Archive for September, 2009

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Monday, September 28th, 2009

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…September 28, 2009

Outside my Window…It’s raining! There’s nothing so cozy as an evening rain, and the woodstove cheerily blazing.

I am thinking…that soon it will be time for daughter Laura’s baby to be born. She has invited a couple of her sisters and me to be with her during this birth.


From the learning rooms…I am getting a lot of practice with solving the equation y=mx + b, where x and y are points on a graph, b is the y intercept, and m is the slope, or rise/run. This is in 8th grade math. In 7th grade math, we are doing stem and leaf plots to compare data.

I am thankful for…the truth expressed in James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”


From the kitchen…Tonight we had Roasted Red Potatoes, steamed broccoli, hard cooked eggs, with Ranch dressing, catsup and shredded cheddar cheese on the side. So delicious!

I am wearing…black skirt, white blouse, and a soft red and black patterned sweater jacket.

I am reading…Impossible by Nancy Werlin. I set this aside for a week because it saddened me so much, but my girls assure me that it is a good book with a satisfying ending, so I plan to continue reading it tonight.

I am hoping…my back continues to get better so that I can be a more useful person.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…the automatic pencil sharpener as the kiddos settle in to doing their homework.

Around the house…The wind was really blowing today. I enjoy our invigorating autumn winds. Thankfully it will be a while yet before all the leaves are gone.


One of my favorite things…is hearing from our kids. Our oldest son just called, and we are passing the phone around. Now, we just need our two big boys to visit.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I just want to keep up with cooking good meals this week.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Photo-0163

Daughter Kayla enjoys sailing in her dad’s little Pelican sailboat.

Kayla in the Pelican

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, Education, Family, Favorite Photos, Homemaking, The Simple Woman's Daybook | 6 Comments »

Ten on Tuesday

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

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The topic this week for Ten on Tuesday is:

Ten things I need to plan for:

  • Living in a smaller home. As my husband and I get older, and our children leave to establish their own homes, I hope we have the opportunity to move to a smaller home.
  • Getting rid of items we no longer need or use. This is a great first step in down-sizing. It just plain results in a less cluttered home right now, too!
  • Implementing some of the more time-consuming (but more healthful) recipes from Nourishing Traditions into my cooking repertoire. It is downright difficult for me to change my ways after all these years. This will take conscious effort.
  • Getting physical activity during our wet weather, which is just around the corner. I think I’ll ask my husband to repair the ping pong table. That should do it.
  • Deep cleaning the house, room by room. As I have less energy, and my helpers are getting busier, I need to focus on little bits of cleaning at a time.
  • I want to start sewing again. I’m not sure I want to plan for this until I de-clutter and clean!

Well, I didn’t come up with ten things. How about you? What do you want/need to plan for?


Posted in Books, Family, Health, Homemaking, Ten on Tuesday | 8 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Monday, September 21st, 2009

simple-woman-daybook-small1

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…September 21, 2009

Outside my Window…is a refreshing autumn evening. The day started off quite cool, just a bit above 40 degrees, but warmed up to be one of those “just right” blue sky and puffy white cloud days that are so appreciated this time of year.


I am thinking…that we’re a bit wimpy at our home just now. Daughter Lydia was ill over the weekend with the flu, and now a few more of us seem to be fighting a tummy bug.

From the learning rooms…I am assisting the Middle School band director to help students learn their parts. This duty will last just until someone is hired permanently for this position. The last time I played in a band was when I was in high school eons ago, so I am definitely out of my comfort zone.


I am thankful for…my family being OK with me taking it easy when I’m not feeling well. They fend for themselves so nicely.

From the kitchen…I didn’t make dinner tonight, but did bake a large pan of apple crisp. On Saturday I made Honey Whole Wheat Bread and granola, so we just snacked for dinner.

 

I am wearing…My usual black skirt with a new teal shirt. Very school-marmish.

I am reading…I just finished reading The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson. This fantasy book for young people, while creative and well-written, just doesn’t hold a candle to the author’s realistic novels such as The Reluctant Heiress, which I also recently finished. Maybe I’m just not much of a fantasy fan, or not in the mood for it recently.

I am hoping…that Lydia is breathing easier by tomorrow, that Debra is able to go to school, and that I don’t miss any work.

I am creating…what is becoming a once-a-week blog post.

I am hearing…recorded conversation from a movie playing in the other room.

Around the house…Our apples are ripe and tasting sweeter as the nights get cooler. Our apple varieties are good keepers, as long as we store them properly. It would be fun to try drying some of them.

One of my favorite things…is rest at the end of a busy day. I’m in the mood for a Georgette Heyer book. I’ll have to see if the girls have one I haven’t read yet. Reading a good book is part of rest, you know!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Tomorrow evening is Back to School Night at the Middle School, plus an Ice Cream Social. I’m also hoping to take daughter Laura to tour the Birthing Center this Saturday, I think. All being well, I’m planning to cook dinners the rest of the week!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

sisters holding nieces

Daughter Rebecca holding Carly (daughter Laura’s little one) and daughter Kayla holding baby Claire (daughter Sarah’s little one)

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 Books, Education, Family, Homemaking, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 4 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Monday, September 14th, 2009

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…September 14, 2009

Outside my Window…Once again, I’m starting this post at the end of the day, so it’s DARK outside! Earlier, it was one of those perfect autumn days, cool but not cold yet, a bit breezy, with a few wispy clouds decorating the sky. I had the privilege to be out driving, doing errands, so I had a good view of the lovely surroundings.

I am thinking…that I really enjoy working as a para educator (teacher’s helper). I don’t have the long hours and heavy responsibilities of a teacher, yet I have the opportunity to be a help and encouragement to students. I wouldn’t have the energy to be a teacher!

From the learning rooms…We have been busy evaluating student’s reading and math skills for the beginning of the year. This way, we are better able to help kids with their specific areas of need, such as comprehension, attention to detail, making inferences, etc.

I am thankful for…daughter Rebecca’s good help with the dishes and laundry when I am so tired this evening. I had to take daughter Debra to an appointment right after school, then stayed in town to do errands, and arrived home late and worn out. Thank you, Rebecca!

From the kitchen…My people ate left-overs and snacks this evening. I did bring home a delicious Costco pumpkin pie, however.


I am wearing…an argyle patterned sweater with a long black skirt. Very ‘school-ish’ looking.

I am reading…The Reluctant Heiress by Eva Ibbotson. This author can make her characters come alive like no other. Rebecca really enjoyed this book, so I’m reading it at her recommendation.

I am hoping…to go to bed soon.


I am creating…this quick blog post!

I am hearing…the crinkle of foil in the kitchen. Someone is uncovering that pumpkin pie for a before-bed snack.

Around the house…I want to do a little neatening up of the entry garden beds, maybe put in a couple bright chrysanthemums before we have lots of company on Sunday. Granddaughter will be baptized, and we’re hosting a luncheon here afterwards.

One of my favorite things…is doing loving things for my family, and receiving loving things from them.


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I would like to get a little extra cleaning done around the house in preparation for company. My main helpers have two soccer games this week, so we’ll see if that actually happens.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Claire bear

This is my dear little granddaughter Claire who will be one month old when she is baptized this Sunday.

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

What a dog trainer!

Friday, September 11th, 2009

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Monday, September 7th, 2009

simple-woman-daybook-small1

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…September 7, 2009

Outside my Window…It’s beginning to look and feel a lot like autumn. At 10pm this evening it’s totally dark, since the longest day of the year is far behind us. The temp is a little above 50 degrees, and there’s the aroma of wood smoke in the air.


I am thinking…that my favorite season of the year is almost here!

From the learning rooms…I need to learn how to use a graphing calculator, before we start using it in the 8th grade math class! I’ll ask my kiddos to teach me all about it.


I am thankful for…the building that our church voted tonight to acquire and remodel. We have been meeting in the gym of a Christian school, but are out-growing that facility.

From the kitchen…I baked Honey Whole Wheat Bread today, and made Chili con Carne for dinner.

I am wearing…a long-sleeved maroon print top and black yoga pants.

I am reading…The Light on the Island: Tales of a Lighthouse Keeper’s Family in the San Juan Islands by Helene Glidden. I just finished reading this superb book today. This is like Little House on the Prairie, but on an island. Now my husband wants to sail to this island (Patos Island), but first I want him to find out where the dangerous whirlpools near the island are.

I am hoping…to go to work at the Middle School tomorrow after being sick in bed for two days. It’s OK. I got lots of reading done!

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…the tick-tock of a clock and computers humming.

Around the house…We will be harvesting our apples after the first decent frost. They are sweeter that way, I think.


One of my favorite things…is being well and doing my work.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…My mom moves to an adult family home this week. I need to help her sort and pack her things.

There’s a medical appointment in Bellingham for one of the children.

Rebecca and Lydia play in their first soccer game on Wednesday.

Rebecca starts her Medical Tech Prep studies at the hospital in Bellingham. This will give her a head start on her training as a physical therapy assistant.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

carly and deeder

I took this photo from my daughter Laura’s Facebook pictures. These are her children, Carly and Diederick. Doesn’t Carly have the cutest funny face?

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 Books, Education, Family, My job, The Simple Woman's Daybook | 5 Comments »

Give Me Five Monday

Monday, September 7th, 2009

Give Me 5 Monday logo

It’s time for Give Me Five Monday. Hostess Becca gives us this prompt today:

Give Me Five end-of-summer wrap up thoughts.

  • I was blessed to be present for the birth of granddaughter Claire, first child for daughter Sarah and her husband Justin, who was born August 15th.
  • My husband repaired the Pelican sailboat he received from his dad. We have enjoyed sailing in Bellingham Bay this summer.
  • This summer, all of the children had jobs, including our 13 year old son who did weed eating and other chores for a neighboring farmer. Other jobs for the children included working for a local plant nursery, janitorial work, and weaving for a small textile company. The kids have enjoyed earning their own money!
  • Daughter Rebecca attended classes for one week in Washington, DC with two other girls from our local high school. They studied global health and the environment.
  • The three youngest children took excellent care of themselves, our pets and the home while Rick, Debra and I spent almost two weeks in California. Rick was doing carpentry work for his folks, but it was also a time of going to the beach, visiting family, and even meeting my blogging friend Susan!

Hostess Becca says this about the meme:

The ‘Give Me Five’ Monday meme is designed to share fun information with each other in a simple short list! Here’s how it works. Each week, I will put out a random topic from my list of topics and you share 5 answers of your choice on the given topic and link back here! You can add photos, links or stories or just a simple list of your own of 5 things that relate to the topic as it pertains to you and your life experiences. It doesn’t have to be in any order of importance unless otherwise specified.
Sign up for weekly reminder emails @ beccagirl@charter.net

Posted in Family, Friendship, Fun Things, Give Me Five Monday, Things for Which I am Thankful | 5 Comments »

Miscellany

Friday, September 4th, 2009

Hello, Friends! I was doing so well with blog posting while we were on vacation, but now that we’re home, I am happily busy with back-to-school business, plus helping my elderly mom.

The good news concerning my mom is that the nurse at the assisted living facility where my mom is currently living has helped me to locate a truly lovely adult family home. This is situated near where she currently lives. My mom will still have her own large, light bedroom with her own possessions. She will have three other ladies with whom to socialize who are also still in their right minds. (I visited another place which was equally lovely, but all the residents were ‘not there’, mentally. I think that would be so lonely for a right-minded older person to live there.) There will be daily opportunities to soak up the sunshine outside, and enjoy home-cooked meals. A truly wonderful benefit for me is that they will assist with transportation to appointments, which has been so hard on my back.

It’s time for me to put the finishing touches on our dinner, so I will leave you with a picture which is totally unrelated to what I just said! This is one of the chipmunks which is Grampa Taron’s wild ‘pet’. It comes to be fed on his back deck, and remains to feed with everyone out there talking and visiting.

chippy

Posted in Family, Favorite Photos | 4 Comments »

Home Again!

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

I was so thankful to make it home from our vacation in California in time for daughter Lydia’s momentous 16th birthday. Happy Birthday, Lydia!
Here is a cute birthday photo our daughter Laura took of Lydia:

Lydia's sweet 16

Lydia, Rebecca and Seth took great care of everything (including themselves) while we were gone. One of the first things I noticed upon entering the kitchen was this list on the refrigerator:

Before Mama and Daddy get back…

  1. Really good vacuuming
  2. Clean all bathrooms
  3. Fold laundry
  4. Bake pie!
  5. Empty all garbages
  6. Exterminate fruit flies
  7. Generally straighten up house
  8. Seth: Clean up computer corner
  9. Revive plants!!
  10. Buy goat to mow lawn

Posted in Family, Favorite Photos, Things for Which I am Thankful | 8 Comments »