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…

My BIG Reveal!

Ok so here it is. The secret project I've been working on forever now. haha

A good friend and I have started another blog! We call it

Domestically Divine Divas - imperfectly surviving motherhood

I wanted to get it established a little better before sharing it with you, and well...that was months ago! We share recipes, menu plans, craft projects, kid projects, parenting articles, devotionals, etc...

Some of our weekly features include:

Mommy Monday

Tasty Tuesday

Thrifty Thursday

Simplify Sunday

I hope that you will check it out....and tell me what you think! We have a spot where you can sign up to "follow us" and also a facebook page. We would LOVE to have you join :) In fact, when we reach 150 facebook followers (which is super-close)we will be doing a GREAT giveaway!

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

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 :)

Works for Me Wednesday - Coupons!

I recently went to a three hour Coupon Workshop. I've always doubted that coupons would work for me...I could buy cheaper at Aldi's or with the walmart brand....etc, etc, etc...I always had some question, or reason, or doubt.


Until this workshop, that is.


When she explained how she could go to the grocery store, buy $200 worth of groceries and only spend $15 - $20, I knew it was something I seriously needed to check out.


I've been working on it the last couple of weeks. Clipping, putting together a binder, perusing the weekly ads, and coming up with different scenarios. There was just SO much information that night...very overwhelming! I have started putting it into practice and am slowly but surely getting the hang of it.


And you know what? Its SO. MUCH. FUN!


Here is one of my recent trips to Walgreens.

All this and only spent $5.03. I saved $61.34.....that's 92%!!!

I am no where near saving $180 yet, but I think I'm doing pretty darn good so far! And since taking this class, friends and family members are seeing some of the bargains and savings I'm getting and wanting me to teach them. I have had two one-on-one sessions so far. Have to type of some notes and stuff to email several that live far away. And have even had a group offer to pay me to come teach them! As well as my mother-in-law wanting me to teach her when she is here from Texas in a couple of weeks.

I'm amazed at the coupon craze that there seems to be out there. I dont know if I just didn't pay attention before or what. So many blogs and sites, tips, ad pre-viewers, you-name-it. It is apparently pretty cool to be a "frugal mom" :)

So I'm wondering...how many of YOU are couponers? Would you consider yourself a penny pinching mom or a coupon queen? I would love to know the blogs you read and get hot tips from.

Reluctant Entertainer

A blog that I love to frequent is the Reluctant Entertainer. I was so excited when I heard she had a new book coming out!!
It's such an inspiring blog...she gives ideas and encouragment for gracious hospitality. Sharing the love of Jesus without getting bogged down by our own limitations and imperfections. The Nester put it wonderfully when she described the new book as "Freeing words of wisdom about real entertaining for real people."


I need that. How about you? Freeing words. Because I know I struggle to be more hospitable, and to have friends over, just to connect and laugh and just be together. I stress over our over-crowded little townhouse...and the clutter that I never seem to get all picked up...and the laundry baskets waiting to be folded...and the dust that might be on my bookshelf...because I'm a busy, homeschooling mom of three under the age of 7.
People, women especially I think, crave relationships with REAL people. We don't have to have it all together to have people over.


I entered a giveaway for the book a couple weeks ago....and just found out...that I WON!!!
And what makes this even cooler, I took a spiritual gifts test at our MOPS Retreat this weekend, and according to that, my two top gifts are wisdom and hospitality.
So I know my heart is there, now to get my silly little perfectionist brain there.....

Making My Own...

Yes...I'm one of those.

A super-thrifty mom trying to cut pennies a every corner. I make my own laundry detergant.
I just finished my 2nd batch...getting ready to make my third giant bucket.

Now, I'm not always really good about keeping track of the details. I intend to. Life interrupts.
Here is what I do know:

bar of Fels Naptha - $1.29

box of Washing Soda - $2.89

box of Borax - $ 4.05

I already had a large five gallon bucket. So my supplies cost me appox. $8.23. I've made/used two buckets so far and have plenty left to make more. All I have to buy for each batch is another bar of fels naptha. (I've tried Ivory, but wasnt nearly as impressed.)

Its actually pretty easy to make too. Grate the bar of soap up, disolve in water on the stove. Pour into the bucket, add washing soda, borax, and more water. Stir it up and leave it overnight and it will turn into an enormous amount of slime!

The best part, (besides all the MONEY I'm saving!) is it works great! Plus the extra bonus for me is its completely safe to use on the baby's clothes as well. So no more seperating all their clothes and buying expensive bottles of Dreft.

For really bad stains, I pre-treat with a bar of soap (fels naptha) rubbed on the stain.

For really strong sweaty husband odors, I load everything into the washing machine and let soak for a bit before I run it.

The weirdest part is it doesnt really foam or bubble up, but thats ok. Its not supposed to...and they come out smelling fresh.

I personally like the Duggar's recipe. But here is another good recipe with detailed pictures at The Simple Dollar.

Have you tried your own laundry soap yet? I would love to hear any tips or ideas you have! :)

A day of Mennonite shopping...

A couple of weeks ago, my mom, sister and I headed up north for a day of shopping. Plain-style.
At the Mennonite Community of Lead Mine.

It was a chilly, rainy day. The gps took us on some little dirt roads. We got turned around/lost more than a couple of times. But we had SO much fun!!

Our first stop was to the Wenger General Store, where he carries natural herbs & medicines; books, wooden toys, bolts of solid colored material; black felt hats; sorgham, honey, & jams.

We traveled around til we found the bakery...which is closed til late April.




Next up was the Meadowveiw Dutch Market. Here they sell, bulk grains, flours, pastas, spices, candies, etc....They also have a deli in the middle of this tiny store. Fresh sliced meats & cheeses. They sell sandwiches for lunch outside on picnic tables.

My big wants for this shopping trip - rye flour, bulk yeast, licorice tea, chicken soup base, and spices to refill my jars at home. Found a bag of frozen wheat croissants. Yumm! Also got some lemon drops for the kids :)

Did I mention the rows and rows of spices & herbs stacked on the shelves! Oh, how hard to decide which ones to get. And the prices are amazing.

I came home and washed up all my spice jars/rack. Refilled and ready to cook and season some amazing meals.

Don't they look pretty? --

While I was at it....and while my Mom was helping with the kids...I cleaned out and reorganized the cupboards as well. I had a bunch of Tupperware modular mates stored, but by taking out shelf was able to get them to fit in the cupboard.

So neat and organized--

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, March 1st, 2010...


Outside my window... its a gray and chilly 40 degrees


I am thinking...I would like to be alone. Just for the afternoon, or an hour, or even 10 minutes would be good!

I am thankful for...knowing God's promises never fail. And that I can hand it all over to Him.

From the learning rooms...the kids just finished up their water color/salt pictures. By sprinkling salt on the wet paint and leaving it to dry overnight, then when you brush the salt off it leaves water spots on the picture. Very cool effect.

Logan's fish

Ashleigh's fish

From the kitchen...comes the smells of last night's reuben sandwiches. Love love love reuben sandwiches. We had corned beef leftover from last sundays dinner. I tried my hand at homemade rye bread...which wasnt very rye-tasting, we were dissapointed in it, but will try and different recipe next time. And Fred made his amazing russian dressing.

I am wearing... jeans & a purple hoodie.

I am creating...this. Not sure what else. I am going to have to pick up sometime today. I just don't feel like it now...major headache today :(

I am reading...and hi-lighting my way through this parenting book. Hoping to discover the how's and why's of strong-willed children!

I am hoping...to do some up-dating and changes to my blog this week.

I am hearing...the dryer running, Logan watching Olivia on tv and Ashleigh singing along to new TobyMac song on the ipod.

Around the house...baby is finally snoozing.

One of my favorite things....my new pink leather Busy Mom's Bible from Zondervan.

A few plans for the rest of the week: MOPS tomorrow night, skyping with my mother-in-law on her birthday wednesday, homeschool co-op class on Thursday, sorting thru baby clothes that are being out-grown way too fast, as well as cleaning house, daily school lessons, and who knows what else pops up.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Keira - six months old already - enjoying the jumparoo.

Go to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ to join the Simple Woman's Daybook.

Mondays Simple Womans Daybook

( http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/)

For Today: Feb 8th 2009

Outside my window...more snow is falling. Big fluffy flakes. Melting fast.

I am thinking...God is good and will see me through this.

I am thankful for... my 5 month old is feeling better.

I am wearing...plaid pj pants, gray t shirt, blue slippers

I am remembering...

I am going...to be dealing with plumbers & contractors in and out of our place this week. Replacing our master bathroom floor and toilet.

I am currently reading...a Women of Faith novel, A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley

I am hoping... to visit the nearby Mennonite community stores. Needing to replenish my spices.

On my mind...a friend who lost her mother-in-law this past weekend.

Noticing that...I dont mind the new look of facebook that everyone seems to be complaining about.

Pondering these words... "Preventive Parenting provides a much more peaceful environment in our homes. It allows us to work on the discipline issues that are really crucial--and to ward off punishment, etc. for situations that can be handled ahead of time, rather than the heat of the moment. As an added bonus, Preventive Parenting teaches our kids how to solve problems, come up with options, get a handle on things before they become too big, etc. as they watch us model these skills for them." http://positiveparenting3-6-5.blogspot.com/

From the kitchen... greasy cheeseburgers, pickles, green beans, potato chips

Around the house... pillow fights...guitar playing...

One of my favorite things...quiet moments.

From my picture journal...Logan tromping thru the snow -

28 days...

28 days. To cleanliness. To order. 28 days to one happy mamma!
Laura over at Org Junkie is hosting a 28 day organization challenge. For a chance at some awesome prizes, all I have to do is....spend the next 28 days organizing my mess :(

I feel like the entire house is desperate for a makeover. But I am selecting our master bedroom for the whole space catagory and my office corner for small space catagory. Sadly, I am required to post some before pictures as well as after. I must swallow my home-maker pride and be authentic.

better get on it....

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

For today - Jan 11th 2010

Outside my window... was a much nicer & warmer day than what we've had last week! 37 degrees this afternoon instead of 5. The snow is melting and the cars need washed.

I am thinking... how beautiful the snow has been :) in spite of the below zero temps. People just need to know how to dress for the season and to thrive wherever they're at.

I am thankful for... chapstick!

I am wearing... warm flannel jammies and silky red slippers

I am remembering... how nice it is to blog and plan and be organized. Goal for this new year is to get on top of this better.

I am going... to meet some sweet ladies for coffee tommorrow...at our local McDonalds since it has a indoor playland for our wee ones.

I am currently reading... getting ready to start a new parenting book and Bev Lewis' The Missing.

I am hoping... Logan really grasps the idea of going #2 inside the stool this week :(

On my mind... that ripping a fingernail off takes precidence over every other thought on your mind. ooeeeeeeeee

Noticing that... everyone else is in their warm & toasty beds! I want to be warm & toasty too!

Pondering these words... "God, help me treasure each moment for its own sake."

From the kitchen... Fred's b'day dinner pot & pans that wouldnt fit in the dishwasher. And a big tray of huge cinnamon rolls that a dear lady brought by.

Around the house... baby rattles, burp rags, remote control cars, stray crayons.

One of my favorite things...bosom buddies. No distance or time ever can seperate that bond of friendship.

From my picture journal...

Join me in journaling about this new year. Visit Peggy's blog to start your own Simple Woman's Daybook.

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook - Nov 30th

For today ~ November 30th, 2009

Outside my window...its a clear, cold night. The almost-full moon is shining brightly. And the neighbor's wood smoke is being carried over on the brisk breeze.

I am thinking...about snow and winter. And dreaming for a "real" house, in the country with several fireplaces...and a large veranda with a swing to snuggle on, under a cozy red afghan, while drinking hot cocoa on a cold night like tonight.

I am thankful for....our dear Costa Rican friends who found out today that they will become American citizens in just 90 days! Which is nothing after waiting and trying and waiting some more, for 9 years.

I am wearing...my warm flannel jammies with snowmen on them.

I am remembering...my little Grandma. It's been almost two yrs since she passed on to her forever home. She was a special lady. She loved.

I am going...to make a new country christmas wreath to hang on our front door.

I am reading...Creative Correction - Extraordinary Ideas for Everyday Discipline, by Lisa Whelchel. So far its been good, most of the ideas are a bit on the older side for my little ones. But it has helped ignite a spark in my own mind.

I am hoping... tomorrow is a better day.

On my mind...a lot of STUFF. Frustrations and dissapointments.

From the learning rooms...Logan has been working on motor-skills. Loves working with scissors, which terrifies his poor mother! Ashleigh is sounding out every word she sees now, attempting to read everything. We watched Akeela and the Bee the other night, so she is now fascinated with spelling bees. This morning, my Mom taught her how to properly stand and repeat the word before she spelled each one. Ashleigh loved it.

Noticing that...facebook is messed up again. Wonder why they can't seem to stay on top of it?!

Pondering these words...all's well that ends well. What is that really supposed to mean?! It doesnt make any sense to me.

From the kitchen...leftover turkey & ham from Thanksgiving Dinners. As well as pumpkin & pecan pie :)

Around the house...everyone else has gone to bed. I'm enjoying the solitude. Wishing I could enjoy it longer, but am already having trouble keeping my eyes open.

One of my favorite things...donut store coffee

From my picture journal...my three musketeers in their pj's

Visit the Simple Woman's Daybook to learn how you can share your simple daybook with others too.

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

For today ~ Monday November 16th, 2009

Outside my window... the fog is thick and the drizzly rain is still coming down. Looks like it should for mid-november in the ozarks. Yucky for all the deer hunters though. Thankful my husband got his 10 point buck today!

I am thinking...about Logan's birthday tomorrow. Amazed he is going to be three already! And baby Keira will be 3 months old tomorrow as well.

I am thankful for....our veteran's. Our freedom. And the re-newed sense of patriotism that seem to be stirring up in our nation.

I am wearing...my new jeans :) Two sizes smaller than I expected to be!!

I am remembering...when Ashleigh was 3 months old...and 3 yrs old. Seem so long ago.

I am going...to finish painting wooden stars for the fall wreaths we are making for tomorrow night's Creative Activity at MOPS.

I am reading...Tommy Tenney's Prayers of a God Chaser

I am hoping... to get this week's menu finished and posted today. As well as, set-up for MOPS, birthday shopping this eve, vaccuming and fold laundry.

On my mind...how can I better prioritize my time to fit in all that needs to be done. So many demands.

From the learning rooms...Ashleigh just started learning about money in Math class. I was showing her the front and back of a penny, when I realized the new pennies are different! They have Abe Lincoln on the back, reading a book.
And Logan's BIG learning adventure this past week has been potty training! I foolishly have had him in pull-ups for the last year. So went straight over to big boy underwear, except for trips out of the house and bedtime. We started last Monday and spent the first few days washing a lot of under-roos and wondering if he would ever get it. But by about day 4 he started understanding. Hooray! Today has been his best day yet.

Noticing that...my house looks overwhelmed :(

Pondering these words...when it rains, it pours.

From the kitchen...Snowman Poop! (aka Oreo Truffles and Red Velvet Truffles)

Around the house...Logan napping...and Ash & Grandma have been secretly making decorations for his b'day tomorrow.

One of my favorite things...sweet baby smiles.

From my picture journal...

A look into my simple life....and others at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook Blog
FOR TODAY...Nov 16th 2009

Menu Plan Monday - Nov 9th 09

Monday: BBQ Chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans

Tuesday: Ham and Scalloped Potatoes,

Wednesday: Crockpot Night- Salisbury Steak Deluxe with buttered noodles

Thursday: Catalina Cranberry Chicken, Artisan Bread, a veggie...

Friday: Family Movie Night -Pizza Stromboli

Saturday: going to a Chili Cookoff/Adoption Fundraiser where my husband will be judging

Sunday: still undecided....sigh

So there's my menu for this week! What do you have planned? For motivation and tons of ideas check out Menu Plan Monday.

Yummy/Easy Artisan Bread

Time: About 45 minutes plus about 3 hours’ resting and rising

1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
6 1/2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour, more for dusting dough
Cornmeal

1. In a large bowl or plastic container, mix yeast and salt into 3 cups lukewarm water (about 100 degrees). Stir in flour, mixing until there are no dry patches. Dough will be quite loose. Cover, but not with an airtight lid. Let dough rise at room temperature 1 & 1/2 hours (or up to 5 hours).
2. Bake at this point or refrigerate, covered, for as long as two weeks. When ready to bake, sprinkle a little flour on dough and cut off a grapefruit-size piece with serrated knife. (I divided the dough in half and made 2 large loaves instead.) Turn dough in hands to lightly stretch surface, creating a rounded top and a lumpy bottom. Put dough on pizza peel sprinkled with cornmeal; let rest 40 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough or refrigerate it.

3. Place broiler pan on bottom of oven. Place baking stone on middle rack and turn oven to 450 degrees; heat stone at that temperature for 20 minutes.

4. Dust dough with flour, slash top with serrated or very sharp knife three times. Slide onto stone. Pour one cup hot water into broiler pan and shut oven quickly to trap steam. Bake until well browned, about 30 minutes. Cool completely.

Yield: 4 loaves.

Variation: If not using stone, stretch rounded dough into oval and place in a greased, nonstick loaf pan. Let rest 40 minutes if fresh, an extra hour if refrigerated. Heat oven to 450 degrees for 5 minutes. Place pan on middle rack.

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Oct 12th

For today - Oct 12th, 2009 -

Outside my window...its a gray fall day. Neighborhood kids are out of school due to Columbus Day. So even though its chilly, lots of sweatshirts and pink cheeks running around out there, laughing and screaming...enjoying the last few moments of indian summer.

I am thinking...what am I thinking??

I am thankful for...God opening the doors for my mom to move down here. It will be such a nice blessing to have her near instead of 5 hours away.

I am wearing...jeans and a tshirt.

I am remembering...the crunch of falling leaves....smell of wood-fires burning...

I am going...to fix a cup of hot tea.

I am reading...some homeschool blogs.

I am hoping...for a relaxing evening at home tonight. Warm and cozy.

On my mind....that baby Keira is going to wake up and need fed soon.

From the learning rooms...Ashleigh is doing very well with addition. Gets impatient though. She continues to enjoy phonics. We are using the Rod & Staff phonics curriculum. She has started reading some words and even sentences now.

Noticing that...my phone is missing! Was wondering why my husband hadnt called on his way home yet....I must have left it around here somewhere....

Pondering these words...listening to Focus on the Family.

From the kitchen...going to cook up the wild turkey breast that my husband got this past weekend. Along with mashed potatoes, and corn.

Around the house...Logan is helping his Grandma bake biscuits to go along with the batch of pumpkin butter we made this afternoon. The kitchen smells spicy. Just right for fall :)

One of my favorite things...caramel candy corn! My sister introduced me to it last weekend. Love it even more than regular candy corn.

A few plans for the rest of the week....a quiet week at home. Catching up on school work after missing all last week due to flu. A doctor appointment. Homeschool co-op classes one afternoon.

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

You might enjoy reading other ladies' daybooks or perhaps you would like to start keeping your own journal... check out Peggy's site: The Simple Woman's Daybook for a list.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

I have been fighting the flu this week, so my dear husband made up a huge stockpot of this delicious soup. Homemade chicken noodle soup has always been my favorite soup. Probably because growing up, my mom's was amazing and always so comforting on cold winter days...or sick days. I love this creamy version. It has such a rich, thick broth. I hope you enjoy!

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

4 large chicken breasts

4 T chicken bouillon

10 C water

1/2 large onion, finely chopped

1 C chopped carrots

1 C chopped celery

1 minced garlic clove

1 tsp parsley or poultry seasonings

salt & pepper

10-14 oz egg noodles

1 pt heavy cream

1 C sour cream

In large pot, boil the water with the chicken, chicken bouillon, onion, carrots, and celery, and spices for 1 hour or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.Remove chicken and add egg noodles. Boil until tender. Meanwhile, dice cooked chicken. Place chicken back into pot and simmer until ready to eat. Add heavy cream and sour cream and heat through, but do not boil. Add more sour cream to get desired thickness.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Homemade Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, and Artisan Bread

(made by my sweet husband especially for me, because I have been fighting some bug all weekend and fever today)

Tuesday: Leftovers

Wednesday: Crockpot Night - Enchilada Soup

Thursday: Fish & Chips

Friday: Family night - Homemade Pizza and a movie

Saturday: Mexican - bro-in-laws' birthday dinner

Sunday: Grill Night - bbq chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on cob

(carried over from last week)

To be inspired by over 400 more menus - head over and visit Menu Plan Monday at OrgJunkie.com