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!