Simple Women's Daybook

Outside my window...

it is raining and knocking all the leaves out of the trees. The trees are starting to look like "Halloween trees". All spooky and creaky.

I am thinking...

that I really shouldn't be spending nonsense time on the computer because I haven't completed my list. Oh well, it's never stopped me from procrastinating before.

I am thankful...

for dining room chairs that you don't have to strategically sit on so they don't fall apart.

From the kitchen...

one word. Mac'n Cheese. Don't tell me that's not one word. If it's one of your kids favorites, then it's one word.

I am wearing...

leopard print ballet flats. Makes me feel a little on the wild side. :)

I am creating...

an awesome Relief Society lesson for tomorrow. I haven't really started it yet but positive thinking never hurt anyone.  

I am reading...

nothing of importance, but my children wish I could read their minds.

I am hoping...

it stops raining for Trick o' Treating tonight.

I am hearing...

Lane and Paige doing math problems. I don't know why. It's Saturday take a break from it.

One of my favorite things...

are those new Fabreeze Illuminators. Those ones that have the flame-less flickering light but smell oh-so-good.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

finish some projects and start some new ones. I have an idea for my jewelry to help organize it.

A picture thought I am sharing...

It was mix-n-match day and Paige tackled this like a pro. She'd bring me an outfit and asked if it matched. If I said, "kind of" she'd run off and find something else instead.  This is what she ended up with. She makes mix-n-matching look cute. Lane on the other hand would not even participate in this silly foolishness. I was proud of Paige for letting her silly personality show through (and had to get on Lane's case because he was teasing her and telling her she was going to be the only one dressed weird--big brothers, go figure).

Chef in the making

In the past Lane has expressed interest in being a chef and loves watching the Food Network when it's on.  So of course when he brought me this recipe that he had invented, I was so proud (as any mother would be). The only problem is that some of the ingredients are kind of hard to find. In honor of Halloween here it is:

Monster Stew

1 cup nose hairs

2 cup snot and earwax

2 cups vampire fangs

5 cups spider venom

3 cups zombie guts

1 Davey Jones octopus tenticle

Burn 'til tenticle turns crusty black at 350 degrees.

We switched!

Now this switch was made with resistance.  More resistance than I expected.  Before this switch, this had been going on for over 11 years.  This seemed to be an uphill battle.  Similar to switching from Pepsi to Coke.  Who in their right mind would do that!?! Unless they lived in the Philippines and Pepsi was just not available and Coke was necessary to kill the worms inside your belly. (That's another topic altogether.) Okay, Okay.  I know you are wondering what we have done.  It's life-changing .  WE SWITCHED SIDES OF THE BED. I know, shocking.  I have yet to fall asleep but obviously it hasn't slow Blake down in his ability to sleep with a snap of his fingers.  The real thing that tickles me pink is that in this process I've managed to turn our bedroom back into a bedroom.  All the craft projects, rubbermaid containers, and piles of "stuff" have been removed and on to better pastures.  We've only lived here for two years and I'm actually starting to decorate for real. What a fun, creative feeling.  My only worry now, is can I get used to the fan hitting me on the left side vs. the old right side.  BTW, I forgot to tell the kids that we switch so maybe they'll scare daddy out of his peaceful sleep for once.

Super Saturday

If you are a LDS (Mormon) woman you have one of two reactions to this title.  If you've ever been in charge of one, you are feeling severe abdominal pains, a headache almost as bad as a migraine, and fevers and chills simultaneously.  This last Saturday was our wards' "Super" day.  I am too tired to explain what, when, where, or how we did it.  But I am not too tired to give you my take on the "why we did it" and mostly likely will painfully continue to do it.  

1. I enjoy being a crafty craftsman and teaching others new things/doing it for them.

2. Stress and sweat built relationships and strengthen bonds.  Some may call this 'service'. :)

3. I enjoy just being around other goofy women who have been humiliated by a hot glue gun and an occasional paint brush.

4. I reminds me of all the great qualities of others and their own uniqueness and talents. A Relief Society is such a special place.

I will admit that I do have a small sense of relief that my Saturdays will not be "Super" for another year.  But when the time comes I'll be looking forward to it once again for all the right reasons. 

The "real" Robin Hood

Very briefly...a friend (Scott) took me on my first hunting expedition.  We had a great time.  Spotted 11 deer (one of which was quite big for a white tail), numerous squirrel tempting us greatly, a coyote that was smart enough to leave us alone, and 1 deer that subsequently became my first big game kill.  I must say it wasn't "big" but exciting all the same.  A clean kill at 35 yards with a bow @ 9:30 am on Opening Day!!  A big thanks to Scott for his expertise that day.     

36 observations of turning 36

1. I'm noticing more gray hairs on the top of my head.  It could be that my new sunroof highlights the gray easier.  Either way, I may have to finally color my hair.

2. Paige thinks that on my birthday I shouldn't have to drive.  I should just sit in the passenger seat and relax. We would get nowhere.

3. I'm closer to 40 yrs. old than to 30 yrs. old. My 40+ friends think this is great. My "younger" friends think I'm old and need help walking up stairs.

4. If you are born before 1975 you don't have to take the Hunter Safety Test (or whatever it's call).  As if this is even an advantage to me.  Certain men have been plotting on getting me in a tree stand to sit in the cold and freeze just so they can use my tags.  Not gonna happen.

Okay, I'm not really going to give you 36 observations.  More like 3 to 6.  My memory is failing and I don't really observe too much anymore.  I'm pretty clueless.  For example: "I know this friend" who went into Walmart to do some shopping (not a small list either) and on "my friend's" way out she couldn't find her keys.  She made it to her car to notice that her keys were still in the ignition with the car on and the doors UNLOCKED.  Ready for the taking.  Needless to say, I didn't hesitate to say a lengthy prayer of gratitude.  I mean "my friend" said a lengthy prayer of gratitude.  (It still makes me cringe so please dad don't call and tell me how ridiculous I am).

A Special Day!!

Happy Birthday to my lovely wife!!!   Hope you have a wonderful day sweetie!!!