What's on Your Nightstand ~ December

Here is what I've got on my nightstand this month. I've got to get 3 of these done in the next few weeks and returned to the library. Plus, I have so many books on my TBR shelf that I would LOVE to start reading. I'm most looking forward to The Time Traveler's Wife, as I am addicted to the movie right now. I put it on when I need a good cry.

Shoe Shopping (Project 365/2010)

I had a great coupon from Famous Footwear that was set to expire today, so we loaded up the van and went shoe shopping for the kiddos and Hubby. There is a reason why I do not take all 3 kids with me shopping, because they act like idiots and the end result is me looking like a terrible mother in public. I sat the 2 little one's on one of the couches and told them not to even breath in my direction. On the plus side, we walked out with new school shoes for Cameron & Dylan, plus a pair of tennis shoes for Peyton as well as slippers for both her & Dylan, spending under $100. I told you it was a great coupon. Unfortunately Hubby didn't find anything.

Street Signs (Project 365/2010)

We are on day five of a serious rain pounding. Today the skies opened up, briefly, letting the sun shine through. I took the opportunity to run around Apple Valley taking various pictures of flooding, including Lake Navajo, street signs, and the sky. When the rain hit again, about 90 minutes later, it came back with a vegence.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...December 21st

Outside my window...RAIN! We are on day number 4 of a heavy rain storm pounding Southern California and I LOVE it! :)

I am thinking...about the flooding of the Mojave River and my friends who are in danger from it.

I am thankful for...Cameron's eyesight. Weird? I just don't want Cameron to have any long term issues because of his diabetes. It is my number 1 worry.

I am wearing...flannel pajamas. Did you not just hear me say we're on day 4 of a rain storm? hehehe It gives me an excuse to wear my flannel pj's all day long.

I am remembering...Christmas's past.

I am creating...nothing.

I am going...nowhere. California drivers go insane when we get rain, and I prefer to stay safe.

I am (still) reading...Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything by Geneen Roth. It is slow going with this book.

I am praying...for family and friends, that the rain does not flood them out and they do not have to evacuate.

On my mind...Grandma's ring. I have not dwelled on it since she passed, but now it is eating away at me. I bought a Grandmother's ring for her 65th birthday, complete with the birthstones of her 7 (number 8 was a big old surprise 5 years later) grandchildren. My beautiful Grandma wore that ring with such pride and received the most adoring compliments. It was all I wanted back when she died. Unfortunately it can't be found. Of course I think Denice hawked it, or one of her loser friends stole it, but my heart aches...badly because this ring is missing.

Noticing that...there are only 4 more days until Christmas.

Pondering these words...Wisdom is too high for fools; in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths. Proverbs 24:7

From the kitchen...I am making comfort food all week long to celebrate the rain.

Around the house...naptime, glorious naptime.

One of my favorite things...the way Peyton, when trying to show me something, says, "Right there. BEHIND YOU!"

A few plans for the rest of the week: Christmas with my Dad & Family Thursday night, Christmas Eve with Angelique & Kiddos, and Christmas. I suppose we should go see Santa too. I will admit, we were headed to Disneyland this week for Christmas festivities, but the rain cancelled our plans and I'm pretty bummed about that, since we block out starting Thursday.

From my picture journal...one of my favorite ornaments on my Christmas tree, The Polar Express bell.

Optometrist (Project 365/2010)

Cameron had his annual optometry appointment this morning. I always worry about him because of his diabetes (and subsequent lack of control). He was antsy about having his eyes dilated, but Doc Yochem said his blood vessels were normal. We picked out different frames, as Cameron is a creature of habit and have picked the same frames for the last few years. He fought me on them at first, but when the ladies said how handsome he looked...well, he is a guy. hehehe We should get them right after the New Year. Here's a pic of Cameron wearing his super cool shades to protect his eyes after dilation.

Fall Into Reading Wrap-Up

Sadly Fall is gone and the Winter Solstice is upon us. Where I live we experienced Fall for only a few days, went back to Summer, and finally slammed into Winter a few days ago. I'm so sad when Fall leaves because it is my favorite season, but also because I know that Fall Into Reading has come to a close as well. I am proud to say I read more this year than last. Katrina gave suggestions on questions to answers wrapping up our Fall Into Reading, so here it goes.

Did you finish reading all the books on your fall reading list? If not, why not? I did not finish all the books on my reading list. Hubby never finished The Passage, so I was never able to get my hands on it. I just started Women Food and God last week and couldn't get through it before cut off time. I am looking forward to finishing it though.

Did you stick to your original goals or did you change your list as you went along? I did not stick to my original goals. I added a series of books midway through, and read a free download for my nook while waiting for my other books to arrive.

What was your favorite book that you read this fall? Least favorite? Why? I completely enjoyed the Evernight series from Claudia Gray. No Twilight fluff here, although I still love my Twilight. Evernight had much more suspense, shocking twists and turns, and heartbreak than Twilight did. By the end of book three I was in tears. I'm looking forward to adding Afterlife, the final book of the series, to Spring Reading Thing 2011. I did not have a least favorite book, as I enjoyed all of the books I read this time around.

Did you discover a new author or genre this fall? Did you love them? Not love them? I kind of kept to my Vampire genre this Fall. I didn't intend to, but after reading the Evernight series, I dove into The Vampire Diaries series. Did I love them? Ha! OF COURSE!

Did you learn something new because of Fall Into Reading 2010 – something about reading, about yourself, or about a topic you read about? I wish I spent more time reading classics. I tend to stick to a genre or theme, but I really would like to open myself up to other materials in the future.

What was your favorite thing about the challenge? I thought with the death of my beloved (Grand)Mother I would hit a standstill, but in fact, I found myself wanting to delve in to another life and leave mine, even for a brief 50 pages at a time.

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Hourglass by Claudia Gray

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle by L.J. Smith

The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and The Dark Reunion by L.J. Smith

Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Total Lunar Eclipse (Project 365/2010)

As much as I ADORE the weather and rain we're having right now, and you know I do, I'm bumming over missing the lunar eclipse tonight. Hubby & I are staying up and watching it online, but let's face it...so NOT the same.

Menu Plan Monday

I am going to make as much comfort food as I can while we're experiencing this glorious rain.

Sunday ~ Chicken and Dumplings

Monday ~ Chicken and Dumplings

Tuesday ~ Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew w/ Biscuits

Wednesday ~ Havarti & Tomato Grilled Cheese w/ The Lady's Chicken Noodle Soup

Thursday ~ Baked Penne w/ Roasted Vegetables, Salad, & Garlic Rolls (We missed this one last week)

Friday ~ Christmas Eve w/ my BFF & Kiddos (Menu undecided)

Saturday ~ Merry Christmas!

Anniversary Ornament (Project 365/2010)

I had been scouring eBay for an ornament to commemorate our 10 year wedding anniversary. I found this beauty at Hallmark this afternoon.

Polar Express Day (Project 365/2010)

Dylan's Kindergarten class is having a Polar Express Day today, complete with cookies, cocoa, and pizza. Ordinarily Dylan is apprehensive about participating in things like crazy hair day, pajama day, but today he was excited to put his pajamas on. He posed for me in front of our Christmas tree before we left.

Peyton then wanted to shoot some pics of Dylan. She grabbed her Minnie Mouse camera and took this picture. :)

Peyton was pleased that Dylan allowed her to take some pictures.

Now the kids are out of school for 3 weeks during Christmas break. Woo-Hoo!

LOVE (Project 365/2010)

I am head over heels in love with this girl!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...December 14th

Outside my window...the weather is changing...I'm ready for cold after the last few days of warm spells we've had.

I am thinking...I have a TON of present wrapping to do in the next week.

I am thankful for...the roof over my head and the food in my fridge.

I am wearing...pajamas.

I am remembering...the beautiful ornament Anna gave me today in memory of my Grandma.

I am creating...nothing.

I am going...to bed early tonight...I'm tired.

I am reading...Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything by Geneen Roth.

I am praying...for a few of my TLBS ladies and their families.

On my mind...Christmas break.

Noticing that...I have a ton of catching up to do on this blog.

Pondering these words...I am who God says I am. I am what the Bible says I am. Words of wisdom from my Sister in Christ Vicki.

From the kitchen...cookies!

Around the house...Cameron is doing homework, Dylan & Peyton are playing, and I'm blogging.

One of my favorite things...Hubby's generosity and gift giving.

A few plans for the rest of the week: the only plan I have is not to catch what the boys have. I do not want to be sick.

From my picture journal...homemade Christmas goodies from the exchange today. Can you tell which one are mine? hehehe

Christmas Cookie & Ornament Exchange (Project 365/2010)

God blessed me with the most beautiful, Godly women in the form of my TLBS group. I remember my first day and Misty telling me that their group had been together for a long time. My initial thought was, "OH CRAP!" Yet they opened their arms (literally) and welcomed me. Words will never express the love and joy I feel when I am in their presence. We joined together for a Christmas cookie and ornament exchange.

I thank God every day for my Sisters in Christ.

Christmas Cookies (Project 365/2010)

I set out this morning on a mission...bake Christmas cookies. Easy enough, right? I had wanted to do this for some time, as a friend of mine pointed out last year that the cookies we left for Santa were suppose to be homemade and not Oreos. UGH! Plus, tomorrow I'm doing a cookie exchange with my TLBS group, so I figured today I was going to master the art of baking Christmas cookies. I plugged in my glee Christmas album and got to work.

I'm not totally insane to try the mixing on my first time out, so I took some help from Betty Crocker. Foolproof, right? I just add a stick of butter, a tablespoon of water, and an egg and stir. Viola! Roll out the dough, cut them into cute little Gingerbread Boy shapes, bake, cool and decorate. NOT! I ruined the first bag, it was so sticky I couldn't spread it out, I floured, floured, floured, and put it in the fridge. The second bag I mixed and went straight to fridge. When it came time to roll it out, I floured my counter top and ... How in the heck do you transfer these stupid things from counter top to cookie sheet without it looking like zombies attacked and Gingy is missing body parts? FORGET IT! I rolled them into balls to make gingerbread snaps and ... BURNED THEM! I even took them out of the oven 2 minutes before the package suggested. DOH!

After another post to Facebook, where I made fun of my lack of baking skills, my cell phone rang and Hubby said, "Put the cookie cutters down and step away from the kitchen." He had me rolling with laughter, but I did as he instructed. Needless to say, I am not cut out for Christmas cookie baking. PUN INTENDED! ;)

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Spaghetti w/ Marinara Sauce, Salad, & Garlic Bread

Monday ~ Breakfast for dinner

Tuesday ~ Fish Sticks, Mac 'n Cheese, & Veggies

Wednesday ~ Eat a Pita Pizza w/ Salad (We had extra sauce left over from last week)

Thursday ~ Chicken, Baked Potato, Corn on the Cob w/ Parmesan Cheese, & Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Friday ~ Baked Penne w/ Roasted Vegetables, Salad, & Garlic Bread

Saturday ~ TBD (Not sure if we're going to church Saturday night or Sunday morning)

Exhausted (Project 365/2010)

I think Kindergarten is catching up to Dylan. He didn't make it home today without napping in the car.

A Very Glee Christmas

Darren Criss and Chris Colfer's duet of Baby, It's Cold Outside was outstanding. I rewound, and rewound, and rewound that scene. I sure hope we see a lot more of these two. How adorable they would be as a couple.

I love a good Christmas CD and I've got to tell you, the music from this episode is one I'll be playing every year. My kid's beg for it in the car and I adore hearing them sing We Need a Little Christmas and Deck the Rooftop. The later was not used in the episode. Wham's Last Christmas is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs, and I was thoroughly disappointed that I had to purchase it as a single, rather than it being included on the CD. Merry Christmas Darling was a throwback and wonderfully done. Kudos Ms. Michele. My hope is that Finn and Rachel will be reunited.

As far as the episode goes, it was exactly what I expected. Sue is a Grinch and attempts to ruin the New Directions Christmas. Christmas comes anyway, including Coach Sylvester and the glee club spending Christmas Eve with Mr. Shue. Cute episode, don't get me wrong, just sort of...been there, done that. Ya know?

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...December 7th

Outside my window...night has fallen and my Christmas lights have a short (I think).

I am thinking...about de-friending someone on facebook. He is a (extremist) brother in Christ. I refused to get into a pissing contest of who the better Christian was, he said I was, "Tolerating and enabling evil in the name of a badly confused understanding of love and grace is no virtue." I don't feel the need to prove my Christian(ness) to someone who misunderstands (and misrepresents) Christ's love and grace. I will continue to pray for him, that he will truly open his heart to Christ's love and turn away from such actions, that which make him the type of Christian that non-believers dislike us because of.

I am thankful for...God's love and grace.

I am wearing...pajamas.

I am remembering...how stinking cute Peyton doing the robot today was.

I am creating...nothing.

I am going...catch up on this blog before the end of the year.

I am reading...Fallen by Lauren Kate.

I am praying...for our health. It seems some germs may be spreading around the Johnson household.

On my mind...Grandma's been gone one month.

Noticing that...routine helps me not dwell on my hurt.

Pondering these words..."Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage." Psalm 84:5 I began a pilgrimage this year, with bumps and curves sending me to a dead halt. Now I have to get up, dust myself off, begin again, and make 2011 what I wanted 2010 to be.

From the kitchen...the kitchen is CLOSED!

Around the house...children are snug in their beds and I'm watching, "Unanswered Prayers" from my DVR. I think of all the Garth Brooks songs, that is my favorite.

One of my favorite things...Baby, It's Cold Outside sung by glee's Chris Colfer and Darren Criss. LOVE LOVE LOVE their voices together.

A few plans for the rest of the week: buy Christmas cards (UGH!) and send them out, catch up on blogging and picture editing.

From my picture journal...Peyton's memory verse book she made during her "Bible Story" (TLBS) time. SUPER cute.

Christmas at Church

Today I dressed Peyton up super pretty for our Christmas program at TLBS. Peyton joined her class is a little song and dance for us, and her robot dance is the cutest! Afterwards she ran off a little of the cupcake energy and then we were off for our weekly lunch date.

Ears (Project 365/2010)

When Peyton was born she had this crazy ear that stuck out. It was terribly cute, and I would joke about super gluing it to her head. She has since grown into her ears, and they are both perfect. However, today she insisted on sticking them out under her hat. It made me giggle.

Ladybug in My Guacamole (Project 365/2010)

I got a surprise tonight when I added the cilantro to my guacamole. Right before I stirred in the cilantro, a ladybug crawled out of my guacamole! Crazy, right? Cameron was ecstatic to get a little hello from Mandelyn tonight.

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Fajitas

Monday ~ Tacos w/ leftover Fajita makings

Tuesday ~ TV Dinners

Wednesday ~ Eat a Pita Pizza w/ Salad

Thursday ~ Breakfast for Dinner

Friday ~ Turkey, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, & Crescent Rolls

Saturday ~ Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli w/ Sage, Hazelnut, and Brown Butter Sauce, Salad, & Garlic Bread

Anniversary (Project 365/2010)

Hubby & I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversay this evening. I can't imagine going through life with anybody else by my side. I am truly blessed to have married my best friend.

I surpsied Hubby with dinner at Mama Carpino's. The food was DELICIOUS. Hubby had his first fried green bean (OMG) and fried green tomato. He said, "What are you doing to me?"  I could eat just the appetizers there and forgo the food, but the lasagna was the best darn lasagna I've ever had.

Hubby surprised me with a Kitchen Aid mixer in Tangerine Orange and glee Season 1 on DVD (He must really love me to put up with my glee addiction...hehehe)!

December 1st (Project 365/2010)

Dylan came home from school today with a paper chain attached to a cute little poem. How appropriate for December 1st.

December

Christmas day will soon be here,
And I can hardly wait.
I've made this little Christmas chain
To help me celebrate.

Each day I'll snip one loop from it
To help me to remember
That Christmas day
Is the 25th of December

Please help me hang my chain up high
And cut one loop each day.
And when I reach the yellow loop,
It will be Christmas Day!

Teenage Dream

I am hotter than hot right now. When I feel my love for Jesus, or my faith, is being bashed, I tend to lose my religion a little. I think I handled myself correctly, and waited until I called Hubby at work to really let myself go. Here's what happened...

It is no secret my love for all things glee and I might have mentioned that I'm addicted to ::cough:: Darren Criss' ::cough:: Blaine's The Warbler's version of Teenage Dream, from the infamous Never Been Kissed episode, that I wrote a post about here. I posted the glee official video of said performance to my Facebook wall, when a friend from high school posted an anti-gay comment, using the word "troubling" to drive his point home. O.O Needless to say, we are both Christians.

I responded with, "I see it at face value, entertainment. The boy singing has a beautiful voice and I would listen to him sing the phone book. It's an all boy school, are you saying they are all gay? I'm fortunate. I serve a Lord who preaches love." Let's just say it escalated from there. Why am I so fired up?

I have gay friends. I have friends with gay children. I don't need them seeing such "troubling" statements...let's just call crap, crap and it's flung on MY Facebook page. I don't condone it and I am the mistress of my domain. Having said that, I realize I am also a rare breed of Christian. I take to heart love others as yourself.

Did I mention this is the watered down version? Had I written about this earlier, this post would have had an R rating.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...November 30th

Outside my window...Baby, It's Cold Outside (I seriously can't get enough of the Klaine version and even made it it my ringtone). I completely broke my ritual. I didn't just download glee's Christmas album, I've listened to it before the Christmas episode aired. Dammit all to hell that Darren Criss is addicting.

I am thinking...about setting Cameron up with a facebook account so that he can keep in touch with his friends from diabetic camp.

I am thankful for...my Dad's side of the family. The Carpenter's getting together Thanksgiving night meant more to me than I can ever express. The holiday was a tough one and being with them helped. Would have been perfect if Sara had been home.

I am wearing...flannel pj's. It's downright chilly today.

I am remembering...the dream I had last night. Grandma at her house, all us grandkids surrounding her. I can't shake this one, I miss her terribly.

I am creating...nothing. I don't have the energy or desire to handmake my Christmas cards this year. I hope everyone understands.

I am going...to finish editing my pictures this evening and clear my memory card for the first time in 4 months. OH!

I am reading...The Vampire Diaries: The Fury by L.J. Smith. It's a double book, so once I finish The Fury I can start Dark Reunion.

I am praying...that God will lead us to a permanent babysitter. Hubby & I seriously need time out together.

On my mind...Grandma. I'm so selfish. I want her here. I want to hear her voice. I want to call her and tell her how funny Peyton has been lately, how Dylan is reading, and Cameron is sneaking food again. I know she knows all this, but I want to HEAR her.

Noticing that...today has been the roughest one since Grandma passed.

Pondering these words...In honor of my 10 year wedding anniversary, my favorite scripture. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

From the kitchen...leftover Beef Stew and Pumpkin Pie.

Around the house...naptime...Peyton is down and I'm next, hence the flannel pj's.

One of my favorite things...The Beatles song I Want To Hold Your Hand ... Across the Universe style. :) I can't believe I don't own that movie.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hubby & I celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary on Thursday.

From my picture journal...I took a detour to Target this morning for my first Starbucks Hot Chocolate of the season (seriously, it was 28 degrees this morning) and the new glee CD. Hubby was none too thrilled that I was bumping Teenage Dream (Darren Criss' voice is like butter) when I picked him up. He actually rolled his eyes at me. hehehe

Robots in Disguise (Project 365/2010)

I am forever saying how I wish I had my camera with me while driving around town. I've started carrying it nonstop. I shot this one while on my way to pick Cameron up for school. Somebody takes his transformers VERY seriously. YES, it is painted like Bumblebee. Hubby just shook his head. hehehe

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Spaghetti w/ Marinara Sauce, Salad, & Garlic Bread

Monday ~ Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew & Rolls

Tuesday ~ TV Dinners

Wednesday ~ Garlic Lime Chicken Fajitas w/ Guacamole & Salsa from these recipes

Thursday ~ Chicken, Baked Potato, Roasted Asparagus, & French Bread

Friday ~ Eat a Pita Pizza w/ Salad

Saturday ~ TBD (Not sure of our schedule Saturday)

I am thankful for...

...a loving heavenly Father
...an amazing husband who loves his family more than himself
...the friendships and bonds my children share with each other
...God's grace & peace
...a Grandmother who raised me to be the woman I am today
...the memories our family is making
...my Canon SD950IS
...the Carpenter's
...God's promise
...friends who complete our family
...the ability to see, hear, feel, taste & smell
...the internet and the many friends I have made
...the cold
...my iPhone
...encouragement, love & kindness that flows from so many of your hearts
...God who opened my womb & knit 3 amazing children within it




I was expecting company for Thanksgiving dinner today. Grandma had a better offer. Instead I honored her in the best way I could. Hubby and I pulled down her China from the cupboard, I washed them (just as I have done since I was a little girl) and set our Thanksgiving table for dinner. When I called the children to the table Dylan ran up to me and said, "Mama who did that?" I asked what and he explained the table. I told him that I set it and he exclaimed, "It's BEAUTIFUL!" I was so very happy and proud. I told the kids that they needed to be careful, but enjoy Grandma's china. I told them stories about Thanksgiving's past. And then...we played with the olives.



I tried my hand at baking today. I can cook you a feast, but dessert is another story. I found a recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake by Paula Deen and said to myself, "Self, this looks pretty darn idiot proof!" I was super nervous because I made it to take to my Aunt's for dessert. (Sorry I didn't get an after it was chilled pic.) Everyone raved about my first cheesecake. Woot! Now I have to attempt to bake cookies for my TLBS ladies. Eeeeek!


Finally, we spent the evening at my Aunt and Uncle's home. I needed it, so badly. The Carpenter's are so very important to me, and this year was rough not having Grandma with me. I was surrounded by loved ones, ate delicious desserts, and fell in love with my dad all over again as he played with his grandchildren.