Daybook Entry, October 5th

FOR TODAY...Monday, October 5, 2009

I AM THINKING...how wonderful it is to have a hubby who will take all our children to the pediatrician's office (at one time) to get their Flu Shots...brave man

I AM THANKFUL FOR...my girlfriend, Edie, who just called and gave me a pep talk.

I AM WEARING...my neon, watermelon outfit (that's what Brian calls it:)

I AM REMEMBERING...random things about my Grandma Faye lately (the smell of her drinking glasses, the feel of the blankets on the bed my sister and I would sleep in, the sound of her dishwasher at night, the red carpet at her house in Milford, her China pattern, blue glass things, her tiny, little Orange Tree Plant Thingy... I need to write them all down in a nice letter and let her know what a good Grandma she is.

I AM GOING...to the hospital tomorrow to have a baby :)

I AM READING...A Pocket Full of Pinecones by Karen Andreola (I love her books)

I AM HOPING...I remember to pack all the necessities in our hospital bag, I'd forgotten a few things, and Brian has to run out to WalMart tonight and grab them

ON MY MIND...Judah Wayne Bailey

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...easy, basic and simple for the next few weeks

NOTICING THAT...just the drop in temperature makes the house seem more cozy, even Brian and Korinne have commented on it

PONDERING THESE WORDS...he's got the whole world, in his hands...

FROM THE KITCHEN...Brian has a pot of RedBeans and Rice going, smells YUMMY!

AROUND THE HOUSE...the house is sooo tidy...thanks to the entire family...winter clothes are out, summer clothes are packed away, floors are clean, laundry is done, bathrooms are sparkly, and on top of all that, we had to completely rearrange the family room so the cable TV could be hooked up (yes, we gave in, we could not get anything with the rabbit ears and converter box:)

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...tiny, little baby clothes that you know will still just "swallow" your new little one

FROM MY PICTURE JOURNAL...

waiting patiently for him

Yesterday afternoon was my last OB appointment before my scheduled induction October 6. Baby's heartbeat was good, and my doctor had plans on checking me since I was beyond 37 weeks. It turns out I have progressed to 4 cm and my water bag is bulging (sorry squeamishers). The bad news is that baby has turned and is now breech. Brian and I talked things over with the doctor, and have decided to go with a C-section, which is still planned for October 6 at 10:30 am.

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We could have tried an aversion (manually turning the baby, which we did with TJ), but if we did that, the baby could turn right back around, we would risk the chance of my water breaking and needing an emergency C-section, or we could turn him and do a vaginal delivery and experience another shoulder dystocia on top of everything else.

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So we thought things through, and decided to go with the scheduled surgery next Tuesday. Now, the biggest issue is staying pregnant for 5 more days (never thought I'd say that)! I am mainly sitting on my bum while my wonderful husband and daughters take care of everything. Very hard.

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God's timing is always perfect. We know we will meet this baby at just the moment God planned for us to meet him long, long ago.

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Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him - Psalm 37:7

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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God - Philippians 4:6

Daybook Entry, September 28th

FOR TODAY...Monday, September 28, 2009





OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...Finally some REAL fall weather, sunshine and cool temps





I AM THINKING...about what it takes to be a good friend, and how blessed I am, and did not even know or appreciate it.





I AM THANKFUL FOR...see "OUTSIDE MY WINDOW"





I AM WEARING...Jean shorts and red tee...wait...is that what it says on last weeks daybook entry too?





I AM REMEMBERING...when our "big" kids were "little"...Brian and I got out our VERY unorganized box of pics from the last 11 1/2 years, and my how time flies...Benjamin looks more like Connor than we realized!





I AM GOING...absolutely nowhere, Brian is paranoid I'm going to catch Swine Flu before this baby is born.





I AM READING...Connor's 1st grade Teacher's Manual mostly





I AM HOPING...baby waits until October 6th, so Brian's parents are here to be with the children...usually this would not be a concern for us (to go early), but things are happening...





ON MY MIND...too many things to put in this post...





FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...light and easy for the next 3 weeks. Our Rome to Reformation TM is on the way, yay! We're mostly concentrating on math, and Connor's 1st grade bible (Proverbs), and the girls and I are finishing up the last few chapters of SWB's Story of the World Volume 1, preparing for RTR.





NOTICING THAT...being 8 months pregnant is not as easy as it was at 19, 22, 24, 26, 28 or 30...





PONDERING THESE WORDS..."Are you ready to face God?" - Our Pastor. This weekend he was able to pose this question to the congregation, after a unique circumstance, and it really hit home with me...I have to get ready today...





FROM THE KITCHEN...Meatloaf tonight (I never got around to it last week)





AROUND THE HOUSE...every room needs picked up and swept...I think I may be going overboard with the whole "clean house" thing, it's really exhausting me...how clean does your house stay with homeschooling and being mostly HOME???





ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...our bassinet that Keith and Debbie bought for Korinne, that we've used with each baby since. It's so pretty and I love it.





FROM MY PICTURE JOURNAL...Little boys, playing in a Lotta dirt...

Heard Around Home, September 2009

"I can still feel Baby Judah's kick on my hand" ... a smiling Korinne, age 9, as I'm tucking her into bed 6 hours after she felt the baby kick.

"fifers of mem, faaah oooh meee" ... a singing Wesley, age 2, as we do our Wee Sing Bible Songs in the morning.

"Does Santa Claus land on the ground first, so his reindeer can eat the sparkly oatmeal, and then go up on the roof?" ... a curious TJ, age 4, as we're eating breakfast this morning.

"Mom, I was wondering whether or not Grandma Dutchie took typing, and then I remembered, duh, they didn't have computers back then" ... Kylie, age 12, as she checks my email from my 70 year old grandma who recently got "plugged in".

"Does Santa Claus live in a wooden house?" ... a getting more curious TJ, age 4, as we're still eating breakfast.

"Hey Mom, did ya know they were putting Obama on the Two Hundred Dollar Bill?" ... Connor, age 7, who is strangely intrigued with coins and money.

"No, where'd ya hear that?" ... his somewhat confused/concerned mother, age 31

"Nowhere, but he's the president, so he needs put on a dollar" ... a rather matter-of-fact beyond his years Connor, age 7

"No they're not...only good people get put on a dollar" ... a completely trusting little girl, Korinne, age 9, who has overheard her politically-minded, military-sergeant father one too many times.

"Ra - er" ... Benjamin, age 16 months, asking for a cracker

"I'm writing down all the dot coms, Hank dot com is on there, so in case when me and TJ move out of the house and go to a different library and they don't have Hanks, we'll remember about Hank dot com and we can go on to listen there" ... Connor, age 7, who listens to Hank The Cowdog quite frequently on audiobook.

"Mom, may I please iron something? It's fabric and it's crumbly" ... a very domestic for her age and generation Kylie, age 12, who has evidently never ironed wrinkles out of fabric.

"Does Santa Claus live on frozen water?" ... TJ, age 4, a constant companion of Connor, age 7, who figured out "strange bunnies don't just hop into your house and leave you a basket of candy" much sooner than his older sisters did (like the same year :)...we reminded Connor that TJ is only 4 and needs to figure some things out on his own, even though he has a very smart big brother who can just save him the trouble...

Daybook Entry, September 21st

FOR TODAY...Monday, September 21, 2009






Outside my window...sunshine and falling leaves :)






I am thinking...how to schedule school when Judah arrives, I think we will take a 2 week break in order to not set myself up for failure, what would you do?






I am thankful for...a good church that teaches from scripture.






From the learning rooms...lots of Proverbs in 1st, Latin roots and discovering how the bible came to be, and Roman history.






From the kitchen...oatmeal for breakfast, sandwhiches for lunch, Italian Goulash for dinner.




I am wearing...jean shorts and a red tee.






I am creating...a clean and tidy place to bring our newborn son home to...nesting big time here!



I am going...to call the neighborhood elementary school soon to see what time Connor's Cub Scouts meeting is tonight, but Brian is going with him.






I am reading...On the Banks of Plum Creek, The Mission of Motherhood, Honey for a Child's Heart (the beginning section).






I am hoping...Brian will be sticking close to home the next few weeks.






I am hearing...TJ and Wesley playing rather loudly, Connor's math video, CWL trucks outside (we think they're putting the electric underground...the boys couldn't believe they "colored" on the road and yard with spray paint :)






Around the house...preparing for baby...we need to get the bassinet and baby swing down out of the attic and cleaned, and I need to locate the newborn clothes and get them all washed and put in the drawer I cleared out of my dresser for Jude.




One of my favorite things...Pumpkiny-cinnamony-smelly good candles...the girls and I bought Febreeze's new one this weekend, and it smells SOOO good!






A few plans for the rest of the week: Ballet, Cub Scouts, Youth Group






Here is picture for thought I am sharing...one of my favorites of the boys from last fall.

Daybook Entry, September 14th

FOR TODAY...Monday September 14, 2009




OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...it is overcast and drizzling, but still a little warm for mid-September. I sooo love the season change, and I am sooo ready for Fall.









I AM THINKING...how comfortable it will be to not be pregnant in a month!








I AM THANKFUL FOR...Nana's Ballet Scholarship Fund.








I AM WEARING...melon-colored capri pants and a yellow top.








I AM CREATING...a simple list of inexpensive things/ideas that can make our home more cozy and inviting. My wonderful hubby pointed out that if one day I really am to be an Army Chaplain's wife, I will need to know a little more about hospitality (he read my "10 Things" post:).








I AM GOING...grocery shopping tonight.








I AM READING...The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson.








I AM HOPING...my PotRoast turns out yummy...I'm kind of rushing it.








ON MY MIND...labor and delivery...








FROM THE LEARNING ROOM...more New Testament Stories (Jesus' Miracles), Rome in History, the Sun in Science, Math (Connor only has 3 more weeks of his Primer left).








NOTICING THAT...rainy weather really does make you sleepy...everyone's napping.








PONDERING THESE WORDS..."I could schedule you for a C-Section" - my OB








FROM THE KITCHEN...see my Menu Plan Monday post from last night.








AROUND THE HOUSE...I did quite a bit of housework this weekend. Lots of dusting (absolutely not my favorite)...the childrens' rooms, the blinds, the kitchen (even the top of my fridge)...everything's pretty tidy now...I just need to keep it that way until the baby comes.








ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...Brian bought a half gallon of Kroger's Private Selection Double Chocolate Cookie Crumble Ice Cream Friday...I LOOOVE IT...it's VERY much gone now:)








A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...Lots and lots of Ballet, our Homeschool Co-Op meeting tomorrow night, my 36th week OB appointment, and little TJ's surgery Friday.





A PICTURE THOUGHT TO SHARE WITH YOU...

Baby Benjamin with his little, perfect, purple head...hence "the words I'm pondering"...

Daybook Entry, August 25th

TheSimpleWoman'sDaybook

FOR TODAY...Tuesday August 25, 2009



Outside my window...the sun is rising.

I am thinking...about our family's future.

I am thankful for...heartburn meds.

From the learning rooms...We will read the story of the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well.

From the kitchen...Pancakes for breakfast, grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch, a pork roast and baked sweet potatoes for dinner.

I am wearing...my yellow, butterfly nightgown and Brian's socks.

I am creating...another baby boy.

I am going...nowhere today. Kylie has ballet this afternoon, but Brian will probably take her.

I am reading...some very good books right now.

I am hoping...the mosquitoes go away soon.

I am hearing...Aladdin and Jasmine sing.

Around the house...we are still looking for the Netflix DVD we lost, and by the way Rik...we found Bolt...we'll send it your way soon...after we watch it ONE MORE TIME :)

One of my favorite things...smiley, happy 1 year old little boys...good morning everyone, Benny says "HI"

A few plans for the rest of the week: football sign ups, ballet, puppet practice (Kylie has a new hobby), youth group, TJ's ear check up Friday...

Here is picture thought I am sharing with you...

Kylie has inherited my love for babies, hasn't she???

Soldier's Wives...

...find video of Army tanks pulling up to Kroger gas pumps on their digital cameras :)

...even "Big Boys" who deal with soldier stuff everyday can't help but think it's "too cool" to drive around town in a tank!

Daybook Entry, August 17th

FOR TODAY...Monday, August 17, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...A typical, hot, humid summer day in Northeast Arkansas...we're inside eating oatmeal cookies and finishing up a movie!

I AM THINKING...about my Grandma Dutchie, and how she's feeling...

I AM THANKFUL FOR...air conditioning...how I love our new home with central air!

FROM THE LEARNING ROOM...We took a few days off to visit with Nana and the Hardys.

FROM THE KITCHEN...Brian will probably do dinner tonight...Ballet starts back up today, and I'll be up at the Arts Studio from 4-5:30pm.

I AM WEARING...a red maternity tee and black capri pants.

I AM CREATING...a new blog, do you like it?

I AM GOING...to ballet 4 nights this week!!!

I AM READING...On the Banks of Plum Creek...I finished Family Driven Faith last weekend, if you haven't read it, you should!

I AM HOPING AND PRAYING...for my mom and sister's trip home to go safely.

I AM HEARING...Benny fussing...he has just woken up from his afternoon nap.

AROUND THE HOUSE...we are just picking up and putting away EVERYTHING...with 7 little boys in the house, it tends to get a little "disasterous"...OK, so Grayson didn't make a mess...but the other 6 little boys did!!!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...is blogging, I'm so happy to be back doing it, I missed it!

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...Ballet and School

A PICTURE THOUGHT TO SHARE...

Us...for 61 more days...

Bread Alone...

Connor: "Ya know what sounds good?" (after just finishing his lunch of a ham sandwhich with chesse, lettuce and mayo...guess he's still hungry:)

Me: "What?"

Connor: "A plain piece of bread. What happens when you eat bread alone?"

Me: (very puzzled...but just for a sec, after all we're talking about Bubba)

"Nothing."

Connor: "But the bible says we can't eat bread alone."

...Kylie goes to grab a bible off the desk shelf, reads the scripture and tries to explain...I still don't think we'll be seeing him eating "a plain piece of bread" anytime soon :)

"And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." -Luke 4:4

Daybook Entry, May 11th

Visit Peggy here

FOR TODAY Monday, May 11, 2009

Outside my window...chilly darkness right now, but it was a very "Springy" day :)

I am thinking...about Friday

I am thankful for...my brand new Mrs. Washer and Mr. Dryer and the wonderful anonymous family at our church that donated them. Yes, that's right. Some wonderful, generous, helpful, loving family bought us new appliances. Then had them delivered. Then had our old ones hauled away. Then had our new ones installed. Awesome. God is so good.

From the learning rooms...2 more weeks of school!!! This week...lots of Nehemiah and Greece, and in Kindergarten "Qq" and birds

From the kitchen...we had Buffalo-style Chicken Pizza tonight...lots of easy stuff this week, until Friday...can't wait for Friday

I am wearing...a blue and white striped shirt (Korinne said I look like a sailors wife today???) and green capri pants

I am creating...a place for everything, and trying to keep everything in it's place

I am going...actually, nowhere this week...we have been so busy and so in and out these last 2 weeks...we need some "home" time

I am reading...The Relaxed Homeschool

I am hoping...the week goes quickly, did I mention I CANNOT wait for Friday

I am hearing...the fan in the boys' room...yes, it's that quiet, believe it or not

Around the house...the last of the downstairs bathroom work should be completed tomorrow...thank goodness...we've had so many plumbers, restorationers, tilers, roofers, etc. here lately

One of my favorite things...is not hanging laundry...it's dry, soft, unwrinkled, smelly good clothes, towels, and sheets...oh, and my brand new Mrs. Washer and Mr. Dryer

A few plans for the rest of the week: making the house extra clean, cozy, comfy, and homey for Friday...Just can't wait til FRIDAY

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

...me and the girls before Spring Showcase (exciting post about our "Outstanding Ballerinas" still to come!!!

Daybook Entry, April 13th

FOR TODAY...Monday, April 13, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...is a cold, blustery, and wet day. It rained all day yesterday, and we're just dealing with all the leftovers now.

I AM THINKING...about my OB appointment tomorrow, wondering if they will be able to tell if the baby is a boy or girl, and if they can, if I will be able to resist finding out...

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...We just do bible memory verses, hymns, and math on Mondays since we will be starting Monday School with our Co-op soon.

I AM THANKFUL FOR...easily pleased children...it makes life sooo much happier and easier when just some old fashioned, PAAS egg dye, some spray paint for old baskets, and a few candy treats make my kiddos smile!

FROM THE KITCHEN...We have lots of Easter Dinner leftovers to eat, I think I'll make Chicken Tetrazinni for dinner tonight.

I AM WEARING...my lime green capri pants, a blue maternity tee and green and blue flip-flops.

I AM READING...Love and Respect with Brian, Ecclesiastes in my bible, and I'm thinking about re-reading Passionate Housewives again (I need a SAHM pep-talk).

I AM HOPING...Brian can get Ben's health insurance issues taken care of at work today...we've had such a round and round, hard time getting that baby "squared away".

I AM CREATING...new life.

I AM PRAYING...for direction.

AROUND THE HOUSE...I have a little more laundry than usual...Mimi has created lots for me. We think she was becoming a very unhappy housecat as the weather was warming up outside. She is now enjoying life as an outside kitty again. We have been putting her up in her Kitty House Grandpa Gale bought her at night to keep her safe from all the coyotes.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...is sleeping on just washed bed sheets!

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...My OB appt tomorrow, the girls have Observation Week in Ballet...Brian is going to go since he will be out of town for their recital, and finally, finally back to Creation to the Greeks in school...Week 29 here we come!

A PICTURE THOUGHT TO SHARE WITH YOU...

Wessy Ray-Ray getting his 1st big boy haircut at the Old Milford Barber Shop while we were home in Cincinnati last week.

Daybook Entry, March 23

Visit Peggy, The Simple Woman, here

FOR TODAY...Monday, March 23, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...A wonderful, warm Spring day

I AM THINKING...How nice it is that our current Duty Station still has the 4 seasons, although, I wouldn't be sad if the next one was Hawaii

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...We're taking a few days off with Daddy.

I AM THANKFUL FOR...Kylie's new friend, Dr. Gilchrist

FROM THE KITCHEN...We had turkey spaghetti tonight. I think I'll make some vanilla pudding in a few minutes.

I AM WEARING...My peach capri pants again, with a navy blue top...Kylie was just making fun of my outfit a few minutes ago :)

I AM READING...Believe it or not, I have not read a thing today

I AM HOPING...Our trip home to Cincinnati goes quick and easy (that's hoping for a lot, with 2 adults, 6 kids, and 1 doggish-cat)

I AM CREATING...I just "created" a grocery list for Brian

I AM HEARING...Bubba and TJ playing in the tub, the dishwasher running, the dryer going, and Alex, Melman, and Gloria singing Happy Birthday to Marty

AROUND THE HOUSE...Cleaning and packing for our trip...also going through lots of baby clothes to return some to Rikki and Baby Greyson

ONE OF MY "new" FAVORITE THINGS...Looking at Korinne in her new glasses.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...Finish getting ready for our trip...to homeschool or not to homeschool for 3 days this week...maybe get a haircut...I need to go to Kohl's and buy a couple shirts..."Orchestra Day" at the library tomorrow...Ben needs to get into our pediatrician's office to see about his formula...a little busy, I guess

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT TO SHARE WITH YOU...

TJ watching cartoons in his Daddy's boots

Daybook Entry, March 16

FOR TODAY...Monday March 16, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...Getting warmer, and sunny...the children are outside playing, yay!

I AM THINKING...About all we will need to do to plant, upkeep, and harvest a garden...hoping we can manage.

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...Jonah and Jewels

I AM THANKFUL FOR...a military that pays my husband for his service...a military that takes care of it's families, knowing it's not easy to be left behind...realizing it should not happen too often...some families in this world are not so blessed.

FROM THE KITCHEN...A pork tenderloin is in the oven, I'm going to toss some carrots, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes in olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper and roast them as well.

I AM WEARING...Peach capri pants and sandals!!!

I AM READING...Sense and Sensibility, Managers of Their Homes (again), and James

I AM HOPING...The weather stays nice.

I AM CREATING...A vacation itinerary...to be e-mailed out soon to all those involved.

I AM HEARING...The girls doing their dinner chores, and Wesley and Benny dancing to the Laurie Berkner band

AROUND THE HOUSE...Star Wars toys everywhere, some laundry to put away (just a little, I'm doing better), the kitchen floor needs mopped

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...How my boys CONTINUOUSLY bring me in flowers from outside as they play :)

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...An ultrasound Friday!!! Sooo excited to see and hear our new little one!

A PICTURE THOUGHT TO SHARE WITH YOU...

"Syrup do"

...how you know Wesley either had pancakes or waffles for breakfast...

Daybook Entry, February 24

FOR TODAY...Tuesday, February 24, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...spotted sunshine, and too chilly to play outside

I AM THINKING...that it's a good thing I love being a mom.

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...the many religions of India. In Kindergarten we are having fun learning about our last wild animal, zebras (we're watching Racing Stripes tonight).

I AM THANKFUL FOR...the SCM forum, where I can talk to other homeschool moms going through the same things as me

FROM THE KITCHEN...Brian's picking up Mazzio's on the way home from Kylie's dr appt.

I AM WEARING...jeans and a long sleeve T

I AM READING...I finally started Sense and Sensibility this past weekend, I'm reading the book of Esther again, and skimming over Beautiful Girlhood before I start it with Kylie this Spring

I AM HOPING...the weather is warmer tomorrow so my children can go outside and play. It's such a bummer to have a warm, sunny day to go out in, and then an overcast, chilly day cooped up inside thenext.

I AM CREATING...clean laundry and floors

AROUND THE HOUSE...after all the cleaning from our illness, I got a little burned out and have really slacked off the last few days, so I have some catching up to do...again

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...having little girls to share my heart with

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...we have no real plans other that school and ballet. I need to make check up appts for both the babies. Oh, and call and schedule an appt with a new OB for #7

HERE IS A PICTURE TO SHARE WITH YOU...

Wesley loves to play with Korinne's VTech laptop...don't know where he gets it :)

Daybook Entry, February 17, 2009

FOR TODAY...Tuesday, February 17, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...It was a chilly, blustery, late winter day.

I AM THINKING...about how exciting it will be to get all our new homeschool materials this week. We're starting a brand new Math program called MathUSee and a brand new English program by Rod&Staff.

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...the last bit of study on King Solomon and kangaroos.

I AM THANKFUL FOR...Brian's wonderful job that gives him time off to take care of his family when we need to take a 5 hour round trip to Little Rock to see a pediatric neurosurgeon.

FROM THE KITCHEN...We all 8 got a stomach bug over the weekend, so it's been bland, bland, bland here. I'm looking forward to a grocery trip and some real meals later this week!

I AM WEARING...My red nightgown, snowflake jammy pants, Santa socks and my red crocs. I look pretty!

I AM READING...My MFW Kindergarten Teacher's Manual

I AM HOPING...My first trimester goes smoothly with NO morning sickness or fatigue. So far, so good!

I AM CREATING...I finally just finished our Simply Charlotte Mason Scripture Memory System...we have 7 verses in there already!

I AM HEARING...Train whistles and Brian flipping through his Evangelism 101 book.

AROUND THE HOUSE...you will not believe this, but I did 12 loads of laundry yesterday. I had to wash EVERYONE'S bed clothes due to our stomach bug. Now all I have left to do is about 4 - 5 loads of all those wonderful, cozy blankets that hang out in our family room...how we miss our blankets :(

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...Is telling Brian we're having a baby. He never knows whether or not to believe me, it usually takes 10 - 15 minutes of my great big smiles and outright giddiness to convince him.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...hmmm...getting back into our normal routine. Brian has been off since Thursday, we all had the sickies, we missed church, we took our L-O-N-G trip to Little Rock today...

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT TO SHARE WITH YOU...

Kylie is doing an "iceberg" activity with the boys for their "Pp" Penguin Kindergarten unit study...Wesley saw me get the camera out :)

FOR TODAY...Tuesday, February 3, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...It's VERY chilly again, but the ice is all gone

I AM THINKING...about all our friends and family up in Cincinnati who are getting MORE snow

I AM THANKFUL FOR...the means to buy groceries to feed our large family

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...more David, some elephants, and eco-systems

FROM THE KITCHEN...I think we'll have homemade Chicken Noodle Soup tomorrow

I AM WEARING...my warm housecoat

I AM CREATING...nada

I AM GOING...just got home from Kylie's ballet and the grocery store, tomorrow...maybe church, Thursday...Kylie has a dr. appt., Friday...Korinne has ballet and the Women's Prayer Meeting at church

I AM READING...just my bible right now

I AM HOPING...CWL gets out here soon to put our electric pole and lines back up

I AM HEARING...Brian stirring honey into our tea

AROUND THE HOUSE...the bathrooms need cleaned..ugh! Our bedroom needs dusted, the kitchen floor needs some TLC...Icould go on and on...

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...see "I AM GOING"

MY PICTURE THOUGHT TO SHARE...

Samantha and Korinne

Daybook Entry, January 12

Join Peggy for The Simple Woman's Daybook here

FOR TODAY...Monday, January 12, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...winter sunshine

I AM THINKING...how nice it was to make it to the evening church service last night (it's so relaxing and comfy to go to church at night in your jeans, sweatshirt and your hair in a ponytail)...just to listen and learn a little more about Jesus

I AM THANKFUL FOR...Brian's return home. Each time he is away, I realize how blessed I am to have a husband who helps me so much.

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...The capture and return of the Ark of the Covenant, the early Greeks, Goats and letter "Gg"

FROM THE KITCHEN...oreos and milk for tea time...3 Ways for dinner

I AM WEARING...Gray fleece pants and Liberty University Tee (I think I've written that once or twice on my daybook)

I AM CREATING...a good reading list for myself, I've only been reading Homeschool books, and stuff for the kid's school...any suggestions out there? I'm thinking Sense and Sensiblity...

I AM GOING...to Kylie's 1st ballet class in almost 7 years tomorrow, she's sooo excited, I hope she enjoys it as much as she hopes to!

I AM READING...a little bit of way too many books...

I AM HOPING...Brian doesn't get orders to go overseas any time soon...TJ's ears heal...Kylie's back has healed properly...Benny learns to sleep...Korinne never changes...Wesley grows out of the terrible twos SOON (he's not even 2 yet:)...Connor continues to read and write without my asking him to...

I AM HEARING...Connor plead his case for candy, and the windchimes my sister gave me as a wedding gift almost 11 years ago

AROUND THE HOUSE...laundry to put away (I don't think I can do a daybook entry without writing that), mine and Brian's room desperately needs tidied up and dusted

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...my homemade sink scrubbies and dishcloths my MIL got me for Christmas

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...ballet starts back up for the girls, we're going to try and go to the Youth Night at church Wednesday, I have some phone calls I need to make to our health insurance peeps...ugh...a library trip

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT TO SHARE WITH YOU...

#1 AND #5

P.S. Lainie, When I'm writing my daybook, it's all spaced out and nice, then when I "Preview" or "Publish" it, it gets all combloberated together...help...email me...tell me what my little non-techy brain needs to know :)

Simple Woman's Daybook, January 5, 2009

FOR TODAY...Monday, January 5, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...An icestorm warning

I AM THINKING...

I AM THANKFUL FOR...TJ's new ENT, Dr. Jiu

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...A great start to the new year...we got everything finished for today...Creation to the Greeks, Week 19...and Kindergarten Unit #11 "Ii", Insects

FROM THE KITCHEN...Brian made tacos while TJ and I were at his doctor's appointment

I AM WEARING...Jeans, black shirt, navy blue socks (of course, what other color socks do you wear with jeans???)

I AM CREATING...A new look for our schoolroom

I AM GOING...nowhere in this icestorm!

I AM READING...Ruth

I AM HOPING...The Buckeyes win so Brian comes to bed happy

I AM HEARING...The Buckeyes lose...woe is me!

AROUND THE HOUSE...I've spent a lot of time organizing our Schoolroom, I still may post some before and after pics...if I can create something inspirational...

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...Spending some time alone with each one of the kids...it was just me and TJ this afternoon at his appointment, and he had so much to say...makes me wonder if most times I'm just not listening...motherguilt...motherof6guilt...

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...We are mainly focusing on school this week...we're doing things a little different with the start of the new year!

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT I'M SHARING...My parents visited this weekend, here they are with my babies at the bowling alley...what fun!

Simple Woman's Daybook, December 22

FOR TODAY...Monday, December 22, 2008

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...a VERY chilly 18* (that's with the windshield factor)...but it's supposed to warm up through the night

I AM THINKING...about how we can make "bedtime" go smoother...we've gotten a little off schedule these last few weeks. I think I'm going to get MOTH back out!

I AM THANKFUL FOR...Brian's job security

FROM THE LEARNING ROOM...Christmas Vacation...Christmas Vacation...Christmas Vacation...Christmas Vacation...This old house, sure is looking good...Got ourselves the finest snowman in the neighborhood...Ain't it fun, always on the run...That's how its done on Christmas Vacation

FROM THE KITCHEN...I made lasagna tonight...it was quite Yummy, even without LaRosa's special sauce!

I AM WEARING...yellow and blue, star jammy pants and Brian's Johnny Bench Red's Tee

I AM CREATING...still working on our "original" homeschool curriculum, it's actually pretty fun

I AM GOING...the library is doing Christmas Crafts tomorrow, I'm thinking about taking the kids...

I AM READING...A Biblical Home Education by Ruth Beechick

I AM HOPING...my Christmas Eve Dinner turns out...it'll be my first turkey...

I AM HEARING...the water heater and Brian flipping the pages of his bible

AROUND THE HOUSE...we cleaned pretty extensively Saturday, I just need to keep it tidy. We had to move our dining room table into the kitchen because it was too cold to eat in the dining room. I spent about half an hour putting the boys clothes away today (I'm terrible about that...I find, sort, wash, dry, fold and then...it sits...waiting to be put away). I'll have to mop the kitchen floor tomorrow since Wessy poured out almost an entire pitcher of iced tea on it tonight.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...my warm housecoat

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...we will be celebrating the birth of our Savior

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT I AM SHARING WITH YOU...

Rinny Roo and Benny Boo

Simple Woman's Daybook, December 15th

Join Peggy at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/2008/12/simple-womans-daybookdecember-15th.html

FOR TODAY...Monday, December 15, 2008

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...a very windy, snowish-sleetish, blustery day

I AM THINKING...how quickly this Christmas season is going

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...Gideon and Blend Ladder pages, Daddy's finishing up K with Connor, while I take Kylie to the doctor

I AM THANKFUL FOR...Antibiotics...the babies have had very bad, lingering colds, and I finally broke down and filled the prescriptions the doctor gave us a week and a half ago

FROM THE KITCHEN...Brian bought a HUGE Turkey and a HUGE Ham at the grocery last night...since it's just the 8 of us this year, I'm going to be googling ham and turkey leftover recipes...

I AM WEARING...gray fleece pants, Liberty University Tee

I AM READING...Dicken's A Christmas Carol aloud to the kids, Hebrews 1, Revelation 4

I AM HOPING...the doctor gives us a good pediatric neurosurgeon referral this afternnon for a follow-up on Kylie's back

I AM CREATING...my own homeschool curriculum...we've come to the reality that we simply cannot afford MFW's 1st and RTR in the Spring

I AM HEARING...Connor read his word list page (as he makes a multitude of noises with his mouth...reminds me of my brother doing homework back in the day)

AROUND THE HOUSE...I somehow got behing on laundry...so there's about 6 loads to finish today

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...twinkling Christmas Tree lights

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...get all our school work done for our Christmas break...practice, practice, practice Away in a Manger (the kids will be singing at church Sunday night)...more Christmas movies with the kids (we still have Polar Express and Eloise's Christmas to watch, yay!)

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT I AM SHARING WITH YOU...our well house and the snowish-sleet...I suppose this is as close as I'll get to a White Christmas

Simple Woman's Daybook, December 9, 2008

FOR TODAY... Tuesday, December 9th, 2008

Outside my window...rain, rain, go away, come again another day (as snow, please)!

I am thinking...how I will miss snow this Christmas.

I am thankful for...having daughters first.

From the learning rooms...the falling walls of Jericho, Psalm 23, 5 Senses Stations we never got to a few weeks ago.

From the kitchen...chicken tetrazinni

I am wearing...jeans and a black shirt and red crocs (yes, red..)

I am creating...a Christmas Wonderland

I am going...nowhere in this weather!

I am reading...On the Banks of Plum Creek, A Child's Look at the Twenty-Third Psalm by W. Phillip Keller (good stuff), and The Art of Natural Family Planning

I am hoping...dinner, baths, and a Christmas movie fit into tonight's agenda

I am hearing...Connor looking in his workbook for his address card, and the girls whispering as they excitedly set up the boys' 5 Senses Stations

Around the house...some laundry, a chicken to get boiling, my corner of the school table is screaming to be straightened up...

One of my favorite things...the smell of pine from our REAL Christmas Tree, you're right Mom, those tarts from Yankee are S-T-R-O-N-G!!!The real thing is sooo much better!

A few plans for the rest of the week...swimming at the YMCA Friday night, finish Christmas shopping!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...my husband, playing with our babies.It makes me fall in love with him all over again :)

TJ IS ONE SMART, LITTLE WIPPER-SNAPPER

This week in Kindergarten we are studying the 5 senses. We were doing a review this morning, and we learned the song, "Oh, be careful little eyes (ears, mouth, hands) what you see (hear, say, do)"...and I asked Connor how each "sense" could get you into trouble. He answered each one correctly, and then I asked what sense we left out. SMELL. And I explained that our "nose" couldn't really get us into trouble...TJ, however, spoke right up, "Yeah huh, when you pick your boogers you get into trouble!"

Yes, you sure do....all the kids have heard this week is, "GET A TISSUE!"

Can you tell we've been passing around a cold lately?

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Outside my Window...falling leaves

I am thinking...about the election

From the learning rooms...turtle lapbooks, tabernacle study...not doing the project, the girls will make drawings instead, Kylie started Singapore Math 4A today

I am thankful for...healthy children

From the kitchen...vegetable soup and corn muffins

I am wearing...black yoga pants, Army t, an old pair of Brian's socks (these wood floors are cold!)

I am reading...Luke

I am hoping...the election is over tonight!

I am creating...a Charlotte Mason scripture memorization box

I am hearing...the dishwasher and Korinne flipping the pages of her bible

Around the house...some tidying up

One of my favorite things...mornings where I get some alone time to drink a cup of coffee and read my bible...my kids are totally off with the time change...they've gotten up before 6am the last 2 mornings!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...catching up on school (we took last Thursday and Friday off to visit with Brian's parents), planning some menus (yes, we've been eating, just not in an organized kinda way...more like "What do you want for dinner, Babe?" couple of weeks...yuck, I need to get it together!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...Brian and Wesley putting the star on our Christmas Tree last year, our youngest baby puts the Star on...it's Benny's turn this year.Next year, hmmm...

My VERY LATE Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...Wednesday morning, October 29, 2008

Outside my Window...daybreak...more cool weather and sunshine :)

I am thinking...how much we have to do today...Mamaw and Papaw are on their way down...

From the learning rooms...The Exodus, turtles, adding more academics (math drills, literature guides)

I am thankful for...our new church home, Calvary Chapel Jonesboro, we LOVE it!

http://www.calvarychapeljonesboro.org/

From the kitchen...oatmeal with maple syrup and brown sugar...Thursday evening we are having Chicken Potpie, and we will of course have chili for TrickorTreat Friday!!!

I am wearing...my flannel present/snowflake jammies my mommy gave me...hi Mom!

I am reading...The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach...again, and Homeschooling Today magazine

I am hoping...the weather stays beautiful for Keith and Debbie's visit

I am creating...a new school schedule...less of this...more of that...it seems I'm always tweaking, but we've been having trouble balancing lately

I am hearing...Benny getting hungry, he says "a mum mum mum...a mum mum mum..." and Laurie Berkner singing, "I'm a Mess"

Around the house...I need to put all the boys clothes away, mop the dining room and kitchen floors, and dust the family room

One of my favorite things...HEAT, GLORIOUS HEAT...no more wearing 3 layers of clothing and walking around with frosty piggies all day...Thank You Mr. Willett!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...enjoying our visit with Brian's parents, TrickorTreat Fun, a Science Saturday (and some more school to make up missing Thursday and Friday), and a VERY quiet, restful Sabbath...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...this is my little sister, Rikki, with my #5, Wessy Ray-Ray, at my Grandma Faye's Christmas dinner last year...man, Wes hasn't changed much, has he?

Simple Woman's Daybook, October 20

For Today...Monday, October 20, 2008




Outside my Window...is a beautiful, sunny, fall day




I am thinking...about ordering Heart of Dakota Preschool for TJ




From the learning rooms...we are studying The Ten Plagues, animal homes, Kylie is doing a "special" research paper assigned by Dad




I am thankful for...my parents who watched our 6 children while Brian and I went on a long overdue Date Night!




From the kitchen...we had Mom's leftover chili for lunch




I am wearing...MAC T-shirt for the Breast Cancer walk-a-thon (hope everyone has fun...wish we could be there)




I am reading...Matthew 24, Revelation 2




I am hoping...the leak from the upstairs bathroom is really fixed...




I am creating...a new budget...trying to plan some Christmas shopping




I am hearing...Connor counting while he does his Spiderman math book




Around the house...I have lots and lots and lots of laundry to do (we are going to have a family meeting about laundry conservation tonight...this is ridiculous!)




One of my favorite things...time alone with Brian




A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...I am going to try and bake my own bread...without my bread machine..."try" is the keyword :)




Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...this is the first date Brian and I have been on since our 10th anniversary back in May!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook, October 14th

Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman


For Today...Tuesday, October 14, 2008


Outside my Window...the sunset



I am thinking...how well the day went, until my little visitor this afternoon...



From the learning rooms...Moses and learning to count to 20



I am thankful for...my healthy little sister! Thank You God for answered prayers!



From the kitchen...Brian's made a spaghetti dinner!



I am wearing...green capris, black T, black flip-flops



I am reading...a biography on Squanto



I am hoping...my parents can make it to Kylie's game Thursday night



I am creating...my very own Home Management Binder...the girls are making little versions for themselves that we read about in last month's Homeschooling Today Magazine.



I am hearing...the Backyardigans



Around the house...I'm doing Kylie's evening chores...she had volleyball practice tonight.



One of my favorite things...holding my children's hands in mine.



A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...visiting with Nana and Grandpa...a much needed Date Night with Brian Saturday night !!!



Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...the sunrise in Afghanistan...Brian took this picture from the turret of his humvee one very cold winter morning...he was happy to see the sun come up :)

Simple Woman's Daybook

To visit THE Simple Woman, visit Peggy at thesimplewoman.blogspot.com



For Today...Monday Evening, October 6, 2008



Outside my Window...crickets



I am thinking...about my parents a lot today, I miss them.



From the learning rooms...we finished up our study of Joseph, we painted red apples with blue birds, we built block towers, we drew some trees, we did some spelling, Korinne reviewed how to tell time in math, Kylie reviewed fractions, Connor wrote his ABC's on K paper...he likes Capital A best!



I am thankful for...a God who has cast my sin as far as the east is from the west.



From the kitchen...we had leftovers tonight.



I am wearing...Army T and black capri pants



I am reading...my bible, Story of the World Vol. 1 aloud to the kids in the morning, Farmer boy aloud to the kids after lunch, Johnny Appleseed to the boys at bedtime, Star of Light to the girls at bedtime, and STILL Stepping Heavenward, John and Abigail Adams, and The Power of a Praying Wife...also reading up on all the information on being quiverfull, teaching children to write the CM way, and biblical family life.



I am hoping...the leaves change color here soon, the kids and I are just waiting and waiting...



I am creating...my menu for this week.



I am hearing...Brian's crazy Old Testament professor on his OT Studies DVD.



Around the house...I finally got everyone's summer clothes packed away, and winter clothes out...if anyone has boy clothes size 7/8 they aren't using, send them to my son...poor kid, we're gonna have to go shopping...sigh.



One of my favorite things...hearing Wessy say new words for the first time.I gave Kylie bubblegum to take out to everyone earlier today, and she went out asking, "Who wants gum?"Everyone responded, "Meee!"So, little Wesley raised his hands up high and said, "Meee!"



A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...ASU volleyball game tomorrow night, meeting with our new pastor, trip to the library.



Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...