Simple Woman’s Daybook

 

FOR TODAY, November 16th
Outside my window...sunshine and blue skies.  Yeah!
I am thinking...I have a few things to get done while Little A is napping.
I am thankful for...the yard projects we were able to complete last weekend.
From the learning rooms...we read an interesting book about loons this morning.
From the kitchen...Do you think the family will really expect dinner tonight again too????
I am wearing...Taupe sweater and brown pants.
I am creating...Christmas gift ideas. . .for me! :o
I am going...to bring the kids to their Christmas program practice this evening.
I am reading...a Real Simple magazine about house cleaning.
I am hoping...this healthy streak continues for our family.
I am hearing...one practicing piano and others playing football outside.
Around the house...I cleaned a bathroom and mudroom today.  Feels so nice. . .for a few moments, anyway. J 

One of my favorite things...Hearing the boys play Lego’s together. . .nicely.
A few plans for the rest of the week:  Dentist, teeth cleaning appointments.  Yippee!
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

What a cute baby bump, huh?  A friend of mine (not me) expecting #8!

Go to The Simple Woman’s Daybook HERE to read other Daybooks or to create one of your own.

Happy Monday,

Heather

Nominated!

Last week I went to The Homeschool Post to vote for my friend Tammy at Garden Glimpses since her blog was nominated in the Best Encourager Blog category.

I enjoyed browsing the other nominated blogs.

And then lo and behold I got down to the Best New Homeschool Blog category and was shocked to find Simply Grand Central! 

My mouth dropped open!  What a fun surprise!

So I am unabashedly asking my regular readers (you do not have to be a homeschooler) to take an extra minute and cast a vote for me.

Go HERE  to vote.  Find the Best New Homeschool Blog which is towards the bottom (#24), click on that, then find Simply Grand Central, click on the dot then hit the VOTE button.

Thank You!!

Your vote has brought a simply grand smile to my face.J

Heather

Look!. . .Up in the tree!

The kids were very excited to spot an owl up in a tree yesterday.

We discovered it was a Barred owl.

Here is an up close YouTube video:

Voice: Loud, very vocal hooting, often in response to each other. "Hoo-hoo-to-hoo-oo, hoo-hoo to wha-aa" suggests " Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" They are extremely vocal in February and March, and again during late summer and fall. Probably the most vocal of all owls.

Here’s what they look like as babies, 3-4 wks old:

 

 

Zman took the following pictures:

Never know what you’ll be seein’ around here.

Happy Thursday!

Heather

 

Simply Grand Reading Rendezvous

Our author this week is Robert McCloskey.  There are several books I will always remember from my childhood and one of them is Make Way for Ducklings.  I’m collecting copies to give to my grandkids one day.  Here are some quotes from the author:

Robert McCloskey, who was born and grew up in Hamilton, Ohio says:

I attended public school, and from the time my fingers were long enough to play the scale, I took piano lessons. I started to play the harmonica, the drums, and then the oboe. The musician's life was the life for me - that is, until I became interested in things electrical and mechanical. I collected old electric motors and bits of wire, old clocks, and Mechano sets. I built trains and cranes with remote controls, my family's Christmas trees revolved, lights flashed and buzzers buzzed, fuses blew and sparks flew. The inventor's life was the life for me - that is, until I started making drawings for the high school annual.

   Years later. . .

On the strength of his new paintings, McCloskey got a job in Boston, assisting Francis Scott Bradford in making an enormous mural of famous people of Beacon Hill. Then he got the idea for Make Way For Ducklings.

I had first noticed the ducks when walking through the Boston Public Garden every morning on my way to art school. When I returned to Boston four years later, I noticed the traffic problem of the ducks and heard a few stories about them. The book just sort of developed from there.

So that he could draw the ducks exactly, he bought four squawking mallards and took them home to his apartment. "The ducks had plenty to say - especially in the early morning. I spent the next weeks on my hands and knees, armed with a box of Kleenex and a sketchbook, following the ducks around the studio and observing them in the bathtub." Make Way For Ducklings was awarded the Caldecott Medal, given annually for the most distinguished American picture book for children, and has sold more than 2 million copies in hardcover and paperback.

Some day I’d like to travel to the East Coast and visit Boston, Massachusetts.   Did you know there is sculpture in the Boston Public Garden in honor of McCloskey’s book?

 

These are the McCloskey books we enjoyed this week. . .

 

 

As with each turn of the page a story unfolds with intrigue and surprise. . .

so was my day today. 

Three unexpected guests.

Each bringing their unique world of experience, stories, love, laughter, and information. . . adding unexpected delight and interest to our day.

Here’s a picture from our first unexpected guest. . .

Grandpa!

Driving his infamous 1958 pink Cadillac.

Look who’s  roundin’ the bend. . .

It’s Grandpa!

The kids are just a little excited to greet him.

 

And guess what? 

He’s takin’ us to Culver’s for lunch!

Unexpected surprises and love from family and friends.

“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”  Psalm 107:8-9

Happy reading. . .

and Happy surprises too!

Heather$

 

Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY... November 9, 2009

Outside my window... it was a beautiful fall day filled sunshine and a delightful temperature of 50 degrees.

I am thinking... this warmer weather and sunshine makes it hard to believe it’s November.  November means Thanksgiving is just around the corner. . . .and then Christmas. . . Yikes!!
I am thankful for...safe travels for several family members this week. 
I am wearing... black pants and a brown top with brown vest.  (I have a pretty boring wardrobe. . . I finish this sentence the same every week!)
I am remembering... it was 12 years ago this week I was pregnant and due anytime with my first child.  We were sooo excited!
I am going... to bed on time tonight.  Really!  I promise.

I am reading...  Prayers From A Mother’s Heart by Ruth Bell Graham 
I am hoping... our eldest son has a happy birthday day on Thursday.
On my mind... Little Stellan's miraculous, successful heart surgery this afternoon.  The Lord has done an amazing work in this little boys’ life.

From the learning rooms... Robert McCloskey books this week.  Make Way for Ducklings is an all time favorite of mine.

Noticing that...  with time change we are getting the kids ready for bed earlier and spending more time reading in the evening.

Pondering these words... “Lord, please help me develop a gentle, pleasant tone of voice.  Someone once said, ‘Most of the tensions of everyday life are caused by tone of voice.’  I know it’s true with me.  So please help me.”  Ruth Bell Graham

From the kitchen... I’m lacking in the meal planning department this week.  Not even a pot of soup in the making.  Although one son recently lamented, “all we have is soup nowadays”.  I guess he’ll be glad. :)

Around the house... my carpets were cleaned today and they look sooo much better.

One of my favorite things~ Listening to my kids giggle and laugh as they did this weekend watching The Love Bug.

From my picture journal...

You can create your own Daybook or read others by going HERE.

Hope it was a good Monday!

Heather

 

Saturday Cider

We have wonderful neighbors.

They have an apple press and invited

our family to come make cider.

We all had such fun. . .rinsing, turning, filling and tasting!

Absolutely delish!!

And cider tastes super with donuts. . .

Little A says, “Shhhh, I had three but don’t tell anybody!”

Hope you had some delish in your Saturday too!

Heather

 

Testing

Our children will not always be under our watchful eye,

or surrounded by our hugs, advice, discipline, admonition, etc.

We train, we teach, we discipline all in preparation for the

day they will be out on their own. 

It is then that they will need to “own”  and define their

faith, their self-discipline, their priorities, their morals, their

friendships. . .

And they will most certainly be tested.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  James 1:12(NIV)

“Father, thank You that You will never leave us or forsake us.  As our children face difficult situations, remind him of this truth.  Strengthen him to endure these trials so that one day he can receive the crown of life You promised to those who love You.”

“This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.” Rev 14:12(NIV)

“Dear God, may Your Holy Spirit encourage our children to begin building a lifestyle of patient endurance.  Instill in them willingness to obey Your commandments and always be faithful to Jesus Christ.  Deepen their trust in You their God and Savior.”

The above quotes from “While They Were Sleeping”.

This post led me to the book, “While They Were Sleeping” by Anne Arkins and Gary Harrell. (12 character traits for moms to pray)

From the back cover. . . “It’s true-you can teach and model godly values, encourage wise choices, and set guidelines for your child.  But did you know that one of the greatest ways to nurture your child’s life is. . .by praying for him?  This book can be a valuable tool in helping you to pray specifically and systematically for your child.”

I know I need to pray more intentionally and specifically for my children.

I need to pray character into the hearts of my children.

I need to pray they will be prepared and they will know Who to turn to when the day of testing arrives.

Hope you had a good Tuesday,

Heather

Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY, November 3, 2009
Outside my window...the sun is shining and it’s a beautiful fall day.
I am thinking...I need to get out to vote yet today.
I am thankful for...the lives of my children and their daily positive life experiences.
From the learning rooms...I’m feeling a bit drained from the daily time commitment homeschooling requires. On a positive note, I am particularly enjoying our Sequential Spelling program and the Abeka history book I am reading with my 4th graders.
From the kitchen...I have a hankering for pumpkin pie.
I am wearing...A brown sweater, brown vest and black pants.
I am creating...photo collages for a particular Christmas present.
I am going...to pick up Ciabatta (?) bread to have with our soup tonight.
I am reading...the latest Consumer Reports ratings on laptop computers.
I am hoping...we can tarp all the piles of leaves and drag them into the woods before the snow flies.
I am hearing...the boys playing football out in the front yard.
Around the house...it’s pretty much a complete mess.  I need to get the troops in and clean up their “zones”. (But I’m enjoying the quiet too much!)
One of my favorite things...is watching the kids play in the big piles of leaves.
A few plans for the rest of the week:  Welcoming a local photographer to our homeschool group and learning all I can from her.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing:  Is it just my daughter?  She is constantly taking off all her clothes (and diaper), redressing herself or simply walking around naked!!  The boys never did that!

Read other Daybooks or create your own by going HERE.

Happy Tuesday!

Heather

a cheerleader

We rooted for you, Packers!

Better luck next time.

As you head home tonight,

don’t look down. . .

but hold your head high. . .

 

No matter what, we’ll always be cheering for you.

And Brett. . .good game. 

We wish you all the best. 

(P.S. sorry for those “booing” fans.)

Happy fall football,

Heather

 

the big game is here

Packers vs. Vikings @ Lambeau Field, Green Bay

Will the fans cheer Brett Favre?

Will some boo?

Kick off is in 15 minutes.

So we’ll soon find out.

Keep your eye on that ball boys!

And run like the wind!!

My little words of advice.

We’ll be watching the game with friends. . .and guess what?

They’re Vikings fans!!!!

Let the fun begin!

Happy Sunday,

Heather

Simply Grand, Reading Rendezvous

TV. 

If kids are entertained by two letters,

imagine the fun they'll have with twenty-six. 

Open your child's imagination. 

Open a book.  ~Author Unknown

 

Our author this week is Deborah Hopkinson. She has written several picture books based on a historical event or person.

The following is an excerpt of an interview with Deborah Hopkinson from a blog entitled In the Pages:

 What has been one of your favorite books to write?

ABE LINCOLN CROSSES A CREEK, which was recently named an ALA Notable, was so much fun to write. My editor, Anne Schwartz, did a fantastic job of helping me envision this story as a collaboration between author and illustrator.

Where is your favorite spot to write?

Well, although I do have an office in my home, I have to admit my favorite spot to write is sitting on my bed with my laptop and a portable ironing board – which is where I am at this very moment.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

As a girl I loved to read. I think I wanted to be a writer from the time I was in fourth grade. But I wasn’t exactly sure how to go about that. When my daughter was born and we began reading picture books, I realized that picture books were short enough for a busy working mom to try. And so I’ve been writing ever since. I have also worked full time during my writing career and am now vice president for college advancement for the Pacific Northwest College of Art.

We really enjoyed learning new facts from history.  Here is an excerpt from Sky Boys, How They Built the Empire State Building:

“May 1, 1931:  opening day.  Finished in record time! 

Sixty thousand tons of steel,

ten million bricks,

two thousand tons of marble,

sixty-five hundred windows,

seventy miles of water pipes,

eighteen hundred and sixty stairs. 

One year and forty-five days,

seven million man-hours,

more than three thousand men—

a triumph of speed, safety, and efficiency, and something else, too:  beauty.”

          

 

    

    

 

Happy Reading!

Heather $

 

Pumpkin Icebox Pie

Fall baking. . . isn't it delicious?! I love anything pumpkin.

I found this recipe in Everyday Food -a Martha Stewart magazine.

I made it last night and everyone LOVED it so I had to share. . .

Here's the recipe:

PUMPKIN ICEBOX PIE

for the crust:

• 16 cinnamon graham crackers, broken into pieces (I used regular g.c. and just added a little cinnamon)
• 1T dark brown sugar (I used light)
• 1/2 t salt (I omitted)
• 1/2 C butter, melted and cooled

for the filling and topping:

• 3 t unflavored powdered gelatin (from 2 packets)
• 1 can pure pumpkin puree
• 4 oz. cream cheese
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 C packed dark-brown sugar (I used light)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 C heavy cream
• 1T confectioners' sugar

1. Make crust: Preheat oven to 325. In a food processor, combine graham crackers, sugar, and salt; process until fine crumbs form. With machine running, slowly pour butter through feed tube and process until mixture resembles wet sand. (I bought pre-crushed crumbs and combined it all in the pie plate) Press crumbs in bottom and up sides of a 9-inch square baking dish. (I used a pie plate) Bake until crust is deep golden brown and fragrant, 20 minutes. Let cool completely in baking dish on a wire rack.

2. Meanwhile, make filling: Place 1/4 C cold water in a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin on top and let stand 5 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree and cream cheese until smooth. In a small saucepan, combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; bring to a simmer over medium. Add gelatin mixture an stir until completely dissolved. Pour milk mixture into pumpkin mixture and whisk until completely smooth.

3. Pour filling into cooled crust and refrigerate until chilled and completely set, about 3 hours (or wrap tightly with plastic and refrigerate, up to 2 days). To serve, whip cream with confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form. Top pie with whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Enjoy!

Happy fall baking,

Heather

October Days

“It Was One of Those Fine October Days”

It was one of those fine October days
free from summer’s heat and haze
but not yet gripped by autumn chill.
It was one of those fine October days
when the sky’s so clear
you can see the moon
through the atmosphere
at midday.
It was one of those fine October days
when the trees sport yellow and red
instead of everyday summer green.
It was one of those fine October days
when one draws a deep breath
and is grateful
to be resident on Earth.

-Richard Greene

It certainly was a fine October day.

A bit chillier than it appeared.

The bright sunshine was a welcome and invigorating sight.

Most of the leaves have fallen and soon we’ll be raking the lawn. . .

and then the snowflakes will fall and overstay their welcome.

Hopefully in that order.

I’ve enjoyed the bright afternoon sunshine beaming through the family room window during this time of year.

 

“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth’. . .”  Genesis 1:14

Happy last days of October,

Heather