My Daybook...

Out My Window . . . I love the shadow play on the barn, and I love that the sun is shining!  We got about 5-6 inches of snow over the week-end, although some has melted because of warmer weather in front of a cold front.  We are suppose to get another 3-4 inches on Saturday and Sunday.  I'm not going to complain about the cooler weather, because it will be hot soon enough.  I'm trying to focus on what is happening right now, and enjoy the moment.

I am Grateful for...How grateful I am for this sweet little granddaughter of mine!  Today is the 17th anniversary of her bone-marrow transplant.  Averi was just 5 months old when she was diagnosed with, Osteopetrosis the middle of December, 2002, and had a her transplant on January 8th, 2003.  She spent 6 months in the hospital, her mother never leaving her side.  Averi almost died every single day for 4 months, and just look at her now!  What a blessing this amazing girl is in our lives...I love her more with each passing year !

Averi today...

Averi at her very sickest.

And, how grateful I am for this amazing man who donated his own precious bone marrow for his little sister.  She would not be here today if it weren't for him...he is a true hero!  I remember this day so perfectly, almost every detail.  Christian was only 4 years old and terrified...what a tender mercy to have her brother be a perfect match...such a miracle! 

Christian today...

Christian at 4 years old.

I am also truly grateful for her parents, who through love, prayer and sacrifice were able to take Averi home.  Her mother truly did stay with her the entire time she was hospitalized 300 miles away from her other two children.  And her father who was with her every week-end, and as often as he could get there during the week sacrificed untold hardship.  He was also going to college to get his doctorate degree in pharmacy, and after all of this, graduated with high honors.  How they did this I will never know, they are so strong and have such faith.  I do know that none of it would have been possible without prayer, fasting and many tender  mercies from our Father in Heaven. 

And of course, we can't forget her sister, who is her biggest fan!  She was such a brave little 2 year old!  She is Averi's best friend and confidant!  We love her tons!

A though to leave you with... My heart is very full today!!

Be safe!

Hugs and Love,

Barb

Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

FOR TODAY  Oct 25, 2011

Outside my window... It's dark and cold.  I can tell by the feel of the wind that Old Man Winter is upon us! 

I am thinking... About my husbands family.  He just found out tonight that his mother was hospitalized with cancer of the liver, adrenals, and lymph glands.  The dynamics in this family are so broken . . . please keep them in your prayers.

I am thankful for... One thing that I am so thankful for tonight is my faith.  Faith that there is more . . . this is not the end, the best is yet to come.

A thought to share with you... 

 "May faith be as a candle to guide us in the night by its light. May it go before us as a cloud in the day."

~Gordon B. Hinkley~

From the kitchen...  I made bread today.  It just seems that I always go to my favorite bread recipe when I'm in a hurry.  This is such an easy recipe for white bread.  It came from a friend of mine whose father worked in a bakery for many years.  It's easy and really good, it also makes good rolls.

White Bread

2 1/2 cups very warm water

1 Tbls yeast (I use fast rise)

3 Tbls sugar

1 Tbls salt

2 Tbls shortning (I use coconut oil)

7-7 1/2 cups flour (I have used half whole wheat and half white)

Combine water, yeast and sugar - mix well and let sit for about 10 min.  Add salt, and shortning (or oil), mix well.  Slowly add flour until, kneading well after each addition - dough should be soft, but not sticky, and not too stiff.   Let rise until double.  Make into two loaves.  Let rise until about 1 inch above pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. 

Homemade bread is comfort food for me!

I am wearing... Black pants and a rust sweater - it was so cold today!  I will soon be wearing my nightgown, and hopefully be sleeping like a baby!

I am creating... I want to find a fun craft to make for Christmas - any ideas?  

I am hoping... For inner peace . . . especially peace and comfort for my husband.

I am hearing... My playlist playing "The Enchanted Garden", oh, so beautiful!

Around the house... I hope to work on some Christmas gifts, clean the bathrooms, mop the kitchen floor, do some laundry, vaccume the floors, pull up the frozen tomato plants, and maybe get some painting done on the downstairs bathroom . . . whew, I'm already tired!!

One of my favorite things... Well, at this time of the year it has to be scented candles, making my home smell like pumpkin pie,  and of course, my favorite potpourri simmering on the stove!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree."
~ Emily Bronte~

 Warm Hugs,

  

Find other daybooks here!

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/