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

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!

Snow Day 2

Another day snowbound :0)

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

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

Friday's faves

A few highlights from this week:

1. Now that Keira is one, her vocabulary has doubled! I get the biggest kick out of hearing her say "look!" or "all done". She's even trying to say "elmo" and "cracker". So little and so sweet.

2. Our mops group started up for the fall last tuesday night. I love MOPS. Its like my own little mommy suport group. Friendships and food, free childcare, and most of all that having a place where its safe to be real, they're all mom's too, and know exactly the issues you are struggling with.

3. Ashleigh (our oldest) turned seven. How time has flown! We had a Fancy Nancy Tea Party, based on the books. Outdoors at the park, it was a gorgeous late summer day. There were seven little girls, all dressed-up in beads and boas and their mommy's high heels :) We decorated picture frames, posed for pics, made glass pendant necklaces, and had a lunch of ham&cheese/rolls, strawberries, and mini cupcakes. Was a day I'll never forget....and I'm sure Ashleigh won't either!

4. Yesterday was 67 degrees....and rainy. I had a pot of potato soup simmering on the stove. Ready for autumn.

5. Marked more off my to-do list :)

Playing with Cousins

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 - July 19th -

Outside my window…its hot and muggy. Chance of bad storms rolling to night.

I am thinking…about the coupon class I attended last friday. So much info and tips rolling around my head. I can't wait to put it into practice and do some amazing saving!

I am thankful for… From the learning rooms…reading, park days, some art stuff. From the kitchen…baked tilapia, steamed broccoli and cabbage, and rice for dinner this eve.

I am wearing…brown shorts, and a ss blouse I am creating…a top secret project.....

I am going…to take a walk as soon as it cools down some this evening. I am reading…Every Now & Then by Karen Kingsbury

I am hoping…to get time to work in our storage shed soon. Must figure out how to de-clutter and organize better!

I am hearing.... Logan chattering, convincing his Daddy he knows about computers.

Around the house…Keira is toddling around, she started walking two nights ago. Now to change the baby-proofed house to toddler-proof!

One of my favorite things…ice water.

A few plans for the rest of the week: playdate at the pool, library art class, babysitting a friend's 7 yr old, quick trip to St Louis on Saturday, then back to teach pre-schoolers on sunday morning.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today July 12, 2010

Outside my window….my 6 yr old and all her little neighborhood friends are playing "spa party" and painting each other's toe nails.

I am thinking….about my blog and the changes I have been working on this week. hoping to improve my overall "look".

I am thankful…that my niece is pregnant with twins...and NOT me! LOL

I am wearing….jean capris and a new summer scooped-neck tshirt...barefoot

I am remembering…picking blackberries with my mom & younger sister when we lived

on a farm as teenagers. All the adventures we would have tromping through the woods.

I am creating…getting ready to start working on jams & jellies this week. Peaches, blueberries, wild blackberries, and sand plums.

I am praying…for some much-needed answers.

From the kitchen…healthy meatloaf, made with lean venison, oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs, egg, and spices. Along with baked potatoes with fresh chives from my window pot, corn on the cob, and sliced tomatoes.

I am hoping…for an amazingly restful and long night of sleep! After such a busy weekend, I am feeling drained.

From the learning rooms…lots of books about everything being read around here, for the library's summer reading program. And last night, my six yr old learned how to make sushi!

I am hearing…the loud silence.

Around the house…laundry still needs folded. Computers still need moved off my dining room table and hooked back up on desks.

One of my favorite things…when my children wrinkle up their noses & smile

A few plans for the rest of the week…library story time, artsy smartsy class, wed night church, and super-excited about going to a couponing class friday night!

Here is a picture I would like to share: exhausted...the way I feel

Read more daybooks through Peggy's blogspot at The Simple Woman's Daybook