Daybook

FOR TODAY Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

CHRISTMAS EVE!

Outside my window...

The C-9s are illuminating my porch so Santa won't miss our house.


I am thinking...

about the glee which will abound in the morning
as our bright-eyed children
awake before dawn to discover
what has been veiled in bright red and blue
packages under the tree.

It makes me smile to think how
similar scenes of unbridled joy
will be taking place all over the world.

I am thankful...

that we are able to have
bright red and blue packages under the tree,
that I have special people in my life
who inspire me to be a cheerful giver,
that I have experienced receiving
the greatest gift of all -
the redeeming love and grace
of that precious Babe in the manger.

From the kitchen...

Beef stew on the stove top and too many sweets
to think about laying about.

I am wearing...

my cozy grey pjs - bring on that long winter's nap.

I am creating...

a organized photo cache. I am trying out Picasa,
which I am finding very user friendly.
I am also creating gifts using some of my photographs.

I am going...

to be up late tonight
and will probably be awakened
WAY too early in the morning.

After the present frenzy,
we will go celebrate across the street
with my parents and my brother.

I am reading...

Christmas books with my kids!

I am hoping...

that our days will be merry and bright even if
all our Christmases won't be white.

I am hearing...

folky Christmas music thanks to Pandora.com .
I can't get enough of it!

Around the house...

Twinkle lights, extra sweet children,
and a spirit of anticipation.

One of my favorite things...

Christmas!
It is the most wonderful time of the year!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Christmas!!
Spending time with family,
Weldon's Mom & Granny are coming on Friday
and his Dad will come on Sunday,
relaxing and resting and rejuvenating
for the birth of a new year!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Jadan and Esther
"hanging out with the Clauses"
(as Jadan put it)
December 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, December 15th, 2008

Outside my window...

"Hey Baby, it's cold outside"...I love, love, love this cold weather.

I am thinking...

how blessed I truly am.
I have a gracious and loving Savior who calls me by name,
a handsome and witty husband, smart and sensitive children,
a loving and nurturing family, funny and inspiring friends,
a joyful fellowship at church, a fulfilling job,
a supportive boss and team at work,
a quaint home, two furry companions,
clothes on my back, food in my cupboard, gifts under the tree...
what more could I possibly need?

I am thankful...

for my sweet Weldon.
He voluntarily went to get groceries in this brr-freeze.

From the kitchen...

my chai is still steaming
and some good smellin' chili is simmering on the stove.

I am wearing...

the nicest clothes I will wear all week:
a black skirt, olive green sweater, burgundy blazer and my dressy boots.
My Honor Choir sang at the hospital this morning, so I had to dress up a bit so I would look more like a director and less like a student. We have the opportunity to wear jeans the rest of the week - this is a big deal at a uniform school. All we have to do to get a "jean pass" in bring a canned good for the food pantry. Our goal is to fill up Coach Martino's truck bed with food. When I delivered a few boxes from our concert food drive, the cupboards were bare, so this will be exciting to see what we can do to make a difference.

I am creating...

Pretty packages for my family and friends.
I am also working on a skit for the enrichment teachers at Trinity -
PE, Spanish, Computers, Art, Bible, and Music.
This year, the teachers must provide our own entertainment.
This could get really interesting.
Our "number" will be a rendition of the "Hallelujah Chorus"
using flash cards, since my partners are "non-singers".

I am going...

to enjoy not going as much this week.
I am so happy to have a few evenings with "nothing to do"!

I am reading...

Christmas books with my kids!

I am hoping...

that the weather will stay cold, or at least cool, for a while.
It just doesn't seem like Christmas if its 80 degrees outside.

I am hearing...

my children enthusiastically playing Wii games with Grant
(speaking with British accents for some reason)
while his clothes are running through the spin cycle.

Around the house...

Laughter and warmth and homecookin'.

One of my favorite things...

is getting the Christmas festivities and responsibilities behind me
so I can relax and enjoy the beauty of the season.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

We are watching movies in Music class this week.
My kids have TOTALLY earned it.
The post-concert flick this year is "Muppet Christmas Carol"
and they are all really into it.

Our faculty Christmas party, featuring teacher entertainment
and Secret Santa reveal, is on Tuesday night.

We are hosting our fourth annual Christmas Caroling party on Friday night.
It started out as a neighborhood party,
but has evolved into a interesting blend of friends.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Gandolf snuggled in for his long winter's cat nap.
December 2008

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Tagged

I've have been tagged by my sweet friend Kathy. I think that all my blogging buddies have already been "it", so I will leave it up to you, the reader, to tag yourself, if you so desire.

• Two Names You Go By: Momma and Mrs. Stutes
  


• Things You Are Wearing Right Now: my favorite blue jeans, a red sweater and my brown Birkenstock loafers.
  


• Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment: Christmas vacation and snow.
  

• Two people who you look up to: I'm 4'11, I look up to most people.
  


• Two things you did last night: led my students in a Christmas production in front of 1,000 people and then got my feet rubbed. :)
  


• Two things you ate yesterday: A Subway sandwich and Baked Lays
  


• Two people you last talked to: Weldon & Esther
  

• Two Things you're doing tomorrow: watch "Muppet Christmas Carol" with my students and help set up for "World Bazaar" in the gym.
  


• Two longest car rides: Ruidoso, New Mexico to Pensacola, Florida and Marshall, Texas to Orlando, Florida
  


• Favorite Holidays : Christmas and Easter


• Favorite Vacations : My European trip with my Dad and our Wild West adventure this past summer


• Last trip: Weldon & I went to Longview today - that has to count.


• Two favorite beverages: Sweet ice tea and hot spiced chai tea
  

I

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, December 8th, 2008

Outside my window...

the cold front winds are a blowin'.

I am thinking...

how excited I am about our school program tomorrow night.

I am thankful...

that I have a job that I love.
I feel so fulfilled seeing the light in my students' eyes when they sing.

From the kitchen...

dirty dishes and leftover biscuits from breakfast dinner.
The kitchen suffers on 'program weeks'.

I am wearing...

my pjs and my fluffy robe.

I am creating...

an opportunity for many happy Christmas memories for my 180 students,
their families and friends.

I am going...

to be at ETBU all day tomorrow making sure everything is ready for the show.
I love being back on "the Hill". Its like going home.
It is such a thrill for me to have our program in the chapel;
so many old memories mingling with new.

I am reading...

playlists and program notes and schedule charts, oh my!

I am hoping...

that the Lord will be glorified with our songs of praise.
I also hope that the message of love, joy and grace ring out loud and clear.

I am hearing...

the hum of the dryer fluffing a load of clothes.

Around the house...

the children are nestled, all snug in their beds.
We are all winding down...thanks be to God!

One of my favorite things...

is listening to children sing Christmas carols.
I am totally in the right line of work.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

The Trinity Christmas program held at East Texas Baptist University on Tuesday night.
Wednesday is my annual scheduled day off after the program.
I plan to spend the whole day Christmas shopping.
Choir practice on Wednesday night.
We may go to a candlelight service in Jefferson on Friday night.
The children and I will be in the Wonderland of Lights parade on Saturday.
Sunday morning, I get to sing in the Christmas choir for a change.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Jadan & Esther at the Trinity Christmas Program
December 2007

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, December 1st, 2008

Outside my window...

it is dark and cold.
Earlier in the evening, we watched the waxing crescent moon
as it was joined by Venus and Jupiter.
The three are making quite an extraterrestrial light show.
Scientists say that the planets won't show out with the moon
like this again for a long while.

I am thinking...

about all that we crammed into this last week!

We surprised our friend Grant with a house makeover
when he was out of town on holiday.
We repainted, rearranged, redecorated and refreshed his bach pad. Great fun!
We also cleaned our house and decked the halls with holiday decor.
We made way too much food for our Thanksgiving feast,
and we spent some quality time with family.

I am thankful...

a warm house in which to snuggle up and sip hot tea.

From the kitchen...

My tea is steaming and somewhere there is some pumpkin bread
whispering my name.

I am wearing...

My fluffy robe, Tink p.j.s and my fuzzy house shoes. Ah, nice.

I am creating...

an accurate calendar of events for the next month...
I don't want to miss a thing!
I am also creating a playlist /CD and 30 ribbon wands for
our school Christmas program.
Tonight we created 3D foam airplanes for Jadan's World Bazaar project
(Did you know that airplanes are France's largest export?).

I am going...

to bed...in just a minute.

I am reading...

I started and finished The Silver Chalice over the holiday.
I'm a little hesitant to pick anything else up right now.
I'm one of those "can't-put-it-down-'til-I'm-done" kinda readers
and I really need to rest a little this week.

I am hoping...

that we can truly enjoy this holiday season.
It always seems to get so hectic and go by so fast.
I really want to linger in the joy of Christmas!

I am hearing...

Gustav Holst's "The Planets".
I am admittedly a music and science nerd, but it's okay,
because being a nerd is celebrated in this house.

Around the house...

The dog is curled up in his bed, the cat is lurking in the shadows,
the children are unwinding and getting ready for bed,
Weldon is watching PBS (another celebrated nerd) and I am getting drowsy.

One of my favorite things...

is the changing of the leaves this time of year.
I have taken so many "leafy" pictures that I may have to
dedicate an entire blog to our autumnal flora.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Insane Christmas program practice schedule at school.
Coach Music Memory academic team on Tuesday;
teach 2 piano lessons on Wednesday
Choir practice and Awana on Wednesday night.
Go to Jeanne Damoff's "Parting the Waters" book release party on Thursday.
Esther and I are attending our neighbor Christina's Christmas Tea on Saturday.
The Trinity Honor Choir will be singing at Trinity Church Sunday morning.
I think that's all ... maybe I should consult my "accurate calendar of events"...

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The Evening Show Starring
The Moon, Venus and Jupiter
December 1, 2008

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, November 17th, 2008

Outside my window...

squirrels and cardinals are entertaining my lazy cat as he sunbathes
in the windowsill.

I am thinking...

about the week ahead which will be full of family and food!

I am thankful...

that I cannot see an end to the list of things I am grateful for. If I were to try to
"count my many blessings" and "name them one by one"
I would go to infinity and beyond.

From the kitchen...

The kitchen is getting prepped for the feasting ahead.
Today it is getting scrubbed and reorganized (call it "fall cleaning").

I am wearing...

Grubbies = an old pair of Levis' and a green Snoopy t-shirt.

I am creating...

a surprise for one of my friends and a holiday wonderland inside my house.

I am going...

to the attic to bring down more Christmas decorations.

I am reading...

one of my favorite historical fiction novels, The Silver Chalice, written by Thomas Costain in 1952. It is a story written about the making of a silver chalice to hold the cup that Christ used during the Last Supper. It is a fictional account of the early church and some of its Biblical leaders. I've already read it twice (all 533 pages), but was inspired to read it again after my Dad returned from his trip to Cyprus with stories and his pictures of the places where the apostle Paul had been.

I am hoping...

I accomplish everything that I want to get done during my week "off"
and that there might be a few spare moments left to relax!

I am hearing...
holiday music from pandora.com .

Around the house...

its beginning to look and sound a lot like Christmas.
My mom is hosting the Thanksgiving feast at her house,
so I am trying to my house decorated before my in-laws come in
and before my week "off" is over.

One of my favorite things...

is Thanksgiving traditions.
I always watch the Macy's parade with my Mimi
- either together or across the miles.
We also prepare the same feast using the same recipes year after year.
Some of my favorite family tradition foods are my Grandma Tapp's fruit salad,
Dad's gelatin salad, Mom's yeast rolls and our sweet veggie relish.
Of course it wouldn't taste like Thanksgiving
without the cornbread dressing and pumpkin pie!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Finish decorating inside the house and start on the outside.
Put the finishing touches on my "special project" for a friend.
Thanksgiving feast preparation. I am fixing all the sides and baking all the pies.
Enjoy spending time with my husband, children, parents and brother, as well as,
Weldon's mom and her husband who are joining us this year.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Howdy Pilgrims circa 2006.

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, November 17th, 2008

Outside my window...

the setting sun is illuminating the beautiful autumn leaves.
I'm so happy my husband planted trees that have fall pizazz!

I am thinking...

how very blessed I am.

I am thankful for...

being able to get home at a decent time. We were keeping late hours last week
and I am grateful that is not the norm.

From the kitchen...

I am wishing we had more of the stew I made this weekend, but we finished it all off last night.
I think I'll make some baked chicken, sweet potatoes and steamed veggies.

I am wearing...

my favorite blue cardigan sweater and brown slacks.

I am creating...

a Christmas program for my K-8 students.

I am going...

to bed early tonight.

I am reading...

... I have good intentions to read, but my schedule has been insane as of late.

I am hoping...

my boys have fun on their field trip to the King Tut exhibit in Dallas tomorrow!

I am hearing...

quiet...weird.

Around the house...

things are finding their place after our crazy week.
I spent a good part of the weekend doing laundry and "setting" the house for the week.
We'll see how long that lasts...

One of my favorite things...

is the autumn.
The cool, brisk air does something to my creative senses.
I want to sew and bake and craft and create.
I want to snuggle up on the couch and read.
It's the busiest time of my year, but it inspires me.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Both of my kids have field trips this week.
Jadan is going to see Tut with Weldon tomorrow
and Esther is going to the exotic animal farm on Friday.
We have early release from school on Friday, as well!
We missed choir and Awana at church last week
and I am anxious to get back to that routine.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Autumn in the Ozarks last fall.

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Things Come in Threes: Part 3

After the play on Thursday night, we had to completely take down the set. I hate tearing down. Not because it is hard work(although it is), but because the magic is getting packed away. It's like putting away Christmas decorations - it gives me the blues. Oh well, on to the next big thing...

Friday night, the Student Council hosted a Fall Festival in the gym for the entire student body, Kindergarten through eighth grade. My two kiddos are classroom representatives and I am a Student Council sponsor, so we had to be on deck. I actually had to admit that I am not Superwoman and took the day off from teaching on Friday. I stayed home and did all the laundry and housework that had piled up this week, so it wasn't really a day of "rest"! We went to the school around 5:30 and help set up for the festival. I helped make a rotation of rep. responsibilities flow chart so none of the kids would get stuck manning a booth all night. My main job of the evening was being the DJ and I cranked the sound system up REAL loud!! That was very fun. I spent part of my morning off making a kid friendly playlist on my iPod - lots of Disney flick hits. I also helped with the Cakewalk - press play, press pause, press play, etc. I took a few breaks from the cakewalk to lead in the High School Musical "We're All In This Together" Dance, the Macarena, the Limbo, the Twist and the Hokey Pokey. Sorry, no pictures to post of the fest - I was too busy!!

So, here is the "Week of Threes" recap:

Tuesday - Veterans' Day Program

Thursday - The Troupe presents "The Emporer's New Clothes" (two times)

Friday - Student Council Fall Fest

What an extrodinary week.

Things Come in Threes: Part 2

Immediately after the Veterans' program was over, Weldon, my friend Lori Miller, her husband Robert and our buddies Grant and Jordan disassembled the Vet set and reset the gym for our play on Thursday night.

Lori and I have partnered up together this semester and formed The Troupe, a drama group for students grade 3 - 8. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time but was hesitant to try to pull off by myself. As partners, Lori and I can each work from our strengths and resources, and I must say, the result was something special. We decided to put on "The Emperor's New Clothes" - love the story, love the moral. As The Troupe took shape, we had no problem making casting decisions because we already knew the kids really well. We were going to purchase a script, but decided to write our own instead. Lori, being the language arts queen, set to work on retelling the story, working in some appropriate lines to fit the personalities of our cast of characters. The end result was hilarious and fit together so well. Lori is also a very demonstrative and expressive orator, so she was a great vocal coach for the kids. I was amazed at how she was able to get this group of kids to project and inflect!

I am apparently more of a drama queen than I would like to admit. I began to realize this when it came time for the Troupe to begin staging and acting. The kids thought I was crazy most of the time, but getting into character means losing yourself and becoming bigger than life! It's called ACTING! I also had a ball creating the sets, making and advising on costumes, and gathering the props. The husbands were also a great help with the big picture, they even made it to where the scenes were lit up!!

We gave two performances, one in the afternoon for the entire school, and then one that evening for working parents to be able to attend. The student body was wide-eyed as they entered the dimly lit gym and sat quietly as the medieval prelude music played. We were so pleased to give them a quality presentation.

One of the main reasons I wanted to create a drama group was for my son Jadan. He is an outstanding orator and, turns out, an amazing actor. He had the role of the Chief of Guards, the Emperor's loyal adviser. Just between me and you, he stole the show. He would never voluntary ask to be in drama or in a spotlight of any kind, but since I am in charge of it, he is going to be a part of it and maybe he will realize that he has a real gift for it.

Since I was in the middle of producing the program, I wasn't able to photograph much of it, but here are a few shots taken after the curtain call.

The Chief of Guards, a Lady-in-Waiting and the Narrator.

The Loyal Chief Jadan

The Village People: Esther and Paige

We love the Theatre!

Things Come in Threes: Part 1

Veterans' Day

We observed Veterans' Day at school this week with our annual patriotic music program. It is such a privilege for me to be able to share and encourage a patriotic spirit with my students. I think it is so important that they learn to value liberty and the sacrifices that are made to maintain the freedoms we enjoy. We need to remember that freedom is not free.

One of my favorite songs that we sing is called "Everyday Heroes":

All around, who can see
Who is strong and who might be?
Can we know who is brave,
Who will sacrifice to save?
All around, who can see
What their fate is meant to be?
People give, people care,
There are heroes everywhere.
Everyday someone cries out;
Everyday someone needs;
Everyday someone hears them,
And listens and heeds.
Everyday there are heroes,
people just like you and me;
Everyday there are heroes ,
Who never meant to be.

We collected pictures of Veterans from students and teachers, and created an Honor Wall to recognize our family members and friends as the heroes they are.

Some of the Vets that attended our program came in their old uniform and hats.
They looked so very noble and still carried themselves with a sense of pride and resolve.
I think my students caught the spirit of patriotism and began to really respect it
after seeing these men and women for themselves.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Blessing of the Flags

I must testify about the goodness of God in the little things. The picture I posted above of the mass of American flags will forever be a symbol of God's sweet hand in my life. I love the way He sends unexpected blessings.

I have ideas about how to put my programs together, but am sometimes limited (or challenged, as I like to look at it) because I am a creative being on a budget. For the Veterans' program, I wanted to have my Kindergartners wave flags...a little pop, a little texture, a little movement, a little something to keep their minds and hands busy during their song. I didn't want to and couldn't spend a lot of money on flags, but found some at a dollar store and went in armed with just enough money in my billfold to cover the cost. I got a little nervous as I approached the checkout because I wasn't sure I could cover the tax. But, when the checker rang me up, a total that should have been $20 rang up as $4.
"There must be some mistake", I said. So she checked it again. "No, no mistake. Those flags are on clearance for 1 cent a pack. I don't know why they would be marked down that low, but that is what the register says, so I guess that is how much I have to charge you." I stood there in shock and then I smiled at her and said, "I don't know how this worked out either, but one thing I do know is that God is good and He is smiling on me right now". The checker answered my reply by looking at me like I was from another planet. I guess in a way, I am. Thank you, Jesus!

The Wild Things

We had fun dressing up for Halloween this year!

Esther as "Sugar" the kitty cat.

Indiana Jadan

Little Red Riding Hood

Weldon as an obscure Bill Murray character, Steve Zissou.
Weirdo.

Esther the Pirate

Esther the 50s Chick

Sarah Palin wannabe

Where the Wild Things Were

Feast your eyes on the eerie images from our fright filled visit
to William Joyce's haunting home in Shreveport.

Once Upon A Memory...

The theme for Homecoming this year at East Texas Baptist University was "Once upon A Memory". I loved the idea of this theme because I am always flooded with memories when I return to "The Hill". Being on the Alumni Council has also allowed me to hear about generational memories from a wide variety of Tiger Alums. And the neat thing is that we continue to make memories still. I agreed to help some of my buddies, Michael and Jordan, who are current students, with their float for the homecoming parade. All entries had to be about a fairytale and the one my friends chose was Little Red Riding Hood.

We gathered ideas and supplies Thursday evening and began construction around 10:00 that night. The harsh reality that college kids can stay up really late and I am no longer a college kid began to sink in. Construction required cutting plywood with an electric saw. I was worried we would make too much noise and awaken the babies that live across the street, so we hauled the wood indoors and made the necessary cuts inside our sun room. Then the cut sheets were then noisily fastened together with a power screwdriver. We set a watchman outside the door to make sure the sounds weren't too loud. Several more wee hours were spent painting the plywood "cottage", distressing the tin roof, and attaching a chimney stack that would actually have smoke rising from it.


I had already planned to take a personal day from school on Friday to gear up for the busy weekend; little did I know that I would spend the whole day creating costumes and props. The float boys returned to my house at 10:00 am and set to work. Windows were cut and framed, then the door was painted and mounted with a handle. I worked on making a wolf mask and a hooded cape for "Red". I also pressed curtains for the windows and found baskets for the window boxes.


I left them to their work as I went to the campus to enjoy the Friday night festivities. When I returned (about 11:00), the float boys were busy making finishing touches and loading Grandma's cottage and garden into the float trailer.


As we sat waiting for the parade to pass on Saturday morning, I could hardly wait to see the finished product. It was a lot of work and required a lot of creative energy, but it was so much fun.


When we arrived home Saturday afternoon, Esther was thrilled to find that the boys had placed the cottage in our yard for her to use as a playhouse....


and we got to keep the wolf mask, too.

The Autumnal Feast

"Fur and whisker,
tooth and claw,

All who enter by our door.
Nuts and herbs,
leaves and fruits,
Berries, tubers,
plants and roots,
Silver fish whose life
we take
Only for a meal to make."


We celebrated the arrive of Autumn with a hearty Redwall Feast.
We began reading the book during the dark days of the hurricane
and are slowly following the tale several evenings a week.
October is a celebratory month at the Stutes' house.
Jadan's birthday is on the 6th and the Redwall instigator,
Grant, has his birthday on the 8th.
Weldon and my anniversary follows on the 12th.
So, we had a combined feast in honor of all.
The preparations for the meal came out of the Redwall cookbook,
so we were very authentic.

Esther wrote out the menu while I cooked.

Our feast included:


Hare's Pawspring Vegetable Soup

(tomato based soup with carrots, green beans and cabbage)



Vegetable Casserole A La Foremole

(potatoes, turnips, rutabagas and carrots - very "earthy" taste)



Autumn Oat Favourites

(oats, raisins and coconut cookies)



Spiced Gatehouse Teabread

(a hearty sweet bread with tea steeped raisins and cranberries)



October Ale

(sparking grape goodness)


A good time was had by all creating and eating the unique recipes found
from inside the halls of Redwall Abbey.