Ruddie, the dog!

I would like to introduce you to the new member of our household, Ruddie the dog!

Carter has been asking and asking for a dog and Troy had talked with me

and somehow convinced me that it would be good for him to have something to

take care of. He went on to sell it by telling me that it would help teach him

responsibility and yatta, yatta, yatta. Troy initially wanted to get him a Chinchilla.

As soon as I saw one, I quickly reminded him of the woman he had married and there would

be no way we would do that. Oh I almost forgot to say that our girl Tori, is allergic to

dogs and cats, so those were out too. Then it happened. On December 23, I popped on my

e-mail and there she was. Guinea pig in need of a good home, for FREE with cage and a few days food too. I don't know what came over me, but instead of hitting the delete button, I popped open the image and there she was staring at me. At this point, I had another choice.....pretend I never saw it or throw it out to the family and get their feed back. Needless to say the price was right for my husband and my boy was thrilled to finally have a pet he could call his own.

We are all still warming up to each other and the whole idea of something else depending on us to keep it alive. We hope we can do it. She is not a dog, but it's as close as we can get.

Who knew?

Simple Woman's Daybook entry

FOR TODAY: December 29, 2011

Outside my window...it's rainy and damp

I am thinking....grey hair isn't so bad.

I am thankful...I am able to be home with my kids.

From the learning rooms...video games, blog reading, and lego building.

In the kitchen...dirty dishes to be washed and clean ones to be put away.

I am wearing...my workout clothes, again.

I am creating...scrapbook pages for my kids yearbooks that I am making for them.

I am going...to the gym as soon as I can get motivated.

I am wondering...if I have truly given my best this year.

I am reading...some books on starting a business.

I am hoping...to finish some of the projects I have started.

I am looking forward to...my man having vacation these next couple days.

I am hearing...video game noises.

Around the house...left over signs of Christmas.

I am pondering...what this new year will bring.

One of my favorite things...is coffee with my husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week...New Year celebration with friends.

Here is picture for the thought I am sharing.

This was my kids favorite Christmas gift from their grandparents.

Sugar Cereal and White Bread. YIKES!!!!

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If you would like to participate with your own daybook or simply read other entries please visit Peggy at

The Simple Woman's Daybook.

~Thanks for stopping by, Connie

Word filled Wednesday

Genesis 2:18
The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.
I will make a helper suitable for him.”

GIVEAWAY

This will be my 1st ever Blog Giveaway! I'm so excited. Here is how it works. Just leave a comment telling me your favorite Christmas tradition. I will put your names in a hat and pull one out! If your name is drawn I will mail off my 1st batch of His Creation Cards to you. My giveaway ends tomorrow at noon. (that way I can get them in the mail right away.) I can't wait to hear from you.
Celebrating the King,
Connie

Simple Woman's Daybook entry

FOR TODAY: December 19, 2011

Outside my window...wind blown ice on the lake.

I am thinking...I need a shower.

I am thankful...for Christmas vacation!

From the learning rooms...finishing up literature reading.

The Hiding Place and Molly Learns a Lesson

In the kitchen...smelly, melted wax on

my stove top. What a mess.

I am wearing...my workout clothes.

I am creating...4 season photo cards for a give away. Stay tuned;)

I am going...to shop with my 8th grade girls D-team tonight.

I am wondering...if time will ever slow down.

I am reading...lots of blogs.

I am hoping...to be a blessing.

I am looking forward to...

having all my gifts in order.

I am hearing...Clone Wars music.

Around the house...lots of stuff to be dealt with.

I am pondering...how she is watching me and trying to be like me.

One of my favorite things...curling up on the couch with a cozy quilt and watching a movie.

A few plans for the rest of the week...a special birthday, Christmas celebrations.

Here is picture for the thought I am sharing.

Summer fun on the Crystal River.

______________________________

If you would like to participate with your own daybook or simply read other entries please visit Peggy at

The Simple Woman's Daybook.

~Thanks for stopping by, Connie

Choosing Sunshine Today!

Today while working out, this song played in my ear.

It has inspired me to hand write my man a letter and send it to his work.

What it will say is just for us! I will tell you though it will bless him.

Hope you to will chose to walk on sunshine today.

Choosing Sunshine,

Connie

Got Plans?

For the last 2 months I have done a meal plan. It has seemed to be working. It started with trying to get a handle on our food budget and eating healthy. You have heard it said, maybe even from my own lips, "It is so expensive to eat healthy." This can be the truth if you don't have a plan. As we revised our budget, we took a look at what we were spending and with the help of some library cookbooks, and recommendations from good friends I have managed to have a very reasonable 2 months. The cookbook I have been using a lot is called, Make it Fast, Cook it Slow by: Stephanie O'Dea. My favorite recipe, so far, has been the baked oatmeal bars. Yummy!

It's always sad when the month comes to an end, because it means I have to plan again. (This is the most challenging part for me.) Which brings me to today. Meal planning afternoon. I try to keep it in perspective and look ahead to the time when the planning comes to a full circle. My hope is once I get a year under my belt, then I can just revise the work I have already done. Who knows maybe it's a, spend wise, eat wise, cookbook, in the making! I laugh to even think that I would be able to put my name in the author spot of a cookbook, but who knows anything is possible. Time to plan.

Joyfully His,

Connie

Word filled Wednesday: only a day late! Better late than never.

1 Chronicles 29:15

We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...winter greens and bare red branches.

I am thinking...my house is to quiet.

I am thankful...that I am truly in love with my husband.

From the learning rooms...complaints about having to read about Hitler!

In the kitchen...lots of half-full and empty cups on the counter, books, pencils, and paper, too.

I am wearing...my favorite jeans and a Bronco sweatshirt.

I am creating...all occasion cards, HomeMade laundry soap, and essential oil air fresheners.

I am going...to talk with a financial guy about college tuition tonight. Yikes!

I am wondering...if I have done right by my kids.

I am reading..."Feathers from my Nest" by: Mrs. Beth Moore

I am hoping...that our Christmas tree will keep its needles until the 25th.

I am looking forward to...Carter's 12th birthday!

I am hearing...the quiet creative play of a child.

Around the house...wrapped gifts and projects waiting.

I am pondering...how it is going to all work out.

One of my favorite things...is my families laughter.

A few plans for the rest of the week: groceries, EAA, meal plan, and plan a birthday party.

Here is picture for the thought I am sharing...

Carter is one cool dude!

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If you would like to participate with your own daybook or simply read other entries please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook. ~Thanks for stopping by, Connie

2 Teens for Us and we LOVE it!!!

We make a big deal of "13" at our house. We believe it is the beginning of a transition into adulthood. We have a special ceremony where Tori will be challenged to live a life that few in our culture live today. She is encouraged to walk closely to the Lord and depend on him for discretion on how to live. It was a wonderful day and I am reminded again of what a privileged it is to be a parent. We love you Tori and are excited to share in this next stage of life with you.