The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my window... I think the weather is finally going to clear up.  Our backyard has been a muddy swamp for a few weeks.  I’m ready for it to dry out so we can get back there and do some yard work we’ve been ready to get to.  This summer we are adding a new 10x10 storage shed we got for free!, a 23 ft. long by 3 ft. wide raised garden, and hopefully a wooden play structure that Darin will build.

I am thinking... that I am so excited to be pregnant.  I am amazed, and can’t believe we get to add another little personality to our home.

From the learning rooms...I have an increased sense of purpose.  I’m trying to hold myself back so we’re not doing school 24/7, but I can’t help thinking of how I’m going to feel by the time December rolls around – like a stuffed tick!  I always have good intentions to do school up till the bitter end, but usually can’t bring myself to function around my gigantic tummy by the time the last month of the pregnancy arrives.

I am thankful for...how God has provided for our family during a tight, financial time.

From the kitchen...I just really, really hate food right now.  ;-)  I struggle to make our weekly menus.  I’ve been asking the fam what they want for dinner and we’ve been eating a lot of pancakes and tacos.  LoL

I am reading...nothing.  Being at the beginning of this pregnancy, all I want to do is sleep. 

I am hoping... that I can bring myself to keep on keepin’ on when I need to.  I feel as if I could sleep all day!  ;-)

I am creating...creative ways to get in a nap here and there.

I am praying... for a good pregnancy, delivery and healthy babe.

Around the house...trying to keep my head above water.

One of my favorite things...a clean bathroom. 

A few plans for the rest of the week...will be visiting with some friends on Friday.  Otherwise, nothing!  We’re all grateful for that.  All of April and the beginning of May has been PACKED with so much.  We’re ready to chill out.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
I could just eat this boy up!

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Outside my window...Chilly and cloudy.  I love cloudy days.  There’s so much sun here in TX, it’s nice to get a break from it every now and then.

I am thinking...in a million different directions.  Garden plans, school plans, dieting plans (now that Valentine's Day is past ;-), exercising plans…..

I am thankful for...my husband.  I don’t think God could have sent a better guy my way.  He is so gentle and forgiving and I feel as if I need his forgiveness a lot!

From the learning rooms...Egypt and Sea Creatures with Jack and Lydia.  American History with Ben.  Darin and I have been talking about what to do with Ben for high school next year!  eeeeeeeeeek!  We’ve decided to use Cornerstone Curriculum’s World Views of the Western World I with him next year.  We have a very generous friend who went through it with her two boys, and now teaches it at our local homeschool store.  She has volunteered to meet with us and give us suggestions and tips.  What a blessing!

From the kitchen...Stamp of Approval Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef


• 3/4 pound bulk Italian sausage


• 4 medium onions, finely chopped


• 8 garlic cloves, minced


• 4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained


• 4 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste


• 1/2 cup water


• 1/4 cup sugar


• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce


• 1 tablespoon canola oil


• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley


• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil


• 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano


• 4 bay leaves


• 1 teaspoon rubbed sage


• 1/2 teaspoon salt


• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram


• 1/2 teaspoon pepper


• Hot cooked spaghetti

Directions:
In a Dutch oven, cook the beef, sausage, onions and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
    Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oil and seasonings. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Discard bay leaves. Serve with spaghetti. Yield: 12 servings (3 quarts).

I am creating: Garden plans.  We are going to build some raised beds this year.  Our soil is so poor here.  The last time we tried vegetable gardening, we didn’t produce much.  We’re hoping raised beds will do the trick.  We’re going to do some vertical and container gardening as well.  Can’t wait to get started.

I am going...to go somewhere for dinner alone this week.  I started doing this back in December and I love it.  I take a book with me and eat a big salad in the corner of a restaurant and totally dig it.

I am reading...The Deadliest Monster….recommended by a friend.  I’m just in the first chapter.

I am hoping...that Henry will learn to let go of his stinkers (what we call #2 here in our house).  The poor boy holds it in to the point where he’s dancing around and crying.  He just does not want it to come out.

I am hearing...Henry, our 2 year old, taking pictures of me with the digital camera.  Sophia saying, "mama!" from the high chair.  The heat just came on.

Around the house...laundry, school schedule making, desk organizing…

One of my favorite things...planning for the garden.

A few plans for the rest of the week: things are finally getting back to normal after me being sick for almost all of the first 6 weeks of the year, and Darin working lots of hours last week.  I am ready for nothing but the ol’ routine of school, chores, and playing outside with the kids.

Here is picture thought I am sharing…last gardening attempt.

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 FOR TODAY
Outside my window...the high will be 63 today.  I feel so cheated with this whole winter thing.

I am thinking...that I hope I can function better than last week.  I had a chest/head thing that really slowed me down.  I’m behind in laundry, school with the kids and just about everything else.

I am thankful for...the laundry I did get done this past weekend.  I don’t think we’ll have to dig through any piles looking for jeans today.

From the learning rooms...working on a History Pockets book with Jack and Lydia…Egypt.  A train lapbook with Henry.  Trying to fit more time in the schedule to meet with Ben and discuss his schoolwork.  Once a week just wasn’t enough.

From the kitchen...oatmeal for breakfast.  I love oatmeal and anything with oatmeal in it.  I thought about starting a blog with only oatmeal recipes on it, until my husband rolled his eyes at me when I told him about it.  He doesn’t like oatmeal like I do.  ;-)

I am creating...I’m not doing the creating these days.  I’ve been enjoying watching Darin develop a new hobby.  He has started editing our movies so the kids can watch.  Jurassic Park, Apollo 13…..there are curse words in those movies.  Why?  It’s really all so unecessary.

I personally would go insane doing the editing thing.  Seems kinda boring to me, but that’s just the kind of sweet, geeky husband I have.  J

I am going...to crack the whip this week.  Bwaaaaaaa-haaa-haaaaaaaaaa!

I am reading...The Cross & the Switchblade.  Ben is supposed to read it for school this year. Anyone have any thoughts on a 13 year old reading this book?  I am only in Chapter 3 so far.

I am hoping...that Sophia is through waking up during the night.  Sleeeeep, Sophia!  Sleeeeeeeeep.

I am hearing...Jack and Henry "shooting" each other.  Henry just died.  Sophia is opening and closing a desk drawer.

Around the house...finish catching up on laundry, make a triple batch of muffins for the freezer, mop the kitchen floor, stay away from the sugar cookies Lydia and I made yesterday!

One of my favorite things...Sugar cookies.

A few plans for the rest of the week: birthday party, thing at church on Saturday night, piano lessons for Lydia, start teaching Jack the recorder, guitar lessons for Ben.

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...chilly and rain.  Just the way I like it in the winter.  I hate it when it’s warm outside when it’s supposed to be winter.  I like my seasons to be consistent…it was 81 here on Saturday!

I am thinking...that I’ve missed blogging regularly.  I’ve got so many things rolling around my head that I want to post, but don’t know if I’ll ever get to everything!  And as if I am loaded down with spare minutes, I joined Facebook at the end of last week.  Oyve.  That has taken up my blogging time this weekend.  ;-)  But it’s been fun finding friends from high school, college, my neighbors!, and even some of my bloggy pals.  If you are on Facebook, let me know!

I am thankful for...all the time that Darin just had off from work.  He was here at home with us for THIRTEEN DAYS.  Sigh.  So nice.

From the learning rooms...groans and sighs from all of us.  No one is ready to get back to work!

From the kitchen...I took a major cooking hiatus this past week and it was great.  By the end of the week Darin and the kids were asking when I was going to cook again!  I guess that would be today.  Got stew in the crockpot for lunch, and will puree the leftovers for baby food for Sophia.  She’s a year, but only has five teeth!  For dinner tonight, I’m going to make Chicken Potpie.  I’ll puree those leftovers for Sophia as well.

I am creating...order – seems I’m always doing that with something in the house, though.  ;-)  Over the holidays I finally got my new bookshelves moved into the house and ooooooooooh – it added just what I needed in the way of getting more organized for school and babies.

I am going...to try really hard to keep a smile on my face and a grin in my heart as we work our way back into the groove.  Help me, Lord!

I am reading..."When Children Love to Learn” by Elaine Cooper and Vol. 5 of the Charlotte Mason series.  Misc. other books with Darin and the kids.

I am hoping...to be more consistent this year (yes, I’m sneaking in a New Year’s Resolution).  I don’t want to get sidetracked with fun/hobby type stuff when I should be doing things to be ready for the next day, next week, or next month!

I am hearing...computers humming, rain on the window.

Around the house...I would really like to get the huge pile of clothes that is on my dresser sorted and put away this week.

One of my favorite things...a schedule.  I missed our routine during the holidays.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Nothing.  We’re just gonna hunker down and get happy with school and chores again.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Something that was so fun in December.  Doesn't it just make you want to gag at the thought of it now?

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my window... it’s finally cold!  For us, at least.  The high today will be 57.  It’s very windy right now.  Gusty would be a good word.

I am thinking... about how kewl it is to be caught up with laundry.  For the last year I’ve been constantly behind, but in the last two weeks I’ve made myself be ruthless with my time so I can stay caught up with it, and it feels great.  It was such a drag to have to dig through the pile in the corner of my room to find something to wear.  Darin especially hated that, so I’m glad to get that irritating thing cleared away for him.

From the learning rooms...Pretend you hear me bawling like a big baby here.  Ben is officially doing his own science and history.  We have always done science and history as one big, happy family.  But he’s in 8^th grade, and ready to branch out on his own and I really miss him.  I think he’s secretly glad (he’s sparing his Mama) to be doing his own stuff.  Not in a mean way, but simply because he’s old enough to do it himself.  Why do they have to grow up?

I am thankful for...children (yes, I’m talking about Ben here) who grow up to be pretty good kids.  Decently responsible, loving toward their parents and happy to be with their brothers and sisters.  

From the kitchen...I need to make lots and lots of baby food for Sophia this week.  She’s running low.  I’ve got squash, blueberries, peas, will puree the leftover Chicken Pot Pie we have for dinner, sweet potatoes, applesauce, and peaches.

I am reading...same stuff I’ve been reading for ages, although I am adding the Charlotte Mason series to the stack.  I’m going to focus on Volume 5.

I am hoping...to increase my reliance on, and trust in God.  Always room to grow in this area (she writes through gritted teeth)

I am creating...a Christmas surprise for Sophia and Lydia.  My mother-in-law is helping me out. 

Around the house...we’re about to start moving the kids around.  Ben is going to have his own room.  Henry and Jack will share a room.  Sophia and Lydia will share a room.  First we have to paint the ceiling in Ben’s new room, then the walls.  He chose GRAY.  ;-)

One of my favorite things...working from home.  ;-)  I’ve never understood what’s to complain about as a stay-at-home Mom.  I get to set my own hours, call my own shots, fix what I want for dinner.     

A few plans for the rest of the week...Studying Egypt and NASA.  Darin gets to take today off.  His 5^th day off in a row…we could get used to this!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
the fam with Darin's grandfather, Pop.  Don'tcha want to squish those babies?

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my window... sun and cool temperatures.

I am thinking... It seems there is always so much to do and I constantly think of all those little chores that so easily pile up, but God always brings me back to where I’m supposed to be when I hear the voices of my kids.  It’s hard to swallow the pride I feel in a perfectly clean house as I make the kids the priority.  I constantly pray for God to give me His vision for what He wants me to do, and the kids are it.  J

From the learning rooms...OH MY GOODNESS.  I ordered the History Through the Ages Timeline Figures on CD-Rom and LOVE IT.  I’ve been waiting my entire homeschooling career for such a groovy resource.  What I love best about it is that I can make the figures any size I want.  And I love that I can print out as many of the figures as I need.  And I love that I can pick and choose who I want to print.  What is not to love about this thing???

I am thankful for...answered prayer about my sister-in-law’s mother, Darin is recovering from a nasty cold he had last week and no one else seems to be catching it, our warm, warm house.

From the kitchen...I promised Darin I would make him more Pumpkin Butterscotch Cookies sometime this week.  Jack took the last of what we had to give to his pals at Awana.

I am reading...Still the same things with each member of the family that I have been.  Lots of other books and mags on the side.  I should go through every room of the house and make a list and try to get what I’ve started finished!

I am hoping...that I can not sweat the small stuff this week.  God is in control.

I am creating...order for Ben.  Getting ready some new school things for him.

Around the house...we will be canceling our cable t.v. this week.  Normally I would be rejoicing over this since I never really wanted it to begin with, but somehow I’ve come to appreciate its benefits and don’t want to give it up.  But we’re cutting corners in the budget and t.v. is really the only “extra” we have to cut.

One of my favorite things...thinking about how God has given us our daily work not to weigh us down with a burden, but to make our lives interesting and fulfilling.   

A few plans for the rest of the week...need to set-up a date for a friend and her son to come over to watch a show on NASA with us – a neat show we were able to record because of our CABLE TV.  sigh.  ;-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Who wants to do school when there is so much fun to be had with potholder loops????
-From February, 2008

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my Window...the temps are getting lower, with highs in the low 70’s.  On Wednesday, we will go down to highs in the 60’s!  LOVE IT.  Today it's overcast.  Love that, too.

I am thinking...that I am so excited about homeschooling.  I LOVE IT.  I get to be with my kids EVERY DAY!  My oldest is 13 and I keep pinching myself – how many other 13 year olds will still hold their Mom’s hand on the way into the library, or put his arm around her on the way out?  Sigh.

From the learning rooms...I’ve gotten to the point where I understand that I cannot focus on history and science at the same time.  So we now alternate between them.  We study one chapter from science (we’re using Apologia’s Zoology II – Swimming Creatures of the Sea), then we move back to History and on and on.  Works great for me.  I feel I’m being more consistent this way.

I am thankful for...the Victoria Botkin’s Curriculm Advice chat.  Since Sophia was born I’ve been struggling with just everything.  I felt like I might be doing too much schooling because with three in full blown school, I have to work like a dawg to keep up.  But I’m doing all the things that she recommended!  I sat down to listen to it on my iPod (I downloaded it from Behemoth.com) thinking I would get up with a long list of changes I needed to make.  So it was a huge punch in the arm to know that according to a mother of 7, I am right on track.  What I took away from it was that I need to get a grip and buck up!  Being the Mom of a large family IS hard work. 

From the kitchen...Every Sunday I make a shopping list and Lydia and I do the grocery shopping for the week.  This week we went shopping, but I had no list!  I was not inspired and the only plan I have is for Ben to make meatloaf tonight.  After tonight, who knows what we’ll eat for the rest of the week…..grilled cheese?  PB & J?  Eggs and bacon???  Wow.  I didn’t realize it, but our options are practically without limit.

I am reading...World mag, St. Bartholomew’s Eve with Darin, Ishmael with Ben, Elsie’s Children with Lydia, and The Trojan War with Jack. 

I am hoping...to fold the huge mountain of clothes in the corner of my bedroom TODAY.   

I am creating...order.  I love organizing and planning…..what a geek.  January is not my time for cleaning out clutter and reorganizing.  Fall is my time.  I know it’s the time of year when everything is turning brown and dying, but there’s something about fall that inspires me to begin anew.

I am hearing...Sophia breathing.  I love that sound. 

Around the house...I need to catch-up on making baby food for Sophia this week.  I’m running low.  She’s 11 months, but still only has her front four teeth!     

One of my favorite things...praying for something and waiting to see how God will answer. 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...my biggest brother’s birthday is on Thursday...Putting together plans for a class for newbie homeschoolers that I will begin teaching in the fall – I’m excited about that...Darin has to work tonight – our date night.  Waaaah.  ;-)  At least he can do his work from home...Spending as much time as possible outside with the kids while the weather is warm enough to not require a coat.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
My little Dress-Up Queen from four years ago.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my Window...it’s a bright, bright, sunshiny day, man.

I am thinking...that it’s good to be blogging again.  I took all of last week off and got a bunch of stuff done! Well, maybe not as much as other people might have gotten done, but compared to…….ummmmm…….someone who’s just been knocked unconscious???? I got a lot done.  I feel better.

From the learning rooms...plugging away!  Starting to turn a corner with Ben.  He wants to be a writer, so I’m doing all I can to encourage him.  He’s learning that writing is WORK.  We’re considering enrolling him in the Christian Writer’s Guild writing course for kids ages 13 and up (thanks, De’Etta).  It’s a big commitment, so we’re waiting to make sure he’s really serious.

I am thankful for...sleep.  Doesn’t it feel so good to sleep?  Love it.

From the kitchen...Marlboro Man’s Favorite Sandwich.  ;-)  I discovered this recipe last week, thanks to Farrel.  We loved it.  YUM.  I received a request for us to have it again this week. It’s so easy to make…who am I to say no?



I am reading...World mag, St. Bartholomew’s Eve with Darin, Ishmael with Ben, Elsie’s Children with Lydia, and The Trojan War with Jack.  Henry loves the books we checked out from the library for him.  They are all by Donald Crews.  For a 2 year old boy, these books are the grooviest.  Titles such as Freight Train, Sail Away, Harbor, School Bus, Truck....you know exactly what I'm talking about.  I’ve got a couple other books that I'm reading on my own floating around the house.  If I ever get a minute and am in the same room with them, I try to get in a few pages.

I am hoping...for the election to turn out the way *I* want it.  ;-)  Darin and I voted early last week and the line was HUGE!  Usually when we vote early, we walk in, and there’s no waiting.  We each waited 40 minutes this time around.  One of the ladies who was working at the polling place said that 2,000 people had voted on every day of early voting.  Unheard of.

I am creating...lists!  One of the things I got done last week was to hang a big white board above my desk in the kitchen.  Every night I write down chores I need to get to, chores the kids need to get to, schoolwork they need to bring to me ASAP, kitchen cleaning assignments…..whatever we need to put there to be sure we accomplish.  It helped so much!  I tried carrying around a little notebook with the same info, but it didn’t have the same effect as the white board does, since everyone can see it.  What’s so funny is that the kids kept asking me, “Mom did you do blah-be-de-blah yet??”  I had to draw a line at nagging me to get my stuff done just so they could have the joy of crossing it off.  ;-)

I am hearing...Jack pretending to be a character from The Lord of the Rings, spoons in bowls.  Cheerios this morning.

Around the house...I got so much laundry done last week, but the fun never ends in that department.  Ben is staining the shelves we bought at the unfinished furniture place and he’s taking longer than I wanted, so *I* will be nagging him this week.  ;-)  I’m ready to move stuff into it!  My new favorite piece of furniture is definitely shelves.   

One of my favorite things...sleep.  I already mentioned that, didn’t I….

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...nothing this week, but staying home where we will stay busy!  I’m always amazed at all the work and play we can create for ourselves here on our little suburban plot.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
I can never get these boys to stop rough housing.  God bless 'em.

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For Today...

Outside my Window...the weather just couldn’t get any more perfect.  The high for today is supposed to be 83.  It’s probably in the upper 50’s right now.  So nice!

I am thinking...that I can’t wait to have a minute to listen to Curriculum Advice by Victoria Botkin.  As our family grows, my approach to school has to change.  There’s no doubt about that.  I’ve been praying about which way to go, and hope that God has led me to this resource!

From the learning rooms...Ben is working on a research paper this week.  I was an English major, so you would think that I could get him through it with no sweat, but man, is it a struggle.  He has his own ideas of how he thinks it should be done, God bless him.

I am thankful for...our growing family, which humbles me.  I used to think I was in control of all aspects of my life.  Now that I don’t have the time I used to have to exert that outward control (keeping a perfectly clean house), I’ve chilled a bit in the back patting.  ;-)

From the kitchen...chicken pot pie.  I try to cook things these days that I can puree into baby food for Sophia.  I puree the leftovers and freeze them in ice cube trays for later.  I was able to get some applesauce and peaches made for her this weekend. 

I am reading...same stuff I’ve been reading, only I added an online book of short stories.  It’s titled Across the Years by Eleanor Porter.

I am hoping...that I can make the right choices when confronted with frustrating situations.  I have a tendency to want everything to go my way, and when it doesn’t, I like to let everyone know.  ;-)  The last few years I’ve been working on my self-control in this area.  Yesterday the kids and Darin all agreed that I was the most patient person in the house.  It was nice to hear that, but I don’t want the praise to make me lax.

I am creating...organization, inspired by Emilie Barnes, and a plan for getting the skirt done that I started with Rachel is simmering.  Seems that every time I decide on a night to work on it, other issues come up!

I am hearing...Darin reading a book to Henry.  Henry's laughing because Darin is using a funny voice.

Around the house...laundry, pumpkins to bake, puree, and freeze or make into Pumpkin Butter, still working on getting the kids clothes changed over for fall.  I’ve finished with Jack, Lydia and Henry.  I’m half-done with Sophia, and need to get started with Ben.

One of my favorite things...baking.  Unfortunately it makes me fat. 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...my cute little niece will be hanging out with us on Thursday.  I’m trying to work out a time to get together at the library with my pal.  Not sure what else the week will hold – plenty, I’m sure!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

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For Today...

Outside my Window...we’re walkin’ on sunshine around here.  It’s cooled down nicely and twice daily walks are becoming the norm.  I love being spoiled in this way.  Texas is so HOT in the summer!

I am thinking...about Sarah Palin.  My thoughts go in so many directions.  I disagree with her life choices, but as a sister in Christ, I cannot be completely turned off by her.  We are all on the road to sanctification – we are all on different parts of the road.  My prayer is that God would reveal to her His plan for the family and her role in it.  I didn’t always get it.  It took me awhile to understand it.  A friend sent me the link to a really good article.  It’s a long read, but REALLY worth it.  It cuts "the Deborah argument" down at the knees.  Here it is: But What about Deborah? Why the Example of Deborah Does Not Support the Candidacy of Sarah Palin

From the learning rooms...lots of praying and questioning going on right now as I consider our future direction.  Am I putting the emphasis on the correct areas?  That’s my big question for God lately.

I am thankful for...my husband and children.  Without them I would not call out to God as I should.  Their presence in my life has made me a better person.

From the kitchen...looking forward to see if I can sneak Creamy Cauliflower Soup by the fam this week.  I’m going to puree the cauliflower and see how it goes.  

I am reading...the same stuff I was working through last week.  ;-)

I am hoping...to be able to “do it all” this week.  (as De’Etta from Choosing Joy would say….::SNORT::)

I am creating...a plan for when some friends come over to hang out at our house on the 31^st.  It’s a yearly event that we all greatly look forward to.  Chili, hot dogs, flag football.  Fun.

I am hearing...Ben cleaning out the silverware drawer, Henry hacking away with some scissors on a piece of paper.

Around the house...we had Darin’s family over on Saturday evening for some birthday celebrations and I feel so good about some cleaning I was able to get done before they came.  Darin took Henry, Lydia and Jack to the Fire Department’s Open House Saturday morning and while Sophia slept and Ben mowed the lawn, I was able to get some deep cleaning in a couple of rooms done.  What a relief that was!  The good news:  as I was cleaning, I realized that things weren’t as bad as I had been imagining….not including my bedroom and master bath.  ;-)

One of my favorite things...getting enough sleep so that I wake up bouncing around the house accomplishing things.  I am a nightowl and tend to stay up too late.  

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...trying for the Pumpkin Patch again this week.  We had to cancel last night because one of our sweet friends was sick.  

Tonight is mine and Darin’s date night!  One of these days we’ll get to actually go somewhere on a date night.  For now, we rent a movie and eat some ice cream and crash on the couch.  No computer, no chores, no organizing school stuff….just making time for each other.  It’s nice when I can stay awake for it.  LOL!

Here is a picture I want to share with you...
My Mom cuddling with Sophia after she was born.  

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my Window...rain today!  And we’re supposed to be getting temps in the low 80’s, high 70’s for the next 10 days at least.  Woohoo!

I am thinking...that I am so grateful for Homeschool Share.  I do not have the time or creativity to come up with my own lapbooking stuff for Henry – or any of the other kids for that matter – and I’m so thankful for all those Moms that do, and share their ideas on this site.  And Amy Pak from Homeschool in the Woods.  I use her history lapbooks with the older kids.  They are just too cool.

From the learning rooms...a couple of weeks ago, the boys were going to go to work with Darin so they could go to the annual Flag Football Game.  It was canceled because a few key guys were sick.  It was rescheduled for today, but now is canceled again because of the rain and the boys are ANTSY.  It’s going to be another one of those days when I’m going to have to sit on them a few times to get their brains to come back home.  ;-)  God bless them.

I am thankful for...CVS!  I bought about $65 worth of stuff (pads, deodorant, shampoo and hair gel) for around 8 bucks yesterday.  The Extra Care Bucks program is so worth the effort!  If you want to learn more, go to CVS 101.  If you have questions about it, please feel free to ask me.  

From the kitchen...I don’t know yet.  I made Chicken Lasagna for lunch yesterday and it was so good, I can’t stop thinking about it.  Love leftovers.  ;-)

I am reading…World Mag, St. Bartholomew’s Eve by Henty with Darin, Ishmael with Ben, Elsie’s Children with Lydia, The Trojan War with Jack, Luther for Ben’s schoolwork (I try to keep up with what the kids read.  I’m mostly successful in this area), and Nuya Nuki for Lydia’s schoolwork.  I pick up More Than Dates and Dead People when I can.  I love to read!

I am hoping...that the election turns out like I want it to.  ;-)  It is SO hard to think that God may have other plans than I do.  My biggest prayer lately is that God would help me to be at peace with His plan.  Every now and then I’ll hear a juicy tidbit on the news and start to mildly hyperventilate.  MUST…..CALM……DOWN! 

I am creating...I don’t know.  I feel like there’s so much I want to work on, but have so little time to devote to those things that I let myself become overwhelmed to the point that I do nothing.  I need to finish cutting out the skirt that I started with Rachel.  I enjoy my knitting with the dishrags, and I’m working on a cross stitch project.  It’s huge.  I’ll never finish it.  Starting to hyperventilate again…….MUST……..CHILL!  ;-)

I am hearing...Jack eating breakfast, Sophia crawling through the kitchen saying, "mama mama mama,"  Ben yawning and Henry turning the pages of a book.

Around the house...still lots of laundry, still dirty bathrooms.  One of these days the house will be spotless and I’ll be crying over missing my babies.

One of my favorite things...Fall.  The chilly breezes, the smell of firewood burning in the air, raking leaves, cooking soups and muffins…..I’m in HEAVEN.  We have a lawnmower that bags that we could use to suck up our leaves for us and make that job a snap, but I reject interjecting machinery into that beloved fall chore.  I love to get out and work my arms and legs and back (ow!) in raking leaves up.  But we have about a month to go before we have to worry about that job.  The leaves are still green and firmly attached to their branches for now!  Ahhhhh, Texas.  J

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...going to the Pumpkin Patch with my pal and her kids….we tried the lake last week and it started raining and blowing when we got there, so we came here instead.  The house was a wreck.  How embarrassing.  ;-)

Nothing else in the plan….we’re going to just be home.  Love that.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
January, 2007

To read other Daybook entries go HERE.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my Window...temperatures in the high 80’s, and here it is, just two days away from October.  One of the guys who was working on our leak last week told Darin that according to the Farmer’s Almanac, this winter will be the coldest ever.  That seems strange to imagine at this point. 

Well, I couldn’t resist.  I surfed on over to the Farmer’s Almanac site to see what I could find and found this:
As homeowners across the country pray for a mild winter to offset rising energy costs, the world-famous Farmers’ Almanac is warning us to prepare for the worst. “Numb’s the word!” is how the 192-year-old publication is predicting the upcoming winter season.
Go HERE to read more.

I am thinking...that I miss Darin when he has to go to work.

From the learning rooms...Ancient Egypt, Apologia Zoology II, Teaching Textbooks, Sonlight L.A., lapbooking, history pockets.

I am thankful for...the work that God has given me.  My job as a homeschooling Mom is NEVER boring or tedious.  There is never enough hours to fit in all I want to do here at home.  I love it.

From the kitchen...Pumpkin Patch cake for tea this afternoon.  We made this cake four or five times last year for other people because it’s so good and the kids love to make it.  I hope the link works so you can see it and get the recipe!  Let me know if it doesn’t and you want it.

I am reading...WORLD mag, St. Bartholomew’s Eve by Henty with Darin, Ishmael with Ben, The Trojan War with Jack, and various books about cars, planes, trains and trucks with Henry.

I am hoping...that I can keep my cool this week and not let all there is to do become overwhelming.  I want to enjoy every minute – not wig out.  ;-)

I am creating...organization in my bedroom.  Sophia has been sharing our room with us since she was born so there has been little cleaning going on in there since she still takes two naps and goes to bed pretty early.  When she is awake, we’re usually doing one of a million other things we have to do.  This weekend I begged Darin for us to team up and get some deep cleaning done in there.  We had a treadmill that no longer worked in there, and a lot of dust bunnies.  We got about half the room cleaned.  I’ll have to bide my time for next weekend, or try to squeeze in some time for it during the week.

I am hearing...Henry being frustrated.  He's trying to put on a necklace, but can't seem to get it around his neck.  Darin is offering to help him.

Around the house...working on knitting more dishrags, and I badly need to catch-up on ironing.

One of my favorite things...I love to can fruits and veges.  I haven’t had the chance to do any canning for the last few years, but I’m looking forward to a spring garden.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...hoping to meet with some friends at a local lake this week so the kids can throw rocks and get muddy, update our hymn books that we use for Bible Study.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
A fistful of Cheerios.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my Window...for the last little bit the weather has lulled us into a false sense of fall around here.  The highs were in the low 80’s……heaven!  But now we’re back up to nearly 90, and it makes a difference!  We WANT Fall!  We MUST HAVE Fall!  ;-)

I am thinking...that today is a wacky day already.  Ben and Jack were going to go to work with Darin this morning.  There is an annual Flag Football game between departments every year and Darin likes to take the boys along.  This is Jack's first year to go.  Ben has been every year, and last year, got to play!  But our hot water pipe started leaking again on Friday night.  We called the plumber Saturday morning and he told us he might not be able to get to us until the end of the week.  We think the leak is not just a leak, but a weld that didn't quite take because the water is POURING out of the repaired spot.  The plumber-guy must have chewed on that quite a bit over the weekend because they showed up first thing this morning (thank you, God!).  But now the boys are all out of whack.  Since they're here, we're trying to get them to do their chores, but their minds are only on that football game and hanging out with Dad at work.  The house is a mess from the weekend, Sophia went down for her nap late because of the jackhammer in the garage, Henry is still running around in his jammies, Lydia is playing in her room rather than cleaning it....sigh.  We'll make it through.  ;-)

From the learning rooms...I'm going to try to follow our normal routine for school and such since the boys will still be here.  (Darin likes to be here when work is being done on the house.)  Hopefully I will be able to impose my will on these kids this morning.  LoL  It's definitely going to be a struggle!

I am thankful for...God, who constantly provides.  I don’t think I can ever be thankful enough.

From the kitchen...plastic ware and paper plates!  We're trying to create as few dirty dishes to wash as possible since we have turned off the hot water because of the leak. 

When my mom loads her dishwasher she always thanks God for it.  She was born in the 30's and didn't have a dishwasher until the late 70's.  There were six kids in our family, and she made everything from scratch.  This a woman who knows what it means to have to wash the dishes.  I feel like a big wimp with the plasticware compared to her, but well, it is what it is, I guess.  ;-)

I am reading...St. Bartholomew’s Eve by Henty with Darin, Ishmael with Ben, Elsie’s Children with Lydia and The Trojan War with Jack.  

I am hoping...that Darin doesn't have a heart attack before the day is out.  ;-)  He just came in from the garage and reported that it looks as if the leak is a new leak so we will have to pay for this repair.  Another 1000 bucks gone.  

I am creating...a way to control some of the clutter.  Darin and I bought some new bookshelves at the unfinished furniture store this weekend.  I can’t wait to get them stained and ready to go because I’ve got some piles that are ready to be transferred to the shelves.

I am hearing...Ben is practicing his piano and Henry is measuring Darin's arm with the tape measure.  He says it is "2 foots."

Around the house...always laundry, always a dirty bathroom (or two or three!) to clean.

One of my favorite things...is finishing something.  I never realized the deep-seated need I have to go from start to finish with a task until I had five children.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...I’m on a quest to find some lapbooking stuff for my toddler boy, Henry.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

To view other Daybook entries go HERE.

The Simple Woman's Daybook, Day 3

For Today...

Outside my Window...is not what I was expecting for today!  Ike  made a detour when he landed at Houston and we did not get the Tropical Storm we were told we would get.  Saturday ended up being just an ordinary day with some sprinkly rain and a little bit of wind.  Makes me extra grateful after I’ve seen pictures of Galveston and Houston.

I am thinking...that I can’t wait till we do History today!  We are in the middle of Egypt.  I bought the Egypt History Pocket and can’t wait to start going through it and assembling everything with the kids.  We are also reading Pyramid by David Macaulay.  We are all huge history fans around here.

From the learning rooms...Oh.  Well, I guess I already took care of this one.;-) 

Well, I can always add more!  Henry and I are about to finish up our first BFIAR book…..Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?   He is only 2 ½ but his little brain is constantly going, going, going and he needed something to do while Ben, Lydia and Jack are doing their work.  It’s funny…..we’ll be reading the book and he’ll say, “Now let’s do our schoolwork.”  He’s referring to the lapbook we’re making.  Is it odd for a 2 year old to prefer to do the paperwork over reading the book?  Hmmmm…the future holds interesting secrets!

I am thankful for...homeschooling.  I really do enjoy teaching and learning alongside my kids.  

From the kitchen...Chocolate Chip Layer Cake for teatime!  This will be a treat because we usually are a low maintenance tea time crowd.  We only have tea on Mondays.  It's not a daily thing.  Lydia usually makes SunTea and we get some Pepperidge Farm cookies to munch on.  Real fancy.  ;-)  I decided to surprise the kids and make a homemade cake for tea.  They’ll be surprised to see it when they come down this morning!

I am reading...Still reading St. Bartholomew’s Eve  with Darin.  Still trying to get through More Than Dates & Dead People.  I don’t think I read one page of it in the last week!  I'm also reading Elsie's Children with Lydia, Ishmael with Ben and The Trojan War with Jack.

I am hoping...to be able to make it to TN for a visit with my parents this fall.  We had a surprise hot water pipe leak which took the money we were going to use for the trip, so now we’re praying for something…

I am creating...a new weekly school schedule for Ben.  We are still finishing up a bit from last year and this boy is trying to fly through everything as quickly as he can so he can start this year’s fun.  

I am hearing...Henry is playing with his train track. 

Around the house...trying to work out the logistics of where to set up a study space for Ben.  Our downstairs has an “open” floor plan which means we have very little wall space, so adding another table/desk thingy is definitely something to think about.

One of my favorite things...is making school plans.  I love all the printing out, scheduling, reading, and gathering of supplies.  What a geek!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...I thought Sophia’s 9-month well-check was last week, but it’s actually this week.  Squeezing in a game night with the kids and I HAVE to finish cutting out the skirt I started with my friend, Rachel, a couple of weeks ago.   

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Playing Airsoft with the big boys.

To read other Simple Women's Daybook entries go HERE