Outside my window... it is finally getting warmer!  We actually had to take jackets one morning to the fair a few weeks ago!   A beautiful summer evening with blue sky, lovely "early evening" sun and things are still. 

I am thinking... about three of my girls who are attending a seminar, hoping they are learning lots!  (And missing them!)

I am thankful for... having my oldest daughter back home!    (And my other driver!  )

From the kitchen... we just had taco salad, Dallas and I had blueberry cheesecake for dessert, but the children decided they wanted s'mores!

I am wearing... a yellow blouse with my "Debbie Mumm" sunflower jumper (compliments of Leah!)

I am reading... Slowly working through Solved: The Riddle of Illness by Dr. Stephen Langer (about thyroid--interesting reading!) 

I am hoping... for a calmer week--and to pick blueberries at least one day this week!

I am hearing... nothing.  Birds chirping.  Occasionally Clover barking.  Everyone is in the barn!

Around the house... Dallas is in his office, the rest are in the barn doing chores.

One of my favorite things... is watching and listening to my boys play, wrestle and talk!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Take State Fair projects in to the local office tomorrow, go blueberry picking, have a few girls here for two nights while they attend a music clinic "somewhat" near us  (if you call an hour away "near"!), get my computer desk organized--I'm planning a whole day to tackle that!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

"Jewel of the Morning"

FOR TODAY June 9, 2009...

Outside my window... It is overcast but perfect temperature wise--for me, but not for the strawberries!

I am thinking... I am trying NOT to think about all that has to be done in the next month!!! 

I am thankful for... my shoulder feeling better (it's been out of place and causing some pain this past week!)

From the kitchen... Taco Salad

I am wearing... a pink blouse with a faded purple plaid jumper.

I am creating... Got my flowers....now to decide what goes where!  (Picture next week, maybe?)

I am going... already went strawberry picking, but will have to wait until next week as they are later than usual!

I am reading... Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

I am hoping...  to be able to keep my inward peace in the midst of craziness!

I am praying for... our church, for friends and their challenges, for my family.

I am hearing... Leah and Susannah discussing how many buttons to put on a nightgown, birds chirping.

Around the house... Some are out playing in the "town" in our barn, one little guy is laying down for a nap, three are sewing.

One of my favorite things... red, ripe, juicy strawberries!!! 

A few plans for the rest of the week:  More running for fair stuff, three graduation open houses this weekend and a blogger get-together!

Quote of the Week:

"A magnificent marriage begins not with knowing one another but with knowing God." 

                                                                                                       ~Gary and Betsy Ricucci

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Well, here are "before" pictures of the weed beds! 

(Don't let the daisies distract you!  )

Yes, the tall weed in the middle is a thistle!

Here is the weeded section!!!

Here are some of the weeds!! (There was a whole wheelbarrow load full!)

Waiting to be planted.....

Stay tuned next week for the "after the planting" pictures!!! 

Blessings on your day!

For Today....

Outside my window... It started out grey and gloomy today, but the sun peeked out by afternoon!  Now it's evening with a rosy pink sky. 

I am thinking... I am TOO busy!

I am thankful for... my sweet Godly girls!  (Boys still in training!)

From the learning rooms... We're gearing up for 4-H project judging the 29th and 30th, so that will probably be the bulk of our learning the next few weeks!

From the kitchen... we just finished supper!  Calico Bean Bake and cornbread-a favorite!

I am wearing... a pink blouse and my "Easter jumper" from a few years ago--multi-colored pastels with flowers.

I am creating... a plan for my front door flower garden (much later than usual!)

I am reading... Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas (another excellent book, by the way!)

I am hoping... to see my grandma soon--she's probably given up on me!

I am hearing... dishwater running, not much else as the others are outside....

Around the house... Susannah is doing dishes, Leah is helping, Anna is sitting behind me with her foot up--dropped a can of beans on it earlier (ouch!  ), the others are outside doing barn chores.  Oh, and Jessica is at a friend's house helping them get ready for their graduation open house!

One of my favorite things... is my girls making a "town" in the big barn again!  So nice to see them doing it for the younger set!

I am praying... for friends in transitions of different kinds, and for Christians to fall in love with their Savior and spend time at His feet.

A few plans for the rest of the week: grocery shopping tomorrow, then Llama meeting, hoping to get flowers tomorrow and planted before the summer is over  ,  maybe pick strawberries Friday if the weather cooperates, and go to two graduation open houses this weekend!

Quotes of the week: 

 "Marriage requires a radical commitment to love our spouses as they are, while longing for them to become what they are not yet.  Every marriage moves either toward enhancing one another's glory or toward degrading each other."    ~Dan Allender and Tremper Longman III

"The beauty of Christianity is in learning to love,and few life situations test that so radically as does a marriage."  ~ Gary Thomas

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."  ~Oscar Wilde

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Blessings!

Outside my window...  It is a lovely day!  78 degrees, a nice breeze, sun and blue skies!

I am thinking... how incredibly blessed I am!

I am thankful for... Jesus dying on the Cross for me, so that I could receive Him as my Savior 30 years ago today!  I'm also thankful that HE is in control, whatever goes on in the world.  I'm so glad I can walk through life in this world with THE King of Kings!

From the learning rooms... the usual....Anna is looking at goatgirl's math program....we might be changing again! 

From the kitchen... haven't talked to the cook yet!

I am wearing... my yellow blouse and a green floral jumper (very spring-y looking!)

I am creating... a BIG mess in dh's shop!  Going through stuff for a garage sale. Not much time to be creating anything else right now!

I am going... to see my grandma this evening.

I am reading... The Beautiful Fight by Gary Thomas. 

I am praying... for Christians to return to their first love relationship to Christ and to realize the vast power we have in prayer.

I am hearing... munching....

Around the house... The older girls are at lessons, and goatgirl is staying with us for the day.  Right now they are all finishing lunch.  Isaiah is still eating, too, but Noah is on the couch behind me looking at books.

One of my favorite things... is watching my little guys play--they're just too cute!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Groceries tomorrow, work on sorting for the garage sale next weekend (YIKES!), cello recital Saturday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Can't resist sharing two--they go together!

Not sure what he was pretending, but it was too cute to pass up!

Quote of the Week:

"They became changed men themselves before they went out to change others."  ~William Penn

Blessings on your day!

FOR TODAY... May 12, 2009

Outside my window...  It's dark!    50ish.  The nights have been cooler, even frosting last night.

I am thinking... that I should be in bed!!!

I am thankful for... my sweet daughters who stayed up late Saturday night to make me a lovely Mother's Day gift of a new jumper!   And for the sweet notes and cards I got as well as the vase of heavenly smelling lilacs (my favorite!) in my master bath window!   They also cleaned up the sewing room (it is now safe to walk in there!) as well as started weeding the front flower beds.

From the kitchen... just the dishwasher running now!  We had a yummy supper of individual meatloaves, green beans, cheesy potatoes and sweet potato rolls!

I am wearing... a pink blouse with a blue floral jumper.

I am creating... I already "created" it but am now tweaking it--a song I wrote and hope to sing sometime soon. 

I am going... nowhere tonight! 

I am reading... The Beautiful Fight by Gary Thomas.   I think I've found another good author like Ron Auch!

I am hoping... to see my grandmother tomorrow.  She's 92!  She is probably one of the most ardent pray-ers that prayed for my salvation almost 30 years ago!

I am hearing... the tick of the cuckoo clock in the sunroom and the swish of the dishwasher running.

Around the house... all are asleep! 

One of my favorite things... Did I mention how much I love lilacs?! 

A few plans for the rest of the week:  The girls and I will sing and play for our local nutrition site tomorrow, then Thursday is Llama Club meeting for the 4-H-ers (and my other driver is away being a mama's helper!), then hopefully Friday I can start going through stuff for a garage sale.  On Saturday my home-ec club (oops, sorry!  "Extension Homemakers" Club!) is going on our "club trip" to a small town 30 minutes away that has gobs of antique shops.  We'll meet together for lunch in between our browsing...and I hear tell there's a wonderful place that sells really good chocolate....I'll let you know what I think! 

Quote of the week.... "Christian family life is a journey of maintaining God-sight and cultivating God's heart for our spouses, our kids, and our families."  Gary Thomas in The Beautiful Fight , p. 72

Here is picture thought I am sharing:

(shhhh!  I'm snitching one of Susannah's photos!)

Blessings on your day!

FOR TODAY.... May 4, 2009

Outside my window...  It's a beautiful day!  Well, it has gotten a bit cloudy, but it's mostly sunny and in the 60s with a nice breeze.

I am thinking... I am not ready for the start of 4-H fair season--sort of "started" on Saturday when they weighed and tagged the goat wethers!   Two months from today we check in the animals!!! 

I am thankful for... His mercies which are new every morning!

From the learning rooms... Ah, spring fever and Mondays are hard!  The usual (math, language arts, copywork) and I'm excited to try a new approach to our Bible time--but that will probably be tomorrow!

From the kitchen... Susannah's Soup, Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole, Sweet Potato Rolls

I am wearing... one of my white polo shirts with cutwork on the collar and sleeves and my green floral jumper.

I am creating... some new ideas for practice for my piano students.

I am going... to see my grandma later today, I hope.

I am reading... Actually, just finished another book by Ron Auch!  Swept Away By His Presence is another gem!   I just can't highly recommend his books enough!   It was through this book I got my ideas for our Bible time.   I also just found Gary Thomas, another great writer!  I'm reading The Beautiful Fight right now.

I am hoping... that my dear friend who is expecting any day has a wonderful delivery--and that I can make it there!  

I am hearing...  The Vivaldi Double (Concerto for two cellos--or celli!) in the living room.  Susannah and Cassia always practice it together when they get a chance!  Now for one of our pianists to be able to play the accompaniment! 

Around the house... Jessica and the boys are out loading wood on the trailer, Cassia is practicing cello, Bekah is finishing some chores, Charissa went outside (I'm not sure if it was to help or not...), not sure about the others!

One of my favorite things... sweet little dark purple violets!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Teach lessons, take Jessica to be a helper at one of my friends' house for a week and a half, get my flower beds weeded and ready to buy flowers on Saturday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Have a blessed day!

For today, 27 April, 2009.....

Outside my window..... 71 degrees already at 9:30!   A beautiful, breezy day!  The trees are greening up and the lilacs are giving us a hint of what's to come!

I am thinking.... how wonderful my walk was this morning!   Saw some beautiful little yellow violets!

From the learning rooms.... the usual fare, and going to try to get back on track with our Grapevine studies (OT Overview)--sadly has been off track since the whooping cough hit! 

I am thankful for..... God's beauty and being able to enjoy some different scenery last weekend at a state park while camping, especially finding a sweet little waterfall in an out-of-the-way place.

From the kitchen.... Chile Corn Dogs and the rest of the menu is undecided....maybe macaroni salad.....

I am wearing.... my Debbie Mumm jumper Leah made me, blue basket-weave background with sunflowers, and a white cutwork shirt.  

I am reading.... Hinds' Feet on High Places (for the umpteenth time!), and finishing books by Ron Auch.  I highly, highly recommend his books!  (More on that later this week!  Stay tuned!   )

I am hoping... that they aren't burning off the meadow where I like to walk.  It belongs to the town, where they have their sewage treatment plant, and it's always a study in different grasses and flowers!   I would miss my favorite "friends" if they decide to burn it off.....

I am creating.... this week.....not sure how much might get done, but I'd like to start work on some new jumpers!

I am praying.... for all Christians to have a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Around the house.... some are finishing outside chores, some are finishing inside chores, the boys are watching the tractor (or "brrrm brrrm", as Isaiah calls it!) as the farmer who owns the fields around us is disking.

One of my favorite things.... is meeting with my Lord in a special trysting place.

A few plans for the rest of the week..... finish sorting my mom's stuff for a garage sale, unearth part of the sewing room (it's gotten waaaaay worse since the picture I posted after Christmas!!!) and help make meals for a friend's family for when she is gone for 2 weeks.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....

Have a Blessed Day!

For today, April 20, 2009....

Outside my window.... The sun is peeking through and we just saw a double rainbow!  AND we saw both ends...getting our shovels to head out and find that pot of gold!  

I am thinking..... of how privileged I am to be a part of the Bride of Christ--and wanting to seek His face as the Bride and not His hand as one of the "daughters of Zion"!    (See When He Appears in my books I'm reading!)

From the learning rooms.... much the same.....

I am thankful for..... getting to spend lots of time with my wonderful husband yesterday!   The kids drove separately to church--I had him for a total of 3 hours all to myself!   

From the kitchen.... cheese enchiladas, meatballs and rolls!   YUM!

I am wearing.... white polo shirt with cutwork collar and sleeve hems and my navy floral print jumper.

I am reading..... you can look at my bookshelf--you can see I read in several books at a time!   I just finished Ron Auch's book When He Appears--I highly recommend it!  (and where my statement above came from!)  I just started Unshakable Man--although a book for men, I am learning lots, too, as it is pointing to a relationship with Christ.  Also reading, The Prayer Life by Andrew Murray, The Love Dare (your marriage doesn't have to be falling apart to glean from this book!), The Hidden Life of Prayer by D.M. McIntyre, Listening to the Language of the Bible by Lois Tverberg, and still working through The Heart of the King by Ron Auch.

I am hearing.... little people coming in to get ready for supper!  And some piano in the living room....

 I am hoping.... that we will have good weather for camping this coming weekend.

I am praying.... for Christians to fall in love with their Savior and spend time with Him!

Around the house.... Dallas is just coming in, Leah in the living room (either playing piano or "farming" with Isaiah!), Jessica is behind me reading, Cassia is pouring drinks (I mean, water and milk!), Susannah is at Dog Obedience Club and the little people are at the table.

I am recreating..... my blog after we made a boo-boo and got the template messed up!  Finally got the music back on and still need to find my buttons I had on the side!

 One of my favorite things.... is having my family all together.

A few plans for the rest of the week... getting ready for camping with our church this weekend--that will take most of the next few days!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....

Have a Blessed Day!!!

I've really fallen down on the job here!    Between normal busyness and a sore throat/cold last week, I've been knocked for a loop!

We're all doing better, the sun is shining, it snowed Monday...yes, snowed!  My mom's birthday is later this month and she says she can remember having snow covering the ground on her birthday!  Thankfully, not lately! 

For Today....

Outside My Window.... it is sunny and 50ish.  Nice change from the snow a few days ago!

I am thinking...of taking a walk later today!

From the learning rooms... the usual dailies, but it's kind of an unofficial "Spring Break"!

I am thankful for....the sunshine!

From the kitchen....roast with carrots and potatoes---in the crock pot now!  Mmm-mm!

I am wearing...an older "Easter" jumper of multi-colored pastel flowers and stripes, with a pink blouse (and bare feet, of course!)

I am reading...The Hidden Life of Prayer by D.M. McIntyre and The Heart of the King by Ron Auch (I'll finish it one of these days!)

I am hoping...to get back on my Bible reading schedule and finish it this month!

I am creating...a new Easter jumper for this year.

I am hearing...Isaiah hollering for Leah to get him down from the high chair ("Leeeeeahhh!  Done!"), Anna, Bekah, Charissa and Noah are heading out to see if Tiffany has had her babies yet! (Mama goat!)  The other three girls are on their way home from cello lessons.  And Pooh is barking to go outside....again!

Around the house....the bar is still messy (I should take a picture so you all feel at home!  ), there are dollhouses behind me (the new rage at our house--we put some bigger toys up and rotate, so it's almost like new!), two Easter jumpers done and hanging behind me (we jokingly call the clothes we hang out here in the sunroom to dry our "curtains"!  They change daily and get quite colorful!), and the rest of the house is fairly "normal"--for us, that is!

A few plans for the rest of the week...finish my jumper, do T-Tapp with a neighbor/friend (we've gotten together twice so far--makes it fun!), the bi-weekly grocery trip, and that's probably enough!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....

Mount Bedding-on-the-Stairs!

Have a blessed day!

Outside my window... it is a gray day.  It was really nice Saturday--up in the 60s!   It's now 39 so a bit cooler.

I am thinking... I need to find some motivation to get this organizing done!

I am thankful for... good friends and family who pray for you, and for the Lord Who never gives up on us!!!

From the learning rooms... It's been low key as we try to get back into the swing of things after our epidemic.  Everyone started feeling better mid-February, so why does this take so long?!   Everyone is doing their language arts, math and copywork.  Some are reading interesting living books for history!

From the kitchen... Hearty Beef Enchiladas, cooked carrots and Parmesan Toast.    YUM!

I am wearing...  An ecru turtleneck and my NEW jumper! Finally!  (only took 4 months.....)  It'sa floral stripe on the bodice, with the skirt made of that plus three other coordinating fabrics.  I have a moire looking green, another one in burgundy, the floral stripe and a multi-color stripe.  It's in green, rose, blue, purple, burgundy and creams.   I think it looks like a Mexican fiesta jumper!  

I am creating... nothing at the moment.  Boring, huh?!

I am reading... I was skimming through a book that had to go back to the library--- Shaping History through Prayer and Fasting.    I decided I need to get my own copy! 

I am hoping... that we don't get any more sickness!

I am hearing... Bekah and Leah finishing lunch dishes.

Around the house... Bekah and Leah talking, Noah and Isaiah are down for naps, Cassia is with Noah, Jessica is getting ready to teach her first student of the day, Susannah just came in, and Anna is with Charissa and a friend out checking out new kittens born this morning! 

One of my favorite things... are these nice "spring" days before spring is officially here!  I didn't even have to wear a jacket Saturday for my walk!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Teach lessons, practice for a concert for my mom's senior living apartment complex on Wednesday, hopefully a Texas Roadhouse date with dh Friday, and maybe, just maybe (whispering so Murphy's Law doesn't hear....) getting the bar cleaned off.....

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

And, here is the DUMB goat, Richardson, who thinks he is from the Swiss Alps!

(He's the one who jumped from the loft a few weeks ago---still doing fine, as you can see!)

FOR TODAY~ February 5, 2009...

Outside my window...  It's dark!  And cold!   It's nice to see it stay light later.

I am thinking... am I thinking?  I don't think I have much brain power left! 

I am thankful for... everyone getting better!  And that it wasn't as bad as it could have been!

From the learning rooms... um....infectious diseases?!

From the kitchen... tonight we had Calico Bean Bake (a favorite!) and cornbread.  YUM!

I am wearing... my  navy with rose floral print jumper and an off-white turtleneck.

I am creating... nothing this week!   R & R this week--Rest and Recuperate!

I am reading... not much this week.  I'm tired of researching so taking a break from reading!

I am hoping... we can start being a bit more normal next week!  (Well, normal for us! )

I am hearing... Battle Hymn of the Republic on the piano (Cassia), Bekah reading a story to Charissa, Isaiah making motor noises, Jessica and Leah doing dishes.

Around the house... Above mentioned children, then Susannah is out feeding her baby goat (Josephine, I believe!), Noah and Anna are playing with their "firetruck" thing (don't know how to describe it--a vinyl and wire frame thing that collapses flat, but when up is a little firetruck they get inside).  I think they liked the "woo-woo" scenes in Fireproof!  (Which my children watched FOUR times this past weekend!!)

One of my favorite things... is how good I feel after exercising!   (T-Tapp--see sidebar!)

A few plans for the rest of the week: continue getting better and gently get back into the swing of things.  And I'd really like to finish finding the garage, but I'll quit saying that as we keep getting sick when I say it!  Shhhh!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Blessings on your day!

FOR TODAY, January 28, 2009

Outside my window... It is getting dark.  We've had snow--it's still fluffy, and the fir trees look like they've been frosted!

I am thinking...  that I am tired of researching illnesses!

I am thankful for...  friends who share their herbs and natural remedies with me!

From the learning rooms...  Not much.  Almost all the children are sick!

From the kitchen... chicken spaghetti, salad and Italian bread--yum!

I am wearing... a black turtleneck with a red and black plaid corduroy jumper.

I am creating... herbal concoctions! 

I am reading... mostly herb and health books right now, as well as researching whooping cough!   Other than that, still working through Assumptions that Affect Our Lives, The Heart of the King, and Listening to the Language of the Bible.

I am hoping... my sick children get over this coughing soon!  (Supposedly it is not whooping cough, but we are taking precautions and taking antibiotics because I am convinced it is!)

I am hearing... Cassia in the kitchen finishing supper and giving directions to the boys, who are helping Leah set the table--whoever's laundry day it is sets the table and gets to pick where everyone sits--except my husband and me!

Around the house... another daughter just joined the "set the table" brigade!  The others are upstairs, resting or reading.

One of my favorite things... is vanilla yogurt!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Get well!!!   Other than that, continue trying to declutter...maybe I should quit trying!   Everybody gets sick when I do!       I also want to get a few jumpers made.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Our barn, through a hole in the siding--taken from the inside  of a bedroom upstairs that is being worked on!!!

(No wonder it was so cold in there!!!)

Outside my window... It is snowing!  Grey skies, slight wind, but fluffy snow.  Nice, as long as I don't have to drive in it! 

I am thinking... I need a nap! 

I am thankful for... a warm home, a loving husband, and sweet children!

From the learning rooms... today is off to a slow start.   I think most of them have done their daily things they do on their own.   I plan to do some Bible with them later, and maybe get in FIAR with Charissa.  We're doing The Rag Coat by Lauren Mills.

From the kitchen... not sure!  I haven't conferred with today's cook, yet! 

I am wearing... my blue snowflake jumper with a red turtleneck that has a snowflake embroidered on the neck.

I am creating... elderberry/ginger syrup and some other herb tinctures.

I am going... nowhere!  (Well, I'll have to run into our little store in town, 1/2 mile away, later!)

I am reading...  Assumptions that Affect Our Lives by Dr. Christian Overman (I highly recommend it, by the way!), Listening to the Language of the Bible by Lois Tverberg (another highly recommended book!). 

I am hoping...  that my children with bronchitis and coughing get better.

I am hearing... Bekah doing her part of lunch dishes.   All else is quiet.  Other than the coughing!

Around the house... we are either napping or having quiet hour!

One of my favorite things... snuggling with my 2 year old!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  unearth the sewing room, get my kitchen bar back under control (it's a hot spot, alright!), and tincture some herbs to help with the sickness.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

She lost them both within an hour!!!  That cute seven-year-old smile!

Blessings on your day!

Outside my window... it is sunny, blue sky, and COLD!

I am thinking... of a friend who lost her brother and two nephews just before Christmas.   Praying for her.

I am thankful for... my fall yesterday not hurting me worse than it did!  (I fell on our stairs and slid about halfway down!  OUCH!   )

From the learning rooms... Bible time this morning, two daughters are deciding what project to work on for the next 6 weeks. 

From the kitchen... Creamy Spinach Enchiladas, Barbecue Meatballs, and some sort of bread!

I am wearing... my navy floral jumper and a white blouse.

I am creating... some organizational ideas for my planners that maybe I will use this year! 

I am reading... well,not yet, but I just got my order from Heart of Wisdom!   Four really wonderful books!!!   I'm trying to decide which one to start with!!!  So stay tuned for next week's readings! 

I am hoping... to get more of our learning going tomorrow!!!

I am hearing... Isaiah wanting "Ma-ma", Dallas upstairs with his helper "de-structing" Susannah and Cassia's room!  

Around the house... Susannah and Cassia are chatting, Dallas is tearing out the aforementioned room, Noah is napping, Isaiah is fussing, Leah is studying the BMV book to think about getting her permit, Jessica is waiting on me to ask me some organizing questions and the younger girls are rearranging their room--- again!!!

One of my favorite things... is having talk time with my children!  (We jokingly call it a "Pow-Pow"! )

A few plans for the rest of the week: To clear out our garage, get a good start on organizing the sewing room, go to a llama info meeting tomorrow night, change my playlist back, and hopefully get some sewing done (no, I'm not very ambitious!!!  Ha!)

Here is picture thought (or two!) I am sharing...

Pooh decided to help Isaiah with a puzzle!

And here is the WHOLE gang! 

Hope you have a blessed week!

Wow!  The last Daybook for 2008!!! 

I've had a busy and wonderful time with family these past few days!   Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things here! 

FOR TODAY, 29 December, 2008.....

Outside my window... sunny with that beautiful blue sky!   I haven't been outside yet, but it looks cold! 

I am thinking... how good the Lord is to meet our needs--especially our emotional need! 

I am thankful for... a church where the pastor preaches what God wants.   The Lord used his sermon yesterday to minister to me!

From the learning rooms... still on break! 

From the kitchen... Calico Bean Bake, cornbread and Cheesy Broccoli/Cauliflower dish (yum!!!   )

I am wearing... my exercise clothes!!! 

I am creating... a few more gifts for friends!  (shhhh!)

I am going... to have Bible time with the children after my shower.

I am reading... trying to finish Our Father Abraham before it goes back to the library!  (And I thought January 2 was plenty of time!!!)

I am hoping... to get some organization done this week.

I am hearing... O Holy Night on the piano, and Isaiah fussing because he doesn't want to go "poppy" (potty!)!

Around the house... Cassia on the piano, Isaiah on the poppy  (and Susannah is with him), Noah is on the couch with a "brr" on his toe where Isaiah accidentally dropped a fire engine (play engine!!!), the rest are in their rooms reading, organizing or playing.

One of my favorite things... is watching our toddler!   He's soooo much fun!

A few plans for the rest of the week:   having friends over for New Year's Eve, Dallas' birthday tomorrow, going out with friends on Friday to celebrate their anniversary and hubby's birthday!   

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

And today, Isaiah will show you how to finger paint, using Cocoa Wheats!!!

One more--too cute to pass up!

Have a wonderful day!

Outside my window...   It is getting dusky.  It is COLD today with a biting wind!  

I am thinking... I have a LOT of sewing to do!!!

I am thankful for... a warm home!  And wonderful daughters who make yummy dinners and just generally spoil me!  

From the learning rooms...  I think we are now on Christmas break!   No one is staying focused much, so this week and next will be "sewing for others" and "cookie making, 101, 201, 301..." for us!   

From the kitchen... Firecracker Casserole, salad and Parmesan Toast  

I am wearing...  My navy jumper with mauve and light blue flowers, a white blouse and a white SWEATER!

I am creating... lots of things I can't type about!!!!  (shhhh!)

I am going... Actually, I already went!   Spent a nice afternoon shopping at our favorite antique store in Nappannee!!!

I am reading... The Heart of the King and Our Father Abraham

I am hoping... for snow!!!

I am hearing... a beautiful Christmas CD by Melinda Wickam, To God All Praise and Glory V (available from IBLP, and you can hear some samples there, too!)

Around the house... Susannah is fixing dinner, Isaiah is helping   ,  Jessica, Leah, and Cassia are sewing (sequestered away in their rooms!), Anna, Bekah and Charissa are either making their Christmas list or going over theirs (I'm about to do the major task of coordinating 7 lists!!!).  Noah said he is with Jessica "and she hewing"!   (He doesn't say his "s" sound!)

One of my favorite things... is the camaraderie my children and I have.  I love the busy and loving interaction of our family (well, most of the time, anyway!!!)

A few plans for the rest of the week:  SEW SEW SEW SEW SEW SEW, and maybe.......sew some more?!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Okay, I can't make up my mind!   

Can't I please come in?!  I promise I'll be gooooood! (me-OW!)

"Wee" Three Kings

"Wo-ah!  Look!  Neeaaat!"

Bekah with the Nativity set Dallas' mother made years ago.

Blessings on your day!

Wow!  I'm actually getting the Simple Woman's Daybook done on Monday! 

For today, December 8, 2008

Outside my window...  It's an overcast day, an inch or so of snow on the ground.  Cold!   But I like to see snow in December!   Hopefully it will last through the end of the month!

I am thinking... of taking a nap as soon as I finish this!!!

I am thankful for... family, friends, church family who have lifted me in prayer over these past few weeks.   Those prayers are so very dear to me!

From the learning rooms... We started our study on HOW's Wisdom Study this morning.   Also planning to do the Jesse Tree devotional (yes, we're behind!).   That is new for us this year!   Working on our memory section of Luke 2:1-20 to recite for church in a few weeks.

From the kitchen... Right now, my oldest is making Christmas Mice with Oreos and Hershey Kisses for her students (and mine!)   We just finished a hodge podge of lunch (aka leftovers!).   For supper, Enchilada Bake.

I am wearing... One of my Christmas outfits!   It's a light country green jumper with birdhouses and bows, holly and evergreen on it.  The blouse matches the pinky-red colors in the jumper with some of the jumper fabric as ruffles around the peter pan collar and sleeves.

I am creating... Still working on a poncho.   Got one quilted pillow top done.   Also still trying to finish that jumper and blouse from a month ago!!!

I am going... to give one piano lesson this afternoon--but I'm actually staying as the student comes here!

I am reading... The Heart of the King   I know I've said it before, but I HIGHLY recommend this book!   It has ministered to me greatly in the past few weeks.  Also reading Our Father Abraham by Marvin Wilson.

I am hoping... to continue feeling better and less tired.

I am hearing... Christmas songs on the piano, rattling paper in the kitchen.

Around the house... Jessica is making Christmas mice, Cassia is on the piano, Noah is riding his trike with one of the little girls' strollers hooked onto the back (it's his "trailer"), the dog is barking to go out, Susannah is making cookies for our students, Leah is eating  , Isaiah is "cooking" (picture to follow) and the little girls are playing stuffed animals upstairs.

One of my favorite things... is snow in December!  And of course, for Christmas!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  I hope for us to get our matching jumpers cut out this week (and at least started!), to clear out a spot in the sewing room to sew (I'm two weeks behind now--straightening is not the goal now--just a spot is!!!), and to get a hefty start on the homemade gifts!    AND to coordinate 7 Christmas lists (the boys are at my mercy!)!!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The boys have been very "into" cooking lately......

Which makes finding the pans, hot pads and spatulas quite the adventure!!!

May your day be blessed in Him!

Before I start on a glimpse of my day, I just want to remind you about Kelly's special this week!  Click on any of the titles to the right (Getting Your Children to Obey, Think Outside the Classroom, Finding Financial Freedom or her By Heart Scripture cd) and if you purchase, use the code THANKSGIVING to get $2 off!  Offer good through Friday, the 28th)

For today, 26 November, 2008.  

Outside my window....  It's a beautiful sunny (and cold!) day!  Pretty blue sky.

I am thinking... how much I love and appreciate my daughters, who are making the whole Thanksgiving feast for tomorrow!

I am thankful for.... the same daughters who are taking good care of me, especially these few days I've had to stay down on bedrest!   I'm also thankful for ALL my children, the baby, my wonderful husband, and all my wonderful friends--real life and cyber!

From the learning rooms... well, everyone got their "usual dailies" done, and now the three younger girls are watching a "How to Teach the Cello" dvd....and none of them play cello!   Too funny!

From the kitchen.... meatloaf, salad and rolls, as well as some baking for tomorrow!

I am wearing.... um...my nightgown?!   (It reminds me to take it easy!)   It is very pretty, a lavender floral!   Maybe I should call it a "housedress"?!  

I am creating.... in spite of bedrest and taking it easy, I am knitting a poncho and working on a quilted pillow.  Might have to have a few of my daughters finish that jumper and blouse for me! 

I am going.... nowhere!  Staying home tomorrow and having some dear friends join us as well as my mom.

I am reading... a LOT!   (One of the "perks" of bedrest! )  Reading that wonderful book I mentioned in my last post, The Heart of the King by Ron Auch.   Also reading Our Father Abraham by Marvin Wilson, working on Lord, Teach Me to Pray by Kay Arthur, and still also working through A Woman's Call to Prayer by Elizabeth George.

I am hoping... to be able to get up more in the next day or so (easing into it!)

I am hearing.... pretty much just the chop, chop, chop of someone chopping veggies in the kitchen! 

Around the house.... Anna, Bekah and Charissa are watching the aforementioned cello teaching dvd, Cassia is chopping veggies/making supper, boys are napping (ahhhhh!), and not sure about the other three!

One of my favorite things.... is having hot chocolate before bed!  

A few plans for the rest of the week.... well....I'm thinking I need to quit making plans!  LOL!   Seems when I get into a groove, something comes along to throw us out of whack!     My main plans are to ease back into "normal" (which will NOT include hefting Rubbermaid tubs around in the future!), go Christmas tree shopping Friday afternoon (hopefully!) and celebrate Thanksgiving again with my brother and his family on Saturday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing....

Every fireman should have hot pads, right?!

And please enjoy my daughters' duet, if you haven't already.  It's my Thankgiving "gift" to you!

For the Beauty of the Earth

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!!!

For 18 November, 2008. 

Outside my window...  it was snowing earlier!  Now just windy and COLD!  Gray skies....

I am thinking... how incredibly blessed I am!

I am thankful for...  a warm home!   And lovely daughters that are willing to serve!

From the learning rooms...  two daughters are finishing projects that were due LAST week!  One is on the three branches of the government, the other on the skeletal system.   Oldest daughter is learning to weave, and the littles are doing their regular fare plus decided to work on a newspaper together.

From the kitchen...  Zucchini-Ricotta Bake, salad, and Parmesan Toast Bread.  YUM!

I am wearing... a pink blouse and last year's Easter jumper, which has pastel flowers all over it.  I know, not very "fallish"! 

I am creating... actually finishing a project for one person's Christmas (gotta be a bit vague here!   )

I am going...    maybe to Goodwill if they're open a few more hours--some girls couldn't find coats to use outside at the one we went to Thursday.   And we're not paying full price for coats that will go to the barn, get "stuff" on them, you know.....

I am reading... Back to A Woman's Call to Prayer by Elizabeth George.  (I read like I work on knitting projects--skip around among several!)

I am hoping... to keep my kitchen counter CLEAR (since I finally got it cleared off, with some help, for my daughter's birthday tea Saturday!)

I am hearing... that beautiful duet of For the Beauty of the Earth.  I'm really going to have to figure out how to get that on here....

Around the house... two daughters on the piano, one cooking supper (yes, I'm spoiled!), three younger girls upstairs working on a "newspaper", oldest daughter is weaving, two boys behind me playing with/fighting over some blocks.

One of my favorite things... is seeing many Godly young ladies together and encouraging one another that they are not alone in the world!    (Susannah will blog about her lovely birthday tea later this week!)

A few plans for the rest of the week: I really want to finish some jumpers for me, get my Christmas present supply found and in one place (I think I have enough from over the years that I didn't get done to do quite well this year, IF I find the stuff and use my time well!), and Wednesday, I hope to hear the baby's heartbeat!!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing:

I have titled this "Cutie in an antique coat"!

 My mom made this coat for my brother 33 years ago!!!  Two of my cousins wore it, I inherited it, and forgot about it with my first son.  Isaiah didn't want to take the coat off and rode his trike around the house in it for about an hour! 

Remember, if you enjoy my blog, you can vote at Homeschool Blog Awards for Best New Homeschool Blog!  Thank you!  ("Polls" close midnight November 21)

And please don't forget to pray for Noah Estes.

Blessings to you!

It's been a rough few weeks!  The ickies have set in as well as that very tired feeling!  

For today, November 3, 2008.

Outside my window.... it is Indian Summer!  70 degree weather, a breeze, and a beautiful blue fall sky!  The maple tree in the backyard has turned it's golden yellow and looks so beautiful framing our backyard, with spots of blue sky in between!

I am thinking....  I need another nap!

I am thankful for.... my wonderful family who serve me so graciously when I can hardly function!  And that they are all as excited as me about the new baby!

From the learning rooms.... the girls are finally getting a good start on our Names of God study.  We tweaked it a bit and decided two weeks wasn't enough time!   So we're going to try for one a month.

From the kitchen....  Italian lasagna, breadsticks and salad.

I am wearing.... a yellow blouse and a green jumper (not quite John Deere colors.... LOL!)

I am creating.... my jumper I started on!  Got a lot done on it Friday, but would like to finish it tomorrow (icky feeling permitting!)

I am going.... to stay home! 

I am reading.... I am finishing Heart of Wisdom by Robin Sampson, and started reading Herbal Antibiotics by Stephen Harrod Buhner.

I am hoping.... to feel a bit better this week and try to get back on track for my T-Tapp workouts.

I am hearing.... My now 17 year old daughter in the kitchen making dinner (her birthday was Saturday), and all else is pretty quiet (not sure that's a good thing!)

Around the house.... One daughter making dinner, another about to switch her towels into the dryer (each girl has a "laundry day"), another is trying to finish a new outfit to wear tomorrow when she and yet another daughter will help at the polls, one boy is sleeping, another is playing somewhere and the little girls are playing.

One of my favorite things.... is Indian Summer!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Finishing the aforementioned outfit, decluttering my sewing room (no, we still haven't gotten to it!), voting, and do the "big winter clothing" shopping trip later this week.  OH, and I'm expecting a dear friend from the Upper Peninsula to visit this weekend with her family! 

Here is a picture I'm sharing:

He's got a little ways to go to grow into Papaw's boots!

Blessings on your day!