Simple Women's Daybook- October 2012

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...

different surroundings.  We moved to a new house.  Same neighborhood just a few blocks over.

I am creating...

turning a house into a home all while I help plan a December wedding for Nicole
 (sorry I cut off her eye. I have no idea how to make the picture smaller)

I am thinking...

about everything that is coming up in the next couple of months for our family and about my old NJ stomping grounds and the terrible devastation I'm seeing from Hurricane Sandy.  So many great memories and good friends that still live there including my sister and her husband. 

I am thankful... 

for all my blessings and even my trials because they make me stronger and strengthen my relationship with my Father in Heaven. 

 

I am praying...

for Lauren's delivery to go smoothly and baby girl to be healthy!

I am reading...

decorating blogs, wedding ideas

From the kitchen...

take out

 

Around the house...

too much stuff (I have piles and piles of stuff to donate)

One of my favorite things..

when my family happily works together (we did that a lot over the last few weeks moving) 

A few plans for the next few weeks...

spending time with my new grand baby, going crazy with wedding plans that are happening so fast. 
 I Can Do Hard Things, right?

Simple Woman's Day Book- September 2012

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...

a little bit cooler temperatures, lots of bike riding

I am thinking...

about more change.  I hope I'm ready for it.

I am thankful... 

 tender mercies.   If you look for them you will notice them in your life on a daily basis.
 

I am praying...

for my children's health and well being

I am reading...

the Doctrine and Covenants along with a companion study book

I am creating...

furniture placement for the new house. I hope it will work out like it does in my head and on paper.

From the kitchen...

grilled pork chops

 

Around the house...

boxes and more boxes

One of my favorite things..

cooking for my family especially when they are appreciative

A few plans for the next few weeks...

General Conference.   Moving, just a few blocks away but still... moving

Simple Womens Day Book- August 2012

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...

a green pool.  With all the wind and storms we've had lately the pool has gotten dirty. Nobody is swimming anymore now that school started.  

I am thinking...
  how to organize and plan out my days.  I'm all about routine.

 

I am thankful... 

for my health and energy level

I am praying...

our house situation gets figured out

I am reading...

a book about the 2nd Coming, very thought provoking and informative.

I am creating...

a gigantic cookbook of recipes

From the kitchen...

leftovers from our new favorite lunch place, Empire Asian Bistro

 

Around the house...

organizing one pile at a time

One of my favorite things..

how I feel after a morning walk- tired and sweaty but good!

A few plans for the next few weeks...

dentist appts., husbands business trip, Lauren's visit, lose more weight

Simple Woman's Day Book- July 2012

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...

The beautiful ocean waves.  We are on a family vacation in California.  I'm in heaven. 

I am thinking...
  How lucky I am.  I am blessed with a wonderful family.  

I am thankful... 

for this awesome beach house just steps to the ocean  

I am praying...

we have many more of these trips together

I am reading...
how to relieve a severe sunburn on google

I am creating...

memories 

From the kitchen...

so much food, snacks, take out

 

Around the house...

kids playing games together, laughing

One of my favorite things..

everything about this week

A few plans for the next few weeks...

Nicole's college graduation, school starting, getting back to a routine

Simple Woman's Day Book- June 2012

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...

oven like heat, neighborhood is quiet (everyone is indoors in their air conditioning) Wintertime is when all the kids play outside because the weather is so nice.

I am thinking...
  Life is so much better when you're thinner.  I wish I knew how great it would feel.  I'd have lost weight that much sooner. 

I am thankful... 

for my little grand daughter on the way  

I am praying...

that we can finally figure out where we are going  this summer

I am reading...
lots of recipes

I am creating...

a bridal shower present for the lovely Lacey

From the kitchen...

I had the most delicious fish.  It was Basil Pesto Tilapia from the freezer section at Costco.  Great tasting and good for you.

 

Around the house...

toys and shoes everywhere,  like always!  This is annoying because we have an offical playroom , 2 baskets for shoes and a build in shoe holder in the downstairs closet.  It doesn't seem to matter!!

One of my favorite things..

date night with my hubby, shopping trips with my girl and spending time playing with my boy

A few plans for the next few weeks...

planning a baby shower, planning a kid's pool party, school shopping and getting very excited for the Olympics!

Simple Woman's Day Book- May 2012

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...

Our pool is turning green.  It has been sparkly blue all year but now when we need it, it turns green.  Will have to head to the pool store.  It's a beautiful 82 degree morning.

I am thinking...

about my SIL Travis.  His birthday is today.  I couldn't have picked out a better husband for my daughter. He is hard working and takes such good care of her.  They are perfect for eachother.

I am thankful... 

for my husband- I appreciate all he does for our family.  

 

I am praying...

for my children

I am reading...
articles on how to lose belly fat and on how to tone your arms.

I am creating...

a photo gallery ( I've been collecting black frames for a while now)

From the kitchen...

Breakfast for the kids.  (pancakes for Heather and scrambled eggs for Tyler)   I'm a short order cook in the summertime!

 

Around the house...

kids in bathing suits, toys around the playroom, clothes to fold

One of my favorite things..

taking care of my family

A few plans for the next few weeks...
taking Heather to EFY,  girls camp, swim lessons, lots of swimming

Simple Woman's Day Book- April 2012

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...
hail storm, flash flood warnings, I love the smell of rain!

I am thinking...

about how to help someone without doing everything for them

I am thankful...

I'm gonna be a grandma

I am praying...

my daughter is safe in Taiwan

I am reading...
blogs

I am creating...

a marriage lesson for my YW class on Sunday

From the kitchen...

homemade oreo's ( I didn't have one!)

 

Around the house...

spring cleaning

One of my favorite things..

getting our beach house set up for fall break

A few plans for the next few weeks...

lunches, end of school, reaching my goal (8 more lbs to go)

 I'm suppose to do one of these on the last day of every month.  Whoops only 10 days late!  

Simple Woman's Day Book- March 2012

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...

a car parked out front of my house with out of state plates from these guys! They surprised us on Sunday driving all night.  They were waiting for us to get home from church hiding in the kitchen.  This was taken at the Easter Pageant. Travis had never been before. 

I am thinking...

what to do for April Fools tomorrow.  They deserve a surprise this time from me!

I am thankful...

for my husbands birthday today.  He is the best and absolutely perfect for me!

I am praying...
that each of my family members feels the spirit while listening to General Conference and strengthens their individual testimonies.   I loved Pres. Eyrings talk and Pres. Packer and Pres Scott.  Can't wait for more tomorrow.

I am reading...
"Look up my soul, The divine promise of  Hope" by Gerald Lund.  Excited to get nie nie's book  It comes out next week.

I am creating...

an Easter box for my college daughter.  She leaves for Taiwan this month for study abroad.  She just found out she got a tuition paid scholarship from the University.  Awesome!

From the kitchen...

we had a huge breakfast this morning and will be going out for husband's birthday dinner tonight after Priesthood session. Cinnamon rolls tomorrow.

 

Around the house...

left over wrappings from the General Conference bags. A huge hit!

One of my favorite things..

I had a "Favorite Things  Party"  last week.  I'll do a post about it soon with recipes I served.  It turned out fabulous!  We had the best time!

A few plans for the next few weeks...

get back on the program.  With our surprise visitors and the party, a wedding reception, my friends birthday party, conference, husbands birthday I decided to just enjoy the week and not stress about food.  Which means I ate things I shouldn't.  I'm sure I gained but it was a conscience decision.  
Right now I'm feeling sick but trying to hold on until Monday when they leave. I have some kind of head cold and the chills.  Wish me luck because right now I just want to sleep. 

Simple Woman's Day Book- February 2012

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...
Our backyard neighbor's new trampoline.  Kid's playing outside.  70 degree days with beautiful sunsets.

I am thinking...

about our tickets tonight for Wicked.  Heather and I are going.  It was one of her Christmas presents. 

I am thankful...

for my blessings.  My family makes me feel rich.
 

I am praying...
my friends daughter gets found very soon. 

I am reading...
cookbooks and "Why I'm a Mormon" ( I originally bought it for someone else but was hooked.  Very powerful stories and testimonies.

I am creating...

St. Patrick's Day decorations.  My kindergartner is all about the holiday decorations. 

From the kitchen...

might be making this chicken for dinner on Sunday

 

Around the house...

open shades with lots of sunshine coming in.

One of my favorite things..

peanut butter.  I get to have a Tablespoon every day if I want.  On most days I want.

A few plans for the next few weeks...

spring break is coming soon.  ( Heather has life guard classes for the entire week so we won't be going anywhere). Thinking about going to Women's Conference this year for the 1st time.  When is it anyway?

Simple Woman's Day Book- January 2012

I used to do these and decided to start them up again this year.  Suppose to be done on the last day of every month.  Join me!

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...
Blue skies.  It's 60 degrees outside.  We cut down our dead tree and in it's place is a stump.  Reminds me of "The Giving Tree".

I am thinking...

of a game and craft I'm in charge of for my son's Kindergarten classes Valentine party.  I'm hoping pinterest will help me with ideas because right now I've got nothing.

I am thankful...

for a positive attitude despite life's trials

I am praying...
for my children

I am reading...
the Book of Mormon along with the Book of Mormon Companion.  Learning alot!

I am creating...

space and order in my master bedroom closet.  I've put this off for so long.  It was my black hole- but no longer!

From the kitchen...

thinking about springing a new recipe (crockpot chicken) on the elders this Friday for dinner.  I love the spirit they bring into our home when they come for dinner appointments.

Around the house...

Valentine decorations! 

One of my favorite things..

hearing my kids laughter as they're enjoying each other

A few plans for the next few weeks...

making sure my sweetheart knows he's loved and appreciated,  longer walks, get a pedicure (I'm thinking black nails with white polka dots). 

Simple Woman's Daybook- December

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...
It rained ALL day yesterday. (that never happens) Today there were snow flurries. Really! Of course it didn't last very long but pretty cool for us. The temperature is in the 40's.

I am thinking...
I'm excited about the new year and anxious to see what is in store for us.

I am thankful...
for my many blessings, my testimony, my Savior, Jesus Christ and his loving example and atoning sacrifice.

I am praying...
that my personal plans for 2011 will succeed.

I am reading...
a new book by Gerald Lund called Divine Signatures

I am creating...
putting my house back together after the holidays. I'm going through Tyler's toys with the motto, "Out with the old and in with the new"

From the kitchen...
We took Travis to Filiberto's (greasy Mexican food) before the newlyweds left. He's a true Arizonian now. He had a gigantic chimichanga.

Around the house...
wearing slippers because our tile floor is really cold. Signs of Christmas disappearing until next year except for the display of Christmas cards. They'll be up until Valentines Day! I love walking by and stopping to look and think about my friends and family.

One of my favorite things..
watching a movie with my hubby on our new TV. I just wish Bowl Games were over already. I'm sick of football.

A few plans for the next few weeks...
clean, organize, plan and enjoy!

Simple Woman's Daybook- November

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...
sunny days and cold nights, kids playing outside on bikes. Our wonderful winter weather!

I am thinking...
I have a lot to do before Christmas

I am thankful...
for a great visit with my daughter over Thanksgiving. Hearing that my son is doing well and thriving in the MTC


I am praying...
that I keep the Christmas spirit alive and share it with others

I am reading...
Christmas books and my new lesson for my new calling- Mia Maid Advisor

I am creating...
a buzzing Santa's workshop

From the kitchen...
pretzel M&M's in a candy dish and Turkey leftovers for dinner

Around the house...
Christmas everywhere. smells, sounds, sights. I love it!


One of my favorite things..
watching a movie with my hubby

A few plans for the next few weeks...
get everything done for Christmas, prepare for the newlyweds visit, enjoy the journey

Simple Woman's Daybook- October

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...

It was 70 degrees but now its back up to the 80's. The sunsets are gorgeous with lots of reds and oranges. Truly breathtaking!

I am thinking...

if I don't hear from my missionary son I just might burst!

I am thankful...

Andrew, I mean Elder Pulsipher, made it to the MTC. Posts and pictures to come when my emotions are not as tender.

I am praying...

for missionaries
especially those going to places that have volcano's and tsunami's like my son who's going to Jakarta, Indonesia

I am reading...

a lot of books to Tyler

I am creating...

a bedroom to go from a big brother to a little brother

From the kitchen...

Randy made breakfast this morning. He does on most Saturdays. Today it was bacon and eggs

Around the house...
a pile for DI, Halloween candy from the trunk or treat last night and dust everywhere (it's the worst thing about living in the desert)

One of my favorite things..

supportive and understanding friends who calm my heart and greet me with a hug

A few plans for the next few weeks...
catch up on blog posts, sunset walks, figure out cub scouts, dust the house


HAPPY HALLOWEEN go here for a fun Halloween Video

Simple Woman's Daybook- September

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...

sunny. we're still wearing shorts and flip flops.

I am thinking...

my house really needs a deep cleaning.

I am thankful...

for Andrew's desire to serve a mission, for his preparation and his obedient nature. Andrew and Heather are getting so close as siblings. They enjoy each other and hang out together often.

I am praying...

we have enough money to go around. Weddings, missions, college, high school stuff, preschool tuition, medical expenses, etc...

I am reading...

my new Webelos book because I'm a den leader, my new calling!

I am creating...

a wedding photo album

From the kitchen...

Last nights dinner was yo yo. (you're on your own) Nobody was home but me and little man.

Around the house...
a box of Webelos supplies, a pile of mission supplies to be packed, laundry to be put away

One of my favorite things..

- My husband saying, "Let's go out to eat"
- crossing off things on my to do list
- visiting with a friend

A few plans for the next few weeks...
watching General Conference! We tried to get tickets because Andrew wanted to go but couldn't get any.
I'm trying to spend lots of time with him because I know how much I'll miss him over the next 2 years. He is an awesome guy and just knowing how much he will continue to grow I'm so grateful but my heart is a mess. Two children in 2 months. Enjoy your little ones because all too soon they grow and move on and then you're left in a puddle of tears missing their presence. I try to be strong but really I'm not. I miss my kids. Probably too much information but its my reality.

Simple Woman's Daybook- August

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...

I can tell cooler temp. are here. Now when I say cooler I mean 90 instead of 100. But still those 10 degrees make a big difference.

I am thinking...

2 months to get my son ready for his mission.
WHY did he have to meet a great girl now?

I am thankful...

Lauren's wedding and reception went well.

I am praying...

see above what I am thinking.

I am reading...

The Hunger Games
I'm a little late getting started but a fan.

I am creating...

fixing up Heather's room after Lauren took things with her. They were hers but now the rooms a little sparse.

From the kitchen...

There's a bug going around so Chicken Noodle Soup

Around the house...
Hubs likes to watch America's Got Talent and a messy playroom

One of my favorite things..

talking to a happy child on the phone

A few plans for the next few weeks...

Heather getting her braces off, eye appointments, temple trips, fhe lessons given by Andrew out of Preach My Gospel, back to school stuff

Simple Womens Daybook- July

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...

It is sooo hot outside even at night. The pool is like bath water.
Somebody chalked our driveway with sweet messages, Lauren's friends.

I am thinking...

I would love to take a road trip out of this heat, maybe to Utah or CA.

I am thankful...

that wedding plans are coming together and that I found Andrew's seminary graduation certificate because he needs it for his Visa application. I thought it might be lost but no it was right in his room under H.S. dance pictures and track stats.

I am praying...

about what I should do this fall. I've been toying with the idea of doing a playgroup again but this time more organized. My little guy hasn't been getting enough of my attention so this could alleviate my guilt. Plus I love working with little kids. 4 year olds are so creative and fun.

I am reading...

still the Book of Mormon

I am creating...

my daughter's dream wedding day, I hope.

From the kitchen...

Omelet for breakfast (Hubs cooked), Roast beef Sandwich for lunch and Shrimp Scampi for dinner

Around the house... Sat. night

The house is quiet. Heather is on Lauren's laptop, Lauren is at a swim party, Andrew on a date, Tyler is playing Mario Kart and Hubs is in his office.

One of my favorite things..

Tauna's chocolates!

A few plans for the next few weeks...
Andrew's vaccinations (5), getting some sewing done (not by me), washing the bird poop from my car, Tyler's swim lessons, traffic school ( I got a photo of me running a red light, darn cameras. It barely turned red, really), Water Day activity for Primary, kid's eye exams, my Angela's birthday ( she would have been 9 ) and the twins going through the temple.

Happy Birthday to my mom and dad today. Yep, the same day just a year apart.
Love you both!

Simple Womans Daybook- June

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...

It's getting hot outside. It was 111 yesterday. I'm trying to keep my plants alive. Lauren has been spray painting her thrifty finds in the backyard. They are laying around awaiting their 2nd and 3rd coats.

I am thinking...

Life is busy but life is sure good!

I am thankful...

for my temple covenants which seal our family together.

I am praying...

for me to find a mother of the bride dress. I can't find one that I like well enough.

I am reading...

The Book of Mormon and loving it. It's giving me peace and direction.

I am creating...

healthy menu's

From the kitchen...

Chicken Taco's with avocados for dinner

Around the house...

watching "Elmo in Grouchland" for the 5th time

One of my favorite things..

a pedicure

A few plans for the rest of the week...

Andrew's mission call arriving, putting in a new kitchen faucet, picking up Heather from EFY, dentist appts, wedding dress alterations, play dates,

Simple Woman's Daybook- May

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

Outside my window...It's a beautiful sunny day. Our pool is a little dirty and Hubs says we need a new pool vacuum. He hates the upkeep on the pool.

I am thinking...How am I going to get everything done.? A wedding, a missionary ready, mothering a 4 year old and a 14 year old, and not go crazy or worse turn into mean mommy.

I am thankful... for my husbands job

I am praying...for my children and extended family

I am reading...Questions. It's somewhat deep and set up like a textbook which is annoying but interesting insights. It's about the right questions to ask and how those right questions can make all the difference. It can certainly help to fix relationships and even self inflicted problems like when your in a rut and want to change your thinking.

I am creating...I have another scrapbook project that Lauren will do for me. Yea, I love it when she's feeling crafty! Right now she's visiting Travis for a few days. They are adorable.

From the kitchen...yesterday we had yoyo for dinner. (your on your own) Often it's my kids meal of choice. Today I'm planning Tuna Noodle Casserole, Andrew's favorite. Tomorrow it's Salmon with rice, Hubs favorite.

Around the house...folded laundry piles waiting to be taken to their owners rooms,Tyler's toys under foot, Heather's school work sprawled out on the kitchen counter, Andrew's shoes, piles of Laurens crafts and a sink full of dishes calling to me.

One of my favorite things...going to lunch and talking uninterrupted with a friend or family member!

A few plans for the rest of the week...attending the temple dedication, last week of school for Heather, I'd like to see the movie Letters to Juliet on a date with hubs but it will probably be Ironman 2.