Simple Woman's Daybook - September 19, 2016

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

For Today

September 19, 2016

Looking Out My Window
Cloudy, thunderstorms expected; and, though they could help to cool things off...

They didn't!

It's still in the high 80's and low 90's.  I am so ready for much cooler weather!

I am Thinking
About my role in this life I am living.  As a caregiver, I need to "embrace" that role; yet, it's hard to do that in the face of one who doesn't treat me in kindness...

I am Thankful
For family and friends who will let me vent; give me encouragement and hugs; pray for us...

And, just be there for me whenever I need them.

One of My Favorite Things
Looking back at things that happen, and thinking:

I am Wearing
A pair of denim capris, a blue, white and gray striped shirt and my slippers.

I am Crafting
I completed three Halloween tags and a door hanger last weekend:

I also completed a Back to School ATC for a swap:

I am Reading
Just started reading "Sunset" by Karen Kingsbury...the fourth book in the "Sunrise" series...

I am Learning
That I need to "embrace" my role as caregiver...

It is what my role is in this season of my life; and I need to be the caregiver that I have been placed here to be.

But, it is hard!

In My Kitchen
Rotisserie chicken and potato salad; and I think I may be ready for some soon!

Shared Quote
"Even if we cannot seem to walk that mile in someone else's shoes, we are still capable of standing beside them to be a supporter until the day they learn to smile again."  (Hannah Brenchen from the Lewy Body Dementia Association).

A Moment From My Day
On the way home from babysitting yesterday, I decided to stop at the used book store to find a new devotional book to use in my morning quiet time.

I spent a few minutes standing and searching the titles; found one that was a possibility; then I sat down in the chair in front of the next shelf...

All books were by or about C. S. Lewis!  And, right on the edge of the shelf, right in front of my eyes...

"A Year With Aslan"!  I have been wanting this book for quite a while now; and there it was, just waiting for me to pick it up!!

And, if that wasn't enough of a sign that I needed to buy it?

When I was checking out, I discovered I had a credit of $7.50!

So, of course it was meant for me to have that book!!

Closing Notes

This week's Simple Woman's Daybook is being written on Tuesday evening.  This may be my normal time for writing since I am babysitting my granddaughter every Monday morning!

Have a blessed week, and join me again next week for another look into my "daybook", or my life as a retired grandma!

Simple Woman's Daybook - September 12, 2016

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

For Today

September 12, 2016

It is hard to believe that 15 years have passed since the events of September 11, 2001...

We, as a country,
Will Never Forget.

Looking Out My Window
Well, babysitting on Monday mornings has put a major delay in my posts for Simple Woman each week; but, I plan to continue writing it whenever I can...

This week, it is Tuesday evening; in fact, it's 5:00 pm and time to consider what we will be eating!

It has been an over-cast and rainy day; it took us over an hour to get to our monthly breakfast outing...but it is cooler than it has been.

I am Thinking
Seriously?  I am trying to get my thoughts together for the "write31days" challenge starting October 1st, which is approaching very quickly!

I am Thankful

Always thankful for my family and friends; and on this few days after the anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts are on those who lost their lives on that day; those who responded in so many ways; those who have lost their lives since 9/11; those who serve and are ready to jump in and do what they can for our country...

Thank you, God, for all!

One of My Favorite Things
Spending time with my grandkids; and now that I get my 2-year old granddaughter one day every week...all to myself until mom gets back home...

I am "in Heaven"!

I am Wearing
A pair of tan capris, a light tan shirt with pink flowers, and my slippers...my very comfy slippers that I keep forgetting I'm wearing and almost walk out wearing them!

I am Crafting
I have a lot of ideas!  But, have a few projects I need to finish before I get those done...

Spent the last couple of days stamping a few of my dolls to send to someone who doesn't own any of them!  Sharing whatever way I can...

I am Reading

I am a bit more than half-way through "Someday" by Karen Kingsbury...the third book in the "Sunrise" series...

I am Learning
The best way to keep things less stressful is to just remember - he is not always right in what he says; and just letting it go over my head instead of correcting him sure does help!

In My Kitchen
We ate a late, big breakfast; and I had some toast with peanut butter around 4 pm (lunch?).  But, I am beginning to get hungry again!  Can't seem to get enough to eat...

Not sure what's on the menu for dinner; probably leftovers!

Shared Quote

After hearing an inspirational story on the Christian radio station I listen to in the car, the announcers were talking about life's storms and how God uses them and is with us through them.

One of them said, "God doesn't take away the storms; He just helps us get through them."

How true this is in my life!  Now, if I could just remember that when I go through the storms!

A Moment From My Day

I love spending time with BiBi (our nickname for Bijou, my 2 year old granddaughter)!  We read and color and have lunch and sometimes watch educational shows on NetFlix.

But, when mommy gets home, she is #1.

As soon as she walks in the door, what does BiBi say to MeMaw?  "Bye, MeMaw"...of course, I don't leave right away!  I hang out for a little while to talk with my daughter before I leave them.

Out of the mouths of babes, you just never know what they are going to say!!

Closing Notes

And, so ends another post for Simple Woman's Daybook...

And, the beginnings of a busy week...

Have a blessed week, and join me again next week for another look into my "daybook"...better known as a "planner" for some folks!

Simple Woman's Daybook - September 5, 2016

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

For Today

September 5, 2016

Looking Out My Window
I'm writing late today since I decided to take today (and tomorrow!) for crafting days at home!!

The weather has actually cooled down a bit; instead of the high 90's, we have the mid 80's...and that's quite alright with me!!!

It's a little breezy and sunny and just plain beautiful; but I've been inside all day...that was my plan and that's what I am doing!

I am Thinking
About my "calling"; I think I am supposed to be learning something from all this ugliness I get from my husband - the one I "care for" in his dementia and hearing issues.

God has me in this place at this time for a reason...if I'm not learning a lesson, perhaps I'm teaching one?

Not sure... and that's what I'm thinking today!


I am Thankful
For my Family, and the times we are able to get together; and those times we try to be together, but are not able to because of circumstances beyond our control...

Like Hurricane Hermine!

Although my daughter and I did not get to attend my granddaughter's wedding, we were able to watch a (not-so-good) live video of the ceremony; and several people have posted photos on Facebook.

Isn't technology great?!

Pre-wedding Photo

                              My son Chris and Sophie                                                  Saying their Vows

Mr. and Mrs. Aaren Austin

One of My Favorite Things
Well, after that last prompt - I am thankful for...

A fave would be connecting with family - and friends - via the computer!  That's where we all seem to be; and from there can share our photos of the good times we have together...

Whether we are physically together or not!

I am Wearing
A pair of gray shorts, a blue, white and gray shirt, and my black bedroom slippers.

I am Crafting
I decided today would be a craft day!  I stamped several dolls and clothes to make a few Halloween tags using the new "Cat Girl" doll I purchased the other day.  So far, the dolls are done; now to get the tags made!  {And photos will have to come later because they are not "complete"...


I am Reading
"Someday" by Karen Kingsbury; the 3rd book in the "Sunrise" series...continuing the story of the Baxter Family; a very inspirational series!

I am Learning
That I am not really learning the lesson; I have not been able to accept how life is at this point...

Every day is different; it's hard to know how to "be"...how to act/react to things he says and does.

I have been spending more time at home and can still do things I love doing - crafting, reading, writing/blogging - but need to work on things we can do together.

I am learning...perhaps one day I'll know!

In My Kitchen
Dirty dishes in the dishwasher; two loads of towels already washed, dried and put away...

And leftovers in the fridge for dinner!  And, it is time to go fix something to go with those leftovers!


Shared Quote

I just pray I can remember this and trust that God knows what He is doing in my life!

A Moment From My Day
In the evening, when we sit together and watch "our shows"; I think these are the closest we seem to get to doing something together!


Closing Notes
Well, another week's post for Simple Woman's Daybook...

Hope everyone has enjoyed their "extra" day off from work and the "normal" routine of life!  Join me again next week for another look into my "daybook"...


Have a blessed week!

Simple Woman's Daybook - August 29, 2016

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

For Today

August 29, 2016

Looking Out My Window
This day is quickly winding down!  Been up since just before 7:00 am so I could get to my daughter's house in time to watch my granddaughter.

The closer I drove towards home this afternoon, the cloudier it was!  A stop at the store for a few things, and when I came out, it had rained and already stopped!

But, I got into more rain on the rest of the way home; had to sit in the car for about 25 minutes 'til the rain slowed enough for me to get out.

It has cooled down quite a bit since the rain, and I am loving it!

I am Thinking
About the weekend trip coming up with my daughter...

Praying everything goes well and no drama!

I am Thankful
For the wonderful minister we have had as an interim while reviewing profiles for a new full-time minister!

His sermon on Sunday gave me the assurance that we - the Pastor Search Committee - have made a good decision about the candidate we will be bringing before the congregation...

Excited for everyone to meet this awesome young woman!


One of My Favorite Things
Spending time with my grandchildren...and my "children", too, of course.

Today I began a weekly "job" of babysitting for my youngest granddaughter, 2 years old, one day a week.  I had a great time watching a few kids' shows, reading books, eating lunch, and taking and sending photos to Mommy and Aunt Cathy!

She went down for a nap just before Mommy came home; and I enjoyed a bit of "grown-up" talk with my daughter.

Sending Kisses to Mommy and Aunt Cathy

Being Shy

I am Wearing
A pair of jeans capris and a white top with pink flowers and a bit of blue and green...

And my new slippers!

I am Crafting
Working on coloring a few Prima dolls that I stamped Saturday so I can "dress" them...

Photos after they are done!


I am Reading
"Summer" by Karen Kingsbury; the 2nd book in the "Sunrise" series.

I am Learning
That I am the one that must "control" the situation(s) that occur around here...

If I react negatively, he will also!  If I try to react in a calm way, he will react to that more easily...

And there usually won't be an outburst!

In My Kitchen
The fact that I have a very stuffed tummy means I am DONE in the kitchen!

Dinner cooked; dishes in the dishwasher...

Now I can relax!

Shared Quote
This prayer was posted on Facebook on my birthday by a blogging friend:

A Moment From My Day
Singing "The Wheels on the Bus" and "Five Little Monkeys" with my granddaughter!  And watching as she repeats what she hears on the show, "Super Why"...

Such a little smart one!

Closing Notes
So, with a bit of back-tracking because of an error and having to start over...

I am finally ready to finish my post!

Check back again next week for another one...

Have a blessed week!

Simple Woman's Daybook - August 22, 2016

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

For Today

August 22, 2016

Looking Out My Window
Today is a beautiful, sunny day; so far we haven't had our daily thunder storm...maybe we won't!

It was around 76 degrees at 10:30 this morning; and at noon was in the 80's.  I haven't been outside yet; guess I won't be going out at all today!

I am Thinking
Following up with the above - that I haven't left the apartment today - I am thinking that some days it's just so nice not to have somewhere to go; to be able to stay home and relax, or do chores on my own time, or even watch 3 or 4 episodes of a Food Network kids competition...

Yes, that's what I'm thinking today...about how nice that can be!

I am Thankful
For family and friends who help me see when I am not being the person that I should be; for pointing out my faults in a way that encourages me to do better!

One of My Favorite Things
A bowl of salty popcorn with shredded cheese sprinkled throughout, and eating it while watching a favorite show on TV...

Like "So You Think You Can Dance - Next Generation" that we will be watching tonight!  I love to see the kids performing; they are sooooo cute, and also sooooo good!!

I am Wearing
I have been waiting almost a week to be able to say this...actually, I've been waiting longer than that!!!

Today, I am wearing a pair of tan shorts and a rust shirt; and I am wear my new pair of comfy black slippers that are replacing my dirty, worn-out crocs!!

Yes!!!  I finally found the perfect pair of shoes/slippers to wear around the apartment...I just can't stand to go barefooted; I always seem to step on something that irritates my feet!

I am Crafting
I spent some time at our craft place for a "Beach-y" themed crop and completed my interpretation of the layout for the crop; pictures to come later:

"Beach Babes"

August 20, 2016

Close-up of Little Mermaid

Close-up of Mr. Crabby

I also added photos to a page I completed a few weekends ago at the Cancer Crop:

San Sebastian Winery

Birthday Wine-Tasting

August 2013

I also promised to show photos of the two swap projects I was working on; here is the Paint Chip ATC (Artist Trading Card) that I sent to my "partner" in Arkansas:

And, the Ice Cream tag swap project I sent to my "partner" in Michigan:

I am Reading
I have been reading (again) "When Your Loved One Has Dementia - A Simple Guide for Caregivers", a compilation work of several authors, and endorsed by Peter V. Rabins and Nancy L. Mace, co-authors of "The 36-Hour Day" which has also been a welcome resource for this journey with dementia!

Once I finish reading this book, I'll go back to the Karen Kingsbury series; but the next couple of weeks will be quite busy getting ready for a trip to Louisiana - the north part, not the area that has been under water.

I am Hoping
Once I get back from Louisiana, I am hoping to spend a lot of time in my craft room...

Working on getting some things put away, thrown away or given away; that will help me be able to get the room more organized so I can do some crafts at home...

My plan is to make a few more things for a craft show the first weekend in December, just in time for Christmas buying!!

I am Learning
Slow and easy, calm and quiet is the way to "win" at communicating with my husband!  And, I have learned so many other things in the book I've been reading.  The last time I picked it up, I was just scanning a few chapters or pages.

Maybe one day I will have learned what I need to know for this journey!

In My Kitchen
Chicken is thawing so I can make a casserole for dinner; not sure what else, either biscuits or cornbread...

I think I feel like eating some cornbread tonight!

Shared Quote
From the July/August 2013 issue of "Angels on Earth", this quote (or blessing) by an unknown author:

"May you always walk with the morning star to guide you, the summer sun on your back, and an angel by your side."

So, I leave this as a blessing to all!  For more information on this inspirational magazine, click here: angelsonearth.

A Moment From My Day
I know when doing Random Acts of Kindness, it's a personal, private thing; yet, I have to share this one and ask for prayers for this lady...

While checking out at the grocery store the other day, the clerk had to put my order on hold so they could check a price: I thought I had picked up a BOGO item but was charged for both.

The clerk proceeded to check out the next customer, asking her "Are you having a good day?" and the lady answered "No."  She looked sad and upset, and showed how her hands were shaking.  She said she had just taken her husband to the hospital and that he had cancer...

She had a problem getting her card to go through, and was looking for another one when I told the clerk to put her purchases on mine.  The lady started to protest, but relented...I proceeded to pay for the purchases; but before she left, I had to give her a big hug.  The clerk, the lady, and I all had tears in our eyes...

I just couldn't let that opportunity pass.  So many people have stepped up to help me out in so many ways when I needed it...

Please pray for that lady and her family; no, I didn't get a name...names are not necessary; God knows who she is.

Closing Notes
And, so ends another week; another Simple Woman's Daybook.

I pray your week is eventful, fun, and full!  
Join me again next week - hopefully.