Simple Woman's Daybook

Wow, this is the last one of the year...when did that happen?? Sorry if this one is a bit sentimental. ; )

FOR TODAY...December 29, 2008

Outside my window...I see my mother who is almost 61, playing in the backyard with the boys....if she thinks no one is looking, she might climb up on the new trampoline...LOL!

I am thinking...that each year seems to fly by faster and faster, leaving less time for reflection, prayer, reading, playing, and family time

I am thankful for...my boys who grow bigger each day and soon will be grown and gone

From the learning rooms...it's still Christmas break, but we have made many batches of cookies, played many games (some educational and some not...LOL) watched some movies and spent many happy hours visitng with the grandparents

From the kitchen...I smell lovely oatmeal choc chip cookies coming out of the oven and for dinner, BLTs on multigrain bread with spring mix for the lettuce...won't Jodi be thrilled??

I am wearing...jean capris, a t shirt, monkey socks and my hair in a bun....so frumpy I've become...that's a new year's resolution...hee hee

I am creating...thanks you notes, resolutions, and craziness...ha ha

I am going...no where for the next few days...just trying to soak up as much of my parents as I can

I am reading...the Bible, Humor for a Sister's Heart and That's Not My Monkey

I am hoping...to make more time in my schedule for playing and reading with my kiddos, restarting date night, and better eating this year than last...baby steps!!

I am hearing...my great niece, hollering, dogs barking, the humidifier puffing, happy kids on the trampoline and the oven timer beeping saying that the cookies are done.

Around the house...we are getting ready to take down the holiday decorations, unpacking Jodi's stuff from the truck and still finding homes for all the new Christmas things. Anybody know how to work an Ipod??

One of my favorite things...parents who love me!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Nothing but hanging out...then getting back on our routines after visitors departure...sigh***

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Simple Woman's Daybook

If you enjoy this blog, read others of the same type by going to http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY ... December 23, 2008

Outside my window... It is pitch black, the temp is dropping and the wind is howling, it's so nice to be inside!

I am thinking...that I should get my sick self to bed for some much needed rest

I am thankful for...My parent's safe arrival and several more days to enjoy them

From the learning rooms...we are taking our Christmas break but baking and having life lessons, plus playing games with Grandma and PaPa

From the kitchen...Yummy things are coming out of the kitchen all day...we are making caramel rolls tomorrow for Christmas breakfast

I am wearing...My work clothes, Dark brown slacks, and orange Henley and deck shoes

I am creating...Aprons, baked goods, cards, letters and stress for Dan as I fret about being ready in time and still staying on budget

I am going...to the Christmas Eve service and then NO WHERE!!

I am reading...Bible, How Does a Dinosaur Eat? and That's NOT my Dinosaur

I am hoping...to be well in time to enjoy my parents visit and the Christmas Adventure!

I am hearing...The humidifier gurgling to tell me that it needs more water, but other that that...all is quiet

Around the house...everything is ready except for the few surprises for the boys that Dan will put in place after they go to bed tomorrow night!!

One of my favorite things..my life right now....so glad I hung in there for the tough times...that is being rewarded these days...thank you Jesus!

A few plans for the rest of the week: As little as possible except squeeze every last minute out of my parents being here...the kids are sooo excited about it...me, too!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...=David spent about 3 hours working on this...he was quite excited about it!!

Queen for day...that's me!

As many of you know, turning 35 didn't thrill me, so my wonderful family made it the best day possible. I woke up to breakfast in bed, courtesy of David and Patrick...I even got to eat cookies for breakfast...yeah me! I got up and wrapped a gift or two and then wandered out to survey the damage to the kitchen and found that there was none! Double hurray! I lounged around until lunchtime, mostly directing traffic as Dan and the boys helped finish making the house sparkle for Mom and Dad's visit. Then Jodi went and picked up lunch so I didn't have to make or clean up after lunch either. I finished a few small things like putting the finishing touches on my Christmas letter, addressing envelopes and hiding from Dan who was on a cleaning frenzy with the new vacuum...LOL! Everyone in the regular 'gang' came over and then the real party started...Charlie and Devin came over to make my dinner....seriously, does your life get ANY BETTER than a man coming over to make you dinner?? He made Chicken Cordon Bleu, Corn on the cob and a big crunchy salad...YUM~O!! Then Dan and Karen did all the dishes before I opened my gifts. Since Charlie and Devin aren't coming over on Christmas day, we let them open their gifts also...Devin got the Chuzzle he had been asking for and Charlie got lots of new clothes that he had been needing. Then it was my turn...I got several lovely cards, a new work shirt and the best gift was from Dan...he gave me new wedding rings...How on earth did I ever get so lucky?? I mean blessed...he is so thoughtful...my rings broke years ago and though I've had a ring or two since, I've never had actual wedding rings again....*sigh of contentment** So in addition to the gifts that were wrapped, I also got a full day off of kitchen duty...I had a hard time staying out! Several of my friends called to wish me well and I really just had one of those days where you just can't imagine your life being any better than it is right at that moment...those are the days to treasure!

Simple Woman's Daybook~December 15, 2008

I find this type of blog keeps me focused and on track...and gives a frame of reference into my life as I can look back over the past weeks and compare. Interesting...hhmmmm! To read other blogs of this kind, click on the picture, or go to www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY December 15, 2008

Outside my window...it is cool and a bright blue sky is coming to light as the sun rises over the mountains, the last few leaves drift lazily to the ground and winter is here at last

I am thinking...that Christmas is the BEST time of year

I am thankful for...new carpet, old friends and the anticipation that my parents will be here in 6 days...woohoo!!

From the learning rooms...we are cramming before the coming break. Many projects and papers to do...better get going on that one!

From the kitchen...haystacks today...more baking all week and easy meals to save energy for more important things

I am wearing...my PJs still...shh don't tell!!

I am creating...A master list of addresses so I can mail my Christmas letter...better hurry on that, too!

I am going...nowhere except to work on M and W..hurray for a week at home!

I am reading...The Bible and my Christmas letter and many blogs of this type

I am hoping...to wake up one day and find that 45 pounds are gone! LOL!

I am hearing...Titus cooing and playing with a rattle, James, Derek and Casey playing with cars in the LR, the dryer and Dave and pat complaining about me saying it's a no TV week...they HATE those...at least for the first day, then they enjoy the extra games they can play, outside time, and book reading.

Around the house...much to do... secrets to finish off, a bit of wrapping left to do and letters to mail out, plus all the usual things

One of my favorite things...Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things ; )

A few plans for the rest of the week: Just the last of the Christmas prep..reading the advent book with the boys each night, and getting the house in order so we are ready for guests!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Things that makes you say, "Aaawwwwwww!" A nap with Daddy...isn't that the best??

I got an AWARD....thanks Deanna!

Look at me!! I got the Kreativ Blogger Award from my pal over on Cafemom, Deanna! Thanks Deanna....sometimes I labor over this thing and fuss about what to include, what to skip over, what to share and how to share it...then I wonder if anyone reads it besides me...LOL! But even if no one else does, it's a great way to review my life as it unfolds and I really like that. So thanks for the encouragement to keep going, D! Doesn't everyone need a bit of encouragement once in a while? So, now I shall redouble my efforts to make this great...happy reading everyone!

Hugs Around While Grace Abounds,

Kristy

Busy, Busy, BUSY!! ...and other random thoughts

This has been a busy week...with all the holiday stuff going on, preparing for visitors, last minute shopping, Jodi's handbell concerts, a birthday party for Devin, working 3 nights, (all of them late nights) Christmas baking...(yummy!) and all the regular stuff...church, AWANAs, school, taking care of the house, kids, hubby and friends...Christmas sure is a busy time! Anywho...I decided to take time to write my Christmas letter this week, and it turned out great if I do say so myself. Those of you who actually know me and are held near and dear to my heart, expect yours in the mail soon. We also got new carpet today, so all the hustle and bustle of emptying 3 VERY FULL bedrooms and closets to make room for that added to the FUN that was yesterday. My 35th b-day is coming up next week and it's throwing me for a loop...feels like I should have done something marlevous, fantastic, earth shaking or life altering with myself by now...but then as I look at the happy faces of my kiddos and Dan..I remember that I AM, have been and will continue to be doing something fantastic, wonderful and life altering with myself. We are all getting anxious about Mom and Dad coming...they will be here next Sunday...Woo Hoo! 7 months is WAY too long! I have a very busy work schedule next week and I may just call in a night or two...Kohl's will go on without me. Not really sure what this next week holds...probably as much school as I can squeeze in, some extra sleep for the boys, more baking...zucchini bread anyone?, more Christmas specials on TV, bunches of sorting boxes after dragging everything out and deciding once again that we have WAY too much stuff, and some good family time. OK, this really is a random blog...so random that it;'s getting on my nerves, so I will sigh off and come back later when it's not 2:30 in the morning and I'm 3/4 asleep.
Love to all!!
Kristy

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...December 8, 2008

Outside my window...It is dark because I am so late in posting this....LOL! But is is cool and windy, and it rained twice today even though most of the day was bright and sunny.

I am thinking... that I am too much to do to ever accomplish it in the time frame that I would like!

I am thankful for... cool nights to snuggle in front of the fire, a handy hubby who can fix nigh onto ANYthing and NEW CARPET!! Hurray!

From the learning rooms...we are headed into the last few weeks of school before PaPa and Grma show up for Christmas holidays...time to get down to business! Of course, the printer wouldn't work today...LOL! SO we did a day of 'alternative activities' and crafting

From the kitchen... Jodi is making dinner so I am blogging away..yeah! Tuna Helper to the rescue of the tired Mama! I am wearing... my cheerful smile and crazy hair, plus capris, a t shirt and tennies.

I am creating... aprons for presents...shhh! Cookies, fudges and breads...yummy!

I am going... off to work in a few hours and then hopefully to bed soon after that

I am reading..."God, is that you?" and my Bible

I am hoping... that we can finish up the shopping and pay the rent in the same week...that will take money from Heaven

I am hearing... happy children paying, Dan fixing his drill housing, the dogs barking, Jodi asking someone a question and dinner simmering away

Around the house...we just got new carpet and it looks great! I barely recognise my own house..it's that clean and uncluttered, but don't look in the garage...LOL! We rearranged and the rooms look huge now without all the furniture sitting in the middle.

One of my favorite things...My computer for my creative outlet, a place to connect with friends, a informational resource for home school, and a way to do Christmas shopping without the crowds.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Work, Schooling, BAKING, cleaning, Game Night, Shopping and wrapping the last few gifts, and a night of rest and pizza!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...my new carpet and the Christmas tree! Aren't they great??

December...really??

Greetings from Sunny, Warm New Mexico! The ave. temp thses days is still in the high 60s-to low 70s. I have to stay inside if I want to feel Christmas-y...LOL~ The tree is up, the stockings are hung, the gifts are wrapped and under the tree, a few of the Christmas goodie boxes have been sent, it's getting to be that time of year. Where has this year gone? It's just flown by for us here. Karen has moved twice..Jodi and family have moved here, Josh graduated from High School (SO PROUD) I'm working at a 'real job,' we are still homeschooling and having our best year ever, all the boys are getting soooo big that it occured to Dan just the other day that in 5 years, David will be DRIVING...he almost ran the car off the road...ha ha! I was checking off my goals for this year just this very morning and we've accomplished about 85% of our yearly goals..not too bad in my opinion! Anywho, that was all very random, wasn't it? I got interrupted so now I'll take off in a new direction.

This week was full of exciting happenings. Game Night was, as always, lots of fun. Karen is staying longer these days and visiting. Dan and Charlie are getting to be such good friends, its so fun to see them interact. Charlie is going to make my birthday dinner next week on game night...yeah! Chicken Cordon Bleu, Corn on the cob and a fresh green salad...my mouth is watering already! Work is kicking my behind as we are working later and later to hang up the signs for the holiday sales to bring in the customers. Over theweekend, we got new carpet in the LR and Girl room...it looks so great and is so fluffy and padded! Now we aren't worried about laying Titus down to play or to have the boys snuggling on the floor. I will add some pics of it in a minute. We are getting the 3 bedrooms done this coming Saturday....can't wait! I have started my Christmas baking and remembered that I am actually good at it and that I ENJOY it! In all of our shuffling around of things this weekend, I have found some things that I was looking for and some I wasn't, but I DID find a picture to motivate me to lose some weight. I forgot that I was ever that thin...if I can get the printer to scan it, I'll post it also.

Jodi's handbell choir is starting thier performances next week, signalling the REAL start of the holiday rush...I'm not quite ready yet. I have a few more things to send, more to wrap and just a thing or two to buy still. But I have enjoyed this year so much more than other recent ones since Dana nd I are in such a differnt place in our relationship. We were just talking last night with Charlie about how glad we are that we are here and that after several hard raps to the head from God, we finally followed his leading us here. ; ) Anywho, enough rambling for today..thanks for reading this. If you want, join my followers and you will be alerted everytime I write a new blog...at least that how I THINK it works. I'm going to post a few pictures, then I'm off to teach school, put babies down for naps, and do some more baking...fudge, anyone??

Blessings,

Kristy

Look at the difference....it's the SAME exact carpet!!

Simple Woman's Daybook

I must admit that I am really enjoying this style of post...hope you all are enjoying it as well...don't forget to check out the other ladies blogs of this style as well...just click on the picture.

FOR TODAY (PLACE THE DATE HERE)...December 1, 2008

Outside my window...It is feeling chill for this area although not cold to me...hee hee. The sky is blue and clear and the air is still.

I am thinking...that we have much catching up to do after 2 weeks of visitors and holidays.

I am thankful for...family and ibuprofen for this raging headache I have today...ha ha

From the learning rooms...We need to be more diligent. The Lap books are coming along nicely..my mom will love those projects so much.

From the kitchen...I can't wait to get in there and cook...Dan cleaned it top top bottom on Saturday and it is STILL sparkling!

I am wearing...jean Capri's, a coral t shirt and a riot of tangles in my hair

I am creating...an apron for gifts

I am going...to get cracking on my housework so I can rest before heading to work tonight

I am reading...a Dr. Cheney book, Junior's Color's ( to Derek) and the Bible

I am hoping...that one day I will magically wake up thin and tall...ha ha ha ha ha

I am hearing... the dryer running and a space heater to warm my toes

Around the house...it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! YEAH! The tree is up and the lights are hung...hurray.

One of my favorite things...is my hubby...he rocks!! How many hubby's would clean the kitchen just to be nice and spend 6 hours doing it?? Not too many!

A few plans for the rest of the week: I want to finish up the Christmas shopping, write the Christmas letter, mail some packages and get the boys' hair cut for the family picture.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...Here are the boys after decorating the tree...so cute!