The Simple Woman's Daybook 01-18

FOR TODAY 2010-01-18

Outside my window... It's winter. And it's cold. Still.

I am thinking...about middle school girls and how hard it is to maneuver life through the middle school years.

I am thankful for...communication. I work desperately hard to keep the lines of communication open with my girls and my husband. It's hard but I am convinced it will be worth if and it is daily!

From the learning rooms...the big girls are doing an amazing hob at school. We are working together to stay on top of things. Cali and I are as busy as ever. She is going to be awesome in kindergarten.

From the kitchen...I made some banana bread muffins last night that were so good, I wish I had more over-ripe bananas. There are only a couple left.

I am wearing...jammies still. Off to the shower as soon as I type this up.

I am creating...my new space in the kitchen. Not really creating anything with it, more organizing it instead.

I am going...no plans for travel. Maybe I will be heading to the creek with the kids today on a walking field trip. We'll see.

I am reading...getting ready to begin The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks. It will be my first experience at a reading club. Not sure what to do but I suppose I will be finding out. It's an online thing.

I am praying for...my friend Bev. She is still unconscious. It's been about a month now. I suppose the prognosis is bleak but I am still faithful that what is happening is what is meant to be.

I am hearing...Cali playing with Wren. We are so lucky this boy is a part of our family!

Around the house...It's as hectic as ever. Always things happening; just the way I like it.

One of my favorite things...watching Cali help Daddy yesterday.

A few plans for the rest of the week...taking the decoration off the tree finally. Cassi insists we are leaving the actual tree up 'til Valentine's day. I have to switch the decorations.

A photo for sharing...

I was bored in the car wash. Isn't this a cool picture?

To read more daybook's take a look here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 11-30

FOR TODAY 2009-11-30

Outside my window... It's Raining. Go figure. It was snowing most of the day. It's going to be treacherous tomorrow!

I am thinking...I am soooo tired but I want to catch up a few posts before I pass out!

I am thankful for...that our drive home from Anchorage went as smoothly as it did.

From the learning rooms...wish I could say more. Although Cassi taught Cali about syllables on our drive home. Now she can't stop...every word she hears-How many syllables is that? clap, clap clap!

From the kitchen...tonight's dinner was quick and simple. potstickers, eggrolls and brussell sprouts.

I am wearing...my jammies. I need to go to bed.

I am creating...not creating but wrapping. Book swaps and ornament swaps. I don't want to be late.

I am going...to get out the rest of the Christmas decorations tomorrow if it kills me!

I am reading...NOTHING! :(

I am hoping...that Scott makes it home for soccer this coming weekend, however completely understanding his feelings that he needs to stay and work more to pay for the really expensive braces that were put on Cori's teeth today.

I am hearing...the wind outside.

Around the house...it's quiet. It's late and the kids are all in bed!

One of my favorite things...my girls. Gracious, do I adore them!

A few plans for the rest of the week...DECORATIONS!

A photo for sharing...


This is the best of what we drove through to get home from the orthodontist in Anchorage today!

To read more daybook's take a look here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 11-23

FOR TODAY 2009-11-23

Outside my window... It is windy and wet. It is warm and things are melting. It's crazy weather 'round here for this time of year.

I am thinking...about the holidays and all the things I've got to get busy doing.

I am thankful for...that Cassi's friend was not seriously wounded yesterday when we went sledding.

From the learning rooms...not specifically educational but we are busy.

From the kitchen...isn't everyone bustling about getting ready for Thanksgiving?
At least here in the U.S. My contributions will include, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, apple-cranberry crisp with spiced Chantilly, strawberry-spinach salad, gooey butter and deviled eggs. YUM!

I am wearing...jeans and a hoodie. This kind of never changes for me, does it? Maybe I shouldn't be so predictable.

I am creating...ornament ideas for the girls. They are participating in a homemade ornament exchange for kids. We did it last year and it was so fun. We are excited by the fairy tale theme.

I am going...to the orthodontist. Cori is gearing up for braces. 1 week and counting.

I am reading...ha, ha, ha. I try to something inspirational every day. Other than that, reading time is limited.

I am hoping...that my husband's travels tomorrow are safe and smooth and uneventful.

I am hearing...my alarm reminding me Cor's ortho appointment.

Around the house...we are excited. Daddy is coming home tomorrow. Even though it was a short trip, we missed him. We always do; so MUCH!

One of my favorite things...looking for special holiday things. Like below.

A few plans for the rest of the week...homemade gifts. Time is short.

A photo for sharing...

Can you tell these are mini? I love all things tiny. I thought these were so stinkin' cute.

To read more daybook's take a look here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 11-16

FOR TODAY 2009-11-16

Outside my window... It is dark and cold. 12 below last time I checked! The day went so fast.

I am thinking...about Kelly. And our amongst friends pictures.

I am thankful for...my life. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE! ;)

From the learning rooms...Cali has a new favorite game. We call it more than, less than or equal to. We roll dice.

From the kitchen...I have been craving good veggies! I have got to find a way to get through to my family. That said, I did get Cali to try egg drop soup today! WOW!

I am wearing...jeans and a hoodie. Did I mention how cold it is???

I am creating...I NEED to be creating turkey's for examples for Thursday's Family Fun Night.

I am going...to stay home tomorrow and make turkeys!

I am reading...blogs. I haven't read any in two days. The horror!

I am hoping...for warmer weather.

I am hearing...the crackle of the wood stove.

Around the house...we are still trying to clean up. I may never get to where I want to be. :(

One of my favorite things...the ice snowflake I made today. (pictures coming soon)

A few plans for the rest of the week...Remember...I told you, FAMILY FUN NIGHT on Thursday. Wish me luck!

A photo for sharing...
Doesn't it just look cold?

To read more daybook's take a look here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 11-09

FOR TODAY 2009-11-08

Outside my window... It's cold and still no snow. I am not sure which I'd prefer, warmer weather with snow or cold weather with no snow. Hmmmm?

I am thinking...about the holidays. Trying t make some decisions.

I am thankful...for friends. I am this need to unite people. It isn't as easy as it may seem. People are guarded, including me. I am thankful for the few true friends I have and so grateful for the friends I am making on a daily basis.


From the learning rooms...well Cali is working on holiday projects. She is very interested in learning phonics at the moment. She is doing well and I am certain she will be well ahead of where she needs to be by the start of Kindergarten next year.

From the kitchen...I need a good pumpkin recipe. I am having a challenge with Grandpa. Got any ideas???

I am wearing...still in my pj's. I am catching up on computer stuff since I finally got mine back. I need to get moving though.

I am creating...still working on moving things around for Christmas. I need a bigger house or a smaller Christmas tree.

I am going...nowhere. And that is a good thing.


I am reading...not reading. Perusing catalogs. Dangerous!

I am hoping...that my best friend Kelly will change her mind a find a way to come visit soon.


I am hearing...Max and Ruby. They drive me a little crazy. (It's a nick jr. TV show.)

Around the house...still recovering from a house full of tween girls this weekend. I survived!


One of my favorite things...my happy girls.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Cali's first cheer competition is this coming weekend. And Cassi is participating in individuals. Fingers crossed, they are confident and do well.

A photo for sharing...

The mission of our family and home.

To read more daybook's take a look here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 11-02

FOR TODAY 2009-11-02

Outside my window... It is fresh and new and COLD!

I am thinking...about chasing the moon with Sugar Raye.

I am thankful...for moon journals. It has been nice to have something special to share with Cassi.

From the learning rooms...I need to learn exactly where the moon sets for us here in order to make moon chasing tomorrow morning a little easier.

From the kitchen...figuring our what to do for dinner and preparing dinner for tomorrow too. It's going to be an excruciatingly busy day tomorrow so I have to prepare today!

I am wearing...sweats. I didn't shower yet. I was chasing the MOON! :)

I am creating...space...for the multitude of Christmas decorations my children want to bring up from the crawl space!

I am going...to keep packing up things that my children no longer play with. It's a great feeling getting some of this stuff out of the house!

I am reading...Amelia Bedelia and I Spy and the other new books Cali bought with her gift card to Border Books that Grandma sent to her! Thanks Grandma! ;)

I am hoping...for inspiration. I need something new in my life!

I am hearing...the heater working overtime.

Around the house...we are going to have a fire in the wood stove tonight. The girls and I agree we could use a cozy evening here at home. (After music lessons, of course!)

One of my favorite things...Halloween. It was a wonderful day for my children and me. I lvoe the traditions we continue and the new ones we are creating.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Trying to keep afloat. Keep wishing for Daddy's return and doing our best to make sure we don't go to the wrong place at the wrong time.

A photo for sharing...

From our Moon hunt!

To read more daybook's take a look here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 10-26

FOR TODAY 2009-10-26

Outside my window... it's dark. It's calm with no wind and it's unusually warm for this time of year.

I am thinking...that the power of prayer is an amazing thing.

I am thankful...that my Aunt Diane has woken from the coma.

From the learning rooms...the moon journaling has been quite frustrating with no moon in sight for a week.

From the kitchen...Halloween treats coming!

I am wearing...I'm dressed for the day. With lots of errands to run today there was no time for leisure.

I am creating...Halloween costumes. So far the girls seem to love them!

I am going...to be busy this week!

I am reading...blogs. That's it!

I am hoping...that my Aunt's prognosis continues to improve. That my mother's husband continues his improvement too. That my Mom will be cautious and take care of her own well being in this time that it is easy to forget.

I am hearing...the hum of the refrigerator. The quiet is nice.

Around the house...it's lonely with out Scott. I miss him and have been praying for contentment for him. I know it's not easy where he is and I hope he finds a way to make his time on this job less frustrating.


One of my favorite things...when I ask for people to pray with me and for me(and my family), they do. I feel loved and confident and content.

A few plans for the rest of the week...The girls and I are looking forward to Halloween. We look forward to trick or treating with Wren and Clark and a few of our other friends who live farther away now and we don't get to see as often!

A photo for sharing...
A peek into our Halloween celebration!

To read more daybook's take a look here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 10-19

FOR TODAY 2009-10-19

Outside my window... it's frosty and 32 degrees. I believe our winter is moving in.

I am thinking...that this past weekend was pretty wonderful.

I am thankful...that my baby girl had such a beautiful birthday yesterday. You could hear it in her sighs as she wound down at the end of the day.

From the learning rooms...Scott or I will be headed to the creek for a study with Cassi's class today. It should be a crisp walk with happy children longing for the impending snow.


From the kitchen...I should make a Scott favorite today. He will be leaving soon. :(

I am wearing...I'm still in sweats as I haven't showered yet.

I am creating...I want to work on a special tree project I've been wanting to tackle for days.

I am going...to work on posting Cali's birthday pictures today. I am sure the family will be longing to see them.

I am reading...my new Taste of Home holiday cookbook. Love those.

I am hoping...that my husband has an uneventful and successful trip. I wish him Godspeed coming home. We miss him terribly when he is gone.

I am hearing...the tires of a tricycle traveling 'round and 'round my kitchen!

Around the house...we need a bigger kitchen for a bigger tricycle track! :)

One of my favorite things...BIRTHDAYS! Birthdays have long been a magical time in our family and while there are many times it is trying, I am so grateful for the tradition the Cassi and Cori created so long ago.

A few plans for the rest of the week...We will bid farewell to our beloved Daddy. Then we will spend the rest of the week working real hard to stay busy and take our mind of the fact that he is gone.

A photo for sharing...

We LOVE this guy!

To read more daybook's take a look here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 10-12

FOR TODAY 2009-10-12

Outside my window... it is warm for this time of year.

I am thinking...I'm not thinking, my brain is overloaded and I can think no more!

I am thankful...that this day of many errands is almost done.

From the learning rooms...didn't happen today. :(

From the kitchen...this didn't happen today either. Scott took Cas out to eat, Cali ate a a friends house while she was visiting, Cor made herself nachos and I will eat after I pick up Cas.

I am wearing...jeans and a t-shirt. It was all I could do today.

I am creating...I need to come up with some ideas for our school art night next week.

I am going...to sit in front of the TV and relax when I get back from bringing the last kid home for the day. I will have missed prime time TV but I will watch old M.A.S.H. reruns or something.

I am reading...my new people magazine.

I am hoping...that I remember to make Cori's braces appointment tomorrow.

I am hearing...a tired and unhappy 4 year old.

Around the house...we need to de-clutter.

One of my favorite things...Cali's new cheer skirt. It came in today and it is really cute.

A few plans for the rest of the week...I would like to do some projects with Cali tomorrow and get my bathroom cleaned.

A photo for sharing...

I've got some silly girls!

To read more daybook's take a look here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 9-28

FOR TODAY 2009-09-28

Outside my window... is a beautiful Fall day beckoning me to forget about the errands I have to run and come play!

I am thinking...that I would much rather be outside playing, hiking, combing the beach or something like that.

I am thankful for...winter soccer finally coming together.

From the learning rooms...We are still studying apples and Autumn and the numbers 1-20.

From the kitchen... Cali is making an upside down apple cake tonight if it kills her, or me!

I am wearing...a cute shirt Scott bought for me in VA. Still not used to it but it isn't a t-shirt or a hoodie so I'm making progress.

I am creating...to many things to do today to create anything but I am ALWAYS envisioning something!

I am going...on a drive with Scott and the girls in a little bit. He will do a measure while we check out the beach near the home he is measuring. It's nice when we can be with him even though he is working.

I am reading...the internet.

I am hoping...I figure out a simple solution to some travel conflicts that are looming in my future.

I am hearing...a nickelodeon tv show. Cali is resting.

Around the house...we are closer to having ALL the laundry done. It never really is longer than a minute but for that minute I am so grateful. Of course, I am grateful for all the laundry too truth be told, for with out I'd be missing my husband and kids.

One of my favorite things...Cali's ever increasing vocabulary and dialog. Man is she ever entertaining these days.

A few plans for the rest of the week...figuring out how to make a really cool magic wand that is sparkly with a tiny fairy on the end.

A photo for sharing...

Fall- in the Air.

To read more daybook's take a look here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 9-21

FOR TODAY 2009-09-21

Outside my window... it is raining.

I am thinking...about friends. New friends, old friends, lifelong friends, family friends. Each are so valuable to me and I am grateful for all of them.

I am thankful for...the phone call I dreaded making last night turning out better than I'd expected.

From the learning rooms...Cali wants to have an apple week.

From the kitchen...got any ideas? Maybe something with apples?

I am wearing...my favorite soccer sweats. I am going to wear them out before next summer at this rate.

I am creating...I tried wet felting a stone this morning. Didn't work. Gotta try again in a bit.

I am going...on a field trip with my Cor's class later today. I am so grateful she still likes me to come.

I am reading...People magazine. :)

I am hoping...the weather decides to be nice this coming weekend so we can have a party at the beach. My girls are learning the value of simple living and it's such a beautiful thing.

I am hearing...the fax machine...again.

Around the house...there are clothes everywhere. We are sorting out the things we've grown out of and getting them ready to giveaway.

One of my favorite things...My family. Even when things aren't happening the way I'd like them to, it seems we all just hang in there the best we can and get through it. I'm so grateful we can all see better things at the end of every tunnel and choose to focus on them rather than the less fortunate things happening at the moment.

A few plans for the rest of the week...going to plan for the party in hopes that we can have it.
Keep your finger crossed!

A photo for sharing...The Alaska leaves are changing.

To read more daybook's to a look here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 9-14

FOR TODAY 2009-09-14

Outside my window... it is cool today. The season change is upon us.

I am thinking... about my "A Little Gratefulness" post for tomorrow and things that begin with the letter 'B'

I am thankful for...my husband coming home later today. It will be a surprise for my girls. Shhh, don't tell!

From the learning rooms...hmmm, after a weekend away, Cali and I have to much to do to spend too much time creating today.

From the kitchen...there is still a mess to clean up the kitchen from the things I made to take on our trip.

I am wearing...a soccer hoody, because of the cool weather but I have not relinquished my flip-flops yet!

I am creating...I will be working on all things birthday for the next two days since the birthday fairy will come passing through this way come Tuesday night.

I am going...no where, I am tired from a weekend away.

I am reading...no time for reading today.

I am hoping...that some of my friends will decide to participate in "A Little Gratefulness" with me.

I am hearing...a little girlie pirate on the couch-ship in my living room.

Around the house...is everything we took on our trip. It was brought in and dropped on the floor right before we all collapsed into bed!

One of my favorite things...The Lion King! Our lovely and wonderful friends bought tickets for my whole family (for our birthday's this year) and we went this past weekend. It was an amazing and lively show that I am so glad my girls and I were able to see. What a fantastic gift it was!

A few plans for the rest of the week...A 12th BIRTHDAY! Whoa baby, can someone slow this horse down 'cause I can hardly hang on! I am pulling the reins tighter and tighter and it seems this horse just bucks a little harder. Whew!

A photo for sharing...12 is still not too old for Momma to take down! :)

To read more daybook's visit HERE.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 9-08

FOR TODAY 2009-09-08
Outside my window... Fall is in the air.

I am thinking... about my brother's friend who passed this weekend. I pray it was an un-avoidable accident.

I am thankful for...my husband being home. We miss him when he's gone.

From the learning rooms...Cali and I are going to collect leaves for a fall project we will share with friends soon.

From the kitchen...I want to make a blueberry pound cake today. We'll see if it happens.

I am wearing...my pajamas still. I need to head to the shower.

I am creating...I just completed a large bowl made from magazines to share with the older girls' classrooms.

I am going...to take Cali to cheerleading later this afternoon. She is nervous. Wish me luck.

I am reading... Family fun magazine

I am hoping...to hang on to warmer weather for just a while longer. Even if the nights are cool, I'd be grateful for pleasant sunny days.

I am hearing...too much silence. I like to hear the kids and I miss the big ones when they are gone.

Around the house...it's getting cleaner. We've been working on it.

One of my favorite things...having get-together's like we did this past weekend.

A few plans for the rest of the week...I'd like to keep working on weeding out the girls' clothes and getting them out of the house. :)

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...CELEBRATE- Do what you love to do and do it with passion.
This is one of the children from our holiday gathering creating a holiday celebration tree by shooting tissue paper confetti.

To read more daybook's visit HERE.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 8-31

FOR TODAY 2009-08-31
Outside my window...it's sunny and cool. Fall is making it's way here.

I am thinking...that I wish my husband were back home.

I am thankful for...my girls. I brought them into the world then they became mine.

From the learning rooms...I would like to do a project with Cali today. We have several that are ongoing that I would like to tie up.

From the kitchen...Hmmm, I wish it were Chicken of the Woods risotto but alas, I've not located any yet.

I am wearing...nothing exciting.

I am creating...spore prints from a wonderful mushroom I found yesterday with Grandpa.

I am going...to fold clothes as soon as I finish this post.

I am reading...Eat, Pray, Love although my reading time is limited so I may be reading it a long time.

I am hoping...that Mark does as well as I know he can when he flies this week.

I am hearing...Hanna Montana, again.

Around the house...it's a wreck and I should quit doing projects with my girls so often and clean more.

One of my favorite things...is finding new passions. Every one is so exciting.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I just want to enjoy it. To take pleasure in all that is good.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...The gift

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