Being Refined As Silver: March 2012

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.

1. What's the last job you did that required elbow grease?

Scrubbing the tub. Usually my husband does that for me, but when I was cleaning the bathroom I just couldn't wait for him to do it. I wanted everything super clean at once ;)

2. March Madness, aka the men's Division I basketball championship, is nearing an end. What sort of 'madness' has your house seen this month?

The switching of clothes from winter to summer. I finished the children's clothes and a few days after putting away all their long sleeved shirts we had to take them out again.

3. What's your favorite shop for browsing?

A boutique that sells Vera Bradley. I love looking at all the new patterns and items that I would never buy like a designer notebook.

4. Is there ever a time when giving up makes sense?

The only thing that comes to mind is giving up on trying to be in control of everything. When you have a Heavenly Father that is in control and knows what is best there is no reason to.

5. What's a song you love that contains the name of a city, state or country in its title?

New York, New York by Frank Sinatra (what New Yorker doesn't love that song?)
New York State of Mind by Billy Joel (fellow Long Islander)
Mexico by James Taylor ("I've never really been there...")

6. When did you first begin using a computer?

Probably in the early 90s. I remember switching from a word processor to a computer to do my homework. I know I had an email address on my first resume and that was all so new.

7. Did you buy girl scout cookies this year? What's your favorite?

Yes, only because my niece was selling them. My favorite is Samoas, if I had to pick one. I also like Tag-Alongs and Thin Mints, especially in the freezer. This year I don't think I can eat them because of my dairy and egg intolerance though :( I did hear Thin Mints are vegan though so will have to check out the ingredients. I am not vegan but it helps when finding foods that are egg and milk free.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Thanks for another great Hodgepodge Joyce. These questions always get me a thinkin'!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... the sun is setting and I have a beautiful view out the kitchen window. Today felt like March, it was in the 50s which felt chilly since we were having such warm weather last week.

I am thinking... I better start planning for Easter. It is next Sunday already.

I am thankful for... OREOS. Since going egg and dairy free there isn't much I can eat that comes out of a package. Yesterday at church when dessert came out I was so happy to see OREOS so I could have a few with the oranges I brought.

From the learning rooms... we learned about dinosaurs and creation, space rocks, did math, spelling, etc.

From the kitchen... chuck steak on the grill, green beans and fresh rye bread from the bakery.

I am wearing... jeans and a blue shirt.

I am going... to soccer with the kids this week. It might be cold on the field so I better take out a coat ;)

I am reading... the Bible.

I am hearing... my children talking, tin foil crinkling, my computer humming.

One of my favorite things: brightly colored nail polish. I have hot pink on my toes-maybe I'll be adventurous and put it on my finger nails.

Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.

1. The first day of spring is here...do you enjoy working in the yard? Weeding, raking, mowing, planting-your favorite springtime garden chore? How about your least favorite?

No, I don't enjoy working in the yard, but I enjoy sitting out there. My favorite would have to be raking since I don't actually have to touch any dirt. My least favorite then would have to be planting. One sight of a worm and I am done!

2. What puts a spring in your step?

God's Word. After spending time in God's Word I have a new energy to face the day.

3. Describe a time when you had to spring into action?

When we received a phone call that my father-in-law had fallen. Good thing they only live a few blocks away.

4. We're having carrots for dinner...would you prefer yours raw or cooked?

I love carrots. I like them raw, cooked and mashed. My grandmother made the best carrots ever!

5. Do you take the shampoos and other sundries from your hotel room when it's time to check out?

Yes, I like having little reminders of my travels since I don't travel often anymore.

6. What's the most enjoyable team or club you've belonged to and what was it that made it so?

I haven't belonged to many teams or clubs. I would have to say my ladies book club. I love getting together and sharing our thoughts on things.

7. Is cloning a sign of progress?

No. I think it is going backwards. If that makes sense!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is warm and beautiful. I have the windows open and there is a gentle breeze coming in. Today was the first day we wore shorts this year :) The car read 71 degrees :)

I am thinking... I can't believe we didn't get hardly any snow this winter.

I am thankful for... frozen soy and frozen dessert made from coconut milk. I am off dairy and miss ice cream but these are pretty good.

From the learning rooms... we did our first timeline activity for Mystery of History today. The children seem to enjoy it.

From the kitchen... steak on the grill, brown rice and salad.

I am wearing... black Bermuda shorts and a coral t-shirt.

I am going... to acupuncture this week :)

I am reading... the Bible and a lot of egg free and dairy free cookbooks, "The Doctrine of Repentance".

I am hearing... my daughter singing "Shower the People", my son playing DS and the birds chirping.

One of my favorite things: driving with all of the windows open and the breeze blowing through. Today we were playing James Taylor and the kids were singing :)

Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.

1. St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated this coming Saturday...what's a favorite article of clothing you own that contains a touch o' the green?

I have many teal shirts and a forest green one. Does a pocketbook count? If so, I have a big light green one that I bought at TJ Maxx and I love. The only thing I ever find at TJ Maxx is shoes and pocketbooks :)

2. What's a favorite 'green space' in the town, state, or province where you live?

The ocean which is about 20 minutes away. Here in my town we have a beach that faces the Long Island Sound and it is really beautiful. There are lots of other parks and beaches that have walking trails too.

3. Do you wish you were taller, shorter, or think you're just about right in the height department?

I am 5' 7" which is just right for me. I used to want to be taller so I could wear super high heels but those days are over ;)

4. What's the surest way for someone to pick a fight with you?

Say something negative about someone in my family. I am loyal and very protective of those I love!

5. Broccoli-Spinach-String Beans-Peas...of the four, your favorite green veg? (Or the one you dislike the least if that first option's too hard. I just know there's some veggie haters out there.)

Broccoli is my favorite. I only like baby spinach in a salad. Green beans and peas are okay. I try to eat them to get my greens in.

6. March is National Women's History Month...besides friends, neighbors and the women you're related to, who's a woman in history you admire and why?

Susanna Wesley. What an amaming woman! You can read more about why here.7.

Keep Calm and ____________on.
You fill in the blank.

"Carry". Keep Calm and Carry on.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I didn't appreciate losing an hour of sleep for daylight savings time, but sure am now. It is almost 6:00 and the sun is just starting to go down. I am sitting in my year while chicken cooks on the BBQ and listening to the birds. You can hear all of the children out playing- what a sweet sound :)

Monday, March 12, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is warm and beautiful. I have the windows open and there is a gentle breeze coming in. We will be going out soon so the kids can play.

I am thinking... I can't wait for my daughter to finish her schoolwork so I can feel the warm sun on my face.

I am thankful for... the changing weather. I love that we have four seasons here. Even though fall is my favorite, there is something nice about when spring comes along.

From the learning rooms... our regular schedule today.

From the kitchen... I am planning on making an Irish Soda Bread later. I made one yesterday but it wasn't my normal recipe and it wasn't nearly as good. You can find the recipe I love here.

I am wearing... black pants and a coral colored short sleeve v-neck.

I am going... ladies' book club this week.

I am reading... the Bible and a lot of egg free and dairy free cookbooks.

I am hearing... the next door neighbor's dog barking.

One of my favorite things: Irish Soda Bread with soft butter. Here is a picture of the one I made last year:

This year I will have to replace the egg with a substitute.
Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.

1. Did March come in like a lion or was it something less ferocious in your neck of the woods?

It was not as ferocious as a lion here. It has been a very mild winter. Today was the warmest day yet, 63 degrees!

2. Speaking of lions, which one's your film favorite...The Cowardly Lion (Wizard of Oz), Mufasa (The Lion King), Elsa (Born Free), or Alex (Madagascar)? You may notice I left Aslan off the list. Including him would have made this question way too easy for many of you.

I don't know the last two so I will go with The Cowardly Lion. Really though isn't that what everyone wants....more courage.

3. What's your favorite spot from which to view the sunrise or sunset?

The beach. I love sitting there watching the sunset over the water. I am not much of a photographer so I don't have any pictures.

4. To what extent is knowledge power and to what extent is truth power? What's the difference?

Whoa! That made my head spin for a minute! Knowledge is power when you know the truth and then can take action. Truth is power because the truth shall set you free! "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

5. What's something peculiar you've seen recently?

Not so recently....but one of our neighbors has an old pick up truck in his driveway. At Christmastime he puts Santa in the driver's seat all lit up.

6. Bottled water...your thoughts?

Well I think bottled water is way overrated. There are certainly times when it is convenient like when packing a cooler and your thermos isn't going to hold enough or when I am on my Gazelle working out and the bottle holder only fits a bottled water upside down! We have a filter at our sink so when home that is the easiest way to get water to drink. It angers me that amusement parks and the like can charge $4 for a bottle of water when you can buy a case for that price. Then again water fountains gross me out so there aren't many choices.

7. What's your strongest sense?

Smell. I am very sensitive to smells. My eyes are tired since I had a balance problem I've relied heavily on my sight.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Who knew that I could think that much about bottled water ;)

Monday, March 5, 2012

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is sunny and brisk. I sat outside while the kids played and was cold even with my winter coat. It is only in the low 40s.

I am thinking... I am hungry, can't wait for dinner.

I am thankful for... a variety of food to choose from. We are so spoiled here with all the food we have and that we can pick what we would like to eat.

From the learning rooms... we covered the basics today. We will be starting "The Mystery of History" this week. I am excited about it.

From the kitchen... baked chicken legs, potatoes, carrots.

I am wearing... jeans, a black long sleeve shirt and flip flops (just for inside).

I am going... to a friend's house tomorrow, acupuncture on Wednesday and church on Sunday.

I am reading... the Bible, "Womanly Dominion" (I have finished reading it but since our book club only meets once a month I still reread and review), "Cooking for Isaiah".

I am hearing... Tom and Jerry on TV.

One of my favorite things: a big snowfall. We didn't have any this year. It snowed once but mixed with freezing rain so we only went sledding twice. Here is a picture from last winter. What fun that was!

Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Blogger Help

Does anyone know why I am unable to change my font colors with blogger? In the past I would just go to design, edit templete, then advanced. Now when I do that I am not getting any options for colors, only to change fonts. Anyone else having the same problem or know what I am doing wrong?
Thanks :)