FOR TODAY Monday June 29, 2009...
Outside my window... the sun is shining, the birds are singing, it's 70-something degrees---a beautiful day!
I am thinking... scattered thoughts---can't seem to concentrate on anything right now
I am thankful for... healthy boys with healthy appitites
From the learning rooms... I worked this weekend printing/creating some forms to use with our homeschooling. They are a bit more detailed than we've used thus far. We'll see how it goes. Our new school year begins July 1st.
From the kitchen... dishes, dishes, everywhere---that is my project for today.
I am wearing... denim shorts and a light blue t-shirt (and NO socks---and my feet are warm, too!)
I am going... nowhere for a few days---the vehicle is still in the shop, and won't be done till Tues or Wed.
I am reading... my BIble study book, Calm My Anxious Heart
I am hoping... that the vehicle repairs don't cost more than anticipated
I am hearing... boys finishing lunch, and deciding what to do next
One of my favorite things... is seeing the creativity in my sons. I got ds1 a t-shirt with dinosaurs that you color in with fabric crayons---he did it this morning, and I love the results!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Avon order is due tomorrow, so must make some phone calls today and tomorrow to see if anyone wants anything; hopefully get the vehicle back by Wednesday; big plans for this holiday weekend: we will see a parade Saturday morning, then farmers market, then picnic, then fireworks, then stay the night at my mom's, then the next day visit mil, then home. Will be great fun!
FOR TODAY Monday June 22, 2009...
Outside my window... I can hear hubby mowing the lawn
I am thinking... of how much we got accomplished today---everything on the list---yeah!
I am thankful for... lots of food in the house, and still money in the bank
From the learning rooms... I finished all our end-of-the-year paperwork and got it in the mail today---yeah!! And it's not due till July 1st, so I'm even done early---hurray for me!
From the kitchen... I need to put groceries away; just wanted a break before I do it
I am wearing... black shorts and a coral t-shirt---and NO socks!
I am going... to Bible study tomorrow, and I have all my homework done
I am reading...Calm My Anxious Heart for Bible study
I am hoping... that the mechanic calls tomorrow to say the parts are in so we can get the Pathfinder fixed
I am hearing... the boys watching a Land Before Time video
Around the house... still so much to do, I'm not sure where to begin
One of my favorite things... listening to my little boy sing to himself---yesterday it was, "all night, all day, angels watching over me . . . "
A few plans for the rest of the week: hoping to get the vehicle fixed, then take a day to go visit my mom and deliver some Avon, then Saturday we'll go see my MIL; no plans for Sunday yet, so hopefully a day at home
FOR TODAY Monday June 15, 2009...
Outside my window... there is blue sky and puffy white clouds; it's supposed to be in the 70's today, with a chance of rain.
I am thinking... what am I going to do with all this "stuff" we have? I'm trying to simplify, clear out, and de-clutter, but I get so overwhelmed with it all. Then there are things that I really like and want to keep, but there is no good place for them. What to do?
I am thankful for... getting the entertainment center moved from one wall to the other yesterday. It's a big job, but I did it! However, I cleaned it all off, and have decided to give it a less cluttered look---now what to do with the things I took off it---?
From the kitchen... I did not spend any time at all in the kitchen yesterday, except to run the dishwasher, so of course now it's a disaster. How does that happen so quickly?
I am wearing... still in my nightshirt, bare feet.
I am going... to a ladies Bible study on Tuesday nights now. Last week was the first time, and I really enjoyed it.
I am reading... The Duggars: 20 and Counting!
I am hoping... to get some long-needed vehicle repairs done on my Pathfinder this week. I have the appointment, and I have the money, so hopefully it will happen.
I am hearing... quiet--! Both boys are still asleep, so it's just me typing and the cat taking a bath in the chair beside me.
Around the house... I am working in the livingroom. I have a plan, an idea, for where I might put some of the things from the entertainment center---I just need to clear off the spot.
One of my favorite things... a clean floor. I prefer to be barefoot, so I really notice when there's dirt on the floor.
A few plans for the rest of the week: must put in an Avon order, so must call some customers today and tomorrow to see if they have orders. Also, once I get the livingroom better organized, I'm going to list our loveseat on FreeCycle and hopefully give it a new home, then we can make arrangements to get my mom's old (bigger!) sofa---that will be wonderful! I tried the loveseat because it fit in the space we have better, but it's just not big enough for our family---it just doesn't work for us. We need a full-size sofa!
FOR TODAY Monday June 8, 2009...
Outside my window... it's nearly dark---I forgot all about doing this today, even though I spent some time on the computer earlier
I am thinking... there will be no quiet time for me from now till bedtime, as both boys are after my attention
I am thankful for... the bills being all caught up, and for us having the money for a tow and some emergency vehicle repairs today. Also thankful that the car got us home safe and sound yesterday, so we were not stranded with the kids in the middle of nowhere---God took good care of us!
From the learning rooms... I was not able to go to the homeschooling convention last week, so instead I ordered a few things that I would have gotten there. One of those things is a Professor Noggin game---well, we ordered 3 of them, actually. I first discovered these at the homeschooling convention, and so I associate them with it, although in reality they're not tied together at all. We LOVE these games! They are fun, and filled with facts, which the boys retain like crazy. We have, from previous years, Life in the Ocean, Birds of North America, and Wildlife Safari (African animals). To that we are now adding Life on the Farm, Wildlife of North America, and Creatures of Myth and Legend. I said no to the request for the dinosaur game; the boys already know so much about dinosaurs, I don't think we need to work on that further. I was pleased to find these on Amazon---I think of Amazon as books, but they have so much more than that, I really need to expand my view of them. Two were eligible for their free shipping deal, if I spent a little more money (oh, what a chore!) so I ordered a book for myself: The Well-Adjusted Child: The Social Benefits of Homeschooling, by Rachel Gathercole. This is a subject I've been reading more and more about, as it's coming to light that homeschooled kids are actually MORE well-adjusted than PS kids---they have better manners, handle conflict better, are less influenced by peer pressure---lots of positives. I am not at all surprised, but I love reading it again and again as more studies are done.
From the kitchen... ah, the kitchen. I've heard and read several things recently that talked about blessing your husband with meals, and it's like a burr under my saddle. I'm not ready to run with that yet. Not even ready to admit or acknowledge it yet. Could this be an area God is working on me? Not ready to go there. I will give you the point that it can be a blessing to a husband to come home to a nice homecooked meal after work each day. But as far as me being the one to make that happen, well, I hate the idea.
I am wearing... tan shorts, light blue t-shirt---and fuzzy socks because my feet are cold! LOL
I am going... to the dr on Friday to discuss Essure, a permanent birth control method. I'll be 46 in a few months, and I am aware that my eggs are old and probably not viable for healthy babies anymore. I am sad about that, but okay at the same time. Not sure if we will do this method or not, just checking into it.
I am reading... still gleaning tidbits from Better Late Than Early (it's due back at the library this week); Steve & Me, by Terri Irwin; The Duggars: 20 and Counting!: Raising One of American's Largest Families--How they Do It; and America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money: Your Guide to Living Better, Spending Less, and Cashing in on Your Dreams by Steve & Annette Economides.
I am hoping... that the car repairs don't take all week, as I have things I'd like to get done.
I am hearing... the boys being boys . . . right next to me
Around the house... not much got done today---I did things that were not housework
One of my favorite things... the smell of kids fresh out of the tub
A few plans for the rest of the week: deliver Avon orders and get new brochures out; possibly a trip to Syracuse (the nearest big city) just for some fun things---get my diamond ring checked (supposed to do that every 3-4 months) and go to Michael's or A.C. Moore for a couple of Thomas the Tank Engine things (I told the boys that when the income tax money came they could each get a Thomas item) and maybe a ride on the carosel at the mall. We hardly ever go just for fun, so this is a big deal. All of that depends on when the vehicle gets out of the shop, of course. Still, no complaints---I am happy we can take care of it easily.
FOR TODAY June 1, 2009...
Outside my window... it's dark, as it's late, and chilly
I am thinking... about the Focus on the Family broadcast I just listened to, which talked about how more people are declaring themselves pro-life now than ever before. Praise God! Abortions are down in this country, as more people are choosing life.
I am thankful for... the day we had today with my mom. Today would have been my parent's 62nd wedding anniversary. The boys and I spent the day with my mom, going out to lunch at a favorite diner of my parent's, and doing a little shopping.
From the learning rooms...I started work on the boys IHIP's this week. We homeschool year round, and our school year ends June 30th, with the new year beginning July 1st. Next on the agenda is getting the end-of-the-year paperwork done.
From the kitchen... oh, can't we just ignore the kitchen? sigh. I've been keeping up well with the dishes, which is a very good thing for me. I've also noticed that whenever I cook a really nice meal for the family, I am incredibly irritated/annoyed and in general in a really bad mood by the time I'm finished. I conclude that not only do I truly not enjoy cooking, but it actually puts me in a bad mood. great. It's not like I can avoid it. another sigh.
I am wearing... black jeans and a sweatshirt---it was not very warm out today.
I am going... to maybe visit my sister tomorrow; haven't decided yet.
I am reading... Rusty (a Scholastic book), one chapter each night, to DS2; and still Better Late Than Never
I am hoping... to feel better after Saturday is over. We are having a grave side service for my dad Saturday, as the weather is good enough now for his ashes to be put into the stone. I've been upset about some family things going on, as well as having a bunch of emotions all churned up again thinking of his death, missing him more again---hopefully after Saturday I can get a handle on things again.
I am hearing... Dudly Moore narrate as "Spin" on one of the kids' National Geographic dvd's.
Around the house... so much to do, and I'm ignoring it right now; can't focus.
One of my favorite things... chocolate with nuts and raisins. yum!
A few plans for the rest of the week: do an Avon order, run some errands, maybe visit my sister, and hopefully spend Friday with my brother and his wife who will be up from Texas for the weekend. Then get through Saturday. And on Sunday, we rest!
We had a wonderful Memorial Day. We spent Sunday night at my mom's, so we didn't have to get up so early to be at the parade by 9:30am. We met some family there, and watched the parade with them. A typical small town America parade, with fire trucks, boy scouts, little kid church groups, and one high school marching band. Then to the cemetery to hear some short speeches. Unfortunately, I was not thinking, and we did not get close enough to hear well, so my boys were distracted; there were lots of people just talking/chatting around us, so that made it even more difficult to hear. Next year I will remember that we need to get really close to the speaker so we can hear them. I want them to understand how important Memorial Day is, and how we as a family celebrate it.
After that we headed out to one of Mom & Dad's favorite spots: Hunt's Pond. They used to go there quite a lot when they lived in New Berlin, which is not far from there. It's beautiful, and I took some pictures, but I've not had any luck posting them here (drat!) We were much farther away (I didn't realize just how far it was) but it was worth it to go. Mom had not been there since Dad died, and it brought back a lot of good memories for her. We packed a picnic lunch---everything we needed . . . except something to make a fire with: no matches, no lighter, no charcoal, no nothing. Well, Mom and DS2 went "next door" to the next camp site to borrow matches, and then I had the boys gather small sticks to start a fire. We used dried leaves instead of paper, and used just one paper napkin to get it started. It was quite windy, so it took several matches before we got it started. But what memories we made! The boys each roasted a hot dog on a stick. Thank goodness my mom brought a roll of aluminum foil: she made a tray out of it to cook the burgers on, as the grill part in the fire pit was far from clean. We kept the fire going for a while after we were done cooking, just for the warmth. I haven't had so much smoke in my face in years.
We brought the fishing poles, so Kenny and the boys fished. DS1 caught 3 fish---he was so proud! They were no bigger than the palm of your hand. When he caught the first one Kenny said it was too small and he should throw it back. Well, his face just fell. My mom said she'd be happy to eat it, so we kept it. We left all 3 with her, and I talked to her today and she said she'd cleaned them and they were very good---all 6 bites. She's such a good sport!
Even though it was 70* and sunny, there was a stiff breeze coming off the water, and Mom and I got real chilly. We finally left the fellas to their fishing and we went and sat in the truck. Much better! It was nice to have a chance to chat without interruption, too.
By the time we got home I'd discovered I had a nasty sun burn on my forearms and my thighs just above the knee. My arms are the worst. Very, very sore! But it was such a good day, it was worth it. The thing is, I remembered to bring the sun screen---had it right in my purse the whole time---I just didn't remember to put any on anyone. It was so chilly, I didn't think about sunburn. I think it must have been while we were watching the parade, as once we got to Hunt's Pond we were not in direct sun much.
So we came home tired, but happy, with lots of good memories.
FOR TODAY Monday May 18, 2009...
Outside my window...it's a gray, cloudy, cool day. yuck.
I am thinking...how pleased I am with the Freebie of the Day today---there is a short biography of Peter Cooper, inventor of the train. My boys love trains, so this is great!
I am thankful for... receiving our state tax refund---it allowed me to pay a stack of bills, and gave me the pleasure of paying a bill the day it came in the mail, rather than having to wait until payday as I usually do. I enjoyed that.
From the kitchen... I am being paged to please make pancakes. blah. I don't much care for pancakes, and don't particularly like making them, either. But I don't do it too often, and today seems like a good day for it.
I am wearing... my favorite grey oversized sweatshirt, navy sweatpants,and two pairs of fuzzy socks. The furnace is running---it's supposed to get into the 80's on Thursday, but it's downright chilly today.
I am going... to pick a day to go see my mom this week. Other than that, we have no plans to go anywhere---how lovely!!
I am reading... Better Late Than Early---I've not been reading it much, and it's due this week.
I am hoping... to get the livingroom picked up and vacuumed today, then the diningroom.
I am hearing... the boys building something that involves a ramp for their wooden trains. They are touchy today, as they were yesterday; not sure what's up with that.
Around the house... I did a good bit of shopping last week, so the cupboards are filled---I love that, knowing we have lots to eat. Too bad I don't enjoy cooking more. DS2 said this morning, "Too bad we don't have a chef, Mom." Amen to that!
One of my favorite things... chocolate covered macadamia nuts. I found some last week and bought them as a special treat. yum!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Avon order due Tues or Wed., so must make a couple of calls to customers prior to that; need to return that library book on Thursday; still working on my de-cluttering project around the house; baseball for the boys on Saturday; probably a visit to my mother-in-law this weekend.
Today we went to Climb, Honk, and Explore day at a Christian school near our Gramma's house. It was a fund-raiser for them, and a great time for us. There were many big trucks and construction equipment there that the kids could climb on, sit in, and honk the horns. The crane was DS1's favorite---we went back for the third time just before we left. It was attached to a big pick up truck, and the boys got to operate the crane to raise the front of the pick up truck up. What fun! There was also a very big tow truck, a fire truck, an ambulance, a cement truck, a semi, a flatbed, several tractors, and probably more that I forgot to mention. They also have a lovely playground, which I think DS2 enjoyed as much as he did the trucks.
Unfortunately, I've not been able to upload any pictures here---grrrrr. I will try again later.
FOR TODAY Monday May 11, 2009...
Outside my window...blue sky, sun, but only 38*
I am thinking...wondering why I am up so early today--? Very unusual for me. When I typed in the date above, I remembered that at this time 9 years ago I was just minutes away from giving birth to my first son. What a day that was! It was a complicated pregnancy and birth, but thankfully everything turned out ok. Praise God!
I am thankful for... my son! Both my sons, of course, but today, being his birthday, I am thankful for my oldest son. He is such a blessing, such a gift from God.
From the kitchen...I am proud to say that I have been keeping up with the dirty dishes on a nearly-daily basis for several weeks now---hurray for me! So while there is still a bit more to do in there, it's not bad.
I am wearing... grey sweatpants, navy baggy sweatshirt, and two pairs of fuzzy socks. The heat is still set at night time temperature, so I am chilly sitting here.
I am going...to take my mom home today after spending the last few days with her---what a good time we've had!
I am reading...In Praise of Stay At Home Moms, by Dr. Laura Schlessinger---my Mother's Day present, and still working on Better Late Than Early by Raymond & Dorothy Moore
I am hoping...to tackle the livingroom this week---there is so much clutter I have been overwhelmed at the prospect and haven't known where to begin, but I'm hoping this week to figure it out
I am hearing...quiet. Hubby is gone to work, and the boys and my mom are still alseep. Just me and the cat are up, and she's quietly taking a bath beside me.
Around the house...so much to do. I am hoping to accomplish a lot this week.
One of my favorite things...Mother's Day. I love being a mom, and I like having a day to celebrate that. Having my first son's birthday so close to it just makes it better.
A few plans for the rest of the week: take my mom home, do some shopping, and pay some bills: we got our state tax refund last Friday---Praise the Lord! Just in time to pay some bills---God is so good to provide for us just when we need it!
FOR TODAY Monday May 4, 2009...
Outside my window... there's sun and clouds, and it's supposed to get up to 60* today---that will be nice
I am thinking... about a dream I was having when DS2 woke me up---the dream was so vivid, and although my dad was not in it, I had the impression he was trying to get something across to me but I wasn't getting it. The feeling has stayed with me. It's weird.
I am thankful for... not having to work outside the home anymore---I love our laid-back lifestyle and not having to watch the clock
From the kitchen... we are going to make cookies today: my vote is for chocolate chip, but DS1 said something about cut-out sugar cookies, so we may do that. We are making these to give to their two gym teachers tomorrow night (the last night of the semester.)
I am wearing... grey sweat pants and two pairs of fuzzy socks, but I've graduated to a t-shirt instead of my favorite sweat shirt---a sure sign of warmer weather. (The furnace still kicks in before noon, though.)
I am going... with my mom and my boys on an overnight trip to The Wild Center located in the beautiful Adirondack mountains--- very exciting! It will be our first overnight trip. Unfortunately, DH has to work, so he cannot come with us. But we are looking forward to it just the same. We will be staying in a cabin the night before, then spending the day at the center. We may or may not spend another night there, depending on what time we get done.
I am reading... Better Late Than Early (I renewed it, so it's mine for a couple more weeks)
I am hoping...to get some significant progress done in my livingroom before my mom comes to visit.
I am hearing... the furnace run. Oddly, both boys are quiet at the moment (one is in sight, though, so I'm not worried)
Around the house... laundry, picking up, de-cluttering to be done
One of my favorite things... the feel of sunshine on my face
A few plans for the rest of the week: some Avon business to take care of, the boys last gym class Tuesday night, prepare for our trip, then 5 very busy days---full of fun---leading up to DS1's birthday. Should be a great week!
The Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY Monday April 27, 2009...
Outside my window... it's dark, as I'm getting to this late, but still unseasonably warm out
I am thinking...how did it get so late? and why are my children still up?!
I am thankful for...the nice day we had today with my mom.
From the learning rooms...I finally got the quarterly reports done and sent out! whew!!
From the kitchen...I got up early (for me) and made some cookies this morning before we left---unheard of!!
I am wearing...shorts! Can you believe it? And a t-shirt, and bare feet---love it!
I am going...to try really hard to stay current with the mail from now on, instead of letting it stack up in piles
I am reading...Better Late Than Early (still) and also a short romance novel here and there
I am hoping... to continue my de-cluttering mission this week
I am hearing...the boys playing nicely---which is good, except that they should be in bed. sigh.
Around the house... still lots to do. Tomorrow and the next few days are supposed to be rainy, so I won't be tempted to be outdoors instead of working inside.
One of my favorite things...sitting in the shade on a hot day, looking out on the water
A few plans for the rest of the week: oddly enough, I haven't planned out the week yet. That's unusual for me. I knew we were going to see my mom today, but I've not thought further than that. Hopefully most days at home this week.
FOR TODAY Monday April 20, 2009...
Outside my window...it's cloudy and chilly, good chance of rain today
I am thinking...of how I want to schedule the day: need to go out and run an errand---do I want to go soon, or later in the afternoon?
I am thankful for...more time at home lately, plenty of food in the house, and the rent paid on time this month
From the kitchen...seriously need to mop the kitchen floor today
I am wearing...still in sweats, and my favorite fuzzy socks--not warm enough for shorts yet
I am going...to have to break up my boys soon if the bickering doesn't stop
I am reading...Better Late Than Early by Raymond and Dorothy Moore
I am hoping...to finish my project in the kitchen this week
I am hearing...boys bickering, and banging on something with Tinker Toys
Around the house...lots of decluttering to do, and more laundry
One of my favorite things...time at home, alone---rare, but lovely
A few plans for the rest of the week: run an errand today, put in an Avon order tomorrow or Wed., take boys to gym Tues night, visit my mom, work as much as possible at my house---so much to do!
FOR TODAY Monday April 13, 2009...
Outside my window...there is some sun, some clouds, and it's supposed to get up to 60* today---that would be nice, especially if the cold wind doesn't blow too hard.
I am thinking...of my disappointment in my discovery when I walked into the kitchen this morning: my grandmother's dish---in pieces---on the floor. No idea what happened. Then DS2 knocked a large poster off the wall and broke the glass. Hopefully that's it for broken glass today.
I am thankful for...no one being cut in the poster incident.
From the kitchen...yesterday I began a major project and got about half done, so it's a jumble right now, but I should be able to finish it up today
I am wearing...sweats, because it's still chilly here
I am going...to remember to mail the state income taxes today! Also need to do some shopping for basics like bread and milk---can't put that off much longer.
I am reading...Better Late Than Early, by Raymond and Dorothy Moore
I am hoping...that the kitchen project doesn't take all day
I am hearing...my boys listen to the dvd "Dinosaurs: Dead or Alive?"
Around the house...still working on decluttering. Also hubby started some seeds yesterday---I got him an indoor greenhouse last year about the size of a baker's rack, which is now in the kitchen (hence my kitchen project yesterday/today---moving things around to accomodate it)
One of my favorite things...listening to DS2 talk: he had such trouble learning to speak, and did not speak at all for so long, it warms my heart to now hear him chatter
A few plans for the rest of the week: a couple of easy Avon deliveries, visit my mom tomorrow and run errands with her, hopefully spend Th & Fri at home decluttering, and probably spend one weekend day visiting my mother-in-law
FOR TODAY Monday April 6, 2009...
Outside my window...it is gloomy, rainy, and 40*
I am thinking...trying to decide where I want to begin work on the house today
I am thankful for...all that was accomplished/finished last week (see previous 'celebration' post), and so now I can stay home most of this week
From the learning rooms...I need to get quarterly reports done and mailed
From the kitchen...I've been keeping up well with the dishes, a real accomplishment for me, and made mini bundt cakes (about the size of cupcakes) yestreday---yellow, with chocolate frosting
I am wearing...still in my nightshirt and sweatpants ---and my two pairs of fuzzy socks, of couse
I am creating...a "to do" list of all the chores I want to get done in the next few weeks/months
I am going...as few places as possible this week! I am craving time at home.
I am reading...The "Me Time" Myth---a very short e-book
I am hoping...to get a grand start on hoeing out my house today
I am hearing...my younger son getting up; older son still alseep, so it's quiet here
Around the house...so much to do, getting things in order and major de-cluttering needed
One of my favorite things...spending time with my mom: she is doing so well, it really encourages me
A few plans for the rest of the week: hoping to combine any errands we need to run with either gym time Tues nite, or gym on Thurs so I don't have to go to town otherwise. This weekend we are planning to spend Saturday night with my mom, then have Easter dinner with her and my sisters family. Hopefully we'll get to go to church as well (hoping hubby will go).
I just finished doing our taxes---hurray!!! I e-filed the Feds, because it was free. For $19.95 I could e-file NYS---NOT! I will use a stamp and file for less than $1, thank you very much. It's beyond me why they would charge for e-filing, as it's easier for them, less paperwork, etc. Just trying to generate revenue, as near as I can tell.
I am home alone at the moment. That in itself is a cause for celebration, as it's so rare. I sent hubby with the boys to the store so I could be here alone and uninterrupted to work on the taxes. I didn't know if I'd get them done or not, but wanted to at least make a start. What a lovely thing to get them finished!
While I had some time on the computer, I did a couple of rebates from Staples. I just love how you can do them on-line instead of mailing them. I suppose it's a little thing, but it just pleases me no end. I love to shop Staples for the items I can end up getting free with a rebate. Or nearly free: I got a ream of copy paper for $1 after the rebate. Cool. I've gotten lots of pens and pencils free this way. My biggest item ever was an Epson Photo Printer---free! Yup. I was buying our digital camera, and they had this photo printer on sale for $99 and was free after the rebate. I had not expected to buy a photo printer, did not want to spend the money, but getting it free, well, that was worth tying the money up for a few weeks. That was the biggest thing. Usually it's just small stuff. But fun, still.
We did the final move-out inspection for my mother-in-law's apartment on Tuesday, so now we are all finished with that---a definite reason to celebrate! Now to get my own house in order . . .
Everyone is healthy, happy, and doing well. That is a huge celebration!
Praise God for His goodness, His mercy, and His faithfulness as He has allowed all these good things to happen. Thank you, Jesus!
Today is chore day, tomorrow is play day. We are going to visit both moms: hoping to arrive at my mother-in-law's facility around noon tomorrow, where we will then go out and get something for lunch and bring it back to eat with her. We'll be taking a cake with us, as we did not do one for her actual birthday a few weeks ago, as the boys and I were sick and I did not want to bake anything for her with all our germs around. After that, we're picking my mom up and going to a favorite restaurant; we'll be meeting my sister and her husband, and their daughter and her husband. My mom got a 15% off coupon from this place for her birthday. It's smart marketing; they do it every year. And we like the place, so every year we go make use of it. They will also do a small cake, since it's a birthday celebration, so my boys will be on a sugar high with cake twice in one day. Ah, well. It's not like we do it a lot. And with one gramma 86 and one 81, we probably don't have too many more birthdays to celebrate with them, so we will make the most of what we have. (My mother-in-law's and my mom's birthdays are two days apart.)
I can hardly believe that I got this post finished and I'm still alone. wow. Now I need to make good use of my time. In other words, time to tackle the house! I will start in an area that is difficult for me to work on when the boys are here, and see how far I get. Oh! I can turn up the music---MY music---woo-hoo!! Off I go . . .
FOR TODAY March 23, 2009...
Outside my window...the sun is shining, but it's cold---the high is only going to be around 30*
I am thinking...how weary I am of cleaning out my mother-in-law's apartment; it weighs on me emotionally, as well as practically
I am thankful for... today at home
From the learning rooms...doing a dino craft today with those light-weight wooden punch out pieces
From the kitchen...sigh. Have I mentioned that the kitchen is my least favorite room of the house?
I am wearing...grey sweat pants, a grey SUNY Cortland sweatshirt that I gave my dad for Christmas one year, and my standard two pairs of fuzzy socks
I am creating...a bigger mess in my living room as more boxes come home from my mother-in-law's apartment
I am going...out for pizza tonight with the ladies from last summer's Bible study---really looking forward to that
I am reading...another short romance---more fluff. I think it's a de-stressing technique
I am hoping...that we get an enormous amount accomplished on Wednesday at the apartment
I am hearing...my boys alternately fuss and play a game of battleship
Around the house...so much to do! Today I want to get the laundry under control, and hopefully vacuum the livingroom floor, mop the kitchen floor, and get the dishes caught up
One of my favorite things...Coca-Cola Classic. Love it, love it, love it!
A few plans for the rest of the week: hubby is taking Wednesday off to work more on the apartment. I discovered yesterday that he's very good at going through all the papers---hurray! He does it way faster than me, so I'm going to give him that job as much as possible. Friday I'm going to pick up my mom and bring her to our house to spend the night because Saturday we're going to Maplefest. I've got the tickets for us to all ride the train there and back (about a 45 minute ride or so)---that's the big event for us, then there's lots to see at the festival, too. And yummy food there, too. It will be a welcome break for us.
FOR TODAY Monday March 16, 2009...
Outside my window...the sun is shining, and it's supposed to be up in the 50's today---a real treat weather-wise!
I am thinking...of all I need to get done today
I am thankful for...today and tomorrow at home, no errands to run, no traveling to do---hurray!!!!
From the kitchen...there are clean dishes to put away, and dirty ones to wash; I never seem to get them all caught up
I am wearing...still my standard winter wardrobe: navy sweat pants, cream colored oversized sweatshirt, and two pairs of fuzzy socks (it's not that warm out yet)
I am creating...a bigger pile in my livingroom, with stuff coming here from my mother-in-law's apartment; I really need to nip that in the bud.
I am going...to make a "to do" list for today, in hopes that it will help me accomplish more. I used to do lists all the time, but have gotten out of the habit.
I am reading...David Jerimiah's book What in the World is Going on
I am hoping...to get a large chunk of things done at my mother-in-law's apartment this weekend
I am hearing...my boys watching the dvd Firehouse Dog
Around the house...so much to do, so little time
One of my favorite things...chocolate mint Girl Scout cookies---my mom brought me two---TWO---boxes this past weekend---what a treat!! I could eat a whole sleeve with a big, cold glass of milk. I probably won't, but I could.
A few plans for the rest of the week: work, work, work: my own house needs a lot done, my mother-in-laws still needs a lot done, hubby is taking Wednesday off to do some banking and in-person errands for my mother-in-law, plus our regular gym Tuesday night and Thursday afternoon for the boys. I'm thinking Friday I will go up to the apartment to work. Hopefully Saturday my cousin will follow with truck to get some of the furniture which they can use---that will be a blessing all the way around. Busy week ahead. I am so very thankful that today I can stay home!!!
FOR TODAY Monday March 9th, 2009...
Outside my window... it's dark, because I didn't get to be on the computer all day till now
I am thinking... of how bad my house will probably look to my mom when she comes to stay this weekend
I am thankful for... enough fuel to keep us warm and with hot water, enough food to keep our cupboards full
From the kitchen... I put chicken breast in the oven to cook, then let my husband heat up leftovers to go with it
I am wearing... navy sweat pants, grey sweatshirt, and two pairs of fuzzy socks
I am going... to work on my mother-in-law's apartment tomorrow (sigh) I'm worried that we won't finish in time.
I am reading... that book by David Jerimiah I talked about for so long---I've finally started reading it---"What in the World is Going On"
I am hoping... that this nasty head cold will go away soon
I am hearing... the boys watching Veggie Tales video, and coughing
Around the house... I did some dishes today, and cleaned a bit in the livingroom. Not as much as I wanted to accomplish, but at least it's something.
One of my favorite things... warm weather---when you don't have to put on scarf, winter coat, boots, and gloves just to go outside. Boy am I ready for spring!
A few plans for the rest of the week: tomorrow I am taking my mom with me and the boys to work on my mother-in-law's apartment; Wednesday, hopefully dh will be off so we can get some banking and other errands done for his mom; Thursday is homeschooling gym and housework; Friday we go pick up my mom to come and spend the weekend with us: Saturday is her birthday---she'll be 81---and we're going out to dinner. Somewhere in there we need to also celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday, which is Thursday; she'll be 86.
I got this great meme (which, by the way, I don't know what that means: "meme"? I need to look that up) from my friend at The Narrow Path . I thought it was fun. N is 8, and J is 6 years old. Some of my 6-year-old's answers really surprised me, but then, I never know what he's going to say next. I think the fact that it was nearly bedtime when we did this influenced some of my 8-year-old's answers. I do think it's funny that they did not answer the questions the way I would have, but then that's the fun of it, isn't it? Here goes:
1. What is something your mom always says to you?
N=that she loves me
J=she bosses me around
2. What makes your mom happy?
N=a lot of things, like Snickers bars
J=working or playing
3. What makes your mom sad?
N=no hugs at bedtime
J=when someone dies
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
N=sometimes tickles me, or tells me jokes
J=by tickling
5. What did your mom like to do when she was a child?
N=we never really talked about that
J=she liked milk cartons
6. How old is your mom?
N=45, I think
J=46
7. How tall is your mom?
N=I don't know
J=I'm not sure
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
N=lay around in bed (smart aleck!)
J=watch Scarecrow and Mrs. King
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
N=usually does chores
J=work on Avon
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? (I'm not sure they have a good grasp of "famous.")
N=I don't know
J=don't know
11. What is your mom really good at?
N=sleeping
J=Author's (card game)
12. What is your mom not very good at?
N=I don't know
J=playing (winning) Candyland
13. What does your mom do for her job?
N=Avon
J=Avon
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
N=I don't know
J=hot dogs (soooo NOT! That's HIS favorite food! LOL)
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
N=that she loves me
J=snuggling
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
N=I don't really know
J=Garfield
17. What do you and your mom do together?
N=homeschooling
J=snuggle
18. How are you and your mom the same?
N=we both have blue eyes
J=we both like our hair smooth
19. How are you and your mom different?
N=she wears glasses and I don't
J=Mom wears glasses, and I don't
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
N=cuz she hugs me and kisses me and that stuff
J=just guessed
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
N=I don't know, that they love each other?
J=tickling
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
N=to bed
J=Friendly's (restaurant)
