Mom’s Musings

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…March 6, 2010

Outside my Window…Though it’s a chilly 36 degrees outside, I see a cheery robin hopping about, looking for his breakfast. There’s a gentle breeze trembling the new leaves of the wild plum bushes, and, best of all, BLUE SKIES!

I am thinking…that it’s much easier to compose a blog post in Word, but I will have to wait for one of my computer-savvy sons to set this up for me again. We had to reinstall Word, and now I’m quite inconvenienced.

From the learning rooms…I have been learning more about the life and times of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, who successfully claimed the English throne in 1066.

I am thankful for…Such a beautiful day, and a little extra time off from school for the children (and me, too!). Our high school sent both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams to the State competition, so all students had Thursday and Friday off to accommodate all the families who attend the State competition.

From the kitchen…I won’t be cooking dinner tonight, since we plan to go out to one of our favorite restaurants tonight, the North Fork Brewery. Those who stay home will have leftover Tortilla Casserole. I prepared both ground beef and vegetarian versions of that dish last night.

I am wearing…jammies (lazy morning).

I am reading…The Conqueror by Georgette Heyer. What kind of woman was a perfect match for such an indomitable man? Read this interesting, fast-paced and historically accurate novel to find out.

I am hoping…that grandchildren Diederick, Carly and Koen are getting over their bad colds, and that their mommy Laura is feeling better, too.

I am creating… this blog post.

I am hearing…Seth and Debra watching an old episode of Chuck on the computer. I enjoy watching the show as well, which is a sort of combination of Get Smart and Mission Impossible.

Around the house…Daughter Rebecca and I did some weeding, and Seth pruned the apple trees, so the yard is looking better. It is high time for the first lawn mowing of the year to happen, but the mower hasn’t had its cleaning and tune-up yet.

One of my favorite things…is a quiet morning at home.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Since I’m posting this on Saturday, what can I say except I’m looking forward to Sunday School and church on Sunday, and to seeing daughter Lydia, who has been at State with friend Courtney and her family.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

This photo of Lydia and Seth is fairly recent. This past Monday, Seth turned 14; Happy Birthday, Seth!

This photo of Seth was taken 13 years ago. As you can see, his computer literacy began at a young age.

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!

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…January 11, 2010

Outside my Window…It’s soggy. We are currently on Flood Watch due to the heavy rains which are expected to continue for the next few days. This uber wet weather is typical winter weather for us in the Pacific Northwest, but the warm temps (currently 48 degrees this evening) contribute to the snow melt which adds to the river water volume.

I am thinking…of going to bed as soon as this post is finished.

From the learning rooms…It was lovely to hear how well two sixth grade clarinet players did on their duet today. They’ve just started learning the piece for Junior Solo and Ensemble.

I am thankful for…our cozy home, and health and well-being for loved ones.

From the kitchen…Due to the crazy schedule this afternoon and evening, we just had sandwiches for dinner.

I am wearing…comfortable clothing. I especially like long sleeves that are long enough to cover my wrists. I just feel warmer that way.

I am reading…Madensky Square by Eva Ibbotson. I don’t enjoy her quite so much as Georgette Heyer, but this book has snagged my interest, so I plan to keep reading, even though the book I requested by Heyer is in at the library!

I am hoping…my elderly mother receives the financial aid she will need very soon. I plan to turn in the paperwork this week.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…the old doggie going upstairs. She believes it is time for bed, so will no longer lie by me here in the study.

Around the house…all the children have gone to bed. Smart kids!

One of my favorite things…is playing the spelling game Lexulous on Facebook. This is one reason I am up so late.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Our youngest son has lots of basketball practice sessions this week, and then a tournament in Seattle on Saturday and Monday. Excitement!

Our daughter who is doing Medical Tech Prep finds out if she is accepted for the second semester, which involves “externships”, this week. This would be a wonderful opportunity to begin working in medical settings in the community.

Here are some picture thoughts I am sharing with you…

Grandson Diederick and granddaughter Carly are having a splashing-good time in this photo snapped by their mommy.

Here is Carly snuggling little brother Koen.

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!

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…December 7, 2009

Outside my Window…the northeast wind is blowing, and the thermometer registers 20 degrees. Brrr! Snow isn’t in this week’s weather prediction, though.

I am thinking…about going to bed soon. That would be the responsible thing to do.

From the learning rooms…I must be really tired, because I can’t think of anything for this entry!

I am thankful for…our warm home, and our woodstove.

From the kitchen…Soon I will be baking some delicious almond desserts to take to school to share with coworkers. Of course I want to make some goodies for the family as well. Today I purchased seven pounds of almond paste, so am ready to get started.

I am wearing…the warmest clothing I have, as the cold just seeps into the house.

I am reading…I recently finished a book for young people that was a fun read: If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko. This well-written story deals, in part, with the perennial problem of “frienemies” – you know, those friends who really aren’t all that friendly.

I am hoping…the roads don’t get too bad too soon. When it gets really cold like this, we sometimes get rain, which coats everything with a thick layer of ice.

I am creating…this quick blog post before bed.

I am hearing…the noises of the kiddos getting ready for bed before me.

Around the house…I keep refilling the bucket of water we keep outside for the dog, even though she stays snuggly curled up inside. I figure the outside cats and other critters need fresh water too during this cold snap.

One of my favorite things…is reading a good book by the woodstove.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…daughter Kayla graduates from college this Saturday. CONGRATULATIONS Kayla!!! Our 8^th grade son has lots of basketball practice, and our girls have two indoor soccer games. Thus, I have lots of driving to do and errands to run, but it’s all good.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Auntie Kayla is reading to Deeder and Carly while baby brother Koen sleeps between them.

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!

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…November 16, 2009

Outside my Window…I see a wet, windy fall morning. This post is a day late because our power went off (and stayed off) last night, probably due to damage caused to power lines by falling branches.

I am thinking…more and more about getting a simple, reliable point-and-shoot camera. What’s a blog without up-to-date, on-the-spot pics? For the moment, I’m in the gathering information stage. Any suggestions?

From the learning rooms…I will soon be learning how to get financial assistance for my mom. Full care facilities for the elderly are expensive, and rightly so. Money from sale of her house will run out within six months, so I will be navigating the paperwork ocean to secure funds, which along with her Social Security, will pay for her care.

I am thankful for…our power being on again this morning. It’s so nice to be able to see what’s what when getting prepared for the day away from home. It’s also great that the food in the fridge and freezer are cold, and the water’s warm.

From the kitchen…Due to a day full of errands, followed by that power loss, we snacked from my Costco purchases last night. Potato rosemary bread with butter is delicious, as well as their raisin bran muffins spread with cream cheese.

I am wearing…a long sleeved brown and turquoise top, a turquoise-tones marled sweater, and my dressy black skirt. It’s off to school in about an hour for me.

I am reading…(starting to read) The Jane Austen Book Club. I started but stopped reading a book entitled Deadline by Chris Crutcher. The premise of the book was interesting: An 18-year old young man who discovers he is fatally ill, decides not to tell his dysfunctional family about his imminent death, but to live as fully as he can for the remaining year. I just didn’t find the main character likeable or admirable, so lost the desire to keep reading.

I am hoping…my internet service is up again by the time I get to the end of this post. How petty is that?

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…the children getting ready for school and work. My husband and I are tippetty-tapping at our respective keyboards. Isn’t life cozy?

Around the house…Our glass recyclables bin got knocked over by the wind. Guess I’d better head outside to clean up that mess in a few minutes. On the bright side, the gusting winds blew the leaves off the grass, into the forest.

One of my favorite things…is autumn winds. Really. We enjoy the lights going out, and the sudden rearrangement of our plans. The girls and I enjoyed a game of Skipbo by lantern light last night. That’s certainly more enjoyable than fretting about what’s not getting done, or about the internet being down.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…This Friday, some of our children are leaving on a road trip to visit Grampa and Gramma Taron in California. I’ll surely miss them here, but am hoping they have a wonderful time in Inverness.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

This is our grandson, Koen, who is three weeks old now.

This is our granddaughter, Claire, who is three months old, with her mommy.

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!

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…November 2, 2009

Outside my Window…When I stepped outside this evening, I noticed I can see my breath. Crisp autumn weather is here.

I am thinking…wondering: Why am I staying up late to do this post? Answer: I feel guilty about my posts being so few and far between.

From the learning rooms…In seventh grade math, we have been doing charts, graphs and equations. Today the students were introduced to the TI-83 graphing calculator, and were quite impressed with it.

I am thankful for…the health and strength to keep busy doing useful things.

From the kitchen…Tonight two of the girls and I had a late errand to run in town, so Taco Bell did the cooking tonight. I enjoy their beef taco salad with zesty ranch dressing.

I am wearing…a red sweater hoodie and soft black pants.

I am reading…I just finished reading Charity Girl by Georgette Heyer. In this book, the author especially looks at father/son and mother/daughter relationships, both good and bad. As always, she has a great deal of fun with her characters.

I am hoping…daughter Laura feels stronger soon, after giving birth to child number three last Monday. She is doing just fine, but it takes a while to get one’s strength back.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…a train whistle blowing, off in the distance.

Around the house…I noticed the pear tree is bare of leaves, but the fruit is still clinging to the branches. I think I’ll bake a pear torte or crisp tomorrow.

One of my favorite things…is working hard all day, and then relaxing at the end of the day.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…My younger sister is coming for a visit! The girls and I need to get the guest room all fresh and clean in anticipation of her arrival on Wednesday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

My daughter Laura took this picture of her daughter Carly holding newborn brother Koen. She is so thrilled with him. When she wants to hold him, she says, “I need it!”

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!

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…October 19, 2009

Outside my Window…I’m blogging at the end of the day again, so it’s dark. It’s also a bit foggy, which is typical for Fall in our neck of the woods.

I am thinking…that a slow cooker is a handy appliance. We really enjoyed a Tex-Mex Beef Barbecue yesterday. I’ll give you the recipe in a moment.

From the learning rooms…Our seventh grade math class is beginning to learn about one-step equations. It’s fun to see the lights go on in kiddos’ minds as they engage with the problems.

I am thankful for…daughter Sarah and granddaughter Claire being well and safe after a fender-bender this past Thursday.

From the kitchen…Here’s that Tex-Mex Beef barbecue recipe:

This recipe is from the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker cook book, and makes enough for a 5 ½ to 7 quart capacity slow cooker.

6 pounds brisket of beef

2 (18 oz) bottles hickory-smoked barbecue sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray’s Gourmet Sauce.)

2 (1.25 oz) envelopes chili seasoning

2 teaspoons chopped garlic

2 teaspoons lemon juice

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 cup chopped onion

Combine all ingredients, except meat, in crock. Stir well. Add meat and stir well to coat. Cover and cook: Low for 10 hours OR high for 5 hours.

Remove the meat and shred. Return the meat to crock. Stir well. Serve on soft rolls.

Makes 16 servings.

I am wearing…a marled turquoise tones sweater over a long-sleeved turquoise top, and soft black pants.

I am reading…The Foundling by Georgette Heyer, one of my favorite “fun read” authors.

I am hoping…to stay well, and that family members get well.

I am creating…Well, I did bake brownies and an apple crisp this evening.

I am hearing…the hum of the computer fan.

Around the house…all the children are in bed. I need to head there, too.

One of my favorite things…is getting things done, as opposed to procrastinating.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…We hope to go out to one of our favorite restaurants for dinner this Friday, with some of our friends.

Our poor girls have three soccer games this week, on top of school responsibilities. Sigh!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Here is a pic of me holding granddaughter Claire, who is a little over two months old now.

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!

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…October 5, 2009

Outside my Window…is a luminous full moon this chilly autumn eve. When I stepped outside for a bit I noticed there’s an earthy smell, reminiscent of spring time rather than fall. Maybe this is from fields being plowed for cover crops, now that the field corn is in.

I am thinking…it’s a good thing I enjoy running errands, since there always seem to be plenty to run with a busy family.

From the learning rooms…One of the teachers whom I assist at the middle school cited some interesting research which found that success in high school could be predicted in 6^th grade. Some of the markers for success included: showing up to school, doing what the teacher said to do, and being polite to those in authority. There’s one more, but I forget it just now. Anyhow, all the markers must be present.

I am thankful for…more work for my husband.

From the kitchen…I made an apple pudding cake that was a big hit this past weekend. Tomorrow I would like to make split pea soup. This autumn weather seems to call for it.

I am wearing…black skirt and black/maroon/grey argyle sweater.

I am reading…I would like to read Gospel-Powered Parenting by Bill Farley, after reading a favorable review of the book on Challies.com.

I am hoping…daughter Sarah finds something to calm her newborn daughter’s tummy upset.

I am creating…a quick blog post before retiring for the night.

I am hearing…my eighth-grade son typing at his computer, playing his Scrabble moves. He won the last two games we played against one another!

Around the house…the flowers still in bloom are the chrysanthemums, the marigolds, and the cyclamen. So lovely!

One of my favorite things…is rest at the end of a busy day, with the children safely home.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Well, it will be my turn to help prepare coffee-time refreshments for church this coming Sunday. I’m planning on making a bar cookie version of chocolate chip cookies.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Grandson Diederick enjoys reading with the girls’ friend Kelsey. This is on the window seat in the living room.

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!

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 8^th grade math. In 7^th 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…

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

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!

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?

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…

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!