Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the stars are out and the moon is shining (or at least that is what I can assume considering the time of day)

I am thinking... tomorrow is brand new day. I can only do it one day at a time.

I am thankful for... friends who help you get through the tough days and who are always at the right place at the right time.

From the kitchen... I made two dinners. One dinner for tonight – pasta & veggies and another to get ahead for tomorrow night – Caribbean rice & chicken. The kitchen is only half-clean. I will have to finish the rest tomorrow.

I am wearing... shorts and a tee shirt. Only in Florida can you wear such an outfit while friends up north are still battling cold and snow.

I am creating... this blog to help remember the early days of our marriage. This blog keeps our family and friends up to date with the adventures of newlyweds. I pray that this blog inspires others to take the big plunge and experience marriage for themselves.

I am going... to bed soon. It is time to call it a day.

I am reading... too many books at once. I can barely keep up.

I am hoping praying... for my hubby to get home from work soon and for a good night’s rest.

I am hearing... the dryer. If I am writing this blog, then I MUST be doing laundry.

Around the house... there is still so much to be done. I am SO behind.  Outside… the landscaping project has begun. It started in the backyard and it is making its way to the front yard. There are so many home projects yet to be started.

One of my favorite things... contemporary Christian music to keep me motivated and remind me how much God loves me.

Who am I by Casting Crowns

What Faith can Do by Kutless

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Thursday: Week 1 of seminar
Friday: Adventures at the rental
Saturday: Catch up on chores
Sunday: Church

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Everyone loves cake….especially wedding cake.

Our wedding cake

We shared a tender moment before cutting the cake

We cut the cake with the cake cutter used by his sister and brother

This is the only piece of cake I had

We shared a kiss after we fed each other cak

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
The Simple Woman's Daybook is a brief outline for women/mothers who blog to use as a way to compose thoughts, plan the week, and keep a grateful heart. It is typically published once a week on Tuesdays.

Daybook

 

FOR TODAY

02.16.11

Outside my window... it is a surprisingly beautiful day! A perfect day to sit on the lanai and read a book.

I am thinking... today is a GREAT day to catch up on all my chores and reading.

I am thankful for... God’s graces and blessings that He showers upon us on a daily basis. There are so many things to be thankful for and I have to give the credit where the credit is due. All of it comes from God above. I would have none of these blessings if it were not for His love for us.

From the kitchen... I have been pretty consistent at keeping us within budget and keeping fed. Hubby cannot keep up his exercise regimen with me. This is an area I did not think I would find success in so quickly. I am doing well and so proud of myself.

I am wearing... my pajamas still. They are comfortable for getting the housework done. I will soon put on something comfortable to sit and read on the lanai. It would be such a shame to let the day go to waste.

I am creating...? Not much creating going on these last few weeks. I have been trying to manage my time to get things done. It looks like there might be some changes in the next few weeks.

I am We are going... to make it. Thanks Mike and Debbie for the extra encouragement. It has helped to push us to be MORE gazelle intense about our debt and finances. It helps to have extra support and encouragement to push us when we feel like times are rough.

I am reading... the same three books I have been reading for the last several weeks. I am adding one more since I am on team for the spiritual growth seminar at Church. I only have to read a few sections each week to be familiar with the program for the week. But it can take a lot of extra effort when you are already behind on reading. 

I am hoping praying... for the success of our seminar starting next week and going through Lent. Lord open the hearts and minds of those attending and strengthen the team and leaders to stay focused on You. St. Michael the Archangel, Pray for us!

I am hearing... what else -- the washing machine. I guess I have time to blog on days when I am home doing chores such as laundry.

Around the house... I am trying to catch up on the house chores. I have been fighting off a cold and a lot of the housework has been put off. I am regaining strength to get back and finish my chores.

One of my favorite things... my husband and my Valentine Kris. I am happy we can laugh about that first Valentine’s Day when we met. I do not remember much of the details of that day except I was NOT attracted to him. It is funny that I can remember what he wore and what he ate but not who else was there or even what I ate for dinner that day.

You are and always be my Valentine!

Thank you my love for loving me. Here’s to another 10 years of friendship!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Thursday: Information session for upcoming seminar
Friday: Visit in laws in St. Petersburg
Saturday: Relax with hubby

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The continuing adventures of Gracie the cat. She is the best entertainment around here.

Look who has the entire bed to herself... And she's loving it!

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
The Simple Woman's Daybook is a brief outline for women/mothers who blog to use as a way to compose thoughts, plan the week, and keep a grateful heart. It is typically published once a week on Tuesdays.

Valentine's Day will Never be the Same

Valentine's Day for me had never been a day for lover's until recently. As I have shared with you previously, I was not always a pleasant woman on Valentine's Day. There was a time when I was a very bitter woman and even more so on Valentine's Day.

Throughout my entire life, I never had anyone on Valentine's Day. It was just another day to me. I had nothing to look forward to so the day often came and passed without much notice. In college, I had one too many bad experiences that either started or ended on Valentine's Day to make me bitter for quite a long time. Anyone I met on Valentine's Day was lucky if we became friends after he got past the bitter, sarcastic, and angry woman I portrayed myself to be.

Who would have thought that in 2001 sitting in front me at dinner on Valentine's Day would be the man I would eventually marry? Not me. Not him. Not anyone. I was so bitter that night we first met that when I met him again a week later it took me a few days to even realize it was the same person I had met on Valentine's Day. I did not want to give him a chance. I did not want him to be the one. I fought it but it was hard.

Our friendship grew in just a short time. We became close friends. It was that friendship that we developed that allowed us to take to the next step very easily. Our friendship is the one thing that we never changed. Even when we were not dating we still were very close friends. That bond of friendship could never be broken.

Kris remained my friend through everything. He was there for me in some of my lowest moments. He even picked up me up off the ground a time or two. He helped me to dust off the dirt and get back up on my feet. He was there to celebrate with me in my greatest achievements. Sometimes I felt like he was the only one who gave me that pat on the back that I needed.

What did he expect in return? Nothing. Just having me there so he could call me friend was enough. He did not expect any pay backs. I tried hard to be just as supportive to him as he had been to me but it did not come so easily for me. Yet sometimes it was enough just to call me friend.

I am such a lucky woman to not only have an amazing husband but my very best friend beside me. He is there for me through thick and thin. He still is the one who holds me up when I feel the ground to shake beneath me. He still is the one who helps me up when I fall down. He dusts off the dirt and gets me back on my feet. He is the one I cling to in the rough times. Long before he was my husband, he was my friend and to this day I can say that he still is. He is the very best friend I have ever had.

So this Valentine's Day will be our first Valentine's Day as husband and wife. This day and every Valentine's Day will never be the same. Valentine's Day will always be the day that I met the man who changed my life. The man who changed me for the better. The man who encouraged me to be more than I ever thought I could be. The man who believed that I could be more than I ever even wanted to be. The man who loved me like no one else ever could love me.

Valentine's Day will always be the day for me and my love to remember the day that we never thought would be. It is not the day I fell in love with him but the day I first laid eyes on him and my life has not been the same since.

Ten years

There are some huge gaps but these are some archived pictures of us together. They go way back to when we first got together.

2001

The First Time

We first started dating sometime after Valentine's Day 2001. It was probably April or May. I asked him out and then he kissed me.

Our First Vacation -- Summer 2001 Key West

We took our first vacation together to Key West in the summer of 2001.

We left from my apartment in Naples, FL

We watched the sunset on Duval St

It was very romantic

Southern Most Point, Key West, FL

We enjoyed Key Lime Pie in  Key West

We came back to Naples to watch the sunset on the beach near the pier

Our First Trip to Disney -- Fall 2001

In the fall of 2001, we went to Disney.

We went to visit the countries in Epcot. Here we are in Norway.

Kris met my 18-month old niece Lexy for the first time (She is eleven now!)

Our First Three Months -- Circa 2001

One of our fancy dates to celebrate three months together. We had dinner at Carrabbas. I bought Kris a brand new shirt and pants. He bought me a dozen red roses.

I had never seen him dressed up before

The first time he ever bought me flowers

We took a picture after dinner with our waiter at Carrabbas

Lalie's Wedding -- December 2001

We attended my younger sister's wedding on December 1, 2001. I was a bridesmaid. Was this a sign of times yet to come?

Here we are at the rehearsal dinner

Here we are dancing at my sister's wedding

He met my Mama Edad and Manang Nelly (my Dad's Mom and oldest sister)

We did not catch the garter or bouquet. It was not our time.

Kris' birthday -- December 2001

Kris never had a surprise party thrown for him so I invited our friends from the singles group to celebrate. It was hard to surprise him but he was happy to celebrate with friends.

He had to kneel to get on my level.

Happy 26th birthday (circa 2001)

Collier Catholic Singles -- Circa 2001

We liked to do fun things with the singles group like bowling but we also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.

We went out bowling with friends

We volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in East Naples

Some random pictures I found...

We visited family and friends a lot and took a few vacations.

We visited my sister right before my nephew Dominic was born - circa 2002. Today he is eight years old.

Dominic posed for a picture with me and Kris who came to Orlando to celebrate my birthday in 2007

Kris even shared my birthday dessert with me

Fast forward to 2009...

Miranda's First Birthday -- April 2009

We celebrated my niece's first birthday at Chuckie Cheese just before we were engaged.

We had a sketch drawn of us at Chuck E Cheese

Grandma Edad's 90th Birthday -- April 2009

On April 18, 2009, my grandmother turned 90. We celebrated with my extended family.

He was already a part of my family

My birthday 2009 -- May 2009

We told my parents of our intention to marry the weekend of my birthday in 2009.

We celebrated my birthday with SFC friends in Orlando

Our Engagement -- May 29, 2009

We were engaged at St. Peter's Catholic Church where we used to go to Church in East Naples.

We reenacted our engagement

We celebrated with family and friends

Our vacation to New Orleans -- October 2009

We took a short trip to New Orleans in October 2009.

We went to the zoo in New Orleans

We took a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi River

Hannah's Twin Baby Shower -- October 2009

After we came home from New Orleans, I co-hosted a baby shower for Kris' sister Hannah who was expecting twins the following January. Hannah's friend Irina was the other co-host.

Kris joined me for a picture after the shower

I am sure I have more pictures of the last ten years but these tell a great story of us. I look back on the last ten years and smile.

Valentine's Day

From my husband's recent Facebook status:

Ten years ago, on Valentine's Day, I didn't know it but my life was about to change forever. When I arrived at a Catholic singles group meeting at Ruby Tuesday, I wasn't expecting much. But that night, I met ... the perfect burger. Dripping with barbecue sauce, just the right cheese and a couple of onion rings -- it was amazing. I will never forget that night. Oh, and I also met my future wife. I love you, honey!

It is a good thing we decided to finally get married. Otherwise that burger just might have been the end of us before we even began.

Only Time Will Tell

A friend of mine asked for advice about her new relationship. She had met him only a month ago and had been dating for a couple of weeks. He was persistent about getting married in a month’s time. She wondered if it was safe to take the big plunge.

Here was the advice I gave her:

Give it time.

Remember that Kris and I were together for almost 8 years when we were engaged and 9 when we were finally married?

I am not telling you to wait that long but you have to know that you both are sure. I knew early on in our relationship but he was not so sure. There were times that he was sure and I was not. We went back and forth until one day we both were sure that this is where we both wanted to be.

In the beginning, everything seems invincible. It seems like nothing can bring you down. You are riding on cloud nine. Nothing can destroy that feeling. In the beginning, everything seems perfect but you do not know your limits. You do not know what will make you weak. It takes time to learn what weakens each of person and what weakens your relationship. The true test of a relationship is not when it is strongest but when it is weakest. We know you can make it when you are strong, but what about when you are at your lowest point? Can you still say that you love him? Can you still say you want to be with him? I know that even when we have a big fight I still love him. I still want to lie next to him at night. I still want to wake up in his arms. There is nowhere I would rather be. A true test of faith is not when we are the top of the mountain but in the valley of death. We grow the most in our faith when we feel the farthest away from God.

When materials are tested, they are not tested when they are at their strongest. They apply all kinds of stress. There is heat. There is pressure. There are chemicals added. Everything is thrown at it to test it at its weakest points. They have to know what its limits are. The same is true of relationships. We've had everything thrown at us to try and bring us down but we have made it through it all -- together. Sometimes we fail. Sometimes we both feel like we've had enough but in the end, it is still him and me. We come together. We make our peace. There is nothing that can break our bond.

Over the last ten years together, Kris and I have been through the valley. We have also been high on the mountain but it is in the deepest valleys that we clung to one another. We held on to each other so to help the other one through. There are going to be some hard times. Are you willing to cling to each other then?

There is no place too far for me to travel to be with Kris. There is no place I would rather be than right here with him. If all else fails and all I have is Kris, then that is enough. Some days it is so hard and I wonder if it is enough. But then his smile, his laugh, and even his simple touch and ALL is better.

This is just my advice. You can take it. You can leave it. The two of you are the only ones who can make the final decision. I am sure you have been given all kinds of advice. Read it all. Tuck it away for later. Come back to it in a few months and see where you both are. If you still feel the same then you can decide then.

Only time will tell.

For all those out there looking for their perfect mate, take your time. Do not rush into things. In the end, it all falls into place whether you wait six months or ten years. If it is right, then they will still be there. They will not go very far.

I searched far and wide. I looked near and far. I never forgot about the one who was close by the whole time. In the end, it was him all along. Only time could tell.

Book of the Month: Jodi Picoult

In 2010, I started and/or finished two books by author Jodi Picoult. My Sister's Keeper I started reading sometime ago in 2009 and finally finished a few months after we were married. House Rules I picked up in the middle of summer last year and finally finished it in mid-January this year. She has since become one of my favorite authors to read. I have two other books by her on my 2011 reading list -- Change of Heart and Handle with Care. I am not sure when I will get a chance to start reading either one but I cannot wait. Her books are always been great page turners.

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

House Rules by Jodi Picoult

Synopsis:

My Sister's Keeper

My Sister's Keeper is about a family who has a baby for the sole purpose of becoming a donor for their older daughter dying from leukemia. Anna, the younger daughter, for the past thirteen years has served as primary donor for her older sister, Kate. Anna has never challenged this role until at age thirteen when she decides to sue her parents for the rights to her body. This page turner allows the reader to witness the court case to find out Anna has the right to decide for herself to continue to be a donor for her sister Kate. The reader also sits at Kate's bedside as she continues to battle leukemia which can eventually kill her if Anna decides to stop being a donor. 


House Rules

House Rules is about a young man with Asperger's syndrome. Eighteen year old Jacob has Asperger's and a fascination for forensic science. Their family life evolves around his very strict routine. His Mom gives his brother and him a set of house rules that Jacob can never break. When his tutor is found dead, Jacob is charged with her murder. The reader sits with Jacob and each of his family through the trial. The reader even has a chance to sit next to the attorney hired to prove that Jacob did not commit murder. Is a kid with Asperger's capable of murder?
 
Review:

I love her style of writing. Each chapter is written in the perspective of a person in the story. Not only can you get into their mind through her writing but the font of the text even changes with each person. The font selected even fits their personality. Her books challenge not only your moral and ethical thinking but your personal beliefs. The book is thought provoking from the very start until the very end.

My Sister's Keeper

I started to read My Sister's Keeper right around the time that the movie version was released. My plan was not to see the movie until I had finished the book. I knew there were chances that I would be disappointed by one or both endings. I am an avid reader and most of the time find the movie an acceptable adaptation of book although I always think the book is better. While I was reading the book, I had heard from others that the ending of the book and movie were different (which I was not surprised to hear) I was even more determined to finish reading the book so that I could finally see the movie. So after nearly a year after I initially started reading the book (I had a busy year that year), I finally finished it last summer. I had already purchased the movie to watch when I finished the book and had been looking forward to finally watching it. Now that I have finished the book, I just do NOT want to see the movie. Knowing how the book ends, I can already predict how the movie ends. I am not upset by the end of the book but it certainly poses a greater challenge to your moral and ethical thinking. I am not saying that the movie is bad. I have not even seen it. But this is truly the case where the book is far better than the movie. It gives you more to think about and keeps you wondering even long after you have finished it. 

House Rules

I found House Rules at the Goodwill bookstore and was drawn to it because of my family's close connection to autism. I have a cousin, Diana, and nephew, Chas, who both have a diagnosis in autism spectrum. I even have friends who are diagnosed with autism as well. I have seen some of the same Jacob's behaviors in my own nephew. Even as the aunt of an autistic nephew, I could relate to Emma, Jacob's mother. I have seen other children make fun of Chas and I hurt for him. I hurt for Jacob and his struggles to belong throughout the book. Although throughout most of the book I knew of Jacob's innocence to the crime, I was still surprised as to the reasons behind why he did what he did. I understood but I somehow was hoping that Jacob had really overcome his limitations created by the Asperger's. As I realized that he (and other children who have autism) may never overcome these limitations, I thought of my nephew Chas and the milestones he has made in his life. He may always have limitations due to his diagnosis but he is still our Chas. He is still my hero. Someday when I grow up I want to be just like Chas.

I would highly recommend both books by Jodi Picoult. They both keep you actively thinking as you read the book and even after you are finished. Sometime has passed since I have finished both books but I still think about moral and ethical values that are challenged by each book. A good book is not only a good read but gives you something to think about and even changes how you see things. Both of these books have managed to do so. I look forward to reading other books by Jodi and sharing how they have changed my thinking.

Book of the Month: Total Money Makeover

We set a goal this year to read a book of the month. I picked 12 books in advance that I wanted to read this year. I did not assign them a month but I chose 6 books for learning and inspiration and 6 books for leisure and fun. I later decided to read the books of learning first so that I could enjoy the rest of the year. I have also picked up a bonus book to read simultaneously as the book for the month to break things up a bit. I am in no rush to finish the bonus books before the end of the month. I hope to read 18 books total this year including bonus books. After finishing a book (whether it is the book for the month or a bonus book) I will write a review of the book and share my thoughts and what I learned from each book.

For the month of January, I chose Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I originally chose Financial Peace Revisited but later decided to read Total Money Makeover. It is a much shorter book than Financial Peace and is not as cut and dry. He includes some humor as well as personal stories from other couples who are working on their Total Money Makeover. I ended up having to read Financial Peace Revisited when Kris and I signed up to take Financial Peace University through our Church. I am glad that I got to read Total Money Makeover first to inspire us to get on track with our finances.

January book of the month: Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey

Summary:

Total Money Makeover is a proven plan to help you gain control of your finances. Dave uses "baby steps" in order to help you organize your money (and life) so that you can have control. I know that this plan works because scattered throughout the book are personal testimonies from couples as well as singles who have used or are currently using Dave's plan to get control of their life and their future. The stories are an inspiration to get on a plan and stay on it. One of Dave's most important keys to financial success is the need for a written budget. He shows you how to create a budget and stay on it. Dave dispels myths about debt and money in order to help the reader understand more about the process. Dave uses his humor and wit to explain his plan and move through each of the baby steps.

Review:

This book was one of the most enjoyable non-fiction books I have ever read. The wit and humor made the book a faster read. There were some nights I just could not put the book down. The personal stories were encouraging. They reminded us why we started this whole process in the first place. I am glad that I read this early on in our marriage. It has helped us get on the same page in regards to our finances and helped us start our marriage on the right foot. His reference to passages from the Bible help us to stay focused mentally and spiritually on the same plan. My favorite part of the book was his reference to my favorite Bible verse -- Jeremiah 29:11. It is not only my personal mantra but the verse in which the title of this blog is derived. Reading this as we started Financial Peace University was the extra push we needed to get and stay motivated to make a plan that works. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is experiencing financial difficulty or just wants to learn a "new" way to get financially fit.

Daybook

FOR TODAY

February 9, 2010

Outside my window... temperature has dropped to the low 60s/upper 50s. It had been starting to get warm the last few days but after a few days of clouds and rain the temperatures have dropped again.

I am thinking... I need more rest. There is so much on my mind the last couple of days. I have been mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually exhausted.

I am thankful for... friends who create a net-work to catch you when you fall. Friends are a net-work to support you when you are down. I have friends who are far yet a few words of comfort makes them feel as if they are right beside you.

From the kitchen... there has not been much going on the last couple of days. My poor hubby has had to resort to Subway for dinner the last couple of days. I hope that tomorrow I can make up for it.

I am wearing... my pajamas. I know I promised myself I would get out of my pajamas every day so I can get to “work” around the house but it has just been one of those kind of weeks.

I am creating making... memories. I am making memories with friends and family that I can cherish for the rest of my days. I am making memories for times when I cannot be close to the ones I love.

I am going... nowhere. I just do not feel like going anywhere. I feel like curling up under the covers and lying in bed all day. I am completely exhausted. A few days rest just might do me some good.

I am reading... The Authentic Catholic Woman, Heaven is for Real, and Financial Peace Revisited. I am lagging behind on my reading the last couple of days. I need to catch up.

I am hoping praying... for my nephew Chas. I pray for a speedy recovery. Keep on fighting little buddy!

I am hearing... the washing machine. Is it me or does it seem like I am always doing laundry?

Around the house... all the chores still need to be done. It is just one of those weeks where I do not feel like doing anything. There is so much on my mind that I just cannot seem to motivate myself to get things done.

One of my favorite things... celebration of the unmarked milestones. This is the month of TENS for us. Tomorrow, on the TENTH, we are celebrating our TEN-month-aversary. TEN months ago I married the man of my dreams. A few days later, on Valentine’s Day, we will celebrate TEN years of friendship.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

For the rest of the week: Some R&R to clear my mind of all that is troubling me.
Saturday: Young adults at Cody’s for Theology by the Pint

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Someday when I grow up I want to be like my nephew Chas.

My nephew Chas was our ring/coin bearer at the wedding.

Celebrating Chas' 9th birthday at the T-Rex Restaurant in Downtown Disney

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
The Simple Woman's Daybook is a brief outline for women/mothers who blog to use as a way to compose thoughts, plan the week, and keep a grateful heart. It is typically published once a week on Tuesdays.

A Good Sign

I have started to take notice of Kris' behavior when I cook meals at home. There seem to be some common signs to indicate that a meal is a big success. I have taken note of each sign and properly recorded them so I can easily recognize them with each meal. This tells me whether a meal is worth repeating or if it needs to be tweaked before perfection is reached.

The signs I have recorded:

1) There is a silence while eating. There is no conversation only eating.

2) He gives me a thumbs up. I may even get two thumbs up if he can manage to either put the food down or finish what he is eating.

3) All manners seem to get tossed aside. There is food everywhere and he cannot seem to eat it fast enough.

I know the meal is a really big hit when only 30 minutes elapse between the start of the meal and the end of the meal. There are typically no leftovers.

I have noticed all of these signs at ALL meals as of late. I have noticed a pretty happy husband when it is all said and done, too!

With One Foot in Front of the Other

I have decided to take a few strides ahead in order to be a better wife. I want to do more to be a better wife and someday a great Mom. I am taking some small steps now that will one day lead to big strides toward the future. We can only take these small steps ahead with one foot in front of the other. If we try to do it any other way then we are just going to trip over our feet and fall down. So we move forward one step at a time. Set one or two smaller goals each day that will lead us to our final goal.

Here are a few February goals I have set for myself and what I hope it will lead me to in the future:

Goal #1: Make the bed everyday. Every morning after we both wake up and get out of bed, I want to make the bed so that we are not tempted to crawl back in bed. I want us to be up and out of bed and ready to start the day.

Goal #2: Clean our bedroom. Our bedroom is not a terrible mess but we have little stuff everywhere. The dresser is constantly cluttered. It is a comfortable place to be and we spend a lot of time in there. If I can keep the room clean and less cluttered, then it might not be such a comfortable place to spend the whole day.

Goal #3: Clean the master bathroom. The master bathroom has not been thoroughly cleaned since we were married. I want to organize under the sinks, medicine cabinet, and "junk" drawer. I want to get rid of anything that is excess that we do not use.

If I can accomplish these three goals, then I hope to spend less time on the computer and in our bedroom. Enjoy the rest of our house. I can start on other "projects" in the other areas of the house so we can continue to make this house into a home. I want to be able to go outside and enjoy the beautiful day. Since we keep our bedroom like a cave, it is hard to see the outside. I always want to enjoy the day but by the time I am motivated enough to do so, it is already too late. So I hope with these three goals I can motivate myself to want to get out and do more.

I am moving forward. I am taking huge strides toward the future one step at a time with one foot in front of the other.

When you say nothing at all...

Song: When You Say Nothing at All
Artist: Alison Krauss
Album: Now that I've Found You: A Collection
Year: 1995


Lyrics:

It’s amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could never explain
What I hear when you don’t say a thing

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There’s a truth in your eyes sayin’ you’ll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all

All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd
Old mr. webster could never define
What’s being said between your heart and mine

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There’s a truth in your eyes sayin’ you’ll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There’s a truth in your eyes sayin’ you’ll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all


The past, present and future help to create who we are today. The person we once were, the person that we are, and the person that we pray to be someday all influence us in some way, shape and form. They create who we are at any given moment in time. They affect the way we act, react and feel about everything. We take all that is good and all that bad from the past, present and future to mold us into better persons.

Sometimes the past, present, and future affect me in ways I am not able to handle. They attack me at the deepest levels. In those times, I am so blessed to have an amazing husband who loves me and comforts me. He holds me in a soft yet firm embrace that makes me know that I am safe and protected in his arms always. There is nowhere else I would rather be at that moment than right in his arms. He does not have to say anything. He just has to touch me and I am assured that everything will be okay.

Sometimes there are no words to be said. Sometimes no sounds needs to be made. Sometimes it is best when there is nothing at all.

Daybook

FOR TODAY

We're starting February off on the right foot...

Outside my window... right now the temps are in the low 70s and only expected to drop to the mid 60s through the course of the evening. I only know this because www.weather.com tells me. Due to an unexpected allergy attack a couple of days ago, I cannot spend too much time outside despite the beautiful weather we are having. I am SO sad. The current pollen count is high for trees but low for grass and weeds.

I am thinking... what an exciting month we have ahead of us. If it is anything like January had been for us, we have some serious fun times ahead!

I am thankful for... for my husband. I am so blessed to have such a loving, caring, and compassionate husband -- who will comfort me in times of need and gives hugs that always seem to say “everything is going to be all right as long as it is me and you my love.”

From the kitchen... I have managed to keep the stovetop clean. I realize that it is easier to clean it after each meal. And makes a lot less work in the kitchen. I have also managed to cook more meals for my husband to take to work so he does not have to take a “frozen dinner.”

I am wearing... shorts and a tee shirt. It is a good getting-some-laundry-and-staying-in-the-house kind of outfit.

I am creating making... the bed today and perhaps everyday. I was inspired watching yesterday’s FPU lesson with my husband. A simple chore yet it is rarely done. Perhaps I might be more motivated to get work done around the house (and outside, too) if the bed was made and not so tempting to crawl into or stay in our bedroom on the computer all day.

I am going... nowhere today. It is time to finish washing all my whites and bed sheets today. (This seems to be consistent for Tuesdays. Perhaps it is time for a change.)

I am reading... Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent. This is my bonus book for the month of January. I was in no rush to finish it before the month was out. I am about 1/3 the way through it and looking forward to another bonus book in February, too. I just finished Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (my January book of the month) as of 6:30am this morning. I am looking forward to starting The Authentic Catholic Woman by Genevieve Kineke (my February book of the month)

I did not have a particular order that I was going to read the 12 books I had chosen but I have since decided to read all the learning ones first so that I can enjoy the 2nd half of the year.

We are also still reading as part of our Financial Peace University class, Financial Peace Revisited over the next 13 weeks.

I am hoping praying... for all my friends and family who are far away whether they are in another city, state, or country. I pray for those who are experiencing terrible blizzards. I pray for all those whose flights have been canceled or delayed. May they soon find a way to return home or to their destination.

I am hearing... the washing machine and dryer. I am just over 1/3 of the way through three loads of laundry. I have one washed, dried, folded, and put away. I have another in the washing machine (the BIG load) and one in the dryer. (This also seems to be routine for Tuesday...maybe next week I will do something different!)

Around the house... we are making progress. We are getting things done and keeping things in order. We are working together to make this house into a home.

One of my favorite things... cuddling and reading a book with my husband in before bed. I never knew how relaxing and enjoyable it would be to read and discuss a book together. We are growing and strengthening our marriage everyday.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Wednesday: Groceries
Thursday: Summerfield & Prayer group
Saturday: Day of Renewal

Here are some February goals and plans:

1) Continue with backyard project
2) Continue with home improvements
3) Continue involvement in St. Joseph our home parish
4) February book of the month: The Authentic Catholic Woman by Genevieve Kineke
5) Continue to maintain housework
6) Lock in renter for our rental property

Things to look forward to in February:

1) Our 10 (double digits!) month Anniversary - 02.10.10
2) Valentine's Day -- not just a day for lovers but the 10-year anniversary of our first meeting
3) Visits with family

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

More adventures from our Gracie

Gracie trying to sleep while Kris and I read and play on the computer.

Can't a cat just get some sleep around here?

Can you please turn out the lights so I can get some sleep?

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
The Simple Woman's Daybook is a brief outline for women/mothers who blog to use as a way to compose thoughts, plan the week, and keep a grateful heart. It is typically published once a week on Tuesdays.