A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, February 23, 2009

Outside my window...the skies are blue, the sun is shining and it's 21 degrees. Warmer than the -10 in the early am.

I am thinking...that in these difficult economic times God provided a job for my husband and I am thankful that we did not have to move.

I am thankful for...my grandpa celebrating his 92nd birthday today!

From the learning rooms...we read about Booker T. Washington, learned about using the dictionary, math story problems, & AWANA.

From the kitchen...the left-over rotisserie chicken is simmering on the stove and will make a delicious chicken noodle soup for dinner.

I am wearing...a cream colored sweater, pumpkin colored vest and black pants.

I am creating...a grocery list.

I am going...grocery shopping tonight.

I am reading...a No Greater Joy magazine.

I am hoping...to start a new walking routine.

I am hearing...Mr. H laughing as he teases Mr. Z. (The laughing will soon turn to crying.)

Around the house...we're cleaning up from lunch and will soon have quiet reading time and listen to Story of the World.

One of my favorite things...is chocolate along with a cup of coffee.

A few plans for the rest of the week: The first piano lesson for the three oldest boys and two home school co-op clubs.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. . . The kids spotted three woodpeckers out the window this morning. I quickly snapped a picture of one.

THANKS FOR READING MY DAYBOOK!

I hope this Monday is a great start to your week.

You can check out other daybooks or create one of your own HERE.

Heather

My Favorite. . . Salad Dressing

Back from swimming. . .Time for lunch.

The kids are having Kraft Mac n' Cheese.

Can I make something a bit healthier for myself?

Ah, yes my favorite salad with my new favorite dressing.

My favorite salad is:

Spinach, apple, mandarin oranges, golden raisins, sugar-toasted walnuts, & Parmesan cheese

The easiest, most delicious homemade dressing:

1/3 C maple syrup

1/3 C olive oil

1/3 C apple cider vinegar

I think you'll find it tasty too!

Hope you're having a super Saturday!

Heather

Sunshine!

It always surprises me how a sunshiny day can boost ones spirits.

It's not even that I was feeling "down" but the brightness outside simply puts a skip in my step.

Today was one of those bright days.

After a little schoolwork. . .

(Miss polka-dot has to grab a pencil and a school book. . . just like everyone else!)






It was time to play outside.

The beautiful sunshine was a bit deceitful though.

Only 18 degrees today.




Then after a co-op basketball game and a few errands, my little baker (Mr. J) made some

delicious banana crumb muffins. (Guess I buy too many bananas, huh?)


(Kelli's picture from "No place like home")


I found the recipe over at "No Place Like Home". You can go to Kelli's post HERE to check out her scrumptious muffin recipe.

I hope you had some brightness in your day too.

Happy Thursday,

Heather

Crepes!

This crepe recipe has become our new family favorite for any meal of the day.

Kathy's Crepes

8 eggs

2 C flour

4 C milk

3 T Oil

3 T Sugar

3 T vanilla

Mix together in a blender.

For fruit topping: Place frozen fruit in pot, add a little water, a little cornstarch and a little sugar. (How's that for precise baking?)

Simmer until thickened.

Top crepes with fruit, maple syrup and a dollup of whip cream.

Is this dinner or dessert, huh?

It's delicious. . . You have to try it!

OK, MAYBE A BIT MESSY FOR SOME. . . BUT WORTH IT!

Wednesday Blessings,

Heather

It's 38!

Look who toddled out onto the deck to see what she could see?


Yes. . .in her bare feet!

And look what she found!

There's so much to see outside!

It's 38 degrees here today. . .that's spring-like for us!

Happy Tuesday from the woods,

Heather

Wonder

This week at iheartfaces the theme is "wonder". I wonder what Mr. J. was thinkin' about as I snapped this photo down at the lake one summer day in July of 2006.

Tuesday blessings,

Heather

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, February 16, 2009

Outside my window...there are grey skies and a white snow covered landscape.

I am thinking...it's not what I say but how I say it.

I am thankful for...the progress I made on my filing project this weekend.

From the learning rooms...we've worked on AWANA, three spelling tests, and math.

From the kitchen...I'll be making meatloaf for dinner.

I am wearing...a brown knit sweater and black pants.

I am creating...piles of laundry to be done today.

I am going...to the hardware store for light bulbs and bring the kids to AWANA tonight.

I am reading...a chapter of the Psalms to the kids during our "table time" in the morning.

I am hoping...my husband's meeting goes well for him this afternoon and that the basement ceiling water leak does not continue.

I am hearing...the sound of the washing machine.

Around the house...two kids are on a time-out for not speaking kindly, one is napping, and the others are hungry for lunch.

One of my favorite things...is our worship time at church on Sunday mornings.

A few plans for the rest of the week: The usual routine with interspersed surprises to be sure.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. . . A picture of Miss A. taken outside after returning home from church yesterday.

Stop by HERE to see other daybooks or to create one of your own.

Hope you are having a magnificent Monday!

Heather

Consider It Joy

Consider it joy, pure joy, when troubles come,

many trials will make you strong.

This is part of the lyrics to a song titled "Consider it Joy" by Graham Kendrick.

We sang this at the end of our service today and it continues to play in my mind.

Based upon James 1:2 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Sometimes I wonder what trials my (now) little ones will face.

It breaks my heart to think of them having troubles come their way. Though indeed, they will.

I cannot hold up a shield to block every "arrow" aimed at them.

I must remind myself that those trials will develop their faith and a spirit of perserverance.

Lord, more than they ever realize now, they need to develop a close relationship with you. Help me to nurture that most important connection.

Heather

Changin' it up!

As a home school mom it seems every now and then I simply need a change from the daily school routine. Today was one of those days.

So instead of the usual textbooks, we changed things up a bit.

Here's our day in pictures. . .

We made patriotic valentine's for the two parties coming up. . .

Our volcano erupted. . .

Miss A. played with Play-doh for the very first time and loved it!

We worked on puzzles and played some favorite games. . .



The kids enjoyed making chocolate covered pretzels. . .

And valentine cut-out sugar cookies.

They were even allowed to spend computer time on kids.nationalgeographic.com.

And after 4 loads of laundry, which is still piled on my kitchen table, I'm all tuckered out!

My change of pace day may not have been restful but it was definitely refreshing!

Hope your busy Wednesday had a touch of refreshment too!

Blessings,
Heather

P.S. I gave yesterdays' basketball court 3 hours and then decided the new drywall truly was worth protecting! Poor boys, huh? Mommy kicked them out of the family room and into the rec room.

Hang Time!

I always hesitate before I head down stairs. . . I'm never quite sure what the kids have been up to since I had been down there last time.

This time I knew something was up.

I was right! The furniture had been moved, the rug rolled back and blue painter's tape had been placed throughout the floor.

Mom, Look! Our new basketball court! These are the 1, 2 & 3 point lines for playing "pig"!

The new NERF basket from the AWANA "store" last night.

The bench?

At least they decided the floor needed vacuuming before the big game!

Even Miss A. thought about getting involved.

It did get a little wild. Mom's rule: " Only 2 boys playing at one time! "

Is it ok Mom? Do you like it?

"I guess it's OK for now. We'll have to see how it goes. "

(Just wait till Mr. E. gets home tonight. He'll jump right in with the rest of them!)

When will I get my nice, neat family room back? I think I'll give it one week and then I'm done.

And that's life with 5 boys for ya!

Hope you're having a terrific Tuesday!

Heather

i heart faces - week 5

The theme this week over at iheartfaces is "SILLY".

Well, we've got silliness here, that is for sure. Just which one do I pick is the question.

I couldn't resist the beautiful baby blues of my nephew in a state of silliness!

KIDS ENTRY:

ADULT ENTRY:

And here's my Mr. E Puckering Up!

We had many fish fry dinners last spring. I (think) this may be a Crappy? I'll have to double check on that piece of info. I don't know my fish! (OK, it is officially a crappie but I spelled it incorrectly)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Monday, February 9, 2009

Outside my window...it is cloudy and grey, but the temp is 35!

I am thinking...tomorrow will be more productive, I hope!

I am thankful for...a computer.

From the learning rooms. . . we "spun our wheels" and accomplished little today.

From the kitchen...I'm waiting for the cooking fairy to stop by.

I am wearing...my "uniform": Black sport pants, brown long sleeve shirt and my oatmeal colored vest.

I am creating...a Valentine's Day card for my grandpa.

I am going...to clean up the house while the kids are at AWANA. (Mr. Z suggested that would be a good idea!)

I am reading...'08 Better Homes and Gardens magazines from my mil.

I am hoping...to begin and finish my dreaded filing project!

I am hearing...Miss A fussing and the Nancy Drew Mystery Audio Series playing on the computer while all the kids are listening.

Around the house...the clutter is beginning to pile again.

One of my favorite things...is a restful night's sleep. I'm hoping for that tonight.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Make Valentine's Day cards & treats for both home school groups.

Here is picture thought I am sharing:

Look at this adorable little guy I took a few shots of yesterday. . . Tooo cute!!

Check out other daybooks or create one of your own HERE

Hope you had a marvelous Monday!

Heather

Found It!

I had lost my favorite Fudge Brownie recipe. . . Until tonight. When my Mr. J asked his nightly question, "What's for dessert, Mom? How 'bout I make brownies?", my sweet tooth gave in and I decided to search again.

And I found it!

I think it will soon be your favorite too.

Fudge Brownies

1/2 C butter

2 sqares (2 oz) unsweetened chocolate

1 C sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 C flour

1/2 C chopped walnuts

Grease an 8x8x2-inch baking pan.

Melt butter and chocolate.

Remove from heat; stir in sugar.

Add eggs and vanilla; beat lightly just till combined (don't overbeat or brownies will rise too high, then fall).

Stir in flour and nuts.

Spread batter in pan.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cool. Cut into bars. Makes 16.

Photo from: Flickr (They were gone before I could take a picture!)

Hope you had a splendid Saturday!

Heather

Flashback Friday

Melinda over at Bloggin' It From The Burbs hosts "Flashback Friday" each week. For February, she has asked everyone to post a picture which exemplifies LOVE.


This one came to mind.


It was taken by my mother-in-law of my husband and our new daughter after church on Dedication Sunday.


Miss A is wearing the same dress I wore when I was baptized as a baby 40+ years ago.





Hope you had a fabulous Friday!
Heather

Show & Tell Friday

A fun Friday afternoon for me. Not much goin' on so where does my mind wander? Graphics. . . Photos. . . Go to Scrapblog.com and create a new banner for my blog!



Mr. A asked that I post his latest craft project on our blog. And since today is Show and Tell Friday over at No Place Like Home I thought I'd show this bead craft which I just found out about. (Thank you, Kathy!) Yes, after 11 years of parenting, this is new to me. . . I'm not the craftiest sort of mom, I guess! If you have kids in the 4-7 age range this is a great project which keeps them occupied and creating something they'll be very proud to display! These buckets of beads are reasonably priced. I found mine at Wal-Mart.

Well, my fun is coming to a close. Time to think about dinner and then. . . the funnest (oops, correction. . . ) MOST FUN job for any mom. . . GROCERY SHOPPING NIGHT! Whoo Hooo!!



Happy Friday to you!


Heather

Helpers

Yesterday was one of those days. . . I was "behind" all day. The morning shower took place at 4:30pm. . . dinner served at 7:00 pm. . . and the kitchen bar never was de-cluttered. But today, I was "out of the gate" with renewed energy and began our home school "table time" right on time. The best part was when Mr. Z declared he would be cleaning up the kitchen. And clean he did! He then led me into the kitchen with my eyes closed for the grand reveal. . . "Look Mom, you're going to be soooo happy!" And delighted I was!! You could see all the kitchen counters once again. He then banned everyone from the kitchen as he made PB & J for lunch. What a blessing God gave me today.

Speaking of helpers. . . Look at this little helper. She was asked to bring the garbage to the back door. But then. . .

Something must have distracted her.

The garbage bags ended up in the family room!


Now after a trip downstairs I say, "Yikes!" We have another clean-up project tomorrow. It's never ending, isn't it?

But I do thank God for my helpers.

Hope you had a wonderful Wednesday!

Heather

I Heart Faces, Week 4

Week four in the "i heart faces" contest has a theme of: "The eyes have it!". I've wanted to capture Mr. A's eyes because of the unique light blue streak in his right eye. This photo got it! (Taken New Years Eve 2008.)

KIDS ENTRY:

Enter your own picture HERE or simply have fun browsing the photos others have entered.

Happy Tuesday!


Heather

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, February 2, 2009

Outside my window...the sun is shining and it's 18 degrees. Not bad.

I am thinking... I need to get the cleaning & laundry done that I didn't get to this weekend.

I am thankful for...my health.

From the learning rooms...we had a library run this morning for some new books.

From the kitchen...It's AWANA night and that often means eggs and hashbrowns for dinner.

I am wearing...a white turtleneck and black sport pants.

I am creating...a meal plan for the week.

I am going...to take a walk this afternoon.

I am reading...the Duggar family biography - "Twenty and Counting"

I am hoping...I can clean the cluttered kitchen bar area tonight.

I am hearing...Mr. Z whistling a Christmas Song :)

Around the house...It's pretty quiet as two are sleeping and the rest are reading or getting ready for AWANA.

One of my favorite things...is going out to eat for breakfast.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Homeschool co-op, sports club, swimming lessons and the usual household chores and happenings.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. . .

Look who got into mommy's lipstick yesterday!!!!
Anyone have suggestions as to how to get lipstick out of carpet?

You can read other daybooks or create one of your own HERE.


Happy Monday!

Heather