CONNIE'S CAPERS

Happy Easter, Good Friday is past, today He is ALIVE!

2011-04-24T12:00:00.010-04:00

'THE GLORY'

Please enjoy the video, but beyond that, take some time today to think about what Jesus did for us on the cross...what He would have done if YOU were the only one on earth. That's how much He truly loves us. The Easter eggs, the candy, the pretty dresses, and the ham dinner are all nice, but they truly are NOT what Easter is about. Enjoy your day in all these ways, but I hope you will set some time aside to honor Him, to thank Him, to praise Him for His great love.

Not a Bad Office on a Shoestring Budget!

2011-04-22T19:45:00.005-04:00

CONNIE'S NEW OFFICE

I love what my husband has done for me! He's such a good guy. It's not completely done yet, but here are a few of the things we did.

This is what we started with. We originally painted it grey for our daughter - who wanted to go with black, white, red, and grey. Not the color I would have picked - but we just painted!! Then we decided that with the dog cage in her room, there was no way all her furniture & the dog would fit in the smallest room of the house - so we decided it would be the office instead. Now what am I going to do with grey walls??

Lighten it up a little! We painted the north facing wall a light yellow. The desk is my new office desk. Ikea & inexpensive.

Then we added a rug - and this was our biggest expenditure, but well worth it. I LOVE it.

We laid the rug, then added my desk back in with the computer & phone.

Still need to figure out what to do with all the yucky wires - but when just looking in - you don't really notice them.

Then added this 9 cubicle cupboard, which sits on top of my old high school desk - now refinished in a sleek black & white.

On the other side of the room - still to be completed, we took an old pie safe that was painted an antique green, repainted it black. The doors are not back on yet, because that tin punch front needs a make-over. So we're looking for some fabric to cover the tin-punch with - I'll show you that later - when it's done. But this is by far, the most organized my scrapbooking stuff has been:

Well, like I said, we have a ways to go. However, I'm in and working from my nice quiet space. That sure makes phone calls and working on business projects a LOT easier. Again, with great thanks for my hard working hubby.

More to come!

Facing the Giants Wholeheartedly

2011-03-16T10:06:00.001-04:00

Friday's Fave Five for March 11, 2011

2011-03-11T15:01:00.006-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted an entry to Friday's Fave Five, I've missed it. So I'm taking some time to participate today, and you can too, at Living to Tell The Story

We're in the midst of turning a bedroom into an office. So a lot of my favorites have to do with that this week.

1. Consignment shops!! We found the neatest old bookcase for $60 at a consignment shop near where we live. It's a Spanish style bookcase, and we're really not into Spanish, however, we're going to take off the big brass pulls, paint the whole thing black, and put some modern nickel or glass knobs on it. That should update it a bit. The shelves are really wide, which will be great for my scrapbooks and scrapbook paper. I'd show you a pic - but I don't get it til Saturday, and I forgot the camera when we went shopping.

2. Sunny east windows. I'm SO looking forward to the light that comes into my office space. I currently face west, and there's no window except a southern one that on a sunny day provides great shadows - right over my computer screen.

Nice east window, room in disarray with furniture refinishing projects!

3. Resourcefulness. We decided our original near $2,000 make-over plan was just not the best use of God's money. So we went on a household goods hunt. The current cabinets I use could just be moved into the new office. My old high school desk could be refinished and used for office supplies, a pie safe in need of a few fixes, could be fixed, refinished, and used for scrapbook supplies. Our $60 really tall, Spanish style bookcase can be refinished and updated, and be used for scrapbook supplies and whatever else needs stored. We bought a workspace table from Ikea for around $60, and my current desk will become my scrapbook table. Our one bigger expense was the new area rug - which we splurged on for $240.00. Well worth it, because I love it!

Covers more of the floor then I intended, but the next size down was too small!

4. Crockpots. This has been a handy tool. Hubby works all day, I work most of the day - even though from home, so our only time to work on the room is in the evening. Crockpot gets started with a nice meal first thing in the morning - and voila...supper at 5:30. I love my crockpot.

5. Hubby. He's my favorite person most of the time, but especially these last couple of weeks. He and I both struggle with arthritis...but every night, he's been working away after working all day. He takes his meds, and goes to work. He's so excited about the way things are turning out - which helps him stay motivated, and I am enjoying the outcome.

Well, those are my favorite five things (or person) for the week. What about you?

Me A-Z

2011-03-09T10:30:00.003-05:00

Me A-Z

I'm playing along with Spunkysuzi.

A. Age: 56
B. Bed size: Queen
C. Chore you dislike: Cleaning bathrooms
D. Dogs: Chazz
E. Essential start to your day: breakfast & tea
F. Favorite color: purple
G. Gold or silver: gold
H. Height: 5' 6 3/4"
I. Instruments you play(ed): piano, flute
J. Job title: Mom, Wife, Virtual Assistant
K. Kids: 2
L. Live: Southwest Ohio
M. Mom’s name: my mom's name is Esther, I'm Connie
N. Nicknames: "constantly in trouble" - who, me??
O. Overnight hospital stays: several - not fun, no rest
P. Pet peeves: rude shoppers
Q. Quote from a movie: "Don't try....do!"

R. Righty or lefty: Righty.
S. Siblings: two brothers - one in Michigan, one in Texas
T. Time you wake up: 7:30 a.m.
U. Underwear: Yes...what about them?

V. Vegetables you don’t like: rutabaga and kohlrabi
W.What makes you run late: misjudging the time it will take to get there
X. X-rays you’ve had: Dental, left leg - broken, left wrist - broken, 2 ribs - broken, pneumonia - chest xray....to name a few.
Y. Yummy food you make: Lasagna!
Z. Zoo animal favorites: don't have a favorite, love them all

How about you?

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 7th

2011-03-07T14:00:00.008-05:00

The Simple Woman's Daybook - 3-07-11

For Today...

Outside my window...some warm sunshine. It feels SOOO good.

I am thinking...that blessings come from obedience, and I obey because I want to show my love for the Lord. Gotta long piece of work ahead of me.

I am thankful for...finding someone to handle the hassle of my business taxes, and a Christian at that! How do YOU spell relief???

From the kitchen...Making a new recipe with pork chops, cranberry sauce and orange juice! Sounds wonderful.

I am wearing...a pink shirt and black pants

I am remembering... when my children were little, and I could keep tabs on them 24/7. Sigh. Now I just need to practice faith the Lord will keep them safe.

I am going...to see a dietician tomorrow. I need to come up with an IBS-friendly diet, and what I'm doing, though supposedly healthy, isn't IBS friendly.

I am reading...Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick - what happens when you dare to ask God for the impossible?

I am hoping...to have some time to work on my transcription class homework.

I am creating...an office! Pictures to follow of our humble beginnings.

I am hearing...ice cubes swishing in my daughter's water glass. I'm freezing and she's got a glass full of ice with a little water in it!

I am noticing...weeds come back much faster in Spring than flowers do!

Around the house...laundry, making pork chops, painting

One of my favorite things...graham crackers in milk! I'm so in the mood. Childhood favorite.

Plans for the week...the dietician, looking at a house, working with clients.

Pondering these words..."Hearing the Word initiates faith, Speaking the Word activates faith, Doing the Word demonstrates faith." - Steven Furtick

Scripture thought...II Corinthians 9:8 - "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

recently painted gray walls - too dark for office

brightened room with one yellow wall, future computer desk

area rug for room
Stay tuned for further developments!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - 2-15-11

2011-02-15T13:51:00.006-05:00

For Today...

Outside my window...some nice warm sunshine, shining on my shoulders and back of my head. Feels wonderful.

I am thinking...that maybe the rest of the ice will melt by tomorrow. No more slipping and sliding!

I am thankful for...my hubby, who in spite of myself, loves me dearly.

From the kitchen...Yesterday, I made a casserole with cabbage, carrots, onions, Brown Jasmine Rice, lean hamburger and spaghetti sauce. It tasted like Stuffed cabbage, but without all that work! Yum.

I am wearing...a red shirt and black pants.

I am remembering... the smells in Grandma Pedde's kitchen. So strong and powerful, family came from all parts of town! Well, it seemed that way. Sausage and sauerkraut, homemade coffee cake - and suddenly the house was filled with family. How'd they do that? I'm sure my uncles all had a powerful sense of smell. Especially for home baked coffee cake fresh out of the oven.

I am going...no where!!! I need a car, I'm going stir-crazy.

I am reading...Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick - what happens when you dare to ask God for the impossible?

I am hoping...that I can take some of what I'm reading and it use to God's glory.

I am creating...or trying to create - a multi-client business schedule. It's either I do that, or remain cross-eyed!

I am hearing...One of my favorite songs playing in the background - it's on Marmee's Pantry's blog. "Oh, how He loves us so..."

I am noticing...the days are getting longer. YES

Around the house...laundry, making Chicken noodle soup, and work.

One of my favorite things...afghans! I apparently am collecting them. My dear, sweet friend Ellen just made me a beautiful one that matches our living room....AND keeps me toasty warm.

Plans for the week...nothing special. Just the usual.

Pondering these words...Vision: "a clear sense of purpose regarding what God wants to do through your life."

Scripture thought..."The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A DAY LIKE IT BEFORE OR SINCE....surely the Lord was fighting for Israel! (Joshua 10:13 & 14) (thus, the name of the book I'm reading)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

This is right in front of our house, just a little to the left, and it would have come down on the house. It's huge, like about a fourth of the entire tree branches! What with this nice warm up - are we done with the huge snows and ice? I'd be grateful if we were.

Join other women who participate in the Simple Woman's Daybook !

Valentine's Day - Show the Love

2011-02-08T15:30:00.005-05:00

How Many Ways Can You Show Him You Love Him?

1. Make his favorite dinner

2. Make reservations for his favorite place to have dinner!

3. Make a special dessert

4. Ice Cream with Sanders Hot Fudge

5. Shovel the snow for him

6. Save the big fluffy towel for him

7. Walk the dog

8. Let him choose what to watch on TV

9. Take out the trash

10. Hershey's Kisses

11. A romantic Valentine's Card instead of a silly one.

12. If you're in the money, a weekend away - surprise destination

13. Wash the car

14. Rent a movie he's been wanting to see

15. A back massage

16. A coupon for Culver's Turtle Sundae!

17. Cashews - just for him

18. Lasagna

19. A new CD of his favorite music group

20. Time for himself to do what he wants.

Got some ideas of your own? Please add to the list!

Valentine's Day is next week already!

Are you sure, Mr. Groundhog?

2011-02-03T15:03:00.007-05:00

REALLY?

How Sure Are you, anyway?

Mr. Groundhog,

My husband and I have a very good question for you. How can we know for sure that you didn't see your shadow? How do you communicate what you saw or did not see to the guy who proclaims your decision? Do you speak human? Does he understand groundhog? Do you have a special paw signal? Is it some form of groundhog to human telepathy?

You see, you're expecting us to accept your decision in this matter, and after THIS winter, known to many as Snowmegeddon, we need to be sure - because we've all had quite enough winter - in fact, we don't have to have anymore winter now, or for that matter, ever - and I'd be quite happy, thank you!

I'm a little concerned about just accepting your "word" as fact that Spring will be here early. You haven't really had a reliable track record, you know. I think my own form of predicting Spring is a little more accurate.

For this area, it's pretty safe to say, though not always accurate, that by the end of March - the worst is over. At least by that time, we're starting to get sunshine, longer days, a few crocuses (or croci - whichever is proper), and a few sprinkles of rain, instead of snow.

So, I believe you're wrong about Spring being early this year. I don't think it's going to get here any faster than it usually does - around the end of March! And since my husband believes that I am only warm one Saturday in late July, even end of March won't be "Spring" enough for me!

So, Phil, Dave, Marsha or whichever groundhog you are, give us a reason to trust you? Explain how you come by this conclusion. What kind of facts do you have that shadow-vision or non-shadow vision works? We save this special day every year for your decision, but I'm beginning to think it's a pretty unreliable resource. Where's your data?

Waiting for your answer....
and counting the days 'til Spring - which I predict will be in around 56 days, give or take a day.

A New Year, New Challenges

2011-01-04T13:03:00.005-05:00

I hope everyone enjoyed their New Year's celebration! We did, we got invited to friends for good food, and a lot of good fun. Got home before the New Year rang in, watched that on TV...gave my hubby our traditional New Year's kiss - and went off to bed.

So now we're into the year, and it's already moving fast. We got our tree and decorations down over the weekend. So the house is back to normal - whatever that means. So far, I have not found the usual "oops, missed putting that away" item. I will. It's inevitable.

I'm looking forward to the year - I have several clients now, and they are keeping me busy, and keeping me pressing forward as far as learning new things, too. That keeps things challenging and unique. I like that.

I'm not looking forward to some things. Our daughter and her boyfriend are giving us fits. Please be praying for them. They are making some really frightening decisions. Unfortunately, just because someone is biologically an adult - doesn't make them act like an adult. I'm sure many parents of young adults know what I mean. Our prayer is their decisions don't ruin their lives.

This might sound crazy, but I'm counting the days til Spring. I am so NOT a winter fan. I feel a call to New Mexico at times...now would be one of them! I need warmth and sunshine...and neither are available in Ohio right now.

Our puppy dog is fitting in like Flynn. He is such a funny pooch, and a persnickety eater. I've never seen a dog that wouldn't take advantage of people food if it was offered, but he's not one to get too thrilled. He's not too thrilled with his dog food, either. He eats, but certainly isn't the guzzler our Petey was.

Chazz loves to play. He's got a rawhide bone which we toss to him, and he goes after it - bouncing and prancing and pouncing away. He'll play with a ball for a short while too, but he really loves his bone. He also loves socks, and gloves. We have to teach him how to walk on his leash - he'd choke himself to death if we'd let him. So Kaitlyn is trying to teach him to heel and walk on a loose leash. All in all, he's been loads of fun.

Well, time to start working on some of the New Years challenges (not calling them resolutions). Hope you've had a good start to your year, I pray God's blessing on your lives. One of my desires for the year is to put Him first in everything I do. I pray you'll consider the same, for out of our obedience to Him - comes blessing. Happy 2011!

Meet Our new Buddy - Chazz

2010-12-14T22:21:00.004-05:00

We've found our New Buddy
Meet Chazz!

He's a nine month old Border Collie, has one brown eye and one blue, and has a Merle Coat.
He is VERY funny. We're having a blast getting to know him! I think Petey would have approved.

Forever my friend, my daughter's tribute

2010-12-01T09:50:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving Preparations 11-11-10

2010-11-11T17:00:00.004-05:00

Our son enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving Preparations 11-10-10

It has begun. The annual Thanksgiving Preparations and Planning season. Have you started?

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love our traditional menu, and the other traditions tied to it. It is one of those holidays that has yet to be turned into a reason to buy ridiculous outdoor decorations that blow over in the wind, or requires buying presents.

Do you have favorite childhood memories connected with Thanksgiving? I can remember family get togethers with aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. I remember dinner at my dad’s parents. It was a fairly small house, and we’d run tables in a long row from the kitchen to the back room. We were packed in like sardines, but it was still festive and fun.

But what is Thanksgiving about? It’s celebrated as a holiday to give thanks. It dates back to 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe got together for three days to celebrate. From that point it was rather sporadic until President George Washington declared November 26 a national Holiday, but even then it wasn’t celebrated regularly. President Lincoln made a National Proclamation making the last Thursday in November a national holiday of thanksgiving and praise.

There were more changes around Thanksgiving when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president. He changed the date again, causing massive confusion. But finally in 1941, Congress passed a low that Thanksgiving would be the fourth Thursday of the month, and that at last became our official Thanksgiving holiday.

Which brings me today. I go shopping in a few days – our regular grocery shopping trip. But, to make sure the budget isn’t terribly affected by everybody’s special request, I start getting some of what I need now. So I’m already planning the menu, and figuring out the shopping list. Jiffy cornbread, peach jello, cool whip, pineapple, mandarin oranges, pecans…you know – all the good stuff for Thanksgiving dinner.

But I’m also trying to spend time thinking about the things I’m grateful for. Edward Sanford Martin wrote, “Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." I agree with him, we shouldn’t just wait until Thanksgiving to give thanks. Over the years we have been learning in church the importance of gratitude, and offerings of thanksgiving. I have begun to find that when things seem stressed, or the budget is being stretched too thin, or worry for one reason or another takes over – that a time of reflecting on the things I’m thankful for, and grateful for- help me refocus, and realize how blessed I am.

I have a nice house, my husband (unlike so many we know) has a great job, we are all fairly healthy, my parents (in their 70’s & 80’s) are healthy. We pay our bills, we have food on the table, and clothes on our back. I AM truly blessed. America’s poor are wealthier than most of the world, and I do not consider myself to be one of America’s poor in any way. I AM blessed.

Theodore Roosevelt said "Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds." I think he meant that our thanks and praise should be from the heart, and that it should be reflected in our lives by what we do. Perhaps that might be sharing food for Thanksgiving baskets, or giving clothing to organizations that give them to those who need it. Maybe that might mean supporting orphans in a third world country, or taking a homeless person in your town to get some lunch. I think there are numerous ways to give back to show how much we appreciate what we’ve been given.

Traditions

Getting back to how we celebrate, what are some of the traditions your family shares? I asked this question on Facebook. A dear friend of mine tickled me when she said they record each other snoring after dinner. Funny lady. I requested a copy of such recording. Like she and her husband, others said they have a traditional nap after dinner. My hubby would vote for that. Many said they decorate the tree the day after Thanksgiving, which is also one of our traditions. Some watch a certain movie, or play a certain game. My husband and I watch The Christmas Carol every year. Not just any version, but the one with George C. Scott playing Ebeneezer Scrooge. Our poor tape was starting to skip a bit, so this year, my hubby bought me a DVD. I’m looking forward to watching it on a non-skipping version!

I read some new ideas for traditions families can begin that sound intriguing to me. One was to make a Gratitude List and print it up and display it. Scrapbooker alert – this is a great 12 x 12 page to do, display for the holiday, and then put in your album! Another idea I read about was to take a white tablecloth, and a permanent laundry marker, and every year have family and guests add their Thanksgiving thoughts after the meal. I thought that was a great idea!

An American Tradition: Presidential Turkey

Since 1947, the President of the United States has been presented with 3 turkeys by the National Turkey Federation. One turkey is pardoned and gets to live out its life on a farm; the other two, however become Thanksgiving dinner!

Need a Thanksgiving Story to share?

Dr. Ralph F. Wilson tells the following story

Bitter Winter, Better Thanksgiving,
the story of Miles Standish

"Then the sicknes begane to fall sore amongst them, and the weather so bad .... the Gov/r and cheefe of them, seeing so many dye, and fall downe sick dayly, thought it no wisdom to send away the ship...."

Capt. Miles Standish had been much at his wife Rose's bedside. As much time, that is, as he could spare from stalking game, guarding against savages, and felling trees to construct crude homes on shore.

A bitter wind whistled through chinks and cracks in the Mayflower, anchored in Plymouth harbor that winter of 1620-21. Rose's chills would turn to uncontrollable shaking. Then just as suddenly, her body would be ablaze with fever. Herbs from the surgeon's chest did little to relieve her. By spring only five wives remained out of the eighteen who had sailed to Plymouth. Rose was not among them.

Thanksgiving? What was that? The golden dreams of a New World that Miles and Rose had cherished together had evaporated into hollow hopes. And yet that fall Capt. Standish joined other bereaved Pilgrims in the first Thanksgiving celebration.

The real test of thankfulness is whether we can give thanks from the heart for what we do have, despite the wounds and pains of yesterday's struggles. Ours is not some fair-weather faith, but a resilient trust in the midst of pain. The Pilgrims lived close to the edge of survival. Perhaps that is why they were so thankful.

How about you? Does your material bounty cause you to neglect thanks? When your clan gathers this Thanksgiving will a prayer of thankfulness be forgotten between moist turkey and pumpkin pie? Will your children see you bow your head to give thanks, or merely ask for another helping of dressing and cranberry sauce?

Children will be watching, you know. And their little faith is being formed by what they see. Your family's Thanksgiving celebration will instruct them about thankfulness, for good or ill.

Will they see you too wealthy to be thankful? Too independent to need God any more? Too bitter, perhaps? Or will they watch you truly give thanks for God's blessings on this special day? And maybe as they watch, they'll catch a hint that mom and dad and grandmother, in spite of painful seasons they have faced, have seen these bitter winters bear fruit in better thanksgiving.

Bible Verses on Thanksgiving:

Psalms 31:19

Psalms 95:1-6

Psalms 100

Psalms 107:1

Psalms 145:7

I Chronicles 29:11-13

++++++++++++++

Let the preparations begin!!

November 6th is Marooned without a Compass Day

2010-11-06T10:32:00.004-04:00

November 6^th is

Marooned Without a Compass Day!

I don’t really need a day to celebrate being Marooned without a compass. There are many days, especially when trying to learn something new for my business, that I feel marooned without a compass. Thankfully, I can usually find someone with a “compass” to help me out.

When I first got married, driving was like being marooned without a compass. I had no sense of direction whatever. Fact is, if you ask my daughter, she’ll tell you I still have no sense of direction…and she’s right to an extent. Some things throw me off, but I am MUCH better than I used to be. And I’m not afraid to listen to her when necessary, she has an innate sense of direction.

Do you feel marooned? Something you were trying to do falls apart, someone you counted on backed out on you? Have your plans fallen through? I think we have all had those experiences many times. You’re left with that “now what” feeling. Sometimes we feel hopeless and directionless.

But I believe we have a navigator. I believe we can count on Someone ALL the time, and He’ll never fail us. When we feel directionless and hopeless, He can help us redirect and find hope. He has become my navigator, is He yours? I’m referring to Jesus Christ. God’s word, the Bible, is filled with direction. When I feel like the wind gets knocked out of my sails, He becomes the wind to gently blow me back on course, and keep me moving in the right direction.

In Proverbs 3, verses 5 & 6, He says “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” No better orienteer than that! The online Free Dictionary says that to acknowledge means:

tr.v. ac·knowl·edged, ac·knowl·edg·ing, ac·knowl·edg·es

a. To admit the existence, reality, or truth of.

b. To recognize as being valid or having force or power.

a. To express recognition of: acknowledge a friend's smile.

b. To express thanks or gratitude for.

3. To report the receipt of: acknowledge a letter.

4. Law To accept or certify as legally binding: acknowledge a deed.

I think all the above definitions fit what this verse means. If I acknowledge that God exists, if I recognize He has force and power, If I express recognition of Him, express thanks to Him, acknowledge that I have received His word (by reading it and following its directions), and to accept His ownership of all that I have as legally binding in my life – after all He created me, and all that is in existence, it IS all His….if we do all that, believe all that, and ACT on that – then He will direct my path.

So for me, I have confidence that I will never really be marooned without a compass. Any and every event in my life can be guided and directed by Him if I let Him. That’s a choice. I can choose to go my own way, and end up deserted on an island somewhere with that “now what” question in my head – or I can let Him guide my path.

But now, let’s look at things from a totally different perspective. What would be so terrible about being marooned without a compass just for one day? Let’s talk about that island. Back in the pirate days, as captain, your crew might maroon you on an island with some food, water, and a loaded gun – just in case suicide seemed a better option than dying slowly. Gee, sounds like fun, eh?

Ok, I’m not wanting this marooning event to go that route. But let’s say, just for one day, you could be marooned on an island with a good book, a box of chocolates, a hammock (provided there are two nice palm trees available), sun tan lotion, and in my case…a Sudoku puzzle book. What’s so bad about that? A day to enjoy the sand and the beach, a nap, a good read, some treat you don’t usually allow yourself. Sounds wonderful to me. I could go for that kind of marooning. Just as long as I was assured the boat would be back by evening to pick me up, and let me resume my life the next day!

So, enjoy Marooned without a Compass Day. I’m not quite sure how you might choose to celebrate. I have the feeling it will go mostly uncelebrated, but it’s worth thinking about. Hopefully, you don’t truly feel marooned, but if you do – there’s a Lifesaver out there for you – and you just have to ask Him for His help in saving you. (John 3:16)

If you have the spare time, make it a leisure day. I’m all for that, once in awhile. They say it’s good for us to take a break from time to time. This sounds like a perfect excuse to me.

Happy Marooned Without a Compass Day!!!

November 3rd is Housewife Day!

2010-11-03T13:10:00.005-04:00

Today, November 3^rd is Housewife Day! Did you know that? I certainly didn’t.

In doing a holiday calendar for myself, I came upon a “weird holidays” calendar. Now doesn’t that figure? Housewife Day relegated to the “weird holidays” calendar!

Housewife Day was set to “recognize the importance of wives and moms.” Wives and moms are caring, nurturing, service-oriented people that do so out of good character, and more so, out of love.

Back in the old days, housewives were stay at home only. Today, while most moms would love to stay at home, many choose to, or need to be, wife, mother, and career person. Unfortunately, our current economy almost requires that for many, many families.

In Grandma’s day, and even in my mom’s day - instead of Housewife Day, it was:

Monday: Wash Day
Tuesday: Ironing Day
Wednesday: Sewing Day
Thursday: Market Day
Friday: Cleaning Day
Saturday: Baking Day
Sunday: Day of Rest

…and even on Sunday, moms made the pot roast, and did the dishes.

My days are probably a little different than Grandma’s. Modern conveniences, working a job, permanent press clothes…and other things have changed how I spend my day. However, that hasn’t necessarily made my life, or yours any easier. It seems our lives are busier than ever!

But, today is a celebration for those of us who are housewives. Whether the stay at home kind, or the work - then come home and work again kind.

What’s so important about being a housewife? Why celebrate this at all?

A housewife keeps a house, managing the household funds, doing the household chores, or scheduling the household chores for her trainees in household management (the children!!)

She raises children, and hopefully they will grow up knowing what is right from wrong, develop strong values, and live productive lives.

She’s also a companion, friend, encourager and lover of her husband – offering support, and help in any way that he needs. This isn’t a lightweight job!

I think that means we make a difference. We have value. We are worth celebrating! Check out Proverbs 31. Here are some examples of who we are:

“She is worth far more than rubies” (Proverbs 31:10).

“Her husband has full confidence in her. … Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land” (Proverbs 31:11, 23).

Read Proverbs 31:11, and Proverbs 31:16 for some more confidence builders.

How will I celebrate? So how should I celebrate this day? I’d say flowers, but apparently the flower of the day for Housewives Day is Lavender, and I’m allergic to that. I could make the recipe of the Day – which is supposed to be Pumpkin Roll, but then I’d have to eat the whole thing! Nobody else likes pumpkin in my house. I don’t think that works to well with the eating program I am on.

If I had a bit of money hidden away, I’d hire a maid for the day. If I could talk my daughter into accepting this as a bona fide National Holiday, I might be able to talk her into cooking dinner! But since it’s not on the National Holiday calendar, I don’t think she’ll buy into that.

So, what can I do? Well, I’m taking some time out of my busy housewife duties, and business duties to write a blog. Later today, I intend (once it warms up a bit), to go take some fall pictures in the yard, and I’m going to make myself some Minestrone Soup! I’m aiming for a warm shower by candlelight to top the day off this evening.

What can you do celebrate? You deserve it. You don’t have to spend money, or spend all day…but take some time out to do something you want to do. Even take some time out to think about your role as housewife. God has given you this wonderful opportunity (and responsibility). How do you feel about it? Do you realize your worth? Do you need a better attitude? Do a little self-evaluation. That’s time spent on yourself, too! Whatever you do, enjoy it...it only comes once a year! :-)

Happy Housewife Day!

Daybook for October 18, 2010

2010-10-19T17:09:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010

Outside my window... it's a beautiful day of sunshine and blue skies. A bit cool, but pretty.

I am thinking...sometimes you have to take the bad with the good. I know that sounds backwards, but that just happened. I had a good thing happen, followed by a bad thing. 'Tis life.

I am thankful for...my hubby, and how much he shows he appreciates me.

From the kitchen...made the best Chicken corn chowder yesterday! Yum. Then warmed it up for lunch today - wish there was more!

I am wearing...gray pants, purple tee with sequins.

I am creating...a growing business.

I am going...crazy, want to come along??? (lol)

I am reading...Proverbs, and quotes from Stephen Covey.

I am hoping...that my children will some day live for the Lord, and be successful in what they do.

I am hearing...the ticking of our reproduction mantle clock. I love that sound.

Around the house...getting ready to redecorate our smallest bedroom.

One of my favorite things...playing sudoku, drinking a cup of tea, with my afghan snuggled around me.

A few plans for the rest of the week: working for clients, go to small group, doing the laundry.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Sometimes, it's true...big things come in small packages. This little, hole in the wall of a country store, we thought was no bigger than what you see. However, it went on, and on, and on. It was an Amish Farm supply store - and they had seed, tools, boots, tea pots (bigger than you could imagine!), local honey, local jam, flour - all kinds, baked goods, trivets, wood furniture....I can't even list how many things we found of interest. Much of it hand produced. What a treat to come upon this place!

Stop by The Simple Woman's Daybook to read more, Click where it says HERE to join in.

2010-10-15T15:22:00.004-04:00

This has been another busy week. I like busy weeks. I feel more awake and goal oriented, when my week is full.

1. Monday, my hubby was still home from his four day weekend. I worked in the morning, but in the evening, he took me to Olive Garden for dinner. Just the two of us. This ended our four day late celebration of our 32nd anniversary (September 23rd). It was a wonderful weekend, and a great way to end it.

2. Kept busy with my clients this week. I so enjoy doing what I do. I've got a new lead on a third client, and maybe even a fourth. We'll see how that plays out. But I'm learning new things, and taking on new challenges, and that makes it all so much fun. Weird, huh? Who thinks work is fun?

3. One of my favorite things every year, is the changing season from summer to fall. The colors are finally showing up around here, and they are beautiful. I'm not fond of what comes after, and always hope fall will stick around a good long time. God does good work!

4. Last night, my hubby and I went to the church and worked on Data Processing for this year's Thanksgiving Baskets. Our church will provide over 1,000 baskets to the Dayton and surrounding areas. I'm proud to be a part of that, but beyond that, it's a great time to interact with friends - some of which we only run into each year during this season of Thanksgiving Basket preparations.

5. I've lost a total of 25 lbs so far - five in the last week and a half. I'm excited to be heading in the right direction!

Join others in sharing your Friday's Fave Five by clicking here .

2010-10-14T16:03:00.005-04:00

This week, our October Thankful Thursday hostess, Lynn, asks the question, "What victories has Christ given you?"

I like others who have responded to this post, have been given many victories - and it's hard to choose. However, one has sort of a double victory involved, and that's what I will share.

We had the great honor and pleasure to adopt our now 20 year old daughter (wow, time flies!). She came to us as a foster child when she was just a few weeks old - and never left. She became ours legally when she was around 15 months old.

So here's this dark eyed, curly-headed beauty of a baby - and all is well. Right? Not so much. She was affected by drugs and alcohol, which we knew, but were of this naive point of view that loves conquers all. Shortly after adoption we had to have her see a neurologist for a horrible startle reflex - she seemed to become almost catatonic. They told us she had "soft signs of neurologic damage" - whatever that meant.

Time went by and she began to exhibit an inability to control her temper, and some terrible outbursts of physical violence. She had unbelievable arm strength - more than the usual 2 or 3 year old, and could pull herself up on cabinets and get into things that I'd put up high so she couldn't reach! We couldn't keep her in the house - she'd sneak out. That was scary. We tried different kinds of locks - she figured them out (or broke them)! It got so bad we felt we had to watch her around the clock literally - to keep her from getting hurt.

Finally, just as she was to start Kindergarten, we had to have her hospitalized. She just wouldn't stop screaming....and that's what she did for nearly 3 weeks - 24/7. I panicked. I thought we'd lost her, that's she'd never come back from whatever was going on. I was so terrified the night we left her at the hospital - I thought if I didn't get some help myself - my poor hubby was going to be putting me in the hospital, too!

We went to a friend's house, and she and I began to pray. She reminded me that God didn't want us to fear. We went through those verses in Phil. 4:5&6 - "Do not be anxious (worried, afraid) about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition, make your request known to God. And the peace that goes beyond your understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus." Over and over again, I would recite those verses, for hours every night I'd have to go through them again and again - fighting off the panic. Over and over again, I would have to slow my breathing down, sing songs, pray, - whatever it took.

This event triggered panic attacks for me. It became normal to have them often. Sometimes, for no reason, I'd awake in the night - shaking in fear. Or my husband would go out of town, and I wouldn't sleep at all - in sheer fright. I felt helpless to fight it off.

I can't say I had immediate victory over this problem. It took time. But one day, I realized, that I was beginning to not respond to bad things with that gripping, horrid fear anymore. Oh, there might be that initial rush of adrenalin - but that's been my cue to stop it, and change my thinking. I now know, I can face fear - because I have the protection and peace that Christ has given me when I became His. I'd always had it, I just didn't know how to use it.

Now I said this was a double victory - and it was. Our daughter's victory. Around the age of 8, we began to notice that she was pulling away from all that past behavior. She was growing up. She has blossomed into a beautiful young lady. The road will never be easy for her. Because of the damage that was done, she struggles with certain aspects of life. However, she's strong, independent, determined, and well-adjusted (though she still needs to find a job!! :-)

I believe the Lord healed her of all that horrible anger and violent behavior. At one time, I was told by a doctor that she would never bond with us, or with anyone. Thank the Lord, I never believed him. He was SO wrong...

and God is SO good.

To read other thankful stories, visit Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

Random Dozen for October 13, 2010

2010-10-13T16:39:00.003-04:00

1. Is there a word which you initially mispronounced? Were the circumstances in which you made the faux pas embarrassing? By the way, that's not "foax pass." (I know you know that. Just jokin' with ya.)

Lima, Ohio - Russia, Ohio - neither pronounced the way you'd think. Lima is not Leema, like Lima, Peru...it's Lima like lima bean. Russia doesn't have a short u sound, it has an ooh sound...like Roosha. Not my fault, I'm not native Ohian.

2. How do you feel about the use of texting shortcuts and trends? (ex: "I've got ur notes. Get them 2 u 2morow.")

I use them, but for Twitter only, to save space. I really DON'T like them.

3. Tell me about your high school senior picture. Please feel free to post.

My hair was my big worry. I had fairly long hair, and it never wanted to go where I wanted it to go. But I got it done, and sprayed down with a can of hairspray, and stayed in the air conditioning until pic time.

What?? No question 4? what's with that?

5. Share a high school or college homecoming memory.

I was not from the popular jock set, went to homecoming games - but just as a regular spectator. No real outstanding memories from high school. I was part of homecoming in college, had a date (which was not memorable). Homecoming is just not one of my fond memories, I guess.

6. Linda at Mocha with Linda wants to know: "Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?"

I love both - but since I'm rarely awak for sunrise, I guess my favorite is sunset.

7. Lea at Cici's Corner asks, "What is something you have not done that you desire to do?"

Travel internationally. I'd love to go to Germany, Austria and Russia

8. Carol at Wanderings of an Elusive Mind ponders, "If you could come back [in another life] as an animal, which would it be?"

I can't imagine that. I love animals - but not so much I'd want to be one.

9. Joyce from The Other Side of the Pond is curious: "Where were you 10 years ago?" Please feel free to elaborate more than just your physical location.

Ten years ago, my hubby had a go no where job, and we were concerned it would end (contract-type). I was homeschooling our daughter, and teaching a few piano lessons...we were struggling to keep from worrying.

We were very involved in a church that was having horrible problems, and felt trapped, because we'd been church hunting before and there weren't too many choices.

Now ask about where I was nine years ago? Everything changed for the better. Which goes to prove that worry and fear are worthless, the things you were afraid of may never happen, or your circumstances might change in such a fantastic way, you could never have dreamed of it.

10. When you are proven to be correct in any contentious discussion, do you gloat?

I try not to...I don't think I do.

11. What is your favorite food which includes the ingredient "caramel?"

Caramel Flan

12. From my 17 year-old daughter to you: "If you could be part of any fictional family, which family would you choose and why?" (She's so cute. And clever.)

I really do struggle with questions like this - cause I can't think of being in any other family than the one I am in.

But to really stretch my imagination, maybe the Little House on the Prairie Family, because the loved each other intensely, and stuck together through thick and thin, fun times and sad times - just like families are supposed to!

These random questions were asked at Linda Crow's blog, 2nd Cup of Coffee. If you'd like to join in and link up, go here.

Bloomin Tuesday - Fall Color

2010-10-12T11:29:00.009-04:00

I love the changing seasons - well, three of them, anyway. Not too fond of Winter.

I haven't been out in the garden much the last few weeks due to allergies being so bad. However, I got a few photos in:

This grass grows at the side of our yard, right next to the gate. It's gotten so big - we're going to need to divide it next spring - or find a new entrance to the yard! I love the tassels.

These two grasses have tassels that remind me of catepillars!

Fall color around here is pretty scarce - in fact, the best color around seems to be in the cemeteries! I love the colorful path in this picture.

This little guy has two other brothers. All three were born this year. They love to infuriate our old geezer, Petey the Dawg...who at 15, hasn't got the get up and go to bother with them - but sure is frustrated that they're there!

My hubby and I spent the weekend exploring the southwest part of Ohio. While on our travels we picked up a few treasures.

Some fantastic sugarless pear preserves, and honey from Logan County, Ohio. Homemade bread from Champaign County, Ohio...and apples & pears...bought in Logan County, and only after buying them - found out they're from - NEW YORK! Go figure. Well, it's ok - they taste wonderful, so they're forgiven for fooling me. There is also some homemade honey wheat bread from Champaign county, as well. Good stuff - and mostly homegrown or produced from right near us.

Have a great week. Enjoy the sunshine. Check out msgreen"thumb"jean for other gardening pics.

2010-10-11T18:52:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY, October 11, 2010

Outside my window... sun is beginning to set. It's been a beautiful day.

I am thinking...what a great time my hubby and I had roaming around southwest Ohio this weekend.

I am thankful for...a husband who puts up with my occasional bouts of travel fever.

From the kitchen... sorry, nothing tonight. Got to go to Olive Garden!

I am wearing...black pant, red top.

I am creating...a plan for my new office/scrapbooking room.

I am going...to start painting my daughter's new bedroom (we're switching rooms)

I am reading...Proverbs

I am hoping..to get back on track with my eating program tomorrow, too many interruptions this weekend.

I am hearing...the clock in the living room, and the fan in my daughter's room.

Around the house...need to put some things on EBay, Craig's List and FreeCycle!

One of my favorite things...Red Clover tea and a dab of West Milton produced honey.

A few plans for the rest of the week: work for clients, laundry, data processing for Thanksgiving Baskets at church.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Wouldn't you know - the prettiest fall color is in the cemetery nearby! We travelled northeast of this area a fairly long way, and saw no prettier color than this batch of trees one town over from here. I never stop being amazed at what God has created.

Join Peggy Hostetler, and other Daybookers at The Simple Woman's Daybook. Read others Daybooks, or if you'd like to join in, click here.

My Simple Woman's Daybook for Oct. 4, 2010

2010-10-04T19:16:00.005-04:00

FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 4, 2010

Outside my window...It's a dreary, cold day - not a hint of sunshine.

I am thinking... that it's been a very busy day. My client is doing a business retreat with one of her new clients - and I spent the day making preparations, reserving a conference room, getting the menu together, etc...then spent another part of the day beginning to learn a new Customer Service program. The brain is now in "pause" mode.
I am thankful for...my parents' health. They are doing well, and so many of our friends parents are struggling.
From the kitchen... parmesan chicken, couscous and green beans. Yum.
I am wearing...black pants, coral, mock turtleneck, LONG-SLEEVED shirt
I am creating...a nice, part-time business.
I am going... go over Sunday's sermon again, great insight - needs further study.
I am reading... Proverbs
I am hoping... that my daughter will have an opportunity with a company she's applying to work for.
I am hearing... the FAN going in my daughter's room!! WHY???
Around the house... my daughter cleaned the house for me! It feels good to have it done.
One of my favorite things...Sudoku and crossword puzzles. A nice break after a day of work.

A few plans for the rest of the week: This weekend my hubby and I are going treasure hunting - nothing fabulous...maybe just apples, it's the time that's important! Time together, time to do something for ourselves.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

From our Treasure Hunting trip last year. Doesn't this happy, little church look like it's smiling? Note the two eyes (doors on either side), the steps up and the ramp up are kind of curved, like a smile. I love this picture.

Read other daybooks at: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

2010-09-26T12:16:00.003-04:00

My Simple Woman's Daybook

September 26th, 2010

Outside my window...a beautiful, sunny day. Cool with a strong hint of fall.

I am thinking... how sometimes you just have to step up to the plate and bat, even if you don't think you're good at it.

I am thankful for... food on my table, something many in this area do not have.

I am wearing... my old, purple, floral tee with black pants

In the office - notes for work, and a bamboo plant that needs some TLC.

I am remembering...good times with my family as we spent time at our cottage in Michigan with extended family. One event had us doing a "fashion" show on a rainy day. Never forget my cousin Daryl in my Aunt Barb's swimsuit. Absolutely hysterical.

I am going...to spend time with our small group, and learning more about being a Good Samaritan.

I am currently reading... Proverbs.

I am hoping... that when Pastor says we'll feed 1000 OR MORE for Thanksgiving, heavy emphasis will be put on the OR MORE.

On my mind... MY CHILDREN, as they continue to walk apart from the Lord, and my nieces and brother as they've encountered a very difficult time in their lives - again.

Noticing that... I need to dust.

Pondering these words... "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." ~Edward Everett Hale

From the kitchen... these amazingly good German Chocolate bars that taste like homemade German Chocolate Cake...the small group gets them...I'm having crackers & cheese!

Around the house... picking things up, and straightening things out for company.

One of my favorite things - a trip to the country for lots of apple varieties.

From my camera...~

The season has begun...I love the colors of fall.

Mosaic Monday: A Vacation Dream

2010-08-02T18:18:00.004-04:00

It's been weeks and weeks since I blogged! Wow, that's awful. I've had one of those summers that leave you wishing you could get away. Well, right now, that's just not possible, however...I can dream!

My husband works for Honda, and has a friend in Japan he communicates with from time to time. He sent these pictures to my hubby from the OZE National Park, and they just transport me to another place. They are beautiful, the mist is ethereal, and it just seems calm and restful.

Pictures we take may have special meaning to us, but sometimes, they can evoke images, feelings, memories, and senses in others, as well. I'm really glad this gentleman in another country the other side of the world, chose to share these with us.

Be sure to stop by The Little Red House for more Mosaic Mondays.

Bloomin' Tuesday at the Sheppards

2010-06-22T16:38:00.007-04:00

June Blooms

It's hard to select when there are so many pretty blooms to choose from! The lilies are in bloom,

the Hosta are blooming...though it won't be long, and I'll need to cut the blooms down.

The Hydrangea are all blooming and the Annabelle has huge flowers on it! My favorite time of the year.

The roses are blooming like crazy,

(aren't these beautiful?? I love the old-fashioned, single-petal roses)

Alas, along with these beautiful blooms - the deluge of rain we've been having has brought out a multitude of weeds and alien horde of Japanese Beetles! Ah well, I guess you gotta take the good with the bad! That's what's happening just beyond our picket fence, how about yours?

If you'd like to see other beautiful blooms...check out Ms Green"thumb" Jean for more Bloomin'Tuesday!

Mosaic Monday - Photo of the Months

2010-06-20T18:06:00.005-04:00

I just started adding a favorite picture from each month of the
year since last June. I added a couple in the fall...since they
were so pretty.

It was fun to put these together - and reminisce. Like my daughter's
graduation party, the trip my hubby and I took to Columbus for
our anniversary (see the pretty dessert - yum!), the drive we took
down along the Ohio River in the fall, Thanksgiving with our kids,
Christmas and oh yea, the January that was...snow, snow, and more
snow.

Sometimes, you forget what you've enjoyed, and it's good to
look back!

Friday's Fave 5 - June 18th

2010-06-18T18:19:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe the week is nearing an end already! It's been so busy, I didn't have time to smell the roses...literally! I didn't get out to my garden all week, and now it's hot and steamy again.

But, the week was filled with nice events and blessings.

1. My parents came back around for a second visit. They were heading to Indiana to see an old friend, and stopped here for a few days, first. We were able to take them out to dinner and celebrate an early Father's Day. My dad had a cold, but otherwise, they are doing well. They still had a drive ahead of them afterward, as they live in Florida.

2. I've been very busy with my business this week. I like that...it's continuing to help pare down debt and give us the money we need to do things we might not otherwise get to do!

3. Carolyn, my cousin, has not been feeling very well on this new experimental chemo they're doing. They thought she might have an ulcer, or some other stomach problem. Well, come to find out, it's due to the chemo, and she's not the only one suffering from the symptoms. Now, that may not sound like good news to you, but to her (and me), it was a relief that it wasn't yet another thing going on. If they can get the symptoms controlled, she will be doing ok. This chemo seems to be working! Praise the Lord.

4. My hubby's place of business is going to be able to hand out raises the first of July. Maybe not great ones, but anything would be wonderful! That was GREAT news, and such a blessing.

5. And then, finally, it's been a blessing to know that I can still learn! Don't laugh, there are days when I'm not so sure. You know those websites where you see Click here. in blue, and you click on it - and it takes you to a sign up page - or more information, or whatever? Well, I didn't know how to make that happen, and I needed to for a client of mine. Well, thanks to Microsoft Word and their easy instructions...I now know how. Goofy, I know. But it's good to know the 'ol brain gerbils are still alive and working that treadmill! I had to figure out where to find instructions, and then how to implement them. I was proud of myself for tackling something new.

Well, that's a bit about my week...how was yours? Share with others at: Living to Tell the Story,
Have a wonderful, blessed weekend.

Mosaic Monday

2010-06-07T18:33:00.005-04:00

A little tiny Titmouse baby landed in the garden near the feeders...and couldn't find it's way back to it's nest. Mommy hovered nearby squawking away for a LONG time. The squirrel kept bugging the baby, so we took a garden glove and picked baby up and moved it to a quieter spot.

We, unfortunately, didn't have a happy ever after ending to this story, but I won't go into detail.

Unplanned though it was, I still enjoy the soft pinks and purples, and hints of white, and peach. It's turned out to be a very calming garden.

If you're interested in viewing more mosaics...check in at the Little Red House for Mosaic Monday.

Bloomin' Tuesday at the Sheppards

2010-05-25T19:59:00.005-04:00

Meandering through the garden brings me peace and reminds me of all God has provided for us.

Isaiah 42:5

This is what God the LORD says—he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it:

1 Chronicles 29:11

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

This critter has taken up residence in our garden. He's very welcome! Eat those nasty bugs, bud.

Pansies are still one of my favorite flowers. They have such cheerful faces, and beautiful colors.

A new clematis in bloom.

Petey, enjoying the shade next to our hosta planted beneath a tree.
God does such beautiful work.

That's a look just beyond our picket fence.

Enjoy your day!

Check other It's BloominTuesday blogs at: MsGreen"thumb"Jean

Mosaic Monday

2010-05-24T19:08:00.002-04:00

I'm just thrilled with all the color and bloom in our garden so far. Here are just a few of our spring blooming plants in Mosaic.
From the painted fern up in the left hand corner, to the peach colored rose on the right corner...the colors are just beautiful this year.

I'm thrilled with our roses, too. They are blooming like crazy, the bright pink one up above is in bloom for the first time since we planted it last summer.

It's hard not to want to show off the plants in our garden, especially this year. I don't know what the difference has been - but everything looks healthy and robust.

If you'd like to see some more mosaics, check out Little Red House.

Bloomin' Tuesday at the Sheppards

2010-05-18T18:52:00.008-04:00

We're apparently experiencing Ohio's version of the Monsoons. Raining and raining and raining some more. I can't complain though, this area was down quite a bit from the amount of rain we usually get.

We have three different kinds of Weigela blooming right now. They are all beautiful. The top pic is of the Variagated weigela. I don't know the name of the second, or third. The third one has beautiful colored flowers, not to mention gorgeous, dark leaves.

We've tried to grow fern along the north side of our house to no avail. They are still there, but they're puny looking. This is a painted fern, and it's growing on the west side of the house in a dappled light - and seems to be thriving. Who knew?

Clematis are some of our favorite flowers. This one is new just last summer, and has almost a tulip shape before being fully open. It's growing like crazy!

This one gets flowers the size of a dinner plate! I love the purple with the reddish veins. It's stands out (or should I say, it's outstanding in it's field?) Well, field or my yard...it's gorgeous.

This plant is a Black May Night, and we got it from our neighbor. It'll look good most of the summer.

This is my chuckle for the day. My 19 year old dd has never been much for the garden. She's weeded under duress if necessary. But an onion had sprouted in the pantry, and she decided to plant it. Well, as you can see....it's growing! She's asked around to find out what she should expect, she knows she won't get any onions from this - this year, but will be able to harvest the seeds for next year. She's bribed her father into planting onion seeds next year. Every couple of days, she goes out and checks to see how much it's grown. I thought that if I reminded her she doesn't like onion - and that what she grows, she eats, she'd lose interest - but she's unfazed! Wow, maybe we have a future veggie gardener here! (I wouldn't hold your breath - I think it's a passing fancy!)

If you're interested in seeing more garden pics, head on over to MsGreen"thumb"Jean, and enjoy the view!

My Virtual Assistant Interview!

2010-05-18T12:11:00.003-04:00

Interview With a Virtual Assistant

Raquel Kelly

Hello everybody! Join me in my chat with Connie Sheppard, one of our very own VAs here in the Virtual Assistant Community, it's about what life is like for her as a Virtual Assistant.

Raquel: First tell us a little about yourself.
Connie: I'm a former homeschooling mom (my children are out of school now), married to my wonderful college sweetheart. We attend and are very involved in our church. I am a musician, and from the age of 12 until my youngest turned 8, (about 30+ years) I taught piano, voice and flute lessons from my home. I have a B.A. in music, and was all but one semester shy of getting an Assoc. degree in Medical Records. I love to learn, I love variety.

Raquel: How long have you been a VA?
Connie: Officially, I have worked with a regular client for one year the end of this month. I worked off and on a few other jobs before that as well.

Raquel: How many clients do you have?
Connie: Two

Raquel: What kind of work do you do for your clients?
Connie: I handle their e-mail, their calendars, confirm appointments, type documents and spreadsheets, set up meetings, book hotel conference rooms, send information and forms to clients, set up fan pages and event pages, update clients Twitter followers and following status, order gifts….etc.,

Raquel: How many hours per week do you work?
Connie: This week I worked 19, but most weeks between 12 and 15 hrs. That will be growing in the future.

Raquel: What's your biggest challenge as a VA?
Connie: You're always having to learn new stuff, and you have to have the proper mindset for that -- a "CAN DO" attitude. If you don't -- you're sunk!

Raquel: What do you like best about being a VA?
Connie: The variety -- hands down! I love that. It's the one thing office positions I've had before could not offer, and I thrive on it.

Raquel: Connie, thank you for giving us a peek into who you are and what you are doing as a VA! Is there any parting advice you'd like to give to the VAs in our community?
Connie: You can do it! Go for it!

--------

I was asked to do this for the Virtual Assistant Community that I belong to. I was excited for the opportunity. It was nice to be in print! (Patting myself on my back...)

2010-05-06T09:59:00.002-04:00

Well, here all along I thought like Jerri from Jerri's Journey, that I was posting on the right day, and I'm not! I'll get it right next time. I'm a little late, but I really enjoy posting Random Dozen, so here goes.

1. What was the last thing about which you procrastinated?

Going to the doctor. Specifically, the gynecologist. I JUST HATE IT!! So, I put it off. Not a good thing.

2. How long does it take you to fall asleep, and do you sleep through the night?

It used to take me hours to fall asleep. But not anymore. I found out that my hormones were very messed up, and now that we're working on that - I fall asleep right away. I used to get between 3.5 and 4.5 hours of sleep (NO KIDDING), and now I get 5.5 to 6 hours of sleep. That's like Heaven.

3. Which decade would you choose to exemplify your favorite fashion styles?

I don't have a favorite. I wish I could wear jeans again, and I love comfortable clothes - but that doesn't belong to any one decade. Almost every fashion craze has driven me crazy, so I guess I just won't worry about it, and I'll wear what works for me!

4. What is your personal best dish to feed a crowd?

Probably baked spaghetti...but I'm cheating there, because it's my husband's dish - not mine.
It is SO good, though, and he makes enough for an army.

5. Are you an impulse shopper? What was the last thing you bought on impulse?

I am NOT an impulse shopper. In fact, I'm just not a shopper at all! I go if I have to, I get what I need to, and I'm out of there. I will wait a long time before buying something until there's just no choice. I know...that's really odd for most women.

6. What is one wish you have for your own funeral?

That my children will say that I lived what I believed, that I had a growing relationship with the Lord, and they want to do the same.

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

It's a beautiful day out, the birds are chirping, (the dog is barking at the chirping birds), it's sunshiny and warm but not hot. Pure joy. The things to make it more joyful, would be to get some potting soil and finish the potting up of my pretty flowers and tomato plant.

8. What is your favorite type of bread?

15 grain, or Cuban - which is lower in sodium and calories and tastes great fresh out of the breadmaker!

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

Fearfulness. I actually already combat against it. It's just a horrible thing to contend with. It requires constant preventative tactics...like memorizing and then using God's word (ie., Philippians 4:6&7), and both physically and mentally removing yourself from whatever fearful thoughts you're thinking.

10. What trait would you like most to develop?

My friend and I have discussed this regularly. We're both the same, we want to become more disciplined. It's really easy to procrastinate, to ignore, to give in...and it's really a test of what you're made of to resist, stay strong, move forward.

11. Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?

You know, I'm not sure there IS a room in the house that reflects just MY personality. Our bedroom is decorated in hand-me-downs that still suffice and probably will for a long time to come. Our living room is a combination of my hubby and I, as well as the kitchen. Perhaps, the living room would be my choice if any - there I display my cross-stitch pictures and net-darning pictures (as well as my mother's cross-stitch), and from there you can watch the birds at the feeders- which I love to do.

12. How do you maintain balance in your life regarding, work, family, church, other organizations and activities, and blogging?

Well, I used to feel things were fairly balanced, when my children were younger, I taught my daughter homeschool, I kept house, went to church, wasn't blogging then. But life has picked up it's pace - and now I need to re-order the balance in my life. I'm working from home, I run the Prayer Chain for church, we work with a small group, still need to take care of the house, go to church, I'm blogging...it all takes time. What I find being short-changed the most, is personal time and my personal healthcare. That's GOTTA change!

This has been a relatively thought provoking Random Dozen! I'll have to think on some of this awhile!

While I'm thinking, why not visit Lid's blog at 2nd Cup of Coffee and see everyone's random answers and maybe add your 2 cents worth? Have fun!

2010-05-03T13:44:00.006-04:00

Outside my window... a beautiful day! Sunny with puffy clouds, warm. Terrific!

I am thinking... I need to watch my time today, we're going to a Thank You Volunteers dinner tonight. Yippee, I don't have to cook!

I am thankful for... my mother. She's a faithful prayer warrior, a caring, giving person, talented, always ready with words of wisdom, smart, VERY witty, and a loving mother.
Thanks mom!

I am wearing... a pair of old black pants, and a bright, neon pink top with a floral design on the front.

I am remembering...my grandmothers. I was fortunate to be near both of my grandmas. My mom's mom was quiet but a hard working, God-fearing woman with a talent for cooking. My dad's mom ran Pioneer girls when I was little, she volunteered a lot in church, and also loved the Lord. I've missed them, but I know I'll see them again.

I am going... crazy!! Want to go with me? Ok, I'm not really going anyplace special this week...beyond tonight's dinner at church. That's really not a bad thing.

I am currently reading... The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan

I am hoping... we really DON'T get the frost they're predicting for next week. Enough is enough!

On my mind...it's repetitive, sorry! I cannot keep my children and their poor choices, and there decision to not live for the Lord, out of my mind. It is every present.

Noticing that... spring cleaning always takes until summer to complete!

Pondering these words...

Remember, you may choose your sin, but you cannot choose the consequences.

-Jenny Sanford

From the kitchen... whatever my adult children cook up for themselves!! I'm outta here!

Around the house... The front window and front door are nice and clean, thanks to my hubby!

A Picture to Share

Thank you, Kaitlyn!

Check out other Daybooks and add yours at - http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Out of My Comfort Zone

2010-04-29T18:09:00.007-04:00

Testing the Water!

Ok, I admit it! I like my comfortable routine. I'm not real crazy about change. I used to be when I was younger, but let's face it...I'm not a teenager anymore (comments from the audience not necessary).

But I needed something to do after my daughter graduated homeschool. Homeschooling took up a large part of my life for a long time. Now what was I going to do to fill my hours, that would keep my interest, and maybe aid the family budget?

So I took a class in becoming a VA. VA stands for Virtual Assistant, and is basically an office assistant off site...usually from home. It was a safe jump into the water...because it was just a class. No commitment.

After waiting and waiting, doing some temporary work here and there, I finally got a client! Scary business. This was commitment, this was really testing the water, now. I opened a new e-mail account, started making appointments for her, did a few excel spreadsheets, and a few Word documents. Not bad. I can do this.

Then ordering gifts, mailing them out, checking e-mail when she's out of town. Do an event page? What in the world is an event page? A Fan Page? Yikes! Find a conference room, figure out what's wrong with Time Driver, you never know what will come up that needs to be done. Typing transcripts came next - now that makes me a happy camper, I love to type. See who's following her on Twitter...add clients to LinkedIn, etc., etc.

It's a challenge - and you can never complain about being bored!

In the back of my mind, I've been telling myself I need to step it up. Advance to the next challenge. There's been this "toe" hanging over the edge of the dock, hanging but not dipping into the cold water.

Well, today...the "toe" got dipped. I heard the little scream in my head...but, it only lasted a short second. I took on a new client, AND added my name to an available transcriptionist list - all in the same day!

The water was a little icy...but I survived. I'm not quite swimming yet...but I will be. So are you sitting on the dock with one foot an inch above the water? Are you trying to decide if you really want to challenge yourself or move outside your comfort zone? Hey, I did it and I'm still alive...so you can, too!

Thanks to Denise, Rhea, and Stacey. You gals rock!
(And not to forget their input, thanks mom and dad for making me take some business classes in high school!)

(No, that's NOT a shark...it's a dolphin, come on now!)

Bloomin' Tuesday at the Sheppards

2010-04-27T14:33:00.007-04:00

Things have cooled down a bit around here. We're only in the high 50's today. It also rained a significant amount over the weekend, so you can bet - the weeds are just growing...well, like weeds!!

However, the flowers and trees are looking wonderful.

I can never remember the name of this - is it Euphorbia? I don't know. All I know is, last year they were nice rounded mounds - and this year they've grown like crazy! They need a haircut.

This is a rather tall sprout of Vinca...which took over our other ground cover. It grows under, over, and in between anything you plant...so be careful!

This is just a picture of the arbor and some of the things coming up in our "south" garden. Doesn't that sound so formal? Well, so much for neat, formal gardens here - the weeds have almost as much room in our garden as the plants do! However, I love our picket fence and the the climbing roses beginning to fill out on the arbor.

Our shed is finally complete. We need to maybe landscape around it, put in a flowerbox under the window...but it still is such a nice addition to the yard...and an absolutely wonderful organizational tool! My hubby loves it.

I love the bright yellow goldfinches. All winter long, they look rather drab...but come Spring - they boast those brand new, bright yellow feathers. You can also see the hosta growing out around our trees in the front. There should be more than there are, currently. I think our little sneaky squirrels may have uprooted several this past winter. Nice going, guys.

Well, that's what's up in the Sheppard Garden...what's happening in your garden? Check out MsGreen"thumb"Jean for more garden updates and to post your own!

Thankful Thursday: For the Love of Petey

2010-04-22T18:41:00.009-04:00

Petey the Dawg
2010

(Yes, he's just a dog. But God made him...and we're thankful for him. So here's my Thankful Thursday blog.)

You turned 15 this last February! You're an old geezer, if there ever was one!
You're also the most mellow, sweet-natured, gentle dogs I've ever known.

Over the years, you've been our friend, our companion, our shadow, our nuisance, our pest, our entertainment, our worry, and our expense.

I remember the day my son, and a neighbor boy, went toolin' around town looking at garage sales. He called me from the grocery store and asked, "Can I show you a puppy?" He'd been bugging us for months for a dog. I mentioned we weren't set up for a dog, dad might not want to get a dog, we didn't have a dog house, there wasn't any dog food, what do you know about the dog, where'd he come from...you know, the standard parent "how can I avoid this decision" conversation. But, he begged and begged to just SHOW me the puppy. He brought him to the front door...Oh, dear. How could you not love that face? Dad was consulted, and the deed was done. Petey came home to live with us.

We didn't have a camera back then, so I have no pictures of that little puppy. Think little tiny baby, and you can imagine the tug on the heart!

You know the teen years. It's pretty easy to forget the responsibility of walking the dog you wanted so bad. But when teenage angst sets in, who did the 6'4" football player seek out? The dog. Many a time, you could tell the big guy was close to tears - but would find comfort in a small dog.

It was hard to believe how a little 5 year old gal could play so rough - but Petey hung in there. He put up with it, and loves her still. He's been her anytime friend, there for her when so many others weren't. He accepts her for who she is while so many don't. That's the thing about dogs - loyal as can be, forgiving, and totally accepting.

But all hasn't been easy street. First you developed allergies to fleas. Not just that fleas bothered you like every dog...but you were actually allergic to their bite! It's pretty bad when you have to go on Benadryl!

We found out you have seizures...and they put you on phenobarbitol. Our dog, the druggie.

Then, you developed allergies to regular dog food! Aw, now come on...really?? So we buy the more expensive lamb and rice. Some improvement, but not enough...so then we try fish and sweet potato - and that seems to do the trick. Of course...not just any fish and sweet potato - but doctor prescribed fish and potato.

You recently developed tumors - they had to be removed. Then last, but not least, this whatever it is that makes you unable to get your hind feet up behind you, that makes you shake uncontrollably - more than the usual, that makes you walk like you've tied one on. It happened last summer, and while you got a lot of relief from some horrible-smelling "liver" pills - the doctor wasn't convinced that you aren't dealing with liver cancer.

But you've given us a wonderful year! It was like you'd been rejuvenated. Like you were a puppy once again.

Then last night...it started all over again. Even though you've been getting those expensive, nasty "liver" chews - it's happening anyway.

What to do, what to do. Who knows? After what we thought was your last night - you were up with the robins...barking and slowly trotting around the back yard! What's up with that?
So for now, we'll just keep enjoying you...and leave the outcome up to God. If He can take care of sparrows - I know He can sure take care of you.

Join others at Thankful Thursday. Share the things you are thankful for!

Bloomin' Tuesday at the Sheppard house

2010-04-20T15:07:00.008-04:00

I've been working a lot more hours then I had planned this week and last. So, I am learning to take breaks and go walk the garden with camera in hand. It's a wonderful mental health break.

Hosta is one of my all time favorite plants. There are so many kinds! I'd love to collect every kind available...but I don't know where I'd put them all.

I have both a white and old-fashioned pink bleeding heart bush on the north side of our house. You can see, they are doing very well. I just love the flowers, like little angel wings.

This is the only time of year that I like this pulmonaria plant. After the blooms are spent - I wish the thing would just die back down to the ground and be unseen. It always looks sloppy after the blooms are gone. But while they're blooming - they're so pretty.

Funny, I don't REMEMBER planting that there! It must be a new plant...something like SmileyMutt plant, Dog with 'Tude plant.

The raspberry bed is looking good. I love those determined-not-to-die tulips in the midst of the patch!

Last year, I thought we'd lost our climbing rose. But it's looking good and climbing fast. That's what I was hoping for. Now I need to figure out how to get it to fill in some.

I wasn't sure if the Princess Diana clematis would come back this year, after the winter we had - but it's looking pretty good. Can't wait for the blooms this summer.

Well, just a quick update on the Sheppard garden. What's happening in yours? Go to MsGreen"thumb"Jean and share you pics, or view other garden pics. Enjoy!

Friday's Fave 5

2010-04-16T17:03:00.004-04:00

Well, this has sure been a busy week. I work from home as a Virtual Assistant - and one of my client's kept me very busy. Hey, that's the whole point!! Busy = income!

Thinking about some of the favorite things that occurred this week, I found myself dwelling on some not-so-favorite things - like the trip to the doctors, or hearing my cousin with Ovarian Cancer is really struggling with the new chemo. But...I refocused, and here's what I thought of.

1. My cousin MAY be suffering bad from the new chemo...but her cancer counts were down by HALF!!! According to her, that's the most since her surgery. Praise the Lord!!

2. I did go to the doctor, the gynocologist to be exact. Not my favorite place. In fact, I usually stretch out the time between visits as LOOONNNNGGGGG as possible. My last gynocologist passed away, just a year or so after her husband died. So, there I was with no doctor. But I found one nearby, that has Nurse Practitioner's...and I met one of them this week for my appointment. I like her a lot. She's a little avant garde, but that's ok with me. It's easier to put up with an uncomfortable situation like visiting the doctor - when you like who you see.

3. I've SO enjoyed working with my client. I've had all kinds of jobs in the past - way too numerous to list, and I've never enjoyed working with anyone, or doing the kind of work I did - as I enjoy what and with whom I work now. It's very challenging, and very different. It never gets stale.

4. I really enjoy opportunities to save money. This week I found out that I could save almost $50.00 a month by going back to one company for a complete bundle on phone, internet and TV. $50.00 a month! That's $600.00 a year - nothing to ignore. I'm one happy camper. Granted, it's on one of those two year specials - but in two years, that's $1200.00. Then I'll just go find another deal.

5. I love, love, love Spring (minus the allergies). I love the new leaves, the new flowers, the "twitter-pated" birds, the sneaky squirrels, watching people walk by the house, the grass greening up, the warmth and the sunshine. Someone asked if I would get tired of days like yesterday if that's all we had (near 80, gentle breezes, lots of sunshine). The answer - NEVER. It's my absolute, favorite kind of day.

It's been fun sharing. If you'd like to participate...hop on over to Suzanne's Living to Tell the Story

Blooming Tuesday

2010-04-13T18:21:00.008-04:00

I haven't had a chance to get out there much these last two weeks. The 'ol knee decided to act up, and really dislikes the somewhat uneven ground in our backyard.

But I've managed to get my apprentice garden photographer (my dd) out there a couple of times. She photographed the following:

Other than the kazillions of grape hyacinth that grow everywhere but where I wanted them, this one lone violet hyacinth pops up faithfully every year. It was here when we bought the house! That's been 25 years! I do want to get some more - I'd love a whole drift of them along the side of the house.

This is some of our very few daffodils. I love daffodils - so why haven't we got more?????

These are some other plants that have been around forever. I know WE never planted these Tulips - but they now faithfully come up every year in the middle of our raspberry bed!

My husband and I decided to experiment with these geraniums. They're from last year. They were so pretty all summer long and into the fall - they were still blooming in November! So we just pulled the pots into the three season room, kept them watered all winter - and they kept on blooming! Last week we freshened the soil, cut back the dead blooms - watered them, and put them back outside - and they're growing and blooming like crazy. Who knew?

And finally, our Petey-pooch - a month or so past his 15th birthday! He loves Spring. He thinks he's still a puppy...at least until nap time. Puppy time lasts about 5 minutes, nap times are anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour - several times a day! He sure loves lazing around on that nice soft, green grass.

Stop by MsGreen"thumb"Jean and see other posts for Bloomin' Tuesday - and share your pics with us, too!

2010-04-12T16:20:00.004-04:00

Outside my window... sunny and comfortably warm

I am thinking... I wish I had some time to just go sit out on the patio!

I am thankful for... the client I have that keeps me busy.

I am wearing... black pants and a purple top with little purple sequins around the neckline.

I am remembering... summers up north in Lake City, Michigan - dangling my feet over the edge of the dock and just enjoying the quiet.

I am going... to the doctor tomorrow - hoping to come to some conclusions about some ongoing health problems.

I am currently reading... nothing new right now.

I am hoping... to get one more regular client - which would round out my income nicely.

On my mind...my children and their ongoing foolish choices

Noticing that... the flowers and plants are coming up rapidly. They're beautiful.

Pondering these words... "Are we obnoxious Christians or contagious Christians?" - Pastor Stan Tharp

From the kitchen... chili and corn bread! Yum.

Around the house... spring cleaning with gusto - so many cobwebs!!

One of my favorite things... a few moments in the three season room, petting the dog and drinking a cup of green tea.

A Picture to Share:

My dd with the lower HALF of a stalagtite (I mean, icicle) from the weird winter weather in March. Mind you, it's just half of it!

2010-04-05T11:31:00.002-04:00

1. How do you feel about the marshmallow Easter Peeps?

They're sticky...and the sugary stuff goes everywhere. Not to mention that they get stale at the drop of a hat!

2. Chickens are notoriously nervous creatures. When you are nervous, what is the best way to calm down?
Pray, read scripture, sing songs with the Christian radio.

3. People say, "April showers bring May flowers." Do you enjoy Spring rains?
I absolutely love spring rain, spring showers, and even spring thunderstorms. I actually love the sound of thunder - which my poor dog simply does not get.

4. When I was randomly flipping through TV channels this week, I saw a show in which tattoo parlor employees received tattoos of a co-worker's face on their bodies. I can't imagine having a portrait of a colleague tattooed on me. But if someone forced you to receive a portrait tattoo (face only) of anyone, who would it be? Why?
If someone tried to force me to take on a tattoo - they better be prepared to shoot me while they're at it. Yuck, and double yuck. I have no tolerance for stuff like that.

5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring?
Really?? NOT!!

6. Do you have any special plans for Easter?
Dinner out with the family. Easter services at church.

7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs?
No, no, no....it's Cadbury Eggs AND Reese's Eggs!

8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of?
The newly blooming daffodils, hyacinth, crocus and tulips.

9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one?
Currently, reading "The Spark" by Chris Downie
10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning?
Cleaning the baseboards all around the house. Getting up and down off the floor is getting harder these days.

11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?
None.

12. Which color makes you happiest?
Purple

To join in randomness, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Daybook for March 29, 2010

2010-03-29T16:28:00.005-04:00

For Today...

Outside my window...just kind of gloomy. It's not particularly warm, either - but good weather is coming!

I am thinking...that I wish my extended family did a better job of staying in touch. I guess that would have to include me as well. When things happen, it would be nice to know about it when it happens, and not days or weeks later. Sigh.

I am thankful for...my cozy home and the things we have. We're not rich, but we have more than what's needed. Many don't.

From the kitchen...Making a pork roast with carrots, potatoes and onions. Had hope to add cabbage - but the cabbage went bad :-(

I am wearing...black pants and my really worn, pine green, turtle-neck sweater my husband wishes I'd throw out. NOT!

I am remembering…little kids...and how they were, and how different they've become!

I am going...to take the daughter to Ginghamsburg to volunteer with the little ones, then relax.

I am reading...other than devotions and Bible study - nothing new. Looking for a new book to read with hubby...no "chick-flick". We like Christian historical fiction, anyone know of some new series or books out there?

I am hoping...to get some answers to some health issues I've got going on - soon. VERY soon would be nice!

On my mind... wishing I could find one more client as a VA.

I am creating...nothing new at this time.

I am hearing...the tick-tock of our mantle clock, and the tapping of the keyboard keys.

Noticing that…the furnace has run a LOT today. Just how cold is it out there?

Pondering these words: "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost."
Billy Graham

Around the house...working for my client, making some phones calls, and trying to find a deal on a new electric yard trimmer. I don't want to pay full price!

One of my favorite things...playing Monopoly Deal with my family. Winning makes it even more of my favorite thing :-)

A Scripture Thought: Matthew 20:28
"The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many"

A few plans for the rest of the week...working for client, going to class on Wednesday, going out for Easter.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Happy Easter!

Join in and read other Daybooks at The Simple Woman's Daybook. Also, please view my last blog entry and write a word of encouragement to my cousin! Thanks

Send some prayers and encouragement

2010-03-24T11:19:00.003-04:00

Hi blog friends. I want to ask a big favor!!

My cousin, Carolyn, is struggling with Ovarian Cancer. She's now on what seems like the umpteenth type of chemo, and it's making her very sick. Would you please send her your encouragement and tell her you're praying for her?

I would so appreciate your thoughtfulness. Please do not send advice...just positive words of encouragement, and a promise of your prayers.

You can send her your thoughts on her blog: http://thinkinofhome.blogspot.com

Thanks for thinking of her.

Connie

Bloomin' Tuesday!

2010-03-23T11:01:00.006-04:00

I'm so glad Bloomin' Tuesday is on, this is my favorite time of year. We have a few things coming up already.

This is one of only two yellow crocus I have. The rest are light purple or white. The little bunch of crocus is a sign of life amidst the decay around it.

The light purple crocus comes in bunches about this size. We have small bunches of this all across the south side of the house.

So small and delicate - and yet, in this Ohio weather - it's hardy and resilient.

Even the dog is getting into Spring...note the crocus in his fur by his ear! (No, it didn't land there on it's own - the dd thought this would make a cute pic, the dog, on the other hand, is mortified.)

This is my one and only hyacinth. I know there were more at one time - but I guess it's time to replant. I'm thinking maybe the squirrels like hyacinth bulbs.

Then there's the daffodils. They are so sunny and bright. I just love them. I keep saying I'm going to plant a whole drift of them somewhere, but we just haven't gotten to it.

There's a lot just beginning to poke their heads through the soil. It's fun to go out every day and keep track of what's coming up and what just started blooming. If you want to join in, just go to MsGreen"thumb"Jean and post your pics! We all want to see!

2010-03-12T13:39:00.003-05:00

Well, there have been a lot of favorites this week. Let me share a few.

1. We had the prettiest Nuthatch come to visit several times this week. I really enjoy watching the birds. I think my favorite, though, is still the Chickadee. What a lot of work they put into eating. They grab one little seed, fly off to a branch of the tree, stick the seed between the bark, peck away at it until it opens, then eat it. The cycle repeats itself until they're full. Amazing to watch.

2. One of our little "Small Group" children had to have his tonsils and adenoids out this week. He is only three - and that seems awfully young for surgery. However, he came through with flying colors...probably better than poor mom and dad did!

3. It's so pretty out. Rainy, but warm. The crocus are up, the daffodils are up - but not budding yet, and even the hyacinth have pushed through the soil. I am SO ready for Spring! It's like artwork on display. And as I see everything greening up, and blooming I'm reminded of the verse in Lamentations that claims "His mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness." Sending me pretty flowers and green grass is definitely extending me mercy!! He knows how much I dislike winter.

4. My hubby and I tackled the bookshelves in our bedroom this week. We decided to do some thorough decluttering and gave up what ended up being an entire box-ful of books. Sent them to our library for adding to their shelves or adding to their Book Sale. It's just a small step...but considering how long we've been putting that off, it seemed more like a giant one!

5. I've enjoyed my work as a VA. It seems like every week I get to learn something new. During the last two weeks I've tackled learning to do Fan Pages, and did another Event Page.
It's really interesting and rewarding to learn to do new things. Taking the challenge, and meeting it - feels awesome!

So it's been a good week. How about you? Share your Friday's Fave Five at Living to Tell the Story.

Friday's Fave Five

2010-03-05T16:45:00.005-05:00

I like this group over at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story. Here are some of the highlights of my week.

1. Well, it's been slow in coming...and it still has a long way to go - but it's a tad warmer, and there is the great, bright thing in the sky!!! Whoa, where's the sunglasses? I cannot tell you how anxious I am for Spring. I'll take every minute more of daylight, any degree more in temp, and all the sunshine that comes my way.

2. Found out that the terrible fear I was left with after my doctor's appointments last week, are in fact not a benign tumor or cancer - but due to a side effect of medication! TRUST ME, that was the highlight of my week!

3. I went through every folder in my file box, and took out any unnecessary papers, had my daughter shred them, and then filed all papers that needed filing. I haven't done this in six months - and it had really piled up. What a sense of accomplishment! Makes me feel like taking on another project!

4. I'm enjoying the growing responsibility of working with my client. She is beginning to keep me really busy. The busier, the more I make! Good deal. I learned to put together a fan page on Facebook, I've interacted with clients, done some troubleshooting, ordered a gift, sent out letters. The list goes on and on - and....I can do it from home! Yes!!

5. Monopoly Deal! Do you love Monopoly? I do - but face it, it takes forever. Most of my family do not have the patience for that. We bought ourselves a game of Monopoly Deal for Christmas, and it has fast become a popular game not only in OUR household - but in at least 3 other homes that we introduced the game to! Try it!! One hand takes less than 15 minutes, and it's a blast. My hubby and I play it in the evenings, quite often.

If you'd like to read more Friday's Fave 5's, or participate yourself, make sure you visit http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/

Snow, Snow, snow...and then some!

2010-02-08T11:51:00.007-05:00

It's COLD, but it's beautiful!

The neighbor chatting with the salt truck driver

Yes, our dog can write. (I've got a bridge to sell you, too!)

Can you find Petey?

We got about 11.5 inches...at least at this spot where DD was standing!

Poor dog can hardly get out and do what a dog's gotta do!

But, still...isn't it beautiful? There's nothing so stunning as a red cardinal against the white backdrop of snow. God surely is the Master Artist, isn't He?

Random Dozen for February 4th

2010-02-04T20:04:00.005-05:00

1. Do you use the labels various charities send you as “free gifts?”
Sometimes. It would be a waste not to.

2. What is your favorite time of day (or night) for skywatching?
It would definitely be night time - as long as its not a cloudy night. I love looking at the stars.

3. What is the most adventurous you've ever been with trying a new food? (Keep it G-rated please)
Frankly, the most adventurous was trying Tofu - and once was enough.

4. Have you ever heard a rock sing? (Trust me, there's a reason for this one!)
Uh...no.

5. If you could learn a language you don't presently speak, what would it be?
I'd love to truly know the Spanish language, not just the smattering of words I know. I would also love to speak French and true Irish.

6. Al Capone's tombstone read, “My Jesus, Mercy.” If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?
"She had a melody in her heart, and a song on her lips."

7. If you were a famous musician who was known by one name, like “Cher,” “Sting,” or “Jewel,” what would it be? It doesn’t have to be your first name, but it can be, if you’d like.
Constance...that is my first name, though I usually go by Connie

8. Have you ever been inordinately “into” a television show?
Back a long time ago, General Hospital, til one day I woke up and realized how stupid it was to watch inane programs day in and day out to keep up with the story line.

9. When you sneeze, do you go big, or do you do that weird “heenh!” sound that makes people think you’re going to blow your brains out? Any other variation we should know about?
My family laughs at my little ah-hew's - and they usually come in threes - which is three times as funny, I guess.

10. Do you still read an actual newspaper that you hold in your hands, or do you get your news elsewhere?
I like the paper, especially for the puzzles.

11. Are you a good speller?
Yes! I won a spelling bee and got a dictionary from the Detroit Newspaper when I was a kid. It really makes it difficult then, to deal with my family members who can't spell.

12. At what time each day do you start thinking about ~~Lost~~ lunch?
Usually around 12:30 p.m.

Would you like to see other random answers? Visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

2010-02-01T14:23:00.005-05:00

FOR TODAY... from Connie's Daybook

Outside my window...some sunshine, and a lot of very happy birds and a pig in the shape of a squirrel eating all the birdseed.

I am thinking...we made it!! 21 days on the Daniel Fast.

I am thankful for... scrambled eggs. What a treat! Who would have ever thought something so simple would taste so good?

I am wearing...black pants, and a red long sleeved tee shirt

I am remembering...that Spring really will come again.

I am going... to listen to a teleseminar on how to create a good blog.

I am currently reading...nothing. I need a trip to the library!

I am hoping... the bitter cold will warm up to at least the mid thirties - soon!!

On my mind... the ever present, never able to forget, the spiritual needs of my children! They need the Lord.

Noticing that...I really don't miss Farmville!! I stopped visiting my farm for the 21 days - and I'm still not interested in going back to it. Poor farm...it's gonna die. Oh well!!

Pondering these words... "For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." II Chronicles 16:9

From the kitchen... hamburgers for them (turkey burger for me), french fries for them, and veggies.

Around the house... trying to decide on a pair of drapes for the front room. It shouldn't be this hard to do!

One of my favorite things - seeing a robin in February. It's gotta be a good sign, right?

From my picture journal...

These beautiful, crisp white azaleas were from my hubby - just because. The picture doesn't do them justice.

2010-01-28T16:32:00.004-05:00

1. How good are you at delaying gratification?

Getting better at it. It's not easy, that's for sure.

2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?

Chocolate.

3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?

5 and I'm probably being generous

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?

no, not that I can think of. I've been disappointed in things, but not things I've waited for a long time.

5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?

Sometimes - but not often. In most things, it doesn't pay. Now, if you're talking about going from here to the store...well, then yes, I take shortcuts.

6. Which line is hardest to wait in?

For me, the women's restroom - for obvious reasons. However, I'm really not good about the lines at the grocery store. It bugs me to wait longer in line, then it did to shop!

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?

Yes. Kind of thought it might be a boy, though...and it was.

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?

I think I'm more patient with the elderly, but I should clarify - that's MOST elderly.

9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?

Probably, when I was a kid. Anymore, my hubby and I pretty much know what we're getting each other - I'm most surprised about what my daughter gets me.

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?

at least 24 years, waiting for my oldest to turn his life over to the Lord, and at least 14 for my daughter to do the same. (I'm giving them each 5 years to understand what that meant, since the son is 29, and the daughter is 19)

11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other?

Depends on what the patience is needed for. Other drivers - me. Change in our children - hubby. Lines at the grocery store - hubby.

12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)

A) Anticipation by Carly Simon

B) The Waiting by Tom Petty

C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx

D) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James

I like A, but I like D the best.

If you'd like to read other random answers, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Gratituesday

2010-01-26T15:48:00.006-05:00

It's funny how I came across Gratituesday as I was sitting here on this cold day in January, complaining that I was cold in a heated house, and sore from sitting on an uncomfortable chair I use for an office chair! At least I HAVE a house! And there are millions of people around the world that don't have an office chair, a desk, or a computer...and would be unbelievable thankful for my ancient, wooden chair.

There are times I can really slip into being ungratefulness, and fast! When I start focusing on me, and my wants, and my perceived needs, I can get pretty selfish. Or is that - childish?
These last few weeks our church has been investing it's time in doing a Daniel Fast. I've never done a fast of any kind before, and I was nervous about starting. But, you mean I can't have chocolate? No oleo, or jam? That's really interfering with my life!! However, I can honestly say that I am truly thankful for this opportunity. It has really allowed me to spend more time with the Lord in prayer and worship, and to take the things of the world and sort of push them to the background for awhile. I'm thankful for the things He's teaching through this time. It sure has made me realize how much I depend on food for being entertained, for using up time, for feeling happier. All the wrong reasons for eating!!

I find, too, that gratitude grows when you're practicing it. You seem to suddenly find more and more things to be grateful for, as you begin thanking the Lord for something He's done for you.
If I start thanking Him for my home, I think of how grateful I am that he led us to find it so many years ago, that there was a special loan program that we qualified for, that we've been allowed to maintain it all these years, and plant flowers to make it look brighter...and so on, and so on. So I guess the key to gratefulness might be...just get started!

I've enjoyed sharing my current thoughts about gratefulness. Before I move on to others things, here's a couple of pictures of another reason for being grateful. I have a wonderful hubby.

He bought these for me this week, just because! Wasn't that sweet? They're beautiful.

If you'd like to participate in Gratituesday, stop by HeavenlyHomemakers and share!

Random Dozen for January 21, 2010

2010-01-21T14:33:00.006-05:00

1. So I was thinking about how Jon Bon Jovi never seems to age much. His hair is smaller nowadays, but he still manages to look like a boy somehow. And then that made me think of the story of Dorian Gray. Question: If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why?

If I could physically lock in an age, it would be 16. I was able to walk, run, swim, bike, do just about anything physical I decided to take on. I was a good weight, and felt physically confident.

2. What is the best dish that you cook or bake (your piece de resistance?)

Lasagna. Trust me, it's just the recipe off the side of the Mueller's lasagne box, but everyone loves it.

3. When you feel blue, what is one strategy you use to help yourself back to normal?

I put on some good Christian music, think other thoughts, and start doing something. It's usually an act of the will.

4. When was the last time you danced in public?

I was brought up Baptist...I never learned to dance.

5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer?

I like to dream, then I get real!

6. As a parent, what is one thing that you have done well?

Though terribly frustrated with both my children, I've taught them to care about other people. The oldest takes that to an extreme, in some ways, often overdoing things for others, and they take advantage. The youngest is most caring about the underdog, those who like herself, find it difficult to make friends, and seem like the odd man out.

7. Which is your favorite character on the Andy Griffith show?

I loved Gomer Pyle when he would be on it, but I loved Barney the most.

8. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Maybe a 5 or 6

9. Have you never been mellow? Have you never tried … to find a comfort from in side you? (Sorry, Jorge was singing that song just now, and it just seemed to be perfect timing as I was creating this week’s questions.) REAL question: What is your #1 driving pet peeve?

Tail-gaters, be prepared...if you tail-gate me...I'm slowing down. And if you're stuck behind me with a no-passing yellow line - tough!!

10. Which color best represents your mood today? Care to elaborate?

Grey - because I'm cold, and kinda gloomy...like the weather.

11. If your spouse were an animal, which would he/she be?

Poor guy, he's my turkey - cause his birthday is quite close (and sometimes on) Thanksgiving. But he's also my teddy bear and has been since before we got married. I even made him a teddy bear cookie jar in his honor.

12. What activity takes up the bulk of your time on an average day?

Unfortunately, the computer. But to my credit - part of that is because I work from home!!

If you'd like to participate in the Random Dozen, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee

The Middle Name Game

2010-01-19T18:19:00.005-05:00

The Middle Name Game...

Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.

LaRayne

Love: My parents gave me my name, Constance LaRayne, and I don't think they chose it randomly. I think they gave it thought, and they let it roll off their tongues to see how it sounded. They loved me, and cared for me, they provided for me, and they thought of a perfect name for me.

Ability: Isn't it great how each of us has certain talents and abilities that are ours alone? He gave us the ability to think, to use our hands and feet, to hear and taste and smell. He gave some the ability to teach, others the ability to sing, some the ability to take a car apart and put it back together...whatever the ability, it was given to us by God. He gave me the ability to play the piano, to sing, to put words together to fashion poems, to type fast and accurately. I feel blessed!

Relatives: I have a great family. I never knew any great-grandparents (that I can remember, anyway), but I had wonderful grandparents. Grandpa P would take us for a walk to the store, bounce us on his knee, sing in German at Christmas, and pass out the Christmas gifts each year. You felt safe and secure at their house. Grandma P was the best cook ever. Somehow, children and grandchildren came out of the woodwork to eat when Grandma was cooking. I honestly believe some of my uncles could smell her cooking miles away. Grandpa B used to pick me up on occasion after school and take me for hot chocolate at Top Hats, he called me and Grandma - Cheshire cats. Never was able to figure that one out. He was tall and could sometimes be stern - especially if you deserved it, but I always knew he loved me. Grandma B used to make doll cakes for us, let us play with her flannelgraph figures that she made for teaching S.S. classes, would take me shopping on occasion, and she was fun to be with. I was blessed to live in a Christian home, with Christian relatives and I am grateful for their influence in my life...and their continued influence in my life.

Appreciation: I think this word has become more popular as time goes by. We live in some rough times - economically, and morally. It used to be that parents wanted their children's lives to be better than theirs. I want that too, but my greatest desire is that they make it through all this in one piece! I think people are looking for things to be appreciative and grateful for. It helps put things in perspective. I'm appreciative of my husband's hard work providing for our family. I'm appreciative of a warm home, of enough clothing, and more than enough food. I'm appreciative of a wonderful church and great friends.

Yours: Huh? Well, you try to come up with something for Y!!! No, really, that word gives me peace, comfort, it makes me excited, it makes me feel I belong. Because I can say without a doubt - to my Saviour, I am Yours. I was 11 when I asked Jesus into my heart, and while it took a while to understand what that meant - it wasn't just "fire insurance", I haven't regretted my choice to accept Him, and choose to live for Him to the best of my ability.

Normal: What's normal? Nothing. Wasn't it Erma Bombeck that said "normal is just a setting on the dryer?" I like that. It makes it easier to view normal that way. Life is filled with twists and turns, and frankly, if everything were normal - we'd be bored.

Esther: My mom's name. A good name, named for a queen. One that had faith, and trusted in God...like my mom. She and my dad raised us well. No, we're not perfect - but we all know the Lord as our Saviour, we all want to live right. She taught me to cook and tried real hard to teach me to keep house. I'm not bad at it, I'm just not fantastic. She prays for her family continuously. She enjoys life. Esther's a good name.

Well, that's my middle name. What's yours? I've enjoyed this game, thanks Kim, for posting it on your blog!

2010-01-18T14:45:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY... from Connie's Daybook:

Outside my window... a very gloomy looking day...but thankfully, it isn't making me feel that way, at all.

I am thinking... how I wish I could go shovel rubble away and find people still alive after the earthquake in Haiti!

I am thankful for... a wonderful church, that will send our gifts of help to the people in Haiti.

I am wearing...my standard "it's cold" uniform - black pants, and a pine green turtleneck sweater.

I am remembering... that I have three teleseminars to listen in to this week - how'd I manage to get scheduled for that??

I am going... no place at all! We're down to one car...and I'm really getting cabin fever!

I am currently reading... a book of fasting, though we are doing a Daniel fast...not a complete fast.

I am hoping... my son thinks carefully before making a final decision on his car. It died this week, and repairs are way more than he could possibly afford.

On my mind... my children. Their futures, their decisions, their need for the Lord in their lives.

Noticing that... time flies (whether you're having fun or not!).

Pondering these words:

"It's not about our circumstances, it's about our attitude!"

Thanks, Tammy, for posting that. It's really worth thinking about!

From the kitchen... I'm making a Daniel Fast corn/potato chowder for dinner tonight.

Around the house... picking up, putting things in order, getting a package ready to mail out.

One of my favorite things... May!!

From my picture journal...

I am SOOOOO looking forward to Spring and flowers! It can't come too soon.

2010-01-11T19:23:00.004-05:00

For Today...

Outside my window..the snow still clings to everything. We're still in somewhat of a deep freeze. Occasionally, the sun seems to be trying to shine through.
I am thinking...that the Daniel Fast we are should prove interesting for everyone in the house, even though the kids are not participating.

I am thankful for...some really great Christian music, which is helping me think about other things than food.

From the kitchen... we had stir-fry vegetables with brown rice. It really was feeling and totally delicious.

I am wearing...black pants and a turquoise turtleneck top.

I am remembering…how much I really didn't like winter even as a child. All those winter retreats - falling on my back side while on skates, or running into trees while on a toboggan. Perhaps that's why I'm still a stick in the mud when it comes to winter!

I am going…to take a teleseminar this evening on social media. Gotta keep learning all this new stuff!

I am reading...still trying to get through Oswald Chambers devotional "My Highest for His Utmost.", but I'm also reading a pamphlet on reasons for unaswered prayers.

I am hoping...That my son actually follows through with his interest in going back to school, and that my daughter finds a job...soon!

On my mind…Our children and their spiritual condition, my health, and my husband's. I'm also wondering what the Lord has for our future.

I am creating...nothing at the moment.

I am hearing...the WOW2010 CD playing in the living room. Great music!

Pondering these words…

"You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." Psalm 16:11

Around the house...trying to begin a little spring cleaning.

One of my favorite things...hearing from family. My mom and dad and I talk every weekend, but I like hearing from ALL of my family.

A few plans for the rest of the week...working for client, following leads to get a new client, keeping the house clean, continuing our Daniel Fast and journaling.

A picture to share with you:

The "Bobbsey" twins - best of friends, my dd on the right and her bff.

WFMW - Ideas That Save Money

2010-01-06T13:44:00.011-05:00

The question was asked at www.wearethatfamily.com: What programs do you use that really save you money. Well, I have found a few. I'm a coupon fanatic. I SOO get a kick out of finding something on sale, and then using a coupon, which then gets doubled by my store of choice. Yes!!!

Anyway, I get great coupons at the following websites:
http://print.coupons.com
http://www.eversave.com
www.couponmom.com

There are others, but these are the sites I use most frequently.

Another thing I use to save money is to buy my checks (if you don't have free checking - and one of my accounts doesn't), from some place like http://www.checkgallery.com. I find that they are much cheaper than buying from the bank, and even cheaper yet if you buy more than one package of checks at a time.

These are just some of the programs that I think are worth the time to save a buck. I'm looking forward so seeing what others have to say on this subject, as well. Go to http://www.wearethatfamily.com and read ideas for yourself!

2009-12-29T11:47:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window... is a scene from Disney. The snow covers the ground, the squirrel climbed into the dwarf quince tree to eat the berries; nuthatches, cardinals, woodpeckers, chickadees, snow birds (juncos), finches...are all busily attacking the birdfeeders or suet feeder. It's cold, but sunny out.

I am thinking... about the preparations we need to make to start our Daniel Fast on January 11th along with our church.

I am thankful for... God's word.

I am wearing... my standard black pants and warm, snuggly pine green turtleneck pullover.

I am remembering... holidays growing up. Grandparents house, visiting with aunts, uncles, cousins. Christmas Eve services, parties for New Years with the youth group. Not much of that happens anymore. Makes me kind of sad.

I am going...to take back a Christmas present today and exchange it...hopefully.

I am currently reading... a book on prayer...but I'll have to get back to you on the title.

I am hoping... to overcome.

On my mind... what other things God has for us to do, how does He want us to move toward complete financial freedom?

Noticing that... I can't stay feeling hopeless for long. I can't sustain the energy to be that way. It's easier to be hopeful, look forward, be optimistic.

Pondering these words... "In ALL your ways, acknowledge Him...."

From the kitchen... good question! Hmmm....need to explore what's available!

Around the house...a very noticeable need to deep clean. Every room!!

One of my favorite things - journaling, especially in a nice, leather-bound journal. Couldn't find my favorite one this year for 2010, but still found a nice one.

From my picture journal...

On this freezing, cold day...I felt a need to see a bright spring bloom. However, this snapdragon - planted in early May, was still going strong up to November 30th!! Enduring little thing, wasn't it?

Friday's Fave Five

2009-12-11T14:00:00.007-05:00

1. Setting up our Christmas tree is always a special time for my hubby and I - each ornament has a tale to tell. We have all kinds, and many are homemade. For example the center one with the stocking on it in the picture below: My mom and I used a red velour type material on the backs, needlepoint fabric with a Christmas design we did ourselves, edged in lace. This stocking one, my mother made - and there are several similarly made ones on our tree. They were made in 1985.

2. Made our favorite Christmas fudge this week. I can see it's not going to last long.

3. I wrote up my Christmas letter in the form of a poem this year. I love the stationary it's printed on. I hope people will enjoy it.

4. I washed up all the afghans this week. They are getting plenty of use in this very cold weather. In fact, we seem to be chasing them down all the time, seems we have a bit of an afghan snatcher in the house!

5. Another one of my favorites is actually yet to come. Tomorrow my hubby and I are going to our annual Christmas concert and then out to dinner. Date night! Yippee!

What are some of YOUR recent favorites? Why not link up at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story and tell us all about it?

The Benefits of Being A Virtual Assistant - Repost

2009-12-05T09:49:00.002-05:00

I decided to repost this blog, to encourage others to think about this possibility as a resource for the hard times we are all facing. Both men and women can become Virtual Assistants, and there are many types of Virtual Assistants. Some may specialize in Bookkeeping, or website development, others may do data entry, e-mail management, or a host of other office related activities. If you're at all interested, one great training program is being offered at EducatingForSuccess.com. Check it out.

I also wanted to reprint it, because I was excited to see it in print on the VA forum/website that I belong to. That was neat. So consider this a bit of tooting my own horn, as well!

THE BENEFITS OF BEING A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT AND WORKING FROM HOME

All my adult life, I’ve worked some to provide extra income for my family. My main career goal in life has always been to be a wife and mother, and we had chosen for me to be a stay-at-home mom. Along the way, though, I’ve done side jobs…the list of which is quite diverse. The worst experience ever was making Christmas wreaths in an unheated warehouse!

Working from home allows me the opportunity to take a sick family member or pet to the doctor. It allows me to do the laundry between projects, take a personal call if one comes in, stop and make a healthy meal, or work at 7:00 p.m. if I couldn’t at 9:00 a.m.

During my daughter’s last year of high school (we home-schooled), I began my work as a Virtual Assistant. I was still there for her questions, and still had time to plan and prepare for lessons. We had to learn to be a little more flexible, but that’s one of those adult skills we all need to have, anyway, so call it Life Skill training!

We, as a family, are trying to learn to live frugally. We have two older cars, and one of them is on its last tires! Rather than go into debt and buy another car, we’re making do with one as often as possible. If I were not working from home, we would not be able to do that.

If we need to have a repairman out, like say, for a microwave that dies mid-meal preparation, I am home. I don’t need to leave work, or ask a friend to come over and let the repairman in. That makes deliveries, meter reading, anything like that so much easier.

Being a stay-at-home mom, I have constantly dealt with the feeling of not contributing. Now, that’s ridiculous, and I know that! However, it’s especially uplifting and encouraging to actually be adding to the family income without changing my primary focus.

I love being a Virtual Assistant. I am always being challenged to learn something new, to believe in myself, and grow. It’s a great opportunity to work from home and improve yourself at the same time. Besides all that, it is so much fun to tell people I’m a Virtual Assistant and wait for the ….”a what?” It happens almost every time!

Thanks to Google Images for the fun pictures.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-11-30T10:14:00.004-05:00

For Today...

Outside my window.. a little gray and gloomy, and much cooler.

I am thinking...that it's hard to concentrate when you don't feel too well.

I am thankful for...a warm home, an employed hubby, a great church....and on and on.

From the kitchen... simply hamburgers and baked french fries with a vegetable.
I am wearing...black pants and an emerald green cowl neck sweater.

I am remembering…past Christmas celebrations when we had nothing to give anyone...and while this year is going to be tight - it's nothing like it's been in the past. We are blessed.

I am going…no where! Staying home. We're down to one car for the time being, so errands and such have to wait.

I am reading...still trying to get through Oswald Chambers devotional "My Highest for His Utmost."

I am hoping...that our dd finds a job soon. Enough is enough!

On my mind…Our children and their spiritual condition, their need for ambition and motivation, and common sense.

I am creating...nothing at the moment.

I am hearing...the inane TV...it must be time to motivate the dd to get busy!

Pondering these words…"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10

Around the house...getting the living room clean so we can put the tree up tonight.

One of my favorite things...listening to Christmas music by candlelight.

A few plans for the rest of the week...working for client, decorating, getting power steering fixed on other car

A picture to share with you:

I like this picture. It seems warm and inviting. I took this in 2008, so things are a little different this year. I'll put that picture on next week.

Random Dozen a few days late!

2009-11-23T13:12:00.002-05:00

It's a few days late, but hopefully I can still be included in this meme. I enjoy these questions.

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?

Synchronized swimming! I love swimming, and love the gracefulness of synchronized swimming teams.

2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision?

Research. My instinct hasn't always been that good. So my dh and I google, yahoo, Ask.com, and ask friends and family, first.

3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?

LaRayne Hill

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?

Uh...neither! I don't like to give up anything....part of my problem, when it comes to food. Now which one SHOULD I give up....duh!!!

5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?

Spotty and more ripe.

6. Your favorite tree is?

Oak...I love the wide spread canopy, and it's a hardwood - rather than a soft-wood like the goofy maples in our yard. I want a tree that sends it's roots deep, and it's shade - wide.

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?

About a 4

8. Has H1N1 touched your family?

Not yet, and I'm praying it doesn't!

9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing?

I'm usually pretty accepting of the way things are.

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?

I would have to go with the dog. I'm friendly, and loyal. I think cats are stuck up and moody. I can't say I have a good understanding of a Koala personality.

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?

A couple - not as many as I'd like.

12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?

I choose the shortest lane possible...where I think it might actually get me out the quickest. If the regular lanes have people checking out with 2 weeks of groceries, I'd probably pick the express lane...but I am lane-choosing challenged. I ALWAYS pick the wrong one!

If you'd like to read others' answers to these questions, hop on over to 2nd Cup of Coffee!

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