Daybook February 16, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday February 16, 2009

Outside My Window... dark, windy, cold, blustery... yay! winter is finally here!

I am thinking... there is so much that I want to do, need to do, have to do.

I am thankful for... family, safe travel and that I took a 4 year old to Vegas and not a 14 year old. AND that good friends finally have a baby boy to adopt.

From the kitchen... yummy macaroni and cheese. Grom said it was almost as good as the Mac N Cheese at his favorite restaurant. We also had brussels sprouts. I love brussels sprouts.

From the schoolroom... We started "playing" ("learning") with Funtastic Frogs. Math was never so much fun. I need to do some planning and get FIAR going... this week.

I am wearing... Jeans, sneakers, grey sweater and fuchsia pink shirt.

I am creating... I need a new project. I have a bunch of blogging to do and I have a bunch of babies coming into my life. I need some time to regroup and refocus.

I am going... to try a new time management system - Autofocus. It can't hurt.

I am reading... Embrace Me by Lisa Samson. I need to keep on with Shepherding Your Child's Heart. I'm in a fiction reading mood.

I am hoping... Grom has a great day at school tomorrow. He has missed a lot lately due to school holidays, a cold and our trip to Vegas.

I am hearing... rain, rain and more rain.

Around the house... I made homemade laundry soap a couple of weeks ago. It smells wonderful... lavendar essential oils, and it seems to be doing a good job of getting the clothes clean.

One of my favorite things... the library. I can "shop" online and show up at my convenience and there the books are sitting on the reserve shelf waiting for me. I can find most anything I want.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Nothing exciting, but always busy.

Here is picture I am sharing...

umbrella, originally uploaded by Special.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

What's for Dinner - Week of February 15, 2009

I didn't get to go grocery shopping last week because we were out of town. I'm going to make a quick trip to get some milk, but that's about it. My pantry will go to work full time this week.

Monday
Velveeta Macaroni and Cheese
Brussel Sprouts

Tuesday
Slow Cooker Applesauce (something like this)
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Green Salad

Wednesday
~Potluck Before Kid's Club / Bible Study~
Slow Cooker Chili (Vegetarian)

Thursday
CORD (clean out refrigerator day)

Friday
~Steak and a Movie Night~
Boulangerie Potatoes
Brocolli

Saturday
Tamale Pie
Three Bean Salad

Sunday
~Family Dinner~
Clam Spaghetti
Garlic Bread
Salad

Laura, the Organizing Junkie hosts 100s of menus every Monday. Go check 'em out.

"But grow in the grace

and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ..." 2 Peter 3:18

Surferman didn't know the Lord when we met. He wasn't saved when we married. My life could've gone terribly wrong. I prayed.

And God is good, full of mercy and grace.

Eventually... Surferman met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The growth wasn't always swift, but it has been steady.

Growth... I see him reading his Bible.
Growth... I see him praying with Grom.
Growth... I see him serving at church.
Growth... I see him watching his language.
Growth... I see him raising his hands in praise.

I know there is other growth. I don't always see it.

But when I do, I rejoice.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

"The righteous man...

walks in his integrity..." Proverbs 20:7

Except for when he forgets he is suposed to usher at church and runs off out of town to spend time with his family. oops.

We've had a great time.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

My Husband Rocks

My Husband Rocks for Friday February 13, 2009

Again this week, Katy Lin has posted some articles and blogging prompts to remind me why My Husband Rocks.

1. Tell the story of your first Valentine's Day together.

Surferman made me dinner. My parents gave him a couple of fillets. I remember cut up green apples, baked potatoes and a Little Debbie treat. I went to his place - a really beat up trailer where he lived with a pothead roomate and a couple of stinky dogs. He lived in Galaxy Trailer Park. We used to joke that he lived right around the corner, just up Uranus. (Say it aloud, it's funny.) He cleaned before I arrived, even swept off the couch. I knew it was love.

2. In reference to the first article, which "secrets" do you do well, which could you work on, which do you struggle with?

I'm working on all of them. It's a great list. You really should go and read them. Your spouse will appreciate it.

My favorite was "The grass is greenest where you water it." Amen. I'm watering the lawn.

3. If you decide to take the advice of the second article, tell us what you're going to do, or share pictures if you have time!

I want to redo our bedroom. Surferman indulged me and let me paint our bedroom orange a few years ago. I should be thrilled, but I picked the wrong color. Instead of the warm joyful orange that I wanted... I sleep in the middle of a gallon of orange sherbert. It's just a little too cluttered. It's not a sanctuary. It's not a love nest.

I hope to change that this year. A warmer color. Less Clutter. Some candles. Music. New linens.

My husband rocks!

"With all lowliness and gentleness,

with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

Expectations.

Expectation is the root of all heartache.
William Shakespeare

I don't totally agree with Will, but I do know that unrealistic expectations can get you into a mess quick. I often have unrealistic expectations for myself (you should see my to do list). I have God, Surferman, some good friends, and family to keep me in check. My expectations for myself can depress me and drive me crazy.

Unfortunately the unrealistic expectations sometimes pass on to Surferman.

I expect him to be romantic.
I expect him to be godly.
I expect him to be sensitive.
I expect him to take care of my needs and my whims.
I expect him... you get it.

He is human. Flesh and bones and sin... just like me.

Only God can provide for all of our needs.
Only God is forever.
Only God is God. Surferman is not God. He can't be God.
I can't expect him to act like God.

And if I don't... my marriage has a chance at being awesome.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

Doodlebug Designs Rocks!

I redecorated!

Well... Judi at Doodlebug Designs created a new look for me.

Judi was super easy to work with. She asked a few questions and from my answers designed my new digs.

I said retro, flowers, springy, birds, orange, blue.

I say she got it.

I won my design during Bloggy Giveaways a the start of February. Her rates are reasonable, if you're in the market for a new look, give her a try.

Puddles, Google, College, Sugar Highs and whatnot

1. You are driving down the road and there is a puddle in the road. A big puddle. Not one that will really wreck your car or anything, but a big puddle. There is no other cars in front of you or behind you - do you drive through the puddle or drive around it?

If there are no other cars, I'll move to avoid the puddle. It is fun though to drive through a huge puddle... love the sound it makes on the underside of my car.

2. Go to Google Images, type in any word that comes to mind and post the 1st picture you see.

3. A college calls you up and says that you have been selected to take get any degree that you want on their dollar.... what do you choose?

I always wanted to be a doctor. Now though... I don't know if I'd want to invest the time.

4. Are you blogging on a laptop or desktop?

My lovely wonderful Macbook laptop. I love my laptop.

5. Which store, excluding a grocery store, do you shop at most often?

I'm ashamed to say, but don't think anyone who knows me would be surprised, STARBUCKS.

6. My daughters tried out for the school musical last night. Were you ever in a school play/musical? Which one?

Only as class assigments. I don't remember any of the plays names.

7. I read yesterday that a school PTA group wants to try to ban white bread, cakes, brownies or any other "treat" from their lunch menus... plus make kids' lunchboxes brought from home not include any "junk food". Thoughts on that one?

Ridiculous! Those people need to get a life and stay out of my kids lunch box.

8. How many people can your kitchen table seat?

With leaves we've had 14.

9. What time is it right now?

9:32 pm

10. Walk out the front door of your house/apartment, turn right, walk 2 blocks. What do you see?

The ocean, a highway and a cemetary.

What do you thunk? Read what others thunk at Thursday Thunks.

"Wives, submit...

to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

I'm not sure how well the next story relates to submission, but it's a good story and shows the growth I've experienced in just 11 days of this challenge.

We made a road trip to Las Vegas today. It was a l.o.n.g. drive. Both Surferman and I have "Directional Deficiency" You won't find it in the DSM, but it should be.

Here are the symptoms to look for...

• inability to differentiate between left and right
• difficulty knowing right hand from left hand (unless you look at your hands and see which one makes an "L" or pretend to hold a pencil)
• you routinely say right when you mean left and vice versa

Unfortunately there seems to be no cure and the only treatment involves GPS.

Back to the story...
A couple of weeks ago (pre-challenge), we took a road trip. Even with a GPS, we got lost multiple times and argued our way to our destination. It was pretty miserable.

Today though, we got turned around a couple of times yet we arrived at our destination without stress, without tears. It was great. It was proof the Lord has changed me.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

"Behold you are handsome,

my beloved! Yes, pleasant!... " Song of Solomon 1:16a

6 feet 6 inches. Tall and strong, not thin and spindly.

That's my Surferman.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

Crayon Resist Valentine Hearts

Grom and I used the rainy weather for fun and more fun.
Here's how we made the valentines we'll be dropping off for Montessori.
Grom will miss the party, but will still get his cards.

I was inspired by a post at Crafty Crow.

I printed heart shapes with a Bible verse inside.
"A friend loves you all the time" Proverbs 17:17
Grom colored the hearts with crayons.
I had fun helping.

Then we watercolored over the crayons.

Let them dry....
really dry.

Cut them out.Grom's going to write his name on the back and we're good to go.
We have enough for friends at school, friends at church and even some for Grandmas.

Happy Valentine's Day!

"... be swift to hear,

slow to speak..." James 1:19b

At dinner tonight we had a problem. Surferman was feeling like he was being ignored. He was trying to talk about the plans for tomorrow. Too much was going on... I was distracted. It wasn't pretty.

Often I complain that Surferman isn't listening. He felt vindicated when a recent hearing test revealed that he does have diminished hearing. One ear is pretty bad and the other isn't far behind. His hearing loss is probably from all those years of working with pneumatic power tools and banging on cars with hammers and such. I also understand that surfing and the cold water in the ear canal can also cause damage. He now likes to tell me that it's not that he's not listening, he's not hearing.

Back to today... I wasn't listening. I got a taste of how I feel when I feel like I'm being ignored. I'm going to purpose to listen better. The encouragement challenge offers an exercise... not speaking for a day unless answering a question... to focus on listening. I think I'll work on speaking less and listening more.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

Daybook February 9, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday February 9, 2009

Outside My Window... It was showering just a minute ago, but now the sun is shining.

I am thinking... about what a nightmare this Stimulus Package is going to turn into. It grows by the second. Everyone has their hand out and nobody is going to get screwed except you and I. It's insane.

I am thankful for... rain. We need it so bad.

From the kitchen... Soup for dinner tonight... a tomato based clam chowder.

From the school room... We've been having fun making Valentine's and doing workbooks. We'll be starting FIAR next week. Along those lines... I received an email from a gal with Homeschoolshare and she asked for some files I made for one of the books we studied. Homeschoolshare has been a tremendous resource and I feel honored to be able to give something back.

I am wearing... black pants, black shoes, and purple-blue longsleeved top.

I am creating... I just finished a few projects. I'll be posting about them soon. It's been nice to be creating things again. I'm looking for a project to do tonight with the girls. I've also been blogging a lot - another creative outlet for me.

I am going... to have to put a bunch of fabric away. I had a crazy idea and pulled boxes and boxes and piles and piles of fabric scraps out of the storage shed. I regained lucidity and now I have to put it all back.

I am reading... finishing Round Robin. I have a Lisa Samson book from the library, but think I should catch up on my daily Bible Reading before get that one going.

I am hoping... that we have a great time in Las Vegas. That we can relax and enjoy our stay and Surferman's family. That the drive would be fun and short.

I am hearing... drums. What in the world is Surferman watching on TV?

Around the house... preparations for going out of town... lots of laundry to do, packing, getting the car ready and the iPod loaded. I'm thinking about borrowing a DVD player for the car, but am hesistant to start anything. Thoughts?

One of my favorite things... tropical flowers. Surferman and I had a Hawaiian themed wedding. All of our guest received carnation leis at the door and the flower arrangements were amazing creations filled with ginger, anthuriums, orchids and protea.

Tropical Bucket, originally uploaded by Rosa Say.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: laundry, pack, drive, time with family, time with friends, a Children's Museum, 30-day challenge, time with family, drive, unpack, laundry. Why does it always seem to start and end with laundry?

Here is picture I am sharing... Love is in the air (or actually in the sand)!

Heart in the Sand, originally uploaded by anitakhart.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

Grom and Grandma's Zoo

Here's a project my mom and Grom worked on this weekend.

I'm proud to announce the Grand Opening of Grom and Grandma's Zoo.

They started with a box, an animal book from a garage sale,
some gluesticks, some markers
and then I made them some labels with our label machine.
They cut the pictures of animals out of the book
and organized them so that the animals each had there own space.
Grom drew in blue marker paths and "enclosures"
(Grom was insistent that they aren't fences. Where does he get this stuff?)
around the animals. They put label signs on each of the exhibits.
Here's the chimpanzees. I'm very fond of monkeys. Grom is my monkey boy.
The hippopotami and bears live on the lake.

There is even a snack parlor and restaurant.
It only serves junk food... yogurt, raisins, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and french fries.
I love Grom's definition of junk food.

Don't be afraid to cut up a book.

"... but who can find...

a faithful man?" Proverbs 20:6b

Faithfulness.

If you look it up in a dictionary, it would make sense to me that there would be a big picture of Surferman.

He is loyal... sometimes to a fault. In regards to employment, his resume is short. He doesn't quit. He sticks it out. He works hard and gives his best and most to his employer.

It's one of his character traits that I love about Surferman.

And as I wrote that I see how you could change "employment" to "marriage" and "employer" to "wife" and the story would be the same.

Faithfulness.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

What's for Dinner - Week of February 9, 2009

It's Sunday night and that means it's time to figure out what we're eating this week. I've been cleaning and organizing my food storage. I now have proof that I really need to work on cleaning out the pantry a bit. It's a short week for us. We are taking a trip to Las Vegas to spend some time with Surferman's family.

Monday
Manhattan Clam Chowder
Salad
Sourdough Bread and Irish Butter

Tuesday
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Rice
Veggies

Wednesday - Saturday
LAS VEGAS!

Sunday
Scrounge the Pantry

Millions (well... hundreds) of menus are posted every week at Laura's. She the Organizing Junkie.

"That I may cause those who love me...

to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries." Proverbs 8:21
"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!... for riches certainly make themselves wings..." Proverbs 23:4-5

Today's subject is money and financial matters in marriage. I've been thinking about what to share all day. I got nothing, nada, zilch.

We are very blessed, and fortunately recognize that blessing. We see what the Lord has done for us and use it well. Frugal comes naturally. Why buy something new when you can fix what you have, or buy it for a fraction of the price at a garage sale?

I praise the Lord that we are likeminded in the economy of our home.

We don't have consumer debt, just our mortgage that we are plugging away on. Budgeting is a challenge, but it's coming along. There never seems to be too much money, does there? We both enjoy Dave Ramsey and his no nonsense advice. I can't wait to call Dave and tell him we've paid off the house.... oh to scream... We're debt free!

God is good.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

If all of the raindrops

were lemondrops and gumdrops
oh what a rain it would be-e
I'd stand outside with my mouth open wide
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

Thank you God for the rain.
Perfect weather for puddle jumping!

"...whatever ye do,

do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31b

In the summer of 1993 I bought a guitar. I had a year to wait before going to nursing school and I decided that learning to play the guitar would be a fun way to pass the time. I spared no expense and bought a nice Epiphone acoustic. It was beautiful. I signed up for a guitar class at the local community college. I had learned how to play "What do you do with a drunken sailor" and then my musical career came to an abrupt end.

I met Surferman. I was looking to link to that story, but I haven't shared it yet. Maybe it'll come up soon. If you haven't heard i yet, it's a good story.

Spending time with Surferman was a great way to pass the time while waiting to start nursing school. My beautiful guitar got tucked into the closet, until...

It suddenly became Surferman's guitar. I wasn't smart enough to give it to him as a gift. It just somehow happened.

Surferman has fun playing around the guitar. Simple tunes, simple rhythyms... simple pleasure. It glorifies God.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

My Husband Rocks

I'm starting something new. My Husband Rocks! is a blogging prompt that Katy Lin at the great adventure posts every Friday. I'm going to give it a whirl. I plan to continue it through the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge and I'll see how it goes from there

My Husband Rocks! for Friday, February 6, 2009

1. Tell us about some of the things that you and your husband do to just have fun together.

We never seem to make time to have fun together. It's easy to fall into the trap of busyness. I plan to make more time this coming week.
There are a few shows on TV that we enjoy to watch together. Lost and Leverage are favorites right now.
We love to play Lost Cities. We haven't played since Maui.
Honestly we need to work on fun.

2. Tell the story of a memory about your husband that brings you a smile and a giggle every time you think about it.

When we were dating, before we were going steady or whatever you'd call it, we were at a park and he started singing songs to me. The songs were sweet and the lyrics spoke of things he was having difficulty saying himself; "My Girl" and "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree". At least it wasn't a song like "I Want Your Sex".

3. Give us your best, most creative Valentine's Day gifts

This is a cookie bouquet that I made Surferman a few years ago. I made cut out sugar cookies and baked lollipop sticks into them for stems. Bright pink icing made them even sweeter. I had a friend deliver them to him at work. He shared them all around. It was a very successful gift.

I have also sent him a singing cookie gram. A community senior citzens singing group delivered a giant chocolate chip cookie to Surferman at work. Can you imagine four old ladies dressed the same showing up at his work? They sang, "You are my sunshine" in four part harmony while Surferman turned every shade of red. Not something I'd do again. I didn't think about the embarassing factor.

This year I'm making this book for Surferman. I'm about halfway done. I'll post about it more when I get it done. Good thing he doesn't read my blog or the surprise would be spoiled.

I should be in bed.

"Let no corrupt communication...

proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it might impart grace to the hearers." Ephesians 4:29

Five days into the Husband Encouragement Challenge, I continue to follow the rules.

* You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband.
* Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your
husband...and to someone else, about your husband!

I haven't told Surferman about this challenge, so he's not monitoring my words. Should I?

I have noticed that even though my mouth doesn't speak... my brain sometimes thinks. I catch myself with a complaining, comparing and even contemptuous heart. This challenge isn't about words alone. I need to work on my heart.

The good man brings good things
out of the good stored up in his heart,
and the evil man brings evil things
out of the evil stored up in his heart.
For out of the overflow of his heart
his mouth speaks.

Luke 6:45 NIV

Recipe Box Swap - Fun Foods

Randi at "I have to say..." hosts a monthly recipe swap. I'm joining in this month. Here's how she describes February's theme....

This month's theme is "Fun Foods". You know those foods, you don't make often, but they are staples in your family's menu just because they are fun. Fun foods are usually sticky, salty, sugary or fattening, and we all love them!

Bop over to her blog for more Fun Food recipes. Here's mine...

I've posted these before, but they really fit the bill for Fun Food.

Robin's Top Secret World's Best Brownies

Ingredients
1 box brownie mix - the cheapest box on the shelf, tastes best if bought on sale
ingredients for above box of brownies

1 can chocolate frosting

Directions
Follow the directions on the brownie mix package. Bake the brownies as directed for the shortest time recommended. Set a timer and do not let them cook a moment more.

While the brownies are still hot... Microwave the can of frosting in 30 second bursts until the frosting is smooth and melted. Usually about 1 minute.

Pour half of the frosting onto the warm brownies. Tilt the pan to cover the corners and edges with frosting.

Let cool before serving.

Ooey, Gooey, Yummy.

Blogs Hunting Volcanoes While Dealing with Angry Celebs Eating Pickles and Much More

1. What is one of your favorite blogs to read? Why is it your favorite?
Making Home Jess is gifted by God as an encourager and a teacher. When I open my Bloglines and see that she has posted something new, I get excited and then scared. Nine times out of ten, she hits me between the eyes with something that I need to surrender to the Lord, or deal with. She is straight forward and honest, speaking the truth in love.

2. Have you ever been hunting?
Only if garage sales count... I'm always hunting for a bargain or something I need.

3. Do you live near any active volcanoes?
I live near an active nuclear power plant, so I sure hope there aren't any active volcanoes nearby.

4. If VH1 came out with a new reality show called Celebrity Anger Management, who would you most like to see on the show?
I don't know. I don't pay much attention to the doings of "celebrities".

5. Would you drink horse's milk if offered?
I'd try it. Do they make chocolate horse milk? Or horse lattes?

6. Do you buy pickles? If so, what do you do with the juice after all the pickles are gone?
Dill pickles are yummy. I usually throw it away, but I read that you can refill the jar with sliced cucumbers and turn them into makeshift pickles. I'm trying that next time.

7. Do you have a myspace or Facebook account?
I recently joined Facebook because of good friends who moved to their mission field in Kenya. I don't get it. I may just delete my account or give myself a funny alias so I can keep up with the Pottengers but not be bothered with the rest of it. Is that bad?

8. Facial hair on men, yea or nay?
I like the look of 5 o'clock shadow. Don't like the 80 grit sandpaper feel of it on my soft check. I really like a soft, smooth face.

9. Do you know anyone personally who is stockpiling stuff for WWIII or a date they think will be the end of the world (i.e. 12/2012)?Not that I'm aware of. I know some women online who have incredible stockpiles and BOBs (bug out bags). I choose to trust in the Lord.

10. Have you downloaded Skype and use it?
Not on this computer.

11. Have you ever been stuck by cacti?
Once. When I was little (maybe 7) I had a cactus I called Prick. My parents giggled all the time.

12. Do you still have packed boxes from your last move you have yet to unpack? If so, how long have they been there?
No.

13. Ever have a toxic friend you had to break ties with to save your sanity? Yes, and that's all I'm saying.

Read what others are thunking at Thursday Thunks.

"...let him labor,

working with his hands what is good..." Ephesians 4:28

I remember my Grandpa Pete's hands. They were rough and calloused. His fingers seemed permanently curved to hold a hammer. He was a carpenter. One of his nails was always that deep shade of purple that comes from mishap.

Surferman's hands show how hard he works. Rough and calloused, but because he works on cars, they are also black with grease. His fingers seem permanently curved to hold a wrench. His knuckles are forever tore up from putting his big hand in small areas.

Surferman like my Grandpa Pete was built to work... built for hard work.

Please pray with me that he'll be back to working full time soon.

I'm off to offer Surferman a very manly manicure.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

"love suffers long...

and is kind." 1 Corinthians 13:4
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

The rules have been a lot easier to follow than I thought they would be. I did have a slip today, but I tried to turn it around mid complaint. Regardless, my heart was complaining. Old habits... well you know.

I long ago realized the truth from the Philippians scripture. People are people - sinful, silly creatures... they all struggle and pursue godliness the same way I do. I no longer expect anyone to be God in my life. Instead I look for Jesus in people.

I see Jesus in Surferman... more and more.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

"through love...

serve one another" Galatians 5:13b

I have been blessed by the way Surferman has stepped up his service while he's been laid off. It's an understatement to say that surfing is pretty important to Surferman. He has ushered at church for a while, but always held back the time he gave. For Surferman, Sunday mornings were for surfing and then church. Without a job, there has been more time for surfing. I was pleased when he increased his ushering commitment because he doesn't need his Sunday mornings for surfing like he used to.

He has been able to help a few people here and there with various things.
Another blessing in the midst of this trial.

He has also been able to help me. He makes laundry a little less daunting.
Another blessing in the midst of this trial.

YOU ROCK SURFERMAN!

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

Daybook February 2, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday February 2, 2009

Outside My Window... I just had to roll down our shade as the setting sun was searing my eyes.

I am thinking... about friends and babies and friends and no babies and friends and...

I am thankful for... Surferman. He rocks!

From the kitchen... Pizza tonight. And asparagus. I love asparagus.

From the schoolroom... Grom and I need to finish rowing "If Jesus Came to My House" this week.

I am wearing... black pants, grey t-shirt (with sparkles none the less), croc flip flops

I am creating... Surferman's Valentine's Present.

I am going... well, we're going to Las Vegas next week to spend some time with Surferman's family. I'm excited to see his family, excited to see friends, not so excited to deal with the worldliness of Las Vegas.

I am reading... Round Robin and Shepherding Your Childs Heart... still.

I am hoping... that I'll make the most of my time. That Surferman and I will be able to stick with our TV fast until 2/15.

I am hearing... 4 1/2 year old car noises from one room and "smooth jazz" (I'll always think of it as old people music) from the front room where my folks are playing a game.

Around the house... Surferman turned in a job application today. It's not super promising, but it's a job. Please pray for God's will.

One of my favorite things... wearing flip flops in February.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: get the office cleaned out, get the laundry caught up, serve Surferman, play with Grom, have fun.

Here is picture I am sharing... my latest bento purchases.
I really restrained myself. A new 2 tiered box with straps. A replacement strap for a box I had. Cute fruit themed sauce cups. Heart and Star hard boiled egg molds. I smile thinking about them.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

"The heart of her husband safely trusts her;

so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life."
Proverbs 31:11-12

I'm joining Kelly, a blogging friend, in a 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge. I think it needs another name. Like... 30-Day Hey You Wife Get Worked Over, Refined and Challenged While Encouraging Your Husband and Improving Your Marriage Challenge.

Whatever it's called, I'm in.

I don't expect it to be easy. Not the encouraging Surferman part, but the taming Robin part.

Each day there is something to read, and there is also a prayer guide.

These are the only rules.
* You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband.
* Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your
husband...and to someone else, about your husband!

I'll let you know how it goes.

What's for Dinner - Week of February 2, 2009

Monday
~Crafty Women's Fellowship~
Costco Pizza
Salad
Asparagus Parmesan

Tuesday
Use up those CSA Veggies Soup
Sourdough Bread
Applesauce

Wednesday
~Potluck before Kids Club & Bible Study~
Honey Baked Lentils
Rice

Thursday
Scrounge the Pantry (there is lots to eat in there)

Friday
~Couples Home Group~
Hamburgers
Salad

Saturday
~Date Night?~

Sunday
~Family Dinner~
my parents cook

Hundreds of menus are hosted every week by Laura the Organizing Junkie. Why not post yours?