The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, December 28, 2008

Outside me window...twilight lingers.

I am thinking...that I need to buy the book, "Boundaries" before next Christmas. I have been meaning to read that book for years but have never gotten around to it. After stretching myself so thin this Christmas that I am quite sure I failed everyone, the revelation hit me that it might be time to pick up a copy.

I am hoping...that this week is quiet, uneventful, and restoring.

I am wearing...pink sweat pants and a green sweater.

I am thankful for...being off duty for a week now that we are home from the Christmas rush.

From the kitchen...cereal for dinner. I NEVER do that but Mark won't be home until late and friends stopped by about the time I had planned to begin cooking. Oh, darn. No mess in the kitchen tonight.

I am creating... absolutely nothing praise the Lord! And I hope I do not have to use my brain for the remainder of my week. Are you sensing my burn out here?

I am reading...the 4th book from the Twilight series. Yes, more vampires. Gotta love mind numbing fiction.

I am hearing...Star Wars playing in the living room. As most of you know, Savannah is obsessed with robots and has been begging for a year for me to let her watch Star Wars. She's 3 years old! That movie is like a drug. We finally gave in a few months ago but I still fast forward a few parts. Earlier today, over lunch she announced she wanted a Star Wars birthday party. I'll have to consult Marcia for tips. I think she threw Star Wars birthday parties for 3 years straight. It could be worse.

Around the house...Christmas is still around. I have no desire to take it down at this point. No known chores are lingering. Rest people. Nothing but rest at the Peteet household.

One of my favorite things...rest. Just kidding. I actually don't "rest" much. It stresses me not to be accomplishing things. That's why I have driven myself to burnout. Anyway, one of my favorite things is my new "little black dress" that's not actually black, that my amazing husband gave me for Christmas. It had been hanging in a boutique on the square, calling my name for sometime. My husband took note and surprised me with it. How insightful!

A few plans for the rest of the week...do I really need to type the word again?

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Christmas Day 2008 at my aunt's house.

The Peteets need some rest.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Savannah's first dance recital.

I could not keep her off the stage before the Christmas recital started.

Here she is playing hide and go seek with other little dancers.

Her cohorts are hiding behind the stage.

Savannah's class.



Away in a Manger




Rocking baby Jesus

Savannah said this is the tricky part.

In dance class and around the house she sings Away in the Manger at the tops of her lungs. Sometimes she sings more than she dances.

I was very surprised this did not happen on stage.

But, she did great!

Savannah took a bow at the end.

At the end of the show they all got out on the floor and did their parade routine.

She had so much fun she asked if the could perform another dance. She LOVED the stage.

She is such a little Mark.

Retro Wednesday

Christmas Eve 2007

Dallas, TX

Savannah kept watch for Santa

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Monday, December 15, 2008



Outside my window...chilly 39 degree weather accompanied by grey, oh-so-not-uplifting rain.

I am thinking...why do I have so much running around to do today of all days? In and out of a car, in the rain with a car seat bound preschooler can be a daunting task. Sometimes after about the 4th destination, I give up.

I am thankful for...this giant fluffy cat named Cocoa sitting in my lap right now. She is a huge ball of snugly, fluffy mush and you can't imagine how warm and cozy it is to have her purring on my lap. Actually, she doesn't fit on my lap. It's more like she is wrapped around my lap and body.

From my kitchen...we will have my favorite pumpkin soup tonight paired with sandwiches. It's suppose to get down to 31 tonight so I hope a fire in the hearth sets the stage for our meal.

For your pleasure and per many requests here is the recipe:

Pumpkin Soup

1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chopped onion
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon curry
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 cup (1/2 inch) cubed peeled sweet potato
¼ teaspoon salt
2 (14 ounce) cans fat free, low sodium chicken broth
1 (15ounce) can pumpkin
1 cup low fat milk
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 3 minutes. Stir in flour and next 4 ingredients, sauté 1 minute. Add sweet potato, salt, broth, and pumpkin, bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, partially covered, 20 minutes or until potato is tender. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat, cool 10 minutes.

Place pumpkin mixture in a blender or food processor, process until smooth. Return soup to pan and add milk. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes stirring frequently (do not boil). Remove from heat, stir in juice and garnish with chives.



I am wearing...chocolate brown stretchy running pants adorned with a matching jacket. The outfit is completed by my running shoes which I will need for running around in the rain today.

I am creating...a menu and decor for Amanda and Justin's wedding shower that is next Monday.

I am going...with my Sunday school girls to shop for our angel tree child today when they get out of school. They are always lots of fun so, I'm excited about that.

I am reading...a little of this and a little of that. I am hoping to get a good piece of escapism fiction today at the library. My goal is not to learn or think for a while which is very odd for a knowledge addict like me. What can I say? My brain is tired.

I am hoping...that Mark and I squeeze a date night in this week but it has been hard to find a sitter. I am also hoping to find time to take Savannah ice skating on the square. Maybe this rain will pass soon.

I am hearing...rain. Cold, wet, rain. And Savannah singing in the bathroom.

Around the house...the first of many loads of laundry is going and Savannah is relaxing after a very busy weekend.

One of my favorite things...teaching Sunday school to the 11th and 12 th grade girls. Most weeks we spend only 15 minutes on the lesson because their thirst for truth and genuine questions take us all over the place. They are revitalizing.

A few plans for the rest of the week...well, it has stopped raining but it looks like we have already reached our high for the day. The temperature has now dropped to 37 degrees. So, we will bundle up for our errands. This week we will work some, wrap presents, participate in lots of Christmas activities, begin unwrapping presents this weekend and host a Christmas slumber party for our high school youth girls.


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Merry Christmas from the Peteets!

More Than Tea

Light

Refreshment

Warmth



Beauty

Laughter

Fellowship

I've Been Tagged...and Your Next!

Kathy tagged me a few days ago but I have been slow to respond. Where have the last three weeks gone? They are a blur!

Two Names You Go By: Mom and Aunt Beana


Things You Are Wearing Right Now: Chocolate brown corduroy jeans, an orangish brown button down, and big danglie rust gold ear rings..


Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment: my to do list to be done and an orphan from Russia.


Two people who you look up to: Paula Burks and Jeanne Damoff.


Two things you did last night: had a breakdown in walmart after waiting in line THREE times around 7pm and then later wrapped presents.


Two things you ate yesterday: whole wheat waffle with peanut butter and a little Canadian maple syrup and Taco Beuno believe it or not. Mandy is such a bad influence.


Two people you last talked to: My mom and Mark.

Two Things you're doing tomorrow: teaching Sunday school and going to Savannah's Christmas dance recital.

Two longest car rides: Texas to North Lake Tahoe and Texas to Jackson Hole (I think those are the longest. Mom will correct me if I am wrong.)

Favorite Holidays : Christmas and Thanksgiving

Favorite Vacations : Chartering a sailboat and sailing around the British Virgin Islands (both times) and experiencing Disney World with Savannah (and the Flannerys).

Last trip: Aspen, the week before Thanksgiving.

Two favorite beverages: low fat-decaf-cafe-mocha (and this time of year make it a peppermint) and hot tea of any kind. I also love chai lattes and just about any hot beverage you can come up with. Even in the summer.

I'm tagging:

Allison

Rachel

Both are bad about only blogging monthly so it will be fun to see if they notice and participate ;)

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Outside my window...grey coldness teases us with the possibility of snow over the next couple of days.

I am thinking...of all the ways Jesus fills the season and how I can share that with Savannah. So far her favorite is the shepherds hook candy cane that when turned upside down is a "J" for Jesus.

I am thankful for...Savannah's vivid imagination. This morning she awoke to ask me where Tinkerbell had gone. I had no idea where she was going with this but while I pondered what she was thinking, she said, "I thought you gave me the real Tinkerbell?" She's never had a Tinker bell doll or toy so at this point I was totally confused. "Mommy, remember? She sprinkled pixie dust on me and we flew around?" "You flew around your room?" I asked now suspecting it was a dream. "No, mom. We flew in the sun room and then in the laundry room. Remember, over the washing machine? When is she coming back mom?" There is no convincing her it was a dream!

From the kitchen...breakfast has been completed. With the emanate 29 degree weather, Mark is set on making chili and I am determined to make veggie chili. It's funny, Mark does not like veggies in his chili but to me, without them, it's just a bowl of meat. Again, to me, that's not very appetizing and almost a little odd. But veggie chili on the other hand that has no meat just beans and veggies, he is OK with that (perhaps he thinks of it more as a veggie soup). I guess it is because we have not desecrated the traditional chili in any way since the vegetables did not come in contact with meat. If we were normal people, we would combine both and have a meal of meat and veggies. What a novel idea!

I am wearing...red and pink plaid pajama sweats and a sweat shirt. I do plan on getting out of my pajamas soon...into sweats! Come on people, it's 29 degrees outside with an overcast grey sky. Give me a little slack.

I am going...perhaps to the library to check out some Christmas books. We bought a beautifully illustrated Nutcracker book at a children's boutique on the square yesterday but we are craving more Christmas. Savannah and I can't get enough.

I am hearing...a Curious George cartoon in the background. If we go to the library today, we will probably end up with one of his books as well. We always do.

I am creating...nothing! Yea! I hosted the Christmas tea last weekend which was lots of fun (pictures to come). Yesterday I had a public speaking engagement and spoke on the "Essentials to Easy Entertaining" and that went very well. Man, I wish I could do that everyday! I love public speaking. So, now I am free to bask in the glory of Jesus the rest of the season!

I am reading...over the weekend I read Jeanne's book, "Parting the Waters" and what can I say other than "wow?" Although I have heard her tell her story before it's like a book vs. the movie version. Written accounts relay an infinite amount of details that paint a portrait complete with passionate emotions and the visible brush strokes of divine intervention. I continue to pray over what I have read and for God's use of the book it's self and everyone it reaches. Whew! OK, now I must find some hardcore fiction. More vampires anyone? Just kidding. No, next on the list for me are the 8 books my faithful friend/cousin Allison has brought me. I have already read one and like "Parting the Waters" I am praying over what I have read fervently with hope and a broken heart.

I am hoping...to head up to the square for hot chocolate, ice skating, carriage rides, carolers, Christmas lights and all the other festivities soon! We normally are up there several times during December but we have not been up there once this year. Well, Savannah has with Lee Ann. By the way, check out Lee Ann's blog to see Savannah's blogging debut.

Around the house...laundry needs to be put away, presents need to be wrapped, a child needs to be dressed, and we are all happy to let them be undone!

One of my favorite things...our hearth. Once temperatures fall below 50 I am worthless. Like a family cat (or in our case with the family cats) I curl up in front of the warmth unable to draw myself away from it to accomplish anything. I devour book after book reading to my self or with Savannah or we all watch Emeril. Can you believe that is Savannah's favorite new show? She will watch a 1 hour episode of him cooking! It doesn't even hold my attention. I read through it. Look out Bobby Flay! A new chef is on the rise.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Thursday I will finish up my work for the month and complete my Christmas shopping. Christmas cards will probably get addressed tonight while I lounge in front of the fire. Pump it up on Friday with friends. Savannah will be in the Christmas parade of lights this weekend along with a Christmas dance recital. And hopefully we can pull off dinner with the Lessards as well.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you (it also counts for my retro Wednesday pic)...

December 2006

Savannah's Christmas program at the dayschool.

She is the one in pink pants and the white shirt front row.

You will notice other familiar faces like Lani, Ryan, Katie and Audra among others.

Wow, they looked like mere babes back then...I guess they were.

Fools Rush In

I am not a day dreamer. If Mark and I discuss a dream together and both decide we are interested in pursuing the dream, it is no longer a dream to me. It is a goal. A goal in my mind that is so set in stone I picture it already obtained. Next I drive hard to get there. After all, in my head the goal is already achieved.

Last night, Mark and I discussed one dream. He had cracked the door open a tiny bit on said dream our last date night to let me know he might be interested. Like a lion I pounced on the ray of hope the opening door let in and ran with it at full speed. Last night Mark let me know ever so bluntly that he was overwhelmed at the rate I was moving on this dream he might be interested in. After all, it had only been 4 days since we had discussed the possibility. "You just go at everything full force, " he stated.

"Like that's a bad thing? I am a doer not a dreamer. 'Might' and 'maybe' stress me!" I ever so frustratedly replied.

We dropped the subject because I could see I had pushed him far enough tonight. With my thoughts still stirring as I tried to fall asleep, I wondered how being driven was so bad? After all, I accomplish things. Good things. Heck, I kind of thought it was my "gift."

I awoke this morning, picked up my bible and continued through the book of Proverbs as I have been doing all month. And there it laid before my eyes:

Proverbs 19:2
It is not good to have zeal without knowledge,
nor to be hasty and miss the way.

As my brother in law would say...well there you go.

Retro Wednesday

Mesa Verde, Colorado, summer 2001

We had just hiked to the top of the mesa after exploring the ancient cliff dwellings (600 AD) of the pueblo Native Americans and their cryptic script of hieroglyphics along the way.

Although we were not engaged yet, we already knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. When filling in Savannah's baby book while awaiting her birth, a question was asked, "What did Mommy and Daddy do together before I was born?"
Mark said, "That's easy. Everything."

I realized that we did do everything together from ballroom dancing lessons (we took for about 6 months before Savannah was born) to going to Lowes in the midst of remodeling our house. Even now, whatever we take on, be it new hobbies, careers, or lifestyle changes, we do it together.

I pray we always remember to grow together and never apart.
He is my best friend, my partner in everything.

Burton's First Birthday and Other Amusing Pics

Let's just start with the most amusing picture first. Here, my sister is teaching Savannah to dance. My little hula girl spent most of our week in Aspen dressed in nothing but a hula skirt without a thought to the temperature being in the teens. Thanks to Putumayo's Hawaiian kids CD she now knows how to hula dance and is anxiously awaiting her first trip to Hawaii, as am I!

They are not hula dancing here. I have no idea what they are doing really. My guess is mom and I were singing some song for them to dance to.

OK, this is me opening up to you and abandoning all self consciousness. I was snuggled on the couch one evening reading "Twilight" and before I knew it, all the kids had curled up in my lap. They were so sweet, I had to post the pic in spite of me having on no make-up. One can never have too many nieces, nephews, and daughters in their lap!

Burton is often in my lap but I never post any of those picture because I never have make-up on! He and I must be evening snugglers.

He does love his Aunt Beana. Yup. That's me. Aunt Beana.

I love having a unique name for the kids to call me.

Savannah was dying to play in the snow so we took the kids over to one of the ski areas. They quickly learned they could slide down on their bottoms.





I wish I had video of this. You cannot imagine how fast Savannah is going here. She was flying! They walked up the hill/mountain a million times and slid down. Great pre-nap outing!

Here Dawn and I had just finished creating Burton's John Deer birthday cake. Actually, my humbly, talented sister created it while I gave verbal encouragement. Side note: these are the pajamas I so often describe in my Simple Woman's Daybook. I wear them a little too often.

On the big day Granny Smiles and Papa Mel came over the mountain.

Sisters.

There is nothing on earth like a sister.

They are like babies in you lap, you can never have too many.

Another side note: Dawn has always been taller than me but in pictures of us over the past few months, I look bigger. Maybe I am getting big boned in my old age. Maybe she is shrinking (pss get checked for osteoporosis Dawn). Just kidding, she is healthy. But even her shoulders look narrower! Soon she will be my little sister.

Jennifer Huskins, oops. I mean Jennifer Daly and her adorable boys popped in from Vail for the party. Jennifer is an old friend of Dawn's from childhood.

Another ex-Texan enjoying Colorado life.

Burton Archer Pendarvis with his new John Deer toy.

Savannah kept asking why Burton was having a John Denver birthday party.

(I thought you would like that one Kathy!)

Happy 1st birthday Burton!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Monday, December 1, 2008

Outside my window...the sun is casting bright orange hues as it rises, highlighting the abundant fall foliage in our neighborhood.

I am thinking...that it is a little more than brisk outside, its freezing! We will be building a fire tonight.

I am going...to do a million loads of overdue laundry today, hit the store for a couple of essentials, begin preparation for our neighborhood Christmas tea, order Christmas cards, make bread, go to Dr. Kyle's to get adjusted, and plan a wedding shower.

I am thankful for...a week off from blogging. I thought about writing a few times over the holiday weekend to recap Thanksgiving or to discuss the decision looming over Mark and I that has emotionally drained us over the entire weekend. But all free time was spent discussing said decision. And at the end of the weekend, when we finally started to see a direction we might take, a wrench of dissapointment was thrown into the whole process jamming the gears. Square one.

One of my favorite things...date night with my husband. Last night we went to see "Twilight" in hopes of completely escaping reality and all discussion of things other than the supernatural. It worked and the movie was delightfuly amusing but as always, not as good as the book.

I am reading...a book about various women's experiences travel to Italy. I did finish the sequel to "Twilight" called "New Moon" over the weekend. I am anxious for AJ and then my mom to finish the third book so I can begin to read it. Many of you have asked questions about the book. Here is a review http://www.youthministry.com/?q=node/20316.

Around the house...the halls are decked for Christmas and there is no sign at all I just hosted Thanksgiving. I went minimalistic this year for both holidays. Thanks to Marti washing a couple of dishes (there wasn't much thank goodness) Thanksgiving day, all I had to do was sweep a little of the gunk that was tracked in from the less than desirable weather and then Thanksgiving was done.

From the kitchen...a breakfast of grilled cheese for me and plain organic yogurt with a dab of raw honey for Savannah (her absolute favorite breakfast/snack!).

I am wearing...pajama pants and a sweat shirt of Marks from High School! It states, "Bronco Basketball" yet, Mark played football. Maybe it's actually David's old sweatshirt. Surprisingly, it doesn't even have holes in it. I feel like a teenager hanging around the house in my boyfriend's sweatshirt but I have no clean clothes right now.

I am hearing...Sid the Science kid on PBS. We LOVE that show. Mark and I are science nerds so I was glad to see Savannah get interested in the informative cartoon. Later in the day after watching the first episode Savannah asked me when I stated something, "Was that your observation Momma?"

A few plans for the rest of the week...MOPs steering team meeting/Christmas party, Neighborhood Christmas Tea, one of Mark's Dr.s is having a Christmas party in Shreveport, Savannah's Christmas dance recital, and then all the usual stuff. All fun stuff but I am thankful there is not more!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

A fall sunset in our backyard.

2008

The Simple Woman Daybook