Mom’s Musings

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…August 13, 2010

Outside my Window…nighttime, summer, cooling down to 68 degrees, sweet blackberry dreams.

I am thinking…of our three youngest children who are on a train to California to visit Grampa and Gramma. It’s a 23-hour trip. Hope they’re not too saddle-sore from so much sitting. They told me this morning that the train is a double-decker, and they are sitting on top.

From the learning rooms…I finished reading Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by John Medina. One of the rules that has me worried is: The brain doesn’t pay attention to boring things. Does that mean that poor students who are mainly interested in watching TV and playing games are doomed to mediocrity? School work certainly doesn’t interest them. I’ll have to cogitate on this.

I am thankful for…the guidance of God’s Word. I’m thinking especially of attitudes here, and being genuine from the inside-out. Still plenty of learning and growing needed here.

From the kitchen…Eskimo Blueberry Upside-down Cake

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

5 eggs

½ teaspoon salt

3 cups plus 2 Tablespoons flour

2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 quart blueberries (or, try other berry varieties!)

1 cup sugar

Whipping cream

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, one egg at a time, then add the salt, flour baking powder, milk and vanilla, mixing with mixer until creamy. Pour into greased (extra large) sheet cake pan.

Distribute berries over batter, and sprinkle remaining one cup sugar over all. Bake for one hour. Cool and serve with whipping cream.

I am wearing…clothing that was too warm for this hot day, but I was too lazy to change into something cooler once the morning warmed up. No problem. It’s pajama time.

I am reading…Barren Corn by Georgette Heyer. I just checked the book out today, so have nothing to report yet. I do enjoy this author very much, though.

I am hoping…for good weather for the Northwest Washington Fair, which begins on Monday.

I am creating…Well, I actually sewed something, a rare occurrence. Daughter Rebecca found a pattern from my teen years and requested that I make it for her. The picture follows. It’s one of those tent dresses from the 1960s!

I am hearing…a quiet house. I miss our traveling children, including daughter Kayla who is due home from her summer in Europe soon.

Around the house…The little veggie garden has been doing well. Latest offerings have been green beans and zucchini. The cauliflower was excellent, but the broccoli looks sparse.

One of my favorite things…is playing word games such as Lexulous on Facebook instead of blogging. Maybe since it’s so terribly quiet here tonight, I’m finally settling down to writing a blog post.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I hope to help on the clean-up crew for the food booth our school Music Booster’s has at the NW WA Fair.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Cell phone pic. Pixels. But cute dress, no?

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…July 6, 2010

Outside my Window…a temperate summer evening, after one of the first warm days of the season. It’s only about 62 degrees outside, but feels balmy compared to the cool, damp weather we’ve been experiencing.

I am thinking…summer school session begins next week already! How quickly these vacation days are flying by.

From the learning rooms…I ordered the book Brain Rules by John Medina, but have not yet started reading it.

I am thankful for…an enjoyable visit recently with our two oldest sons. We belatedly celebrated Mitch’s 24^th, since we were in California visiting my husband’s folks on the actual date. Fun times!

From the kitchen…What better way to enjoy warm weather than with a barbeque? My new favorite marinade for steak is this easy recipe from Betty Crocker:

½ cup soy sauce

½ cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1 Tablespoon chopped ginger root

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon sugar

I am wearing…short sleeved floral print top, jeans and flip-flops.

I am reading…Emma by Jane Austen. Emma is not such a likeable girl for much of the book, and I find myself growing quite tired of her matchmaking schemes. Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma is more likeable than the Emma of the book, I think. I’m trying to be patient, though, and give the original Emma a chance to speak for herself.

I am hoping…the blogging friend Rick, Debra and I visited on our way to see Grampa and Gramma will take us up on our offer of hospitality and come to visit.

I am creating…my first blog post in a long time.

I am hearing…owls hooting outside. Love that lonely sound.

Around the house…the vibrant green of Pacific Northwest foliage was almost electric today as SUN was shining through the leaves. Ah, beautiful summer!

One of my favorite things…is being useful and happy right here and now.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I want to go to the farmers’ market in Bellingham tomorrow when Deb and I go into town for an appointment. I’m after rhubarb and strawberries. You can just imagine what I want them for.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Daughter Rebecca before her high school graduation ceremony!

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…April 23, 2010

Outside my Window…I see a typical Pacific Northwest evening. It’s generally overcast, and a slight breeze is trembling the fresh, spring leaves. It’s only 50 degrees this evening, with rain every so often.

I am thinking…it’s unusual to be at home all alone, except for the company of the doggy and the kitties. Rick and Seth are off to a basketball game, and the girls are having a movie night. I’m still recovering from a cough, so am enjoying the quiet evening.

From the learning rooms…I learned in 6^th grade science that cancer cells are our own cells that don’t die when they should. They just keep replicating, so they are “immortal” in a way, but good for nothing, since they no longer do the work they used to do. Sort of zombie cells. Yuck!

I am thankful for…a quiet life, removed from the violence of crime. I’ve been helping 8^th grade students research social issues such as child abuse and gang violence, so have been learning more (than I want to know) about all the ill effects of sin in this world.

From the kitchen…Since everyone is out tonight, I’ll just snack for dinner. Last night I baked bread, though, and I plan to bake an almond paste dessert tomorrow.

I am wearing…blue jeans and cozy knit top. It’s not warm here yet.

I am reading…(going to read) a book I just selected off my girls’ bookshelf: Switched by Jessica Wollman, a sort of Prince and the Pauper-type story. Sounds like a fun read! I recently finished Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers. She writes so well, and the book gave me a lot to think about, but I don’t enjoy meditating upon human depravity. Switched sounds like the light read I’m looking for.

I am hoping…the girls have a great time together tonight.

I am creating…this blog post in my quiet house.

I am hearing…the dog panting, and the computer humming. That’s about it.

Around the house…Tomorrow I plan to weed flower beds and buy a few more bedding plants. Hope it doesn’t rain!

One of my favorite things…is quiet time to read.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Saturday is our deep-cleaning day, so that’s what’s on the agenda for tomorrow. I hope to prepare a nice meal for tomorrow and bake a dessert.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Yours truly, at the computer

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!