The Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY - Monday, January 3, 2011


Outside my window... I see a beautiful blue sky! It is cold now - about 26 degrees. Should be around 46 today which is nice for January.

I am thinking... about all the cleaning that needs to get done. How quickly this small apartment seems to fall apart!

I am thankful for... the warmth in our apartment and the heater isn't even on. A positive aspect of living on the second floor.

From the learning rooms...Today we begin our second semester of homeschooling only one. I'm hoping to add art and science. But right now my little darling is sound asleep. It's hard to get back on track after Christmas break.

From the kitchen... The plan for this evening is making cheeseburger soup. It's a family favorite!

I am wearing... Blue jeans and a blue striped shirt. Bare feet - it's that warm in here!

I am creating... A to do list for the year. I've gotten a good start on it. You can see it here.

I am going... to the grocery store later. Must make a list first!

I am reading... nothing besides the bible. My goal for the year is to read at least five non-fiction books. Haven't gotten started yet.

I am hoping... to take the rest of the ornaments off the tree. It's been a slow process this year.

I am hearing... the sound of my washing machine.

Around the house... John and Gabriel are at work. Hannah and Holly are sound asleep. My living room is a complete wreck with Christmas boxes everywhere. I'm going to finish that right after this blog entry!

One of my favorite things... is my new Jeopardy game that I got for the Wii. I do not play many video games but this one I enjoy!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Initiating our exercise routine - walking and Wii fit, general cleaning up of clutter and perhaps beginning a new book.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... This is Holly's self-portrait that she took with her new camera - a present from her grandparents.










You too can join the Simple Woman's Day Book here

Normal

Gabriel and Hannah have been home for two weeks now. There's a sense of normalcy around the house. That includes more noise, laughter, laundry, and frequently running out of milk. It's good to have them home and we have nearly three more weeks together! I'm thankful for their long break. They were so homesick and I was just beside myself with missing them. I knew their absence would be difficult but I had no idea of the magnitude. I am sure that it will be just as tough for me to let them go again but they are already looking forward to their return and the new normal they have learned from campus life.

The first semester went well for them. Hannah has excellent roommates and has adapted to dorm life quite well. She'd rather have a bottom bunk but overall is pleased with everything. Gabriel had one roommate that he got along with really well and the other was a complete slob. That was tough for a young man who was used to having a room to himself. After midterms, his next door neighbor's roommate left school and requested Gabriel for a roommate. So he was excited to move into a much neater room.

Gabriel loves classes and loves studying! I wish I had seen some of that enthusiasm in all our years of homeschooling. He is a Pre-Law major. Hannah is studying Graphic Design. They both had a very successful semester and are eager to return. John, Holly and I will miss them fiercely but I'm happy that they want to go back. They like it there.

My 2011 List

Inspired by Sprittibee's Big Fat Annual List, I decided to make my own goals for 2011. Hopefully I've made it realistic. Notice I didn't include scrapbooking. As much as I love it. It doesn't seem to happen. Maybe I can add it later. What's on your list?

1. Develop a stronger prayer/devotional time
   
2. Take down the tree/Christmas decorations
3. Put John's schedule on my calendar
4. Go out to lunch with Gabriel
5. Go out to lunch with Hannah
6. Attend Holly's Christmas concert 1/13 (postponed because of snow)
7. Go shopping for things Gabriel and Hannah need for their second semester
   
8. Find a reading aloud routine
9. Send Gabriel and Hannah cards or letters weekly
10. Find a new career - subbing isn't working for us
11. Get family pictures taken in the summer
12. Lose 10 pounds
13. Plan Holly's 8th grade school year
14. Make - and follow - weekly and daily to-do lists
15. Read 5 non-fiction books
16. Reestablish the habit of blogging
17. Begin an exercise routine
    
18. Lose 10 more pounds
19. Organize/declutter our bedroom
20. Begin Art and Science with Holly
21. Practice clarinet
22. Join orchestra at church
23. DON'T have any major dental work done (I can hope!)
24. Make weekly menu plans
25. Have my hair professionally cut and highlighted
26. Write a letter to my grandmother each month
27. Get rid of clothes that don't fit or I don't like
28. Lose 10 more pounds
29. Organize dining room buffet cabinet
30. Sell or donate books that won't be read again
31. Buy new clothes for the summer
32. DON'T find lost pounds
33. Visit my friend/former roommate Mary Ellen
34. Visit my friend/former roommate Cindy
35. Work on writing a book about our life in Romania
36. Encourage Holly in things that interest her - writing, crafts, cooking, photography
37. Visit the Creation Museum in Kentucky
38. Visit my grandmother in Kentucky
39. Learn Spanish with Holly
40. Reconsider 2011 list - add and revise as necessary
    

I Have Been Held

This year did not go how I had planned.
This year did not go how I had hoped.
The enemy stepped in and wreaked havoc in many areas of my life.
The wounds are deep and some will leave scars.
But through all the trials, I have been held by Almighty God.
The God of all comfort has held me in His hands.
He has hid me in the cleft of the Rock.
He has gently reminded me that trials lead to patience.
He whispered to me through His Word, reminding me of all His precious promises.
Reminders that He is always with me.
That His ways are not my ways.
That He knows the way that I take
And these difficult times will draw me closer to Him.
I am blessed with the knowledge that not only does He comfort me in times of tribulation
But He gives me hope for the future
In that I may forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before,
And when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Once Again

Christmas is over and the tree needs to come down. Some gifts still need to find a home. Laundry has piled up with the arrival of our two college freshmen home on their Christmas break. But I find myself with a more urgent need - the need to write. I began blogging in 2005 when an online friend told me I needed to and I fell in love with the concept. It quickly became a daily habit, a fixation even. But somehow the online obsession was quelled by the extreme life changes our family went through.

There was a trans-Atlantic move, a major career change, the need for me to work as well, high schoolers to homeschool and life in general. Our two oldest graduated from high school and left for their first year of college. Life with only one child at home has been different indeed. We have settled into somewhat of a routine but blogging has not yet found its way back into my life. I miss it. So here I am trying once again.

I know many long time blogging friends who have also gone through some major changes in their lives. Dear online friends, how do you keep blogging a part of your daily/weekly routine?

Waiting to Hear

Gabriel called today. Oh how good to hear his voice. Even if it was for a question about laundry. Now I am waiting to hear from Hannah. This is a new phase in my life - anxiously waiting for that hopefully daily phone call. How did my mom survive so many decades ago when all we had was a payphone in the hallway shared by 45 other girls? A weekly call would never be enough.

Many people have asked how I am doing. Am I surviving since letting two fly the nest? So far, yes. I am not sure what the answer will be when we walk into our home and notice the emptiness there. And they are doing well and having fun. I am excited for them. But how will I handle it when they have a rough day and I am not there to give them a hug?

John, Holly and I will begin our trek back to Virginia tomorrow. Our plan is to stop half way and spend the night. It's been a long summer and a lengthy trip and we just do not feel up to making a 12 hour trip in one day this time. Looking forward to being home.

Quietness

I am sitting here in the quietness. An intense quietness. Such solitude I would have longed for in years past when I had a couple of toddlers underfoot. Now I find it peaceful yet odd.

John and I took Gabriel and Hannah to Pensacola Christian College on Sunday afternoon. They checked in on Monday, moved into their dorm rooms and registered for classes. On Tuesday we kissed them good-bye, gave them a long hug and came back to my parents house where Holly was staying.

Hannah's phone quit working on registration day. We are thinking it has something to do with her taking it for a swim a couple of weeks ago. So it's been hard to communicate with her. We have another one on the way for her to use. Today is their first day of classes. I am anxious to hear what they think! They also have a ton of meetings this week. I told them to expect the first week to be very overwhelming and also a lot of fun. I am encouraged that they have already made friends and seem to have terrific roommates!

Of course we are not empty nesters. Holly has six more years of school to go. My dad took her to the Space and Rocket Museum this afternoon. I am looking forward to all the individual time that John and I will have to spend with her. Homeschool begins on Monday!

Stay tuned for the adventures of Gabriel and Hannah at PCC and the Homeschooling of Holly - all right here. I hope you'll come back!