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Monday, November 30, 2009

November Catch up Post

Hello Turkey! I can't wait to gobble you up, no pun intended!


Oh my gravy...is it the end of November ALREADY? When did that happen? Sorry about the pitiful state of my blog this month, we've just been busy, busier, and busiest around here. School is in full swing,,,4 days a week with Fridays being 'life lesson' day...grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking, baby chasing lessons, etc. ABeka for Arithmetic and Language Arts and then My Father's World for Bible, Art, History, Science, Music and Geography. We studied an overview of the world, maps and globes in the early part of the month, and have started our study on North America that will last until the new year. David is still doing gymnastics thanks to Jodi's generosity and is at the gym on T, TH and F from 4:30 to 7:30, and 8-9 on Sat AM. Phew...that's a LOT of gymnastics. Happily, it coordinates nicely with Jodi's tutoring job at the gym and she does almost all of the ferrying back and forth. We work on getting all of school done before he has to leave, which helps Mama with her accountability with school not dragging on all day. Pat is looking forward to joining a karate class soon after the new year and is doing well in school...settles in and gets it done. He's finally caught on to the concept of just working instead of fussing about it and then you can get back to the playing. (Thank you Jesus!) He really enjoys his tent room and spends many happy hours there, making little forts, reading to himself or the littles and entertaining Titus in there. Dan has introduced him to the idea of working out and set him up a little workout routine which he follows religiously...and even 'coaches' the other kids when they want to play, too. David is hoping for his own room soon, but that depends on what size house we can find when we move from here. Derek is catching on to his letters, colors and numbers quite well, considering I only sit and do 'formal' school with him about one day a week. Other days is just reading to him, singing songs and educational videos. He LOVES to get up to the table with the big boys and 'help' do project with them...and I'm fine with that. It's the busy season for me at work right now and I'm not ashamed to admit that working until 2-3 AM 4 nights a week is kicking my behind. I keep telling myself that it's only for the next few weeks...but at 7 AM the next morning, I don't really care, I just want to sleep more. I find myself discouraged that I haven't even BEGUN my Christmas prep yet. There's been no money to buy gifts and no time to craft gifts, so maybe I'll steal Jodi's idea and promise everyone a date. We shall see how that goes. I'm having trouble even finding my Christmas spirit this year yet, so I ordered White Christmas from Netflix and put it at the top of my Que...LOL! That should help. Dan is still working, still in Hurley and still hating it. He actually said the other day that he had considered walking off the job (Dear God in Heaven...NNNNoooooooo!) The one co-worker just refuses to behave like a grown up and is driving him to distraction. Same guy actually threatened Dan the other day (he MUST be crazy) Anywho, I'm just praying that he can manage to deal until his job switches to somewhere else. I just keep saying to myself that the Lord will provide...and He will, just not necessarily in my timing or the way I want. And that's the hard part. But that's ok too, because the hard stuff brings growth in my life, and I need that.
Moving on...Thanksgiving was great, Karen and Ty, plus 'Shua and Lauren came for dinner with us. Everyone pitched in to get dinner on the table and it was delish! Dan helped me with the Turkey and I think Julia Child would have been proud. No turkey has ever been so lovingly prepared for the oven...Muahahahah! We sat around the table and chatted a while, then Dan put away food and Karen did the dishes....can it be Thanksgiving EVERY day?? : ) We went and had pie at Mama Lou's house and chatted with everyone there. Friday we spent the day at home doing absolutely nothing...and doing it well! Saturday was our pie and coffee get together and was essentially a game night without pizza. We ate pie and guzzled coffee until we were on a sugar high and had bloated tummies, then sat and played games for hours. It was AWESOME...really enjoyed it. So here it is, the last day of November: Dan is at work in Hurley, the boys are in bed and all I am hearing is the dryer tumbling our last load of clothes for the day and myself typing, I'm headed out for work in 30 minutes and life is full. And good. And God is blessing us... in SPITE of us. A few prayer requests and then some pictures to get you up to date.
  • Dan could use some prayer to calm his pressure at work, he's about to be at the breaking point.

  • I need to get the house back to being a safe haven for him so that he can rest and refresh while he is at home.

  • While we are making great strides in our schooling adventures, there is always room for improvement. Jodi and I were talking today that I always say that this is the best year EVER for homeschooling...and it is, but as I look back, I always see what I could have done better, or not done at all, or differently, and sometimes I get frustrated that it isn't going as well as it could, or I'm not keeping up with with homeschooling Jones' so prayer for me to remember that I'm doing the best I can, or if I'm not, to use that discouragement as EN~couragement to change directions and make THIS the best year ever....PERIOD.
  • Jodi and Aaron are going through some changes and are struggling a bit...pray for them, their marriage and their children. Help Dan and I to be better examples of not only forgiveness, determination, and making it work, but of love.
  • Karen and Ty are going to Cali for Christmas to see Dolli and family. Travelling mercies and to have a wonderful time together!

  • Dan and I need to get back to having regular time together, away from the kids and the house. Prayers for not only the TIME to do that, but the opportunity to do that without sacrificing what little family time we have at this point.

My goodness...this post seems a bit dark. Sorry about that...negativity is rearing it's head today. I am really frustrated about several things over which I have no control, and that frustrates me too...LOL! On the upside...Advent starts tomorrow, Dan will be home in 3 days and we have NEW friends coming for game night...all is well! OK, a few pics and I'm done...this is MUCH longer than I anticipated. Hugs all around!
~K~


Pat is hard at work...he's a champ!


David LOVES his long hair!


A place for plans to keep me on track


Oooo, look at Daddy's new fish!

'Shua and James enjoy some time with Rusty...he's so cute!

Jared and Kelly have made a masterpiece...man, we need to get a life if that is considered entertainment...LOL~

Devin turned 15 this week...he's getting so grown up!

Simple Woman's Daybook


For Today... November 30, 2009
Outside my window... It is rainy and cool....making me want to just sit and read with a cup of tea.
I am thinking... that any day that I can use an educational video for school instead of worksheets is a wonderful thing!
I am thankful for... So, so, SOOOO many things, but today on the top of my mind is my relationship with 'Shua and Lauren. I treasure the times we spend together. They bring their triumphs, heartaches, questions, and little things to me and I am honored, humbled and OH so grateful to be such a part of their lives.
I am wearing... Ack...ugly brown capris and a worn out Curves t shirt. My cleaning clothes
I am remembering... that Dan hates clutter and I need to do a better job of keeping it contained...oops!
I am Going... for today, just work. The rest of the week...well, mostly the same...LOL! Maybe a trip to the library, some small errands and a grocery trip.
I am Reading... Robinson Crusoe, Hero Tales and Going to Green
I am Hoping... to wake up looking like Angelina Jolie someday....Muahahah! Just kidding! I'm really hoping to get the house clean this week...and I mean REALLY clean!
On my Mind... Christmas, and how unprepared we are this year. Last year at this time, we were pretty much done, and this year we haven't even started. Haven't even talked about what we are done. Haven't even figured out where the money is coming from. I'm a bit concerned, but I'm trusting that between crafting and Dan's vacation money, we will do just fine.
From the learning rooms... the boys are watching an educational geography video about the US. We are on week 4 of MFW and are starting a unit on North America. We are still playing catch up with ABeka, but are making good progress.
Noticing that... those old fogies from my youth were right...time DOES go by faster as we get older...where HAS this year gone?!?
Pondering these words...
From the kitchen... there's a man in my kitchen making turkey soup...I love that! This week, the kitchen is getting a DEEP cleaning, so we are eating a less 'exciting' menu, less prep, less mess, less time spent in there so I have time to clean in...LOL

  • Monday~Tacos
  • Tuesday~Turkey soup
  • Wednesday~Leftovers
  • Thursday~Mac and cheese with hot dogs
  • Friday~Pizza
  • Saturday~Freezer Food
  • Sunday~Chicken Parmesan
Around the house... I am only halfway done with my to do list for the day, but I still have time to finish. So onto the kitchen....each day has it's own DEEP clean day this week. The bathroom is done, thanks to Dan and horrible toxic chemicals. The kitchen is today, DR is tomorrow and LR is Wednesday. Then on Thursday, a quick touch up on all public rooms, a full Home Blessing and some extra dusting. Friday, game night prep. Saturday...NOTHING! ; )
One of my favorite things... new friends to invite to game night. YEAH! And also, a cool rainy day to just sit and read.... it will happen someday!
From my picture journal... Shouldn't everyone be this happy and this relaxed at some point during their life??


If you are living the simple life, pondering the simple life or just want to read more thoughts of those who are living the simple life, join us over at the delightful Miss Peggy's Site www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com or click on the picture at the top. Thanks for joining me today!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook...are you content to linger on the simple things? Then join me and many others in taking a look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on simplicity...Beauty of 'everyday' moments. JOIN US here or click on the picture above.

For today... that LAST few days before Thanksgiving, November 23, 2009
Outside my window...The sun shines furiously while birds sit on telephone wires and clouds float lazily past.

I am thinking...That an early morning workout is a wonderful thing...once you get past the injustice of rising so early...LOL!

I am thankful...The threat of impending unemployment, which reminds me of this point...How we need to be mindful at ALL times that it's GOD that provides the job and the money, not hubby, even though he is a hard worker. (At least, I'm TRYING to be grateful...LOL!)

I am wearing...the aforementioned workout attire

I am remembering...that muscles that haven't worked in 6 days, like to keep it that way, I'm feeling sore already.

I am going...nowhere else today. Ready to be home cleaning, baking and teaching today.

I am reading...Hero Tales, Robinson Crusoe and Thy Brother's Wife

I am hoping...to get a FULL week of school in this week, despite the break for Thanksgiving and Dan being home. Although I do intend to let the boys spend some time with Dan learning how to fix things...life lessons day to the rescue ; )
On my mind...That I should be working instead of blogging, there is MUCH to do today!

Noticing that...This year needs to S~L~O~W down, I'm not ready to head into 2010

From the learning rooms...
Week 4 of My Father's World, and lessons 30-35 for Abeka Arithmetic and Language arts...OH, and some new book basket books (so a trip to the library is in short order)

Pondering these words...Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you! AND Be anxious for nothing...that part is hard!

From the kitchen...Many tasty things this week, but to start with, baking day today. 3 loaves of wheat, and maybe a loaf of white for french toast. For the rest of the week...

  • Monday~Fish Stix, Fries and Cauliflower

  • Tuesday~Chicken Freid Rice and Chicken patties

  • Wednesday~Steak Fajitas

  • Thursday~Thanksgiving, HURRAY!

  • Friday~Pizza but no game night, Just us this week

  • Saturday~Breakfast for dinner~ Eggs, bacon, sausage, hash brown patties

  • Sunday~Lasagna and Broccoli

Around the house...well, it's a Monday morning, there is a BUNCH to be done...starting with making tea anBoldd bread and ending with a hopefully clean house full of baked goodies by tonight before I go to bed.

One of my favorite things...The satisfaction that comes from knowing I gave my level best to that day...in everything~ being a Godly wife and Mother, teacher/leader, homemaking, a good daughter and sister, friend and companion.

From my picture journal...ahh, is there anything that smells better than fresh bread?? I take quite a bit of pride in my mad bread baking skillz...LOL! It's been an amazing journey this past year. I haven't bought a loaf of bread in almost a year...wheee!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Simple Woman's Daybook

Would you like to linger on the simple things...then join me and many others in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on simplicity...beauty of everyday moments. 'Simple Woman'
For Today... November 16, 2009
Outside my window... the calm cool day awaits
I am thinking... that blogging is one of the best inventions EVER...and that being able to make it into a 'real' book is a delightful option.
I am thankful for... time spent with family, just being together, whether hiking, playing board games or just lounging around...family time is happy time
I am wearing... my pjs since I just got up...but as soon as I wrap this up, I'll be changing into my 'let's clean this house' clothes...LOL
I am remembering... a well spent day yesterday hiking and climbing at City of Rocks State Park
I am going... to the library, and to work, that's all for today.
I am reading... Mad Mary by Liz Higgs Curtis (a re-read, but decidedly worth it) Kingdom Tales and Life Made From Scratch
I am hoping... to squeeze in some more reading time before working tonight, I have been missing time to read
On my mind... many things, but finance/housing issues and trusting God are at the top of the list. My goodness, trusting is HARD sometimes!
From the learning rooms... looking forward to another great week like last week! We are really getting into our MFW curriculum, and the ABeka 'core' subjects are humming along nicely, too! Time to start hunting for new book basket books
I am noticing that... a few minutes of tidying each evening makes waking up a much nicer thing.
I am pondering... what growing older in spirit while growing younger in body must feel like (watched 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons' last night) Hmmm...
Around the kitchen... dishes are waiting to be washed, dried and used again, bread has already been baked for the week, including a fancy braided loaf (mmmm) and it's time to head to the grocery store again, glad it's not my turn..LOL~ Here are the meal plans for the week...
  • Monday~ Chicken and pepper skillet
  • Tuesday~ Spaghetti and Garlic bread with Salad
  • Wednesday~ BLT's with carrot sticks and dip
  • Thursday~ Pork Chops, stuffing and Salad
  • Friday~Pizza
  • Saturday~Tacos
  • Sunday~ Stuffed peppers
Around the house... boys are playing nicely together right now, laundry is caught up, a stinky project awaits in my room (sigh) and it's time to get to DOING instead of sitting here thinking...LOL
One of my favorite things... Oh the choices! A sleepy Sunday evening spent after a day of much activity.
A picture thought I am sharing with you... Here is my oldest with the youngest. 'Shua is holding Derek and had the puppy on the other side of his lap. Derek just clibed up there and went to sleep on Fiday night. 'Shua is going to be such a great day someday!
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