Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

FOR TODAY February 15, 2011

Outside my window... The sun is finally shining - and it's semi-warm outside!  The last time I looked the outside temperature was 40 degrees!  Spring is on it's way - hope it doesn't get lost!

I am thinking... About all of the things I need to get done before my girls start having babies!  Isn't it funny how the moms worry as much as the mom-to-be?  I just want them to be comfortable, and not have to worry about anything when they bring their babies home.  I was never that fortunate.  I did not have a doting mother.  She worked full-time and had other things going on, so she didn't really dote on me much, not that I expected it, but, It's something I like to do for my daughters. 

I am thankful for... A Heavenly Father who loves us, cares for us, knows each of us better than we know ourselves, and wants us to be happy.  I'm also thankful for the knowledge that I have, that I can live with Him once again, this life is not the end.  Last week, my step-sister passed away very suddenly.  She was only 62 years old.  Her funeral was yesterday, a very fitting day to have a funeral as she was very loved!  One of the speakers at her funeral said that he didn't know anyone better prepared to meet her Father in  Heaven - what a wonderful compliment!  She will be greatly missed by all who loved her and knew her, and I know that she had a wonderful reunion with those who love her and have missed her on the other side.

From the learning rooms...   I decided that I would pick one trait that I would like to improve on  each month.  This month, I am going to work on character.  

"Good habits are not acquired simply by making good resolves, though the thought must precede the action. Good habits are developed in the workshop of our daily lives. It is not in the great moments of test and trial that character is built. That is only when it is displayed. The habits that direct our lives and form our character are fashioned in the often uneventful, commonplace routine of life. They are acquired by practice."

~Delbert L. Stapley~

From the kitchen...

For Jess's baby shower, I made these wonderful cookies - they make a huge batch, and are perfect for freezing.  Divide dough into 4 pieces.  Shape each piece into an 8 to 10 inch roll.  Wrap rolls in wax paper or plastic wrap.  Place in a plastic freezer container with a tight-fitting lid, or wrap airtight in a piece of heavy-duty foil.  Store them in the freezer and use within 6 months.  Makes 4 rolls of dough or about 12 doz. cookies.

Slice and Bake Chocolate-Chip Cookies

2 cups butter

1-1/3 cups granulated sugar

1- 2/3 cups brown sugar, packed

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

4 eggs

5- 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 cup chocolate chips (I use 1 cup chocolate and 1 cup butterscotch)

1 cup nuts (optional)

In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar.  Beat in vanilla and eggs until light and fluffy.  Sift together, flour, salt and baking soda.  Stir flour mixture into egg mixture until blended.  Add chips and nuts.

Pre-heat oven to 350F (175C).  Drop cookies by tablespoon full on an un-greased cookie sheet about 1-1/2 inches apart.  Bake 10 minutes until browned around the edges.  Remove and cool.   

I am wearing... Off white pants, a brown long-sleeved t-shirt, with a rust colored plaid shirt over it.

I am creating... Today, I'm going to start working on my genealogy.  Just putting some names and faces on my family tree!  

I am going... Nowhere, I'm staying home today!

I am reading... I'm just starting, "The Long Walk", a history of the Navajo wars 1846-68.  

I am hoping... That Spring hurries - I'm tired of Winter!

I am hearing... The sound of wind blowing through my pine trees and soft music playing on my computer.

Around the house... I have a little laundry that needs to be done,  the bathrooms need to be cleaned, and then I'm going to be a little lazy . . .  :0)

One of my favorite things... Sweet love notes from my grandkids!

A few plans for the rest of the week: 

Today - Putter around the house, work on genealogy.

Tomorrow - Meeting at the library.

Thursday - Spend the afternoon helping my daughter with a project she's working on.

Friday - Who knows?!
Saturday - Work on things around the house with my husband.

Sunday - Church.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...  Just a few pictures from our day trip on Friday - it was so beautiful!  If you look closely on the river (click on the picture to make it big) you can see little white specs . . . they are swans!

"The mountains are calling and I must go. "

~John Muir~

Hugs,

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