Now for my daybook…. To participate in the meme is simple. All you do is answer the bolded questions with your own answers and then link yourself at the Simple Woman’s blog each week. You’re always welcome to check out the other ladies’ Daybooks who participated. This is a very sweet homekeeping meme that I’d encourage you to do as well.

For Today…May 18, 2009 at 3:58pm

Outside my Window…a beautiful, sunny day with a pale, blue sky and no clouds.  The neon yellow goldfinches are feeding at my thistle feeder.  Craig is smoking a pork loin in the smoker, and it smells like a campfire outside.  The trees are nearly all in full leaf now, and the backyard is green, with cool, shady spots.

I am thinking…that I do not want to go back to cleaning the schoolroom.  I'm taking it a step at a time, but I am not in the mood for it today.

From the learning rooms…we just read about the Opium War and how the British bullied the Chinese till they were basically under British control.  Sarah learned about molluscs, and Katie is finishing up learning about geology.  We read about Jesus giving Peter an opportunity to affirm Him 3 times after denying Him 3 times and about how Peter was later crucified (upside down).  The girl in The Island of the Blue Dolphins just lost her brother to the wild dogs.  

I am thankful for…good health and a pretty day.  I'm thankful for our terrific new pastor, too!

From the kitchen…Craig is making dinner.  I made homemade granola last week.

I am wearing…grey exercise pants and a sweatshirt.  I don't have to go anywhere today, so I'm comfy.  (Hey, this is the qualifier for whether or not you are still in your PJs--do you have on clean underwear and a bra?  If you can answer "yes," then you are dressed for the day.  Otherwise, they're still considered PJs.)

I am reading…Niagara by Pierre Berton. I'm still waiting for my copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies to become available from the library.

I am hoping… that I get to write a book with my friend, Kathy!

I am creating…plans for Choir Camp.  I have a few ideas for costumes that are making me excited, but I'm not liking the elaborate props involved.  I'm hoping to delegate that task out to others.

I am hearing... the dog's nails clicking across the floor, Craig doing stuff in the kitchen, the rhythmic "thump-thump" of my dryer, and the distant sound of my iPod playing in the schoolroom where I'm supposed to be cleaning!

Around the house… piles of stuff to do.  I am trying to get rid of stuff but am having a hard time with where to put stuff in the meantime till I can actually get rid of it!

One of my favorite things… seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!  Pastor Search Committee stuff is OVER!  School is almost over!

I am praying for... Craig's parents. my aunt and my dad, and many others.  My grandma passed away on May 7th.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Sarah's tutoring, art class and Zumba, praise band, more tutoring, and our last co-op of the year.

I accomplished since last week…cleared out a huge pile of stuff to give away from the schoolroom, finished making DVDs for people who had requested them, and made it through the visitation and funeral.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

Mark Lawrence Art

I just love this artist!