Kitchen Wrestling

 but why do they choose the kitchen!?!
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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . November 8, 2011

Outside my window . . . at 6:40 this morning the sun was shining. This is the upside of the time change. It is so much easier to get up and going with the sun burnishing my windows. I saw a sweet little birdie at my feeder this morning, and I have no idea what it was nor did I get a photo.

I am thinking . . . about how easily I can become frustrated.

I am thankful . . . for new lessons learned. I have been consciously focusing on learning to enjoy the process. I realized that I have a tendency to rush through everything just to get to the end result. I have been working recently on learning to enjoy the process of cooking, crocheting, eating, showering -- so many things bring joy when I slow down and "live" the process.

From the learning rooms . . . I'm not hearing much about school work these days. Ds's focus is all on the wrestling. I am so proud of him for how he is approaching the process -- practice, eating, drinking, even washing his own practice clothes! Just hope his grades aren't suffering!

In the kitchen . . . last night was beef stew and fresh bread. I'm not sure about tonight as we are supposed to have another day in the 70's and I'm still not feeling up to par. We will see what the day brings! (And I made the first batch of Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix yesterday.)

I am wearing . . . my pink Just Love Coffee t-shirt and my summer weight robe.

I am creating . . . another shawl from the Autumnal Shawl pattern. This time I am using Naturally Caron Spa yarn in rose bisque.

I am going . . . . to run a quick errand and then stay home doing laundry, paying bills, and crocheting.

I am wondering . . . why I can't remember to return my HORRIBLY overdue library books!?! What's that about?

I am reading . . . Wicked by Gregory Maguire. I read this years ago when it first came out. The kids and I went to see the show last week and it got me wondering about how the novel and musical differ. I have an affinity for this story as I played the Wicked Witch of the West in our high school production of "The Wizard of Oz".

I am hoping . . . for a good turn out for our Presents with a Purpose sale at church this weekend.

I am looking forward to . . . my confined water scuba classes this weekend. I have 2 more of these and then 3 more open water dives to complete my training. Dh and I have planned a trip to Cozumel for my open water dives!

I am hearing . . . quiet as dd just left for school.

Around the house . . . I'm thinking about holiday decorations. I enjoy having the house decorated, but not the process so much! I think part of that is feeling as if my home needs to look like a Macy's display, so this year I'm planning on toning it down a lot!

I am pondering . . . . the benefits of looking for a part time job.

One of my favorite things . . . is feeling useful and productive.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . keeping it quiet and hoping to throw this infection once and for all.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . . 

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Batch #1

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

Made by You Monday -- Hot Chocolate Mix

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

5 1/2 cups powdered milk

1 lb. Nestle Quik

2 cups powdered sugar

4 oz. French vanilla Coffee Mate

Mix all ingredients in an airtight container.

Combine 1/3 cup mix with 12 oz. hot water

 and stir thoroughly.

Top will marshmallows

or whipped cream.

head over to Made by You Mondays at Skip to My Lou to see more.

Wordless Wednesday

Loyal friend . . .

 . . . as long as pumpkin bread is involved!

for more photos visit Wordless Wednesday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . November 1, 2011

Outside my window . . . it is 34 degrees outside with a light frost glistening on the grass. Autumn has definitely arrived!

I am thinking . . . about what truly needs to be done today. My goal is to focus on that and not worry so much about the rest.

I am thankful . . . for a good night's rest and beautiful sunshine this morning.

From the learning rooms . . . ds started wrestling practice yesterday. I've got to be sure there are plenty of healthy foods in the house for him.

In the kitchen . . . last night we had roasted pork tenderloin and succotash. Tonight I think we will have grilled steak and baked potatoes. I have some steaks in the freezer, so I need to get them out and into the marinade.

I am wearing . . . gray sweatpants, a long sleeved t-shirt, a sweater, socks and fuzzy boots. (I had to make an early morning run for dh, so I dressed warmly!)

I am creating . . . a pretty hand towel from green variegated cotton yarn. I really like the pattern.

I am going . . . . to the grocery store in a bit, and to run another errand for dh later.

I am wondering . . . why it has taken me nearly 50 years to figure out that everything changes -- constantly!

I am reading . . . One Was a Soldier (Rev. Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne Mystery #7) by Julia Spencer-Fleming

I am hoping . . . to get caught up on my Bible study by class time on Thursday.

I am looking forward to . . . dh completing the condo renovation. The renters move in on Friday, so we are almost there!

I am hearing . . . nothing but the hum of electronics which is surprisingly loud.

Around the house . . . more laundry today and putting away the Halloween decor.

I am pondering . . . . why I love crocheting so much now? I have known how to crochet for over 35 years, but it's only been in the last couple of years that I have really embraced it.

One of my favorite things . . . is learning a new crochet pattern. 

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . a doctor's appointment tomorrow, Bible study on Thursday, the dentist on Friday, dh and ds are going rock climbing on Saturday to celebrate the completion of the condo, so I'll be on my own.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . . 

seven baby loaves of pumpkin bread!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

:: right now ::

following SouleMama's inspiration . . . 
:: right now, I am . . .
:: relishing in the peace and quiet of everyone sent on their way
:: looking forward to baking pumpkin bread and making pumpkin rice krispie treats

:: relaxed from a pleasant Sunday spent with my kids and husband
:: happy for a shift in my mood
:: enjoying planning new projects for yarn and fabric

:: anticipating creating just because I can

:: wondering what scuba diving in December will be like
:: loving my children, who are really grown ups, everyday
:: feeling blessed in my relationship with my husband. Struggles are tough, but getting through them together is SO worth it 

happy Halloween Monday to all of you!

for SouleMama's list click here

Happy Halloween!