i am from

I am from a family dinner time, from Kraft Macaroni and Cheese,

and from tea towels as napkins.

I am from the big, brick house in town...old, lived in, and cozy,

with a front porch swing.

I am from the yellow and orange Marigolds and purple and white Pansie flower beds,

the weathered and worn, wooden privacy fence,

the dusty, gravel driveway.

I am from too-crowded Thanksgiving tables, and big eaters,

from Viola Katherine and Blanche Faye

and Wood.

I am from a quiet, listener-observer,

and sappy, emotional women.

From the Blizzard of 1978,

and the rescuing arms of a big brother.

I am from Safe Christianity.

Old, wooden pews, hymns of piano and organ,

Christmas Pageants, and Easter Lillies.

I'm from small-town Goshen, Ohio.

From Big-City Cincinnati,

Skyline Chili and Buddy LaRosa's Pizza.

From the Grandpa with no shoes, a cold bed, and lumpy oatmeal,

the father who had a pony and a pool and chocolate cake for breakfast,

and the mother who held a latch-key and her Daddy's Heart.

I am from cardboard boxes of family photos, not yet stuck in albums.

Thirty-two years, frozen in time,

by 35 mm film.

daybook, february 15th

Outside my Window...an ugly, winter, snow-less, gray, cold day

 

From the learning rooms...no school today, Brian is OFF for President's Day...we never get any schoolwork done when he is home

 

I am thankful for...another day

 

From the kitchen...pancakes for breakfast, spaghetti for lunch, pork roast and mashed potatoes for dinner

I am wearing...my red nightgown and my pink Susan Branch jammie pants and Brian's socks

I am reading...Caleb's Story

 

I am praying and hoping...the weather holds up, so the Boys can get OUTSIDE to play and get some ENERGY out!!!

 

I am creating...I made my own Valentine Treat Bags and Valentine's Cards for the KIDS, I was very proud of myself...too proud...I need to learn a CREATIVE SKILL...I'm officially taking up knitting (I think I may have already said that...a few months ago:)

 

I am hearing...Judah getting fussy, Bedtime Stories on DVD. We've been being serenaded by Korinne and her Recorder Playing for the last day. The girls and I are taking a Music Theory class at church, and she joined the little Recorder Group yesterday. She's pretty good!

 

Around the house...We made the Big Switch this weekend, so things are all discombobulated still. Former Dining Room is empty, our Bedroom is now the Learning Room/Dining Room, the Girls' Bedroom is now our Bedroom, the Spare Room is now the Girls' Bedroom. It's all much cozier, but we need a new Dining Room Table for the Dining Room. One that seats 9. No worries, my BELOVED KITCHEN TABLE will FOREVER remain in our home. It's the perfect size for a Learning Room Table. I need to find a Clear Tablecloth, so we can put our map of America back on it. We used a shower curtain before, and it just didn't work. I think I may find some way to adhere the map to the actual table-top too...

 

I am remembering...how I used to watch Ice Skating with my Mom. Now the Girls and I are watching together. They love it as much as my Grandma, my Mom and I do. So sweet. Have I ever mentioned how I LOVE having Daughters to share my life with?

I am going...hopefully to the Library and WalMart soon. Boo is wearing Jude's diappies...YES, I am that Mom who forgets to put things like DIAPERS on the Grocery List.

 

On my mind...Romance. Is there an inappropriate age for it? To love someone is good, right? My children see Brian and I KISS, and HUG, and KISS, and TOUCH, and HUG, and KISS, and LAUGH, and KISS, and TOUCH, and SMILE, and HOLD. I want my children to see this part of us. I want them to want that, and not SETTLE to be without it. It is so good to feel your heart beating fast and hard for your Beloved. If they don't KNOW this...if they are not exposed to this...if you don't show them it's GOOD...how will they respond when they FEEL it...because they will FEEL it.

 

Noticing that...permanent marker smell may be permanent

 

Pondering these words..."Take it to the Lord in prayer."

 

One of my favorite things...baskets

 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...ballet, youth group, ballet, missions class, eye appts, ballet, dentist appts, church

daybook, february 8th

Outside my Window...more snow, lots of big, wet, fluffy flakes

 

From the learning rooms...We started Story of the World Volume 2 today, yay!

 

I am thankful for...not having to keep a list

 

From the kitchen...we had Buffalo Chicken Dip and Cocoa Nutty Football Treats for dinner last night (Superbowl Sunday), Pancakes for breakfast, PBJs for lunch, and I'm making a Spaghetti Dinner tonight

 

I am wearing...a long sleeve Army tee and jeans

 

I am reading...On the Shores of Silver Lake and Skylark

I am praying and hoping...the weather is good for my Mom, Sister, and Nephews to come down in 2 weeks, I want to have a FUN weekend with them, I miss the boys (and you too Mom and Rikki)!!!

I am creating...a neater, more organized HMB, Tara posted a great system last week

I am hearing...Job 11 and 12 on my earbuds

 

Around the house...laundry's a little behind and this computer desk needs a little TLC

 

I am remembering...what it was like to have to get 2 little bitty girls to school in bad, winter weather...thankful for homeschooling

 

I am going...nowhere...again, Ballet class is cancelled due to more snow

 

On my mind...Valentine's Day, I need to pull some things together to celebrate with the kids

 

Noticing that...even a 10 minute morning nap will keep Benjamin from taking his normal one :(

 

Pondering these words..."He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. " Revelation 3:5

 

One of my favorite things...comments in my inbox

 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...ballet, missions class, youth group, cub scouts, and a 4-day weekend courtesy of the U S Army (do you get 2 days off work for President's Day?)

daybook, february 1st

Outside my Window...sunshine, blue skies, and lots of leftover, icy snow

From the learning rooms...Paul's third missionary trip

I am thankful for...payday

From the kitchen...oatmeal with butter, cream and sugar for breakfast, leftover chili for lunch, and something with chicken for dinner

I am wearing...khaki corduroy pants and my purpley-pinkish long sleeve tee

I am reading...I read Sarah, Plain and Tall last night. Mine and Brian's 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Sullivan, read it aloud to us. I wanted to re-read it because the girls enjoyed it...Brian didn't remember it at all

I am praying and hoping...tomorrow's court hearing goes well

I am creating...a grocery list for Brian, and tax documents for Angelo

I am hearing...Connor softly murmuring the words of Cam Jansen as he "reads to himself", Judah yawning over and over again as I gently bounce him in his seat at my feet, and my George Winston Playlist

Around the house...our bedroom and both bathrooms need cleaned

I am remembering...how quickly babies grow into toddlers, as Judah and I try and get through these tiresome, fussy weeks

I am going...nowhere. Everything is still closed..don't you know it snowed 7 inches here on Friday!

On my mind...my little sister

Noticing that...Judah looks more like Wesley every day

Pondering these words..."But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." - Galations 5: 22-23

One of my favorite things...my pink IPod nano that Brian and the kids got me for my birthday. It has our entire Word of Promise audio bible on it, and I'm about to add all my favorite piano music

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...we'll just see how long it takes for the town to recover from the winter storm

alone time

Imagine my surprise...

When my most attention-needing, desperate for Momma and Daddy's lap child...

Asked if he could take their Army Guys up to their room to play alone for a little while.

 

 

I said sure, and he went, happily.

I walked up the stairs fifteen minutes later, peeked into their bedroom, and found him sitting at their desk, Hank the Cowdog playing on their CD player, and their Battalion set up in front of Real-Life Soldier pictures, on Real-Life Soldier manual.

And he was content. And still. And happy, alone.

Could it be he needs both

the most attention

and the most time to just be completely alone?

To be himself,

without Big Brother and Baby Brothers?

children's book monday: h is for honor

Our book this week is H is for Honor by Devin Scillian, Illustrated by Victor Juhasz...another Military Brat must (this is a library copy, but it's definitely on our Amazon Wishlist)

"Using the alphabet format, this picture book describes the many situations and experiences that militarty families, especially their children encounter. For example history, rank, and quarters are explained." - the publisher

The author takes you through the entire alpahbet, and writes a little about each letter. A is for Army and Air Force too (but Army first:). D is for drill sergeant. F is for families who wait for their return. I is for initials...R and R, T.D.Y., M.R.E. (and if wife wants to understand husband, you must learn them too:). O is for orders (wish we'd get some for Hawaii), and S stands for sacrifice.

"Not everyone hears it. It's just a few. But there's no denying it once you do. When your country calls, you do your part. So H is for honor in the American heart." - from the book

 

You could not fully understand these statements, until you are a wife or child of someone who heard the call in their heart. It is true. There is no denying it.

 

K is for kiss. I know, so sappy. I have wanted a copy of Eisenstaedt's photo to hang in our home for years now. This page makes the kids giggle. Connor and Korinne are so romantic...

 

L is for letters. You must write them...draw them. Even in a time when there is Facebook, Blogger and cell phones that work anywhere. You still send handwritten letters, crayoned pictures, and homemade "eyes of God"...

 

 

Y is for the reason. The reason is you.

 

Z is for Zulu, or rather, Zulu is for Z. One of the coolest things about the military (to just learning little boys anyway) is that they have their own alphabet!

daybook, january 25th

Outside my Window...gray skies, bare trees...blustery

 

From the learning rooms...Jesus calms a storm, Helen Keller, Days Go By, telling time

 

I am thankful for...rocking chairs and baby swings...Judah has been a little fussy these last few days, which is very unlike him

 

From the kitchen...maple and brown sugar oatmeal for breakfast, tomato soup and toasted cheese slices for lunch, easy cheeseburger pie for dinner

 

I am wearing...black corduroy skirt and tights with my sage green 3/4 sleeve top

 

I am reading...The Year of Miss Agnes (Understood Betsy was WONDERFUL, I think I may even write a post about it)

 

I am praying and hoping...that Brian's CT Scan results come in today, and we are correct in thinking it is only Lung Sarcoidosis...please pray with us

 

I am creating...my own homeschool curriculum, to share with the world via my blog. Really. I'm exhausted of searching for one that fits our family, so I'm going to make one.

 

I am hearing...Connor turning the pages of his Reader, the furnace, Judah's swing

 

Around the house...pretty tidy...having to handwash dishes has been an adjustment though

 

I am remembering...that credit cards stink...even when you pay the bill on the due date, they can still charge you a $29 late fee, because you paid it after their cut off time.

The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. - Proverbs 22:7

 

I am going...Korinne has ballet tonight. I will run Miss Ballerina to class, Daddy will pick her up on his way home.

 

On my mind...Brian's health

 

Noticing that...Mondays are ALWAYS tough, no matter what...or is that line of thinking what makes Mondays tough???

 

Pondering these words...The more you invest in a marriage, the more valuable it becomes. - A. Grant.

 

I will invest, invest, invest!

 

 

One of my favorite things...rest

 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...just ballet classes this week

children's book monday: the relatives came

The Relatives Came

By Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Stephen Gammell

Another Rylant, I know...but I haven't found one of her's I dislike. We love this one. It's about family coming to visit. Which happens often here.

With my family, you know they're coming...the horn honking is a dead give away. Brian's parents arrive much quieter. But there's always a mad dash to the door, lots of screaming, kisses and hugs.

Where does everyone sleep in our little 4 BR house when they come down? Wherever they can.

We always wave good-bye, we always cry, we always second guess our choice to be in the military. It's sad, but it's our life. This book is special to us, for that reason.

Daybook Entry, January 18th

Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman

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For Today...Monday, January 18th, TwentyTen (someone please tell me why I keep writing 2010 like that:)

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Outside my Window...darkness

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I am thinking...about what curriculum I will choose for next school year, we usually buy in February with tax return money...I am SOOO confused right now with the "book" direction I want to go next.

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From the learning rooms...no school today. But we did read A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. by David A Adler, and we sat down as a family this evening and watched Mr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech before going to bed. I wanted to get to hear Voddie Baucham's sermon, "The Table of Nations: Are There Many Races, or One?" too, but the day has gotten away from me. Brian says it's fantastic (he says that about all Baucham's sermons). Here is the link: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=525091133123. I'll try to get to it sometime this week.

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I am thankful for...a clean house as we get back into our routine (Brian had a 4 day weekend...one of the better US Army benefits)

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From the kitchen...baked chicken, mashed potatoes and peas tonight...yep, we were "slinging taters and peas" as our Pastor would say

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I am wearing...gray yoga pants, red OSU Buckeye T-shirt, bare feet, no makeup, hair in a messy bun (I'm quite the sight)

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I am reading...Understood Betsy, John, and The Mission of Motherhood and Shepherding a Child's Heart (still, I'm slow, I have 7 kids)

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I am hoping...the babies sleep well tonight. I could use some good sleep.

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I am creating...hmmm, how I wish I could put something here each week. Maybe I will learn to knit.

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I am hearing...Hank the Cowdog playing in the boys' CD player, the dishwasher, and Brian at the kitchen table doing some school work (Liberty started back today...Church History and Inductive Bible Study this quarter...I know a guy who works full-time for the military, is married, has 7 children, and went to school full time over the winter...AND made the Dean's list:)

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Around the house...my dining/school room, my family room, both bathrooms, the kitchen, and the laundry room were all supercleaned today (thanks to LOTS of help from Brian and the girls). Now if I can just find the time to help the boys put their mountain of clothes away tomorrow...and I SOOO need to wipe down the ceiling fan in our bedroom...why do I always forget that???

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One of my favorite things...knowing I'm ready for tomorrow. It's a good feeling that I wish I felt more often.

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A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...ballet classes, yay!!!

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Here are some picture thoughts I am sharing with you...

Boys. Outside on a warm, winter day. Playing football. With their Daddy, who has the day off work.

what has shaped me as a mother

1. My Grandmothers, my Mother, and my Sister:

My Grandma Dutchie taught me that life can be hard, that you must be tough and persevere. That your life doesn't always look like the life of the Mother next door. My Sister, Rikki, lives this truth out daily as a working Mother. She longs to stay home with her boys, but cannot.

 

My Grandma Faye taught me that cooking meals and opening your home to your grandchildren is the next step after mothering your own children.

 

My Mother, Velinda, taught me that actually "mothering" is what is important. She stayed home with me, my older brother, and my younger sister, even when most other mothers in the 80s and 90s were going off to work (even though we could have used the money). She taught me mothering basics. You bathe your children every night in a warm bath, and let them play with their toys in the bathtub. You feed your children...three times a day, including a warm dinner that is set on the kitchen table for the entire family to enjoy together. You clothe your children...in nice, matching clothing...that is clean and wrinkle-free. You make sure they've brushed their teeth and you brush their hair...you pull your little girls' hair up in pony-tails, and tie yarn ribbons in them. She taught me mothering basics. She also taught me that being together and following very simple traditions can fill a child's heart. For 32 years. She taught me a cheery smile (even when it may be a little fake) is always better than a heartbroken frown.

2. Staying home.

I worked outside of our home once upon a time. It hurt. I cried. I came home.

I sent my beautiful, smart girls to public school to a teacher who didn't love them and a government that tried to turn them "into Romans". It hurt. I cried. They came home with me.

We've learned that being together as a family is not always easy, but it is such blessing. I know my children and they know me, in ways that would not be possible if I were gone 40 hours a week at work, and they were gone 35 hours a week at school. I would not trade our family-integrated lifestyle for the world.

3. Experience.

In the 13 years I've been doing this, I could not count the number of mistakes I have made.

You do not wake a sleeping newborn, to change their diaper. You do not send your child to their biological father's every other weekend because the juvenile court says you must. You do not leave a wailing baby in their crib to just "cry it out". You do not SCREAM at your children. You do not let the pediatrician be your child's parent. You do not let your child do what everyone else's child is doing, just because everyone else's child is doing it.

You do just watch an angelic sleeping newborn, because so soon they will be babies and not newborns. You do fight for your child's safety and well-being. You do let a crying baby sleep with you. You do try, so very, very hard NOT to SCREAM at your children. You do shake your head, and smile at the pediatrician, but YOU be your child's parent. You do take the time to think about, pray about, and talk about every little thing you let you child do.

4. My husband, Brian.

I will just say, that without his support, encouragement, and understanding, I would not be the Mother I am. He has let me completely embrace Motherhood in every way. Even when it meant we left our honeymoon a day early. Even when it meant we would be broke. Even when it meant he would be a father to more than the average 2.5 children in American homes.

5. My faith.

I fought the maternal instinct in me for a long time. But once I formed a relationship with Jesus, and living out the bible became part of my everday life, I could see that I was just becoming what God had intended for me all along.

 

I have never felt so content as I do right now in my life. Staying home and mothering 7 children has brought me more freedom to be ME than anything else ever has. I love being a Mother.

Daybook Entry, January 11th

(click on pic to visit The Simple Woman, Peggy, and view other daybook entries)

FOR TODAY...Monday, January 11, TwentyTen



OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...Winter



I AM THINKING...about the future of our poor country and what it means to be a military family in these times



I AM THANKFUL FOR...the "Quiet Time" habit of our home



FROM THE SCHOOL ROOM...The Temptation of Jesus and His Death and Resurrection, adding Romans 12:2 in the Scripture Memory Box, we will finish Augustus Caesar's World this week, the sense of sight, the final chapters of Bronze Bow, Haydn's "Emperor", and hopefully a Winter Nature Walk



FROM THE KITCHEN...Brian is bringing home a Taco Soup recipe from a co-soldier, I'm going to make muffins here shortly for Tea Time (TJ has been requesting Banana Nut)



I AM WEARING...denim skirt, cream top



I AM READING...Job 3 and 4 and Racketty, Packetty House



I AM HOPING...the pantry holds out



I AM CREATING...a happy home



I AM GOING...we hope to get to church Wednesday evening



I AM HEARING...the furnace, Judah's swing, the dishwasher...but not Wesley...wait while I go check...all is well



AROUND THE HOUSE...some clean laundry to fold and put away. I did move the Big Boy's clothes around to make it more "kid-friendly", now Connor and TJ are able to put their own piles away. Connor also puts Wesley's away. It has helped tremendously.



ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...good children's booklists...I found this one, and I'm requesting it from our little library soon after I finish up my daybook. I think my dream has shifted from writing stories to owning stories...my own "Shop Around the Corner", maybe? Yes!



A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...schooling, cleaning, loving babies, cooking, loving my husband, reading, laundry, a new time for me, schooling, cleaning, turning a little older, loving babies, cooking, loving my husband, reading, laundry, preaparing for ballet classes...



FROM MY PICTURES...

...our boys, the couch, and DK books...seen quite often around here :)...

Daybook Entry, January 4, 2010

FOR TODAY(which was yesterday:)... from Kathi's Daybook

Outside my window...snowflakes were falling as we walked out of church last night...no snow today, but Brian informed us during lunch that it's coming !!!

I am thinking...that I have waaay too many gray hairs for almost 32

I am thankful for...not being too concerned about my gray hair

I am wearing...black shirt, denim skirt, black tights, black slippers (I inserted today's outfit, because, quite frankly, yesterday's was S-C-A-R-Y:)

I am remembering...my surprise 30th birthday party that Brian and the kids put on almost 2 years ago...I think it was snowing then...

I am going...nowhere tonight...the girls are still on Winter Break from ballet...so things are still pretty calm around here...plus, it may snow :)

I am currently reading...Shepherding a Child's Heart, The Bronze Bow, Mission of Motherhood, NKJV Bible, Pocketful of Pinecones, Cheaper By The Dozen, Snowflake Bentley, Nate the Great and the Snowy Trail, Winter Poems

I am hoping...for snow

Pondering these words...

In the falling snow

A laughing boy holds out his palms

Until they are white

- "Laughing Boy" by Richard Wright
...we miss playing in the snow :(

From the kitchen...Brian said he's making dinner tonight...I hope he remembers :) ...maybe potato soup...that's what my Mom made when it would snow...hmmm...was it grocery day on the days it snowed ???

Around the house...my family's found, washed, dried, folded and seperated clothes are laughing at me from their piles !!!

One of my favorite things...snow

From my picture journal...

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Sleeping Baby Judah (on snowflake sheets:)

Family Goal: 2010

2010 Goals abound here. Waaay too many to share.

But one of our yearly goals as a family is to read through the entire bible in 2010. We will use this bible reading plan. It divides the bible into 52 weeks, with 7 reading topics (one for each day of the week), including The Law, History, Psalms, Poetry, Prophecy, Gospels, and Epistles. We were originally looking for something in chronological order, but Brian found this, and we both liked that it changed things up...VERY important when you are trying to keep the attention of several little ones!

I will be pre-reading/pre-listening to each day's scheduled reading during our QT in the afternoon, using my new NKJV Scofield Study Bible III, and our AWESOME family gift, the Word of Promise NKJV Complete Audio Bible. If I were a wealthy woman (financially) I would buy this audio bible for every family I know. It's that good.

What's your most important goal for 2010?

I Saw Three Ships

Daybook Entry, December 14th

FOR TODAY... from Kathi's Daybook

Outside my window...it's cold, but thankfully dry today

I am thinking...how nice it will be to have my hubby all to myself for a few weeks (Liberty University is officially on Christmas break after this week)

I am thankful for...online shopping...(don't know if the children would get gifts if it weren't for the computer:)

I am wearing...black skirt, red snowman shirt from my Momma, black and red snowman socks, and sigh...my fuzzy, purple slippers

I am remembering...Christmas 2005...me and 4 babies, with no Daddy to read the Christmas Story or The Night Before Christmas to them...I try not to take our time together for granted, praying for those who are apart. Christmas is hard for a Soldier.

I am going...the whole family is going to Connor's Cub Scouts meeting tonight for a pizza party and canned good drive, tomorrow, I will actually go Christmas shopping in a store. Yes, you read that correctly. Me and The Mall.

I am currently reading...I ordered Tripp's Shepherding A Child's Heart a few days ago...finishing Mission of Motherhood, and hoping to pick up Sense and Sensibility that I started waaay too long ago...I may have to re-read the first few chapters

I am hoping...by some weather miracle, we get snow next week...yeah, right!

Noticing that...Jesus is still here, even when our schedule got too busy for Him these past few weeks. He sat waiting, we went crazy...hmmm...

Pondering these words..."There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries." - W.J. Cameron

From the kitchen...Pizza Party tonight

Around the house...Planning and preparing for a Christmas Tea the girls and I are hosting Saturday. Please, pray for me. Hospitality does not come naturally for me, and I so want this to be nice for my girls and our guests. We got some of our ideas here and here, and I've come to realize my girls have inherited some of their grandmothers' creativity.

One of my favorite things...the feel of MY bible in MY HANDS, after it has been out of them for too many days.

From my picture journal...

A Very Happy Bouncing Baby Boy

Daybook Entry, November 30th

FOR TODAY... from Kathi's Daybook

Outside my window... beautiful sunshine and blue skies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Around the house...EVERYTHING needs cleaned

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

From my picture journal...

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

Daybook Entry, November 23rd

FOR TODAY...Monday, November 23, 2009

Outside my window...Novembery

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

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

From the learning rooms...UGH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

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

Heard Around Home, November 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

children's book monday: november

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

children's book monday: captain cat

Captain Cat by Syd Hoff.

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

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

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

It's a MUST HAVE for all Military Families!

Daybook Entry, November 2nd

FOR TODAY...Monday, November 2, 2009

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

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

I AM THANKFUL FOR...Tuesdays.

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

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

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

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

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

I AM READING...A Familiar Path

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

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

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

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

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

A PICTURE TO SHARE...

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.

.

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.

.

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

.

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???