For Today

Outside my window... It's a roasting 82 degrees in my backyard. The children are all either soaking in the pool, or dumping buckets of ice cold water on each other!

I am thinking... Summer in Alaska is what keeps me from leaving. The gorgeous blue skies, the heat, the fresh air...aah, life is good.

From the learning rooms... The kids' sponsor teacher came today to look at the work we've done. Everybody had fun showing off, and we're ready to move on to the next grade levels now.

I am thankful for... butter.

From the kitchen... I'm sizzling some steak in butter and Tuscan seasoning, planning to make some yummy wraps for the kids and a nice juicy slice of steak for me and Paul.

I am wearing... Khaki cargo shorts and a turquoise-and-brown patterned, sleeveless top Tracy helped me pick out.

I am hoping... Paul will come home soon, even though he said he might be working late tonight.

I am creating... nothing. Hobbies are still piled as I work on Flylady's cleaning plan. Organization, here I come!

I am praying... That this blessed time will last forever.

Around the house... Paul found a couch and loveseat set on sale this weekend. I have been living with a very old, very beaten up hand-me down couch for so long...It is so wonderful to have some decent furniture.

One of my favorite things... the smell of anything cooking in butter.

A few plans for the rest of the week... enjoy the sunshine as much as possible, continue organizing and catching up on things that have been pushed to the back burner.

For Today

Outside my window... Faint white clouds are dusting over the pale blue sky. Grandma's out in the yard with all my sopping wet children. A little breeze is stirring up the trees, but it's still warm enough for splashing in the pool. A beautiful day.

I am thinking... about not thinking about the things that stress me out, and trying to enjoy the sunshine.

From the learning rooms... Still just enjoying the great outdoors.

I am thankful for... the blessings of children who have grown up grateful to us for things we never thought we would receive any thanks for. It helps to know we mattered, in little ways and big.

From the kitchen... I'm hoping Paul gets home in time to BBQ something up for dinner.

I am wearing... pink cargo pant/shorts, and a pink flowery top, all ruffled around the collar. Thank you, Tracy, for helping me pick new clothes!

I am hoping... to begin paying our debts up soon.

I am creating... actually, I'm cleaning. My creativity kicks in better when I have a clean space to work in, and my hobbies need a focused area.

I am praying... for the day I never have another bill collector call my house.

Around the house... laundry, laundry, everywhere!

One of my favorite things... quiet time.

A few plans for the rest of the week... to get the kids' things together for their teacher, coming on Wednesday to finalize their grades.

Outside my window... Soft white clouds with a blue sky behind them. The leaves on the trees are in various stages of growth, from brand new buds to broad green leaves. The swingset and slide and a couple of bikes are waiting in the yard for the kids to rejoin them.

I am thinking... Of all the lists of things I need to get done!

From the learning rooms... We will still be doing a bit of school here and there, but for now it's summer vacation and the weather for outdoor play is so rare...I guess you could call the next couple of months "gym class" !

I am thankful for... the trip to Florida! Thank you, Caleb, Chip, Tracy, and Eric, for all your generosity that made it possible for me to be at Caleb and Chip's wedding and to experience playing in the ocean for the first time in my life.

From the kitchen... Oh, gee, I guess I'd better get something out of the freezer! Something easy, because it's warm today and I don't want to hover over the oven...maybe a pork roast, or meat loaf?

I am wearing... a yellow sundress that reaches to the floor and makes me feel a little like a princess.

I am hoping... just hoping, in general. That our finances will stay secure for a while, that the work I am doing will have positive results, that my husband's health (Paul had to be in the hospital last week with kidney stones and vomiting blood, probably due to an esophageal tear) and the little guy's health will return full force and problem free.

I am creating... a surprise for Caleb and Chip. Shh, no telling. I'll post pictures of it when it has safely arrived at their home.

I am praying... for my loved ones' health, for daily guidance in my choices, and for help achieving all the things I hope for.

Around the house... the children are working as a team to clean up their own messes. Carefree summer days often lead to casually dropping clothes on the floor, and wet swimsuits, and grubby hands leaving splatters on the counters, jelly dropped on the floor from hurriedly made PBJ's...Time to clean before we can play anymore!

One of my favorite things... the memories we made in Florida, which have inspired me to create memories like that for my children and for my husband and me. Time to start planning and saving for vacations!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Laying low at home while Paul gets better, some barbecuing and a little birthday party for the little guy, who was sick on his birthday last month.

A picture thought I am sharing with you:

Remember to take time to enjoy your day!