The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...overcast, snow

I am thinking...I'd like to do some knitting and sewing. Finish up some Christmas gifts!

I am thankful...for a roof over my head. To be able to provide food and clothing for my family.

I am wearing...jeans and 2 shirts

I am going...to finish laundry. try to go to 5 o'clock Saturday church.

I am creating...learning to simplify! Motto of the year. Less stuff=less stuff to clean.

I am currently reading...nothing.

I am hoping...to continue to stay healthy. my husbands clients pay us.

I am hearing...Eric crying. Josh watching TV. Karl putting in the new 'hood' for over the stove.

In the kitchen...Karl. Dirty dishes piling up because our sewage is blocked.

Around the house...messes everywhere. bathroom leaking into the basement. I do have big piles of CLEAN laundry! Oven broken.

One of my favorite things...is to just sit and do nothing.

A few plans for the rest of the week...school. girls night with cousins. early intervention for Eric.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...nothing. Pitch black at 9:12pm.

I am thinking...that I had a long, blessed day. Getting ready to cuddle with Josh in my bed.

I am thankful...each and everyday. Today especially for being able to home school and to be blessed by other moms.

I am wearing...jeans and an oversize red shirt. Today was about warmth and comfort.

I am going...to snuggle with Josh.

I am creating...my first bible study that I will be leading next week. Making an analogy of women today with Alice in Wonderland.

I am currently reading...just finished a trilogy book from Beverly Lewis. Love those Amish stories.

I am hoping...to stay healthy and get some sleep.

I am hearing...Karl watching TV and silence from all 3 kids!

In the kitchen...my loving husband cleaned for me...yeah!

Around the house...evidence of me having 3 kids, 2 dogs and 1 husband. Wouldn't have it any other way.

One of my favorite things...is to curl up in bed with a good book. I don't get to do that too often.

A few plans for the rest of the week...dentist appointments, Eric's 16 month check-up and hopefully sometime with Anna.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...summer 2010!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Noticed that I have not posted in a while. Life happens...daily.

I am excited for the upcoming celebration of Jesus' birth! We are starting a new Christmas gift tradition this year. In the past we gave the kids whatever they wanted. This also included all the relatives, too.

Then two years ago (or more) we limited the gifts 'from Santa' to 3 gifts. Just like Jesus. He only received 3 gifts from each of the kings. Then we changed it to only 3 gifts from mom and dad. The gift giving was getting out of hand and mostly the focus of Christmas.

We as a family has been growing in our faith and in our knowledge of the bible. We attend church weekly. I read from the bible daily. The kids love going to Awanas! Recently, Anna and I have been attending a bible study twice a month. God has truly been working within our family. We, too, have been listening to God's plan. What does Christmas mean? Where should the emphasis be made?

I read an article in The Old Schoolhouse about gifts at Christmas time. What they did was that each gift would represent each gift from the 3 kings.

The 'GOLD' gift would be something extra special that the child wanted.

The 'FRANKINCENSE' would represent a Godly gift. For example, a worship cd or a bible. Anything that can encourage you and bring you closer to God. Anna thought a bible cover would fit.

The 'MYRRH' would be something that you put on your body. Like a coat, socks, hat, etc.

This is our new tradition that we added this year as a family. It isn't just about the gifts but why we are giving/receiving the gifts. To look beyond the wrapping papers and bows....and to look up to our heavenly Father.

I wish your family a wonderful Christmas and that you learn something new within your family!! Treasures right in front of... a gift from our Heavenly Father!!!

Thank you Lord for blessing me with a wonderful family. Thank you for your Son. Merry Christmas.

Amen!

SEW MAMA SEW CONTEST

Sew Mama Sew is having a 'serger' giveaway and would like to be considered THE winner!! So, here goes my plea:

i would love, love a serger. I have taught myself how to sew, use a pattern and still learning my ‘regular’ sewing machine. WOW, the things you can do on a serger! Just to be able to do nice edging is enough for me!!! Right now I am in the ‘dog room’ (I share my sewing stuff with the dogs; 3 kids; and I homeschool. My time is limited and I know I really can get some projects done with a serger! Think of me ’slaving away’ with the dogs at my feet and my kids spying me through the windows (they are not allowed in the sewing room 8)…my little space) slowly sewing away…. That serger really can make difference!!!! Maybe, my husband will take me seriously and find a new place for me to sew!!!! Thanks for taking my story into consideration. Good luck making your decisions. Blessings, Lisa

PS - Don't be afraid of the gun that my husband is holding! The dog is scarier! The kids are cute!!!

Memories...

We finally made it to Door County! I must say that we are extremely blessed to have a great baby that travels well. He did not complain once!! I was able to do some crocheting, chat with my husband and learn about the placebo effect. Karl downloaded some NPR radio shows for me and the kids (wahoo). Yes, there is a little sarcasm.

It was neat to drive into Door County. we haven't been back for 7 years! We really like it here. It brought back a lot of great memories and some sad ones. My first time here was when Karl and I got married. He brought me here for our honeymoon...we went camping! I am not the camping type (I can handle it now). Back then, not so much. We did go to a resort afterwards!!!!

When I was pregnant with Joshua; we brought my brother's kids and Anna for a little camping and swimming. Anna was mentioning all that she remembered. Good memories. We did have to cut our vacation short because Karl's uncle passed away. Then a month later, my brother died. Then I delivered Joshua. It was a crazy summer that year.

Today, we are making new memories!! Eric is sleeping, Karl and the kids are at the pool and I have a few minutes of quiet.

Yesterday - Today - Tomorrow

Yesterday is but a dream, tomorrow is only a vision. But today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day, for it is life, the very life of life. The Sanskrit

Do you believe in MIRACLES?

I DO! We don't always hear about miracles, but I do believe that they happen everyday. Sometimes, we don't even see them happening in our own backyards. I have recently been invited to a benefit for an 8 month old little girl, Meagan. Her family lives one town over from me. This is in my own backyard a miracle happened. Please read the following article about this adorable little baby girl who was born against all odds. MEAGAN Get the tissues out...I was crying by the end of the article.

I was so touched by her/their story that I was strongly led to do something. But what? By using God's gift of creating! I have chosen to help by making an apron and baby quilt to help with their fundraising. If you feel led to donate please contact me or drop it off at my house (or let me know that you will be coming by).

Who will join me on August 6th?? Please let me know because we need to PRE-ORDER our tickets. One of my dear friends is selling tickets. (She is coming by on Tuesday, July 27)

Benefit for Baby Meagan
Friday, August 6 at 6:00pm
Old Towne Pub & Eatery

Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser to benefit baby Meagan to help with her ongoing medical expenses. Tickets are $25.00 each. Dinner will be available from 6 - 8 pm, with auctions and raffles until 11 pm.

If you cannot join me or donate at this time; you can join me and many others in prayer. The power of prayer is a miracle in itself!

Psalm 77:14
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

Hebrews 2:4
God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

This is my 100th post!!

I PROMISE...

PROMISE TO MY CHILDREN: I will stalk you, freak out on you, lecture you, drive you crazy, be your worst nightmare, embarrass you in front of your friends, hunt you down like a bloodhound until the day you understand why I do it. Then I will know that you are a responsible adult. All ...because...I LOVE YOU...you will never find someone that loves you more than your Mommy (and Daddy)♥.

I totally agree. Nothing is better than what I/we have right now. Or what we will be going through...