Daybook post #3

FOR TODAY 

Outside my window...rain.  It is in the low 60's and raining.  That's OK though, we desperately need the rain to wash away all of the pollen that has been polluting our sinuses for the past two weeks.  Rain on I say.

I am thinking...that I am sorry that Ivan's tennis match was cancelled this morning, but that it was awfully nice to have a morning at home.

I am thankful...that we are leaving for our Spring Break beach trip next Saturday!

In the kitchen...As I prepare for a fore mentioned beach trip I have lots of cooking to do this coming week.  Off the top of my head I know that I will be making dill dip, sausage balls, apple cake and chocolate chip cookies.  We love to have good stuff to eat when we are on vacation.

I am wearing...my pajamas.  A light purple shirt and light green flipflop/polka dot Capri pajama pants.  

I am creating...my own laundry detergent!  I am ridiculously excited to make this recipe and see what we think around here.  

I am going...to dinner and a show tonight!  Ivan's school is performing "Annie" this year as their spring musical and we have tickets for tonight.  J received a gift card for Christmas and we are planning on using that to cover dinner at a nearby restaurant.  

I am wondering...what church we are going to visit tomorrow morning for worship.  It is J's turn to choose and as of last night he had not decided yet.  

I am reading...nothing at the moment.  I finished my book last night and need to check-out a new one today.

I am hoping...that I will get everything done that I want to this week before we leave for the beach.  I have a fairly long list, but if I put my head down I know that I will get it all done.

I am looking forward to...the beach!  That is where my heart is right now...vacation.

I am learning...that I really want to follow God's plan for my life.  I am happier on the days that I get up and pray and study the Bible.  Those days, in contrast to the days where I choose to sleep-in, are so much calmer.

Around the house...J is watching a sports show that he enjoys, Ivan is building his latest Lego project, and Oliver is asleep on his pillow in the den.

I am pondering...how many churches we will have to visit before we enter the one that God wants us to call our new home.

A favorite quote for today...When you look at the world in a narrow way, how narrow it seems! When you look at it in a mean way, how mean it is! When you look at it selfishly, how selfish it is! But when you look at it in a broad, generous, friendly spirit, what wonderful people you find in it.

- Horace Rutledge

One of my favorite things...spending time with my family.  I really enjoy my boys.

A few plans for the rest of the week: see what I am hoping!

A peek into my day...I will begin to make lists for the upcoming week of preparation.  Plus the dinner and a show that I mentioned earlier!  

Ivan and I saw this rainbow a couple of weeks ago hanging over Ivan's school.  God's paintbrush is awesome.  Enjoy!

Thanks to Peggy for hosting the Simple Woman's Daybook!

Daybook post #2

FOR TODAY


Outside my window...the pear trees are starting to blossom as are the tulip magnolia trees, including the one we planted in honor of our dear departed Jack Russell Terrier, Sherman.


I am thinking...about our decision to leave our church in the next few months.  It's going to be difficult to leave, but I know that it is what we are supposed to do.


I am thankful...that God is giving me such a sense of peace in regards to our decision.  


In the kitchen...hamburgers tonight.  Also, Trader Joe's scrumptious garlic fries and homemade broccoli salad with craisins and almonds.  Mmmmm.


I am wearing...blue jeans, a chartreuse short sleeve shirt and tennis shoes.


I am creating...a Celtic Cross.  I am going in to Ivan's class next week to be their Friday Friend.  When I signed-up for the job I thought that I could read a book and not make a craft, however, I have since been informed (by Ivan) that the FF's always make a craft.  So, this is what I am going to make with the class.


I am going...to a skating rink called Jelly Beans with Ivan and a classmate today.  He is out of school today and we thought that this would be a great way to spend the day!


I am wondering...


I am reading...The Runaway Jury by John Grisham.  I enjoyed my re-reading of The Firm so much that I borrowed this one from the library for my Kindle.


I am hoping...that the transition as we leave our church will go smoothly and that we will show grace and class as we exit.


I am looking forward to...our beach trip in a few weeks!  We are going to the beach for Ivan's Spring Break and we are all excited about it.  Even our little Terrier, Oliver, likes the beach!


I am learning...how to solution an irritating problem!  For far too long I have given-up on keeping Ivan's bathroom sink clean.  He brushes his teeth twice a day and appears unable, at this age, to not leave toothpaste streaks.  I would scrub his sink and within a few hours it would have toothpaste streaks in it again.  So, since I really dislike futility I just abandoned the sink as a lost cause.  However, it bothered me that his sink LOOKED like that!  Yesterday morning I was walking by and it hit me.  Scrub his sink today and just wipe it clean every morning after he goes to school.  That way it will be clean all day, just the way I like it.  Ahh.  Feeling better already.


Around the house...I hear Ivan listening to a book on CD in his room.  Other than that it is fairly quiet.


I am pondering...why I get so nervous and worked-up over getting things wrong.  I mean really, is the world going to end if I make a mistake?  


A favorite quote for today...Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7


One of my favorite things...is a date night with my husband J.  We need to plan one of those soon, however, I know that it won't be until after March Madness!


A few plans for the rest of the week: I will be cleaning the house for our guest next week, J's best friend is coming for the weekend.  Also, I will be getting things ready for Ivan's birthday next Sunday!


A peek into my day...I love looking out of my window and seeing one of these Eastern Blue Birds.  I am blessed to see them all year long here in NC.  




Thanks to Peggy for hosting the Simple Woman's Daybook!

Quick Takes #3

--- 1 ---

Ivan was out for Winter Break the first three days of this week.  It was really nice spending some extra time together.  We especially enjoyed not having to be so structured each day.  I love structure as a general rule, however, it is always nice to be a little less rigid.

--- 2 ---

I made some more homemade hummus this week.  Yum!  Might I suggest that you read the comments and watch the video before making it.  There are some really helpful hints in the comments.  It is also great with some chipolte peppers mixed in.  Enjoy!

--- 3 ---

I was asked this week to co-chair our church's VBS this summer.  I really prayed about it and am still a little unsure if I am following God's plan or my own fear with my answer.  I declined on Wednesday evening.  Sadly, this has never been a ministry I felt led to serve in, much less co-chair!  I am feeling a little smarmy because I am a "pleaser" and I KNOW that my answer was not pleasing.

--- 4 ---

I went to the dentist this morning.  A good report overall, just a few fillings that need to be replaced.  Ugh. However, at least they are not crowns!  I have had one crown done and it was terribly expensive.  Thank goodness for dental insurance.

--- 5 ---

Ivan's birthday is just around the corner.  He will be eight!  I can hardly believe it.  He is really starting to explore testing boundaries with me in particular.  I need to pray for more patience and consistency in my parenting.  He is a great kid overall, but he is willing to push my buttons from time to time.  I guess we would call that normal!  

--- 6 ---

We are planning a week at the beach for Ivan's Spring Break.  I am getting very excited about this trip.  The weather will likely not be as good as last year (we are going two weeks earlier) but the getting away part should be just as rewarding!

--- 7 ---

I am trying to be more thankful in my prayer life this year.  So far, I have been fairly successful with including thanks for many (seemingly mundane) things each day in my prayers.  However, I feel that I am becoming a little static with my thanks.  I need to really work on moving beyond where I am now and dig a little deeper to share with God my appreciation of all that he has done/is doing/will do for me.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!