daybook 12/10/2014

 

My apologies to both of my readers.  And to the Cowgirl, who depends on my blogging to help us remember what to include in the annual photo book.  Life happens, you know.  And I’m obviously struggling to keep a written track record of it here.

But here it is.  A blog post.  Ta da!

For today… Wednesday, December 10,2014

Outside my window... it’s a cloudy, chilly day.  No snow to be seen, which is sad, don’t you think?

Hearing... the Popper was working on memory verses

…Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed…

Pondering... 14 days until Christmas!

Praying...

Denise & family

Jessica & Jill both had surgeries this morning, which went well they say.  Praying for speedy recoveries {and no need for additional treatment for Jill!}

for wisdom for our adult kiddos – always decisions to make, but a they each have big ones affecting the next several months.

Daniel will be traveling home Friday {and into the overnight}.  Kate & Abby will be driving themselves home next Tuesday –yikes!  {first solo long distance drive}  Weather, alert drivers & traffic are on my mind!

Thankful... for little things like leftovers for supper and bargains on a swap page.  And for big things like the incarnation of Christ that led to his crucifixion and resurrection! {and thus, the gift of salvation to any and all who trust in him. Like me.}  God IS good.

Creating... way too many orders at kohls dot com [ahem] and a few craftier gifts as well, which of course I’m not going to show you yet!  The sewing projects hit a wall on the first day, so I will have to muster a fair amount of courage to continue those.  But I will because I think I must finish the job, finish the job, get it done.  This week. Which you might notice is already half gone?

Going... to make my first ever batch of Julekake tomorrow.  By customer request only.  And I still may divide the dough in half to make some with real dried fruit instead of the colored {nasty} ‘candied’ stuff that surely gives Scandinavians a bad name in the world of gourmet cooking. {ha}

Reading... Carson :-) Basic History of the US Vol 3 – much to my kiddos’ delight [eyes roll] – but really they would rather listen to me than read it themselves. 

I just recently read to them Away Goes Sally by Elizabeth Coatsworth, so they are not  suffering too badly here.  And Carson writes good stuff – really.

I need to update my side bar list  - my poor blog is so neglected.  I finished Numbers and began with Deuteronomy this week – yay!

I also finished with Off Script by Cary Schmidt – and loaned it out to a friend so I can’t go back to find bits to share just yet.  And Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret.

 

Looking forward to... our college kiddos coming home for Christmas!!! 

What sort of red carpet greeting can we come up with here??

In the kitchen... This month’s menu items so far: pancakes {Tim & I were out for steak dinner}, tacos, turkey packets, taco soup, cheddar baked chicken, pizza, maid-rites, turkey/veg stew – lotsa leftovers.  Tonight I should be making {now} another pot of soup – cream of broccoli/potato-cheese combo. 

In the learning rooms... Sectionalism leading up to the US Civil War; the Popper had a personal finance unit in her math class while the Cowgirl was studying lessons in buying electronics and cars etc in her stewardship course.  The Cattleman is continuing his advance work in second semester assignments altho what I really want him to do is finish with physical science so he can begin the biology book *I* had planned for this school year. {sigh}

Around the house... the tree is lit but not decorated; Thanksgiving flowers are looking a bit wilted; Tim bought a piece of tile to consider using in window trim – it looks like wood, very cool {literally}.

The Mother Load...  First let me share some of what I’ve checked OFF the list!  Passport photos and applications, Romania campaign applications, ironing {woot}, auto insurance updated, recipe book for upcoming bride, photo book of our August trip, Christmas cookies {3 kinds in freezer so far}, some of my ‘crafty’ gifts are ready, and many packages arriving from kohls and amazon mean I’ve been Christmas shopping…

Still TO DO: Christmas card/letter, 2014 annual photo book, sewing project gifts, Christmas candies {so the girls can come home and dip them in chocolate}, and of course there’s still STUFF to donate to a thrift shop, laundry and more ironing.  I’m sure there’s more.  Like cranking the Cowgirl’s expander every other night.

Noticing that... Every One has a pair of fashion boots this year.  {yes, that’s a broad generalization… But really, have you noticed?  It is The Year of the Boot.} 

So I just may have ordered a pair for myself!

Something fun to share...  {since my MIL doesn’t read my blog} 

Sorry about the poor lighting.  And lack of focus.  It was late, so this is how I saw it – ha ha.

{with shout out to SarahE for the ‘chalk art’ print}

One of my favorite things... chocolate.  sleep.  eggnog.  These are few of my favorite things!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Bake and deliver Julekake, piano lessons/groceries, Friday’s baking for Sandy Creek Bakery, chess club for the Cattleman, Sunday school program practice {to which the Cowgirl will drive them!}  I agreed to deliver Meals on Wheels next Monday – one day should be doable and a good thing.

And finishing the Mother Load or most of it – before Daniel comes home! ha hahahahahaha {It DOES say “PLANS” you know.  It doesn’t say anything about Reality Check.}

A peek into my world... the girls had a fun afternoon with friends this past Saturday.  Note the snow fort and snowball fight in the Cowgirl’s front yard.

   

 

~.~.~.~.~

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:

• Peggy at the Simple Woman’s Daybook

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

• You can also find a similar weekly meme in Happy Homemaker Monday at Sandra’s

~.~.~.~.~

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

that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17

One Year Update on Kim!

 

Such grace we have seen in the past year as God not only preserved Kim’s life but has enabled so much more in her time of recovery!

This is Sharon’s current update on Kim – prayers for healing are still needed with eye surgeries coming up in 2015!  Thank you!

 

November 19, 2014 - 1 Year

Posted 23 hours ago

One year ago today, in a split-second, our lives changed. As we think back over this year, we would not want to re-live it, but we also have so very much for which to be thankful. Most importantly is that our precious Kim is even with us. We will hug her tightly at 3:15 pm, the time of her accident.

There are still ongoing health/recovery issues that will take years to resolve, or that Kim may not ever recover from. But her doctors and therapists continue to be amazed at her recovery considering the severity of her injuries.

The most pressing health issue now is her eyes. At yesterday's eye appointment, we learned she will probably need 2 surgeries. The first will be in January and will help both eyes track together. She has the best vision in her left eye, but the lid doesn't open all the way and she has very limited up/down movement. She strains her left eye to work better which is causing her right eye to drift up farther than it should. The surgery will be on both eyes to help them track together better. the surgery will be on 2 muscles in each eye - left to help up/down movement, and right to limit how far that eye moves. Recovery time is 2 weeks of no activity, then approximately 3 months for complete healing. Because her eyes are so far out of alignment, the doctor couldn't give a surgery success rate estimate. She usually has 85% success with this surgery, but said she expects Kim's outcome to be less. The second surgery would be to help the ptosis of her left eyelid and wouldn't be scheduled until after she heals from the first surgery.

Earlier this month, at the recommendation if her occupational therapist, I took Kim to an eye therapist. This doctor said the surgery was necessary, but also gave us some eye exercises that should help the surgery outcome be more successful. Thankfully, these we do at home so there isn't another appointment to fit into the schedule. She also thinks some of Kim's left eye issues are due to scar tissue from the orbital bone/facial reconstruction surgery she had last December. She is hopeful that the exercises will help that scar tissue heal.

Another positive note is that at Kim's last rehab doctor appointment, we were told that at the next appointment in March, Kim could start being weaned off one of the narcotic medications she is on. It will be a very slow process and could take up to a year before being completely off of it. Decreasing these medications too quickly can cause serious side effects. She will have to be monitored closely to see how she reacts. These strong medications have been a concern since she started them, so I'm thankful we can at least start thinking about decreasing them.

Kim has a very busy schedule. Monday morning she helps the children's librarian with the Pre-school Story Hour at our local library. In the afternoon, she and her Uncle Denny volunteer at the Watertown animal shelter for several hours. This shelter is extremely busy - over 100 cats! The staff there have her doing everything from laundry to giving medications. Tuesday is appointment day - speech and occupational therapy and any other appointments scheduled. Wednesday, Kim helps at a church nursery for several hours during a Bible study for moms.
Thursday, she goes back to the library and does prep work for next week's story hour craft, or does whatever the librarians ask of her such as straighten book shelves or "read" the shelves to see that books aren't out of place. Friday, is horse therapy day. Though Kim still enjoys her time with animals, the highlight of her week is now the time she spends with children.

Her love of children (and people of all ages) has been one of the outcomes of her personality change. She has decided she no longer wants to be a vet technician, though she still loves animals, but would like to give her life to working with children. Many parents have told her she has a gift of working with children and should go into that field of work.

Kim still has consequences from the traumatic brain injury that she and we deal with daily. Occasionally, I reread through the brain injury information to be reminded of the areas of Kim's brain that were injured and what those areas control. She still has some age-inappropriate mannerisms and conversations, doesn't react well to some news items and can be very opinionated about it, and doesn't always understand someones "personal space". If I didn't keep coaxing/pushing her to do her exercises, read, and work on a school course I've started her on, she wouldn't do them. She also needs reminders to take her medications and keep her planner up to date. It's hard to get much of an answer from her doctors as to how long she will deal with these issues or if they will eventually end. All brain injuries are unique and heal in different ways and to varying extents.

We have many things to be thankful for at this one year mark:
* The myriads of doctors who have worked with Kim. The knowledge and expertise that God has given them has been used to bring Kim this far in her recovery.
* Kim's appetite is better! No more tears and "I'm stuffed" after 1 or 2 teaspoons of food.
* Family, friends, neighbors, and even CarePage visitors we have never met who have reached out to us this past year. Your prayers, help, and words of encouragement are priceless.
* Kim's upbeat attitude - she could be "bitter" because of her accident, but she has chosen to be "better". Early in her recovery this wasn't true, so we are thankful that she now has a positive attitude.
* And mostly to God - every day with Kim is a gift. God gave us the gift of Kim - twice. And we are so very thankful.

Psalm 145:2,3 - Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.

daybook 11/4/2014 {election day}

 

 

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1 Timothy 2:1-6

 

 

For today… Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Outside my window...  blue skies and sunshine {for a little longer} – it was a lovely almost-60F day.

Hearing... sweet potatoes bubbling on the stove

Pondering... the murmurings and disputings in local politics.  For the record, I am glad {{thanksful!!}} the potential truck stop did not receive the necessary re-zoning approval.  And it is not just for emotional reasons.  Nor did I bully anyone about it.  [from what I heard it was the few proponents who demonstrated ‘bullying’ tactics – but of course that is hearsay.]  Also, I am opposed to demolishing/rebuilding the city’s swimming pool – in the hopes it will lose less money than the current pool?  And we wonder why the country is in debt beyond our great-grandchildren’s eyeballs?  …sigh…

The look is UP, people.  No Political Messiahs needed.

Praying... not often enough, to be honest.  Especially for those ‘in authority.’

Thankful... for good news on Denise.  Amazing how she keeps on keeping on.

Creating... a little gift for a special couple – inspired by this…

Going... to sell some kittens tonight – yay!

Reading... the YWAM biography of Francis Asbury [not very gripping I’m afraid, but we will persevere].  And I started with Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret today on my own – with prompting by Amber’s book club at church.

Looking forward to... no more political calls!

In the kitchen...  whew, we cooked a 20# turkey today.  Thankfully the Popper & Cattleman helped me to get the meat off the bones.  We are still eating leftovers otherwise.

We made pizzas for the field crew Friday night, calzones for us Saturday – finished them both last night finally.

Tomorrow’s menu – probably cheeseburger soup.   Approved by the Cowgirl – yay.

Chilled applesauce at will for the Cowgirl who started orthodontics with spacers today.

In the learning rooms... I finally waded/graded through a huge pile of tests and quizzes.  So yes, they are learning something! 

Around the house...  outside there are flower pots to empty now that they have been thoroughly done in by hard frost.  inside there is much to declutter {always}.  I am almost inspired by some who are selling every last toy out of their homes on the swap pages {or so it seems} – maybe we should be more willing to part with some stuff?

The Mother Load... I have been chipping away at The List!  I have too many pots of gerberas perhaps?  as I hauled them all to the basement finally.  I even ironed 8 of Tim’s shirts on Saturday {woot!  but yes, many more to go.  Celebrating progress is good, right?}  I upped today’s productivity by calling for two haircut appointments for tomorrow.  Hard work I do.  Seriously, last week I UNcovered my desk {and reconciled checkbooks and entered info in the puter and filed and…}  and I’ve been busy covering it up again ever since.

Some of that which remains:  another batch of elderberry syrup, canned goods for food drive for seminarians, passports, mending, gift projects for that same special couple {whose wedding is now LESS than two months away!  fun!}

 
Noticing that... it’s November, people.  Oh my.  You know, holidays and shopping and gifting and baking and all that.  I need a plan or two.

Something fun to share... kittens??

A favorite quote for today...

"The difference between a politician and a statesman:  a politician thinks of the next election, and a statesman thinks of the next generation." —James Freeman Clarke

One of my favorite things...  giving up the computer to my hubby {as in, now}

A few plans for the rest of the week... haircuts for two kids tomorrow, selling last kitten, bday party for the Popper to attend, ironing?

A peek into my world...

~.~.~.~.~

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:

• Peggy at the Simple Woman’s Daybook

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

• You can also find a similar weekly meme in Happy Homemaker Monday at Sandra’s

~.~.~.~.~

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

that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17

daybook 10/22/2014

 

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!”

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.

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.

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.

Around the house...

  

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.

 

Something fun to share... a smoothie perhaps?

 

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}

 

{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:

• Peggy at the Simple Woman’s Daybook

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

• You can also find a similar weekly meme in Happy Homemaker Monday at Sandra’s

~.~.~.~.~

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

that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17

daybook 10/13/2014

 

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.

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.

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

 

~.~.~.~.~

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:

• Peggy at the Simple Woman’s Daybook

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

• You can also find a similar weekly meme in Happy Homemaker Monday at Sandra’s

~.~.~.~.~

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

that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17

daybook 10/6/2014

 

For today… Monday, October 6, 2014

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 Bakery …complete with a facebook page

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.

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.}

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.

 
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. 

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

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:

• Peggy at the Simple Woman’s Daybook

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

• You can also find a similar weekly meme in Happy Homemaker Monday at Sandra’s

~.~.~.~.~

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

that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17