Daybook Entry, March 2014

Outside my window... it is cold today. But no snow. 

I am thinking... that I'll never stop missing the snow. No matter that all our friends and family back in Cincinnati are so exhausted of it they could die. I'll never stop missing the snow.

I am thankful... that we did get just a little snow a few weeks ago. Five inches ... maybe? Enough to shut down the entire state of South Carolina, anyway.

In the kitchen... I don't cook anymore. I'm teasing. Really, though ... I haven't cooked but a few meals since Miss Miriam was born. She takes up a lot ... A Lot ... of my time. It's nice having the girls around to help. And I'm very happy that one of Brian's passions is cooking.

I am wearing... gray yoga pants and a cream and light blue sweater.

I am creating... I got my weekly planner back out this morning. The last nine weeks are blank. See? Miriam takes ALL my time. So much that I can't even schedule the rest of it.

I am going... leaving here shortly to take Kylie to music lessons. I tell her every Tuesday how inconvenient it is to have to leave in the middle of naptime to take her to class. She tells me every Tuesday that I tell her every Tuesday. We are switching the time for music lessons after this semester.

I am wondering... if I'll get this Daybook Entry finished before I have to inconveniently leave for Kylie's music lessons in just a few minutes (?)

I am reading... Today is my last day of reading through the entire book of Psalms and Proverbs in one month. Until I realized it was the end of February ... which doesn't have enough days in it to read through the entire books. I just finished Phyllis Tickle's book for winter, waiting on UPS to deliver her spring book. I'm about to finish a Saint Patrick's Day book I bought for the older boys ... it's not at all what I expected ... I may not even have them read it.

*** PAUSE *** to take Kylie to music lessons. (Tuesday 1;45PM)

***RESUME*** (Wednesday 1:10PM)

I am hoping... that the fever that started in Zach late yesterday afternoon really is his tooth trying to come in, and not a nasty virus he's picked up from Who Knows Where -- since the child hasn't left the house in weeks ... ...

I am looking forward to... 5:00 PM when Brian will get home. Being a stay-at-home/homeschooling mom of nine kids makes having my husband arriving home from work seem like Christmas. The kids are always happy to see him, and I'm elated. Someone to talk to. Someone to help. Someone here. It's like a huge weight is lifted off my shoulders every time he walks back through the door.

I am learning... that I always forget how long it takes to get back to normal when a new baby arrives. I overestimate what our family is realistically capable of doing every single time. Miriam will be six weeks old on Friday ... and things still seem out of whack.

Around the house... I'm trying very hard to let some things go. We don't have to pick up the toys five times a day. Twice is good. I don't need all the laundry done every day. Three loads is good. I have stopped cooking breakfast on school days ... it would take me forty-five minutes to prepare the meal, and Kylie at least another half an hour to clean it up. We've embraced cereal and juice. It's nice. I also stopped having Kylie cook lunch. It cut her school time short, and it took Korinne too long to clean up. We're enjoying sandwiches and chips now (on paper plates if we have them). 

I am pondering... what is the difference between thinking and pondering? I'll have to look that up. Maybe "thinking" is something that has just been on my mind for a bit ... ... and "pondering" is something that has been on my mind for a while (which is longer than a bit).

A favorite quote for today... "May you never steal, lie, or cheat, but if you must steal, then steal away my sorrows, and if you must lie, lie with me all the nights of my life, and if you must cheat, then please cheat death because I couldn't live a day without you. Cheers!" -- from the movie Leap Year ... which I will be watching just *a few* times with my girls this month!

One of my favorite things... having teenage girls that I can do things like watch good movies with. We do love Leap Year. And Pearl Harbor. And Letters to Juliet. And You've Got Mail. And Enchanted. And Leap Year. 

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Korinne had a cardiology appointment this morning (all good news). She has ballet this evening. Kylie has youth praise band rehearsal before church this evening, so Brian and the boys will have to leave early for church too. Miriam, Zach, and I will stay home. 

(Pictures are peeks into my yesterday... )

December Daybook

FOR TODAY, December 11th, 2012

Outside my window... it was damp, and still too warm for almost mid-December. I miss December in Cincinnati. Very much

I am thinking... that I'm really at the point where I need to teach my boys that there is a time for quiet and still. I'm actually past that point.

I am thankful... for children's acetaminophen/ibuprofen, as Zach has been battling a low-grade fever for 4-5 days now.

In the kitchen... I made Chicken Noodle Soup for dinner this evening. Everyone had seconds, some had thirds, everyone raved. I am a happy homemaker tonight.

I am wearing... grey sweatpants, and the navy blue Nutcracker tee from the girls' 2009 performance. I miss my ballerinas performing in the Nutcracker. Very much.

I am creating... I've been thinking of my 2013 Goals List. It's pretty simple. And mostly attainable. And fairly easily.

I am going... if Z's fever doesn't go soon, I will make our first trip to the doctor's office since we have lived here in South Carolina. (I am not including Judah's Nurse-Maid's Elbow)

I am wondering... how this many days of Advent have gone by already. We're behind in our reading, and I feel not very Christmas-y.

I am reading... I haven't picked a book up in a few weeks. Other than a few of the Christmas board books. -- I know. It's so weird.

I am hoping... my will to read returns soon.

I am looking forward to... my will to read returning.

I am learning... that I need to have faith like I encourage everyone else to have.

Around the house... I had a mountain of laundry to conquer today. Taking 1.5 days off is so not worth it. I mostly got it all finished ... except for all the things that go on hangers. Did I tell all of you that I made the master bedroom closet an Almost Family Closet? I did. Brian, myself, and six little boys' clothes are in there. And it takes effort to keep it organized.

I am pondering... wondering ... pondering ... isn't that the same thing? 

A favorite quote for today... Wear the old coat, buy the new book. ...or something like that. Maybe I just need a new book to jump start my will to read. NOT about homeschooling or parenting. Suggestions?

One of my favorite things... my Christmas red bird nightgown I bought myself from Walmart. I love it. I also love my Advent Centerpiece. And Kylie's Sled/Ice Skates display on othe front stoop. And my new Snowman Wreath from my friend, Cathy. And my housewarming gift of The Lord's Prayer from my mother-in-law. And the kids picture with the Mall Santa from yesterday.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  my mom will be here Thursday, Brian and I are going on a date to have dessert and coffee and buy stocking stuffers Saturday, we are visiting a new (#7 in the 4 months since we've been here in SC) church on Sunday.

A peek into my day...

daybook, october 4th

Outside my window... it's dark and cool right now. But the days are still warm. Too warm. Not quite Indian-summer-ish. But definitely still summer. I try not to think of the cool autumn temperatures that I'm sure our family is experiencing at home. Or the beautiful, colorful trees. Or the smile driving by Shaw Farms would bring.



i love that i caught Benjamin laughing at her

I am thinking... that it's for certain I'll never make it through this daybook before Zach starts stirring. He's been asleep since 7:30-ish. It could almost be a record. Sleep, little baby, sleep.

I am thankful... for our new, safe neighborhood. I met another neighbor today. A lady, about my age, who we thought *must* be divorced. No. She is a widow. And spoke of her husband, Jeff, with a sparkle in her eye.

In the kitchen... I made a chicken devan tonight. It was yummy. But more exciting was the little Recipe Notebook I made once the kids were all in bed. I've just been throwing recipes in a binder for years. Now, they are all organized. And pretty.

I am wearing... my sea-green moon and stars jammies. I am in bed.

I am creating... oh, I already said this. I'm pretty proud of my non-creative self, so I'll say it again. I created a Recipe Notebook. I also covered another composition notebook I'd been using to take down blog notes. They look so much nicer covered.

I am going... I will probably take all the kids to WalMart tomorrow. Judah got his birthday card from Mamaw and Papaw today, and I've pretty much decided he can spend his gift money on whatever he wants. Which will be a Hawkeye action figure. Or maybe Captain America on his motorcycle.



letters and phonics have proved to be a little much for the Kindergartner ... so we're not stressing, and spending more time on the fun things. things already mastered. so as to not overwhelm.

I am wondering... how that trip to WalMart will go with all the kids. Storytime Tuesday morning was enough to kill me. Really. I swore we'd never go back. And the library is my favorite place.

I am reading... Keeping House: The Litany of Everyday Life (excellent), Anne of Green Gables, Jesus Calling (for kids), and many different Read Alouds to the kids.

I am hoping... that Judah is able to ride the big wheel/trike/bike we bought him for his birthday. He wanted a Shark Attack bike, but we couldn't find it. So I showed him a few different Radio Flyers on Amazon ... and let him choose.

I am looking forward to... the weekend. Pizza and a movie tomorrow night. A birthday day Saturday. And resting Sunday.

I am learning... the planning side of homemaking. This house is so much bigger (more to clean, but easier), and our washing machine is so much smaller (more loads to wash), and our grocery budget needs scaled back.

Around the house... I still cannot find the box with all my autumn decorations and books in it. I'm hoping we find it this weekend, so we can makes things a little more festive.

I am pondering... "The week has this written all over it: God only allows pain if He’s allowing something new to be born" -AV

A favorite quote for today... as I was making my Recipe Notebook, I thought of all the time I've spent in the kitchen the last few years with my girls ... cooking the recipes I was going through and organizing, and I thought of my favorite Dolly Parton quote, “When I was a little girl, I always wanted to be in the kitchen because it was warm, and that’s where my mother was. You never lose that feeling.”

One of my favorite things... Friday night's easy dinner. Pizza. Sometimes the take out kind. Sometimes the frozen kind. Tomorrow night's is the frozen kind.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Judah turns 3 Saturday. *THAT* is all the (big) plans we need!

A peek into my day...
 




i'm sorry. snack time could not get any better when you're sharing with this guy!

daybook, july 16th

Outside my Window ... mild, but storm-ready. Which makes me happy.

I am thinking ... how glad I am that we have absolutely NO plans today whatsoever. We need a good day of school work and chores.

I am thankful for ... a break from Seminary. Brian and I have been talking about life, watching our shows, and reading good books.

From the school room ... Brian put the kids back on track with Math just before he left for work this morning, Kylie is working through Analytical Grammar at a fast pace, Korinne is almost finished with Spelling 5, we have hopes that Connor will reach the end of English 2 by the move, and TJ is reading aloud each Mr Putter and Tabby this summer.

From the kitchen ... Coffee with caramel machiato creamer, *Daddy's chocolate milk (because he evidently makes it better), waffles. The blueberry kind.

I am wearing ... my faded, lilac housecoat over my yellow, butterfly nightgown.

I am reading ... finishing up The Mission of Motherhood and For The Children's Sake. Both excellent, every summer reads. Brian and I started Shepherding Your Child's Heart again. And he just finished What He Must Be yesterday, and asked me to read it too. I'm also still working on the Newberry Challenge. Slowly. Bridge To Terabithia.

I am hoping and praying ... my grandma is feeling relief from her pain today. And that my grandpa can get her surgery moved up.

 

I am creating ... an organized, move-ready home. I have 2 more big projects to tackle before our packers come August 9th. The attic, and all the kids' out-of-season clothing. We've decided to purchase each child a Rubbermaid Roughneck storage box ... hoping those will withstand the moving truck and many years of switching out.

I am going ... nowhere. But tomorrow we have spaghetti dinner plans with our friends, the Hutchesons.

I am hearing ... the dramatic music and anxious voices of the shark wranglers. We LOVE History Channel's new show.

Around the house ... packing, taking wall art down, spackling ... I'm also on a mission to teach some of the youger kids how to do some chores that the big kids have been doing for a few years. The girls are wanting to do more cooking and baking, and need some time freed up to do so.

 Some of my favorite things ...

Benjamin's new ABC and 123 Star Wars books. So simple. So big and sturdy. He loves them to0. Free Chick-fil-A. Such an all-around great place.

And Pastor Rogers on Sunday nights with my family.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... school work, chore training, packing ...

 

daybook, march 19th

Outside my Window ... birds swirling, loudly, trees budding, pollen laying

I am thinking ... I should've prepared better for the week. I'm pretending I did ... we'll see how far that gets me today. Mondays are NOT my thing

I am thankful for ... a husband who leads Bible Study at 6AM in the morning. He could rush out the door for work, and not think twice about the hearts of his family. But he doesn't

From the school room ... Week 2 of Ambleside Online Years 1 and 6. I did ALL the reading for both week 1s. I'm hoping to do the same this week for both week 2s. I also hope to find the time to purchase SCM's Module 1 History Guidebook today. BUT! ... we will not rush through these next 11 weeks to go to it

From the kitchen ...coffee, chocolate milk, rice krispies

I am wearing ... jammies. If you're a nursing momma, you have to get to WalMart and get yourself a few of these nightgowns. They have 6 buttons down the front ... perfect for nursing (and a lot cheaper than Motherhood Maternity!)

I am reading ... the only book I'm reading besides our AO lists is Calico Captive. I have J. R. Miller's Homemaking in my bag, but I haven't started it yet

I am hoping ... for a good week. I do love that each Monday is a fresh, new start. I just don't love Monday for itself

I am creating ... a Pinterest Board ... loving it! Now, if I can just find some time to carry a few of the projects out. First on my list:  our Calvary Hill/Resurrection Garden, which we did two Easters ago, but didn't get around to it last year

I am going ... to get out tonight to get the fun stuff for the kids' Spring Baskets! The first day sort of crept up on me

I am hearing ... Martha Speaks (the kids' favorite) and my grunting baby. Brian said he's going to start calling him Switchblade, he's that grunty (edited:  Brian texted me to let me know it's Swing Blade NOT Switchblade. And the grunter in the movie is named Karl. We saw it a long time ago. Sorry. ...He also texted me a pic of what I thought was a crack in the highway, and asked me what it was from, to which I responded, "earthquake," to which he responded, "It's a stick caught in the wiper blades." to which I responded, "Oh." ... "The boys then." ... he's getting a good laugh out of me this morning. Boo.)

Around the house ... so much to do. Spring Cleaning with the constant thought that my Mother-in-Law will be here Saturday. She'd say, "Don't worry about your house." Like she made sure to tell me, "Don't worry about dinner." But! I'm going to worry nonetheless, and scrub my little house til it sparkles! I like a Spring Cleaned, Sparkly Home anyway

 One of my favorite things ... my homeschool binder with all my articles, booklists, and scope & sequences in it. Even though I don't Lesson Plan, having my binder always with me makes it seem like I do

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... Spring Cleaning, catching up on grading English papers, enjoying the last week of free nights without Baseball, and planning Wesley's 5th Birthday Party (camo ... not barbie)

daybook, march 1st

:: outside my window ... a warm evening

:: listening to ... David Crowder Band, and folk songs on YouTube. Really. Thinking of giving this a try...because this makes a lot of sense. (and not just because it starts out talking about Baseball:)

:: giving thanks for ... twelve days of baby bliss

:: living the educational life ... finishing up Zoology notebooks through Lesson 6, studying the Passion Week, reading aloud The Bronze Bow (again) ...we've been lite schooling with Baby Zach, and Daddy being home so much

:: wearing ... a blue nightgown from WalMart ... perfect for nursing and tucking baby into at night

:: preparing in the kitchen ... I made a quick Spaghetti Dinner tonight, we finished off a pan of brownies the girls made yesterday, lunch meat samiches and leftover mashed potatoes for lunch

:: creating by hand ... I have lamps that need spray painted, and our St. Patrick's Day flowers need some TLC (or replaced)

:: following these links ... Why Would We Observe Lent?, Destruction-proofing your family  or ALL of LMLD's Reading posts, or ALL of Cheryl's 31 Days to Make a House a Home (so good)

 :: turning pages ... Shepherding a Child's Heart (again), Calico Captive, and the AO website

:: finding rhythm ... not quite yet

:: keeping house ... I super cleaned our bathroom tonight for the first time in two weeks (Kylie had been doing it for me). Felt good. Smells good. I like clean.

:: finding joy in ... my life. It's not too hard.

:: praying ... for an easy weekend.

:: planning the week ahead ... we're back to school full-force Monday. I'm so glad we're year round schoolers. Makes life easier.

daybook, december 12th

:: outside my window ...dark and cold, each morning there is frost, and I find myself straining to see out the sun porch door. Is it snow? (it has been. twice already.)

:: listening to ...Christmas music. Oh For Joy and Christmas are our new favorites this year.

:: giving thanks for ...the mildness of Benjamin's little mishap with the piano yesterday. An emergency, true. But a small one.

:: living the educational life ...we're staying pretty on track with language arts and math. I suppose you could call this month Christmas School. Christmas read alouds, Christmas poetry, Christmas copywork, Christmas scripture memorization. More Christmas read alouds.

:: wearing ...plain long sleeve tees, comfy sweats, my beloved gray sweater jacket, Christmas socks, slippers. All day. Every day.

:: preparing in the kitchen ...a french toast breakfast, with extra vanilla and! powdered sugar. Sandwiches and chips and! leftover Christmas sprinkle cake for lunch. A spaghetti dinner (with meat sauce, requested by Connor), made by Kylie.

:: creating by hand ...I've made my little Christmas Craft List. And we're happily creating our way through. This week:  Cinnamon Christmas Tree Ornaments, Yarn Angels, and Paper Snowflakes.

:: following these links ...mostly Christmas crafts. And I'll share those as we go on Fridays. I'll admit, I find myself with less to say when I do more blog reading. Although I realize everyone probably wonders where I am... I'm here. Capturing my family, our moments. Which I was doing less and less of before. But this feels right for now. And good.

I did, however, start using a new comment thingy. In order to be more personal in this space. I think it's working from my side. But I have noticed less comments, which doesn't bother me so much...but I wonder if it's hard to use(?)

:: turning pages ...Simplicity Parenting. A very slow start. I'm so tired right now (30 weeks)...I blog a little, read less, and sleep more.

:: finding rhythm ...in less structure. Which is hard for me.

:: keeping house ...we're taking a more relaxed approach in this area too. Everything is still clean, it's just not perfect. It's comfortable. "A place for everything, and everything in it's place." is not a motto I want to carry around with me anymore. An atmosphere of love, and creativity, and safety is more what I'm after right now. ...I don't have a quote for that.

:: finding joy in ...my camera again. Capturing the normal, everyday, little moments. It's a gift.

:: praying ...for an old friend who is in the hospital, while her husband is at home with their children. For my brother-in-law. For JP, who seems to be always sick...I wish we had more day to day details about our little compassion child.

:: planning the week ahead ...Storytime with Santa on Wednesday at our little library. Knitting Club is on hold for the holidays...but wait! there is another one on Thursday nights, do we want to go? My friend (and her entire family) are performing in A Christmas Carol this weekend, and I hope the girls and I get to go.

daybook, november 1st

living seasonally…

I don't know how, but it seems our little corner of the world knew it was November today. The sun was beautifully shining, but there was a very cool breeze in the air, and I had to wear my beloved purple sweater outside this afternoon. The boys played baseball and dirt guns, while the girls read Shakespeare on blankets, and I sat in my chair watching the pecan tree leaves twirl to the ground. I really do love November.

giving thanks…

My mom spent the last 24 hours in the hospital. She is home now, and I'm grateful for her diagnosis, although I know it won't be easy. But my little prayer warrior, Wesley, prayed for her (and her exercise routine) this evening during family worship.

 

thinking deeply…

 

It's so hard when emergencies come up, being military ... far away from loved ones in need, and being able to lend a hand. Living where God has placed me is hard sometimes. But right all the time.

turning pages…

 

1 Peter ... our entire family is using The GOAL Study, and working our way through together.

Passionate Housewives ... I do believe that Carissa is joining me in re-reading this favorite. Scripture really does portray homemaking as beautiful, and I need to be reminded.

one thousand gifts ... (maybe) I've read the first three chapters last spring, and they were too much for me. But I keep being drawn to it.

 

establishing rhythm…

 

We are struggling to find a balance for school right now. So many ages and stages and books to teach and choose. Everything has felt stale and generic. We're making so many changes in focus, curriculum, routine ... but it's slow changes.

I do, however, love to see TJ enjoying and learning Math and hearing him read to me out of his Pathway Reader. He laughs. Out loud. At dressed up kitty-dolls. And he frowns. Out loud. When big brother is mean to little sister. (this part is not stale homeschooling, it is my heart, homeschooling)

cultivating simplicity…

As I googled for simple Christmas (my Christmas Wish this winter), I stumbled upon this little post, ...

"I was just reading about the Ingalls family Christmas celebration. Each child got a peppermint stick and a new pair of mittens and a very large, special supper. That was all. The simplicity of their Christmas celebration was in stark contrast to the pile of goodies under our tree and the onslaught of decadent food that starts in November and lasts all the way till January when we vow to abstain for ever after!"

 

creating beauty…

Korinne is finishing her first knitted scarf as I type. She's used every last bit of yarn that Miss Victoria (the knitting librarian that is going to Paris in spring) gave her. She sits on the couch some evenings, perfectly content, and knitting. It makes me smile.

I reminded myself this afternoon, that it's time to put away the pumpkin moonshine jars, tart warmer, and tea light holder ... and get out my little pilgrims and turkeys. We will be decorating for Christmas in just a few weeks too. Early. The weekend before Thanksgiving. Because we are, indeed, going Over The River and Through The Woods this year.

nurturing hearts…

 

As much as I'm trying to place the proper meaning in the kids of Christmas, I feel like Thanksgiving easily gets overlooked. The focus still tends to be visiting, food, and turkeys here. When I need to be filling little hearts full of real, true, grateful thanksgiving. We have so much. And too often, it goes unnoticed.

"They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness. " - Psalm 145:7 NKJV

nurturing minds…

A hard decision to make ... but we have shelved our English books. Complicated no longer works in our simple home. I was ready to do a cheer for Brian after watching this. We will take a long break first though. We have holidays to celebrate, and a new baby to welcome to the world. Then ... we will worry about Grammar.

nurturing senses…

We made s'mores Saturday evening. Over a smoking fire. Outside. In fall. It was delicious. They were delicious. ... My dad enjoyed one for the first time with us. Wesley and Benjamin thoroughly enjoyed theirs too!

nurturing hands…

Lotion makes it's return in our routine. After washing dishes, after bathing babies. Judah actually sighed as I massaged his chubby legs.

nurturing bodies…

I realize I'm so tired, just about the time to start dinner every night. I prepared the kitchen, but sat in the kitchen chair, as Brian prepared the meal. Cheeseburger skillet. With all the fixin's. Oh, and French Fries. Really. Good. French Fries.

tending the earth...

If we keep a few of our pumpkin seeds ... how do we store them until spring? Buying pumpkins for eight children is expensive!

daybook, october 18th

 

Outside my Window... rainy, chilly...October!

What We're Learning... Kylie's at the Library, learning how to Volunteer, both Korinne and Connor had English "tests" today, Korinne's was over the 8 parts of speech, Connor's was over Nouns and Verbs, TJ is learning the difference between to, too and two (s-l-o-w-l-y), we went over 1 Peter 1 this morning, and our History (SOTW 4) is becoming so dry and boring...I'm not sure how we're going to spend 5 more months with this book! If anyone knows of a well-loved Modern Times History-ish book, please share it with me! Please!

I am thankful for... Tylenol 3

From the kitchen... cereal for breakfast, PB&J for lunch, chicken tacos (made by the girls) for dinner

I am wearing... navy yoga pants, Army long-sleeve tee, navy socks, ponytail

 

I am reading... the new Vision Forum catalog came in the mail yesterday, does that count

I am praying... for Judah. He's 4.5 days into his antibiotic, and has started running a fever again. The nurse wants me to bring him back to the office.

 

I am creating... we're going to go buy orange yarn and green and brown pipe cleaners to make Yarn Pumpkins (like over on Elise's pretty, Autumn table)

 

I am hearing... Judah fuss, Rinny trying to make him happy, the rain dripping from the gutters, and The Incredibles on TV (we take it easy when Kylie goes to work, so she doesn't miss much 'school')

 

I am remembering... that I need to be better about keeping my own appointments, doctor and dentist..

On my mind... fever. for 4 weeks now. I'm exhausted

 

Noticing that... once you start creating, you want to keep creating

 

One of my favorite things... seeing my children do well on English "tests"

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Judah back to pediatrician tonight, knitting class for Korinne tomorrow, I think we'll finally make it to the grocery tomorrow too, Thursday morning I'm having 2 teeth extracted and a bone graft at my dentist, Brian will be taking the day off to help (YAY!), Friday we have no plans except Family Movie Night, Saturday we're hoping to paint the Dining Room (Golden Honey), and Sunday we hope to get out to Church.

daybook, october 10th

Outside my Window... warm darkness

What We're Learning... I'm not sure yet. We took the day 'off' learning, since Brian was home, and I haven't taken a peek at our book readings for the week

I am thankful for... the Army giving days like Columbus Day to their Soldiers, to spend time at home with their families

From the kitchen... the girls made banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, and goulash this afternoon for dinner, we had lunch meat sandwiches and cheese & crackers for lunch, and I made yummy cinnamon toast for breakfast

I am wearing... gray yoga pants, and my Old Navy flag tee from this summer's Independence Day

I am reading... Halls of Fame (Volume 12) and In Your Hands: A Parent's Guide Book (Index) that go with our new-to-us 1951 Edition of My Book House, the Autumn sections of A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections On The Gentle Art of Learning and Lessons at Blackberry Inn, Jim Trelease's The Read ~ Aloud Handbook, and Loving The Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches (for the THIRD! time)

I am praying...

that ALL my boys' health returns soon. We've been s-l-o-w-l-y moving through a stuffy, coughing, feverish, runny nose, sickly eyes virus. Exactly THREE! weeks of it, tomorrow!

I am creating... a home that says Welcome Autumn. We have fall leaves, pumpkins, scarecrows, apple & caramel candles, Autumn Book Basket, pumpkin moon shines, and plans for a few neat, little fall crafts (Autumn Wreath, Jar Pumpkin Moon Shines, Caramel Apple Cupcakes ...). The girls and I also picked out paint colors for every room in the house this past weekend. Now, to just get Mrs. Landlord's approval

I am hearing... Brian's pen clicking in the dining room, the water running upstairs, and night sounds coming in through the sun porch door

I am remembering... the fun we had on our Family Nature Walk this morning. The treasure bags full of nature's goodness, the duck feeding, the flower picking, the 'baby' fish, the 2 year old with his walking stick, Brian stopping to show everyone a spider... Amanda was right, we needed to get outdoors

On my mind... the fevers. I hate, hate, hate when the children have fevers. It consumes me. Worry. So many meds. Worry. Little eyes that beg me to make them feel better. Worry.

Noticing that... I'm not as tired in the evenings as I was a few weeks ago. Energy. Just in time for the Holidays

One of my favorite things... Mimi, our kitty. I really do love her. She hangs out on the window sills of our sun porch and looks so homely and kitty-ish. She also loves us, which is, in my opinion, a unique quality in a kitty

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Brian goes back to work tomorrow, we go back to learning and routine. Korinne has knitting class Wednesday. Kylie volunteers at the Library on Thursday morning. The girls and I have Irish Dance Class Thursday afternoon. Friday is grocery day, pizza night, and Family Movie Night, Brian has Drill this weekend, I hope to do some more decorating Saturday (outside with mums and pumpkins), and Sunday, we will REST

daybook, september 20th

Outside my Window... cloudy and chilly...but I don't mind

What We're Learning... we're in the midst of the Civil War and the Early Church

I am thankful for... a napping 4 year old (who seems to be coming down with something...not to mention his little brother, Benjamin, gave him a nice shiner!)

From the kitchen... pot roast, carrots, and mashed potatoes for dinner. We had turkey sandwiches for lunch (topped with lettuce and cut in half...which was a nice, little touch

I am wearing... gray sweat pants, yellow top

 

I am reading... Peter Pan to the kids and some background stuff on the Civil War

I am praying... that Wesley isn't coming down with anything, that my dad feels 100% soon, and that our little sponsor child is well

I am creating... a family calendar...I think we're about to become a little busier

 

I am hearing... silence, it's been a nice change

 

I am remembering... that silence doesn't always mean sleep...maybe I should go check on everyone!

 

On my mind... Christmas. We are simplifying Big Time this year

Noticing that... the kids probably won't care about any STUFF! we actually cut out of the Christmas Celebration...they always care more about the special things we do, than the 'cool' things they could get

 

One of my favorite things... fall. I'm elated it's finally here. Chili, pumpkins, hot tea, apple candles, scarecrows, mums ... ...

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Korinne wants to go to Knitting class tomorrow, we're going to Church tomorrow evening, the boys have a Lego-thingy at the library Thursday, the girls and I have been invited to a Baby Shower Thursday evening, Friday is the first day of fall...we'll be decorating, making chili and pumpkin pie and maybe watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" for Family Movie Night, Saturday Brian will be home All. Day. (yay!), Sunday we'll go back to church. ...And all of that, makes me smile :)

daybook, august 29th

Outside my Window... a beautiful sunshiny day

What We're Learning... about the Great Exhibition, nouns & verbs, and how we should live by Jesus' example

I am thankful for... the end of Annual Training

From the kitchen... cinnamon oatmeal for breakfast, macaroni with tomato and basil sauce and parmesan cheese for lunch, Brian's bringing home (frozen) pizza for dinner, and we will be having Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream for dessert

I am wearing... khaki capris and a black maternity tee

I am reading... just skimmed through the current issue of Above Rubies

I am praying... for some much-needed energy

I am creating... a solid high school schedule/credits for Kylie's 9th grade year. This has been the most challenging homeschool planning I've yet to do since we started our home education journey in 2007. I think we are almost there

I am hearing... the clatter of the sun porch ceiling fan, the buzz of my desktop, and the whir of the ceiling fan in our bedroom. It's amazingly that quiet

I am remembering... that I still need to call the pediatrician's office, since we completely missed Judah's check up back on the 19th. I dread DR appointments, and therefore unconsciously forget most of them. I long for a doctor like Amanda's wonderful family doctor. What a blessing!

On my mind... is this baby a boy or a girl? It doesn't really matter at all. But we sure would love another little girl. Except for Benjamin. He wants a boy.

Noticing that... maternity clothes are either skin tight or hot air balloon-ish. There is no classy in-between

One of my favorite things... a Homecoming. Three weeks is just too long to be apart from my Soldier-Husband. I missed him so much it hurt.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... the grocery store and the library, most likely fishing this weekend, Korinne has requested a trip to the Roller Skating Rink, and church

 

daybook, august 9th

For Today...Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Outside my Window...another beautiful day. Sunny, but not too hot. With a very nice breeze. Much, much better than that day that was 107* last week!

What We're Learning...we started back to school yesterday. We ended up taking most of the summer off, so it's the first time we're back to schooling like normal folks in a few years. Korinne and Connor are using 1850-MOD, pretty much as-is in the TM. TJ will wait to start First Grade until Thursday (a recommendation from the TM, so that Exploration Day falls on a Wednesday, giving him a much needed mid-week break each week). Kylie is doing...until we're able to purchase AHL. Yes, those plans are much different than the ones I just posted last Friday...but we had a very homeschool friendly weekend, that reminded us of a lot of homeschool-type things we'd forgotten. Ahem, moving on...

I am thankful for...relief from morning sickness during the day. I cannot take one of my prescriptions because it causes extreme fatigue. The other one I can take up to three times a day...which I only need to take once, around dinner time. I'm very thankful. Very.

From the kitchen...we had maple & brown sugar oatmeal for breakfast, chips & queso & corn for lunch, and dinner may just be Stouffer's Lasagna.

I am wearing...jean skirt, gray tee

I am reading...nothing. It makes me ill. We are even listening to our Read Aloud (Farmer Boy) on audiobook.

I am praying...for my mom. Who thinks she broke her foot at work yesterday. For the families of Seal Team 6. Such sad news. I'm also praying that this war will be over soon. Very soon.

I am creating...I rearranged the furniture in my family room yesterday. We brought back down a chair, ottoman, and the computer table from the empty room. It's a little crowded but we like it much better this way. Cozy.

I am hearing...the neighbor mowing his grass, the AC (which NEVER turns off), and Wesley asking a thousand questions (he is also NEVER off!)

I am remembering...that it takes Stouffer's Lasagna like forever to cook, so I will have to think of something else for dinner...

I am going...to head back outside with the kids as soon as the babies wake up. It really is nice out.

On my mind...how to find a way to get everything accomplished in a day that needs done. I know I posted our Morning Routine a while back...and as soon as I posted it, it needed changed. Now I see with a 9th grader, 6th grader, 3rd grader, 1st grader, 2 preschoolers, a toddler, and a baby on the way...that I can no longer fight the schedule thing. Routine won't cut it any more.

Noticing that...I don't have the urge to put my kids back in public school this year. Usually, with all the back to school sales, and the school buses driving around, etc. I get that sad feeling that they're missing out somehow. I don't feel that this year.

One of my favorite things...Blue Belle Ice Cream. It's one thing (one!) that I will miss when we move from here. ...the Banana Pudding flavor is the BEST!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...we had plans to go to the pool with friends on Thursday...but it looks like that will have to be cancelled again. We also have to get to the grocery store before the weekend.

daybook, june 13th

Outside my Window...a storm just blew through. now the sun is trying to shine.


What We're Learning...The Last Supper, skip counting by 2s, how to diagram simple subject & simple predicate sentences, ...


I am thankful for...the little grocery store around the corner that sells good lunch meat and cheese


From the kitchen...we had sandwiches, leftover mac & cheese, and BBQ chips for lunch


I am wearing...jean skirt, yellow top, hair in a ponytail, bare feet


I am reading...Anne of Green Gables, The Art of Homemaking


I am praying...for Korinne's wellness, and that she is the last of the family to battle this very s-l-o-w moving virus!


I am creating...an organized home. all seasonal decor is in the attic. my laundry room cupboard is organized (as are the cupboards/drawers that house our microwave), my closet is almost finished...AND! we purchased another shelf this weekend, so ALL our books now have a home (but it IS already filled)


I am hearing...Kylie flipping the pages of her bible, the hum of the fans


I am remembering...that I need to activate a new debit card, to at least start on Kylie's lesson plans for her Freshman year, and check on my parents (aren't you home yet?!?!)


I am going...nowhere today. Korinne has Book Discussion Tuesday. We may go swimming and to Ladie's Bible Study Wednesday, Storytime at the Library Thursday, Friday (?), the boys want to go Fishing again Saturday...but the girls want to go shopping, and hopefully, hopefully to church on Sunday (if no one else gets the bug!).


On my mind...blooming where I'm planted. I'm having trouble lately. I'm so anxious for Brian to get orders. I don't think it will happen anytime soon, and the position that's (still) open in H@w@ii just haunts me (truly).


Noticing that...everything looks so green and clean now that it rained. The air even feels cleaner.


One of my favorite things...the things my kids say. This morning, Wesley exclaimed, "You look pretty, Momma!" and Benjamin and I had a silly discussion... Me: "You're rotten and stinky." Benjamin: "No I'm not." Me: "OK, you're sweet and delicious." Benjamin: "No, Momma. We don't eat children!"


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...see "I am going"

daybook, april 14th

Outside my Window...it was a perfect evening weather-wise, but I just saw on Facebook where my friend Suzanne is WARNING her fellow Arkansans about the weather...so now it seems like the perfectness may be gone

What We're Learning...how to pray for the different branches of the government, how Spin Brushes work better than manual brushes (according to our dentist), how there is a difference between mopping the kitchen floor sometime last weekend...or maybe the end of last week...or sometime recently

I am thankful for...the older boys' lead tests coming back normal, and for my mom who is a good listener, and for the rest of the 383rd that is FINALLY! home now.

From the kitchen...for dinner, I made pancakes & bacon, and Korinne made warm, cinnamon applesauce

I am wearing...gray capri pants, Army tee

I am reading...The Classical Teacher, Spring 2011 (it came in the mail today, and has some pretty good articles in it)

I am praying...for my mom's recovery from her knee replacement surgery on Monday, and for my Baby Judah, and for my husband

I am creating...I should be creating my Homeschool Highlights post...but here I am, writing a silly Daybook Entry

I am hearing...Hank the Cowdog playing on the Boys' CD player (they are all asleep, why don't I go turn it off? Because I love Hank.)

I am remembering...to help the kids make their Daddy's Uncle a Birthday Card tomorrow...we keep forgetting, so Brian wrote it up on the white board. I have a terrible memory. Lists are my friends. So are white boards. And husbands who write things down for their wives to remember.

I am going...I should have gone to a Homeschool Mom's meeting tonight. We are going to join a local group soon, but after the dentist this morning, I just wanted to be home.

On my mind...wondering if there will ever be 8ight. A lot lately. I'm ready.

Noticing that...Judah went all day without nursing today. I'm ready for that too. No, I'm not. Yes, I am. No, I'm not.

One of my favorite things...TJ's new toothbrush and the joy it brings him :) It's bright orange and green with a suction cup on the end of it...OH! The Place That Toothbrush Has Been Today!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...The Library and maybe the grocery tomorrow. And Korinne has Ballet. And it's Family Movie Night. Remember the Titans (last week was Dawn Treader, HOW DISAPPOINTING!). And Brian's Homemade Popcorn.

daybook, february 21st

Outside my window...50 degrees, Fair, Feels like 50 degrees, Wind NNW at 13 mph, Humidity 74%, UV Index 0 Low, Dew Point 42 degrees F, Visibility 10.0 mi, Sunrise 6:43 AM, Sunset 5:51 PM (I heart my TWC app on my iPhone)

I am thinking...I shouldn't love my iPhone so much, and I should apologize to my husband for thinking he was crazy this past year for loving his iPhone so much

I am thankful for...an unexpected text from my Momma this morning (can't wait for this weekend)

From the learning rooms...Immanuel, Rhode Island, Vermont (complete with pancakes and real Maple Syrup), Daniel Boone, finishing Amos Fortune Freeman, starting Madeleine Takes Command, listening to Tchaikovsky's story, Air...

 

From the kitchen...we had big pretzels and homemade cheese sauce for lunch, and BBQed chicken, baked beans, and real mac and cheese for dinner

I am wearing...jeans and an Army tee

I am creating...getting ready to write out my school plan for tomorrow

I am reading...The Excellent Wife, The Mysterious Benedict Society (aloud to the kids), thinking maybe, just maybe, I'll start Chosen By God (maybe)

 

I am hoping...my Mom's vacation day is approved

 

I am hearing...silence (except for the fan, somebody pinch me!)

Around the house...pretty clean and tidy...announced at bedtime that Wesley and TJ's room and the upstairs Toy Closet would be getting an overhaul tomorrow...Korinne asked, "What's and overhaul?"

 

A few of my favorite things...Original-Scent Liquid Tide, April Fresh Downy, and Bounce Dryer Sheets (0 or 2)...I tried Charlie's Laundry Soap (and wasted $40)...tonight, I did my laundry the way I love, and the smell wafting from my laundry room is heavenly~

 

A few plans for the rest of the week: lots and lots of learning (so glad to be using my My Father's World TM again, makes my life so much easier, and our 'school' more fun!), ballet, library trip, and hopefully a busy weekend with my parents!

daybook, january 25th

Outside my window...it is cold, and it is snowing...just barely, but it's snowing nonetheless

I am thinking...about what our goals are for our girls...what goals the girls have for themselves...will they line up...does it matter if they don't...I don't know about this teenager stuff...it's pretty hard...and even harder when you throw God in the mix...OK, so I don't 'throw' God anywhere...but raising a Godly teenager is hard...well, not really, because our teenager is a good kid...but one day...

 

I am thankful for...good health

 

From the learning rooms...a little Chinese history, adding -ing, and birds...I'm kind of tired of birds

 

From the kitchen...cereal for breakfast, leftovers for lunch, and I have no idea what's for dinner...I'm working hard in the kitchen today

I am wearing...jeans and my purple sweater wrap (yes, purple...it's one color I don't mind to wear)

I am creating... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

I am going...I may start going to a Mom's Book Club this Thursday, "Fat souls are better than clean floors." or it may be postponed by one week (the hostess has company this week)

I am reading...The Well Trained Mind, Ch. 16, "Why 1492? History and Geography," in hopes of finding a way to 'beef up' Kylie's History studies. I'm thinking we're going to use Outlining again (which TWTM explains in depth), add in some memorization (Declaration of Independence and Preamble to the Constitution), and TWTM's Notebooking is so thorough...

I am hoping...the house stays quiet for just a little while

 

I am hearing...the fan, TJ breathing (he's asleep, on the floor, in front of the fireplace...a new favorite spot of his)

Around the house...superclean, after all the after-sickness disinfecting

One of my favorite things...read aloud time. Give me a good book, and my babies, and I'm good!

A few plans for the rest of the week...ballet, (maybe) our Mom's Book Club, and The Last of The Mohicans Friday night

daybook, january 18th

Outside my window...dreary, wet, chilly

I am thinking...about how learning as a large family is a struggle...so many levels to teach

I am thankful for...tylenol, advil, amoxicillin, delsym

From the learning rooms...Jesus' healing miracles, France in the 1700s, adding the -ed suffix, plural pronouns, and some Mayflower Compact copywork that went missing (...it just vanished!)

From the kitchen...chicken soup

I am wearing...brown socks, khaki cords, and a red shirt with coffee and books all over it that my mom left me (the beige girl)...I feel clown-ish

I am creating...we put together our Family History and Science Notebooks yesterday

I am going...nowhere...well, Korinne has ballet this evening, but I'm not going

I am reading...I am ordering Large Family Logistics with leftover birthday money as soon as I finish this little post

I am hoping...this flu-ish illness is quick to leave our family, and I stay well

I am hearing...so much coughing

Around the house...tidy, but could use a dusting...and, with the sickness going around, we still have our Christmas decorations up (minus our tree)

One of my favorite things...my birthday presents from my parents

A few plans for the rest of the week: lots of learning, chores, ballet...GETTING WELL!!!

daybook, december 7th

Outside my window...Sunny and Cold

I am thinking...how quickly days, weeks, months...years go by

I am thankful for...well behaved children (chaperoning a dressing room full of twenty or so girls age 10-15 is a real eye opener)

From the learning rooms...we are on our 2nd (last) week of Christmas Break

From the kitchen...lunchmeat sandwiches and chips for dinner tonight

I am wearing...jeans and last year's Nutcracker tee

I am creating...Christmas memories with my family

I am going...to chaperon the final Nutcracker Performance tonight

I am reading...The Best Christmas Pageant Ever aloud to the kids, and I just read A Car's Christmas, sitting on the floor in the hallway upstairs, as I put them all down for a nap (I might do that more often)

I am hoping...to get just a little rest tonight, and spend some much needed and missed quality time with my entire family tomorrow

I am hearing...Judah, he napped earlier

Around the house...messy, everything needs put back in it's place

One of my favorite things...the new Christmas Plaque that my in-laws gave to us, NINE little snowmen...each with our names on them (handwritten by each of us)

A few plans for the rest of the week: AB. SO. LUTE. LY. NOTHING!!!