Simple Woman's Daybook - December 29, 2008

For today...

Outside my window...it looks like the first day of spring with the melting snow, birds fluttering about, and the patches of green in the lawn.

I am thinking...of the items on my list today, the path I will take in town to get all my errands done, and what we should get for that one final gift that isn't bought yet

From the learning rooms...all is quiet - kids sleeping and enjoying their school break

I am thankful for...coffee, heat, a patient husband, recycling, external hard drives, a loving family

From the kitchen...coffee perking, making almond bark dipped oreos today

I am wearing...my warm, fuzzy robe and slippers

I am reading...a book from Tracie Peterson, Angels Flight, that is unsettling to me for some reason

I am hoping...to continue to be in this relaxation mode for quite a while yet! I am also hoping to get some snow for the nieces and nephews to sled in before this weekend

I am creating...a clean school room

I am hearing...just the computer fan and the occasional rumble of a garbage truck in the neighborhood

Around the house...final touches on all the rooms prior to my family coming Wednesday

A few plans for the rest of the week...shopping for necessary paper products and groceries, wash the car, finish cleaning, spending the entire time from Wed to Sunday relaxing with my family here!

A picture I thought I would share with you...Christmas joy!!



Blessings to each and every one of you!

Christmas vacation

As a child, I am sure I enjoyed and looked forward to school breaks, but now, as a teaching parent, Christmas break is the best! While I love homeschooling my kiddos, the break in the action, particularly for my mental health, is essential and wonderful!

My first impulse is to see how many things I can get done...should I pull out the pictures and start scrapbooking? How about a deep down cleaning in all the rooms? Time to get some stuff ready for Goodwill to drop off...My list could go on and on. I have found though, what I don't do very well is good old fashioned sitting. I have a hard time sitting and just doing nothing. Or reading a good book. I feel guilty and feel as if I should be doing something productive since the time is so fleeting and in short supply. Between trying to have enough time to keep up the house and do things for Brad's work, I don't feel I have much time leftover for relaxing.

But, this vacation, I hope to find time to sit back and relax. I want to play games with the kids, do some baking, organize some shelves. The two week break is going to go by much too quickly, so my goal is to enjoy it to its fullest (which means not sitting in front of the computer all day!) I'll let you know how it goes... :)

Blessings!

A Simple Woman's Daybook - December 22, 2008

For today...

Outside my window...so very cold, negative temperatures, but glorious as the sun is shining brilliantly. Bright red cardinal and junkos are all over the bird feeder trying to get enough seeds to survive!

I am thinking...How fast can we get school done today to start our Christmas vacation? :)

From the learning rooms...Just a few subjects to wrap it all up. I'm not quite where I wanted to be at this time, but it will have to do! I'm as excited as my kids for a break.

I am thankful for...once again, I am thankful for heat and a roof over our heads, and no wind today to keep the wind chill down as we may need to venture into town. I'm thankful that we are able to have the privilege of schooling at home, and the flexibility and means to help others during this time of year.

From the kitchen...hope to get some baking done today. Peggy's bean and ham soup sounds tremendous as well! Maybe we'll go that route for supper.

I am wearing...flannel, workout pants, slippers, socks - trying to stay warm

I am reading...nothing right now - just working on getting all the extras done

I am hoping...that we all can stay healthy through the holidays, and this week will be one of focused attention on baby Jesus

I am creating...the final grocery list for our Christmas meals, brunch, and final stocking stuffers for the kiddos

I am hearing...the furnace running, JD playing with TJ

Around the house...got TJ's room done yesterday (PTL!) so this week's step in "mission organization" is the office space. Also plan to keep everything clean for the next two weeks, although that, in general, is going very well with the kids helping with their rooms and bathrooms. Love that those are clean each day!

One of my favorite things...my electric blanket

A few plans for the rest of the week...enjoying time with family, baking, relaxing, reading, a bit of shopping yet, church, celebrating the coming of the newborn KING!

Merry Christmas to all of you this blessed week!!

Please link to the original daybook by clicking the picture on the right...

A Simple Woman's Daybook - December 15, 2008

(Please link to Peggy's Daybook through link in right column...)

For today...

Outside my window...blowing snow, but sunny. It is a beautiful scene as I can see a bright red cardinal on the feeder.

I am thinking...how absolutely cold it is, and questioning why I live in SD...it is minus 10 degrees right now! That's without the wind chill. UGH.

From the learning rooms...kids are on a 15 minute break so they are enjoying some quick play time in the basement

I am thankful for...a warm house, a cup of coffee, and the beauty of the snow cover

From the kitchen...coffee pot is on, need to plan something with hamburger for supper

I am wearing...slippers, wool socks, pjs and my comfy warm robe still. Might stay in it all day as it is toasty!!

I am reading...not much right now, but need to pick up another Karen Kingsbury book that I have on hold at the library - can't wait!!

I am hoping...to get some more shopping done despite the cold, that our Angel Tree at work gets a few more gifts, and that our secret gift giving can come together for a special family

I am creating...hmmm, not much right now. Focusing on finishing things rather than creating at the moment!

I am hearing...happy, giggling sounds from my daughter while she's playing with her brothers

Around the house...things seem to be under control. Need to figure out how to best organize our gloves, mittens and all the boots for the winter

One of my favorite things...something warm in my cup, preferably coffee

A few plans for the rest of the week...Christmas baking, storage room organization, working in the office, Christmas cards perhaps, work stuff, finalize Christmas shopping as the festivities start Saturday!

May God bless your week!

A Simple Devotion

For Today...

Dear Lord,

I'll bring you my shortcomings...Lord, today I bring you my impatience. I want everything to work out in my time frame, on my schedule. Lord, let my schedule be yours. Please bring a patience to me that is slow to anger, and quick to love.

I'll bring you my worship and praise... It's amazing to reflect on the greatest gift that has ever been given, that of your son, Jesus. It is mind boggling to comprehend what has passed before and after your son was born. It's amazing to think of him as a perfect baby, without flaws, and with such humble beginnings. It's amazing to know that he is my Savior, Lord, and King. I praise you for the plan you have for me and my family.

I'll bring you my prayer...Lord God, please watch and keep us during this Advent season. Help us to find ways to make it more real and personal to our children. Guide us as we shop for gifts, that they may be meaningful and special, yet reflective of you. Finally, please protect and keep each of us strong and healthy as we gather together with family and friends.

You spoke to me... "...Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Romans 12:3

May God bless your day!
(To join others using the Simple Devotion, use the button at the right to link)

A Simple Woman's Daybook

(Please use link at right to connect with Peggy's blog and other daybook entries...)

For Today...
Outside my window...cloudy, dreary day with a possibility we may have 3 to 5 inches of snow tonight

I am thinking...that the time of Advent is going so fast, and my heart is not quite keeping up

From the learning rooms...typical Monday with a full schedule. We've dropped piano except for Christmas songs until after Christmas

I am thankful for...heat, a home, and good health

From the kitchen...nothing brewing right now except the coffee!!

I am wearing...slippers and socks, comfy jeans, white long sleeved shirt and flannel. Gotta stay warm in this house!

I am reading...Karen Kingsbury's Sunset; What a fabulous Christian author she is!

I am hoping...that I can get a lot of work done tomorrow when I spend the majority of the day at the office

I am creating...Christmas lists

I am hearing...the fan of the computer, JT whistling

Around the house...kids are really doing well keeping up with their jobs. I have cleaner bathrooms than I have in years, rooms are tidy, and we are developing some good habits of organization! Still have to work with TJ to get her room up to snuff

One of my favorite things...Christmas music!

A few plans for the rest of the week...tonight I have the deacon's wives over for prayer and praise, church school board tomorrow night, going to work all afternoon (after lunch with my friend Gina) in order to get many, many things off my list that have fallen by the wayside as of late

Have a great week!

Simple Devotion

(Join your heart with mine and others through the Simple Devotion link at right)

For Today...

Dear Lord,

I'll bring you my shortcomings...It seems as if I could write the same things week after week, but you, Oh Lord, know the struggles I face. Today, I bring you my quick temper. How easy it is to have a reflex action when something goes wrong. Curb that anger Lord, and turn me toward a kind tongue and compassionate ways.

I'll bring you my worship and praise... A beautiful, light snowfall is such an amazing event that boasts you as the creator and Lord of all the earth. Even the ice crystals that form a snowflake are full of variety and show the amazingness that is you, my Lord and my God. You bring beauty into a dull, drab, winter world, and it can be matched by no human being. You are the God of beauty and creation, and I praise you for all you have made.

I'll bring you my prayer...Lord God, please guide us as parents as we shepherd our children. You know the future, and you know what obstacles each one of them will face. I pray you will help Brad and I to prepare them for the challenges to come, but also to play and celebrate with them on a daily basis, so they too can enjoy life and all the blessings you have bestowed on us.

You spoke to me... "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." I Corinthians 16:13-14

May God bless your day, and mine!

Words from the peanut gallery...

Just want to post a couple of sayings from the past few weeks that I want to remember.

Today, from JD: "Why do we need school anyway? Just lead a simple life and you don't need to worry about anything."

After going out for a birthday supper, we (TJ and I) were given a free hot fudge sundae in honor of our birthdays. We ate it as a family and as I stood up when we finished the dessert, JT quips, "Mom, I guess it's true that chocolate does go straight to the hips." OUCH!

Yesterday, we had the first Sunday in about 5 months where we haven't had some responsibilities at church so we decided to relax in the morning and do home church. Each of the kiddos brought their own devotion. JD read about Moses being put into a papyrus basket, and then had us weave small baskets using yarn and cut paper cups. TJ sang a song, told us what she was thankful for, and then instructed us to all draw pictures of a character for our nativity sets. Brad and JT did angels, JD and I did shepherd boys, and TJ did a wiseman on an elephant. (She loves JD's wisemen from his set) Then, JT did a bible bingo where he read words out from a verse and we had to locate them on his 5 handwritten sheets (it took him most of the morning to create). I won the first round, and so he wanted to see if we could get another winner. Well, JD wins the second round, so he hands JD a piece of paper that says to look up Matthew 5:22. Creative boy - go to the verse and read it for yourself to see how this story is funny. Glad he's studying the bible for some verses he can use for personal application! I guess we are taking the bible VERY literally. :)

Oh, and here's one hot off the presses - just in. JD just walked in with two taper candles sticking out of his ears stating, "Wow, I really have a problem with ear wax."

Just some things to laugh about...

Okay, looking back, it appears that maybe the Sunday story may only be funny to us. :)

A Simple Woman's Daybook

(Please link back to Peggy's daybook using button at right...)

For Today...

Outside my window...cold, with little sleet pellets forming. Took the garbage cans down and the wind took my breath away

I am thinking...how to incorporate Christmas into our December schooling. It always seems to sneak up on us without having enough time to prepare our hearts

From the learning rooms...getting a later start today as we are exhausted from being off schedule over the weekend. I still need to write out our lesson plans for the day. I hate it when I leave that until Monday morning!

I am thankful for...a wonderful Thanksgiving, that my mom was able to be here, a relaxing, casual, non-overloaded weekend

From the kitchen...Still working on the leftovers...need to get creative today!

I am wearing...slippers, socks, black yoga pants, white long sleeve shirt, black pullover (and I'll probably need to add one more layer yet!)

I am reading...nothing right now - need to get some new books at the library. Went through all three of the novels I checked out a couple of weeks ago

I am hoping...that I can work on my patience and kindness and that all the ornaments from the Angel Tree at Brad's work will be taken so that items can be purchased for a needy family in the area

I am creating...our December calendar with all of our activities and responsibilities

I am hearing...our dog howling as he already wants to get in the house

Around the house...need to organize hats and mittens, do TJ's room, and usual Monday cleaning. Decorations are all up and we can enjoy them all month - YEA!

One of my favorite things...sitting in the living room, surrounded by white lights along with gold, white, and red accents. Add the Christmas music and I am relaxed and at peace

A few plans for the rest of the week...finish the December calendar, TJ's room, and the office. That's the goals for operation organization!

Thanksgiving blessings

What a wonderful couple of days it has been. Having mom here was wonderful, and it's always a special day when dh can be around more often than usual. I love the break in the middle of a week, to mix up the school schedule and enjoy the change from the day to day. Thanksgiving is all that, plus a time for reflection on all the blessings that we are thankful for, but seem to never take the time to appreciate.

This year our menu was pretty standard fare, but sometimes the classics are the best. Tried a few new recipes, and definitely got some keepers...The Cranberry Glazed Breast of Turkey (foodnetwork.com) and Pumpkin Cheesecake (also Food Network) were both ones to pull back out of the file again. I would definitely also make the Cranberry Pineapple Salad and Creamy Sweet Potatoes again (both from my Taste of Home recipe box). Of course, my mom made her yummy stuffing, buns, and apple pie. We rounded out the menu with a 20lb turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and some misc. fare. We have plenty of leftovers which is just fine with me as we can eat stress free for days. :) Brad also made a cranberry-pomegranate Bellini as a pre-meal special drink.

One other fun treat was having the kids make some table crafts. We didn't eat until 4pm, so after a morning brunch, I put the kids to work making some edible turkeys, pilgrim hats, and tepees from familyfun.com. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture but they were the cutest thing...the hats were a fudge striped cookie turned upside down, with a large, chocolate dipped marshmallow on top. Then, you used yellow squeeze frosting to make the square "buckle". The turkeys were one double stuffed oreo (sans the top wafer) with a full oreo pushed up and down into the frosting. Then, you inserted candy corn into the vertical oreo frosting for the feathers. Finish it off with a raisenette as the turkey head, and it is cute as can be. Finally, the tepees were sugar cones, frosted with white icing, then decorated with piped frosting. I don't think I'll do those again, but the combination of all of them together made for some cute decorations and got the kids involved.

Most importantly though, we had a wonderful day together as a family. From cooking with my mom and having Brad home to help and be nearby, to extended family, many games of pinnochle, and lots and lots of food, we were able to relish the gifts that only the Lord can provide. With Him, we have a freedom that can not be matched here on earth, and a promise of more than we can ever imagine when we finally join him in heaven someday. When amazing blessings abound here on earth, it is so hard to imagine that it can be even more wonderful than this - but it will be. I pray all of us will know his glory and love, through good and through bad. May God bless each and every day of our upcoming year -

Simple Devotion

(Please use the button on the right to link to Peggy's original Simple Devotion homepage)

For Today...

Dear Lord,

I'll bring you my shortcomings...the inadequacies are many, oh Lord, but I know with you all things are possible. Only you can lead my heart from one of wanting to control to one of submitting to you, in all areas of my life. Lord, guide my heart to one of humility and releasing of all my plans to you.

I'll bring you my worship and praise... As we near Thanksgiving, I know that I should be thankful each and every day for all that you give us. You are the God of power and might, the God of plenty and the God of our desires. Lord, I praise you for the works of your hand, specifically today for my family, my home, a steady job for my husband, and the freedom of our country. All things are guided by your hand. Oh Lord, how great thou art!!!

I'll bring you my prayer... Lord, give me a thankful heart each and every day, not just in this season. Guide me these next few days to be a "Mary" rather than a "Martha". Grant safe travels for all to come together this Thanksgiving and be with my family near and far. Help them all to know your love for them and help them all to love you deeply and completely. Thank you for your gift of salvation, and may we never take it for granted.

You spoke to me... "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:16-18

A Simple Woman's Daybook

(Link back to Peggy's daybook entries through A Simple Woman's Daybook picture on right column)

For today....

Outside my window...a bright and sunny day with temperatures hovering around 35 degrees. It's great to see the sun and have it heat the house a bit.

I am thinking...we have a busy 3 days of school along with lots of Thanksgiving prep

From the learning rooms....still getting going this morning, but a full Monday as usual. Piano lessons this afternoon to round out our day.

From the kitchen...need to get a plan going for supper - I think spaghetti tonight. A 20 lb turkey and 6 lb turkey breast are busy thawing in the fridge!

I am wearing...the usual uniform! :) Slippers, socks, black work out pants, white shirt, comfy gray sweatshirt, and a quilted flannel thrown on the top until the house warms up a bit

I am reading...A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann (inspirational fiction)

I am hoping...that I can keep my focus on the big picture this week - family, thankfulness, fun, and fellowship

I am creating...my menu for the "big" dinner, some ideas for Thanksgiving crafts to have the kids do Thursday am while we're cooking

Around the house...wash machine going with the first load today, TJ is still sleeping, but everything cleaning wise is under control for the week

One of my favorite things...waking up to a clean bedroom with everything in its place - evidence of a good weekend project

A few plans for the rest of the week...finish cleaning, get Operation Christmas Child boxes done (they're due today!), shopping for groceries, and enjoying time with my mom when she comes

Have a blessed day!

Simple devotion

I follow Peggy's blog (http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/) pretty religiously as she has such a great message of simplicity and peace. From her blog I have linked to many others who have the same thought process...All of them challenge me to move beyond the "rat race" into quiet peacefulness and reflection. While I am so far away from leading a simpler life, I continue to strive to keep my focus on the simplest, yet most complex, blessing I have been given - that of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Peggy had a great idea to reflect each week (along the same lines as the daybook) on a simple devotion, so, as time is limited for a complete blogging entry today, I will venture out and start this weekly process to further delve into what is REALLY important in this life...

For Today...

Dear Lord,

I'll bring you my shortcomings...There are so many Lord, but today I bring you my lack of "letting go" - I continue to desire to want to do things my way, or at least play a part in how everything needs to be. Help me to let you be the God of my life, and help me to submit to your plan.

I'll bring you my worship and praise... What an awesome God and Creator you are! I look out my window and see your handprint in everything I see. You have the power to create the seasons, and move us from fall to winter. I praise you for your amazing power over the world and marvel in the works of your hands!

I'll bring you my prayer... please Lord Jesus, use me to touch a life and make a difference today, whether it be in a kind word or action. Grant me wisdom to know what to say and when to say it in order to further your kingdom.

You spoke to me..."Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window - Hazy cold day with just enough snow on the ground to make it partially white

I am thinking - that I don't have anything planned yet for lunch or dinner and I need to get a grocery list together

From the learning rooms - heavy Monday schedule with piano lessons on top of an already full day

I am thankful for - heat on this cold day as I still adjust to this temperature change

From the kitchen - coffee pot just shut off, nothing going on!

I am wearing - lots of layers...slippers and wool socks, yoga pants, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, and a quilted flannel shirt (not the picture of fashion, but I'm warm!)

I am reading - still working away at Love and Respect and also the latest Rachel Ray magazine

I am hoping - to get started on all the cleaning projects today

I am creating - a checklist for the bathroom cleaning, thoughts about Thanksgiving

I am hearing - kids playing with cars while on their lunchbreak

Around the house - focus on bathrooms and bedrooms this week

One of my favorite things - a cup of coffee to keep my hands warm

A few plans for the rest of the week - meetings, payroll, birthdays, and working on simplicity

Praying for peace and love...

Goals for the week

What a spectacular weekend we had with my family! We headed to Minneapolis on Friday afternoon and were able to reach mom's house by supper time. Luckily, the wind and snow didn't cause any problems for us and we arrived safely. So fun to be together with everyone...I always find it so amazing that the cousins can all just pick right up where they left off, finding things to bridge the age gaps, and have so much fun together. Many families can barely spend an afternoon together, let alone a weekend (or longer!), but we are so blessed to enjoy each other and revel in the games and talking. That connection is amazing and I appreciate having not only brothers and a sister and a mom that I love to be with, but also my special sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law who are so integral to our family. I am so thankful that my siblings have godly partners who are an integral part of the binding that makes us family. I can't wait until Christmas when we are all together again!

This week we have additional goals of continuing on the path of "operation responsibility" for our children. We're going to start the deep cleaning process of working in their rooms, and while JT's doesn't phase me in the least, JD and TJ's rooms are probably going to put me over the edge. I am, most likely, going to run screaming from their rooms more than once this week, so plan to have a few extra pots of coffee on hand to take with me as I sit in my room, rocking myself back and forth while reminding myself that someday their future partners will thank us for our diligence in this responsibility department. I believe there will be much wailing and gnashing of teeth this week, so don't worry about calling in the authorities. We're just throwing Lego magazines/pictures/Burger King crowns/pictures/scraps of paper/wrappers/ etc. away. They'll survive.

Also a big week as we plan to complete the Colonial America unit and I need to decide if I'm going to break from the lesson plans and go into a self run demonstration/reporting unit complete with diagrams, oral and written reports, etc. Still thinking on that. Need to renew my K12 contract this week as well so have to get my stuff in order to think through the next year on this.

Off to the next school subject - snack break is long over.

Have a great day in God!

What a day -

Wow! Who would think that we would be at 70+ degrees on October 30th? This weather is amazing and we have truly had a beautiful, extended fall. I love this time of year and wish it would extend even longer. But, to everything there is a season, and I'm just glad the season is autumn!

Brad was able to get out and do some pheasant hunting today while we took an afternoon fieldtrip to the outdoor campus and looked at all of God's creation. We looked for seeds and how they are dispersed and carried, and then viewed the wetlands, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, crunched through the leaves, and ended up at the park. Short of the noisy construction equipment at the park, it was a beautiful afternoon.

Plans for the weekend include going to a fall festival party tomorrow night, a marriage seminar simulcast on Saturday, and church on Sunday. Still need to get to some more apples and wrap up some outside work. Sounds like the weather will be perfect through it all...

No need for the electric blanket tonight!

Blessings!

Small visitors..

How do you judge when the weather is getting colder? How come I have the distinct feeling that our cats are merely mooching off of us for food? Quite simply, because we have some extra, small, uninvited visitors in our house. I use the plural sense but I am sincerely hoping it should be singular. Found some "evidence" in the back hallway yesterday of some potential invaders, and Brad set out two traps to see if we were right in the assumption. Yep, sure enough, this morning a small little mouse (or so I was told) was in one of the traps. Small little fella, which makes me think he has (unfortunately) some relatives around. So, in typical homeschooling fashion, we had to use the catch as a learning opportunity. (No, we didn't dissect it!)

First, a lesson on male/female roles in society - or at least OUR society: "Boys, men are the ones who take mice out of mousetraps and throw them in the garbage."

Then, on to problem solving: "I don't want you to touch it, so figure out a way to get it into the outside garbage bin without touching it. Here's a bag."

By golly, they found a way. More importantly, I didn't see it, touch it, or have it permanently ingrained into my long term memory.

Obviously our outdoor cats are NOT earning their keep, but then again, I'm not sure they ever did. :) We're good for feeding them, petting them, and providing a nice warm bed in the winter. They're good for, hmmm....I'm not sure. Certainly not pest control.

But, life would be different if Angel and Beauty weren't around. I'll take the stance that if they weren't around, we'd have even MORE mice. And, certainly, we have plenty the way it is now. ONE is way too many in my book.

Off to reset the traps...oh, who am I kidding. Off to show the boys how to reset the traps...

Still the rain comes...

Well, actually, it has stopped for the time being. We are well over two inches in the past couple of days, so that is wonderful moisture to have entering into the winter! I'm just glad it came in the form of rain, not snow!

Unfortunately, all that rain presented a problem. We were in the basement last night when JD said he heard a drip. Sure enough, in one part of our basement water was dripping out of the light socket. That is never good! After further investigation to find the source, we realized that two of our outside windows have a seal that must be leaking and the circumstances (wind direction, rain) were just right to have the rain drip through the edges, run in and filter down between the outside wall and the sheet rock, and puddle up under the WOOD floor. AARGH! This obviously had been going on the whole day as the wood floor on our main level is slightly buckled and curling from the water seepage. So, now it is 11:00pm and we're trying to figure out how to stop the water from coming in. It soaks a towel in about 2 hours (actually two towels - one for each window) so I'm back to feeling like I have a newborn as I get up every couple of hours to switch out the towels to keep the wetness off the windowsills. Thankfully, the rain has stopped for now and everything is slowly drying up. But, the damage to the floors is probably done, and we are most likely going to have to replace those windows as they face north and will continue to get ransacked.

So, despite all that, Brad managed to get up this morning a bit after 4am to head up to the bible school in Minneapolis with some people from church. Full day bus trip (we're calling it a pilgrimage since we're studying colonial America) but at least he got to sleep a bit when they left at 5am. He'll be back by 6pm and then my guess is that we'll have an early bedtime tonight after last night's fiasco!

Despite all the issues, I'm thankful we have a roof over our head to protect us, and the opportunity to be home to teach our children each day thanks to Brad's business and dedication. Things can change so quickly in this economy - a close friend's husband lost his job this week for the second time in two years and it just goes to show that you never know when things will change. Makes us even more thankful for what we have right now. It's so easy to complain, but I'm trying to do better with that. :)

On that note, may God bless your day...

A rainy day...

Today is one of those days that all you want to do is sleep in! I am tempted to chuck the whole day of school in order to have everyone curl up with a good book and read the day away. Hopefully, we can progress through our day in a pretty quick manner so we can spend some reading time this afternoon.

Brad and I were able to get away yesterday for a date! Wow - we haven't been to a movie together that hasn't involved 3 kiddos since I can't remember when! We actually went to the regular movie theatre, and ended up paying as much for popcorn as we did for our matinee tickets. But, it was super fun to just be together and the movie "Fireproof" was amazing. What a powerful message about marriage and we felt it spoke to the Gospel message very clearly and with great impact. We have a number of people we would like to bring to the movie, but, unfortunately, it is only here until Thursday. Maybe it will end up being held over yet another week so we can have that opportunity.

Well, off to school for the day. Got my cup of coffee steaming and ready to go - JD is first up with math and we're doing reciprocals today.

May God bless your day!

My first daybook entry

Wow, this is exciting! I have wanted to create a blog for quite some time and I'm finally getting around to doing it. My plan is to just record things here that I want to remember, share information with others, and hopefully provide some sort of solace and support to other like-minded women and friends. I've had a desire to continue to simplify our life, and I hope you can travel the journey with me as I continue to seek the Lord's guidance for raising our family, being a good wife, and finding His will in our daily path. So, to start it out, here is my first daybook entry!

Outside my window...it is dark as I have been busy all day.

I am thinking...about how I can better use my time - how to be more efficient.

From the learning rooms...nothing right now as all kiddos are in bed, but I have lesson plans to do yet for tomorrow

I am thankful for...the opportunity to be home with my kids. My prayer is that I use it to its fullest potential each and every day.

From the kitchen...still a few dishes left in the dishwater to wash. We had "sticky chicken" in the crockpot tonight and it really turned out yummy!

I am wearing...a quilted flannel shirt, white long sleeved tee, comfy blue jeans, and socks

I am reading...Love and Respect

I am hoping...that my dh and I can get to the movie "Fireproof" tomorrow

I am creating...this blog!!

I am hearing...the drone of this ol' laptop as it is running pretty hard right now

Around the house...I see clothes to be boxed up for my niece, lots of papers to be dealt with on my desk

One of my favorite things...is going up to bed and reading in my nice warm quilts

A few plans for the rest of the week...not to be obsessed with completing and perfecting this blog, getting the three large buckets of apples made into applesauce, picking the rest of the peppers, and pulling the tomatoes from the garden