This has been such an odd week. After nearly a week of my daughter having a "special" friend...she went to her friends house for a sleepover on Saturday night and he for lack of better terms broke up with her over text...isn't that lousy? So...of course she was away from home with her first semi-broken heart. And it took everything in me not to drive over to where she was and pick her up. My heart ached for her so bad! I went to bed nearly in tears, the hours ticked away as each minute was an hour. I wanted her home to hold her in my arms and give her safety. This however, was not God's plan...He knew that this would happen precisly when it did and my strong girl didn't want to disappoint her friend so she kept it together and held it in tight until she got home after church on Sunday. She came home feeling bone weary but strong. I am so proud of her...how she has handled things...as for me...as I lay my head on my pillow it finally hit me that she is God's and that He loves her even more that we do. I prayed for him to give her peace and rest and He did. I realized that my baby girl is growing and that I won't be able to always be there when she is hurt or going through something hard. It was quite a revelation to me. I placed her in the hands of her Creator and fell fast asleep. But when I woke up? I was again anxious for her to be here in my arms. I will say this about my daughter. Despite the fact that she really liked this boy...she came home on Sunday, and the first thing she did was search for a Bible verse on strength. That is when it hit me. She is truly learning to depend on her Heavenly Father not just in the small stuff...but also in the heart-breaks of life. My sorrow for her is this. She has been so careful not to jump into anything careless all of these years. She has set high standards for herself and this boy was the first boy that has met those standards. Then...he ended in the most cowardly way. We are praying for him. My daughter...she is fine, she is finding strength and is working hard on a little ministry that God has called her to...more about this in the future.
My husband has been a studying for a test (well, he is always studying for a test) for a couple of months...you see he is an wireless training specialist...for a company who does corporate training for Cisco Systems. To teach the newest version of all the classes...he is in a constant journey pass a series of tests (certifications). It is so hard. He is rarely without a book in front of him. We have had a bathroom half renovated for over a year because with a schedule of travel and studying we can't get it done (sigh)...we grasp at every free moment for our family that we can muster. Anyway, where I am going with all this is...on Monday he passed one of these certifications and it is quite a celebration for all of us as it takes all of us working together as a family to make this work. He works so hard for our family and we appreciate everything he does for us. The next one is due at the end of February...we had a brief reprieve...a few moments to catch our breath.
We (Brittany and I) began a new Bible study this week. It is called...The Magnificent Obsession, Embracing the God-Filled Life by Anne Graham Lotz...very excited about this study...
On my free time...which is Friday through Sunday...I am spending time in a book called Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow. Contentment is very important to me and so I am doing my own study in this area...for Brittany's free time she is working on her Purity book.
And this is about it...this week my husband is actually working locally, teaching about 30 minutes from home. He has been working at home since before Christmas and so it is a bit of a culture shock not having him here. He is back on the road next week, New Jersey I think. So at least this week gets our feet back in the water of having him gone. I was getting pretty accustomed to just walking up to his office with a cup of coffee for him or a kiss and a hug. Brittany is working on a website that she is hoping to post soon and I am just wondering around doing a bit of this and that.
Have a blessed day my dear friends...
Joyce
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
I am having a fresh cup of coffee with creamer.
I am feeling fresh and clean and ready for my day.
On my mind today...I am ready to tackle my day of school with my daughter today. We are finishing up two books this week which always feels like an accomplishment.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 1:4
Thank you Ruth for sharing this lovely tea time with us. I look forward to it every week. Join us for a cup of something wonderful an just a little chat. Tea Talk
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday...sweethearts and purity rings
My daughter has herself a sweetheart. Wow, those words seem so strange. She has been so patient and tried so hard never to be pressured into having a "boyfriend". Trusting us, trusting God. We have always told her to just wait on the Lord. That one day someone would be right in front of her.
She has had a friend for about five months. Since Christmas, they have realized just how much they have in common and so the other night over video cam he asked her if she felt the same way. They had both been praying about it separately. I woke up the next morning and she was all smiles. She couldn't wait to tell me. Then she told her dad and we gave her our blessing to see where this special friendship takes her. Of course her dad gave her his best fatherly advice. To guard her heart (aren't dad's wonderful how they protect us?). She agreed.
The neatest thing about all of this is...he was homeschooled too. He is proving to be a boy after God's heart. Interested in the ministry. I have no idea where this will ever go but in this nice boy she has found a nice friendship. I guess you can say this is one of those mommy moments, it really doesn't mean a hill of beans to many but to me...it is so sweet to be a witness to it. I think this is one of those moments that have made our journey of homeschooling beautiful. Watching my child go through each and every faze of childhood and gently guide her toward adulthood. How we mold our children along the way knowing that one day they will have to make decisions. Hoping that all that we have taught them will be taken into consideration and practiced.
This has gotten us to talking about dating vs courtship. Purity and purity rings. She has been asking me lately about all of this. A while back I bought her the book, I kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris. She was too young for it back then so I simply shelved the book. I have gone on a search this week because Elijah has read the book and Brittany would like to too. Do you know I can't find it anywhere. Instead I found a book by Dannah Gresh named And the Bride Wore White. We sat down for our lessons this morning and had a talk. I told her about the book and she is very excited to begin...so I promised her a copy along with a new diary book to track her progress. I told her that after she finished it she could mark her commitment with a purity ring. She is so excited. She said..."see! This is why I love our family so much. Because we make everything so special." Such sweet words from such a sweet girl. How awesome is that.
Just another day in the life of one of my amazing mommy moments with my girl.
Blessings,
Joyce
She has had a friend for about five months. Since Christmas, they have realized just how much they have in common and so the other night over video cam he asked her if she felt the same way. They had both been praying about it separately. I woke up the next morning and she was all smiles. She couldn't wait to tell me. Then she told her dad and we gave her our blessing to see where this special friendship takes her. Of course her dad gave her his best fatherly advice. To guard her heart (aren't dad's wonderful how they protect us?). She agreed.
The neatest thing about all of this is...he was homeschooled too. He is proving to be a boy after God's heart. Interested in the ministry. I have no idea where this will ever go but in this nice boy she has found a nice friendship. I guess you can say this is one of those mommy moments, it really doesn't mean a hill of beans to many but to me...it is so sweet to be a witness to it. I think this is one of those moments that have made our journey of homeschooling beautiful. Watching my child go through each and every faze of childhood and gently guide her toward adulthood. How we mold our children along the way knowing that one day they will have to make decisions. Hoping that all that we have taught them will be taken into consideration and practiced.
This has gotten us to talking about dating vs courtship. Purity and purity rings. She has been asking me lately about all of this. A while back I bought her the book, I kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris. She was too young for it back then so I simply shelved the book. I have gone on a search this week because Elijah has read the book and Brittany would like to too. Do you know I can't find it anywhere. Instead I found a book by Dannah Gresh named And the Bride Wore White. We sat down for our lessons this morning and had a talk. I told her about the book and she is very excited to begin...so I promised her a copy along with a new diary book to track her progress. I told her that after she finished it she could mark her commitment with a purity ring. She is so excited. She said..."see! This is why I love our family so much. Because we make everything so special." Such sweet words from such a sweet girl. How awesome is that.
Just another day in the life of one of my amazing mommy moments with my girl.
Blessings,
Joyce
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A fresh infusion of Grace!
First of all I want to start by thanking all of you lovely ladies that commented on my blog post from yesterday. Your prayers are precious to me and I thank you. Let me be honest I wasn't looking for attention. I think that perhaps this was another necessary step that God will use in my life. I have been doing a Bible study with my daughter this year that I purchased for her...little did I know that I was in for a blessing as well. It is very hard to trust, not that I live in paranoia...but as I just told my mom the other day. It would be nice for someone that we both knew to just reach out because they know us (the real Dennis and Joyce)...that they know the truth and that they truly care. It is amazing through all of this...that no one has had the courage to do so. These are all church going people. These are the people that both my husband and I grew up with, were in youth group with, whom I baby sat for, our youth minister for heaven's sake. Out of all of them...none has stepped forward to be our friend.
Back to the Bible study...first of all the book. Five Little Questions That Reveal the Life God Designed for you by Dannah Gresh This book takes you on a journey like I have never experienced before. It digs deep into your life, brings out all of the things that you are clinging to and shows you how to break free from them...it doesn't stop there. After you have found this new freedom you then begin to chart our your M. A. P. (aka, my action plan). Dannah will take you through a series of action plans that digs deep to show you who God mad YOU to be. It is individualized and this is where I began to see the lady that God made me to be. That these lies that are spoken and assumptions that are being made are to tear down, not to build up. This has been so freeing. I love the Chris Tomlin version of Amazing Grace...a few months ago, I had the song playing as I was getting ready for church. When the stanza came on that says "My chains are gone...I've been set free..." for the first time in my married life I truly felt that I had released completely the chains that were keeping me from moving forward in my life.
I am not bitter. I do not hate, I will continue to have faith that God will prevail...He already has!
What is with this fresh infusion of grace? Each and every day of our lives God not only blesses us with a new day...we are also given a new infusion of His grace. I can't even imagine living one day without it...can you?
Now, back to my previous post. It was good for me to write these thoughts here. I was afraid that it would taint my blog...but there is something about jotting down things that makes you see that you have truly let them go.
Thank you Jesus for another day to feel your Grace!
Blessing my dear friends...
Joyce
Back to the Bible study...first of all the book. Five Little Questions That Reveal the Life God Designed for you by Dannah Gresh This book takes you on a journey like I have never experienced before. It digs deep into your life, brings out all of the things that you are clinging to and shows you how to break free from them...it doesn't stop there. After you have found this new freedom you then begin to chart our your M. A. P. (aka, my action plan). Dannah will take you through a series of action plans that digs deep to show you who God mad YOU to be. It is individualized and this is where I began to see the lady that God made me to be. That these lies that are spoken and assumptions that are being made are to tear down, not to build up. This has been so freeing. I love the Chris Tomlin version of Amazing Grace...a few months ago, I had the song playing as I was getting ready for church. When the stanza came on that says "My chains are gone...I've been set free..." for the first time in my married life I truly felt that I had released completely the chains that were keeping me from moving forward in my life.
I am not bitter. I do not hate, I will continue to have faith that God will prevail...He already has!
What is with this fresh infusion of grace? Each and every day of our lives God not only blesses us with a new day...we are also given a new infusion of His grace. I can't even imagine living one day without it...can you?
Now, back to my previous post. It was good for me to write these thoughts here. I was afraid that it would taint my blog...but there is something about jotting down things that makes you see that you have truly let them go.
Thank you Jesus for another day to feel your Grace!
Blessing my dear friends...
Joyce
Monday, January 18, 2010
Have you ever put someone in a box? Are you wondering at this point what I mean? I guess I should clarify my thoughts. Have you ever fallen prey to gossip about a person and then judged them not by their own character but by jumping to your own conclusions? Then, you begin to see this person in a different light and build up feelings about this person that are negative or even nasty. These pre-conceived notions that you may think about this person just may be false. This is hurtful…this is what is happening to me.
I, pretty much live my life in hiding (not just me, but my entire family)…hence the fact that nothing you see about me or my family online ever has our last name attached to it. We attend a wonderful church but no one knows us there. Nine years ago, my husband was forced to make a choice between us (us being me) or my in-laws. I am not going to go into detail here about why this choice was necessary or how a Christian family could be torn apart at the seams. God doesn’t want us to tear others down so you won’t see us crying on peoples shoulders, saying how mistreated that we are. No, this is between us and God. Our faith tells us that we need to forgive; to pray for our enemies, we have done both of these. Most importantly to wait upon the Lord, to trust that He will take care of us.
This doesn’t change the fact that in the minds of those that are on the other side it is my fault that all of this happened. It doesn’t change the fact that we have been practically stalked for the last 9 years. That nasty cards, notes, devotions and Bible verses have shown up in our mail and in our front yard tied with rubber bands and plastic bags to get the point across that we are in hiding. That we won’t prosper. That we need prayer! Yes, doesn’t everybody? My parents have been followed and confronted. Past friends and acquaintances have been used. We have had people show up unannounced at our house that all of a sudden needed to check up on us. Childhood friends of my husband and me have been targeted to call or visit to see what is going on with us. After my dad passed away, we attended church with my mom to help her through until she was strong enough to go it alone (The pastor of this church was even targeted).
These people will go after anyone that they can use to come after us. Last spring, a friend who had been in contact with my husband began to put pressure on him. You see, they think that I am the one that has started all this. They think that the roles of our family are reversed and that I wear the proverbial “pants” in the family. This was one of his favorite childhood friends (these people were in our wedding) until the guy started telling him that he needed to lay the law down to me and tell me how it was going to be. My husband kept his cool and ended that relationship. On Friday…the last remaining friend did the same very thing. He spewed hatred and ugliness towards Dennis, me of course but actually congratulated Dennis that he was successful for teaching Brittany (our daughter) to one day have an argument and never talk to us again.. He was told once again; that I needed to be put in my place…that we have kept our daughter away from his family…it went on and on. When this happens, it brings us to our knees and we need a bit of time to regroup.
We tried and tried for fifteen years to please my in-laws…nothing we ever did was good enough. It got to the point when they would call (mom dad and sister's) our home would not even talk to me. (This was done by the request of his dad) It was as if I didn’t exist maybe they wished I didn't. Finally, my husband had enough, we tried talking. We definitely prayed. Until the situation was so heated they scheduled a meeting as a family to meet only with my husband to discuss the situation I was not an invited guest. This is when my husband told them to let us alone…that they were going to make one of us sick. We have been told since that we need counseling we have been sought after, accused and torn down. Yet throughout all this we have remained silent, not talking badly about them. Never gossiping as has been done to us. And we wait.
I fought with myself all weekend. Do I want to post this on my blog? This "cyber scrapbook" of my life? As much as I am sick and tired of living this way, as hurtful as all of this has become. I sort of have to this is my life. These struggles may follow me to my grave…I don’t know but I am thankful that the Lord has blessed our family. Countless blessings He has given us, He brought us together…no man can tear us apart.
I have never documented this anywhere…I am half afraid to document it here. Very few people in our life even know what we have gone through. This may change your mind about me. But there is a lesson here. The lesson is first and foremost don’t judge. Know a person by their character...don't just believe something to be true because it has been told to you...how harmful in the family of God this can be.
Signing off for today…
Joyce
Thursday, January 14, 2010
I checked in on my blog this morning and found that I had received an award. Thank you Ruth for thinking of me. The rules of the award state that I need to list seven things about myself and choose seven blogs to give the award too.
7 things you may or may not want to know about me:)
I love chocolate dipped strawberries!
My favorite dessert is Creme Brulee!
I am a history buff, especially the Tudor and Revolutionary periods.
Have I mentioned that I have a Kindle, and I love it!
I like to plant flowers in the spring.
My mom is my role model.
I long to be a writer.
There you have it...I was beginning to worry as my first two were about foods that I hardly ever eat except for special occasions but since I have a sweet tooth they are on my mind today. It is warming up again...I have got to get back to the gym...LOL.
This award goes to seven special people. Some are new friends that I am happily getting to know and some are more seasoned friends that I have enjoyed for a while now.
These ladies always lift up my day (did you know you lift up my day? Well, it's true, you do) They are very deserving.
1. Debbie at Our Country Home
2. Julie at More of Him-Less of Me
3. Sherry at Lamp Unto My Feet
4. Louellen at watalulu
5. Penny at Mom of Many Trades
6. Jeane at The Coffee Cottage
7. Nan at momstheword
2. Julie at More of Him-Less of Me
3. Sherry at Lamp Unto My Feet
4. Louellen at watalulu
5. Penny at Mom of Many Trades
6. Jeane at The Coffee Cottage
7. Nan at momstheword
It's Thursday...join me for a cup of tea.
I'm havinghot chocolate with whipped cream (I am fighting a sweet tooth!)
I'm feeling
content
content
On my mind
the sunshine streaming through my windows.
the sunshine streaming through my windows.
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
~Psalm 16:11~
~Psalm 16:11~
Thank you Ruth for creating this meme. I have looked forward to it all this week. It is such a nice little break with some lovely ladies. Join Ruth at Daily Divine to participate.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
My soon to be new winter project.
I have been itching to do some sewing but with school in full force I am unable to get into anything to intricate. This is pretty easy and I think it looks so beautiful. That bluish color within the background is just the color of my living and dining room that I painted in November. All I need are 10 inch squares from in various colors in different patterns. I would love to find these fabrics...I bet I can find some things close to it. What do you think?
I can hardly wait to snuggle under it.:)
Happy Wednesday!
I hope that where ever you are today in your life that you are being blessed. I sure feel blessed. The sun is shining again and the weather report says that we are supposed to reach 33 degrees today. Hey, I'll take it, one notch above freezing! Whoopee!
We have had a very productive week in school so far and we have one more day to go until our Friday run around and do everything day. We began a new book by Francine Rivers. I love to read the books by her. My favorite book of all time is her book called Redeeming Love. I read it when Brittany was quite young. I remember sitting in front of my furnace register covered up in the early morning hours with that book in my hands. Such an amazing love story. She has written another series of books that I have added to our Bible reading...A Lineage of Grace. She took woman of the Bible and wrote a novelette about them...in this book I have the whole collection. We began the story of Tamar today and as usual, I couldn't put the book down. I am using it as a read aloud.
We finished Genesis today and will begin Exodus tomorrow. We have read through Genesis, three times over the course of our schooling. I wanted to add something new to broaden our horizons so what we did throughout the entire book is map out in family tree style all the way back to Eve. It really has given us a new dimension to reading the Old Testament because we are remembering better who belongs to who. I am using my Archeological study Bible and we are digging deeper and getting some really good Ancient History out of it too. I wake up every morning as does Brittany eager to see where we will go for the day. It is the excitement that I needed this year as I struggled so much with what to teach for our senior year.
Finishing school, we got to work on our chores, Brittany cleaned the bunny cage, did the living room floor and carried down all the laundry. I made some pizza dough, set it in my warm oven to rise (because it is so cold in the house I didn't think it would rise on the counter), swept and scrubbed my kitchen floor. wiped down my cupboards and counter tops, put a load in the washer and now I am munching away on a piping hot grilled cheese lovingly made by my Brittany.
Just sharing a glimpse into what is going on in our little world today.
Blessings!
Joyce
We have had a very productive week in school so far and we have one more day to go until our Friday run around and do everything day. We began a new book by Francine Rivers. I love to read the books by her. My favorite book of all time is her book called Redeeming Love. I read it when Brittany was quite young. I remember sitting in front of my furnace register covered up in the early morning hours with that book in my hands. Such an amazing love story. She has written another series of books that I have added to our Bible reading...A Lineage of Grace. She took woman of the Bible and wrote a novelette about them...in this book I have the whole collection. We began the story of Tamar today and as usual, I couldn't put the book down. I am using it as a read aloud.
We finished Genesis today and will begin Exodus tomorrow. We have read through Genesis, three times over the course of our schooling. I wanted to add something new to broaden our horizons so what we did throughout the entire book is map out in family tree style all the way back to Eve. It really has given us a new dimension to reading the Old Testament because we are remembering better who belongs to who. I am using my Archeological study Bible and we are digging deeper and getting some really good Ancient History out of it too. I wake up every morning as does Brittany eager to see where we will go for the day. It is the excitement that I needed this year as I struggled so much with what to teach for our senior year.
Finishing school, we got to work on our chores, Brittany cleaned the bunny cage, did the living room floor and carried down all the laundry. I made some pizza dough, set it in my warm oven to rise (because it is so cold in the house I didn't think it would rise on the counter), swept and scrubbed my kitchen floor. wiped down my cupboards and counter tops, put a load in the washer and now I am munching away on a piping hot grilled cheese lovingly made by my Brittany.
Just sharing a glimpse into what is going on in our little world today.
Blessings!
Joyce
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Two little words...
got me thinking the other day. A heartfelt "thanks Mommy" .
My daughter is very appreciative...she always has been. This past Sunday afternoon it was freezing here like most everywhere else in our country. We were cooped up and my husband was preparing for his new class this week, I was doing a bit of this and that so I told Brittany to go on our Little Big Planet game and order a couple new levels for herself. (If you have a PS3 and have not played Little Big Planet you are missing out on some great family fun). She really enjoys building puzzles and levels with it so what better way to spend a wintry Sunday afternoon. After figuring exactly how to do it she made her choices and I went about my business. Walking toward the kitchen and she thanked me. The sound of her voice was filled with excitement and appreciation and I have to admit that with me being as melancholy as I have been it brought a tear to my eyes (silly, I know!). But that is beside the point standing in my kitchen a thought came to me and I began to wonder if that is how God feels when we thank him. I mean, I didn't do anything that big to deserve such a sweet thank you. This new addition to her game didn't add anything to her well being other than a fun afternoon. And yet, doesn't God do that to us all the time? He gives us a gentle breeze or the smell of a flower. Sunshine that feels lovely as it reaches our skin. Night time snow that sparkles like diamonds under my porch light. As I stood frozen in thought in my little kitchen I wondered if I ever brought a tear of gladness to my Father in Heaven just by being thankful for the most insignificant little detail that wondering if God I ever brought a tear of happiness to my Lord in just thanking him for the most insignificant little thing. Maybe it is my heightened sense of awareness that this phase of my life is fleeting. It was a thought however that has kept me thinking throughout this week. Keeping me in check to not forget to thank Him for all the little things he does that I sometimes take for granted.
My daughter is very appreciative...she always has been. This past Sunday afternoon it was freezing here like most everywhere else in our country. We were cooped up and my husband was preparing for his new class this week, I was doing a bit of this and that so I told Brittany to go on our Little Big Planet game and order a couple new levels for herself. (If you have a PS3 and have not played Little Big Planet you are missing out on some great family fun). She really enjoys building puzzles and levels with it so what better way to spend a wintry Sunday afternoon. After figuring exactly how to do it she made her choices and I went about my business. Walking toward the kitchen and she thanked me. The sound of her voice was filled with excitement and appreciation and I have to admit that with me being as melancholy as I have been it brought a tear to my eyes (silly, I know!). But that is beside the point standing in my kitchen a thought came to me and I began to wonder if that is how God feels when we thank him. I mean, I didn't do anything that big to deserve such a sweet thank you. This new addition to her game didn't add anything to her well being other than a fun afternoon. And yet, doesn't God do that to us all the time? He gives us a gentle breeze or the smell of a flower. Sunshine that feels lovely as it reaches our skin. Night time snow that sparkles like diamonds under my porch light. As I stood frozen in thought in my little kitchen I wondered if I ever brought a tear of gladness to my Father in Heaven just by being thankful for the most insignificant little detail that wondering if God I ever brought a tear of happiness to my Lord in just thanking him for the most insignificant little thing. Maybe it is my heightened sense of awareness that this phase of my life is fleeting. It was a thought however that has kept me thinking throughout this week. Keeping me in check to not forget to thank Him for all the little things he does that I sometimes take for granted.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monday
FOR TODAY...January 11, 2010
Outside my window...crunchy white snow, barren trees, many squirrels frolicking.
I am thinking...how much I am enjoying reading through Genesis again...
I am thankful for...that we are all healthy and happy. For these simple days when we are all under one roof. For time spent with my daughter just talking about stuff.
From the learning rooms...Genesis, math, Bible study, writing, teacher training...to name a few
From the kitchen...thinking of baking some snicker doodles this weekend.
I am wearing...warm up pants, slippers, a black top and sweater. Again, you catch me not at my best! I'll be changing soon to run out to take our daughter to dance and pick up a few things from the grocery store.
I am creating...nothing right now.
I am going...to take my daughter to dance, grocery shopping, youth group tomorrow, then dance again on Wednesday...other than that...no plans.
I am reading...my Bible, The Ideal Wife by Jaquelin Thomas, The Epic of Gilgamesh, a book by Dannah Gresh
I am hoping...for the weather to warm up this week a bit.
I am hearing...the faint sound of my husband's voice in his office as he is on a business call.
Around the house...warming up our dinner, it is leftover night, staying cozy and warm.
One of my favorite things...laughing with my daughter!
A few plans for the rest of the week: the same old thing, laundry, cooking, cleaning, school :)
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
USS Wisconsin(My dad proudly served on this battleship...thinking of him today as always)
Thank you to Peggy for hosting the meme. Simple Woman's Daybook
Have a good week!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Saturday....
Not much going on here today. I have to admit, I was feeling a bit grouchy this morning. I woke up with a stiff neck and a headache and I am tired of looking at snow and being so cold. But, after a nice neck massage from my husband and some 8 hour Tylenol, a time to just close my eyes and rest I am feeling much better now.
We have sunshine today! It has been quite a while since we have had pretty blue skies and sunshine. When I look out the window and up into the tall oak trees that surround us I can see smooth ice shining on the trunks and branches. It is very pretty. As a gentle wind blows they almost sparkle. It actually makes all the snow look better. The best thing about today is...there are no storm warnings. Luckily, we didn't get as much snow as they had been saying...which is fine with me. As you can tell, I am not a winter person at all and am content to just stay in and stay warm.
For today...I had some brown banana's on my counter so I whipped up a batch of banana bread which is baking and making my house smell good. On the menu tonight, more comfort food. Baked Macaroni and Cheese.
Stay warm,
Joyce
We have sunshine today! It has been quite a while since we have had pretty blue skies and sunshine. When I look out the window and up into the tall oak trees that surround us I can see smooth ice shining on the trunks and branches. It is very pretty. As a gentle wind blows they almost sparkle. It actually makes all the snow look better. The best thing about today is...there are no storm warnings. Luckily, we didn't get as much snow as they had been saying...which is fine with me. As you can tell, I am not a winter person at all and am content to just stay in and stay warm.
For today...I had some brown banana's on my counter so I whipped up a batch of banana bread which is baking and making my house smell good. On the menu tonight, more comfort food. Baked Macaroni and Cheese.
Stay warm,
Joyce
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A quiet break-away...Tea Talk Meme
I'm having...Lipton Green Tea with Cranberry Pomegranate with a bit of Splenda
I'm feeling....joyful and relaxed
On my mind....I am thinking how happy I am that I have no where to go until Saturday morning as we are in for quite a bit of snow.
Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love.
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa
Thank you Ruth for such a lovely idea. A relaxing cup of tea and a time spent with new friends!
Join us for tea at Celebrate Friendship or at Daily Divine
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Comfort food!
Can you believe it is Wednesday already? Do you believe that mid-January is next week already? I sure can't! Where does the time go?
It has been so cold and wintry here for a couple weeks which got me to thinking this afternoon after school that some good old comfort food sounded good. Something to warm our belly's before we have to go out tonight to take Brittany to dance. Dennis has some work related errands to run as well so I'll tag along just happy that I can be with him on a weeknight. A Schedule change is making it possible for him to be home through the end of January. This sure makes me happy. I think we are all going to get spoiled and it is going to be really hard for us to drop him off at the airport when it is time.
I pulled out the last of my Pillsbury pie crusts leftover from Thanksgiving. I stuck them in the freezer for safe keeping. I would love to make my own but Brittany was sick with the stomach flu over that holiday so I made it simple on me...not knowing who was next.
I boiled two boneless chicken breasts this afternoon, stuck them in the fridge to cool and pulled out my frozen mixed veggies. Two cups of veggies in the strainer to defrost and all I had to do was make a simple white sauce, add in the veggies and the cut up chicken, pop the pie crust in the pie plate, top it with the other one, make it look pretty and my creamy Chicken Pot Pie is baking to a nice golden brown as I write. The next thing I did was gather a bowl of apples and peel them, toss them in a pan and simmer them until they become soft enough to mash with my potato masher. I have been hankering for fresh applesauce lately...it should go beautifully with my Pie.
That is about it! We began The Epic of Gilgamesh today, which goes with our Ancient history studies. We have been working on our Spiritual gifts for our Bible study and we have one more day of school for the week. I glanced toward my Brittany this afternoon and had to take a double-take...she looked so grown-up. Something in her face just looked older. Of course, I had to tell her and she looked at me with a huge question mark on her face...:) Isn't funny how sometimes we don't notice our children growing and changing and then other times it is like overnight?
There are some yummy smells coming from my kitchen, I thought I would tantalize you with a picture
Counting my Blessings!
Joyce
It has been so cold and wintry here for a couple weeks which got me to thinking this afternoon after school that some good old comfort food sounded good. Something to warm our belly's before we have to go out tonight to take Brittany to dance. Dennis has some work related errands to run as well so I'll tag along just happy that I can be with him on a weeknight. A Schedule change is making it possible for him to be home through the end of January. This sure makes me happy. I think we are all going to get spoiled and it is going to be really hard for us to drop him off at the airport when it is time.
I pulled out the last of my Pillsbury pie crusts leftover from Thanksgiving. I stuck them in the freezer for safe keeping. I would love to make my own but Brittany was sick with the stomach flu over that holiday so I made it simple on me...not knowing who was next.
I boiled two boneless chicken breasts this afternoon, stuck them in the fridge to cool and pulled out my frozen mixed veggies. Two cups of veggies in the strainer to defrost and all I had to do was make a simple white sauce, add in the veggies and the cut up chicken, pop the pie crust in the pie plate, top it with the other one, make it look pretty and my creamy Chicken Pot Pie is baking to a nice golden brown as I write. The next thing I did was gather a bowl of apples and peel them, toss them in a pan and simmer them until they become soft enough to mash with my potato masher. I have been hankering for fresh applesauce lately...it should go beautifully with my Pie.
That is about it! We began The Epic of Gilgamesh today, which goes with our Ancient history studies. We have been working on our Spiritual gifts for our Bible study and we have one more day of school for the week. I glanced toward my Brittany this afternoon and had to take a double-take...she looked so grown-up. Something in her face just looked older. Of course, I had to tell her and she looked at me with a huge question mark on her face...:) Isn't funny how sometimes we don't notice our children growing and changing and then other times it is like overnight?
There are some yummy smells coming from my kitchen, I thought I would tantalize you with a pictureCounting my Blessings!
Joyce
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Good morning Tuesday!
I just finished a a delicious breakfast of eggs over medium, bacon strips and buttered toast with coffee and juice that our lovely daughter graced us with this morning. It was very yummy and so fitting for a cold Tuesday morning.
The forecast today is snow, snow and snow...Lake Erie is whipping up lake effect and even though we aren't close to the lake we still the snow from it. I heard this morning that Cleveland has 2 feet of snow...thankfully we are only expecting 4-6 inches...which is bad enough. Brittany's youth meetings start back next week so we can just hunker down today, do our school work and stay home. YAY! It is just plain cold here this week. The walls feel cold, my furniture feels cold, the only place I felt warm was my cozy bed this morning that I did not want to leave.
The black birds have taken over my bird feeder (Grackles) and have completely emptied the feeder and scared off the pretty little birds that I had. I did some research this morning and found that they will not eat safflower seeds so, being that we just bought a large bag of seed I guess I'll let them go at it until my next purchase. I have had them in the summer but never the winter. They are scruffy little birds. It dawned on me this morning that they were probably the babies that attacked my food last spring. They probably remembered and came back for more. So much for my winter blend.
That is about it...much to do to day.
Be blessed!
The forecast today is snow, snow and snow...Lake Erie is whipping up lake effect and even though we aren't close to the lake we still the snow from it. I heard this morning that Cleveland has 2 feet of snow...thankfully we are only expecting 4-6 inches...which is bad enough. Brittany's youth meetings start back next week so we can just hunker down today, do our school work and stay home. YAY! It is just plain cold here this week. The walls feel cold, my furniture feels cold, the only place I felt warm was my cozy bed this morning that I did not want to leave.
The black birds have taken over my bird feeder (Grackles) and have completely emptied the feeder and scared off the pretty little birds that I had. I did some research this morning and found that they will not eat safflower seeds so, being that we just bought a large bag of seed I guess I'll let them go at it until my next purchase. I have had them in the summer but never the winter. They are scruffy little birds. It dawned on me this morning that they were probably the babies that attacked my food last spring. They probably remembered and came back for more. So much for my winter blend.
That is about it...much to do to day.
Be blessed!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Simple Woman's Day Book
FOR TODAY
January 4, 2010...
Outside my window...packed down, icy snow and many broken limbs from the wind that we had.
I am thinking...that I wish I could go outside and spend some time doing yard work in the warm sunshine.
I am thankful for...waking up with my husband this morning, for him being home this week, for my daughter who poured my cereal this morning and a good day at school.
From the learning rooms...Isaac, Rebekah and the twins :)
From the kitchen...roasted red potato's, baked beans and baked chicken breasts, salad.
I am wearing...brown capri pants, white socks, tennis shoes and a green top (I know, it isn't attractive but I will change after supper)
I am creating...nothing right now...thinking about a project though.
I am going...to brave the cold and take my daughter to dance class tonight. BRRR!
I am reading...Genesis, The Ideal Wife by Jaqqueline Thomas
I am hoping...that we can find the keys to our car.
I am hearing...the rumble of the washer and dryer. My little dogs breathing.
Around the house...laundry, school, the typical.
One of my favorite things...going to bed with and waking up with my husband. (who is usually out of town)
A few plans for the rest of the week:Hmmm, let see, nothing right now but the usual, but I am sure I'll come up with something.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Our baby girl!
Join The Simple Woman's Day Book at Daily Divine
January 4, 2010...
Outside my window...packed down, icy snow and many broken limbs from the wind that we had.
I am thinking...that I wish I could go outside and spend some time doing yard work in the warm sunshine.
I am thankful for...waking up with my husband this morning, for him being home this week, for my daughter who poured my cereal this morning and a good day at school.
From the learning rooms...Isaac, Rebekah and the twins :)
From the kitchen...roasted red potato's, baked beans and baked chicken breasts, salad.
I am wearing...brown capri pants, white socks, tennis shoes and a green top (I know, it isn't attractive but I will change after supper)
I am creating...nothing right now...thinking about a project though.
I am going...to brave the cold and take my daughter to dance class tonight. BRRR!
I am reading...Genesis, The Ideal Wife by Jaqqueline Thomas
I am hoping...that we can find the keys to our car.
I am hearing...the rumble of the washer and dryer. My little dogs breathing.
Around the house...laundry, school, the typical.
One of my favorite things...going to bed with and waking up with my husband. (who is usually out of town)
A few plans for the rest of the week:Hmmm, let see, nothing right now but the usual, but I am sure I'll come up with something.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Our baby girl!
Join The Simple Woman's Day Book at Daily Divine
Happy Monday!
(Be warned: I am having one of my melancholy moments!)
Well, we just completed our first day of the last six months of school. How do I feel about it? I was awake before the crack of dawn just lying there thinking where did the time go? I always go back to those scary times when she was little and me, the frightened mommy wondering if I was doing the right thing by keeping her out of the ps system. Even though I was a nervous new homeschooler I was driven to forge ahead feeling deep within my soul that this was the plan that God had chosen for our family. I don't regret any of it. Not even those days when I felt like throwing in the towel ...come to think of it...those days were just me being afraid. As she grew, I grew, my confidence began to grow and as I grew I began to listen to direction from the One that created us. He never, ever let us down. When I had a day that was filled with fear or frustration or crying or mischief God would always be there to keep me encouraged. When I chose a book or curriculum that didn't sit well with me...He always led me to a better path. It really is amazing to me as I look back.
What better gift can I leave my daughter than to give her knowledge as to who her God truly is. Our Bible will be our primary focus for the rest of the year. Oh yes, she is still working on math and history and dance but I can think of none other than the Word of God to prepare her for all the bumps and turns she has facing her some day.
I did some searching yesterday for study guides to help us through and we are committed to read through the Old Testament and then the New Testament. I, myself have never read the entire Bible all the way through so I am looking forward to the adventure of it all.
God is good! If you are having one of those days that you have any wonder just look to Him. Seek Him for wisdom and knowledge. It still amazes me all the many things He has taught me.
I still have to wonder though where did all the time go? Right here beside me...snuggled under a quilt reading books together, making crafts, gingerbread houses, baking and cooking. Adventuring our way through the lives our the founding father's of our great nation. Forging along with Lewis and Clark. God gave me the blessing to be here, to be a mommy at home so that I could share all of it with my child. I am forever thankful for all of it. The other day Brittany was sitting on the couch and reminded me that this was her last Christmas vacation. Of course, I knew this but was trying not to think about it. (I'm smiling:)
This morning in our meditation verse was the old familiar verse that has been a life verse for our homeschool and I know many homeschooler's claim this verse as well. So I am going to take to heart one more time these words of wisdom and follow God's lead and enjoy another beautiful journey.
Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6
2009 for our daughter was a year that the Lord picked her up and turned her around and set her little feet on a new path. It was a year of tears, disappointment, the loss of a friendship, a new awakening! She heard His voice and for the first time listened as a child of His and not just a child of mine. It has been so neat to see with my own eyes her need for her Savior and the desire in her heart to follow, to listen, to wait, to rest in Him. I feel very, very, extremely blessed as her mommy to have witnessed this.
Looking ahead...Joyce Marie
Well, we just completed our first day of the last six months of school. How do I feel about it? I was awake before the crack of dawn just lying there thinking where did the time go? I always go back to those scary times when she was little and me, the frightened mommy wondering if I was doing the right thing by keeping her out of the ps system. Even though I was a nervous new homeschooler I was driven to forge ahead feeling deep within my soul that this was the plan that God had chosen for our family. I don't regret any of it. Not even those days when I felt like throwing in the towel ...come to think of it...those days were just me being afraid. As she grew, I grew, my confidence began to grow and as I grew I began to listen to direction from the One that created us. He never, ever let us down. When I had a day that was filled with fear or frustration or crying or mischief God would always be there to keep me encouraged. When I chose a book or curriculum that didn't sit well with me...He always led me to a better path. It really is amazing to me as I look back.
What better gift can I leave my daughter than to give her knowledge as to who her God truly is. Our Bible will be our primary focus for the rest of the year. Oh yes, she is still working on math and history and dance but I can think of none other than the Word of God to prepare her for all the bumps and turns she has facing her some day.
I did some searching yesterday for study guides to help us through and we are committed to read through the Old Testament and then the New Testament. I, myself have never read the entire Bible all the way through so I am looking forward to the adventure of it all.
God is good! If you are having one of those days that you have any wonder just look to Him. Seek Him for wisdom and knowledge. It still amazes me all the many things He has taught me.
I still have to wonder though where did all the time go? Right here beside me...snuggled under a quilt reading books together, making crafts, gingerbread houses, baking and cooking. Adventuring our way through the lives our the founding father's of our great nation. Forging along with Lewis and Clark. God gave me the blessing to be here, to be a mommy at home so that I could share all of it with my child. I am forever thankful for all of it. The other day Brittany was sitting on the couch and reminded me that this was her last Christmas vacation. Of course, I knew this but was trying not to think about it. (I'm smiling:)
This morning in our meditation verse was the old familiar verse that has been a life verse for our homeschool and I know many homeschooler's claim this verse as well. So I am going to take to heart one more time these words of wisdom and follow God's lead and enjoy another beautiful journey.
Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6
2009 for our daughter was a year that the Lord picked her up and turned her around and set her little feet on a new path. It was a year of tears, disappointment, the loss of a friendship, a new awakening! She heard His voice and for the first time listened as a child of His and not just a child of mine. It has been so neat to see with my own eyes her need for her Savior and the desire in her heart to follow, to listen, to wait, to rest in Him. I feel very, very, extremely blessed as her mommy to have witnessed this.
Looking ahead...Joyce Marie
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
New Years Day 2010
What did you do for New Years...I got up...put on the comfiest clothes I had and that is the way I stayed all day. I made a good brunch of bacon, eggs and monkey bread, a real treat for us and it was yummy.
I put a pork roast into my crockpot and let it cook itself. I'll post the recipe just in case you want to try it...it was the best pulled pork I have ever had.
We spent a day just doing whatever we wanted as we all know that within a couple of days life starts back up and we won't have these wonderful lounge y days any longer. It snowed and snowed all day yesterday...we have about 4 inches out there and it is very cold. We are supposed to get about another 4 today and we have snow in the forecast throughout next week. So for us, winter has officially started. I am so thankful that my honey is home for another two weeks...that way I don't have to shovel the drive way or drive through this stuff. When he is back on the road I will get my fair share.
We changed the feed in our bird feeder and all the pretty birds came back. It is always entertaining to see what we get out there...I especially love it when the Red-headed Woodpecker makes his lovely presence.
Another relaxing day is in store as Brittany is hard at work making pancakes as I write.
Wishing you a day full of blessings!
I put a pork roast into my crockpot and let it cook itself. I'll post the recipe just in case you want to try it...it was the best pulled pork I have ever had.
We spent a day just doing whatever we wanted as we all know that within a couple of days life starts back up and we won't have these wonderful lounge y days any longer. It snowed and snowed all day yesterday...we have about 4 inches out there and it is very cold. We are supposed to get about another 4 today and we have snow in the forecast throughout next week. So for us, winter has officially started. I am so thankful that my honey is home for another two weeks...that way I don't have to shovel the drive way or drive through this stuff. When he is back on the road I will get my fair share.
We changed the feed in our bird feeder and all the pretty birds came back. It is always entertaining to see what we get out there...I especially love it when the Red-headed Woodpecker makes his lovely presence.
Another relaxing day is in store as Brittany is hard at work making pancakes as I write.
Wishing you a day full of blessings!
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