Christian mom of two http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:40:00 -0600 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:40:00 -0600 The Simple Woman's Daybook For today Monday November 16, 2009 Outside my window... it's sunny and around 50 degrees, with just a few high clouds I am thinking... how good it is to hear my boys playing---after them being sick all last week, the normal kid sounds are wonderful. I am thankful for... the quiet, relaxing weekend we had: our only scheduled thing was to have the boys pictures taken Saturday afternoon (which turned out very nicely!) I am wearing... my favorite t-shirt, my new (read very soft & fuzzy inside) gray sweats, socks with pink on them (so my husband won't steal them) and sneakers I am remembering... how nice the trim on the new house looks, freshly painted I am going... to the kitchen right after I finish this, and tackle the mess in there I am reading... The Adventure of Christmas: Helping Children Find Jesus in Our Holiday Traditions, by Lisa Whelchel I am hoping... that we will have the closing on our new house next week On my mind... moving, and all the details that go with it From the learning rooms... we've been working on our Thanksgiving lapbook; we got a slow start with the boys being sick all last week, but I'm still hopeful we can get it done before Thanksgiving so we can take it to my sisters' and show the family. Noticing that... my housekeeping standards have really slipped over the past few years, and I want to change that; I'm hopeful that with the new house, it will be better, as there will be places to put things. Pondering these words... Christ is born---how amazing that is, that He would come and be born a baby, go through everything He did, to eventually die---all to save us Around the house... I have quite a few empty boxes now, just need to fill them and get back into packing mode after taking last week off with sick kids One of my favorite things... almonds covered in dark chocolate http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/744913/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:40:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/744913/ Just a few random thoughts here.  I like to do the Simple Woman's Daybook, but it's not Monday and now is when I have the time and inclination, so here is my version for this week. Both boys are sick.  DS2 is faring better today, as his fever is gone and he has perked up a bit.  Nice to see his smile again (it's so cute with both his front teeth missing) and see a bit of his normal energy back.  He still has some cough, and his eyes still look sick, but at least he's on the mend.  DS1 woke up really sick---fever of 103.7 and just felt awful, poor kid.  Medicine brought the fever down, and he is doing better, although subdued.  He also has a bit of cough, but has not had the sore throat that DS2 had.  He's about a day behind DS2 with this bug, so I expect he will be feeling better tomorrow.  They will both be disappointed if they have to miss gym time on Tuesday night, but I won't take them sick.  We'll have to wait and see. Hubby is outside today:  it's a beautiful 60 degrees with sunny blue sky.  Unusual for November here.  He's alternately raking and mowing leaves.  It's a shame the boys are sick, as this would be a great day to play outside.  It's supposed to be 70 tomorrow, although I can't quite believe it.  If so, hopefully we'll be able to go outside, even if just to sit for a bit and breathe the fresh air. I'm listening to Christmas music from my new toolbar I got from The Homeschooling Lounge.  I love it!  I've not explored anything else the toolbar can do, as I'm not much of a techy person, but I'm really enjoying the music.  I start in October with Christmas music, and listen well into February.  I just love it. I bought a Thanksgiving lapbook from CurrClick (they're having a sale) for part of our November homeschooling and am anxious to begin.  This year I want to really spend some time on Thanksgiving.  Wouldn't you know that the boys would get sick right when I come up with something new?  Just my luck.  And of course I'll probably be next with the sick business.  I'm taking extra vitamins, but I can't resist the request of a sick boy wanting to sit in my lap.  That's what moms are for, nevermind the consequences. No new news on the house yet.  I sure would like to close sooner than the day before Thanksgiving.  I'm going to call our lawyer tomorrow and see if we can't speed things up a bit.  I'd like to be able to move before there's major snow or bitter cold. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/743072/ Sun, 8 Nov 2009 14:20:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/743072/ The Simple Woman's Daybook Outside my window... it's raining, and only getting up to 50 today; such a dismal change from yesterday when it was sunny and 62.  The boys played and jumped in the leaves all afternoon. I am thinking... how much I love ds2.  Both boys are playing Monopoly, but ds2 is completely naked except for a pair of camo socks, simply because he got distracted while dressing and has not yet noticed that he forgot his clothes.  His innocence and enthusiasm makes me smile. I am thankful for... being able to stay home today---no appointments, no errands---yeah! I am wearing...a new pair of gray sweat pants, all soft and fuzzy inside, a baby blue sweatshirt, and two pairs of fuzzy socks. I am remembering...warm summer days with the windows open and a soft breeze wafting in. I am going...to a Stampin Up party on Saturday afternoon---really looking forward to that. I am reading...The DTOUR Diet; looking to lose some belly fat.  So far, it looks like a great plan, I'm just not sure I can do it. I am hoping...to hear something positive about the house closing soon. On my mind...getting the livingroom picked up before Saturday From the learning rooms...we started another dinosaur project---this one bigger than any we've done before.  Noticing that...the leaves this year lacked much color---lots of yellow, but not much red or orange---very blah considering how brilliant the colors are some years Pondering these words...we are His workmanship, created for good works in ChristThe Simple Woman's Daybook . . . created for good works From the kitchen...oh, let's not even discuss the kitchen Around the house...working on packing, and taming the laundry monster in the bathroom One of my favorite things...fierce hugs from my sons http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/739974/ Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:54:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/739974/ The Simple Woman's Daybook FOR TODAY...Monday October 19, 2009 Outside my window... the sun is shining and it's 33 degrees I am thinking... of what I need to take as we venture out today---several errands to run, as well as visiting my mom I am thankful for... hubby's car being all fixed: thankful that it broke down on a pay week when we had money to fix it; thankful that it only took a couple of days in the shop and so did not inconvenience us much. I am wearing...my Grabowski University t-shirt, gray sweats, and fuzzy socks I am remembering... how much my dad loved the cool autumn weather.  He nearly always wore a black and red checked wool shirt; whenever I see one, I think of him. I am going... to get all my Avon orders delivered in the next few days and not let it drag on thru the week. I am reading...A Mother's Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul, by Holly Pierlot I am hoping... that things continue to go quickly and smoothly with the new house. On my mind... how much I am looking forward to having a wood stove!  I know it's a lot of work, but, oh, the heat!  I am sooo looking forward to that heat! Noticing that...ds1, who is 9 now, does not want anything to do with girlie stuff, no matter how remote.  He used to like to do Avon deliveries with me, and now, while he still likes to go most of the time, he will not carry a bag if it looks remotely girlie (like the big one with Reese Witherspoon's picture on it).  I had my Avon order by the sofa last week, where I'd been sorting it out and bagging it up, and he & ds2 came in and started playing by it---ds1 commented that he might need a bath after rubbing up against the bags.  LOL!! Pondering these words... all I have needed Thy hand hath provided, great is Thy faithfulness One of my favorite things...soft, fuzzy socks http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/737151/ Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:25:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/737151/ The Simple Woman's Daybook FOR TODAY Monday October 12, 2009... Outside my window...there are lots of clouds, but the sun is trying to peek through them; it's chilly out I am thinking...excited thoughts about our up-coming move to a new house I am thankful for...all that we have---God has blessed us so richly! From the learning rooms...I have lots of good ideas, but seem short on time to do them Pondering these words...that "the house is a tool, not a showplace", written by a homeschooling mom of 14 I am wearing...sweats and fuzzy socks---there are snow showers in the forecast for Saturday! I am going...to stay home as much as possible this week!  It seems like we had to go someplace nearly every day last week.  Even my oldest, who loves to "go" was happy to be home today. I am hoping...that the painter gets to the new house this week and does what he needs to do so that the appraiser can go back and approve it.  I am hoping everything continues to go smoothly and quickly and we get to close a bit earlier than expected. I am hearing...the furnace run (sigh).  And the boys excited voices as they work on packing a few things up in their rooms. Around the house... a state of disarray which is a result of a combination of running so much last week, running out of room in this house, and packing. One of my favorite things...hot chocolate on a chilly day--like today! A few plans for the rest of the week:  must get my Avon orders separated and ready to deliver, and then deliver them; want to work on packing; plus regular chores and schooling to be done.  So much to do---what a full and wonderful life I have! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/735487/ Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:47:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/735487/ The Simple Woman's Daybook FOR TODAY Monday September 28, 2009... Outside my window... it is dark, as it's nearly 10:00pm I am thinking... how much I enjoyed Bible study tonight I am thankful for... my husband, who rearranged his schedule at his second job so I could attend Bible study on Monday nights for the next 12 weeks. From the learning rooms... I need to get quarterly reports done this week. From the kitchen... I made a really tasty dinner tonight of baked chicken, stuffing, and garlic shells I am wearing... sweats and fuzzy socks I am creating... a mental picture of our moving day, planning it out I am going... to be home tomorrow, as the man comes to fix our bathroom floor---yeah! I am reading... Time Management for Unmanageable People, and the book of James I am hoping... that the bathroom doesn't take too long tomorrow, as we only have one I am hearing... mostly quiet, as the house winds down for the night Around the house... the usual chaos rules One of my favorite things... strawberry rhubarb---someone make some strawberry rhubarb bars for Bible study tonight and boy were they good!  I've never made it myself, but I sure do like to eat it! A few plans for the rest of the week:  home tomorrow, then Avon deliveries the rest of the week, and Pumpkinfest on Saturday---my mom is coming for that, so it's sure to be fun! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/731404/ Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:52:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/731404/ The Simple Woman's Daybook FOR TODAY Monday September 14, 2009... Outside my window... the sun is shining, O Happy Day! I am thinking... excited thoughts about the house we've been looking at I am thankful for... my mom: she is a constant source of comfort and inspiration to me From the learning rooms...I am mindful that it's nearly time for first quarter reports, so I need to start prepping for that From the kitchen... nothing going on today.  I wanted to make brownies, but time has flown by; maybe tomorrow I am wearing... light blue t-shirt, dark blue sweats, and fuzzy socks I am creating... a "to-do" list for this week, in hopes of bringing order to my chaotic thoughts I am going... food shopping tomorrow or Wed.---have not decided which day yet I am reading...The Well Adjusted Child: The Social Benefits of Homeschooling I am hoping... that it's God's will that we get this house I'm thinking of I am hearing... the boys play a game of Prize Property Around the house...lots to be done; I did not get as much accomplished today as I'd hoped, so my list for tomorrow is full One of my favorite things... Oreo cookies and a cold glass of milk A few plans for the rest of the week:  deliver Avon, go to the credit union, food shopping, get chores done at home http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/726849/ Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:40:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/726849/ I found this on another blog (here)and I liked it so much I wanted to post it myself.  When I was still working part time, I was often given the comment of "I wish I could afford to work part time" and though I smiled and said something nice in reply, what I really wanted to say was more like this: Dear Working Mom, I see you nearly every time I'm out with my children.  Sometimes you are very young, sometimes you look older.  You might look happy one day and tired or stressed the next.  You are different every time I meet you, but you say the same thing to me nearly every time:  "You're so lucky.  I wish I could stay home with my children but I just can't afford it." Usually I smile and agree that I am blessed, but quite honestly  I'd like to challenge you.  You say you can't afford to stay home.  Maybe you can if you're willing to make some changes. Will you trade in your 2 year old car for a 13 year old mini van?  The side door might not work very well.  Yes, it will break down occasionally on your way to the kids' dental checkups, but that's ok.  Your dentist will understand.  Do plan to change a flat every now and then, since you might be driving on older tires. Will you buy your clothes at thrift stores from now on?  I know your clothes aren't terribly expensive now, but even inexpensive clothes add up when you buy them new.  No, you won't always be able to wear exactly what you want, but you might find that it's not such a big deal if you're spending most of your time at home.  Your kids won't make fun of your fashion sense.  Well, not unless they're teens.  Then I can't vouch for them. You might have to reconsider cable TV.  Anyway, the last thing you need is to watch the average 5 hours/day of TV.  Too much of it is about working moms driving late model cars and wearing all those clothes you won't be buying. Something as simple as grabbing pizza on Friday night might become a financial decision, carefully weighed out. Your children should expect some changes too.  Ballet lessons, karate lessons, and sports might go on the chopping block.  They might be among the sad minority that does not possess a laptop or cell phone.  They might never visit Disneyland.  Summer camp might even be crossed off the calendar.  Don't let the guilt get to you.  Just like adults, children are not entitled to all the best in life.   Children need to understand that these things are extras.  They are wants, not needs.  The sooner your children know this, the happier they will be. Would you be willing to sell your house?  If you're serious about wanting to stay home with your children, this might be what it takes.  Are you willing to live in a smaller, older home, in a lower priced neighborhood? To sum it up, are you willing to give up a middle class lifestyle?  I know you're not rich now, but you could get by on less if you really had to.   Is staying home with your children worth that much to you? I realize that not every situation is the same.  You might be a single mom, struggling just to keep the electric on.  Some churches would help you, but you might not be in that sort of church. You might be willing to make all the lifestyle changes that would enable you to stay home but your husband insists that you work.  Or maybe you're a single mom and you provide the only income for your family. Maybe your husband is disabled, and truly can't support the family. Or maybe you didn't really mean that you'd love to do it.  Maybe you just meant it might be kinda nice, if you didn't have to give up any of your current creature comforts. But maybe, just maybe you really never thought of it this way and now you realize that you can afford to stay home.  Will you do it?   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/724494/ Sun, 6 Sep 2009 19:51:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/724494/ Homeschool Open House We homeschool year round, and our school year goes from July 1-June 30, so we've actually been "back to school" for a month now.  We are very relaxed, and the year round idea works well for our family. Another thing that works well is using information from the World Book site to plan what we're doing for each grade.  They have a Typical Course of Study for each grade.  Another homeschool mom put me on to this, and it's been the best thing ever!  We have quite a bit of paperwork to do for NYS and having this all done by grade is a huge help. My first choice for a prize would be the one from CurrClick. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/715317/ Fri, 7 Aug 2009 19:26:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/715317/ The Simple Woman's Daybook FOR TODAY July 20, 2009... Outside my window... there is sunshine and blue sky--it looks like it's going to be a beautiful day! I am thinking... how busy we were last week, even though we had no special plans:  hubby was on vacation, and we just planned to get a few things done around the house.  We ended up taking the boys to vbs, which took up 5 evenings, and hubby still worked his 2nd job, so other than celebrating our anniversary, we really didn't get much done. I am thankful for... feeling better about life today; I feel ready to tackle the things I need to From the learning rooms...this is not from a learning "room" exactly, but ds2 learned to ride a bike this weekend!  He is very proud, as am I From the kitchen... hubby did a sweet thing for me: one of the nights I took the boys to vbs, hubby did all the dishes.  Bless his heart! I am wearing... my favorite grey shorts, and a Canada t-shirt---no socks! I am going... to run errands today---must take the boys to the dr, and then hopefully get some Avon business done I am reading...Dewey the Library Cat I am hoping... this feeling of well-being continues I am hearing... stirrings from upstairs as someone is waking up Around the house... I am so happy to say we got our "new" sofa!  We'd been with just a love seat for a few months, and while it fit nicely in the space we have, it just was not adequate for our needs.  We need a big sofa.  My mom just bought a new one, and so now we have her old one.  It 's even colors I'd choose if I could.  Perfect! One of my favorite things... hearing ds2 chatter and sing to himself.  For so long I worried about his speech, now it's blessing to hear him express himself so easily. A few plans for the rest of the week:  taking the truck into the shop (again!) for hopefully a minor thing, delivering Avon, visit my mom, and get back into our normal routine Here is picture thought I am sharing (two)... http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/709575/ Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:04:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Rosemarysplace/709575/