My crazy boy!

Just wanted to share this video of my son playing his new wii game....He takes these things very seriously!

Out with the old and in with the new!

Wow, what a year! Had a new baby. Left our church...and with that, lost a few friends. But God is good! And He is the Restorer! He has brought us into a fellowship with amazing family! And, with that, brought us into a closer fellowship with Him!!! I have NEVER been this excited about what God is doing! To FINALLY feel like I am really an active part of His Kingdom is AMAZING!!!
2010 is going to be BIG year for the Lord! And I am so honored that I get to be a part of it!!! He has given me a great hunger for His word and for reaching the lost! He is consuming our time like never before! We have finally stepped into the beginnings of His plan for us! So, AWESOME!!!
I can't really share much right now. Things are still up in the air. And we've already faced alot of opposition. From our old church, of all people! But we will continue to stand strong in the Lord! We have put on our armor and have armed ourselves with His Word! We are preparing ourselves for battle! Onward to advance His Kingdom!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... December 15, 2009

Outside my window... Bright and sunny, not a cloud in the sky. But, oh, so cold at 19 degrees!

I am thinking... Christmas is coming too fast...I'm not near ready!

I am thankful for... Where to start? A God, Who is bigger than anything and everything in this life! An amazing husband who I love more and more everyday! Three fantastic, gorgeous children who are constantly making me smile! Awesome friends, who are more like family and keep me growing in the Lord! A terrific mom, who is also my best friend! A home that is beautiful and warm and safe! A sister, who has, along with her family, realized what it means to be a child of God and is growing more in Him everyday! I could go on and on...but I can't. I have too much to do today! :) I'm thankful for the things I have to do and for the fact that I am ABLE to do them!

I am wearing... Brown pants and a Tinkerbell shirt

I am remembering... the passion I once had for God. I'm so excited that the fire has been rekindled!!!

I am going... to be cleaning like a mad woman once I'm done here.

I am currently reading... anything I can get my hands on about homeschool and of course, continuing in His Word!

I am hoping... that it warms up enough to not be miserable outside, but stays cold enough to have a beautiful blanket of snow for Christmas!

On my mind... God!!! And all the wonderful things that He is and does!!!

Noticing that... Some people won't see the truth, no matter what you say...you just have to leave it to God to reveal it to them.

Pondering these words... Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen...Hebrews 11:1

From the kitchen... getting ready for a big dinner on Saturday.

Around the house... trying to get everything ready for Saturday's get-together.

One of my favorite things... coffee w/ White chocolate raspberry creamer and whip cream on top!

From my picture journal...

Daddy "horsing around" with the kids! :)
The Simple Woman's Daybook

Busy! Busy! Busy!

So sorry I've been neglecting this blog. So much has been going on! I don't have time to get into it now...but soon I will sit down and get it all worked out on paper (that's how my brain works best)and spill the beans to you guys! Hugs to you all out in blogland! May God bless you richly!!! And in case I don't get back before, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Snowflakes!

This is so cool! Make your own virtual snowflakes! I could play on here all day long!

Big Things Are Afoot!

We've been really busy lately and are getting ready to get even busier. Things are busting at the seams over in our neck of the woods! And it's all for God!!! So much to do and it's all happening so fast. I can't go into detail quite yet. But it's going to be big things from humble beginnings. I'm more excited about the things of God than I ever have been! I feel like doing a happy dance!!!

It's that time!

The Christmas Season is upon us once again! We're just gearing up here in the Gribben household. Getting our cold weather clothes out and firewood cut. I hope to go today to get some things to decorate with. So far, we've watched The Grinch and Elf. Got my Christmas music on and I'm really getting into the spirit! We tend to start celebrating a little earlier than most because we love it so much. And every year it goes by a little faster than the last. Maybe we'll even get the tree up next weekend. We'll see. I'm so excited about so many things in our life right now. Christmas is just one of them.

So get to praising the Lord and thanking Him for all the blessings he's given us. And then start baking cookies and decking the halls. That's what we're going to do! Happy HOLYdays!!!!

*Just a note. the picture was, sadly, not taken at my own home. It is the beautiful creation of my Grandma Jo, in HER gorgeous home.

Hi!

Sorry that I've been AWOL. We just have so much going on right now. For now, I will just leave you with some snapshots from our beautiful fall day yesterday.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 5, 2009...

Outside my window...Bright, sunny and chilly! It won't be long until we start the first fire of the season in our beloved fireplace!

I am thinking... I wish I didn't have so much to do today.

I am thankful for... my family and for good friends

From the kitchen.... I don't want to talk about it...

I am wearing... green and blue jammies

I am creating... lots of ideas for restocking our etsy shop.

I am remembering... back when I was about 8..Life was so simple. Not a care in the world...Good times...

I am going... I'll be going insane if I can't stop sneezing!!

I am hoping... that Anya behaves herself today at Walmart...

I am hearing... Spongebob Squarepants

On my mind... wondering what's going to happen...just wanting to know God's will for this situation...

Noticing that... if people are only given little bits of information about a situation from one side...they almost always assume the worst about the other side.

Pondering these words... don't shrink back

Here is picture thought I am sharing: My sweet baby girl! Can you see the mohawk? :)
The Simple Woman's Daybook

Pics from the Rock-A-Thon

Don't have time to tell you all about it right now. But, I thought I'd at least share some pictures. Enjoy!

Lots To Do!

I have so much to do today!!! I've about got Maegan ready to lie down for her nap. Then I can get to work. I've got dishes to wash, laundry to put away, and a living room to sweep...But besides that, we have the Rock-A-Thon to get ready for! Tons of beads to break out and organize, signs to make, table covers to find.

Every year it is so much fun! We get to get our stuff out there and meet some very interestiing people. Not to mention, we get to make a little extra money...That's never a bad thing!

We'll have Maegan with us, but the bigger two will be with grandparents. So, hubby and I get some quality time together. And, it's so much fun to look at all the rocks and jewelry other people bring...We always wind up spending a good chunk of our profits on stuff we find at the show. It's nice though, the vendors like to make deals and trades with other vendors. And having done this for 7 years now, we've made some good friends there!

I bought batteries for my camera, so I plan on taking some good pics. I will try to post about it on Monday.....I may post before if the venue has wi-fi......I love my laptop!!!

Anyway, really need to get to work. Take care all!!!

Chuck E. Cheese

My daughter's 4th birthday is this Sunday. But, because we'll be at the Rock-A-Thon all weekend, we celebrated it with Hubby's parents last night at Chuck E. Cheese's. It was fun! We didn't tell the kids where we were going. So, they were extra excited when we pulled up outside the restaurant.

They played a few games until our pizza arrived at our table. We let them get soda, which never happens. So, that was an extra treat! We had to make them sit down and eat. After all, who gets hungry when there's so much fun to be had? I was hungry. So, I scarfed down three pieces of the yummy sausage and pepperoni pizza. I still beat Anya, who ate one piece. She kept getting distracted and jabbered on and on about what games she wanted to play. By this time, Noah had taken off with Grandma and Daddy to the many fun filled, ticket spewing games. (On a side note, I think it's awesome that all the games are just one token!)

Finally, Anya finished and Grandpa took her to play. And play she did! I think she put a token in every game...even if she couldn't reach the controls to shoot at the enemy planes. :) She got her picture taken and put on a little id card thing. It was cute! But although we pushed the button for a girl card, it spit out a policeman card with her picture on it. I told her girls can be police too. So, all was good!

I took Maegan to get her picture taken at the machine that "sketches" your photo. She did great. Sweet little faces all around.....Until it took too long to take the picture and she got fussy....Then it took the picture. Still cute, but not what I was going for.

Not long after, it was time to cash in the tickets...a few pieces of candy and some little plastic trinkets...Then Grandma got ice cream for us all from the ice cream vending machine. Just a buck for a ice cream bar or popsicle. The kids both picked Jolly Rancher Bomb Pops. They were HUGE!!! At least twice the size of a normal Bomb Pop. Needless to say, they didn't finish them.

They played a bit in the playground area before we left. Then we walked out the door...things were fine. Maegan was asleep in her carseat. The older two were cheerful. But, slowly, things began to go down hill....To give you an idea of how things were, Hubby posted this comment on facebook: "What is it about Chuck E Cheese that makes kids manifest?" It was fun, let me tell ya! It was mostly our household Drama Queen...Noah wasn't too bad. Thankfully it was bedtime and soon, there was peace again.

And that was our night....How are things in your corner of the world?

The Simple Woman's Daybook for the First Day of Fall!

FOR TODAY September 22, 2009...


Outside my window... cloudy, breezy and cool...59 degrees! Autumn is definitely making her presence known!


I am thinking... these allergy pills make me sleepy


I am thankful for... a good church, where the Word of God is preached strait and unapologetically and God's power is evident.


From the learning rooms... we're working on behavior this week..


From the kitchen.... dishes waiting to be washed..no dinner waiting to be prepared. Hubby's parents are taking us to Chuck E. Cheese's for Anya's birthday.


I am wearing... blue shirt and jeans


I am creating.... comfort for my baby girl


I am going... to Chuch E. Cheese tonight! I'm not too old to enjoy that kind of stuff, am I?


I am reading... nothing right now, I've got a long reading list. I better get started.


I am hoping... that I can sneak in a nap before I have to pick Noah up from school.


I am hearing... Strawberry Shortcake... We got Anya a video for her birthday and she wants to watch it all the time.



A few plans for the rest of the week... Besides Chuck E. Cheese, we have alot of work to do getting ready for the Rock-A-Thon.


Here is picture thought I am sharing:
My awesome Daddy! He got that hat in Ireland! He teaches 8th grade history, coaches football and track and sings lead in the gospel group, The Victorymen. I love him sooo much!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Rock-A-Thon!!!

As some of you know, my husband and I own a bead shop called Stone House Merchant. We will be at the Tri-State Gem and Mineral Society's annual Rock-A-Thon at Joplin Memorial Hall this weekend. It's always a blast! There are a few people, like us, that bring beads and jewelry. There are tons of rocks, both finished and rough. And there are some that have the more precious gems and fancier jewelry. They have geode cutting and lots of other fun things planned! For more info, such as times and things like that, go here.You should definitely come by, say hi, and take a look at all the other great stuff they have there! We'd love to see you there!

Good Morning World!

I hope everyone is having a great day! I'm just dropping a quick line before I get to work on this house. Alot's been going on around here lately. Just trying to get things ready for the Rock and Gem show this weekend. Trying to get stuff ready to re-open our shop. And, of course, working on the house. Flylady's not going too bad. Although, I am having trouble keeping my lace up shoes on. Once it starts getting cooler, I will be able to do it. They just make me too hot right now. But it's coming, slowly but surely!

My son, the baby and I are fighting with allergies right now. That's my least favorite part of the seasons changing. Once fall gets into full gear and it gets cool enough to kill off some stuff, we'll be all better. Then we can thoroughly enjoy this beautiful time of year!

The biggest thing that has been going on has been happening inside of me...spiritually. God is working on me, and for once, I'm not trying to get in His way. He's teaching me so much! About myself and about Him. But that's a whole other blog post. I haven't even been able to talk to my hubby about it yet. He knows something is happening. but I'm not so good with the talking when it comes to something this important. The thoughts are scrambled inside my head. The only way I can get stuff like that straitened out is to write it down. So, soon, I'm going to do just that. My hubby gets to read it first of course. :) Then I will probably post about it.
Well, that's all I have time for right now. Have a great day!!!

It's that time again....

Some may call me crazy. Some may want to pelt me with loads of fruitcake and ice-filled snow balls.....but none-the-less, I have to say it....there are less than 100 days left until CHRISTMAS! Yep, you have found the online home of a self-proclaimed Christmas FREAK. Don't get me wrong, I'm going to enjoy every minute I can of Autumn......But Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year.......

Babysteps and The Simple Woman's Daybook

I'm starting Flylady's Babysteps today. I've started Flylady many times in the past few years, but have never stuck to it....because I don't follow the rules. She tells us to use babysteps so we establish habits, routines. It takes 28 days or so to turn something into a habit. So doing things bit by bit gets them in your head...they become routine. But when you go from no routine at all to a full-fledged shedule all at once...you crashand burn...And that is exactly what I've done, many times before. I know flylady's routines will work, and I want things done NOW. So I go all out...until I fizzle out...within a day or two. So I'm doing it right this time...although I do have so much catching up to do. So I'm adding just a little extra to my daily babysteps. Flylady says that you can do anything for 15 minutes. So I will clean for 15 minutes every hour.....besides the babysteps... So slowly, things will get in order and eventually, after I get all my babysteps gone through, they will become routines....and things will finally be in order around here. I'm so excited!!!

Today's Babystep or Babystep #1: Go Shine Your Sink! Gotta get it good and cleaned out....and keep it shiny, so every morning I have a shiny kitchen sink smiling at me!

If you haven't heard of Flylady before, you should definitely go check her out!!!

And now it's time for....

FOR TODAY September 14, 2009...

Outside my window... It's cloudy. The trees are gently swaying with the breeze. I'm wondering if it's going to rain

I am thinking... about how blessed I am...

I am thankful for... my husband, he is so loving, hard-working and handsome. My children, who can be, at once, both nerve-wracking and awe-inspiring. How could God have seen me fit to be entrusted with their love and care? My home, so beautiful, so very "homey". I am so immensely blessed!!!

From the learning rooms... still working on our ABC's and 123's

From the kitchen.... tonight I will be making a skillet dish of potatoes, smoked sausage, rice, onions and eggs, with green beans and biscuits on the side. Usually, my best meals are the ones where I just throw stuff together and "wing it."

I am wearing... stretchy denim capris and an orange t-shirt with a rainbow and butterflies on it.

I am creating.... a home. Where my children can grow into wonderful and strong members of God's kingdom...a home full of love and learning. A place where God is welcome, where He can come and dwell with us.

I am going... to continue working towards my goal of having my son out of public school by Christmas....it is not an option. God didn't give him to me so I could send him off for the government raise...

I am reading... nothing at the moment...but I am getting ready to go through our books and start making a reading list. We should be forever learning new things and what better way to do that than by reading and doing?

I am hoping... for the best holiday season yet!

I am hearing... Anya babbling, me shushing her because the baby is asleep. :)

A few plans for the rest of the week... just working on this house, plus church tonight and Wednesday. And our friends' house for some awesome fellowship on Thursday!

Here is picture thought I am sharing:

My sweet babies on the swings!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Give-Away @ Ponder & Stitch!!

My friend Amy is a very gifted crafter. She makes fabulous jewelry out of vintage found items and out of fabric.

She has two etsy shops but this one is closing so you better check it out while you can. Her new shop, Ponder & Stitch, is amazing! So creative! I would've never thought about making textile jewelry! You HAVE to check her out! And while you're at it, go check out her blog and enter her contest for one of her textile cuffs. You won't be sorry!

Thoughts on a Rainy Day...

I just love a rainy day! The soft gentle sound of the raindrops hitting the ground, the roof. The smell of wet earth and trees. It's so relaxing and refreshing. The only thing that would make it better is if my boys were here with us. But I do have my girls here and we're going to make the most of our day. A little ABC's and 123's. Some coloring. Some bottles and burping.

I'm also going to be starting my flylady rountines on Monday so I want to do a bit of catch-up cleaning to give that an easier start. I've gotten pretty behind on my housework this summer. So my goal today is to work on the house for 15 minutes each and every hour until hubby comes home. Starting now, that would give me 2 hours of cleaning, total. I think I could get alot done in those two hours! I can only do one load of laundry today though. Our septic can't handle much more than that when it rains like this. So a single load of must have it is. I'm behind on my laundry too. So, once the rain is over (supposed to rain all week), I will be doing at about 3 loads a day until I get caught up. Then I will be going through all the clothes to weed out what we don't need anymore. We have far too many clothes!

But, as I've said before, I have to be ready to take Noah out of public school by Christmas! And I WILL get it done! I've been researching different resources online and I'm getting excited! I'm going to be taking a more eclectic approach this year. Last year we just did the straight forward textbook/worksheet curriculum and we both got bored fast. I plan on using some of that too. But, I'm leaning more towards unit studies and unschooling. It will be like a structured unschooling. I have too many people that would protest if I did complete unschooling...my husband included. Plus, my son isn't the most motivated kid on the block. It's my fault. I'm not very motivated myself. It's something I've been praying about, and God is bringing me out of it. But I hope, as he gets older, I can turn it more over to him. Although he is a very inquisitive young man, so that is a good start!

Another thing we're behind on is our business. We were hoping to have our shop reopened by the end of this month and we haven't made any progress yet. Pat hasn't been able to do much because of being sick. Plus we have church 3 nights a week. But we have to get it ready. Plus the local gem and mineral show is also at the end of the month and we're not even close to ready for it. We paid for a whole booth this year instead of our usual half-space. This will be our 7th year there! I just now added that up. I hadn't realized it had been that long! It's always so much fun! And there are some great people there!

Another thing on the back burner is our etsy shop. We are getting ready to restock and reopen that too. We LOVE making stuff! Not only are we going to be making our beaded jewelry, but I'm going to be making more artist trading cards and some altered art. Hubby is going to try his hand at book making. He's done it before but he hasn't done it in a while. He also makes chain maille jewelry. And come spring, he'll have his lapidary equipment up and running. He also wants to learn faceting and silversmithing. And I want to try my hand at photography. So many hobbies, so little time!

Well, I guess I better get to work. Take care and God bless!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY September 2, 2009...

Outside my window... It's raining. It's pouring. It's awesome! I love a good thunderstorm when there's no strong winds! There's some fierce but gorgeous lightening every now and then. The clouds are thick and the forecast is calling for this through the weekend. Just God giving the earth a good drink.

I am thinking... about how much I love fall and about how much I have to do before she gets here.

I am thankful for... a home that I love, the best family a girl could ask for and a God who's love, mercy and power have no limits! (not in that order)

From the learning rooms... need to get back to school for Anya, we've taken a break while my husband has been having his medical problem. Thankfully, the worst of that is over and it's about to be completely over.

From the kitchen... coffee's in the pot, red beans, soaked and ready to go into the crockpot for tonight's beans and rice with sausage.

I am wearing... jeans and a striped shirt

I am creating.... nothing specific at the moment, although I am getting ready to get back into scrapbooking. I haven't scrapbooked since Anya was born, and she's turning 4 this month!

I am going... to church tonight! Get to learn more about my Lord and His Word! What could be better than that?

I am reading... Sink Reflections by the Flylady....gotta get a routine going!

I am hoping... the rain will calm down by the time I have to pick Noah up from school. I hate getting the baby out in it.

I am hearing... spongebob on the tv, the baby starting to fuss, and Anya telling me that the baby is starting to fuss..hehehehe...

A few plans for the rest of the week... not much of anything outside of getting this house in order

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

my honey and his girls!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Welcoming Autumn.....

It's September first, the final days of summer are upon us. Autumn is showing herself, bit by bit. A cool breeze here, an orange leaf there. Before we know it, she will be here in all her glory. What do you do to welcome her in?
Autumn is my favorite season. By the time we're done celebrating Independence Day, I'm chomping at the bit to get my fall on! I love everything about it! (with the exception of the occasional allergy) It's time to break out everything comfy and cozy. It's getting cool enough to get out all your sweaters and blankets. The softer, the better! Soon it's going to be cool enough to start drinking cocoa and spiced tea. We've already started burning a harvest spice candle. The smell makes me smile.
I've got alot to do to get ready for her this year. After being large with child and then having to attend to a newborn, my housework has fallen behind. So the very first thing I have to do is get the house in order. The next thing is to go through our clothes. Pack up all our shorts and tanktops. I have to get out all our cool weather clothes. Not to mention, weed out all the clothes that don't fit anymore, and the ones we just don't wear. We have far too many clothes. Then I want to rearrange our living room and start decorating. And, soon enough, I'll have to clean out the fireplace, get the chimney swept and start stocking up on the firewood. I LOVE having a fireplace!!! I also need to stock up on supplies for the kitchen. Everything I need to make spiced tea and maybe a little pumpkin spice coffee. I have to get my baking supplies bought. And start perusing recipes for soups. Buy some pumpkins and mums for outdoor decorations. (Walmart has their mums out already. I'm so excited!!!)
I want to be totally ready by September 22nd (the official first day of fall) so I can just sit back and enjoy the season. This time next month, I'll be sitting on my front steps, wrapped in a blanket, enjoying a steaming cup of spiced tea, a cool breeze and the beauty of the Ozarks in Autumn. What do you do to get ready for fall?

A Fresh New Day!

It's a beautiful, sunny day! The sun is warm and the air is cool. My big girl is working on her schoolwork and singing about Jesus. My baby girl is napping. My little man is at school. I'm looking forward to the day when I can take him out of there for good.

I had an encounter with God last night at church. It wasn't as powerful as I had hoped. But God's power isn't what I needed. What I needed was His love...and that's what I got. He wrapped His big strong arms around me. It wasn't the "Wham! I'm God and I'm here!" that I thought I needed. It was Him telling me "Be still and know that I am God...I'm your Daddy and I love you." I feel like just the past few weeks I've been really seeing Him as Abba, Father. I've always know He was my King and even my Friend. But never totally felt the Father in Him. I just want to crawl up in His lap and feel the love and peace He brings. And that's what happened last night. I feel new today....I was feeling so overwhelmed...new baby, cantankerous 3 year old, a house that won't clean itself when I can't find the time. But He brought me a peace and a restfulness that I haven't felt in a long time. I feel like He's bringing me into a new stage of my life. I feel like I may be growing up a little. Learning to appreciate the little things in life. Learning to rest in His love and truly see the beauty in all that He's created. Learning that, even though things don't look clear, He is in control. He knows what He's doing. And He knows the end result. He will take my hand and bring me safely to the other side of every situation, good or bad. I just have to trust Him and obey Him, and let Him take the lead. It's not my life anymore. It never really was. I just liked pretending it was. Holding onto it for dear life. I let Him have some of it. But some is not enough. He has to have every bit of it to really do a work in me. So I'm giving it to Him. Some things are harder to let go of than others...but my grip is getting looser. He's helping me to be strong. The work on me will never be done until I am in Heaven with Him. But He can do alot more work on me when I cooperate. So that's what I'm doing! I can't wait to see what He's got in store for tonight's service!

Okay, I know I've rambled on and on...but that's just what's on my mind and my heart right now.

Take care! And may our Father in Heaven be with you!