hosted by Peggy each week.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - 04.20.10

FOR TODAY...April 20, 2010

Outside my window...should be a more pleasant day than the last few gray ones.

I am thinking... about sin and how easily we can turn from intentional living.

I am hearing...a quiet house so far today.  We all seem a little extra sleepy for some reason.

I am thankful for...a peaceful morning, checks that show up unexpectedly at just the right time, God's continued provision, a reminder to get out from under the broom tree...so very much.

I am praying for...a second vehicle.  This one car thing is getting a little tiresome.  Specifically, I'd love a mini-van with fairly low mileage and it's got to be under $6,000 for everything.  Yep, I think that's going to take some serious prayer!

Toward a healthier me....down nearly 4 pounds and 2 inches this week.  I've been tracking my eating and exercise at LiveStrong.com and it's really making a difference!  I got out for good walks six days straight last week and am feeling great.

Inspiring me this week...the Real Food Makeovers Stephanie has been doing at Keeper of the Home.  It's so wonderful to see how to move from a common diet to a more traditional one in a few easy steps.

From the learning rooms...we are almost done with our history text and I'm thinking that rather than start a new one, we'll do a train unit in preparation for our big train trip this summer.

From the kitchen...I'm planning a baking day (or two) for this weekend.  I didn't get to one last month and I've seen such a difference in how unorganized I am in the kitchen.

I am wearing...an olive green skirt and navy blue t-shirt.  Comfortable is the name of the game today.

I am creating... layouts, an attack plan for my baking days, a new list of "house rules".

I am going...to set a goal to try one new recipe a week.  I've got a big stack of magazines and cookbooks with Post It notes hanging out of them just ready to go.  If I plan them out now, I can pick up the non-produce ingredients when I do my big monthly shopping trip on Friday.

I am reading...Dangerous Wonder by Mike Yaconelli and my One Year Bible.

Toward a lifelong education... lots of studies about food still.  Not sure I'll ever tire of learning about nutrition!

On keeping home...we finally - FINALLY! - got in a good cleaning on Saturday, but there's much more that needs to be done.  I feel like we're in a cycle of craziness until after our trip to California this summer...I think it's going to be upkeep until the end of July.

One of my favorite things... that exhausted/satisfied feeling I'll have come Saturday afternoon when the freezer is full again.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  middle school youth tonight, church on Wednesday, and hoping to hit the gym at least twice in addition to my walking at home.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

 

Homemade pepperoni pizza...yum! 

Have a blessed week!

Read more Daybooks here, where they are graciously hosted by Peggy each week.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - April 6, 2010

FOR TODAY...April 6, 2010

Outside my window...the sun is just coming up.  It's going to be another gorgeous day.

I am thinking... Youth Force Clermont (a local youth missions week) is in full swing today - the kids will be heading to their job sites.  Last night's opening worship was amazing.  It is such a blessing when a young person asks me to pray with them and I find myself wondering again if there is a way I can become more involved with the high school girls.

I am hearing...it is completely quiet.  Grandma and the kids took Tom to church early this morning and are having breakfast with him. 

I am thankful for...Grandma Fee has been here for the last 10 days, and we enjoy having her here so much...the volunteers who came to help serve dinner to the Youth Force workers last night - so many that some had to be sent away...heartfelt worship...a new med that seems to be working for my fibromyalgia without the bad side effects...the feeling that the clouds are finally parting.

I am praying for...all of the Youth Force leaders, students and volunteers, that Grandma Fee has a safe trip home to California this evening, for God to provide some much needed funds as the kid's insurance bill and other unexpected bills loom at the end of this month

Toward a healthier me....after travel and some back pain, I'm finally getting back into the groove.  I walked for the first time in about 10 months yesterday.  Even more important, I walked without pain or muscle cramps afterwards.  My weight is about the same that it was a month ago, but my eating is back to where it should be (low/no refined flour or sugar) and the exercise will start to move that scale.

From the learning rooms...Spring Break week for us.  We've had a few plans change over the next few months and I'm under orders from my doctor to alleviate as much stress as possible (always easier said than done!), so I'm really considering switching to a 3 day a week school schedule with a little math and reading on the off days.  I still have a few more days to mull it over and pray before school starts again on Monday. 

From the kitchen...we're eating dinner at church with Tom and the other Youth Force workers each night until Thursday and then I think we're going to focus on easy suppers for the rest of the week.  Soaked pancakes and bacon one night, maybe tacos another...we all seem to need a bit of rest and ease right now.

I am wearing...black walking shorts and my favorite Cavaliers t-shirt.  I just need to add some shoes and socks and I'll be ready to head out for a walk this morning.

I am creating... eBay listings for some of the curriculum we are done with or that I purchased in advance for next year.  I also need to find some serious creative time to get some new layouts listed.

I am going...to make an airport run this afternoon.  Prayers would be much appreciated!

I am reading...My chronological One Year Bible.  I am so happy to finally be through Deuteronomy - although I will admit it was the first time I felt like I truly read it. 

Toward a lifelong education... working on getting caught back up on my GNOWFGLINS class and waiting on a few books of food and healing to come from the library. 

On keeping home...I have so many plans and not enough time.  I'm so thankful for this home God has provided for us, and the way we can use it to welcome others into His presence.

One of my favorite things...worship every night this week.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  we'll be at church every afternoon and evening until Thursday and after that, we'll be resting at home to prepare for the final push through the school year.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

 
Easter morning, preparing for our guests...with a squirt gun and crutches! 

Have a blessed week!

Read more Daybooks here, where they are graciously hosted by Peggy each week.