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!!!