For Today

Outside my window... Warm blue skies, Paul barbecuing sausages on the grill, kids scooting around on their bicycles, and finally some green buds showing up on the birch trees on the hill.

I am thinking... Life is good, even when it's very hard work.

From the learning rooms... No work today! It's the weekend!

I am thankful for... sunny days and getting to sleep in my own bed again. (I have been gone the past few days at the hospital with little guy, who is doing much better now).

From the kitchen... my baby's making me some brats and fries.

I am wearing... black knit capris and a pink capsleeve shirt. (starting to catch on to my uniform, yet?)

I am hoping... to have a fun time shopping with my sister tomorrow.

I am creating... pretty clothes out of ugly ones, with some sewing machine magic.

I am praying... to always have God's help at the job of parenting...without Him, I know I would be a failure. With Him, I can do anything at all!

Around the house... catching up on the laundry and some organization before I leave this little family to it's own devices for a week.

One of my favorite things... peaceful Saturday afternoons.

A few plans for the rest of the week... a couple of intense days of school to make up for the time I'll be gone, and then pack my bags to catch a plane to be at my baby brother's commitment ceremony!

For Today

Outside my window... Soft clouds all across the sky, an open sandbox and a yard strewn with toys. No sign of green buds on the trees yet.

I am thinking... of how to do better, be better; as a wife, as a mother, as a person overall.

From the learning rooms... Amy is thankful for bananas, Sarah is thankful for basketballs. Andrew is excited about the Wright brothers, and made many paper airplanes today.

I am thankful for... forgiveness and second chances.

From the kitchen... an invented concoction of funny little round noodles, peas and carrots, a handful of dill, and a cup or two of cottage cheese.

I am wearing... black knit capris and a blue capsleeve shirt.

I am reading... the Alaskan Gardener.

I am hoping... to get little guy healed this week, physically and at least for a little while, emotionally.

I am creating... still mulling over that doll I want to make for him.

I am praying... for God's mercy on the hearts of the new little ones, and his vengeance on those who hurt them.

Around the house... popsicle wrappers, colorful drawings, paper airplanes, and washed but not put away laundry.

One of my favorite things... when my husband brings me a treat home after a long day.

A few plans for the rest of the week... really just taking things one day at a time right now.

For Today...

Outside my window... soft blue skies and bare trees on a dry-grassy hill. A glowing moon peeping in my window.

I am thinking... how blessed I am to be trusted with such challenging work.

Homeschooling... teaching the girls their letters by creating a picture a day of something they are thankful for; today, Amy is thankful for apples, and Sarah is thankful for Andrew. Taught Andrew about atoms, protons, neutrons, and electrons, and had a wonderful conversation with him showing that even though science says God didn't do it, scientists' theories of how matter came into being directly follows the order laid out in Genesis. Loved seeing the laughter on his face as he recognized the possibility that Science and belief in God don't have to conflict.

I am thankful for... my home, my husband, my healthy children.

From the kitchen... the only thing I came close to cooking today was cheese tortillas; the little one is sick, and my hands have been very full.

I am wearing... black knit capris, black and white wool socks, and a pink men's dress shirt.

I am re-reading... The Creative Family (by Amanda Blake Soule) The author also has an enjoyable blog: Soule Mama

I just watched... Rent, for the first time the other night.

I am hoping... that everything will be okay when I am in Florida, both with me and at home.

I am creating... actually, just planning to create, a doll for the new little one.

I am praying... for wisdom, serenity, and grace.

Around the house... a lot of laundry, today. Spring in Alaska brings lots of mud, and little guy's tummy bug has also resulted in a good bit of wash.

One of my favorite things... the sound of crickets chirping. If I try really hard, I can pretend it's coming from outside and not from the tarantula's cage! : )

A few plans for the rest of the week... group at work, prepare for Mother's Day, get little guy well so we can have his birthday party, and go shopping for clothes to wear in Florida.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

Summer's On It's Way!!!

I hope you all can understand that I stayed away from my blog for a long time because of some unkind commenters, who were perfect strangers to me. I think I have cleaned my presence off the internet, but for now I am moderating comments. I was really naive when I started this, and am still learning to protect my heart when I publish my life to the internet.

I borrowed this format from another blogger, and am giving her credit here: The Simple Woman's Daybook