http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com

FOR TODAY ....December  29, 2008

Outside My Window...A crisp morning with a most beautiful sky. There are several shades of blue with white and pinkish clouds slowly moving. I think the sky is praising God!  

            Praise God from whom all blessings flow

            Praise Him all creatures here below

            Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts

            Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

I am thinking.... I wish I took the time every morning to see the beauty of the day instead of rushing around so much.

I am thankful for ... wonderful family times during the past few

 weeks, seeing my sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, my children, my dear mother through the holiday season.

From the Learning Rooms... nothing until next week.

From the Kitchen... Soup is a comin': turkey noodle and ham and bean soup. You can tell what we have just eaten for Christmas.

I am wearing... my new PJ's from my daughter, Alissa.

I am creating... thinking of creating a new schedule for school next week, also a Bible memory plan for my children with incentives. 

I am going... possible to The Furnace Inn for lunch with my husband. We have had these gift certificates for almost 3 years. Today seems to be the perfect day to use them if the Inn is open.

I am reading...well, what I need to read is a puppy training book. Crumpet likes to come when she feels like it.

I am hoping... to get a new foster baby soon. My crib has been cold for too many months. My little girl clothes are waiting to be brought out as the little boy clothes are worn out. I had 6 little boys last year. 

I am hearing ... Crumpet chewing her bone. I gave her a bath last night and she is beautiful, white and very fluffy.

Around the House.... still wrappings, ribbons, and boxes to be put away. 

One of My Favorite Things...Of Course, TEA and then toast with lemon curd. But that is best with my mother and/or my daughters.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week... Going over to my 

daughter's house while she has her first OB appointment and babysitting my two grandsons; also my birthday with my family.

Here is a photo thought I am sharing:

Four generations:  Alissa, Ethan, My mother, Seth and I.

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com

For Today December 15th, 2008

Outside My Window... It's dark again but I really enjoyed a warm winter day. Our pastor and his family came to visit!  We had a BLESSED DAY! What sweet fellowship!  

I am thinking... I am so thankful and hopeful that I wonder what I am just "thinking".  I know ... my house is clean; my cookies are made, just lots of presents to buy.

I am thankful for ... my 2 grandchildren to be born in 2009!! These will be #7 and #8 (very special numbers) and I am looking forward to many, many more. I am thankful for our church praying for each of my daughters as they carry their babies to term. What a blessing to have a caring church!

From the kitchen... today I made chicken soup. One was

 for my daughter and her family and the other for our 

Pastor and his family as they visited us today. A couple of days ago, I made 12 loaves of Amish Friendship Bread , Lemon-Nut Pound Cake, Spritz cookies and Shortbread. 

I am wearing... jeans and a teal shirt ( my mother's favorite color).

I am creating... a couple of homemade presents for Christmas. I hope to get to the clothespin dolls soon.

I am going to .... The White House tomorrow for a tour. This might be the last time. I don't know if I have the stomach to go next year with ______ there.  God needs to help me.

I am reading... my dh bought a book for me today: New Testament Commentary:  James, Epistles of John, Peter and Jude. I am memorizing I John so I thought a commentary would help.

I am hoping and praying for a husband for my dear daughter.  Anyone and everyone , please pray for my sweet daughter. My God bring a 

godly man into her life.

I am hearing.. a football game on in the background but soft rain falling outside. The soft rain is much more appealing.

Around the House... We are watching our friends' dog, Woofie, for about two weeks. Woofie is an Eskipoo. Now we have 4 dogs in the house, 2 Labs, a Cavachon and an Eskipoo. Just a little crazy. Everyone is getting along "loverly" but we have to make sure they all get out at the proper times.

One of my Favorite Things... visiting my daughter Alissa and her family. She is so beautiful inside and out. She is so sweet to me and loves me. Sometimes you have to wait until your children are adults to have love returned. It is not true with all children but sometimes the wait is long. 

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week.... White House, Shopping, Shopping... Dentist...Shopping

Here is a Photo Thought I am Sharing..... 

My Crumpet!!

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com

For Today December 1, 2008

Outside My Window....It's dark now but I was just walking my puppy and it's very mild and a gentle breeze. I've been so busy today with a full day of school. I love mild days. I know if given the opportunity I would seek a very mild winter somewhere. I do not like the cold.

I am thinking....that I was too harsh today and only after the children have gone to bed, do I feel a little mellow.

I am thankful for....God's forgiveness, a new day tomorrow, fresh grace.

 

From the Learning Rooms...Shirley grammar is getting harder and my children need lots of review.

From the Kitchen...Anniversary Chicken was tonight's supper with left-over stuffing and sweet potatoes. SOOO good.

I am Wearing...my new sweatshirt from my dear, sweet sister-in-law, Carmen.

 It is super soft and she said it was to remind me of her giving me a hug.

I am Creating...I am thinking of making clothes pin dolls for Christmas, but I need to find my clothespins.  :)

I am Going...to the vet tomorrow hopefully to get Crumpet's cast off.

I am reading....Blogging for Dummies but I have no idea what they are talking about??

I am hoping...praying, and begging God to change our family, me included. There is a lot of I John chapter one to be put into practice and "loving one 

another" needed here.

I am hearing...the tea kettle boiling water for tea. I even had some herbal tea tonight, very strange for me. 

Around the House...Christmas decorations are beginning to be put in place. Lydia was good to get them out. But I miss my adult children, my girls who are now my dear friends. Time passes so quickly.  

One of my favorite things...getting out my Christmas dishes for the month of December.

A Few Plans For The Rest of the Week...the vet, the dentist, maybe the hair salon for Grace and Emma.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... My grandson Seth!!

blessed with quite alot

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com

FOR  TODAY  November 17, 2008

Outside My Window... It's dark now; the day is almost over but I have seen our first snow flakes this evening. I love the change of seasons that God has given us. Even though I might complain of the cold later, I am thankful for the newness of this winter in my warm home.

I am thinking ... that there are a lot of things happening in the next 2 weeks ie. Thanksgiving #1, Thanksgiving Service, Thanksgiving #2 and my Mother's 85th Birthday Party.

I am thankful for... Mondays when my dh takes off of work and is my support, helping with school, computers etc.

From the Learning Rooms...needing to accomplish much more than I have been. 

From the Kitchen... I am making stock for soup tomorrow.

I am Wearing... a sweater that my dear mother knitted me about twelve years ago. She was taught to knit when she was 4 years old. She has been knitting for 81 years!!

I am Creating.... low-fat alternatives for our Thanksgiving meal. I can hear that stuffing calling me. :0

I am going... nowhere tomorrow and I will love it. It is good to get a full day of school accomplished.

I am reading... Genesis and memorizing I John. I have just finished the first chapter and am working on the second verse of chapter 2.   I knew I couldn't do it. BUT God did!  I am so thankful for His love for me.

I am hoping... my three daughters have a blessed time in Montana.  I wish I were there seeing my Rachel and maybe a little of the scenery. 

I am hearing... my big Lab, Jake, quietly breathing as he sleeps at my feet.

Around the House... a lot of dishes needing my attention.

One of my favorite things...talking with my Elias.

A Few Plans For The Rest of the Week... Weight Watchers, Wal Mart, Bible Study, Wal Mart...

Here is a picture thought I am Sharing...

                My puppy, Crumpet, and I about 3 weeks ago.

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For  Today  Monday  November 10, 2008

Outside My Window.....it's very dark because this is the first time I have sat down today. It has been a wonderfully busy day.

I am thinking....that I should count my blessings. I have been given so much: warm house, loving children ( sometimes), loving husband (all the time), food, clothing and dear precious church family, my health....

I am thankful for... all the above and God's Word and some quiet, peaceful moments.

From the learning rooms....An additional computer has been added to our family so my children can all do their Switched on Schoolhouse. Btw only 4 children sharing only 5 subjects use SOS. I would rather do Unit Studies. My high schoolers do need Chemistry, Biology, Algebra, I suppose. 

From the kitchen.....I made 3 different soups today b/c our Pastor and his family came to visit: Cream of Broccoli, Tortilla Soup and Pizza Soup. Also 4 loaves of French Bread, Garlic Cheese Flatbread made by my daughter, Grace.

I am wearing...my housecoat to keep warm. It's freezing outside!

I am creating....nothing now but I need to find some craft project to do for Christmas.

I am going....to a Woman's Bible study tomorrow.

I am reading...Have A New Kid By Friday by Kevin Leman.

I am hoping...this book works.Teen attitudes need to change and mine too.

I am hearing...my loco dog barking. She is 13 plus years old and has lost a bit of her mind.

Around the house...pots and pans to be washed, laundry to be taken care of, my husband's football game on, BUT this is my time to reflect and think of the Goodness of God!

One of my favorite things...a Dicken's or Jane Austen movie.

A Few Plans For The Rest of the Week ...Bible study, hand surgeon for me and a dental appointment for my daughter.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing....

A year ago my daughter, Meredith, my mother and I were here drinking tea at  Cassandra's Tea Shop across the street from Jane Austen's house in ENGLAND!!!  It was lovely! One of the highlights of our trip. 

My Six Youngest Children-September in South Carolina

Mommie and Lydia

FOR TODAY Monday November 3, 2008

Outside My Window... I see a light mist on the harvested cornfields and my McCain sign bobbing with each car and truck that passes by.

I am thinking....how excited I am to be able to start my day in silence, enjoying the angelic faces of my sleeping babies-ages 10-15.

I am thankful for....my husband's job that the Lord has given him and kept for 36 years. In the challenging times of our economy, we don't take this for granted. But we can rest in Him because we know that our God is in control.

From the learning rooms....another week continuing with Shirley English, MathUSee, Veritas American History, Apologia Zoology 2, Switched On Schoolhouse, Total Language Plus, Lessons From History and Rosetta Stone.

From the kitchen....Meredith's gift of banana bread, Costco bagels and eggs.

I am wearing... still in my PJ's with my super soft blue robe and warm slippers.

I am creating...the "traveling treat jar" for one of my sister's in Christ. I am excited to start this in my church that I so dearly love! Because we travel about 45 miles to church, we spend all day in that area and many, many times we are invited for the afternoon.

I am going... to take Lydia to the orthodontist this afternoon and possibly visit with my daughter and my two grandsons!

I am reading...The Life of Adoniram Judson To the Golden Shore by Courtney Anderson. Before that I read a biography of Ann Judson. WOW, what sacrifices they made for the sake of the gospel! She loved her husband so much, lost several children and wholly depended on the Lord through so many hardships.

I am hoping... in God and praying for the salvation of my children and that He will me strength daily.

I am hearing.... a soft fan blowing-sweet peace. :)

Around the house...my new puppy continues to heal with her broken leg.

One of my favorite things....a cup of tea with my daughters and my Mommie!

A few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... VOTING!! Taking Crumpet to get new xrays on her leg, attending the Bethany Banquet this Saturday. What a blessing that will be!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing....

I am successful! I just uploaded a picture, my first. I am so thankful to have found The Simple Woman Daybook. It has been an encouragement to me reading about dear Sisters in Christ and their daily walks with the Lord and their families. May it encourage you too.

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

I think I found them!

Light scones! I was watching Ina Garten's, Barefoot Contessa show to see her make scones. I had to make them to see how good they were. The good news is that everyone (including my english family) liked them! Girls, try it and let me know what you think.

Scones (with cranberries or other fruit)

Ingredients
4 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar, plus additional for sprinkling
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 pound cold unsalted butter, diced
4 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup cold heavy cream
3/4 cup cranberries
1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water or milk, for egg wash
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine 4 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt. Blend in the cold butter at the lowest speed and mix until the butter is in pea-sized pieces. Combine the eggs and heavy cream and quickly add them to the flour and butter mixture. Combine until just blended. Toss the strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour, add them to the dough, and mix quickly. The dough may be a bit sticky.
Dump the dough out onto a well-floured surface and be sure it is well combined. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 3/4-inch thick. You should see lumps of butter in the dough. Cut into squares with a 4-inch plain or fluted cutter, and then cut them in half diagonally to make triangles. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the tops with egg wash. Sprinkle with sugar and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the outsides are crisp and the insides are fully baked.

Leafy delights

Check out http://www.notmartha.org/page/2/ for this fallish delights. Oh, these look yummy!

http://http//jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50604

Savory Pies too. http://www.thepeppermillinc.com/recipe_dtl.asp?RecipeId=88&CourseType=&Title=Autumn%20Leaf%20Pies&RecipeCatId=&mode=search

I can imagine they would be lovely with the butternut squash soup I made this week.

Blessed with Quite Alot

I have one special mommie! She has quite alot on her hands. 6 kids to teach and train- Grace, Lydia, Jonathan, Elias, Emma, Margery and a crazy adult son, Nathan, to love. Three dogs; Jake and Briton (labs) and Crumpet the newest addition just 12 weeks old.

We desire to find joy in what the Lord has given us. He has given us many blessings in Himself, loving family, many needs from children to foster babies to puppies with a broken leg. May God cause us to see more of His goodness and more faith.