Daybook Entry, November 30th

FOR TODAY... from Kathi's Daybook

Outside my window... beautiful sunshine and blue skies

I am thinking...about how glad I am the girls are loving their ballet. It's always good to have a passion for something. And a goal.

I am thankful for...JFOA and all the women who put so much time into this Nutcracker production. It is teaching my girls that hard work and perseverance (in spite of others) pay off. It's also taught me a few things.

I am wearing...black skirt, sage top, woman-in-mask socks

I am remembering...all the little things my Mom did to make this season special for me and my brother and sister. The music...Elvis and Bing Crosby, the food...fudge, candy canes, walnuts, and our traditional Christmas meal, the decorations...red velvet bows "hot-glued" to hanging pictures, her white ceramic Nativity, the Christmas Tree that was child-friendly and touchable (we ALWAYS helped her decorate it), the gifts...always amazing for what she had to work with, the JOY...the happy smile was always there, even if she didn't feel like it!

I am going...to Nutcracker rehearsal tonight...again...

I am currently reading...The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson

I am hoping...I stay calm this weekend, and enjoy the girls' show and our families...I tend to get a wee bit overwhelmed (which comes out as just plain snotty)

On my mind...our little homeschool...we need something...

From the learning rooms...1st grade phonics and math...Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus and Rome and more Rome and then some more Rome...blech Rome

Noticing that...I have turned my children into tradition following crazies...sorry Babe

Pondering these words..."And in despair I bowed my head - There is no peace on earth I said - For hate is strong and mocks the song - Of peace on earth, good will to men" - I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day by Casting Crowns

From the kitchen...pork roast, leftover dressing and baked sweet potatoes

Around the house...EVERYTHING needs cleaned

One of my favorite things...all the handmade gifts Judah has received...Sarah's hooded towel, Mamaw's blankets and diaper bags, June's burp cloths...I wish I could make things (besides the babies:)

From my picture journal...

My Nativity and Churches (and Brian's cell phone:)

Daybook Entry, November 23rd

FOR TODAY...Monday, November 23, 2009

Outside my window...Novembery

I am thinking...about what we (Brian) still needs to pick up from the grocery for our Thanksgiving Feast Thursday

I am thankful for...my Savior, my helpful husband, my healthy children, my warm home, my full pantry, my English bible

From the learning rooms...UGH

From the kitchen...I have a chicken to cook, and dinner to go with it...

I am wearing...a sage green top and my denim skirt, Christmas socks and fuzzy purple slippers

I am creating...a Christmas gift for both my girls

I am going...Korinne has a stretching class tonight (ballet), and we only have ONE NUTCRACKER REHEARSAL THIS WEEK (tomorrow)...YAY...YAY...DOUBLE YAY!!!

I am reading...The Rackety Packety House, Thanksgiving on Thursday, Augustus Ceasar's World, the Sonlight Catalog I got in the mail last week, Squanto Friend of the Pilgrims, Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends, Romans, and we're reading and re-reading In November and The Thanksgiving Story, The Child's Story Bible, and a very neat children's version of My Utmost for His Highest called Jesus Wants All of Me that my Aunt Chris sent down to my children last month

I am praying for...my brother and his family and my sister and her family

I am hearing...Molly Shannon sing "I Feel Like Some Christmas" on Santa Claus 2 (did I mention we're on Thanksgiving Break this week?)

Around the house...pretty tidy, lots of clean laundry to be put away, and we will be super cleaning Wednesday for Thanksgiving Thursday and Christmas Decorating Friday...Also trying very hard to plead my case for a Family Closet to Brian...maybe getting through a little...maybe...hopefully...Please Honey :)...

One of my favorite things...our fireplace...we've been using it in the morning and evening for the last few days now, it's only gas, but it's still sooo cozy

A few plans for the rest of the week: whatever we feel like doing...AND...Thanksgiving...AND...Christmas Decorating...what a fun week this will be!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The big boys playing with TJ's birthday gift (TinkerToys)

Heard Around Home, November 2009

"Momma, where's my nother baby?" Wesley, age 2, looking for Baby Judah (Boo Boo is STILL his baby)

"If I plant this, will it grow a Elmo?" TJ, age 4 (at the time) asking about the sesame seed on his hamburger bun

"Yes, and he wouldn't let go," Kylie, age 12, who had had a dream about her Papaw, who is in Heaven with Jesus, when I asked her if she hugged him

"I don't know what to do...I've been following Kylie all my life, and I just found out she's a nerd!" Korinne, age 9

"Will you go under there and tickle mine? I'll take my slippers off." Connor, age 7, talking to Korinne, who was under the kitchen table tickling Benjamin's toes

"I not a big boy!" Wesley, age 2, insisting he can still have his Pappy

"Why did God give crabs pinchers, they hurt!" TJ, age 4 (at the time)

"Ya." Ben, age 17 months, whenever his answer is "YES"

"OW, Kylie! You just elbowed me with your knee!" Korinne, age 9

"Can I pet him?" TJ, age 4 (at the time), asking to caress his sweet newborn baby brother's head

"Don't worry "Teej" old men don't go to jail..." Connor, age 7, to TJ, age 5, who was upset that Scooby and The Gang had unmasked an older gentleman and were turning him over to the authorities

"Do not fight. Do not cheat. Wash your hands before you eat..." Kylie, age 12, answering her Daddy's question during Family Worship one night of "Why did God send Jonah to Nineveh"...she was lucky, even he chuckled

children's book monday: november

We checked out this book from the library last week, just read it today, and I have to share.

Maybe it's still postpartum hormones, maybe it's knowing we're not going home this year, maybe it's just that I do love November, and all it means.

I got a small lump in my throat and quiet tears in my eyes by the end of this book. I am so blessed to see the beauty fall turning to winter brings, and I am so blessed to have my sweet children to read to and share this special time of year.

This page struck me, mostly because I've always thought of bare trees as lonesome, ugly, and tired...this page reads, "they are lovely...spreading their arms like dancers..." So much nicer.

Cardinals ALWAYS remind me of home, we always had so many visit our little yard on Whippoorwill Hollow each winter.

...giving thanks for blessings like food and babies in arms...

In November by Cynthia Rylant...now on my Family Library Wishlist

children's book monday: captain cat

Captain Cat by Syd Hoff.

This is a very special book to our family about a tabby cat that joins the Army. I bought it for Bubba just a few months after Brian deployed to Afghanistan in 2005.

Captain Cat sneaks onto post when noone is looking, learns to keep in step, help with kitchen duty and befriends Soldier Pete.

I couldn't tell you how many times I read this book to my little boy who was missing his Soldier Daddy sooo much it broke my heart.

It's a MUST HAVE for all Military Families!

Daybook Entry, November 2nd

FOR TODAY...Monday, November 2, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...I can see an almost full moon from where I'm sitting at the computer desk.

I AM THINKING...about how often Mondays really do stink!

I AM THANKFUL FOR...Tuesdays.

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...New Testament Books, Proverbs 16:24, Rome, and the Brain.

FROM THE KITCHEN...I need to get the beans soaking for tomorrow's dinner.

I AM WEARING...gray yoga pants and a Buckeye's tee

I AM CREATING...our Christmas list for the children. I think I may ask them to make their's soon and then let each of them share it on my blog for their grandparents to see.

I AM GOING...I should be going to my postpartum appointment tomorrow. But I canceled it. Because when the nurse called to confirm today, it was Monday. And Monday's stink. And I didn't feel like going anywhere. BUT...tomorrow is Tuesday (thank goodness) and I would probably have felt better about going, so I should've kept the appointment.

I AM READING...A Familiar Path

I AM HOPING...Wesley decides that he really is a big boy soon.

I AM HEARING...the baby swing, the boys' Poky Little Puppy audiobook, the wind, Brian's IPod, the fridge humming...

AROUND THE HOUSE...Forget the Sandman and the Tooth Fairy, Mop Fairy please come visit me!!!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...is not Monday.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...Ballet, CubScouts, Nutcracker Rehearsal, Youth Group, Missions Class, and I may join the Women's Bible Study at church on Wednesday night. Maybe.

A PICTURE TO SHARE...