Simple Woman's Daybook for 11/30

You can go here for the rules and to see what others are talking about on their daybooks! I should've done this yesterday but got sidetracked by the funny email I wanted to share.

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...it's gray and pouring a lovely winter rain.

I am thinking...about my bed. Yes, already.

I am thankful for...that I've now made it through NaBloPoMo!

From the learning rooms...there hasn't been much going on due to Thanksgiving break. The boys head back to school tomorrow!

From the kitchen...Do I have to cook? I am not hungry and have no desire to even think about dinner.

I am wearing...my nightie. But shhhh lol.

I am creating...a headache with this question lol. Need I be creating something every time? LOL.

I am going...to snuggle into bed early tonight.

I am reading...well, I finished the Towers of Midnight in the Wheel of Time series. Loved it and I can not wait for the next! Meantime I've started a new series (only three books that I know of) by Rosemary Harris. The main character is Paula Holliday, a landscaper and accidental sleuth.

I am hoping...I start feeling 100% soon. Yes, I'm back on the mend AGAIN but STILL not a 100%.

I am hearing...Logan playing. Ty is being very quiet on the other computer, Jay is upstairs, and Cory is at a friend's for dinner.

Around the house...I just don't care lol.

One of my favorite things...chatting with good friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week: holiday shopping and hopefully working a little!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing. I miss the old days sometimes!

Stressed? Not Me LOL

This was forwarded to me by a good friend today. If you've seen it, I'm sorry. But it was too hilarious not to pass on.

I am not sure exactly how it works, but this is amazingly accurate.

Read the full description before looking at the picture below.

The picture below has 2 identical dolphins in it.

It was used in a case study on stress levels at St. Mary 's Hospital.

Look at both dolphins jumping out of the water.

The dolphins are identical.

A closely monitored scientific study revealed that, in spite of the fact that the dolphins are identical, a person under stress would find differences in the two dolphins.

The more differences a person finds between the dolphins, the more stress that person is experiencing.

Look at the photograph and if you find more than one or two differences you need to go on vacation.

Ahhhh...

-No rushing around and nowhere to go

-A steaming good cup of coffee in my cozy chair

-The smells of baking zucchini bread

-Good food all day long

-Family reading time with the boys

-Planning the menu for the week

-Boardgames

-The sounds of my cheering boys

-The sounds of Football on tv

Must be Sunday at our house!!! :0)

PS: I'm not sure if it'll last and it's not 100% but I AM feeling better today!

I'm Sick.

Yes, still. Better health for better blogs soon to come. I hope.

Friends or Family???

I wasn't planning to sit and blog right this minute. I usually do that later in the day. I just checked the NaBloPoMo prompt page for something to occupy my mind as I wait for Cory to finish playing on the boys' computer and Ty to get home from his "job" (he does odd jobs for people in the neighborhood). But this prompt? I love.

This was yesterday's prompt: Who are you closer to, friends or family? Wow. I don't know how much I'll have to SAY about this subject but I know I it makes me feel a lot.

I'm close to my family. I think my mom and dad would do almost anything for us and I would do anything within my power for them. They've always been there for me. And my brother and sister? Ya...talk about blessings!!! My sister and I are amazingly close and I can't imagine anything ever changing that. We'ere always there for each other. And my brother? He's like the world's best uncle lol. He's watched the boys for me. He takes time with them, makes them laugh, teaches them things. I absolutely love him! And I get along with and LIKE my brother and sister in-law. My brother-in-law is so good for my sister and a great dad. And my sister in law? She's more like a sister. She's sweet, she cares, and she's been there for me, too. On top of that, I have several cousins that I just adore and a couple of aunts who are almost second moms to me. I'm so blessed by all of them.

But my friends? Holy cow! I am so blessed by them, too. Can I count them any less? There are friends I've made online that I can't imagine my life without. I've even met one of them. I talk to the ones I'm closest to at least once every day. On the rare day it happens that I don't? I'm completely thrown for a loop. We've all been there for each other and will continue to be so through some difficult times. I have 3 friends I've known since fourth grade who are like sisters to me. We don't talk or see each other very often now, but when we do it's as if we were never apart. There's not much I wouldn't do for any of these ladies.

I guess it comes to this. There is family. There are friends. And there are friends who ARE family. I'm happily extremely close to the first and inordinately blessed by the number of people I can count among the third. And I thank God for both every day!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wordless Wednesday (Furbaby Love)

Blogging

I'm finding that I really like blogging. It's stimulating when I have a good idea that makes me dig a little deeper than usual. It's also very validating to hear from a friend who read your blog that it made them laugh, cry, or just think.

This November, for the most part, has been pretty easy to keep up with. There were a few days when I struggled for ideas but, for the most part, I just had fun with it. I'm actually finding myself a little sad that November is winding down. I know I said this last year, but I really do hope I find myself posting more when this is over.

Simple Woman's Daybook for 11/22/10

You can go here for the rules and to see what others are talking about on their daybooks!

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...it's overcast and dark. There were a few sunny moments today, but in general it was your typical winter day.

I am thinking...about a good book and a treat at the end of the day.

I am thankful for...God's timing!

From the learning rooms...Cory made honor roll last 9 weeks and Logan did great. Both Ty and Jay didn't do so well, as expected, but both seem more on track so far this 9 weeks.

From the kitchen...chili and cream corn casserole is on tap for dinner!

I am wearing...jeans and a purple shirt.

I am creating...I can't think of anything right now lol.

I am going...to start dinner as soon as I'm done with this post.

I am reading...the Towers of Midnight in the Wheel of Time series. Loving it but I'm not having as much time to devote to it as I usually do. (YUP! Still reading it but nearly done. I have less than a hundred to go!

I am hoping...I start feeling 100% soon. I'm down again today with a sore throat and fever.

I am hearing...silence lol. Logan is reading and the others are outside playing right up til the moment it's too dark to be out lol.

Around the house...I have more laundry to do.

One of my favorite things...pecan cookie bars!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Thanksgiving and a long weekend!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing. Summer fun!

Words

I saw a prompt on a friend's blog that asked what your favorite poem is. Here's mine:

The Thousandth Man
by Rudyard Kipling

One man in a thousand, Solomon says,
Will stick more close than a brother.
And it's worth while seeking him half your days
If you find him before the other.
Nine nundred and ninety-nine depend
On what the world sees in you,
But the Thousandth man will stand your friend
With the whole round world agin you.

'Tis neither promise nor prayer nor show
Will settle the finding for 'ee.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em go
By your looks, or your acts, or your glory.
But if he finds you and you find him.
The rest of the world don't matter;
For the Thousandth Man will sink or swim
With you in any water.

You can use his purse with no more talk
Than he uses yours for his spendings,
And laugh and meet in your daily walk
As though there had been no lendings.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em call
For silver and gold in their dealings;
But the Thousandth Man h's worth 'em all,
Because you can show him your feelings.

His wrong's your wrong, and his right's your right,
In season or out of season.
Stand up and back it in all men's sight --
With that for your only reason!
Nine hundred and ninety-nine can't bide
The shame or mocking or laughter,
But the Thousandth Man will stand by your side
To the gallows-foot -- and after!

I first saw this poem referenced in a story I was reading. One of the characters quoted the last few lines in description of his relationship with another of the characters. I remember feeling so touched that I had to look it up, and it made me cry. I think it says a lot that I have remembered these words for years and years but have long forgotten the book I first read them in. I think it affected me so much because I wanted that-a person in my life to have that with. In fact, I think the only thing I've ever wanted more was children.

Nemesis Conquered

For anyone who knows me it's no surprize that I like to cook. And ya, I'm pretty good. I'm not nearly as good as several women in my family and a couple of my foodie friends but, in general, I'm proud of my cooking. I have, though, never mastered the simple meatloaf. Most of the time it tastes good but crumbles into bits. It's been dry a time or two. I could just never get it right. Until last night. Holy wow. The taste? Spot on. It was moist. IT DIDN'T FALL APART!!! And oh my word the gravy. The best I ever made. I sat and ate it by itself by the spoonful. EVERYONE liked it. Mission finally accomplished. I have defeated the mighty meatloaf!!!!!

PS: I didn't measure so I can't give a recipe per se. I can say I put ketchup, oregano, an egg, bread crumbs, oatmeal, and parmesan cheese in it. I'm too much like my mom and I never measure unless I'm baking. I'll probably never be able to do it again! LOL.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I

I went to see it tonight. I have to say I loved it. In fact, I think it might well be my favorite. It was a roller coaster ride from begining to end, really. It was sad, sentimental, scary, and exciting. I got there late enough that I didn't want to wait in line to buy a snack so when I decided later that I DID want popcorn, I was kind of in trouble. Even at the the part I found the most boring, I couldn't make myself get up and go get it. It was a darn good adaptation, too. I can't really think of any major changes I disagreed with or anything left out that I drastically missed. And the ending? Wow. I wasn't sure where they'd break between the two movies but it just seemed right to me.

Can you tell I really liked it? LOL.

School Pics 2010

PLEASE NOTE: I didn't include Jay's at this time. He's asked me not to share his as it didn't turn out that well. He'll be getting retakes and as soon as that picture is back, I'll post it.

Simple Woman's Daybook for 11/17/10

I'm planning on get back into this. I know it's Wednesday but if I remember lol I'll get back on the Monday schedule next week.

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...it's overcast and dark. It's also VERY windy today.

I am thinking...about what I have to get done the rest of the day.

I am thankful for...having a plan for dinner already!

From the learning rooms...getting the boys through their homework is currently pretty easy. Cory, Ty, and Logan are nearly completely independent. Jay is doing better right now because the topic in Math (graphs and data) is much easier for him.

From the kitchen...I'm making meatloaf and mashed taters tonight for dinner.

I am wearing...tan slacks and a blue shirt.

I am creating...a loving, clean, and cozy home for the boys (hopefully.)

I am going...to pick the boys up from school soon.

I am reading...the Towers of Midnight in the Wheel of Time series. Loving it but I'm not having as much time to devote to it as I usually do.

I am hoping...for a job!

I am hearing...the Food Network on tv.

Around the house...everything is pretty caught up actually.

One of my favorite things...snuggling in my cozy chair with coffee and all my boys on the weekend.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hopefully seeing Deathly Hallows Part 1 and just getting through the usual routine.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing: Mean mommy strikes again!!!!

Thankful

It's that time of year and I'm feeling the need to remind myself of the blessings in my life. So, I am thankful for:

1. God.

2. The boys. We have our moments but I couldn't live without the love, laughter, joy, and excitement they bring into my life!

3. My friends and family! I'm truly blessed in this area.

4. My family's health.

5. The fact that we have all we need, even if not everything we want: enough food to eat, a place to live, warm clothes to wear, etc.

6. My car.

7. The little things that make my life so pleasant: clean sheets, coffee, music, movies, chocolate, etc.

Record Setting

Wow! What a night for Eagles football. They had a record setting first quarter. It started with an opening play touchdown. They had 28 points by the end of the first, which has never been done before apparently. As I'm watching now in the second quarter it's 35 to 14. The best part? I got to watch it all with Ty, whose excitement made it all the better!

Off to finsih watching.

Random Sunday Musings

Here's a random list of things about today:

I spent around 2 hours trying to fix our clippers so I could give the boys haircuts.

I threw out our clippers.

I gave all four of the boys haircuts with new clippers.

We went to the indoor pool. I needed the hot tub!

I made homemade mac and cheese. I don't think I make good mac and cheese but the boys love it. All of them. They request it. How can I argue with that?

At 8 pm at night, four haircuts does not seem like that much to have accomplished in a day. Especially when the house is now a mess. Sigh.

Sometimes? Two cups of coffee just isn't enough.

I am exhausted. Is it really only 8 pm?

I Could...

-blog a meme as I've seen a couple out there.

-do a Saturday six post I've been working on but it's been a mind bender and isn't finished.

-tell you about a few of the crazier things happening here the last few days.

-put myself out there and ask for questions from readers. Nah...I'd just be embarrassed that no one responded LOL.

I think I'll just cheat again and leave you with a couple of pictures. Care to guess where we went today????




ETA: Please enjoy the fierce look. He's really not mad. The doctor noted his football jersey and pretended to think he'd been injured in a big game so that's the look he was going for. He loved every minute of it! Well, that and the 2 (yes, 2) "very hot looking" nurses fawning over him. No one senses Cory's influence there, right? ;)

Yummo

This was in our little town yesterday. What I want to know? Where's my chocolate?

Veteran's Day

Veteran's Day has always meant a lot to me. There are a lot of people on both sides of my family, including my parents, who were in the military. That also includes my cousin Cory currently serving in Afghanistan. I've had several friends in the military. But this year? Some things have made it even more meaningful to me. I was shocked and so sad to learn that my friend Patty's son was killed in action after being deployed for only a couple of weeks. My friend Gina's son was killed in a car accident. He was too young yet to serve but was planning on it and was involved where he could be. The third and final thing is that Cory (my son, not my cousin) has expressed interest in serving when he graduates and since he's in 9th grade, we've been exploring opportunities for him in that area. All of this just brings it closer to home than ever.

So let me just say this: If you have served, are serving, or are going to serve, please know that you have my everlasting gratitude and respect!

Wordless Wednesday (Brotherly Love Version)

Today...

In ten words:

1. Early

2. Dark

3. Tiring

4. Long

5. Cold

6. Quiet

7. Calm

8. Productive

9. Wintery

10. OVER!

Ahhhh, Monday. Sweet Monday

After I posted yesterday, the weekend continued in the same way. The conversation from my previous post happened on Saturday and Sunday was just as fun. We had good food that everyone was happy to try, even if not everyone liked it. We watched the Eagles game together and just had a very pleasant day.

And then...

Monday had to come along and hit me like a ton of bricks lol. It started early when Jay locked the keys in the car after it was started so it could warm up. Thirty dollars for a locksmith to open it up. That was the worst of it but the rest of the day was pretty much the same, just lots of little things here and there that didn't go right. Like getting to the grocery store and realizing I had left my purse at home. Ah well. There's only a few more hours left in the day and at least the kids are in good moods.

My Heart

I've never gone into much detail on my blog with the boys' stories or behaviors but if you read enough, you know that at times they can be challenging. In the past, I have felt defeated and even a bit broken at times. I've also recently said that I think we, as a family, and as individuals, have made some serious progress. I do know, as I've said before, that there will be more work to be done. But it's moments like last night that make my heart melt and make it all worth while.

We were driving to a local megamart and it was just a moment I want to freeze and carry with me forever. We began talking about lucky numbers, which for the boys translates quickly to birthdays, locker numbers/combinations, jersey numbers of favorite athletes, and car numbers of favorite NASCAR drivers. This led to what we call "double lucky" numbers...numbers that have more than one meaning for that person. Example...Ty's jersey number this year was 16 and that is in his locker combination. Logan's favorite race car driver is #2 and his birthday is the second. It was just fun and silly UNTIL this:

Ty: You were born in 1971, right, mom?
Me: Yep.
Ty: So you're going to be the big 4-0 this year. (Yes, he already knew this. I've been lamenting it for a few years now. Two actually...since my older brother turned 40 lol.)
Jay: Hey! That's cool. You need to celebrate. We should really do something for it this year.
Ty: Yeah! What can we do?
Logan: We should par-tay! (Yes he said it like that. I swear I don't know where he got it from lol.)
Jay: Aunt Val will help us, guys!
Ty: You're gonna be so surprized mom! (Um, no, now I'm not. But thanks! LOL)

At this point the conversation veered in another direction. I was lost in my own space for a few minutes but they didn't notice. I was thinking about the love and excitement in their voices. And you know what? I know I shouldn't need that to make me feel loved, respected, and validated. But it did anyway.

The Saturday Six

Thanks, Camille, for the post idea!

Today's Saturday Six is: Name 6 of your favorite Movie Soundtracks and also a favorite track from each one.

1. Beaches has to be my favorite. I like so many of the songs on it but here are a few: "Wind Beneath My Wings", "Under the Boardwalk", and "I know You by Heart."

2. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves simply for one of my favorite songs ever, "Everything I do."

3. Dirty Dancing because I love "The time of My life" and "She's Like the Wind."

4. Young Guns because what can I say? I love Bon Jovi! "Blaze of Glory," "Billy Get Your Guns," "Blood Money," "Miracle"...need I say more?

5. The Bodyguard for songs like "I Will Always Love You" and "I Have Nothing."

6. Highlander because I like Queen's music. There's something haunting about "Who Wants to Live Forever."

Better

I'm tired and coughing but much better than yesterday. The house is clean, the boys are in bed or heading that way, and I have a treat and a good book waiting for me. So...despite an hour or so of "Calgon take me away" moments this afternoon, it's gonna be a good night!

More Pictures...What Are Ya Gonna Do Bout It?

I know I did pictures yesterday but I'm not feeling the best so it's what you're going to get. These are our traditional fall pics. I'm showing you my favorite group shot and individual shot of each of the boys. Really, though, most didn't come out very well technically. They always seemed to be blurry or the lighting was way off. I'm hoping to try again but we'll see. Anyway, enjoy!

Halloween Pictures

I'm taking a bit of an easy way out and just leaving you with some pics tonight. We have for your viewing pleasure: the pumpkins the boys carved, Cory in the process of carving as he did not go trick or treating with us this year, and the boys dressed for trick or treating. The little girl in the pictuere with the boys is Ty's sister. Enjoy!

Mini Update

Things are going pretty well here. Cory and Logan are doing great in school. Jay and Ty have had some ups and downs academically. It's actually been such a roller coaster ride with them that I'm waiting for report cards next week to know how they'll end up doing.

Behavior here has really stabilized lately. Do I dare say we've had some true breakthroughs? I realize that there will be backslides and that some of the issues they deal with they'll have to work on for the rest of their lives, but I have seen some true healing going on.

Soccer and cross country are offically over. Both older boys have plans to join other sports as well this year, though. We'll have to see what happens with that. Ty is interested in basketball and Cory is thinking about track in the Spring. Skiing starts in January as well for all of them.

The job ended up not working out so I'm back substituting and stressing about money. Prayers for permanent, full time employment would be much appreciated by those of you who pray. Aside from that, I'm doing well.

NaBloPoMo

Yeah, I'm gonna do it. Why not, right? LOL. So I guess you all might expect some very exciting (ahem lol) posts on the boys and my oh so thrilling life lol. That's it for Day 1. Easy enough, right? I so got this :)