The Simple Woman’s Daybook ~ June 30

Here is my Daybook for today ~ June 30.

Outside my window. . .my white picket fence (love it!) surrounding the cool blue pool, all surrounded by green everywhere – trees, grass, bushes and a clear blue sky.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am thinking. . .about plans for the week.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am thankful for. . .the fact that I am wholly and completely loved and accepted by the God of the universe, who created everything and everyone for His glory. I am also thankful for Jeff’s mom, whose birthday is today, and for the gift of her son who blesses my life.
~~~~~~~~~~
From the kitchen. . .Spaghetti, salad and garlic toast for dinner tonight.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am wearing. . .navy blue athletic shorts and a light blue t-shirt
~~~~~~~~~~
I am creating. . .many new blog posts to share with you.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am going. . .to see Wall-E this week with the kids.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am reading. . .“365 Days of Celebration and Praise” by Julie Lavender, Romans.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am hoping. . .for beautiful weather on the 4th for our annual cookout, swim and fireworks family get-together.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am hearing. . .ice tinkling in my glass of pink lemonade, air conditioner running, the movie “Eight Below” playing, and various children talking.
~~~~~~~~~~
Around the house. . .so many piles of laundry to be put away, first fruits from my garden – ripe tomatoes on my kitchen windowsill and fresh zucchini on the kitchen island, and many children’s blankets, sleeping bags and pillows strewn about the living room due to their necessary camping out there the past few nights due to the broken a/c upstairs (they can’t come to fix it until Thursday, so they’ll be camping out a few more nights it seems).
~~~~~~~~~~
One of my favorite things. . .homemade ice cream on the 4th of July.
~~~~~~~~~~
A few plans for the rest of the week. . .horseback lesson tonight for Laura, go to the movies with the kids, get ready for the 4th of July family party this Friday, sit around and wait for the a/c repairman and the internet repairman, Ladies Bible Study, a baby shower for a friend and the always fun and fantabulous 4th of July celebration!!!
~~~~~~~~~~
Here is a picture thought I am sharing. . .

(look for a recipe featuring these beauties coming up in a few days)

~~~~~~~~~~

Interested in reading more Daybook entries? Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman for the entire list of Daybook participants this week.

Blessings,
Nancy

Take My Life . . .

(picture courtesy of Corbis)

We sang this beautiful hymn today at church. The words touched my heart so much that I wanted to share them here. May this be a blessing to you this Lord’s Day.

Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days -
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold -
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose,
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

Take my love – my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Take my will and make it Thine -
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart – it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

The text of this hymn was written by Frances Ridley Havergal
The music was written by Henry A. Cesar Malan

Blessings,
Nancy

Candy-Making Night

Last Wednesday night was our monthly Keepers of the Faith meeting at church. The topic of study this month for the girls was candy-making! We met in the kitchen, where a lovely table was set up with samples of homemade chocolates, books about candy, strawberries with chocolate dipping sauce, dipped pretzels, candles and baskets of candy-making items.

The girls were taught some of the history of candy and played a fun timeline game for candy prizes based on that history.

Next they learned how to make molded candy from candy melts, and actually each got to make some. It was a very simple process –

1. Melt candy melts for 30 seconds in the microwave, stir, and melt 30 seconds more.

2. Spoon into molds, and tap mold on counter to release air bubbles.

3. Place in freezer until solid.

4. Eat and enjoy!

It doesn’t get much easier than that!

Here is a picture of some of the girls filling their molds with chocolate -

We learned that there are many different colors and flavors of candy melts available at the craft store, as well as a wide variety of candy molds for all occasions. It was a really fun night and everyone enjoyed eating the work of their hands.

Here’s one little boy who thought it was a great night. I turned my back for a second and he stuffed some chocolate in his mouth and then proceeded to give me the “cat who ate the canary” look -

The boys had a fun night too – they went off to someone’s home to learn about horses, where they each had the opportunity to ride for a bit as well as learn about horses and their care.

I am signed up to teach the girls next month – and I have no idea yet what I am going to teach them – EEK!!!! Time to start working on that one.

Blessings,
Nancy

Summer Blooms

I walked around the yard with my camera and thought I’d share some of the beautiful flowers that are blooming right now in our little neck of the woods.

As you can see, the crepe myrtles are in full bloom and really gorgeous this year -

These are our Daylilies – there are four yellow bushes and one peach – lovely! -

Here is one of the three sage bushes that are still waiting to be planted in the ground. I am going to love having these bushes with their sweet purple flowers -

Here are two of our Rose of Sharon bushes. The pictures don’t show the colors as beautifully as they are – the first one is a lovely purple and the second a light baby pink (my favorite). We also have several bright pink ones that I didn’t photograph this time -

This is a small bunch of interesting flowers that I found at the nursery and planted by the porch. I don’t remember what they’re called, but the blooms look like strawberries! -

Finally, on this day anyway, there is what we affectionately refer to as “the Monster”. I don’t know the name of this one either, but it is a huge bush that grows back bigger every year, even with cutting back – hence the name. It blooms with many pretty purple blooms all over it -

I took some pictures of how the garden is coming along as well, which I will share with you in another post. So glad you could stroll around the yard with me today!

Blessings,
Nancy

Another Sweet New Life!

(photo courtesy of Corbis)

There is another sweet new life to celebrate today!!! Kim C from Life in a Shoe (see blogroll to the right) has delivered a beautiful new baby girl just this morning!! Be sure to hop over to her blog and wish her well! She has already posted pictures and details on the birth. Congratulations Kim and Perry and your whole beautiful family!! She is simply precious!

“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. . .” -Psalm 127: 3-5a

Blessings,
Nancy

A Sweet New Life

This is our little baby wren all snuggled up in its nest. The nest is located in a storage cabinet on our back patio. It is about eye level, so it has been easy to observe and photograph. If you can’t tell where the bird is, just look in the center at the yellow mouth – it is wide open waiting for mama wren to come back and feed it.

Here is a picture of our Barn Swallow’s nest also located on the back patio. Mama Barn Swallow is sitting on the nest again – so we should be seeing little mouths popping up there soon, too!

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” -Matthew 6: 26

Blessings,
Nancy

Pink Lemonade

Mother Hen asked me to share my recipe for the pink lemonade that has been mentioned a few times lately on my blog. I decided it would make a nice post – so homey and seasonal, so I’m sharing it with all of you. This recipe was lovingly passed down to me by my mother and maybe hers before her. I have to admit that I laughed out loud when I read Mother Hen’s request and I’m sure you’ll understand why when you read my recipe, so here it is -

Pink Lemonade

-Open freezer door.

-Take out frozen can of Wal-mart brand pink lemonade.

-Peel top off of can.

-Determine whether to microwave defrost for 30 seconds or if mushy already, just dump the can in a pitcher.

-Add 4 1/2 cans cold water (preferably the filtered water out of the refrigerator, but usually from the tap because it’s quicker when you’re really thirsty).

-Stir it up really good.

-Pour over ice and drink it down!

Seriously, this is how I do it and I love it! If I’m making it for a party, I’ll make two pitchers and pour it in my big glass jar with the spout and throw in a couple of lemon slices – it looks so authentic this way! ha! ha!

Now you have it, so why don’t you take a refreshing break and prop your feet up, open up that new magazine and enjoy a nice tall glass while you watch your kiddos enjoying some summertime fun in the sun!

Blessings,
Nancy

Thankful Thursday – June 26

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I Thessalonians 5:16-18

I am thankful today for the gifts of summer -

1. I am thankful for sunny days with blue skies and puffy white clouds.

2. I am thankful for summer thunderstorms giving a break from the heat and much needed refreshment to the natural world around me.

3. I am thankful for crisp, clear nights with millions of twinkling stars and the sound of crickets chirping outside my window.

4. I am thankful for cool breezes blowing through the trees.

5. I am thankful for glorious flowers that bring beauty and joy to my world.

6. I am thankful for the wonderful foods of summer – hot dogs and cheeseburgers on the grill, watermelon, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, juicy peaches and plums, cool refreshing salads, crisp cucumbers, popsicles, cobbler and home-made ice cream.

7. I am thankful for relaxed days with “just living” on the schedule.

8. I am thankful for summer fun – swimming, gardening, going to the movies, riding bikes, swinging on the swing, playing hopscotch and blowing bubbles in the air.

9. I am thankful for family get-togethers, picnics, and family vacations.

10. I am thankful for the great God we serve, who gives us all good gifts from His hand to enjoy.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” -James 1:17

To find more Thankful Thursday participants, click on the box below and be blessed by many lovely posts this week.

Blessings,
Nancy

Two of a Kind

I read this meme over at Mother Hen’s site Ship Full O’ Pirates and thought it looked like fun, so here goes –

Two names I go by ~

1. Mom, Mama, Mommy and Ma (I actually hear all of these around my house)

2. Honey (to my sweetie)

Two things I’m wearing right now ~

1. Coral t-shirt

2. Blue jean shorts

Two of my favorite things today ~

1. A red cardinal in the bush outside my window.

2. Children sitting around on my bed chatting and hanging out with Mom.

Two things I want at the moment ~

1. Food (I haven’t eaten yet this morning)

2. A clean house with all my laundry caught up (hah!)

Two favorite pets I have had ~

1. My black cat Cleo from my teenage years – I used to call her my angel in disguise.

2. My hamster, PJ, from my college years – she was my college buddy.

Two people I hope will fill this out ~

1. Kathy from Joyful Journey Journal

2. Lea from Farmhouse Blessings

Two things I did last night ~

1. Had a special late-night movie night with Sarah, Tommy and Laura watching the newly released “Spiderwick Chronicles”

2. Worked on a few blog posts for future posting (coming up soon!)

Two things I ate last night ~

1. that yummy Tater Tot Casserole (see recipe below)

2. Hershey’s Kisses dipped in peanut butter (with the movie)

Two people I last talked to ~

1. Anna (“I don’t like this candy – I want some M & M’s”)

2. Laura (“Pleeeeeeez, won’t you take me shopping today?”)

Two things I will do tomorrow ~

1. Take Laura to her horseback riding lesson.

2. Change numerous diapers (I was going to put laundry, but since I don’t always get to that, I knew diapers would be more of a sure thing!)

Farthest two trips I have taken in the last 5 years ~

1. San Antonio, Texas – just last week! (see those posts below)

2. Colorado – a few years ago visiting relatives – it’s always so beautiful I can’t stand to come back to Texas!

Two favorite holidays ~

1. Christmas

2. Thanksgiving

Two favorite beverages ~

1. Pink Lemonade – I drink it year round I love it so much!

2. Hot Chocolate with whipped cream – I sometimes drink it year round, too, but not as much as the lemonade.

Now it’s your turn! Anyone who wants to join in, post your Two of a Kinds on your blog and leave me a comment with your link, so that I can pop over and read yours!

Blessings,
Nancy

Tater Tot Casserole

This family favorite is easy to make and satisfying to eat. You may already have the recipe, but I thought I’d share it, in case some of you haven’t ever tried it – I know I was 30-something before it ever crossed my path.

Be sure and light your favorite candle before you start!

Here is a list of ingredients –

2 lbs. ground beef
4 cans cream of something soup (I used 2 cream of chicken and 2 cream of mushroom, but you can use whatever you have on hand or prefer)
Shredded cheddar cheese (2-4 cups)
Frozen Tater Tots

To begin, brown the ground beef and season with salt and pepper (I like to add some garlic salt, too).

Transfer the beef into a 9 x 13 casserole dish.

Dump the 4 cans of soup into the casserole dish and mix with the beef.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top of mixture.

Top with frozen tater tots to cover.

Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour, or until bubbly and tater tots are hot.

Delicious served with a fresh green salad!

Sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Blessings,
Nancy