Birthday Time

It's birthday time for one of my older ones. Matthew is 15!! Where has the time gone? Matt is a such blessing to our family. He is a wonderful big brother and a loyal and true friend. Matt has a goofy sense of humor that keeps us all on our toes and he is one who can always be depended upon to get the job done. Most of all Matthew loves Jesus and desires more than anything to be a man of God.

Happy birthday!! Mom and Dad love you and are very proud of you!!

Over the River and Through the Woods

Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go...really. Off to the Pacific Coast to Grandma and Papa's house for Thanksgiving.



Mom and Dad live in a very beautiful, remote area on the edge of the Olympic National Forest. They have a herd of Roosevelt Elk that enjoy the tender young plants in their yard and bears that patrol the area. We've spent hours watching the elk play in the field across the street and watched a bear meander across the road in front of our car just a block from my folks home. There have been cougar sightings in the area (that we haven't seen - thankfully!!!), bob cats, deer, bunnies, foxes, otters in the creek and a myriad of different birds. Such a beautiful place. It is easy to think about the Pilgrims and the challenges they faced when we are in such a remote area.

The wild and rocky Pacific Coast is just a few miles away. On days when the surf is high you can feel it pounding under your feet when out walking. Our visits almost always involve a wet and windy walk on the beach to fill our pockets with rocks and sandy treasures.

We are all looking forward to feasting. Feasting on delicious turkey and all the trimmings. Feasting on wonderful time to visit and fellowship together. Feasting on fun, laughter and game playing. Feasting on working together - baking, cooking, knitting and crocheting. This is going to be a rich and blessed time. I am incredibly blessed and am praising God for His many, many gifts!!! May your Thanksgiving be a wealth of blessings as well.

Preparation

The Monday before Thanksgiving. Lots to do - but also a wonderful time for reflection. A time rich in tradition and history. So I'm getting organized so I can enjoy every moment.

FOR TODAY...Monday, November 24, 2008

Outside my window..A hazy, chilly sky

I am thinking...about our drive to my parents home for Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for... our turn to visit Mom and Dad for this holiday - it's been about four years - I'm so very excited

From the learning rooms...this week a mini Thanksgiving unit. It will be a Thank you paper, some history - a couple of crafts, reading President Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation

From the kitchen...Preparing dinner rolls, veggie tray and other treats for the Feast

I am wearing...Denim skirt, soft brown long sleeve shirt, tank top and clogs

I am creating...working on the embroidery part of my Christmas gifts

I am going...to the library for more reading books for the long drive to Grandma's house and to the grocery store and to the gas station to vacuum out the van

I am reading...By the Shores of Silver Lake and John Adams.

I am hoping...Esther sleeps in the car to Grandma and Papa's house - its about four hours - we're leaving in the middle of the night to hopefully avoid the crying

I am hearing...kids watching a movie - someone getting in the fridge looking for a snack

Around the house...Tidying up, packing for our trip

One of my favorite things...Thanksgiving Day!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...Packing and leaving for our trip, sitting down and really visiting with Mom!!! I can't wait!! Help prepare the Thanksgiving dinner.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... such great fun!!

To see other fun Daybook pages go to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ . There will be lots of other ideas to make Thanksgiving special!!

The tree

We had to take down a tree in our yard because it's roots were making their way into the neighbor's driveway and cracking it up (I think they are the only ones in the neighborhood to have a paved driveway). So, our logger friend came over yesterday and worked his logging magic. I really thought this would be a big deal, but...


he brought his small chainsaw and turned this tall tree

into this in a matter of minutes

then he went to work

and turned that long tree into rounds in a very short time - now our yard is full of tree

which is fine with the little ones!!!

They spent the day racing each other up and down the logs

Even the dog got into the action

Now the rest of the job belongs to hubby and the three big boys. Chopping work is a favorite activity for several of them so they are honestly looking forward to the next few weekends. Thank you logger friend for your expert work!!

Sick

Poor Esther has an ear infection :0(. I am experienced in the realm of ear infections but three months is too young for this!! Even the pediatrician said he was not happy at how young she is. It was a pretty nasty cold - but still!!! My midwife has suggested seeing a chiropractor that specializes in infant care - several others have recommended this as well. I guess moving things around can help the ears drain? If it doesn't hurt Esther and could work I think it's worth a shot. I am also looking into "probiotics." I don't know a ton about this so I am open to suggestions.

Antibiotics and ear drops for poor baby
She's doing good considering her owie ear!

Monday Again

It's Monday again. Seems like I just did this - but it's been a whole week. So here goes - just to start my week thinking instead of whizzing around...

FOR TODAY...Monday, November 17, 2008 (can it be mid November already?)

Outside my window...The sun on the few golden leaves left - it was very foggy earlier I'm surprised it cleared up.

I am thinking...about menus for this week and about Thanksgiving

I am thankful for...getting my closet really tidy this weekend - it feels so good!!!

From the learning rooms...Starting a new unit this week - must gather supplies and make another trip to the library

From the kitchen...I am going to try a new oat bread recipe I got from a dear friend - nachos for dinner with homemade salsa ...mmm

I am wearing...a soft grey skirt and white shirt (crazy to wear white - but I like it!!)

I am creating...still working on Christmas gifts - getting out my sewing machine soon.

I am going...to take baby to the doctor to look in her ears - she's had a cold and seems under the weather (you know - that look around the eyes:0)

I am reading...Farmer Boy and John Adams.

I am hoping...the Doctor is not behind when I get there!!! and that Esther feels better quickly!!

I am hearing...Esther snoring in my arms and kids chatting in the other room

Around the house...I can't wait to get the broom in my hands and sweep my messy floors!! (the

kids tracked in a lotsa stuff on Sunday - when I DON'T sweep:0) also gotta get the laundry pile knocked back down

One of my favorite things...Children's books!! I love reading all those great series I read as a young girl!

A few plans for the rest of the week...get rolling well on our new unit, get to the library, get my floors mopped

Here is picture thought I am sharing...mmm good!!

You can visit http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ for more Daybook entries. It's fun reading and there are lots of neat ideas.

Weekend Fun

Today I took baby out and we went to the fabric store and lunch with a friend - Daddy stayed home with the rest of the crew. I arrived home with a bag of goodies...

This:
And This:

I can't say exactly what I'm doing with all this because I know there are some sneaky lurkers who will find out what they are getting for Christmas if I reveal my crafting plans :0). I will be getting out my sewing machine shortly. I will also be keeping my crochet hook busy. I'll share what I've made after the holidays.

In our home we try to begin our Sunday worship on Saturday night by getting as ready as possible for Sunday the evening before. Here is a typical Saturday evening.

Baths galore

This often involves a spontaneous bathroom floor mopping (flooding really)

I forgot to take a picture of all the clothes out - ready to put on in the morning. I am trying to get better at remembering to locate all the shoes the night before. I know I'm not the only one that ends up doing a Great Shoe Search minutes before the van is supposed to be leaving :0)!!!

My hubby always makes breakfast on Sunday morning - and it's not just a bowl of cereal - usually it is eggs, bacon or sausage and muffins or coffee cake. I know - I have a fabulous husband!!! I'm trying to make Sunday mornings more relaxed for him so I've started the tradition of making a batch of cinnamon rolls the night before to be ready to pop in the oven in the morning. It seems to be hit with everyone.

Ready for the second rising - then in the oven in the morning.

Blessings on your family this Sunday!!!

Attitudes

Sweet baby has been getting the reputation of being the most fussy baby we have had. But as the pictures below prove - she is not always cranky. I am beginning to wonder if maybe she is the same as all the other kids were and it is my attitude that's different. Maybe my expectations are different. Maybe I am being prideful in wanting things in my home a certain way and not patient with tiny baby's needs. I don't feel particularly impatient with her - just stressed about all the things that need to be done. I hate the idea that I may have labeled her as a fussy baby just cause I don't have a good attitude right now. I have prayed that God will show me where I need to change. I do not want to waste this precious time with my children being stressed and overwhelmed. I don't want to put the things in my house over the people that live there - if Esther needs me to snuggle her I don't want to be frustrated about dusty furniture. I'm rambling now - I guess I am really wanting to have the attitude that God wants me to have. So I am praying He will give me the grace to be the mother of all these beautiful children He has blessed us with!!!

The Aquarium

I have gotten a ton done today. Bread is rising, chili is simmering and for a very brief moment the laundry pile is gone (it won't last long - the washer is spinning merrily as I sit here). I got my kitchen all clean and shiny and the library books are back at their rightful home.

So I'm taking a few minutes to sit at the computer and relax. Well sorta, I'm doing this one-handed since the minute I sat down Esther woke up :0). Of course she would - that's a mom's life!!!

On Saturday we went to the aquarium. We are finishing up a unit on rivers and thought this would be a nice field trip - they have a nice freshwater section with river otters!

Even though we see many of these creatures in their natural habitat on the wild and rocky Pacific Coast at Grandma and Papa's house seeing them never grows old - even when they are indoors :0)

He looks a little unsure of sitting there next to a giant octopus - our Puget Sound has the largest octopus's' in the world. They have a reputation for being very smart and have escaped their home a few times here.

This picture of the river otter isn't so good but I couldn't resist trying to get a photo. This little guy was so cute. He was disturbed from his nap and when he settled down to sleep again he put his tail in his mouth and used it as a binkie - seriously!! It was so very sweet!! I wonder if his mom is wondering when he'll stop sucking his tail

And this picture is just cause she's so sweet!! I'm also thinking that now that they are back from the East Coast there may be Grandmas and Papas lurking around hoping for pictures.

Monday

Monday again...Time to start my week with a plan and purpose. If I don't I will end up flitting around like a butterfly with ADD!!:0) Check out thesimplewoman for some wonderful inspiration.

I am thankful for...the precious hour alone to converse with my husband this weekend. My sweetie asked me to go for a walk with him. When we arrived at the walking trail instead of getting out of the car my hubby produced some treats and we sat int the car holding hands and talking.

Outside my window...the sun breaking through the clouds... Yeah sun!!! We don't see much of it this time of year so I cherish every moment (I do love the rain also)

I am thinking...about the great sermon yesterday and how I can apply it to my life - Today!!

I am hoping...baby's cold gets no worse. She's cheerful but very congested. We both need more sleep - she was awake most of the night - again very cheerful - just her stuffy, congested nose keeping her awake.

From the learning rooms...We didn't quite finish our Lewis and Clark and river units last week so we will be doing that this week.

From the kitchen...Yummy pork chops and gravy in the crockpot. Fourteen year old son is making chocolate chip cookies - there goes my diet :0)

I am wearing...denim skirt and peach colored t-shirt and slippers (my uniform!!)

I am creating...crocheting Christmas gifts - I am using the softest, nubby, violet flecked cotton. I love this yarn!!

I am going...to exercise everyday this week again. I did it everyday last week Yahoo!!

I am reading...John Adams by David McCullough - good book so far

I am hearing...the kids playing a pretend vet game together (all their stuffed animals are out all over the kitchen table). Big boys talking while working in the kitchen... gotta hurry here...baby is starting to fuss.

Around the house...Got to tidy my bedroom, and of course maintain a respectable level of laundry - I've come to terms with the fact that until baby gets a little bigger there will always be a pile to fold.

One of my favorite things...hearing and watching my kids use their imagination.

A few plans for the rest of the week...must make a trip the the library before they think we are keeping their books forever!! Hubby has a church leadership meeting this week - dinners need to be early most of the week.

Here is a picture I am sharing: from our trip to the aquarium this weekend (I'll share more pictures tomorrow)

Something Pretty

I thought I'd share one of my collections. I really love Depression Glass. The colors make me happy to look at and I enjoy the stories behind these old pieces. Some of my glass is on a shelf in my kitchen and some is in my cupboards. The glass I have put away has been promised that it will come out frequently to be used. I don't like hiding pretty things behind cupboard doors. I don't collect Depression Glass for the value - although I have heard that some people will collection tremendous amounts just to drive the value up!! I collect old things because I love the stories behind them.

Depression Glass was given away by different companies as an incentive to buy their products during the 30's and 40's - much like toys in cereal boxes today. Some companies gave away coupons or points toward sending for glassware.

One of my cherished pieces is a pink cake plate that my Grandmother gave me - she had saved up 25 cents and bought it for her mother as a birthday gift when she was a little girl. My grandmother wasn't sure I would like it because the handle was chipped - silly grandma - I love it!!! It's the story. Picturing a little girl deciding which plate her mama would like and handing over her carefully saved dimes and nickles and toting that gift home is a sweet, sweet story!!!

Quite a bit of my glass lives up here on this shelf in my kitchen
My hubby gave me this pitcher some years ago for my birthday

I think this glassware must have been popular for two reasons. One reason of course, was that it was affordable, but the bigger reason I think, was the cheerful colors and many pretty designs. During such hard times I suspect women really had a need for simple and inexpensive ways to add beauty to their lives.

When I and discouraged or blah for some reason, looking at this pretty glass reminds me that I am not the only one to go through tough times (and maybe they aren't so really tough!!).

May you find color and beauty in this day that God has blessed us with!!!

3 Months

Three months old today - Happy birthday pretty girl!!

What a busy, crazy, chaotic but fun, joyous and wonderful three months it has been since Esther joined our family!!!

On another note: I am not fond of change. I am a worry wart (a shock to my friends!!). Yet I also know that keeping things the same all the time is also not healthy. That is why the forefathers of our nation set our government up the way it did. Our country voted yesterday and now we will be facing a big change. I feel the need to pray, so pray I will!! Prayer can help take fear and worry away!! Praise God - He is in charge!!! We can all rest on that. He is bigger than any thing or person on this earth after all He created the whole thing!!!

Peaches

For the month of October we have been dog sitting my parents dog while they vacationed on the East Coast with one of my sisters. Peaches is a sweet but shy doggie. It took her a while to warm up to this busy, noisy household. She is used to a very quiet and calm home. But in the end she turned into her tailwagging self and seemed happy here. She became particularly attached to me - and I to her. She slept at the end of our bed and I learned that dogs can snore!! Really loudly, too - so my hubby had some competition:0). Well, last night her real Mommy and Daddy came home and off she went without a backward glance in my direction. Not even a tail waggin' dog kiss to say goodbye!! I will miss you - puppy - I enjoyed taking care of you!

And since my folks plane was late and the doggie left our house at 1:00am and Esther had a snuffy nose that kept her squirmy until 4:00am I will be enjoying a nap today without any snoring pups in our room!!!

Monday

It's Monday. I saw this on another blog and thought it was a neat way to start the week. If you want to visit her here's the address: http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com. The truth is is that I very much want to be a simple woman. I find myself much to distracted some days to be of much use to my family let alone God. My prayer for today is that I will simply bring glory to Him in whatever I do.

FOR TODAY November 3, 2008...

Outside My Window... a beautiful red and orange maple tree

I am thinking... about our missionary family that I committed to pray for

I am thankful for...a restful Sunday - nap with baby, a good time with hubby

I am hoping...that my husband has a good day at work!!

From the learning rooms...I'd like to finish our Lewis and Clark unit this week

From the kitchen... I haven't finished planning our menus for the week yet - I think chicken soup and homemade bread, as the weather is stormy

I am wearing...denim skirt and comfy top with slippers

I am creating... crocheting Christmas gifts

I am going...to try and exercise every morning this week

I am reading...Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (for about the 125th time:0)

I am hearing...rain drops on the trees outside the window

Around the house... tidy up from a messy, over sugared weekend :0)

One of my favorite things... stormy days

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...get caught up on the laundry (folding), get control of the dust (it's kinda bad!!), go grocery shopping

Here is picture thought I am sharing... The view from my backyard Mondays are great because it is a good time to start fresh. Begin new habits, start new things. I know most people don't like Mondays but I really do. It's good to come from a restful day into a brand new week!! Have a great Monday!!