Sonlight Garden

Late July Daybook

Outside my window... It is sunny with blue skies. It is hot, but going to be cooling down to the low 90’s. After days and days of temps in the 100’s or temps that feel like they are in the 100’s we will take the low 90’s. I am going to remember this heat come January, so I am not complaining right now. At least I am trying not to.  :0)

I am listening...To my Machines working for me. Kids chattering. Baby breathing as he fell asleep nursing. (I am multitasking) (sweet baby)  

 

I am thinking...about how there is only two and half weeks left of “official” summer break. This summer flew by so fast. I am not done with all of the summer projects on my to do list. The boys have already started football practice. Joe’s summer is basically over, his summer football schedule is quite involved. Julia had a babysitting job that kept her busy. I have been thinking about our schedule and wondering how it is going to work out this year.        

I am thankful... 

*The way Henry looks at me. Babies look at their mama’s with such love and adoration in their eyes. As they get older, it slowly fades and say, like when they’re teenagers that look is gone. Gone.

*for a husband who offers to take all of the little ones (including the baby) with him to run errands. I was able to clean the main level of the house uninterrupted. It was bliss!

Learning all the time... The kids have been doing their math everyday, trying to give them and me a little break before we ramp it up again this year. I have been reading the Essentials guide for Classical Conversations. I cleaned out the office, emptied binders, and rearranged shelves. I also set up my little corner of the office which I am very excited about. Maybe I’ll get a picture up. 

 From the kitchen... I have been using e-mealz and I LOVE it. This has really changed my life from shopping to cooking. We use the Whole Foods list since we have one close by and it makes me feel better that we are eating healthier.

I am creating... a schedule for this upcoming year including my homeschooling children, brick and mortar school children, and all of their extracurricular activities. I worked on this a couple of hours the other day and I almost have it all figured out. Thank you Lord for putting the right people in our life. We have met a lot of wonderful families here in Kentucky. Everyone is willing to help each other out. These other families will make all of this scheduling do-able. There is a lot of carpooling going on!!

I am working on... some around the house projects. I really want to get to my closet this week. And the boy’s room needs some TLC from the manager of this home, which would be me!

I am going... out with my girls today for some back to school shopping.

I am hoping... that Joe has a good year in high school. He is going to another new school this year. He went from homeschooling for seven years to a small school, the year after that he went to a bigger parish school. This year he is entering a really big all boys high school. He has had to face some tough challenges this past year, really, since we have moved here. I know all of these challenges build character and virtue, but I just pray it all clicks for him. He is a fine young man who has really kept his chin up through it all. I admire him.

 

I am reading... Lesson plans from Classical Conversations and My Father’s World.

I am praying... 

*For friends who have been diagnosed with some heavy illnesses.

*all of the craziness in the world

*that our home sells in Florida. We had an offer and it fell through. We are starting our third year in this rental. Ugh. We really want to settle down and plant some roots. This is a little cross for me to bear in light of everything going on in the world today. I feel bad even complaining. God has a plan though, right?

Pondering these words...

 

 THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED

(Author unknown)

I AM A PART of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.

The die has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is in God’s hands. I am finished and done with low living, small planning, the bare minimum, smooth knees, mundane talking, frivolous living, selfish giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, applause, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, the best, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith. I lean on Christ’s presence. I love with patience, live by prayer, and labor with the power of God’s grace.

My face is set. My gait is fast, my goal is heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, and my mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up or slow up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and spoken up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I am a Catholic. I must go until He comes, give until I drop, speak out until all know, and work until He stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no difficulty recognizing me. My banner is clear: I am a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.

Adapted from the original (author unknown) by Patrick Madrid

There are a few versions of this. This version is by Patrick Madrid. I love this. It makes me want to shout YEAH! Let’s go!! I am a soldier for Christ!! And then I really examine my life and ask myself “How much of this am I really living.?”  There is much to ponder here.

Around the house... Main level is awesome. It is picked up and clean. Upstairs, not so much.

One of my favorite things...  Grocery shopping with Terry. This has become our weekly date. The kids stay home and fold clothes. Not a favorite thing for them.

A few plans for this week...

Classical Conversations parent meeting

My turn to carpool for football

Ballet

Orthodontist

Pool

My closet?

Birthday celebration for Joe. He is now 15!!!

A little peek at my day...

Making spaghetti and meatballs

Henry is EVERYWHERE and he is fast!!

 

 

 

January Daybook

Outside my window~ It is gray, cool, and breezy. It looks like winter out there as far as the grayness. There hasn't been any snow except for one little storm. The kids are bummed. Me, not so much. 

I am listening to~ The machines running and doing their job. Little girls talking over bowls of ice cream.

I am wearing~ Jeans and a long sleeve striped t-shirt. My hair is in a ponytail. I am thinking of cutting my hair. Again. For those of you who know me in real life you know this is how I roll. I cut my hair short, I let it grow long, I cut it short, I grow it long. Repeat. But, I always hate the growing out phase and always feel so "blah" through that. This is assuming I grow it out again. Terry and I were looking at some old pictures when my hair was in the short phase and he commented on how nice my hair looked like that. So, what to do?  

I am grateful for~ 

*the adoration and love in a baby's eyes when he looks at his mother. There is nothing like it. Pure love.

*Terry. So thankful he is the head of this household. I am so thankful for his wisdom and his willingness to handle the tough stuff. So very thankful.

*basketball games and a season that is almost over

*Mondays. The start of a new week. A fresh start.

I am thinking about~ 

getting organized and simplifying this year. I really want this to happen and not just say it. I want this to be the year. I have been reading and researching, I just need to start doing when I can carve out some time. I am just going to need to do a little at a time. I keep begging God to help me and to let this be the year it happens.

 

I am reading~ Have a New Teenager by Friday  by Dr. Kevin Leman (still, I put this down for a little while)

Life of Christ by Fulton Sheen. This is a long book where every sentence is packed and beautiful. I want to finish it by Easter so I am starting now. I think it will be a perfect read during Lent.

Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living by Tsh Oxenreider. Great read so far, has me thinking and planning.

I am creating~ My goal is an orderly, simple home so I can have time to knit and sew and bake and read and run. I feel as though I have no time for any of the "good stuff" because I am constantly moving things around this house. I wonder how many years I have been saying this? Like I said, this is the year.

From the learning room~ We have hit the books hard. We are halfway through. I am going to take Fridays for Science and History blocks so that we can have the time to really work on these subjects. 

To live the liturgy~ Ordinary time. The deacons homily yesterday was about ordinary time. How the altar is bare, the vestments are green. Green means growth. I like that.

Around the house~ Potty training, for the seventh time. He has so far been my easiest. I am taking a laid back approach, acting as if it no big deal. It is working. I wouldn't trade my mothering experience for anything. That poor first child (aka the guinea pig.)

From the kitchen~ I have started using e-mealz and wow, what a difference. Thank you to my Florida peeps who recommended it. Worth every penny. It feels good to have a plan every week.

One of my favorite things~ celebrating birthdays. Julia's was last week. John Paul's is this week. I must get up some birthday posts.

A few plans for the rest of the week~ Basketball practices and games, ballet, drama. Clean out the foyer closet and the pantry.

Picture thoughts: 

An Advent Daybook

(*please forgive any words missing the letter "a" our keyboard has a sticky a and spell check may not pick it up)

Outside my window~ It is sunny and cold. The last few mornings it has been in the 20's. The highs have been in the 40's to 50's. But the sun is out, so I am a happy camper. 

I am listening to~ The little kids playing in the basement. Henry, nursing and quietly breathing. The dryer buzzing, letting me know that another load is done. 

I am wearing~ Jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt. My super awesome Dansko shoes with purple wool socks. I have had these shoes for years. They are pricey, but they last and are super comfy. Well worth the investment. 

I am grateful for~ 

*the sunshine

*a mother daughter Christmas tea with Mary Jane (and Henry of course) it was put on by her ballet school. It was so much fun. There was a small performance by the girls, all of the mothers and daughters danced together in a big circle to a song from Mary Poppins which just happens to be what their recital is this spring. It was revealed at the Christmas tea through clues. These teachers are so fun. This new ballet school is a keeper. We are so relieved. 

*basketball games

*Patrick's health (he was sick with a high fever for over a week) he is all better now.

*This is the last week before Christmas break (looking forward to some down time)

I am thinking about~

how super busy our family is. A little to busy for my taste, but such is life when you have many children each doing one activity. One of those children is doing two activities. I am not complaining. Well, maybe just a little. I had been telling my friends just the other day how stretched I feel with baby number 8. I would be lying if I said I wasn't feeling a tad bit overwhelmed.  I had been racking my brain as to why there is such a big difference between 7 kids and 8 kids. Well, my big kids are bigger and requiring more. We don't live in paradise anymore, that being a little farm in the country a good ways away from all the hustle and bustle. I also didn't have any children in school. We were home almost always. It was just simpler. Things are just busy now, which probably accounts for my lack of trying to put a coherent thought together. Do I sound a bit frazzled? I am a little, but not as bad as it sounds. 

Well, I am now embracing our new normal. I have realized (finally) my laundry baskets will never ever be empty. Never.  My second home is my big van, which needs a BIG clean out. I need to come up with a meal plan. The kids also need to be doing regular chores around here. Anyway, that is what has been going on in my head and around here and that accounts for my lack of posting. 

I am reading~ Have a New Teenager by Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman

Now, I know by admitting that I am reading this book it sounds like I want new teenagers by Friday, but that is not the case. I am just trying to stay ahead of the game if that is even possible. I like my 'teen-tween agers" (hate that term), they make me laugh for the most part, but we are heading into new territory. ugh. So far this is an easy read. He is very common sense which I really like.

I am creating~ Christmas cookies, goodies, and crafts with the kids as much as I can.

From the learning room~ We are kind of on Christmas break. Joe and Julia are on break next week. Julia is in school now, full time. That is another post for another day. Let's just say she is happy and settled and doing really well. 

To live the liturgy~ So many wonderful feast days in Advent. We haven't celebrated them all but what we have has been just lovely. We are celebrating St. Lucy tomorrow. I have some fun planned for tomorrow, praying we can get to it.

Around the house~ It is bad. Really. Bad. I need some of Santa's cleaning elves to pay us a visit. It is decorated though!

From the kitchen~ Working on some sort of a meal plan. I would love to have a two week cycle, with a consistent grocery list. I have said this before, but it is really seeming like a necessity.

One of my favorite things~ a husband who comes home early to do the afternoon running around.

A few plans for the rest of the week~ Basketball practices and games, ballet, field trip to the History museum. Oh and I have to get teacher gifts

Picture thoughts: I have a lot of these  :0)   Oh how I love these children of mine! And this baby makes my heart leap.

Eastertide Daybook

Outside my window~ The sun is just starting to light up the sky. And it looks like that sky is going to be BLUE!!! We haven't seen the sun in well over a week. And the rain and scary weather has been non-stop. Tornado warnings during the night are no fun. We have had a lot of sleepless nights. Praise God we were spared. There has been terrible flooding here in Louisville. The Ohio is well above flood stage. Thankfully we are on high ground.

I am listening to~ The washing machine is humming. The dryer is drying. Everything else is quiet.

I am wearing~ My PJ's. It is still pretty early.

I am grateful for~ 

The rain stopping

A beautiful Easter

My Dad is here!

Spring break

Seeds starting to sprout in our little garden bed

I am pondering~

"So when you find yourself at a place where the crowd seems to be going in one direction and your reluctant to follow-from the preschool question all the way through college- make sure to listen for the still, small voice. As a mother to twelve, I've found that the right path is the one that whispers even when the rest of the world is shouting about another" --Barbara Curtis Mommy Teach Me

I am trying to listen to that still small voice. I heard it when we decided to homeschool 8 years ago. I heard it when we brought the children home in December. I am trying to hear it now concerning Julia and next year. 

I am reading~ A wide variety of things. 

Mommy, Teach Me: Preparing Your Preschool Child for a Lifetime of Learning by Barbara Curtis, Prepping for Amelia. She is my sixth preschooler. I need to change things up a bit for her. The things that I did with my other children does not seem to be enough for her. She is never satisfied and wants to keep working and working. Not usually a problem, but I am running out of ideas and the "worksheets" are not enough!

I Have Lived A Thousand Years: Growing Up In The Holocaust by Livia Bitton-Jackson. This book is unbelievable. Julia and I are following a rabbit trail. She was wanting to learn about WWII. This book is for older children.

Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman. I can not say enough about this book. It is slowly changing the way things are done around here.

The Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible: How to Grow a Bounty of Food in Pots, Tubs, and Other Containers by Edward C. Smith. We are going to grow some food this year. Oh yes we are!

I am creating~ Still knitting my socks. I am almost done with the first one!!! I finished the heel and the gusset which was the scariest thing for me. I heart You Tube. When I got stuck and couldn't quite figure out the directions that is where I went. I just want to be done with this knitting project already. I may have to put it down for a little while and start something else because I am tired of looking at it already, but I fear I will never finish them if I do.

From the learning room~ SPRING BREAK! Joe is home this week so we are taking a break. Patrick is finishing up his First Holy Communion Lapbook. It is turning out so beautiful. We have had a lot of fun doing this. I will post pictures when we are done. I am looking forward to summer to start planning for the next year.

To live the liturgy~ Divine Mercy Sunday is this coming Sunday. I am looking for some activities for the children to make that day extra special.

Around the house~ It really needs to be picked up. The kitchen floor needs to be swept and washed. Laundry is not to bad, thanks to the book Large Family Logistics I think I finally have a laundry system.

Oh and we planted some seeds in a little garden bed in the back yard. Not much. Some beans, peas, beets, and a lot of pretty flower seeds. The weather was so nice a couple of weeks ago and the thought of my garden beds sitting empty in Florida was just really bothering me. We had to get our hands in the soil!! We will see what comes up. The rest of our "gardening" will occur on our back deck in containers.

From the kitchen~ Working on some sort of a meal plan. I would love to have a two week cycle, with a consistent grocery list. Tonight is Cuban Black Beans and Rice.

One of my favorite things~ Spring Break. We haven't done much because of the rain. But it is nice to have a little down time.

A few plans for the rest of the week~ Soccer practice, soccer games, track practice, track meet,  grocery store, I need to write it all down so I can get everyone to where they are supposed to be. It should be a crazy weekend.

Picture thoughts:

 

New Years Eve Daybook

Outside my window~ It is very early and very dark. The snow from our white Christmas has melted and we are seeing some milder temperatures. No sunshine, but the break from the cold has been nice. 

I am listening to~ silence. I woke up early this morning to steal a little quiet time.

I am wearing~ my pajamas. I am not that motivated to get dressed yet.

I am grateful for~ this Christmas. Our Advent was not what I had envisioned it to be. We missed some feast day celebrations due to my lack of planning, we didn't do as much baking or crafting. My "inner" advent preparations were lacking, big time. But I went to Mass and confession on the 23rd and sat and pondered God's great love and mercy for me. And all was better. Christmas day Mass was beautiful. I am also grateful for Terry's little vacation. He took some time off this week and it has been wonderful having him home.

I am pondering~ a word to name our year. I like the word here or now. If I learned anything last year it is to live in the here and now. Last year at this time I never imagined by next Christmas we would be living such a different life in a different state. I really, really miss our farm and our life that we had. I am struggling with it a lot. But I don't want to miss what is going on now. I need to to be present and content now where I am, where God put me. Today.

I also like the word serve. I am thinking of a gift to give to my heavenly Father. To serve joyfully, totally, to my very core, this beautiful family He has blessed me with. He is so generous.

I am reading~Mist of Mercy by lay apostle Anne. I wish I could link to it but Typepad changed up how to link and I just can't figure it out yet. I am not quite sure why they changed it.

I am creating~ a "learning blog" to record the children"s lessons. In Kentucky you don't have to keep a written log so I thought and online account of our learning might be kind of neat.

From the learning room~ Well, I am gearing up for us to start again on January 3. We are bringing Julia home also!! I am trying to come up with a couple of weeks of lesson plans and activities. I have learned this past year with them being in school, that we need to focus on reading, writing, and math. The other stuff is gravy. My motto is keep it simple and if we get to the other stuff great. But on the other hand Catherine has experienced "fun" kindergarten. I want them to be happy. Planning on my part is going to be key.

To live the liturgy~ speaking of planning, I have picked two feast days for January and we are going to have some teas. We are going to plan our school year around the Church.

Around the house~ My mother in love is still here. So the house is fantastic. She is a dear, dear, woman. She has served us these past two weeks incredibly and lovingly. I am caught up with my laundry. (Please, please, Lord let me keep it that way!) I. Must. Do. Laundry. Every. Day. MUST.

From the kitchen~ Well, we are still eating and drinking and being merry. (January 3rd please come!!) That is when we will get back to normal. Terry's office is doing a "Biggest Loser" contest. So I am searching for some lean meals and snacks for him. I HAVE to get back to running. It is amazing the energy you have when you get that cardio workout. You just feel better.

One of my favorite things~Paddy taught John Paul to say "boom baby". He walks around the house repeating this phrase and I can't help but laugh. We all do. I told Patrick before he taught him any other words or phrases he must clear them with me.

A few plans~ We have had a busy couple of weeks. We took the kids ice skating for the first time this week. They had a blast and quickly caught on. We went to a Christmas caroling party. It was a blast. Have you ever walked around a neighborhood and caroled with 80+ people? It was incredibly fun. We have a New Years Eve party tonight in the neighborhood. After that we have nothing planned. Joe goes back to school on Monday and we start school here at home. I am looking forward to getting back to some sort of schedule. 

Here are a lot of picture thoughts~ Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve with Grammy

"Mom, look at all the presents!!" Amelia exclaims.

 

October Daybook

Outside my window~~~~ It is still dark. It is very early, couldn't sleep, so I thought this would be a good time to get some computer time in. It is quite chilly in the house. (I really need to buy a robe) It is supposed to be a beautiful day with highs in the mid 70's. Kentucky is being kind to us Floridians and easing us into winter.

I am listening to~~~~ quiet

I am grateful for~~~~good first quarter report cards, getting to experience a real fall, keeping Catherine home from school yesterday and reading lots and lots of books to my "littles" My new to me kitchen table, which was free!! (neighbors were getting rid of it and we snatched it up)

I am pondering~~~~ I saw this on another blog and this is much to ponder.

Mother Teresa’s Humility List

1. Speak as little as possible about yourself.
2. Keep busy with your own affairs and not those of others.
3. Avoid curiosity.
4. Do not interfere in the affairs of others.
5. Accept small irritations with good humor.
6. Do not dwell on the faults of others.
7. Accept censures even if unmerited.
8. Give in to the will of others.
9. Accept insults and injuries.
10. Accept contempt, being forgotten and disregarded.
11. Be courteous and delicate even when provoked by someone.
12. Do not seek to be admired and loved.
13. Do no protect yourself behind your own dignity.
14. Give in, in discussions, even when you are right.
15. Choose always the more difficult task.

I am reading~~~~ The Life of Christ by Fulton Sheen still. Not really much time for anything else. During read aloud time yesterday we read the book Redwood by Jason Chin

 

 

Catherine was fascinated. It led us on a little rabbit trail. She told Daddy she wants to go to the Redwood Forest on a field trip. 

I am thinking~~~~about so much. (explains the insomnia) Praying real hard about this whole school situation. The children are doing well academically and socially, however I am praying about bringing the younger ones home. You see, I like who my older children are. They spent those years at home in a family environment, all of us together, everyday. They are family centered vs. peer centered which I notice is how brick and mortar school children are. I want my younger children to grow up family centered. I also love how my older children had time to be children, to play, and discover, and relax. They didn't have so much pressure on them at such a young age. To ME it is just unnatural for children to be away from their parents for so long each day. Life is to short, and they only have one childhood. There is no do over. I am praying hard on all of this. I am trying to be patient and I don't want to do anything I shouldn't. Waiting on the Lord.

I am creating~~~~Julia's hat, (getting there) housekeeping lists for me. With the children at school all day the housework is mine, all, mine. I need to start doing certain things on certain days, so that I am sure everything is getting done. Also starting to think about those Christmas lists. 

Hoping and Praying~~~~Still need to sell that house in Florida

Around the house~~~~not in to bad shape. I am going to get ALL of the folded laundry put away today. I am! The mums on the front porch are in full bloom and nice and cheery.

From the kitchen~~~~I have been making some great fall dishes and deserts. Iced Pumpkin Cookies great with a cup of coffee. Pumpkin, Kale, Black Bean Stew I used canned pumpkin and I thought this was way better the second day. Acorn Squash Slices so delicious and makes the house smell yummy. 

One of my favorite things~~~~watching Joe play football. They had a huge win last week. The teams first. It was so awesome to see them savor a victory.

This week coming~~~~Joe's football game, a couple of parties, and then basketball tryouts this week. 

A picture thought or two~~~~ John Paul cuteness and Mary Jane's birthday cake

It's Fall! ~ Daybook

Outside My Window~~~~~ It is still dark. It seems getting the children up early for school every morning has ruined my ability to sleep in. 

I am listening to~~~~~ The children coloring and chatting. It seems getting the children up early every morning has ruined their ability to sleep in also.

I am grateful for~~~~~ My husband who is the voice of reason. When the momma bear in me wants to fiercely protect. He calms me down and assures me it is under control. ***Also grateful for the telephone so that I can call a good friend and cry on her shoulder, just like she was right here and not hundreds of miles away.

I am pondering~~~~how hard it is to let your children out there, to learn life lessons, to let them go through hard times. I wish I could write more but some things are meant to stay hidden. I am just so proud of my children and how they handle themselves. Such grace.

I am reading~~~~ The Life of Christ by Fulton Sheen. This is a BIG book. I will be at this one for awhile. This book dives deep into the life of Jesus with Scripture and Fulton Sheen's beautifully rich language. I read this in my morning prayer time and am falling more in love with Jesus!!!

I am thinking~~~~ about how to get a laundry routine down. I am always trying to get my head around this. I am thinking about turning the dining room into a family closet. We don't use that room as a dining room and that is where I fold the clothes and that is where they seem to sit until I put them away which is always the last thing on my list. 

I am creating~~~~ Still knitting Julia's hat. I am getting there. s-l-o-w-l-y. I usually bring my knitting while I am sitting at the football field watching practice. A little at a time.

On my Ipod~~~~ James Taylor October Road. Love James Taylor.

Hoping and Praying~~~~~for the sale of our house in Florida. The real estate market has tanked down there. I think it will take a miracle to sell it and that is what I am praying for. Do you know of anyone who wants to buy a nice cottage farm in beautiful Florida?

Around the house~~~~ Picking up to do, and laundry of course. Slowly getting all of our fall decorations out.

We added two new additions to the family. Their names are Luke and Leah. They are two goldfish that Patrick's teacher gave him. They were studying fish in science and when the unit was over the children were able to take the goldfish home. ALL of the children in his class went home with two goldfish. So sweet.

From the kitchen~~~~ I am wanting to bake and cook with pumpkin but I can't seem to find any up here. I am craving pumpkin bread with cream cheese in a big way! Looking up some fall meals online also, stews, roasted root vegetables....yum!

This weekend coming~~~~~Football game, Cross country meet, Going to buy fish food. Movie night tonight. The new Tinkerbell movie is out and I have some little girls dying to watch it!!

A picture thought~~~~~~or two

Julia's first x country meet.

A Daybook

For Today June 28, 2010

Outside my window......It is overcast. We had a storm move through last night. The ground is still wet from the rain. 

 I am listening to..... birds chirping and car after car after car drive by. No more quiet for us. Eventually I will get used to the noise of a neighborhood. 

I am thankful for.... us all being together under one roof. When it comes down to it, home is where your family is all together. 

I am reading...... nothing at the moment. I won't allow myself until I get this house straightened out. We are getting there. I need to work on the basement this week. This is going to house all of the children's toys. This is also the family room so I want to arrange it with a bit of a separation. 

From the kitchen.....eating a lot of fresh produce from the farmer's market. We made grilled portabello mushroom sandwiches on Saturday. Remind me to post about that. It was delicious and I took a picture also ;0)

I am thinking about.... how I am going to catch the garbage guy. We didn't put the garbage cans out last night. Big mistake. Apparently the garbage man hits our side of the street first thing in the morning. Like 6:50am. They only pick up garbage one day a week here. And you are only allowed one can. (we called WM and told them impossible for our family, they let us "rent" another one.) Anyway, I am sitting here at the computer in my pj's and I hear the truck. Panic strikes. I hesitate thinking do I run out there in my pj's do I go throw on a shirt and shorts. In my hesitation he passes our house. I decide to run after the guy yelling "excuse me!!" He doesn't hear me. Rats. I am going to try and catch him when he comes up the other side of our street. Hopefully he will be understanding when I explain we are new. They have a lot of rules here you know. But another week with two full garbage cans and a family of nine is not going to work. Needless to say, I am dressed now.

I am creating..... nothing with my hands. But hopefully a beautiful, happy home for us for the next year or two. 

From the learning room....starting today...Math, Reading, a couple of other little basics. 

From the farm.... :0(  a little sad, but in reality, there is less work. We have had more time for relaxing and being with each other. We have gone to the pool every evening, we have had dinners on the deck, we have gone to the park. Our time isn't spent running to the feed store or fixing fence boards or dragging the pastures or mowing the big lawn. Joe told Terry the other day, "you know we have more time to do things here." All in all, it is good.

From the garden.... This week I am going to buy some pots for flowers and some veggies. 

Around the House....boxes. Lots and lots of boxes.

I am hoping.... that we make some nice friends. (and that I catch the garbage guy)

A picture thought: spending time together

 

June Daybook

For Today June 2, 2010

Outside my window......It is sunny with clear blue skies. It is going to be a hot one today. I can see squirrels running and birds hopping around on the front yard. 

 I am listening to..... John Paul breathing in and out. He is still sleeping. All else is quiet. 

I am thankful for.... so many things. A safe uneventful trip home. The family that I married into. They really are great! (On our way home we stopped in Atlanta and met up with all of the siblings and my mother in law. We all surprised one of Terry's sisters with a birthday bash. We had such a great time and laughed and laughed! )

I am reading...... The Reed of God by Carol Houselander

From the kitchen..... It is so nice to be home and cook. I have had enough fast food meals these last two weeks to last me a life time. I think I gained some weight from it all. 

I am thinking about.... coordinating this move for our family. I know I should be doing stuff to prepare but I am not sure what. You could say I am a little overwhelmed. I really don't know where I should start. The movers will be here in two weeks....so much to do.

I am creating..... some happy memories for my children. We are hoping to spend a lot of time with friends before we leave.

From the learning room....Just the basics until we settle in to our new home in Kentucky. This summer we are going to explore our new hometown. 

From the farm.... Everyone is gone except for Dixie. It is going to be hard to let her go. She was our first horse, and is very sweet. I am praying we can find her a good home.

From the garden.... I threw in a couple of veggie plants in the beds by the house. I guess you could say I am staging because I really don't remember what they were. I have a lot of pretty flowers in pots around the house. It looks good.

Around the House....it looks great. Just some light picking up to do, and of course the laundry

I am hoping.... this move goes smoothly.

A picture thought: pictures from a Louisville Bats baseball game. John Paul had his first taste of cotton candy and licorice and a blue snow cone. Great fun!

 

 

 

 

Daybook~February 15, 2010

Outside my window......There is frost on the ground. The sun is out, the sky is blue. It looks like it may be a beautiful day. Although I think there is rain in the forecast.

 I am listening to..... a woodpecker banging on our chimney.

I am thankful for.... Terry's GC exam is this week, on Wednesday. He has been studying so hard. It will be nice to get back to normal.

I am reading....... Happy Are You Poor; The Simple Life and Spiritual Freedom by Thomas Dubay  Still. This is a good book for Lent also. I am also reading The Faith Explained by Leo Trese. This book is a gem. 

From the kitchen..... Maybe stew tonight. We had King's Cake last night for dessert. Tomorrow is Shrove Tuesday aka Puffy oven pancake night in our house. And then some meatless meals on Wednesday and Friday.

I am thinking about.... Haiti. I will be praying Isaiah 62: 1-5 for them everyday. Still.

I am creating..... Well, I found this great site with a lot of video tutorials on how to knit. I casted on and attempted to knit a first row about 5 or 6 times. I kept on messing up and would have to unravel it, or the loops would slip off of the needle. Eventually I will get it.

From the learning room…We are learning about the human body, using The Body Book by Donald Silver and we are learning about Japan right now. China was fun. I am going to try and put up a post about that soon. 

From the farm.... I have jars finally and milk finally. I switched to milking in the morning and that is much better. Joe separates the calves at night. All three calves, because the beef calf is nursing off of the mamas and they are letting her. 

From the garden.... Still waiting on two more beds for a total of eight. Those will be done on Saturday. I am needing to weed three more beds and then try to put something in the ground. It makes me nervous though with this cold weather. I would hate to get zapped by a freeze.

Around the House....three bags and one box of "stuff" towards the 40 bag challenge. Again this is slow going. I am going to work on a spring cleaning list, also. You know, kitchen cupboards, pantry. I really need to get to a deep clean around here.

I am hoping.... That John Paul feels better. He vomited yesterday afternoon a couple of times, this morning we have moved to the other end and he is a little feverish. I am really hoping this does NOT make its way around the house.

A picture thought: John Paul eating his birthday cake.