For Today

Outside my window... A gray mass of clouds. It's about 55 degrees out.

I am thinking... I have to find ways to look for joy in my life. Instead of seeing the messes my kids make and being irritated, seeing little ones living and growing in all their playful projects instead. It's all in how you look at things.

I am thankful for... The blessings of home, a well-stocked pantry, healthy children, the kitty cat mewing at my feet.

From the kitchen... Baking a strawberry pie with my girls today.

I am wearing... A gray-blue t-shirt and black capris, preparing to do a quick workout.

I am hoping... that the clouds will release some rain and blow away.

I am praying... for patience, tolerance, a renewed sense of joy and purpose.

I am listening to...crickets chirping! I wish Rosie (the tarantula) would hurry up and eat them!

Around the house... progressing toward a less cluttered life! I am now working on putting all my homeschool planning into my computer, to reduce the piles of paperwork. Calendars and lists are going into the computer, too, and pictures.

One of my favorite things... a slow and easy morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week... working on a decluttered home, on preparing homeschool materials and curriculums, and taking time to enjoy my kids and husband.

For Today

Outside my window... It's a gorgeous July day in Alaska; the sun is so hot, there's a haze over the woods and around the mountains. Beautiful, lush greenery is calling my name.

I am thinking... What did I do to deserve this? Everyone except the teenager is sick. We all have the flu, and have had it since Independence Day. No fireworks here, just lots of coughing.

I am thankful for... modern medicine, cough syrup, Tylenol, and every moment of sleep I can get.

From the kitchen... Paul barbecued a beautiful, big turkey in anticipation of the 4th. I turned it into a soothing soup for all our sick souls, with lots of garlic and butter. (Smart Source, to be truly factual, since we are all lactose intolerant)

I am wearing... A pink tank top and my jammy pants.

I am hoping... for everyone to be better tomorrow, for my birthday.

I am praying... My hopes are my prayers. Please Lord, let this family experience a time of health. The cycle of sickness is wearing on us.

Around the house... there is a pallet of blankets on the floor for the kids to rest on while we look at stories and watch cartoons. Faerie Tale Theater is my choice of entertainment today; we watched Rumpelstiltskin and Rapunzel.

One of my favorite things... sunbathing, sigh.

A few plans for the rest of the week... to get well and go enjoy the beautiful weather before it's gone!