Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
FOR TODAY April 1,2009...Outside my window...it is just getting light out and the cars are covered with pollen.I am thinking...i don't think my brain is quite awake yet.I am thankful for...Allen fixing the wheel barrow instead of buying a new one. He's so handy!From the learning rooms...the boys are getting a lesson in attentiveness. And, they are starting daily journal writing.From the kitchen...maybe peach crepes for lunch.I am wearing...my nightgown and James on my shoulder.I am creating...a family constitution per Benjamin's request. He's pretty visual, likes things written down.I am going...to be here all week, drop me a line :)I am reading...labels and trashing the artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. Oh, and anything made in China!I am hoping...I can finish some things that need finishing without getting so distracted that they don't get done at all.I am hearing...birds chirping outside and the train going by. I have lived near the train since I was 9 and I think that if I ever didn't live near one I would miss it.Around the house...I've been able to keep my flat surfaces in the kitchen mainly clutter free since Allen bought this nice, big desk to keep my clutter somewhat organized.One of my favorite things...I noticed that the kitchen is getting a little sunlight now in the afternoon. Sunny kitchens are so cheery! I just wish my kitchen window faced south instead of north so that I could harvest that cheer in the drearier seasons.A few plans for the rest of the week:WASH THE DOG!, practice some music for Easter, put together some meaningful Holy Week activities.Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Amber climbed into James's crib (it was hers not too long ago :) and was playing in it for quite a while pretending she was the baby. I laid her favorite brother down so that "jay ta-ku me?" (translation, can I take care of james?) Love, Gloria

Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/


FOR TODAY... March 16, 2009Outside my window...it is a beautiful, puffy clouded, sunshiny, rainy, Irish day. I think St. Patrick visited us a little early.I am thinking...that if I don't change, nothing else will.I am thankful for...the desk that allen bought for our computer. It is big enough for me to actually do paperwork on and still have room for office supplies and bills and some school supplies too (yes it's big). And I am finally able to keep that dreaded pile of papers off of the kitchen counter :)From the learning rooms...Benjamin is studying the elements and everyone else is focusing on the basics.From the kitchen...I am trying something new, individual meat loafs like burgers with pork & beans, peas and buiscuts from scratch.(update...the meatloaf burgers needed onions! Otherwise, dinner turned out fine, I guess, because it's GONE!)I am wearing...a cotton floral sweater, a blue broom skirt with white flowers, and my favorite old, beat-up Ariat boots that are made from sherling suede and leather. I wish they still made them. *sigh*I am creating...diapers and covers from fabric that I bought Friday, and a mei tai baby pack.I hope they turn out OK.I am going...to get my taxes sent out this week :I am reading...the life of The Blessed Virgin by Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich to the children; interesting.I am hoping...That Allen feels better after taking care of his sore tooth.I am hearing...Amber sing "DO DO DO" while softly playing the piano; too cute!Around the house...our garden needs to get started or we won't have one, and we're goin to need one!One of my favorite things...trying new things.A few plans for the rest of the week: get taxes done, school, and finish mei tai.Here is picture thought I am sharing...James's first photo with his eyes open :)

Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
FOR TODAY ...February 9, 2009
Outside my window...It is a beautiful, frosty, sunny, morning. I think it will be cold. I miss how I never got cold when I was pregnant.
I am thinking...that I really need to get my act together school-wise, I've been slacking :(
I am thankful for... all of the loving kids in this house always begging to hold the baby:)
From the learning rooms...brush-up on catechism because we get to go to mass tomorrow.
From the kitchen...my easy biscotti recipe for the baptism tomorrow, and pancakes for breakfast today.
I am wearing...my brown corderoy skirt, long socks, an off-white shirt with fall flowers on it and blue fuzzy slippers.
I am creating...no time for that right now:(
I am going...to mass tomorrow for the first time in forever it seems.
I am reading...the life of The Blessed Virgin from the visions of sister Ann Catherine to the boys at night.
I am hoping...I can keep it all together tomorrow as the children haven't been to mass in a long time.
I am hearing...a little baby starting to cry. I may have to cut this short.
Around the house...my MIL has been helping me keep up with the laundry:)
One of my favorite things...an empty laundry basket!
A few plans for the rest of the week:Mass and baptism of James and Julianna (who was born on my birthday!:) tuesday, and James' circumcision on Wednesday.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...James at only a couple hours old;)

Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
FOR TODAY...February 2, 2009
Outside my window...It is a beautiful day with warm sunshine and no frost from last night. Very unseasonable weather. I am thinking...that it will be difficult to 'rest' this week. I've already been tempted to pick Amber up.I am thankful for...the friends that I have praying for me. I can't imagine what it would be like without them.From the learning rooms...we will try to finish up the First Holy Communion notebooks before the baptism on Tuesday next.From the kitchen...whatever Dad can cook up for a couple more days :)I am wearing...a black and white tiered skirt with a white shirt, a grey shawl, and my blue fuzzy slippers.I am creating/growing...a fat happy baby that just loves nursing. I have a feeling that he will grow fast.I am going...to get cabin fever this week because I'm not going anywhere.I am reading...the inside of my eyelids because I can't stay awake for much else ><.I am hoping...that I can get into a new rutine soon so everyone is more comfortable and knows what to do with their time instead of just goofing off. I've been a little too relaxed in my homeschooling lately. I am hearing...Amber playing the piano and Peter tell me all about holding James play-by-play :)Around the house...Dad is doing a great job taking care of everything. His mother has been invaluable in the laundry room. My room still needs help though. I didn't quite take care of everything like I wanted to.One of my favorite things...is watching my boys melt over a baby ;)A few plans for the rest of the week:Rest,feed James, rest, Huga Amber, repeat :)Here is picture thought I am sharing...My niece, Christina and I spent the night together in postpardum at the hospital with our little bundles James and Eve.Eve tried to have the same birthday as James, but missed it by a day.

Daybook

FOR TODAY...January 27, 2009

Outside my window...it is an unseasonally sunny day. We need rain :(

I am thinking...that I don't have enough time to do all of the thiongs that I want to do before my surgery.

I am thankful for...my older childrens' ability to help me. Now if I could just get them to be a little more willing to :)

From the learning rooms...Just the bare minimum right now that I'm preparing for a new arrival. Daniel did manage to start making a zeppelin, but it fell apart half way through and Daniel was too discouraged to make it again. Peter and Charlie are learning a song that I showed them on the piano and are doing fairly well. Now I need to show them how to read the music:)

From the kitchen...Daniel did manage to complete a kitchen project though. He found a recipe in my book for Turkish Delight and it turned out great!








I am wearing...a brown courderoy skirt, a floural maternity top, and my brown boots.


I am creating...lots! I'm trying to get some sewing out of the way before the baby comes.Here are some pics... Thomas has been sharing a bed with whoever is willing and I thought that he needed something for bedtime to call his own while he waits for us to purchase a bunk bed for him and Holly, So I made him this quilt to sleep with, FUN!And Holly has been outgrowing her clothes like crazy, so she now has 2 new skiirts with one more and a dress on the way.






I am going...to have a baby on friday!





I am reading...The C.S.Lewis books to the boys AGAIN! They like them.


I am hoping...everything goes well and I am home by Sunday.




I am hearing...the dishwasher that my boys filled and started for me :), my 4yo playing out back, and Amber snoring on my chest.



Around the house...I am taking care of my "piles". One is a sewing pile, then there's a file pile, and a clothes pile that consists of things that the older kids have outgrown and the younger ones don't fit yet, and then the never ending school/art pile!


One of my favorite things...is a little baby sleeping on my chest all night long (zzzzz).


A few plans for the rest of the week: clean, sew, pack, organize, file, drink water and rest!.


Here is picture thought I am sharing... The piano has become a main attraction at our house!

Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY... December 30, 2008
Outside my window...the sun is shining :) There is a mist in the field across the street. And the ground is frosty. The boys like to go out and see their warm breath in the chill air and hear the crunch of the frozen ground under their feet..
I am thinking...about spending the morning outside so the little ones can get some good outdoor time in.
I am thankful for...the sunshine today. The weather has been too drab lately.
From the kitchen...the last of the ham in my attempt at sweet-n-sour sauce =/. I'm not much of a cook.
I am wearing...some knee-high socks that I bought at the outlet stores when we were shopping for the children's clothes and shoes. They turned out to be a great asset to my winter wardrobe :). Also, a knit, cream skirt that is getting a little tight to go under my growing belly, but is warm, and an olive shirt with a cream sweater.
I am creating...more like repairing...Daniel's jacket, Holly's skirt, And anything else that I can use black thread on :)
I am going...to stay home the rest of the week. At my O.B. appointment yesterday I found out that there is no danger of either previa or accreda so all's good to go as far as the baby is concerned. And Daniel did not have a fracture, but a sprain, so he is back to activities again :)
I am reading...Baby Names for the New Century. I like how it has the origins of names and what they mean. Did you know that the name Jonathen has nothing to do with the name John?
Go figure!
I am hoping...in The Lord...
I am hearing...a snoozing baby and an arguement from the boys outside.
Around the house...the Christmas decorations are up and won't come down untill Epiphany; and the cookies are still hanging in there too :)
One of my favorite things...seeing my boys playing together without fighting. It happens occasionally :)A few plans for the rest of the week: I still need to organize Holly's room. Otherwise, get as much rest as I can.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I just love the Birthday card that Daniel made for Thomas this year!

Happy New Year everyone!

Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY... December 22, 2008


Outside my window...it is foggy. Not too common here, it reminds me of San Francisco.


I am thinking...that I am not ready for Christmas and I don't know where to start, my thinking isn't as clear as I'd like it to be. Maybe I have fuzzy baby brain or something :)


I am thankful for...Some small blessings that have come our way in the last month or so that have made the season special. God is taking care of us.


From the learning rooms...will be arts, crafts and cullinary creations!


From the kitchen...there will be baking. I'm not sure what yet, but there will be cookies involved somehow, and a gingerbread house if I can get ahold of some molasses.


I am wearing...my nightgown because I couldn't sleep this morning, so I got up to sneak some blogging time in.


I am creating...I made a skirt for Holly out of copper lame'.
BAM! And I sewed a backing onto my table runner for Christmas. Otherwise, beads and embroidery for Christmas gifts this year.


I am going...to get a second opinion on Daniels wrist because it doesn't seem to be healing well:(


I am reading...A very good book by St. Louis de Montfort about the rosary to the children at night.


I am hoping...that I can get enough done by Wednesday without tiring myself out too much. Now if I only had a list...


I am hearing...the heater coming on and an occational snore from the bedrooms.


Around the house...there is boxes of decorations that wil go up in the next day or two, and clutter that will hopefully disappear somehow ...


One of my favorite things...is the smell of spice cookies out of the oven, can't wait!


A few plans for the rest of the week: Where's that list? :)


Here is picture thought I am sharing...




We wish you all a Happy Christmas and a New year filled with blessings! Love, Benjamin, Daniel, Charlie, Peter, Holly, Thomas, &Amber.

Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY The Feast of The Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, 2008
Outside my window...is a nice day for a game of football, if only the boys would get along for more than half an hour:/

I am thinking...not right now...

I am thankful for...my house; that I recieved the keys to this very day 8 years ago :)

From the learning rooms...there will be a jesse tree by the end of the week!!

From the kitchen...a roast with potatoes and baby carrots.

I am wearing...my sage green maternity dress.

I am creating...the other side of my fall table runner; it will be less complex than the fall side.

I am going...to go to the shoe stores to find Benjamin some shoes that fit him this week. Then, with a few exeptions, the children will have their winter wardrobe taken care of.

I am reading...The Catechist to the children at night.

I am hoping...that I can get Holly's room organized this week.

I am hearing...Holly and Thomas telling stories, and Peter telling me he's hungry.

Around the house...the usual cleanup that needs to be done.

One of my favorite things...Processions, we had one in honor of Our Lady today:)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Jesse tree, more for the FHC notebooks, and everything else that comes along.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Beauty and the Beast...Holly insisted that the Beast was supposed to be taller than Beauty.

Goodbye and God Bless, Gloria

Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY ...December 1, 2008

Outside my window...The sun is shining and it is COLD.

I am thinking...that I need to carve myself more time to do lesson planning. I am a seat of my pants kind of person and I'm finding that in teaching, that just doesn't work for as many children as I have.

I am thankful for...my DH who fixed my washing machine for me and found the yarn needle :/ that was sticking in the water pump. And he had never worked on one before! He's so smart :).

From the learning rooms...I am working on a liturgical calender for the kids. We are keeping up with our Saxon Math lessons for the most part. And the big boys are doing things for their FHC Notebooks.

From the kitchen...we are having chopped turkey with enchilada sauce and torn corn tortillas mixed in with melted cheese on top :)

I am wearing...My custome made maternity dress :)

I am creating...O.K., I'm thinking of making another table runner for Christmas and attatching it to the fall runner so that I can just flip it!

I am going...to watch my children tow each other around in the bike trailer.

I am reading...57 saints still.

I am hoping...that this advent season is restfull yet exiting and cheerfull for all of my very different children.

I am hearing...all of my boys telling me that they are Hungry! This is an almost hourly occurance.

Around the house...I am starting the Christmas decorations, but putting purple ribbons and not much out yet. Little by little. I think Ill do a Jesse tree too.

One of my favorite things...is home made hot chocolate, now that I know how to make it.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Amber wearing Mom's earings, so grown up!

Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY... November 24, 2008
Outside my window...it is very cool and clear with clouds in the distance, and a little bird that likes to 'share' Leo's breakfast.

I am thinking...that it might be nice to have a week off of schooling for Thanksgiving week.

I am thankful for...the work that has been trickling in that is helping us get our bills paid. And for the oppertunity to visit the cemetary finally for November.
From the learning rooms...the boys are starting their First Holy Communion notebooks and, of course, there will be crafts and cooking class this week :)
From the kitchen...simple and easy food this week. It makes Thanksgiving Day more special.I am wearing...my turquois skirt and my blue fish top from Hawaii.I am creating...that same table runner. It's going to be finished or else!
Holly and Amber like to help!



I am going...to the OB today. Otherwise, I will be home.
I am reading...57 Saints to the children at night.
I am hoping...we get our tags paid before we get caught driving w/out them :/
I am hearing...Thomas telling Amber that eating potatoes makes you big and strong :)
Around the house...the pile that I tried to clear off of the counter is still there. I never got to it :(
One of my favorite things...is large blocks of time to get projects done. They don't come about too often, but they're golden when they do.
A few plans for the rest of the week:GO to the doc and visit my grandma in the nursing home, finish my runner, and treach the boys how to make pie!
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
This is the dress that My sister-in-law, Brenda, made using my old dress as a pattern. Sorry that the pic is not good, but I had to have Daniel take it and this is the only one where I still have most of my head!

Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY... November 17, 2008

Outside my window...everything iscovered in a cold dew and I' can tell that this nice weather won't last long.

I am thinking...that today would be a good day to give Leo a bath and fall trim.

I am thankful for...the beautiful weather we have been witnessing lately. I really need that sunshine.

From the learning rooms...the math fight as always. I think that we'll try to get a game of baseball in at the field today for P.E. And We will start with the First Holy Communion books. Fom the kitchen...we will be making bannana bread with our abundance of overripe bannanas.

I am wearing...an old, comfy, denim maternity dress and my shredded sneakers.

I am creating...the same fall table runner as last week. Not done yet :(

I am going...to pay some bills today. At least I'll get out of the house today.

I am reading...Sermons by St Alphonsus on Sunday after the Rosary, and 57 Saints to the little ones at night.

I am hoping...to have a productive week.

I am hearing...Thomas telling Charlie about the picture he's drawing while Charlie's trying to focus on his math.

Around the house...Dust! This nice weather will be nice for some pre winter tidy up.

One of my favorite things...is the clean, crisp smell in the air when fall weather settles in; it's almost here.

A few plans for the rest of the week:I never know what will happen. I've given up on making plans.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Have a blessed week!~Gloria

Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY... November 10, 2008

Outside my window...Is a beutiful day and the October Glory is finally changing color.

I am thinking...that it is so nice getting up EARLY. I should really do this more often.

I am thankful for...the fact that I'm almost caught up on my bills. Now maybe we can look foreward to fixing the car, getting the children some clothes, going on vacation (ok now I'm getting ahead of myself :)

From the learning rooms...I think I'll do a unit on manners. With all these boys, It will be helpful for them as well as me.

From the kitchen...Our first day of soup for lunch. Winter's coming.

I am wearing...a comfy, black, knit skirt and a burgundy sweater that is made more like a sweatshirt.

I am creating... the same table runner that I was last week. I wonder if I'll finish before fall is over :)

I am going...to see if I can get these guys out of the house to see a free concert called Pianafiddle on Thursday.

I am reading...57 saints to the children at night and Genesis for History.

I am hoping...I can get the house cleaned up while hubby is working all day. I seems easier to do when he's away.

I am hearing...the Nutcracker (the kids can't wait for Christmas :).

Around the house...there is a pretty good mess that needs cleaning.

One of my favorite things...is Thomas's smily face first thing in the morning :)

A few plans for the rest of the week: maybe a concert on Thursday, otherwise, just the usual routine (if I can find it:/)

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This little guy has decided that he likes the spot between our two back doors to sleep at night. He leaves a little mess, of course, but it isn't too bad. He's so cute.

Daybook

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY November 3 2008...
Outside My Window...it is raining. Looks like it will be a wet winter. I guess we do need the rain though. Last year was too dry.
I am thinking...my house needs a good cleaning! I am trying to dream up a way to house all seven of my childrens' stuff in 1100 sq ft of space, without it scattering to the ends of the earth after only 3 days since cleaning day :/
I am thankful for...a roof over our heads durring all this rain, and a house full of healthy kids :)
From the schoolroom...we are starting to write essays now, keeping up in the Saxon books, and always looking up How Stuff Works.
From the kitchen...we have persimmon muffins (cookie shaped) for breakfast and tea that Peter was so good to get ready for us :)
I am wearing...The same dress that I wore last Monday that my dear sister in law, Brenda, made for me. It is heavy denim so it is warm, durable and comfy :)
I am creating...a fall color table runner if I can ever get my house in order.
I am going...to vote tomorrow.
I am reading...57 Saints to the little ones at night and the election handbook one last time (some of those propositions seem tricky)
I am hoping...That God will answer the prayers of His people concerning the next round of government officials. Also that our prayers are not just postponing the inevitable, although that is entirely probable :/
I am hearing...Holly(6) explain to Thomas(4) how to play in the rain without getting dirty and wet (expert that she is, having changed out of sopping wet clothes already)
Around the house...general antsyness resulting from cabin fever and too much candy.
One of my favorite things...is the fall colors. It's too bad that the temperatures have been too warm to change my October Glory Maple tree all of the colors that its name implies :(
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:Straighten the house, read up on grant writing, and try to have a productive school week.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...Holly is a big girl now. She lost her first tooth!
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