April Daybook

  ______________________________

For Today: April 30,2020

Looking out my window....the rain is coming down hard!

I am thinking...about how God never leaves us. I am always in relationship with God because of what Jesus did. It's my fellowship with Him that can get disrupted.

I am thankful...that He keeps drawing me close. He loves me so much!

One of my favorite things...is Ballet class! I'm thankful that since the Covid19 quarantine we've been able to switch to online classes.

I am creating...more bullet journal pages:

I am wearing...black leggings, purple top, and long gray sweater

I am reading...the Bible with my son, Christian. We are in the book of Jeremiah now.

I have been watching... Wife Swap and Bringing Up Bates on Amazon. I also saw two good movies lately: I Still Believe-Jeremy Camp's story, and The Space Between Us-a sci-fi love story.

I am hoping...that we can see our family for Sophie's birthday next week. She has been home for over a month because of the quarantine! My baby is turning 15!

I am learning...how to use Wordpress.

In my kitchen...I have been making shrimp stir-fry, granola, sourdough bread, and black bean brownies ( I tweak the recipe-I use 1/2 cup honey, 1 tes vanilla, 1 tes baking powder, and 1 cup of chocolate chips)

In the school room...Sophie is now doing English and algebra on Mon/Wed/Fri, and all other subjects on Tues/Thurs (Korean, history, health, PE, music. and geography) On Tues or Thurs she does another algebra lesson, so that she has four days of it. Over the week-end she also does some music and PE. So far she likes the change.

In my garden...I'm going to plant: green peppers, jalapenos, zucchini, parsley, Roma tomato, another tomato, cucumbers, cilantro, and green onion. I'm planning to get the beds ready next week.

A moment from my day

I haven't been able to see my older kid's for the last couple months, so on Sunday nights we've been playing games on Zoom.

October Daybook

  For Today: October 12, 2020

Looking out my window...it's a beautiful Fall day! The colors are gorgeous

I am thinking...about our recent trip to The White Mountains with Andrew and Charles. Here we are at The Flume Gorge.

I am thankful...that I've been leading choreographed dances at church. 

One of my favorite things...is going for walks with my friends. This was a spur of the moment nature walk with my friends Chris and Ann.

I am creating....two worship dances right now - Ever Be (which we are doing this Sunday) and The Blessing. The Blessing has been especially cool because there are four of us choreographing different parts.

I am wearing....black leggings, a white shirt with black hearts on it, and a sweatshirt. I'm going to dance class soon.

I am reading.... You Carried Me: A Daughter's Memoir by Melissa Ohden. It's about a woman who survives an abortion and was given up for adoption. She finds this out in her teen years, and later meets her birth mother. Good book!

I am watching...historical movies with Sophie. Last night we watched Hidden Figures. I haven't been watching as much YouTube lately - which is good. We've also been watching the series Once Upon a Time together some evenings.

I am listening to... monthly playlists I create on Spotify. I've had the free trial before, but I finally got a subscription and I'm so glad I did! This morning I listened to Bethel Music instrumental worship during my quiet time.

I am hoping...to start a new organizing job next week. I've already been given partial payment for it, and I'm looking forward to getting started.

I am learning....a lot from Beth moore at a weekly woman's bible study. 

In the kitchen...last week I made lasagna. I put the leftovers in small portions in the freezer for quick lunches or dinners. I did the same thing with the banana bread I made recently. The fall weather is making me crave soup, so today I made chicken noodle. Not my favorite soup, but Sophie requested it, and it turned out great!

In the school room...Sophie's been taking live online classes on Outschool. She is currently taking Essay Writing and Creative Fall Crafts, and she will be starting a Diary of Anne Frank book club soon. We've also been getting out and doing as many field trips as we can this year. Last month, Andrew, Sophie and I enjoyed going to the Currier Art Museum.

In my garden...I had a good year. I got tons of tomatoes, cucumbers, and hot peppers! The onions and green peppers didn't do so well - I only got a few. This week I'm going to clean out the beds. I saw lots of bunnies around the garden, too!

A moment from my day...Sophie and I went for a long walk around Keene today.

Daybook 2/25

For Today...February 23

Outside my Window...it's a dreary, rainy day.

I am thinking...about homeschooling and spring

From the learning rooms...we are taking this week off for vacation. I'm taking this time to get some lapbooking materials ready for the younger kids to do next week.

I am thankful for...an awesome family!

From the kitchen...I've been eating salads everyday. I'm making homemade bread today, too.

I am wearing...sweats and a fleece sweatshirt.

I am reading...Made from Scratch a memoir by Sandra Lee, and Caffeine Blues

I am hoping...that spring comes soon!! I am longing to get outside and go to the park and for long hikes.

I am hearing...Sophie chatting with me.

Around the house.... We are starting spring cleaning. We are cleaning a room at a time. We tackled the kitchen yesterday.

One of my favorite things... is reading a good book. I've been taking a break during the day to do something for myself. Lately it's been reading.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...not too much...more spring cleaning. A surprise party for my dad on Sat.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Chalres working on the robot for First Robotics Competition. This pic was taken in the early stages. After hours and hours of working on it, it's finally finished! The competition is at the beginning of March.

Daybook 2/14

FOR TODAY: February 14, 2010
Outside my window...it's dark and cold.
I am thinking....about the marriage conference that I attended this weekend. 
I am thankful for...my quiet times. 
From the learning rooms...Charles' mid-year evaluations are tomorrow and the other boy's evals are at the end of the week.

From the kitchen...last week my friend and I got together to make freezer meals. It's been awesome to have ready made meals. They've all been good, too! Today I made salsa. Yum!
I am wearing...a black turtleneck and Jeans
I am creating... portfolios for the kids. I started them for the mid-year evaluations.
I am going...to apply some of the things I learned at the marriage conference.
I am reading...The Game of My Life: A True Story of Challenge, Triumph, and Growing Up Autistic, and Stirring It Up by Gary Hirshburg the owner of Stoneyfield Farm Yogurt (I was a nanny for Gary's kids before I had kids)
I am hoping...that Sophie likes the Valentine's Day card I'm about to make for her. :)
I am hearing...Sophie "reading" a story next to me.

Around the house...I've been just barely keeping up with housework lately. I'm planning a spring cleaning day soon where I'm going to have everyone help me deep clean the house.
One of my favorite things... is doing homemaking related things with friends.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Visiting my grandmother in the hospital, and going to Charles' basketball games.

Daybook 2/1/10

FOR TODAY: February 1,2010
Outside my window...it's a cold, sunny day
I am thinking...about making cookies for desert :)
I am thankful that...My kids have all been healthy during the flu season
From the learning rooms...Isaiah and Charles joined a robotics team for First Robotics Competition. They have been spending hours and hours working with the team.
From the kitchen..Kielbasa dinner tonight. Christian's favorite!
I am wearing...Jeans and a purple fleece top
I am creating...an organized home

I am remembering...when my best friend lived close by and we would talk long walks together.
I am going...to keep exercising. I started an exercise routine about 2 weeks ago. I'm trying to do it everyday except Sundays
I am reading..I've been reading 1 Corinthians and I'm still reading Parallel Play: growing up with undiagnosed Asperger's by Time Page and The Redemption of Sarah Cain by Beverly Lewis
I am hoping...to get the kids portfolios ready this week for mid-year evaluations that are in 2 weeks
I am hearing...Andrew and his friend making a Facebook page for their new band
Around the house...we moved the bedrooms around and it's working out so well!
One of my favorite things...is going for a hike on a beautiful day
A few plans for the rest of the week: not too many plans this this week. A friend and I are getting together to plan a once a month cooking day. yay!
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Daybook 1/25

FOR TODAY: January 25 , 2010
Outside my window...it's a very rainy day
I am thinking..that I need to get dinner going!
I am thankful for...friends!
From the learning rooms...Isaiah started Apologia General Science at the beginning of the year. I have been enjoying taking turns reading aloud with him and doing the experiments together.
From the kitchen...I have been in the kitchen as little as possible lately! Although, I am planing another once-a-month cooking day soon. Sophie and I made cookies the other day. Having hamburgers tonight.
I am wearing..jeans, a black turtleneck and pink slippers
I am creating...crafts with Sophie.
I am going...to have a friend over tomorrow!
I am reading...still reading Parallel Play: growing up with undiagnosed Asperger's by Time Page and The Redemption of Sarah Cain by Beverly Lewis
I am hoping...that the weather will be nice at the end of the week so I can take the kids sledding.
I am hearing..Sophie and her friend playing and Andrew and Charles' band practicing downstairs.
Around the house...the younger kids have been keeping their toys cleaned up since my friend, Julie, helped me organize the playroom.
One of my favorite things...seeing my older kids taking time with the younger ones to read or play with them without me asking them to. Two of my boys did that today.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Charles' basketball game, getting together with a friend,maybe taking the kids sledding
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Daybook January 18th

FOR TODAY: January 18, 2010
Outside my window...the trees are covered with a blanket of snow.
I am thinking..about how after Sophie thanked God for our food yesterday, she added "and let us be filled with love!"
I am thankful for...love! 
From the learning rooms... today I am starting "Total Language Plus" with Christian. We canceled Time4Learning. Christian really liked it, but he finished the 4th grade language arts. Now, all he's doing for math is playing "Math Blaster". A friend is going to loan me Saxon math for him to use.
From the kitchen...today I'm making Mom's Famous Chicken. I'd like to make crepes sometime soon. I haven't made them since cooking class in high school!
I am wearing...jeans and a Patriots sweatshirt :)
I am creating... scrapbooking pages again! yay!
I am going...to go to a marriage seminar soon.
I am reading...Parallel Play: growing up with undiagnosed Asperger's by Time Page and The Redemption of Sarah Cain by Beverly Lewis
I am hoping...to get a new car soon. It's tough with four drivers and 1 car!
I am hearing...music from my playlist, and the kids talking. We're having a slow start today because of the snowstorm.
Around the house...more organizing. I moved the bedrooms around, now I've slowly been working on the kitchen.
One of my favorite things...is dancing to my favorite music.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Charles' basketball game, maybe take the kids sledding.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Daybook 12/15/08

FOR TODAY: December 15, 2008
Outside my window...it's very early and it's still dark outside.
I am thinking..that my oldest son is going to turn 18 this coming year. I don't want him to move out. I mean, I know it will happen someday, but the years have gone by way too fast!
I am thankful for...heat and electricity. Much of our state is out of power now.
From the learning rooms... I asked Christian (8) the other day the other day if he wanted to start doing Beyond Five in a Row with his brother Isaiah (12). The unit studies are for ages 8-12, and I wasn't sure if he was ready yet. He said that he wants to start right away! I read him the first 5 chapters of the book over the week-end so he could be ready to do the lessons for Ch. 6 with his brother today. This will save me so much planning time.
From the kitchen...I made cranberry bread last night. This week we will make Christmas cookies.
I am wearing...black pants and a gray sweater.
I am creating...memories with my family.
I am going...to wrap presents today!
I am reading... Still reading The Fellowship of the Ring by Tolkien, and Keeping Holiday by Starr Meade (read-aloud)
I am hoping...that power gets restored quickly for everyone who's been without. I've talked to so many people who have been without power for days. We were fortunate to only be out for 1/2 a day.
I am hearing...the heater coming on. Otherwise, it's completely quiet-amazing!
Around the house...there are Christmas decorations. Last night the kids wrapped gifts and put them under the tree. They pick names so they can buy one sibling a nice gift. Sophie (3) was jumping around last night with excitement because Christmas is almost here!
One of my favorite things...is making cookies with my kids.
A few plans for the rest of the week: a basketball game, and Christmas shopping.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Rokenbok is a great toy!

Daybook 12/8

FOR TODAY: December 8, 2008
Outside my window...It's cold and sunny
I am thinking..I need to start teaching school now!
I am thankful for...my children. They love each other and it they show in with words and actions.
From the learning rooms...reading, writing and arithmetic. Isaiah's unit study: china, Italy, US currency, US legal system, sleep, and more.
From the kitchen...I'm making a turkey dinner tonight
I am wearing...Jeans, a red and black sweater and black shoes
I am creating...Christmas crafts. We're going to make an angel ornament today.
I am going...To order Christmas gifts online today.
I am reading... The Fellowship of the Ring by Tolkien, and Keeping Holiday by Starr Meade (read-aloud)
I am hoping...to have most of my Christmas shopping finished by the end of next week. We are last minute shoppers :)
I am hearing...Christian read a book to Sophie
Around the house...I'm so happy that I'm getting things more organized around here.
One of my favorite things...is singing Christmas carols in church or with my family.
A few plans for the rest of the week: dentist appointments for 2 of the kids, order Christmas presents online, 2 basketball games.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Daybook 12/1/08

FOR TODAY: December 1, 2008
Outside my window...it is warm for December (50 degrees), and rainy.
I am thinking...about advent. We started an advent treasure hunt calendar today. 
I am thankful for...my kids desire to love and serve God.
From the learning rooms...In our A Cricket in Times Square unit we are learning about: Italy, opera, mythology/Orpheus, Germs-Bacteria and Viruses
From the kitchen...I made homemade split pea and ham soup. Andrew helped me make some yummy rolls to have with it.
I am wearing...black pants with a gray sweater
I am creating...basket liners with pockets for some dollar store bins I have. 
I am going...to keep working on re-establishing my morning and before bed routines.
I am reading... The Fellowship of the Ring by Tolkien, and Keeping Holiday by Starr Meade (read-aloud)
I am hoping...to save more money on my weekly grocery bill. I've not been good at this lately.
I am hearing...my son play a song from a musical he is writing.
Around the house...I am getting back into my morning and before bed routines.
One of my favorite things...is playing guitar and singing with my family.
A few plans for the rest of the week: The boys have their first basketball game, The kids are having friends over, doc appointment.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Daybook 11/24

FOR TODAY: November 24, 2008
Outside my window...the sun is coming up and it's very cold.
I am thinking...about Thanksgiving. We are going to do something different this year.
I am thankful for...a quiet week. Most of the kids activities are canceled because of the holiday.
From the learning rooms...continuing unit study on the book A Cricket in Times Square with Isaiah, and FIAR unit study using Katy and the Big Snow with Sophie and Christian.
From the kitchen...I'm cooking a spiral ham dinner today. I'll use the leftover ham to make different meals this week.
I am wearing...my PJ's.
I am creating...cloth linings with pockets to use in some of my organizing bins.
I am going...to do more little things for myself. I'm always so focused on everyone else in my family.
I am reading...Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley. 
I am hoping...that gas prices stay low.
I am hearing...my son getting ready for his class, my daughter eating breakfast next to me, and my other kids getting up.
Around the house...I spent a lot of time organizing things last week, and I'm going to continue working on it this week. (we moved a couple months ago into a smaller home)
One of my favorite things...is snuggling with my kids. Sophie just jumped up on my lap :)
A few plans for the rest of the week: Read, laugh, play guitar, take it easy and enjoy my family.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Daybook 11/18/08

Outside My Window...it's cold and frosty. The trees are bare.

I am thinking...that I need to start planning for Christmas.

I am thankful that... we have all that we need. 

From the learning rooms...I've started another unit study with Isaiah, based on the book A Cricket in Times Square.

From the kitchen...I made three pumpkin pies this week. We shared one with a friend.

I am creating..lots of crafts with my three year old.

I am going...to have to wake the kids up earlier in the morning!
.
I am reading...Julie by Catherine Marshall. I'm trying it again, I couldn't get into the first time, but I loved her book, Christy.

I am hoping...that I will get over this cold today.

I am hearing...Sophie and Christian playing nicely with Little People.

Around the house...I need to declutter. We seem to be getting overrun with stuff. I need to get more organizing bins and shelves.

One of my favorite things...is watching my children perform in a play or play on a sports team. We watched Andrew's iRadio Theater production last night.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: my older boys start basketball, parent meeting for the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory play.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Daybook 10/14

Outside My Window..the the leaves on the trees are turning beautiful red, orange and yellow colors.
I am thinking...about how God wants to have a close relationship with us.
I am thankful that...my kids have been engaging in more creative activities instead of always wanting to play computer games or TV.
From the learning rooms...I am so excited about Truth Quest History Guides. Age of Revolution II 1800-1865 just came in the mail yesterday. It lists tons of great books for grades 1-12 that I can get at the library.
From the kitchen...I made apple crisp and Andrew made pizza quesadillas for dinner.
I am wearing..a dark pink sweater and jeans.
I am creating...lots of apple deserts.
I am going...to do something different with my hair!
I am reading...The Shack by William P. Young. 
I am hoping....to see my best friend soon!
I am hearing...kids playing, using their imaginations.
Around the house...there is always something that needs to be done!
One of my favorite things...is reading chapter books aloud to my kids. I haven't done this in a while, and I'm just starting a new book today.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: dentist appointments, Sophie is having a friend over.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Daybook 10/7

For Today... October 7th

Outside my Window...It's a beautiful, crisp, fall day. Three of the kids are outside playing. Isaiah is flying an RC airplane.

I am thinking...about my son at drivers Ed class tonight. He'll have his license soon!

From the learning rooms...Still focusing on the basics. Looking forward to using the new history curriculum I ordered. I'll get to read lots of great read-alouds!

I am thankful that...I'm able to stay home with my kids during the day.

From the kitchen...Today I made homemade salsa! Meatball subs and corn on the cob for dinner tonight.

I am wearing..A gray sweater, jeans and sneakers.

I am reading...The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartin

I am hoping...the curriculum I ordered for the kids comes in the mail this week.

I am creating...good meals for my family. Lately, I just haven't felt like cooking, but I'm forcing myself each night, and my family has been so thankful.

I am hearing...Christian doing his math next to me.  I'm hearing him tell me the answers to each problem :)

Around the house...There are lots of stuffed animals, dolls, and toy story characters all over the living room floor.

One of my favorite things...is watching my children play together for hours at a time.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Apple picking! Sophie is going to a birthday party and Andrew's planning his party.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...blogger is not letting me upload a picture for some reason tonight.

Daybook 9/29

For Today... September 29th

Outside my Window...It's dark. It's after 8:00 pm and the first time I've been on the computer today.

I am thinking...I can't believe it's the end of September! Time flies!

From the learning rooms...The basics...reading, writing and arithmetic

I am thankful for...life

From the kitchen... Andrew is making peanut butter cookies as I type this. I'm glad one of my boys likes to bake! :)

I am wearing..a denim skirt and cotton flowery shirt

I am reading...Hymns for a Kids Heart by Joni Eareckson Tada

I am hoping...to order the rest of the kids curriculum this week.

I am creating...memories with my family

I am hearing... the kids watching a science and technology TV show.

Around the house...I'm finally getting control of the laundry

One of my favorite things...nature hikes

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...I don't have much planned this week. yay! Maybe a hike with some friends.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Daybook 9/22

For Today...Monday September 22,

Outside my Window...it's starting to get dark and some of my kids are playing 4 square in the yard.

I am thinking... that I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family!

From the learning rooms...Ellis Island, Neil Armstrong, clouds, storms, adding money, Spanish

I am thankful that...I'm able to stay home with my kids.

From the kitchen... Andrew made a yummy coffee cake today. I'm cooking chicken fried rice-it's almost dinner time.

I am wearing...black slacks and a cotton, flowery print shirt.

I am reading...What the Bible is all About Bible Handbook by Mears

I am hoping...that I can stay home more this school year. Way too much running around last year!

I am creating...scrapbooking pages again! Yay!

I am hearing...kids talking, Andrew playing "PacMan Fever" on the guitar.

Around the house.... I'm learning to relax more, life is too short to worry about anything.

One of my favorite things... the fall season. I love the crisp, cool air, and the leaves changing colors.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...focus on school, maybe a nice fall hike, and a trip to the playground

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
There's a bald eagle flying above the water.

The Simple Woman's Daybook 6/2

FOR TODAY June 2, 2008

Outside My Window...It's a gorgeous day! I'm watching my boys play freeze tag.

I am thinking... about weeding the garden today.

I am thankful for...a God who loves us and cares for us at all times, no matter what we are going through.

From the kitchen...I made eggs Benedict for breakfast.

I am wearing...light green capris, a light blue T-shirt and sandals

I am creating...an orderly house and my blog. That's about all I've been creating lately. This makes me think about how I'd like to be creating music, scrapbook pages, or maybe sewing some clothes for my daughter. Only 3 weeks of school left and I'll have more time to do those things!

I am going...to watch a movie with the family tonight.

I am reading...A Midwife's tale:The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on her Diary, 1785-1812. Very interesting book. I love old diaries.

I am hoping...we have more beautiful days this week. I enjoyed sitting on my deck today relaxing and soaking up the suns rays.

I am hearing...my oldest son sing a song from "Singing in the Rain" 

Around the house...the house is quite messy right now since we didn't keep our schedule today, but when the boys come in were going to all pitch in and get it cleaned up.

One of my favorite things...Is going on nature hikes with the family.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I'll be helping my son get ready to go to a national speech and debate tournament. I need to finish up spring cleaning at my mom's house.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The Simple Woman's Daybook 5/25

FOR TODAY May 25th

Outside My Window...It's a beautiful, sunny day. The kids just came in from playing hide-and-seek tag. I have clothes hanging on the line.

I am thinking...about doing mostly unit studies next year with the younger kids. They always remember more of what they've learned using this method. We'll see :)

I am thankful that....I can be home with my kids.

From the kitchen...I made homemade rolls to go along with dinner and chocolate chip cookies for desert.

I am wearing...an orange and green patterned skirt with a black cotton short sleeved shirt with sandals.

I am creating...a clean, orderly, cozy, loving home for my family.
I am going... to seek the Lord early in the mornings.

I am reading...The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell aloud to Isaiah. it was one of my husband's favorites when he was a kid. It's my first time reading it.

I am hoping...to have a small garden this summer. I want to at least have tomato and hot pepper plants so I can make homemade salsa. yum yum!

I am hearing...the Indy 500 on TV

Around the house... the boys are watching the race, Sophie it sitting next to me drawing and gluing paper.

One of my favorite things...is reading good books aloud to my kids.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I'm helping Andrew do spring cleaning for my parents. He is raising money to go to the national speech & debate tournament in Alabama. I also need catch up on correcting the kids schoolwork.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...