The Simple Woman's Daybook - December 14, 2009

FOR TODAY December 14, 2009
Outside my window...Partly Cloudy and 60 Degrees
I am thinking... about the Season of Advent. We celebrated the third week of Advent with a dinner last night with old and new friends. It was really a wonderful time of fellowship.
I am thankful for...forgiveness. It doesn’t come easy, and it sometimes comes with a cost, but it has such wonderful meaning and worth.
From the kitchen... Pumpkin Bread. I have wanted to make some for weeks now. This week I will!
I am wearing...Black and Teal-Green-yellow Top, Black slacks, and strappy heals.
I am creating... a home filled with Christmas Celebrating!
I am going... to spend the evening with Mom tonight. The boys have their bible study tonight and we girls get to eat and chat! I really love my time with her.
I am reading...The Christmas Carol. My husband and I have been reading bits of it before we go to sleep at night. It was been really wonderful.
I am hoping...to see an old friend for lunch this week.
I am hearing...I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas…..I heard it on the radio last week and it hasn’t left my mind.
Around the house... there isn’t much out of place. With our weekly Advent Dinners the four Sunday’s before Christmas, and all of our other Holiday plans, there hasn’t been much time to make a mess!!
One of my favorite things...is looking at Christmas Lights. We took a tour of our area on our date night last Friday. We found wonderful displays, some even to music on an FM channel. Its truly amazing how clever some people are.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, Market, Dinner with the In-Laws, Date Night to Rogers Garden’s on Friday, Caroling with my Nieces on Saturday Night, and our Forth Advent Dinner on Sunday.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Special thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for hosting this post.

Yesterday I was attacked by....

MY Bra…

That’s right…my underwire decided that it wanted break out and turn into a horrendous torture device….

After trying to tame the beast with thick Band-Aids to pad the poking and skin ripping barbs of steal….I wound up with bleeding slices for fingers…

Note to self….don’t eat an orange the day after….you go to war with your undergarments…. Just thought I would share the good news...

My fingers are burning like there is no tomorrow….Why oh Why…does this stuff always happen to me…..

Waiting for the machine to pick up….

Do you ever wonder what it would be like if God could use the Phone?

We have an answering machine at our house, and it works hard. If we are away or home, we let it do its job. Some people call it “screening” calls, we call it Sanity. In the midst of our busy lives, sometime we just don’t want to talk to people. Sometimes it’s just not a good time, sometimes it’s a telemarketer, sometimes it’s someone were avoiding. When we are home, we let the phone ring and wait for the talking to begin, and then make the decision if we want to pick up the line. It’s a nice buffer, don’t you think? It’s a nice way to take control and determine how the next moments of our life will be spent.

What if the voice on the line was God? Would it be a comfort? Would it be one of those calls I wouldn’t pick up? Would it make the decisions easier?

These last couple of weeks, God has been pulling at my heart strings. I mean REALLY rearranging the meat and potatoes of life. There are so many times I just want to say…. “Bri’s not in right now leave a message and she will call you back….BEEEEEEEP!!!!!!” That’s a really uncomfortable thing to admit right now, knowing that my Creator, My King has done nothing but provide for me, and yet I continue to be terribly prideful and wonderfully human.

My weight has become the bill collector in my life. You know the guy who says…if you just worked harder, were more disciplined, saved more diligently, I wouldn’t be calling… Can I help it if I am really good at Saving Calories??? My doctors believe that my weight is a direct link to my inability to have babies. Isn’t that just a slap in the face and heart? In the back of my mind I ponder thoughts like “Eat to Live, not Live to Eat” or “It’s just a half hour of exercise, do you know how many half hour’s there are in a day?”, or “If you can’t control what you weigh, how do you expect to set examples for children, and raise them well”…..can you see where this thinking leads me? Straight for the nearest mozzarella stick or french-fry.

Which leads me to the next caller, the Guilt-Filled Volunteer Support Call: You know these calls, the Local Fire Department, The next “would be Governor (Or Govenator, as we like to call him in California)”, the local charity, or Girl Scout. From the worry, pain, and need of a child in our home my heart brings me to thoughts of Adoption. God has blessed me with a husband who feels called to adopt a child and for most of my life, I have heard the call. However, as we all know….Hearing and Doing….are two very different things…. We received an information packet from a Christian Adoption Agency in the mail a few weeks ago. We read thru the information, and have prayed about it, but haven’t done much else. I have been plagued with indecision and self doubt. How do you make such a life changing decision?

As the weeks have gone by, another message has started to blink. It’s a message from one of those special people in your life. They come in all shapes and sizes, in all types of relationships, they are sometimes family, and often times friends. The call came from my Dad. He has proposed that we go on a mission trip together with our church. It’s down to Guadalajara Mexico, in the end of January. My Mom doesn’t feel terribly called to go, and my husband can’t take time off of his new job. I have the vacation time saved, I know God will provide the means, and it would be a wonderful opportunity serving God’s children next to an amazing man, that I am honored to call my Father, yet I am having a terrible time finding the faith to say yes. It makes my heart ache to think of it. What is wrong with me?

As tempted as I am to push the delete button, and continue on my current path, I know that God is wooing my heart. I know that he is continuing to work in my life and the lives around me. I know that all I have to do is listen to the call, and walk out in faith. Anyone need to go for a walk??

Puppy Vests

This was so much fun to make!

Lets Go Broncos

Opie likes his new Vest!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - November 9, 2009

FOR TODAY…11/09/09
Outside my window...Cloudy but Warm.
I am thinking...about God’s plan for my life. He is tugging on my heart strings in a couple areas, two of which are completely out of my box, but not out of his plan. Making the choice to move where he leads, because I certainly don’t want to go anywhere without him.
I am thankful for...my Dad. We went to Breakfast this morning and enjoyed some time talking and feeling. He is such a blessing.
From the kitchen...Pumpkin Bread!!! After all it is one of my favorite fall treats!
I am wearing...lots of black today! Black top, pants, and shoes!
I am creating...Fleece Shirts/vests for the puppies. Specifically with Denver Broncos fleece….I am after all one of their biggest fans.
I am going...to take a nap at lunch today!
I am reading...Katherine, by Anya Seton – It’s a great classic.
I am hoping...that God will give us some direction on some decisions in our near future.
I am hearing...the sound track of Wicked in my head….I listened to it on my way in to work this morning….and now its stuck in there!!!..... “Popular…you want to be Popular”…
Around the house... we have dirty puppies, dirty clothes, and dirty dishes…I have some cleaning to do.
One of my favorite things...Coming home to happy puppies!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Housework on Tuesday, Date Night on Friday, Dinner and Movies with the Boys on Saturday, Church on Sunday. It’s a relatively slow week!!
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Our Cute Puppies
Special Thanks and Blessings to The Simple Woman for hosting this post.

Wordle

What a fun tool!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - September 28, 2009

FOR TODAY: September 28, 2009


Outside my window...62 Degrees….and Cloudy… is Fall finally here? I am getting really excited if it is!!!


I am thinking... Dressing in Dresses and Skirts this week. Feelin' Feminine has challenged women to be “fearlessly feminine”. I am thinking about taking the challenge.


I am thankful for...our puppies. They keep us laughing and comforted. They are good dogs.


From the kitchen... Apple-pie…leftovers from Sunday Dinner. My husband and I are going to have to share the last piece after dinner tonight.


I am wearing...Black and Blue dress, Strappy Heals


I am creating... Purses!! I am loving my sewing machine!


I am going... to my home town’s annual festival called Tustin Tiller Days with my husband for Date night this week. Looking forward to sharing some childhood memories under the autumn sky.


I am reading...O Pioneers, I am almost done with it, and it’s a great book! I need to go to the book store and pick up October’s book for the book club I am part of.


I am hoping...that my husband will hear something about a new job. We are praying like crazy, and know that God will see us through.


I am hearing...chatter and Geek talk, I love working in IT.


Around the house... I am enjoying my fall decorations. I am so pleased with how they turned out. I love this time of the year!


One of my favorite things...My calendar, it keeps us organized and on track!


A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, Angel’s Game on Wednesday, Tiller Days of Friday, lunch with a good friend on Saturday, and Church and Sunday Dinner. Good Stuff!


Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is our cute Diesel next to some of our Fall Decor.
Special thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for hosting this post.

Wordful Wednesday - September 23, 2009 - Men Playing Like Boys

To learn more about Wordful Wednesday visit 7 Clown Circus using the button below.

A wife should be very scared when she hears "No Way!!! REALLY??" and then the door slams!! Especially when your husband returns back with one of these....

But because nothing is fun if you do it alone....he got one for his best friend too...

That's right....my favorite Guitar Hero's needed ice cold Slurpee refreshment to continue on with their Manliness!!!

Check out 7-11 if you have a Manly Man, who needs a few moments of boy hood silliness!!!

Sewing Fun 9/22/09

Another wonderful pattern by Keyka Lou Patterns

This little clutch has become an instant favoriate of mine to carry!

I just love the Geisha print. It reminds me of the prints from WWII.

It even has a pocket on the inside. Its small but has just enough room for the esentials to carry for a wonderful date night with my hubby.

Sewing Fun 9/13/09

I so enjoyed spending a Sunday morning and afternoon sewing a purse. I know....I know...sewing is NOT a good replacement for church , but I had a sick husband at home, and couldn't ignore the call of my sewing machine.

Thanks to Keyka Lou Patterns I ended up with a darling purse by the end of the afternoon! I just had to share! My husband even thinks it cute, and said he was proud of me!!

TaDAH!!!

I just love that it has pockets!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - September 14, 2009

FOR TODAY…9/14/09

Outside my window...Cloudy and 75 degrees!

I am thinking...that I want to go somewhere soon where I can swim and float around with a frozen umbrella drink.

I am thankful for...the beginning of Ugg wearing weather…well it’s almost here at least!!

From the kitchen...Cookies! The weather is changing, and I am getting in the mood to bake!

I am wearing...lots of black today! Black top, pants, and shoes!

I am creating...Another bag. I worked hard this weekend to complete a bag and it turned out wonderfully!

I am going...to dinner tonight with my Mom tonight.

I am reading...Wives and Daughters

I am hoping...that my husband feels better. He is having some stomach issues today. I hate it when he is sick.

I am hearing...lots of humanness; it’s a good day to be alive today!

Around the house...we have puppies to wash and clothes to clean! Almost caught up on my laundry!

One of my favorite things...Driving to work with the music loud and the sun roof open in my husband stick shift red sportscar. We didn’t carpool because he is home sick today. I got to race around singing “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere” at the top of my lungs at 8am!! Its a great way to start the day!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Housework tomorrow night, Family Matters on Wednesday at Church, Laundry on Thursday, and that funny thing called work.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

These are my grandparents. I hope that Ryan and I look like this when we have been married for 50+ years!

Special Thanks and Blessings to The Simple Woman for hosting this post.

Word Filled Wednesday - August 2, 2009

For more information on Word Filled Wednesday, click the link above.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psalm 27:13

Totally Quotable Tuesday - September 1, 2009

For more information on Totally Quotable Tuesday please click here.

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly."
~ Richard Bach

I find great hope and peace in this quote, knowing that my God has a plan for my life even when I can’t see the path before me.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - August 31, 2009

FOR TODAY August 31, 2009

Outside my window...82 Degrees….and Sunny… the Southern California fires have stayed away from our home at this point, but a cool down and a little wetness sure would help to ease my worry.

I am thinking... about questions of timing, death, and if a dear friend (click here to learn more about her) who died last week somehow found her way to the arms of my savior. The only peace I can hold on to is that my lord has a plan even if it feels like the end of the world to my heart.

I am thankful for...My parents. They held a wonderful Memorial Celebration for our friend Mrs. Wilson. She didn’t want a funeral, or service, just a wonderful time of celebration and storytelling. It was a magical afternoon of tears and laughter. Mrs. Wilson would have loved it.

From the kitchen... cheap and easy tonight…Hamburger Helper. With a weekend full of emotional chaos, I have lots of housework and laundry to catch up on. Simple Yummy Goodness it is!

I am wearing...Black and Teal Top, Black slacks, and strappy heals.

I am creating... Felt Kit Christmas Ornaments.

I am going... to visit my Grandparents this weekend for the long Holiday weekend with my Mom. My sweet grandfather is in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s and we hope to be a positive distraction to our family who are his caregivers.

I am reading...The Bad Girls of the Bible and Wives and Daughters.

I am hoping...that my husband has an amazing time on the annual fishing trip with the guys this weekend. Camping, Fishing, Dirt….I know my city boy isn’t terribly passionate about any of it, but I hope he will enjoy the testosterone bonding and God’s beautiful design of nature.

I am hearing...paper flipping, conference calls, and chatting.

Around the house... lots of packing and planning for this weekend coming up.

One of my favorite things...My Crockpot. It is the working girls dream tool for yummy dinners!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, Market and Housework Tonight, Cooking for the boys tomorrow night, Packing, and A trip to Northern California.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is Mrs. Wilson and I on my wedding day! She will be missed greatly!

Special thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for hosting this post.

Totally Quotable Tuesday

To learn more about Totally Quotable Tuesday Click here.


It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad. C. S. Lewis


This quote speaks to me!! Screams to me!! I need to hatch!! Now!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - July 20,2009

FOR TODAY …July 20, 2009

Outside my window...76 Degrees and Clear Blue Skies…This is one of those most wonderful summer days that is going to be wasted sitting in my cubicle. I would much rather be at the pool or the beach enjoying the sun.

I am thinking...about my bible study that is starting tonight. I am the facilitator and we are starting with Liz Curtis Higgs – Bad Girls of the Bible. It’s been a lot of fun to read so far. I am excited to get this going.

I am thankful for...our cars. They just keep on ticking.

From the kitchen...homemade grape jelly! I am on a mission to can some ASAP. Never done it before but that’s never stopped me!

I am wearing...Black top, Black Slacks, Black Shoes

I am creating...our year book for 2008 on Picaboo. I have hit a bit of a road block as I have met the maximum size for data and pictures and still have some tweaking to do…It’s a little frustrating.

I am going...to the bookstore sometime today to get the rest of the books from the girls in my study.

I am reading...Wives and Daughters, The Bad Girls of the Bible

I am hoping...that my husband gets an interview for a job he applied for.

I am hearing...my brain snoring! I am having a hard time getting going this morning.

Around the house...I need to call to get maintenance on our dish washer. It’s not quiet working well and it’s really frustrating.

One of my favorite things...The Lap Top my husband got me for Christmas. It is just an amazing little piece of Technology. I just love it.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, Housework, Laundry, Bible Study tonight, Demolition Derby if we can find tickets at the fair on Friday, Church, and maybe I might get to go see Pat Benatar and Blondie with the girls in my family if we can get Tickets for Sunday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is Carter my Grand Nephew. I just love every opportunity I get to Snuggle with this little guy!

He is a total Snuggle Monkey!

Special Thanks and Blessing to Peggy The Simple Woman for hosting this post.

The Dogs have GONE Mad....

There is a moment when you realize that your life is a bit too hectic. That you are not the only one who is affected by the stress and chaos of day to day life. There is a moment when you have to stop and re-evaluate where you are, where you have been, and where you will be.....

That moment is when your DOGS go MAD!!!

After listening to much commotion in my living room I was greeted with the following scene.

That's right...our home has turned into a circus of silly puppies who like to chew on their food dishes...

We have stuffed toys, chew toys, and the occasional sock or toilet paper roll...but none of that is good enough for our dogs.... They want to chew on their dog dishes....

Silly boys!

The Good Stuff

One of my all time favorite songs is "The Good Stuff" but Kenny Chesney.

Well, me and my lady had our first big fight

So I drove around 'till I saw the neon lights

Of a corner bar, It just seemed right, So I pulled up

Not a soul around but the old barkeep

Down at the end and looking half asleep

But he walked up and said what'll it be?

I said the good stuff

He didn't reach around for the whiskey

He didn't pour me a beer

His blue eyes kinda went misty

He said you can't find that here

'Cause it's the first long kiss on a second date

Momma's all worried when you get home late

And droppin' the ring in the spaghetti plate

'cause your hands are shakin' so much

And it's the way that she looks with the rice in her hair

Eatin' burnt supper the whole first year

And askin' for seconds to keep her from tearin' up

Yeah man, that's the good stuff

He grabbed a carton of milk and he poured a glass

And I smiled and said I'll have some of that

We sat there and talked as an hour passed like old friends

Saw a black and white picture and he caught my stare

It was a pretty girl with mufont hair

He said that's my Bonnie, taken about a year after we wed

He said I spent five years in the bottle when the cancer took her from me

But I've been sober three years now '

Cause the one thing stronger than the whiskey

Was the sight of her holdin' my baby girl

The way she adored that string of pearls

I gave her the day that our youngest boy Earl married his high school love

It's a new t-shirt sayin' I'm a grandpa

Bein' right there as our time got small

And holdin' her hand when The Good Lord called her up

Yeah man, that's the good stuff

He said when you get home she'll start to cry

When she says I'm sorry, say so am I

And look into those eyes so deep in love And drink it up '

Cause that's the good stuff That's the good stuff

I love the story it tells, because its such a wonderful representation of my Marriage and the days in the past, and the love I hope for in our future. We have had some many ups and downs, so many amazing moments, and moments that go so terribly wrong you just have to laugh! I just love this song!

Word Filled Wednesday - July 15, 2009

— Ephesians 5:4 —
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

The picture above was from my Husband's 30th birthday party a couple years ago. We had a most wonderful time, but its a reminder about joking and crude talk. Not all of our friends and family believe in our faith or value system. It has been hard at times to stand apart and hold our ground, without being swept away with the joking and bad language. This verse is a wonderful reminder that we need to be set apart and cautious of what we say and do as we are lights in a fallen world!

Totally Quotable Tuesday

I love quotes.
In the clarity of others words, thoughts, and feelings I find connections with generations that have come before me, whose knowledge and grace ignite a passion in my heart, and a longing to become something better.

I want to celebrate those quotes. On Tuesdays I will be posting a quote that has touched me over the recent days, including an explanation for the connection in my life.

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...You must do the thing you think you cannot do. - Eleanor Roosevelt.

There are so many areas in my life that this quote touches. Recently I have been dealing with fear from multiple angles. I have been fearful over the current status of my husbands job, I have been scared as a loved one is dieing without the grace of my Lord, I have felt anxious as I stretch and grow in my new job. I am terribly apprehensive about the results of a doctors appointment I have scheduled. I spend alot of my time praying to my almighty God for answers, relief, and knowledge of the unknown, and I keep on moving forward. Its the only thing I know to do right now. Dig Deep...and move on.

Please feel free to join me on Tuesdays and share a quote that impacts you.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - July 13, 2009

FOR TODAY July 13,2009
Outside my window...73 Degrees….and Sunny…one of those days that has been wasted being in the office.
I am thinking... about waking up this morning with a song on my heart. It’s a old camp song that hasn’t left my thoughts all day! “GOOD MORNING its God’s morning, weather skies are sunny or grey, Good Morning its God’s morning, hope you have a wonderful day!
I am thankful for...The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!! Even in the melancholy of political muck…there is no place I would rather live.
From the kitchen...tonight’s dinner is a Taylor Family (My Mom and Dad) Favorite for dinner. Camp Steaks and Fried Potatoes, It’s not terribly healthy but its comfort food for a Monday evening.
I am wearing...Black and Teal Top, Black slacks, and black flats that have replaced my cute heals that (demon furry child) Diesel decided to chew up. I hate these new work shoes because they hurt my feet, but their shoes so I can’t complain.
I am creating... A year book in Picaboo for 2007, the year we got married. It’s really fun looking back through the pictures and reliving the memories.
I am going... to my mother in laws house to get some of the stuff we left when we were house/dog sitting last week, and to pick up so her home will be clean for her to return too!
I am reading...The Bad Girls of the Bible. I am starting a Bible study on this book next week. Its really GREAT!!
I am hoping...that my husband had a good day at work today. Things have been a little off for us the last few days.
I am hearing...snoring…at least in my head…I wish I could go back to sleep!
Around the house... Our Air conditioning is on the fritz. Our landlord is calling to get maintenance in for it. We are so spoiled.
One of my favorite things...Facebook – You can find me at Bri's Facebook Page. I have so much fun connecting with friends and family! Oh and Playing Farkle! I love that application.
A few plans for the rest of the week: PMI Meeting tomorrow night, Date Night Friday Night, Harry Potter and Dinner with My Mother in Law and Sister in Law on Saturday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing....

Opie and Diesel checking out Smoke Bombs on the 4th of July!

Special thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman for hosting this post.

Friday Fill-Ins July 10, 2009

1. The last thing I ate was a Sampler Platter from Dennys and Jello.
2. Food is something I recently bought.
3. When it rains, it refreshes the day!
4. Ryan was the first person I talked to today.
5. Hugs are Wonderful.
6. Big Fluffy Blankets are an extra comfort.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing Christopher Titus at the Improv, tomorrow my plans include a special Birthday Dinner for my Aunt and Sunday, I want to go to church and clean my Mother in Laws house as a suprise for her!

Just One Word

Karen from Homespun Simplicity found this fun little write up, I thought I would give it a shot.
1. Where is your cell phone? Charging
2. Your significant other? Wonderful
3. Your hair? Clean
4. Your mother? Loved
5. Your father? Amazing
6. Your favorite thing? Family
7. Your dream last night? Odd
8. Your favorite drink? Pepsi
9. Your dream/goal? Heaven
10. What room you are in? Office
11. Your hobby? Crafts
12. Your fear? Heights
13. Where do you want to be in six years? Home
14. Where were you last night? Out
15. Something that you are not? Skinny
16. Muffins? Blueberry
17. Wish list item? Diamonds
18. Where you grew up? Tustin
19. Last thing you did? Smile
20. What are you wearing? Jeans
21. Your TV? Off
22. Your pets? Puppies
23. Friends? Blessings
24. Your life? Interesting
25. Your mood? Upset
26. Missing someone? Yes
27. Car? Truck
28. Something you're not wearing? Hat
29. Your favorite store? Kohl’s
30. Your favorite color? Pink
31. When is the last time you laughed? Today
32. Last time you cried? Today
33. One place that I go to over and over? SeaWorld
34. One person who texts me regularly? Hubby
35. My favorite place to eat? Sonnys
36. My favorite food? Hamburger

A Thousand Words Thursday - June 25, 2009

A little girl spends a million moments dreaming of a Prince and her Wedding Day!

He made my dreams come true!

Ignorance is not bliss...

After expressing my anger over the recent world events a friends attempt to console me, only added to my frustration! He commented saying... “You can’t let it get to you too much…Some people are just stupid”.

My problem is…Stupid people don’t:

1. Create Nuclear weapons and then threaten “Fire Storms on their neighboring countries”
2. Don’t shut down access to websites, telephones, and media coverage.
3. “Fix” elections.
4. Kill College Students as they sleep.
5. Have affairs with friends in Argentina.

The people responsible for these events are master minds and depend on brilliant minds as puppets to move their agenda’s forward.

I was perplexed when I heard that the younger generations of China are unaware of the events in Tiananmen Square.

I was moved to tears as I watch a young woman die in the streets of Iran.

I was outraged as I watched an interview with a Veteran from Hawaii talk about the comparison between Pearl Harbor and the new fears revealed after recent threats from South Korea.

I feel like I am trapped in a Bad Action Movie full of secret societies, political plots, racy romance, and a terrible script.

I have to stop reading the news. I find myself feeling more and more helpless, scared, and worried.

The only thing I can do is pray. I pray for Peace. I pray for those who don’t know my Lord. I pray for those who live in countries that are taking revolutionary steps of change.

This is wild time to breathe!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - June 15, 2009

FOR TODAY …June 15, 2009

Outside my window...66 Degrees and Cloudy…I am one of the few people around who is enjoying the June Gloom. I believe this is God’s way of prepping our area for a warm summer. I do hope it helps with any fire danger.

I am thinking...about Father’s day. I am really blessed with a wonderful Dad!

I am thankful for...the guys in my life. I am truly inspired by the circle of God fearing and loving men that I get to call friends.

From the kitchen...Jell-O…it seems to be one of the most perfect summer desserts.

I am wearing...Teal and Black Top, Black Slacks, Black Sandals.

I am creating...a list of homes to look at. We are praying that God will point us in a good direction.

I am going...to the market sometime today. I would really like to go at lunch, but don’t know if that will work out or not.

I am reading...Wives and Daughters

I am hoping...that the pain I am feeling in my leg, chest, and back, is just muscle pain from the work I did around the house this weekend, and nothing more. I really don’t want to see the doctor for nothing.

I am hearing...my new favorite song “Blessed be your Name” by Travis Cottrell, makes me really want to start playing the piano or guitar again…hmmm I think God might be pulling on my heart strings.

Around the house...lots of “chores” to do. I need to talk to our neighbor about painting our screen, get the car battery out of our patio area (I guess it’s a little ummm… “White trash” for our home owners association), and figure out what to do about our screens with our land lord…other than than…just normal house work.

One of my favorite things...My planner…it keeps my life moving, even when my brain isn’t.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, Housework, Planning for the next couple weeks, Working Out using the new EA Active on the Wii (AWESOME Program), taking my Mother in Law for a procedure on Friday, and Father’s Day fun on Sunday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

These are three special guys in my life. My husband, his best friend, and one of my best friends.

When we got married our worlds meshed so well, our friends have now become friends.

Its such an amazing blessing in our lives.

Special Thanks and Blessing to Peggy The Simple Woman for hosting this post.

Tuesday's Tribute - June 9, 2009

Two may talk together

under the same roof for many years,

yet never really meet,

and two others at first speech

are old friends.

~author unknown

I have the honor of calling Mrs. Wilson a friend.


I have been blessed by the opportunity to dance in the glitter of her laughter and joy!


I have learned so very much from her tangled past and metamorphosis into a woman of comfort and peace.


She has wonderful strength, passion, and a great love for the people in her life.


She is dying. Thinking those words…burns my heart, knowing that she doesn’t know my Savior...breaks it.


I fall to my knees in great reverence of Almighty God, praying that he bangs on the heart of this sweet woman, so that she may find salvation and enter his Gates.


I selfishly admit that I don’t want to spend eternity without her sparkle!

Word Filled Wednesday - June 3, 2009

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty…
1 Corinthians 1:2

If you spend much time with me, you will learn quickly that I love all things silly. Recently we had a movie night to watch the first Transformer movie, because my sister in law hadn’t seen it. Most people would probably invite a few people over, maybe gets some pop corn or candy, and drinks…and that would be wonderful. Unfortunately for my family and friends, I just can’t stop at that. We ended up with a Transformer Event. Complete with BBQ, paper goods, decorations, and the silliest thing ever…DECODER RINGS! I was sure that my guests had thought I had lost my mind, when I expected grown adults to run around with plastic rings on their fingers. But that’s when I realized just how perfect God is in his plan. Out little group of family and friends loved it, including a friend who had attended a memorial service for his mother the day before. To the outsider my plans would probably be considered foolish or silly, but to my little group of loved ones they felt wanted and thought of and comforted. God is so Good!

Tuesday’s Tribute – June 2, 2009

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My heart has been hardened for almost nine years now.

For much of that time you will find me living my life to its fullest, loving the people around me, enjoying everything from the largest event to celebrating the little stuff.

But every once in a while I feel the pain of longing, the sting of memory, the fear of loneliness, and it overwhelms everything that I am.

As a visitor to this dark place, you would watch as I question the Almighty God. Wondering why he took her away if he loved me so much? Why did he give me the gift of loving someone who knew me, understood me, bonded with me, just to rip her out of my life? Why did he let her work so hard to change all that she was for the chance to play a role in my life, just to lose her in the early chapters of my own story.

The Why’s will kill me! They go on and on, as a never ending battle between my humanity and my faith. They are all encompassing. They hurt my heart to such depths that the scars run deep enough to change the very essence of who I am. When I lost her, I lost part of myself.

I climb my way out of this place of despair by holding on to the God that loved me enough to give me family and friends to fill the void that was left when the Cancer took her away.

The God that loves me despite of all of my questions, and failures.

That I am loved by a God who loved me enough to bless me with an Angel for a Grandmother.

Today I write this as a tribute to my Mar. She was and continues to be a wonderful mentor, example, and comfort.

As I walk through my life I see little things that remind me of her. I have her rolling pin to make pies with. I have a tea cup and saucer that was used so often and washed with such diligence that the décor has worn off. I have wonderful memories of hope and comfort with wonderful words of wisdom. And my personal favorite is the little Blue Bird of happiness that sits on my sink, just as it did at her home.

I pray with all hopes that when I enter those pearly gates of Heaven that I will smell her apple pies baking, hear her laughter, feel her arms around me, blow out her cigarette lighter and sing Reba Macintyre songs together again!

Until then…I watch for Blue Birds as they come and go, and hope they will find my world comfortable enough to make a nest.