Simple Woman's Daybook - Aug 9th

For Today: Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Outside my window...Rain, rain, and more rain. Every day this week! Love it!

I am thinking...about the state America is currently in. Wondering what's going to happen. Curious for the election next yr.

I am thankful for...bibs. My two yr old has to be one of the messiest eaters ever.

From the learning rooms...we've really hit the study/office this week, as far organizing. I've set up our closet. Put shelves and storage drawers in. Kids have been sorting flash cards and puzzle pieces that somehow got mixed up in the move. They are glad to have their games unpacked.

In the kitchen....honey is picking up bamboo chicken tonight. Mmmm

I am wearing...denim shorts and a tshirt. Barefoot.

I am creating...a monogram project for my Pinterest Challenge project over at Domestically Divine Divas.

 

I am going...to attempt an earlier bedtime for myself tonight. Dragging.

I am reading...nothing!

I am hoping...the cool weather they are promising sticks around all week. And that my tomatoes do better.

I am hearing...my children of course! Does a stay-at-home mom hear much else?

Around the house...boy is playing legos. Oldest playing scrabble by herself. And youngest getting into everybody's business!

One of my favorite things... having sisters :)

 

(wow..old pic! i was preg with Keira!)

A few plans for the rest of the week...babysitting 3 girls for a friend, library, re-vamp MOPS website, make some freezer meals.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

my P90X workout group ;P

 

 

Simple Woman's Daybook - Aug 2nd

For Today: Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011

Outside my window...my tomato plants are drying up and looking sad. I must remember to water them tonight. A couple days ago we had 30 wild turkeys outside our kitchen window. Bobbing around in the neighbors yard. A few big hens, mostly babies.
The kids loved watching them and imitating a turkey call. Meanwhile, my husband was beside himself with excitment :P He is anxious for bow season.


I am thinking...about my to do list. A balancing act! Over at Domestically Divine Divas, we are focusing on Peaceful Homes for the month of August...schedules and routines. i think its a good thing...I need a refresher course!

I am thankful for...air conditioning. It hit 108 degrees here today! The actual temp, NOT the heat index. Ugh. They said it was the hottest Aug day ever recorded in MO.

From the learning rooms...focusing on chores, adding more responsibilties. Getting settled in for when school starts.


In the kitchen....cold-brewed iced coffee

I am wearing...gray shorts, and hot pink tee

I am creating...a new MOPS site for our group.


I am going...to stay out of the chocolate cookies today. :(

I am reading...(still) To Win Her Heart, by Karen Witmeyer

I am hoping...to hit a nearby city-wide garage sales this weekend.

I am hearing...our new Bop It game making the rounds.

Around the house...got the floors mopped in kitchen and two bathrooms, smudges magic-erased from walls, and laundry put away for the day.

One of my favorite things...Pinterest!! Adore it. Don't know what it is? Hmmm...well, more to come on this later this week.

A few plans for the rest of the week...a trip to walmart, still working with the kids on learning new chores and responsibilities, another dentist appt for me, conquering my to do list.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…a couple of summer bugs that the kids have discovered.

Simple Woman's Daybook - July 26th

For Today: Tuesday, July 26th 2011

Outside my window...the yard is mowed and edges trimmed. Its looks nice. And the neighbor's new miniature pincher is running, hopping, and yipping, hoping to get my children's attention.

I am thinking...and praying about some family issues. I have two brothers and two sisters, in-laws, nieces and nephews. And when one of them is going thru something or hurting...we all hurt :(

I am thankful for...quiet time. Keira is the only one who still takes a nap, but I have re-instated the quiet time rule for an hour after lunch. Full time, stay- at-home mommies have to have a break sometime!


From the learning rooms...well, I found Starfall, an online phonics program that I think would work great for Logan this year. I still need to order 3rd grade Rod & Staff workbooks for Ashleigh.



In the kitchen....homemade chicken fried rice and crab rangoon!

I am wearing...denim shorts, and gray summer shirt

I am creating...an online virtual bulletin board.
I am going...to sort thru some stuff from our garage sale. Have several things I can sell online. I love our community facebook garage sale group page.

I am reading...To Win Her Heart, by Karen Witmeyer

I am hoping...to get some writing time in this week. Still working on a book project.

I am hearing...my two maids: Wilma Washing Machine and Dora Dryer working hard :)

Around the house...the kids did their chores this morning. I still haven't made my bed! And the study is a mess from trying to sort and organize.

One of my favorite things...new magazines. I love All You, Better Homes & Gardens, Country Living, Rachael Ray,....

A few plans for the rest of the week...still working with the kids on learning new chores and responsibilities, a trip to the library to get their last prize for summer reading, a dentist appt for me, a rare Saturday with Dad home.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…the beautiful Sturdevant Acres Bed & Breakfast where we had our MOPS steering team retreat. How I would love to sit on that porch every day!

For Today: Tuesday, July 19th 2011

 
Outside my window...the sun is blazing hot. There are no pets out. There are no children out. No one is enjoying this heat wave!

I am thinking...about my niece Becca, whose birthday is today. She lives far away, across the country form us, so we dont see her very often. I've been remembering a lot of the silly things she would do and say when she was a little girl.

I am thankful for...a couple hours to get away and write today.  I have so much to get done and am trying to get ahead. Slowly.

From the learning rooms...I am researching and looking at kindergarten curriculum. Preparing for Logan.
From the kitchen...sub sandwiches for supper tonight. Trying to keep the house cool.

I am wearing...denim shorts, and my blue spiritfm tshirt.

I am creating...a Family Rules board to hang on the wall. Pictures when ever I get it done.

I am going...to finish mowing the front yard this evening. I mowed the back and sides last night.

I am reading...The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer, and Dancing with My Father by Sall Clarkson

I am hoping...Keira feels better tomorrow :(

I am hearing...sounds of The Electric Company from the tv in the family room.

Around the house...ALL the laundry is folded AND put away. Progress! The dishwasher is running. And kids are playing legos while watching tv.

One of my favorite things...my feather pillow.

A few plans for the rest of the week...working on training the kids on some "new" chores; a skype video chat with the in-laws in Texas; more writing; homeschool group fieldtrip to a music store; hoping to have a garage sale on saturday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today: Tuesday, July 12th 2011

Outside my window... its another scorching hot day. Temps have been just over 100, with the heat index much higher. Yards are turning brown. Neighbors all trying to keep gardens and flower beds alive. My tomato plants are loving the heat.



I am thinking...up some inside summer activities for the kids this week.

I am thankful for...a God who is so gracious to forgive. Who gently nudges us back on track.



From the learning rooms...summer break. The kids are all signed up for the Library's Summer Reading Program, and have read over 60 books so far. They won certificates for free DQ Blizzards last week. What a treat!



From the kitchen...marinating some chicken breasts to toss on  the grill later for fajita stir-fry. Need to set out another jar for sun tea.



I am wearing...denim shorts, and a black sleeveless blouse.



I am creating...a new website and promotional materials for our local MOPS group. (mothers of preschoolers)


I am going...to head out to pick up Ashleigh and Logan from vbs in an hour. They are both loving it. I am so glad. They were a little apprehensive about going to a new church with new kids in a new town.


I am reading...some christian novel, that has yet to really snag my interest. Guess its going back to the library - unfinshed :(  Its rare that I dont finish a book. But since my "spare" time is so precious, no sense in wasting it.



I am hoping...my brother and his wife get a good showing on their house today. They just put it on the market last week, and we have been praying...its time for them to move closer to us :)


I am hearing...my almost-two yr old, playing with her little toy kitchen and singing to her babydoll while she feeds her.


Around the house...bathrooms waiting to be cleaned, laundry waiting to be folded,....



One of my favorite things...American Classics. Like apple pie & cheese, baseball games, bbq's, and summer road trips.



A few plans for the rest of the week...kids have VBS all week, a homeschool support group meeting Thurs, a Domestically Divine Diva's writing meeting Fri, and maybe a birthday party on Saturday.



Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window... the evening sky is beautiful. Its the first "official" day of summer...stays light longer, which means I got the entire yard mowed this evening, instead of it taking two. haha


I am thinking...about my dentist appointment tomorrow. And how I dread the process.


I am thankful for... a quiet moment of solitude before going to bed.


From the learning rooms...we have been studying on crawdads, tadpoles, weather/meteorology, and serving others.



From the kitchen...deer tenderloin, mashed potatoes with chives from my little herb garden, sweet corn, and fresh ripe tomatoes.



I am wearing...a large comfy cotton tshirt with shorts



I am creating...a "weathered" robin's egg blue peg shelf for the kids bathroom.


I am going...to have to mark down the Library's Summer Reading schedule, because somehow we forgot all about it today and didnt go!



I am reading...through the book of John in the my Bible this month for a 21 day challenge.


I am hoping...


I am hearing...America's Got Talent on the tv upstairs.


Around the house...random flip flops, balls, & jumpropes, sure signs of summer.


One of my favorite things...book shelves. Tall wooden ones...floor to ceiling! And shorter antique ones with glass doors.


A few plans for the rest of the week...more writing to get done, a visit to the Blueberry Farm, Fred will be working a music fest all weekend, church, and who knows what else this week will bring :)


Here is a picture thought I am sharing…the busy blur we call Keira!

Simple Woman's Daybook - June 1st"

Outside my window... the sky is dark, stars are twinkling and there are two lightening bugs flickering around the yard.

I am thinking...how quickly this spring and now summer is moving! I wish we could slow it down a little bit. Feel like I havent been enjoying and savoring every moment like I should be.

I am thankful for... my family all safely tucked into their beds. We are only a couple hrs away from Joplin, and it has been a heratbreaking past week and a half since the tornadoes did so much devistation. It certainly has reminded us not to take things for granted.

From the learning rooms..."school" is on break for the summer, though we are still learning every day. The cicadas (locusts) are here and the kids have found them fascinating. I am searching for some stuff for us to do a unit study and lapbook on locusts.
Ashleigh has taught herself how to write in cursive! And is doing amazing!
Logan is so so smart, its almost scary. We will go ahead and start kindergarten in the fall.
Keira is trying to sing her ABC's...and knows the color purple.

From the kitchen...tonight I fixed a roasted garlic marinara with spaghetti and herbed parmesan bread.

I am wearing...a large comfy cotton tshirt with shorts

I am creating...some new recipes for an upcoming book.

I am going...outside to water my tomato plants, since it doesn't look like we'll get any rain tonight.

I am reading...Love Me If You Must by Nicole Young. A fun mystery novel about a woman who refurbs houses.

I am hoping...to get some writing done tonight, so tomorrow I can focus on laundry and packing for the weekend.

I am hearing...tree frogs and the whir of the ceiling fan. I love quiet summer evenings. Ha, I love anything quiet!!

Around the house...sit random boxes, slowly being filled with stuff for our garage sale, that I hope to have in a couple weeks.

One of my favorite things...visits with old friends. Whether face to face, phone, or email. Its lovely to stay in touch with kindred spirits.

A few plans for the rest of the week...leaving for out-of-state. My nephew is getting married this weekend. Keira is the flower girl and my husband is the dj.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…my new red chair.

For today, March 22nd, 2011


Outside my window...this morning's spring thunderstorm has passed and now the sun is shining. I love spring!

I am thinking...about our MOPS steering team meeting tonight. Getting ready to start planning for next fall.

I am thankful for...my new adorable little netbook that my family got me for my birthday! Makes my writing so much easier.

From the learning rooms...we've had a few days off dor spring break.

From the kitchen...I have a cassarole in the oven for the meeting tonight.

I am wearing...rolled jean capris, white cami, & a burgandy hoody

I am creating...some new graphics and logo for my other blog Domestically Divine Divas. We're getting ready to reveal a new layout!

I am going...to get all the laundry folded and put away, if its the last thing I do!

I am reading... nothing. Who has the time?

I am hoping...its nice weather the rest of the week.

I am hearing...a neighbor mowing the lawn.

Around the house...baby is napping, the other two are riding bikes in the driveway. The smells from the casserole of wafting through the house, making me hungry.

One of my favorite things...Curry. Oh my goodness. I finally tried making my own for the first time. A creamy chicken & coconut curry. SO good!

A few plans for the rest of the week...homeschool co-op classes; my older sister coming down for a few days, as well as my niece from CO coming for weekend. We are so excited to finally meet her new twin baby girls!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...Snow! After that beautiful spring weekend we had with 65 and sunny, snow on the first day of spring break is kind of a bummer, I must admit.
I am thinking...how blessed we are.
I am thankful for my husband's quick recovery from pneumonia.
From the learning rooms...japan, earthquakes,...and Logan is learning how to write words.
From the kitchen...slow cooker full of salsa chicken for supper tonight.
I am wearing...flannel pjs
I am creating...some graphics for a new blog logo.
I am going... to start editing my mom's manuscript this week.
I am reading..."First Things First" by Brenda Warner
I am hoping...to find some great deals this weekend at garage sales!
I am hearing...Frannie singing "This Is the Stuff"
Around the house...cleaning out closets, sorting too-small clothes for a garage sale. Making room for warmer weather clothes.
One of my favorite things...reading new blogs.
A few plans for the rest of the week...my nephew & his fiance are coming from Illinois to stay for a couple days; a meeting with a few other homeschool moms to plan a new co-op group; library book sale, community garage sale event.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today: March 8th, 2011

Outside my window...its another gloomy rainy day.

I am thinking...how I really really don't want to get out with three kids in the rain, just to go to walmart.

I am thankful for...hot bubble baths

From the learning rooms...alphabetical order

From the kitchen...supper tonight is baked cornflake chicken, roasted potatoes, asparagus, corn, brownies

I am wearing...black sweats & a tshirt

I am creating...some frugal art pieces for the house.

I am going...to charge my camera batteries so I can take some pictures to post!

I am reading...Splitting Harriet, by Tamera Leigh

I am hoping...for some sunny days soon.

I am hearing...the kids giggling and singing along with Veggie Tales' Sweetpea Beauty.

Around the house...clutter is picked up, floors are swept, dishwasher emptied, in anticipation for friends coming for dinner.

One of my favorite things...lowfat Iced Mocha.

A few plans for the rest of the week...library storytime, homeschool co-op classes, a visit to my mom, corned beef & cabbage :) Writing more recipes and devotionals for an upcoming book project.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...Me at my princess debut :P
We had a Party Like a Princess for the ladies & girls at church, a few of us dressed up as princess characters. I was Snow White.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today: February 1st, 2011



::Outside my window...is the Blizzard of 2011. Literally. It is coming down so thick and fast, we can hardly see the houses across the street. Getting about 2 inches per hour. They are predicting 18 or 20. We're already at 10.

::I am thinking...how I wish I could have a "snow day" and curl up with a book or a movie. Be lazy for a day. A whole day! Sometimes the life of a stay-at-home mom is frustrating.

::I am thankful for...my beautiful little children. And that God has big plans for their lives!

:From the learning rooms...learning about dictionaries, snow crystals, engineering, and a baking class this afternoon.

::From the kitchen...Ashleigh is helping try a new recipe for Fudgy Chewy Cakey Brownies.

::I am wearing...polar fleece jamma pants with a layer of long-sleeved and short sleeved tshirts.

::I am creating...

::I am going...to fix some dumplings to dump in the pot of chicken that's boiling.

::I am reading...The Reluctant Entertainer

::I am hoping...we don't get any more ice and lose electricity.

::I am hearing...kids chattering while they eat their peanut butter & banana sandwiches.

::Around the house...two kids napping, one finishing her lessons; a fresh-made bucket of laundry soap cooling in the kitchen.

::One of my favorite things...hot bubble baths.

::A few plans for the rest of the week: shoveling out from under 16 in of snow, staying in and doing lessons, games, baking.

:: Picture thought I am sharing...

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today: January 25th, 2011



::Outside my window...stands a melting snowman.


::I am thinking...about supper. I know I had a plan, now if I could just remember...


::I am thankful for...my menu plan! It keeps me on track.




:From the learning rooms...dinosaurs, letters, and inventions.

::From the kitchen...I made a rye bread a few days ago. It is so good, especially toasted with coffee in the middle of the afternoon when I need a pick-me-up.

::I am wearing...black pants, black hoodie, and slippers

::I am creating...some new ideas and projects for my other blog Domestically Divine Divas. We've been focusing on "organizing" for the month of January.

::I am going...to re-organize my weekly cleaning schedule. Give the kids a few more chores too.

::I am reading...nothing. Anxious to start a new book. Any ideas?

::I am hoping...that Logan doesn't have strep :( Started out like a cold, but was a long night, and now he has a fever.

::I am hearing...the imaginary crackling of the gas fireplace. The only bad thing about gas...well that and I miss the smell of woodsmoke.

::Around the house...two kids napping, one finishing her lessons; a fresh-made bucket of laundry soap cooling in the kitchen.

::One of my favorite things...card games, and scrabble.

::A few plans for the rest of the week: make a new cleaning plan, school lessons, check out new library and finally get cards, make some homemade girl scout cookies :)

:: Picture thought I am sharing...

Later this week, I'll be sharing:

• that amazing Rye Bread recipe
• How-to organize recipes
• my fave five of the week

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today: January 4th, 2011

::Outside my window...it's winter in the midwest. Brown yards, gray trees, at least the sun is shining!

::I am thinking...about every sore muscle in my body right now. After a few months off, we started P90x up yesterday. Oy

::I am thankful for...our big deep freeze. While it may not be full of meat (was a really hard/scarce hunting season this yr) at least I can start doing some bulk/freezer cooking.

:From the learning rooms...we were off through the holidays. Started back up yesterday. They are memorizing the Pledge of Allegiance this week. So cute :)

::From the kitchen...still cleaning out the holiday leftovers.

::I am wearing...comfy, warm flannels.

::I am creating...knitting a pair of fingerless gloves.

::I am going...to finally share with my readers what my secret project has been all these past few months. I intended to way before now.

::I am reading...nothing. Anxious to start a new book. Any ideas?

::I am hoping...to get through chores & school by early afternoon today.

::I am hearing...the chatter of the two oldest playing "school". Itty Bitty has to be involved and is following them around.

::Around the house...major cleaning!

::One of my favorite things...the smell of coffee and bagels of a morning. I wish Panera Bread was a little closer... I would somehow find time for a part-time job...or at least find time to go sit and write & smell.

::A few plans for the rest of the week: MOPS tonight, I have a lady coming in to do a coupon workshop; Have some friends coming for dinner friday night, should be a great night of fun.
Need to do some planning & scheming for my husband's 40th birthday next week!

::A picture thought I am sharing:

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ November 30th, 2010


::Outside my window...it has been spitting snow all day. The kids are hoping we wake up to the ground covered, I dont think we're supposed to though :(




::I am thinking...about faith and the power of healing. Praying for a family member.




::I am thankful for...my husband, who always tries to help me as much as he can on those days that I am frazzled with the kids.



:From the learning rooms...we just started a Little House on the Prairie unit study. We sit on a blanket in front of the fireplace and read Little House in the Big Woods. I need to research and find some more activities to go along with it...maybe a lapbook. Anyone know of any sites?




::From the kitchen...I just brought a pan of super-thick & creamy chocolate fudge in from where it was cooling on the deck. Oh devine!

::I am wearing...layers!



::I am creating...been working on some new and fresh blog ideas. Also working hard on that secret project Ive been talking about...guess I need to reveal that huh? :) Maybe...tomorrow?!



::I am going...to meet TobyMac in a couple of days!! So excited (in a teenager/groupy sorta way. lol)




::I am reading...blog tutorials.

::I am hoping...




::I am hearing...the hum of the computer. I love silence.




::Around the house...snowmen, pinecones, candles, and dark red ball ornaments.




::One of my favorite things...used to be DC Talk. hahaha old school




::A few plans for the rest of the week: meeting some friends of Fred's from Hawaii...fixing them an italian dinner, concert, Christmas on the Square, blog work, and school.




::Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

For more daybooks check out Peggy's blog.

Simple Woman's Daybook - Nov 23rd, 2010

FOR TODAY ~ November 23rd, 2010


::Outside my window...today is sunny & chilly. Just yesterday, we were having thunderstorms & tornado warnings.

::I am thinking...of ideas & ways to teach gratitude to children. I heard a great program on Focus on the Family that got me thinking about it.

::I am thankful for...family. A close-knit family.

:From the learning rooms...a lot of "real life" learning recently. Not as much book work as I would like to be doing. I'm trying to not stress over it...soon we will have the schoolroom unpacked and put to rights.

::From the kitchen...tea pot is starting to whistle on the stove.

::I am wearing...jeans & a brown long sleeved t-shirt.

::I am creating...some fingerless gloves, after my Mom gave me a refresher course in knitting!

::I am going...to pick up some clutter, light some pumpkin candles, and make a pot of coffee before some friends get here this afternoon.

::I am reading...Ha! who has the time?!

::I am hoping...we see snow soon :)

::I am hearing...Ashleigh reading a Little House story to her little brother & sister...as well as the toy zhu zhu pet hamsters,though I'm not sure they're listening!

::Around the house...things are becoming comfortable as we continue to empty boxes, hang pictures...now that tv and internet are hooked up, things are certainly easier.

::One of my favorite things...down comforters. And feather pillows.

::A few plans for the rest of the week: clean house, cook/host Thanksgiving dinner with some of the family here, try to clip & organize some coupons, downtown Christmas Parade on Saturday. Packing up the fall decor and possibly setting up the tree.

::Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Simple Woman's Daybook - Oct 10th 2010

Would you like to linger on the simple things...then join me and many others in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on simplicity...beauty of the everyday moments. @ Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Oct 12th, 2010

::Outside my window...dusk has turned into darkness. Its chilly, and the stars are bright.

::I am thinking...about possibly moving to a "real house".

::I am thankful for...God's provision. That He never fails.


:From the learning rooms...boths kids are doing very well with their lessons. I feel I need to spend a little more time planning ahead of time...to really optimize our time.

::From the kitchen...just finished up the dishes. Kids finished off the last piece of Grandma's Pumpkin Cake.

::I am wearing...jeans & a t-shirt.

::I am creating...beauty out of chaos. LOL ok, so I just thought that sounded good :P
Have been working on some different writings, mostly for blogs. Getting a book project underway.

::I am going...

::I am reading...The Doctor's Perfect Match, by Irene Hannon. We just had our library's used book sale a week ago. Found lots of good books. Even an old copy of Betsy, Tacy & Tib; which we already have a copy or two...but THIS was an original. Hardback :) Love.

::I am hoping...I get a chance to run to walmart pretty soon. Think we're down to one last diaper. Uh oh!

::I am hearing...husband sneezing. Been that kind of day. Temps dropped from 80's to 60's...our sinuses are all messed up.

::Around the house...the kids are all piled up on Daddy on the floor.

::One of my favorite things...big houses!

::A few plans for the rest of the week: homeschool co-op classes, taking pictures of the kids outside with all the fall colors, trip to the pumpkin patch with our MOPS group, a baby shower for a sweet friends 4th baby, and our small group's chili cook-off.

::Here is picture for thought I am sharing... end-of-summer playdate at the park

Simple Woman's Daybook

Would you like to linger on the simple things...then join me and many others in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on simplicity...beauty of the everyday moments. @ Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Sept 14th 2010

::Outside my window... is a misty gray day.

::I am thinking...a coupon class that I will be teaching this friday. A little nervous.

::I am thankful for...convenient & fast instant oatmeal packets :)

::From the learning rooms...we are two weeks in to school. Its been mostly smooth :) We are all learning how to work/schedule around Keira and her playtimes & naptimes. I've been able to get more creative with teaching methods. Logan has been catching on to stuff very quickly, even wanting to do more than I've planned, and has learned almost all his letter sounds which I hadnt planned on doing yet!

::From the kitchen...getting ready to start marinating some chicken breasts for supper. Its a new recipe so was anxious to try it tonight....moved it up on the menu plan.

::I am wearing...shorts and a t shirt. Am actually chilly though with the breeze coming in the windows.

::I am creating...a quilt block with Ashleigh. She goes over to my mom's once a week for a sewing lesson. She loves using the sewing machine.

::I am going...to work on my handouts for the coupon class.

::I am reading...over and grading homework.

::I am hoping...Keira naps a little longer this aft.

::I am hearing...happy children! Ashleigh sing while she finsishes her lesson. Logan talking to himself while he builds a racetrack in the living room. Keira, through the baby monitor, playing and giggling in her crib.

::Around the house...dishwasher is running. Washing machine is running. Dryer is running. Now if the vaccum could run its own....and the toilets were self-cleaning.....sigh

::One of my favorite things...the beginning of fall. Apple season. Fresh-pressed apple cider.

::A few plans for the rest of the week: fieldtrip to Moore's Orchard. Coupon class. Church small-group potluck.

::Here is picture for thought I am sharing...what a differance a yr makes:

Keira, exactly 1 yr ago

Keira last night

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY August 30, 2010. . .

Outside my window . . . . its cooling off for the evening.

I am thinking . . . that we had a really good first day of school! Much more peaceful and scheduled than I expected. I am thankful for . . . unexpected miracles.

From the learning rooms . . . I tried to make it a special first day. We fixed blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Took some "first day" pictures. Gave the kids each a pencil box filled with new crayons, pencils, pencil sharpeners, bubble gum, ...and then did some reviewing of past lessons so we can get back in the flow. Ashleigh is starting 2nd grade and Logan is Pre-K.

From the kitchen . . . got a crockppot started early this morning, full of vegetable beef soup and homemade cornbread.

I am wearing . . . gray sweat shorts and a black t shirt.

I am creating . . . a fun learning environment.

I am going . . . to work on my coupon binder and notes later.

I am reading . . . Educating the Wholehearted Child by Clay & Sally Clarkson. Absolutely love this book! Its very refreshing.

I am hoping. . .

I am hearing . . . Guy Fietti on the food network.

Around the house . . . I am happy to say, chores are done, toys are picked up, kitchen is cleaned and dishwasher is running. The kids did good with helping with their chores today.

One of my favorite things . . . my new soft, brown, rocking/recliner chair. I haven;t got to sit in it much, but savored the times I did.

A few plans for the rest of the week: staying focused on getting back into the swing of school, need to catch up on my blog writings, have a MOPS steering team meeting tomorrow night, and prepare for Ashleigh's 7th bday tea party on Saturday!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing . . . Keira's 1st birthday :)

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

For today ~ August 16th 2010

:: Outside my window . . . is a beautiful end-of-summer day! The sun is shining brightly but its only in the hi 80's instead of 105 like it has been!

:: I am thankful for . . . God's healing power. Praying for my little sister, who is having a crohn's flareup after 7 yrs of remission.

:: From the kitchen . . . .working up a batch of mock apple butter! Smells amazing, simmering on the stove.

:: I am wearing . . .sweat pant shorts and a cotton jersey that has been too small! So happy that it fits again :) And reminds me that football season is just around the corner.

:: I am creating . . .an organaized classroom/study...still, i know. Takes me forever to complete a project, what for all my little interuptions.

:: I am going . . . to really work towards getting Keira weaned in the next few weeks. Saddens me a little, but I think its time.

:: I am reading. . . Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz. Picked it up at the library, actually just getting ready to start it.

:: I am hoping. . . to get the carpets shampooed this evening.

:: Around the house . . . I have Ash & Logan working together on folding the basket of bath towels. They don't like it much....but someway, somehow, I WILL get them to get-along.

:: One of my favorite things . . . walking down the new school supplies aisle at the store :D

:: A few plans for the rest of the week: major house cleaning; writing; picnic at the park with the kids; starting back with our P90x workout program...we've slacked a bit this past week.

. :: Here is picture for thought I am sharing:

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

For today ~ August 9th, 2010 (written earlier in the day)

:: Outside my window . . . the sun beats through in the afternoon for about an hour, so I have the blinds closed.

:: I am thankful for . . . a husband who was willing to cut short his day at work to come home and take care of the kids, so I could go to bed. Don't know if its a summer cold or what, but...I feel like dookie :(

:: From the kitchen . . . .leftovers from the weekend.

:: I am wearing . . .baggy shorts and a comfy tee.

:: I am creating . . .my coupon binder, with organized pages where I can itemize my coupons according to the grocery store's floor plan.

:: I am going . . . to finish working on our schoolroom (which I have deemed "The Study") this week. My mom came over last week and helped me box up "my" books and rearrange the furniture in our dining room. Now, to set up the shelves with all our educational & living books.

:: I am reading. . . through some coupon blogs.

:: I am hoping. . . for a restful nap and that I wake feeling better.

:: Around the house . . . husband just got home and took the kids out to play. Its quiet now...I'm blogging while I have the chance, before I crash.

:: One of my favorite things . . . homemade chicken noodle soup with fresh baked bread.

:: A few plans for the rest of the week: grocery shopping with coupons, meeting for a new project a couple friends and I are starting, babysitting, finishing the study, writing.

:: Here is picture for thought I am sharing: a whole new world has been opened up, now that the oldest knows how to read