Home Sweet Simple Home

Day book entry #13

 Please visit Peggy, the host of the Simple Woman’s Daybook and others here.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY~ October 6^th 

Outside my Window... a cold, grey day.

I am thinking... of how to arrange my schedule this week to get everything done that needs to get done in the time frame it needs to get done.

From the learning room... a bit of a slow start to our school day- it is after all, a Monday. We enjoyed a bit of lapbooking with our Botany and will take a nature walk later today to look for moncots/dicots to add to our nature journals. Mr. Conductor asked for a countdown chain for pumpkin carving and so we made one. 21 days is a long chain- hope he makes it. American History continues on- we’ll be making a Teepee sometime this week (I say we- I mean Mr. Steady and the girls!).

I am thankful for… tried and true recipes that you can always fall back on. I was going to try a new dessert recipe for homeschool group but with my full schedule I decided to stick with what I do best- triple fudge brownies.

From the kitchen... breakfast was apple pancakes and sliced bananas. [Mr. Steady made a HUGE batch last week and we’re still enjoying them- note- best was to freeze pancakes is to put them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze- then take out, remove from tray and place in a freezer bag- that way they are individually frozen and not stuck together!] Lunch is Sunday’s leftovers (stroganoff) and supper will be Spanish rice with bacon and homemade bread. Check out the rest of my weekly menu here.

I am creating... learners. Some great homeschooling going on here this week. Plus I’m also creating youth ministry reports for this week’s church board meeting. And a framed special verse for a couple of friends. And doctored photo postcards to send to a couple of youth group kiddos. Lots going on!

I am going... to town later- errand running. After Mr. Steady comes home- so I can go “alone”.

I am wearing... well worn and frayed blue jeans, Trevecca Naz University Tshirt and zip up fleece, thick socks.

I am reading... On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang and another book I can’t remember the title of.

I am hoping... to get everything done that needs doing without stress or worry.

I am hearing... Mr. Conductor sing his ABCs (it still needs a bit of work) and the girls laughing.

Around the house... we’re babysitting my parent’s pampered pooch so we need to keep things picked up so she won’t think they are her chew toys. Plus the ever present loads of laundry and weekly cleaning schedule. Mr. C has taken to cleaning the downstairs bathroom every Monday after his school is done. I will continue to enjoy this while it lasts . . . . .

One of my favorite things... gator rides with the family.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... another high school football game, church board meeting, worship team practice, a trip to a local mill and cider press that is having a Civil War reenactment. And homeschooling. And teaching creative writing at Homeschool Group.

Daybook Entry #12

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY~ September 29^th

Outside my Window... it is overcast, yellow leaves pepper the green grass of the backyard. A few walnuts ka-thunk down. The dew is heavy; I can see it on the children’s slide. A few plants bloom in my flower and herb garden but they are almost done.

I am thinking... how glad I am and blessed I am that homeschooling and our homeschool group are both going so smoothly.

From the learning rooms... Mr. C continues to learn about farm animals and loves learning to write and “spot” the alphabet. Maiden and Sassafras love American History and readers. Maiden is better than tolerating her math and it continues to go well. Sass’s new Language Arts program ROCKS! We are blessed.

I am thankful for… those wonderful little adjustable waist inserts on my children’s pants.

From the kitchen... breakfast was cranberry brown sugar oatmeal and toast. Lunch will be Diner Dinner- the kids and make our own meal- picking and choosing from the weekend’s abundant leftovers (Mr. Steady made a HUGE batch of homemade French fries). Supper will be One Dish Chicken Bake with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers on the side. Followed by a two layer chocolate cake with cream cheese icing- dubbed Autumn Yum Cake. Made just because I love them all.

I am creating... notes for my creative writing class. A light hut for Botany. A fall banner for myself.

I am going... to enjoy this day.

I am wearing... comfy blue jeans, white T, zip up fleece and socks- its chilly.

I am reading... On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang and various Nazarene missions books with me kidlets. Oh and a smattering of blogs.

I am hoping... that Mr. Steady will light the pilot for the furnace. It’s beginning to get a bit past chilly and nippy. We’ve been holding out- trying to make it to the first of October before turning on the heat. Brrr- but we’re almost there!

I am hearing... the children puttering before we start school. A few crickets and a large truck rumble by.

Around the house... laundry and school. Dusting and youth work. Decluttering piles of magazines and getting a couple more bags ready to drop of at Goodwill.

One of my favorite things... watching the landscape turn from green to a kaleidoscope of color.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... my nephew’s football game (he’s on homecoming court) an annual family fall weenie roast, dog sitting for my parents at they go Up North. Yes, we do capitalize that in Michigan- to us it’s a real place and I’m a bit sad we aren’t going too. We didn’t get in an Up North Trip this year. (Yes, that all gets caps too!)

Simple Woman's Daybook: Entry #11

FOR TODAY~ September 15^th

Outside my Window... it is very soggy and yet the sun peeked out for a few delicious moments. Parts of my garden were beaten down by the storm so it looks a bit ragged.

I am thinking... how very glad I am that Mr. Steady did such an incredible job on replacing & repairing the garage roof, two walls and the doorway. We had 10 inches of rain in two days and I believe the way the garage was before it would have collapsed. [side note: he did it all with reclaimed lumber, metal sheeting etc.- only cost was for nails.]

I am thankful for… my husband carpooling to work with his brother. Saving gas and enjoying great conversations. A double blessing.

From the kitchen... breakfast was strawberry yogurt w/cookie crumbs and a thick slice of pumpkin bread w/apple butter. Lunch will be Maiden’s deluxe grilled cheese sandwiches with cottage cheese on the side (and perhaps some cheese crackers- she’s cooking and that’s usually how she likes to serve it- I never noticed before but everything is “cheesy” LOL). Dinner will be pigs in a blanket, chips, pickle spears and tomato slices on the side. Mr. Steady and  the kids will be cooking and enjoying together as I have a dinner date with the homeschool moms.
Also- I’m making another loaf of pumpkin bread (birthday present for my sister-in-law) and two loaves of honey oatmeal bread to take as my contribution to the homeschool group lunch tomorrow.

I am creating... some fun fall banners (I need to take pictures and share), a couple of framed verses (presents) and cover pages for binders for my creative writing class.

I am going... out to dinner with moms from my homeschool group to celebrate 2 mommas’ birthdays.

I am wearing... way-too-baggy-but-too-comfortable-to-give-up pants, brown T-shirt and a silver heart prayer necklace.

I am reading... New Moon by Stephenie Meyer and a couple of other books- the titles escape me right now.

I am hoping... for a good day. A productive day.

I am hearing... the kiddos settling in with school, the DPW crew checking and cleaning the street drains.

Around the house... some bread baking and some laundry. But up a few more fall decorations.

One of my favorite things... the Mackintosh apple tart in my tart burner. Oh how I love that smell.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... going to the local county fair with the family (field trip!) and my nephew’s football game. The kids are making plans to sleep over at Nana & PawPaw’s in the practically finished play house.

Simple Woman's Daybook Entry #10

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

Please visit Peggy, the host of the Simple Woman’s Daybook and others here.

FOR TODAY~ September 8^th

Outside my Window... a crisp cool morning. Everything is quiet- except the crickets. 

I am thinking... that I probably don’t have time to stop and do this post.

I am thankful for… my home.

From the kitchen... cold cereal for breakfast (the kids are running a bit behind). Snacky lunch or cheese, ham and crackers with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and apples. Supper is corn chowder and biscuits. Dessert will be iced monkey bread.

I am creating... learners. We are homeschooling!

I am going... to the dentist for the girls and to the grocery store- we’ll be doing some car-schooling today.

I am wearing... dark blue jeans, light blue top plus socks and tennis shoes- it’s a bit chilly today.

I am reading... school lessons. For myself- I need to go to the library and get a new book.

I am hoping... that things will smooth out. There’ve been some hiccups in different areas within the last couple of weeks.

Daybook Entry #9

Please visit Peggy, the host of the Simple Woman’s Daybook and others here.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY~ August 25^th    

Outside my Window... I see my late-summer herb garden. Some of it looks good and some of it looks quite sad and forlorn and brown. Many bugs, big and small are enjoying the apple mint as well as a few tiny birds that take a moment to perch on the strong stalks.

I am thinking... of how to arrange the errand running and To-do’s for today. Making a mental list of the packing Maiden needs to do for her trip and other tidbits of things that are important to keeping our home running smoothly.

I am thankful for... my husband. ‘Nuff said.

From the kitchen... breakfast has come and gone. Lunch is Diner Dinner- a fancy way for me to say we’ll be picking and choosing from leftovers. Supper is part 2 of Chicken Cacciatore. Go here for the entire week’s menu.

I am creating... and polishing our school schedules

I am going... crazy. Actually not quite. We’ll be going to Little Busy Town for errand running in just a wee bit.

I am wearing... Royal blue T and blue jeans (with a few holes).

I am reading... I need to go to the library and get a few more books!

I am hoping... for some quiet down time just for me later today.

Daybook entry #8

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY~ August 11^th   

Outside my Window... I see sun-dappled shade, birds balancing on the flowering apple mint in the garden. Dragonflies and butterflies are enjoying it too. It’s very cool out this morning. We all seem to be moving a bit slower.

I am thinking... that summer is almost over and I need to put the final spit and polish on the school schedules.

I am thankful for... the Lord’s provisions. He has always made a way for us. We have not had a need that He has not met. I need to remember that!

From the kitchen... Homemade honey oatmeal bread- oh the smell is divine. The bread with a blueberry honey spread and fresh fruit is today’s breakfast. Maiden will be cooking up her family-famous pizza grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and we’ll be enjoying corn chowder and biscuits for dinner. [click here for weekly menu plan].

I am creating... lists upon lists. Grocery lists, to do lists, school lists, clothing needs lists. I’m also putting together a couple of projects for Maiden and two of her girlfriends for later in the week.

I am going... to Aldi’s! We’ve managed to stretch our major grocery shopping (always at Aldi’s) to once every 3 weeks but this time it’s been 4 weeks (due to the camping trip we stretched a bit more). Tonight is VBS.

I am wearing... Royal blue T with big grinning fish on it that says “God is good”, blue jean capris and a sweatshirt jacket.

I am reading... I’ll be starting the Twilight series that the kids in my youth group have all been yapping about so that I know what they are yapping about. I’m also flipping thru and marking a few Gooseberry Patch books for gift-giving and new recipes to try.

I am hoping... to be able to stretch my dollars at Aldi’s in order to get everything on my list.

I am hearing... the children eating breakfast and getting dressed. The neighbor sawing on something. The rumble of a train going through.

Around the house... I’ve got school books and schedules spread out all over my dining room table. With the kids at VBS every night this week it is my plan to get this taken care of once and for all. The house is pretty tidy but I need to go thru with the big duster and tackle those spider webs that creep up out of nowhere and multiply.

One of my favorite things... a weeded garden.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... VBS, school final-stage planning, work on planning for homeschool group and MOPS group also.

Daybook #7

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY~ August 4^th   

Outside my Window... the sky is rapidly darkening, the air is thick. I hear thunder rumbling. A storm is coming. The rain is needed.

I am thinking... Thank you Lord for the rain. I love rainy stay-at-home days.

I am thankful for... the rain, the shelter of our home, the cool gusts of air the storm brings. And for the new-to-me keyboard from a friend to replace the toasted one.

From the kitchen... Leftover blueberry cheesecake muffins from the weekend and bananas for breakfast. Leftover chicken-n-noodles & sliced h’made bread for lunch followed by BBQ chicken, baked potatoes & corn on the cob for dinner.

I am creating... VBS picnic hand-outs for Vacation Bible School, plus lesson plans for school. And some fun picture thank you postcards.

I am going... to stay at home for the day and enjoy the storm then this evening I’ll be taking the children to Bible School.

I am wearing... olive capri pants & pink shirt- my hair is down as I have a bad patch of sunburn on my neck and up into my hair line from where we missed putting sunscreen on Saturday.

I am reading... rereading Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola.

I am hoping... for a good soaking rain, a productive day and week, well behaved children, cooler weather to follow this rain and God’s guidance in all things.

I am hearing... rumbling and grumbling thunder, the snapping crack of lightening and the children talking on the porch as they watch the storm.

Around the house... a bit of laundry to do and some picking up and putting away from our adventures last week.

One of my favorite things... thunder storms.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... VBS all week, school scheduling, ladies bible study, visiting the Air Zoo with the family, celebrating my nephew’s 4^th birthday.

Simple Daybook #5

FOR TODAY~ July 28^th   

Outside my Window... I see quite a few weeds in my garden. I can also see the new doorframe on the garage that Mr. Steady has been “steadily” working on.

I am thinking... that I have a lot to do to get ready for the camping trip.

I am thankful for... prayer support.

From the kitchen... Yogurt or cereal for breakfast, lunch at my brother’s home (birthday party leftovers) and One Pot Salsa Beef Skillet, fresh sweet corn (from Mr. Steady’s parents) and flax seed bread for supper.

I am creating... packing and To Do lists.

I am going... to run errands, visit family, finish laundry, pack bags, bake bread and clean the house.

I am wearing... clothes.

I am reading... Life: Beautiful Magazine.

I am hoping... to get everything done on my lists and still have a bit of free time.

I am hearing... the sprinkler going at the neighbors, the whirring of a fan and the swishing of the washer.

Around the house... we are busy, busy, busy. There are VBS banners on the dining table waiting for my creative flare to finish them, bread in the bread machine on the kitchen table, plus a pile of cloth napkins waiting for the girls to fold. A stack of books on the coffee table. A horrid mess on my desk. Clean laundry nicely folded and awaiting its proper places on the laundry table. Backpacks hooked on the backs of dining chairs ready to be packed.

One of my favorite things... quiet.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Camping. Mr. Steady and I are taking part of my youth group [tent] camping (plus kayaking and tubing) while the children visit with friends. We’ve got a softball game on Tuesday and a tournament on Saturday to boot. I can easily say that I am busier than I wish to be.

Disappearing posts & caution

You may have noticed that I've locked a couple of posts.
My brother stopped by this little bloggy home and advised me that I should be more careful with what I say.
And I agree.
I like to think I maintain a bit of anonimity here with code names and not naming specific nearby places and such but one never knows.
You just never know.
I keep this blog for myself, the joy of writing, sharing that writing and hearing back from others. It's a grand thing.
I've never gone out of my way to share this blog with my family and friends- its not a way to stay in touch with far-flung kin--- its just me being a bit more me than I can be at times and at the same time a bit more anonymous than I can be at times.
I remember my surprise when I found that a friend had found my little blog here and had been reading it anonymously for quite some time. It was a bit unnerving and for awhile I found myself changing my writing style because of it.
Just my long winded way of saying I must "proceed with caution".
Oh and go here to check out my brother's business blog.
Hi Roo!

Monday Daybook entry #5

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY~ July 21^st  

Outside my Window... I see Mr. Steady working on repairing the garage roof, the kids “frolicking” in the yard and my oldest sitting in a patio chair with her nose buried in a book.

I am thinking... that I wish there was another way to earn money for the family and stay home at the same time.

I am thankful for... my job and the income it provides our family.

From the kitchen... French toast w/blueberries and powdered sugar for breakfast, chicken nuggets and cheese crackers for the kiddos’ lunch, leftover BBQ chicken and half a potato for me. Supper is Ballard Biscuits and we got some special flavored ice cream (on sale) for dessert.

I am creating... inserts for the church bulletin using photo shop.

I am going... to get a lot of youth ministry related paperwork done today, plus a load of laundry and squeeze in a trip to the library and post office.

I am wearing... A royal blue shirt with a fish with a big cheesy grin and the words “God is good” and drab olive capris. My feet are bare and my toes are caramel ice (according to the nail polish bottle).

I am reading... A Return to Sunday Dinner by Russell Cronkhite and the latest Midwest Living magazine.

I am hoping... to let go of the strain of the last few weeks and be at peace about my job.

I am hearing... a bird chirping, Mr. Steady hammering and the kiddos chattering.

Around the house... Mr. Conductor left a stream of Legos along the floor, I need to clean off the dining room table and tidy up my desk.

One of my favorite things... walking barefoot on a carpet of thick cool grass.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... some work for our upcoming VBS, helping set up for the family reunion, a ball game, taking my youth group bowling, 15% discount day at the local teacher store and the end of summer reading at the library- means turning in books and “cashing in” points.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... I call this Mr. Steady’s hillbilly watering system. Thank goodness he doesn’t continually leave this buckets sitting on my patio! 14 Buckets full of free water (remember we’re townies and pay, pay, pay for that stuff!). BTW- Mr. Steady dumped 3 inches of water out of the rain gauge on Sunday.

What hospitality does- a quote

-From Simple Hospitality by Jane Jarrell

I'm the second frog

TWO FROGS
Two frogs fell into a bucket of cream. The first frog, seeing there was no way to get any footing accepted his fate and drown.

The second frog didn't like that. He started thrashing around doing whatever he could do to stay afloat. After awhile, his churning turned the cream into butter and he was able to hop out.

  HOW PERSISTANT ARE  YOU ????

Which reminds me of that little blip I love from Facing the Giants.
About the farmers and the fields . . . . .
I continue to prepare my fields for the RAIN!

Simple Woman's Daybook #4

FOR TODAY~ July 14^th

Outside my Window... I see the breeze ruffling the trees, the fire pit standing at attention from last evening’s campfire, Mr. Conductor stripping the leaves off the apple mint (he loves the smell), Maiden and a friend sitting in patio chairs under the tree reading books we just checked out from the library.

I am thinking... about ways to show hospitality and thinking I should be writing them down!

I am thankful for... the opportunities God places in my path to teach and lead me and to stretch and grow me.

From the kitchen... we had gingerbread cake with raspberries for breakfast, using leftover ham from yesterday for hot ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch today and supper will be spaghetti, greens salad (from the garden!) and crusty bread.

I am creating... and reworking my home management journal and continuing to put together my fall co-op class (creative writing).

I am going...to enjoy this beautiful day. I’ve already been to the library and back, done to loads of laundry, shared Moon tea with Mr. C and checked the girls’ math. It is my plan to spend a bit of time reading this afternoon.

I am wearing... a pink shirt with Khaki capris. Of course, I’m barefoot.

I am reading... A Lady of Secret Devotion by Tracie Peterson (just picked it up at the library) AND am absorbing a couple of wonderful books on hospitality- A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others by Karen Ehman and Simple Hospitality by Jane Jarrell.

I am hoping... to make some notes on all the hospitality ideas and thoughts that are running through my head and to spend a wonderful evening with my family.

I am hearing... the kids outside and the fan humming in the dining room window.

Around the house... we have done some laundry (clean sheets on all the beds), the kids are currently reading from their stacks of new library books. The girls and I will do weekly cleaning in the kitchen later and Maiden will help me bake bread.

One of my favorite things... singing praise songs with my children- just because.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... monthly reports for youth ministry, a moms Bible study at the home of a dear friend, church board meeting, massage therapy on my shoulder, church camp meetings.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... my kitchen windowsill.

Monday Day Book #3

One of my favorite things... hugs and kisses from my kidlets.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... finish writing syllabus for creative writing class I’ll be teaching this fall, make list of any items still needed for school this fall, update family calendar, finish 3 weeks of meal plans.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... Maiden with sparklers.

Simple Woman's Daybook entry 2

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window... I see the grass is in need of cutting and the garden in need of weeding. The sun is shining and a cool breeze is blowing. A truly beautiful day.

I am thinking... that today is errand day and I’m going thru the list of To-do’s in my head. It’s laundry day too.

I am thankful for...God’s constant presence and reassurance. All will be well.

From the kitchen...a snack must be made tonight for my homeschool moms’ meeting – Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip with crackers. Messy tacos for Mr. Steady and my little crew at home.

I am creating...messes. Boxing up items to be moved to the garage temporarily so that we can turn a storage/junk room into my office, then turn my office into the girl’s bedroom and the kids’ current bedroom into Mr. Conductor only’s room.

I am going...to Little Busy Town soon to run various errands with the children.

I am wearing... khaki capri pants with a pink T-shirt. Currently I’m barefoot but will soon be slipping on my brown leather sandals for errand running.

I am reading... The Island of Heavenly Daze series by Lori Copeland & Angela Hunt plus various homeschooling materials and a youth worker magazine.

I am hoping... that all will go well with the financial decisions made today, that my errand running will be efficient and frugal, that I will have all my notes ready for the homeschool group meeting tonight and that it will be a wonderful productive meeting. Lastly, I hope that the Lord will make me a blessing to someone today.

I am hearing...the water draining from the washing machine, the breeze snapping the flag in the garden and the children playing nearby.

Around the house... all those boxes need to be filled and moved to the garage, laundry washed & dried then the folding and putting away. Perhaps a loaf of bread made this afternoon.

Joining Simple Woman's Daybook

I love the idea of giving a glimpse of your daily goings-ons each Monday and have decided that I too, shall participate in A Simple Woman’s Daybook- where every Monday ladies near and far share the simple goings-on in their day.

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...my garden is all lush and sparkling with dew drops after last night’s rain A teeny tiny hummingbird is visiting the blooming lambs ears in the garden. The sun is streaming in- I can feel it’s warmth on the keyboard.

I am thinking...of my to-do list and prioritizing it.

I am thankful for...my quiet time this morning and how God spoke to my heart- what a wonderful way to start the day.

From the kitchen...right now I can smell the cinnamon rolls cooling on top of the stove- waiting for that oh, so yummy gooey cream cheese icing. Later this evening Maiden be in the kitchen with me helping make Campbell’s mac-n-cheese with sausage and greens salad.

I am creating...schedules for next year’s homeschooling adventure, a stand-up menu for our 4^th of July party and adding to my to-do list.

I am going...to Little Busy Town soon with the kidlets to run various errands (one of which it to take a trunk load of outgrown clothes to Goodwill). We’ll finish up with a quick stop at our Little Bitty Town library returning our heavy bags of books and filling them up again.

I am wearing...a comfortable pair of frayed blue jeans, grey T-shirt that I found in the bottom of my dresser drawer (unwrinkled) and purple nail polish on my bare tooties.

I am reading...the IGs for next year’s school curriculum plus My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer and The Island of Heavenly Daze by Lori Copeland & Angela Hunt.

I am hoping...to check everything off on my to-do list, have enough money for the purchases I need to make today and the ones later in the week, Finish the Heavenly Daze book and pick up the next in the series @ the library, spend some quality time with my Mr. Steady around a campfire in the cool of the evening tonight.

I am hearing...my children talking in the other room, the DPW guys grinding the sticks they are picking up after last night’s storm and a bit of bird chatter.

Around the house...there are some pieces of next year’s curriculum that need putting away, boxes that need to be carried out to the garage/barn, a plethora of bags on the front porch destined for Goodwill and innumerable cobwebs to be swept away today.

One of my favorite things...fresh brewed coffee, heavy on the flavored creamer steaming beside my quiet time books.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...chat with online friends, drop off this year's homeschooling portfolios, take care of the paperwork for the upcoming homeschooling year and have a day at the pool

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...of last night’s storm that blew thru--- the sky turned a deep deep orange- it was amazingly beautiful.

Posting problems and quiet

When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst. Lamentations 3:28

Finish what you start

A person commits to being on a committee or board and then feels free to not show up to meetings.
Now, I understand when schedules conflict and such. But what about when you just don’t feel like it?
I was quite taken aback last week when someone shared with me that they didn’t go to the last two important church board meetings because “they just didn’t feel like it.” What?????

I must not be the norm. I feel obligated to attend the meetings that go along with the things I am involved in- even when I don’t feel like it. Not feeling like it is not an option for me.
Follow me as I ponder— isn’t part of being an adult doing the things you don’t like to do but are obligated to do? Isn’t that part of life? Sure, there are things I’d love to skip out on or wish they’d hand out handy cards that state: “Get out of one 3 hour board meeting FREE” . . . .

I make my kids eat the veggies they don’t like. I make them say sorry when they probably don’t mean it and often make them “kiss and make up”. I tell them they have to come inside even if they don’t want to. They have to take a bath even though they just had one last week. I tell them they have to go to bed even if they aren’t tired and must get up. As a child you dream of the day when you are “your own person”—sleep when you want, eat when and what you want, wake up when you want . . . . . Ah, you say to yourself- “that’ll be the good life”.
Then you grow up and realize that life doesn’t really exist.

I remember when I moved into my first apartment. The first thing I did was bake a huge pan of brownies that I didn’t have to share with anyone else. I cut the biggest slice- right out of the middle and ate it. I ate brownies for breakfast the next day and the next. Had a brownie for a mid-day snack . . . . .
I found after the 3^rd or 4^th day that I no longer craved the brownies or got a rush from being able to eat as much brownie as I wanted. I no longer wanted. I ended up taking the rest of the pan to my parent’s house and sharing with my family. My momma told me it was “too much of a good thing”.
Part of being an adult is “fulfilling your obligations”- and if you agreed to be on a board or committee then you MUST fulfill your obligation and attend the meetings. My mind whirs as I think that I voted to elect this person to our church board and now I hear them say “It was going to be a long, tough meeting and I didn’t feel like going.” WHAT?
You know- some days I don’t feel like homeschooling or cleaning up after Mr. C’s “accidents” or making a home cooked meal or washing the clothes and making the beds. Some days I don’t even feel like getting out of bed- but I am obligated to do so . . . . life doesn’t roll to a stop just because I’d like it to.
My parents raised me to give my all to every endeavor to take on- whether I liked it or not; whether I wanted to or not. My father has told me many times it’s about integrity and good character. Finish what you started and if you didn’t like it then don’t do it again!

Everyday Things on Friday

"...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11