The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... It is black. Cold and supposed to rain.

I am thinking... That I'm cold? LOL. Why is it so cold so early this fall? Bleck. 

I am thankful for... A warm husband that I can snuggle up to! :) 

From the learning rooms... Hunny is learning about creatures of the water in Interlock. Very fun. In Weaver, we are learning about stars, how man uses stars, etc. They are making a lapbook and a model of the solar system. We have gym class today. Hunny is loving it and learning alot there! 

 

From the kitchen... Waiting on coffee....

I am wearing... p.j's AND robe. 

I am creating... A list of ways to show LOVING. I think I've mentioned our "Wheel of Peace" before? Well, we are working on that. I had the girls draw a very nice wheel and label the spokes. Then last week, I had Sis pick a spoke. She picked Loving. So we are coming up with ways we can Show or Feel - LOVING. Having the list hopefully will help each of us be able to work on being loving to our family and others. As we make progress on this spoke, Bug will pick another to add to it. 

I am going... Today is a buy one. Karate, gym and taking two girls to the doctor. 

I am reading... Crown of Fire by Craig & Janet Parshall

I am hoping... For God's direction on our future. I want to live and do what His will is for us. But what is it? 

I am hearing... Nothing. All is quiet.

Around the house... No one is up. Critters are sleeping.

One of my favorite things... The way Hunny's arms wrap so perfectly around my neck.

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, work, preparing for fall.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Painting of the planets leads to painting themselves?

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Making your Home a Haven Challenge

I have been wondering what to blog about. Thinking how much I liked the Completing Him Challenge. You know, it gave me something to blog about and it gave me things to ponder - to chew over every week. Something tangible to work on in my life. 

This morning I hopped on facebook to discover.... yeah! Women Living Well has a new fall challenge! 

 http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/2010/09/making-your-home-haven-fall-challenge.html

This challenge starts next week. It will be great! :) I know I struggle with the peaceful home issue and we are even working on this in school. This will be a help to me as I try to instill peace into my kids. 

 

Civil War 2010

Our absolute favorite field trip of the year is our local Civil War Muster. 

We all have been trying to convince Good Ole Boy to enlist, I think we are getting closer! :) 

Friday they have a school day. 

It's small - probably one class from an alternative school and then some homeschoolers. 

Then we go both Saturday and Sunday and hang out. 

This year Bug got to dress up the whole weekend! 

She LOVED IT! 

Sis was able to during the candlelight tour Saturday night and Hunny just wore her own dresses - she was a Princess in her mind. :) 

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... It is black outside.

I am thinking... How much I dislike getting up so early. I have never been a morning person! 

I am thankful for... My family.

From the learning rooms... Hunny has started a new chapter, she is learning about the creatures of the water right now. Still have a few solar system projects to finish but that is ok. 

From the kitchen... Coffee is almost ready! 

I am wearing... P.j's

I am creating... A list for homemade Christmas projects since they will take awhile.

I am going... To get our school schedule down. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

I am reading... These Tangled Threads by Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller - almost done!

I am hoping... For many things - mostly just God's provision since that takes care of it all! 

I am hearing... Garfield is playing with a toy and Good Ole Boy is coughing.

Around the house... All is pretty quiet. Einstein just left for school and everyone else is still sleeping. 

One of my favorite things... Being wrapped in my husbands arms.

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, Gym. Karate, work, housecleaning.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Momma's misery

There are a few things as a mom that make me sad. 

Very very sad. 

Today I am sad.

See that?! 

My BABY HAS a loose tooth!

Now, that is just so unfair! 

Her adult tooth is through and behind this one. 

It won't be long and it'll fall out. 

Then my little baby will look like all those other school aged kids that are....old. 

Sigh. 

I'm actually crying.

This is so hard on me. 

It wasn't like this with the others. Those were exciting milestones that I looked forward to and was happy about. But this is my baby. 

MY BABY!

So how do you get through this time of lasts?

 

Completing Him Challenge --Catch up

Kiss Him Like You MEAN It! 

Final Week of Marriage Challenge

 

Song of Songs 5:16 says "His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This I my lover, this my friend."

Four kids. 

Busy schedules. 

Homeschooling housewife. 

Tired! 

Very tired!  

To tired for romance....

All this brought about problems in our relationship. So I have been working on this area lately. 

It's very easy as a mom to devote EVERYTHING to the children and neglect my man. I am working on changing that. We now have a daughter that is old enough to babysit so we can go out. Sometimes it's just to drive around town, sometimes we actually go get a burger. That is so helpful! It gives us a chance to connect without interruptions!

We have also started meeting in the bathroom! lol. Our bedroom door doesn't close completely, but the bathroom door does. :) When Good Ole Boy gets home from work, he gets a kiss and we head to the bathroom. Granted we often have kids pounding on the door but we turn on the fan and catch up on our day. He tells me about work and I tell him about the kids and school. Ten minutes devoted to him. Not much, but SO helpful in keeping us connected! Another kiss and I'm off to serve dinner to the crew. 

I've also learned that sometimes I need to WAKE up, no matter how tired I am - if he wants me awake. And sometimes after sending Einstein off to school I need to go snuggle - and try to forget all the things I need to do before the girls are up! Just focus on him. 

We text through the day. Tidbits mostly. Often simple "I love you's" or smiley faces or the old xoxoxoxo. :) It's nice to know we are thinking of each other during our days.

Do you kiss your guy like you mean it? Do you take time to make sure his needs are met? Does he take a place of priority in your life? 

It's not easy. It take effort. Some days ALOT of effort! But to have that relationship alive and flourishing is SO worth it! Don't take you husband for granted. 

My beloved is mine, and I am his."
Song of Songs 2:16 KJV

http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/2010/08/kiss-him-like-you-mean-it-final-week-of.html

Kitties at one week

The kittens are growing so fast! 

It's so much fun to watch them...

Aren't they cute?! 

They ARE hard to photograph however! lol. Keep wiggling around. :)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... It is still very dark outside. 

I am thinking... Ugh! I'm chilly. Trying to get Einstein out the door....

I am thankful for... My husband and children.

From the learning rooms... Hunny will be moving onto Day 5 of Creation. The other girls are still working on the solar system. We didn't get much done last week as we had a death in the family, so we do have much to work on this week!

From the kitchen... Just coffee. :) Will be getting breakfast of eggs and toast going here shortly.

I am wearing... Still in p.j.'s.

I am creating... Hmmmmm..... Not sure.....

I am going... To have a busy day. 

I am reading... These Tangled Threads by Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller

I am hoping... That warm weather lasts for awhile yet! I am so NOT ready for fall - and ESPECIALLY not wanting winter! 

I am hearing... Good Ole Boy has the radio on....Love like crazy is playing.

Around the house... Girls all still asleep. Einstein is gone to school. Critters all quiet.

One of my favorite things... Good Ole Boy scratching or rubbing my back. :) 

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, karate, gym, work, Civil War Muster.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Kick Off

Our homeschool group starts the year with an event called KICK OFF. It's typically a potluck at a park, a time to get to know the new families and reconnect with friends from last year. 

Kick off was Friday. 

We were a little late since we were coming in from up North.

Of course the evening started with food.

After we ate, the kids took off to play....

Or dance....?

Then they had some planned games which was fun. Not everyone participated - some were to busy catching up - but it was nice to have that option.

Many families stayed after to continue chatting.

We ended up being out much later than anticipated, but it was a great night meeting new people and seeing old friends.

Completing Him Challenge --Catch up

This weeks challenge is to

R-E-S-P-E-C-T Your Husband!

This challenge comes straight from the Bible -
Ephesians 5:33 says "Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself and the wife must respect her husband."

Courtney has a list of disrespectful things we might do...

1. The wife rolling her eyes at him.
2. The wife criticizing him.
3. The wife complaining to her mother or girlfriends about his flaws.
4. The wife not respecting his knowledge, opinions or decisions.
5. The wife nagging him or assuming the worst in his actions.
6. The wife using sarcasm to communicate bitterness.
7. The wife disrespecting his work, protection, provision or leadership.
8. The wife disrespecting his need for physical intimacy or his "manhood" (wink wink).

Any look familiar to you?

The issue of respecting your husband was brought to my attention a few years ago. I honestly had never realized first how important it was to a man to have respect vs love, and second some of the seemingly innocent (to me) things that were disrespectful to him! 

Why are we to respect them? God tells us to. God has put the husband at the head of the house and we are to honor that position.

I have been working on this list of items, long before I knew of Courtney. :) I am sure I still have a long ways to go however! 

http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/2010/08/r-e-s-p-e-c-t-and-your-husband.html 

Off to school

Yesterday Einstein was off to school. 

New year and hopefully a much better one. 

Einstein

14 years old

8th grade

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... It is cool and sunny. It is supposed to rain today, but right now it's a nice morning.

I am thinking... AHHHHH! 

I am thankful for... Being a mom and able to homeschool my girls, even if the mornings can be crazy. :)

From the learning rooms... We are wrapping up Hunny's chapter on day 4 of Creation - the solar system. Her learning here will actually continue for a bit as we are learning about the solar system in our Weaver chapter as well. Hunny went to her first karate class last week - made it about half way through before claiming she was to tired. Today is karate again, and they will be starting gym class at the college today. We haven't done gym there in a few years but I wanted to try it again. College students teach local homeschoolers physical education. These kids are going into pe teaching and this gives them their hands on instruction training and gives area homeschoolers a gym and teachers. :) Class is offered twice a week, but we will only go once.

From the kitchen... Coffee pot is turned off. On my second cup. Just made french toast so it still smells yummy out there. :) Still thinking on dinner? 

I am wearing... Pink butterfly t-shirt, blue jeans and tennis shoes.

I am creating... Still trying to figure my mornings out and I need to be making up the new chore chart. 

I am going... To keep praying for God's provision for our family.

I am reading... The Wounded Yankee by Gilbert Morris

I am hoping... That by some miracle we are able to move.

I am hearing... Hunny hollering for me.... The radio. The pump is running. 

Around the house... Trying to get kids around. Animals are all quiet right now. Surprisingly it's not too messy. 

One of my favorite things... Watching a bonfire. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, cleaning, work, maybe traveling north for a funeral.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

The kittens have arrived!

Getting ready for bed last night, I turned to shut off the light and discovered a LARGE wet spot on our bed. Mystic's water had broken. Funny how she never gets on our bed..... it's like she was trying to tell us, "HEY! Are you gunna help me?!" 
So we had a LONG night. But it was exciting. We have never had kittens. Once when I was a kid my cat was pregnant, but that was a horrible experience, one I never wanted to repeat. Like I said in an earlier post - Mystic accidentally got pregnant. She has a belly button hernia, we didn't want to chance it and had plans on getting her spayed. Besides, we didn't want to deal with finding homes for a liter. Sigh.

 She had four babies. Here is a newborn picture taken at 2:40 this morning shortly after baby four.

All of them are different as you can see. So precious. :) Our guess is two little girls and two little boys. It amazes me how people can hurt something this small and defenseless. Life is such a beautiful gift. 

 Here they are later today, clean and dry and snuggly.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... It seems gloomy - they are calling for rain later. The tree is swaying so there is a breeze and it's cooler out there than inside. I have the door open for that. It is very quiet.

I am thinking... Of many things. I have a headache already due to all the wheels clacking in my head!

I am thankful for... My family. My husband and children mean the world to me and I feel so Blessed to have them. 

From the learning rooms... We are learning about the solar system in both Weaver and Interlock. Latin is going well. Sis is doing well in literature. For as bored as she appears in 'class' I do believe she enjoys it. She has started a blog of her own and some of her writing assignments will be done there. All other subjects are progressing too. Hunny went to her first karate class yesterday. I really hope to be able to attend them on a regular basis this year, Bug loves karate. We haven't gotten off to a real good start schedule wise. Lots of interruptions from Einsteins school registration to Sis not feeling well to Dr appointments. Sigh. 

From the kitchen... Coffee is made. Yay! Einstein did a few dishes up this morning and they are drying in the rack. Bug is out making breakfast. Good news - we have a refrigerator! Woohoo! Now when I have some time I need to get everything put back into it's proper location.

I am wearing... P.j's. Still need to hit the shower. 

I am creating... My morning schedule. I have been trying to get up earlier this week - not going well, NOT a morning person! - to get Einstein up and somewhat into routine before he starts school next week. Trying to figure how best to get him moving and myself ready for the day with some quiet time before the girls wake up. Ideas?

I am going... To try and practice karate with Bug and Hunny. I decided this yesterday. LOL. We shall see how that goes! I would like to attend class but refuse until I lose weight. But maybe practicing with them will help that? Or maybe it will kill me? One or the other I'm sure. Haha. I'll let you know IF that goes....

I am reading... Breaking Dawn. Finally had some time to start it. Very good thus far. 

I am hoping... To create a peaceful home environment! I had introduced the "WHEEL OF PEACE" to the girls a few months ago. We were talking about home being peaceful and loving in school and I love using the wagon wheel as a symbol. The hub of the wheel is the family. Each spoke stands for something - kindness, responsibilities, sharing, not arguing, being helpful, etc. Remove a spoke and the wheel doesn't turn so well does it? But if all the spokes are operating correctly then the wheel will turn easily. There has been lots of bickering this summer and I DETEST it! (in fact, Bug and Hunny were fighting over donuts when I got to this section which is why I picked it, lol!) So last week I had assigned them the task of drawing the wheel nice and neat and large. We will be working on each spoke for awhile. Emphasizing each trait and how we can improve individually and as a family. I would like them to look up scriptures about each to reinforce the importance of each. Hopefully this will help. How have you created peace amongst your children? I'd love to hear. 

I am hearing... The girls, sigh. Bug has her DS out and Hunny is chattering. The fan is making it's noises, that you'd think I'd be used to by now.

Around the house... Lots to do. Mount Washmore is screaming to be attended to. I did not get my loads in yesterday with karate and doctor appointments keeping us out all day. Still trying to go thru stuff to get rid of. General messiness from family life. Our kitty is huge and should have kittens here real soon. She has an unplanned pregnancy as  we had gobs of rain and didn't know our roof leaked in the mudroom (our roof is only four years old) and the ceiling collapsed and she got out - oops. Sigh. The kids have been fascinated with the kittens kicking their hand though and Mystic has been patient enough to let them sit for long periods of time with their hands on her belly. :)

One of my favorite things... The noises Chip makes while eating. I often lay beside him when Bug feeds him and he makes the cutest sounds. :) 

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, work, finishing Chips pen so he can come home.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/