Simple Woman's Daybook - June 2017

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook for June 20th, 2017.

Outside my Window...it is warm and sunny today. The kids had swim team practice and my two daughters taught swim lessons to the little ones.  I was able to sit out on the back porch for a little while listening to the radio.

I am Thinking...that I'm glad I started a self-esteem journal:  

Self-Esteem Journal: WB - June 14, 2017

Mon	Something I did well today…	I made my own Starbucks drink:  Chocolate Mint Latte (Venti – 100 calories – 35 cents) I saved $5.00 for making my own Starbucks drink.
Mon	Today I had fun when…	I ate too much popcorn.  (Not good, but it was fun.)  I regretted it afterwards!  The new meds I’m on may be making me hungrier.  I’m going to have to dial back my eating habits.
Mon	I felt proud when…	I completed a journal entry for the month of June for A Simple Woman’s Daybook. I recorded the brief status of all the children.
Tues	Today I accomplished…	I arranged an appointment with the psychiatrist at the hospital since I’m transitioning from Greenwald.  I also arranged the medication administration for the prescription two days afterwards.
Tues	I had a positive experience with…	A forty minute workout at the gym.  I spent thirty minutes on the treadmill.  It was a hot day and too difficult to walk outside for long.
Tues	Something I did for someone…	I gave Fred’s sons popsicles because they were working on the back deck in the hot sun! They really do a great job, and I love the way Fred teaches his sons a skill while he works.
Wed	I felt good about myself when…	I got up early to be on time for outpatient  therapy.  The staff at the hospital are very good and give me good ideas to help my progress.  This form is one of their ideas.
Wed	I was proud of someone else…	When a fellow patient managed difficult traffic and helped her mom at the same time.  I wish I could help my mom more but she lives too far away.  Also, traffic can be a challenge for me at times.
Wed	Today was interesting because…	Someone said, “they stayed in the now.” = PRESENT MOMENT - They didn’t know when to stop talking about it which shows they credit themselves rather than God. Anyway, it is a start. I also didn’t reveal that we need to be gracious to God rather than ourselves.  People are very touchy when it comes to religion.
Thur	I felt proud when…	I went grocery shopping at 6:00 a.m. to hear the Safeway employees jamming to oldies.  I bought all the items for the Swim Team Pasta Feast.
Thur	A positive thing I witnessed…	Patrick woke up to make his own eggs today without being asked to do it.  He even said he would make eggs for me every day.
Thur	Today I accomplished…	I bought my Melalueca products (shampoo, crème rinse, dish soap, healthy drink mixes and snack bars, sun lotion, chap stick).  I took my vitamins and healthy drinks today.  I also made the pasta dish for the Pasta Dinner on Friday.
Fri	Something I did well today…	I got up early and walked Bella and was ready to attend outpatient therapy on time.  I had a good session with the therapist, Lauren, who helped me with my discharge plans. I also made the dessert for the swim team pasta dinner.
Fri	I had a positive experience with (a person, place, thing)…	Claire’s friend Etta’s parents.  They took the girls to a graduation celebration and Claire was able to spend the night at Etta’s house.  We had happy hour together for about 40 minutes or so when I dropped Claire off and her parents are so nice.
Fri	I was proud of someone when…	Peyton takes the CLEP classes at Montgomery College so only studies quickly and takes the test.  It is an accelerated pace for taking the classes.  I complimented her.  I was also proud of Clarice who forgave her mother-in-law.
Sat	Today I had fun when…	I attended a social gathering for Alumni parents from my daughters’ high school.  I’m so glad I went as I met some wonderful people including the head of the first Oakcrest School when it was located in WDC.
Sat	Something I did for someone…	I sent a wonderful mom an email message that I will be coming to an event at the YUMA center for women. It is on organization…boy do I need this!
Sat	I felt good about myself when…	I finally got to organize my clothes and shoes in my bedroom.  The men are coming over to fix the air conditioning and I have to tidy up the place.
Sun	A positive thing I witnessed…	My daughter and her boyfriend are so close and very happy together.  It is wonderful to see them interact together.
Sun	Today was interesting because…	My brother, who has colon cancer, decided to stop by and wish my hubby a Happy Father’s Day.
Sun	I felt proud when…	I helped make shish kabobs on the grill for Father’s Day dinner.

I am Thankful...for being able to pay some medical bills this morning.

In the Kitchen...We may be having pork chops...again.  It seems we have them every time I do a Simple Woman's Journal entry.

I am Wearing...Grey shorts with green trim and a grey tee with black flip flops.

I am Creating...I finished the craft for journal class but had to change the date from tomorrow to July 5th.

I am Looking Forward to...the Pancake breakfast tomorrow morning.  I have to make eggs, sausage, and cheese.

I am Hearing...absolutely nothing except my daughter walking and touching things in the kitchen occasionally.  My ten year old went to the pool with the neighbors and I picked my daughter up early from life guarding. My oldest just woke up from a nap.

Around the House...The dog is staring out the front door being the watch dog. Here is a recent pic of Bella with me:

I am Praying...for my that next year it runs smoothly that I am assisting with teaching science classes in the homeschool coop. 

One of My Favorite Things...was meeting and talking to the moms in the coop the other night about the classes, budget, and schedules.

A Few Plans for Next Week... schedule a physical for my daughter to go to college in the fall.

Here are some recent pics to share of our meal on Father's Day:

shish kabobs

A creation from my daughter's boyfriend

Simple Woman's Daybook - January 2017

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook for January 2017.

Outside my Window...it is overcast with a slight breeze today and a bit cold.  Our dog cries when she sees our neighbor's dog running in her yard inside the electric fenced in area.  Our dog is put on a leash.  I've been asking my husband if we can get an electric fence for our back yard so that we can let Bella run around and get some exercise.  He thinks it is a waste of money.  Say some prayers that my husband will understand that our dog, Bella, needs to get exercise too.

I am Thinking...that this month will be a joyful month since all five of our children will be home with us.  I never get to see my oldest son who will soon have his Ph.D. in engineering.  His lease is up on his house and he will be staying with us during part of his last six months of research at college for his Ph.D.  I've been making him some chicken fried rice so that he has something healthy to eat when he gets hungry.  My second oldest son, who is a good cook, gave me the idea to cook with soy sauce.  It worked out quite well.  In fact, he is going to make dinner tonight for our family since he is on break from college.  Here is his meal:  

Brandyn's yummy dinner

I was able to have lunch with my oldest daughter yesterday and she filled me in on all her friendships in college.  She met a nice boy recently and he sounds like a real sweetheart.  She just returned from a Focus Mission Trip to San Antonio.  

My son and his girlfriend are so cute together.  Here they are working together to make sushi.  They have their college education to finish before they settle down together.  Please say a prayer so that their relationship continues to grow with the blessings of Christ.

Cute couple!

I am Thankful...for the relationships my children have established as siblings.  It is so good to see my youngest and oldest bond together as I know they are very good for each other...especially at this time.  My two daughters fill our home with tons of giggling and laughter.  It is wonderful to see their relationship develop.  My second oldest's girlfriend fits right in with them too.  I am also thankful for scouting for my son and husband.  Here is some recent pics:

Husband as cub master in same troop my father began years ago.

In the Kitchen...Last night I made pork chops, potatoes, and broccoli with cheese.  Tonight my son is cooking dinner.  We will all be pleasantly surprised.  This luxury can take place while he is on break from school.  He returns to college classes on the 25th of January.

My little scout!

 I am Wearing...gray sweat pants and a black long sleeved shirt.

I am Creating...A craft for my journal writing homeschool class.

I am Looking Forward to...not having to go to the doctor because I'm not feeling well anymore.  I've been having a lot of fatigue and some shortness of breath that has greatly worried me.  I've been able to receive doctor reports that are positive about my health.  I'm taking vitamins, exercising more, and quitting unhealthy habits.  I hope to be healthier and have more energy to do things this year.

I am Hearing...my 5th grader, who is the last child homeschooled, do research on the thickness of ice and when it is safe to walk on it.  We have a pond behind our back yard and he threw a heavy stick on it to see if it would sink.  The pond is frozen.  We told him he can not go on it.  He is also talking to me about building a tree fort in our back yard.  He comes up with ideas between his subjects during the day all the time.

Around the House...We finally have a handy man coming to fix odd jobs we have to take care of around the house.  We need two new toilets, better lighting, closet doors, book shelves, new faucets, new sink basin, towel racks installed, t.v. mounted on wall, etc.  Also, we've been able to declutter a bit since my oldest moved back in for a short duration until he receives his Ph.D.

I am Praying...for my husband to find where the mice are getting in our house.  They get in our utensil drawers in the kitchen and leave their droppings everywhere.  Right now, all our knives, spoons, and forks are out of their drawers and on top of the counters.  It is a pain in the neck.

One of My Favorite Things...was being able to watch some football games together as a family this month.  We all seem to like the Green Bay Packers.  My oldest son has the same smile as Aaron Rodgers - their quarterback. My oldest son is the one who got our family hooked as official 'cheese heads.' 

A Few Plans for Next Week...attend a wedding in Missouri with my husband.  Our good friend's son is getting married. Also, meet my friend at the local mall to walk together for some exercise.

Here is a recent pic to share of one January evening while watching a football game:

Night of the Green Bay Packer's game

Weekend Happenings

This month of April in Maryland is so nice when the temperature is in the low 70's because we can spend a lot of time out on our back deck without mosquitoes, knats, and heat.  We thouroughly enjoyed the outdoors this past weekend.

To begin, this is a picture of my daughter getting ready to attend her junior prom on Friday night.  She said, "we danced all night."  Therefore, I know it was a good time.  She double dated with her good friend.  When I picked her up Saturday morning, I drove with the windows down and listened to oldies.  It is about an hours drive as her friend lives in Virginia.  This is what life is like when one lives in the Maryland, WDC, Virginia corridor.  The kids private high schools have students attending from both states and often have to receive rides from parents to and from activities.

Furthermore, my hubby bought a new deck chair and pillows for the chairs we currently have on the deck.  We ate our dinner both nights out on the back deck.  Saturday we had Salmon and Sunday we had sishkabobs.  Our neighbor's cat wanted some of our Salmon.  It was quite comical.  On Sunday, we said family prayers on the deck after dinner.  Hubby and I were also able to take our traditional walks on the bike path in town.  This is great exercise for us with my occasional arthritis and after my hubby's heart surgery.

On Sunday it was so heartwarming to hear our son playing with the neighbors children all day long.  It is such a joy to hear the laughter of children in the neighborhood.  My hubby and son also cleaned up all the debris in the yard (sticks and stuff). It is nice to see how helpful my youngest child is when we need help with something.

I was able to register and submit the downpayment for my son to attend a new homeschool coop next year that meets weekly.  They provide history, science, art/choir, and IEW.  It will be good for us.  I also plan to continue to attend our current coop which is further away and meets bi-weekly.  I will not have to plan and teach in the new coop. I can plan my materials over the summer to teach in the old coop.  I will have to assist and help out where I can in both coops.  I think we can swing both coops because the one we're in now does not include core subjects but usually fun type classes.  I can do all my planning over the summer and it only meets twice a month.  I've begun planning my crafts for the class I'm teaching this weekend.

I also began reading The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church by Monica Migliorino Miller (out on the back deck in my new chair). I'm really enjoying this book.  I was able to call grandma to see how she is doing too.  It was good to talk to her.  We attended the 11:00 am Mass and there were baptisms for about 5 or 6 infants.  It was nice to see. We completed the final edits on my son's book report about Thomas Aquinas, and I was able to take a long bath, shave, and apply lotion to my dry skin.  It was a good weekend with beautiful weather that we took advantage of spending much time outdoors.

Simple Woman's Daybook - April 13, 2016 - April 14, 2016

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook:

Outside my window...it was a bright sunny day today and yesterday in Maryland.  It is finally warming up a bit but is still too cool for me.  It is often cool lately for this time in our state...in the 50's or low 60's.  It is more often in the 70's during April in Maryland. 

I am thinking...that I am grateful for the Bible study my hubby and I are attending at our parish.  Some of the questions were:

1)  Identify people and events that God used to help you come to faith in Jesus.

The constant love between my own mother and father greatly greatly assisted me in falling in love with the Lord.

Also, when I broke up with my first serious boyfriend, I finally realized how important family was to me.

After I was assaulted in a woman's restroom, I turned to the Lord more often.

Each of these situations played a huge role in fostering my faith life.

2)  Who cultivated your curiosity?

My religious education classes taught me a lot about Jesus, the Mass drew me in, my parents constant love, and the suffering after the assault all cultivated my curiosity or planted seeds w/in me to explore further into His love. Both words, actions, suffering and His very presence drew me closer to the Lord.

3)  Who explained the Gospel?  

My religious education teachers taught me the parables and sacraments while my parents taught me through virtuous actions and living.

4)  Who invited you to make a personal decision to accept Christ into your life?

It was never a choice.  Christ was always present, and I ran to him.  I've accepted the Lord from the beginning.

I am thankful...that I was able to hold the Journal Writing Class at my house today.  The boys had so much fun.  It was a beautiful day and they were able to play outside often.  I am also grateful that my leg stopped hurting.

In the kitchen...We are having shish kabobs tonight.

I am wearing...a pair of blue warm ups with a grey jacket.

I am creating...I finished my craft and chose some Bible verses for my Journal Writing Class Thursday.  I also chose some books for the Journal Writing Class I'm teaching at our homeschool coop next year too.  I sent out the song with sign language we are going to learn and asked the moms to do a summer prerequisite for the class.  They are to teach their children what the word VIRTUE means, point out examples, and practice the song occasionally.  Friday I am looking at a closer coop to home which means we might do both coops as the one I'm in now only meets every other week and is 50 minutes away.  Here is my Virtue Song:

Virtue Song

(Tune:  Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush)

Help Me See the Virtue

The Virtue

The Virtue

Help Me See the Virtue

In the World Around Me

Help Me Have the Wisdom

The Wisdom

The Wisdom

Help Me have the Wisdom

In Decisions I Make

Help Me Seek the Knowledge

The Knowledge

The Knowledge

Help Me Seek the Knowledge

In People that I Trust

Anchor Thoughts bring Joy

Bring Joy

Bring Joy

Anchor Thoughts bring Joy

To Everyone I Meet

I am going... to check out another coop tomorrow that is closer to home.  They offer History, Science, Art/Music, and IEW course.  It sounds great.  They meet once a week.

I am wondering...how my daughter will enjoy her junior prom tomorrow night.  She is double dating with a friend. I picked her dress up from the cleaners today as it needed to be hemmed.

I am looking forward to... picking up my dog, Bella, from the vet later today.  When I woke up, I noticed a big stain of blood on our white couch.  She kept licking as though she were swallowing the blood.  The vet said, "she had a 3.5 leison under the right side of her tongue and her tooth was loose.  The tooth had to be extracted and she needed stitches.  Nobody knows what she did to herself.

I am hearing...my two sons and I clicking away on computers.

Around the house...I need to organize better.

I am praying...for Ted Cruz and his family.

One of my favorite things...teaching my son how to write and communicate.

A few plans for the rest of the week...is to visit the new coop, get my nails done with my daughter, drive my daughter to her friend's house on prom night and take pictures, pick up my dog, and continue to pray for the list of people I wrote down on paper.  It helps me to remember when it is written down.

Here is a recent picture of Journal Writing Class today: