The Simple Woman's Daybook

Right now the weather is clear, cold, and sunny. We got a bit of rain earlier this week and I thank God for that! The forecast is calling for more over the weekend. I should only hope so.

I am thinking that I need to do lesson planning for science soon and then tackle my Insanity workout. I am in phase II which means an hour workout. Oh the grief!

I am thankful for a warm house, food in my belly, and the ever present Holy Spirit.

I am wearing (do I have to say?) my pajamas still. It's hard to get dressed when it's so cold. We leave the heater off at night so it's freezing when we wake up!

I am remembering lessons learned over the past year at Bible Study Fellowship.

I am going to finish these lessons, workout, and then go to work. Little brother's wrestling meet is tonight too!

I am reading my lesson plan books and the Bible. Currently in the book of John.

I am hoping I can get my stuff done in time today.

On my mind is how I need to follow the Lord's timing.

From the learning rooms is learning how to budget.

Noticing that I am sore and still a bit cold in the first floor of the house. Why does heat have to rise?


From the kitchen this week is eating out of the pantry. I am looking forward to my homemade pizza on Friday. Yum.

Around the house I am still debating on whether I should tackle the Christmas tree situation in one of several ways:
1. Shell out the bucks for a live one.
2. Make a wall tree.
3. Nix the tree this year and buy a fake after Christmas sales.
4. Buy a fake one now.

One of my favorite things is driving down a road lined with gorgeous trees with their leaves all fallen!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...clear skies, sunny, with a bit of chill in the air.

I am thinking...about what a yummy weekend it was!

I am thankful for...my husband, who is the easiest person in the world to talk to.

I am wearing...things that aren't very attractive. A long sleeved shirt with snowmen on it (LOL!), brown pj pants, and plaid toe socks. I pretty much look hideous.

I am remembering...about the "newness" I felt when I first started dating my husband.

I am going...to finish my BSF study for tonight, rake leaves into the trashcan, and look nice because I'm giving my CASA kid a tour of the courthouse today.

I am reading...too many things. The Tightwad Gazette I,II, and III. Better Homes and Gardens Good Housekeeping, and the Bible (currently in John).

I am hoping...I can grab a bite to eat for dinner!

On my mind... is how time is quickly slipping away.

From the learning rooms...learning more about budgeting.

Noticing that...my body is sore from the run I had yesterday.

Pondering these words..."witness"

From the kitchen...nothing fancy. Husband is gone this week.

Around the house...seeds that need to be sewn, a guest bedroom which needs to be completed, dishes, always dishes.

One of my favorite things...this fall weather!

From my picture journal...

I love my man!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...clear weather and very warm. There's an empty clothesline which won't be empty later on today.

I am thinking...about all of the different things there are to do.

I am thankful for...yummy food in the kitchen, a sweet husband, fellowship with other belivers

I am wearing...orange tank top, shorts, bare feet

I am remembering...last night's cake I baked for bible study. I think I'll bake another one for my friend

I am creating...ideas and plans for my garden. I should say for my "lack of garden"

I am going...to hang up the clothes when I'm done typing this.

I am reading...the book of John (BSF started up again!), Cut Your Bills in Half

I am hoping...that I attend to what the Lord would have me do today

On my mind...many different things!

From the learning rooms...I'm learning new ways of structuring my Sunday School Class and how to be more submissive to the Lord

Noticing that...I have a problem with being an early riser. (Same as last week!)

Pondering these words...John 19:23-24

From the kitchen...I should probably make some homemade tortillas today to eat with my beans tonight.

Around the house...The inside is pretty tidy but I do need to call the carpet cleaners.

One of my favorite things...Having time in the Word where I really take time to "get it"

A few plans for the rest of the week...all the normal lesson planning, CASA stuff, and also trying to plan a Family Night Out for the special families whose children I teach on Sunday. We're going to the ice skating rink - all the children I teach have some special needs (i.e. wheelchairs, health, sensory) so this should be a treat for everyone!

Picture Thought



This is our dog, Oreo, who we had to put to sleep a few weeks ago. I really miss having him around the house!

For more Simple Woman's Daybook visit here!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...the weather is cloudy, windy, and beautiful. A gift of a fall type day in a normally 90-100 degree weather.

I am thinking...about the book I just ordered on Paper Back Swap. I hope I get it!

I am thankful for...this weather today!

I am wearing...green dress and bare feet

I am remembering...how nice it is to have fellowship with other believers.

I am creating...new ways to get my caffeine fix. Today it's coffee.

I am going...to be very busy for the rest of the afternoon/evening.

I am reading...devotionals from Our Daily Bread, Better Homes Cookbook, and Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

I am hoping...that I can get my run in today.

On my mind...is the load of dishes in sink, the run still waiting to be taken, and the shower afterwards.

From the learning rooms...I don't have children but I'm learning how to be more frugal and new recipes.

Noticing that...I have a problem with being an early riser.

Pondering these words..."The Early Bird Gets the Worm"

From the kitchen...pinto beans in the crockpot

Around the house...the dishes STINK.

One of my favorite things...coffee on a windy and chilly day.

A few plans for the rest of the week...get back into my 5K training routine

From my picture journal...

We went to the LA Zoo last week. God's creation declares his glory!

My dog irritates me. To no end.



I love him.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Mix

Hey y'all!

Sorry I stopped posting my dinners after Tuesday. My camera died and I couldn't find the charger until tonight. Serves me right for not putting it back in the place I found it.

I've been utilizing the seasoning/sauce packet which comes in an off-brand of Hamburger Helper for my meals. I always love to find a DIY version of anything and everything and I finally found a homemade version of a base sauce.

I found it on a great site called Thrifty Fun. Here is the direct link to where I found the recipe, posted in the comments section: Homemade Hamburger Helper.

"Here are the ingredients:
2 c. nonfat dry "instant"milk
1 c. cornstarch
1/4 c. unsalted chicken or beef bouillon powder
2 Tbsp. onion flakes
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp.dried thyme
1 tsp. black pepper
2 Tbsp. dried parsley
1 Tbsp. garlic powder

Mix the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. Use as base mix for hamburger helpers."

I divided this mix into roughly 5 half cup servings. I will use each serving of mix with 2 cups of water, 2 cups of pasta, and a pound of ground turkey. You can add other items which suit your tastes.

The best thing about this recipe was I already had all these ingredients on hand! I had a baggie of cornstarch which I was wondering if I'd ever use and I'm glad I didn't throw it away after all!

Take some time tonight to prepare your family for the Lord's day so you're not rushed in the morning. Enjoy your Sunday worshiping the Creator!

A Week of Dinners, Tuesday

Tonight's dinner was tacos. I am not eating at home this evening but I still made dinner for hubby. Below is the homemade taco seasoning I use for our taco meat. Enjoy!



Homemade Taco Seasoning:
Chili Powder
Paprika
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Oregano
Chili Pepper Flakes

I didn't add measurements because this is something I eyeball. However, I did list the ingredients in order of how much I use. I use roughly a tablespoon of chili powder and adjust the other seasonings based on taste. I suggest you add the seasonings based on your family's preferences. You throw this homemade seasoning mix in with 2/3 cup water after you've browned your meat.