My last Daybook entry for 2008

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ Dec 29th, 2008

Outside my window. . .today was an unseasonably spring-like day. People had windows open, were doing yard work even! Kids on Christmas break enjoyed playing out in the sunshine.

I am thinking. . .about the pro-life message in the new Horton Hears a Who movie. Very interesting.

From the learning room. . .still on vacation til next week....but as always, still learning. Ashleigh recieved some Strawberry Shortcake math flashcards from a cousin for christmas. So she has been "playing' with those this week. Logan decided today he wanted to study the pottychair today and wear "big boy potty pants".

From the kitchen. . .spaghetti & meatballs, salad, & breads. Christmas sweets still hanging around...

I am wearing. . .my new warm, fuzzy, fleece jammies! :) From my sweet mother and father-in-law.

I am creating. . .not one teeny tiny thing.

I am going. . .to take down the tree and stuff tomorrow.

I am reading...emails that I got behind in.

I am hoping. . . we get a really nice big snow here, in our town, this winter. I keep seeing pictures of everyone elses snow.


I am hearing. . .children giggling in their beds. My mom visiting with Fred.

Around the house. . .my mom is staying with us this week. Having her here has been such a blessing. Being able to talk and laugh, watch movies together, and share memories of Dad. She also has been helping me clean. Floors are mopped & shiny.

One of my favorite things. . .my husband's new, huganteous, griddle. Hold a ton of bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, etc... we enjoy having breakfast for supper occasionally :)

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .finish cleaning the house. Take down the tree. A new year's eve service at church. Make a resolutions list!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... our little Christmas band. They love their new instruments...and spend hours playing together with them.

As always, thanks for stopping by. If you would like to read of other ladies - check out The Simple Woman's Daybook to find the list of this week's participants.

Have a Happy New Year!!

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ Dec 22nd, 2008

Outside my window. . .it is a clear dark night. Very windy and bitterly cold though.

I am thinking. . .about how long Fred is taking on the phone and how we still need to run out to Wal-mart for the last couple of Christmas things.

From the learning room. . .we are on a holiday :) Though we are all still learning things. Ashleigh and Logan have both been quickly picking up words to Christmas carols that they hear. Ashleigh also was taught many of her great-grandmother's tips and hand-written recipes for candies. Logan has discovered how to climb up to the kitchen counter top, improving his ability to snatch cookies!

From the kitchen. . .tons of tins full of cookies and candies! My younger sister, and two of our nieces, (plus the new great-niece) all got together friday for a cookie/candy making day. We have 4 kinds of fudge; 100 dipped chocolates - raspberry, orange, and mint cremes; peppermint bark; cookies n cream bark; 67 turtles; double choc chip cookies, cherry winks, sugar cookies, snickerdoodles;....probably forgetting something ;)

I am wearing. . .jeans, t-shirt, sweatshirt, socks, and slippers. And I am STILL cold!

I am creating. . .some big hooded bath towels for Ashleigh & Logan. A friend showed me how her mother does it, using half of a matching handtowel sewn on the large bath towel for the hood.

I am going. . .to wrap presents tonight. I must, I must, I must!

I am reading...just finished Robin Jones Gunn's new "Engaging Father Christmas".

I am hoping. . . I can de-stress and enjoy this busy season of my life. It seems so hectic.

I am hearing. . .Fred still talking on the phone!

Around the house. . .we have been cleaning and preparing for Fred's parents to come and stay.

One of my favorite things. . .my Dad's white square hankerchifs. (sorry, I am to tired to figure out how to spell that correctly)

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .finish cleaning the house. Cooking appetizers for our family Christmas Eve party. Enjoying my in-laws, bro-in-law, my mom, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and ALL my nieces and nephews.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... a new portrait taken of Ashleigh & Logan.

As always, thanks for stopping by. If you would like to sneak a peek into other ladies lives - check out The Simple Woman's Daybook to find the list of this week's participants.

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ December 1st, 2008

Outside my window. . .remains a little bit of snow from the weekend. We didn't get alot, but it was so beautiful coming down. Big, fluffy, flakes. Made for the perfect atmosphere for setting up our christmas tree.

I am thinking. . .about how blessed my family is. We have faced many things in our short seven years together...but have come through victorious. Somtimes bearing marks but still trusting in our God, our Strength.

From the learning room. . .Logan is interested in colors this week, so we have been concentrating on those. Ashleigh is showing a sudden interest in old-fashioned lifestyles. It warms my heart to see how it facinates her!

I am thankful for. . . snow!

From the kitchen. . .Fred made his mom's chili recipe this evening. He added a tiny sprinkle of chipotle powder...changes the whole concept of "chili".

I am wearing. . .sweats & tshirt. Longing for a pair of flannel jammies:)

I am creating. . .little tulle gift bags that are dark plum colored and to be tied with gold ribbons. I will place scented wax melts in each one for a MOPS give-away tomorrow night on "our favorite things". Some of the scents I have are: hazelnut coffee, dicken's christmas, fireside, hot apple pie, and pumpkin spice.

I am going. . .to have to clean up the kitchen and dishes before I can go to bed.

I am reading..."Me and My Big Mouth" by Joyce Meyers - for a ladies bible study friday night.

I am hoping. . . my friend can find her way back to true happiness - JESUS. I am hearing. . .the new song player on my blog...don't you just love it?!

Around the house. . .our "old-fashioned" Christmas tree's lights are twinkling. Candles are glowing and the smell of hot apple pie is disguising the dust and clutter that somehow happened over-night.

One of my favorite things. . .the new peppermint oreo cookies!!

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .finishing these giftbags for MOPS tomorrow night; library storytime; wednesday night church; making cinnamon-dough ornaments with Ashleigh; radio station's Christmas party.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

"new boots"

"first snow of the season"

As always, thanks for stopping by. If you would like to sneak a peek into other ladies lives - check out The Simple Woman's Daybook to find the list of this week's participants.

Home...

Mmmm, its so nice to be home. Trips are great and usually fun; but there is something about getting back to your own BED!! After spending the last 3 nights on an air mattress with my 5 yr old while listening to my husband and 2 yr old snoring in the other bed....I am more than ready to sink down on my feather pillows in a pile of thick comforters.

Outside the bedroom window, the air is crisp. And our first SNOW is falling!

Tomorrow will be soon enough to catch up on unpacking and laundry. Maybe set a pot of soup to simmer on the stove while my little family spends the afternoon setting up our Christmas tree.

Words of Thanksgiving

Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Today was a day of reflection and thanksgiving. We got together with my mom, and brothers & sisters, in-laws, neices, nephews, friends, in Illinois to celebrate life & family. This was my first time back home since my Dad passed away. Its been a tough day. But a happy day too. I have been blessed with such an amazing family. I love them dearly. I am thankful to have each one a part of my life.
I hope that you all have had a blessed day...full of thankfullness. God has given us much.

Thanksgiving Poem

When all the leaves are off the boughs,

And nuts and apples gathered in,

And cornstalks waiting for the cows,

And pumpkins safe in barn and bin,

Then Mother says, "My children dear,

The fields are brown, and autumn flies;

Thanksgiving Day is very near,

And we must make thanksgiving pies!

Holiday Traditions for Our Children

"There is no influence so powerful

as that of the mother."
~Sarah Josepha Hall, American Pioneer and Writer

There is no time like the fall to spend time building relationships with our children. To create family traditions and make memories that will last a lifetime.

What an opportunity we have to establish truths in our children!

Spending time together provides a great opportunity for me to sprinkle a little joy, faith, understanding, comfort, and praise on their dear little hearts. Someone once said that "children are like wet cement, whatever impressions you press on their heart will last forever."

God has given me two amazing little miracles! My job is to love them, guide them, protect them, encourage them, cheer for them, comfort them, and give them a sense of belonging so they will grow to be confident, compassionate and happy adults. We can accomplish this throughout the activities of the day, but a child's ears and heart seem to be a little more receptive to our message of love when we give them our undivided attention doing an activity that they enjoy. It's also an important time to listen with our own ears...about the things that are on their mind. It's amazing the things you can learn about your kids over a batch of cookie dough or a paper craft.

Yesterday, we made Turkey Hats. Very simple and easy to make. Family Fun turkey crafts has instructions for this craft as well as many others.

"We can change the world inside our own houses. Take the gift of this moment and make something beautiful of it. Few worthwhile experiences just happen; memories are made on purpose."

~Gloria Gaither

Some of my favorite holiday memories from when I was a child...is the little activities and crafts we made. Not the money spent on decorations or the holiday shows on tv.
Paper chains, posters, puppets, homemade ornaments. The stories my family read together during the fall & winter.

So even now, as a mother, that is what I want to instill in my children. The true meaning of Thanks-living...counting our blessings every day.

Simplicity.

I want my home to be the happiest place on earth for my family.....it's not so much about the "stuff" as it is about the feeling that I try to accomplish. Feelings of love, a sense of belonging, comfort and joy!

As mothers, we get to set the stage for a happy (or unhappy) home life. The things we do today will contribute to our family's memories tomorrow. This quote by Gina Pearson is so thought provoking.... "It's impossible to harvest something you don't plant." If we want to look forward to a bountiful harvest of joyful blessings and thankfulness, lets plant joy, goodness and a festive celebration-of-life in our homes

Our home is a precious heirloom
where our family dwells together.
The meals we prepare,
and the memories we share
decorate our hearts forever.


"Create a memory that you will still be talking about 5 or 10 years from now."~ John Maxwell

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ November 24th, 2008

Outside my window. . .the night is clear and cold. The smell of the neighbors woodsmoke makes me long for a fireplace to snuggle in front of.

I am thinking. . .about the projects around the house that I want to finish up before we leave wednesday evening for Illinois.

From the learning room. . .we are reading stories about fall & thanksgiving. Doing turkey crafts.

I am thankful for. . . God's mercies being new every morning. Each new day to make memories with my family. Each day a fresh start at being a better mother.

From the kitchen. . .lingers the smell of tonight's supper. Little meatloaf muffins, mashed potatoes, and cream cheese corn.

I am wearing. . .jammies & slippers.

I am creating. . .a song playlist to place on my blog. Need to have the perfect "fall" feeling songs.

I am going. . . to freeze pumpkin tomorrow for pies & treats over the winter.

I am reading...All Through the Night, by Davis Bunn. And the Power of Thanksgiving. And my new Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook :)

I am hoping. . . my husband is blessed in the woods tomorrow morning. It's the last day of the season and he has yet to get a deer.

I am hearing. . .my maids hard at work, drying clothes and washing dishes.

Around the house. . .its quiet and very peaceful.

One of my favorite things. . .Hallmark movies...and snow!

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .finish housework projects. MOPS steering team meeting. Catch up ALL laundry, & pack. Celebrate Thanksgiving with my family in Illinois.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing: one of our crafts today. The gleeful pilgrim hunter and a sad, sad, little turkey.

To read other's Daybook entries, please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook to find the list of participants in this week’s The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Thanks for stopping by! Leave me a comment...I would love to hear about your Monday.

Warm Thanksgiving Blessings!

The year has turned its circle,

The seasons come and go.

The harvest all is gathered in

And chilly north winds blow.

Orchards have shared their treasures,

The fields, their yellow grain,

So open wide the doorway- Thanksgiving comes again!

How quickly fall is passing! Here we are with Thanksgiving upon us! In just a few days, the table will be set, with freshly-polished silverware, neatly folded linen napkins, candles glowing.

The savory aromas of roasted turkey and stuffing will be wafting through the room.



The kitchen will be bustling with women-folk, all aproned-up, stirring and sampling. Cranberry relish, pumpkin pie. Kneading the dough for those golden brown rolls. Sharing tips for the best lump-less gravy. Friendly competitiveness. Busy chatter. Loads of laughter. Bonding. Nurturing





Loved ones enter out of the chilly air and into the warmth and aromas, tastes and sounds of Thanksgiving Day. Football games. Children playing pilgrams & indians.

Soon we hear the call "Time to eat! Everyone gather 'round....find your place... let's say grace..."

Oh how I love Thanksgiving! I want to take this week to reflect on Thanksgiving here on my blog. I would love to have you join me! Leave it in my "comments" or post a link to your blog there.

Some ideas that you could share:

-What you are thankful for

-Thanksgiving traditions or memories

-Recipes-Craft Ideas-Decorating ideas

-Your menu

-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures

-poetry

-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!

Monday's Simple Woman Daybook

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ November 10th, 2008

Outside my window. . .today is a cold and dreary day. I long for a fireplace...and a nap.

I am thinking. . .how meloncholy this day has made me. Remembering times with my grandma, I had to make some homemade hot chocolate to drink out of one her old brown mugs.

From the learning room. . .Ashleigh just started addition. She has been begging to jump to that part of her math book and now we're there. Logan loves to read books about shapes. He can point out and name most of them. His sister has been working with him, trying to teach him the "clean up" song...thinking maybe he will start doing his fair share when they pick up toys!

I am thankful for. . . God's mercies being new every morning. Each new day to make memories with my family.

From the kitchen. . .homemade potato soup going in the crockpot. Perfect for this damp, gray, weather. And sniffly noses.

I am wearing. . .the normal - jeans, t-shirt, but I have added socks & warm, fluffy, slippers to my ensemble!!!

I am creating. . .a list of gift ideas to make & find for a certain little boy who will be 2 in a week.

I am going. . . to start a new devotional.

I am reading...Sunset, the latest Karen Kinsgbury. Probably has something to do with my meloncholy mood today. Her books are so realistic. Heart-warming, heart-wrenching, emotional books.

I am hoping. . . we don't get much, if any, snow before Thanksgiving. I want to be able to make the trip home for Thanksgiving.

I am hearing. . .my husband talk on the radio about what he thinks his wife should get him for Christmas! night vision goggles??!

Around the house. . .the dryer is running. Kids are napping. Music is praising.

One of my favorite things. . .weekends with my family. When we're not running to different events...and in different dirrections.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .a better focus & attempt with school; wednesday night church; library storytime; homeschool co-op; Big Daddy Weave concert; start of deer season.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

To read other's Daybook entries, please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook to find the list of participants in this week’s The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Thanks for stopping by! Leave me a comment...I would love to hear about your Monday.

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."- Elizabeth Lawrence

"How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun. At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below,
To wait, like children, for the snow."
- Elsie N. Brady, Leaves

"When the trees their summer splendor

Change to raiment red and gold,

When the summer moon turns mellow,

And the nights are getting cold;

When the squirrels hide their acorns,

And the woodchucks disappear;

Then we know that it is autumn,

Loveliest season of the year."

- Carol L. Riser, Autumn

"How wonderful it would be if we could help our children and grandchildren to learn thanksgiving at an early age. Thanksgiving opens the doors. It changes a child's personality. A child is resentful, negative—or thankful.Thankful children want to give, they radiate happiness, they draw people."- Sir John Templeton

November is such an exciting month with so much to celebrate. Thanksgiving is right around the corner; and as we spend time with family & friends, we count our many blessings.

What are you most looking forward to?

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ November 3rd, 2008

Outside my window. . .its a dark & starry night.

I am thinking. . .all that lays in the balance for our country tomorrow.

From the learning room. . .schooling has been slow, as far as book-work goes. We'll have plenty to do on cold winter days when we have to stay inside. Right now, Ashleigh wants to just play outside. Logan is picking up on the alphabet song...and learning shapes & some colors.

I am thankful for. . .the right to vote.

From the kitchen. . .homemade italian sub sandwiches...and these yummy caramel rice krispy haystacks my husband made!

I am wearing. . .sweats, t shirt.

I am creating. . .16 flannel receiving blankets for Crisis Preg Center

I am going. . .to an election watch party tomorrow night.

I am reading...am actually in-between books, haven't had time to start a new one!!

I am hoping. . .I can get my kids back into schedule, the 1 hour time change has messed up bed times & then they wake up too early.

I am hearing. . .the David Crowder Band - live in concert - in my living room! (dvd)

Around the house. . .sorting thru closets. Hanging new family pictures.

One of my favorite things. . .when Logan brings me a book and says "story, mommy!". I love how he wants to snuggle in and hear a story over & over.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .VOTE!, set up MOPS, election party, fieldtrip to JumpMania, library storytime, get house ready for ladies book club.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing. . . from our Texas vacation - Ashleigh & Logan helping Daddy show off their first day's catch.


On the boat at sunset.

To read more Daybook entries, please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman to find the list of participants in this week’s The Simple Woman’s Daybook. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day!

Vacation time

We're on vacation...on the lake in Texas with in-laws. Good to get away. Kids are having a ball. Here are a couple of pictures, catching crappie.
Will be back to posting regularly hopefully next week :)

Funky Vintage-Inspired Handbags

While in St Louis last weekend, I met some of the dearest ladies. They were consultants for Juxtaposie handbags. Now, I had never heard of Juxtaposie, but quickly learned that it means "a bouquet of unexpected combinations of colors, shapes and ideas". Started in 2002, by two sister-in-laws, Juxtaposie was created as an avenue for women to achieve their goals and give aid to those with no such opportunities.

Also known as Purse of Hope, Juxtaposie exists not only to offer women a great career opportunity selling quality, fashionable, product line but also to rescue and restore children trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. Their main product line is hand-beaded handles. Incorporated into each handle, are several hand-rendered beads created by Northern Ugandan refugees that were forced to flee their homes due to a 21 year civil war.

I am not selling these bags...I don't even own one. (yet!) I am just spreading the word about a corporation who is dedicated to caring about people. Whose mission is to change the world, one handbag at a time.

a Homeschool Blog

For those of you readers who are interested in homeschooling, I have started a seperate blog for our homeschool. I know, I know, where do I find the time, right?! Actually I think it will make things easier for me by seperating them. This blog was feeling to cluttered to me.

I will still obviously post about my kids & stuff we do, but will be able to be more indepth with school stuff on the other blog.

So, feel free to check it out: http://www.youngchristianacademy.blogspot.com/

A poem sent to me...

TOGETHERNESS

Death is nothing at all ---I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word it always was. Let it be spoken without effort. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was: there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well.

Nothing is past: nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as before---only better, infinitely happier and forever we will be one together with Christ.

Author Unknown

This was sent to me, a few days after my father passed. It has ministered comfort and healing. Such overwhelming loss...feelings of depression, confusion, in spite of the peace, knowing he is with his Lord.

I like knowing its ok, to continue with my life, as though my Daddy is still close by. To think about him, talk about him, even forget and want to call him on the phone.

I miss my Dad. I'm sad that my children are so little and might not remember much about him someday. I can't wait to see him again!

Apple Dumplings

Apple Dumplings

2 granny smith apples

2 cans crescent rolls

2 sticks butter

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

cinnamon

1-12 oz can Mountain Dew

Peel & core apples. Cut apples into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a buttered 9 X 13 pan. Melt butter, then add sugar, barely stirring. Add vanilla, stir, and pour over apples; making sure to cover each dumpling evenly. Pour mountain dew oaround the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon. And bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 45 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.

My big helper. She gets so excited about learning to cook. Loves to spend time with me in the kitchen. The other day, she asked if she could get their toy dishes/food out to play with. She said she wanted to "teach Logan how to cook". To which he comes running "I wanna cook too! I wana cook too!"

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ Oct 6th 2008

Outside my window. . .its already dark outside. A sure reminder of the fall season, as well as the smell of woodsmoke wafting in from a house down the road.

I am thinking. . .about the chocolate cake sitting on the kitchen counter.

From the learning room. . .Ashleigh is learning her vowels & vowel sounds. We have discovered that Logan has picked up his numbers...probably from big sister. He can count to 10!

I am thankful for. . .dear friends. Through this season of overwhelming grief, my family has had so many friends who have comforted us, encouraged us, blessed us.

From the kitchen. . .matzo ball soup from a sweet jewish couple, who wanted to make me some jewish comfort food.

I am wearing. . .sweats, t shirt.

I am creating. . .some autumn decorations and centerpieces.

I am going. . .to help Ashleigh make a pumpkin pie this week. We visited a pumpkin farm yesterday afternoon where she picked out a huge pumpkin.

I am reading. . ."Nurture" by Lisa Bevere. I saw her speak on this at the conference this past weekend. About making heart-connections. Nurture (verb): 1. To give tender care and protection. 2. To encourage to grow, develop, thrive, and be successful.This beautifully describes what God's daughters so desperately need. In this heartfelt work, Lisa explains how women of all ages must awaken and restore their capacity to give and receive nurture.

I am hoping. . .

I am hearing. . .Dancing with the Stars...and my children wrestling in the living room floor.

Around the house. . .fall cleaning - clearing out kitchen cabinets, re-lining shelves.

One of my favorite things. . .raking leaves. Hearing them crunch under my feet. Smelling that musty, earthy, autumn-ness :)

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .baking with Ashleigh; MOPS; homeschool co-op class;

Here is a picture thought I am sharing. . .the view from my hotel window while at the Joyce Meyers Conference this past weekend -- the St Louis Arch

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ Sept 29th 2008

Outside my window. . .warm, clouding up to rain. Ashleigh is playing softball with a little neighbor girl.

I am thinking. . .about my Dad. He's part of every passing thought. Everywhere I turn something else reminds me of him. I wonder what he is doing right now...with Jesus!

From the learning room. . .its hard for me to focus on anything right now, so easing back into school...life. Did some phonics bookwork, a little memorization with Ashleigh. Logan learned about music, sang some songs; and had some "nature study" chasing a grasshopper around the backyard.

I am thankful for. . .my amazing family. Mom, two brothers and two sisters, in-laws, how close we are.

From the kitchen. . .trying a new recipe for dinner tonight. Chicken Penne in Smoky Chili Cream Sauce. Found it in a magazine, while waiting for my new great-niece to be born Sat evening.

I am wearing. . .blue capris, blue t shirt, wet hair...

I am creating. . .word clouds on Wordle. I just discovered it this morning. Thanks to Brin over at My Messy Thrilling Life. You type in a bunch of words...random words or a quote, etc...and wordle creates a word cloud, that you can print or do anything you want with. You get to choose the font and colors...was too much fun. I want to make a collection of words for each child to hang in their room. Would be cool used for scrapbooking too.

I am going. . .to try and get back into writing on my blog. This past 10 days it has been simply too hard.

I am reading. . .To Love, Honor and Vacuum by Sheila Wray-Gregoire; The Blue Parakeet by Scot McKnight; alot of emails that I am behind in.

I am hoping. . .to figure out how to keep an "almost" two yr old from climbing up on the kitchen counters.

I am hearing. . .air conditioner running. Logan talking to his toys.

Around the house. . .a big mess from a busy week. Laundry that needs folded.

One of my favorite things. . .Millstone Pumpkin Spice Coffeebeans

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .catching up on cleaning & laundry; packing for 3 days in St Louis at a ladies conference; shopping and meal planning for Fred & kids while I gone.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing. . .my new great-niece, Jada.

To read more Daybook entries, please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman to find the list of participants in this week’s The Simple Woman’s Daybook. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day!

My husband rocks...

It was one week ago today, about 7am, that we got the call from IL that my father was on his way to the hospital after suffering a massive heart attack. Before I was even off the phone with my sister-in-law, my husband was on his phone to his boss - letting him know he wouldn't be in for work, that we were rushing up to see my Dad. After we were both off the phone, I suggested we could maybe wait until Dad had seen a dr and we had an update. Fred said no, we were going no matter what. I began to pack. 20 minutes later, we got the update. Dad had gone on...to his long home.

The rushed trip to IL. Mom, brothers, sisters. Planning my father's funeral. Shaking so many hands and getting so many hugs from well-wishers. Crying so many tears. Sorting through Dad's things. This week as been the longest and hardest of my entire life. I feel like I am going through the motions in a thick fog.

This entire week, Fred has been strong for me. I know that Jesus will help me through this and that Fred will be by my side through it all.

In Memory...

My Dad

September 11th 1934 -- September 19th, 2008

Kid's Picks

This week marks the first Kid Picks carnival at 5 Minutes for Books. Once a month, we get to share books that our kids are enjoying. We read lots of books each week. And visit the library at least once a week as well.

Some of their recent favorites have been:

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? - by Bill Martin
John Deere Farm ABC's
The Pokey Little Puppy - a little golden book (one that we have been reading and making a lapbook on)
Pooh - Just Be Nice to Your Little Friends - another golden book
A Ball For All - by Brigitte Weninger (very cute artwork)

And then another favorite is: I Will Rejoice - by Karma Wilson


We have been reading this one for a few months now. Karma Wilson is best known for her Bear books. Bear Wants More. Bear Snores On. Very cute books. I Will Rejoice is a rhyming book, based on Psalm 118:24. I loved being able to re-enforce the concept of rejoicing in the simple pleasures of everyday life. I recently discovered that there are a couple other books like this one....Let's Make a Joyful Noise; and Give Thanks to the Lord.
I am anxious to see if our library has this one. Would love to use it this fall/Thanksgiving.



For more great children's book suggestions, head on over to 5 Minutes for Books and check out the monthly Kid's Picks Carnival.