Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week of January 26, 2009

For Today:

Outside my Window: the sun is shining as the afternoon sun swings around in the cold winter sky.

I am thinking: it is going to be a long few days babysitting my best friend's toddler.

From the learning rooms: I am learning what a huge sacrifice mothering is and thinking that perhaps God knew what He was doing when He left me out of this "club"!

I am thankful for: this opportunity to help my friend out while her daycare person is away on vacation.

From the kitchen: there is silence and order as I have tidied up for Pen so she won't have to when she gets home from work.

I am wearing: green sweat pants, a green hoodie and long sleeve white tee... and huge bags under my eyes from a fitful night's sleep.

I am reading: my Bible although I don't seem to be getting anywhere. I am SO far behind in my Bible reading in a year that it isn't funny. I am beginning to wonder if I'll ever get caught up.

I am hoping: that my 3 days with Hillary don't tucker me out too much for Ladies' Group Thursday morning. I am supposed to be facilitating my small group again and I just hope I'm awake long enough to do it.

I am creating: a lasting bond with my little "god-daughter" Hillary this week!

I am hearing: the calming sound of worship music from the satellite tv, and the noisy houseguest of Pennie's upstairs doing laundry.

Around the house: are signs of a busy toddler, although she is the tidiest toddler I have ever had the pleasure of sitting for!

One of my favorite things: is hearing Hillary laugh and watching her explore her world.

A few plans for the rest of the week: are making sure Hillary is well taken care of, facilitating my small group on Thursday morning and SLEEPING!!!

Here is a picture thought to share with you:

Hillary, showing her baby doll the tv show she was watching

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week of January 19

For Today:

Outside my window... I am looking out over the Monterey Bay with the morning sun shining brightly making the water a beautiful bright blue. The mountains behind Santa Cruz are seen in the distance.


I am thinking... that I want to soak up every last ray of the California sunshine before I have to head back to the cold winter of Toronto on Friday.


From the learning rooms... I have learned about wine this week after visiting the Beringer winery in Napa Valley. It is the oldest, continuously operating winery in America and a favorite wine of ours for years. I even learned that I like some red wine... who knew?


I am thankful for... this incredible opportunity to get away with Doug on this trip and have these incredible "record breaking" warm temperatures.


From the kitchen... of the hotel, came a delicious breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon with cranberry juice and vanilla bean tea.


I am wearing... jeans and a short sleeve white t-shirt, running shoes and white ankle socks. For now, until I get outside, I also have on a green cotton hoodie.


I am reading... The Other Daughter by Miralee Ferrell for my book club and my Bible (although this past week I have already fallen behind in my reading through in a year reading)


I am hoping... that my minds eye can capture all the wonderous beauty I am seeing here on the central coast of California.


I am creating... more memories with my precious hubby as we travel.


I am hearing... the women of the View yaking in the background as we let breakfast settle before we head out on the road exploring.


Around the house... I'm sure my cat (at home) is wondering what happened to us and if we're ever coming home.


One of my favorite things... is to be at the ocean. Doesn't matter if it's the Atlantic or Pacific (or Carribean)... just as long as there is sand and waves my soul is happy. I do prefer a west facing coast (Gulf Coast or Pacific Coast) because there is nothing like watching the sun set over the water!


A few plans for the rest of the week... are exploring Monterey, Pacific Grove, 17 Mile Drive and Carmel-by-the-Sea, and then laundry at the hotel in Milpitas and packing for home Friday :-(


Here is a picture thought to share with you:

The look of shock on our faces is the surprise of the cold surf on our bare feet

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Week of January 12

For Today...

Outside my window... I watch the sun rise over the San Francisco Bay while planes land at the SFO airport.


I am thinking... that I really need to buckle down and do my assignment for my writing course that is due on Thursday.


From the learning rooms... I am learning the ins and outs of writing a "Childrens' Book".


I am thankful for... the opportunity to travel with my hubby on business trips where I get to enjoy and explore other parts of North America.


From the kitchen... is a made-to-order breakfast in the hotel kitchen.


I am wearing... my pink plaid pj bottoms, blue cotton camisole and warm angora hoodie and slippers, but not for long as I'll need to change to go down to breakfast.


I am reading... the book of Job from my Bible, Writing for Children and Young Adults, and will be starting my book club selection for January, The Other Daughter.


I am hoping... this incredible weather in California holds on so hubby doesn't miss it all while he works like a dog.


I am creating... more memories of my time in one of my favorite cities in North America, San Francisco.


I am hearing... the voices of Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts on Good Morning America.


Around the house... or in this case, the hotel room... my books are scattered about the sofa, the bed is unmade and it looks "lived in" until housekeeping comes to tidy up :-)


One of my favorite things... is wandering around the streets of downtown San Francisco and riding the cable cars!


A few plans for the rest of the week... enjoying the California sunshine, finishing my assignment, swimming in the hotel pool and sitting in the hot tub and maybe taking the subway back downtown to spend more time in my beloved SF!


Here is the picture thought to share with you:

Walking along the paths of Muir Woods Redwood Forest

My friend, Judy introduced me to this fun blog exercise called The Simple Woman's Daybook. My first post is a little late but I didn't want to miss this first week!

FOR TODAY Monday, January 5, 2009... (very early in the a.m.)
Outside my window... the sky is dark, and a cold drizzle is coating my car with a thin layer of ice
I am thinking... about all the things I have in store to do this week.... taking down the Christmas decorations, packing for our trip to California... banking, shopping... too much to think about at this late hour!
I am thankful for... the sermon at church this morning that reminded me of all the promises God has kept and will continue to keep. He has been so faithful, despite my own unfaithfulness. He truly is an Awesome God!
From the learning rooms... I am learning that the more I trust God, the easier my life seems to flow. Last year was my first real year of "letting go & letting God" and it was my best year to date!
From the kitchen... there is only the quiet ticking of the clock as the kitchen is "closed" for the night.
I am wearing... my Snoopy pj bottoms and a warm pink sweatshirt as it's almost bed time.
I am creating... this new blog to write on as I focus on the simple things in life.
I am going... to bed soon. It has been a long, full day and I need my sleep so I don't get sick before our trip this weekend.
I am reading... The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann for my book club on Tuesday night. I have only 12 chapters left to go and I'm wondering how it all will end.
I am hoping... the weather is good while we are in California. I need some sunshine and a little more warmth than I'm used to in January.
I am hearing... the ticking of the kitchen clock, the gentle hum of my laptop and the clicking of keys as my fingers whiz around the keyboard.
Around the house... are signs that Christmas has just past... half eaten chocolates, candy canes on the coffee table, Christmas decorations adorning the walls and the evergreen tree and boughs hanging in the family room.
One of my favorite things... is spending time with my hubby. Whether it's holding hands as we walk or stand in church singing, watching movies, eating, talking or snuggling in bed... time with my hubby is one of my life's biggest joys.
A few plans for the rest of the week: putting away Christmas decorations, cleaning the house, banking and packing for our trip.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Nothing like a simple cup of tea to make my day!

You too can join in on focusing on the simple things by heading HERE. See you next week!