FOR TODAY: November 25

 Linking up with Peggy at The Simple Woman today.

Outside my window...

The sun is shining but it is chilly!!

Yesterday was gorgeous...or so I hear, it was close to 70 degrees.  

I mostly looked at it through the store window while at work.

I am thinking...
Christmas is ONE month from today! Whoa.

I am thankful...
For our home. I love it so.  I cherish each day we dwell there.

For my church. Church Family.  I was blessed on Sunday.
Just being here in my church HOME.
Knowing I am loved.  Prayed for.  Noticed.  Needed.

In the kitchen...
Are fixin's for Thanksgiving dinner!!  For our part in it anyway. 
Mikayla is making two pies tomorrow. :)

I am creating...
I unearthed my craft counter on Sunday afternoon.
I am looking forward to creating some Christmas cards.

I am going...
to treasure and savor this holiday season

I am wondering...

how I hurt my arm and how it make it better :( 
I did nothing to it that I can recall.  But it hurts and is inhibiting my daily tasks.

I am reading...
The Quilter's Holiday.  Its putting me in a quilty-holiday-ish mood.
I heard our church camp is having a quilt retreat this winter.  I am anxious to hear more about that...I have wanted to go to a quilt retreat ever since I started reading these Elm Creek Quilters books, years ago.  My dream would be to have a quilt shop.

I am hoping...
for the best

I am looking forward to...
Thursday! Thanksgiving! Being with my family. <3

I am pondering...
The future.  Change is coming. Its inevitable. Hard. But can be good. I pray that it is good.

A favorite quote for today...

"Thanksgiving doesn’t devour your sorrow, but it acknowledges the Glory that will.
The thanks be to Him who says our sorrows will be worth it.
The giving of our souls to say that, even if our earthly hopes have been deferred, our eternal hope will never be lost."  from #SheReadsTruth yesterday

One of my favorite things...
Reading with my Hannah. O how I love her, my sweet Hannah and her love of books.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Work tonight. Thanksgiving Service tomorrow night. Thanksgiving!! :)

A peek into my day...

catching up

Finally published my September Video :)  Enjoy...

I needed it. To be reminded of my many, many blessings. God is so good.

I worked myself into a bit of a mood earlier. But then Han and I went to Girl Scouts. I love those girls. And the moms. I really do. It doesn't hurt that I got to see one of my favorite people either ;)

This is Hannah's project from tonight in process.  They made banners to hang their Swaps on.  Swaps are basically little trinkets they make and then when we go to encampment in the spring, and other multi-troop events,  they swap with girls from other troops.

Part of my frustration and dissatisfaction earlier was I spent too much time on pinterest the past couple days.  I looked at a lot of Stitch Fixes, cursing that I am too cheep and too poor to join in the fun.  I could really use a make over. I love clothes.  I so wish I was cool and trendy.

Mikayla and I used to watch this show, The Look for Less on the Style network-- where a person must shop with a fashion stylist to recreate a runway outfit with a set budge. I am thinking I might try my hand at some bargain shopping to recreated some coveted new outfits....or if anyone if looking for some Christmas ideas... ;-P You can check out my pinterst account! haha

One great project I found and so needed was a office in a box.  I really needed to get my Pampered Chef stuff organized.  My latest paperwork was still in the box it came in on the piano bench.  

I found this pretty one on pinterest.  Which I fully intend to replicate with the help of my awesome Thirty-One Consultant/Cousin-- Kelly. (Stand by---I will most likely be having a catalog party after the holidays to help her out and feed my new found obsession).

In the meantime...

I remembered this {not nearly as pretty but fully functional} plastic tote I had down in the basement.   It was from way back in 2004 when I first started with Pampered Chef.  I was able to fit all my current paperwork in it.  Including my stacks of catalogs.

I found these goodies inside that brought an immediate smile and warmth to my heart.  Chambers Cluster Bucks which I earned for some reason I don't remember.  (I so miss being near my cluster and recruiter and going to Team meetings). My welcome letter from Doris Christopher {the Founder of Pampered Chef, if you didn't know}.  My very first Consultant Planner.  Going through old paperwork, seeing names of hostesses from back in Virginia brought back so many good memories.

Also this little magazine, which I am pretty sure Grandma had come across and given to me sometime after I became a Consultant. :)

Happy memories.  A little bit of a push to keep on keeping and  "Do what I love". :D

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Winner, winner chicken dinner ;)

Last night I made one of my favorite recipes. It did not disappoint. Mikayla also made rice in the rice cooker plus...which came out totally awesome as well.  When I got home from work at 9:30 my mouth was watering as I scooped chicken and rice into a bowl {popping a few pieces of chicken directly into my mouth} and then the microwave for a minute or two.

I found on, you guessed it... pinterest. ;-) You can view the original recipe here, along with 4 other freezer meals.

Garlic Honey Chicken
(4-5 servings)

• 1 ½  to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (obviously I used chicken legs instead).
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup  soy sauce
• ⅔  cup ketchup
• ¼  cup honey

(Feel free to double the sauce if you like extra sauce)
Add all the ingredients to a freezer bag. Cook 3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.  We like to eat this with mashed potatoes and a veggie.

My rice cooker has been sitting lonely and forgotten in the basement.  I came across it this past weekend and brought it up to the kitchen to put it to some good use. We sometimes have a little trouble cooking rice on the stove top at our house.  So I was eager to give the ole Rice cooker a shot. If you want to check it out, click the picture. It should take you to my pc website.

Bonus: did you know you can also make a microwave cake in it?? Check out this recipe I found by searching "Rice Cooker Pampered Chef" on pinterest... the name cracked me up...

Clean out the Pantry Microwave Cake

Daybook 11.18.14

FOR TODAY November 18, 2014
 

Outside my window...
it is cold! But the sun is shining! =)

I am thinking...
About my devo this morning-- from the Runner's Devotional.  About picking up the pace, not just going through the motions.  Running in such a way as to get the prize!
I don't want to just coast through life. 
I want to live it to the full.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, not for men.
Colossians 4:23 (niv1984)

I am thankful...
For my church. 
My heart was overflowing with gratefulness and belonging on Sunday. 
My Sunday school class was fantastic.  We had a new little girl in class. We had a great time continuing to work on our Thankfulness Bulletin Board.  I love my class so much, there are no words.

The service was wonderful.  It just felt like home.  There is no other way to describe it.  The current sermon series has been super.  It is on attitudes and how they affect our outlook on life.  Last week Pastor spoke on Joy.  I think its pretty cool now that the sermons are available to listen to on our church website.  Its kind of a new feature for us. ;-)

Sunday night was also our semi-annual meeting.  (Basically a report on the ministries and happenings of the last 6 months). It was a huge blessing to be there.  To know I am part of the core of this church.  That anyone can be-- by simply choosing to take part.
Pastor Eric ended the meeting with all of us joining hands and stretching to circle around the outside of the sanctuary.  My dad and he then prayed for our church.  I thought it was really neat.  And again I was thankful to be there, and to be sandwiched between my parents.

In the kitchen...
Last night Mikayla made one of her specialties and favorites: Chicken Pot Pie 
It was fantastic. :-)

I stole this picture off her instagram ;-)

I am so blessed by this girl.  I am so proud to be her mom.  I love that she shares my love for cooking.  When I started Pampered Chef, she loved it as much as I did.  I thought her excitement had kinda wanned.  But learned this week that this is not the case at all.  She helped Mom and me sort out the boxes of goodies from Mom's party a couple weeks ago.  It was such fun! She requested a couple catalogs to take to school for her friends and their moms-- who apparently love Pampered Chef. She started brainstorming about having a Pampered Chef party for her friends, and their moms.  Sounds like a great idea to me ;-)

I am creating...
 So many lists.  I wonder how I will get everything accomplished.

I am going...
To work 30 minutes earlier tonight. 
I foolishly agreed to change my scheulde for the winter so the lady I relieve could get home before dark.  I am mildly regretting it, but at the same time, thankful to be able to help.

I am wondering...
 Why I am having such a hard time completing this entry.
It has taken hours and its not done yet :P

I am reading... 
a somewhat random book I picked up at the library.  So far it has not disappointed me.
The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street : a novel

I am hoping...
Tonight goes by swiftly.  I am already cold and tired...and starting to get grumpy. 
Dreaming about being cozy in my bed!
 

I am looking forward to...
Thanksgiving!! I love Thanksgiving! It may even be my favorite.
I am really looking forward to our church's Thanksgiving service this week, and dinner to follow.
As well as Thursday celebrating at my parents house with our family. <3

I am learning...
{Again/Still} to remember to thankful.
In all things.

Around the house...
It's kinda messy.
But tomorrow's Wednesday (so I will be home in the evening)
and maybe I can get something accomplished.  Maybe.

I am pondering...
Yet again...how to simplify.
 

A favorite quote for today...

 
One of my favorite things...
Just being home, warm and cozy.
 

A few plans for the rest of the week:

• Working.
• Finishing the church newsletter.
• Starting to get a handle on the basement clutter.
• Girl Scouts/ per usual
•  The mister is taking Mikayla and her friends to a concert on Friday
• Saturday is currently open for me...the mister is going hunting...perhaps he'll get a deer.  His cousin got one last Saturday.
• Sunday: Thanksgiving service and dinner at Church :)

A peek into my day...

I got my prize pack in the mail yesterday.  I won the prize for participating in Peggy's 30 day Autumn Challenge.  Its was great fun.  I love taking pictures.  Fall.  Blogging and checking out other's blogs.  She has a winter one coming up in 2015.  Consider joining in ;)

I let Mik open it up after supper.  We all oooed and aaahhed over the contents.  Thank you Peggy!  Now to decide what to do with it all. :-D

So it begins...

Last night we received our first snowfall of the season...

Hannah who was literally out dancing in the falling flakes last night, was dismayed to wake up and see the snow still present in the morning-- "But its only FALL!" She lamented.

I also had the task of finding her gloves or mittens this morning.  Becuase clearly there is snow on the ground she must have mittens!  Even though yesterday she wore flip flops before the snows arrival. :P

This is the problem...I need a solution. Obviously I need to weed through it and get rid of out grown hats, mittens and gloves...that will help.  But over all--- I just need a better storage solution for all these winter duds.  Side note: see that purple and white hat near the top.  My mom knit that for ME when I was in third grade! It also has a slight brownish burn spot on one side where it was drying to close to my grandparents' wood stove....ahhhh memories!  There is also a pair of mittens.  Which Hannah wanted to wear today but alas we could only find one in this mess.

My Christmas cactus is blooming.  It fills me with insane joy every time I look at it. =)

I am revamping my presentation board to take to the Dollars for Scholars Holiday Extravaganza tomorrow.

Last night at girl scouts we made mini first aid kits.  I was happy to be able to bring my sewing machine to help out.  Hannah is quite proud of her little kit.  I love being apart of her Girl Scout Troop.

daybook

FOR TODAY -- Nov 11, 2014

Outside my window... is an insanely gorgeous fall day! Bright. Sunny. Awesome.  Just look at that sky!

I am thinking... I wish I was out there running it. Its been two weeks since I have been out for a run. My entire being is aching to go for a run. My sick body is not allowing it. Hopefully tomorrow.

I am thankful... for these men. My husband and my brother. For the countless other men and women who serve this country. Keeping us safe and FREE.

Christmas 2003

I am creating... the top of my to-do list is to get my craft counter cleaned off so I can start scrap-booking again and make Thanksgiving and Christmas cards.  I miss being crafty.

I am going... to be thankful and enjoy this day.  Even though I am feeling sub-par... I feel better than yesterday and far better than Saturday.  I am alive, breathing and the sun is shining.  It's going to be a great day. =)

I am wondering... if work tonight will go by quickly... I sincerely hope so. 

I am reading... absolutely nothing. =( my stack of library books sit untouched.  I have been too tired and headachey too even read.  It's been a rough week folks.  Hopefully I am on the upswing though.

I am looking forward to... a pampered chef party tomorrow night! I logged onto Consultant's Corner this morning and it made my heart so proud and happy to see my numbers GREEN again.



I am hoping... to keep them GREEN permanently. My mom's party closed out at over $1,100.  My biggest party ever!! She had so much free product value she didn't even know what to do with it all!  It was awesome!! Mom got over $200 in FREE Pampered Chef products! I am looking forward to getting that commission deposited into my checking account.  I literally made more from this one phenomenal party, than from the 4 OMX shifts I typically work in a two week pay period.  Bonus...after my party tomorrow night is submitted I will get bumped up another percentage in commission this month. ;-) Sweet, right?  Time to book some more parties ;-)

I am learning... anything is possible.

Around the house... the kids are home from school.  When I left for work Ryan and Hannah were setting up a game of "Dino-opoly" in the living room.  Last night we played "Snorta" after dinner. =) I love when we make time to play games together.

I am pondering... signing up for the Syracuse Half, registration opens TODAY!! The race is weekend before my birthday. {Happy Birthday to ME!!} I really want the shirt! haha! :P


A favorite quote for today... 

Come, Thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace.
– Robert Robinson

From the devotional I read this morning on SheReadsTruth.com. They are doing a short series this week on Hymns.  The one this morning resonated so with my being.  Go check it out.

One of my favorite things... is blogs.  Reading them, writing them. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: work, pampered chef party, girl scouts, a birthday party, Saturday I am working at a vender fair in town (if you are local come out and see us! Chittenango Fire Dept from 10-3).

A peek into my day:  I found this note on my desk this morning, that Miss Hannah left me on Sunday. <3 I love that kid.

Yesterday morning the mister and I went to her school for our parent/teacher conference.  Her teacher could not say enough good about our Hannah.  What a sweet, sweet girl she is.  What a hard worker she is.  How she tries her very best and is excelling in the classroom.  I kid you not-- I almost cried, my heart is so proud to be the mama of this sweet little miss.

Linking up with Peggy over at the Simple Woman's Daybook.

GAMEonPGH!!!

I just signed up for Pittsburgh 2015!!



I can't WAIT! My sister is already signed up. Anyone else want to join us!

UPDATE: My cousin, Eric is signed up. =)

MY GOAL for 2015: To run in the neighborhood of 2:30... 

Daybook

FOR TODAY November 4, 2014

Outside my window... is a beautiful fall day. 
I was told yesterday it maybe the last one.

I am thinking... about hospitality.
The scripture yesterday for SheReadsTruth was the same one I taught in Sunday School to my Kindergarteners this week. It was from Matthew 25:31-46  About how Jesus cares about how we treat each other.  The way we treat others is just the way we are treating Jesus Himself.

I am thankful... that I live in a country where I can vote.

Today's Election Day, {In the U.S.} get out there and VOTE!!

In the kitchen... hot Lemon Ginger tea and toast with pumpkin butter.
We picked up the pumpkin butter at the Amish store on Saturday....its so good!

I am creating... I finished my October video last night.  I am behind-- but have September's almost ready to go too. =)

I am going... to focus on what's important.

I am reading...
Last night I finished Mary Poppins.
Saturday I got lost in the Library and came home with this stack of books....

I am hoping... to still get a bunch of apples and make applebutter

I am looking forward to... the Advent study with SheReadsTruth, and also our annual Ladies Christmas Brunch at Church, the planning began last night! I am already signed up for a table. 
I love the ladies in my church and I can't wait for this event. =D
The meeting last night was filled with so much laughter. <3

I am wondering... if I can squeeze another cup of tea outta this teabag.  I should have brought the whole box to church instead of two teabags!  I guess if it comes to it I can switch to the apple cinnamon chai tea in my desk ;)

I am learning...  Hospitality is a LifeStyle...NOT an Event

I am pondering... My devotions for today... {The Runner's Devotional}

A favorite quote for today...

One of my favorite things... quilts

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tonight I am off work =).  Thursday- Girl Scouts per usual.  Pampered Chef party on Friday.  Saturday maybe/hopefully taking Mikayla shopping for new concert apparel.

A peek into my day...

Linking up with Peggy @  The Simple Woman's Blog.  Checkout other Daybooks HERE