Menu Plan Monday - August 15th

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Monday: Grill or Soup - Creamy baked potato soup, rolls  



Tuesday: Mexican - tacos

Wednesday: Family Favorites - beef stew

Thursday: Chicken - roast chicken, steamed green beans, sweet potatoes

Friday: Italian - Pizza Casserole, salad

Saturday: leftovers


Sunday: Breakfast for Dinner - peach pancakes
 

Long Day at the Water Park

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

 

 

Menu Plan Monday - August 8th

Monday: Grill - cheddar wurst, foil packet potatoes, sliced tomatoes

Tuesday: Asian - bambook chicken, rice,

Wednesday: Family Favorites - beef stew & biscuits

Thursday: Chicken - bbq nachos

Friday: Italian - Spaghetti, garlic toast, peas

Saturday: leftovers -

Sunday: Breakfast for Dinner - bacon &  eggs, peaches

Pinning!

So, a few weeks ago I came across this amazing website called Pinterest. Anyone heard of it before? Of course you have! This site has quickly become a "must join site" for many in the blog world and for good reason. Its basically a virtual bulletin board. You can create boards about anything and everything and can collect pictures of things that inspire you from practically anywhere online. Just like, "back in the old days", we would rip pages out of magazines to keep an idea or picture of a house we liked, etc...only now, it just takes a click of a mouse and you become a Pinning Machine!

"Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.
Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests." from the P site.

I love it! I love how easy it is. I love that I can just save that one particular picture/idea. I dont have to bookmark an entire site or blog and then wonder later why I did.

Some of my boards: Gardening, Inspiring Spaces, DIY & Tutorials, Refurbished, the Learning Room, Kids Crafts, Homemade Gift Ideas, the list goes on and on.

Pinterest is an invitation only site...you can sign up online, but can take weeks on their wating list. If you are interested, comment below and let me know because I can send you an invite :)

I recently created a new board for myself on wooden pallets. Yes, pallets. I discovered a gem of an old pallet on the curbside waiting for trash pickup. I knew I could something with it. So much potential. But what.....?! And then....Pinterest! Ahhhhh
I thought I'd share with you all some of the wooden pallet love and maybe even inspire you. :)

 

Sharing on:

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.

Menu Plan Monday - August 1st

Time to start thinking more routine-minded. Get back to menu planning. My week runs so much smoother when I have a plan! So I've got my kids dancing in the family room to a hillsong kids dvd....my glass of iced coffee beside me.....time to plan a menu.

I think I am going to go back to having themes for each night. It keeps my focused and not just having to come up with random meals. I am pretty flexible with my plan though...life happens and some nights we're gone or we just don't feel like eating mexican, etc...

Monday: Grill - smoked sausage, cabbage & onions

Tuesday: Mexican - chicken & blackbean quessadillas

Wednesday: Family Fave - deer steak, baked potatoes, corn on the cob

Thursday: Chicken - chicken fried rice

Friday: Italian - spaghetti, salad

Saturday: Leftovers -

Sunday: Breakfast for Supper - Mr Chippy Pancakes w/strawberries

Be sure and check out Orgjunkie.com for more menu ideas!

Weekends

How is it possibly August already?! CRAZY
We have been relaxed and enjoying a lazy unscheduled summer. I've started working on projects, thinking we had plenty of time....and now suddenly it's crunch time!

Yesterday, we pulled out all the kids toys, toy boxes, under beds, closets, toys hidden in every nook & cranny. Sorted, purged, and rearranged. Ashleigh wanted to get rid of her toy box...and her barbies...and her zhuzhu pets! Is that normal for an almost 8 yr old girl? What do they play with? Surely its not straight to makeup, fashion, and boys?!!! Uhhhh, NO.

So Keira inherited the toy box....(and the zhu zhu pets). We also took down the crib and put her in a toddler bed. Logan is temporarely camping in his sleeping bag on the floor, but only til we get his new frame.

They love their new room. We got rid of a lot of toys. Now they each have a toy box for their stuff, the little table and chairs fir in their room, as well as Keira's baby doll stuff. She slept great in her big girl bed but was up at 6 am, due to a much-needed thunderstorm.

Today...we tackle the study. Oy

What Now?

Have you ever had one of those moments…..

where you just really need God’s favor? The situation isn’t big, but it’s impossible.

Rest.

Rest in His patience. Knowing however the outcome….it will be ok.

This morning, I read this: Lamentations 3:21-30

“But there is one thing I do remember,and remembering, I keep a grip on hope. God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, His merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great Your faithfulness!

I’m sticking with God. He’s all I got left.

God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks.When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in pryer.Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble…take it full-face.

The “worst” is never the worst.


shared at Domestically Divine Divas

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!

What's On My Nightstand

Summer is winding down and I haven't gotten in as much reading as I had hoped :P

I have a stack I've been working on. Mostly school stuff, getting my mind prepared with good ideas for this fall. And I love love love Sally Clarkson's book. She is so encouraging. I've been enjoying Lisa Bergren's What Women Want as my morning devotional. Plus a couple new novels. (see how the library marks "christian" lol)

What good book have you been reading this summer?

Menu Plan Monday

Our summer's are more relaxed and spur-of-the-moment...so I don't menu plan too much. So now I'm trying to wrangle it back in!

Going over the tips and rules. Gathering ideas. New recipes.

Monday: older  kids at church camp - take Keira out for Bandanas BBQ

Tuesday: homemade chicken fried-rice, crab rangoon

Wednesday: sandwiches and banana splits

Thursday: Meatloaf, baked potatoes, fresh tomatoes from the garden

Friday: double date night w/some friends...fish & chips, salad, strawberry shortcake

Saturday: Ham & Zucchini Rigatoni

Sunday: breakfast for dinner: sausage & egg burritos

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…

Vacation Bible School

Logan and Ashleigh attended Vacation Bible School last week at a local church. They loved it so much!

Logan's class singing at Friday night's Parent's Night. He is the one in the back, far left, with his arms crossed and head down. LOL
He did not want to get up on that stage. But he wanted to show how very brave he was, so he did it anyway.
Too cute!
I heart him so much.

Ashleigh's class singing. She is in there somewhere. Singing and doing all the motions. Full of exuberance and spunk.

How did my kids get to be this big already???

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…

Friday's Fave Five - Blessings of the week

1. We  went out early in the week to pick blueberries at a local farm. 6 pounds in the HOT summer sun. But oh, how we have enjoyed them. On oatmeal, in pancakes, muffins, strawberry pie, and two batches of jam.

2. A surprise visit from my nephew and his bride of 1 month. They drove up to spend the 4th with us. That evening during fireworks, one mis-fired, aiming across the field straight at our quilt. My new niece was the worst hit, singed her hair and burned the top of her ear, we are so relieved she is ok, so thankful for God's protection.

3. The kids had so much fun with new friends this weekend at the different events. My mountain man/biker husband did too :)

4. We picked the very first ripe tomatoes from our little garden this week!

5. Logan. My heart is tearing up just trying to type this...how grateful I am.

How blessed.

By this 4 yr old bundle of independence.

At a cookout Sun night, we almost lost him. He had suddenly disappeared from sight and I found him struggling in the deep swimming pool, all alone. What could have been a horrific accident, God kept his angels around that little boy and got him out of the water.
He and I both have been dealing with some residual effects, such as fear, since that night. We have had lots of talks and prayers together. It has been beautiful to see how God has turned what was meant for evil into something good.

Logan knows God has big plans for his life.

He knows God is always by his side...and today he told me, "And Mom he is also in my heart!" I questioned him to see what he meant. "Last night, when I couldn't sleep because I wanted to cry, I asked Jesus into my heart." he explained.

Nothing touches a mother's heart more than these words.

There is nothing we can take to heaven with us. No possessions.

 Just our children.

Friday's Fave Five Moments

1. Watching my little 2 yr old's curls bouncing to & fro as she walked up the aisle as a flower girl in my nephew's wedding


2. Taking a three hour motorcycle ride thru the country with my husband.

3. My Mom found the book "A Big Ball of String" at a garage sale. Written in the 50's, was one that we had growing up and I LOVED it! Now I get to read it to my own kids.

4. My littlest has decided to fight nap times and climbs out of her crib...she has never been a cuddler or liked being rocked. Now, that is the only way that she will go to sleep! And after the strong-willed fight gets settled down, I am loving that quiet moment with her. Just holding her close. Watching her little eyelids slowly flutter shut.

5. This is probably not what I should consider a blessing....but how about if I just say this was a great moment to appreciate my child's sense of humor! Our seven yr old asked why "Daddy is 60 yrs older than Mommy?" (she actually meant "six" lol)

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!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Chicken & Garlic Fried Rice, fresh tomatoes

Tuesday: Deer Steak, mashed potatoes w bacon, sr cream and freshly picked chives, green beans, biscuits


Wednesday: Grilled Chicken, scalloped potatoes, corn


Thursday: Spaghetti, salads, breadsticks

Friday: Steakhouse Burgers on the grill, pasta salad, watermelon


Saturday: might try grilling pizza!


Sunday: Taco Salad

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Pork Cutlet Parmesana, fruit salad

Tuesday: Grilled Chicken & garlic rice, salad

Wednesday: Ham & Noodle Casserole, broccoli

Thursday: Gumbo

Friday: leftovers

Saturday: our church small group Pizza Night

Sunday: fried catfish, hush puppies, coleslaw, corn

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.

Menu Plan for the Week

Monday: Grilled Chicken, fresh green beans, tomatoes

Tuesday: Ham & Cheese Omelettes

Wednesday: Spaghetti, bread, green salad

Thursday: Black Bean Quasadillas, rice

Friday: will be in IL at my nephews wedding rehearsal dinner

Saturday: Wedding Day

Sunday: probably McD's drivethru on our trip home :)

And So It Begins….

 

Summer Break!

Last week, we finished up our school work. The kids were so excited. No more lessons, no more books…and yet, what was the first thing Ashleigh decided to do?

She watched “Akeelah and  the Bee” and decided SHE is going to be in a spelling bee someday, so to get a jump-start on that, she started reading the dictionary.

 

From cover to cover!

 

So we may be done with the books. But the learning is not over.

We are always learning to live and living to learn.

 

To kick off our “break” – lemonade popsicles :)