For Today:     January 31                                                  

Looking out my window...we’ve been in a deep freeze! 

I am remembering...fun times with my kids on snowy days. 

I am going...to keep working on my book. I've been busy and gotten off track; I want to commit to at least 20 minutes a day.

I am hoping...Dan can get off Chemo soon; he's coming up on a year of treatment.

I like this picture Andi took of us at Christmastime. 

I am thinking...about how proud I am of my son, Charles! He recently got his associate's degree from a community college.

One of my favorite things...is celebrating the different milestones of my kids. 

I am thankful...for Charles, he is loved and respected by all. 

Around the house...I’ve been babysitting my grandson, Joey, two days a week now. 

Here's Dan playing on the floor with Joe.

I am creating...a beautiful, functional home. Dan bought some industrial pipe racks and hung the pots and pans in the room off the kitchen. It looks cool!

I am listening... to Brandon Lake, Matt Maher, Sidewalk Prophets, Matt Redman, and Rend Collective

I am reading...The Biblio Diet by Jordan Ruban and Josh Axe. 

I am learning...even more about nutrition. 

I am watching...the TV sitcom  Seinfeld again with Dan. We laugh so much! And last night we watched a funny movie called "The Crew ", we highly recommend it! 

In my kitchen…we found a good natural food store nearby.  They get fresh fish on Fridays, and we tried some this week- so good! 

A few plans for the rest of the week...organize the office and my closet.

A quote...

  For Today: December 31,2025                                                  

Looking out my window...

there's lots of snow! My drive to work today was so long!

I am hoping...

to sign up at a local gym, or somewhere that I can exercise with others.

I am thinking...

about how fun it was to have the kids over for Christmas. We finally moved into our new home!!

One of my favorite things...

is exchanging gifts and Yankee Swaps.

I am thankful...

for these two!

I am creating...

a memoir. Andi and I have been encouraging each other to write weekly. 

I am listening to...

80's country music at work with Bev!

I am reading...

The Biblio Diet

Dan got it for me for Christmas, along with a new Bible that I wanted. 

I am learning...

more about the Bible, as I recently copied the Book of John by hand. I'm now working on copying the book of Matthew. 

I am watching...

Seinfeld again with Dan in the evenings before bed. We love it!

In my kitchen...

I'm doing the Whole30 eating plan again. It's a 30-day reset for healthy eating. I'm basically eating whole foods, and no sugar or bread. I'm on day 9 and so far so good!

A quote...

If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one. 

-Dolly Parton

A moment from 8 years ago...

I love this picture! I'm with my zumba instructor and friends at the YMCA.

 For Today: November 23,2025                                                     

Looking out my window...

it's cold and damp. Dan and my Dad are working outside up at our new house and it's supposed to snow!

I am hoping...

to be settled into our new home before Christmas! I'm sure we will be, even though it's taken a lot longer than we thought it would.

 

I am thinking...

about how God protected Dan in an accident he was in this week. I'm so thankful that he wasn't hurt at all! 

One of my favorite things...

is drinking pumpkin spice tea, while reading a good book, on a chilly fall day. 

I am thankful...

for all the help we've had at the property and on the house.

We ended up taking this down and making stairs for now because of time restraints, but eventually we'll have a porch! 

I am creating...

more weekly and monthly spreads in my happy planner. Yes, I still love washi tape and stickers!

I am listening to...

Lindsey Stirling Best of Christmas Classics

I am reading...

The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie, and that lead me to read two middle grade books that were really good! Red Scarf Girl by Ji Li Jiang was about living in China in the 1960's during Mao's cultural revolution. Excellent! 

I am learning...

how to write a memoir, and I've actually started one! 

I am watching...

random old TV Shows like Stargate Atlantis and Star Trek.

In my kitchen...

We had Chicken fajitas yesterday, and I'm making veggie burgers tonight. 

A quote...

A moment from this week...

My mom and I had fun repainting a few pieces of furniture.

 For Today:  September 18, 2025                                                        

Looking out my window...

it's a beautiful, sunny day in the 80's! 

I am hoping...

 that the slab for the house dries quickly. But its so exciting that this step is finished and our home can be delivered in 7-10 days!

I am thinking...

 about how we celebrated Charles' 32nd birthday recently. We had a great time just hanging out and playing games. 

One of my favorite things...

is doing crafts and hands on activities with kids. I have some no paint water coloring pictures that I'm looking forward to using with Vinny.

I am thankful...

that Dan is feeling so good lately. Yesterday we went to Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth. We had great weather, and it was fun to be together and not think about all that we have to do before we move. And we get reimbursed for the tickets through the library! Afterwards we stopped at Hampton Beach and had Tripoli Pizza-a favorite from Dan's childhood. 

I am creating...

peace in my mind and body by choosing to get off my phone. 

I am listening to...

the peaceful sounds of nature.

I am reading...

The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie. Thinking about all the special times and books I shared with my kids over the years  brings back such good memories! I'm looking forward to sharing many of those same books with my Grandkids.

I am learning...

to enjoy silence and not constantly be listening to something on my phone. It's been wonderful!! I read recently that those who were born before 1985 are the last generation to remember what life was like before the internet and cellphones. There are definitely good things about those technologies, but life was great before them, too.

I am watching...

new episodes of Welcome to Plathville.

In my kitchen...

we had fish again last night. This time we had haddock and we coated it with almond flour, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese. Dan and I can't wait to have a bigger kitchen when we get into our new home!

A quote...

A moment from this week...

At Strawberry Banke

  For Today:  September 1, 2025                                                          

Looking out my window...

it's a breezy fall-like day. 

I am hoping...

that we can move into our home in 3 weeks!  I spoke to Camelot and they said it's ready for delivery! Scott's neighbor, Norm, put in the rebar to prepare the slab, and I'm hoping the building inspector can come out tomorrow and give the thumbs up so they can start pouring the concrete. Dan's son Scott says his took two weeks to dry before they could put the house on it.

I am thinking...

about how we found a great new hiking place nearby called Sheldrick Forest Preserve. 

One of my favorite things...

is this time of year! The summer is great, but there is something about fall I've always loved.I love the crisp feeling in the air, pumpkin spice (and pumpkin flavored anything!), the leaves changing colors, sweaters, educational activities, nature walks, apple picking, and cozy evenings.

I am thankful...

for 3 years of marriage with Dan! We celebrated our Anniversary on the 20th by going out for dinner at Amigos, a Mexican restaurant in Milford. Here is a photo from our special day in 2022. 

I am creating...

the diamond dots that Charles got me for my birthday. It's made from a photo from our wedding. I mounted the three other diamond dots I've done on canvases and they turned out great! It will be nice to hang them in our new home. 

I am listening to...

a book called Maria by Michelle Moran. It's the real story about Maria Van Trapp from The Sound of Music. I'm on chapter 20, and I'm really enjoying it! 

I am learning...

new dance workouts. This guy Keoni has been fun, he has some workouts with his mom to 80's music. Like this one here.

I am reading...

The Way Home: Tales from a life without technology by Mark Boyle

I am watching...

a fun reality show that Sid introduced me to called Jury Duty. I was interested because I was summoned to Jury duty this month (but didn't get selected). In the reality show everyone was an actor except one young guy and he was great! He thought he was on a reality show about a real trial, but it wasn't real trial! In the end it was a positive experience for him. 

In my kitchen...

Dan had picked up some fresh Salmon and it was amazing!  He made this awesome glaze that was delicious!  We talked about getting fish more often, so hopefully we can.

A quote...

A moment from a a year ago while we were at a science museum on vacation in New York with friends.

 For Today:  August 14, 2025                                                          

Looking out my window...

it's a bit cooler today after a heat wave.

I am hoping...

my mom can have her knee surgery as scheduled, and that all goes well. We will be praying, and I'm sure she'll have a quick recovery! 

I am thinking...

about all the jobs I've had throughout my life. Here is a list I came up with:

Teenage Years:

Babysitting (lots!)

Making wooden boxes for fancy cookies at my Grandfather's Boxshop

 Hitchiner Manufacturing Co - cleaning offices 

Scarborough Potpourri Co -tying bows on sachets

Paralyzed Veterans of America-assembly line work

Sunoco-pumping gas/stocking shelves

Adult Years:

Staining Houses for painting Co.

Landscaping-raking leaves

Waitressing at a small cafe called Mrs.Garlands

Nanny for the owners of Stoneyfield Yogurt (newborn and 2 year old)

Cleaning offices, churches, houses

ServePro-detail cleaning after fires/soot damage

Selling Discovery Toys and Usborne Books (Home parties)

Home organizing/decluttering

Home Health Aide/ LNA

*But my most important job has been mother and homemaker. :)

One of my favorite things...

are the special movies and shows that Sid and I watch together. We saw Freakier Friday at the theater this week.

I am thankful...

 for all the help at the property this past weekend. Dan, my Dad, Charles and Isaiah were able to clear some trees and brush. Christian and I did weeding and errands. It was in the 90's and humid, but we all did ok. Here we are having pizza for lunch!

I am creating...

a life that's not reliant on stimulation from external sources. I'm getting away from being on my phone all the time, and pursuing activities that are peaceful, thoughtful  and life-giving. We get so used to algorithms directing us to what we learn and think about, it takes being deliberate to stop it. The problem for me is there's a lot of downtime at my job and it's easy to reach for my phone to pass the time. I need to remember to bring things to read and projects to work on.

I am listening to...

some old playlists I have on Spotify, songs from Third Day, Matt Redman, Josh Baldwin and Zach Williams, and Shane and Shane.

I am reading...

 a novel called A Tale of Two Sides by John Phillip Ryan. 

I am watching...

movies with Dan. Last night we watched Patriot Games with Harrison Ford, something Dan had never seen, but I knew he'd like it.  

In my kitchen...

I made meatloaf for dinner last night. For lunches I've been having turkey,cheese and veggies on coconut wraps. These wraps only have organic coconut meat, coconut water, and coconut oil, so they are a super healthy bread substitute. They taste so good, and don't crumble or break, but they are expensive, so I need to learn how to make, or find a cheaper version.

A quote...

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." -Albert Einstein 

A moment from a few months ago:

Dan and I with his stepmom, Marianna

For Today:  August 6, 2025                                                          

Looking out my window...

it's a warm, hazy summer day.  I pushed Bev around the neighborhood in her wheelchair this morning, and she enjoyed looking at the flowers.

I am hoping...

to be moved into our new home really soon. I spoke to Camelot today and they estimate that the house will be delivered the first week of September. Everything is falling into place!

Dan is talking to the guy who dug our septic and well. He's now preparing the ground for the slab for the manufactured house to be put on. 

I am thinking...

about how the new neighbors we've met so far seem really nice. 

One of my favorite things...

is being with all of my kids on a beautiful summer day. 

I am thankful...

that we were able to have a lake day at my grandfather's camp. All of my kids were there, Dan's son Scott, and Erin and the grandkids. It was a fun day swimming at the lake, eating pizza, playing lawn games, and hanging out at the camp.

 

I am creating...

memories with my husband. I love him so much! After spending time at the property, we went out for dinner at a local restaurant called the Salt Hill Pub. We celebrated the good report that Dan got from the oncologist. 

I am listening to...

 different podcasts about nutrition. On a drive to the property Dan and I listened to Dr.Josh Axe talk about food in the Bible and why God gave the Israelites the food laws that he did, and how today we can follow some of the principles and guidelines. 

I am reading...

 a book called A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken. It's a story of a wonderful couple who were very much in love. They became friends with C.S. Lewis and other Christians at Oxford, and through many conversations with them, eventually came to faith in Christ. 

I am watching...

a 1997 movie with Dan called Conspiracy theory with Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts.  I saw it when it came out, but it's been so many years I didn't remember how it ended. We really like the actors, and I thought it was a great movie! 

In my kitchen...

 we've made chicken stirfry, steak, salad, corn on the cob, and gluten-free blueberry muffins. Sid and I went out for breakfast the other day at the Hilltop Cafe here in Wilton. It's great because it's mostly fresh organic food. I had a delicious veggie sandwich on sourdough and we ate in their outdoor seating.  

A quote...

A moment from this week

  For Today:   July 24, 2025                                                            

Looking out my window...

it's going to be a hot one in the 90's! 

I am hoping...

to start producing sprouts again. Here is a picture from a number of months ago when we were big into growing them in the house. Dan turned this old bookcase into a growing station.

I am thinking...

about how much time I've wasted on my phone, YouTube,etc, hearing and learning about someone else's life from the people I follow on social media. I want to live my own life, and sometimes that means just sitting with my own thoughts. I've been spending lots of time outside (at work with Bev, at home or on the property) just sitting in the quiet. Realizing that I don't need other people's influence in what I think about. I've been keeping a notepad with me so that when I think of something to look up online, I just jot it down for later, so I don't run to the phone or computer right away as my habit was.

One of my favorite things...

is the sweet, peaceful time that I have with my grandkids while they are young. I am so blessed!

I am thankful...

that Dan is getting better and better all the time. He met with Dr. Spiegalman after his last CT scan. His blood levels look awesome, and he thinks the tumors in the colon are dead. He talked to Dan about meeting with the surgeon as a next step, so I think that'll be happening soon!

Dan with Vinny

I am creating...

peace in my mind and heart by keeping my eyes on God and praying throughout the day. 

I am listening to...

music on my drive to work lately. I played Rend Collective this morning, they are such a fun band! We saw them in concert and they were great! 

I am wearing...

black shorts and a green shirt with white stripes. 

I am reading...

Super Gut by William Davis, MD- the same author of Wheat Belly that I just finished listening to. 

I am watching...

Fubar with Aronold Schwarzenegger on Netflix. Dan and I are enjoying it. 

I am learning...

a lot about wheat products and what they do to our bodies. It's amazing that wheat is so prevalent in the american diet, and so many people have pain, weight gain, and inflammation and don't even realize that bread/crackers/muffins/pasta is a huge contributor. 

In my kitchen...

I've been eating gluten free again. I did that a number of months ago with Dan and it wasn't that difficult, but it is easy to fall back into eating the breads again because it's everywhere! I need a plan, so I'm coming up with strategies to have other things to eat when tempted. 

A quote....

A moment from this week

playing Rummykub with my parents!