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.

Tangled (Project 365/2010)

We took the kids to see Tangled tonight. OMGosh! LOVED it! We talked about it forever after the movie. Peyton sure does love her popcorn.

Furt

I want a glee wedding! Alright, so it's a little late for that, but seriously, can I just say how absolutely thrilled I am for Burt and Carol? I realize you all must think I'm a little overzealous with my love for this show and that I write about it as if they were real. What you don't understand is that for an hour every week I get to lose myself, sit back and enjoy an awesome ride with kick ass tunes. Would you prefer I write about CSI and tell you all the things they are doing wrong? (My first degree is in Criminal Justice with Forensic Science as a major) I didn't think so.

Kurt giving Burt and Finn a dancing lesson was terribly cute. I can't wait to see the dynamic of this new family. Burt going after Karofsky is just one of the many reasons I adore Mike O'Malley and his character. Burt and Kurt's father/son relationship is what true television magic is made of. The New Directions singing Marry You as they walk down the aisle was phenomenal. I had the biggest grin on my face the entire number. Burt and Carol's heartfelt speeches had me reaching for more than one tissue. I actually stood up and applauded when they kissed.

I sure hope Finn gets over his image/ego and truly embraces everything Kurt is attempting to teach him. Life is already hard enough, and believe me, these 2 know it. Furt having each other's back is what family is all about. Let me just state, Finn serenading Kurt with Bruno Mars Just the Way You Are was the cherry on top of this delicious episode. I ask you, how freakin' adorable is Chris Colfer?!?!

Carol Burnett is a legend and her duet of Ohio with Sue Sylvester's was outstanding. Dammit I miss the Carol Burnett show. I think I'll jump on Amazon and hook myself up.

I want Karofsky to get a taste of his own medicine. GAH! As devastated as I am that Kurt is leaving McKinley and the New Directions, I get a little giddy about what this means for him and Blaine. More Dalton Warblers and their incredible a cappella melodies please.

One last thing...allow me a moment to {{{SQUEE}}} at the inside of Kurt's locker with a beautiful picture of Darren Criss Blaine and the cutout letters spelling out courage.

What's on Your Nightstand ~ November

After the death of my beloved Grandma, I opted to stick to fiction and forget reading anything with any real meat to it. I was pleased when the library had The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening, The Struggle, The Fury & The Dark Reunion. I flew right through these, and I must say, NOTHING like the TV Series currently shown on CW, which pleasantly surprised me. I also started Fallen by Lauren Kate on my nook, but it didn't keep my attention, or I was just burnt out on reading. :)

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...November 23rd

Outside my window...a beautiful, clear sky.

I am thinking...about Thanksgiving and all that I am thankful for.

I am thankful for...the last words I ever spoke to my Grandmother. I don't know if I knew, and it wasn't something we said, because Grandma wasn't like that. As I left the house that Wednesday morning, when she was up and coherent, I said, "I love you." I am so very thankful those were my last words to the most important woman in my life.

I am wearing...jeans and a T-shirt.

I am remembering...how surprised I was when PatPam stopped by the house on Friday (to babysit Peyton) and Hubby took me to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I.

I am creating...nothing. I have zero desire to be crafty right now.

I am going...to research digital cameras. My beloved Canon SD950IS is going out. I can't be without the extension of my right hand. hehehe

I am reading...The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle by L.J. Smith. I am on The Awakening, but it's a double book, and per my MO, I can dive right into The Struggle once I'm done. tee hee

I am praying...nothing serious is found during Hubby's colonoscopy tomorrow.

On my mind...Hubby's colonoscopy.

Noticing that...Hubby's bereavement time has gone by super fast. Maybe it's just because I've spent most of it in bed.

Pondering these words..."The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them." Psalm 145:18-19

From the kitchen...going to attempt to make pumpkin cheesecake for the first time.

Around the house...Fall decorations are being packed away to allow room for Christmas decorations.

One of my favorite things...Peyton asking me to hold her hand. I always sing my own version of The Beatles, I Want to Hold Your Hand.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hubby's colonoscopy, going to take the kids to see Tangled, Thanksgiving, and Hubby's birthday.

From my picture journal...delicious Clam Chowder in a bread bowl from Royal Street Veranda at Disneyland.

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders, Sweet Potato Fries, & The Lady's Coleslaw

Monday ~ Hot Dogs and Spaghetti Salad

Tuesday ~ TV Dinners

Wednesday ~ Out

Thursday ~ Happy Thanksgiving

Friday ~ Happy Birthday Hubby!

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

Mater (Project 365/2010)

A few weeks ago I came home and told everybody how I saw Tow Mater in Victorville. Of course I was without my camera. After Hubby took Peyton and I to lunch today, we were leaving the parking lot when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted something. I almost piston my cup. hehehe

The big black blob in the pic may be a crack in my iPhone camera. :O

Disneyland (Project 365/2010)

I can not express how grateful I am that Hubby worked his bereavement out for a total of 2 1/2 weeks off. This morning we dropped the boys off to school and took an impromptu trip down to Disneyland (perks of having annual passes). Peyton had a wonderful time and it was nice to see part of the Christmas season invading. The ride home, however, was dreadful. We got a flat tire on the freeway, which made us EXTREMELY late picking up both the boys from school.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...November 16th

Outside my window...clear, black night w/ stars and a waxing gibbous moon.

I am thinking...about Christmas. Hubby & I were putting together our tentative gift list, with only 39 more days left before Christmas.

I am thankful for...my Hubby. I know I've said it before, but my Hubby ROCKS! He worked his butt off around the house last week to make sure the house was perfect for Peyton's party while I planned Grandma's memorial. He got up this morning, got the boys ready and took them to school, then out with Peyton so I could sleep in.

I am wearing...pajamas.

I am remembering...Grandma's memorial service going off without a hitch. It was a beautiful service.

I am creating...Thanksgiving cards.

I am going...to attempt to fix my Photoshop. It hasn't come back up since my computer went down, TWICE, while making the program for Grandma's memorial.

I am reading...nothing...but need to pick up a book from the Library.

I am praying...for my family, who are (mostly) on the fence of whether or not to believe in Christ.

On my mind...friendship. I have made a pretty amazing friendship over the last few weeks with Marlena, and her husband Ken. I am super grateful for them, as they were the ones who made the DVD slideshow for Grandma's service.

Noticing that...Mount Washmore is piling up.

Pondering these words...Grandma's favorite scripture passage, Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

From the kitchen...ice cream.

Around the house...kids are snug in their beds.

One of my favorite things...glee and it ROCKED tonight with Gwyneth Paltrow! Hubby came home and I excitedly played the BEST glee Mash-Up Singin' in the Rain/Umbrella. Plus, Kurt has the best one-liners ever, "Ohhhh my god" when the student's at McKinley want their TOTS back. Let's not forget my fake boyfriend Blaine.

A few plans for the rest of the week: mourn my Grandmother, which I haven't been able to do in the last 9 days.

From my picture journal...my lunch, Havarti cheese & tomato grilled cheese with my BFF's FABULOUS (albeit leftover) potato salad.

Memorial (Project 365/2010)

Grandma's memorial service was beautiful! I'm not just saying it, I MEAN it. I am so very pleased with it. It was exactly perfect to honor her. Pastor Jeff (Barbour) did a beautiful job and watching him reminded me of his Dad (Pastor Dan, who baptized me). I was so proud of Kandy and B.J. for getting up there and speaking. Jessika and Cameron did a fantastic job as well. Mike, on the other hand, I wanted to slap upside the back of the head. My usually stoic Hubby, who keeps it all together while I fall apart...fell apart. I thought, that's it...I'll never get through the eulogy now. I did get through it. I missed things I wanted to say, but I did it. I eulogized the most important woman in my life. I wonder if Rob or Denice will ever regret not speaking. I wonder if they will regret not having a hand in Grandma's service. If I'm honest, and I am, for completely selfish reasons I'm glad I was the one in charge. Nobody could have done for her what I did. My favorite part of the service was watching their reactions to the DVD slideshow. My Sister in Christ, Marlena, and her husband, Ken, made the most beautiful slideshow of my Grandmother. Never in a million years can I pay them back for that. I recorded the service. Unfortunately it cut off during my eulogy. I'm COMPLETELY fine with that. I'm not sure I would ever have wanted to see me up there, but I do want to share the poem I read at the end.

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.
I think of you in silence I often speak your name
All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part
God has you in His keeping I have you in my heart.

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Leftover's from Peyton's Birthday Party

Monday ~ Grandma's Memorial Service

Tuesday ~ TV Dinners

Wednesday ~ Grilled Cheese & Chicken Noodle Soup

Thursday ~ Fish Sticks, Mac 'n Cheese, & Steamed Veggies

Friday ~ Dinner w/ BFF & Family Baked Penne w/ Roasted Veggies, Salad, & French Bread

Saturday ~ Chili in the Crockpot & Cornbread

Happy Birthday Pretty (Project 365/2010)

We celebrated Peyton's birthday today. I know it had to be done, and if I had cancelled, I can't imagine the wrath Grandma can send down on me from where she's at. :) My heart wasn't in it, but I enjoyed my time with family and friends who are my family. I enjoyed her Fancy Nancy theme this year.

In Loving Memory (Project 365/2010)

I have been feverishly working on my Grandma's memorial service program today. I needed to have these to the print shop by 4:30. Well, it didn't happen. My laptop went down twice today, once I think the computer overheated, and I have NO idea why it shut down the second time. The second time hit me hard, as photoshop hasn't come back up since. Every time I try to open it I get the message, Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 (Editor) has stopped working. BOO! I have so many blog drafts waiting for pictures and I'm at a stand still because I can't crop or fix my red eyes. What am I to do? It's not like I know how to use Photoshop, I sure as heck wish I did, but I do know how to fix my photos.

In the meantime, here is Grandma's program for her memorial service. I think it came out beautifully! Of course the computer doesn't do this justice, but in person, my gosh it pops!

Needless to say, I missed the print shop and took it over to Staples to have some test prints done. After Peyton's party tomorrow I'll take them to Office Max and compare the two, order the 50 programs I need from there.

Never Been Kissed

I get a lot of grief for my love of the show glee, but I seriously could give a crap. Last night's episode was, hands down, the most amazing episode to date. The bullying storyline has been heavy on my heart because I was bullied for my weight. I can't imagine what kid's today go through, especially with the social media aspect. (I suppose I'll know soon enough, Cameron will be a teen before I know it.) Kurt, played by the BRILLIANT Chris Colfer (YES, I'M BIAS!), has endured months of bullying from Karofsky, the typical football jock. Kurt meets Blaine, an out and proud gay who is also part of the Dalton Warblers, a rival glee club to the New Directions glee club. The climax happens when Kurt gets the courage enough to confront Karofsky, who then, shocked the shit out of me, by grabbing Kurt and kisses him. I so did NOT see that coming! Chris Colfer was at the top of his game in this episode, and that's saying a lot since I wrote a thesis on him in the episode Grilled Chessus.

I had tears in my eyes on more than one occasion, and full on bawled my eyes out when, after the kiss, Kurt pushed Karofsky off of him with the look of absolute horror all over his face. I have a little empathy for Karofsky now. He must be all kinds of turned around. Karofsky's bullying could be a result of his own self hatred. And then there is Blaine. ::insert sigh here:: I believe he is going to be an amazing mentor for Kurt. I'll let you in on a little secret...I'm hoping for more. ;) I want to see my favorite glee character happy with his own sweet Prince. I won't admit how many times I rewound the scene where Blaine and Kurt confront Karofsky and Karofsky pushes Blaine back, slamming him into the fence. Blaine kept his hands up and completely surrendered to whatever Karofsky was going to do. I gotta tell you, after the confrontation Blaine looks to the sky and deadpans, "Well, HE'S not coming out anytime soon." and I was smitten. Oh yes, SMIT-TEN! Darren Criss is easy on the eyes and his voice is dreamy. The Warblers cover of Katy Perry's Teenage Dream is the bee's knees. I think I have a new teenage dream. Thank you to the innovator who brought us DVR's! Mine got a workout last night.

Before I end this I want to address the amazing Dot-Marie Jones as Coach Beiste. What a wonderful addition she has been to the cast. Beiste can go toe to toe with Coach Sylvester, but there is more to her underneath it all and we saw that last night. She's just a girl wanting what every other girl wants, a boy to look at her and think she's the most beautiful creature he's ever seen. Ryan Murphy hook this woman up!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...November 9th

Outside my window...day has turned to night, I'm always amazed by Daylight Savings.

I am thinking...how Mike's bereavement worked out so nicely. He will get a total of 2 1/2 weeks off. We get a 4 day weekend (Veteran's Day) this weekend, his bereavement is 5 days and he'll use that next week, along with the following week off for Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for...the abundance of blessings God gave me this morning. It was as if He knew what I needed and handed it all to me between 9 and noon this morning.

I am wearing...pajamas.

I am remembering...everything I need to get done for Grandma's memorial service.

I am creating...Grandma's memorial service program.

I am going...to watch glee and try to get some sleep.

I am reading...nothing at the moment.

I am praying...the unity in my family continues while we continue to get ready for Grandma's service.

On my mind...Grandma.

Noticing that...everything seems to be falling into place.

Pondering these words...After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

From the kitchen...a LOT of fast food and take out happening right now.

Around the house...chaos, complete chaos.

One of my favorite things...memories of Grandma raking the dirt.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I'm planning Peyton's 3rd birthday party and Grandma's memorial service. I've got my work cut out for me this week.

From my picture journal...a picture of Grandma raking the dirt with Cameron helping, albeit with a broom.

Shall We Dance (Project 365/2010)

Poor Jake, his face says it all, HELP! Cameron decided they need to share a dance this morning.

Menu Plan Monday

Sunday ~ Tacos (moved again last week) using these recipes

Monday ~ Baked Penne w/ Roasted Vegetables (had a bounty of goodness from the Farmer's Market last week, Salad, & Garlic Rolls

Tuesday ~ Leftovers

Wednesday ~ Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, w/ Corn on the Cob w/ Parmesan Cheese

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

Friday ~ Pizza (something quick & easy so I can cook for Peyton's party tomorrow)

Saturday ~ Peyton's Birthday Party

iPhoto (Project 365/2010)

Cameron was playing around on his MacBook this morning. He took a picture of himself with iPhoto and then distorted it around. I couldn't help but LMBO.