The Simple Womans Daybook

Join Us... http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY December 15, 2008

Outside my window... It is an oddly warm evening. Feels more like March than December.

I am thinking... about the fun I had today sewing and the more exciting crafting and sewing left to be done tomorrow

I am thankful for... my mom's help today. She is so amazing and I have so much to learn from her.

From the kitchen... I just ate a piece of pumpkin pie, it was cold already, but still GOOD!

I am wearing... very comfortable yoga pants and a Powder Hound Life is Good shirt

I am creating... Sew many things... get it. I am sewing A LOT. Aprons, Oven Mitts, tissue/ hand sanitizer holders, Overalls, Dresses.... the list continues.

I am going... to bed very soon. Maybe tonight I can go to sleep before 3 am.

I am reading... How to guides on building a mantel. I know how per se, but just not exactly how to properly attach it to my masonry.

I am hoping... to get some advice on how to redo my kitchen... I wish Some really creative people could help me. We have got to get this house back in order... most of the damage from the tornado will be repaired by Christmas except the kitchen, because I don't know where I want to go with it.

I am hearing... My dogs scratching to come in

Around the house... there is fabric a plenty!

One of my favorite things... Craigslist. I just got a new front door... well new to me... to $20 it is beautiful the people who are selling it for $20 are CRAZY!

A few plans for the rest of the week: More sewing tomorrow. a photo shoot Wednesday, refinishing furniture Thursday, cleaning Friday, Christmas Parties Saturday, Father-in-law comes to help rebuild what still needs repairs on Sunday and will be here til Tuesday... Can we say BUSY!

Here is picture thought I am sharing... OK a little background before someone call DFCS. I normally would never let my daughter get this dirty... however tonight while out throwing the ball with our dogs she kept trying to get out of our hands. So, we allowed her to get down and crawl on the deck. OK so I admittedly did not know my deck was so dirty and yes it is on the list to be pressure washed, however I had to stop myself from picking her up because she thought it was SO funny to crawl on the deck and just take it all in. (she has only ever been allowed to crawl around on carpet) There were leaves and twigs... she was in heaven. I can honestly say I heard my 9 month old laugh more in 15 minutes tonight than she has before. So even though she got dirty... she had so much fun and I did as well. Watching her little world expand was truly an awesome gift. So check her out... because 5 minutes after this was taken her butt was in the bath!

Christmas Tree Tour

http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2008/12/its-time-to-share-your-tree.html

I thought this sounded like fun! I am joining in a tour of trees! So here are some repeat pics and a few new to share! I don't have any special ornaments... yet. This is really the first Christmas we are sharing as our new family. I hope though that one year we will have a family tree to share, but for now it is my coordinated tree!

GIVEAWAY!

Ok so there is a GREAT giveaway going on right now at Ravings of a Mad Housewife https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=843012257283644795&postID=1891838076475991526&page=1. Fiesta is a great product and I love their dishware! Go check it out.... or dont and then I have better chances.... ok go... Oh and stay tuned as over the weekend I will be hosting a giveaway as well!!!

also. Hello to my new follower Suzanne from over at Sugarloaf Cottage. Go check her out!

Fun Filled Day

So today I had such a great time. Lesley and I spent to day with my good friend Lindsey (http://thelifeofmrslanghans.blogspot.com/ ) and her daughter Charlotte! We went out to lunch at my favorite Mexican place The Border and then went to this fab store. It's called Robinson Salvage, they buy all kinds of stuff from stores that are closing and sell it at GREAT prices. We aren't talking Big Lots, we are talking $1000 Bridal Gowns for $400 and two aisles over A full set of Mikasa China for $99. Then random ornaments, vases, furniture and car parts.... its CRAZY awesome. Lindsey and I were there Forever! Here are some pics of our precious girls from a couple weeks ago. Today was not a day for pics as it was a DOWNPOUR. Lindsey and I had never had to get the girls out in really bad weather before and we did it together today. Lets just say I had just blown my hair dry but by the time we got to the restaurant you would have thought otherwise.... oh and while bending over to get LC out of the car I had rain running down my pants.... (wet panties anyone!) and running into the shoes. Yes I had on clogs, and yes I realize now that clogs were a poor choice! So pretty much I was a HOT MESS! But we had a great day and laughed A LOT!

My Garland is showing

So I thought I would participate in all the fun their having over at The Nester!! You should join too. http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/

So here is my garland. I shopped the house, leftovers from the tree, and I took apart a floral arrangement.... here it is after being picked through.

and then put it back up because even though it looks like crap, I have no where else to put it... Here are some close ups. You should ignore the wood covering my fireplace. We just got a new roof and I haven't uncovered it yet... I dread cleaning it out especially with a 9 month old!

Here is the mantel remember what I said about tree leftovers? Well I really was grabbing at straws, but it turned out OK! This is the first time I have ever decorated a tree or anything else for Christmas. I guess mainly because it never mattered to Wes and I until LC came around. I bought fabric to make stockings, but seeing as how we wont even be home for Christmas I decided to just wait. We do Christmas with my husbands family in Augusta and LC's stocking has been waiting on her since last year! LOL.
Some ornaments that we received from my husbands students... (as a rule ornaments are not the best teacher gifts better yet a $5 gift card to Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, or anywhere really. I promise you it really makes their day!) stepping off my soapbox...

Oh here is a card display thing I got the other day at STACEY'S... I LOVE IT! I think I may paint it though.. it blends in to much I think... what do you think? See that little blue one? That is Mrs. Langhans from Highheels and Hairbows http://thelifeofmrslanghans.blogspot.com/ and her precious family. Our daughters are best friends, born 4 days apart, and Lindsey and I were next door neighbors in the hospital. We have known each other much longer though.... college actually. Oh and I almost forgot.... so for those of you that don't know our home was hit by a tornado on Mothers Day...my first, well insurance isn't covering 30% of the damage.... so anyway we are having to do a lot on a VERY SMALL budget. Which is my I have so excited tonight when we went to Lowe's and they had just taken down a display of sinks. I asked what they were doing with them and they said clearancing them out. Well I got first pick and I found a beautiful new sink, without a blemish for $70!!!!! I was beside myself. The Lord is good and he does provide!

The Simple Womans Daybook

Join in on the fun http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY December 8, 2008

Outside my window... is a bright and COLD day.

I am thinking... about all of the things I need to be doing

I am thankful for...my precious angel Lesley she gets funnier and more animated by the day.

From the kitchen... I am going to go make my lunch in a few, once I get Lesley down for a nap... I think a chicken sandwich will be great!

I am wearing... PJ's I don't get changed until I am about to leave... to many chances of getting my clothes messed up.

I am creating... my holiday garland and wreath

I am going... to hopefully not get into a fight with my insurance agency today!

I am reading... Marley and Me again before I see the movie. I bought it and read it when it first came on in hard back almost 3 years ago... so I need a refresher.

I am hoping... to get the house cleaned and to play in the floor with my baby girl today

I am hearing... PBS coming from the other room... whatever happened to Reading Rainbow?

Around the house... a mess can be found in every room. So I am not perfect it's OK.

One of my favorite things... the smell of my baby girl.

A few plans for the rest of the week: we have our 9 month check up tomorrow! and I need to get my holiday cards out!

Here is picture thought I am sharing... My sweet Furbaby Fiona is just as curious about Lesley as she is of Fiona. They LOVE exploring each other!

a prayer for mommies

Dear Merciful Lord,
I am humbled at your amazing love and wisdom. I am in awe of the way you know me and all other mothers too. You know that whether our beautiful child is with us on earth, not sent by you yet, or called home already that our hearts were meant for them. You Lord know our hearts and created them to hold the gifts that you give us. Lord I am praying to you to hold all mothers close this holiday season. We carry your gifts in our wombs for a short time, but forever in our hearts. Some of us may really need to lean on you this season, because the closer we are to you, the closer we are to our angels. Lord please be with new mothers like myself. We worry a lot and you know the fears we have Lord, please ease them. Lord for the mothers whose children have yet to be sent to them, give them comfort to have the faith to know their gift will come when it is your will. Lord most of all I want to thank you for your child. You gave him up for us and we can never show enough love and gratitude. Lord I ask you all of these things in Jesus Christs name. Amen.

Everyday Unwrapped

You can join in on the fun go to http://emmafree.blogspot.com/ and join in.

I will start my first everyday unwrapped with the situation that made me realize I need to slow down and pay attention to what is going on. In this pic you see my daughter chewing on rolled silverware at the Irish Pub. Well I snapped the pic and then realized that I shouldn't let her chew on this so I took it away. Well of course she kept going for it. So without thinking I put it up. 2 days later I found the rolled contraband in my diaper bag! So moral to the story Lani needs to slow down and pay attention. So I did just that. No I don't have a picture to show for it, but while enjoying my daughters amazing and huge smile I saw that she has the smallest tooth bud starting. It is so exciting to watch her grow, but also sad to see her becoming more and more independent. I need to slow down and cherish these days because before I even realize it they will be gone and she will be walking, running, riding a bike. You get the point. So today I slowed down to watch my daughter grow.

another give away notice!

Talk about cute stuff!!! I keep stumbling across these awesome give aways. Check out this great give away and read her blog. She is TOO funny! http://mommaneedsatimeout.blogspot.com/2008/12/merry-christmas-giveaway.html

I pormise I will post tomorrow about me and not give aways... well unless I find more awesome giveaways!

Catherine Holman Folk Art: Cupcake Painting Giveaway!

Catherine Holman Folk Art: Cupcake Painting Giveaway!

You absolutely have to go check out this cute as can be painting. And better yet it is a give away!!!!

The Tree

Ok so I guess I may be done with my tree. I know I am obsesing but whatever.... I need to take a better pick and will later, but I am too tired so without further ado.
So now I am on to the garland and wreath, oh yeah and cleaning up the house I have been neglecting the past few days!

Breast Cancer

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

We need to all go to this site and click.... EVERYDAY! We all have boobies, let's keep em safe!

So much to say!

So I have been a tad bit busy lately! My Daughter Lesley Claire in getting rather mobile and chasing her and our two large dogs around a x-mas tree is proving difficult. Anyway, I have had a great day despite the weather today and found a TON of cool stuff. Mostly bargains like the pumpkin lanterns (6 of them), fall foliage garland (3 strands), and pilgrim people. I know your thinking hello its not fall, but I got them all 90% off!!! I ADORE fall and have been trying to slowly build my fall decorations without spending much money. I am sad to pack them away so quickly, but it makes looking forward to next fall that much more exciting! Oh I also got something for a friend... and since she follows this blog I guess it isn't a surprise. (which is OK because I can't keep gifts a secret anyway) I saw it and immediately thought of her dining room. If you don't love it Lindsey its OK I can return it, but I just thought it would be so pretty with all of the other feathered treasures in your dining room! I actually thought it would be cute nested in with your white one. Anyway to see what I am talking about you can check out her decorations at Highheels and Hairbows thelifeofmrslanghans.blogspot.com . Anyway, after my shopping I met up with My Hubby and we took our daughter to the Christmas Parade here in town. It was COLD and RAINY so we decide to grab a burger and wait it out. We had a very pleasant evening and now I am sitting here listening to my husband snore while my sweet angel is sleeping on his chest. I still am not satisfied with my tree but I think I will be done with it tomorrow for better or worse. I still have to do my garland and my wreath! So I need to stop being such a perfectionist. I guess since it's our first Christmas with the baby and first time we have put up a tree in this house I just want perfection. I can dream right. See you soon.

Decking The Halls

So today my mother came over to help me watch the baby and get started on my decorating. Well we got a ton of laundry done, LC napped like a champ, and mom and I started to decorate the tree. I have gotten a few things put up and I thought I would share some pics before I got so tired I start hanging everything crooked.




















I also started working on some wordle's http://www.wordle.net/ to give as gifts. I have made several, one is Christmas themed and others include people's names, marriage, and teacher as themain word with words that describe them surrounding. I dug through my basement and found the supplies for making a festive sign for my self in the living room. But I think the best part of the day, and it was amazing to beat out time with my mom and daughter, was when my Faith decoration and willow tree figures were being lit by the soft light of the tree. I just had to take a picture to remember how blessed I am. I was told I would most likely never conceive and through faith, prayer, and God guiding the hands of Doctors I became a mother. I am blessed. I hope that you are too.

My Photography

I have been doing photography for a couple of years now, and am very excited that the business is beginning to pick up a bit. I was talking with photography with my friend Lindsey, she and I both enjoy the art, and it made me really think about the gift I have been given. I have been allowed to memorialize very important moments in alot of lives. I can't show most pics here due to not having rights to display for non-business related purposes, but there are some that I do have expressed permission to show. Anyway, I am just really proud of some photos and thought I would share. Josh and Miranda Dawson

Peyton Lee Mode 1st Birthday

My Princess Lesley Claire

How 3 posts in one day. I can't promise it will always be that busy around here, but I am getting the hang out it!

The Simple Womans Daybook

So I want to join in on some fun I have been reading about for a few weeks.

If you want to join http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ you can too.

FOR TODAY December 1,2008

Outside my window... is a cold dark night. I can see my neighbors Christmas lights starting to come on.

I am thinking... about the mountain of laundry that needs my attention, but that I would rather decorate my tree.

I am thankful for...the wonderful day I spent with a very dear friend, Lindsey, and watched our beautiful daughters play.

From the kitchen... we had leftover Chili that I made last night. It was still just as fabulous.

I am wearing... my favorite blue jeans and a nursing tank top.

I am creating... ornaments and bows for my tree and edited photos of a friends wedding.

I am going... to get alot of work done in the morning, I might need to go to bed early.

I am reading... blogs today. I need more inexpensive and creative christmas present ideas.

I am hoping... for a wonderful and productive week so that I may be less stressed the rest of the month.

I am hearing... my sweet baby girl laughing at her daddy , and my husband getting onto our very large dogs for giving the baby too many kisses.

Around the house... I have 100 projects needing my attention.

One of my favorite things... new pajamas... I have a new pair in the dryer. I am so excited!

A few plans for the rest of the week: decorate, edit photos, take holiday pictures, work for the Doc and sew... I have ALOT of sewing to do.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I hope you enjoy my blog and visit often!

Just Getting Started

So I am new to the blogging world, as you can clearly see. I have journaled and somewhat blogged in other formats but never anything as concrete as this. I have really enjoyed being a voyer to the blog world through friends blogs and also the occasional stragers creative blog. Because of this I decided it was time to figure things out, so I tried to get started and apparently was missing a step or 3 and with the help on my very good friend Lindsey I have finally begun. I am very excited to join this community and look forward to sharing the journey of my life. I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. I have an amazing life that I am more than amazed by daily. Things may get tight, as the stay at home wife of a teacher, but that teaches you to get creative. So for now... See you soon.