Simple Woman Daybook - August 25

Simple Woman Daybook
FOR TODAY... August 25, 2008

Outside My Window... leaves fluttering in a light breeze, an orange wagon abandoned on the yard, also a skateboard and a bicycle, the recycling bin at the side of the road waiting to be brought back to the house after pickup

I am thinking... that dental insurance isn't very useful - it disappears too fast.

(CHANGE ADDED! The Simple Woman added an extra entry here below entitled "From the learning rooms..." for those of us who homeschool and wish to share a bit. So if you wish, you may add this to your daybook)

From the learning rooms... Edu-track software and piles of curriculum and school supplies

I am thankful for... good health!

From the kitchen... leftovers from the church picnic yesterday - pulled chicken, sandwich buns, veggies, potatoes, watermelon

I am wearing... My NaNoWriMo t-shirt, jeans, white socks, white "indoor" shoes, hair messy in a clip, no makeup. (NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month)

I am creating... lesson plans! lesson plans! lesson plans!

I am going... to the grocery store, the library, and the bank today.

I am reading... Mansfield Park by Jane Austen, Finding God in Lord of the Rings by Kurt Bruner, I Saw The Angel in the Marble by Chris and Ellyn Davis

I am hoping... to get a semester's worth of lesson plans done this week, also hoping that we can go camping again before it gets cold

I am hearing... David making gun noises, Suzy insisting that Bob tie her shoes

Around the house... laundry is almost done, bedrooms are probably in need of attention.

One of my favorite things.... school supplies!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Working on lesson plans, getting together with friends, last night of VBS, taking David for an orthodontic evaluation, maybe a dental appointment, one last visit to the water park

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

My daughters sleeping on our bedroom floor after we evacuated a bat from their bedroom.

Simple Woman Daybook - August 18

Simple Woman Daybook
FOR TODAY... August 18, 2008 (I am writing this ahead, during the weekend.)

Outside My Window... It's dark. Our neighbors just drove into their driveway. Lights are on in some of the houses on the street.

I am thinking... I need to print out the packing list for camping so that we can fill up the camper tomorrow afternoon.

I am thankful for... my friend who had a bunch of us over today to watch movies and have the kids play together!

From the kitchen... groceries to take camping and a pile of utensils, paper plates, and more!

I am wearing... Jeans, a navy t-shirt that says Soccer MOM and has a soccer ball on it, white socks, white tennis shoes, my hair down and curled (and darker than it was last week!)

I am creating... a new novel, set in the 1940's. This will be a novel with a Christian perspective and a romance element.

I am going... CAMPING all week at a state park nearby.

I am reading... Darcy's Story: Pride and Prejudice from a Whole New Perspective by Janet Aylmer. I have a stack of books to take camping from which to choose this week.

I am hoping... we have a great time with our homeschooling friends this week

I am hearing... my husband praying with our daughter (bedtime), my younger son coming downstairs, my younger daughter whining

Around the house... Clothes to pack for camping

One of my favorite things... playing cards with my friends during camping week!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Spending the whole week camping with our homeschool friends. Coming home one night to do soccer referee training with my oldest son.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
We are going to make these "grown-up S'mores" at camping this week. Don't they look delish?

Simple Woman Daybook - August 11

Simple Woman Daybook
FOR TODAY... August 11, 2008

Outside My Window... it's dark.

I am thinking... that I'd like to watch a movie instead of sitting at the computer.

I am thankful for... my homeschool group!

From the kitchen... a huge pile of cucumbers, some microwave popcorn, and sloppy joes - enough to freeze some to take camping

I am wearing... jeans, a red t-shirt that says "America" and has stars on it, white socks. Hair in a barrette and not curled.

I am creating... still that confounded query letter!

I am going... NOWHERE tomorrow. Well, maybe to the waterpark, but that's only a mile away.

I am reading... NOTHING right now! Eeek! I am between books and I didn't have a chance to read today! Well, I did read two magazines - Time and Family Fun.

I am hoping... David has a great time at the amusement park tomorrow with the youth group. He's nervous because he doesn't really like rides!

I am hearing... the ceiling fan spinning quietly, the clock ticking and clunking, a car going by outside, my husband puttering in the kitchen.

Around the house... some items that the boys had in their room that didn't belong there and now I need to get them into their correct places.

One of my favorite things... ROLLERCOASTERS! I am jealous that David gets to go and I don't!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: A lot less than last week - teach VBS (sub) Wed night, visit a friend on Friday, soccer coach training on Sat. Lots of stuff around the house to accomplish.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... Our 'new' camper!

Lisa's Logbook - January 3

For 2010, I thought I'd shake things up just a little and change up my daybook. No longer is it the "Simple Woman's Daybook". I'm not really all that simple. I think I'm rather complex, actually. But I'll keep the logbook simple. lol

Outside: Frigid. Overcast. The kind of weather you don't want to go out in.

Sounds: An audiobook playing upstairs and the bumping around that I hope means they are straightening up their rooms.

Home: Took down the Christmas decorations yesterday.

Projects: Working on some writing. A New Year's letter should emerge soon. Lesson plans.

Pondering: this new Logbook format. Not sure if I like it. What do you think?

Teaching: Lessons are starting back up here tomorrow. Ready to get back into a routine! Also working on Spanish lesson plans.

Gratitude: I'm thankful for a warm place to live.

Recipes: Making a roast right now and going to use up several small boxes of sides that I have - garlic mashed taters, turkey stuffing, minute rice. Made some jello and going to serve the last of the Christmas cookies.

Duds: Yesterday's jeans, grey long-sleeved tee, grey sweatshirt, slippers, a bit of makeup

Reads: The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (recommended by Darlene) and then A Bride in the Bargain by Deanne Gist. Last week, I read The Hunger Games which I recommend for teens and adults alike.

Vids: finished watching BBC Robin Hood Season 3; Adventureland, (500) Days of Summer, Julie & Julia, and Night at the Museum 2.

Hopes: That I can get the lesson plans done tonight and that the printer decides to co-operate.

Love: White chocolate covered Oreos. Yummy!

Plans: Eye doctor appointments for me and the kids this week, Bob has a dr appt. I have an interview on Wednesday morning. Kids have art class. Bob works 3 days only (M,W,Sa)

Pic:

I was asked for a pic of my room with the desk in it. So here you go.I am standing in the doorway with the camera. The white blurry thing is the doorframe in the lower right corner of the pic.The desk is immediately to the right. You can't see the chair in the pic. The bed is a queen and it fills the room pretty well. Before we had the head of the bed against the left-hand wall and there was only a small margin of space to walk in to get around it. This is actually better except I have to crawl in at the foot of the bed.

So there you have it. :::grins:::

Simple Woman Daybook - September 1

For Today... September 1, 2008

Outside my Window...the sun is going down and it's cooling off, but it was a perfect hot sunny summer day - lovely lovely lovely. My neighbor had a garage sale and she's been cleaning it up. Ooh, she's put some stuff out by the curb - time for treasure hunting! lol I hear a neighbor's dog whining. And the scent of goldenrod is in the air - Ah-choo!

I am thinking... that I'm sad summer is over. But excited about getting back into the routine!

From the learning rooms...a bunch of curriculum for sale in hopes of getting to the tailgate sale tomorrow, if I can get organized.

I am thankful for... my son feeling better (he's been sick the past couple days)

From the kitchen... Subway sandwiches = late lunch - what's for dinner? No idea. No, we didn't grill ANYTHING. Oh, and ingredients are on hand for our First Day of School Ice Cream Sundaes.

I am wearing... khaki capris, red tank top with stars on it, bare (dirty!) feet, and hair untidily pinned up.

I am reading... Mansfield Park by Jane Austen and I Saw the Angel in the Marble by Chris and Ellyn Davis. I just finished an issue of Real Simple magazine and it had the BEST simple recipe for ice cream cake! (I'll go that recipe one better, and use Cool Whip! lol) What else will I read this month? I read TWELVE books in August. Go me! :-)

I am hoping...that none of my other kids get sick this week.

I am creating... a cleaner and more organized home

I am hearing... my son clearing his throat and sniffling, that dog down the street, and the rumble of the fan in the window

Around the house... 2 bags of clothes from the thrift store, several more bags dropped off by a friend, some orphaned laundry items, curtains that need to be ironed and re-hung, and lots lots more....

One of my favorite things... is a whole weekend with NOTHING PLANNED (like the one I just had, and like I won't have again until at least November!)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... starting our formal lessons, several soccer practices, art class for 2 kids, park day, maybe a visit to the beach while it's still hot, a curriculum sale, and OH there is a concert I'd love to attend!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

It's soccer time!

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 18

For Today... October 18, 2009
I'll be doing my Daybook on Sundays from now on.

Outside my window... Sunshine! I'm loving it! I see leaves of yellow, orange, red, dark red, and still some green.

I am thinking... about heading out for a bike ride.

From the learning rooms... Quiet Time! I am going to be implementing an hour of quiet work time. We may have to work up to that amount, but the quiet is non-negotiable.

I am thankful for... Prayer!

From the kitchen... Man, I need to get to the store! I do have a turkey thawing.

I am wearing... Jeans, black v-neck stretchy shirt, big grey sweatshirt. And earrings!

I am reading... listening to A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Disc 24 of 48) by Diana Gabaldon (#6 in Outlander series). Making almost no progress on The Count of Monte Cristo, but it's CRUNCH TIME! Also perusing a book on starting an internet business and reading unChristian.

I've been watching... Northanger Abbey (twice), Daniel's Daughter (cheesy Lifetime-style movie), The Hired Heart (another, not as cheesy), Monsters Vs. Aliens (funny!), Cast Away (with David)

I am hoping... that the weather stays nice this week

I am creating... Spanish lessons, lesson plans for the week ahead

I am hearing... thumping from upstairs as the kids clean their rooms

Around the house... too many things that don't have a "place"! Time for some organizing!

One of my favorite things... Crunching through autumn leaves. Can't wait to JOG through them!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Teaching my 3 Spanish classes on Monday, Tuesday is Young Marines for J and Keepers at Home for S & E, Thursday, I am taking J & S to a Pistons game! Jury Duty call-in for Bob. Bob working daytime hours and me working on getting my business going and also working on expanding my novella. Friday Co-op, Saturday book club! WHEW!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you. This is what happens when the kids get ahold of your camera phone. lol

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 4

For Today... October 4, 2009
I'll be doing my Daybook on Sundays from now on.

Outside my window... The sun is shining finally and the sky is blue. The leaves are starting to turn. The grass is really long! It's been too wet to mow most days. [8:52 pm - FULL MOON!]

I am thinking... about church

From the learning rooms... More handwritten assignment sheets. That seems to work well for my thought patterns right now.

I am thankful for... income! Bob got his first paycheck Friday. He hasn't had an earned paycheck since May 2002! (For you newbies, that's when he was injured at work.)

From the kitchen... I washed the fridge and tossed the undesirables. Now it's all clean and shiny for the groceries I will buy tomorrow.

I am wearing... Black v-neck long-sleeved stretchy shirt, grey exercise pants that are REALLY LONG and drag on the floor. White socks and black slippers. I straightened my hair. Oh, and I have on earrings!

I am reading... listening to A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Disc 18 of 48) by Diana Gabaldon (#6 in Outlander series). Also reading No Need for Speed, a book on running.

I've been watching... The Chorus (French with English subtitles), Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Robin Hood Season 3 (Episodes 2-4), Ghostbusters

I am hoping... that Bob will decide to have a conversation with me. A real live two-way conversation. Instead of just telling me what he's decided. That's not going over real well.

I am creating... Spanish lessons. More Spanish lessons. And a menu plan.

I am hearing... Webkinz World

Around the house... Trying to think of a place to hang the hammock INSIDE the house.

One of my favorite things... NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). It begins November 1st, but I signed up this week. Are YOU going to write a novel in November?

A few plans for the rest of the week... Oh, it looks like a hectic week. Teaching not one but THREE Spanish classes, Soccer practices and games for David, Suzy, and James. Girls have a nature center outing, James has Science club. Jury Duty for Bob. Bob working daytime hours and me working in the evenings!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you.

Simple Woman Daybook - December 29

Well, it's Monday! Since I am awake, I am going to do the daybook. Even if it is almost 3 am.

I've been lesson planning!
For Today... December 29, 2008

Outside my Window... It's DARK out there! But the snow is almost all melted. Hard to believe! All that rain. There was a huge puddle in my driveway earlier and the ground was mushy.

I am thinking... about introverts and extroverts and the way each one's mental energy is dissipated and renewed.

From the learning rooms... I am working on the lesson plans for January. Going to get the whole month's done before Jan 5th when we start back in earnest.

I am thankful for... my oldest child who turns 14 today! Look how sweet he is being here with his little sister!

From the kitchen... A LOT of leftovers. Cooked a ham today and so there are those leftovers too. Going to make some Chex Mix for New Year's. Oh yeah, and I bought a birthday cake at Walmart for my teenager!

I am wearing... PJ's - grey long sleeved stretchy t-shirt and bright red cotton pants with white hearts all over them, my burgundy fleece robe (with teensy white hearts on it) and my well worn blue SmartWool socks. Hair washed and a bit damp still.

I am reading... a lot lately! Four books in the last four days. But I finished Deeanne Gist's A Bride Most Begrudging earlier today (HIGHLY recommend!) and didn't start anything else yet. I am still browsing through Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass. Still trying to find time to listen to The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon, but it's not happening!

I am hoping... I am not too grumpy tomorrow from staying up FAR too late.

I am creating... lesson plans, as I mentioned.

I am hearing... the clock ticking.

Around the house... Christmas tree is up still. It will come down next weekend.

One of my favorite things... my SmartWool socks I mentioned above. The ONLY wool socks I've ever found that are a joy to wear. I have two pair that I WON from a store in Frankenmuth a few years back and they are almost worn out. I need to buy more, but they are more expensive than I am used to, so I resist. Mine are blue, not purple like this pic.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... David's birthday celebration tonight, thrift store sale Jan 1, book club on Saturday (Oh yay!! yay!!), completing my to-do list

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... Emily made the birthday cake for Jesus by herself and decorated it too. She was quite pleased with the results! (Thanks, Jen, for the idea to use those pans!!)

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 11

For Today... October 11, 2009
I'll be doing my Daybook on Sundays from now on.

Outside my window... I see blue sky and puffy white clouds. A slight breeze is riffling through the greenish gold and red leaves. The yard is freshly mowed.

I am thinking... about how best to use my time; how to arrange my day so that my children and husband don't lose out, but I can still accomplish my goals

From the learning rooms... NaNoWriMo workbooks for the kids - FREE at ywp.nanowrimo.org. Click on Writer's Resources. These are AWESOME, even if you don't do NaNo, but just want to teach your kids fiction writing. There are Elementary, Middle School, and High School workbooks.

I am thankful for... God's provision and learning to wait on His timing

From the kitchen... Caramel apples

I am wearing... Brown long sleeved tee, soft pink hoodie, jeans, white socks, slippers, hair and makeup done

I am reading... listening to A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Disc 21 of 48) by Diana Gabaldon (#6 in Outlander series). Also reading No Need for Speed, a book on running, and finally making some progress on The Count of Monte Cristo.

I've been watching... Napoleon Dynamite (liked it better this time, probably because I watched it with David and he appreciated it very much), Meet Dave (better than I imagined, but still not very good - although the kids found it extremely amusing), & Van Halen youtube videos

I am hoping... that I can find a way to make some money besides selling everything I own

I am creating... a list of businesses to cold call

I am hearing... David and James washing dishes (peacefully for once!)

Around the house... lots of stuff that needs to be put away!

One of my favorite things... listening to Davina Porter read Diana Gabaldon. I don't usually enjoy audiobooks much, but Porter has a special talent. She does the accents and just is a perfect fit for Gabaldon's writing. She won the 2006 Audie Award for Best Female Narrator with A Breath of Snow and Ashes, which is what I am listening to currently. You can hear clips of her reading here. (Fiery Cross is the only Gabaldon book represented in the clips.)

A few plans for the rest of the week... Teaching my 3 Spanish classes, Last week of soccer games for Suzy (1) and James (3). James may be starting Young Marines, a field trip to the fire station. Jury Duty call-in for Bob. Bob working daytime hours and me working on getting my business going and also working on expanding my novella.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you.
Here I am watching David's last soccer game. It was 46 degrees and pouring rain. And I'm still smiling! LOL That's because it just STARTED.

Simple Woman Daybook - November 24

Just a note that I posted my weekly review, but I put it UNDER the daybook post, so it falls before this week begins. So, page down for that one.

For Today... November 24, 2008

Outside my Window... It's snowing quite heavily! Big fluffy flakes falling slowly. The road is covered and there are a few tire tracks.

I am thinking... about how I am going to fit writing in. About the weather and will it affect any of our plans this week. About a play date my son is going on today. About my plot problem in my novel.

From the learning rooms... Our bunny died in the night. I guess we're just not destined to be a pet family.

I am thankful for... Collision insurance! My car was totalled on Tuesday. (It was parked at the time. No one was hurt.)

From the kitchen... we picked up our Angel Food order on Saturday, so the pantry and freezer are filled! I am not sure what I'll make, but there are lots of choices!

I am wearing... Jeans - my favorite beat up pair, long sleeved red t-shirt with the Mackinac Bridge on it, white socks, white house shoes, hair combed but nothing else, no makeup

I am reading... (still listening to) the audiobook of The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon (#5 in Outlander series). I will soon finish No Plot? No Problem by Chris Baty (NaNoWriMo founder). I haven't read the Bible for personal devotions in a couple weeks, although I am reading it to the kids, so I need to get back to that. I am also slowly reading Sense & Sensibility.

I am hoping... that we get a good amount from our insurance for our totalled car. Also that we can find a good used gas dryer and a good used vacuum.

I am creating... a novel! I am at 60,004 words! Wanna join me? NANOWRIMO It's not too late!

I am hearing... James grunting as he makes something from clay. Discussion about the clay. A siren in the distance. The furnace running. (Another thanks!)

Around the house... Clothes are hanging all over the house to dry since the dryer is not usable.

One of my favorite things... My Flip video camera! It's cute and easy to use. (Even Suzy can do it!) It takes pretty good video. It's affordable.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Playdate for James today, spending time with friends tomorrow, making pies for Thanksgiving, driving across the state to spend a few days with family

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Here I am in my makeshift office. As I told you - ugly but effective. It's just two pieces of paneling propped up around my computer. With that and my noise-canceling headphones though, I can be in my own little writing world. You can see the insulated curtain Bob put up for me to block the draft from that window. Also my LOTR calendar from 2005 that I just keep turning the pages on since I like the pictures.

Simple Woman's Daybook - December 6

For Today... December 6, 2009

Outside my window... Dark. Today was sunny until late afternoon and then rather gray.

I am thinking... about these Spanish homework assignments that need correcting and that I have been procrastinating.

From the learning rooms... Our Christmas Study this year is from Teaching Mom. We are only picking and choosing parts of this. Will post about it this week.

I am thankful for... Geekstogo.com - The forums are great. One of the techs is walking me through the steps to clean a pesky recalcitrant virus off our desktop computer. It's FREE, did I mention?

From the kitchen... Christmas Cookies! I had the kids each pick two recipes they wanted to try this year. So we have a lot to attempt!

I am wearing... PJ's and a robe and I have a cozy blanket on my lap and over my feet.

I am reading... A Midsummer Night's Dream, yes, by the Bard of Avon, and also still plugging away slowly at unChristian (a book best digested in bits). I have a Francine Rivers book to read and am going to jump into a re-read of LOTR soon.

I've been watching... NCIS, Persuasion

I am hoping... I can come to terms with running in the cold. I do NOT like cold weather. Never have. I can remember crying from being SO cold when I was sledding, and everyone else was happily playing.

I am creating... CHRISTMAS COOKIES! I'll try to post the recipes as we go.

I am hearing... the furnace running, the clock ticking, the DVD player spinning since no one actually turned it off

Around the house... Setting up the Christmas tree and decorations.

One of my favorite things... Playing Minorca with my friends (even when I don't WIN!)

A few plans for the rest of the week... The last Spanish class of the year, going to see New Moon, running a 5K (brrr!) and my book club night!

Simple Woman Daybook - December 8

For Today... December 8, 2008

Outside my Window... That white stuff. We are under a winter storm watch - snow, then freezing rain, then more snow - possibly 6 inches. I'll believe it when I see it.

I am thinking... about when to do my errands - library, grocery store, post office - and when to have Emily make her food for the Christmas tea. Considering the winter storm watch, I better go sooner than later, eh?

From the learning rooms... After 2 hit-or-miss weeks (holiday and illness), we are getting back to full lessons for the next two weeks.

I am thankful for... my husband's handyman skills and for my dryer!

From the kitchen... an almost empty 2 liter of ginger ale. A full freezer.

I am wearing... jeans, long sleeved black shirt, long sleeved green flannel shirt buttoned over the other, black socks, white house shoes, hair pulled back in a barrette. No makeup. Evidently I never wear makeup on Mondays. lol

I am reading... Cook's Treasure by Jennifer Cooper and still listening to the audiobook of The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon (#5 in Outlander series).

I am hoping... that the germs have left our house.

I am creating... lists, lists, and more lists - lesson plans, grocery list, gift lists, Christmas card lists, recipe lists.

I am hearing... Bob doing multiplication flashcards with James. Suzy chomping on a candy necklace. The recliner chair squeaking. The furnace blowing. (THANK GOD!)

Around the house... My office has been removed and put away for the holiday. We have not done any decorating yet, but we will this week!

One of my favorite things... a hot shower. Blissful!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Chess Club for my boys, Christmas tea for me and the girls, church on Wednesday night, homeschool group Christmas party, Friday sleepovers for 3 of the kids

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Our NaNoWriMo incentive chart (early in November)

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 25

For Today... October 25, 2009

Outside my window... it's dark and chilly but today was GORGEOUS!

I am thinking... that I want a drink of water! Badly!

From the learning rooms... Preparation for NaNoWriMo (who is with us??)

I am thankful for... the ability to read and write

From the kitchen... Emily decorated a cake with her Sunday School class. They had a field trip on Friday afternoon and she had a blast. Suzy wanted to be in the pic.

From 10-25-2009

I am wearing... Jeans, red long sleeved tee, beige socks, slippers

I am reading... listening to A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Disc 27 of 48) by Diana Gabaldon (#6 in Outlander series). Reading unChristian and Mr. Darcy, Vampyre.

I've been watching... Management (Steve Zahn, Jennifer Aniston - LOVED THIS!), The Count of Monte Cristo (2 versions - Jim Caviezel and Richard Chamberlain), Secret to Treasure Mountain (Buttercream Gang, watched with my sons)

I am hoping... that my friends and I can get together for a scrapping weekend in December or January. Whaddya think, guys?

I am creating... Nothing out of the ordinary.

I am hearing... a movie on the TV, Bob walking around opening and shutting cupboards

Around the house... We are working our way through watching all of our VHS tapes and then getting rid of most of them

One of my favorite things... Nerds (the candy, of course)

A few plans for the rest of the week... Teaching my 3 Spanish classes on Monday, Tuesday is Young Marines for J, Thursday, Bob and I are going to hear Todd Wilson speak. Jury Duty call-in for Bob - last week. Trick-or-treating on Saturday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you. Hurriedly making a sandwich to take along to Spanish class, I looked down and saw THIS. Do you see what made me stop and snap a photo even though I was in a rush?

From 10-25-2009

And yes, I ate it. ;-)

Simple Woman Daybook - March 16

For Today... March 16, 2009

Outside my window... It's SUNNY! and in the 50's today!

I am thinking... about going outside. I've been working on the computer most of the afternoon, although I did sneak outside earlier to hang up a couple loads of laundry (although it was chilly then) and I stood on the back porch in the sun to chat on the phone for about 20 minutes. After dinner, a walk!?

From the learning rooms... David did an egg experiment in Science today. He's studying the physics of motion.

I am thankful for... Kids who aren't afraid of work and who like to help (some of them more than others, lol).

From the kitchen... Making sweet potato fries (new recipe, hope it goes over well) and oven-friend chicken tenders for dinner. [UPDATE - David, of all people, ate the fries without complaint. I thought they were good. The rest did not like them. I didn't tell anyone what they were. Just said "special potatoes". ROFL. Bob then commented, after eating, "They're almost like sweet potatoes." Um. Yeah.]

I am wearing... Jeans, grey sweatshirt, short sleeved "America" tee (SHORT sleeves!), white socks, slippers, hair scrunched today, no makeup.

I am reading... North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (for book club, 100 pages to go). Also a book on 100 great vacations around the world. To the kids, I am reading Soup and Me by Robert Newton Peck.

I am hoping... that Bob can find a job soon, although he is not finding much to apply for.

I am creating... my historical inspirational romance, working title Mystery Valley Ranch

I am hearing... Cars going by, Kids coming in and going out. Doors opening and shutting. Some kind of odd buzzing sound outside. Someone playing with a wagon or something wheeled.

Around the house... Bob has David breaking apart the back steps. They were crumbling and Bob is going to replace them. We've raked the yard and Bob is working on the ditch so that it drains. He's also working installing a permanent sump pump. There is so much to do on the house and yard. It's overwhelming to look at it all.

One of my favorite things... DAFFODILS! They'll be here soon. Can't wait!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Lessons Mon-Thurs, querying and editing Mon-Wed afternoon and whenever else I can find time, J has soccer clinic Tuesday night and the girls have Keepers at Home, Wednesday is Pioneer Club, Thursday I have a homeschool group leaders meeting and a library program, Friday is co-op, and Saturday is a homeschool book fair/convention AND BOOK CLUB (North and South!)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Suzy, the afternoon AFTER Emily's sleepover