Snow Day Play

~Games~



~Legos~


~birrrrr~



~bake~

~chicken & dumplings~

~hot tea + good reads~

~skype with grandparents~

~snow cream and brownies~

linked up at:

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

My week in a nutshell...

Sharing five high-lights from my week with you and the meme at Living To Tell the Story.

1. We started school this week. Ash in 2nd grade and Logan in pre-k. I have to be honest, I stressed and almost dreaded this first week. But it has gone sooo good! Our schedule flowed. Kids have actually been getting along so much better this week. Less squabbles, less talking back. More obedience. And its been fun! For all of us :)


2. I went to our first fall steering team meeting for MOPS. (mothers of preschoolers). Had such a good time planning September's meetings. Really looking fwd to MOPS starting next week and expecting God to meet a lot of moms there.


3. The new Jeremy Camp worship cd. Need I say more?!


4. Got to see my latest "secret project" come together and it looks SO good. I can hardly wait to reveal it to you :)


5. Also, had another freelance writing job open up. Its a one time project, but a very cool one. Will be reading the galley for a new christian novel coming out, by a best-selling author. Then writing the discussion questions for the book.

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 :)

A new homeschool blog...

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

Monday's Daybook

A look into my simple life....and others at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook Blog

FOR TODAY...Nov 2nd 2009

Outside my window... the sky is clear, with a full moon. Today was a gorgeous way to start November! Low 70's, sunny.

I am thinking...about chocolate.

I am thankful for....God's provisions. How He blesses us with the tiny little desires of our hearts.

I am wearing...blue jean capris and brown"christian chic" t shirt.

I am remembering...some of the many Cary Grant movies I've seen. Watched part of North to Northwest this evening. Its been awhile since I've watched one of his movies. What a great old actor.

I am going...to have a busy week...with homeschool co-op classes, Ashleigh's class' Tea Party, MOPS, and working our church's Women's Ministry booth at a Expo this weekend.

I am reading...the new Holiday Ebook from the Old Schoolhouse Magazine.

I am hoping... that the christian radio station has a blessed share-a-thon this week. Their mission project is Bible Sticks (the entire Bible on a computer thumb drive) to send overseas to soldiers.

On my mind...how the time change this past weekend has thrown off our schedule! I need to get to bed!

From the learning rooms...today we enjoyed a nature walk. Collected fall leaves to press. Studied the different types of trees.

Noticing that...the downstairs carpet really looks amazing after my mom and I spent all afternoon shampooing it. We threw open the windows and doors to air out the house and dry the floors.

Pondering these words...from Hillsong's "Hosanna".

"Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I walk from earth to Eternity"

From the kitchen...Oatmeal Butterscotch Chip Cookies :) Mmmm

Around the house...no creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Just the mommy tapping away on her laptop. Enjoying the quiet house with everyone tucked in bed...just waiting for Itty Bitty to wake up for her late night feeding.

One of my favorite things...watching Deal or No Deal.

From my picture journal...pictures from our nature walk today.

Free Holiday Ebook

The staff and friends of The Old Schoolhouse® have come together to share their favorite family traditions, recipes, and more with you.

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Fun, kid-friendly activities

Pumpkin Butter

~Pumpkin Butter~

I ran across this recipe on another homeschooler's blog last week. Somehow, I have never heard of pumpkin butter! But being such a big fan of autumn and anything pumpkiny...I knew we had to try it. So we turned it into a homeschool cooking class :) My mom helped Ashleigh make it, since I was occupied feeding Baby Keira.

15 oz of pure pumpkin - 2/3 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup honey

1 Tbsp lemon juice - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 1/8 tsp ground clove

Combine pumpkin, sugar, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon and cloves in medium, heavy-duty saucepan.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes or until thickened.

Serve with biscuits, breads and corn muffins. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 months.

All I can say is...Yummo! Very very delish. Its spicy like apple butter, while tasting like pumpkin pie. This recipe is definately a keeper! I think next time we'll make a larger batch and put it in canning jars. Would make great little gifts. A little jelly jar of pumpkin butter with a loaf of fresh baked bread.

Can you smell it.....? Spicy, warm pumpkin, toasted bread, coffee brewing, for an afternoon snack next to the fireplace. Snuggled all up in an afghan, on a misty fall day.

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.

Rutledge Wilson Farm

An old-fashioned, family-friendly experience!

How Does Our Garden Grow?

Farm animal meet and greets

Playing on the farm-themed playground

Nature-find

Ashleigh recently discovered baby Praying Mantis' on our front walk. How she spotted them...so tiny and camoflauged! She didnt remember seeing a grown one before, so didnt know what they were. But she looked them up in a cool little insect guide that I had just found her at a garage sale. She was amazed at how large they can grow to be!!

I shared with her my experience with baby mantis'. I was around 10 yrs old. And just like Ashleigh, loved nature & science, and was very observant. My parents were always amazed at how we could all be walking somewhere and I would look down and spot a fossel or something.

We had found a praying mantis egg sac on a stick...and thinking it was an old, dried-out one, we placed it in our bug catcher to study and add to our collection. I don't remember how long we had that thing, but one day we discovered hundreds of baby mantis' all over our sunporch. Their tiny bodies we able to fit thru the holes of the bug catcher. It was a crazy experience, one that I never forgot. And I'm sure Ashleigh won't either :)