Outside my Window... gray skies, freshly mowed grass, the wind blowing through the bushes and trees, a green wheat field, cows on the hill across the highway, and a lavender guinea hen who just started laying eggs for us this week.

I am thinking... that I really need to go start some laundry.

I am thankful for...  fresh eggs!

From the kitchen... dishes that need to be washed, our mama cat meowing for her last kitten, and questions about what supper will be.

I am wearing... black birkenstock sandals with brick red toenail polish, dark blue jeans, a 3/4 length-sleeve tshirt with pink and blue print of London.

I am creating... book reviews, plans for the new school year.

I am reading... A Place Of Her Own, Christianity In Crisis,  How Can A Good God Let Bad Things Happen?, and Canaan's Land

I am hoping... to start working on the girls' aprons for 4H this week.

I am hearing... the sound of older children talking together while the younger two nap

Around the house... laundry for me to fold tonight, and signs of a very busy weekend ... in other words, we need to clean up again.

One of my favorite things... seeing my children succeed, as the older 4 did at 4H this weekend, when they successfully gave their first ever "project talks" and did really well.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... homeschool group, chores, continuing to try to sell last kitten, writing some reviews, hopefully getting some gardening done, and taking my oldest 3 girls to a Mother-Daughter Tea on Saturday.

Outside my Window... darkness

I am thinking... that they really need to change the way they make jeans nowadays ... the waist is as wide as the hips.  So if they fit your hips, you need a belt to keep them up.  What's the deal with that?

I am thankful for...  the rural fire department who came and put out our "controlled burn" that suddenly became uncontrolled this weekend.  I'm also thankful that the fire avoided all outbuildings and structures, and no one was hurt.

From the kitchen... a pile of dishes my girls are getting ready to wash.

I am wearing... a brand new pair of jeans, with a belt to keep them up, and a light blue 3/4 sleeve henley top.

I am creating... school plans for next year.

I am reading... Educating The WholeHearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson

I am hoping... that 2 yo L will not wake up in the night whining to nurse.  We're weaning her, and she hasn't nursed since Friday, but she's not really pleased about it.

I am hearing... children playing happily.

Around the house... signs of a homeschool family, maps on the walls, curriculum in a basket beside my loveseat, and books left out by children who are reading them.

One of my favorite things... cute little baby teeth ... can't believe Baby G has already cut his first tooth ... my earliest.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... homeschool, write another review, window shop and plan curricula for A's high school years which begin next year, take 2 yo L and Baby G to get immunizations, and plan  8 yo J's birthday party on Saturday.

Outside my Window... a cold cloudy day, and only one surviving (out of 5) guinea in our guinea yard.

I am thinking... that I am tired of my baby being sick, and this cold has gone on way too long for Baby G.

I am thankful for...  my family, and that I get to be a stay at home, homeschooling Mom.

From the kitchen... frozen corn dogs fresh out of the oven.  Obviously not a "whole foods" night at our house.

I am wearing... khaki floral skirt with a long sleeve teal shirt.

I am creating... nothing ... I'm recovering from Christmas still.

I am reading... nothing.  Still haven't touched any of my in-progress books in months.

I am hoping... 2 yo L sleeps all night in her own room again tonight, and that Baby G sleeps well, too.  I don't care if he wakes up to nurse, as long as he settles back to sleep.

I am hearing... Donut Man video, and a fussing baby in my lap.

Around the house... my living room still has the Christmas tree up, has a lawn/garden bag of clothes we were given waiting for a tote so they can go to the basement, and is also now crowded by an exersaucer and a bouncy seat for Baby G.

One of my favorite things... happy babies ... wish mine was a little less needy this week.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... finish Christmas thank yous, mail out contest prizes, and go to the eye doctor with my oldest daughter.

Outside my Window... snow and ice, with fresh snow falling.

I am thinking... that I really need to get busy making more of the family scrapbook calendars.

I am thankful for...  electricity, propane, and heat.

From the kitchen... sausage stew simmering on the stovetop, iced tea brewing in my tea pot, and a pile of dishes needing to be washed.

I am wearing... blue jeans, reindeer shirt, tennis shoes.

I am creating... scrapbook calendar gifts.

I am reading... nothing.  I have several books started, that I haven't touched in weeks.

I am hoping... no one else catches this latest tummy bug ... 3 kids is enough.

I am hearing... The Polar Express on the television.

Around the house... sleeping bags scattered around the living room and buckets ... signs of sickness along with the Christmas tree surrounded by presents.

One of my favorite things... warm fuzzy slippers, soft fleece blankets, soft afghans, soft quilts, snuggling up to read.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... finish scrapbook calendars, clean house, do laundry, and hopefully pack for a trip to spend Christmas with family ... if the kids are well enough.

Outside my Window... I have no idea, because I never opened my thermal drapes today.

I am thinking... that I'm so glad I realized that small table in my basement could make an additional counter/work space in my kitchen so my cobalt blue stand mixer could have a place of its own.

I am thankful for...  being a part of the TOS Homeschool Crew, because I'm getting to try new curriculum, and I'm gaining a better understanding of my children's academic weaknesses and strengths.

From the kitchen ... home made chicken noodle soup simmering on the stovetop.

I am wearing... blue jeans and a black long sleeve tshirt with a reindeer design embroidered on the chest.

I am creating... reviews, reviews, reviews!  Actually, I'm starting to put together 2009 Scrapbook calendars for family members.

I am going... to hang a load of clothes up to dry on my indoor racks, since my dryer is dead.

I am reading... the Fall issue of The Old Schoolhouse magazine, and Dr. Sears' book, The A.D.D. Book.

I am hoping... I can get my photo printer to cooperate better so I don't have to order prints from somewhere else to finish these calendars.

I am hearing... children playing, and the tv.

Around the house... Christmas stockings, nativities, and the Christmas tree.

One of my favorite things... peace and quiet ... when I can get it.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... figure out how to implement Latin Road to English Grammar, start two children on Math Mammoth, continue exploring Further Up & Further In, print photos, write reviews, and try to keep the house clean.

Outside my Window... blue skies, sunshine, clothes on the clothesline, a travel trailer parked awaiting  company.

I am thinking... that online window shopping is more fun than housework.

I am thankful for...  children who love their younger siblings, baby smiles and giggles.

From the schoolroom ... girls reading and finishing up lessons before we turn our attention to housecleaning for company.

I am wearing... long black knit straight skirt, grey and white striped long sleeve tshirt.

I am creating... shopping carts full of gift ideas at too many different websites ... must simplify!

I am going... to hang one more load of clothes up to dry.

I am reading... the Fall issue of The Old Schoolhouse magazine, and Dr. Sears' book, The A.D.D. Book.

I am hoping... we have an enjoyable Thanksgiving with my family, and that Steve and I get some good deals on Christmas gifts this Friday.

I am hearing... pencils marking, pages turning, children playing on the computer.

Around the house... messes waiting to be picked up, laundry waiting to be folded, 2 racks of laundry drying, and happy children.

One of my favorite things... babies who look into your face and smile, as if to say you are the most important person in the world.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... clean house, cook, welcome my family, enjoy Thanksgiving with them.  Oh, and move in my old dryer from the garage since my "new to me" dryer quit working.

Outside my Window... rain and darkness.

I am thinking... that one computer with internet isn't really enough when you have 5 children trying to use websites for schoolwork.

I am thankful for...  a growing baby.

From the kitchen... girls washing dishes.

I am wearing... blue jeans, blue sweater, socks, tweety bird slippers, ponytail.

I am creating... Christmas lists.

I am going... to sleep in the living room with all the kids again tonight, hoping no one else throws up.

I am reading... Glaucia the Greek Slave by Emma Leslie, reprinted by Salem Ridge Press.

I am hoping... to get caught up on laundry again ... and for the children to be healthy again.

I am hearing... the kids computer, turned up too loud, on some computer game that no one is actually playing at the moment.

Around the house... sleeping bags scattered around the living room, buckets, humidifier, and nebulizer ... signs of sickness.

One of my favorite things... hot chocolate, chocolate anything really.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... continue testing Aleks website, KinderBach website, Rime to Read website, Time 4 Learning website, and the Puppetools website with the children.   Proceed with testing Peterson's Handwriting and All About Spelling.  Write my Salem Ridge Press review.

Outside my Window... cold cold cold winds, which is why I can't see out my window, because I never opened my thermal drapes today.

I am thinking... that I might be getting sick, along with my kids.  My ear is hurting.

I am thankful for...  nebulizers, and a Dr. who will call in prescriptions for my kids without seeing them.

I am wearing... blue jeans, light blue sweater, light blue fake crocs.

I am going... to fold laundry tonight.

I am reading... The Missing Link:  FOUND.

I am hearing... The Grinch on tv.

Around the house... humidifiers, nebulizer, tissues, sick kids

One of my favorite things... time with my husband.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... visit my father-in-law before he enters hospice care, prepare for a funeral.

Outside my Window... Green wheat fields, trees turning golden yellow, blue skies.

I am thinking... that I should start supper preparations.

I am thankful for...  good health.

From the kitchen... nothing yet.

I am wearing... blue jeans, black/brown striped nursing shirt I don't really like.

I am creating... my next review for The Homeschool Crew.

I am going... to fold laundry tonight.

I am reading... new curriculum:  All About Spelling, Homeschooling ABC's, Peterson's Directed Handwriting, and Spears Art Studio.

I am hoping... to get caught up on laundry today and tomorrow, so I can finish the Fall Clothing Switch.

I am hearing... McGee and Me videos playing on the television.

Around the house... boxes of clothes waiting for all the summer stragglers to be put away, so the boxes can be returned to the basement.

One of my favorite things... beautiful fall colors, and crunching leaves as I walk.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... finish the laundry, finish putting away the summer clothes, and figure out how to add some new curricula in for testing.

I'm a day late with this ... but I really wanted to do it, so here goes ...

Outside my Window... gray skies, rain, a wheat field turning green.

I am thinking... that this first day back to school isn't going very well.

I am thankful for...  the fact that we were able to take Baby G to meet his Papa and Grandma E, Aunt and Uncle H, and Aunt R this weekend.

From the kitchen... nothing but lunch dishes waiting to be washed.

I am wearing... to be perfectly honest, I am still wearing my flannel Christmas tree pajama bottoms, and a Pirates Who Don't Do Anything t-shirt, at 1 pm.

I am creating... Christmas shopping plans.

I am going... to do laundry today ... soon ... yes, I'll start that job soon.

I am reading... blogs and websites lately.

I am hoping... that my Father-in-law begins to recover soon.

I am hearing... my children announce that my Homeschool with Heart totebag arrived in the mail, along with a book I was expecting.

Around the house... children playing creatively, and cooperatively (at least), although some of them should be finishing schoolwork instead.

One of my favorite things... the view from my living room window.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... restore order to the home ... again ... church, library ... get school rolling.  For the most part, though, I'm just going to "circle the wagons" and focus on the homefront this week.

Outside my Window... gray skies, mist over the fields, rain falling on the trees.

I am thinking... that I hate allergies and their effect on my children's behavior.

I am thankful for... the new bench seat in our Suburban.

From the kitchen... chocolate, chocolate chip cookies my 11 yo and 13 yo are baking.

I am wearing... a long, full, khaki twill skirt with a light blue t-shirt that has 3/4 length sleeves, bare feet, hair pulled back with a purple floral scrunchy ... a white burp cloth, and a fussy almost 3 week old baby.

I am creating... our Christmas letter to family and friends.

I am going... to do laundry today.

I am reading... my Bible -- trying to resume daily reading.

I am hoping... to hear positive news re: my Father-in-law's health soon.

I am hearing... my children playing a Nancy Drew computer game, talking to each other, and getting along ... at the moment.

Around the house... dishes needing to be washed, some toys needing to be put away, laundry waiting to be washed, and a stack of curriculum waiting to find a home.

One of my favorite things... hugs from my husband, and my children.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... homeschool group, Wednesday evening church, continue with my Christmas plans, and take the children to the library.  Start looking at school plans and decide whether to start next week, or the week after that.

Outside my Window... gray skies and a strong wind blowing through the trees.

I am thinking... that no matter how many babies you have, there are still surprises and new things to learn.  Every pregnancy is different, every birth is different, and every child is different.

I am thankful for... squeaky baby cries and snuggly 2 yo hugs.

From the kitchen... the sounds of children getting their breakfasts ... nothing is currently cooking.

I am wearing... a long, full, khaki twill skirt with a black t-shirt that has 3/4 length sleeves.  Oh, and my spring green striped fuzzy slipper socks again.  No ... wait!  Due to a gentian violet stain that needed immediate treatment, I'm now wearing long full patchwork skirt of different red plaids, and light blue fuzzy slipper socks (the green stripes really clashed with the skirt) with my black 3/4 length t-shirt.

I am creating... Christmas plans ... at least starting to create them.

I am going... to stay home all week and take care of my family.

I am reading... The Tale of Briar Bank (A Beatrix Potter Cottage Mystery) by Susan Wittig Albert.

I am hoping... to get Baby G's thrush, and our nursing issues under control quickly.

I am hearing... my children waking up, talking, eating.

Around the house... nursing pillows stacked on a chair, a bassinet sitting in the living room, cloth diapers, burp cloths, and pacifiers ... all showing a new baby has joined our family.

One of my favorite things... holding a brand new blessing from God, and sharing that moment with my husband.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... finish my book, start Christmas shopping lists, plan 4H projects, start the 2009 scrapbook calendar gift project ... nurse the baby, change diapers, and be prepared not to finish this list.

Outside my Window... the sun set, a freshly mowed lawn, and 3 loads of clothes drying on the line.

I am thinking... that I hope I can sleep well tonight, so I'm well-rested for tomorrow's induction.

I am thankful for... a loving family who is eager to welcome our new baby, a church family who is providing suppers for us, and the fact that my father-in-law is out of the Critical Care Unit.

From the kitchen... the sounds of two of my daughters washing the supper dishes.

I am wearing... denim maternity capris, a light blue maternity t-shirt, and my light blue fake crocs.  I dug into totes in the basement today to get out non-maternity clothes to wear when I'm home from the hospital later this week.

I am creating... a loving home environment for the family God has blessed me with.

I am going... to have a baby tomorrow, if all goes well!

I am reading... nothing, other than the Fairbury Tales blog, as the story of Willow unfolds.

I am hoping... that the children do well tomorrow while I am at the hospital.

I am hearing... 2 yo L and 4 yo M playing together in the living room.

Around the house... all is ready for the baby's arrival, and the babysitter who will be coming to be with the kids tomorrow.

One of my favorite things... holding a brand new blessing from God, and sharing that moment with my husband.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... have a baby, come home from the hospital, welcome my mother as she comes to help out.

Outside my Window... gray skies, rain, and still an amazing shade of green.  Usually everything is brown by now, but it rained so much this summer that it's all still green.

I am thinking... that my 2 yo needs to stop taking off her own messy diapers, and trying to clean herself up.

I am thankful for... a caring church family, who prays over our concerns, is willing to step up and help with childcare when this baby is born, and doesn't mind when an emotional pregnant woman cries.

From the kitchen... nothing at the moment.  I haven't decided on today's supper yet, but the kitchen is clean and waiting.

I am wearing... denim maternity capris, green fuzzy slipper socks, and a light purple maternity t-shirt, with my hair in a pony tail with an orange fuzzy scrunchy.  Hmm.  Maybe I should go change my shirt, so I am not quite so colorful.  Today's high is only going to be 57, and my fall/winter maternity clothes are still in the basement.  It hardly seems worth it to dig anything out at this point, however.

I am creating... a baby!  Just 8 days until my Dr's estimated due date, but only 5/6 days from the dates I came up with using the online calculators.

I am going... to go fill out the children's planning sheets for school and get them started on their school work.  This is our last week of school before the baby comes.  Even if baby isn't here by next Monday, I don't plan to have anyone trying to do school that week.  We'll take at least 3 weeks off ... probably 4 or 5.  We usually take 6 weeks, but that may be too long this time.

I am reading... nothing.  I tend to fall asleep when I try to read right now.  I am waiting on the next Beatrix Potter Cottage Tales mystery to come into the library via Inter-Library Loan, but it hasn't come yet.  If it takes much longer, I'm afraid I won't get it finished before baby comes, and then may not get it finished before it's due.

I am hoping... that the 2 remaining kittens of the five we found survive.  I'm glad they're no longer requiring bottle feeding, but it's been sad to have to bury 3.

I am hearing... Dora the Explorer playing on the DVD player while my 2 yo watches.

Around the house... there are a few scattered objects, but we spent the weekend cleaning up in preparation for baby's arrival and the flow of visitors we might have, so everything looks pretty good.

One of my favorite things... reading to my children, and knowing they enjoy learning about history through living books.  Being the one to teach my children new things!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... finish our fourth week of school before our baby break, maintain the house, and keep up with the laundry so all is ready whenever baby's ready to arrive.

Outside my Window... same green lawn, green trees, blue sky with fluffy white clouds as last week ... empty clothesline and a clear view of the field and highway since a friend came with his tractor and mowed down the section of really long grass and shrubs.

I am thinking... that my upper back hurts and I'm not sure why.

I am thankful for... the fact that my Father-in-law is back in KS, checking into his regular hospital with his regular doctors today ... and thankful Steve was able to get time off to go get him and help check him in today.

From the kitchen... a pile of dishes my dishwashers need to tackle.  They're reading over my shoulder as I type and pretending they didn't just read this. 

I am wearing... denim maternity capris, black birkenstocks, and a light purple maternity t-shirt, with my hair in a pony tail with a purple floral scrunchy.

I am creating... nothing.  I finished most of my school planning, and we started school today.  I was just revamping my "nesting for baby" list.  But otherwise, not creating anything.

I am going... to wash the baby bath tub and infant car seat today.

I am reading... nothing.  I just finished The Tale of Hawthorn House: a Beatrix Potter Cottage Mystery last night.  I still haven't finished "Homeschooling With A Meek and Quiet Spirit", but I also haven't picked it up in over a week.

I am hoping... that the five gray striped kittens we just found in the attic of the old granary don't fall down and get hurt.

I am hearing... Donut Man singing "O-B-E-Y:  Obey your Mom and Dad!"  What a great song!  :D

Around the house... there are lots of scattered toys.  I need to bring the 3 middle kids inside to start picking up, and then I need to do a phonics lesson with 7 yo J.

One of my favorite things... when my husband comes home from a trip.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... continue with our first week of school, continue with house keeping and baby nesting, and try to figure out how to do some math review with some of the kids who were out of practice today.