Archive for June, 2009

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Monday, June 29th, 2009

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…June 29, 2009

Outside my Window…blue skies, just a few white clouds, green growing grass, and fragrant breezes. Yum! Summer!

I am thinking…of going to bed early with a good book in hand. It was a truly exhausting day.

I had scheduled Specialized Transport for my elderly mom, to take her to an important medical evaluation today. Somehow my message to the nursing staff was not received, so she was NOT ready to catch the bus. Thankfully, I called to check on her before taking off to town to meet her at the doctor’s office, got her into my car with much difficulty (She doesn’t have the muscular strength to even adjust her sitting position), and we arrived to the appointment on time. The Specialized Transport people were wonderful, though, and took her back to her home afterwards, with more ease and comfort than I could manage.


From the learning rooms…Since it is summer and I’m on a somewhat more relaxed schedule, I’m taking the time to think about menus. Maybe this doesn’t sound like learning to you, but I need to “learn” to get out of a cooking rut once in a while. I’m focusing more on good nutrition as well, which certainly requires some additional learning.

I am thankful for…a quite home and a loving family. It’s good to be home after such a busy day.

From the kitchen…I made tortilla wraps for my husband and me this evening, and the children made some to their liking as well. Ours had cream cheese, thin ham slices, fresh tomato slices, mashed avocado, hot sauce, and salt. Very simple. Very satisfying.

I am wearing…a light weight, long sleeved sweater with my black skirt. It’s just 65 degrees here. Is this a temperate climate, or what?

I am reading…A Song for Summer (How appropriate, right?) by Eva Ibbotson, who is one of my favorite authors.

I am hoping…daughter Kayla’s move to a different house goes smoothly. Mucho thanks to our friends who have offered to help us! This is such a busy time for her, as she is doing college summer classes, working part time, and moving.

I am creating…this Daybook entry. I missed out last week.

I am hearing…a distant train whistle.

Around the house…The carport could use some cleaning up, but Rick is still working on his little Pelican sailboat, so the cleaning will most likely have to wait. The boat now sports a new rudder, a new motor mount (for those emergencies when the wind dies down completely), and Rick is making two oars.

One of my favorite things…is the opportunity to rest after a stressful day.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I am going to be playing Mama’s Taxi quite a bit this week, but I do enjoy running errands. We seem to need one more car, but where the money will come from to purchase said car, I’m not quite sure.


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

at debs graduation
 

Laura snapped this pic of me at Deb’s graduation three weeks ago. I seriously need to take some pictures!

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Please visit Grandmother Wren to sign Mr. Linky if you are continuing with Simple Woman’s Daybook for the summer. Thanks!

Posted in Books, Family, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 6 Comments »

Summertime

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

I found this meme over at 4EverMom’s blog, and decided to play along. If this catches your fancy, please play, too!


What’s your favorite day of summer (June 1-Sept 1)?

Well, our wedding anniversary is July 3rd, so that’s a favorite day for us as a couple.

July 4th is a favorite family day, as we enjoy going to a local park for a concert, and then watching the firework displays.



What’s your favorite indoor activity during summer?

Firstly, I enjoy getting the house clean and organized, with the children’s help.

After that, we often enjoy relaxing together watching a funny or slightly romantic movie.

Favorite outdoor activity?

Close to home, I enjoy going for a walk, preferably with some of the children.

Further away from home, we are enjoying sailing in our 12-foot Pelican sailboat. I am solely a passenger, but it’s still a lot of fun.


The pool or the beach?

Usually we have a pool in the backyard, for quick refreshing dips. The beaches around here are rocky, so No to the beach.

Have you ever camped in a tent during the summer heat?

It is rarely hot here in the Pacific Northwest, even in the summer. The closest we came to camping during a summer was staying in a yurt along the Oregon coast. That was quite enjoyable, but the weather was a bit chilly, not hot!

Popsicles or ice cream?

Definitely ice cream!


What flavor?

Vanilla in first place, followed by intense chocolate, then by coffee flavored.

Do you help in your church’s VBS?

Our church takes a break from Sunday school during the summer, so NO.

Do you get bored during summer?

No way. I appreciate the extra time to get cleaning done, and do special things with the family. I also do more reading than during the school year.

Are you going anywhere this summer?

We will do the ‘staycation’ idea this summer, such as going sailing locally, and visiting with friends who don’t live too far away.


Is summer your favorite season?

Autumn is my favorite season, but I appreciate summer’s warmth and relaxed pace.

Posted in From a friend's blog, Fun Things, Things for Which I am Thankful | 5 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Monday, June 15th, 2009

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…June 15, 2009

Outside my Window…We’re enjoying a mild ‘almost summer’ evening. The skies are clear, but it’s only about 62 degrees out, and there’s a moist feeling to the air. I notice the foxglove, a native plant here, is blooming. At green, growing times like this, it’s difficult to really remember winter’s chill.

I am thinking…what a welcome break summer vacation is for our busy school children.

From the learning rooms…I attended a behavior management class for paraeducators today. Suffice it to say, many things get in the way of learning for some kids.

I am thankful for…this calm evening. At times like this, I truly believe we are privileged to live in the most beautiful part of the planet.

From the kitchen…I made a spicy vegetarian chili this evening, which was enjoyed by all the family. Condiments were olives, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, hot sauce, with tortilla chips on the side.

I am wearing…long sleeves still. We have had some really warm days this season, but not very many. Summer weather will come to stay very soon.

I am reading…something light and humorous: Norah’s Ark: Love Me, Love My Dog by Judy Baer.

I am hoping…to be done with hay fever soon. I’ve developed a nagging cough with it this year. Blech!

I am creating…this blog post before looking at the bills or doing dishes. So there!

I am hearing…the train whistle off in the distance. Do any of you know the song where the words go something like this: “Train whistle blowing makes a sleepy noise. Underneath the covers go all the girls and boys. Rockin’, rollin’, ridin’, up around the bay, All bound for Morning Town, many miles away.” I believe Peter, Paul and Mary sang that song.

Around the house…My husband has been doing some woodworking. I enjoy the sound of his projects underway, but our dog hates the sound of the power tools. When Rick comes in the house, she walks up to him and stares at him with a sad expression. Poor dog!

One of my favorite things…is the children enjoying one another’s company. Rebecca and Lydia spent last night with older sister Kayla, and today went on a picnic to beautiful Boulevard Park.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…We are going to a potluck good-bye dinner on Friday for a young man in our church who is going away to begin seminary training. I enjoy those social times.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

sailing

I finally went sailing with Rick recently, and enjoyed the experience. I think I’ll be able to share this hobby with him.

at-the-tiller

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Please visit Grandmother Wren to sign Mr. Linky if you are continuing with Simple Woman’s Daybook for the summer. Thanks!

Posted in Books, Education, Family, Fun Things, Hobbies, Homemaking, My job, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 7 Comments »

A Special Family Time

Saturday, June 13th, 2009

What a quiet morning I’m having. Wait! It’s past noon, and I’m still on ‘leisurely’ mode.

The entire family slept in this morning, after yesterday’s excitement. (Warning: Mama bragging ahead!)

Yesterday afternoon we were privileged to attend the Outstanding Graduate festivities at Western Washington University. Our son Michael was selected as the 2009 Outstanding Graduate for the Computer Science department. Besides majoring in computer science, Michael also majored in mathematics, and minored in physics. His favorite professor, Dr. Phil Nelson, spoke about Michael during the ceremony. Congratulations, dear son!

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Here is a photo that was taken of our group, courtesy of the university. The folks in front are Michael’s best friend Mitch and his wife and daughter. Dr. Nelson is on one side of Michael, and I’m on the other.

outstanding-grad

We came home to enjoy a meal of barbequed steaks, fresh broccoli salad, potato chips, and fresh plum pudding cake for dessert.

Later in the evening, we enjoyed watching the latest version of Persuasion, an adaptation of the novel by Jane Austen. This is one of her books which I have not yet read, which I now simply must read. So many deep themes are explored in this story. Despite all impediments, true love will find its way may be the main one, and one which my always hopeful heart embraces!

We all slept in a bit after the busy day. I’m still on slow mode, though, most likely because my hay fever is at its zenith. Puffy eyes, constant sneezing, etc. tend to make me tired. It’s a minor affliction, though, so after doing this post, I am really, truly, actually going to get busy!

I hope you’re having an enjoyable and productive day. Is it lovely and summer-y where you are? Our weather is a true delight today. Goodbye!

Posted in Awards, Books, Education, Family, Favorite Photos, Things for Which I am Thankful | 6 Comments »

Where In the World is Matt?

Saturday, June 13th, 2009

Posted in Fun Things, Music | Comments Off on Where In the World is Matt?

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Monday, June 8th, 2009

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…June 8, 2009

Outside my Window…It’s 11pm, so I could just say it’s dark outside. For you, however, dear Reader, I got up out of my comfy chair, and stepped outside so I could more accurately describe what it’s like ‘outside my window’ just now. The first thing I noticed was the slightly damp air that smelled like…going camping! Summer must be almost here!


I am thinking…that it is totally God’s mercy to me that I’m ever sorry, truly sorry, for the things that I have done wrong, and that I have asked people and the Lord for forgiveness for those things. It’s not that I’m such a much, in and of myself.

I’m also thinking that the Lord tells me to always correct others with gentleness, including those who are hardened in their sins and probably never, ever will be sorry for what they have done. God will make all things right. I can, by His grace, simply LET GO OF IT! 2 Timothy 2:24.

From the learning rooms…Tomorrow is the BIG DAY for some eighth grade students with whom I work; they will be presenting their Breakout projects to a panel of teachers and parents for evaluation. Passing on to ninth grade is conditional on successful completion of this project.

I am thankful for…a lighter, more cheerful heart. I was saddened by the long-standing impenitence of someone with whom I was talking a few days ago. I will continue to pray for that person, and seek to stand firmly for what is right, without being rude or bitter. That is not what God calls us to do.


From the kitchen…This was an uber busy day. Once again we enjoyed BBQ hamburgers, with all the fixin’s for dinner. Daughter Rebecca whipped up some decadent brownies, which we served with mint chip ice cream.


I am wearing…day time clothes when I should be in pajamas. I’ll be seeing cross-eyed soon.

I am reading…I just finished reading a book I loved, Goody Hall by Natalie Babbitt. I became so fond of the hero who doesn’t want to be a hero, Hercules Feltwright. Another well-known book by this author is Tuck Everlasting. Hercules reminds me of someone I love very much in real life, who would be very embarrassed if I were to name him. However, if all the male members of my family read this book, they will know if they are the one. It will be that evident.

I am hoping…to go to bed in a very few minutes!

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…our old doggie licking her paw. She’s a bit obsessive-compulsive about it.

Around the house…it is oh-so-quiet.

One of my favorite things…is watching a favorite old movie with my daughters. Tonight Rebecca, Lydia and I watched “While You Were Sleeping” with Sandra Bullock. She is such a sweetie. We had a good time.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I’m looking forward to an honors celebration for our second son at Western Washington University this Friday afternoon. He is this year’s graduate of distinction for the Computer Science Department. Congrats, Dearie!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

carly-and-grammamomma 

Sweet granddaughter Carly recently turned one year old. Isn’t she the cutest little birdie you ever did see? That’s me, her Grammamomma, feeding her some of her birthday ice cream cake.

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Posted in Bible Thoughts, Books, Family, My job, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 6 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Monday, June 1st, 2009

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…June 1, 2009

Outside my Window…a summer-like evening, with the scent of newly-mown grass on the breeze.

I am thinking…what a silly girl I am to stay up late to do this post.

From the learning rooms…only 8 ½ days of school left! We are very busy!

I am thankful for…every good and perfect gift, coming down from the Father, with whom there is no variableness or shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

From the kitchen…This was such a busy evening. After the senior awards ceremony at the high school, I made myself a delicious sandwich on an Oroweat 100% whole wheat Sandwich Thin, a new bread item at Costco. I mashed half an avocado, and seasoned it with my new favorite HOT chili sauce, Sriracha by Huy Fong Foods. Dessert was a slice of apple pie, also from Costco.

I am wearing…my multi-shades of blue V-neck sweater and black dressy skirt.

I am reading…Tools for Teaching by Fred Jones. If you work with students, read this book!

I am hoping…that the 8th grade students whom I am helping with their final projects get them done on time, and earn passing grades! This is a high-stress time for the Special Ed kids and staff.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…daughter Lydia saying, “Goodnight, Mom! I love you!”

Around the house…the doggie is turning in circles, settling down for the night. Bonnie Boy, one of our cats, is sprawled out on the study floor, near my husband’s desk. The children are all in bed, where I should be, too!

One of my favorite things…is rejoicing with those who rejoice. At the Senior Awards Ceremony, I was blown away by the accomplishments of many of our high school students, including some who earned full tuition scholarships. Daughter Debra was named outstanding student for the English Department. What makes this so amazing is that she learned to read at the end of seventh grade, after becoming severely ill when she was ten years old. It is such an accomplishment to move from Special Education to this mainstream award in such a short time. She has fulfilled all state academic requirements for high school graduation. Congratulations, Debra!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Lydia is going to a concert with a girlfriend’s family tomorrow, Lyd and Reb have a soccer game on Thursday and Debra graduates this Friday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…This shirt design, drawn by daughter Lydia, will be used for the Everson-Nooksack Summer Festival:

lydiasfestivalcartoon

I don’t know if Lydia consciously tried to do this, but the characters look like Rebecca, then skip the little guy, herself, and Seth!

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Posted in Artwork, Awards, Bible Thoughts, Books, Education, Family, My job, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 7 Comments »