Simple Woman's Daybook--Christmas Edition #3

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... it is COLD. This morning, it is 9 degrees with inches of snow on the ground. It is sunny and beautiful...

I am thinking... about the balance of Christmas. I want to be sure that I am using this time of the year to teach my kids about the Biblical story of Jesus' birth. I don't want to be distracted by the consumerism that attacks us from all sides.

I am thankful for... heat. As I sit here in the family room, my feet are toasty-warm and I don't want to take that for granted. A warm floor is a wonderful thing...

From the kitchen... Yesterday's chicken pot pie is still in the air... but I have hot beef sandwiches bubbling away in the crock pot today. Smells amazing!

I am wearing... corduroys, a long sleeve t-shirt with a pretty, flower scarf and slippers.

I am creating... my next newsletter. I really want this to get out! If you are not on my email list for the newsletter, get a hold of me and let me know. I am happy to add you. It is separate from this blog so even if you get the blog, you need to sign up separately for the newsletter.

I am dreaming... about the new year. I am going to start subbing some and am looking forward to several speaking engagements. I still have time in winter and spring so if you still need someone to speak for your group, conference or retreat, be in touch!

I am going...keep working on our Christmas plans. Now, I am saving some nights... We need the downtime to be home together.

I am reading... Mary Beth Chapman's book. Love it.

I am hoping... for a relaxing break with my kiddos. They are eager to be on break and I am eager to have them here! :)

I am hearing... the dog in the kitchen, the ceiling fan in the kitchen, the glorious sounds of quiet in my home.

Around the house...We still have some decorating to do. I wish we were done... but we are chipping away at it a bit at a time. Are you all set?

One of my favorite things... the crock pot. I love that I can dump things in and let it do its work and then we have a dinner ready to go! Yum!

A few plans for the rest of the week...a bit of shopping, lots of laundry, keeping up with making dinner and hugging my kids.

What about you? : )

Blessings on your day!

Looking for more like this? http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook--Christmas Edition #2

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... there is snow! :) It is cold in Chicago-land and I am grateful for it all. I know there are folks that fuss and such but for me, this is winter. The ebb and flow of the seasons is a wonder to me and, even when the temperatures fall into single digits, I am grateful for it all.

I am thinking... that silence is wonderful. After a full week last week, I am so happy to have a little bit of quiet in my day.

I am thankful for... a great week last week. I had the amazing privilege to speak to hundreds and hundreds of women over 5 days, in four locations. Oh my goodness, did I have fun! : ) I love my work.

From the kitchen... Prepping for Supper Swap again this week. I am making the Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti and Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole. I will start today or tomorrow by boiling 4 chickens! :)

I am wearing...Grey yoga pants, a white cami and a black sweater. Comfy after last week's dress clothes!

I am creating... my next newsletter. Do you get it? If you don't but would like to, get your email address to me and I will add you to the list. The next newsletter will offer for sale any of my remaining Nativity Devotional Sets for families. If you want to know more about that, drop me a line! :)

I am dreaming... about my winter and spring speaking seasons. I had so much fun last week that I just cannot wait to speak again. If you are looking for a speaker for the winter or spring, I still have some openings... and am booking into next year. I speak at groups, conferences, retreats, etc... nationwide! Love it.

I am going...work on a bit of cleaning this morning and some cooking this afternoon. I still have a lot of Christmas shopping to do... maybe tomorrow? :)

I am reading... Mary Beth Chapman's book. Holy. Cow.

I am hoping... for a calm, productive week. We are going to see our "China family" soon and I am so excited about that. Being gone will mean that I have to stay organized though... I am also hoping for a van miracle. We need work done on our Sienna... emissions stuff... and have NO idea how to get that done.

I am hearing...my dog breathing deeply in her sleep, a commercial on TV...

Around the house... We are decorating for Christmas. The tree is up and and decorated. The snow village is not done. We are calmly just chipping away at what needs to be done. I will not be distracted by stress during this season of worship. Every single day, I want to remind myself that this holiday has everything to do with the birth of Christ and little to do with what is shown on TV.

One of my favorite things... quiet. I don't get a lot of that... but I really love it. I have learned that a little goes an awfully long way. :)

A few plans for the rest of the week...Supper Swap cooking, cleaning the house from last week's busyness, chipping away at my Christmas to-do list, and hanging out with some of my favorite people in the world... China fam, we love you.

What about you? : )

Blessings on your day!

Looking for more like this? http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook--Christmas Edition #1

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... it is cold and dark... looks like it might think about snowing... but not a flake has fallen yet.

I am thinking... about my speaking engagements this week. I speak everyday this week to a wide variety of groups. I love the topic... Connecting to Christmas. One of my absolute favorite talks.

I am thankful for... an easier morning today. Mark and the kids worked hard to get things done so I would have time to get ready for my speaking engagement. This helped me so much! A stressful morning leads to a stressed out speaker... not at all what I want to bring to these wonderful groups this week.

From the kitchen... I am in the mood for chili... how about you? :)

I am wearing... black corduroys, a grey, long sleeved t-shirt. Just changed out of speaking clothes. Comfy, now.

I am creating... a quiet, peaceful season for my family. Christmas is so important... not for the presents but for the wonder of the Nativity. I want my kids to "get" that...

I am dreaming... about this week! And it is here! :) Love getting ready to speak EVERY day... and looking forward to Elizabeth's first ballet show on Saturday night. I cannot wait! :)

I am going... to run errands before I pick up the kids from school so we can enjoy a relaxing night home together. Finding downtime in the midst of this busy season is important.

I am reading... Mary Beth Chapman's book... and love it. Thank you, Junie.

I am hoping... that my Christmas talk can help people who hear it to connect to what the season is really about. I am praying that God's voice will be far louder than mine... and that He will find a way to capture the hearts of those who hear.

I am hearing... The id tag on our dog clinking as she walks, the pinging of the rain against the sliding glass door, my fingers on the keys... peaceful sounds.

Around the house... Boxes and boxes of Christmas stuff is out and about. We are decorating this week, getting our tree in a couple days and starting to feel more ready for the holidays.

One of my favorite things... how happy our dog is to see me when I got home. She has twice come to the computer to pull my hands from the keyboard. All she wants right now is me and my attention. I had no idea that dogs could be so relational.

A few plans for the rest of the week... speaking, speaking and more speaking. LOVE it. I seriously feel blessed to do this work.

What about you? : )

Blessings on your day!

Looking for more like this? http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook--November 16

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window...it is sunny and chilly. The late autumn sun is a different color from the mid-summer sun... whiter, cooler...

I am thinking... about our health. We have been hit hard with a terrible bug and while Josiah and I are a bit under the weather, Elizabeth now has pneumonia. She is really feeling badly and I feel awful for her. I so hope the rest of the kids do not get this cold. We are all back on vitamins now (we had not begun our "flu season" vitamins before we all got sick...) and I feel deeply affirmed that these vitamins make a huge difference in how healthy we stay.

I am thankful for... my fever breaking in the night. I am thankful for vitamins, for a quiet minute to get ready for a day of caring for sick days, for bits of sleep last night, for hot coffee...

From the kitchen... We grilled Benjamin's birthday dinner last night and it was WONDERFUL... Today, we are having chicken soup for lunch and pasta for dinner.

I am wearing... black cords, grey, long-sleeved t-shirt, crocs. After being sick, I am really glad to be up and dressed! :)

I am creating... a set of Thanksgiving devotions for families, another article for MOPs, and I am going over my talks for this week. I speak three times between now and Saturday. Here's hoping my voice comes back soon! (Prayers appreciated!)

I am dreaming... about the holidays. I work very hard to create a faith and family centered time for us. It is simple, loving and good... but it takes planning. Time for me to think it through and start getting ready. Sounds like work... but it really isn't. It is what I love to do...

I am going...to help Josiah and Elizabeth get caught up on the school work they have missed since getting sick. We are also going on a "virtual field trip" to Plimoth Plantation today at noon! Can't wait! (Google Plimoth Plantation to learn more...)

I am reading... Radical... love it. Makes me think.

I am hoping... that Elizabeth gets better soon. She has been sick almost a week. Pneumonia is no good... poor girl...

I am hearing... the TV in the background, the clicking of my laptop keys. :)

Around the house... I need to get organized for the kids lessons from school, and pick up a bit. Our highest priority today will be balance... some work, some play, LOTS of rest.

One of my favorite things... watching Josiah handle a hard time... he is just so happy. Nothing shakes his faith, nothing brings him down... He is my son but he inspires me to be a better person... to be more optimistic. Yesterday, with a fever of 103, he was still smiling as he sang "O come let us adore Him..." Yes, my dear son, let's...

A few plans for the rest of the week...lots of speaking, some writing. I speak on three different topics this week so being prepared makes a world of difference! :)

What about you? : )

Blessings on your day!

Looking for more like this? http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook--July 6, 2010

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window...It is hot and sunny today... yellow, summer light brightening my backyard... love it. : )

I am thinking... about She Speaks. Whatever bits of time I have to write this month will likely be spent on polishing the book proposal and sample chapters for the Stick book. Publisher meetings are upcoming and I am grateful for the opportunity to pitch my book.

I am thankful for... calmer days. Now that baseball has ended, we have time to be home together, my babies and I. It is a good thing...

From the kitchen... grilled, barbecue chicken, grilled potato slices with olive oil and rosemary, grilled pineapple? Thinking about it.

I am wearing...black capris and a grey t-shirt. Bare feet... broken toe. Bleh.

I am creating... my book! So glad to have a deadline... no time to waffle anymore! Gotta get it done! Gotta get a publisher! Dreaming of the next books... which is CRAZY but feels really good.

I am dreaming... about being in a better place financially. Less worry, less stress. We do not need much but I am so weary of our current situation. We are selling stuff at a garage sale this week and I am hoping to make a bit of money to set aside for tuition in the fall... How I love my kids' school.

I am going... to tag items for the garage sale and make a plan for dinner. Got floors cleaned already today, met a friend for coffee and putzed on chores... still a lot of day left.

I am reading... and re-reading chapters of my book. Trying to edit... not my gift. I am going over the book proposal and getting ready to read the direction given for several of the sectionals I will attend at She Speaks. My head is full.

I am hoping... for a book contract. Praying for a book contract. Wishing. Working. Striving.

I am hearing... Lego blocks hitting together as someone digs in the bin... pages turning on the book Josiah is reading while his feet rest on one side of a giant ball and mine are on the other... the voices of my children talking together while they play in our quiet house. It is a peaceful morning...

Around the house... Some rooms are clean... laundry needs to be done.... a watermelon is waiting to be wedged.

One of my favorite things... hope. Choosing to focus on the hopeful today.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Work for the garage sale, stay ahead on cooking, spend time doing devotions with my kiddos, water the garden, work on the book, work on the book, work on the book... Your prayers are valued.

Blessings on your day!

Looking for more like this? http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook--June 15, 2010

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window...It is cloudy again. We have had so much rain lately. Every now and then we get a little peek of sun... but mainly it is gloomy out there.

I am thinking... about the day ahead... the things I am hoping to teach my kids this week. I am looking forward to finding time to focus on some Bible lessons that I want to experience with them. Struggling with feeling a little crabby today, though. The morning did not go as I had hoped and a bad start is no fun.

I am thankful for... quiet... a little here and there. A chance to breathe... a chance to dream about what we can do together this summer.

From the kitchen... If you can cook it on a grill, I am doing it this week. Love the grill! Have you tried bacon wrapped asparagus?? Oh my goodness! Amazing!

I am wearing... black capris, a black tank top and a white blouse.

I am creating... my book. Finally feel like I am getting somewhere. It is slow going but it is at least going. I want the proposal and chapters done by the end of this month. I will pitch it to a publisher at the end of next month. Prayers are welcome...

I am dreaming... about being in a better place financially. Less worry, less stress. We do not need much but I am so weary of our current situation.

I am going... to help in the nursery for VBS on Thursday... going out with friends for coffee on Friday morning. Cannot wait. : )

I am reading... and re-reading chapters of my book. Trying to edit... not my gift. While I write this one, I am dreaming of the next... excited for what it could be, too. Ooops, my dreams are getting away from me! : )

I am hoping... for a book contract. Praying for a book contract. Wishing. Working. Striving.

I am hearing... the fan in the dining room. The wind outside. The kids downstairs.

Around the house... I can tell the kids are home for summer... little things left behind in every single spot I see.

One of my favorite things... slow, patient days with a calm, patient momma. Not doing very well on this front today. Breathing deeply and trying to regroup.

A few plans for the rest of the week...finish the summer schedule, learn Outlook, finish messing with this crazy (new) phone, go out for coffee with friends.
What about you? : )

Blessings on your day!

Looking for more like this? http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook--May 25, 2010

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... I see hazy, summer skies. We are in the midst of a heat wave here... unusual for May in Chicago. The sky is pale blue and the heat... wow.

I am thinking... the end of school. I am so grateful that my kids attend a school that they deeply love and I deeply trust. They really do an amazing job and the end of the school year always brings mixed feelings. We are ready for the break but the end is sad, as well.

I am thankful for... the holiday weekend upcoming. Baseball games are never played on this weekend and so we have days and days of time together with no where to be. It is a good thing and by the end, our garden will be in, our yard will be ready for summer and we will be thrilled to be outside enjoying it all!

From the kitchen... Last week, I talked about beef stew here... it was a chilly day, then. Not now. I am out of ideas for cool weather food and still don't know what dinner will be. It is just too hot to cook! Ideas?

I am wearing... dark gray capri pants and a pink Old Navy t-shirt with a peace sign on the front. Comfy... not that cool. : ) Did I mention it is HOT?

I am creating... supper swap meals! Can't wait to have new meals to eat in the freezer! Love it! : ) We will swap on Friday...

I am dreaming... about camping... about seeing friends... about plans for summer and what I want my kids to learn. I am dreaming about feeling rested... being purposeful in my writing... accomplishing tasks.

I am going... to get to work on the garden, plan for the summer, get the van in the shop. The next two weeks will be crazy and then it will get peacefully quiet. Looking forward to that...

I am reading... old copies of my Sticks book. I have multiple versions of many chapters... time to reduce that to one good chapter of each and then tweak and improve until I am happy with what is left.

I am hoping... for an amazing summer. Is amazing too much to ask? :)

I am hearing... the air conditioning running, the kids in the sprinkler, the tapping of my fingers on my laptop keys.

Around the house... there is much to be done... and little time with which to attack big projects.

One of my favorite things... quiet days with my family nearby... making the transition from school-year to summer...

A few plans for the rest of the week...get the van in for work (ugh!), straighten the house, cook for supper swap, rototill the garden, prepare for summer lessons, dream about upcoming camping trips!

What about you? : )

Blessings on your day!

Looking for more like this? http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook--May 18, 2010

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... I see the sun! After several gray days, finally it looks more like spring than fall.

I am thinking... about summer... about the week ahead... about how getting through this week gets us just a little bit closer to the open schedule of the season ahead. We are all feeling so ready for a break. These thoughts and feelings are balanced out with loss we feel at the end of the school year, though. How we love our school, our teachers... Saying good-bye is never easy.

I am thankful for... a nice zoo field trip with Elizabeth yesterday... thankful for her hard work at gymnastics and the smile on her face when she does something well. :)

From the kitchen... It's sunny today, but chilly. Beef stew might be in order... freshly baked bread and veggies. I made a menu for the week in order to better make use of my freezer and pantry items. Having a plan and knowing I have what I need on hand is so helpful...

I am wearing... jammies. :) I like to get the daybook post up early so it's the first thing I am doing today. Organizing my thoughts this way, once a week, is a nice way to reflect, too.

I am creating... I am getting very serious about writing this Sticks book. I want it done. I want it published. Such a matter of prayer for me...

I am dreaming... about camping... about seeing friends... about plans for summer and what I want my kids to learn. I am dreaming about feeling rested... being purposeful in my writing... accomplishing tasks.

I am going... to see Noah in the play he has been rehearsing for months! His performances are both Thursday and he is getting excited and nervous. I cannot wait! How cool is it to see your kids challenge themselves to do something new and hard and fun. Proud of my boy...

I am reading... old copies of my Sticks book. I have multiple versions of many chapters... time to reduce that to one good chapter of each and then tweak and improve until I am happy with what is left.

I am hoping... for a better morning today than yesterday. Gosh, mornings can be crazy.

I am hearing... Josiah, in the kitchen, getting his snacks for the day. He is alternating between singing Go Fish's version of Little Drummer Boy ("I play my drum, I pray my drum for the One who saves me!") and then talking to me about Leonardo da Vinci and his efforts to learn to fly. :) The boy makes me smile.

Around the house... laundry... some of it clean. : ) It's a never-ending battle. With four kids we are never done, never caught up. Trying not to be over-whelmed...

One of my favorite things... a peaceful, purposeful morning with my children. Can we find this today?

A few plans for the rest of the week... I must get this Sticks book to a better place... My mom is coming into town to see Noah's play... Making weekend plans to get the garden in... Continue planning for the summer months and the kid's lessons for that time.

What about you? : )

Blessings on your day!

Looking for more like this? http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook--May 11, 2010

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... It is cloudy and rainy and dark. Makes me want to snuggle in bed with a good book. If only the house was clean... No time for reading... too much to do.

I am thinking... about our busy night. Noah has a project due for school and we really need to be home to get it done. Sometimes, especially in May, it seems there are just never enough hours in the day.

I am thankful for... Supper Swap. Having fully prepared, frozen meals at my fingertips is a life-saver in the midst of a week like this. I am putting a roast into the crock pot as soon as this blog is posted.

From the kitchen... Savory Pot Roast, boiled red potatoes and cheesy bread for dinner. Also baking zucchini bread and carrot zucchini bread (and muffins) this afternoon.

I am wearing... a gray t-shirt and black yoga pants.

I am creating... Lots of snacks this week.... and lots of dreams about the summer months and what I want my kids to learn and experience during their time off. I will be blogging about all of this soon... just waiting for the pieces to land in place in my head! : )

I am dreaming... about summer... about a lighter schedule... about downtime with my kids... about warmer days and time to play. : )

I am going... to Noah's track meet in a couple hours... I am actually hoping and praying that it gets rained out! : ) We need a break and my house is a mess!

I am reading... a variety of kids books to prepare for the summer. I have to know what I want my kids to read! There used to be a series of early readers that included flash cards in the middle of the book. The flash cards were key words from the story. I used these when the older boys were little.... now I need them again for the little ones. Any ideas?

I am hoping... the rain continues and lots of evening activities get canceled so we can relax at home, help Noah with his project and enjoy a warm meal together.

I am hearing... rain outside... the weather reporter on TV... the fan on my laptop.

Around the house... Oh the mess. Why is it always a mess? Just being near it zaps my energy... I really, really, really dislike a messy house.

One of my favorite things... Naps. I would like one. You know, right now. :)

A few plans for the rest of the week... baseball, soccer, track, play rehearsal and practices... meal preparation and cleaning... Also, I am booking a couple of speaking engagements into next year and need to get the details down pat. I am planning a mailing to advertise speaking stuff and have to take care of that, too. Do you know someone who needs a speaker? Send them my way! (Check out my website: www.NadiaSwearingen-Friesen.com. )

What's new with you? :)

Blessings on your day!

Looking for more like this? http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook--May 4, 2010

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... it is cloudy and calm. A strange weather day... warm enough to have the windows open but cool enough to want to wear long pants. I am hoping it brightens up a bit.

I am thinking... about blogs for the rest of the week, about our busy schedule of games and practices, about my kids at school--learning and doing away from me. I miss them today.

I am thankful for... the sound of birds singing outside, a few hours of quiet to get ready for the night.

From the kitchen... I am making dinner for the kids teachers this week so I am mentally making a list of what I need to make 4 Chicken Tarragon Casseroles.

I am wearing... a dark gray t-shirt and black yoga pants. I just kicked off my Croc flip flops.

I am creating... Four Chicken Tarragon Casseroles... and a bit of peace for myself after a really hectic morning.

I am dreaming... of summer. Of camping. Of spending time with my family apart from the craziness of the rest of our life. I am ready for some long and peaceful days... just a month to go.

I am going... to take Noah to the orthodontist this morning. I will pick him up from school and run him over there. We will have lunch together and then I will bring him back to school. I am looking forward to a bit of time with my favorite 13 year old.

I am reading... blogs. Have you come across Blog Frog yet? What a great way to find other blogs you might enjoy.

I am hoping... that my house magically cleans itself. :) The mess is driving me nuts.

I am hearing... birds singing, a gentle breeze blowing the leaves, the dog's nails on the kitchen floor, the hum of the fan on my laptop.

Around the house... There is laundry unfolded, socks laying about, the smell of eggs and toast in the air and Oprah on TV. (In Chicago, she comes on at 9AM.)

One of my favorite things... coffee. I have a warm cup next to me now, had an iced coffee yesterday while watching Elizabeth at Gymnastics, a cup from Dunkin' at Noah's last baseball game. I love it... I really do.

A few plans for the rest of the week... cook for the teachers, look up fix and freeze meals for next year's supper swap, do a better job of keeping up with the blog, start planning for the garden.

What about you? :)

Blessings on your day!


Looking for more like this? http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook--April 20, 2010

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... its cloudy today and the dog is outside barking at the deer.

I am thinking... about my speaking engagement this weekend in Michigan... looking forward to being with them and to visiting with friends afterward.

I am thankful for... that injured children heal. After a difficult weekend on the baseball field, my two hurt boys are doing better and we are moving on.

From the kitchen... dreaming about Pioneer Woman's apple dumplings. Thinking I will be making them again soon... Oh, so good!

I am wearing... jammies, but not for long. Going to get my work out clothes and head to the gym after I drop the kids off at school.

I am creating... a power point presentation to accompany my talk for Saturday. It has needed to be done for a long while and now it will be! : ) Excited about having video snippets to support my talk.

I am going... go out with friends on Thursday and to Michigan on Friday afternoon. I am looking forward to both!

I am reading... The Marriage Project. You will hear more about it here soon.

I am hoping... have a slower day today than yesterday. Really need a more restful afternoon... this makes for a happier momma at night.

I am hearing... my children in the kitchen getting ready for their day. I will be there with them in just a minute.

Around the house... is a mess. How will I ever get caught up on laundry?? I am feeling overwhelmed.

One of my favorite things... cheering for my kids at their games. I love that they are outside, that they are running and laughing and breathing fresh air! I love that we are there together as a family, cheering one another on. : )

A few plans for the rest of the week... Keep good track of the sports schedule for the kids, be cheerful in driving from place to place, find ways to use my crock pot well to be sure we can eat healthy food this week, use my freezer more than my grocery store... and find ways to feel a bit more balanced than last week, for sure.

Blessings on your day!

Looking for more like this: Check this out:

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Simple Woman's Daybook--April 13, 2010

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... birds are singing and the sun is shining. Looks like spring! I even have a few tulips opening up. Beautiful.

I am thinking... that I am tired. It is kind of a weary week here... and it's only Tuesday! Maybe today I can find a way to regroup.

I am thankful for... open windows. I love the fresh air and feel like the house is breathing a sigh of relief.

From the kitchen... Parmesan chicken and noodles for dinner tonight... Might try to find some energy to bake some goodies for my little ones.

I am wearing... dark grey capris, a black, short-sleeved shirt and flip flops.

I am creating... a new support material for my playing outside speaking topic. I am excited to get it done and cannot wait to offer it when I speak. Hoping it proves to be as helpful as I hope it will.

I am going... to speak this Friday in the Chicago suburbs and next weekend in Michigan.

I am reading... The Marriage Project. You will hear more about it here soon.

I am hoping... to plan a fun and educational summer for my children. Camping, here we come! I am really just so excited!

I am hearing... our dog Lexie eating in the kitchen, a commercial on TV, birds outside, a far away lawn mower.

Around the house... is a mess. How will I ever get caught up on laundry??

One of my favorite things... coffee. Totally. Just had a cup with a friend... split a muffin, too. I just love it. Love the smell, the taste... Maybe I should go make a pot.

A few plans for the rest of the week... LOTS of baseball and soccer. Honestly, I am just trying to keep up with crock pot meals for our busy nights and focusing on enjoying the ride. I know we are really, really busy right now but I don't want to wish it away. Our days might be full but we are still spending time together. Plus, I love watching my kids do the things they love. Oh! One more thing! I am trying for yet another She Speaks scholarship. Pray with me?

A picture I would like to share... Here is Lexie, our golden doodle... who is currently chomping away in the kitchen. : )

Blessings on your day!

Looking for more like this: Check this out:

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/2010/04/april-kind-of-daybook.html

Simple Woman's Daybook--April 6, 2010

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... the birds are singing and I am just so grateful. Sounds like spring.

I am thinking... about summer... about camping... about being with my family. Yes, I am still thinking about She Speaks... but the scholarship did not happen for me. I am not giving up! There has to be a way!

I am thankful for... a bit of quiet after 11 days of spring break. I got to work out today, do a little shopping, putz at laundry... I love my kids but a bit of alone time sure feels good.

From the kitchen...I am making pizza casserole today from our supper swap. Thank, Junie! I think I will serve celery and carrots and rolls alongside.

I am wearing... A TCC troll shirt and black yoga pants. My hair is pulled up and I need to jump into the shower to be a little more presentable before picking up my kids from school! : )

I am creating... a healthier week for me. Spring break led to a lot of junkie eating... time to drink a lot more water, eat better foods and enjoy how it all feels.

I am going... to meet a friend for breakfast this week and then shop a bit at Ikea. I rarely buy much there... but I sure love to shop. :)

I am reading... The Marriage Project. You will hear more about it here soon.

I am hoping... to keep a good attitude during this exceptionally busy season for us. The kids are involved in a bunch of really great activities for the next couple of months but it is going to keep us hopping! I have to keep reminding myself... this is a season and I want to present in it.

I am hearing... birds singing, the dryer running, the dog walking around the house.

Around the house... things are coming back together. We got a little sloppy over break.

One of my favorite things...being with my kids. I love family. I love doing this life with Mark. I might get a little frustrated at times and life might be a little full but I really do enjoy it. Every single day, one my kids makes laugh out loud!

A few plans for the rest of the week... I am speaking at the end of the week and need to plan for that. I need to plan easy, fast meals that will work with our baseball schedule. I need to get back to taking care of myself and my body.

A picture I would like to share... taken on Easter Sunday during a photo shoot! : ) Hope it makes you smile.


Want to read what others are writing on this topic? Click here:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/


Blessings on your day!

Simple Woman's Daybook--Spring Break Version

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... it is sunny but chilly. By day after tomorrow, we are expecting to hit the high 70s! I cannot wait!

I am thinking... about She Speaks... I will hear about the scholarship opportunities from last week by the end of this week. Amazingly, I have been given an opportunity to ride to She Speaks with a friend. (Transportation was to be my next stumbling block.) Now, if I can just win the scholarship!

I am thankful for... Spring break with my kids! We are enjoying a relaxing week together and I am so glad for the extra time with them. By the time they go back to school, we will be thrown into the craziness of baseball and spring soccer schedules. This week is our reprieve.

From the kitchen...made bread yesterday and plan to try that again this morning. Still thinking about dinner... working from my pantry and freezer this week, no shopping except for fresh veggies and such. I think I would be amazed at how long I could feed my family without another big grocery trip.

I am wearing... my jammies! Again. No rush to get ready on a relaxing week.

I am creating... a good day. With the kids home, there is little time for writing this week. So, instead we will work on things of greater importance. Time together, good meals, relaxing moments...

I am going...to be home today. We may take a walk at a local nature center later on but for the most part, I want there to be room and time for my children to play outside with the sun on their faces. I want them to walk the dog and throw a ball. I want to be careful to not over schedule.

I am reading... The Marriage Project. You will hear more about it here soon.

I am hoping... for a beautiful Easter. We spend this week preparing for that day and I like to have everything ready so that we can enjoy it together. We do Easter baskets, go to church, eat an amazing dinner and hunt for eggs. More than anything else, we focus on the miracle of it. That we are so loved that Jesus came to make a way for us. That we are so loved by Someone that spoke the impossible and lived it out. The whole of it is about Hope... for today and for tomorrow and every day after that.

I am hearing... Josiah typing a report about Shakespeare, Noah breathing as he watches me type, Lexie jumping on the back door, trying to come back in.

Around the house... I see our new Wii Fit Plus, many lone socks thrown about on the way to play the Wii Fit Plus, and random other bits of messes. See how I can breathe right through it? :)

One of my favorite things... unscheduled time. No rushing, no flying out the door. Time to relax and rest and play. It is rare here and feels like a gift.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Prepare for Easter, go downtown on one Spring Break day, encourage the kids to walk the dog more, keep up with blogging even with everyone home, complete soccer and baseball schedules to keep us organized for April and May, and relax.

Want to read what others are writing on this topic? Click here:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/


Blessings on your day!

Simple Woman's Daybook

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... it is chilly but the birds are still singing. Seems like something I should pay attention to... their little lives aren't perfect but they sing nonetheless.

I am thinking... about She Speaks... Will be trying for scholarships and am so eager to be there. This will show up on the blog again. : )

I am thankful for... Yesterday. Noah's 13th birthday. So very grateful to be mom to him... he honestly just makes me smile.

From the kitchen...Planning to cook for supper swap tomorrow. Means I have to get everything ready today.

I am wearing... my jammies! It's early here.... not yet 7AM. But this will be a full day and I wanted to post before it gets away from me.

I am creating... Supper swap meals. A good day for my kids. Regular moments that add up to a pretty good day.

I am going... to go bowling with Josiah and Elizabeth's classes today. A school field trip for their gym lesson. Yesterday, I went with Benjamin's class. Friday? Noah's. That is a LOT of bowling. : )

I am reading... The Marriage Project. You will hear more about it here soon.

I am hoping... for the week to go well. For Noah to get a part in the school play. For good weather next week during Spring Break.

I am hearing... birds singing, a plane overhead, the fridge running. Can you tell my kids are still asleep? : )

Around the house... there are remnants of Noah's birthday... boxes from gifts, birthday cards, cake boxed up.

One of my favorite things... family. Mine isn't perfect, but I love them deeply and wouldn't want to be anywhere else, doing anything else right now. Even when it's hard, even when I am tired, even when the teen years scare me a bit, I CHOOSE this.

A few plans for the rest of the week... need to make 8 supper swap meals, do a lot of dropping off or picking up driving for my kids, work on the She Speaks scholarship stuff, chip away at the laundry and go visit my friend Emily and her new sweet baby.

Want to read what others are writing on this topic? Click here:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/


Blessings on your day!

Simple Woman's Daybook

If you blog, you can do this, too. C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... there are fuzzy little blooms on one of my maples in the front yard.

I am thinking... about She Speaks... Can I make it happen? I so want to go.

I am thankful for... hints of spring... my children's voices as they counted robins on the way to school...

From the kitchen...So, I have some cooked, cut chicken. What should I make for dinner?

I am wearing... grey yoga pants and a black "Mom to the fourth power" t-shirt from Hearts last year. I just got home from the gym. : )

I am creating... a book. Today... just a chapter.

I am going... to check out a gymnastics studio today for Elizabeth.

I am reading... Fearless by Max Lucado and The Time Traveler's Wife. Yeah, I have four kids, I cannot read anything quickly! : )

I am hoping... to hear from a possible publisher for my devotional materials. It is a long shot, but OH MY would I be thrilled!

I am hearing... praise music from my ipod and wishing we hadn't lost Rich Mullins so soon.

Around the house... Some windows are open and a fresh breeze is blowing in....

One of my favorite things... HOPE. I need it, even just a little bit, to get through any given day. When the hope can help me to focus on things that may be to come, it's all the better.

A few plans for the rest of the week... help the kids get caught up on sleep, follow up on a few conversations had at Hearts at Home, work out every morning, start building the summer calendar.

Looking for other writers on this topic?

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Blessings on your day!

Simple Woman's Daybook

If you blog, you can do this, too. When you get to the bottom, leave your information so others can find your thoughts on the Simple Woman's Daybook, too! C'mon, you can do it! Join in the fun!

Outside my window... the sun! It is shining and gorgeous and I am so happy to see it.

I am thinking... my speaking engagements this week and Hearts at Home this weekend.

I am thankful for... quiet. I can hear the clock ticking on the wall. With four kiddos, this is pretty unusual!

From the kitchen...Made pumpkin spice muffins for breakfast... still thinking about dinner.

I am wearing... black yoga pants and a Trinity Christian College t-shirt... AND FLIP FLOPS. Happy feet. : )

I am creating... a book. I am still seeking accountability. Email or message me!

I am going... to get a haircut in about 3 hours. If you know me, you know this is a big deal for me. I have always (almost) had long hair and I don't take any haircuts lightly. : )

I am reading... Fearless by Max Lucado and The Time Traveler's Wife.

I am hoping... to get my Easter Devotional materials to the printer today. Need some?

I am hearing... The clock, the fridge, the ice maker. This is the first place we have lived with an ice maker and I LOVE the sound.

Around the house... There is far more mess than I am comfortable with...

One of my favorite things... Is a cup of hot coffee and time and space to breathe.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Get Easter devotional materials to the printer, put in an order for more business cards, make one super couponing trip, prepare for my speaking engagements and then get ready for an amazing time with friends at Hearts at Home.

A few pictures for today:

Looking for other writers on this topic?

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Leave your information in the box below so we can find you, too! : )

Simple Woman's Daybook

I am trying something new today. If you blog, you can do this, too. Go to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ for more information. When you get to the bottom, leave your info so other's can find your thoughts on the Simple Woman's Daybook, too!

Here are some of my thoughts...

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... the snow is still high, but beginning to melt.
I am thinking... about my birthday and how my age and my mind don't always match.
I am thankful for... my family, food on the table, a roof overhead.
From the kitchen... Not cooking today... It's my birthday! : )
I am wearing... Jeans, a black, long sleeve t-shirt, a cozy black sweater and my favorite red scarf
I am creating... a book. And am EAGER for accountability. Want to help?
I am going... out for dinner with my family. Sometimes, I love to eat food I did not cook.
I am reading... Fearless by Max Lucado and The Time Traveler's Wife
I am hoping... to catch a glimpse of my crocuses soon.
I am hearing... Mark working in the garage, Lexie's nails tapping on the wood floor.
Around the house... It smells like pumpkin spice muffins from yesterday...
One of my favorite things... Is sitting still... in silence... like right now.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Two complete chapters and a good intro. Must be done.

Looking for other writers on this topic?

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Leave your information in the box below so we can find you, too! : )