The Simple Woman's Daybook 9/8

FOR TODAY, Tuesday, September 8, 2010

Outside my window... Fall is on it's way. There is a thick cloud cover in the sky and the crickets are sounding their call. The air is cool from the rain last night. I hear a small dog barking at most everything that moves.

I am thinking... my children are growing too fast. Sometimes it feels like life is just passing me by.

I am thankful for... the laughter of my kids, the smell after a rain, my relationship with my mom, diet soda ;)

From the kitchen... Most of my dishes are done. It's been a few days since I've cooked anything more than throwing something frozen in the oven.

I am wearing... A purple T that says FABULOUS, black cotton gouchos and yellow flip-flops....Not coordinated but very comfy!

I am reading... Nothing at the moment

I am hearing... crickets chirping and my children learning

Around the house... We're all in one room, windows open, enjoying the breeze and sounds of "almost fall". My 8yr old is working on his outer space workbook. My(almost)5 yr old is "learning" her president facts...(playing with a cardboard president spinner). My 1yr old is in her bouncy chair, having a little snack.

Pondering these words... "Not all who wander are lost" ~C.S. Lewis"

A few plans for the rest of the week... I work for a couple of hours tonight but then it's off the rest of the week for school and family time! We'll probably go to Hobby Lobby tomorrow evening. And I'm looking forward to going to Starbucks this weekend to try a Pumpkin Spice Latte.

A picture thought I'm sharing... my sweet little man from almost a year ago. He's a littlle wacky sometimes :)

Hey I'm back!!!

Yep.....I've gotten internet back out my house. And I've decided that other blog wasn't going to work out. I always come back home. So stay tuned for more me.....Don't I just know you're on the edge of your seats! LOL!

New Blog!

Hey everybody! I know I've been slacking off.....But so much is going on and so much has changed with me and my family. So I decided to start a fresh new blog to write about it all. I won't be posting here at Stone House Happenings anymore. My new blog is called, "Oh Look! A Kitty!" Hehehe.....Took me a while to come up with a name. But that one fits me very well as I am highly distractable. Anyway, go have a look-see! http://look-a-kitty.blogspot.com I will be writing alot more now that I have some things figured out. Love you and hope to see you there!!!

Wooh boy!

Howdy people! Just wanted to drop in for a sec. Got so much going on....I know I keep promising to fill you in...and I will! Just gimme a bit. Finding time and the right words is not that easy. But don't worry! I still love you all! Love and hugs!

Yellow

I have changed my blog layout in honor of my innate yellow-ness... :) Ever heard of the People Code? Also known as the Color Code. It's a study on personalities by Dr. Taylor Hartman. According to Dr. Hartman, there are four main character types, which are determined by the core motive of each individual. He signifies each of the four with a color: Red, Blue, White and Yellow.
Reds are motivated by power. The know what they want and what to do to get it. They are no-nonsense people. They are confident and motivated. They are decisive and assertive. One of my best friends is 100% red. (which doesn't happen often) She told me that if you want to get a red to do something, just tell them that they can't do it. :) Unfortunately, with the good, comes the bad. Reds can be selfish and insensitive. They can be bossy and impatient. They know what they know and it's hard to convince them otherwise.
Blues are motivated by intimacy. They value deep, personal relationships. They are extremely loyal and sincere. You can always depend on a blue. They are very thoughtful and compassionate. They are also perfectionists and tend to be very hard on themselves when they don't get things right. Some of the faults of a blue are that they tend to have unrealistic expectations and be hard to please. They can also be judgmental and unforgiving. My hubby is a blue. But thankfully, he has white as a secondary... :)
Whites are motivated by peace. They are tolerant and kind. They are patient, easy-going and agreeable. They don't like conflict and do whatever they need to to avoid it. They can be shy and unenthusiastic. They can also be indecisive and directionless. White is also MY secondary color.
Yellows are motivated by fun! The are playful and care-free, enthusiastic and optimistic. They are very likeable. They say, if you can't get along with a yellow, there's something wrong with you. Unfortunately I am very yellow. Meaning, I have alot of yellow faults as well. They can be undisciplined and disorganized, irresponsible and impulsive. And one of my favorites...obnoxious. :) I have found, though, that I enjoy being obnoxious. Feel sorry for my family and friends! :)
You can take a test to find out what you are either in the book or on the site. The site charges for a full test though. But you can find out your primary color for free there. I, as I said before, am a Yellow/White. I tested out at 60% yellow and 30% white. I also have 10% blue and no red at all, whatsoever.....What I want to know is how I have two red children....hmmm...
Anyway, I've learned so much about myself since my all-red friend brought this into our lives. I encourage you to find out what color you are. And when you do, let me know! It will change how you look at everyone.... We were having a good time one day color-coding cartoon characters....hehehe. So much FUN! :)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...The first day of February...

Outside my window...chilly, with a good amount of leftover snow on the ground.


I am thinking... that trying to convince an 8 year old boy that reading and writing can actually be fun is hurting my brain...


I am thankful for... Friends that I can depend on for anything and who care enough to tell me the truth!


I am wearing... Grey corduroys and a black sweater.


I am remembering... how goofy I was as a teenager!


I am going... to be entering my 30th year of like at the end of this month! Yikes!


I am currently reading... in the book of Nehemiah.

I am hoping... that I get some time to get some things done at home.


On my mind... there are so many different things bouncing around my head, I wouldn't know where to start...


Noticing that... this is going to be a year of spiritual and mental growth...


Pondering these words... Happy is as Happy does!


From the kitchen... somebody wrote "Wash Me" on it...I think it was the hubby... :)


Around the house... lots of learning happening....and a little goofing off too...


One of my favorite things... a jabbering, smiling baby! :)


From my picture journal...

I would love to be back there right now!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

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!