Simple Woman's Daybook

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For Today December 7, 2009

Outside my window...another gray Monday. Seems the norm for Mondays these days. But, it's broken up by sunshine throughout the week, so it's just fine with me!

I am thinking...about what needs to be done in the next hour or so.

I am thankful for...a fully functional stove and my wonderful hubby and a sweet man named James Edrington who fought with it for two hours this morning to get it fully functional!

I am wearing...jeans, ¾ sleeve green sweater, Christmas socks and brown clogs.

I am remembering...a memory my mom brought up earlier – playing Nertz and badminton with her. Ah, fun times!

I am going...to pick up my hubby from work, then to Wal-Mart and the post office, then back to the church to meet my friend Paula who is coming to visit for a few days.

I am reading...Treasure of Stonewickby Michael Phillips and Judith Pella. Finally finishing a six book series started nearly two years ago!

I am hoping...the ickiness in my throat is not indicative of impending sickness.

On my mind...some friends in need of prayer.

From the learning rooms...sea creatures, Pilgrims and Puritans, poetry lessons from a couple of weeks, and a generally relaxed schedule that will probably last until after Christmas.

Noticing that...Steven is quiet for the moment, which is not a common occurrence for my active little three-year-old. (It is a good type of quiet – he's right here in the living room with me.)

Pondering these words...To be the joy-bearer and a joy-giver says everything, for in our life, if one is joyful, it means that one is faithfully living for God, and that nothing else counts; and if one gives joy to others one is doing God's work; with joy without and joy within, all is well...I can conceive no higher way.” Janet Erskine Stuart

From the kitchen...bread rising; hopefully peanut brittle and other holiday treats later in the week.

Around the house...floors that hide dirt very, very well.

One of my favorite things~ God showing Himself in precious and unexpected ways.

From my picture journal...

A sight that shows that Steven really does have some of my genes - he is very meticulous and organized.  Yep, he's my boy after all!  

And, finally, a shot of the front of our house!

Vacation

With the chaos that hit as soon as we returned home, I am just now getting a chance to blog about our vacation. First, I just have to share what an incredible blessing it was and how God really put it together and provided for it.

Back in July or August we were really feeling the need to get away as a family and just have several days of "us" time. As much as we would have loved to visit friends, we knew we needed to be in a situation where we had no schedule, obligations, or commitments.

So, we set the date for the end of October and then started discussing location. We knew the trees would be turning in north Arkansas and that my sister Allison could just blend right into our relaxed time, so we decided to head to Fayetteville.

Finances are always a consideration, but God provided for that, too! We had reward points that covered three nights in a hotel "room." I use the term room loosely because the first two nights we were essentially in a two-bedroom apartment with a living room and kitchen, and the last night in a one-bedroom with the same setup! And, it was all covered with those reward points!

Thanks to that kitchen, we were able to eat most of our meals in rather than having the dining out expenses. So, essentially we paid for gas and three meals! Now that's what I call provision!

And I can honestly tell you the weekend was just what we needed. It was restful, relaxing, and refreshing.

We arrived Friday evening after a leisurely trip up with some stops on the way.
Alli joined us off and on through the course of the weekend. The girls were thrilled!
Even Steven let her play with him now and then. He still gives her a hard time, though, and is a big stinker when it comes to interacting with his Aunt Alli!
On Saturday we headed to one of our favorite places - a museum! It doesn't really matter what kind of museum we visit. Just say the word museum and our kids are ready to go! This particular one was the Museum of Ozark History.



We relaxed and enjoyed more fellowship Saturday afternoon and evening. Then on Sunday we headed to FBC Rogers for an absolutely phenomenal worship service. After church we headed south again, making our way to Judsonia to visit my grandparents and my brother and sis-in-law Tim and DeAnn. After our visit we made a dessert stop and then spent our last night in Little Rock, returning home early Monday afternoon.

God knew the weekend was just what we needed to recharge our batteries before the chaos of November. Isn't He good that way? We are so thankful!

Turning Trees

One of the things we were looking forward to the most on our trip to Fayetteville was seeing the beautiful fall colors, so much more vibrant in northwest AR than in southeast AR. First, a shot of the kids
This is one of my absolute favorites!
This was the scene outside the window of our hotel room.
Our first few glimpses of color on the trip up there...

The brilliance of color once we got there...
Another favorite picture.