Daybook March 2, 2010

For Today...

March 2, 2010

Outside my window... cloudy, overcast sky.  High today ~76 degrees.   Tomorrow is supposed to cool off again.  Back to the mid-60's.  I know, I really shouldn't complain, but make up your mind already!!!

I am thinking...a few things I'm not ready to discuss...

I am thankful for...stable ground.  Seems like an awful lot of the earth is suddenly moving.

From the learning rooms... After being back for a week (and taking an extra day off), we're going a bit slowly again.  The kids are sick, and sick kids don't cooperate much.  So, we're doing what we can without a fight and we'll get the rest later.

From the kitchen...Chinese!  Hubby just walked in with it...

On weight-loss...I'm even.  For 7 weeks of weight ins, I'm only down a pound :(  Not so good, but better than up :)
 
I am wearing... black jeans, gray short-sleeves and still those bare feet, but they finally got their pedicure!

I am creating...lots of things!
1.  A Jesus tree!  I got the banner done as well as the first 16 ornaments.  See post here and here!  I need to get pictures of the rest soon.

2.  Some Easter crafts.

I am going...to try to dip a little deeper.  There's something that just isn't working in my life right now.  I have *no* idea what it is, so I think I need to spend some quiet time and time in prayer.  I may also be so close to it that I can't see the forest for the trees so I may need to ask for some help (not an easy thing for me). (this is still from last week and I still don't have answers...)

I am reading...still nothing :(  (maybe this is the problem...)

I am hoping...that the kids get better fast, so we can get back to routine.

I am hearing...the washer and dryer running and not much else.  All 3 boys are lying down, I assume sleeping, though I could be wrong ;)

Around the house...cleaning day though I doubt I'll get to it all.  It's hard to clean much with all 3 bedrooms occupied and one of the bathrooms is off the bedroom :(  Oh well...the house won't fall apart :)

One of my favorite things...actually, I need to come up with 5 of them, and I'm drawing a blank :(

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Today...cleaning
Wednesday...school (relaxed version), the gym, and the plumber.  We had a leak in our bathroom drain over 2 years ago.  Lately we've noticed the area that was patched is beginning to sag.  Hubby opened it up today to find wet boards, wet sheetrock and a slow drip from the same drain!  The plumber will be here at 8am Thursday...school for Velcro Boy and grocery shopping.
Friday...the gym...maybe the Marine Life Center.
Saturday...school
Sunday...Mass
Monday...school and the gym

Here is picture thought I am sharing...  nothing this week.

To check out more daybooks visit Peggy!

Daybook February 23, 2010

For Today...

February 23, 2010

Outside my window... cloudy, overcast sky.  High today ~80 degrees.  UUGH!  I'm tired of the weather not making up it's mind and going up and down.  Tomorrow is supposed to cool off again.

I am thinking...that I need to work harder on spending less time on the computer.  The few days I was successful in doing that went so much smoother.

I am thankful for...my husband!  He did pick-up and drop-off for the last two days!!!  This saves me so much time and lets me get some things done.

From the learning rooms... back to school.  We took last week off, didn't accomplish as much as I would have liked, but...  We started unit 1 for RC History, we're plugging away learning about the colonies in American History, triple digit subtraction, grammar, spelling, Lenten studies.

From the kitchen...not much :(

On weight-loss...I'm even.  For 6 weeks of weight ins, I'm only down a pound :(  Not so good, but better than up :)
 
I am wearing... khaki shorts, purple short-sleeves (seems to be a color theme lately ;) ), bare feet (that need a pedicure)

I am creating...lots of things!
1.  A Jesus tree!  I got the banner done as well as the first 14 ornaments.  See post here!  I need to get pictures of the rest soon.

2.  A crown of thorns.



3.  Some Easter crafts.

I am going...to try to dip a little deeper.  There's something that just isn't working in my life right now.  I have *no* idea what it is, so I think I need to spend some quiet time and time in prayer.  I may also be so close to it that I can't see the forest for the trees so I may need to ask for some help (not an easy thing for me).

I am reading...still nothing :(  (maybe this is the problem...)

I am hoping...that I can accomplish a few things today.

I am hearing...kids playing nicely.  The middle one is out with his dad, so it's just the two and myself right now.  The dynamics are so different when he's not here.

Around the house...cleaning day (and still too many toys).

One of my favorite things...adoration.  Something I think I sorely need right now.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Today...cleaning, meal planning for the next month or so, bills, possibly the second night of the parish Lenten mission.
Wednesday...school, and the gym.
Thursday...school for Velcro Boy and grocery shopping.
Friday...MOM's meeting and the gym...maybe the playground.
Saturday...school
Sunday...Mass
Monday...school and the gym

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

 

These kids live to read!  (the boys are mine, the cutie on The Professor's lap is my niece).

To check out more daybooks visit Peggy!

Daybook February 15, 2010

For Today...

February 15, 2010

Outside my window... Clear sunny sky.  Puffy white clouds.  ~70 degrees.  It's beautiful.  Just a tad bit too chilly to open the windows, but at least we don't have to have long sleeves on inside for once ;)

I am thinking...that little boys like buttons on keyboards a bit too much ;)

I am thankful for...taking this week off school.  We did 4 weeks, and now I need to get some other things done (like the Jesus tree and the book shopping list I mentioned last week ~ insert sheepish look here ;)

From the learning rooms... Presidents Day reading today, Lenten reading begins Wednesday along with the Jesus tree!

From the kitchen...turkey barley soup for lunch.

On weight-loss...I'm even.  For 5 weeks of weight ins, I'm only down a pound :(  Not so good, but better than up :)
 
I am wearing... black pants and blue short-sleeves that could be described as stonewear blue.

I am creating...lots of things!
1.  A Jesus tree!  I finally got the branch cut out.  I'm sewing it on today and will get started on the ornaments.  Better hurry, Lent starts Wednesday!  (How did that happen???)



2.  A Lenten countdown calendar similar (I hope) to this one found here! (The second one down)

3. Plans for Lent.  Lots and lots of plans



I am going...to make lunch very soon.

I am reading...nothing right now. 

I am hoping...these kids get better soon!  Doodlebug is still sick (I'm thinking a trip to the doctor may be in order), and now the other two are sick also.  Fortunately not as bad, just some sniffles.  I had throat for a few days, but it seems to have gone away.  Thank God!

I am hearing...some very annoying toys, so I'm thinking a lot about this article.  I think I feel a toy purge coming on.  Several people are doing a 40 bags in 40 days challenge, but I don't think I have that much I can get rid of.  I just did a purge recently.

Around the house...those annoying toys...

One of my favorite things...crafting ~ I'm going to have some fun soon.

A few plans for the rest of the week: cleaning, shopping, crafting, sewing, laundry, laundry, laundry....

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

 

Doodlebug's new shoes!

Aren't they just the cutest piggies you ever did see?!?

To check out more daybooks visit Peggy!

Daybook February 8, 2010

For Today...

February 8, 2010

Outside my window... clear blue sunny sky.  ~ 72 degrees.  Chilly the last 2 days, warmer tomorrow, then cooler again.  This weather does a job on my sinuses.

I am thinking...I'm really glad I backed out of facilitating that MOM's program.  Tonight was supposed to be the first meeting.  There's NO way we would have been ready.

I am thankful for...electricity.  There are a lot that don't have it right now.

From the learning rooms... working on our altered schedule.  Today went fairly well.  We start incorporating the World History this week.  American History is coming along nicely.  We're working from the Pilgrims to the Revolutionary War.  We move slowly though.  It'll take a while.  The Professor flew through 3 digit addition (and rounding!), now we're moving onto 3 digit subtraction.



Velcro Boy started his speech therapy program last Thursday, so today was his second day.  The teacher says he's doing very well adapting to the class.  He seems to like it, though he is quite reluctant to give a recap of his morning when I pick him up.

From the kitchen...sesame chicken, rice & salad.

On weight-loss...down a pound!
 
I am wearing... black jeans, lavender t-shirt.

I am creating...a book shopping list.  One of my favorite things :)

I am going...to review the World History program for The Professor tonight!

I am reading...nothing at the moment!

I am hoping...Velcro Boy makes fast improvement. And that Doodlebug gets well soon.  It's just a mild cold, but I'm hoping the rest don't get it.  I can't leave them at the Kid's Club at the gym is they're sick.  I only made it once last week.  I'm missing today too.

I am hearing...kids playing nicely.  Upstairs.  I'm downstairs.  Relative quiet.

Around the house...laundry to put away... sigh!

One of my favorite things...reading and sleeping.  Ok, it's 2 but I realized the other thing that my 2 favorite things to do are the things I actually don't do enough of.

A few plans for the rest of the week: school, groceries, cleaning, a trip to the science museum, gym (hopefully), and a house warming party (hopefully, see above for Doodlebug).

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The kid loves his play-doh!

To check out more daybooks visit Peggy!

For Today...

February 1, 2010

Where has the year gone?!?

Outside my window... wet. wet. wet.  Need I say more???  It's been raining all.day.long.  UUGH!

I am thinking...that I may actually get most of the to-do list done today!  I'm so excited.

I am thankful for...my friends.

From the learning rooms... same thing different day :)  Velcro Boy's going to be starting a speech therapy program this week, so I've been getting ready for that.  The Professor's moving from double-digit addition/subtraction to triple digits. 

From the kitchen...terryaki chicken, rice & salad.

On weight-loss...Back up to my baseline.  Doodlebug's birthday was celebrated several times.  Much, too much eating this past week.
 
I am wearing... blue shorts, gray t-shirt, barefeet.

I am creating...a liturgical notebook.  I'm busily pulling ideas from others' blogs to create a notebook of ideas of things to do for the various feast days that we celebrate.  We haven't been very successful at doing much for them in the past, I want to do better this year.  Part of living more deliberately. 

The Jesus tree will be started in the next few days.  Lent is coming!



I'm also revising the schedule to reflect the time we'll spend in the car for speech therapy, getting up earlier, etc.

I am going...to start a Jesus tree soon!

I am reading...nothing at the moment!

I am hoping...that my schedule will work.  I'll post it soon.

I am hearing...kids arguing...

Around the house...decorating for Valentine's Day, not that there's much to put out...


The Nativity has been put away.  Today's the last day...

One of my favorite things...listening to the sound of rain while curled up in bed.  Something I'm not doing right now. :(

A few plans for the rest of the week: 3 days of school, registering Velcro Boy in school, observing his new class, Doodlebugs 2 year check up, first day of school for Velcro Boy, grocery shopping, Doodlebug's portraits, cleaning day.  And maybe, just maybe, a trip to the science museum for the Science of Chocolate sponsored by Hoffman's Chocolates.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


nada.  They're all in the camera right now.


To check out more daybooks visit Peggy!

Daybook January 25, 2010

For Today...

January 25, 2010


Outside my window... icky looking skies and cooler weather.  Yuck to the first, but Yippee to the second :)  We've been having warmer weather lately, so the return to cooler is nice.  The skies preceding the cold front aren't so nice though.  It's been raining most of the day today, so we're inside :(

I am thinking...that I'm totally overwhelmed and not sure where to go from here.  But this is another post in itself.

I am thankful for...tylenol and ibuprophen.  Other wise I couldn't deal with my TMJ pain.

From the learning rooms... we started on some American History via living books.  We're working on moving from the Pilgrims to the colonies.  The Professor is enjoying it so far.  The World History and timeline programs came in recently.  Now to find the time to review them and get them set-up for use.  I also got a Teach yourself Piano program that just came in.  I need to review that too.


From the kitchen...baked chicken and pasta casserole & salad for dinner.

On weight-loss...I'm even with where I was the week before last.  Down 2.8 total.
 
I am wearing... black shorts and blue v-neck shirt.  Barefeet.  Tomorrow may be pants and long sleeves.

I am creating...trying to create order.  And a liturgical notebook.  I'm busily pulling ideas from others' blogs to create a notebook of ideas of things to do for the various feast days that we celebrate.  We haven't been very successful at doing much for them in the past, I want to do better this year.  Part of living more deliberately.

I am going...to start a Jesus tree soon!

I am reading...nothing at the moment!

I am hoping...to get some clarity soon.  I've been feeling very frustrated, and disordered lately.

I am hearing...kids complaining. 

Around the house...starting to prepare for Lent.

One of my favorite things..."eating" my baby.  He has the cutest giggle!

A few plans for the rest of the week: school, grocery shopping, a meeting to determine the intervention Velcro Boy needs for speech therapy.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The Professor reading the Atlas!

To view more daybooks, please visit Peggy!

Daybook January 18, 2010

For Today...

January 18, 2010


Outside my window... cooler than the past few days, but not nearly as cold as it was for a couple of weeks there.  Partly cloudy, but nice.

I am thinking...that I need to get to the gym later today.  I'm really enjoying going.  I never thought I would.  Exercise? Enjoy? Me?  Are you kidding???  But it's a lot of fun to watch the calories burned counter going up up up!

I am thankful for...non-moving ground and so many things that we take for granted that the people in Haiti don't have right now.

From the learning rooms... back to school (again!).  After a week back, we ended taking last week off too.  I wasn't at all motivated, things kept coming up and I needed to be productive in some planning areas.  I've made quite a few changes.



We never really had direction on Social Studies, so I found some direction!  We're doing some World History with this program:

Old Testament and Ancient Cultures: Creation to 63 B.C.
Focusing on the Biblical history of the Israelites as the "chosen people" sent to prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah, Volume One includes the surrounding cultures of the Mediterranean world: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome.

Some American History through this.  She refers to it as the American History Trail and offers a few options.  They start Colonial America shortly before the Revolutionary War, so I'm going to fill in The Pilgrims and up to that point with library books as well as some we already have.  If you look at her site, it looks like it's totally too much (and it probably is :) ), so we'll only be following it loosely.

Throughout our history studies, we'll be making a timeline scrapbook.  This site also has lots of options for history projects when the boys are a bit older.

We're also going to do some US Geography.  We're going to study the states in order of statehood and make a scrapbook as we go along.  Ideas found here.

For Science we're doing some computer science.  I found a basic computer book (for seniors) that's written to be understandable to a 6-year old, as well as a few other intro books on computers.  The Professor's enjoying them so far and seems to be learning quickly.

In a few weeks we're going to introduce a Physics course my parents picked up for us last year.  I'm embarrassed to say I've had it for a while and haven't started it yet.  I think it's going to be lots of fun.

I also found this!  I think it's going to be right up The Professor's alley.  Not sure when we'll start it though.  Boy meets machine!  He'll love it!

Everything else is going well.  Except spelling.  It's not even a matter of him not getting it.  That's the problem.  He does get it.  Too well.  He's 6, and in a 3rd grade spelling book, knocking it out too quickly.  We do a lesson, then I quiz him on the next 2-4 lessons.  If he gets all the words, then he doesn't have to do the written work.  When I make him do a lesson, he drags his feet forever.  Regardless of incentive/punishment.  He doesn't like to do spelling.  He doesn't really need to either.  We may table it for a while and come back to it another way later.



On to the Alphabet Path for Velcro Boy and Doodlebug.

From the kitchen...tomato soup for lunch and bean tacos for dinner (totally yummy homemade refried beans!).

On weight-loss...Last week: down 2.8.  This week:I'm up a pound from last week.
 
I am wearing... back to shorts again (for 2 days).  Tan shorts and a deep purple scoop-necked t-shirt.  Barefoot.

I am creating...more lists!  Lots of books to buy, borrow or steal :)  See the above.

And a new ministry!

I am going...to start a Jesus tree soon!

I am reading...nothing at the moment!

I am hoping...that I can accomplish all that *I* would like to this year.  I wonder what other plans God has in store for me :)

I am hearing...silence.  The kids are asleep.

Around the house...Christmas if finally put away.  The Nativity is still up in honor of the old calendar marking Christmas season until Feb 2nd as the presentation of Mary.  Otherwise just reclaiming some spaces for decorations and toys.

One of my favorite things...perusing homeschool catalogs.  It's almost that time of the year again!

A few plans for the rest of the week: school, grocery shopping, MOM's meeting, oh...and my first...massage!  I can't wait.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I only looked away for a minute!

Doodlebug's belly.  He was scribbling on paper with a pen.  I only walked away for a minute!  Honest!  I found this a while later when I changed his diaper.

To view more daybooks, please visit Peggy!

Daybook January 4, 2010

For Today...

January 3, 2010


I can't believe that another year is already gone and another one is here.  Time goes too fast.

Outside my window... Darkness again.  The daytime was beautiful though.  Clear blue sky.  Cold as the dickens (for south Florida ~58 degrees.)  The days are passing too fast lately.  I feel like life is spinning (nearly) out of control and that I can't catch up. 

I am thinking...that I want to live more deliberately this year.  I feel that I've been just drifting along, more-or-less just reacting to things that come up or happen.  Rather than having a prayerfully thought out plan or goals that I would like to meet for the year(insert the sound of God laughing).

I am thankful for...blogging!  I've gotten so many wonderful ideas for schooling, and living the liturgical year that I can't even begin to thank all the lovely ladies that give of themselves so freely.

From the learning rooms... back to school (finally)!  We took the last 3 weeks off (mistake??)  We start back tomorrow.  And I'm looking forward to getting into a routine again.  We're doing full days for 3 days per week for a while, so we can enjoy the beautiful weather that is sometimes a Florida winter.  I'm not sure how long this will go on though.

I created a bit of a household schedule and as long as *I* stick to it, it works quite well.  The problem is not getting distracted by this wonderful machine I'm typing on right now ;)  In addition, The Professor and I sat down and discussed his subjects and revised the way we do our school days.  I think we came up with a workable routine.


I'm also revising (again) how I do the lesson plans.  It drives me nuts to plan out to do a certain amount of work each week, not get to some of it, and have to flip backwards in the plan book to see what was planned when we're into a new week.  So I was doing a new plan each week.  Time consuming!  So I decided, last night no less, that I *think* I can live with making a month's worth of plans.  That way I can change the plans if we get behind, or ahead which does happen, and hopefully not drive myself too crazy.

From the kitchen...chicken with duck sauce, brown rice and mixed veggies.

On weight-loss...I started out this year with the same resolve I started last year.  To get healthier and lose some weight in the process.  My goal last year: 40 pounds.  Real results:  12 pounds lost.  Not so great.  Good start though.  A vacation half-way through the year got me off course and I never got back on again.  So, I'm starting this year with a more realistic goal:  18 pounds.  By May 31st.  I think it's quite doable.  About a pound per week, with a few set-backs allowed.  I'm also renewing my goals of eating healthier and getting some exercise.  I want to feel better as well as like the scale a bit more.  So, I joined the same gym that hubby goes to.  They have a kids club and everything.  While I sweat, they get to play.

I've eliminated high fructose corn syrup, partly and fully hydrogenated oils and interestified oils as well.  There are one or two products in the house that still have these items, and some slip past on occasion.

I am wearing... jeans and a purple sweatshirt.  It's chilly!

I am creating...a very long list of projects and some organization.  I have so many things that have piled up on me that I want to do that I decided they might actually get done if I were to put it all down on "paper".  I started a list.  It's a very long list.



I'm also working on some reorganization.  The bookshelves need a major overhaul.  Especially now that my blockade to keep Doodlebug from the "big kid" books no longer works.  Fortunately it doesn't seem to be necessary either.  He is so good with books most of the time that I'm not too concerned.  The books with tabs and flaps and pull outs, that's a different story.

I am going...to bed soon.  I'm tired tonight.  I have been a lot lately.

I am reading...nothing right now.  I finished the other books I was reading, so I'm taking a bit to get a reading list together for this year.  Any suggestions??

I am hoping...for a productive, peaceful and purposeful new year.

I am hearing...blessed silence.  Which is something the Professor also likes!  Leaving Wal-Mart today (after a marathon shopping trip), he's sitting in the car with his brothers while I'm finishing loading the car.  I get in, and before I start the engine, he says "mommy, I like the sound of silence."

Around the house...it's still Christmas.  And it will be for another week.  Sunday ends Christmas season with the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, and we're celebrating Epiphany here on Saturday with a 3 Kings get-together with the family. 

One of my favorite things...cuddling with my kids.  I've been able to do a lot of that lately with all the books we've been reading lately.  So many books...so little time.

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, visit the gym (never been, want to see the lay of the land prior to my first work out), my first gym workout, MOM's meeting, Epiphany celebration, knocking out some of my short-term projects.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... nada!  No new pictures, except for Christmas.  I need to break out the camera again.



To view more daybooks, please visit Peggy!

Daybook November 30, 2009

For Today...

November 30, 2009

Good-bye Thanksgiving...Hello Advent!

Outside my window... Darkness again.  The daytime was beautiful though.  Clear blue sky, nary a cloud in sight.  We've had the windows opened for the last several days, but we closed up again since it is getting warmer (again).

I am thinking...that I really hope Velcro Boy's foot gets better, like overnight :)  He got bit by an ant Saturday afternoon and by Sunday morning his foot was really swollen up.  It was even worse this morning, so we took him to the doctor.  Benadryl and Epsom salt soaks.  Gee...so THAT's what they go to school for all those years.

I am thankful for...the kids getting over their colds!  They've all been sick, but now seem to be doing much better.  Glad it didn't get worse before it got better.

From the learning rooms... back to school!  We started back again this morning after taking the last 2 weeks off.  Actually we started back on Saturday with just a bit of grammar and some math to ease back into it.  The kids had been giving me a hard time during our first day or two back after a break, but things went much better this time.  We're doing half days for the next 2-3 weeks so we have plenty of time for crafts, cooking and playing.  Then we'll be off until after Christmas. 

From the kitchen...leftovers!  And breakfast for supper since Velcro Boy (and I) had such a hard day.

I am wearing... black shorts and a pink t-shirt.  Bare foot, of course.

I am creating...a Jesse Tree!  And a bunch of lists.  I've found a few Advent and Christmas reading lists at some blogs I frequent (see my side-bar).  Plus the list of crafts is still growing.  We're making Christmas presents this year, so we'll be doing some candy making and baking as well as crafting for that.  Then of course there are the treats for our family, and a few to share.  The new Advent calendar is done!!!!  Pictures below.

I am going...to get the house clean, grocery shop and get my lists in order tomorrow.  he he he.  Who am I kidding?!?

I am reading...several things.
Long-term:
MOM's a Personal Journal by Paula Hagen and Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett. This is a study course to help us realize the importance of our ministries as mothers.  I'm almost done with this course and I highly recommend it.  It has really led me to dig deep into myself and I've formed some new friendships too.

Short-term:
Homeschooling the Challenging Child by Christine Field.  Velcro Boy isn't the most cooperative student (yes, I KNOW he's only 4), so I thought she might have some good ideas.  I read another book she wrote, Help for the Harried Homeschooler and it was very informative.


Advent/Christmas reading:

Advent and Christmas Wisdom from GK Chesterton.


God With Us: Rediscovering the meaning of Christmas by multiple authors.  Edited by Greg Pennoyer & Gregory Wolfe.

Both are a collection of daily reflections lasting through Advent and Christmas.  Each day's reflection isn't very long, but they are insightful.


I am hoping...I can keep ahead of the days while I go about making the ornaments for the Jesse tree.  I only finished through day 6 so far, with 23 left to go.  There are several days that I'll need to double up on the readings.  The things on my lists are all GOOD things.  I just hope I can get, and keep, sight of the BEST things for our family and get them all done.  While keeping Advent fun.


I am hearing...just the hum of electronics.  The kids are sleeping and hubs is working.

Around the house...It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  OK, not really, but it is a slow work in progress :)  The Advent stuff is out.  The Thanksgiving stuff is put away.  And the boxes of Christmas stuff is out and waiting to be put to use.

One of my favorite things...silence.  Enough said.

A few plans for the rest of the week: cleaning, groceries, nursing an injured foot, Jesse tree, MOM's meeting

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

When I first purchased this box, I thought it shouldn't be too much trouble to do this...  Famous last words.  It was sooo tedious!  Now I'm not one for shirking away from a tedious job.  Just let me know going into it that it's going to be that way.  Everything needed a second coat of paint.  The doors needed to be painted on all *6* sides. The insides of each of the 24 boxes needed to be painted on all *5* sides, plus a little lip at the bottom of each box to keep the door from going in.  Then the dividers between each box.  To top it all off, the train on top was a huge pain!  Ahhh...the rant is done.  The box is done.  And it came out remarkably well, if I do say so myself :)  I'm putting the Jesse tree ornaments in the boxes along with a dark chocolate Hershey's kiss.  Appropriately wrapped in purple foil :)

I'll post the rest of our Advent decorations under a separate post ;)

To view more daybooks, please visit Peggy!

Daybook November 23, 2009

For Today...

November 23, 2009

Outside my window... deep, inky blackness.  Well...except for all the lights anyway.  It doesn't really get super dark around here.

I am thinking...that I'm looking forward to getting back to school.  We took 2 weeks "off" for Thanksgiving and I miss the routine and structure we usually have.

I am thankful for...well...everything.  My sister in law recently started something on our My Family site.  She asked us to list things that we're thankful for.  We all came up with some interesting things.  The usual: health, spouse, kids, jobs, etc.  But then we got creative!  Things like supermarkets, stop lights, fast food & delivery, elastic.  I mean, how ofter do we think about the elastic in our undies???  Never!  We sure do though when it's stretched out.  And it made me realize how many incredible things we have in our lives here in America.  So many things that people in so many other places don't have. 

From the learning rooms... Thanksgiving school.  We took last week and this week off.  We've been doing some Thanksgiving projects and reading Thanksgiving books, so it isn't really time off.  I've made some concrete Advent plans.  Now I just need to get books lined up. 

From the kitchen...Thanksgiving preparations.  I made egg nog cookies today.  Just like drinking a cup of nog, only better!  I made German style baked chicken for dinner.  A fairly simple casserole, but time-consuming to get everything together.  Tomorrow...more baking!

I am wearing... Tan shorts and a teal t-shirt.  Bare foot, of course.

I am creating...a Jesse Tree!  And a new Advent calendar.  We have one that you put the ornaments on, etc, but I found one at Michael's that has doors that open for a treat hidden inside with a little train on top.  I forgot to get a "before" picture, so it will have to wait until I'm done :)  The Thanksgiving projects can be found here. And so many yummy things from the kitchen.

I am going...to get the house clean tomorrow.  And tackle some to-do items as well.

I am reading...several things.
Long-term:
MOM's a Personal Journal by Paula Hagen and Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett. This is a study course to help us realize the importance of our ministries as mothers.


Short-term:
The latest issue of Family Foundations.  And Homeschooling the Challenging Child by Christine Field.  I actually have yet to start this one, but I plan to in the next couple of days.  Velcro Boy isn't the most cooperative student (yes, I KNOW he's only 4), so I thought she might have some good ideas.  I read another book she wrote, Help for the Harried Homeschooler and it was very informative.


I am hoping...I don't go out of my mind :)  No seriously.  I want to try to keep Advent fun but simple and really spend time with the kids creating things and having fun.  I just hope I can keep to that resolution.

I am hearing...Sanctus bells (hubs is watching a video of the Extraordinary form Mass), the dryer and the air conditioner.

Around the house...Thanksgiving dinner preparations.  Also, Me eying all the toys I want to put away that the boys don't play with anymore.  I want my spaces back :) 

One of my favorite things...the sacrifice of the Mass (especially when uninterrupted by little ones :) ).  It makes me feel so very humble and so very, very grateful.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Oh gee...where to start.  As I mentioned cleaning and lots of cooking.  We're hosting Thanksgiving, so guests all day on Thursday.  Relaxing on Friday.  And pulling out the many boxes of Christmas things.  I have no idea which box our Advent wreath and calendar, etc are in, so I get to do some digging. 

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I love it when they play well together.

To view more daybooks, visit Peggy !!

Daybook November 16, 2009

For Today...

November 16, 2009

Outside my window... overcast sky, but the temps aren't so bad.  We've had a nice few days, even had the windows open and the air conditioner off for those days.  Lower electric bill, YIPPEE!

I am thinking...That I need to fold the clothes in the dryer before they wrinkle :)  I don't iron! 

I am thankful for...books!  My kids LOVE to read.

From the learning rooms... Thanksgiving school.  We're taking the next 2 weeks off.  However...we have several Thanksgiving related books to read and projects to do as well.  So...is it really time off??  And I need to get set-up for Advent.  Get books lined up, lesson plans pulled together, etc.

From the kitchen...the smell of apples and cinnamon, yummy!  I just made honey goodness breakfast bars and they smell great!

I am wearing... baby blue shorts, salmon short sleeves and the usual bare feet :)

I am creating...a Jesse Tree!  Also, Thanksgiving projects (pictures on a separate post) and a new Advent calendar.  We have one that you put the ornaments on, etc, but I found one at Michael's that has doors that open for a treat hidden inside with a little train on top.  I'll post pictures soon.

I am going...to try to get so many things off my to-do list these next 2 weeks.  Lets see how well I do :)

I am reading...several things.
Long-term:
1. MOM's a Personal Journal by Paula Hagen and Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett. This is a study course to help us realize the importance of our ministries as mothers.

2. Full of Grace by Johnnette S. Benkovic. This is another study course to help deepen our appreciation and understanding of the Catholic faith, recognize the strength of prayer and the power of obedience.


Short-term:
The latest issue of Family Foundations.  And Homeschooling the Challenging Child by Christine Field.  I actually have yet to start this one, but I plan to in the next couple of days.  Velcro Boy isn't the most cooperative student (yes, I KNOW he's only 4), so I thought she might have some good ideas.  I read another book she wrote, Help for the Harried Homeschooler and it was very informative.


I am hoping...that we have a good session tomorrow for our family portraits.

I am hearing...Reading and the dryer running with yet another load of laundry.

Around the house...a simulated space shuttle launch.  Sometimes we can see them from in front of our house (quite a way away of course).  Not today, too many clouds :(  So...the boys pulled out their space toys and set-up a launch.  So now they are scattered all over the living room.

One of my favorite things...the smell of my kids when they wake up from a nap.  All warm and snuggly.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Date night with hubby, family portraits, an outing with my parents, MOM's meeting, grocery shopping, lots of cooking.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Any one ever seen a twisted up tootsie roll?!?  Leave it to the Professor!

To view more daybooks, visit Peggy !! 

Daybook - November 9, 2009

For Today...

November 9, 2009

Outside my window... right now it's dark out.  But today was overcast and gloomy for the most part.  We also got quite a bit of rain courtesy of Tropical Depression Storm no, Hurricane ahhh...whatever it is Ida.  Fortunately it looks like we're not going to get hit with it.

I am thinking...that I can't wait for Advent.  I have so many projects planned!  Then again...maybe I CAN wait...I have SO many projects planned :)

I am thankful for...our health.  So many are sick right now.

From the learning rooms... working hard so we can take a week (or more) off for Thanksgiving.  The Professor is back to adding 2 & 3 digit numbers with carrying, is starting the lessons on sin in the Baltimore Catechism and is finishing up dental health in science.  Velcro Boy and Doodlebug finished reviewing letters A-L and are now on "M".  It's amazing how well they're learning the letters.  There are even several others we haven't come to yet that Velcro Boy already knows.  I'm thinking of starting the Alphabet path.  I've seen some really interesting ideas on several blogs.

From the kitchen...basil chicken for supper.  Tomorrow... hamburgers!

I am wearing... tan shorts, burgundy short-sleeves, naked toes.

I am creating...a Jesse Tree!  I've been meaning to do this for several years, but never gotten around to it.  Joseph is done! 

I am going...to drive myself nuts the next few weeks trying to get all this done.

I am reading...several things.
Long-term:
1. MOM's a Personal Journal by Paula Hagen and Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett. This is a study course to help us realize the importance of our ministries as mothers.

2. Full of Grace by Johnnette S. Benkovic. This is another study course to help deepen our appreciation and understanding of the Catholic faith, recognize the strength of prayer and the power of obedience.


Short-term:
The latest issue of Family Foundations.


I am hoping...to finish getting some pictures hung up around the house.  We got new pictures of the boys a few months ago recently and I have yet to get them posted.

I am hearing...a debate discussion regarding the new healthcare policy.

Around the house...no more Halloween.  On to Thanksgiving crafts and planning for hosting dinner for 15-18 people.  I know...not a very big group, but big enough for me. 

One of my favorite things...seeing the light of understanding in my son's eyes when he finally gets something that he's been struggling with.

A few plans for the rest of the week: hanging pictures, school, grocery shopping, Women of Grace meeting.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...













Aren't they cute?!?

To view more daybooks, visit Peggy !!

Daybook October 26, 2009

For Today:

October 26, 2009

Outside my window... HEAT.  This is ridiculous, it's the end of October for Pete's sake :)  I remember trick-or-treating as a kid (in Connecticut) in a winter jacket.  Lots of puffy clouds too.

I am thinking...that's it's been one of THOSE days.  We took last week off, I'll post about that next, so we're back to business.  There seem to be more discipline problems on our first day back, so I may rethink taking so many breaks.

I am thankful for...a full belly.  There are a lot of people in the world that aren't so lucky.  This has been weighing heavily on my mind lately.

From the learning rooms... back to school.  And a lot of complaining.  I (finally) printed out some of the sheets from the planner I purchased.  Unfortunately I waited until last night (at 10:00 no less) to do it so I wasn't able to play with it as much as I would have liked.  So, the jury's still out, so-to-speak.

From the kitchen...the smells of homemade pizza.  Yummy!  And the best salad I've had in a while.

I am wearing... tan shorts, a pink and white stripped short sleeve shirt that I've had for too many years and bare feet.

I am creating...Joseph for our Nativity.  Halloween chaos (see the pictures from this post.)

I am going...to put the kids to bed soon.  Hubby is still at work, so I *may* have a few minutes of blessed silence.

I am reading...several things. These will be long term projects since they're on-going studies. 
1. MOM's a Personal Journal by Paula Hagen and Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett. This is a study course to help us realize the importance of our ministries as mothers.
2. Full of Grace by Johnnette S. Benkovic. This is another study course to help deepen our appreciation and understanding of the Catholic faith, recognize the strength of prayer and the power of obedience.

3. The latest issue of the Florida Catholic.

I am hoping...that I can get through this week with my sanity intact.  Women of Grace meeting tomorrow night, a get together of women from church Wednesday night (here-have to plan dessert!), Doodlebug turns 21 months Thursday (where did the time go???), MOM's group Friday morning, grocery shopping AND my parents get back to town Friday afternoon.  Then Halloween on Saturday, and several crafts I want to finish/do with the kids.

I am hearing...Velcro Boy play on the electronic keyboard.

Around the house...more Halloween crafts, cleaning day tomorrow and planning still more school changes.

One of my favorite things...a big Velcro Boy hug!

A few plans for the rest of the week: ...see "I am hoping", plus "winter" clothes shopping, trick or treating, working with my planner, lining up some of those school changes.  And, hopefully, scheduling the speech therapy eval. for Velcro Boy.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Velcro Boy, he's such a happy kid!

Doodlebug's getting too big!

The Professor is getting sooo big, he can almost touch the floor with those looong legs!

To view more daybooks, visit Peggy.

Daybook October 19, 2009

For Today:

October 19, 2009

Outside my window... beautiful blue sky.  The perfect kind of sky with those big puffy white clouds.

I am thinking...that's it's been a wonderful day!  The kids have been pretty well behaved, they ARE kids, ya' know!

I am thankful for...everything!  I feel sooo blessed today.

From the learning rooms... a week off!  We school 3 weeks on and 1 week off.  This will give me a chance to really pull together that new planner of mine.

From the kitchen...ham and pasta for the kids.  We went out for lunch today, so hubby and I are stuffed. 

I am wearing... black shorts, and my Halloween shirt.  I made Halloween shirts for the kids and myself a few years ago.  I haven't been able to wear mine the last two years (too tight), but I'm wearing it now :)  Also, bare feet (that finally got a pedicure)!

I am creating...Joseph for our Nativity.  I finished Mary a few days ago!  Pictures coming!

I am going...to have a date night with hubby tonight.  It's my birthday, so we're having a relaxing evening.

I am reading...several things.
1. MOM's a Personal Journal by Paula Hagen and Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett. This is a study course to help us realize the importance of our ministries as mothers.
2. Full of Grace by Johnnette S. Benkovic. This is another study course to help deepen our appreciation and understanding of the Catholic faith, recognize the strength of prayer and the power of obedience.

I am hoping...that I can have a productive week off.

I am hearing...the kids throwing mega-blocks around cleaning up.

Around the house...more Halloween crafts, more library books and planning still more school changes.

One of my favorite things...The sound of silence, which I'm not hearing.

A few plans for the rest of the week: "winter" clothes shopping, my Women of Grace meeting tomorrow night, more Halloween crafts, a trip to the playground, and some cleaning.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

no new pictures today :(

To view more daybooks, visit Peggy !!

For Today:

October 12, 2009

Outside my window...nada!  It's totally dark outside, or as dark as it ever gets around here (too much light pollution.)

I am thinking...that I better get myself off to bed so I'm not too exhausted for tomorrow.  School, you know :)

I am thankful for...3 sleeping kids.  They were bears today, so the silence is golden.

From the learning rooms... Getting back into the swing of things.  The Professor was unusually uncooperative today, that bear thing I mentioned.  I'm looking into ordering a new planner, and possibly making a few changes in curriculum.

From the kitchen...Chicken Diane, salad, apple wedges, and whole wheat biscuits.

I am wearing... blue shorts, a burgundy checked short sleeved shirt and bare feet (that STILL could use a pedicure).

I am creating...Mary for our Nativity.

I am going...to bed!

I am reading...several things.
1. MOM's a Personal Journal by Paula Hagen and Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett. This is a study course to help us realize the importance of our ministries as mothers.
2. Full of Grace by Johnnette S. Benkovic. This is another study course to help deepen our appreciation and understanding of the Catholic faith, recognize the strength of prayer and the power of obedience.

I am hoping...that our Lord will give me some guidance on the curriculum changes I mentioned.

I am hearing...hubby snoring.

Around the house...finally getting back on top of things from being sick for a week.  And, Halloween decorations!  We finally got the house decorated for Halloween, I know it's not a traditional Catholic holiday, but the kids like it.  We keep it "clean" - spiders, bats, happy ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, etc.  NO monsters, possessed murderers or things of that nature.  The Professor and Velcro Boy were following me all over the place bugging asking me about hanging various things.

One of my favorite things...The sound of silence.

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, school and more school, a trip to the library, my Women of Grace meeting tomorrow night, more Halloween crafts, a trip to the playground.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is what happens to tomato soup when it's left on the burner for WAY too long.  *Someone*  (who shall remain nameless) heated up some soup after work one night and forgot about it.  This is what I woke up to the next morning.  I thought the pan was toast, but it actually came clean!!!  I soaked it all day, then filled with water and vinegar and dishwashing soap and brought it to a boil.  Boy did it stink!!!  Some of it chipped off.  I let it soak for a while longer and chipped away at it.  I must have found a weak spot, because the whole mess just lifted out.  A gentle scrub and it's good as new.

To see more daybooks, visit Peggy!

Daybook - October 5th

 
FOR TODAY
October 5, 2009

Outside my window...a freshly cut lawn. The yard guys were here this morning with their mowers, edgers, blowers, etc. The boys are completely enthralled with them.

I am thinking...that I better start supper, or get hubby to :)

I am thankful for...Doodlebug getting better.

From the learning rooms... not much, since we're taking a few days off being sick.

From the kitchen...leftover pizza for lunch and grilled cheese and tomato soup for supper. Simple I know, but for now that's what works.

I am wearing... tan shorts, a rose short sleeved v-neck shirt and bare feet (that could use a pedicure).

I am creating...Halloween costumes for the kids.

I am going...to create or find a new planning system for our homeschool. The one we have isn't fitting the bill.

I am reading...several things.
1. The Domestic Church Room by Room by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
2. MOM's a Personal Journal by Paula Hagen and Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett. This is a study course to help us realize the importance of our ministries as mothers.
3. Full of Grace by Johnnette S. Benkovic. This is another study course to help deepen our appreciation and understanding of the Catholic faith, recognize the strength of prayer and the power of obedience.

I am hoping...that we all get better soon so we can get back to our routine. We've been sick since Friday and it's getting old :)

I am hearing...Doodlebug getting his books out of their box.

Around the house...things are getting a bit messy. I haven't had any energy.

One of my favorite things...hearing my 20 month old's giggle.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hopefully, school, getting caught up with housework, Halloween crafts, a trip to the playground.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

 They grow up way too quickly!

To see more daybooks, visit Peggy!