Simple Womans Daybook

FOR TODAY

November 30th...

Outside my window...mostly cloudy skies with tiny peaks of sunlight through them

I am thinking...of the awesomness of Christs coming into the world for us all. We are so unworthy!

I am thankful for...happy children this morning!

From the learning rooms...the usual bookwork plus whatever dad has for them.

From the kitchen...making turkey soup with the leftover turkey. Trying something new...actually I'm concocting. ;)

I am wearing...jean skirt and blue shirt that is tooo summery for our chilly house

I am creating...the rest of the apron Samantha started for me as well as a grocery list for the month.

I am going...to go hug my hubby...I enjoy having him home with us.

I am reading...flyers,catalogs, and more flyers. Have to make the Christmas list for the relatives.

I am hoping...to finish a lot of tasks today.

I am hearing...Emma and Michael playing with the playhouse next to me. So sweet.

Around the house...finishing my seasonal decorating...I just love this part.

One of my favorite things...the eyes of my little guy when he sees me.

A few plans for the rest of the week: grocery shopping, Christmas shopping, hopefully a family picture, and a few special visitors.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Thanksgiving day...almost dinner time!

Value of Gratefulness

My husband gave me this little tidbit today. It was a little snippet he cut off the back of a potato chip bag and printed on paper. The chips were called Uncle Ray's Potato Chips. This man turned his family owned business into a ministry. He apparently wrote over 30 chapters of his life's memoirs titled "The Life and Times of Uncle Ray" and puts a chapter on the back of each bag. You can read his testimony HERE. This was chapter 32 titled the Value of Gratefulness.

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, I am grateful that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, I am grateful, that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, I am grateful, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, my children are so loud, I am grateful, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, I am grateful, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous, I am grateful, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day, I am grateful, for life!

When was the last time you were grateful for the air you breathe? What about the sunshine, are you thankful for it?

It is a constant struggle to be grateful everyday. On my website, there are examples of how gratefulness has benefited me in my life and in my business. Also, check out the useful tips to help you remember how to always be thankful. www.unclerays.com (Still under construction)

Gratefulness
"Making known to others in what ways they have benefited my life."

Here are simple things to remember to help you demonstrate gratefulness in every day life.

I will:
*Show others that I appreciate them.
*Write thank you notes.
*Take care of my things.
*Be content with what I have.
*Count my benefits rather than my burdens.

I thought this was great. I can only imagine how many people this man might reach by being a willing servant to put messages like this on his products. As I read the 'I wills', I thought of the bible principles to go with each.

*Being thankful
*Being good stewards of what He has given us
*Being content in whatsoever state I am
*Counting our blessings as they are all a gift from God
*Honoring all men as scripture speaks of

I'm sure there are more but what a reminder this was to all as well as a testimony of how God can even use a potato chip bag.

The more we realise how indebted we are to God and deserving of nothing but eternal punishment, the more grateful we will be for the many ways He and others benefit us.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Monday, November 9th

Outside my window... mostly overcast with little breaks of blue sky revealing themselves, trees without leaves, cornstalks blowing in the breeze, a freshly cut backyard by my hard working son Charles.

I am thinking...a gamut of things as usual. What to make for supper, how to help dh find new work, how much I love my family.

I am thankful for...a husband willing to work hard for us, a piano that plays beautifully for my children to sing with...they're singing Amazing Grace right now.

From the learning rooms...finished for the day...now it's working with Dad since he's home early.

From the kitchen...haven't a clue for dinner yet. Leftovers from Rebecca's birthday dinner was lunch today. Chicken Lasagna, Chili, cornbread, and wheat bread.

I am wearing...my jammies (at the time I started this)...I haven't been feeling real good today. :/

I am creating...a blog post? LOL! Haven't worked on Mikey's scarf lately...I should do that. He's now put in a request for a camo hat too.

I am going...to shower...plan dinner and try to look alive for the rest of the day. :)

I am reading...my bible...the book of John.

I am hoping...to get some odd jobs caught up today.

I am hearing...baby fussing to be held...guess I should finish here.

Around the house...it's picked up just need to fine tune a bit and organize the basement pantry area after our grocery shopping runs this weekend.

One of my favorite things...as much as I hate it getting dark early, I love the feeling of a cozy, well lit kitchen, warm from cooking supper and all the family gathered around the table while being dark outside.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hmm...need to finish getting the yard ready for winter, fall decorating, and preparing for Brittany's birthday party this Friday (or whatever night she can make it out here). She's chosen biscuits and gravy, eggs and sausage for dinner. That sounds heavenly on a cold fall night in a WARM kitchen.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I'm not tired...

In the middle of the floor...

In front of the computer...

Caleb and Susanna on the couch

Twins...Susie and Rachel!

Done for!

Summer fun!

A fun visit with friends...

Strawberry picking!

Summer work or according to them FUN!

Michael in his glory riding with Emma and Mr. Hildebrandt.

Fourth of July parade!

Playing in the sand is always fun!

My little indians....

More to come!

Moms for Modesty

I recently heard the author of this blog on Crosstalk America radio program. What a breath of fresh air! She has started a petition for those who are tired of the offensive girls clothing in retail stores. Here is her mission statement...

Moms for Modesty Mission Statement

* As a Mom for Modesty I believe in common-sense modesty for girls and young women.
* I believe in refraining from sexualizing our girls and young women.
* I believe that it is unwise and unfair to taunt boys and young men by permitting my daughter(s) to dress in an immodest manner.
* I believe that true beauty comes from within and I strive to teach my daughter(s) this truth.
* I will loyally shop at retailers that provide girls' and young womens clothing that is modest, affordable and stylish.

If you agree with her mission statement go to her blog Moms For Modesty and leave a comment. If you don't agree just do nothing. Most of us parents with young children are tired of the over sexualized childrens clothing you find in current retail stores. Why do little girls need to be flaunted around as little sex objects? How about training them up to be pure in heart, in mind, and in dress? Perhaps the next battle should be over womans clothing as well! Ugh!

Early summer activities

I wanted to give a quick explanation of our blog title. We chose this title as this is the meaning and purpose of our lives. " For all have sinned , and fall short of the glory of God; Rom. 3:23." We need a savior to breech the gap between God and man and that savior is Jesus Christ. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way , the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6." After true repentance for our sins, we put our faith and trust in Jesus to walk in truth from this day forward. You are a new man in Christ. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). That is the heart of our family. It's what we strive for everyday. By simple faith in Jesus Christ we can trust Him in all things and all areas of our lives. Amen!

Recently, we went through our summer pictures and found a bunch we'd like to put up here. I can't believe summer is even over! I still feel like we should be waiting for Caleb to be born and here he is 4 months old already! I've got several posts planned. We'll start back in May and show you some of our activities over the last few months.

Caleb was born a little earlier than expected. He turned breech the beginning of the last month and the Dr.s decided he needed to be born a couple of weeks early. So after a rush home to get my things and settle the kids for a bit we went back to the hospital for a c-section. This was my 2nd c-section and it went even better than my first with the twins. We went home after only a day and half! I've got such wonderful help here at home.

Caleb Jordan born May 20 2009 at 7:58 PM
Weighing in at 8 lbs 10 oz and 20 1/2 inches long!


Michael and Caleb

Anna and Caleb

Caleb of course!

When we arrived home...


Samantha, Rachel and Caleb


Me...finally home with our newest little addition.


Caleb at one week. Another cutie!

More to come later! I've got to get to supper.