one month from today

For Today... {November 24, 2015}

What??????

Enough said

disclaimer: Mikayla changed her name in my contacts. I just haven't bothered to fix it, much to her siblings chagrin. 

Outside my window... It's a sunny but chilly day out there. 30-something degrees as I drove to work.

Chance and I got in a good walk/run this morning.  He is getting much better at walking on a leash.  It took a few minutes at the beginning of the walk but I managed to teach him to walk by my side, not in front of me.  We were even able to walk (very slowly) past those scary guard rails. We ran a bit with him trotting happily by my heel.

this is from Saturday

I am thinking... about the future.

I am thankful... for family. There's always that.  Looking forward to seeing my sister on Thursday <3


I am wondering... so many things...

I am reading... not much of anything.

I am hoping... for good things.  A little brightness. That 2016 will be a good year. This morning I started thinking about 2016 goals/dreams and how to actually achieve them.

I am learning...

So many days I feel like I am running on empty. But maybe as long as I stop and give Him time to fill me-- its ok.

In my kitchen... mmmmm,  I am thinking about Thanksgiving! I am thinking about making these brussles sprouts I saw on facebook this week, planning to make squash for my mister and possibly the stuffing.  This recipe from Pampered chef has been our favorite for years now.
Sausage and Apples Herb Stuffing.

Ooh and just came across this Apple Crisp Pizza recipe on facebook as well. Dreaming about baking it up on my White Large Round Stone!

A favorite quote for today...  sometimes you need a little reminder to keep up the fight.  "This ride is a wild one..."

 A peek into one of my days... The Great Girl Scout Turkey Trot was Saturday! It was a fun little race to do with the girls.

PreRace Selfie

The girls with their medals

A few plans for the rest of the week: Thanksgiving! Can't wait to spend it with my family.  Our first holiday all together in a really long time.

From the board room {Pinterest}... * Today I couldn't pick just one. Here is my Thanksgiving board

Follow Amy's board Thanksgiving on Pinterest.

Linked up today with The Simple Woman's Daybook

Thanksgetting??

Really?? Really? I saw a verizon commercial last night and this was the theme. It left me with a bad taste in my mouth and anger in my heart. It's just a commercial you say... And yet as we head into this most holy of seasons. It all about the "getting". I am so tired of it. But I supposed if I give into the bitterness I am not any better.

I want this season to be one of JOY, of laughter, of friends and family. Most importantly a reflection of my Savior.

Several weeks ago my dad preached a couple sermons in the Love chapter in 1Corinthians. He then challenged us to memorize those verses and they have helped me more than I can even say. They have helped me lay. Aside anger, frustration and bitterness. Even when I felt wholey justified in my feelings. The beauty of God and his word though is that He can take something so hurt and broken and weave it togther again into something whole and beautiful.

So this year I refuses to let the little things,  the stress, the worry, the busyness, the commercialism get to me. To remind myself these are not things I have to do. These are things I get to do. And to do them with His JOY and LOVE. To enjoy my family and friends. To be His lighthouse in the crazy, busy holiday season.

So today I am thankful! Thankful for-

•thanksgivng service and dinner with my church family

•getting Ryan pants for his concert tonight

•a new Christmas outfit for Hannah

•an afternoon shopping with my girls

•turkey trot with Hannah and Maddie

•hanging out with my brother

•watching the pup play

•watching Downton with Mom and Mik

Today's Psalm for SheReadsTruth

Sing to the Lord a new song, 

for he has done marvelous things; 

his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. 

The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

 He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; 

all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; 

make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn— 

shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. 

Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy;

 let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. 

He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. 

Friday Five II

I woke up kinda tired, and grumbley this morning, and just with a general sense of ickiness. I am trying to shake the attitude.... Here's 5 GOOD things from my week-

1-- This guy.

Chance is settling in as a well loved family member.  Even the cats are tolerating him.  Hard to believe its only been two weeks tomorrow since he came home to us.

2--Wednesday this happened. 

I took Mikayla and her friend Alex to the concert.  They had a blast.  I succeeded in only have minor panic in driving to the city and back out again.  I am making great strides that way. :P My best friend was proud of me.

I actually genuinely enjoyed the concert.  I am fairly familiar with All Time Low, as obviously the girls listen to them all the time.  Its not my first choice in music.  But I can appreciate it.  And when all else fails-- I love watching the drummers.  Always entertaining.  Plus the lead singer of the first band had really amazing hair.  Its great fun watching people who are so passionate about what they do.  It always gives me joy.

Concert Selfie

This one came out kinda awful.  Concerts are dark :/
But its Mik and Alex as AllTimeLow was just starting their set.

3-- I taught/led Girl Scouts for the first time last night. I think it went OK.  We did two simple learning to sew projects.  The girls made little pillows -- which many of them told me how much they loved them (& one mom ;) I didn't take any pictures. :( a- my phone was full; b- I was too busy helping the girls.

4- Upon returning home I had a Virtual Pampered Chef Party! :D  Its such a thrill doing parties virtual or live.  Pampered Chef and cooking-- I LOVE.  This week I actually ran out of catalogs! I am anxiously awaiting my supply order with more. I am excited to actually have future parties looming.  2016 is going to be my year! ;) I think I may even have a slight shot at earning this months incentive!

5- Our turkey shirts for tomorrow's Great Girl Scout Turkey Trot.  I am a little more excited about this run than I should be.  My only regret is that I wasn't able to get us turkey socks :( boo.

My sad running shoes.  They have been so neglected as of late. But tomorrow I am hoping our little half-mile turkey trot will get me going again.  Hopefully I can squeeze in a longer run either before or after.

Random side note: I have Kids in the Dark from All Time Low stuck in my head :P

Happy Friday! Thanksgiving is less than a week away! I can not believe it! What is some GOOD from your week?

11.17

For Today... {November 17, 2015} Can you believe next week is Thanksgiving!

Outside my window... its starting to feel more wintery out there.  It was chilly this morning.  If you could get into the direct sunlight though, it felt glorious.

I am thinking... about Paris.  Our world in general.  Its getting to be a scary place out there.  My heart aches for those who lost loved ones this weekend. So senseless. It kinda puts my trivial little worries in perspective.

I am thankful... today my heart overflows.  I am thankful to be alive.  That my family is safe and sound. For hugs from my nieces and nephews when they stopped in the store yesterday.

I am creating... a sewing lesson.  I am teaching the girls sewing on Thursday night at Scouts :/

I am going... Hannah and I are doing the Girl Scout Turkey Trot on Saturday.  I have got to get to the craft store and pick up Tees so we can make our Turkey shirts.

I am wondering... when...if ever????

I am reading... re-reading an old favorite Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.


In my kitchen... I made this super yummy biscuit topped chicken potpie on Friday night, and enjoyed the leftovers for lunch at work yesterday. 

The girls made Chance some doggy biscuits yesterday.

 A peek into one of my days...

Piano recital on Saturday afternoon

kitty snuggles & morning devo time

Chance and I went for a very chilly walk with a tiny bit of running this morning.  He is getting used to walking on the leash, but still very timid.  He found the guard rail, some men building a garage and the large running truck on the roadside very scary indeed.  I praised him to high heaven when we finally got past the truck.  Much to the truck driver's amusement.  Chance was very relieved when we finally made it back to the safety of our own yard.

He has yet to venture down the hallway. The kitchen and living room are his domain.  As long as there isn't a cat in the way.  This is him sadly watching me walk away, even though nothing was preventing him from following.

One of my favorite things...

A few plans for the rest of the week: Working, Mikayla is going to the All Time Low concert (one of her 16th birthday gifts) tomorrow night, Girl Scouts, perhaps the school play Friday or Saturday night. GS Turkey Trot on Saturday morning.  Potential sleepover with Hannah's buddy Makenna. Sunday is our Church's Thanksgiving Service and Dinner....Let the Holidays begin ;)

From the board room {Pinterest}... *

Pinned: wishlist
Source: www.sunfrog.com

Post Script* Mik's favorite band-- All Time Low


 Linked up with The Simple Woman's Daybook

Take a Chance...

For Today... {November 11, 2015}

Outside my window... Its a grey and gloomy day...however I just came across a picture of Hannah playing in the snow on a previous November 11...so I am just thankful its NOT snowing! ;)

I am thinking... I wish I was at home :P

I am thankful... for our all Veterans.  Especially these two right here--

Christmas 2003

I am wondering... what to make for supper?

I am reading... 10% Happier by Dan Harris, I read a review on it on a blog I follow, Carrots 'N' Cake.

I am hoping... not feeling much hope.

In my kitchen... this week I made an apple pie.  It was so delicious I have been dreaming about another one ever since we finished it.  Today maybe the day...

A peek into one of my days... Meet Chance! Ryan got his new pup on Saturday! We love him, such a sweet puppy.  He was pretty timid and sleepy the first couple days, but is starting to feel more at home. 

One of my favorite things... Dogs. I am so glad there is one in our home again.

 From the board room {Pinterest}... * some fun Thanksgiving ideas...


Pinned: Thanksgiving
Source: thedatingdivas.com

Post Script * Hannah makes brief cameo appearance in this edition of Brasky House ;)

Linked up with Peggy at The Simple Woman's Blog

November...

For Today... {November 3, 2015} 

Outside my window... this is yesterday as I was headed to work.  The picture doesn't begin to do it justice.  The sunlight streaming through golden leaves.  It was glorious.

I am thinking... I can't not believe the holidays are upon us! Stores...including OMX, are playing Christmas Music already! Its a bit soon.  Sorry.  I spent a lot of time thinking about it yesterday as I listened to it for 8 hours straight.  It makes me sad that the gut reaction to all things Christmas is a collective sigh of frustration.  Corporate America is ruining Christmas.

I am wondering... how to bring back the joy and wonder of Christmas.  Every once in a while yesterday a Christmas song would catch me off guard and my heart was flooded with Joy and ancipation.  That is the feeling I am looking for...

I am thankful... for sunshine.  I am finding Joy a little elusive last night and this morning so starting small.

I am going... to VOTE.  Its election day! I will be stopping by to do my civic duty on my way home.  Bonus, my polling place is the library so I can pick up the Jim Gaffigan audio-book  I have on hold. ;) And return DVDs without incurring more overdue fees. Tonight per usual Mikayla's GS troop is working the Election Day dinner at St Francis Church.  It raises funds for the local food pantry.  That is where we are headed for dinner tonight! If you are local check it out ;)

I am reading... I finished Three Day Summer on Saturday night.  Mikayla mocked me for reading it.  As it turns out it was a "Young Adult" ie Teen selection.  It was about a couple kids who met at Woodstock.  I actually enjoyed it a lot. Next on my list is The Luckiest Girl Alive, but I have yet to start.  I hear its along the lines of Gone Girl and Girl on the Train.

I am hoping...

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future. 
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I just wish I knew what they were.  

I am learning... from today's SheReadsTruth devotional; these simple, fundamental truths.  Yet it seems so easy to forget!

I am a child of God (John 1:12).
I am clothed with the righteousness of Jesus (Isaiah 61:10).
I am free (Galatians 5:1).
I am not condemned (Romans 8:1).
I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
I am loved (Ephesians 5:2).

In my kitchen... I have a craving for apple pie.  I think I may have to make one. :) Starting to think of all manor of Thanksgiving-y deliciousness

A favorite quote for today... 

 Some may call it foolish and impossible
But for every heart it rescues, it's a miracle
It's nothing less than scandalous
This love that took our place
Just call it what it is, call it grace

--Unspoken, "Call it Grace"

A peek into one of my days... 
Ryan picked out his new dog last Saturday.  Hopefully he will be coming home this Saturday.  He about a three month old pitbull pup from the ASPCA.  My mission is to get the cats'  shots updated so he can. He is also yet to be named.  Although technically Ryan is naming him, it is quite the family debate to find one we all like.

This picture makes is ridiculously happy every time I look at it.  This is my SS class on Sunday.  We practiced looking up our verse in the Bible.  Quite a task with Kindergarten and first graders sometimes.  But I love helping them learn to use their Bibles.  Love these girlies so much.  Our class is always full of giggles.

 One of my favorite things... my Sunday School class.  I love them so. <3  and too think I got dragged into teaching this class kicking and screaming...You can read about that HERE.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Taking the cats to the vet and hopefully getting our {Ryan's} new pup <3

From the board room {Pinterest}... Pumpkin Apple Dog Treats
Pinned: Dogs
Source: http://damndelicious.net


Post Script * My favorite home schoolin' bunch.  Hannah was actually disappointed that the new Brasky House wasn't up yet last night.  I guess she got her days mixed up.