Category Archives: Daniel

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: November 10, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 10, 2014

Outside my window… dark. I’m writing late at night as usual

I am thinking… about who the protagonist in the Miss Julia books reminds me of in my life.

I am thankful… for the life of my former co-worker Karen. One of my favorite memories of her took place in the fall of 2009 when we were sitting and eating lunch with a few other people. The other young 20something woman at the table and I were discussing pregnancy and breastfeeding and I mentioned the things we’d be doing with my next baby. Karen, who had watched my horrific pregnancy with Daniel, interrupted me and exclaimed, “You mean they’re letting you get pregnant again?!?!?!?!?” Believe me, nobody laughed harder than I did because she had a way of speaking whatever was on her mind and doing it in a humorous way.

In the kitchen… my mother-in-law made some fabulous pizza.

I am wearing… green shirt and running shorts.

I am praying for… a call for Jon, healing from cancer for one of my brother’s Boy Scout friends, safety for some friends in Israel right now, and some other special intentions.

I am going… to have to find things to do with Daniel tomorrow which should be interesting because my mother-in-law is probably going to veto him leaving the house after the pukesplosion he had tonight.

I am reading… Miss Julia’s Marvelous Makeover by Ann B. Ross. I finished the latest Jan Karon book this past weekend.

I am hoping… for decent sleep tonight.

I am looking forward to… choir practice on Wednesday.

I am hearing… Jon in the kitchen eating dinner.

Around the house… quiet other than the sounds from the kitchen.

One of my favorite things… ice. It’s horrible for my teeth to chew it but it’s helping with my water intake.

A few plans for the rest of the week: choir practice and whatever comes up otherwise.

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: November 4, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 4, 2014

Outside my window… sunny. It’s allegedly 80F outside but it is freezing in the house. Well… either that or I’m having chills.

I am thinking… about Thanksgiving week and how to keep Daniel entertained on the 2.5 days he’ll be off of school before we leave for my parents’ house.

I am thankful… for my mother-in-law and Jon taking Daniel on errands so I can get some more rest and fight this stupid cold.

In the kitchen… all I’ve had today is Instant Breakfast and yogurt so nothing is cooking on my end. I smelled onions when I went in for water so I think Jon has a raw onion cut up in the fridge.

I am wearing… a wine-colored shirt and jeans.

I am praying for… friends traveling in the Holy Land, a call for Jon, for Katie and her husband as they adopt Felicity

I am going… to try not to go online to see any election returns today. It’s one of the few times I’m thankful I don’t have access to TV.

I am wondering… about how to work Christmas this year.

I am reading… Gossamer Ghost by Laura Childs. Apparently, I was #1 on the list for it in the LA County library system.

I am hoping… to get back to walking every morning again once this stupid cold goes away.

I am looking forward to… being well again.

I am hearing… Daniel — they just got home.

Around the house… it was relatively quiet until a few minutes ago.

A favorite quote for today… “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” — Douglas Adams

One of my favorite things… being able to breathe easily. I miss it.

A few plans for the rest of the week: a trip to the grocery store that isn’t Trader Joe’s, the new dishwasher being installed tomorrow (the other one broke last week so we’ve been having to wash by hand… I know, #firstworldproblems), and whatever else comes up.

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

7 Quick Takes: Back in Northern California

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

THE GIANTS ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!!!! That was an insane game tonight. I’m glad the Giants won but I am also glad that I got to watch it tonight and that St. Louis played pretty well. One of Jon’s higher ups used to live in Kansas City for a number of years and I’m hoping for a fun series for both our sakes.

— 2 —

NCIS binge. I’m taking care of my parents’ cats while they’re up with my grandmother and this means that I have access to TV. I only watched one episode of NCIS tonight but I’m planning a binge of it in the next week and a half. I’ve missed it and while I could theoretically watch on my computer, I don’t normally have a huge amount of computer time so watching it and my other shows isn’t happening right now… except being up here on my “Momcation”.

— 3 —

What is a “Momcation”? Essentially, I’m on vacation from being a mom for the next 10 days. It’s a long story as to why but I’m cat/house-sitting for my parents and Daniel remained down south with Jon and my in-laws. Don’t worry — my marriage isn’t in jeopardy. I’m doing my parents a favor and my in-laws and parents are happy that it’s giving me a break that I haven’t had in 5 1/2 years.

— 4 —

So what am I doing? I drove up yesterday and today, I did errands and went food shopping for myself. I’m planning to spend some time praying and journalling about how to move from the crossroads where I’m at in my life and I also have plans to have coffee with Rebecca. Oh yes… also catch up on all the TV I’ve missed, hence the NCIS binge.

— 5 —

Completely shocked. I weighed myself yesterday for the first time in months (the last time was at a doctor’s appointment) and I’m 3-5 lbs below my pre-pregnancy weight. I guess all the core work, the walking, and other changes I’ve made are helping? I’m wondering if I can’t increase that loss so that I’m down to my pre-Montana weight when I leave my parents’ house.

— 6 —

Just a thought. Is there any chance that a device could be created that stops all political ads on TV and in the mail once one has voted or submitted an absentee ballot? I voted this past week (permanent absentee ballot FTW!) and I really don’t need to hear about who wants my vote anymore.

— 7 —

Possible rain. Weather.Com claims we’re not going to have rain in the next 24 hours. My head disagrees! (I freaking love weather change migraines.)

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 12, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 12, 2014

Outside my window… dark. It was in the mid 80’s today which is so wonderful compared to the triple digit temps of a week or so ago.

I am thinking… about all I need to do before leaving for San Jose on Wednesday morning.

I am thankful… for a fun day: singing with the contemporary worship team at church this morning (“contemporary” in that everything we sang was written in the 20th century — the “contemporary” period in classical music) and heading to the birthday party of Jon’s best friend’s oldest daughter who turned 6 today. Her mom was in labor with her when I found out that I was pregnant with Daniel. It was a Frozen-themed party (surprise surprise) and they had a bouncy castle. Daniel enjoyed himself and I even got to bounce a little bit in the bouncer under the guise of making sure Daniel was OK in there. Other moms were looking at me and telling me that I was brave for going in it. I shrugged and told them about how much fun I was having.

In the kitchen… cleaned up after making my dinner (black bean and jack burrito from Trader Joe’s).

I am wearing… gray v-neck and capri sweats.

I am praying for… travel mercies for my drive on Wednesday, some special intentions, and a call for Jon.

I am going… to see if I can’t get some more CD’s at a heavily discounted price at the Office Depot which is going out of business.

I am reading… Evolving in Monkey Town by Rachel Held Evans.

I am hoping… to get some decent sleep tonight.

I am looking forward to… seeing my parents on Wednesday.

I am hearing… some John Michael Talbot on iTunes.

Around the house… silence.

A favorite quote for today… “I have learned now that while those who speak about one’s miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more.” — C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… listening to good music.

A few plans for the rest of the week: dental work tomorrow, various things on Tuesday, and driving to San Jose on Wednesday.

A peek into my day…

It was Contemporary Sunday today so I ditched some of my prettier clothes in favor of a simple v-neck shirt and my faded denim skirt.

Me in the mirror.

(Ignore the smudgy prints on the mirror. I have a small child who is entranced by his own image.)

Shirt: Foot Locker
Skirt: Hand-me-down from my sister-in-law who probably thrifted it.
Flip-flops: Old Navy

Here’s a picture showing how long my skirt actually is:

My skirt and sandals.

Hosted by The Simple Woman. Go see the pretties at Fine Linen and Purple for more Sunday outfits.

7 Quick Takes: Best Week Ever

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

REAL public health challenges. Here are 6 diseases that should worry you more than Ebola. I’m thankful that I’m current on my vaccines for 3-4 of them (measles, pertussis, and influenza/pneumonia). I can attest to the scariness of RSV though — Daniel has had it twice (nearly killed him the first time) and had to be vaccinated for it during his first year of life because the fatality risk was so high.

— 2 —

Vote early! Vote often! I just got my absentee ballot in the mail. The gubernatorial race here isn’t even close (Jerry Brown has a 20-point lead over his challenger) and neither of our senators are up for re-election so I think the only tight races are the ones for the various House seats and maybe for some of the propositions? I don’t have access to TV so I haven’t been forced to watch all the political ads.

— 3 —

An interesting argument. One of Jon’s seminary classmates linked a blog post about how a growing church is a dying church. I’m inclined to agree. We get asked frequently in call interviews how we would grow the church and “attract young people” but very rarely is the congregation doing anything themselves to actually make their church a welcoming place. (I’m not talking about doing things like replacing the organ with a rock band and watering down the theology — I’m talking about being actually friendly to outsiders and making people feel like it’s a place where they’d like to belong.)

— 4 —

Cynthia Jeub speaks out. I remember watching Kids by the Dozen on either TLC or the Discovery Channel and seeing the Jeub family of Colorado. Apparently, things weren’t so rosy in that household and daughter #3 Cynthia is speaking out. I’m watching the blogs on this one to see how this all turns out. I’m saddened to hear what Cynthia is saying because I hate seeing abuse or hearing about it in any form.

— 5 —

New blog. I’m starting a blog separate from this one that is related to health issues and my journey to develop healthier habits. If you want the URL, email me (jen at grace-filled dot net).

— 6 —

Baseball. The Giants beat the Nationals to advance to the NLCS and the Cardinals did the same to the Dodgers so I now have my two favorite NL teams playing each other. I’m not going to lie — I’d like it if the Giants won this best-of-seven series and went on to win the World Series but I’ll also root for the Cards if they do the same. I think my greatest joy is the Dodgers being knocked out as I’m married to a Dodger fan and I live among them down here in southern California. Maybe I should start wearing all my Giants gear when I leave the house… (Relax, I only have two pieces.)

— 7 —

Prayer request. I would muchly appreciate it if you could lift up some serious prayers for the Lenaburgs as they are dealing with the reality of Courtney’s last days. Mary (Courtney’s mom) is one of the most amazing people I’ve been blessed to know online and has the same sense of humor that I do (pretty dark given what we both deal with on a daily basis) and I wish I could take the pain from her.

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: Blessing of the Animals Edition

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 5, 2014

Outside my window… dark. It was near 100F today which I think is hideous, even for October. I miss my -20F temps (not including windchill) in Montana!

I am thinking… about worship today. It was the Blessing of the Animals for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and people brought their pets to church to be blessed. Most people brought their dogs, a few (like me) brought cats, and one family even brought their chickens!

I am thankful… for Edda doing so well at church this morning. I didn’t know if she’d be OK or if I’d have to send her home with Jon partway through or what was going to happen. She was pretty content to stay in her crate and nap. I barely heard a peep out of her.

In the kitchen… lemon ricotta ravioli from Trader Joe’s for dinner tonight.

I am wearing… my Momcat shirt and black capri sweats.

I am praying for… a call for Jon, healing for various people, and some special intentions.

I am going… to have some pretty epic errands to do tomorrow morning on account of Daniel having a surprise three-day weekend.

I am wondering… why people still believe all the lies about a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Yet another study on the subject was just disproven and the claims were retracted. (HT: Simcha Fisher) I think I need to start making tin foil hats for all the people who spout these lame conspiracy theories.

I am reading… Evolving in Monkey Town by Rachel Held Evans. It’s a re-read.

I am hoping… my walk goes well tomorrow morning and resting my foot this weekend has helped.

I am looking forward to… various things this week.

I am hearing… mostly silence given how late it is.

Around the house… again, silence as I’m the only one up.

A favorite quote for today… “Human will becomes truly our own when it is wholly God’s, and this is one of the many senses in which he that loses his soul shall find it.” — C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… my choir director’s face upon finding out that he’d have to play the “arky arky song” during the blessing of the animals. (He hates it.) Given the ferocity with which he was playing the postlude by Mussorgsky, I think he was working out his frustrations on the piano afterwards. (He has a Masters and DMA in piano performance and is a piano professor at Azusa Pacific so we get some pretty amazing preludes and postludes on Sundays.)

A few plans for the rest of the week: errands, Daniel’s IEP on Tuesday, and whatever else comes up.

A peek into my day… Edda being blessed by Rev. Kelli Grace.

Edda being blessed at church.

The cute story behind this picture: the little boy is Rev. Kelli Grace’s grandson (she so does NOT look old enough to be a grandma) and at the end of the blessing, I heard her say “Do you see the ‘at’? Can you say ‘God bless the ‘at’?'” I looked up and her grandson had his fingers stuck into Edda’s crate and my princess was nuzzling his fingers. His mom told me later on that I had completely made his day because he loves “ats”.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes: More on Dismantling Dr. Deisher’s Study, The Truths/Lie, and Traits of Kids Who Stay in the Church

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

More on dismantling Dr. Deisher’s autism/vaccine study. Simcha Fisher has more on the dismantling of Dr. Deisher’s study which links vaccines to autism. As the mom of a kid with autism who is also immunosuppressed, I’m thankful someone is doing it. Bad science drives me crazy, especially since I do have the scientific background to read the studies.

And no, I’m not mentioning this to piss people off — I’m honestly really perturbed at people who make stupid remarks about causation and autism. I have access to more resources on the subject than the average person because of my relationship with UC Davis Medical Center and the MIND Institute (which was created for the purpose of studying this subject) so I also have access to some of the latest information.

And seriously, I will throttle the next person who tells me that Daniel would be cured if I fed him a gluten-free diet. It helps with some kids but not mine. I’m also dealing with him being incredibly underweight so I have to really maximize the calories and carbs are one way to do that.

— 2 —

The traits of kids who stay in church. I saw this on Facebook and thought it was pretty accurate. It’s why I never force my kids to get confirmed when I teach confirmation — their faith needs to be THEIRS and not just something that their parents are forcing them to do. (Seriously, promising your kids that they can stop going to church if they go through Confirmation does not change their minds so please, for the love of all things holy, STOP IT!!!!)

— 3 —

Two Truths and a Lie. So I decided to play this last week and got a few comments on here and a whole bunch of guesses on Facebook. I think I’ll devote a Quick Take to each statement in the interest of telling some interesting stories.

— 4 —

I’ve been thrown and passed around by the fish throwers at Pike Place Market in Seattle. This one is actually true. I was on a Girl Scout trip to Seattle and British Columbia and we were at Pike Place Market. Being the ditz that I was at 17, I asked the guys at Pike Place Fish if they were the ones who threw the fish at people. One of them replied, “No, we’re the people who throw the people at the fish. See?” He then proceeds to pick me up (at the time, I was 5’1″ and probably 120 lbs) and started passing me like a sack of potatoes to some of the other guys who did actually throw me a bit.

— 5 —

I’ve kissed a banana slug. Actually, I have… several times while being a camp counselor when I was 18. And yes, it is true… your lips and tongue do go numb.

— 6 —

I’ve never voted Republican in a California election. This one is the lie and only Kym got it right. (Then again, she’s known me for a really long time and we’ve actually met in person.) I *have* voted Republican in a California election for the purpose of knocking out a candidate I really didn’t like. (I voted for John McCain in 2000 to try to knock George Bush out of contention… and we all know how badly that turned out for me.)

— 7 —

My weekend plans. Jon and I are headed down to San Diego this weekend so he can supply preach at the church that his great-grandfather started. He also has two weddings and it made no sense for him to drive back up from one wedding to go down the next morning and preach so we’re getting a hotel room. Daniel will be staying with my in-laws and I’m excited to get a weekend away.

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.