Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Monday, February 1, 2010
Outside my window...it was a beautiful day where the sun actually shined, but darkness has taken over now.
I am thinking...about the list of things I needed to do on the computer tonight - most of which I've forgotten since signing on.
From the learning rooms... We had a crazy day today. Sport and I worked on math for about an hour this morning, then the kids finished most of their remaining work independently while I steamed off wallpaper in the guest bathroom before the rented steamer had to be returned to Home Depot.
Around the house...It is a MESS! We steamed wallpaper from the entryway yesterday. I cleaned most of the mess up this morning, but there are still bits and pieces stuck to the floor. The guest bath is a big blob of wallpaper.
From the kitchen...Tacos tonight. I didn't get to make the crockpot refried beans I'd been looking forward to because I forgot to buy the main ingredient at the store last week.
I am wearing...jeans and a maroon striped Henley top I brought home from our latest swap Friday night.
I am creating...plans for a Super Bowl party and a Saints hair bow for Spice to wear at the big event Sunday. We had planned to make her a Saints skirt, but were unable to find any fabric this weekend so she'll have to settle for just a bow.
I am reading... Running For My Life by Warrick Dunn. Hubby still hasn't finished it, but I sneak it out and read it when he's not looking. I think I'm about to catch up to him.
I am hoping...to find a lot of deals at Kroger tomorrow using the coupon match-ups from Southern Savers.
I am hearing...silence! Spice is tucked in for the night and Hubby and Sport are at Cub Scouts.
A few plans for the rest of the week: the usual shuttling kids around, but all that pales in comparison to watching the Saints in the Super Bowl on Sunday!
Here are a few picture thoughts I am sharing with you...
The New Orleans Saints arrive in Miami for the Super Bowl.


Meanwhile in New Orleans, it's business as usual...




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Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Monday, January 25, 2010
Outside my window...it's dark and windy.
I am thinking...of all kinds of things...upcoming Cub Scout banquet, craft projects, school work, house projects I want to get moving on...
I am thankful for...everyone finally being healthy again! It's been a rough two weeks here.
From the learning rooms... Sport and I have ditched Saxon math after one too many battles over the workbook. We have gone to an online program, Aleks, and it has been a godsend! After barely a week, he has decided he likes math again and it is in fact, his favorite subject. I have also discovered a few weakness that weren't showing up with Saxon and we have been able to work through them. Best of all, he asks to do math everyday!
Around the house...Hubby and the kids started peeling wallpaper off the walls in the entryway so I guess (hope) I'll be painting soon.
From the kitchen...We finally had the bean and cheese enchiladas I'd planned for 2 weeks ago. I'm trying out a new menu planning method for the next few weeks.We'll see how it goes.
I am wearing...jeans and my sparkly black and gold fleur de lis shirt. Still reveling in the glory of the Saints win last night!
I am creating...plans for our Gold Rush studies this week and a trip to the Tellus Science Museum to pan for gold.
I am reading...nothing at the moment. Just waiting on Hubby to finish Running For My Life by Warrick Dunn, one of the two books I gave him for Christmas that I can't wait to get my hands on.
I am hoping...to find a Mary Engelbreit page-a-day calendar on clearance at Wal-Mart tomorrow so I can make cute cards like this.
I am hearing...the heater running and Three and a Half Men on TV.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Homeschool enrichment classes tomorrow, 5-year check-up for Spice and Lego Club meeting Wed., Little Flowers on Thurs., gymnastics on Fri., and a Lego competition and basketball game for Sport on Sat.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
SAINTS ARE IN THE SUPER BOWL! (Finally!)

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Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Monday, January 11, 2010
Outside my window...It's dark now, but the snow on the ground has been there for FOUR days now and the ice is slowly melting.
I am thinking...about next year and what homeschooling materials/curriculum we want to use.
I am thankful for...Homeschooling! With the lower than normal frigid temperatures here this past week and all of the school and road closings, it's nice to know we can go about our business as usual without ever having to leave our warm home.
From the learning rooms... We're heading out west. We started reading Little House On the Prairie yesterday and will be studying pioneers, the Gold Rush, and all things western for the next few weeks.
Around the house...I have finally caught up with the aftermath of Christmas and a weeklong post-Christmas trip to Louisiana. However, a stomach virus sweeping through the house is taking its toll on the couch and the laundry.
From the kitchen...plans for bean and cheese enchiladas for dinner were scratched after Spice and hubby succumbed to the stomach virus yesterday and today. The rest of the week will be touch and go and will depend on whether or not I ever make it to the grocery store.
I am wearing...grey turtleneck sweater, jeans, gray socks, tennis shoes.
I am creating...lesson plans for the next few weeks.
I am reading...Where Did You Sleep Last Night? by Danzy Senna.
I am hoping...the virus doesn't take it's toll on me (Sport already had his brush with it last week) and that Hubby's back heals REAL quick. Having a stomach virus is even worse when you can't move a muscle!
I am hearing...the dishwasher running in the kitchen and Big Bang Theory on the TV.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Who knows? We'll have to see how everyone is doing.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Monday December 21, 2009 - First Day of Winter

Outside my window...sunny and cold. The grass was "crunchy" this morning when Sport took out the trash and our outdoor table and chairs have a thick layer of frost on them.

I am thinking...about craft projects I saw online last night and wish, wish, wish I had the time and supplies to get them made up for Christmas gifts this year. Can't believe I have to wait a whole year before I can get back to them!

I am thankful for...Christmas break! I had planned on homeschooling up until my parents' arrival on Wednesday. Then by the grace of God I realized the reason I wasn't enjoying Christmas this year was because I was too focused on school every night to relax and enjoy the season. So now we're taking a few days off so I can do just that.

From the learning rooms...Even though we are on break, I'm still going to try to sneak in some math here and there for Sport. The kids have also been working furiously on homemade Christmas gifts.

From the kitchen...chicken and dumplings tonight, ravioli tomorrow and who knows for the rest of the week. Come Wednesday, I'm letting the family chef (my Dad) take over.

I am wearing...jeans, a soft maroon ribbed turtleneck I picked up at our last swap (i.e. FREE), brown socks, and brown shoes.

I am creating...a few last minute Christmas gifts to be finished up. Can't tell you what they are though. Someone might be snooping!

I am reading...nothing at the moment unless you want to count my new Sneaky Chef cookbook. Will hit the books again after Christmas. Guess my Books Read In 2009 sidebar is finished for the year. I am halfway through a couple of books, but will have to wait until 2010 to add them to the list. Oh well, at least I averaged a book a month (barely).

I am hoping...the kids can control themselves today and tomorrow with all of their free time and not make me wish I had kept school going. : )

I am hearing...Christmas music coming from the kitchen and Sport and Spice building with Lincoln Logs upstairs.

Around the house...Looking Good! Did a quick clean up for friends who came over this morning, laundry is all caught up and even put away, Christmas lights are twinkling from every corner...maybe I should cancel school more often!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tennis and Lego Club tomorrow, my parents' arrival on Wednesday, Spice's last minute Nutcracker Ballet themed birthday party on Sunday, and just in case that's not enough, we've got CHRISTMAS! (Which is also Hubby's birthday by the way.) A full week as usual.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

 

You know all those cute Gift In A Jar mixes you read about this time of year? Well if you ever plan on giving one, plan ahead. Way Ahead. I had no idea canning jars were seasonal items until I went searching all over town for them a few weeks ago with absolutely no luck. We planned to give Cookie Mix In A Jar gifts to all of Sport's fellow book clubbers and Lego clubbers. I had enough jars on hand to take care of Book Club and thought I'd find more before Lego Club met. No such luck so an hour before our last meeting, I dug out three Pringles cans I'd saved for candle making and, in a moment of desperation (that's when I get most of my ideas), tucked bags filled with flour, sugar, and M&Ms in each one. I covered each can with wrapping paper, tied a recipe on with ribbon and viola...three cute little gifts ready to go! I love how the M&Ms show through the clear lid.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...Monday, December 7, 2009

Outside my window... it's dark except for Christmas lights twinkling here and there from neighbors' yards. I love this time of year!

I am thinking...of what I need to do to finish up Christmas gifts.

I am thankful for... friends, happy kids, and warm clothes.

I am wearing... green and white fleece pj pants, black shirt, gray and black fleece pullover, my nice and thick LSU socks. Yes, I am a mess, but I'm comfy and warm.

I am remembering...the fun of our museum trip today.

I am going...to work on some Christmas projects as soon as I'm finished here.

I am currently reading...This Way To Christmas by Ruth Sawyer. It's actually the Dec. selection for Sport's book club, but we're all enjoying it.

I am hoping...to accomplish a lot tonight...Christmas gifts, clean house, school plans for the rest of December, gifts wrapped...too much really.

I am hearing...Clothes twirling in the dryer and "Oh Come Let Us Adore Him" on the radio. I love listening to 104.7 The Fish this time of year.

On my mind...peaceful Christmas songs.

Noticing that...I'm not as prepared with my homemade gifts as I thought I was. I have plans for everyone, just very little actually made.

From the kitchen...catfish, Italian Parmesan baked fries, Sister Schubert's rolls, and salad.

Around the house...Christmas remnants everywhere from all the decorating. I hope to pack it all away tonight and call it a day on the decorating.

One of my favorite things...the giddy excitement of kids at Christmas.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Dance, Mass, Lego Club, tennis, and basketball practice tomorrow. All.In.One.Day. That should be enough for the rest of the week!

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... Moday, November 16, 2009

Outside my window... a beautiful fall day.

I am thinking... of all the things I should be doing.

I am thankful for... friends who fill our days.

I am wearing... jeans, pink Coca-Cola long-sleeved tee, blue fleece jacket, blue socks.

I am going... to relax tonight since the kids have their homeschool enrichment classes tomorrow. I don't have to get any lessons ready!

I am reading...e-mail and the stack of Scholastic book order forms out for this month.

I am hoping... to finish at least one of the projects I started working on this past week.

On my mind...dinner plans for the rest of the week. Hubby was out of town all of last week and working late the week before so I haven't cooked a real meal in weeks. Time to get back in the groove.

From the learning rooms... trying to take it a little easy this week while at the same time finish up our Native American and Thanksgiving studies before taking next week off.

Noticing that...I am probably less prepared for Christmas than I think I am.

I am hearing...a faucet dripping in the kitchen and nice, peaceful Christmas music from Pandora Radio.

From the kitchen... still have to figure that out...

I am creating...a new family rules canvas, Christmas lists, grocery list...

Around the house...books and other treasures from our latest homeschool group swap and the Boy Scout garage sale waiting to find a new home.

One of my favorite things...silence after a hectic day.

A few plans for the rest of the week...classes and Lego Club tomorrow, book club Wednesday, Little Flowers Thursday, and Grammy and PaPa's arrival on Saturday!


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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 3, 2009...
Outside my window...a nice crisp fall day. Can't wait to get the kids outside.
I am thinking...about what to do for dinner. Hubby may or may not be home and Lord knows I don't want to strain myself if he's not going to be here.
I am thankful for...a great weekend full of trick-or-treating fun and an All Saints Day party yesterday. The kids had a blast!
From the learning rooms... Practicing cursive handwriting at the moment. We will be studying Native Americans for the next few weeks and continue our space unit in science. We also started reading Three Cups of Tea - the junior edition -- today for book club. I loved the adult version and am looking forward to looking more in-depth at Pakistan and Afghanistan.
I am hoping...to find some good ideas for homemade Christmas gifts soon.
I am hearing...Spice practicing counting by twos.
I am wearing...jeans, a brown cable sweater I snagged at our recent swap and love, and comfy brown shoes.
I am reading...19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult. Not my usual fare so while it's a good read, I'm moving along very slowly.
Around the house...Ghosts, goblins, and Jack-O-Lanterns wait to be put back into hiding til next year.
From the kitchen... no real plans this week since Hubby is iffy for most of the week. We'll just wing it.
One of my favorite things...a relaxed day where we don't have to go anywhere.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Co-op classes tomorrow, a field trip to a western museum Wednesday, tennis for Sport tomorrow and Spice Friday, and a haircut for me Saturday. Yay!


To read more daybook thoughts head over to Peggy's blog.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 12, 2009...
Outside my window...another rainy, rainy day.
I am thinking...about which of the gourmet meals I have planned for this week I'll actually cook tonight.
I am thankful for...a productive school day where everyone cooperated!
From the learning rooms...The kids are finishing up for the day and all I can hear is the sound of markers squeaking away. Spice is making a card for a friend who moved away. Sport is coloring a wooden scarecrow I picked up at JoAnn's awhile back. We also read some of Pinocchio today, and about Lewis & Clark, learned about telescopes, and started cursive handwriting among other things. The most exciting part of the school day though was when Sport got a lesson in doing laundry. He actually begged for this!
From the kitchen...I'm thinking we'll go with the baked fish and summer squash tonight.
I am creating...preschool activity bags for a swap with our homeschool group later this week.
I am going...to try to clean up a bit before cooking supper and heading to church for Sport's religion class and Cub Scouts.
I am reading...nothing seriously at the moment. Trying to catch up on all my magazines that always seem to come in on the same day.
I am hoping...Spice isn't too sick. She had a low grade fever for a day or two last week, was fine all weekend, and now has a fever again. I read that's how swine flu operates except with a high fever and lots of other symptoms.
I am hearing...well, the markers are done squeaking and now the kids are marching around with a homemade flag.
Around the house...books, books, books everywhere!
One of my favorite things...a relaxed school day where we're not rushing to get somewhere.
A few plans for the rest of the week: activity bag swap and Spice's playgroup on Wednesday, Sport's first book club meeting on Thursday, pumpkin patch on Saturday and basketball try-outs for Sport on Sunday.
I am wearing...gray velour pants, a light blue t-shirt, and Christmas socks. I'll be making some changes before going out tonight!

To read more daybook thoughts head over to Peggy's blog.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY August 24, 2009...
Outside my window...A squirrel has found a treat. It's wet from an overnight rain that no one heard.
I am thinking...about things we need to do today and how fast my babies are growing up. In the past week I've realized Sport's clothes are too big for the kid sized hangers he has. He needs man size hangers now! Two weeks ago he tried on size 8 pants at the mall. I bought him a couple of pair this weekend and they're already too short! Spice decided yesterday she was ready to take the training wheels off of her bike and while she's not ready to go tooling around the driveway on just two wheels yet, she did a great job for her first time out. She also rode a horse for the first time Friday.
I am thankful for...healthy, growing kids.
From the learning rooms...We are continuing our studies of the 13 colonies. We've been enjoying the Along the American History Trail lesson plans posted at Serendipity and all of the fun colonial days activities. Today we're going to paint stenciled notecards.
From the kitchen...tacos are on the menu for today - a double batch since I'm making dinner for a friend who just had a baby. For the rest of the week, there's Italian basil shrimp with pasta, pizza, cheese tortellini with garlic and mushrooms, and Mexican casserole. For lunch it's Muffin Tin Monday! I don't usually stick with the themes though. That would require actually planning ahead.
I am creating...lists of things to do this week, this month, next month...
I am going...to Kohl's later to return the aforementioned pants I bought for Sport. Tonight I'll be working in the church office while Sport has his religion class, then we're off to our first Cub Scout meeting of the new school year.
I am reading...The Long Snapper by Jeffrey Marx, a story about one of my all time favorite LSU football players and his improbable return to football and, ultimately, the Super Bowl.
I am hoping...for family harmony in our homeschool this week. We had a few rough days last week.
I am hearing...the kids talk about and sing one of their "favorite songs" while they are supposed to be working quietly!
Around the house...laundry to be put away (as usual), too many books piled on the coffee table, and a pile of clothes and toys waiting to be priced for a consignment sale I'm participating in this week.
One of my favorite things... a good book.
A few plans for the rest of the week: church and Cub Scouts tonight, homeschool enrichment classes and a playdate tomorrow, consignment sale shopping Thursday (YIPEE)!
Here is picture thought I am sharing...


We had our first not-so-hot day in a long time yesterday so naturally my thoughts turned to two of my favorite things about fall: pumpkin patches and football (more on that next week).

To read more daybook thoughts head over to Peggy's blog.