The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Monday, May 3rd

(In my normal fashion, I started this post in the morning...worked on it some more in the afternoon & am just now finally getting it finished & published!)

Outside my window...Quiet, rain has passed, gentle breeze ruffling the leaves on the trees, a hundred different shades of green! Squirrels & birds are coming back out to play & eat after the rain showers. 

I am thinking...how LONG it has been since I did a Daybook entry, how MUCH I love my new computer spot with the wonderful view!

I am thankful for...snuggle time with my sweet Darcy this morning, her sweet "mmm, mmm, mmm" when she gives me a hug. (She picked that up from Nana & it is precious!) I'm also thankful that Sophie's school offers after school care, so that I don't have to wake Drew up from a good nap. He talked to himself for probably an hour after I put him down!

I am wearing...denim capris, aqua MJC logo t-shirt, grey hoodie, sandals & earrings. 

I am remembering...ALL the fun we had at the zoo last week on Jack's school field trip. It was like a little preview of summer break! Pictures to follow in a separate post...

I am going...to try to get our summer camps booked this week. Football camp for Jack, and I'm not sure what for the girls...possibly cheerleading camp for Sophie...maybe gymnastics for Darcy.

I am currently reading...In His Steps by Charles Sheldon a tiny little paperback that I came across while packing our old house & I read the first two chapters, now I hope to finish the rest this afternoon/evening.

I am hoping...to be productive this week and manage my time wisely.

On my mind...ideas for a baby shower I am hosting for a friend in early June. Very excited to host something in our new house! 

Noticing that...it is still raining outside after all, a nice, gentle rain.

Pondering these words...from the Simple Woman's own Daybook entry..."No one can become an authentic Christian on a steady diet of activity. Power comes out of stillness; strength comes out of solitude. Decisions that change the entire course of your life come out of the holy of holies, your times of stillness before God."  She does not list the reference, but I searched & think this quote is from author Bill Hybels in his book Too Busy Not to Pray. 

From the kitchen...the heavenly aroma of Italian Crockpot Chicken!

I'll even share the recipe given to me by my friend Nikki.

In the morning, put the following in your Crockpot on low heat:

4-8 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 TBSP butter

1 packet dry Italian dressing mix

About an hour or two before serving add:

1/2 to 1 package of cream cheese (depending on the # of chicken breasts you used)

1 can cream of celery soup (any cream soup will work)

Optional:

I often like to sprinkle in some poppy seeds when I add the soup.

I also like to stir in a cup or more of frozen green peas a few minutes before serving.

Serve over rice or noodles, enjoy!

Around the house...there is laundry needing to be put away, more to be folded, more to be dried, more to be washed...there are still a couple of random boxes needing to be unpacked, but probably not until we find some shelving or an armoire for the office, which is still in major need of further organization & storage space! If you know me well, you know that I love to hang hooks all over my house for all sorts of things...well, I still have quite a few needing to be put up, but I have at least determined where I want them to be! Still need to find homes for our artwork & framed pictures to dress up the blank walls...we have started hanging some things & have realized that other things don't seem to "go" in this house, so we hope to sell a lot & find new pieces we love! 

One of my favorite things...sitting out on our front porch with Jeff after the kids go to bed, talking about our days, watching the darkness fall.

A few picture thoughts I am sharing...

Jack received a character trait award last week for cooperation

Sophie's choir sang This is My Father's World during the evening church service last week

The kids playing outside one day  

A bird feeder that Jack made at school

We met some friends out for ice cream on Saturday night & let the kids play in a big grassy area. 

These were the only photos I took, but it was a great evening!

Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook here to join in the fun!