Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Simple Woman's Daybook...

FOR TODAY January 22, 2011

Outside my window... Will we ever see Spring?  It's cloudy, drippy, soon to be snowy and windy - I mean 25-30 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 mph!  Where are you sunshine?

I am thinking... About how much I need to get done today, and how I really just want to sit in a comfy chair, read a book or crochet and do nothing!!

I'm also thinking that I need to be fasting for my children - times are so difficult!

I am thankful for... All the little things in life that make it worth living.  I sometimes take things for granted, until I see something that reminds me how easy my life truly is.  I'm thankful for all the little conveniences in my life that make my life so easy - we all know what they are... :0)

From the learning rooms... Okay, this is going to get a little deep, so put on your waders, or just skip to the next item!!  I have been thinking about my life - it's already more than half over!!  Have I truly made a difference to those around me?  Have I stretched and reached within myself to be a better person, a better wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend?  These are things that I think about and worry about.  I am the only one who can make the changes in my life that will make me who I want to be.  I am the only one who can change ME.  I have so much work to do to get this accomplished! I have been working on "character" this past week, what an eyeopener!  I catch myself saying or doing things that I don't like - all the time!  I want to leave a better legacy for my children and grandchildren.  I don't want my kids to have to write my life story with embellishments.  I am still working on character, it is a lifelong process . . . my goal is to make it part of me, something I don't have to think about.  I want my character to walk in front of me, like a smile . . .  something that just comes naturally to me. 

The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out. 
~Thomas Babington Macaulay~

From the kitchen... Yesterday, I made my sisters famous, Bean Pot, and I must say it was very delicious!  I changed it up some, by using turkey burger instead of ground beef, I also used some hickory smoke bar-b-que sauce along with the catsup.  Yummy!

Bean Pot

2 - 15 oz. cans pork and beans 
1 can garbanzo beans
1 can lima beans
1 lb. lean hamburger
1 lb. bacon or ham
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup catsup
14/ c. brown sugar
3 Tbls. vinager

Fry hamburger, chop bacon and fry with the onion.  Add to crockpot with drained and rinsed beans.  Cook for 5-6 hours on low.

I cooked mine in the oven yesterday - I cooked it very low, 220 degrees for about 3 hours or so.  We had this with cornbread and it was so good - comfort food for me!

I am wearing... My housecoat!

I am creating... Just got done crocheting a cute sweater for my daughter's baby boy  - that's not here yet!  It turned out so cute.  I still need to crochet the booties and put the buttons and ribbon on it.




I am going... No where! 

I am reading... Nothing!

I am hoping... That my daughter will hurry and have a baby... :0)

I am hearing... Wind blowing outside, soft music from my computer, the clock ticking away, telling me to hurry and get off of the computer.

Around the house... A little washing, vacuuming, dishes, figure out what to have for dinner tonight.

One of my favorite things... Getting out of the shower and using a wonderful body spray that makes me feel and smell like summer!

A few plans for the rest of the week: 
Today - clean and putter around the house.
Tomorrow - get some sewing and ironing done.
Thursday - get my hair cut.
Friday - work on the bathroom (we're getting there!)
Saturday - ?
Sunday - church.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is what a three year old looks like after eating a Fat Boy Ice cream bar!!

"Even when freshly washed and relieved of all obvious confections, children tend to be sticky." 
~Fran Lebowitz~
I hope your day is wonderful!
Hugs,



I love reading other daybooks - you can find them here!  http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

22 comments:

LeAnn said...

Of course, I always love your posts. Getting to be what you want to be is life time project and I will need to live a very long time.
I hope the children are ok. I know they have all been sick; but I haven't got through to them yet. I need an update.
You are so good an crocheting. Wow, I wish I could do something that beautiful. I always have flaws. I keep trying anyway. I will be remembered as the one who couldn't do it right.
Loved the recipe; it looks yummy. We are having the Elders' for dinner and I almost paniced because our electricity went out and it wasn't suppose to be back on until 2:30 pm.
I am saved it came back on; but now I am behind as usual.
Have an awesome day and I think you have a loving perfect heart.
Blessings to you! LeAnn

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

"cloudy, drippy, soon to be snowy and windy" Oh giggles, it is the L-O-N-G time of year, isn't it? Since the sun is shining today, I can't complain. But..... Cloudy and dripping with snow coming! And wind coming! Eeeeeek!!!

So sorry that your children continue to have difficult times. -sigh- This hurts a parent.

Oh Hon, please don't beat-yourself-up too much, over "character." 'Cause that's a catch word for.... "Got to be goood, gooood, goooood, all the time, time, time." We are human. How can we be goooood, goooood, gooood, alllll the time, time, time?

Sure it's valuable to try to lose icky habits, by replacing them with non-icky habits. Because it feels better.

But to worry over the process, and "beat our selves up," over the whole thing...... -sigh- I just don't see it. But I know. I am I and you are you. :-)

What a cutie, you have pictured!

Are you staying with that sooooooo grrrrrreat spiky hair style? You lucky woman you!!!!

Gentle hugs...

Vickie said...

Afternoon, Barb ~~
I enjoyed your post today. I guess it's this time in our lives. I'm half-way or more through this physical life and I wonder about myself, too. I've tried to be the best I can be in all areas, but I know that I fail daily. We just have to pick ourselves back up and strive to daily do better than the day before. I pray that my kids can see the character in me that we've tried to teach them. I pray that they will be and do better than my husband and I have done. We pray and train them up in the ways of the Lord and hope that they can take up the daily walk themselves one day and be a light in their worlds.

Cute little grandson you have there. He IS a sweet sticky mess! But I bet you get some good sugar from that sweet little face!

That's a beautiful little sweet sweater that you made. You're so talented! It's absolutely perfect and looks so baby-soft!

Kimmie said...

I always love stopping by your daybook posts Barb. Makes me feel like I have paid a lovely little visit with you and your family!

Hugs

Kimmie
xxx

The WIlloughby Family said...

I LOVE the sweater! It looks so cute and so cuddly!!!!!! You are amazing at crocheting!! I can't wait to see this little baby in it (that is IF he decides to join us)...I loved Aunt Amelia's comment about it being a long time of year. Will it ever end?? I guess I decided that if I am going to live in such a beautiful, wonderful place that is close to my family, a few yucky months out of the year are well worth it...I think. Hahah! Love you MOM!

The WIlloughby Family said...

P.S. I have to say that the little boy pictured is one of the most handsome, precious, cute, snugly, adorable little guys I have EVER EVER seen! Okay I am a little bias but don't you agree??? I just LOVE that face!

Unknown said...

We might be getting some snow this week. I drove through a little bit and some hail today. We have had a lot of windy weather. The little sweather is just beautiful. Yes character building is a life long process, but we have to keep growing. It sounds like you are a bit stressed and need a big hug. Linda

The Rusty Hoe said...

Congratulations on the pending birth of your new grandbaby! The sweater you made is darling. I understand about your desire to really make a difference in people's lives. I was just thinking that this morning while doing my Bible study lesson. I've enjoyed reading your entry Barb. Be blessed, Oney

The Stewart said...

How true is that!? I think that a lot..."is what I'm doing making a difference for the better?" Especially up in primary during singing time!! What a cute sweater. You're so talented!! Can't wait to see it on him!!

Saimi said...

I think we are all a work in progress and as long as we are progressing in the right direction we are on the right path!

You're crocheting is beautiful! What a talent you have there!!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Barb, you are very talented, that is one pretty sweater! And your sticky-faced grandson is adorable!

I enjoyed your thoughts today. Have a wonderful week!

Sue said...

Beautiful post Barb, I especially enjoyed your thoughts from the learning room, I was thinking some of the same thoughts today.
Beautiful sweater you have created, and will be cherished.
I hope your weather will soon change, ours is up and down. which is expected this time of year. as always I enjoy visiting you.
Hugs,
Sue

Simply Heart And Home said...

Hello sweet Barb!

I will have to try your recipe. That sounds delicious especially on a cold winter night.

We had a very windy day/night on Saturday. I think we are all counting down the days until spring.

The baby sweater is so beautiful. It won't be long!

Gina

lesa said...

That baby sweater is beautiful. You did a great job.

My guess is that you are doing a great job in life!

I love that you are wearing your housecoat. I'd live in my bathrobe all day long if I could.

Have a good evening!

Vee said...

Beautiful sweater for the coming babe. I read right through the rough part and thought how much we are all alike. So much going on in these times of ours, so many needs, and we sometimes forget that it really isn't all about what we do. We simply aren't that capable. It's all about Him. And if changes must be made, well then, let Him work them through as you lean on Him. Don't assume that there's a thing that needs doing without His telling you so. Hugs...

Vee said...

Oh I have to add that your little grand is so darling and that quote...well, truer words. Ha!

Julie Harward said...

Hi Barb...Love that sticky face boy! The bean pot sounds wonderful too. Life is tough right now and it's going to get even tougher..we need to be fasting and praying and holding onto out loved ones for sure. I an sure you are much better than you give yourself credit for and I'll bet you have been a great influence for good on your family. Have a good week :D

Julie Harward said...

I knew I forgot something...that little sweater is fit for an angel...super cute! ;D

Shug said...

Hey Barb...
Let me tell you that I love the character that I have come to know in you. You are such a Blessing to me and I am so thankful that you are my friend.
What a precious little blonde headed boy..He enjoyed that ice cream and I bet he loves coming to your house. Nothing better than having a house full of kids..
No baby yet? I am waiting for your big post about the arrival! I think I'm jealous. I would love to have another precious baby around here..
Enjoyed your post!
Hugs!
Shug

Just Ramblin' said...

The baby sweater is so beautiful. I am envious of your wonderful talent. What a wonderful gift and I hope it will become a heirloom from a loving grandmother. I think that when we reach mid-life we tend to reflect back on our life and sometimes find we are a little too critical of our life. I believe you are a wonderful person whose character is reflected in the beautiful things you make, the words you
write and the example you are to those around you. As I read your blog and share emails I feel of your goodness and greatness. You are making a difference in many lives by sharing you thoughts and feelings. I hope all will be well with your family and that that new grand baby arrives shortly. Do take some time to just curl up with a good book or a crochet hook. Thanks again for a uplifting post. Nola

Susan B said...

The crocheted sweater is just beautiful, you did a wonderful job with it. I'm sure your daughter will love it. You expressed your thoughts on character so beautifully. I love the sticky face photo, and the quote. Too cute!

I hope you have a great weekend with your loved ones!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Feb 26-- Dear Barb, I'm so sorry that your daughter/children were in a car accident! Very glad no one was hurt but... -sigh- This unending Winter does have its really scary parts. The driving and the walking, at times.

Gentle hugs, all round! You and me, both...

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