Simple Womans Day Book

FOR TODAY ~ Tuesday, June 1st

Outside my window... the sky is hazy from the forest fires in Quebec. The lawn still holds reminders of yesterday cookout.

I am thinking... How awesome my life is! Married to my best friend, blessed with wonderful kids, saved by Grace!

I am thankful for... Doug being home an extra day this weekend. It was wonderful to have him here. We accomplished so much and had a wonderful Memorial Day cook out with family friends.

From the learning rooms... Tying up the loose ends before we end the year. Taking some time with each of the girls to review the year and see where we are heading for the next.

From the kitchen... Honey Oat Wheat Bread, Granola, Blueberry Muffins, Tortillas, and Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream!

I am wearing... A few thrift store treasures: A soft green twill skirt, a white cotton blouse.

I am creating...Sarah's sweater is started, but it is going to be a long haul I think. I have a dress for Sarah as well as another for Rebekah. A clothes pin apron. Hannah asked for help with an apron for her doll. And there are some cushions for the font porch chairs and love seat to be made.

I am going... Sewing for Hannah and Youth Group for Sarah today. And then no where for the rest of this week. I am looking forward to a quiet week.

I am reading... The new edition of the on-line magazine, Rhythm of the Home. A wonderful publication. I strongly recommend you check it out.

I am hoping... The week is a s peaceful as it looks on the calendar. Our summer rhythm is just starting to come together. I love the change of seasons, but the transition leaves me a little dishevelled at times.

I am hearing... The quiet hum of the dishwasher. The last load of dishes from yesterdays festivities.

Around the house... Some more decluttering. Really trying to lighten the load and feel of the house.

One of my favorite things... A morning cup of coffee to keep me company in the garden as I weed. A great time of meditation and prayer.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Down time. Playing, creating, cooking, reading, laughing and loving!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

For a peek into the lives of others visit The Simple Woman's Day Book hosted by Peggy.

Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY ~ Tuesday, May 25th

Outside my window...The sun is shinning and the birds are busy at the feeder and the chickens are pecking in the grass.

I am thinking... Being a wife, a mother, and a homemaker. It saddens me to see how these rolls are being pushed aside for something "bigger", something "better". When really is there anything truly bigger or better than being a wife and a mother? I find so much joy in taking care of my family, feeding them, keeping a home for them. I can't imagine doing anything else. It truly is an honor.

I am thankful for... My beautiful family, our wonderful friends, and the gorgeous place we live.

From the learning rooms... Ordering our end of year tests, as we have decided to take that route this year. Finishing up math with Sarah. The last book club for Sarah. Selecting a new family read-a-loud.

From the kitchen... Tortillas with the "new" press, oatmeal~wheat bread, coffee cake, and pineapple pie. And on the dairy list - finish the kifer, yogurt, and mozzarella. And I am going to try my hand at kombucha.

I am wearing... My favorite white blouse, my long denim skirt, and my "new" floral apron, my uniform of sorts.

I am creating...I just finished the square for A Blanket of Love, I cried and prayed for this little boy and his father. I've cast on Sarah's sweater, but haven't gotten very far yet. I also have some bread bags and a laundry apron in the works.

I am going... The the ocean later this week. We have a homeschool field trip with the coast guard leading a tour of two light houses. The girls and I can't wait. I love the ocean.

I am reading... or thumbing through would be a better way of putting it: A stack of Mary Jane Farm magazines that a friend lent me.

I am hoping... To get the rest of the garden planted and that we wont have a frost. The peas, spinach, onions, and broccoli look good so far.

I am hearing...Nothing but the songs of the birds outside and the rhythmic breathing of my little one still asleep. Beautiful, peaceful quiet!

Around the house...A good mopping of the kitchen floor and scrub of the tub and then its outside. The wood shed needs a good hauling out.

One of my favorite things... Lemonade! I seemed to have forgotten how delightful a tall cold glass of lemonade is on a hot day. The pantry is full of bottles of organic lemonade I pick up for a song last week, but now I am thinking we may need to make some homemade.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Bike ride with the girls, Sew, Knit, Cook, Garden and Read!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My City girl wasn't sure what to make of this snake that just wanted a kiss.

Join in the fun of the Simple Woman's Day Book here.

Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY ~ Tuesday, May 18th

Outside my window...The sun is shinning and the birds are busy at the feeder and the chickens are pecking in the grass.

I am thinking... How much I love the quiet mornings when I can grab a cup of coffee and a few peaceful moments to myself to pray and organize my day!

I am thankful for... For everyday! Kelly, a dear young lady I knew via The Wellness Tree blog, recently passed away leaving her husband and soon to be two year old son. It makes one realize how precious every day is. I am going to focus on the small stuff ~ the joy, smiles and laughter found in the simple moments of my day with my children and husband. We often forget how precious and short those moments can be.

From the learning rooms...preparing for he end of year. This year we are going to take end of year test instead of having a portfolio evaluation. Something new and a little daunting for the girls, but I know they will shine.

From the kitchen...Whole wheat burger buns, tortillas, pumpkin coffee cake and hot pretzels.

I am wearing... My favorite white blouse, my long denim skirt, and my favorite floral apron, my uniform of sorts.

I am creating...Wool felt eggs, a dress/shirt for Sarah and cloth feminine pads. And I need to get to work on designing curtains for the kitchen and the bath.

I am going... to slow down this week. Hannah will be out for sewing class and we are headed to friends for the afternoon and dinner later in the week. Other than that we will be homebodies.

I am reading... or thumbing through would be a better way of putting it: One Yard wonders, Weekend Sewing and Weekend Knitting - lovely inspiration!

I am hoping... That the fact that Rebekah slept through the night last night wasn't a fluke, but the start of something wonderful.

I am hearing...Nothing but the songs of the birds outside and the rhythmic breathing of my little one still asleep. Beautiful, peaceful quiet!

Around the house...Tackling my desk. It needs a good hulling out!

One of my favorite things... Knitting. There is something so relaxing, so meditative about the whole process of knitting. The rhythm of the needles. The feel of the natural fibers. The sense of making something useful and beautiful.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Craft, Cook, Garden and Read!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

A moose from our Saturday morning walk in the bog.

Take a peak into the lives of other simple wonderful woman at this Tuesdays edition of the Simple Woman's Daybook.

Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY ~ Tuesday, May 11th

Outside my window...It is a sunny 33 degrees as we get ready to head into the bog for a bird watch.

I am thinking... How crazy we must appear to be going birding when it is freezing out!

I am thankful for... For my husband and my children. They truly are each a special blessing from God. I am going to try harder to remember that especially in the small and frustrating moments of motherhood.

From the learning rooms...nature walk in the bog, book club, sewing class, international night - all this on top of the usual math, reading, history and more

From the kitchen...More violet recipes, syrup is next.

I am wearing... Flannel lined jeans, wool socks, a green long sleeved T, a fleece vest and a wool hat. Yes, it is May and it is freezing!

I am creating...The crayon roll of Bekah still needs to be done, and I think I am going to make some roll-up covers for our wrap sandwiches. I hate using the foil.

I am going... to be running the girls from activity to activity this week. Trying to squeeze in the errands when I am out with them.

I am reading... The latest copy of Mary Jane's Farm, one of my favorite magazines. Thanks for lending me your issue!

I am hoping... The pace will slow down a bit, the weather will warm up a bit, and all the things we want to do, make, and share will find their way into our schedule.

I am hearing...Nothing but the songs of the birds outside. Beautiful, peaceful quiet!

Around the house...Vacuuming, mopping and dusting are on the agenda. I have been trying to put the house to bed at night as was suggested on another blog. And it really has been working. It is so nice to wake up to a clean kitchen and a tidy living room. Just starts the day off right.

One of my favorite things... Knitting. There is something so relaxing, so meditative about the whole process of knitting. The rhythm of the needles. The feel of the natural fibers. The sense of making something useful and beautiful.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Sewing class for Hannah has been continued! Our homeschool groups international night. Sarah first dance.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Tuesday, May 4th


Outside my window... The snow is finally gone and the sun is shining. The garden is waiting to be planted. The tulips are just starting to bloom and join the daffodils. The birds are busy building courting and building nests. I love to watch their dances.


I am thinking...How glad and at the same time sad that Perform It is over for the season. The kids put on a great show!


I am thankful for... A little down time this week. We have been running crazy with the play and all.

From the learning rooms...some math, some science, reading of course

From the kitchen...Tortillas for our tacos tonight and a bath of chocolate peanut butter chip cookies to share with friends tomorrow. A thank you for moving some furniture.

I am wearing...A khaki skirt and a purpler short sleeve t-shirt

I am creating...Still knitting the lace baktus have a crayon roll to make for Bekah. I would like to order a sundress pattern and fabric for Bekah too. And Hannah wants to sew some small projects still yet to be determined. I think we thumb through the book, One Yard Wonders.

I am going... To stay home as much as possible this week. We have been out way too much and it is starting to show. The girls are tired and snippy.

I am reading...Animal Farm

I am hoping...Doug's doing well at his second week of school!

I am hearing...Nothing but the songs of the birds outside. Beautiful, peaceful quiet!

Around the house...Today a hulling out of the girls rooms. Tomorrow we move furniture and Bekah into Hannah's room and Sarah into her own room.

One of my favorite things... Watching my girls grow up in to delightful, intelligent, caring, compassionate young woman. It is an honor to be their mother. They make me so proud.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hannah's last sewing class, a trip to the bog to see the birds, book club, and a college graduation this weekend.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Join the fun or see what other woman are doing and thinkkng at The Simple Woman's Daybook

A Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today… Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Outside my window... the sun is shinning finally. The temperatures are trying to climb, but it is still chilly. The birds are happily chirping as the snow is gone again.

I am thinking... about these next two crazy weeks with Sarah's play and Doug's school. How to incorporate family time and meet everyone needs.

I am thankful... for good friends to share a cup of coffee with.

I am wearing... my favorite denim skirt, long sleeve t, and a fleece pullover.

I am remembering... sweet conversations with my oldest daughter, what a delightful young woman she is growing up to be.

I am creating… lots!!! More felted bowls, crayon rolls, pillow case bags.. Also designing curtains for the upstairs bath and kitchen.

I am going... to run Sarah down to meet her ride to rehearsal.

I am reading... The American Frugal Housewife (1833 edition) A dear friend lent me this little book after I taught a make it for less class at our church.

I am hoping... the snow is really gone for good this time.

From the learning rooms… the usual, reading, math, science, history, map skills and art, not too much today though as we have a couple of friends coming over.

Noticing that... Rebekah is nursing less and less. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not or if I'm ready for her to stop completely. The little ones just grow up too fast.

From the kitchen… Making tortillas for tonight's dinner. Also need to make some sort of sweet for my sweets.

Around the house... cleaning and decluttering! Spring is here.

One of my favorite things: the sound of my children's laughter and playing

A few plans for the rest of the week: Getting Doug prepared to leave for school, making sure Sarah gets to play rehearsals, cleaning the chicken coop, and planting spinach and lettuce~hopefully.

From my picture journal...

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY TUESDAY, APRIL 13TH

Outside my window... the daffodils are finally starting to bloom even if it was a chilly 33 this morning

I am thinking... How truly blessed I am

I am thankful for... for my husbands new job

From the learning rooms...we're reading the third in the Mysterious Benedict Society aloud

From the kitchen...making three bean salad and blanching broccoli, green beans and wax beans to freeze

I am wearing...my favorite denim skirt and brown cashmere sweater ~ both thrift finds my favorite kind

I am creating...knitting a sweater for Sarah ~ my first BIG sweater

I am going... take the six kids for a nature walk and Hannah to sewing class

I am reading... Animal Farm in preparation for teen book club

I am hoping... the weather warms up so that I can get the spinach and peas planted outside

I am hearing... the spring birds

Around the house... dusting, bathrooms and planting

One of my favorite things... this chocolate as dark as possible ~ yummy!

A few plans for the rest of the week: managing to get Sarah to play rehearsal for the remainder of the week - the show is so close!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Join in at The Simple Woman's Daybook!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, May 25th. . .

Outside my window...
my garden is finally in the ground and loving the sunshine and fresh air. There are already a few yellow flowers on the tomato plants and the buds on the bean plant are just about to burst! Just praying that we don't have a late frost.


I am thinking...
how wonderful it is to have a weekday with just my girls. Oh the fun that we have planned.


I am thankful for...
my wonderful husband who works so hard to provide for us and doesn't ask for much at all in return.

From the learning rooms...
we are finishing up our science projects for the Science Fair on Friday. Hannah and I are discussing a way to make her school days more productive with less conflict. We are considering Sue Patrick's Workbox System.


From the kitchen...
I promised Hannah we would make soft pretzels and Sarah has been wanting to try homemade English muffins. And we need to make the tortillas for dinner and of course some kind of cookie.


I am wearing...
my favorite denim skirt with grey leggings, orange sock, white t-shirt and dark green fleece pullover, my mud boots are waiting by the door.


I am creating...
matching ribbon skirts for Rebekah and her doll Rosie. Plant markers for the garden. The Science Fair Program.


I am going...
to try and approach life, especially my children with a more quiet and meek spirit. The world tries to convince us that Biblical womanhood is weak. This is so far from the true. Biblical woman are so strong, for their strength is found in HIM. I want to be one of those woman.


I am reading...
I Love Dirt by Jennifer Ward
Clean Home, Clean Planet by Karen Logan
Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola

I am hoping...
that today is a peaceful, joyous fun filled day for a mother and her three daughters.


I am hearing...
my two year old singing while she and her big sister make waffles and bacon. The cheep-cheep of our 19 two week old chickens is in the background.


Around the house...
the spare bedroom/craft room is a MESS! Today's big project is to get it back in order and make it function for all of us.


One of my favorite things...
is sneaking out to weed my garden with a cup of coffee before anyone else is awake. I find this so relaxing and it is productive too!


A few plans for the rest of the week:
Music Class and Karate on Wednesday, to the farm to pick up eggs and honey, Homegrown Explorers Science Fair on Friday, birding on Saturday
**created a three ring binder system for the recipes I use often**
***change over the girls' clothes from winter to spring/summer***

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

It seems in this day that man is always taking all the credit. However if one takes just a moment to look beyond themselves it is evident that we are just a small almost insignificant part of this wonderful creation. I wonder how different the world would be if we stopped taking the credit and gave it to whom it belonged - GOD.

The Simple Woman's Daybook is sponsored by Peggy. Take a peek into the lives of some other simple women.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, May 18th. . .

Outside my window...

there is a Ruby Throated Hummingbird having his breakfast.

I am thinking...

about all we have planned this week.

I am thankful for...

Spring - the amazing rebirth of the world after the long winter always rejuvenates me. It forever reminds me of the resurrection of our savior

From the learning rooms...

we are headed to the frog pond for an adventure lead by Tin Mountain. Continuing to work on the girls science fair projects. It is time to start putting the finishing touches on them.

From the kitchen...

today, not much. My lovely daughter, Sarah, is in charge of dinner and we are packing a picnic lunch

I am wearing...

my favorite denim skirt with grey leggings, purple fleece sock, white t-shirt and purple fleece pullover, my mud boots are waiting by the door.

I am creating...

felt spring flower fairies for the nature table

I am going...

to try and be a more Godly woman. Starting with the small stuff, because if I can't do what HE has called me to everyday, how can HE call me to do something more?

I am reading...

I Love Dirt by Jennifer Ward

Clean Home, Clean Planet by Karen Logan

Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola

I am hoping...

Rebekah stays asleep just a little while longer, and that all the stuffy little noses are gone when they all wake up.

I am hearing...

the cheep-cheep of our 19 week old chickens

Around the house...

the kitchen table is covered with plants just waiting to be planted in the garden when the weather warms up a bit, the chicken coop is almost finished, and I really need to go to the dump and mop the kitchen floor!

One of my favorite things...

is sneaking out to weed my garden with a cup of coffee before anyone else is awake. I find this so relaxing and it is productive too!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Music Class and Karate on Wednesday, to the farm to pick up milk and yogurt on Thursday, Canoeing in the Bog on Saturday

**finish decluttering my desk**

***change over the girls' clothes from winter to spring/summer***

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Many hand make light work!

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Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY Monday, May 11th


Outside my window. . .
there is frost. Can you believe frost in May! Oh how I long to plant my garden. Maybe next week.


I am thinking. . .
of all the wonderful things that we will do today. Baking, snuggling, reading, crafting, and so much more. I love being mom to three wonderful girls.


I am thankful. . .
for everyday that I have with my husband and children. I don't want to waste a minute.


From the learning rooms. . .
the girls are working diligently on their science fair projects. I love to see where their interests and passions take them.


From the kitchen. . .
the smell of Honey Oat Bread fresh from the oven. YUMMY!


I am wearing. . .
my favorite denim jumper and the new blouse I made last week.


I am creating. . .
a vest for Rebekah's doll, Rosy. It is the first thing I have knit in over 10 years.


I am going. . .
to the Met Coffee House tonight to teach a class on blogging to other mothers in our homeschool group.


I am reading. . .
Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan. A wonderfully easy guide to making your own household cleaners.


I am hoping. . .
the new blog I created for our homeschool group meets every one's liking and that tonight's class goes well.


I am hearing. . .
the giggles of my three sweet girls and the tiny cheep, cheep, cheep of our 5 day old chickens (all 19 of them) that we are keeping in the kitchen until the coop is built.


Around the house. . .
there is always so much to be done (laundry, cleaning, cooking, shopping, organizing), but I love the fact that most, if not all, of it can go one the back burner when one of the girls come to me with a grand plan for the afternoon.


One of my favorite things...
toddler kisses that last minutes.


A few plans for the rest of the week. . .
music class, karate, poetry class, bird watching, and a girly weekend - Dad will be away fishing with Grampa.


Here is picture thought I am sharing. . .
I love these big blue eyes. They see the world with such inocence and joy. I wonder how different the world would be if we all could see the world through the eyes of a child.

Hosted by Peggy at The Simple Woman'd Daybook.