Dog: It's What's for Dinner

NOT! But apparently pets can be considered an additional food source, as can leather furniture or clothing. Who knew? Evidently we could survive for nearly 3 months, if for some reason, we couldn't leave our home!


OnePlusYou Quizzes and Widgets

The Simple Woman's Daybook--May 27th

FOR TODAY


Outside my Window...beautiful spring green colors, overcast skies.


I am thinking...about some prayer needs heavy on my heart.


I am thankful for...my wonderful church community and my dear sweet family.


From the kitchen...ugh, SOMETHING for dinner! :)


I am creating...a more "follow-able" homekeeping plan for this full-time work-outside-the-home mom.


I am going...insane? No, not really, but trying to keep my head clear and heart pointed toward God.


I am wearing...black dress pants, red t-shirt and denim jacket.


I am reading...the fourth installment of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" by Ann Brashares and "America's Cheapest Family" by Steve & Annette Economides.


I am hoping...to be able to create an achievable development plan for our church's Haiti mission.


I am hearing...an mp3 sermon from our church archives.


Around the house...laundry to be folded/ironed/put away.


One of my favorite things...is cooking for my family.


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...worship team practice, steam cleaning SS#1's carpet (because Princess Poopy Puppy has claimed a corner of his room as her own...you can imagine the rest!).


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

This is one of Olivia's lovely aprons. Isn't she talented? :) Check out her beautiful offerings, sure to make your housework-wear more beautiful! While you're there, check out her fabulous mom, Peggy's blog, as well! Have a beautiful week!

Fun Giveaways!

Check out Glad Tidings for a great crafter giveaway (and some links to other giveaways!). I've been inspired to try and learn to sew!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY


Outside my Window...Lots of green from our weekend storms, along with lots of gnats!


I am thinking...that this Daybook is such a calming way to start a week!


I am thankful for...incredible friends who will listen and pray for you AND the fact that the Commencement Exercises at work went SO smoothly this weekend, even with maximum capacity on Sunday.


From the kitchen...Coffee, sweet coffee, since I've now not had a Diet Coke in SIX DAYS!!!!


I am creating...my menu and schedule for the week.


I am going...to try and plan for our annual Memorial Day trip.


I am wearing..."Comfy" clothes: my favorite trouser style jeans, brown t-shirt and brown Clarks (and the ever-present Chanel No. 5, of course! :) ).


I am reading..."Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert and "Waking the Dead" by John Eldredge


I am hoping...that we can stick to our budget this week, especially.


I am hearing..."I Stand Amazed" by Chris Tomlin, and my student employee typing in our outer office.


Around the house...mess, mess, mess. I was away at work all weekend and the house truly suffered. :(


One of my favorite things...don't know if it's just spring/summer fever, but salads seem to be a recurring theme around the daybooks, so I'll share mine. I LOVE my Caesar Salad: romaine lettuce, fresh parmesan/asiago cheese mix, anchovy fillets and my homemade dressing (olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic and coarse ground mustard). I could eat it every single day.


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Finish laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping, so my husband isn't left to fend for himself when the boys and I head up to Wisconsin for the weekend!


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

Go visit Peggy for some more daybooks, and have a wonderful week!

Tag, you're it!

My chica Heather from Finding Me In the Madness tagged me (and several others) for a brand new meme. Be warned, though, this one is a bit long and requires some thought and reflection.

Favorite person (outside family)? Hmm..."favorite" is such a subjective word, and I've always had a problem making decisions, so I'll give you a few: Cindy, Heather, Jules, Angie, Sherry & Serina.

Favorite food? Good grief, people! I'm such a foodie, and there are foods I like to make and foods I like to eat. Right now, I'm a big fan of bread, on both counts.

Quirks about you? I never really thought of myself as "quirky". Ever since I was a small child, I've had this thing about bathrooms. I use them. Everywhere. Like in every store, restaurant, home, etc. As I've grown, I've learned to control my need to, well, "use the facilities" so often, but rest assured, I can tell you where the bathrooms are in nearly every place I go.

How would the person who loves you most describe you in ten words or less? Hmm...I hope he says I'm a good wife and mother. I'd like him to say that I am working to be the woman God wants me to be, but because of where he is in life, that wouldn't even cross his mind. Is that ten words or less?

Any regrets in life? Lately my regret is that I didn't really press the issue of being a stay-at-home-mom with my husband before we were married and had children.

Favorite Charity/Cause? There are so many worthy ones. Many of my recent fundraising efforts have been devoted to our church's Haiti mission, New Life for Haiti. We are working to bring hope to a small village in the Grande Anse River Valley on the Southern Peninsula of Haiti. I hope to one day be able to go with a work team and meet the wonderful people there.

Favorite Blog recently? Again, just one?! I guess Pleasantview Schoolhouse. I love to read about Anna's life and I've stumbled upon so many other good reads just starting with hers.

Something you can’t get enough of? The Manimal's laughter, SS#1's silliness and coffee. I've gone three days without a Diet Coke...

Worst job you’ve ever had? Between my freshman and sophomore year of college, I signed with a temp agency. I got a call to work in a factory, assembling cardboard fireplaces for Hallmark Christmas ornament displays. I was bored out of my gourd and nobody talked (had to make quota, you know). I lifted and pushed this press for EIGHT HOURS each day. I worked for two days and when they called and asked if I wanted to come in for a week, I couldn't decline fast enough. However, I had a new respect for factory workers and a certainty that I NEVER wanted to do that again. I also chuckle every year when the stores construct the Hallmark Christmas displays.

What job would you pay NOT to have? Ever seen the show "Dirty Jobs"? Pick one.

If you could be a fly on the wall, where would you be? I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you. :) Not really, of course, but suffice it to say, it has to do with work.

Favorite Bible verse right now? "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Guilty Pleasure? Orange Sherbet with Chocolate Syrup (don't knock it til you've tried it!)

Got any confessions? Hmm...If I didn't think my husband would kill me, I would pack all of the basement junk up and put it out by the curb. I'm pretty serious about this decluttering thing.

If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it? Goodness...I'd probably buy some new clothes that actually fit well, or maybe use it to buy a sewing machine and take sewing lessons to MAKE some clothes! :)

Favorite thing about your house? I love my kitchen. It's the only room in the house that is pretty much always clean, and I absolutely love to cook. I also love that it really is the center of our home and there's always kid activity nearby.

Least favorite thing about your house? Clutter, but we're working on that. Unfortunately, we're a family of pack rats.

One thing you are bad at? Saying "no", but I'm getting better. I'm also a terrible personal procrastinator. I make lots of plans and work out details, but when it comes to follow-through on personal things, notsomuch.

One thing you’re good at? Planning, cooking...Yes, I know that's two things. Maybe I should change my previous answer to "decision-making".

If you could change something about your circumstances, what? I'd sell our house and move into a smaller, more affordable one so we could save money.

Who would you like to meet someday? Well, the obvious answer is Jesus. :) But I'd also like to meet my grandmothers as young women.

Who is your real life hero? My best friend, who is an amazing mom and loyal, loving wife. She isn't perfect, but is really working hard to be a Godly woman, mother and helpmeet to her husband. She inspires me to be a better person.

What is the hardest part of your job? Bureaucracy, politics...pretty much the same as anywhere else.

When are you most relaxed? The 30 minutes after the kids are snuggled in bed and I haven't started any evening projects yet, I'm just vegging out.

What stresses you out? Not being in control of a situation. I work on this EVERY day, since I'm an event planner by profession. It is a constant prayer to remember that, in reality, I control nothing.

What can you not live without? My church community, my family and my friends. Music is also high on my list.

Do you agree or disagree with the recent article that reported that blogs are authored by narcissists? To some degree, I think so. The idea that one's thoughts are "out there" for everyone to read has a sort of thrilling quality about it. The degree to which that narcissism influences the author's writing choices is negligible.

Why do you blog? As a sort of journal therapy. I also enjoy the cameraderie of the blogosphere, as it reminds me that the world is really a very small place.

Who are you tagging?
New/Newer bloggers - Toni and Carolyn
Bloggy friends - Stacy and Sasha
Bloggers you’d like to get to know better - His Child and 50's Housewife
Bloggers who you don't think will respond, but you hope will - JourneyMama and Anna

Okay - rules:
1. Answer ALL the questions
2. Link back to whoever tagged you
3. Tag eight bloggers to do the same, 2 from each category.
New/ newer bloggers (since we want to share the love and send them traffic)
Bloggy friendsBloggers you’d like to get to know better
Bloggers you don’t think will respond, but you hope will

Have fun!

Tips and Tricks

Are you like me, always soliciting advice about various projects? Then, boy oh boy, do I have a website for you! Check out TipNut for everything you could ever want to know about homekeeping, cooking, crafts, DIY projects and more.

Warning: You will likely get sucked in, so make sure you've got a few minutes (or hours).

Thank You

It's not about politics.

It's about service and sacrifice.

It's about gratitude.



Visit The Gratitude Campaign.

The Simple Woman's Daybook--May 12th

I've been on a quest as of late. I'm trying to simplify my life and live more as a true reflection of my faith. One of the blogs introduced to me is The Simple Woman. I love reading Peggy's writings and am joining her Monday meme.

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...Sunshine, blessed sunshine. One would've thought we were in monsoon country yesterday. The Manimal decided to check out the pouring rain on the patio dressed only in a t-shirt and diaper.

I am thinking...about my very busy workweek and everything I have to do at home.

I am thankful for...the love and grace of an ever-faithful God, the love and support of dear friends, near and far.

From the kitchen...homemade Peasant Bread. I'm on a homemade bread kick and it's SO yummy!

I am creating...our family budget and my homekeeping plan.

I am going...to try and remember that God doesn't put us in any situation that (with His help) we can't handle.

I am wearing...brown glen plaid pants, apple green top and my favorite denim jacket.

I am reading..."Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey and "Waking the Dead" by John Eldredge

I am hoping...for a productive week at home.

I am hearing...the hum of my computer and "I'll Fly Away" on my iPod.

Around the house...laundry to be done and rooms to be cleaned. But the kitchen is clean!

One of my favorite things...a plan.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Haircuts for me and The Manimal, making sure SS#1 doesn't forget his homework at school, trying out the ciabatta bread recipe.

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


Go see Peggy and check out some other Daybooks!

When We Last Left Our Hero...

...he was headed off to school with SS#1. He had a great time teaching all of the second graders how to spell his hometown and teaching them all about Canada. He also enjoyed a school lunch of a ham sandwich, baby carrots and some cake as a snack.
After school, we took a trip to the park. Monkey was thrilled to hear there would be monkey bars.
Unfortunately, this isn't the kind of hanging around the monkey bars that he had in mind.
Fortunately, his buddy jumped in and gave him a little ride in the stroller.

The rest of the evening was pretty quiet,but Monkey enjoyed some authentic homemade Mexican food. He wished that fried plantains were on the menu, but gnoshed on chicken tacos, red rice and refried beans. Yum!

Thursday dawned bright and early and Monkey accompanied me to work. Our monkey grew up so quickly. It seems like only yesterday he was in second grade and now he's off to...COLLEGE!

Yes, that's right, Monkey decided to check out the campus life. He was really the B.M.O.C. (Big Monkey on Campus) as he checked out the bookstore.

Unfortunately, Monkey-sized clothing was in short supply. Then he saw a business opportunity.
Fortunately a few kind coeds told Monkey exactly how much money those pricey college texts will get you.

If you look carefully, you'll see the little wings on Monkey's chest. He was so excited to be made an honorary Flyer, that he wondered if he'd be able to fly this to his next stop in Michigan.
He was disappointed to discover that this particular aircraft was grounded and only used for class instruction.
He decided that he'd attend class on his next Monkey Tour.

After all that touring, Monkey needed a break, so he grabbed a seat outside and caught up on campus news.
Today, his last day in town, was no less packed with activities. Monkey had his first visit to the dentist. He was a little nervous, but the friendly hygienist Tina really made him feel comfortable. She showed him how to brush carefully and told him to keep up the good work as he travelled.
Monkey did so well at the dentist that we decided to take a little drive. Monkey got to see the official state flower of Illinois...
The construction barrel! He was surprised to see so many of them as he "got his kicks".
That's right. It winds from Chicago to L.A., and right through Romeoville--Historic Route 66! Monkey was so excited to travel down this road, and even more excited to see Jake and Ellwood!
We took a break from our drive to check out a roadside attraction in nearby Joliet.

Monkey's excited to move on to his next stop, but not before a relaxing dinner tonight and good night's sleep. Stay tuned for the next installment of the Tour!

Friday Follies

Monkey is having an absolute blast with the Diva Family. The Manimal and SS#1 have regular arguments over who gets to entertain their guest. Stay tuned later today to hear his escapades of the last two days, including authentic Mexican food, a trip to the dentist, his ride down Historic Route 66 and how Monkey became an honorary Flyer! :)

He's Here! He's Here!

Our favorite Canadian Simian arrived safely at the Diva Household yesterday and didn't seem too much the worse for wear. After some acclimation, he went straight for the bananas. He was thrilled to see that we'd prepared well for his visit.

The Manimal immediately claimed Monkey as his own.
Unfortunately, he was very perplexed as to where the rest of Monkey's socks were. He felt that the other appendages must be cold, since they didn't have the nice warm fuzzy socks.
After his trip, Monkey was content to watch a bit of after-school television with The Manimal (especially since other animals were the subject!).

Later we discovered that Monkey had a knack for spelling, as he helped Sweet Son #1 with his homework. Of course, anyone who can spell W-I-N-N-I-P-E-G, M-A-N-I-T-O-B-A is sure to be a spelling bee champion.

Monkey was thrilled to find out that he'd be enjoying some "local cuisine" for dinner, as we introduced him to the Chicago Hot Dog. No ketchup on this dog, thankyouverymuch. Just mustard, chopped tomatoes and a bit of celery salt. Monkey enjoyed his hot dog dinner immensely.
After a long day of travel, Monkey was pretty exhausted. We'd set up the guest room for him, but he chose to bunk with his new best bud and some other friends he'd made. We had our story and it was time to snuggle down for the night.

Sweet Dreams!

Next....Monkey is headed off to second grade with SS#1, and because of his academic prowess, will head right to college!

He's Coming! He's Coming!

Heard from Meg that Monkey has safely (and sadly) left The Little Cottage and is on his way to the Diva Household. Woo-hoo! Don't worry, Monkey, you'll have fun here! :)