This Thanksgiving I was looking back on 2010 and all the previous Thanksgivings that Kris and I have been together. I can honestly say that this year has been the best year we have ever had. There has been so much that we are thankful for this year. The great things that happened this year started to happen even before the year ever began. Even probably before 2009 even began. I made personal changes way back in 2008 that eventually lead to the many changes that happened in 2010. Life was getting better and better with each new year but I did not think that life would ever be this good.
I am so thankful for everyone who has been a part of our amazing journey so far -- for those who were a part of our past and helped us to get here, for those who are a part of our present and help us to remember the good times and the bad, and for those who will be a part of our future and will help us continue along on this journey. Thank you for being a part of our past, present, and future. We look forward to many more Thanksgivings to share with our family and friends. We are truly blessed to have each one of you in our lives.
I hope that this streak of good blessings continues on for many more years to come. We have had a blessed first Thanksgiving with family and looking forward to many more blessings that 2011 will bring.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Daybook
FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is a quiet crisp, cool fall afternoon. The streets are so quiet you can hear the sounds from I-75 off in a distance. All the front lawns have been well kept in anticipation of Thanksgiving and the arrival of family and friends.
 |
| The view of our house from across the street |
I am thinking... how much work needs to be done to get the house in order before the holidays. Even though we do not plan on having family here for the holidays, I am hoping to still keep my home organized so there is not much to do when all the holiday festivities have passed.
I am thankful for... quality time we get to spend with our family and friends during our first holiday season married.
From the kitchen... there is always something going on whether it is cooking a fancy meal or just soup and sandwiches, washing the dishes, or sweeping and mopping the floor. The kitchen is my domain where I like to spend most of my time and where the heart and joy of all my work can be found.
I am wearing... comfortable clothing to continue my daily chores and finish the work that needs to be done for the holidays.
I am creating... a photo collage of the past year (with the help of a good friend) for our first family Christmas card.
I am writing… our first annual holiday letter to share our joys and blessings from the past year with our family and friends.
I am going... nowhere today. There is much to be done at home. I have plenty of housework to catch up on today before the holiday festivities start.
I am reading... Facebook statuses of my friends and family as they prepare for the holiday festivities with their families and friends. I enjoy reading interesting articles and blogs that I find on the Internet through links on my friend’s Facebook pages.
I am
I am hearing... the sounds of the washing machine and dryer as I finish some of the housework that has remained undone for the last few days.
Around the house... there is always work to be done. You can sweep, mop, clean, and organize but after it is all said and done, the cycle starts all over again. A housewife’s work is NEVER done.
One of my favorite things... spending quality time with family and friends and making new memories that can be cherished for a lifetime.
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Thursday: Thanksgiving with my in-laws
Friday: Day off and quality time with my husband
Saturday: Florida vs. Florida State football game and a visit with friends in Orlando.
GO GATORS!
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
The start of holiday decorations for our first Christmas in our new home
 |
| The first signs of Christmas at our new house |
 |
| All our Christmas decorations which have only been in storage for six months |
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 Tuesdays.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Lessons through Cooking: Baking with my Mother-in-law
One can tell that my father-in-law really enjoys cooking. We make it a ritual to buy him a new dressing, spice, or something he can use in his kitchen whenever we go on vacations. He loves to find recipes that are easy to make and modify it according to what he or his guests prefer. Mom and Dad often invite us over for dinner. Dad especially enjoys cooking for others. He takes his time and extra care even though each meal is simple. I always enjoy the meals he prepares for us. I always appreciate the simplicity of each meal and enjoy every bite. He knows how to make the simple comfort meal look like more than what it is.
When I cook in our home for Kris, I try to make similar meals. I want to be done in the kitchen so we can enjoy our meal together yet I still take extra care to add the things that Kris really enjoys. I make my own modifications and add other ingredients to make the meal more complete. Kris never has been into fancy food so I stick to comfort foods with a special twist.
I am not much of a baker. I can follow a boxed mix pretty well but I rarely try to bake from scratch. When I do, it does not come out like the picture shown in the recipe. Before we left on vacation, I learned my mother-in-law has always been quite the baker although she has not had much of a chance to do much baking. I was happy to hear this as perhaps I could learn a trick or two and perhaps some recipes that Kris might have enjoyed as a child.
The chance to learn something came much sooner than I expected. My mother-in-law had asked me to come over and help her bake a few things since I was going to be in town. Kris was going to be up in Pasco County, and I would be spending some time with my in-laws by myself. I had not had a chance to spend time with them alone since we were married. I had spent time with them before we were married but it was not more than an hour or so and I never had the chance to spend time with just my mother-in-law. I did not know what to expect but I was excited to learn a new recipe or two that I could try at home.
We started off by making a simple 5-minute diet key lime pie. She had never made it before but wanted to try it to see if she could maybe make it for Thanksgiving. It was made from sugar free lime gelatin, fat free key lime pie yogurt, and light whipped topping. It was simple and easy with no baking. It did not look like a real key lime pie but it tasted like one. It was more like a key lime flavored Jell-O pie.
The next thing we made was simple three-minute fudge (Super-Easy Chocolate Fudge except we used 12oz milk chocolate chips and 6oz semi-sweet chocolate chips) They were so rich that you could eat only one at a time. We poured them into rubber molds to make different shapes. We had hearts, shells, flowers, and butterflies. The molds were actually butter molds but Mom used them for fudge. Since the molds were deeper, the hearts and shells came out easier than the butterflies and flowers. I am sure that whoever eats them will not be looking at how pretty (or not so pretty) each shape turned out.
The last thing we made was a plum wine bundt cake. I had never made a bundt cake before much less a liquor or wine flavored cake. The recipe we used was for a whiskey cake that she had cut out from an old newspaper many years ago. As an expert baker, she had made some modifications to the recipe and I followed her lead. I was happy to see that the recipe called for a box pound cake mix as our base ingredient. It helped keep the recipe simple and easy to repeat when I got home. We both made our own bundt cake and I just followed the recipe just as she was doing. She had made the recipe before with whiskey but not with a plum wine. It was something new for both of us although she had much more baking experience than I did.
Whiskey cake recipe
(The recipe originally called for 2 boxes and was made in a 9-10 inch spring foam pan and served 15 to 20 people. We only used one box each and used a bundt pan instead)
1 box pound cake mix
Eggs – as many as box recipe calls for
Butter (we left this out but you will need as much as the box recipe calls for)
Bourbon (We used plum wine) & Heavy whipping cream (amounts will depend on how much liquid necessary for pound cake)
1. Preheat oven to temperature required for bundt cake. Lightly grease and flour bundt cake pan.
2. Prepare pound cake as per directions on the box. Use 2 parts bourbon to 1 part heavy cream in place of the liquid needed for cake. (For example, if 1 and ½ cups of milk is needed, then use 1 cup bourbon and ½ cup of cream) -- Mom modified the recipe to one to one rather than two to one.
3. Pour batter into pan.
4. Bake according to directions on box.
Mom gave me some of the fudge we made and the heart and shell molds so that I can make fudge here at home. She also gave me the bundt cake I made. I decided to add a glaze to the bundtbundt cake.
I am so glad that I got to spend this time with Mom. I look forward to spending time with Mom again and learning more new recipes that I can share with our kids someday.
Lessons learned through cooking:
1. Always grease AND flour the pan when baking. The flour will stick to the grease and help keep the cake from sticking to the pan.
2. Baking is not as intimidating or scary as I used to think.
3. Special moments shared with loves ones are to be cherished for a lifetime.
When I cook in our home for Kris, I try to make similar meals. I want to be done in the kitchen so we can enjoy our meal together yet I still take extra care to add the things that Kris really enjoys. I make my own modifications and add other ingredients to make the meal more complete. Kris never has been into fancy food so I stick to comfort foods with a special twist.
I am not much of a baker. I can follow a boxed mix pretty well but I rarely try to bake from scratch. When I do, it does not come out like the picture shown in the recipe. Before we left on vacation, I learned my mother-in-law has always been quite the baker although she has not had much of a chance to do much baking. I was happy to hear this as perhaps I could learn a trick or two and perhaps some recipes that Kris might have enjoyed as a child.
The chance to learn something came much sooner than I expected. My mother-in-law had asked me to come over and help her bake a few things since I was going to be in town. Kris was going to be up in Pasco County, and I would be spending some time with my in-laws by myself. I had not had a chance to spend time with them alone since we were married. I had spent time with them before we were married but it was not more than an hour or so and I never had the chance to spend time with just my mother-in-law. I did not know what to expect but I was excited to learn a new recipe or two that I could try at home.
We started off by making a simple 5-minute diet key lime pie. She had never made it before but wanted to try it to see if she could maybe make it for Thanksgiving. It was made from sugar free lime gelatin, fat free key lime pie yogurt, and light whipped topping. It was simple and easy with no baking. It did not look like a real key lime pie but it tasted like one. It was more like a key lime flavored Jell-O pie.
The next thing we made was simple three-minute fudge (Super-Easy Chocolate Fudge except we used 12oz milk chocolate chips and 6oz semi-sweet chocolate chips) They were so rich that you could eat only one at a time. We poured them into rubber molds to make different shapes. We had hearts, shells, flowers, and butterflies. The molds were actually butter molds but Mom used them for fudge. Since the molds were deeper, the hearts and shells came out easier than the butterflies and flowers. I am sure that whoever eats them will not be looking at how pretty (or not so pretty) each shape turned out.
The last thing we made was a plum wine bundt cake. I had never made a bundt cake before much less a liquor or wine flavored cake. The recipe we used was for a whiskey cake that she had cut out from an old newspaper many years ago. As an expert baker, she had made some modifications to the recipe and I followed her lead. I was happy to see that the recipe called for a box pound cake mix as our base ingredient. It helped keep the recipe simple and easy to repeat when I got home. We both made our own bundt cake and I just followed the recipe just as she was doing. She had made the recipe before with whiskey but not with a plum wine. It was something new for both of us although she had much more baking experience than I did.
Whiskey cake recipe
(The recipe originally called for 2 boxes and was made in a 9-10 inch spring foam pan and served 15 to 20 people. We only used one box each and used a bundt pan instead)
1 box pound cake mix
Eggs – as many as box recipe calls for
Butter (we left this out but you will need as much as the box recipe calls for)
Bourbon (We used plum wine) & Heavy whipping cream (amounts will depend on how much liquid necessary for pound cake)
1. Preheat oven to temperature required for bundt cake. Lightly grease and flour bundt cake pan.
2. Prepare pound cake as per directions on the box. Use 2 parts bourbon to 1 part heavy cream in place of the liquid needed for cake. (For example, if 1 and ½ cups of milk is needed, then use 1 cup bourbon and ½ cup of cream) -- Mom modified the recipe to one to one rather than two to one.
3. Pour batter into pan.
4. Bake according to directions on box.
Mom gave me some of the fudge we made and the heart and shell molds so that I can make fudge here at home. She also gave me the bundt cake I made. I decided to add a glaze to the bundtbundt cake.
 |
| Glazed Plum Wine Bundt Cake |
 |
| The cake was so good... |
 |
| ...I had three slices! |
 |
| Shell and heart shaped molds for fudge |
 |
| Heart shaped fudge |
 |
| Shell, flower, and butterfly shaped fudge |
I am so glad that I got to spend this time with Mom. I look forward to spending time with Mom again and learning more new recipes that I can share with our kids someday.
Lessons learned through cooking:
1. Always grease AND flour the pan when baking. The flour will stick to the grease and help keep the cake from sticking to the pan.
2. Baking is not as intimidating or scary as I used to think.
3. Special moments shared with loves ones are to be cherished for a lifetime.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Adjusting to Married Life
After 7 months of marriage there are still a few things that catch me off guard. I find myself still happily surprised by a few changes that happen only after you are married. Sometimes it is complete and utter shock yet other times it is a just a smile or a blush. It is a tingle at times. I have even gotten Goosebumps a time or two. So what are the things that make me feel this way?
Here is a list of a few:
1) Husband and wife
It still sounds strange when I hear Kris refer to me as his wife. Whether he is on the phone or I am standing right next to him, I find myself without words. It takes a moment or two to realize that it is ME he is calling his wife. I slight smile can be seen as he talks about his wife to his friends and family. I find myself it difficult to say “my husband” when I am talking to other people about Kris. The words still do not roll off my tongue so easily that I refer to him as just Kris at times. I still get chills when I refer to him as my husband.
After nearly nine years together, I am still shocked that we are finally husband and wife. There were times that I did not think this moment would ever be. When I would visit him when we were engaged, it was so hard to leave him and go home to Orlando and now it is strange to be here by myself on a Sunday night when he goes to work. I find myself still checking that it is really him next to me when we go to bed at night and check again in the morning when I awake. As if he were to disappear in the night and return again in the morning. Each time I see him still there, you can see a big smile on my face from ear to ear.
2) The name
It is hard for me to find my name when looking at a list. I instinctively look for my maiden last name and read right over my own name wondering if I am on the list at all. I read the list over and over. I read my own name several times and it does not hit me that it is MY name. The name is vaguely familiar. The first name is right but I do not recognize the last name as being mine. After reading the name about 4 or 5 times, I realize the vaguely familiar name is MY name. The vaguely familiar last name is my NEW last name. Again, a smile on my face can be seen.
When I am waiting to be seen at the doctor’s office, it takes a moment to realize that my name is being called. I hear them call my name but I do not think that they are calling me. I am usually there with Kris and I think they perhaps are calling his name. But I am the one with the appointment. After a second or two, I realize that they are calling MY name.
Signing my name has been a bit difficult as well. I have to stop and pause a moment before completing the signature. I have to remind myself to sign a K rather than an M. The only thing I changed about my signature was the K instead of an M. If I do not pause then I will sign an M without a second thought. I have had to resign documents and rewrite checks after signing the wrong name.
3) The ring
When Kris and I were first engaged last year, I found myself checking if my ring was still there. I had to remind myself of that moment he asked me to be his wife. I had to verify that it was still real. After a while, I got used to having it on and stopped checking to see if it was still there. When it would come into my line of vision, I would be shocked to see it there. I would be reminded all over again of the moment he proposed and I said yes. I was reminded of the reality that someday soon we would be husband and wife. When that reality hit me, my heart would just skip a beat.
The same thing happened after we were married. I find myself not only checking my rings but checking to see if Kris still had his on, too. I check it every night before we go to bed. I check to make sure he has it on when he cuddles me good night. Without fail, it has been there. It is very rare that I see him take it off. He is quite comfortable wearing it. I am surprised, as he has never been big on any kind of jewelry with the exception of his Crucifix. Not only can a smile be seen on my face but my heart sings as well and I can rest knowing that he proudly wears his ring for all to see.
Occasionally when I am driving I do not see my ring as my hand grips the steering wheel. I am driving along the highway, singing along to the songs playing from the radio, and as I turn my hand slightly my rings come into view, I am again shocked to see them there. The reality of being married sets in yet again, a truth that I have yet to grasp completely in only 7 months of marriage. For a moment, my heart skips a beat. Reality sets in that I am married now.
There are still many things that we both are adjusting to. There have been many changes in both of our lives and we are enjoying every minute together. We are still learning new things about each other despite being together for nearly nine years before getting married. We have our ups and downs but with each new experience we are both learning how to be better husband and wife.
(P.S. Writing this post has made me smile, my heart skip a beat, sent shivers up my spine, and given me Goosebumps as I write and rewrite every detail)
Here is a list of a few:
1) Husband and wife
It still sounds strange when I hear Kris refer to me as his wife. Whether he is on the phone or I am standing right next to him, I find myself without words. It takes a moment or two to realize that it is ME he is calling his wife. I slight smile can be seen as he talks about his wife to his friends and family. I find myself it difficult to say “my husband” when I am talking to other people about Kris. The words still do not roll off my tongue so easily that I refer to him as just Kris at times. I still get chills when I refer to him as my husband.
 |
| My Dad introduced us using my maiden last name. |
 |
| He said it was because I was the last Mendoza to get married |
 |
| Sharing a kiss before our first dance |
 |
| Our first dance - Endless Love Sung by my Uncle and Marie |
 |
| A tender moment during our first dance |
After nearly nine years together, I am still shocked that we are finally husband and wife. There were times that I did not think this moment would ever be. When I would visit him when we were engaged, it was so hard to leave him and go home to Orlando and now it is strange to be here by myself on a Sunday night when he goes to work. I find myself still checking that it is really him next to me when we go to bed at night and check again in the morning when I awake. As if he were to disappear in the night and return again in the morning. Each time I see him still there, you can see a big smile on my face from ear to ear.
2) The name
It is hard for me to find my name when looking at a list. I instinctively look for my maiden last name and read right over my own name wondering if I am on the list at all. I read the list over and over. I read my own name several times and it does not hit me that it is MY name. The name is vaguely familiar. The first name is right but I do not recognize the last name as being mine. After reading the name about 4 or 5 times, I realize the vaguely familiar name is MY name. The vaguely familiar last name is my NEW last name. Again, a smile on my face can be seen.
When I am waiting to be seen at the doctor’s office, it takes a moment to realize that my name is being called. I hear them call my name but I do not think that they are calling me. I am usually there with Kris and I think they perhaps are calling his name. But I am the one with the appointment. After a second or two, I realize that they are calling MY name.
Signing my name has been a bit difficult as well. I have to stop and pause a moment before completing the signature. I have to remind myself to sign a K rather than an M. The only thing I changed about my signature was the K instead of an M. If I do not pause then I will sign an M without a second thought. I have had to resign documents and rewrite checks after signing the wrong name.
3) The ring
When Kris and I were first engaged last year, I found myself checking if my ring was still there. I had to remind myself of that moment he asked me to be his wife. I had to verify that it was still real. After a while, I got used to having it on and stopped checking to see if it was still there. When it would come into my line of vision, I would be shocked to see it there. I would be reminded all over again of the moment he proposed and I said yes. I was reminded of the reality that someday soon we would be husband and wife. When that reality hit me, my heart would just skip a beat.
The same thing happened after we were married. I find myself not only checking my rings but checking to see if Kris still had his on, too. I check it every night before we go to bed. I check to make sure he has it on when he cuddles me good night. Without fail, it has been there. It is very rare that I see him take it off. He is quite comfortable wearing it. I am surprised, as he has never been big on any kind of jewelry with the exception of his Crucifix. Not only can a smile be seen on my face but my heart sings as well and I can rest knowing that he proudly wears his ring for all to see.
 |
| Proudly wearing our rings |
Occasionally when I am driving I do not see my ring as my hand grips the steering wheel. I am driving along the highway, singing along to the songs playing from the radio, and as I turn my hand slightly my rings come into view, I am again shocked to see them there. The reality of being married sets in yet again, a truth that I have yet to grasp completely in only 7 months of marriage. For a moment, my heart skips a beat. Reality sets in that I am married now.
 |
| Sometimes when I drive I cannot see my rings... |
 |
| ...but just a slight turn and they come into view. |
There are still many things that we both are adjusting to. There have been many changes in both of our lives and we are enjoying every minute together. We are still learning new things about each other despite being together for nearly nine years before getting married. We have our ups and downs but with each new experience we are both learning how to be better husband and wife.
(P.S. Writing this post has made me smile, my heart skip a beat, sent shivers up my spine, and given me Goosebumps as I write and rewrite every detail)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Daybook & Cruise highlights
FOR TODAY
 |
| Actual Daybook entry |
For November 9, 2010 written on November 12, 2010
Aboard Radiance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean cruise ship
Outside my window portal... I can see across the vast ocean all the way to the horizon.
Aboard Radiance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean cruise ship
Outside my window portal... I can see across the vast ocean all the way to the horizon.
 |
| The view outside our portal window |
From the top deck… I love to watch the wake as the ship sails toward Costa Maya, Mexico.
 | ||
| The wake as seen from the top deck |
I am thinking... there is no better way to relax than sailing across the Gulf of Mexico on a large cruise ship.
 |
| Radiance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean |
I am thankful for... new friends (other young adult couples at dinner) and new experiences (Mayan ruins at Costa Maya and walking downtown Cozumel)
From the kitchen... the executive chef and sous chefs are preparing exquisite fine meals.
 |
| Our Filipino waiter Benedict performs a trick for us to earn his tips |
 |
| He balanced the tips of the toothpicks using the forks as weights |
I am wearing... comfortable shoes for climbing on the Mayan ruins.
 | |
| Climbing to the top of one of the Mayan ruins |
I am creating... photo memories of our first cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.
 |
| On top of the Mayan ruins |
 |
| At the base of the Mayan ruins |
I am going... to Costa Maya and Cozumel on our first cruise. We are going to see the Mayan ruins at Costa Maya and tour and shop at Cozumel.
I am reading... House Rules by Jodi Picoult and the Cruise Compass, the daily newsletter aboard our ship.
I am
 |
| Stained glass of St. Michael the Archangel |
 |
| Our Lady of Guadalupe |
I am hearing... music and people dancing poolside on Deck 11.
 |
| Line dancing by the pool |
 |
| Send-off party by the pool on Deck 11 |
Around the ship... there are people from all over the world enjoying a cruise and all the activities.
 |
| Watch out for the water hazard. It's a doozy! |
 |
| We won 3rd place in the mini-golf tournament with Ken & Allison from North Carolina. I helped with moral support. |
Around the house... it is all quiet on the eastern front (home in Bradenton, FL) except for the cat.
One of my favorite things... having time to relax and forget about all work this week, days without stress, and quality time with my husband.
 |
| Outside a local restaurant in Cozumel, Mexico |
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Wednesday: Visit the Mayan ruins
Thursday: Walking tour of Cozumel
There is NOTHING on the agenda – We’re on vacation!!!
Next week: Recover from vacation and back to housework and weekly routine.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Sunset on Deck 12 of Radiance of the Seas with my hubby
 |
| Watching the sunset on Deck 12 |
 |
| It was a beautiful sight over the ocean |
 |
| (Still) newlyweds enjoying a romantic sunset on our first cruise |
 |
| I caught some sun in my hand |
 |
| Even hubby got some sun on this cruise |
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.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Daybook
FOR TODAY
Outside my window... I can see the dark of night straight to the heavens -- a cloudy sky on a cool fall night, the first night in November.
I am thinking... of what needs to be packed for our trip. Clothes for fancy dinners, clothes for daily excursions, clothes for just lounging by the pool…. So much to pack!
I am thankful for... everyone who has come in and out of my life. Some are still a part of my life and others have come and gone in a short matter of time but each one, no matter how long I have known them, changed my life forever. I can never go back to who I was before they came into my life.
From the kitchen... lies the heart and soul of my home. It is where love is made. I put a lot of thought into each dish I make whether it is a cold cut sandwich or an elaborate meal. I add a dash of love not as extra but as part of the main ingredient.
I am wearing... my pajamas and looking to call it a night soon as I wait for my husband to come home from a long day at work.
I am creating... memories to show our children someday how Mommy and Daddy loved each other.
I am going... on vacation very soon where neither of us have to drive. We are looking forward to just resting and relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.
I am reading... nothing new right now. I read the Publix sale ad and the coupons in the Sunday paper every week. I finally started my Jodi Picoult book but I have not picked it up in a few days. Perhaps on our vacation I can accomplish more reading.
I amhoping praying... the elections this year elect to office the right candidates who will uphold our moral and ethical beliefs and values and that they remember we are ONE nation under GOD. Adding extra prayers for family and friends and all those who have no one to pray for them.
I am hearing... dead silence except for the computer running and the sound of me typing on the keyboard. It must be late at night and time to get ready to call it a day.
Around the house... there is STILL work to be done. There are always dishes to be done, floors to be mopped, laundry to be washed, clutter to be put away… But it can all wait another.
One of my favorite things... praise and worship music. I love sing dance and sing before our Lord. It fills me with joy and gladness.
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Pack for vacation.
Tidy and clean the house.
The weekend: Quality time with family
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Exchanging rings on our wedding day
Outside my window... I can see the dark of night straight to the heavens -- a cloudy sky on a cool fall night, the first night in November.
I am thinking... of what needs to be packed for our trip. Clothes for fancy dinners, clothes for daily excursions, clothes for just lounging by the pool…. So much to pack!
I am thankful for... everyone who has come in and out of my life. Some are still a part of my life and others have come and gone in a short matter of time but each one, no matter how long I have known them, changed my life forever. I can never go back to who I was before they came into my life.
From the kitchen... lies the heart and soul of my home. It is where love is made. I put a lot of thought into each dish I make whether it is a cold cut sandwich or an elaborate meal. I add a dash of love not as extra but as part of the main ingredient.
I am wearing... my pajamas and looking to call it a night soon as I wait for my husband to come home from a long day at work.
I am creating... memories to show our children someday how Mommy and Daddy loved each other.
I am going... on vacation very soon where neither of us have to drive. We are looking forward to just resting and relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.
I am reading... nothing new right now. I read the Publix sale ad and the coupons in the Sunday paper every week. I finally started my Jodi Picoult book but I have not picked it up in a few days. Perhaps on our vacation I can accomplish more reading.
I am
I am hearing... dead silence except for the computer running and the sound of me typing on the keyboard. It must be late at night and time to get ready to call it a day.
Around the house... there is STILL work to be done. There are always dishes to be done, floors to be mopped, laundry to be washed, clutter to be put away… But it can all wait another.
One of my favorite things... praise and worship music. I love sing dance and sing before our Lord. It fills me with joy and gladness.
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Pack for vacation.
Tidy and clean the house.
The weekend: Quality time with family
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Exchanging rings on our wedding day
 |
| With this ring... |
 |
| ...I thee wed. |
I will not be posting a Daybook next week but I will be sure to write it out to share along with the following weeks Daybook.
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.
Monday, November 1, 2010
In retrospect: Our wedding planner
I believe that everyone that comes into our lives whether they remain a part of it for a only a short time truly affect who we are and who we become. We can never be the person we were the second before we meet someone. There is a change in you from having known that person. Sometimes the change is so big and that person remains in your life for a long time to come. They are always remembered fondly. The change can be ever so slight that they change you at that very moment. The person does not remain an active part of your life but they are never forgotten. Those who make big changes leave big impressions that never leave your heart and nor do they.
Our lives are forever touched by our wedding and what she helped us put together at the very start of our lives together. She have made a BIG impression on our hearts and she will NEVER be forgotten. She helped to turn my wedding dreams into a reality. We know our wedding day is not about the details and plans of the day itself but it adds to the memories. It completes the celebration and the Sacrament. I know I could not have done it all by myself.
Thank you so much Shannon for helping us put together a lasting memory. A memory that not only will live on in our hearts but the hearts of our friends and family who all celebrated with us on that day. I could not have planned or put together a more amazing wedding if I had done it myself. It was everything I wanted and ever dreamed from the very moment the doors opened and I saw my handsome groom to the very last moments we shared with family and friends. With all that was happening at the time and the months before our wedding, I just did not have the hands and feet to wander all over Orlando to get the things done that I needed. Thank you for being the hands and feet I needed to put together the most amazing day of our lives. We will never forget it. The day will live on in our hearts for a lifetime.
Our lives are forever touched by our wedding and what she helped us put together at the very start of our lives together. She have made a BIG impression on our hearts and she will NEVER be forgotten. She helped to turn my wedding dreams into a reality. We know our wedding day is not about the details and plans of the day itself but it adds to the memories. It completes the celebration and the Sacrament. I know I could not have done it all by myself.
 |
| Getting ready for the big day side by side with my wedding planner |
 |
| Shannon Humphrey -- the best wedding planner |
 |
| Just look at her face...she must have said something. We had some great times! |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)