Simple Woman

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FOR TODAY... 3 Nov 2013

Outside my window... It's dark & cold. Brr.

I am thinking... how nasty and NOT Christ-like some Christians can be. It's appalling.

I am thankful... for the people who love me for who I am

In the kitchen... there's a mess. I wish there was cake.

I am wearing... a nightgown.

I am creating... a (hopefully) peaceful religious path for my children.

I am going... to sleep soon.

I am wondering... why I have to have so many food issues. Again, I just want some cake.

I am reading... Clockwork Prince (It's the 2nd in a series) & Rough Stone Rolling.

I am hoping... that some of my husband's family can put their dislike of me aside and come support my daughter at her baptism. I'm not holding my breath though.

I am looking forward to... celebrating Leah's 8th birthday & my 16th wedding anniversary. After that there is Thanksgiving and my Mom's birthday! I love this season. So much family & so much love!

I am learning... to let go of people that don't add happy things to my life. All relationships are a mixed bag. Even the good ones! But the ones that add no good? Letting go... Radical Self-Respect!

Around the house... There's a load of clothes in the washer. I've washed them 3 times now - Not counting the first time when they went through the dryer with two big fat crayons. It's never coming out. I can't stand to loose that many clothes at once. It makes me feel loopy.

I am pondering... if I should go to bed early. Hannah is sick and I'm afraid I'm getting it.

A favorite quote for today... “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . ."”   ― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

One of my favorite things... random unexpected affection.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Leah only has school for 2.5 this week. (Parent Teacher Conferences). Hannah doesn't have any because there is voting in her school on Tuesday and then Conferences for her too. I haven't told Hannah she has no school. So I have to come up with some stuff to keep these kids entertained this week. Oy.

A peek into my day... This is actually yesterday. Hannah didn't feel well and was hanging out in our bed. She's on the right there. I just joined instagram so I was trying to find something to take a picture of. lol. I put #busysaturday as the tag. It was a peaceful day.

Simple Woman

(I want to start blogging again. This seems like an easy
start again. I used to like doing these.)

Find it here.

13 Jan 2013

Outside my window... It's cold. Oh so freaking cold. The first I looked this morning it was -6. I didn't open it to find out the windchill. I didn't want to know.

I am thinking... It's almost nap time for Hannah. Which is wonderful but it seems likely she'll stop hand feeding me candy when she goes - that part is sad.

I am thankful... that it's so warm inside my house!

In the kitchen... It's clean (yay me). Yesterday I made some wheat free, corn free, dairy free bread. It's delicious as it always is. I love Pamela's bread mix! I also made some cookies. Ground almonds, coconut, dried apricots, and fresh apples. Ridiculously good. No flour involved. Double yay.

I am wearing... PJ pants and an inside out t-shirt. The seams were bugging my fibro skin. lol

I am creating... Nothing particular at the moment. Aside from this blog post.

I am going... to make myself something yummy for lunch after this.

I am wondering... about the path some choices set us on. There's no changing some things, eh?

I am reading... A Memory of Light (Book 14 of the Wheel of Time Series), Fablehaven Book 3, Misquoting Jesus (that one is slow going) and I just bought Rough Stone Rolling (a book about Joseph Smith)

I am hoping... that Drew gets to move back home soon! I'm really not a fan of doing all of this on my own.

I am looking forward to... making something yummy in a little bit. lol

I am learning... patience? maybe.

Around the house... things are good. I decided to start doing Motivated Moms again this year and everything is staying caught up - a miracle really.

I am pondering... lots of things. Most of them religious this morning.

A favorite quote for today... “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

One of my favorite things... Sushi. I wish that is what I was having for lunch.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Just getting through it so far!

A peek into my day...

Hannah hanging out in her bathrobe, watching Barbie's Princess and the Pop star while I write this post. She refused to smile though.

Simple Woman

Find it here.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... It's dark and windy and cold. We've had a high wind warning all day.

I am thinking...  about my doctor's appt in the morning.

I am thankful... for the joy of motherhood. The women who made that possible in my life. For the feel of my children laying on me.

From the learning rooms... Leah and I got her through a lot of homework today. She was out of school all last week and there's a good size stack. Almost done!

In the kitchen... I've been wheat free cooking. (And it's a freaking disaster in there.)

I am wearing... pjs. 

I am creating... a messy house? happy children?

I am going... to make a steamed milk, relax for a bit, and go to bed.

I am wondering... what is going to happen next.

I am reading... I just finished Alcatraz versus The Evil Librarians by Brandson Sanderson. I haven't decided what to read next yet.

I am hoping... to get some answers, pretty please.

I am looking forward to... sleeping good tonight (that's me thinking positive thoughts. PLEASE let me get some good sleep!)

I am learning... that I can't do everything my brain wants me to do.

I am hearing... Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol

Around the house... Oh the mess. I don't want to talk about it okay? When I'm sick things... fall apart.

I am pondering...  finding a different normal within my physical limits. I need a house elf. Anybody?


A favorite quote for today... “Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow.” -Mary Anne Radmacher

One of my favorite things...  Steamed Milk. mmmm. (I'm having that right now)

A few plans for the rest of the week... To the doctor tomorrow, clean the house, wheat free cooking, and trying to keep my head above water! Woohoo.

A peek into my day...

Leah's been "creating" things for days. There is a giant mess in the dining room from it. Jewelry, arts/crafts, anything she can think of. This was a puppet from today (There's a tongue under the flap. A little red one. She's so cute!). She used this and a couple stick puppets she made to perform Little Red Riding Hood for me. She even made a back drop with a big piece of construction paper. She cut pictures of furniture out of a newspaper ad and glued it all over it. She amazes me. 

Simple Woman

For Today November 8 2010...

Outside my window... It's dark outside and freezing. The last few days it's been 60s, today high 50s. Tomorrow? The high is 34. Brr.

I am thinking... that I should probably be asleep. Instead I'm up with Drew watching Hoarders. What is the matter with us?

I am thankful for... my deliciously wonderful children. How could they possibly be more fantastic?

From the kitchen... We did a major grocery shopping trip today. We came in the door at about 11 pm and I pulled out all the cold/frozen stuff, Drew put it away and all the rest of the groceries are still laying on the floor. And where am I? I am in bed. I'll fix it tomorrow. Promise.

I am wearing... what I wear in bed.

I am creating... a tired me!

I am going... to spend tomorrow enjoying my babies.

I am reading... Book 13 of the Wheel of Time Series and Pride & Prejudice.

I am hoping... that Hannah decides tonight is the night to sleep all night long!

I am hearing... the TV.

Around the house... tomorrow a little picking up. Most everything is done. And my sheets need washed.

One of my favorite things... is being in the house alone. I adore my little family but the peace of moving about the house alone is so refreshing!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Leah has school the next few days. She is going to my Mom's on Thursday to spend the night (so fun!) and then we are celebrating her birthday on Saturday. (She'll be 5 on Sunday!)

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Hannah. Words are not necessary...

Maybe not

Okay. I thought I would like the regular structure of the Simple Woman posts.

Really?

What was I thinking?

I don't actually like STRUCTURE at all. I think they're really fun to read. And maybe I'll still do it sometimes.

Or maybe not.

Simple Woman

For Today July 13 2009...

Outside my window... It's dark outside. It's technically Tuesday since it's 12:23. Night Owl anyone?

I am thinking... about how tomorrow night at this time I will be watching Harry Potter!

I am thankful for... my husband even though he snores. a lot. LOUD.

From the learning rooms... we have been doing that 100 Lessons reading book. Leah picks it up really fast. I did the first few lessons each a couple of times to make sure she was getting it. However this bored her so I'm gonna have to stop that. lol

From the kitchen... tomorrow - Brownies. The perfect yummy brownies. Have I ever posted about those? I'll have to go search later.

I am wearing... what I wear in bed.

I am creating... well... hmm... at the moment a tired body. Why am I blogging right now?!?!

I am going... sleep.

I am reading... Book 10 of the Wheel of Time Series and Firefly Lane and Ender's Shadow.

I am hoping... that Drew gets put back on the board soon! (still I'm hoping this! He's the next one to go back. Come on railroad!)

I am hearing... The fans and snoring dogs and man.

Around the house... tomorrow is also for cleaning. Light cleaning, it's not bad but the sheets need washed and stuff.

One of my favorite things... cooking. I want Drew to go back to work so I can resume my favorite hobby. Ingredients get expensive when you like to experiment.

A few plans for the rest of the week: This Saturday we are going to Denver to help celebrate the adoption finalization of our nephew (Drew's brother & his wife). And to be there when they are sealed as a family. We're so excited!

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Leah still sleeps with this pillow on her bed. One day we were walking around the mall with her - she was about... 8/9 months? (In the picture she is 9.5 months) She was in the stroller and just looking at stuff as we moved about. We went into the disney store and all the sudden we hear her making all these happy noises and reaching for something - and it was this pillow. It was the first thing she ever "asked" to buy. We handed it to her and she immediately hugged it and didn't want to let go. And we bought it.

Clearly we are suckers. We were both even all teary-eyed. It's fun to see that she still uses it though. It was worth it!


PS Yes, yes. I edited the time stamp on my post. That's right. Because I'm a cheater. Yup.

Simple Woman

Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com
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For Today July 6 2009...

Outside my window... 82 degrees. It's a beautiful day. Drew & I are at the park! Hooray!

I am thinking... about teaching empathy because I was just talking to Becky about it. Hard concept! Really I think the only way is by example and taking advantage of teachable moments to point it out.

I am thankful for... my husband. Who loves me so much and shows me in active ways all the time.

From the learning rooms... it's still summer. Although Leah informed me the other day that summer is boring. When I asked why she said it was because we stopped doing all our "things". No school, no story hour, no dance class. I told her we could start doing school stuff again if she wanted and she said yes but each time I've actually wanted to do it she didn't want to. Ah well. We'll see. 3.5 year olds - so fickle. ;)

From the kitchen... it's clean. That's all. Although I did print this yesterday: Black Bottom Cupcakes. I've never had them before and Camela was so upset that I'd never heard of them even. So as soon as I feel better (please let that be tomorrow!) I'm going to make them.

I am wearing... capris and an old t-shirt

I am creating... a blog post! haha

I am going... to close my eyes after this. My head hurts.

I am reading... Book 10 of the Wheel of Time Series and Firefly Lane

I am hoping... that Drew gets put back on the board soon! He's SO close now!

I am hearing... Bones (the show lol - no rattling bones)

Around the house... things are very quiet. It's been a calm day.

One of my favorite things... Drew.

A few plans for the rest of the week: No big plans. Just waiting to hear about Drew going back to work. It's hard to plan anything when he's this close.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... I saw this on my slide show today and actually LOLed - I love that kid! May 27, 2006:

Simple Woman

Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com
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For Today June 29th 2009...

Outside my window... 51 degrees with a high of 79 today. I really do love the weather in Wyoming this time of year.

I am thinking... about going back to sleep. I woke up at 6:17 am. It's only 7 now and everyone else is still sleeping.

I am thankful for... my family and my weekend of alone time.

From the learning rooms... it's summer.

From the kitchen... Yesterday I made what we have come to refer to as THE cookies.

I am wearing... jammies.

I am creating... a happy house. Can I always say that when I can't think of something else??

I am going... to see if I can bath the dogs and get up the nerve to clip them myself. That kind of scares me but I think they'll be more comfortable for the summer.

I am reading... Book 10 of the Wheel of Time Series (ah ha! You thought I was going to say Book 9 didn't you?? lol) and Firefly Lane

I am hoping... to have a pleasant day.

I am hearing... the TV and the dogs play.

Around the house... Things very clean. Nothing like a weekend totally alone to get your whole house clean! I even shampooed all the carpets twice!

One of my favorite things... fruit with a little sugar and some heavy cream on it - which I ate several times during my weekend alone.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Nothing really. Just summer time stuff. Should be a gorgeous week.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... I couldn't decide what to use so I went to my google bar slide show and this was the picture right at the moment. My Leahs. My sister & my child. Love it!

Simple Woman

Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com
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For Today June 15th 2009...

Outside my window... 65 degrees - gorgeous and the sound of Drew with the weed whacker.

I am thinking... and nothing because there's too much to think about. I can't even sleep at night. So right now I'm blocking it out!

I am thankful for... fun mail and FANTASTIC friends.

From the learning rooms... Today Leah and I got her book called First 1000 words and some star stickers and started marking all the things she knows. Some pages are really simple - like food, fruit, veggies, etc. Others are country flags, specific kinds of trees, flowers, etc. Anyway, she thinks it's great fun. So we are going to add that to our rotation of stuff.

From the kitchen... I grilled lunch. I haven't even decided about dinner. We had grilled andouille chicken sausage and corn. And some avocado. Yum!

I am wearing... red jammies

I am creating... things in my backyard. We got stuff I ordered so crazy cheap in the mail today. 17 trees, 25 strawberry plants, a few other things. All for about 100 bucks. Isn't that crazy??

I am going... get up and plant things when I'm done.

I am reading... Book 9 of the Wheel of Time Series - Winter's Heart

I am hoping... that we survive this economy (still). Although Drew isn't furloughed anymore but he's still not back fulltime.

I am hearing... the weed whacker and TV.

Around the house... Things are semi-messy. A good hour or so and it'd be in shape. I don't have an hour in me though.

One of my favorite things... Sunshine.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Nothing big this week that I can think of. Yard work clearly and stuff at the store.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... I took this picture of my nephew John while I was babysitting him on Friday. How 'bout this cuteness, eh??

Simple Woman

Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com
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For Today June 1st 2009... (okay. It's really the 3rd. I forgot!)

Outside my window... it is a gorgeous, peaceful day.

I am thinking... about how sleepy I feel.

I am thankful for... my happy child.

From the learning rooms... Not much. I've decided to stop our scheduled school times for the summer. The stuff we do with E (the favorite cousin!). We're still going to be doing things because Leah loves too but there's so much going on right now I need a mental break.

From the kitchen... I made two loaves of homemade bread yesterday in my bread maker. I haven't used it in forever. I think I'll do another today. I want honey wheat!

I am wearing... a fluffy red robe.

I am creating... a happy day for Leah.

I am going... get up and do some chores after this.

I am reading... Book 9 of the Wheel of Time Series - Winter's Heart (yes, still! - but I'm almost done now. I listen to the audio book while I clean, etc. That's why it's taking so long!)

I am hoping... that we survive this economy. Drew got furloughed. I don't think I blogged that. We most definitely don't have enough money coming in now.

I am hearing... Bert & Ernie on PBS Sprout.

Around the house... a few things need done but it's not bad. Leah's room is trashed. Her favorite cousin came over and played for five hours yesterday! they TRASHED that room but had a fabulous time and I got a lot done.

One of my favorite things... crab.

A few plans for the rest of the week: My sister (who lives in FL) is here - well at my mom's an hour away as of the wee hours of the morning. She'll be here with her son & husband for the next two weeks.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Leah has been in a "daddy phase" for months. Four or five days ago she has suddenly returned to a mommy phase. She has been glued to me for days. (which is why I got her cousin over here for 5 hours yesterday!)

Here is how we played a game of Chutes & Ladders on my phone:

Simple Woman

Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com
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For Today May 25th 2009...

Outside my window... Cloudy and raining on & off.

I am thinking... about the trees I just ordered for my yard.

I am thankful for... the day I've spent with my family & parents.

From the learning rooms... we didn't get much done this week. I ordered this book on the suggestion of Sue on my last Simple Day post: Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.

From the kitchen... we had the greatest meal today! Hamburgers (used a Bobby Flay recipe). We deep fried several things, grilled pineapple. It was awesome.

I am wearing... chocolate colored gauchos & a blue shirt.

I am creating... well, good food but I already said that. I also ordered 14 trees today but I already said that too. I'm creating a plan for my back yard!

I am going... to go home soon. We came to my parent's house for Memorial Day.

I am reading... Book 9 of the Wheel of Time Series - Winter's Heart (yes, still!)

I am hoping... that Drew gets called to work soon! (What will I say for this when he does get called back?? LOL)

I am hearing... the TV. Funniest Home Videos - I forgot how funny this show is!

Around the house... things are clean, everything is caught up. I wonder how often I'll get to say that on here. LOL

One of my favorite things... is cooking with my mom.

A few plans for the rest of the week: School this week (I'm trying to decide if I should let out for the summer. What do you think?), I have a lot of extra work at the store. Whenever there is a Monday holiday it throws everything off. And on Saturday the caseworker is coming to do our home visit and our individual interviews!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


This is called a smew. I think it looks like an art deco duck or maybe the "cool kid" of the ducks.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

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For Today May 18th 2009...

Outside my window... It's is a perfect 79 degrees with a slight breeze. Fabulous!

I am thinking... about the fact that I need to grocery shop.

I am thankful for... a husband who doesn't mind taking over so I can have a good day of shopping with a friend.

From the learning rooms... Leah is asking to learn to read. She's 3.5. I can't decide what to do. That seems awfully earlier, she knows most of the sounds letters make so far now I'm just going to work on that. And I guess we could start memorizing sight words. I just am not ready for this!

From the kitchen... Nothing exciting. I haven't even contemplated dinner for today.

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

I am creating... a happy home? I got nothin' for that one today!

I am going... do some shopping and cleaning. I need to unload and load the dishwasher but I can't because we ran out of soap and it still needs run! haha.

I am reading... Book 9 of the Wheel of Time Series - Winter's Heart (still)

I am hoping... that Drew goes to work soon. Sigh.

I am hearing... Drew talking and Leah pushing buttons on a phone.

Around the house... I haven't done anything since I went shopping today. Drew just ran to the store to go get dishwasher soap. He says he's all over the kitchen. I love him!

One of my favorite things... is days like today. This is the dreamiest weather.

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, work at the store, a seminary graduation tomorrow, a baptism at church on Wednesday - no too busy hopefully.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... I'm just remembering today that I love my husband.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

I want to start doing this on Monday's: The Simple Woman's Daybook (instructions)

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Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com
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For Today May 11th 2009...

Outside my window... It's dusk. There's a nice breeze. I hear birds and dogs.

I am thinking... about another blog post I need to do but I don't have it all worked out in my head yet. And just before that I was thinking about the railroad. Please, please, please let my husband get called back to work soon!

I am thankful for... the cheerfulness of my child. There is no way to sink too low with her around. She is like literal sunshine to my soul.

From the learning rooms... today Leah and I did Montessori type puzzles. Of course since I did them with her I'm breaking Montessori rules right? She likes company. We also worked on some speech. MIL is a speech therapist. She says Leah has what's called a lateral lisp. I think that's the right word. Anyway, it just means she has her tongue forward for some sounds. Like S. So we are working on keeping our teeth together to say some sounds. She just thinks it's a game so don't worry about her. LOL The other day she was explaining a character on TV to me and I repeated the name wrong. She says "No, mommy. Let me show you. I will help you say it right." And the proceeded to slowly pronounce it for me.

From the kitchen... Today I did nothing in my kitchen. It's very clean. Today Drew babied me and did everything all day. (Since for Mother's Day yesterday, he bombed but today has been spectular!) The only fun thing on the agenda this week is to make these traditional Mexican cookies that for some reason are supposed to be in the shape of a pig. I happen to have a pig cookie cutter so I want to make them. We were supposed to do it on Cinco de Mayo but Leah got in trouble so we didn't. I'm sure I'll blog about them when we make pig cookies!

I am wearing... fleece jammy pants and a white tshirt with paint all over it.

I am creating... hmmm. I worked on my forum a lot today. I kind of downsized it. Pruned the membership, combined forums, etc. It's just not active like it used to be. It's a comfy, cozy place still though. I like those people. A lot.

I am going... to eat a fantastic taco salad when I'm done with this.

I am reading... Book 9 of the Wheel of Time Series - Winter's Heart

I am hoping... that Drew will learn something at his union meeting tomorrow. And that our next adoption will go really fast!

I am hearing... the TV. I should mute it for some peace! Ahhhh. done. Now it's silent.

Around the house... things are clean, everything is caught up. I wonder how often I'll get to say that on here. LOL

One of my favorite things... is holding my sleeping daughter's body on me. I just went to check on her and she was sleeping but on top of her covers and at the foot of her bed. So I picked her up to move her but I love that feeling so much that I stood there for awhile just holding her.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tomorrow & Thursday we have school with Leah's cousin, Elaina. Wednesday is dance class - which is a last rehearsal because Friday is Dress Rehearsal, and Saturday is her first recital! I also have the youth activity Wednesday night, and oh and a church thing for me Tuesday night. I think that's it.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Leah made this bag for me at church yesterday. All the petals and bees are her finger and thumb prints. So insanely cute. The tag said "thumb buggy" loves you as part of the poem. SO adorable.