Home Sweet Simple Home

Question on food storage

My fridge is registering at 60 degrees

My Daybook for today

Please visit Peggy, the host of the Simple Woman’s Daybook and others here.

FOR TODAY~ June 8^th   
 
Outside my Window... Green, Green, Green. The garden is lush, the air is heavy and the breeze is wonderful. More rain coming though. Sky is gray.

I am thinking... that our life is setting it’s own pace and I am beginning to settle into it.

From the learning room... math and spelling today. We take the summer off from all other subjects. Math will continue throughout the summer and spelling for a few weeks- until our book is finished.

I am thankful for… the lush breeze coming through the windows mixed with the pungent smell of rain.
For the laughter of my children.
For the growth in our gardens.

From the kitchen... I decided today was baking day. Made 2 dozen oatmeal raisin cookies and a chocolate cake with strawberry frosting. Maiden will help me make cheddar herb biscuits in awhile and perhaps a loaf of bread.
Breakfast was oatmeal with brown sugar and sliced strawberries. Lunch was leftovers for me and chicken nuggets, cottage cheese and crackers for the kiddos. Mr. Steady will make up a pot of his famous chili tonight.

I am creating... baked goods. Plus lesson plans for Michigan History. Notes about odds and ends of schooling that need to be addressed and tackled. 

I am going... nowhere. We went to library earlier today to sign up for summer reading and now we are home to stay for the rest of the evening.

I am wearing... capris, royal blue T with giant smiling fish with saying “God is good” underneith it. Plus my sterling silver heart shaped prayer box necklace.

I am reading... a few blogs, a couple of magazines and a stack of books. What I’ll end up reading depends on my mood.

I am hoping... to let go of my worry and concern for our church and the youth group.

I am hearing... pages flipping as the children read books.

Around the house... menu planning, baking, picking up this and that around the house, 3 loads of laundry, sweeping the kitchen floor, opening windows to air out rooms. Flipping mattresses.

One of my favorite things... the smell of coming rain, or a roaring campfire on a cool nite, or fresh mown grass, a fresh picked peony.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Mr. Steady’s softball game Tuesday night, picking up used curriculum I bought from a friend, a nephew’s ball game, couple of graduation parties. More filing in the office. Perhaps a bit more clean up in the back room . . . .

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...  from our homeschool group camp-out this past weekend. 5 familes- 16 kids in all. A Wonderful time!

Making it into a book?

An e-book Idea
Recently, it has been suggested to me that I put together an e-book.
Here are some questions for you, dear readers:
What would you like to see compiled in the e-book? Go ahead- tell me! Give me a list! Recipes? Menus? Tips and Tricks?
I’ve got over 2 years worth of weekly menus on my blog . . . . that’s way too much info . . . . help me!
I’d love to hear your ideas as they will help me sort out the info your really want at your finger tips and the “stuff and fluff” you don’t.

What's left for me

My Monday Daybook #20

Entry #20 Please visit Peggy, the host of the Simple Woman’s Daybook and others here. www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY~ February 23, 2009 
 
Outside my Window... White and cold. The kiddos used downed pine branches to camouflage their fort- looks “interesting”. Lots of tracks from animals, birds and kiddos.

 I am thinking... that it’s a good thing to put God in charge of your day.

From the learning room... A DVD series on Lewis & Clark (if it comes in).  The Letter G and week 4 of At The Zoo unit for Mr. Conductor. This week’s animal is the bear. Studying the Louisiana Purchase, War of 1812 and Lewis & Clark for the girls.

I am thankful for… my family and friends and God’s provision.

From the kitchen... lots of this and that leftover from Sassafras’s family  birthday party on Saturday. We had yogurt topped with fruit leftover from the party plus small cups of jell-o with fruit for breakfast. An amalgamation of leftovers for lunch. Chili from the freezer turned into quick goolash with the addition of some noodles, add some crackers and dip leftover from the party and we’re calling that supper. Don’t forget the remainder of birthday cake for dessert. I’m baking my triple fudge brownies for homeschool group tomorrow- Sass’s requested birthday dessert.

I am creating... continuing with revamping of home management binder, the menu plan for next 2 weeks, school schedules, school wish lists . . . .

I am going... to have a wonderful cozy evening with my family.

I am wearing... jeans, brown T-shirt over hot pink long sleeved T-shirt.

I am reading... Lucifer’s Flood and rereading (again) Created to be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl.

I am hoping... to get to sleep early tonight.

I am hearing... Mr. Conductor giggling.

Around the house... bits of chaos and smatterings of order. Kitchen is a bit of a jumble but the dining room has been set to rights (after Saturday’s birthday party). Bathrooms are spiffy, living room is missing a couple pieces of furniture that are currently residing in my office. Afore mentioned office will shortly be declared a disaster zone. Due to my sickness and the madness of the last two weeks there are stacks of books, piles of clothes, a few toys etc. in my bedroom. The bedroom must be brought under control this week as the clutter affects my sleep.

One of my favorite things... HOME.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... school, quiet time, Sassafras’s 9^th Birthday and her Birthday Field Trip, family pizza & a movie nite, MOPS steering team meeting.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...  still white- still winter.

Daybook entry #19

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

 go here ( http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/) to see other's daybooks

FOR TODAY~ February 3, 2009 
 
Outside my Window... WHITE. For the first time in more than 10 years there has not been a January Thaw. One thing I can say is that the snow is still white and not that dingy grey of late winter.

I am thinking... that I am not doing so good on "being okay" with not having a complete plan for stepping out of ministry. And that I'm not doing so good on the quiet rest right now either. I am feeling a bit "uptight."

From the learning room... Tea party (with yummy recipes), and a look at the founding fathers for the ladies.  The Letter G and week 2 of At The Zoo unit for Mr. Conductor. This week’s animal is the giraffe. Studying the Constitution for the girls. Sassafras is reading an interesting book on Thomas Jefferson and Maiden is reading about George Washington. *I am working on properly filing this year’s work-so-far in the proper binders and folders.

I am thankful for… color coordinating file folders, scrapbooking paper, binder tabs, tape and other such wonderful office supplies.

From the kitchen... perhaps I should call Monday- Leftover Day. For the 2^nd week in a row we have too many leftovers and must pause to eat them up! Maybe this isn’t a new phenomenon as much as it is Mr. Steady and I being even more conscious of the meal opportunities and not letting a scrap of leftovers go to waste. Of course, it is also helpful that friends and relatives shared their leftovers with us too . . . . my friend Emily’s White Chicken Chili is scrumptious.

I am creating... a new Home Management Binder, more files for kiddos’ school and valentines.

I am going... to watch a movie with Mr. Steady--- at-home Date Night! [Thank you Maiden for your help!]

I am wearing... jeans, 30 Hr Famine T shirt, Tigger sweatshirt and thick socks.

I am reading... school books, Every Now and Then by Karen Kingsbury and 3 or 4 different magazines.

I am hoping... to relax and learn to rest as God and Mr. Steady desire.

I am hearing... the kids and Mr. Steady talking together.

Around the house... three loads of laundry done and put away. Grocery list is made. Some clutter has been brought under control in the office.

One of my favorite things... Mr. Steady and Maiden conspiring to put together an at-home date for Mr. Steady and me.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... school, church board meeting, taking youth on overnight trip to Olivet Nazarene University

Daybook entry- again- finally!

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

 for more daybook entries visit here.

FOR TODAY~ January 26^th 
 
Outside my Window... snow. Startling white, large amounts of snow. The sun is shining- it’s brilliant and blinding. And it’s cold- as in a bit below zero. Other than that I can see the tracks from the children and different sized mounds of snow in my garden.

I am thinking... It’s cold! I’m also thinking that this is my time to reflect- to make notes and lists and pray about where God is leading me.

From the learning room... 5 point stars with 1 snip of the scissors. Carrot/root experiment, secret codes, The Letter F and week 1 of At The Zoo unit for Mr. Conductor. Studying the Revolutionary War for the girls. Sassafras is reading an interesting book on George Washington. *I need to work on finishing touches of the next 9 week’s schedules.

I am thankful for… Mr. Steady monitoring my workload, the kids making sure I eat and drink lots of hot tea and for God for making it clear that I heard Him right.

From the kitchen... Fruit! We’re on a fruit kick here- enjoying fresh and canned plus hot or cold or in smoothies or on oatmeal . . . . It’s Diner Dinner for supper tonight (tons of leftovers we don’t want to go to waste) and Mock Orange Julius shakes for dessert.

I am creating... lists. Lists of jobs I hold, time it takes me to do each. Things I want to accomplish in these months of youth ministry. Also creating files of important documents, info and books of youth ministry to take to church (and no longer store at home!). Working on plotting out the youth calendar for these next 15 weeks . . . . trying to make sure I don’t put too much on myself.

 
I am going... to one of my youth kid’s basketball game tonight.

I am wearing... about 3.5 layers of clothing. Did I not mention it’s COLD?!

I am reading... school books, Brsinger and I know there are at least 3 other books in a pile by my side of the bed.

I am hoping... to carefully and correctly move through this transition period I am in. I am hoping there will be a minimum of hurt/pain, little to no animosity and a lot of hearty send offs. Plus I am hoping to not fall into that pit of stress I was in a few weeks ago . . . .

I am hearing... shuffling from the girls upstairs.

Around the house... four loads of laundry done and in piles for kids to put away. 3 Dozen sugar cookies and an extra large bowl of vanilla pudding is made for our homeschool group’s White Lunch tomorrow. House is picked up and practically clutter free . . . .

One of my favorite things... God calling my name.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... school, school, school plus MOPS steering team meeting and movie nite, bible study accountability meeting, an all day scrapbooking crop on Saturday

Daybook entry 16 from Monday

Of note: Having trouble online with posting and such. This was suppose to go up Monday morning but couldn't make it work.
Hoping it works today . . . . .

Please visit Peggy, the host of the Simple Woman’s Daybook and others here.

 FOR TODAY~ October 27^th  

Outside my Window... cold, wet and icky. It is a bleak looking morning. Makes me wish I could crawl back under the covers and stay there with a good book for awhile longer.

I am thinking... of all the fun we have planned for later today.

 From the learning room... Early American Colonies for the girls and wrapping up our last week of “On the Farm” for Mr. Conductor. We’re doing some fall projects and “harvesting” for this last week. We’ve also planned a fun farm obstacle course that I hope to share at some point.

I am thankful for… flannel and polar fleece.

From the kitchen... YUM is word of the day! Pumpkin waffles for breakfast, soup in pumpkins for lunch and pumpkin chili for supper. Plus we’re making our very first batch of friendship bread today. [weekly menu here]

I am creating... friendship bread and a Thanksgiving banner.

I am going... to return books to the library and movies to the rental store. And I do believe I’m going to take a nap on this icky day.

I am wearing... nicely broken in blue jeans, thick socks, brown tee and zip up polar fleece jacket.

I am reading... Brisingr and a few fall magazines, school books and a couple others.

I am hoping... to check off most of my To-Do list and find some “me” time.

I am hearing... the rain. The cold, cold rain.

Around the house... school, laundry, baking bread, pumpkin carving . . . .

One of my favorite things... sleeping in.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Today is pumpkin day- lots of pumpkin food and family pumpkin carving this evening. Tomorrow is homeschool group and my MOPS steering team meeting and moms’ movie nite. Wednesday I’m spending some time with a couple of teens in my youth group. Thursday is family nite and Friday is Halloween- dressing up and visiting the grandparents, eating candy and good food at my parents plus a fun fall gator ride. Saturday is BIRTHDAY DATE NITE! Yahoo!

Daybook #15 on Tuesday not Monday

Please visit Peggy, the host of the Simple Woman’s Daybook and others here.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

 FOR TODAY~ October 21^st   

Outside my Window... It’s still dark but I’m watching the sun lighting the sky out my window. It’s creeping slowly higher and higher.

I am thinking... what a glorious cold day!

From the learning room... we’re going to homeschool group today. I’ll be teaching Creative Writing. Plus in honor of the season our theme for lunch is Pumpkin. Maiden will be in my CW class. Mr. Conductor will be with his preschool plans learning about pumpkins and Sassafras will be in her Fairy Tale Friends class studying pumpkins and Cinderella (plus character traits- very cool class).

I am thankful for… my warm home- warm with heat and warm with love!

From the kitchen... a new-to-me Baked Oatmeal recipe for breakfast, Pumpkin lunch- pumpkin chili, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin dessert (I’m bringing morning snack and orange drink for lunch) with our homeschool group. Supper this evening is Sock-a-rooni with salad and garlic bread. See the whole week’s menu here.

I am creating... writers! I’m teaching Creative Writing today! Plus I’m putting together my annual cemetery headstone hunt and devotional for my youth group. Not goulish in the least- but very thought provoking.

I am going... to homeschool group! And to the bank and a quick stop at the grocery store. [Trying to squeeze in errand running and group into one townie trip.] This evening I will be going to a high school choir concert.

I am wearing... chocolate brown tee under celery green ribbed v-neck sweater, flare jeans, funky socks and brown shoes. Plus my heart shaped prayer box necklace.

I am reading... Jessie by Lori Wick and two other books that I don’t remember the titles or authors.

I am hoping... for good attitudes today (myself included) and the Lord’s hand on all I say and do.

I am hearing... the school buses driving by.

Around the house... part of school from yesterday is lying on the dining table, a big bag on the table is half filled with the things we need to take with us to group today. A load of laundry is in the dryer, ingredients for supper are sitting on the counter and the table is set for breakfast. We’ll be away from the house all day today so everything is ready for the day now.

One of my favorite things... laughing and telling stories around a roaring bonfire with a cup of something warm in my hand.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... choir concert, massage therapy, visit with my sister, helping my mom clean the house my parents care-take, visiting friends with horses, nephew’s football game, Fall Fun Fest at our church on Saturday. Watching friends’ children on Saturday too . . . . . it’s a very full week. Very.

Ugh picture

I am having serious issues with updating my Avatar. Frustrated by my lack of knowledge. I couldn’t even upload the previous avatar after I started messing with it.
I am not happy with it as it is not as big as my other one was. Every time I try to increase it's size a wee bit it won't allow it.
Oh well.
Moving on.
This is me:

Daybook Entry #13

FOR TODAY~ October 13^th

Outside my Window... The trees are changing color- yellow, red and brown leaves dot the yard. I figure there must be about 500 or so walnuts littering the ground too. [A job for the Kiddie Pirates today.] It’s a relatively cool morning.

 I am thinking... that God is in control- No matter what and I need to be patient for His perfect timing.

From the learning room... today is our Explorers & Pirates Celebration! We have successfully completed 6 weeks of school. We will continue with our regular schedule today and have a family celebration this evening with special food and games. Oh, the joys of Homeschooling! Oh and I should mention that we will be talking like pirates today. Argh!

I am thankful for… family connections and the actual connecting. And friendship connections that grow into the feeling of family connections.

From the kitchen... Today is a very special day. With it being our Explorers & Pirates Celebration we are going all out today. Breakfast is Captain’s Eggs & toast, lunch will be Shipwreck Stew and supper is Bubble & Squeak, Spanish Rice, peas, hardtack biscuits and apple tarts (not to mention Limey Punch). We had fun with breakfast and lunch and tried to pick foods that represented countries and staples from that time for supper. [Go here for the whole week’s menu]

I am creating... Pirate-games, helping finish up painting doubloons and more!

I am going... to purchase a couple of straw bales later today. We also may squeeze in a trip to the library.

I am wearing... 6-7 year old blue jeans (ah, broke in at last), brown T, silver heart shaped prayer box necklace. And a pirate bandana (because I don’t have a captain’s fancy hat).

I am reading... Whirlwind by can’trememberwhorightnow and a book by Dr. Kevin Lehman.

I am hoping... for a spectacular and very Pirate-y day.

I am hearing... the girls cleaning up breakfast dishes in the kitchen, Mr. Conductor whistling while he plays with our Frigate.

Around the house... we’re doing pirate-y things! Like swabbing the deck and cleaning the slop buckets! Oh, yes, I’m milking this- cleaning can be more fun (for awhile at least) when given new names and talking like pirates. “Argh, swab harder you filthy sea rat.” It also helps to be sporting bandanas, fake pirate tattoos and having a mock sword fight with the dusters.

One of my favorite things... making school work so fun you don’t realize you are “doing” school.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... MOPS tomorrow morning (kids have a fire safety class) and computer class in the afternoon, “regular” schooling the rest of the week, plus visiting a friend’s horse farm and (drum roll please) a double DATE NITE- Mr. Steady and I with two of our very bestest friends.

Please visit Peggy, the host of the Simple Woman’s Daybook and others here.

Day book entry #13

 Please visit Peggy, the host of the Simple Woman’s Daybook and others here.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY~ October 6^th 

Outside my Window... a cold, grey day.

I am thinking... of how to arrange my schedule this week to get everything done that needs to get done in the time frame it needs to get done.

From the learning room... a bit of a slow start to our school day- it is after all, a Monday. We enjoyed a bit of lapbooking with our Botany and will take a nature walk later today to look for moncots/dicots to add to our nature journals. Mr. Conductor asked for a countdown chain for pumpkin carving and so we made one. 21 days is a long chain- hope he makes it. American History continues on- we’ll be making a Teepee sometime this week (I say we- I mean Mr. Steady and the girls!).

I am thankful for… tried and true recipes that you can always fall back on. I was going to try a new dessert recipe for homeschool group but with my full schedule I decided to stick with what I do best- triple fudge brownies.

From the kitchen... breakfast was apple pancakes and sliced bananas. [Mr. Steady made a HUGE batch last week and we’re still enjoying them- note- best was to freeze pancakes is to put them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze- then take out, remove from tray and place in a freezer bag- that way they are individually frozen and not stuck together!] Lunch is Sunday’s leftovers (stroganoff) and supper will be Spanish rice with bacon and homemade bread. Check out the rest of my weekly menu here.

I am creating... learners. Some great homeschooling going on here this week. Plus I’m also creating youth ministry reports for this week’s church board meeting. And a framed special verse for a couple of friends. And doctored photo postcards to send to a couple of youth group kiddos. Lots going on!

I am going... to town later- errand running. After Mr. Steady comes home- so I can go “alone”.

I am wearing... well worn and frayed blue jeans, Trevecca Naz University Tshirt and zip up fleece, thick socks.

I am reading... On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang and another book I can’t remember the title of.

I am hoping... to get everything done that needs doing without stress or worry.

I am hearing... Mr. Conductor sing his ABCs (it still needs a bit of work) and the girls laughing.

Around the house... we’re babysitting my parent’s pampered pooch so we need to keep things picked up so she won’t think they are her chew toys. Plus the ever present loads of laundry and weekly cleaning schedule. Mr. C has taken to cleaning the downstairs bathroom every Monday after his school is done. I will continue to enjoy this while it lasts . . . . .

One of my favorite things... gator rides with the family.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... another high school football game, church board meeting, worship team practice, a trip to a local mill and cider press that is having a Civil War reenactment. And homeschooling. And teaching creative writing at Homeschool Group.

Daybook Entry #12

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY~ September 29^th

Outside my Window... it is overcast, yellow leaves pepper the green grass of the backyard. A few walnuts ka-thunk down. The dew is heavy; I can see it on the children’s slide. A few plants bloom in my flower and herb garden but they are almost done.

I am thinking... how glad I am and blessed I am that homeschooling and our homeschool group are both going so smoothly.

From the learning rooms... Mr. C continues to learn about farm animals and loves learning to write and “spot” the alphabet. Maiden and Sassafras love American History and readers. Maiden is better than tolerating her math and it continues to go well. Sass’s new Language Arts program ROCKS! We are blessed.

I am thankful for… those wonderful little adjustable waist inserts on my children’s pants.

From the kitchen... breakfast was cranberry brown sugar oatmeal and toast. Lunch will be Diner Dinner- the kids and make our own meal- picking and choosing from the weekend’s abundant leftovers (Mr. Steady made a HUGE batch of homemade French fries). Supper will be One Dish Chicken Bake with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers on the side. Followed by a two layer chocolate cake with cream cheese icing- dubbed Autumn Yum Cake. Made just because I love them all.

I am creating... notes for my creative writing class. A light hut for Botany. A fall banner for myself.

I am going... to enjoy this day.

I am wearing... comfy blue jeans, white T, zip up fleece and socks- its chilly.

I am reading... On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang and various Nazarene missions books with me kidlets. Oh and a smattering of blogs.

I am hoping... that Mr. Steady will light the pilot for the furnace. It’s beginning to get a bit past chilly and nippy. We’ve been holding out- trying to make it to the first of October before turning on the heat. Brrr- but we’re almost there!

I am hearing... the children puttering before we start school. A few crickets and a large truck rumble by.

Around the house... laundry and school. Dusting and youth work. Decluttering piles of magazines and getting a couple more bags ready to drop of at Goodwill.

One of my favorite things... watching the landscape turn from green to a kaleidoscope of color.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... my nephew’s football game (he’s on homecoming court) an annual family fall weenie roast, dog sitting for my parents at they go Up North. Yes, we do capitalize that in Michigan- to us it’s a real place and I’m a bit sad we aren’t going too. We didn’t get in an Up North Trip this year. (Yes, that all gets caps too!)

Simple Woman's Daybook: Entry #11

FOR TODAY~ September 15^th

Outside my Window... it is very soggy and yet the sun peeked out for a few delicious moments. Parts of my garden were beaten down by the storm so it looks a bit ragged.

I am thinking... how very glad I am that Mr. Steady did such an incredible job on replacing & repairing the garage roof, two walls and the doorway. We had 10 inches of rain in two days and I believe the way the garage was before it would have collapsed. [side note: he did it all with reclaimed lumber, metal sheeting etc.- only cost was for nails.]

I am thankful for… my husband carpooling to work with his brother. Saving gas and enjoying great conversations. A double blessing.

From the kitchen... breakfast was strawberry yogurt w/cookie crumbs and a thick slice of pumpkin bread w/apple butter. Lunch will be Maiden’s deluxe grilled cheese sandwiches with cottage cheese on the side (and perhaps some cheese crackers- she’s cooking and that’s usually how she likes to serve it- I never noticed before but everything is “cheesy” LOL). Dinner will be pigs in a blanket, chips, pickle spears and tomato slices on the side. Mr. Steady and  the kids will be cooking and enjoying together as I have a dinner date with the homeschool moms.
Also- I’m making another loaf of pumpkin bread (birthday present for my sister-in-law) and two loaves of honey oatmeal bread to take as my contribution to the homeschool group lunch tomorrow.

I am creating... some fun fall banners (I need to take pictures and share), a couple of framed verses (presents) and cover pages for binders for my creative writing class.

I am going... out to dinner with moms from my homeschool group to celebrate 2 mommas’ birthdays.

I am wearing... way-too-baggy-but-too-comfortable-to-give-up pants, brown T-shirt and a silver heart prayer necklace.

I am reading... New Moon by Stephenie Meyer and a couple of other books- the titles escape me right now.

I am hoping... for a good day. A productive day.

I am hearing... the kiddos settling in with school, the DPW crew checking and cleaning the street drains.

Around the house... some bread baking and some laundry. But up a few more fall decorations.

One of my favorite things... the Mackintosh apple tart in my tart burner. Oh how I love that smell.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... going to the local county fair with the family (field trip!) and my nephew’s football game. The kids are making plans to sleep over at Nana & PawPaw’s in the practically finished play house.

Simple Woman's Daybook Entry #10

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

Please visit Peggy, the host of the Simple Woman’s Daybook and others here.

FOR TODAY~ September 8^th

Outside my Window... a crisp cool morning. Everything is quiet- except the crickets. 

I am thinking... that I probably don’t have time to stop and do this post.

I am thankful for… my home.

From the kitchen... cold cereal for breakfast (the kids are running a bit behind). Snacky lunch or cheese, ham and crackers with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and apples. Supper is corn chowder and biscuits. Dessert will be iced monkey bread.

I am creating... learners. We are homeschooling!

I am going... to the dentist for the girls and to the grocery store- we’ll be doing some car-schooling today.

I am wearing... dark blue jeans, light blue top plus socks and tennis shoes- it’s a bit chilly today.

I am reading... school lessons. For myself- I need to go to the library and get a new book.

I am hoping... that things will smooth out. There’ve been some hiccups in different areas within the last couple of weeks.

Daybook Entry #9

Please visit Peggy, the host of the Simple Woman’s Daybook and others here.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY~ August 25^th    

Outside my Window... I see my late-summer herb garden. Some of it looks good and some of it looks quite sad and forlorn and brown. Many bugs, big and small are enjoying the apple mint as well as a few tiny birds that take a moment to perch on the strong stalks.

I am thinking... of how to arrange the errand running and To-do’s for today. Making a mental list of the packing Maiden needs to do for her trip and other tidbits of things that are important to keeping our home running smoothly.

I am thankful for... my husband. ‘Nuff said.

From the kitchen... breakfast has come and gone. Lunch is Diner Dinner- a fancy way for me to say we’ll be picking and choosing from leftovers. Supper is part 2 of Chicken Cacciatore. Go here for the entire week’s menu.

I am creating... and polishing our school schedules

I am going... crazy. Actually not quite. We’ll be going to Little Busy Town for errand running in just a wee bit.

I am wearing... Royal blue T and blue jeans (with a few holes).

I am reading... I need to go to the library and get a few more books!

I am hoping... for some quiet down time just for me later today.

Daybook entry #8

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY~ August 11^th   

Outside my Window... I see sun-dappled shade, birds balancing on the flowering apple mint in the garden. Dragonflies and butterflies are enjoying it too. It’s very cool out this morning. We all seem to be moving a bit slower.

I am thinking... that summer is almost over and I need to put the final spit and polish on the school schedules.

I am thankful for... the Lord’s provisions. He has always made a way for us. We have not had a need that He has not met. I need to remember that!

From the kitchen... Homemade honey oatmeal bread- oh the smell is divine. The bread with a blueberry honey spread and fresh fruit is today’s breakfast. Maiden will be cooking up her family-famous pizza grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and we’ll be enjoying corn chowder and biscuits for dinner. [click here for weekly menu plan].

I am creating... lists upon lists. Grocery lists, to do lists, school lists, clothing needs lists. I’m also putting together a couple of projects for Maiden and two of her girlfriends for later in the week.

I am going... to Aldi’s! We’ve managed to stretch our major grocery shopping (always at Aldi’s) to once every 3 weeks but this time it’s been 4 weeks (due to the camping trip we stretched a bit more). Tonight is VBS.

I am wearing... Royal blue T with big grinning fish on it that says “God is good”, blue jean capris and a sweatshirt jacket.

I am reading... I’ll be starting the Twilight series that the kids in my youth group have all been yapping about so that I know what they are yapping about. I’m also flipping thru and marking a few Gooseberry Patch books for gift-giving and new recipes to try.

I am hoping... to be able to stretch my dollars at Aldi’s in order to get everything on my list.

I am hearing... the children eating breakfast and getting dressed. The neighbor sawing on something. The rumble of a train going through.

Around the house... I’ve got school books and schedules spread out all over my dining room table. With the kids at VBS every night this week it is my plan to get this taken care of once and for all. The house is pretty tidy but I need to go thru with the big duster and tackle those spider webs that creep up out of nowhere and multiply.

One of my favorite things... a weeded garden.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... VBS, school final-stage planning, work on planning for homeschool group and MOPS group also.

Daybook #7

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY~ August 4^th   

Outside my Window... the sky is rapidly darkening, the air is thick. I hear thunder rumbling. A storm is coming. The rain is needed.

I am thinking... Thank you Lord for the rain. I love rainy stay-at-home days.

I am thankful for... the rain, the shelter of our home, the cool gusts of air the storm brings. And for the new-to-me keyboard from a friend to replace the toasted one.

From the kitchen... Leftover blueberry cheesecake muffins from the weekend and bananas for breakfast. Leftover chicken-n-noodles & sliced h’made bread for lunch followed by BBQ chicken, baked potatoes & corn on the cob for dinner.

I am creating... VBS picnic hand-outs for Vacation Bible School, plus lesson plans for school. And some fun picture thank you postcards.

I am going... to stay at home for the day and enjoy the storm then this evening I’ll be taking the children to Bible School.

I am wearing... olive capri pants & pink shirt- my hair is down as I have a bad patch of sunburn on my neck and up into my hair line from where we missed putting sunscreen on Saturday.

I am reading... rereading Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola.

I am hoping... for a good soaking rain, a productive day and week, well behaved children, cooler weather to follow this rain and God’s guidance in all things.

I am hearing... rumbling and grumbling thunder, the snapping crack of lightening and the children talking on the porch as they watch the storm.

Around the house... a bit of laundry to do and some picking up and putting away from our adventures last week.

One of my favorite things... thunder storms.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... VBS all week, school scheduling, ladies bible study, visiting the Air Zoo with the family, celebrating my nephew’s 4^th birthday.

Simple Daybook #5

FOR TODAY~ July 28^th   

Outside my Window... I see quite a few weeds in my garden. I can also see the new doorframe on the garage that Mr. Steady has been “steadily” working on.

I am thinking... that I have a lot to do to get ready for the camping trip.

I am thankful for... prayer support.

From the kitchen... Yogurt or cereal for breakfast, lunch at my brother’s home (birthday party leftovers) and One Pot Salsa Beef Skillet, fresh sweet corn (from Mr. Steady’s parents) and flax seed bread for supper.

I am creating... packing and To Do lists.

I am going... to run errands, visit family, finish laundry, pack bags, bake bread and clean the house.

I am wearing... clothes.

I am reading... Life: Beautiful Magazine.

I am hoping... to get everything done on my lists and still have a bit of free time.

I am hearing... the sprinkler going at the neighbors, the whirring of a fan and the swishing of the washer.

Around the house... we are busy, busy, busy. There are VBS banners on the dining table waiting for my creative flare to finish them, bread in the bread machine on the kitchen table, plus a pile of cloth napkins waiting for the girls to fold. A stack of books on the coffee table. A horrid mess on my desk. Clean laundry nicely folded and awaiting its proper places on the laundry table. Backpacks hooked on the backs of dining chairs ready to be packed.

One of my favorite things... quiet.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Camping. Mr. Steady and I are taking part of my youth group [tent] camping (plus kayaking and tubing) while the children visit with friends. We’ve got a softball game on Tuesday and a tournament on Saturday to boot. I can easily say that I am busier than I wish to be.