Our Haven on Earth: Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...March 23, 2009

Outside my window...the weather forecast threatened snow, but this morning's skies are just gray. The wind was howling last night and I can see tiny puddles on the lid of the sandbox out back. So, we got a little rain instead of the snow, which is fine with me! When I opened the back door to throw out some food for the squirrels, the air was steeped with that wonderful smell of damp earth. I love that smell -- so spring-like!

I am thinking... God is so gracious. I am blessed beyond words.

I am thankful for... our family and friends, our home. That we have all we need, plus the little extras that make life more fun.

From the kitchen...Honey sesame-glazed wild salmon, sauteed spinach with garlic, and bread sticks.

I am wearing...Chocolate-brown yoga pants and matching top, thick socks, my hair up in a clip.

I am creating... homemade coasters using a technique I've never tried before. If they turn out decently, I'll post a picture!

I am going... to look through my cookbooks for a special treat to make for a very special friend coming to visit on Friday.

I am reading... "Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots" by Sharon Lovejoy. It is a beautiful book packed full of ideas. It makes me want to run to the nearest nursery and buy seeds, soil, and brand-new gardening gloves!

I am hoping...to re-write my evening schedule, as something is out-of-whack. I am finding myself coming downstairs in the morning to much clutter and mini-messes from the night before. I think I've been skipping my nightly pick-up in favor of reading or computer time (*wince*). Must get back into the habit, as it makes my mornings so much more pleasant.

I am hearing...Rascal banging on the back glass door, saying "hello" to the squirrels and birds eating breakfast out there. Roo is singing a combination of "Jingle Bells" and "In Your Easter Bonnet." :)

Around the house...change out the closets: pack up the winter clothes and bring out the spring/summer ones. We've had temperatures hovering near 80 for the last couple of weeks and I've been broiling --even under my lightest-weight winter clothes. So, I'm sure as soon as I put the sweaters and jackets in the attic, we will have weeks of bitter cold and snow. Because that's the way Mother Nature works, doesn't she? ;)

One of my favorite things... taking my little girl to the craft store with me. I love her "oohs" and "ahhs" over the endless possibilities! It's so wonderful to wander the aisles with someone who is just as keen to check everything out as I am (no offense to my sweet husband, but he hates going to the craft store with me. I'm always on a time limit when he comes along!!). And I'll never forget the look of awe on her face yesterday when I told her she could pick one thing out and we would buy it. She's perfectly happy just to look and never pesters me to buy her things that she sees (I know, those days are numbered, I'm sure ;)), so I love to surprise her once in a while and buy something of her choosing.

A few plans for the rest of the week: continue the decluttering battle, a visit to my mom and dad's house (as my mom is a teacher and on Spring Break this week), call for a donation pick up of clothes/kitchen items/toys that I've gathered together, and hopefully get in a little sewing too.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...Hmm...looks like my husband dressed our son today. For some reason, he has a mental block when it comes to remembering that the onesie is supposed to be snapped underneath the pants, not over them!