A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...I see my sister's mini-van. YAY! She is in town from Dallas, TX..

I AM THINKING...how glad I am that my sister is here with us and how much fun we have had today.
FROM THE KITCHEN...dinner was "Make Your Own Pizza Night." The boys are playing golf (all but Joseph-Scott), and so we all made our own pizzas. The kids LOVED it. Noelle had the special plate tonight and she raised her hand to say something. I thought she was going to say something special about herself, but she didn't. She said, "I love all of you."

I AM CREATING...I really have the scrapbooking bug, as well as I want to sew my girls a couple of outfits before we leave for Disney World in a few weeks. However, we are about to start school, so not very much time anymore.

I AM GOING...to go and help Melissa get the mattresses to lay out for them. She's bein' a little bossy right now:)

I AM WEARING...jeans and my Minnie Marathon running shirt. My hair is in a pony tail high on my head and I have absolutely NO makeup on.

I AM READING...my Bible in a year. I am about to start reading lots of books with my chidlren for the upcoming school year. More details next week.

I AM HOPING...that we have a great visit with my sister and her family. My mom will get out of her funk and her ear will feel better. My dad will continue to be pleasant to be around.

I AM HEARING...Melissa coax Joseph-Scott into going upstairs. All 3 girls in the family room getting ready to watch a movie.

AROUND THE HOUSE...it is buzzing with activity, which I love. It was really clean today but after my sister got here it was time to have some FUN and who can really have a good time with a clean house?!?

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...my sister! I am 22 months older than she is, but I feel she is just as much apart of me as my legs are. Everything that has happened in our lives we have been right there together through LOTS of dysfunction. She is SOOO funny!!! She always lets me know what she is thinking (sometimes good but most of the time bad:), so I value her opinion greatly. She is so right when she tells everyone she is the cute and fun one!!!

FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF MY WEEK...making tie-died T-shirts with the kids tomorrow. My sister is going to take some photos of my family (she is a photographer and was so sweet to bring all of her photography "stuff"). Hopefully take a couple of walks around my neighborhood with my sister, if I can coax her into it. She is probably WAAAYYY too fun and cute for exercise. Mexican tomorrow night. Sneaking away to do some shopping. Church Wednesday night and lots and lots and lots of laughter!!! We also have a soccer party for Ash's soccer team to kick off the beginning of the week

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT TO SHARE WITH YOU:

I would love to have one of Melissa and I, so I will post later. Both of us look AWFUL tonight, so no picture taking tonight!!!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...it is dark and the street lights are on...

I AM THINKING...that I feel really yucky from eating the snickers, coke, and GA Mud Fudge Blizzard - YUCK!

FROM THE KITCHEN...dinner was chicken enchiladas tonight which we have been eating on for 3 nights now. I had to go and show a house and on the way got a snickers and Coke. On the way home Jon and I shared a GA Mud Fudge Blizzard.

I AM CREATING...well, I have finally ordered ALL of my homeschooling material. I am creating window treatments for my kids' rooms and I am making memory boards for their rooms also.

I AM GOING...to go upstairs and get ready for bed.

I AM WEARING...black pants, dress shirt with green and black in it. Funky black earrings and a black bracelet. I had to go into the office today and show one of our houses tonight.

I AM READING...my Bible in a year. "True Prosperity" by James Robinson.

I AM HOPING...that the couple I showed the house to tonight will buy it.

I AM HEARING...Hanna say, "I love you Mommy." Jon saying, "Let's go upstairs and say prayers." Ashley saying, "But Dad, I'm not done."

AROUND THE HOUSE...we are going to get everyone in the bed.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...summer nights. I love the smell of a great summer night even when it is hot outside. It reminds me of being a kid.

FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF MY WEEK...I hope to get a solid contract on the house I showed tonight. We are certainly saying our prayers and trusting the LORD with the rest. Alec and I have a dentist appointment on Wednesday. Going to the pool a couple of days this week. Hopefully finish window treatments and memory boards for my kids and maybe, just maybe paint my bathroom.

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT TO SHARE WITH YOU:

Hanna and Ashley at the Ballerina Birthday Party

Nanna Bites

In our house we have something called "Nanna Bites." I don't know how long ago it was that it started, but I know it has been around since my oldest child was little. This saying is in honor of my mom. Whenever she takes a bite of anything it is always a big bite. So whenever anyone takes a big bite of whatever it is we are eating we call them "Nanna Bites." On Friday Jon took the children to breakfast and Hanna brought part of her chicken biscuit home. She was finishing it up and I asked her if I could have a small bite. I took my bite and then gave it back to her. She looked at the chicken biscuit and said, "Mom, you took a BANANA bite." So sweet!!!!

A Week in Review

This week has been a great week. We've had the best of both worlds -our times of busyness and boredom. Here is the play-by-play of our week.

Monday- We spent most of the day at the pool. It was great. I love those lazy summer days by the pool.

Tuesday- We spent the entire day at home. It was so nice! I feel like I have been entertaining the children all summer, and I have been itching to be crafty. So I started sewing and I got several things accomplished that I have actually been wanting to do for months.

Wednesday- The girls both had to have their teeth cleaned. We spent most of the morning at the dentist's office. It was a treat because Jon went with us. We then went to Upscale Pizza, a new pizza place that Truett Cathy (owner of Chick-fil-A) has started. Guess what? Mr. Cathy was there. He was having what looked like a meeting with these 2 guys. When we were leaving I went up to him and told him how much we enjoyed it and that we really appreciated all that he stood for. He stood up and said, "Oh you are such a nice lady. It looks like you have got some angels with you." He then gave each of the children a light-up key chain with his name on it. He told me, "Instead of just Eat More Chicken that it is now Eat More Chicken and Pizza." I told him we definitely couldn't go wrong there and thanked him for his time. What a great man of integrity! Jon told the children they had better be thankful for their mom (who doesn't mind imposing or asking things other people, AKA Jon, wouldn't ask). He said that if he was the only one with them that he would have just let them look at Mr. Cathy through the window. I must say I have to thank my mom for that boldness in me (although I DO NOT have boldness in other areas). Then we went and had our "Book Day." We spent a good while at Barnes and Nobles and each of the children got to pick out a book. They were very excited. We came home. I actually snuck in a nap, then we went to church for July Jamboree.

Thursday - I had to go into the office to handle some business for Jon. Truett's was having a customer appreciation week and they had a water slide, sand art, limbo, hula hoop contest, so after dinner we took off and went there. It was a lot of fun. Ash won the hula hoop contest and we were all so proud.

Friday - Jon took the kids out to breakfast so I had the house to myself for a little while - n.i.c.e. We went to the pool with my dear friend Tiffani (sorry Tiff I don't know how to do the link thing yet:). We had a wonderful time! Again, we talked about everything from A to Z and then realized what a small world it is from people we know in our past. Tiffani and her family are extremely close and dear to my heart, and we always have a great time when we are together. We went to my in-laws that night for dinner and cooked out hamburgers. Great fun!

Saturday - That morning I spent some good cuddle time with my girls watching cartoons. I then sat down with Alec and looked at his new book with him. Boy do I love that boy and his love for history. It is a book on WWII. I then watched a little Abbott and Costello with him. He's not really a cuddler, but I sneak in what I can to always let him know how much I love him and how important he is to me. I then sewed a window treatment for his room. The girls did crafts and Ash made me a necklace. We had a birthday party to go to and I so wanted Ash to know how much I loved the necklace. So, being somewhat of a fashion diva myself, I actually pulled it off. I wore a black shirt, the yellow necklace, and a yellow band thing in my hair with it pulled back. She was so excited that I was wearing it. We then went to the birthday party. It was a great party. It was a ballerina theme and all of the girls were to dress up. They painted the girls' faces with swans and the boys with frogs. They gave the girls fairy wings and a tutu. A real ballerina that dances with the Atlanta Ballet was there and she lead some dances for the girls. She was very nice and, of course, I just had to know what she thought about the show "So You Think You Can Dance?" She and I talked about her perspective on the show. When I told Jon this he just grinned and shook his head. The party was great. As I was coming home my in-laws had my niece at the park in our subdivision, so the girls and I stopped and visited for a little bit. The children stayed at the park with them and I came home and put dinner in the oven and turned on my Michael Buble CD. Alec came in and he and I had a great time dancing to "Everything." That night I had to go to the grocery store and get some Tylenol. I ran into some old friends, The Poole's, and enjoyed catching up with them. I so love their oldest daughter. She is so precious and I really miss seeing her. At times I really do wish we were all still apart of one another's lives. She has turned into such a beautiful young woman, and I hate the fact that I am missing out on her growing up.

Sunday - I got up this morning and ran 6.2 miles before church, and I actually made it on time for Sunday School. Church was really good. Our church body confirmed our new pastor with 100% vote today. It was a good day. I am so excited about what God is going to do in our church. We have certainly had our ups and downs throughout the years. Last week we had an after-church fellowship meal and our pastor's wife (who is precious by the way) made this AMAZING blueberry delight cake. Jon was absolutely smitten with this cake. He certainly let both Dan and Ann know how much he loved it. After the service day Jon went up to Pastor Dan and told him,"You know Dan I was really on the fence about you, but after your wife made that cake I knew I had to vote for you." He cracks me UP!!!! After all they do say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach!!!! We came home and ate lunch. I took a nap in my favorite napping spot and now I am blogging. God is good all the time!!!!

FOR TODAY

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...the sun is shining and it is HOT BABY, HOT BABY, HOT BABY, HOT -as my Hanna says.

I AM THINKING...that I need to go do my new workout DVD.

FROM THE KITCHEN...it is leftovers - AGAIN!

I AM CREATING...well, I am trying to order all of my homeschooling material.

I AM GOING...to hopefully have lunch with an old friend this week.

I AM WEARING...my coverup from the pool.

I AM READING...no longer "The Shack" by William Young, as I have come across some things that contradict my faith and I have decided not to read it anymore. "True Prosperity" by James Robinson. My Bible in a year.

I AM HOPING...that everything goes well for our real estate business and that everything will work out with our bank.

I AM HEARING...Hanna and Ashley playing "friends" in the family room.

AROUND THE HOUSE...it is CLEAN and it is oh so nice! The exercise equipment in our family room is finally moved, and I love the way my chairs look. It is such a warm and inviting room.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...lazy Sunday afternoons. Yesterday, I have to say, was as perfect as they get. We had a great meal after church, then came home. I took a great nap while it rained. My house is clean. Dinner was already cooked. Jon took the kids out for awhile, so I got the whole house to myself. We all watched a movie together.

FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF MY WEEK...tomorrow to stay at the house, dentist appointments for the children and book day on Wednesday, lunch with an old friend on Thursday, and maybe some swimming to wrap up the week.

Celebrating Stay-at-Home Moms

I have a friend, Candis (below in the pink) that is a mother of 2, her oldest being 4, who has been dreaming of the day she would become a stay-at-home mom. This has been an issue that has been bathed in much prayer. Well, guess what? A few months ago she told us that God had answered her prayers and she was going to get to be a stay-at-home mom. Of course, we were all ecstatic for her and rejoicing with her like crazy. When the time came for her to give her 2-week notice we decided this called for a CELEBRATION. Saturday night 4 of us girls went to Bugaboo Creek (one of Candis' favorite places to eat) to celebrate stay-at-home moms. All 4 of us are now stay-at-home moms. I am telling you, we had a BLAST!!! I know the Bugaboo Creek staff was probably ready to kick us out. We stayed for about 4 hours. Time sure does fly when you're having fun. We talked about everything from A to Z. We laughed so hard our bellies hurt, we encouraged one another, we listened to one one another without having to say, "hold on a second", we talked about past mistakes and failures, we listened to one another's advice. It was GREAT! We all go to church together and see one another fairly often, but there is something about being together outside of church that really helps to form bonds. I think this is something we will definitely try to start doing once a month. I felt so refreshed after being with these ladies. Thanks girls for such a great night and praise the LORD that Candis is having the opportunity and privilege to serve the LORD by serving her family at home.

Stay-at-Home moms celebrating life!

Me and Tiffani

Candis and Lori

Indiana Jones Birthday Party

Saturday we celebrated Alec's birthday with his friends. He had an Indiana Jones birthday. In our subdivision we have a pavilion and a park, so since all of my children have summer birthdays, this is where we always celebrate them with our families and friends. It works out great because I always have a clean house after the party. Earlier in the day I headed down to the park to arrange a treasure hunt. After all, Indiana Jones hunted for treasures, so I thought these kids should to. I have to admit I had been kind-of dreading it. This southern heat is HOT! I really didn't want to try and have to be creative in it, but that's a mother's love for your right? Much to my surprise I had so much fun getting this together. Most of these boys are between 10 and 12 so I really wanted it to be somewhat of a challenge. I would just giggle to myself as I would put out the clues. Most of the clues would tell them to take so many steps in whatever direction and then they would be given another clue that would tell them the general area they could find the clue. For example, one of the clues said, "This clue is sure to LIGHT your way," and the clue was hidden under a light. I must say I was really pretty proud of myself:) We are at the end of the treasure hunt and the kids are anxious to find the treasure. I am hyping it up about the treasure being near. This is so TYPICAL me - we can't find the treasure. I am not kidding you. I could not find it at all. Several of the adults were looking with me. I described to them I had marked out a place for it so that I would not lose it. I decided to get the last clue from one of the boys and then retrace the steps myself. Badabing Badaboom I found it. So I started playing the hot/cold game to try to get the kids to find it. Here it is Alec's birthday and the very last person in the world he would want to find the treasure (which had $5 in it) did - Ashley, his sister. She was ecstatic!!! He was mad!! I believe if I would have let him he would have wrestled her to the ground to steal the treasure from her, just like Indiana Jones.

He did have a great party though. He got a lot of cool gifts he would never have thought to ask for. My dad got him a boom box, and he has so enjoyed jamming in his room. He got a fishing pole and all the fixins' to go with it from my mom and stepdad that he couldn't wait to cast out and catch a fish in the pond. The funniest gift he got was from his GiGi and Granddaddy. He got a box of Club crackers and some Easy Cheese. The boy was so happy!!!

The Birthday Boy

Treasure Hunters

Hidden Treasure

Alec and I hanging out listening to his new boom box

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

Me and My 2 Favorite Girls in the Whole Wide World and their American Girl dolls

Thursday night I took my 2 very favorite girls in the whole wide world, along with some other moms and their girls, to see the Kit Kittredge movie. My girls were so excited about doing this. My Hanna would ask me everyday, "How many more days until we see the Kit movie?" First of all, no boys were allowed, so it was fun just to be with a whole bunch of girls of all ages. I must say this has to go down into one of my all-time favorite movies! It was great. I would definitely see it again, whether with my girls, my girlfriends, or my hubby. It takes place during the Great Depression. I am a history nut anyway, but I love hearing about this time period. I can listen to my grandparents talk about this time period for hours. This movie made me laugh, it made me cry - it was just all-in-all wonderful. It was amazing as to how relative things were to today's times, but it also made me realize what people back then actually gave up -not just their cars, furniture, homes, time with their family, but also their pride. Oh, the movie was SOOOO good. To put the icing on the cake, I had the privilege of seeing it with my daughters, their friends, and my friends (the other moms). This is definitely the best American Girl movie I have seen, one we will definitely buy and see over and over again when it comes on DVD. I am so grateful my girls have such good Godly friends who come from Godly families. I pray as they age they will always make wise choices in their friendships and chose friendships that will encourage them in their faith and hold them accountable. I pray also that my girls will be the kind of friend that build others up, encourage others in their faith, pray for their friends and hold their friends accountable to the truth of God's word. I am so blessed to be a mom. I absolutely love it!

All the girls with their American Girl Dolls

Sunshine Festival

My nephews and sister-in-law (all of us ran)

5K Crew


Family of runners

Alec (in the black) and I (in the red) about to cross the finish line.

Jon coming in strong.

The girl is FAST -she's already finished!!!

Hanna and I (2 prissy girls- notice we are both running in skirt/dress)

This was our July 4 race, and it was my son's first 5K. They also had a 1 mile fun run, so we let the girls run in it. Both of my nephews also ran in the fun run. We were kind-of towards the back of the crowd, and the lady was giving instructions as to what the course was. I really was not paying attention because I thought we would just follow the crowd. Ashley said, "Mom, I don't know what the course is." I told her, "Sweety, it's fine. We will just follow the crowd." Ash said emphatically, "No mom, I don't want to follow the crowd. I want to win." Boy, and she just about did!!! She took off in a mad dash. I ran back with Hanna. I eventually lost sight of Ashley because Hanna and I couldn't keep up. She ended up finishing the mile in 7:40 - Wow! She is only 7 years old. She is going to be tough competition for us when she gets to start running the 5K.

Running with Hanna was precious though. She was a little overwhelmed by all of the people at first, so she and I ran holding hands. She got really tuckered out towards the end, and I would tell her it was okay if we walked, that other people were walking. She wouldn't walk. She wouldn't quit. She kept going, and going, and going, - just like the Energizer Bunny. She finished in around 13 minutes. The girls both got medals, so they were really excited.

Next was Alec's big moment in his first 5K. Jon, of course, was way ahead in the crowd, trying to do his personal best. Alec was nervous and I just kept reassuring him his nerves were normal. He actually started out a little ahead of me, but was having a tough time navigating us through the crowds, so I got ahead of him and led the way. During the last leg of the race he would say, "Mama, I'm tired. I feel like I am going to throw up." His competitive mother would tell him, "Throw up after you cross the finish line. We have to keep going, pushing forward. Every second counts." His goal was 29 minutes. He completed it in 27:36. I was so proud of him. Competitive as I am, I did let him go ahead of me at the end so he could cross the finish line before me. It was a really special day that I will always remember. Unfortunately, none of his placed in our age group. I was okay with that because I had really already won - I got to run with my son in his first race!!!

I have to say that as far as the after-race snacks, this one was the best one yet - even better than Disney as far as the snacks. They had the normal bananas, oranges, cookies, muffins, water, etc. BUT, they also had Chick-fil-A sandwiches, Starbucks (yes, I said Starbucks) coffee. It was wonderful. All-in-all, The Sunshine Festival 5K/Fun Run was a BLAST!!

I'm Baaaacccckkkkk

Jon playing "beach golf" while waiting for fireworks

Blowing out his Candles

Soaking up the Sun

Beach Babes!

I really did anticipate blogging about our beach vacation sooner than this, but I have been swamped since we got home. Needless to say we had a GREAT time. St. Simons is one of our all-time favorite places. It poses lots of memories for us. So here goes the play-by-play of our vacation.

First of all, is it just my family or is there anyone else out there who has a tough time getting out of the house for a trip?!?. Our plans were to leave our home around 10:00 a.m. Well, 12:00 p.m rolls around we are finally leaving. I have to be honest, I was really ill. We finally got off and once we were on the interstate good we played our traditional "truck game". It is so fun!!! It is just a silly game my hubby made up a couple of years ago, and we all LOVE it. We always play boys versus girls. Girls won!!! Once we got to St. Simons my sister-in-law and nephews came over to my in-law's condo and we all hung out. The boys spent the night and, of course, the kids went to bed WAYYY past my bedtime.

Day 2 - My sweet boy turned 11. He had been anticipating his birthday and was so very excited. He had been counting down the days, and the day was finally here. I actually woke up early this morning and got out of the condo before everyone woke up. I went to the beach and took my Bible with me. I had some good time with Jesus out there and then I walked along the beach. I got back to the condo and it was buzzing with lots of activity. Alec was so excited about his gifts. He still likes toys, which I am so glad for. I know a day is coming, a lot sooner than I want, that he will no longer ask for toys and will probably want clothes, electronics, etc., but my boy loves Legos and action figures, which makes his mom smile. The 5 of us headed to beach and loved every minute of it. It was fairly crowded. Ashley was all about digging up dirt in the ocean and finding seashells. Hanna played some in the water, but loved building sandcastles. Alec actually enjoyed both. We stayed for quite a while. This is the first time EVER in our marriage that my hubby and I actually laid out on the beach to get some sun. He loves the beach, but more so in the morning and the evening. I love the beach ALL THE TIME. Going to the beach is one of my favorite childhood memories. I think that is where my love for the beach comes from. When I was a little girl my dad would take us to the beach and we would get on floats and ride the waves into shore. We would have to rate the waves - either baby, daddy, papa, or great papa waves. My dad would stay out there in the water with us for hours upon hours. Then we would walk along the beach and hop in different hotels' swimming pools. We called it pool hopping. Sounds redneck I know, but when I think about those times it brings a smile to my face. Daddy was what I like to call a "great vacation dad." Anyway . . . . enough down memory lane and back to our trip. That evening we had ice cream and cake and celebrated Alec's birthday with his cousins and grandparents. We had to get to bed much earlier this night because we had to be up early to run in a race the next morning.

Day 3 - We ran in race and had a great time (refer to Sunshine Festival for more details). We went back to the condo and everyone but the men and my mother-in-law headed to the pool. We had some great "sister" talks while there and the kids loved playing. I have to say my sister-in-law, Holly, is great. She truly is more of a big sister to me than a sister-in-law. Everyone needs to have a Holly in their life. She is really an amazing person and I have so much admiration and respect for her. My other sister-in-law, Amy, had to leave the pool early to go and make her much-anticipated grits and greens. We had an awesome dinner that night and then headed to the beach to watch the fireworks. The tide was in so it was super crowded and the wind was so fierce that sand kept getting in our eyes. The fireworks were great though.

Day 4- My hubby asked me out for a lunch date, so I was DELIGHTED about that. We went to Mullet Bay, just the 2 of us, and ate on the deck. It was a great time. I always love the times when I have all of his attention all to myself! After we got back to the condo the girls and I packed up and met Holly at the pool, while Alec and Jon and the rest of the family played cards. When we got back to the condo we started up Trivia Pursuit. I am ashamed to say that the only category I did well in was Entertainment! I did get one question right about the United Nations. Amy really impressed me with her Trivia Pursuit skills. She is really, really good. I kept asking her, "Where do you get this stuff from?" It was boys versus girls and girls won. It was such a long game though, and when I realized the girls did not need my brain unless there was an Entertainment category I would drift into the living room and visit with my in-laws.

Day 5-We left around lunch so it was home again, home again, jiggity jig. I always say, "I sure do love to go, but I sure love to come home too."

Sorry to bore anyone with the details of my trip. This blogging thing is serving as a journal for me, so I like to be specific, so I can go back one day and relive memories. One other thing that I want to etch into my memory is during our vacation I got to sneak in a few cat naps. During my cat naps both of my sweet girls would come and give me a kiss on my cheek as I was sleeping. What a precious memory - one of my favorites!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...the neighbor's grass has been cut (yes, I know I am anal about this)...

I AM THINKING...that I am really sleepy.

FROM THE KITCHEN...dinner was enchiladas tonight and it is still there waiting for my hubby when he gets here.

I AM CREATING...well, I have finally started to get my thoughts organized with what homeschool material I am ordering. My "not having to think" month of June is over.

I AM GOING...to go upstairs and watch TV with my kids.

I AM WEARING...my coverup from the pool.

I AM READING...still "The Shack" by William Young, and it is WONDERFUL. Also my Bible and "True Prosperity" by James Robinson. Oh, and our new "Runner's World" magazine came in the mail today. Also catalogues for homeschooling material.

I AM HOPING...that I can figure out how to get my oldest 2 to STOP fighting excessively.

I AM HEARING...the dryer. There's lots of laundry from vacation.

AROUND THE HOUSE...the laundry is currently being washed and dried from vacation. The rest of the house is pretty straight. The exercise equipment in our family room will be moved to the garage this week - hip! hip! hooray!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...GREAT friends. I truly love my girlfriends that I am really close to and feel "safe with. There truly is nothing like great friends.

FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF MY WEEK...swimming at "Mama Chick's", American Girl movie on Thursday, my sons' birthday party on Saturday, and Saturday night a girls' night out to celebrate a friend being blessed to become a stay-at-home mom.

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT TO SHARE WITH YOU:

Silly Hanna playing in my accessories

TTFN- TaTa For Now

To the world of blogging, to the computer period, to my cell phone,TTFN- ta ta for now. We are headed off to St. Simons this morning. I can't wait!!!! I will blog about our trip when we get home. Please pray for traveling mercies and a hedge of protection over me and my family while we are down there. I hope and pray everyone out there in blogging world has a very safe and happy 4th of July!

FOR TODAY

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...my grass looks so thick and green thanks to Lawn Magic and the LORD sending us some rain.

I AM THINKING...that I feel gross from cleaning Jon's Covington house today, but at least the weight equipment will be in the garage.

FROM THE KITCHEN...we had Papa Jon's tonight.

I AM CREATING...a clean house before we go on vacation.

I AM GOING...to the beach on Wednesday.

I AM WEARING...a running shirt and some GA Bulldog workout pants that are so nasty from cleaning that house.

I AM READING...my Bible (trying to read it in a year, but I'm a little behind). The Shack by William Young - it is wonderful, a must read.

I AM HOPING...that my foot will heal in time for a race this Friday. It will be my son's first 5K and I am supposed to be running it with him.

I AM HEARING...Jon read things to me about my extensor tendinitis.

AROUND THE HOUSE...I will be packing for vacation and trying to get things in order before we leave on Wednesday.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...the beach. I am a total beach bum. I can't wait to go!!

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF MY WEEK...head to St. Simons on Wednesday, celebrate Alec's birthday on Thursday, race on Friday (hopefully) and watch fireworks from the beach, enjoy being at the beach with my family.

Weekend Recap

First of all, for those wondering what I decided to do about "tempted" my brother-in-law did not get here until 2:00, so that threw all of my plans out the window. I guess it was for the best. Thanks for all of your advice though. I have made a deal with my hubby though. He has 2 house that need cleaning in order to be put on the market. Normally he cleans them, but I told him I would clean one if he would agree to move the exercise equipment monster into the garage. He had to think about it for awhile, but, he agreed to it. So today I will be cleaning a house that is not my own. Oh well, it will be SOOOO worth it to have my family room back. We had a rather eventful weekend, which was very nice. I decided on Saturday that since my plans for "tempted" were out the window then I would do something special at home with each of the children. My son and I started putting together a 500 piece puzzle. I have a friend who loves puzzles. I 've always snickered at her about this but on Saturday I had to apologize to her because I have now entered the world of puzzle lover. I had so much fun with this. My son got frustrated after awhile, but I could not stop. I did decide to leave the last pieces for the children to finish up (which the puzzle is still sitting on the dining room table unfinished). My middle daughter and I made a stepping stone, which she loved doing. She is very crafty. My youngest daughter and I painted, which is what she said she wanted to do. The children then surprised Jon and I with a "romantic dinner" and show. Posted below is the table they set up for use. They made us salad with banana and cheese, peanut butter and crackers, and some sort of lemon drink. I really played along with them and played it up like it was all delicious. Jon, on the other hand, was having no part of the salad or the drink. He did thank them for their thoughtfulness. They then put on a dancing and singing show. It was precious. I have to say my son is usually the ringleader when they do these sorts of things. They truly make life SO MUCH FUN!!!

Sunday was very restful, which I always try to make it a habit to rest on Sundays. I know God calls for us to do this, and I have really found it makes my week go much better if I do. After a great Sunday service at our church we came home and had leftover taco soup (which everyone huffed and puffed about). I cuddled up on my sofa in our family room with "The Shack" and read until I fell asleep. The girls played Wii Fit and my hubby and son watched a movie together. We then went out to have Mexican for dinner, came home and played a board game, finished our Junie B. Jones "Toothless Wonder", said our prayers, put the kids to bed, then Jon and I watched a movie until we fell asleep. A weekend a home, but a great weekend at that!!!

The Entertainment

Our "romantic dinner" (the children knew I would be mad if anything got on the carpet). Notice the place cards and the menu.

Hanna's Painting

Ashley's Stepping Stone

Alec's unfinished puzzle

Tempted

I decided that if I get this off my chest and out into the open that I can, or maybe some of you can, talk me out of what I am very tempted to do today. In our family room we have this body weight exercise equipment up. It has been there probably since January, with all intentions of one day moving it out. During January my husband actually bought it for me because he was really not into fitness at that time. Fast forward to March, hubby gets really into running and into this body weight machine. I bought 2 new chairs specifically for our family room, and I absolutely LOVE them. My room is now complete with the addition of these 2 chairs. It looks so good, very warm and welcoming (which is what I desire my home to be) EXCEPT for this huge piece of exercise equipment. Father's Day weekend I spent almost all of my Saturday cleaning out our garage all by myself so we could put this equipment in there - to be used, but not seen by company. Well hubby and I have been going around and around about this machine. He wants to leave it in the family room so he can watch TV while he exercises. I have tried to convince him that he will get a much better workout if he is not distracted by the TV and also I have told him that watching TV hinders muscle growth:) It's not working!!!!! So, here comes the temptation part - most days my hubby is in and out of the house throughout the day, but today, and today only, he will be gone pretty much all day. It will require me removing a few nuts and bolts in order to move this equipment and then put it back together in the garage. He will be SOOOO upset with me if I do it. I have even threatened to do it, and he said, "If you do, then I will get your sewing machine and take it apart, and then you will have to put it together again." Please understand all of this is done in jest with lots of laughter and picking. None is done with an ill-intent or a mean spirit. I am trying really, really hard to be submissive, but I am so tired of looking at this monster in my family room. It hinders the decor. I have prayed for many, many years that my husband would develop healthier eating habits and exercise, and God has truly answered my prayers. So I keep telling myself to be grateful that he is using the equipment and don't nag him about putting it somewhere he doesn't want it, but today that is not working. I really, really want it out in the garage. Help!!! - somebody, anybody. Any suggestions as to how I can get this equipment out of there without defiance?

Salute to our Soldiers

Teaching my children to be proud of our country is very important to me. When we see a man or woman in uniform I encourage the children to tell them, "Thank you for serving our country." I have even gotten into the habit of doing it myself when I do not have the children with me. I think freedom is something we all take for granted. We got together with some of our homeschooling friends to make cards for a soldier that is related to one of the homeschooling moms. We had a great time. My friend Lisa provided ice cream and the fixings to go with it. The children played, and we moms got to catch up. It was good being with our friends and doing something nice for those who fight for our freedom.

Camp Nanna and Papa

This weekend the children went camping with my parents. This had been a much anticipated trip, and all of them (including Nanna and Papa) couldn't wait. Hanna would ask me everyday, at least 3 times a day, "How many more days until we go camping with Nanna and Papa?" Mama got special snacks for the children of their choosing, cereal (which they love and I NEVER buy - they consider it such a treat), a new bathing suit, and, of course, lots of little extras. I took them to the lake to drop them off Friday and stayed and rode in the boat and had lunch with everyone. Then it was time for me to get back home to hubby. I had a teary goodbye from my Ashley. She is a BIG Mama's girl and does not like to spend the night away from me. She wanted Jon and I to come back to camp the next night. I told her I would talk with Daddy, and she said, "Mama, if he says no, will you just keep asking him?" That is exactly what she does to everyone. She has a hard time taking No for an answer. It really is almost like she doesn't understand the word.

The next morning they all were very chatty and had lots to tell me when they called me. Alec caught 13 fish and drove the boat (whoa- glad I wasn't there. I would have said no), but Papa taught him how to do it and he did a great job. The girls swam and swam and found lake shells (AKA seashells) as they called them. They built a fire and roasted marshmallows and made smores. Day 2 was just as good. They road to the middle of the lake with the boat and all jumped out of the boat and swam. They all had so much fun.

Meanwhile, back at home Jon and I had a great weekend (other than me hurting my foot). Friday night we played Wii Fit and competed against one another, which we love. Then watched a movie. Saturday morning we went and ran in "Run for Romania" which was our best race yet. Then we spent the next 3 hours at "doc in a box" and the pharmacy getting my medicine.

Ash kept calling and calling wanting to know if we were coming down for the night. My foot was really throbbing, but I couldn't disappoint her. I know there will come a day when she may no longer beg and beg me to come, so as long as she is begging then I am coming. Jon and I did sneak a dinner date at Carabba's before we went to the camp site. I was loopy from my medicine, but it was still a good time sitting around and laughing. Sunday morning Jon helped my parents pack everything up while I sat with my foot elevated, and we came home. Camp Nanna and Papa was a huge success. The children can't wait until they do it again.

The Camping Crew

Alec getting ready to drive the boat

Boy Versus Wild

No Fear Camping Girl

Prissy Camping Girl

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...I see my neighbor's grass that really needs cutting. I'm thinking about sending my son over there to cut it.

I am thinking... watch my foot, watchm my foot.

I am thankful for...that hopefully we will be closing on the Thomaston house tomorrow.

From the kitchen...hubby was in charge of dinner and we had a "Make Your Own Pizza Night."

I am creating... nothing. I have given my mind and body the month of June off.

I am going... to go and prop up my foot so that I can start back running and read a book.

I am wearing...blue jeans, a red shirt, and some funky red earrings.

I am reading... my Bible (I'm trying to read it all the way through), and I am about to start The Shack by William Young.

I am hoping... that both of our houses will close this week.

I am hearing... Jon talk to me about kayaks and the kids playing Wii Fit.

Around the house... it is a mess, but for today who cares. My house is not defined by its cleanliness or the lack there of, but by the people who are in it.

One of my favorite things..my husband being self employed. (For 7 years our family life was hard, as he had a 3-hour commute everyday). We are very blessed with the opportunity the LORD has given us to have our own business.

A few plans for the rest of my week...hopefully we will have 2 houses close (we are in the real estate flipping business), my foot to heal, a couple of days at the pool, kid swap with some friends this weekend.

Here is a picture thought to share with you:

Run for Romania

First Place in our age group 30-39

After the race- we're drenched like 2 kids who've been running in the rain

Before the Race - Can you see the rain?

Today my husband and I ran the 5K Race for Romania. Our goal is to do one 5K a month at least until soccer season gets here. Both of our girls play soccer, so races are harder to run when soccer season is here. It was our BEST RACE YET!!! It was pouring down rain and wonderful. I really felt like a 10-year-old little girl running in the rain. I felt so FREE! God reminded me that that is how He desires me to feel all the time because in His eyes I am a little girl splashing through the mud puddles of life and it is for freedom that He came to set me free (Galatians 5:1). He reminded me that I needed to stop being bogged down with fear, worry, and doubt, and those things that truly hinder my freedom, and to just run this race of life with JOY and FREEDOM!! It was really a great race! I especially was proud of my hubby. He's only been running since March and has really been training hard. He finished 5th in the race and won his age group. His time was 22:23. I finished 9th in the race and won my age group also. My time was 23:21. My feet started hurting me after the race and to make a long story short my foot was hurting me so badly when I got home my hubby had to carry me down our stairs. I ended up at "doc in a box" thinking I had broken my foot. I tend to overexaggerate and immediately panic, so I kept telling myself all was going to be fine. Come to find out I have aggravated some tendons in my foot. I am so grateful though because I really thought it was broken. I have to be "no running for a week" the doc said. Oh well, a good excuse to be lazy - right?

The Best Invention Since the Coffee Pot

I am a coffeeholic. The one thing I cannot live without is my coffee pot. To me is one of the best inventions EVER made. However, last night I discovered something that comes in a very close second. My husband is not one to spend money on himself. He is truly the type of person who would rather us have things and really just wants very little. The things that he does want we can't afford (like a house on the beach). So anytime I have the chance to splurge on him I just get plain giddy. He has really become a workout guru over the past 3 months. He has taken up running and body weight exercises and he has really shed some pounds. I'm so proud of him!! At the swimming pool last week one of my "pool friends" asked me if we had a Wii Fit. I went on to tell her that we did not have one, and that I have worked out for years and I really didn't think it was worth the money. (I actually thought it would be too easy for me:)) Well she works out too and told me she was so sore in muscles she didn't even know that she had. After talking with her she convinced me it was so worth it. So for a week now I have been frantically searching for my husband a Wii Fit. I thought, "What a perfect Father's Day gift." Well obviously Father's Day is here and gone, but I told him his present was on order, but we did not tell him what it was. Well yesterday I got one. We opened it up last night, and IT IS GREAT!!! So much fun. It really gets your heart to racing also, and this is coming from someone who gets around 25 miles of running in in a week. Our whole family had a ball!!!! We all laughed and laughed and laughed. I was so glad my hubby liked it! It was worth every penny. In fact, my daughter woke up at 4:00 a.m. this morning so that she could play it and not have to take turns.