Being Refined As Silver: July 2012

Monday, July 30, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... the sun is setting over the big pine trees in my backyard.

I am thinking... when will Baby Story come out with new episodes? I DVR 4 episodes a day and I have seen them all!

I am thankful for... a beautiful day shared with family.

From the learning rooms... we are on summer vacation.

From the kitchen... not much of a dinner tonight. The kids and I had bagels that my Mom brought us from a great bagel shop so we are pretty full. Lunch was grilled hot dogs, mac and cheese and chips.

I am wearing... gray capris and a purple top.

I am going... to the chiropractor this week.

I am reading... the Bible, "Lies Women Believe".

I am hearing... Jeopardy and the kids playing.

One of my favorite things: rainbow ice.

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

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.
1. The Summer Olympics officially begin this Friday night...will you be watching? If you could see just one event in person which one would you pick?

Probably not. I do like to watch gymnastics. I find it amazing how they do that!

2.Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

Both. I feel rested at first but then I start feeling underproductive so I start doing something. It is hard for me to have a lazy day AND night.

3. July 25th is 'officially' Threading the Needle Day...can you sew? On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not at all and 10 being Betsy Ross-like, how would you rate your skill with a needle and thread?

I am a 1. I can sew if I have to, but it isn't neat. I wouldn't sew anything other than pajamas or something that isn't worn in public. I do have a sewing machine although I only used it when I took a quilting class years ago. That quilt is still waiting to be finished ;)

4. 'Threading the Needle' can also mean to walk a fine line between two things or issues (think awkward social situation). When was the last time you had to 'thread the needle', figuratively speaking?

I can't think of a time. Joyce stumped me on this question! I bet after I read a bunch of other hodgepodges I might have a better idea- LOL!

5. Kidney, pinto, black, or navy...your favorite bean?

I like black beans when they are mixed with ground beef and on top of nachos.

6. Have you ever hosted a garage sale? Was it more success or bust?

Yes, twice. It was a success to me because I got rid of stuff and made some money.

7. What makes you roll your eyes?

Parents who act like they aren't the parent and give in to their children in public. Yesterday there was a woman with two small children at Kohl's. They were having a temper tantrum and when I looked next the mother was outside of the store while the kids were playing with the handicapped door opener. She was standing there waiting while they did what they wanted which was obviously the cause of their temper tantrum. Prime example of child centered parenting. Okay, I am done rolling my eyes.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My echocardiogram came back normal :) Thank you to all who prayed.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is dark and all is quiet.

I am thinking... I am thankful that my echocardiogram came back normal :) Praise God!

I am thankful for... a wonderful day spent with my good friend Jen who moved last year and is back visiting.

From the learning rooms... we are on summer vacation.

From the kitchen... grilled sweet Italian sausage with sauteed green peppers and onions on fresh Italian bread from the bakery- YUM! I know we had this last week on Monday too! This week we also had corn on the cob.

I am wearing... coral striped capri pajama pants with a coral top. This week I am weating the same thing but I promise I washed them ;)

I am going... to bed soon :)

I am reading... the Bible, "Lies Women Believe".

I am hearing... the TV and A/C

One of my favorite things: days filled with sweet fellowship with good friends.

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

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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

1. The Summer Olympics begin next week and London is playing host. If you had the chance to go in person which (non-Olympic) London site would you most like to visit?

I have been to London and once is enough for me. Tower Bridge is probably my favorite. A traditional pub for some fish and chips with malt vinegar would be in order too ;)

2. What is something in your life right now that feels like an Olympic event?

Organizing. It never seems to end and just when I think I am finished I start another project. I try to get rid of stuff but somehow it just makes more work for me.

3. What's your favorite supper to prepare and serve when it's too hot to cook?

Sausage and peppers. I have to use the stovetop but at least not the oven. I boil the sausage to get some of the fat out and then grill them the rest of the way. I sautee the peppers and onions in some olive oil on the stove. It is especially good on fresh Italian bread.

4. July 18th is National Get Out of the Doghouse Day...when was the last time you were 'in the doghouse'?

I can't think of a time ;) I am sure I do things to annoy people often but not bad enough to be in the doghouse. Although last Saturday was probably pretty close. I asked my husband to take me to pick up two desks that were for free off of Craig's List. It was a super hot day and he had other plans which didn't involve moving big, heavy desks ;) Thankfully he is not quick to anger and forgives easily :)

5. What television advertisement do you find particularly irritating or inappropriate? You may not answer with 'all of them'. I know some of you were thinking about it.

I think it is inappropriate for all of the presciption medicine commercials. I can't stand listening to them, especially when they start going through all of the side effects. I have to hit mute on the remote so I don't have to listen to it.

6. Share one piece of interesting news from the year you were born.

The last U.S. Ground Troops were withdrawn from Vietnam. I was obviously too young to remember but what a terrible time for our soldiers that was, no matter what your beliefs. I am thankful to all those who serve our country, no matter when or where.

7. What's the best part of your average day?

Dinner time. I love sitting together with my family and enjoying a meal together.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It looks like a lot of my answers this week involve food. I guess I am hungry- LOL!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is dark out now. Today was sunny and hot. 92 is way too hot for my liking.

I am thinking... I hope my echocardiogram comes back with good results.

I am thankful for... making it through the echocardiogram today. It was hard for me to lay still for so long. Turns out there was an apprentice with the technican and of course I said I didn't mind. As a teacher I often took student teachers knowing the real way to learn was through experience.

From the learning rooms... we are on summer vacation.

From the kitchen... grilled sweet Italian sausage with sauteed green peppers and onions on fresh Italian bread from the bakery- YUM!

I am wearing... coral striped capri pajama pants with a coral top.

I am going... to see my friend Jen who moved to NC next week :)

I am reading... the Bible, "Lies Women Believe".

I am hearing... the air conditioner.

One of my favorite things: McDonalds coffee. I know it isn't good to promote fast food but really a large coffee for $1! My new favorite treat.

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

Friday, July 13, 2012

Happy Birthday To Me!

(photo credit here)
Yesterday I celebrated a big birthday (hint...it wasn't 30)! It was a beautiful day. We headed to the beach and enjoyed our day there. There were only a few other people there so we had lots of space. Dinner was take out from our favorite BBQ place which we ate at the picnic area at the beach. Then home for cake and frozen dessert made with coconut milk and coffee. I received lots of cards, phone calls and emails from family and friends both near and far. My husband and children spoiled me with some new Vera Bradleys. Here is the hipster:

And the cosmetic bag:

And the ID holder (no, that isn't my ID):

I thank God for the gift of life and for His perfect plan for my life!
Trusting Him,

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Wednesday's Hodgepodge- No To The Moon For Me!

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

1. How often do you check the weather? How do you check the weather?

At least daily. I check it on my computer or on The Weather Channel or our local news. If I don't like what one station says I will check all the others- LOL!

2. Since this is volume 84 of the Wednesday Hodgepodge, and since I got married in 1984, and since I'm attending a wedding this weekend it only seems right to post something related here.

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life." Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Agree or Disagree. Why?

Disagree. Marriage isn't a matter of chance, it is a matter of commitment. No matter how much each one knows about the other one there is always more to find out as they live together and grow old together. It isn't chance that determines whether their marriage will last, but rather a commitment to the vows they took, to each other and to God.

3. Do you like to dance? Have you ever taken dance lessons?

Yes, and yes. I took tap, ballet and jazz when I was a kid. I loved them all. I couldn't wait until I could go on toe (pointe) shoes. I finally was able to and then that year quit because I wanted more time to hang out with my friends. Of course I regretted that decision as soon as that phase wore out.
My husband and I took ballroom dancing lessons when we were engaged. It was a lot of fun. It was hard to follow his lead, which was good practice for marriage ;)

4. Fresh from the oven peach pie or home made peach ice cream? Pick one.

Since I am off of cow's milk I would have to say peach pie with frozen soy on top :)

5. Should people accept unfairness and learn to make the best of it?

It depends on the situation. If it is truly unfair and something that can be done about it then I believe they should try to change it. Especially when it involves others, kind of like an injustice. If someone is complaining simply because someone else has something they want then get over it and try to make the best of it!

6. The top five all time summer movie blockbusters (released between May and August and grossing at least 100 million dollars) are-Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars (the original), Ghostbusters, and ET. Which one's your favorite?

I love Jaws although most of the movie is spent with me hiding my face. And then I have that tune in my head every time I see the water so probably not the best thing for me to watch. Out of all of them ET seems like the best choice.

7. If given the chance, would you like to visit the moon?

No and no. Absolutely no way would I want to go into space. I don't like to fly so a spaceship is not any better to me. Then the whole gravity thing. I am dizzy to start so floating in air is not a feeling I would enjoy. Thank you to the brave astronauts who enjoy going there so we all can learn about it.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Wow, Joyce sure comes up with some thought provoking questions week after week. This week especially :)

Monday, July 9, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is sunny and not too hot. It is only in the low 80s today :)

I am thinking... which to do first- laundry or clean the bathroom. Good options, I know.

I am thankful for... air conditioning. Last week we had many super hot days. I do not like the hot weather to start, even worse when it is humid!

From the learning rooms... we are on summer vacation.

From the kitchen... lots of watermelon and corn. I will grill some chicken for dinner tonight.

I am wearing... Old Navy Bermudas and a brown shirt. I am not happy with Old Navy today. I tried to return two shirts and a pair of shorts in the store today (I ordered them online). They have a new policy that you have to make any returns within 45 days. They wanted to give me $1 and change for a shirt that I paid $18 for with a discount. I decided to keep them and will have to learn to like them. Another reason why I love Lands End- returns anytime for any reason. Now that is customer service!

I am going... to the doctor's tomorrow for my check-up and blood work results.

I am reading... the Bible, "Lies Women Believe".

I am hearing... the fan and Toy Story music coming from the iPod.

One of my favorite things: iced coffee with French Vanilla coconut creamer. Off to have some now :)

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