Simple Woman's Daybook

Monday, March 29, 2010

Outside my window... green grass, fresh air, and BIG boxes of patio awning parts that Mike will build next week.

I am thinking... that I should spend time reading today during quiet time.

I am thankful for... clear direction and new friends.

From the learning rooms... lots of motivation. Starting Animals unit in science- YES, I said starting. We didn't start science until January so we have lots to do.

From the kitchen... chicken noodle soup with tuna fish sandwiches for dinner tonight for the family. Not me though... going on a date with my Dad to Red Lobster.

I am wearing... green/blue/purple flowered pants & a purple shirt- spring pjs.

I am creating... monkey b-day invites for Chase, Lego b-day invites for Ethan. Cake ideas for their parties.

I am going... to do laundry & mop the kitchen floor.

I am reading... STILL READING the Bible A LOT, Created to Be His Help Meet (thanks, Steph), Shepherding a Child's Heart

I am hoping... that the Lord will help me be a good Mom and help me discipline all the kids (mostly Alison) the way they need disciplined.

I am hearing... Nascar on in the living room & way too much screaming in the house today between Alison & Blake.

Around the house... lots of energy.

One of my favorite things... cozy rain pouring down while we are all warm and toasty in our house.

Praying for... patience, consistency, and HELP (from the Lord) in handling Alison.

A Lyric or Two...
Lord I believe in you.
I'll always believe in you.
Though I can't see you with my eyes deep in my heart your presence I find.
Lord I believe in you and I'll keep my trust in you.
Let the whole world say what they may.
No one can take this joy away.
Lord I believe.
(Lord I Believe In You- Crystal Lewis)

A verse to share:
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20

A few plans for the rest of the week: Dinner date with my Dad tonight, Awana for the kids, co-op tomorrow, Wednesday church, uh oh... better look at my calendar. I'm drawing a blank.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... HAVEN'T UPLOADED MY NEW PICS. I'll updated this in a little bit.

Come on now... you know you want to do this too!!! http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Big Boy

The time has come for Chase to move out of his infant car seat carrier and into a big boy car seat. :) A few days ago I crawled up into the crawl space and got out the car seat. (Everyone else in the van is either in a booster or not in a seat at all.) I cleaned it up and posted a free giveaway of our infant car seat.

After being in the living room for about 5 days I finally installed the car seat and took out the infant carrier. After dinner tonight we all went out and got in the van so Chase could try it out. Here are a few pics:

Bookmark

Abigail & I spent some time beading tonight after the other 4 kids went to bed. We made earrings & bracelets and gifts for friends. One of my fave things that I made was a bookmark with one of my new Maneki Neko beads.

Maneki Nekos are japanese cats. I like them because they are 1. Cats & 2. Asian. I don't pay attention to which hand is raised- meaning good fortune or whatever. I just think they are cute. And I like I said, they are ASIAN. And if you know me even in the slightest you know I have an obsession with all things asian. :)

Uh oh... that's bad

Hi. Chase has found something new that he really likes to do. Unfortunately Momma doesn't like it.

Who did this??

Let's look at the evidence...

He looks very guilty. lol

T Tooth

Chase has a tooth problem. He got 4 teeth on top and behind his top right tooth (our right, his left) he has another tooth growing in forming a T. I tried to get a pic of it today. We'll have to discuss this at his 1 year well visit next month. It's very odd. You can kind of see it in the pic below.

Shoulder Issues

I don't think I blogged about my shoulder. Here is a very brief rundown of what is going on... in case you were curious. :)

November 2009- Noticed shoulder was hurting when I did certain things- taking off shirt, pulling up pants, carrying Chase, etc. but thought maybe I pulled a muscle because this was when I started doing Tae Bo.

January 2010- Promised Mike I'd call the doctor in 2 weeks if the shoulder was still hurting.

February 2010 (three weeks later)- Went to the doctor for shoulder. Sent to hospital for an x-ray. X-ray showed nothing. Took ibuprofen.

March 2010- Had an MRI. Results: 1. Partial tear in the rotator cuff, 2. Slap lesion, 3. Other various small issues probably caused by the first two issues.

After meeting with the orthopedic surgeon we decided that surgery was the best option. Surgery is set for April 5.

After surgery:
In a sling for approx. 4 weeks.
Recovery 9 weeks.
LOTS of physical therapy.
Back to normal in 1 YEAR.

Equals

Hi. I've been meaning to blog for some time now. I have a lot going on these days and blogging usually drops down on the list of things to do. A few things I wanted to blog about have left me but there are a few things that remain at the front of my mind.

Last Wednesday night (3/17) there was a missionary couple at church. After they shared pictures and spoke about their ministry, the husband started bringing the messsage. He started us out in 1 Samuel 30- David and his small army defeating the Amalekites. Some cranky guys in his army didn't want to share the plunder with the guys in the army who stayed with the weapons and didn't actually fight in the battle.

What the missionary said after he went through the story has stayed with me. He said that sometimes we put people- Pastor's, missionaries, etc.- on a pedestal. We think of them as if what they are doing is more important than what any other person is doing who is doing what the Lord asked them to do. When we are doing what the Lord has asked us to do- no matter how public or private it may be- we are alike. We all get to spend eternity together. Whether you are a pastor, a mailman, working at Wendys, etc. we will all share EQUALLY in the plunder.

Are we a giver or a goer? People who give so that others can go are just as important as the people who go. We each have to find out how the Lord is calling us and where he wants us to serve and then do it.

I am so guilty of putting people up on that pedestal. I think highly of them and see them as perfect. Usually if I am putting someone up on a pedestal that probably means I am assuming they won't fail. It really hurts when someone on a pedestal makes a mistake because you don't expect it. We all fail. We are all sinners. Sometimes I see myself as lower and like what I'm doing isn't good enough. So not true!! If I am following the Lord and doing what He wants me to do then I am an equal. The Lord can and does use each of us in many different ways. We weren't all called to be the same thing.

So, friends, listen to the Lord. Hear what He is saying. Follow His voice. We are on the same team.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Monday, March 22, 2010


Outside my window... crisp cool breeze, flowers beginning to sprout in the flowerbeds, & green grass.

I am thinking... that I have changed a lot in the past few months- responding differently to things in my life- purposely choosing how I react/respond to people/issues/things

I am thankful for... the Holy Spirit who speaks to us and brings things to our minds to help us IF we are listening.

From the learning rooms... growing our own plants... so much fun. Excited for our garden. We are doubling the size of it this year. Ethan's cursive is coming along. Abigail is doing super in math. Repetition was the key. Blake works very independant and always gets everything correct but his handwriting is not the best.

From the kitchen... piggies in blankets tonight for dinner. I had a migraine earlier and couldn't eat. Took an Imitrex and now I'm feeling yuck. Not hungry.

I am wearing... navy blue sweats, white long-sleeve t from years ago that used to say Weskets 95 and now half of the letters are missing. It's comfy though. :)

I am creating... b-day invites, 2 cake designs (cause Brooke is making 2 cakes for me since my arm is gonna be in a sling), crafts for the co-op tomorrow,

I am going... to take Ali & Chase to Hobby Lobby tonight before we pick the other three kids up from Awana. I need some supplies for tomorrow AND some "findings" for my Maneki Neko gifts for my fam.

I am reading... the Bible A LOT, Created to Be His Help Meet (thanks, Steph), Shepherding a Child's Heart

I am hoping... that the Lord returns very soon

I am hearing... the girls in their room trying on all their clothes to see what fits and what is too small AND a noisy laptop fan UGH

Around the house... everything is clean except the laundry room (seems to be the catch all room) and 3 baskets of clean laundry in my room that I didn't fold yet cause of my head

One of my favorite things... hearing one of my kids (today it was Alison-age 4) pray for me out loud when I have a migraine.

Praying for... direction in a certain area of my life, a chance to share the Lord this week,
A Lyric or Two...
O Church Arise
Oh church arise and put your armour on
Hear the call of Christ our captain
For now the weak can say that they are strong
In the strength that God has given
With shield of faith and belt of truth
We'll stand against the devils lies
An army bold whos battle cry is love
Reaching out to those in darkness

Our call to war to love the captive soul
But to rage against the captor
And with the sword that makes the wounded whole
We will fight with faith and valour
When faced with trials on every side
We know the outcome is secure
And christ will have the prize for which he died
An inheritance of nations

Come see the cross where love and mercy meet
As the son of God is stricken
Then see his foes lie crushed beneath his fight
For the conquerer has risen
And as the stone is rolled away
And Chirst emerges from the grave
This victory march continues to the day
Every eye and heart will see him

So spirit come with strength in every stride
Give grace for every hurdle
That we may run with faith to win the prize
Of a servant good and faithful
As saints of old still line the way
Retelling triumphs of His grace
We hear the calls and hunger for the day
When with Christ we stand in glory

A verse to share:
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:13-18

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hobby Lobby/Awana tonight, co-op tomorrow, Wednesday take Ab (and the other 4) to the ped to check her height (she didn't grow at all between her 8th/9th b-day so we are going to see if she has grown in the past 6 months), Wednesday night church, Saturday morning breakfast date with my Dad, Saturday afternoon b-day party for niece Summer, Sunday morning church, Sunday afternoon b-day party for my niece Ryleigh, Sunday evening church.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... My Sweet, Wittle Chay-da-boy looking out at his brothers/sisters riding bikes and wishing he was bigger and could go out too!
 

Come on now... you know you want to do this too!!! http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

 

Purity

On Saturday I went to a mentoring event at church. The topic was Purity. I didn't think I would get much out of it because 1. I'm married & 2. I am really modest. I thought I'd just go to show support to any young, single ladies that might be there. I figured all they would talk about was dressing right and not having sex before marriage.

Boy was I WRONG!! It was awesome. :) I only wished in the beginning I had noticed the paper/pens on the table behind me so I could have taken notes. So many things I wish I could remember, read back over, etc.

We talked about appropriate relationships between married women & men, what is friendly and what is flirting, our relationships with our husbands, how we dress so as not to cause someone else to sin, how to keep our own minds pure, our relationships with Christ, the condition of our hearts, etc. I was so thankful for the 4 ladies that spoke. I was able to learn more about these women who I have only known for a few months and also I was able to see ladies who are older than me who I can look up to.

Funny... I thought I would be the MENTOR but instead I'm being mentored to! I was challenged to spend more time in God's word filling my mind with pure, true, noble thoughts, MEMORIZE more scripture, "spend more time" with my husband ;), and talk about purity in every aspect of life ALWAYS with my children.

Watchcare Party

Hi, friends. This past Saturday evening our watchcare group at church had a party. (Watchcare= all the families assigned to a particular deacon.)

Anyway, this was our first party and we didn't really know what to expect. All we knew was it would be "italian style" and it would be in the teen room off the gym so we could play a few games.

Well when we got there the teen room was decorated SOOO cozy... notice the lamp??

The tables were set with red/white checked napkins. We each had our own bowls of spaghetti, meatballs, salad with & without dressing, water with lime, garlic bread, etc. It was SOOOO COZY. We even had MOOD music. :)

YUMMO! I could go for a meatball RIGHT NOW. :)

After dinner we played a few games and had a time of getting to know each other before we headed into the gym. Once in the gym we played a few relay games-

And then a few rounds of kickball-

We were sad to see the night come to an end. We had such a great time and made a few new friends. On our way home we enjoyed a cozy rain. We look forward to our next watchcare party- a progressive dinner. :)

Simple Woman's Daybook

March 15, 2010


Outside my window...a CLEAN patio. Mike spent Friday morning gathering the aluminum awning pieces and taking them to the recycling place. :)


I am thinking... that MORE of Christ and LESS of ME makes for some really great days. :)


I am thankful for... an awesome husband who does thoughtful things for me.


I am wearing... navy blue jogging pants and a gray MVNC Alumni t-shirt.

I am remembering... that I need to send an important e-mail TONIGHT for the co-op


I am creating... Maneki Neko earrings & cell charms

I am going... out with my Dad this weekend on a date to my favorite restaurant- Fujiyama


I am reading... Created to Be His Help Meet (not actually reading it yet but it's on order so I'll be reading it soon.)

I am hoping... that the surgeon's office calls me tomorrow with the official date of  my surgery


On my mind... shoulder surgery- how will I fix my hair? Can I really handle NOT holding Chase?? (I don't think so.) How can I get baptized? Will it be possible to be a witness for Christ during a surgery that I'm asleep?


From the learning rooms... Bald Eagles for co-op, long division: dividing by 2 digits for Abigail, borrowing from the hundreds place & tens place for Ethan, writing a story about butterflies for Blake... THE ENDING IS NEAR!!! WOOHOO.


Noticing that... I haven't posted pics on my photo site in a very long time but when I checked to see how many needed posted I realized I hadn't been taking many pics these last few months. What's wrong with me?? lol

From the kitchen... bean w/ bacon soup & cornbread- Chase L O V E D it. :)


Around the house... LOTS of laundry


One of my favorite things... hanging out with Alison on Monday nights when Mike takes the three big kids to Awana. Special times!!


Praying for... peace about my shoulder surgery, patience with Alison- whos behavior is driving Mike & I insane, opportunities to share the Lord with others- strangers OR people I already know, 3 pregnant friends all due in APRIL, confirmation on an important decision, help in changing my life to be more in the Word- more of Christ & less of me, lots of other stuff.


A Lyric or two...
I would like to say just before I leave you
I'll be back some day
With me I will take you
So do not be afraid
Only watch and pray
and wait for my return

I've done what I must do
My work here is completed
It's all been done for you
Believe what I've stated
I will give you peace
For all your tribulations
Til I come again

Please know that I love you
I'll stay by your side
Only now in spirit
Still be your guide
You will not suffer alone
I suffered for you
I loved you with my life

I'll prepare a place
Where we can live together
Meet you face to face
To share our new forever
Don't let your love grow cold
I will not allow much more than you can bear

Please know that I love you
I'll stay by your side
Only now in spirit
Still be your guide
You will not suffer alone
I suffered for you
I loved you with my life


A verse to share... Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Phil. 4:8

A few plans for the week... School, laundry, Tomorrow- co-op, Wednesday- church,  Friday or Saturday- dinner date with my Dad, Saturday- women's fitness, Sunday- church & small group.

Come on now... you  know you want to do this too!!! http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Upwards Basketball

Hi, friends. :)

I'm REALLY far behind in my blogging. Ethan & Blake are both finished with basketball. The season was great. Every week both boys had SUPER attitudes. I don't think there was ever a week where one of them was crabby. :) We all made it to ALL of the games. And let me tell you I thought it would be a real struggle to get all of us there by 8:45am on Saturday mornings.

Here are a few pics: This is Blake with the ball...

Ethan is number 42 (second from the right)-

Blake is the short guy in the middle... during the awards ceremony-

Here is a video of Blake scoring his first basket at a game-

A Heart Like Mine

One of my favorite childhood songs... love it. If you don't want to listen to his talking at the beginning the song starts around minute 1:00. I am including the lyrics so you can follow along if you aren't familiar with the song. (You might have to go down and pause my player at the bottom of my page since it starts automatically.)




A Heart Like Mine by Bryan Duncan

Of all the hearts in the world
I've only one to give
So insecure, a desperate pulse
Racing to Your embrace
That You could want me and seek me
Is more than words could ever say
That You would love me and see in me
A pearl of price, thrown away

Chorus
A heart like mine
How could it be worthy that You'd find
A way to redeem this hardened clay
Twisted and broken
Oh Father God above
The wonder that You'd love a heart like mine

Your holy hands hold me still
Shaping my heart anew
Once vacant shell now reclaimed
Offers it's praise to You
The one who searched till You found me
A wounded lamb whose gone astray
You stopped the world to recover me
Oh Lamb of God, the price You've paid

Repeat Chorus

I make my promise to do the one thing I can do
With abandon I can give every heartbeat to You

Repeat Chorus twice

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, March 8, 2010

Outside my window...wet, muddy ground and darkness


I am thinking... that I should stop waiting until the last minute to get my co-op stuff together.


I am thankful for... Girl Scout Thin Mints


I am wearing... pink striped pants & a marvin the martian t-shirt. It doesn't match but it's super comfy. :)


I am remembering... when I took Abigail to Kmart on Stringtown Road when she was almost 1 so we could buy a pregnancy test. I went to that Kmart again today with FIVE kids. Wow.


I am creating...  liberty bell necklaces for co-op tomorrow


I am going...  to be tired in the morning.


I am reading... my book for co-op.


I am hoping... to get the results from my MRI very soon.


On my mind... school, co-op, my shoulder, Alison, 


From the learning rooms... everyone is plugging along. Blake is almost done with his books. We are moving on to plants in our science books. Not a very exciting time of year.


Noticing that...  the kitchen floor needs mopped.


From the kitchen... making chocolate chip/cream cheese dessert dip, chicken potpie, pigs in a blanket, & croissants for a family at church. Haven't made a cake in a few weeks. 


Around the house... everyone is asleep. It was a rough night. It's so hard to settle everyone down after we get home from somewhere. Monday night is Awana night.


One of my favorite things... today when I was at the store with the kids searching for shoes for Abigail's clogging class Chase fell asleep in the shopping cart. He leaned his head forward and slept on my forearm. I loved his cozy, warm head. He's so sweet. :)


Praying for... FOCUS tomorrow, a friend on bedrest, another friend who went home to her husband and three little kids today after a month in a hospital after a bone marrow transplant, a family who lost their baby at 6 months pregnant, confirmation on an important decision, 


A Lyric or two...
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands 


A verse to share... Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4



A few plans for the week... Tomorrow- co-op, Keepers (card making), Wednesday- church, Thursday- orthopedic surgeon, Friday- Watchcare group party, Saturday- church mentoring, gem show, babysitting.



http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window... a full moon and some GRASS!! WOOHOO. :)

I am thinking... about all of the things I need to do in the morning before Jasper (homeschool co-op.)

I am thankful for...good friends who care about you and encourage you when you are down.

I am wearing... sock monkey pj pants & a white t-shirt (same as last time. I must always do this in the evening.)

I am remembering... my first day at a co-op. Very uncomfortable.

I am creating... I really wish I was creating something. I have so many ideas in my head. I need to gather some supplies and sit down to work.

I am going... to be ready BEFORE I need to be. No stressing and getting myself HOT because I'm rushing to get us all out the door on time.

I am reading... the same stuff I've been reading

I am hoping... the hospital calls me ASAP about the MRI for my shoulder.

On my mind... Jasper, finding shoes for Abigail's clogging class,

From the learning rooms... getting down to the end. SOOOO happy and ready for the summer. Ethan is about to start his very first research paper. FUN.

Noticing that... not sure. having a hard time with this one. lol

From the kitchen... very clean except for a few dinner dishes in the sink.

Around the house... QUIET

One of my favorite things... funny things that Alison says and does

Praying for... patience

A Lyric or two... Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus. Deeper than the mighty rolling sea. Wonderful grace all sufficient for me. Broader than the scope of my transgression. Greater far than all my sin and shame. Oh magnify the precious name of Jesus. Praise His name.

A verse to share... Romans 8:38-39 (New International Version) 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A few plans for the rest of the week... co-op tomorrow. Wednesday night sleep study. Thursday Lilia's appt. & basketball practice. Saturday final b-ball game, jewelry party.

For more Simple Woman's Daybook information and to join us, see the blog created by the initiator of this great idea!
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Downer Alert

Downer Alert!! Warning- this is a DOWNER post. If you are not in the mood for a downer post then STOP READING NOW!

I don't know what it is. Maybe I'm tired?? I fell asleep on the couch last night before 10:30pm and didn't have to be up until 7am today so I know that is enough sleep. Maybe it's just a combo of lots of things. I'm just gonna list them all because sometimes looking at a LIST helps me sort out my brain.

1. WINTER! It's winter. I long for fresh air blowing through the house.

2. Headaches- I have way too many. The prescription I'm taking every day makes me feel sick/yucky every morning. Maybe this will lessen over time. I hope so. :)

3. My shoulder- don't think I've blogged about it yet. It's been hurting for about 11 weeks now. Not sure how I hurt it. Maybe it was the Tae Bo. It is so bad that it hurts to take off my shirt. I told Mike when it had been hurting for 6 weeks that I'd wait 2 more weeks and if it was still hurting I'd go to the doctor. So... I went. I went to the hospital and had an x-ray. It was fine. Went back to the doc again this past week still in lots of pain and he says I need an MRI. He thinks it's either my rotator cuff or the cartilage around the shoulder joint. Both issues would need surgery. But in the chance of a miracle I'll only need physical therapy. I am not concerned about surgery but the pain is ON MY NERVES! I'm not a big complainer and life does go on but it's been too long.

4. Jasper- it's time for the co-op again. I'm teaching a class this time. I don't enjoy working with the 3-5 year olds but somehow I always get stuck with that group. My class should be lots of fun so that part is good but it is a lot of work that I'm really not in the mood for.

5. Church- I'm not here to talk about the past tonight. What was done is done. I'm moving forward. We all are... trying. It's painful. Still... difficult. Like a death. I miss what was... but it changes nothing to think about it so I try to make myself stop it.

The Lord has led my family somewhere and I am trying really hard to "belong" there. At times I feel like things are great but then I'm reminded that still I am an outsider. I don't know the history of anything. I don't know people. I can't really be involved without membership. I don't have an overwhelming sense that I am welcome and ONE OF THE GANG. Sure everyone says the generic, "Hi. How are you?" but there is never a REAL conversation. And I realize it's only been a few months. I am probably expecting too much. It's just REALLY hard when for my entire life that I can remember I was part of a family and now I'm NOT! I want to feel the love. I want someone to miss me when I'm not there. I want to be needed. I want to be a friend to somebody. I want a connection.

I'm sure because this is typed here I will be misunderstood. I know it's not all about me. I know that I will make a friend if I AM a friend. I will make memories and have things to talk about over time once I'm involved more. Be patient. Have faith. I know all of these things. That doesn't mean I won't be discouraged now and then. I am.

I think I just need to find a way to serve. I don't like warming a pew. I want to do something. I don't like just showing up and sitting. I feel like I'm wasting time.

Oh well. I'm ending this blog. I know I have a lot more going on in my head but sometimes it's best just to STOP.

Last week at church I was really touched by the special music. I was feeling discouraed last week also and the Lord spoke to me during this song. I keep singing the chorus over and over all the time. Mike said to me today when we were fixing dinner, "You sing that song a lot lately." I told him that it encourages me. I will keep pressing on, listening for the Lord's voice, and finding a way to connect and serve. Maybe if you are feeling as I am you will like this song also.