Simple Woman #67

For Today . . . December 14, 2009

Outside my window. . . even colder!  We are in the throes of winter here with the coldest temperatures in 20 years.  It was -45 degrees C at the International Airport the last 2 nights.  At our house it went down to -34 - we are on a hill so it stays a little 'warmer' here than down in town, 8 miles away.  The snow is like a deep blanket, covering everything in about 3 feet of white stuff.  



I am thankful . . . for these words from Philippians 4:  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And I am also thankful . . . for the deep and abiding joy that is mine because He sent His son, Jesus, to us at Christmas.  Joy that is deeper than anything else and Joy that never leaves - it is always mine.

I am praying . . . for wisdom in the ways that  we will celebrate,  for relationships that are bent and for God's love to surround us.

I am thinking . . . about a few more gifts to make, a couple of things to still buy and our Christmas dinner menu.

I am creating . . . surprises!!

I am celebrating . . .  only 10 days until Christmas!

From the kitchen . . . Brownie Wreaths, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - and mashed potatoes!  Strange, I know but Naomi and I want to make perogies this week so I've got the potatoes cooking.  No supper here tonight because we are going to eat at Meadow's playschool concert.

I am wearing . . . black track pants, striped tshirt, orange 'University of Calgary' sweatshirt, and crocs.

I am reading . . . still the The Lizard Cage by Karen Connelly - I know, book club came and went and I'm still reading the book.  I almost abandoned it but after lots of encouragement, the discussion and moving into part 2, I'm doing better and will finish it.

I am hoping . . . to take some great pictures at Meadow's playschool concert tonight!  This is the first one we will go to as grandparents - hard to believe!  I remember the excitement of our kids' concerts when they were little and now they are the parents.

I am hearing . . . the furnace running - again! - and Diana Krall's Christmas jazz album.

Around the house and yard . . . snowdrifts, growing deeper by the week!

One of my favourite things . . . sampling fresh cookies, right out of the oven and still warm :)

A few plans for the rest of the week . . .  hopefully some subbing but the buses didn't go today because of the extreme cold, making perogies with Naomi, wrapping, sewing, painting the bathroom door, getting our tree, a choir concert.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you . . . I love books - I love Christmas - therefore, I love Christmas books!!  A few classic selections from the school library.

Thank you for creating this exercise, Peggy!  And if you are reading this, please consider joining us for these weekly reflections.