Category Archives: Family

7 Quick Takes: Turkey Pardons, iTunes Giveaway, and Thanksgiving for Health

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

Ahem… iTunes giveaway to benefit Brett. You see the adorable little boy on my sidebar? His name is Brett and he finally has a mama. To help his mama bring him home, I’m doing an iTunes giveaway to raise some funds. Here are 7 reasons to participate in my iTunes giveaway. I haven’t had any takers yet and I’m getting a little depressed about it.

— 2 —

A prayer request. Huffle Mawson, one of the first cat bloggers I “met”, has passed away. Her humans Tracey and Kendall got a message while on vacation telling them that she was at the vet in liver failure. She passed on the next morning. They are still on vacation and coming home to a really emotionally devastating situation. Her mom, Tracey, was really supportive of me during my pregnancy and my heart is breaking for her right now. Please keep Tracey and Kendall in thoughts and prayers right now.

— 3 —

I finally have my laptop back after 5 days of waiting for a new hard disk and then getting it installed. The church’s data person was able to get all of it back though I’ll be deleting out duplicate files for a good month or so. (My hard disk was that bad.) He also managed to recover all my email and my Firefox bookmarks.

— 4 —

It’s Thanksgiving so here’s the Turkey Pardoning Ceremony from Wednesday. I’m linking this not because I like turkeys or President Obama. I’m linking it because of the Nate Silver joke.

— 5 —

Link-Up Love! Grace at Camp Patton has a Thanksgiving link-up. I haven’t posted mine yet because my clothes are already in the washer on account of the mysterious sweet potato stains up and down my left arm. *looks suspiciously at the sleeping toddler*

— 6 —

LOL Cat in training. After we got back from our walk at 9:30 p.m., we were gathered around my mom’s computer looking at pictures from a family gathering in Washington when my sister-in-law told me that I might have to fight to get my laptop back. I looked behind me and my mom’s grey kitty Homer was curled up next to it. My dad took a picture but I doubt my parents would give it to me if they knew I would possibly make it into a LOL Cat.

— 7 —

Something to be thankful for this year. Last year, my Quick Takes on Thanksgiving were written from the PICU at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose where Daniel was admitted after waking up with a fever of 103F… just as dinner was going on the table. So seriously, I’m thankful for health this year, especially Daniel’s health as it meant that we were all able to have dinner together and not have to worry about him or be thrown up on. (My mom needs to be thanked because she was so nice about that one…)

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

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: November 5, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 5, 2012

Outside my window… dark. It was in the 80’s today which is so wrong in November.

I am thinking… of fasting from as much media as possible tomorrow. I kind of wish I had to work from sunup until sundown so I had an excuse not to watch.

I am thankful… for the weekend with my parents.

In the kitchen… dishes to be done.

I am wearing… preeclampsia shirt and running shorts.

I am creating… my NaNoWriMo pieace.

I am going… to try and get caught up with NaNo this week.

I am wondering… what the outcome of the election will be.

I am reading… A Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling.

I am hoping… my candidates win.

I am looking forward to… the election being over.

I am learning to stop being such a perfectionist with Daniel.

Around the house… *tuning you out*

I am pondering… how people can claim to follow Christ and be so hateful in their speech.

A favorite quote for today… ??The more he fears, the more he’ll hate.?? ? C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… sleep. I did not get extra sleep this weekend.

A few plans for the rest of the week: avoid media tomorrow, Morning Prayer and Ladies’ Night Out on Wednesday, and massage therapist on Friday.

A peek into my day…

Why you should vote.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 29, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 29, 2012

Outside my window… sunny. It was nice today. A storm is supposed to move in on Halloween night and Thursday morning so I’ll have a nice morning in jammies then.

I am thinking… about those friends I have on the East Coast who are being pummeled by the Frankenstorm.

I am thankful… for the Giants sweeping the Tigers in the World Series. I won the bet I had with Emily so $10 will be going to International Justice Mission.

In the kitchen… I made kuchen last Friday.

I am wearing… charcoal shirt and running shorts.

I am creating… details for my NaNoWriMo piece.

I am going… to San Jose this weekend for some R&R.

I am wondering… how I’m going to get through tomorrow morning. Daniel has an eye appointment in Sacramento at 8:15 a.m. Have I mentioned that I’m not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination? At least we can use the carpool lane for a good chunk of Highway 99.

I am reading… A Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling.

I am hoping… Hurricane Sandy/Frankenstorm doesn’t cause too much damage.

I am looking forward to… this election being over and all the smear ads off of TV.

Around the house… *pulls the covers over my head and ignores the question*

I am pondering… the stupidity of the people standing on the New Jersey boardwalk watching the storm surge. I mean, really? Do I need to regale people with the tales of those killed on the California coast last year because they decided to go watch the tsunami come in?

A favorite quote for today… ??Talk to me about the truth of religion and I’ll listen gladly. Talk to me about the duty of religion and I’ll listen submissively. But don’t come talking to me about the consolations of religion or I shall suspect that you don’t understand.?? ? C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

One of my favorite things… Trader Joe’s iced tea-lemonade.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Daniel’s eye appointment tomorrow, Morning Prayer and trick-or-treating on Wednesday, audiology appointment on Friday morning as well as heading to San Jose.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes: Writing, Voting, and Interesting Office Supply Products

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

I VOTED!!!! *cue confetti and balloons* I’m in California so we have all the normal slate of candidates in addition to a bunch of ballot measures so the envelope to mail back the ballots requires extra postage. I also wish that there was an “I voted!” sticker included in my absentee ballot because there might be merchants who give perks for those who voted like free coffee or something. Oh well… Jon just dropped his absentee ballot off at our town hall and they were giving out “I voted!” stickers so I have one on the fridge so that I can get any perks offered by merchants for having one on Election Day.

— 2 —

I’m doing NaNoWriMo again. I *might* actually win given that I do have some more spare time than I’ve had in the last few years with Daniel in school. I’m recycling my characters from last year and altering a few of them. My main character is a pastor’s wife — what can I say? I write about what I know. It’s either that or write about import brokerage stuff and a cross-border murder.

— 3 —

I was taking a drive when I heard this song. Daniel had woken up grumpy and we were driving around when this song came on. After CSI was over tonight, I started looking for it online and was having a heck of a time finding it. It turns out that it’s probably just been released to radio stations and the album isn’t due until January. Still… I found it on YouTube! Boo yah!

— 4 —

Cardinal Dolan said something awesome on his Twitter today. His remark: “If I only sat down with people who agreed with me, and I with them, or with those who were saints, I??d be taking all my meals alone.” I think it’s relevant in our politically-polarized country where one side is claiming that the media is on the side of the other and there is so much back-biting. I have readers on this blog who agree with me politically and readers who think I’ve lost my mind for backing the candidates I back. Somehow, we all manage to find common ground and I’d readily break bread (or a gluten-free alternative) with any of them.

— 5 —

OMG NLCS baseball!!! We swept the Reds *in* Cincinnati and we’re currently playing Game 4 in St. Louis. I’m thinking of Kathleen Basi and Grace Patton as I’m watching. I have no idea if Grace is a Cardinals fan (or if she’s even all that concerned with baseball) but I remember talking about the World Series with Kathleen last year and now our teams are playing each other in the NLCS! As much as I’m a Giants fan, I do like the Cardinals and I’d totally root for them if they prevailed and made it to the World Series to play Detroit.

— 6 —

For those who read all the interesting comments on the BIC for Her pens, there’s now a new office product sensation. Yes, I totally realize that Romney’s “binders full of women” are binders full of women’s resumés. Yes, I would totally be mentioning this if Obama or Biden had said it. No, I didn’t watch the debate — I was too busy being righteously indignant over NCIS being pre-empted. I had also already filled out my ballot on Sunday night so the debate wasn’t going to change anything for me.

— 7 —

My grandma turns 92 tomorrow. She was the first college graduate on my mom’s side of the family. (My grandfather didn’t finish because Pearl Harbor happened.) She and my grandfather just missed making it 63 years when he passed away in 2006. She still lives at home and gardens a little bit. She also plays bridge twice a week. Happy birthday, Grandma! I love you!

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

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 9, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 9, 2012

Outside my window… dark and cloudy. It was only 75F today which is glorious. I’m kind of bummed that the temperatures are going back up to normal (80’s) next week.

I am thinking… that I miss fall in the Midwest (Minnesota and Ohio). I loved 4 distinct seasons and seeing the trees looking like they were on fire with color.

I am thankful… for Jessica’s baby being born healthy. Go visit her and show her some love!!!

In the kitchen… failed ravioli with pesto. Let’s just not talk about it again, m’kay?

I am wearing… grey maternity shirt and running shorts.

I am creating… ideas for various things.

I am going… to get some quality time with a friend tomorrow.

I am wondering… how I’m going to make it until the election. The attack ads are wounding my soul. I’m seriously pondering the idea of sending tinfoil hats to the National Republican Congressional Committee based on the conspiracy theory ads they’re running. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is also on my sh*t list.

I am reading… Bossypants by Tina Fey. Hopefully, I’ll be able to finish it this weekend with all the driving going on.

I am hoping… my absentee ballot arrives soon. I can’t wait to vote! I just wish they included an “I voted!” sticker with it.

I am looking forward to… Morning Prayer and hanging out with Anne.

Around the house… *sticks fingers in ear* Lalalalalalala! I can’t hear you!

I am pondering…

A favorite quote for today… “Every man must do two things alone; he must do his own believing and his own dying.” — Martin Luther

One of my favorite things… the quiet time after everyone goes to bed.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Morning Prayer tomorrow, shoe-shopping and finishing paperwork on Thursday, heading to San Jose on Friday, and wedding of a good friend on Saturday.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: September 17, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY September 17, 2012

Outside my window… hopefully cooling down. It’s the 16th straight day of 90F or above and in 4 days, we will have set a record.

I am thinking… that friends don’t let friends read bad Twilight fanfic. (50 Shades started out as a fanfic piece based on the Twilight books.)

I am thankful… that Jon brought me home a sandwich from Subway — even if I did have to fight the 4 furballs to eat it in peace. (3 guesses as to what was in the sandwich.)

In the kitchen… spinach salad with feta and a balsamic vinagrette for lunch today.

I am wearing… Old Navy flag shirt and running shorts.

I am going… to hope Daniel doesn’t flip out on my laptop before I finish this entry.

I am wondering… if I get geek cred for having the theme song to “The Big Bang Theory” memorized.

I am reading… Bossypants by Tina Fey. Because, you know, I’m so up on the latest trends. /sarcasm

I am hoping… to get some formatting done on the devotional book this week.

I am looking forward to… seeing my evil twin and hopefully my sister-in-law this weekend.

Around the house… *putting my fingers in my ears* I can’t hear you!

A favorite quote for today… ??We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.?? — C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… sitting in a quiet chapel and listening to the birds sing.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Morning Prayer, working on the devotional book, and a barbeque with my evil twin and (hopefully!!!) my sister-in-law for the autumnal equinox.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

7 Quick Takes: Haircuts and the Run for Courage

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

I’m taking part in the Run for Courage on September 29th. I had been hearing about it from Daniel’s former physical therapist and I decided to do the 5K and walk it. I’ve been a supporter of International Justice Mission for years and this deals with restoring and healing girls who have been trafficked for sex, including in the USA. My donation URL is: http://engage.runforcourage.org/goto/khouriajen. My fundraising goal is $200 and I’ve raised $90 thus far. Please share my fundraising URL and let people know about this.

— 2 —

To those who don’t like my Obama button: suck it up! I’m not commenting on your site and telling you what I think about your decision to back Romney — I might disagree with you but you have a right to vote for the candidate of your choosing and to post whatever political buttons you want on your blog. Kindly show me the same respect. Also, your comment isn’t going to show if I haven’t approved a comment of yours before so please stop leaving me variations on the same comment until I approve your comment. If 24 hours have gone by and I haven’t approved your comment, assume that I might not have seen it yet. (I do have a three year old and a life.) If 48-72 hours go by and it isn’t up, you can safely assume that I think you are a raving lunatic and you have no snowball’s chance of having your comment(s) approved. If your comment is a diatribe longer than the actual post on which you are commenting, your comment will be deleted.

— 3 —

Daniel is back in his class from last year and all is well. His old teacher and aides are happy to have him back and he knew *EXACTLY* where he was on Wednesday when he came back to school after his 4-day weekend. He belly-laughed for his teacher for the first time today and it was so awesome for her to hear. I’m glad the temper tantrum I threw fuss I raised last week was worth it. They’re going to start him working with a PECS board and train us on it next week.

— 4 —

The TV sitch was better during the DNC this week. Instead of not showing things on the schedule, CBS just moved them by an hour (i.e. NCIS was on at 8 instead of 7). Well played, CBS. Thankfully, I got the syndicated episodes of The Big Bang Theory at 7 p.m. so I had something to watch instead of just Judge Judy. Boo yah!

— 5 —

I’m pleased with how my hair turned out. It ended up chin-length instead of just at my shoulders but it still looks good.

Me asleep with Edda

— 6 —

Still editing devotions. I’m effectively done with Luke for the moment. I have what is looking like 4-5 to write on my own for Luke (replacing someone who couldn’t finish theirs) and whatever Jon can’t finish of his list. I’ll start formatting Acts once I get my passel of devotions done.

— 7 —

You see that cute little boy over on my sidebar? He needs a mama. Mind praying that we can find one, donating toward his grant, or even considering adopting him? He’s cute and I’m not just saying that because I’m his Guardian Angel. 🙂

— Bonus —

Kara posted a picture of Wren on her Quick Takes. Ten year olds should not look like that — she’s being abused and needs out of wherever she is NOW. There’s no donate link on her page but could y’all pray that we can get her out of that situation or even consider adopting her?

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