Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... August 31, 2009 (Happy 13th Anniversary Monkey!)

Outside my window...it is dark and cool. The moon hangs over the night sky with a few twinkling stars showing off the few clouds.

I am thinking....that it's way to early to be up, let alone STAY up so after I let the tumbling thoughts out of my head, I'm going to catch a few more winks.

I am thankful for....13 years with Dan as my husband. Today is our anniversary and I'm ever more grateful for a man who is willing to work to earn a living, not to mention one that's playful, generous, knowledgeable, gentle, easy on the eyes and a first rate Dad. Plus he's willing to overlook a few flaws on my part as well : ) And he even admires my crunchiness and thrifty ways...reusable tote, anyone??

From the learning rooms....still no formal studies, but we worked on doing percentages in our heads yesterday while shopping...LOL, and this week will be working on our mapping skills as we continue to prepare for our big road trip.

From the kitchen....nothing yet since it's 4:30 in the morning, but Dan just walked out the door with enough food to fill his belly with nutritious food for the next four days. I will be baking today....whole wheat bread, I think I will try my hand at crackers today, and maybe a few goodies as we start to prepare for Labor Day Festivities. Meal plans look like this for the week...but will probably get rearranged at will as 'Shua is home this week and likes to 'help

me change the plans : )

• Monday~ Spaghetti with meat sauce, and some fresh bread


• Tuesday~ Chicken Stew topped with biscuits


• Wednesday~ Fish sticks and fries (even at 20, it's about the only way I can get 'Shua to eat fish)


• Thursday~ Cheesy Hamburger Mac


• Friday~ Pizza, Chopped veggies and dip, chips


• Saturday~ We are going to the Hatch Chile Festival. (Hatch is the chile capital of the world and it's about 45 minutes from the house...we are going as our anniversary outing)


• Sunday~ Lasagna, Dan requested it and some salad and garlic bread

I am wearing...my nightgown since I'm headed right back to bed : )

I am creating...travel plans, a better budget since we've outmoded our last one, and a happy marriage.

I am going...probably only to work this week. As 'Shua's marriage grows ever closer, I am cherishing the 'parenting' of him for this last little bit of time. So this week will (hopefully) hold a few heart to heart chats, lots of laughs and PLENTY of motherly advice.

I am reading...A Wife After God's Own Heart By Elizabeth George. Although some of her advice doesn't sit well with me since it insists that I give up a few of my poor habits and attitudes, since it comes straight from the Bible, there's not much wiggle room in there. Better choices, Kristy!

I am hoping...that I can learn all the songs for the wedding so that I don't embarrass the happy couple or myself at the wedding.

I am hearing...the ceiling fans. The early morning quiet reminds me of why I like to get up before the boys and have a few minutes to think, pray and contemplate the day. Feels good!

Around the house...travel plans to be finalized, laundry to fold, kitchen counters to clean and the whole house could use a once over. All in all, not too bad.

A few plans for the rest of the week...IF I can swing it, I want to get to the farmer's market this week...there is so much to be learned, discovered and tasted there...yum~O! I want to get the boys room back to normal, not really sure WHAT happened down there. I also want to get the play/back room back to where it's not a safety violation. THEN, I need to put together a small get together for Labor Day. Between that and working 3 nights this week...I think I'll stay busy

A picture thought I am sharing with you...I miss my Patrick! 10 weeks is a long time to be away from your mama when you are only 10 years old. I know my parents are taking great care of him....but I still MISSSSSSSS him!

If you are drawn to the simple life, or just want to read more blogs like this post, check out the delightful Miss Peggy's site over at www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com ENJOY!

Catching up with us MeYeR's

Just for laughs, I added a pic from Derek's birthday 2 years ago...to those of you in IL, this is how you remember him looking...but he looks like that no longer!

Haven't done one of these in a few weeks, so I'll try not to be too wordy : ) As if I even know how NOT to be too wordy...mauahahahah! We will try some bullet journaling, it seems to help me a bit...LOL

• As our TIDAL WAVE of activity has become more of a small gurgling stream....I've enjoyed the almost quiet and had time to ponder some things that have been in the back of my mind for way too long. I will say that I actually miss the hustle and bustle of our daily lives :) but have also enjoyed the time to linger at the farmers market, enjoy a lunch out with just 2 boys, time for REAL reading again, and the stillness after they head to bed. We've played many board games and made several puzzles this past week and that's always a good thing!
• Dan bought Derek his very own game boy and WOW is he happy about that! It's mostly for the long car ride we have coming up, but he's not opposed to practicing now...LOL



• I STINK at cooking for 3...LOL~ I made the tiniest little batch of taco meat last week and the 1 little pound of meat looked so lonely and small in the skillet, but it was WAY too much for us to eat and Dan ended up turning it into nachos over the weekend...LOL


• Jodi has arrived and settled safely in IL after an eventful road trip...suffice it to say that she probably won't do that again for a while! : )




• As I've been reading and pondering this week, I've found several areas where I need to be working more actively with the boys' attitudes and character training exercises...hmmm.
  
• Dan and 'Shua both seem to think that the Hurley job will be wrapping in the next few weeks...and while that means less money since there won't be any per Diem pay, I'm just thrilled that they will be home every night!


• 'Shua will be home all next week (at least in town) because he has his first apprenticeship training classes.
• Dan and I will celebrate our 13th anniversary next Monday. I have a very special surprise for his gift, he will be sooo pleased! Some days it seems like we just got married and other days, I can barely remember a time he wasn't my hubby. ; )
• I found a beautiful watermelon at the store the other day and after I got it home, I had a good chuckle over it...Jayson, that's for you!! It's hard to read in the picture, but the tag says Jaybird!! : )




• Plans are coming together for MY big road trip and all I can say is that I'm hoping to have LESS excitement than Jodi. I'm very excited about going to IL and seeing family and friends that I haven't seen in WAY too long


• I need to fix this computer...not sure how to accomplish that task, but it needs to be done, and soon. If I disappear for a while, it's because my attempts to repair it have gone awry.


• 'Shua and Lauren paid me a wonderful compliment this week by asking me to play the piano at the wedding and also sing special music for it. Oh my, I'm not even sure I remember how to play the wedding march anymore, so serious practicing is in my very near future, but I'm so honored that they asked as I've been wondering how I could help without forcing my overly helpful self on them...LOL


• This week is the last week of racing for the season so I imagine that Saturday will find the men at the track enjoying the last race until next year.


• My mending pile seems to be growing exponentially lately, so this week will bring some much needed sewing to the forefront. Jeans to repair, capes to make, and buttons to put back on...oh my, how do people that don't sew keep up with the cost of clothing??


• Today is rainy and cool so we have big plans to watch a movie tonight with some hot cocoa and maybe some caramel corn, haven't made that in WAY too long.


• As a side note, 'Shua got in a fender bender this week...nothing but a few dents in the car, his wallet and his pride. It did, however, offer me a few more opportunities to parent him as my time as pseudo-mom comes to an end.


• Dan might be horrified that I mention it, but to those of you who know him well, you'll be thrilled to know that Dan has recently started taking his Bible to Hurley with him and reading it during the week...this is HUGE and a marvelous development! Thank you, Jesus!!


• We are official grown ups now...Dan and I bought life insurance this week...Hurray for the Union to bring us great programs at dicounted rates!!

I guess that's all the news here in Las Cruces for this past week or so. Thanks for keeping up with us as we life our life here. A few pictures and I'm out...but what's new with you?? Share!

Blessings,

Kristy and the Man Crew

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... August 24, 2009

Outside my window... it is cool and dreary with a gentle rain falling, and since we NEED the rain (this IS the desert after all) I can enjoy a day of rain once in a while.

I am thinking... that a rainy day is a great day for digging out the mending pile and making it smaller as I watch a favorite movie with the boys. I also love to write letters when the rain is falling so a few of those may go out today. Oh and drink herbal tea with honey in it...goodness, maybe I like the rain more than I thought...hee hee

I am thankful... time to get it all done. 3 weeks remain before our big road trip to IL, and there are MANY things that need to get accomplished before that time. Clothes shopping, itinerary to plan, meals to plan and pack, weight to lose (LOL) boys that need hair cuts, and many other things that I can't even think of right now!
From the learning rooms... nothing this week except the gradual cutting back of the electronic time as we prepare to start school sometime soon-ISH
From the kitchen... Zucchini bread, ciabbata bread french toast, possibly caramel corn and a week of tasty meals. Last week, the meals got ALL messed up, rearranged and changed, so if you see a few that are the same as last week, well, they got bumped to this week...LOL

• Monday~ Chicken, stuffing and peas in the crock pot


• Tuesday~ Roasted Tomato Soup (thank you, Tyler Florence) and grilled cheese


• Wednesday~ Cod, roasted potatoes and broccoli


• Thursday~ Chicken Club Brunch Ring (thank you, Pampered CHEF)


• Friday~ Pizza


• Saturday~ Leftovers or out...I have to work that night, so something easy


• Sunday~ Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and salad.
  

I am wearing... comfy lounge-around-the-house clothes...LOL
I am creating... mended pants, handwritten letters, a super hero cape, and happy memories
I am going... nowhere since I am car-less this week. It's good thing, helps me save money for my big trip : )
I am reading... On Becoming Preteen Wise, Parenting Isn't for Cowards, and Little Pilgrims progress
I am hoping... that I can be as productive as I need to be this week. Much to do, but plenty of time to do it IF I apply myself
I am hearing... David playing the xylophone and Derek digging through the Lego box. Boxster (the turtle) digging around looking for crickets to eat, and the gentle patter of the rain against the leaves outside.
Around the house... laundry is whirring away, chicken for dinner is thawing and about to go in the crock pot, the LR needs some serious straightening, clothes need to find their way into drawers, and the bathrooms could use some attention...Plus David needs to catch up on the dishes.
One of my favorite things... Clean counter tops! No half eaten bags of chips on them, no dirty dishes, unused appliances, no spilled milk, stale cereal or greasy GUNK stuck to the range. So that's another goal for today : )
A few plans for the week... staying home, playing with the boys, some character training ( for them AND me) starting the final leg of prep for the trip, talking with Lauren about some last minute wedding details, and catching up on some sleep.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... Goodness, I don't even think I took a picture this week...LOL~ Oh yes I did...here are the boys with their puzzle master piece from this week. We worked pretty hard on it!

This post is in response to the call to simplicity by Miss Peggy over at http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ Check her out!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY August 17, 2009...

Outside my window...huge fluffy clouds dot the bright blue skies...I'm appreciating them today since Patrick mentioned to me that the clouds are much more animated in NM than IL...ha ha

I am thinking...that it's only 4 weeks until I leave for IL! I am so excited to see the rest of my family, catch up with all of my dear friends and watch my oldest son get married to the love of his life! Wooo HOOOOO!!

I am thankful for...Jodi's safe departure for her long awaited road trip to IL...have fun, little sister!

From the learning rooms...Mama has been very busy this morning: planning, organizing and prepping for the start of the new school year, even though it won't start until our return from our trip. Home school downloads organized and uploaded to zip drives by category~check! ABeka books shelved and at the ready according to grade and subject~check! Other supplies ready to be ordered~check! Homeschooling Mom's enthusiasm at an all time high~CHECK!!

From the kitchen...I am trying to remember how to cook for 3 people since the men are at work all week, Jodi is out of the state for the next 3 months and Pat is in IL with Dad and Mom...hmmm, how much hamburger to use again? I can't remember the last time I didn't double (or TRIPLE) a recipe...it's automatic these days. We MAY be eating tacos all week! IF not, here are the meal plans...

• Monday: Tacos and chips with salsa
  
• Tuesday: Chicken, stuffing and peas from the crock pot
  
• Wednesday: Hummus with Pita bread, cheese sticks, and fresh fruit
  
• Thursday: Tilapia, brown rice and broccoli (yes, we love this meal and have it every week)
  
• Friday: Pizza...yes, this one too : )
  
• Saturday: Tuna Casserole, the "easy peasy cheater" meal of the week...LOL
  
• Sunday: Roast Chicken, Mashed potatoes, Green Bean Casserole and Fresh bread

I am wearing...olive drab cargos, navy t-shirt with fireworks on it and bare feet, of course

I am creating...quiet inside of my head. With the men, Jodi and her boys, and Pat all gone, it's downright quiet around here. I have a few projects that I am working on, but some are secrets as I'm already creating for Christmas.

I am going...anywhere I want! With only 2 kiddos, it'll be a snap! I'm thinking Farmer's Market on Wednesday AM followed the the library, I'll probably take the boys out to lunch once this week and maybe even a movie if the checkbook allows. WHEEEEE

I am reading...curriculum catalogs, other daybook entries, my Bible and I think it's time to read Woman After God's Own Heart again...plus at the library, some good historical fiction. And, of course, Derek's new alphabet books that he got for his birthday.

I am hoping...that Jodi's actual trip is far LESS eventful than the planning of it was : ) And that my travel plans will be smooth and easy to put together.

I am hearing...the TV entertaining the boys, the dryer and the ceiling fans...that's IT!

Around the house...as always much to do, but for today, just wrapping up the laundry and dinner. I'm taking today off, yippee

One of my favorite things...a LONG hot bath after a long day. Scented bubbles, a few yummy candles and a good book.....life is good!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Errands, going OUT with the boys : ) working Wednesday night, races on Sat, game night on Fri, church on Sun, many little projects like re-arranging shelves, mending, and some extra baking.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...Dan and I's engagement pic. I've been doing some pondering, wondering and reminiscing over the 'good old days' lately and I was digging through some old pics...this one tickled me, so here it is. This is June of '96, I believe...so young we were!

This post is in response to the call to simplicity by the delightful Miss Peggy over at www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com Come on over and check her out, plus you can find out how to join the daybookers, or just enjoy some of their posts! Hope to see you there!

Another FREE Giveaway at Blessed with Full Hands

Want in on the next freebie contest?? Check out Blessed with Full Hands to find out all the rules. A 25 dollar gift certificate for hand made, IN THE USA jewelry...who doesn't want that?? Check out Lilly Ellen designs for the goodies you could order if you win. ENJOY!
Blessings,
~Kristy~
UPdate: If you were here earlier and tried the links, I fixed them...sorry for the hassle : )

A Week in my Life According to Facebook : )

Just for laughs, I thought I'd give this a try. I'm going to post all of my 'status updates' from Facebook from last week on here and see if it gives an accurate summation of my week. Hold on to your seat belts, here we go...

**Sunday~ I am preparing Dan and 'Shua for another week in Hurley. Laundry to do, snack to prepare, Oh and french bread to make to go with the lasagna for dinner. I better get going if i want to get it all done.
~I am spending some last minute quality time with Dan before he heads to Hurley for the week...goodnight all!
**Monday~ I am thankful for Monday mornings...a chance to regroup, re-organize and begin the week fresh! Time to get my house clean, organize my random thoughts for the week, and really start planning my trip to IL...it's only 6 weeks away! HURRRRRAAAAAAAYYYYYY
~I am wondering where the day went...still much to do, I better get off this computer and get my rear in gear. I'll check back in later when the house is back to being a home. See you soon and wish me Godspeed!
~OK, the house chores are DONE, hurray! The kids are watching a movie, Jodi is running errands and T is emptying the cabinets. I'm gonna blog for a bit and then maybe take some silly quizzes later. Have a great evening everyone!
Tuesday~ Oh what a beautiful morning! Oh what a beautiful day...ahhhh, time to get started on the things that need to get done today. Good thing I've got helpers so we have time to play later! : )
~I am relaxing before the dinner rush and then I've got to head in to work....for now, just putting my feet up and enjoying a small time of rest....ahhhh!
~ I am glad for my employee discount at Kohl's, guess I better go earn it now. Talk to you all after work!
**Wednesday~ Danielle, are you doing the "by the hour" posts again? I'll start...for this hour: start laundry, pick up the LR, make sure all the boys are dressed and straighten their rooms and we all need to work in the back room for about 15 minutes. I better get going!
~This hour (from 11 to noon) will be: pick up back room and vac, put ABeka materials on shelves (yeah, I get so excited at the beginning of the school year) and flip the laundry, then it will be lunchtime....leftovers at Chez MeYeR. Homemeade Lasagna, salad, french bread, and pudding...not bad for leftovers...hee hee!
~This hour I'll be wrapping up lunch with the little ones, and settling them in with some books or an audio tape to listen to for a bit, folding the laundry, chasing T and probably help with the groceries when Jodi gets back. I'm not planning anything else this hour, if I get a break, HURRAY, if not, that's fine, too.
~After lunch hour: I"m going to fold the laundry, supervise quiet reading time and relax...I have a headache and I need to rest, rehydrate and elevate my feet for a bit. See you in an hour.
~OK, last hour was officially in a tail spin...next hour: redirect and reboot. Gotta get a few more things done! Fold the laundry, tie up T so I can rest for 5 whole minutes, and then S&S the bathroom and MAYBE shelve a few more ABeka books, yeah! Oh and I gave the boys a building challenge to keep them busy as well : )
~3-4 hour: Filling more shelves with school items, S&S bathroom, dishes and hydrating...I can tell I haven't had enough to drink yet today.
~4-5 hour: This is usually dinner prep hour, but since we are having grilled cheese and soup out of a can (*gasp*) I'm going to let David and James handle dinner while I wrap up the shelf project and then put my feet up for a few before I head out to work. I'm hoping to go in a bit early to put some things on hold for this weekend's sales~ that way I"m sure to get the sizes/styles I want and I don't get trampled~ :P
~The rest of the evening is taken up with going to work. 'Shua will be home shortly and then I am taking him to the airport at O'dark thirty to fly to IL. Even I'll be drinking coffee tomorrow!
**Thursday~ Anyone ever notice that waking up at 4:15 after going to bed at 12:45 is...ummm....character building?? Thank you 'Shua for the opportunity to grow!
~I am gearing up for the hourly posts for one more day...From 10-11 AM I will flip the laundry, fix the keyboard tray and S&S the bathroom...that's it! Taking it easy today...LOL
~Moving on...next hour (11 to noon) LR tidy, sheets back on beds and lunch time. Sadly, no more leftovers today, and it just occurred to me that we will have to be more creative today since I need to bake bread. Well, add that to this hour's list...oops!
~OK, now that the noon to 1pm hour is half over...T is eating lunch, big boys ate apples and peanut butter, I've WON the battle against the scanner, now I'm hungry...time to eat for me!
~This hour?? Not even sure yet....I think I"ll just relax and deal with anything that comes up...yep, that sounds good!
~OK, day has officially been derailed in a good way! Dan just came home from work about 5 hours early...I'm gone for the day...BYE
~I am pleased to report that after a really LONG day that involved great highs and frustrating lows, a whole lot of the excruciating work of getting over myself YET AGAIN and a psychotic meltdown just for kicks, today is over and I can look forward to God's grace being new every morning...what a relief! Thank you Lord that it always come to PASS, not stay!
**Friday~ I wonder...when you wake up each day, do you think..."Good morning, Lord!" or "Good Lord, it's morning!!" LOL, I'm leaning towards the former this morning and that's a good thing! Much to do before game night tonight and a birthday party tomorrow. Off to the store for me, back in a few hours!
~I am back from my shopping adventures...time to get busy with slicing and dicing...mixing up some dough for pizza night...OH and a good deal of cleaning, too! Dani, are you up to the cleaning by the hour thing today?? I need motivation! :)
~It's officially game night! Dani, sorry I bailed~ it got crazy but now it's going well again! Hurray for food, friends and fellowship! : )
**Saturday~ How much better can a day get? Game night leading into an impromptu teenager sleepover, a FUN birthday party for Derek, AND Dan got the cycle running again and we had time for a quick motorcycle ride...WHHHHHEEEEE! ~Later, the boys are heading to the races while I head into work. Hurray for a great day!
**Sunday~ I get the dork of the day award for flooding the kitchen, dining room and half the hallway...I needed more laundry to do, really! I was getting bored anyways...LOL
~Goodnight everyone, it's been a great week!


Yep, that about sums it up. A week well spent...house is a home, hubby and kiddos are well taken care of, and God is blessing us in SPITE of us. Life is good!

Simple Woman's Daybook

~For Today... August 10, 2009

~Outside my window.... the NM sun burns bright and clear, the temp is a sultry 92 and the clouds look like white cotton candy fluffs hurrying past.
~I am thinking... that the backhand of justice, duly served, is a dish best served cold. Long story, but it involves Dan scolding the cichlid for bothering the other fish in the tank, putting said fish in time out (I WISH I was kidding) and subsequently feeding the offender to the turtle, who was most grateful

~I am thankful for...the safe return of 'Shua from IL, a happy home and healthy kids to enjoy life and deplore chore time.

~From the learning rooms...nothing~we intend to get brain rot this week...LOL

~From the kitchen...as always on Monday fresh bread, tea is brewing, dinner is in the oven and yet again, I can't find more than 2 inches of counter space that are clean and not cluttered : ) As for the rest of the week...

• Monday~ Pork chops, stuffing and green beans


• Tuesday~ Salsbury Steaks, mashed potatoes and broccoli


• Wednesday~ Tilapia, Rice and salad


• Thursday~ Hungarian Goulash


• Friday~ Homemade pizza


• Saturday~ Chicken and Rice casserole and salad


• Sunday~ To be Determined...LOL
  

~I am wearing... navy yoga pants and a purple and navy graphic tee...plus bare feet that seriously need to meet up with a foot scrub to fight the callouses
~I am creating... dinner, chore lists, maps/itinerary for our trip, lapbook activities for same trip, a balanced budget and a sane mind...anyone have some sanity to spare??
~I am going... nowhere all week since Jodi is out of town and I have her boys as well...but this weekend I'll be grocery shopping, running errands and hopefully to the race track with the family...oh and we are FINALLY going to the water park this weekend as well, good thing we have 3 day weekends around here...LOL
~I am reading... Derek's new books that he got for his birthday and that's about it this week
~I am hoping... to stay up with my workout routine, water intake and get my 5 a day of fruits and veggies
~I am hearing...Derek finish his dessert of graham cracker cake, the washer fill up, the fan squeaking as it circulates the cool air and the dogs nails clicking on the tile as they wander around.
~Around the house... there is much to be done as usual, but I have helpers. Tomorrow is going to be home blessing day ~as made famous by the Flylady and it goes a little something like this...

1. Sweep/Vac all floors


2. Mop tile


3. Clean sheets on all beds


4. Dust


5. Fingerprints, Door glass and mirrors


6. All trash out of the house
   
7. Cull old paperwork

We also need to work just a bit more in the backroom, making it ready for school. I have some more planning to do, but it shall have to wait until this week is over...then MAYBE : )
~One of my favorite things... an evening that the kids go to bed early so I can enjoy a movie without interruption. 'Shua and I are going to watch a documentary about the Dead Sea Scroll tonight, thanks Netflix!
~A few plans for the rest of the week... playing with the boys, try to meet Charlie and William's mom, the backroom project, some mending, working Tuesday night, game night, water park
adventure and some serious R & R
~Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... the boys spending a happy afternoon of building a railroad!

This post is a response to Miss Peggy's call to the simple life. If you enjoy this post and want to read others like it, join her over at www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogpsot.com Enjoy!

Blessings,

~K~

I'm a WINNER

I just found out that I won the contest I showed you a while back over at 'Blessed with Full Hands" (see the "Made in America, Baby" sticker on my side wall) it's book FULL of info about products that are MADE in America...and since I think that we should buy not only made in America products, but locally whenever possible, this book is a wonderful resource for me. Hurray! Thanks for playing along!! Have a great day!
~K~

What Do Teachers Make???

I found this on a friend's journal page on cafemom...and she was kind enough to give me permission to use it. (thanks, momtoo9) ENJOY!!
Well, my copy and paste feature isn't working...how about a link?? Check this out!

http://cafemom.com/journals/read.php?post_id=1503291&pop_voted=1

Happy Birthday Derek~

Oh my, how the years have flown! It's hard to believe that Derek has lived 1/2 of his life here in NM..WOW~ Derek turned 4 on Saturday and we had a blast celebrating with him. Las Cruces just happened to have what they call 'Kids Kindness Day' on Saturday as well and I'm pretty sure Derek thought the party was just for him...hee hee! It was great...firetruck tours, fingerprinting and picture taking for ID cards, bean bag toss with prizes, free food and drinks, McGruff the crime dog, he got to pet a snake, swing on the playground equipment, watch a remote control airplane zip around, dance in the bubbles and be the center of attention. Later, I whipped up one of Mambo's famous graham cracker cakes and boy, was that tasty...it's been too long since we had one of those! Derek got several nice presents and he enjoyed them all...he was every bit as excited about the flashcards PaPa and Grma sent as he was about the cool cars 'Shua got for him with a 'Cars' themed car rug to drive them on. We are actually going to have a 'real' party for him this weekend, but he wants 'ele-flants' party...any ideas?? ANYONE?? The most memorable moment of his birthday was as the the park as we were looking at the cool cars in the small car show. Derek got very excited and starting shouting, "Mama, look at this car, it is so sic!" (he hangs out with 'Shua and David too much when they are watching Pimp my Ride) but since he has a small lisp as all my boys do, it came out, 'Mama, look at this car, it is tho thick!!" Oh my gravy, we had a good laugh about that one!! Even 'Shua laughed out loud and for those of you that know him, you know how rare and special that is! A few pictures for you to enjoy and I'm gonna hush...really!

Blessings,

~K~

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... August 3, 2009...
Outside my window... the moon is shining bright in the desert sky since I am very LATE in posting this...LOL
I am thinking... that I really should be going to bed before it gets any later. Busy day tomorrow
I am thankful for... the washer and dryer in my very own home. Since I do about 20 loads a week...going to the laundromat would be not only expensive, but a huge time sucker, not to mention a rather large hassle. So, I'm thankful for a working washer and dryer that saves me untold amounts of time and energy.
From the learning rooms... nothing yet this week, but the boys are enjoying listening to grandma read Little Pilgrim's Progress to them and soon we are starting a new lapbook project, hurray!
From the kitchen… well, Jodi brought home Sonic tonight, and the rest of the week remains to be seen...LOL! Fell off the planning wagon this weekend. But I can tell you that the meals do include eating up what's already made AKA leftovers (there is homemade mac and cheese, Lasagna and fresh garlic bread, smoky black bean and rice stoup, and a few other things lurking in the back) I know I have some pork chops in the freezer, there is plenty of things to have a soup and grilled cheese night and as always, Pizza will be Friday night...so that covers most of the week right there...phew!
I am wearing… my ugly 'clean the house' clothes...brown knit capris and a seen better days olive tee shirt, plus bare feet, one of which is throbbing after my 4 AM run in with a goat head sticker...OUCH!
I am creating… travel plans, meal plans, USA map lapbooks, pre-K school plans (yes, already) and a budget for said trip
I am going... nowhere but to work until Thursday when I'll be taking 'Shua to the airport to fly to IL and see his Lauren, who is my favorite daughter in love to be! She' having a rough week and it will be great for them to be together for a few days...*sigh, young love*
I am reading... other blogs by the lovely ladies that do this daybook with me each week, maps, hotel websites, and silliness on facebook
I am hoping... that everything goes smoothly week and I can accomplish everything that needs to get done
I am hearing... not much since everyone is in bed but me...just the fans keeping the house cool, and a few crickets chirping
Around the house... there is much to be done, as usual. The bookshelves are my next real project though. 'Shua built me some shelves for the back/play/schoolroom over the weekend and it's time to get all those homeschooling resources piled onto them...hurray! Other than that, the trip plans and general housecleaning.
One of my favorite things... a night off from kitchen duty...thanks Jodi!
A few plans for the rest of the week… cleaning, playing with the boys, a little yard work, putting things on hold at Kohl's until the sale on Saturday, working 4 nights, game night, taking 'Shua to the airport and enjoying Dan being home over the weekend. It's a humble life, but a good one!
Here is picture thought I am sharing... Derek's 4th birthday was on Saturday and we had such fun playing at the Kids Kindness Day at our local park...everything was free and we all had a blast!

If you enjoy this post and want to read other's like it..visit http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ Miss Peggy is has returned from her vacation and given us a place to post our links once again...welcome back, Miss Peggy!