How I spent my Friday...

Surferman and I made a run to Ikea.

The closest one is just over 200 miles away. We drove there and back today.

We went to buy the wardrobe system for our new closet. It's going to be great. We are going to be so organized.

We found most of the parts we needed. Did you catch that "most"? We'll be shopping again soon.

Those Ikea folks have some crazy names for stuff. I don't think they can spell though.

Have you ever seen the Ikea Furniture Name Generator? Give it a try. It's good for a chuckle.

My poor minivan complained from the weight of the boxes all the way home.

It was a really nice day. We had time to talk in the car and listen to a good book on tape and some Dave Ramsey. Topped it off with a little bit of sushi.

FREE!

This is my dad and his chair.

He had it custom made.

I remember going with my Dad to pick it up from the shop when I was little.

It was the most comfortable chair in our home.

I got him to pose when he and Surferman dragged it to the curb.

Someone got a great chair upholstered with many memories.

We kept Dad.

Random Dozen - 5/19/10

1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. I precook ground beef or turkey and have portions in the freezer. Canned sauce (with an extra can of cut tomatoes) and spaghetti noodles. Add a salad and a day old garlic bread from the freezer and dinner can be on the table in less than 20 minutes.

2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.)
my iPhone

3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?
I'd never turn down a trip to Maui.

4. Share one factoid of your family's history.
We found family that escaped France to England. They floated across the Channel in sealed wine barrels to be rug makers. Wilton Carpets to be exact.

5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."
I drove a green Volkswagen Bug with a bumper sticker that said "0-60 in 15 minutes"

6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?
coffee. Free Starbucks for a year would be excellent.

7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."
I detest raw tomatoes, but love tomato soup, ketchup, spaghetti sauce... anything with cooked tomatoes. (I'm not sure this is much of a secret).

8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?
Well, since it won't buy a cup of coffee... I guess I'd buy Surferman a double cheeseburger from Burger King. He loves them. (I guess I would have to find tax in my coin jar).

9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."
when Grom licks my face when he's pretending to be Mai dog.

10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?
eat my Medifast food

11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?
Not yell.

12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?
We are going to San Francisco with good friends for Memorial Day. We're going to have so much fun.

There is a whole-lotta randomness going on at Linda's. Go check out the quirks

Daybook May 18, 2010

FOR TODAY - Tuesday May 18, 2010

Outside my window... Dark. The weather today was weird. Cold, rainy, sunny, overcast, warm. T-Ball was cancelled when it was raining and it was sunny at game time.

I am thinking... about the lesson I'm teaching at Kids Club tomorrow night. At this point I am unprepared.

I am thankful for... the women who attend my church. They are beautiful in every way.

From the learning rooms... lower case letters and writing sentences. The perfectionist in Grom doesn't like sounding out words. He expects to just be able to spell.

From the kitchen... I can't believe how fast we go through peanut butter. Well... I can believe it. Grom has taken to eating it off the spoon. Who needs bread and jam?

I am wearing... you don't want to know.

I am creating... decorating plans. I'm still making lots of decisions. We had to pick out carpet AGAIN today. It didn't get ordered when I thought it did. It is supposed to be installed early next week, so we had to go back and find something that "in stock". Fortunately we found something I like. The shower tiles went in today and they look fab.

I am going... to the gym in the morning.

I am reading... Still working on Crazy Love by Francis Chan and The Shack by what's his name. They are on that list of books to read on my 101 list. And I just got Linchpin by Seth Godin from the library. Linchpin is a brand new book, so I've got to get that one read in the next 3 weeks.

I am hoping... the Chiropractor can help my neck tomorrow. The left side of my neck is really tight and I think it's causing my recent headaches. I've been taking Aleve once in while which is not normal for me.

I am hearing... TV. I'm watching a guilty pleasure that I won't tell you about because I don't want you to think I endorse it.

Around the house... I've been getting rid of clothes like crazy. The clothes can actually slide on the closet rod. It's great that they aren't so packed in.

One of my favorite things... Sparkling Lime Water. It's so refreshing and bubbly.

Vocabulary word of the week:
precatory (adj.): expressing a request; nonbinding: only expressing a wish or giving a suggestion.
synonyms: beseeching (vs. imperative), pleading, imploring
used in a sentence: In times of trial, we offer precatory prayers to God.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Surferman and I are making an up and back trip to the Bay Area for an Ikea shopping spree. We need to buy our closet organizers and maybe a bed.

Here are some pictures I am sharing...

I love silhouettes. These are from gymnastics.
Grom is center with his arms flailing.

How you can be praying for me and mine... communication, discipline and patience.

Have a great week. Check out other daybooks at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

What's for Dinner - May 17, 2010

Monday
~Marvelous Monday~
BBQ Shrimp
Rice
Veggies

Tuesday
~T-Ball~
Marinated Fish Tacos
fruit

Wednesday
~Everybody Pitch-In 4Dinner~
~Bible Study / Kids Club~
Sizzling Chicken Tortilla Bake

Thursday
~Quilt Group~
~T-Ball~
Arroz Con Pollo
salad

Friday
~IKEA run?~
???

Saturday
???

Sunday
~Family Dinner~
my folks cook

Random Dozen - 5/12/10

1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation.
We had Grad Night at school. The parents brought in carnival rides and games. There was an In N Out Burger wagon that made all the burgers we could eat, and a local hair salon even did makeovers. It went all night. It was a Roman toga party. There is a picture somewhere and boy was I cute. I rocked my toga.

2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times?
baby wipes or as Grom now calls them... big kid wipes

3. In your region, do you celebrate graduation open houses? Addendum: (If so,) how many open houses/bridal showers/weddings are on your upcoming events calendar?
We call them graduation parties. We haven't been invited to any this season. So far I know of one wedding this summer.

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood.

Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 ESV

5. What was the last thing you broke?
I don't remember. But I try to be thankful for the time I got to use / enjoy the broken item instead of grieving over it's loss.

6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily?
5 or 6. Unless it's Tuesday, then it's all junk.

7. Do you like to shop by catalog?
Catalogs are junk mail these days. They go straight into the trash. I shop online.

8. Is lawn maintenance at your house a "his job," a "her job" or "his/her job" or "that's why we have teenagers" job?
We don't have a lawn, but yard maintenance is Alfredo's job. He came with our rental and does a great job.

9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home?
When we're done with our remodeling project, our master bedroom and bathroom should be gorgeous. Everything else has been recently done. I think the next big project will be re-doing our back deck.

10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line?
I read news online, but actually get most of my news from AM radio on my way to work in the morning.

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
I trust in God's perfect will.

12. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
How about... doing the right things right?

Daybook May 11, 2010

FOR TODAY - Tuesday May 11, 2010

Outside my window... I can't see outside. The blinds are down. Today was a beautiful day - as long as I was inside. Outside it was a bit windy and chilly.

I am thinking... about what else I need to do tonight.

I am thankful for... floss picks. If they didn't exist I would never floss.

From the learning rooms... Grom and I have been talking about summer plans. He wants to do some school. He wants to learn about trees. I think we'll read a lot of books, do some experiments and work on the 3Rs.

From the kitchen... lots of Dream Dinners. It's so nice to pull something from the freezer and be done thinking about dinner.

I am wearing...the light brown tee shirt that I wore all day and grey track pants - c.o.m.f.o.r.t.

I am creating... our family mission statement. The words are mostly done, now I'm working on the design and incorporating photos so I can print it for the wall. I'll share it when I'm done.

I am going... to L.A. tomorrow and I'll be back home tomorrow night. I'm taking my friend to the airport and stopping at Ikea to buy Grom a closet. I'm going to load up my iPod with podcasts and I have a book on tape to listen to. As long as I don't get sidetracked in Ikea, I shouldn't be home too late.

I am reading... I'm working on Crazy Love by Francis Chan and The Shack by what's his name. They are on that list of books to read on my 101 list.

I am hoping... our remodeling is finished before June starts.

I am hearing... TV. I'm watching a guilty pleasure that I won't tell you about because I don't want you to think I endorse it.

Around the house... We have WALLS! Our remodeling project is coming right along. I need to get those paint colors chosen quick. And light fixtures...

One of my favorite things... Grammar Girl. I love listening to her podcasts where she explains proper use of words so I can speak good English. Ever confused if it should be affect or effect? Grammar Girl will simply explain it to you and entertain at the same time.

Vocabulary word of the week:
perpend (v.): to ponder; deliberate
synonyms: chew over, cogitate, envisage, examine, excogitate, favor, see about, speculate, study, subscribe to, take into account, take under advisement, take up, think out, think over, toss around
used in a sentence: I love to perpend the grace of God.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Surferman has automotive certification tests this week. He's busy cramming. Besides my trip south... PTA meeting, T-Ball (twice), Gymnastics and my church's Woman's Conference.

Here are some pictures I am sharing...

Backseat Buddies

How you can be praying for me and mine... pray for Surferman and those mechanic tests, my busyness that test my time management skills and Grom's testing of my patience with his misbehavior.

Have a great week. Check out other daybooks at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Bowling for Juice Boxes

Grom was invited to a bowling birthday party for a boy in his class.

You haven't lived until you've seen Kindergarteners bowl.
It's almost as good as T-ball. More on that soon...

I'm sure they are discussing technique or bowling ball colors.
Don't they look like mini men?

Here's Grom's approach.
He developed an amazing overhand throwing style.

Think about that a minute... overhand.

His throws were rather straight.
And when they weren't the gutter bumpers didn't hurt.

That look is pride.

Grom was a very diligent bowler.
He was one of two kids who stuck around
and bowled their entire game - every frame.
While they were waiting for their next go,
there was pizza, drinks and birthday cake.

Have you seen anything cuter than size 12 bowling shoes?

What's for Dinner - May 9, 2010

Monday
~Marvelous Monday~
~Grocery Shopping & Gymnastics~
Creamy Chicken Risotto
veggies
fruit

Tuesday
~T-Ball~
Chicken Yakitori
Rice
Veggies

Wednesday
~take Tobi to airport~
~Everybody PitchIn 4 Dinner~
~Kids Club & Bible Study~
Chicken Parmesan
Garlic Bread

Thursday
~T-Ball~
Sizzling Chicken Tortilla Bake
salad

Friday
~Women's Conference~
Hey Pizza Man!
order from Dominos

Saturday
~Women's Conference~
CORD
(clean out refrigerator day)

Sunday
~Belated Mother's Day Celebration~
???

Tollipop's Hypothetical Friday

1. Would you rather be the belle of the ball with a dance card from here to Katmandu, with brilliant dance skills and partners to match, or would you rather be that girl who wanders onto the terrace for some night air, comes across a dashing stranger doing the very same thing, and spends the rest of the evening lost in the most mesmerizing conversation you've ever had in your whole, entire life?
dashing stranger and mesmerizing conversation... although mastering ballroom dancing... hmmm

2. Would you rather have a magical tree house whose entrance is imperceptible to others and which offers the most wonderful, relaxing retreat? This tree follows you everywhere you go, so if you're in the middle of a stressful situation, you can simply turn around or step outside and voilà--your sanctuary awaits! Or, would you rather have a magical tree house that, once entered, can transport you anywhere in the world, only it always deposits you to the same spot when you're ready to return (in other words, access is less convenient than the first option)?
relaxing retreat wherever I am - what a great possibility - of course I'm assuming said tree house would be well stocked with decaf coffee and come equipped with a masseuse.

3. Would you rather pilot anything (air) or would you rather drive anything (ground)...with crazy amazing skills either way?
pilot - wouldn't it be great to be able to do loop-de-loops and barrel rolls like a stunt pilot?

4. Would you rather be a great composer of music, or would you rather play an invincible game of chess?
great composer - think of all the songs I could come up with

5. Would you like to live in your dream house on a rather impersonal street, or would you rather live in a relatively average house on your dream street with the ability to choose as your neighbors anyone currently residing on this planet? What would your dream house look like or what would you call your street and whom would you choose as neighbors?
I'd choose an average house on an amazing street. Our home would have lots of room for entertaining. We could have all our wonderful neighbors anytime. Pack your stuff and plan to move - friends, family and fun people. And you too Shelly... you can encourage me to exercise.

6. Would you like a tiny, sweet hedgehog named Pip, or would you like a darling bulldog puppy named Collins who never drools and is perfectly trained? (okay, you can name them whatever you want...as long as you tell me).
As tempting as a non-drooling bulldog is... how could I not pick a sweet hedgehog named Pip? I'd carry him in my pocket and feed him the fattening stuff off my plate.

7. Would you like a scrumptious picnic in a meadow on a beautiful spring day, or would you care to enjoy a divine lunch in a Parisian bistro? p.s. either choice allows you to bring along the one you love...or Mr. Darcy, if you are presently undecided.
A scrumptious picnic - cheese, baguette, strawberries, chocolate and lime sparkling water with a Surferman who knows who Mr. Darcy is and has some of his manners and decorum. The meadow would be filled with wild flowers and the pollen wouldn't bother me.

Wishing you a lovely Mother's Day weekend...

Round Two

photo by Ack Ook

I've been kinda quiet about my weight loss efforts. Truthfully, I've been struggling a bit. I was so determined through the holidays and I lost - 66 pounds since November 5, 2009. 25 weeks.

I don't know how or when or why the struggle started, but it's been going on for a few weeks. I haven't really lost anything the last 3 weeks. I start each day pretending that I want to be on plan. Sometime during the day, I find a way to fall apart. I get stressed. I don't plan. I eat dumb things. It's self sabotage.

And while all this is going on within me, people are noticing my weight loss and complimenting me on my efforts. I'm noticing that my stomach is no where near as close to the steering wheel in my car as it used to be. I'm getting rid of my stretchy pants. I feel like a big fat FRAUD.

I was out of town for a class today. I took my Medifast food with me, but throughout the day I ate what came my way. And thankfully this nonsense is out of my system. I'm feeling that fire within me again.

I'm ready to start Round 2. I'll be 100% on plan restarting tomorrow. I'm excited to see what I can do in the next 25 weeks. I'm trying different. I'll tell you more about that soon.

So friends... I ask for your renewed prayers and accountability. I don't want to eat that tortilla chip or taste whatever at the next potluck or... well you get it. Health tastes better.

Random Dozen - 5/5/10

1. What was the last thing about which you procrastinated?
well... right now... I'm procrastinating going to bed.
and I still don't have my office papers cleaned up...
and you should see all the undone things on my to do list

2. How long does it take you to fall asleep, and do you sleep through the night?
after I turn off the light, I'm asleep in no time flat. I never get to say "amen"
I usually sleep through the night, but lately I've been waking up between 3:45 and 4 a.m. for no particular reason. It's weird.

3. Which decade would you choose to exemplify your favorite fashion styles?
It's hard to be stylish when you're huge. I go for comfortable and not embroidered and dowdy. Not sure what decade that would be. I liked the preppy clothes of the early 80s.

4. What is your personal best dish to feed a crowd?
Caesar Salad with homemade dressing
Aunt Theo's Potatoes and BBQd chicken thighs

5. Are you an impulse shopper? What was the last thing you bought on impulse?
When I stay up too late, I seem to buy things online that I don't need. Last thing I bought... some handmade journals (aren't they cool?)

6. What is one wish you have for your own funeral?
That it would involve the beach somehow.

7. If it's true that joy is in found in the simple things in life, what does your joy look like today?
a hot fudge sundae

8. What is your favorite type of bread?
sourdough - toasted with real butter

9. What trait do you fear developing the most? (Laziness, greediness, grumpiness, etc.)
imperativeness

10. What trait would you like most to develop?
self-control

11. Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?
My studio - it's a creative space where I get things done - decorated with retro prints and orange. I just wish it were neater and less cluttered - but I guess that wouldn't fit my personality.

12. How do you maintain balance in your life regarding, work, family, church, other organizations and activities, and blogging?
calendar, to do list, prayer, consulting with Surferman and screaming into my towel after I shower

Linda does a great job of coming up with random fun for us each week. Give it a try.

What's for Dinner - May 3, 2010

Monday
~Marvelous Monday~
BBQ Shrimp & Rice
Green Beans

Tuesday
~out of town for class~
~T-Ball~
Chicken Parmesan
Garlic Bread
Salad

Wednesday
~out of town for class~
~Kid's Club / Bible Study~
take Canadian Bacon Stuffed French Bread

Thursday
~T-Ball~
Sizzling Chicken Tortilla Bake
Salad

Friday
~Farewell Gathering~
take Raspberry Tart

Chinese Chicken
Rice
Veggies

Saturday
Buffalo Burgers

Sunday
~Mother's Day~
???

I guess I like bright colors

The local quilt guilds in our area joined forces last weekend for a Quilt Show.

I took a pictures of a few that caught my eye. Not a dull or neutral one in the bunch.

This red one had beautiful applique and hand quilting

This rooster made me giggle

I appreciated the use of crazy prints

Check out the orange in this one. This is a close up. I had a shot of the whole quilt.
It was magnificent.


3D!

Very old fashioned and still colorful.

The fabrics in this one are all dots.

Check out the close up.

I think the blur in this one makes it look like it's spinning.

This one was so random and graphic. Each of the squares on the left of the quilt have little circles appliqued inside them. Very fun.

I stared at this one forever and never did figure out how she managed to piece it together.


I was very inspired and motivated to get back to my machine.

The photography isn't the greatest. I only had my iphone and no flash.
I think the blurry ones are cool.

Big Blue

Check out Surferman's new ride.

It's 10' 6" of custom made fun.

A Sojourner Surfboards original.

So cool it makes your hair fall out.

What do you think of Surferman's new bald look?

Tollipop's Hypothetical Friday

I've shared my admiration of Kristen and her Tollipop blog. Lately she has blogged about hypothetical questions that she shares with her daughters. She shared some with us today and they were so much fun that I had to answer. Her words are in italics.



1. Would you rather have a fantasy art studio stocked with every supply (in colors and mediums never before conceived!), lots of space, natural light, big tables, cozy chairs, and windows that look out on a beautiful scene, or would you rather have a fantasy atelier, with a magical sewing machine that could help you create every fashion you've ever wanted, in a fit that is perfect for you (or others, if you are sewing for someone else). The atelier comes stocked with wondrous fabrics, is also bright and spacious, with windows looking out on something that captures your imagination.
both - I maintain that a fantasy art studio with every supply would have to include fabrics and skill. And if it came with a clock that made time stand still... ahhh

2. Would you rather have a teacup rabbit or a tiny white owl?
a tiny white owl

3. Would you rather have the ability to summon an amazing bedtime story whenever you wanted to hear one, or would you rather summon a walk on a beautiful, secret path (with the weather and season of your choice) that always leaves you feeling better when you reach your destination?
I'd choose the walk. My first would be on a tropical beach. I'd have a flower in my hair.

4. If you could wish for something lovely to happen to someone this weekend, who would the lucky recipient be?
very hard to choose...
Tobi, because she's leaving the country soon,
Any of the moms of the 2009 crop of babies, because that first year is hard,
Surferman, because he rocks,
Erika, because she's Erika.
I pray lovely things for each and every one of them.

5. Would you rather be a crazy fast runner or a crazy fast swimmer?
crazy fast runner - I don't run.

6. Would you like the ability to have a wonderful, restful sleep each night, or would you like to have an Olympic hopeful metabolism that does a spectacular job of keeping up with all the yummy things there are to eat?
you have to ask? the metabolism of course. I'd eat chocolate and cheese puffs and steak and... everyday.

Wishing you a lovely weekend filled with good things to eat, people who love you, and that you see the moon hanging like a pearl from the sky...

I told you they were a fun bunch of questions.

Random Dozen - 4/28/10

1. Have you ever been so lost that you were really afraid?
When I was in college I went to New Orleans with some friends for a conference. We walked from the French Quarter back to our hotel and got lost. I was unproportionately (think I just made up that word) scared. It was because of too much alcohol and one of the first reasons I stopped drinking.

2. Have you ever been to an island?
Yep... Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Catalina, Mykonos, Patmos, a few in Washington state and I know I'm forgetting some.

3. Are you more of a thinker or feeler?
Thinker. Compassion is something I pray the Lord would develop more in me.

4. Do you tend to see issues or situations in life as black and white or shades of gray?
I think I'm a pretty black and white kinda gal, but somethings are shades of gray. HA!

5. If you were stuck on an island, what book would you hope to have with you (Let's pretend the Bible is already there, so you can't say that.)
How about "1001 ways to use a coconut" or "Boat building made easy"? Or a good novel like "Pride and Prejudice".

6. What are you most afraid of?
That I'd "mess up" my son. Debilitating illness.

7. Would you rather lose all of your old memories or never be able to make new ones?
My memory isn't very good. I enjoy the moment more than the past. I'd pick making new ones.

8. Pretend I'm looking at a scrapbook page about you. There are three spaces for you to drop in individual pictures. What are those pictures of, and why did you select them?
How about some optimism? How about a "before" and "after" photo with my weight loss? The third picture could be a great shot of my family.

9. If you were re-doing your wedding, what would you do differently? (If you're single, tell me one thing you would do if you were planning a wedding OR huge party.)
Nothing. I really enjoyed our wedding. Now our marriage... I wish we hadn't lived together before we got married.

10. Tell me one thing you know/believe about forgiveness.

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

11. You're waiting in a doctor's office. What is your favorite way to pass that time?
Playing with my iPhone or going over my to do list.

12. If there were a clone of you in a parallel universe what is one way you hope she/he would be the same as you and one way you hope she/he would be better?
My clone would be healthy, trim and fit and more outgoing.

How's that for a whole lot of random? Did you catch a bit of LOST inspiration running through the questions? Go see how others answered or jump in with your own answers.

What's for Dinner - April 26, 2010

Monday
~Marvelous Monday~
Mediterranean Pasta with Chicken
salad
garlic bread
strawberries

Tuesday
~T-Ball Practice~
Chicken with Lemon & Artichoke
rice
zucchini

Wednesday
~Everybody Pitch-In 4 Dinner~
~Kids Club / Bible Study~
Chicken & Dumplings
grapes

Thursday
~T-Ball Practice - Picture Day~
BBQ Shrimp
rice
green beans

Friday
~Dream Dinners Session~
~Care Team Meeting~
Refrigerator Buffet
-the leftovers go-

Saturday
~Birthday Party~
???

Sunday
~Birthday Party~
~Birthday Party~
take fruit
~Family Dinner~
my parents cook

Need some ideas for dinner? Check out all the menus posted at Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday.

By the way... want a $50 gift card? Krista is giving a CSN card away this week. That the group of stores that sponsored my recent giveaway. They have lots of great stuff. Go sign up. If I don't win, I hope you do.

Random Dozen - 4/21/10

1. Ever had any run-ins with the "library police?"
Once I left a bag full of library books outside overnight. Of course, it rained. Fortunately, I had great favor with the librarians. They "discarded" most of them and they others I had to buy, they let me pick up used online. I saved a bunch of money and I hope I learned a lesson. I haven't done it since, so maybe I did.

2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts?
It's probably one of the dumbest purchases I've ever made... I bought an Elfa wrapping paper cart. It was stinking expensive and it has just allowed us to keep a bunch of junky wrapping stuff. Now I'd get a roll of craft paper, a roll of white paper and a box of cool ribbons. I might buy a roll of kid paper when Grom is selling it for school.

3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster?
I was in a 6.5 quake in 2003. I was at church and we had a lot of shaking. Lots of mess, but no huge damage.

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
Copacabana, for sure.

5. What's the best costume you've ever worn?
I was Kermit the Frog in 7th grade. I wore a kelly green sweatsuit with a lime green collar made of triangles, green face paint and ping pong ball eyeballs. I won the costume contest at school.

6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
Probably dictionary - online. Can't tell you the last time I looked up a word in a book.

7. What's your favorite breakfast food?
I love breakfast so this is a really hard question. Simply I'd say, sourdough toast.

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?
I hate to admit that I have. I bought Turbie Twists. I can also be a sucker for QVC. Everytime I find something I "have to have" I feel like an old loser lady.

9. Have you ever crawled through a window?
I'm sure I have, but I can't think of any funny stories that would be attached to such activity.

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?
I believe that God sets aside a man and a woman for marriage. Sometimes it happens quickly, sometimes it takes awhile.

11. How many pairs of jeans do you own?
I'm not sure. I think I have 5 pairs that fit right now.

12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on "Ace of Cakes.")
It would have a tropical Hawaiian theme with flowers and surfers and lots of orange.

How is that for random? Thanks to Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee for creating these fun lists of questions each week.

Daybook April 20, 2010

FOR TODAY - Tuesday April 20, 2010

Outside my window... it's dark. We traveled home from Southern California. We went down to see our Pastor and his family off at the airport. They are were leaving for London today. The volcano has affected their plans. Pray for peace for them in the meantime and wisdom in the decisions they are going to have to make.

I am thinking... about dinner tomorrow night. No plan... yikes!

I am thankful for... a friend and my folks who took care of Grom while we were out of town. And Grom's gratefulness. We brought him a Camelback water bottle as his gift. I saw a flash of disappointment on his face when he recognized that it wasn't a toy. He recovered so quickly that I don't think anyone else noticed and figured out that he got his first "adult" water bottle.

From the learning rooms... I missed Monday and Tuesday. My parents have been watching Grom. I don't really know what's going on with school. It's a weird feeling. We do have some stuff to do for Kids Club tomorrow.

From the kitchen... nothing. We've been eating out a lot. I'm ready to detox from food.

I am wearing...beige tee shirt and blue pajama pants - yep, I'm ready for bed.

I am creating... decorating and design plans for our new bedroom and bathroom. I have the counter top chosen and think I like the tiles we are thinking for the shower. Past that... still need carpet, plumbing hardware and more.

I am going... to keep on... everything. I'm not done. I'm never done.

I am reading... I gave up on Green. Started the next Yada Yada book and thanks to a lot of time in the car the past few days I'm about half done and really want to finish. There are also some audio books to listen to - Seth Godin and a Sue Grafton mystery.

I am hoping... to finish this quick and get to bed.

I am hearing... the t.v. All I can say... LOST... wow. I don't think I'm getting it all, but who cares.

Around the house... I'll let you know tomorrow. I don't really know. I'm kinda out of it.

One of my favorite things... brushing my teeth in the shower. I get started as the water is warming up. One of the best parts of my shower.

Vocabulary word of the week:
scapegrace (n.): a reckless, unprincipled person; one who is wild and reckless; a rascal; a scoundrel.
synonyms: caitiff, miscreant, rapscallion, reprobate, rogue, scamp, scapegrace, scoundrel, trickster, varlet, villain (what a fun list of words that describe bad behaving people)
used in a sentence: It's wonderful when a scapegrace gives his life to the Lord.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Surferman has an appointment with an ENT. We are getting to the bottom of his hearing problem. Other stuff too I'm sure. I'll figure it out tomorrow.

Here is picture I am sharing...
This is the bed we're thinking about. It's an investment. It has 6 drawers under it. It says you can use a box spring with it, but it seems like it might raise it up too much. Thoughts? Anybody not use a box spring?


How you can be praying for me and mine...more and more grace and patience to be poured over our home as our remodeling project continues. for communication. for my discipline and dedication to continue my weight loss. a desire to exercise. for Grom's obedience and listening. for consistency in discipline.

Have a great week. Check out other daybooks at The Simple Woman's Daybook.