Captured by Sarah Photography ~ August 29, 2012

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

daybook 10/22/2014

 

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For today… Wednesday, October 22, 2014



Outside my window... happy cattle, golden leaves, bare trees, green grass, rye sprouting in the former soybean field.  Some sun with clouds and a strong breeze.  I think rain is forecast for tonight.


Hearing... the Popper answering grammar questions.  The Cattleman has a nasty cough, but this is better than the fever he began with on Friday (Thursday overnight).


Pondering... our little city government is just a micro-scale mess not unlike the federal.  We personally cannot vote for our city council members {nor the school board} since we live outside city limits, but we will suffer the consequences of their decisions just the same.  The recent meetings have been filled with protesting citizens, but the council members’ response is just shameful.


Praying...

Denise is not doing well physically right now – seizures with second half of gamma knife treatment Friday.  And this week swelling on her brain.  More tests and scans today.  Spiritually she shines as she continues to love and trust our God – and to spend time in prayer for others.  May God grant another miracle for her.

This has been a little overwhelming to me at times. I've spent time in tears but so much time in prayer. I still can't imagine going through these trials without Christ. In the dark of the night when the fear and the worry want to take over I have God to turn to. I have hope. Everlasting hope!

…in this afternoon’s update, Denise says good news is swelling is going down {so no drilling!}, brain tumor has NOT grown, and liver/kidneys are much improved – praise the Lord!  However, endometrial cancer continues to grow rapidly –> so they are preparing/hoping to attack it with gamma knife radiation as well as heavy chemo next week.

Laura D’s father Dean begins a round of chemo today – he is also fighting brain cancer, but had a remarkably successful surgery a few weeks ago.  Holding out hope for him!

Jill’s father Ken had cancer show up {again} on scans last week and was to have appointments at Mayo yesterday.

Paul H.’s mother is in her last days with hospice care {bone cancer}.  A new member at our church, Mr. W., has been receiving chemo for pancreatic cancer.  Do you ever think we have a cancer epidemic in our country?!

Other friends with other needs…  Suzie as she adjusts to life as a widow… Our kiddos…  Our beloved missionary friends… The upcoming general election.


Thankful... there is also good news in the world today, and a God who answers prayer.  God is good in spite of the evil.


Creating... Abby sent some photos of her first “poster pics” she made this week – “traced from projected transparency onto poster board, cut out, colored, laminated, and cut out!”

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And yes, these would be for her Education class – Teaching Methods & Materials – lots of fun projects!


Going... to Civics 101 on Saturday, taught by economics professor Sam Clovis


Reading... yes  ;-)


Looking forward to... post-election reduction of phone calls and mailings


In the kitchen...  Friday I baked a batch of bread and a batch of rolls for the Bakery… and sold nothing.  Regret only because I was already exhausted – it all went in the freezer just fine.  Saturday was the youth international meal, so the Cowgirl prepared her lefse with butter and sugar; and the Popper made crepes {with help from Dad who came home early!  woot!}  The Cattleman was sick, and I was out of time, so his chicken cordon bleu was off the menu.  The Cowgirl mixed up donuts {holes} as well as the Symphony Tier Bars for Tim’s birthday.

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Can you see how the candles mark Tim’s age??

Sunday’s menu also included lasagna, ciabatta, Caesar salad, sautéed green beans and zucchini.  Sunday eve we celebrated with friends after church – I brought pizzas to bake, and Mrs. H. made apple turnovers to have with ice cream.  Yum.  Then she sent home a bag of their honey crisp apples for his gift – As far as I know, the kids and I have only eaten one of them, as in we each had a quarter of an apple.  Two left in the basket.

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In the learning rooms... there are surely papers for me to check.  We finished reading The Glorious Conspiracy last night, of which we are still discussing the politics.  {must find what Carson had to say again about the election of 1800}   Sooo today I read them a scathing article about Charles Finney.  Next up – a short positive bio of circuit riding Peter Cartwright and a book about Francis Asbury.

CHRISTIAN HEROES: THEN & NOW<br>Francis Asbury: Circuit Rider


Around the house...

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More birthday gifts – air tank, smaller tool belt, ‘field mix’ – sort of a Chex mix without seasonings, large bag/jar of fun-size candy bars, blue jeans.  Today his ‘big’ gift arrived from Mannatech – to counter the sweets/junk and old age – ha ha.  Today I baked up a double batch of ‘peanut butter round-up cookies’ for Karen to add to field lunches.


The Mother Load... I really need to catch up with some ironing.  Manana?  Today I’ve cleaned our bathroom, including bleaching/washing the shower curtain – and even dusted a book shelf.  {pat, pat}  I made use of my ironing wrist with the cookie scoop instead - 100+ cookies!


Noticing that... I love fall …with crisp sunny days and so much color in the changing leaves.  I enjoyed being out and about yesterday just for that reason… even drove the ‘back’ roads in search of pleasant landscapes on my way to/from buying wheat berries.

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Something fun to share... a smoothie perhaps?

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A favorite quote {or two} for today...

 

"Indeed, the right of a society or government to [participate] in matters of religion will hardly be contested by any persons who believe that piety, religion, and morality are intimately connected with the well being of the state and indispensable to the administrations of civil justice. The promulgation of the great doctrines of religion—the being, and attributes, and providence of one Almighty God; the responsibility to Him for all our actions, founded upon moral accountability; a future state of rewards and punishments; the cultivation of all the personal, social, and benevolent virtues—these never can be a matter of indifference in any well-ordered community. It is, indeed, difficult to conceive how any civilized society can well exist without them."
-- Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story

as shared by Tom Hoefling on facebook

 

fyi – our little town and county are both named for Judge Story!

 

One of my favorite things... leftovers for supper :D 

{although I’ll likely wish I’d saved them for tomorrow}

 


A few plans for the rest of the week... DOT with the Cowgirl, selling kittens, selling bread/baked goodies, …and  surprise or two



A peek into my world... {more photos by the Cowgirl}

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{and once again it has taken me all day long to write up a daybook post!}

~.~.~.~.~

Giving credit where credit is due:

While I am not linking up with anyone, you could read more weekly news posts at other blogs by following any of these links:

  • Julie for adapting this daybook version as her own ‘Grasshopper Days’ ~ Perhaps I could call it the GHV Daybook. :)

~.~.~.~.~

Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,

that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17

Monday, October 13, 2014

daybook 10/13/2014

 

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For today… Monday, October 13, 2014

 



Outside my window...  very foggy earlier.  Still very cloudy with light rain.  Cool rain and drizzle forecasted for all day.


Hearing... the Cattleman laughing {at his humorous dvd teacher?} and the washer starting a rinse cycle


Pondering... Mark chapter 12.  So much in the book of Mark, so many parables and teachings.  The hardness of hearts.  Servant leadership.  Maybe I usually I focus on Jesus’ teaching about the greatest commandments {Love God.  Love your neighbor.} in this chapter?  I’ve read the passage numerous times over the years – the part about the seven brothers as the Sadducees were testing him since they denied the resurrection.  I know that the marriage relationship is a gift for this lifetime – on earth only.  And while I expect we might be good friends happy to see one another when we are both in heaven someday, my marriage relationship with Tim is only.for.now. – not. for.ever. 

And I think I often take him for granted, you know?

 
Praying... {much} 

Denise had her radiation implant last week, is home again, but feeling awful of course. 

Dan F. has ended his battle with pancreatic cancer – he moved on to the glories of heaven this morning.  While I shed tears for the family’s loss and grief – and suffering over the past six weeks or more – I am so thankful for his eternal rest with the Savior of our souls.

Conny has a job interview today!  at a store that is closed on Sundays and holidays – what a blessing that would be!

Little Taylor has scans again this Thursday– she is a cancer-survivor at the ripe old age of three.  First anniversary of post-treatment = huge milestone! {click here to read her mama’s blog}

other friends – Jill & Sarah – each have health issues they are seeking answers for still…

our college kids – the girls are struggling to keep up with their Greek class {a semester’s worth of Greek in nine weeks!}… which they must pass.  And retain enough to help them pass through three more semesters of Greek.  Daniel has mid-term exams this week. 

 
Thankful... for God’s abundant grace and mercy.  

…for another successful round of Sandy Creek Bakery sales.


Creating... Well, I finished my first up-cycled denim apron.  But it fits my 12yo Popper.  While I intended it for my nephew’s 3yo.  Grrrr, I think I need to renew my acquaintance with toddler-sized clothing.

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Going... to the DOT.  Again.  Soon.  With the correct paperwork for the Cowgirl this time hopefully.


Reading... seriously wanting to finish the Cary Schmidt book, Off Script.  Meanwhile I enjoyed a fun, somewhat fantastic adventure story set in the Napoleonic era by Leonard Wibberley {under the pen name of Patrick O’Connor} – The Society of Foxes.  I’ve decided to read aloud The Glorious Conspiracy by Joanne Williamson, which is about the US Presidential election of 1800. {Thankful for Laura at the Roland Public Library who works hard to grant so many of my inter-library loan requests – graciously and willingly!}


Looking forward to... Tim’s 50th birthday!  {But yikes, I still do not have any sort of grand plan for this… and he’s very “meh” about it all. ^.^ }


In the kitchen... leftovers for lunch, more for supper, yet more for tomorrow!  Cooked ground beef I was/am reserving for impromptu tacos, or could add to the taco soup?  WonderRoast chicken.  Pizza.  Grilled chicken & hot dogs.  Taco soup. 

Options that have been scratched/postponed:  cheddar baked chicken, pancakes, Cajun chicken pasta. 

Still on the menu for this week:  potato soup, chicken enchilada casserole, pizza {of course}, and lasagna for Sunday {Tim’s b-day}.  Today’s lunchtime smoothie was deemed “tasty” – I put less vitamin powder mix in it.  And no beets.

This coming Saturday is the kids’ international meal with the youth group.  The Popper plans to make crepes – with filling options of berries, real whipped cream, and Nutella.  The Cattleman has yet to decide from his list of corned beef hash, French onion soup, and chicken cordon bleu {I am leaning toward the chicken}.  On Saturday the Cowgirl successfully attempted lefse for the first time ever in this family – and it is safely stored in the freezer {and will hopefully thaw out again as lovely as it was fresh}.


In the learning rooms...  Stewardship; Algebra; Basic Math: Investments; positive/negative numbers; percents.  ThinkWrites for history about free enterprise, wealth, and employer/employee relationships.


Around the house... library books and freshly dusted furniture in the living room {hurrah for the Cowgirl}.  We also cleaned all the bathrooms on Saturday, and today I vacuumed – woot!  We won’t talk about the messy basement, okay?


The Mother Load... Laundry is under control, but the ironing not so much.  {sigh}  I should make some elderberry syrup for Daniel’s mid-term care package.  The gerberas are still in the garage, needing to be cleaned up and hauled to the basement window for winter survival.  Shutterfly continues to tempt me with a 50% off sale….


Noticing that... the bags of Dove chocolates have shrunk again! 


Something fun to share... The socializing at Saturday’s baby shower was surprisingly good fun for me.  Not quite sure how to ‘share’ that with y’all - ha.  Not very many Doves left in my bag to share either…  go figure.


A favorite quote for today... This hymn continues to echo in my mind as so many face trials and loss.  God is faithful even so.

…Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!


One of my favorite things...  staying inside on a cold, rainy day.  Or soaking up sunshine and fresh air on a gorgeous fall day – like Saturday was. 

Flashback… 31 years ago, I enjoyed one of those gorgeous October days {probably played hooky from classes} at the Ledges State Park with my sister and niece… who was The Cutest Two-year-old Ever, at least in 1983, and for me.

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A few plans for the rest of the week... help with luncheon and attend funeral ~ weep and rejoice.

 

A peek into my world... Last week’s ciabatta for my sweet hubby

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~.~.~.~.~

Giving credit where credit is due:

While I am not linking up with anyone, you could read more weekly news posts at other blogs by following any of these links:

  • Julie for adapting this daybook version as her own ‘Grasshopper Days’ ~ Perhaps I could call it the GHV Daybook. :)

~.~.~.~.~

Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,

that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17

Monday, October 6, 2014

daybook 10/6/2014

 

For today… Monday, October 6, 2014

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Outside my window... sunshine, cool and breezy.  Tim should be back in the combine today.  Last Tuesday night the rains began – and kept them out of the field the rest of the week.


Hearing...  Mr. Smith I believe {A Beka Bible class teacher via DVD}


Pondering... dentist appointment this afternoon {‘happy thoughts’ – ha.  Should I be exercising my jaw to prepare for this lengthy torture ordeal event?}

Praying...

Jamie D. {DIL of Daniel’s student dean} had surgery Friday – haven’t heard the results.  She was diagnosed with a rare heart disease that without intervention will end her life very soon.

Denise was in church again last night {she couldn’t stay away from a testimony opportunity to share how God has blessed her with Pastor’s preaching series thru the book of Philippians}.  She will have her last bit of internal radiation treatments this week.  Her body is still unable to flush the chemo toxins, so working and waiting with hopes that her liver and kidneys will begin to heal.  It is also her heart’s desire to be well enough {and the weather favorable} so that she can attend a football game on Oct. 17 to watch her daughter cheer at least once in person.

Dan F. has been in the hospital again for more than a week.  I don’t think he’s had any chemo treatment yet – Friday they attempted surgery/procedure to bypass the tumor that has kept him from being able to eat.  That 3-hour effort failed, so they will try something different today.  Such a wearying trial.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19


Thankful... Tim’s mom’s old house is officially SOLD.  Janice also found and purchased a car last month to replace the one that was totaled back in July.  Tim’s niece Kim is doing really well at home, very busy with work at humane society and reading to children at the library weekly – along with continued therapy appointments.


Creating... {reopening/expanding} Sandy Creek Bakerycomplete with a facebook page

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Going... on a search for more wheat berries this week!  {Hoping w-mart has restocked their inventory!}  This bag is e.m.p.t.y.

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Reading... for history {with an economics sidetrack as we talk about the industrial revolution of the 1800s}  -- Whatever Happened to Penny Candy by Richard Maybury


Looking forward to... fewer flies and no mosquitoes with the cooler weather; a lower electric bill with our water heated by the wood stove again – woot!

 
In the kitchen... October menu still in the making, but so far:

October 1 – leftover roast beef,; 2 – pizza {the Cattleman’s idea AND doing, so we could watch the Packers on TV in the basement}; 3 – chicken pot pie {gravy} on biscuits; 4 – beef stew {in its ‘elemental’ form – ie, one dish of stew meat, one pan of gravy, one pan of steamed potatoes, another of carrots – all because someone’s child said, Ewwww, beef stew?}; 5 – grilled steak fajitas {Y.U.M.}

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Tonight – meatloaf {because I – The Mom – have the dental appointment!}  Options for the rest of the week – spaghetti, cheddar chicken, pizza, pancakes, taco soup.

I should make a smoothie for lunch ~ but without the beets.

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In the learning rooms... the Popper and Cattleman have been reviewing punctuation rules in grammar; the Cowgirl wrote a paper on The Ideal American {she chose qualities of loyalty to the Constitution, honesty in politics, and faith in God}


Around the house... Tim was HOME on Saturday so he and the Cattleman did a little landscape repair/finish out front {among other things}. Yesterday he fired up the wood stove.  Mr. J. is disking the field today after Tim & the Cattleman seeded rye/oats {another bit of rain would be good for us}.


The Mother Load... a new batch of school work to check as well as the growing supply of clothes to iron {it ‘keeps’ for another day quite easily}; stir up some hard lotion and refill roller bottles with essential oils; pay bills; mend jeans; continue my attempt at recycling denim into baby bibs and toddler aprons. 

re-purposed denim aprons - happy hooligans; these are pretty ingenious, each made from one leg of a pair of jeans.  great instructions, very simple sewing

Cute, eh?  Click on photo if you want to see tutorial at Happy Hooligans.  Maybe she designed them when larger-legged jeans were in style, or she’s just not married to a string bean?  :-)  I will have to piece more than one leg methinks.  Ohhh, I just remembered that last year Kate brought home a BAG full of large jeans from a thrift shop she intended to make into skirts.  I wonder…?


Noticing that... ending my ‘labors’ at sundown is a good goal {brainy thought after two days of baking all day long}


Something fun to share... click the denim apron photo above


A favorite quote for today... 


One of my favorite things... eggs that are colorful inside and out

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A few plans for the rest of the week... 90-min at the dentist, yet another trip to the DOT, piano lessons, groceries, baking, and a baby shower for my niece



A peek into my world...  a couple of the kittens who are ready for a new home

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~.~.~.~.~

Giving credit where credit is due:

While I am not linking up with anyone, you could read more weekly news posts at other blogs by following any of these links:

  • Julie for adapting this daybook version as her own ‘Grasshopper Days’ ~ Perhaps I could call it the GHV Daybook. :)

~.~.~.~.~

Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,

that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17