Hi out there!
I have been in bed sick for 3 days and I've completely worn through everything to do. I don't want to sleep. There's nothing good to watch, and even "the Facebook" can't interest me. What have you all been up to? Halloween's in 2 days, and the kids are super excited. I've got a banshee, Glenda the Good Witch, The Wicked Witch of the North, a princess, and Tigger to take trick-or-treating. Plus a teenager--that's the one that scares me the most!
We have snow on the ground, finally. It came pretty late this year. Still, not too chilly out; I think it will be one of our warmer Halloweens.
I hope you all are safe and warm and happy, and that everyone enjoys a wonderful Halloween!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
For Today
Outside my window...Good day, sunshine! I love Alaska best in the summer.
I am thinking... that I should probably go out and soak up the sun, let my worries float away today.
From the learning rooms... The kids' sponsor teacher just left. I'm so relieved to have that over with...everyone did fine and moving on to the next grades, but these visits always make me tense. It is huge, taking responsibility for their educations, and I feel like I got my grades today, too. (Yay, I Passed!)
I am thankful for... finally having my house back. The new flooring is lighter than what we had before, and really brightens the place up.
From the kitchen... Paul made some pulled pork this weekend, enough to make sandwiches aplenty for the rest of the week. I think I'll teach Taylor to make homemade brownies later today.
I am wearing... jeans, and a flowy, long sleeved, black top.
I am hoping... for some pretty summer weather.
I am praying... that my wrist heals up okay...I've never sprained anything before...is it supposed to hurt this much?
Around the house... One more way that all things work together for good...packing up all the clutter to fix the floors has shown everyone how pretty our house can be with less in it. Everyone is motivated to keep it bright and airy now.
One of my favorite things... Sunshine. The hotter, the better.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Girls have one more Daisy Scout meeting on Tuesday, I'm going to start ordering curriculum for next year, working on our plans for Memorial Day. And of course roller skating on Wednesday, but I think I'll be sitting this one out.
I am thinking... that I should probably go out and soak up the sun, let my worries float away today.
From the learning rooms... The kids' sponsor teacher just left. I'm so relieved to have that over with...everyone did fine and moving on to the next grades, but these visits always make me tense. It is huge, taking responsibility for their educations, and I feel like I got my grades today, too. (Yay, I Passed!)
I am thankful for... finally having my house back. The new flooring is lighter than what we had before, and really brightens the place up.
From the kitchen... Paul made some pulled pork this weekend, enough to make sandwiches aplenty for the rest of the week. I think I'll teach Taylor to make homemade brownies later today.
I am wearing... jeans, and a flowy, long sleeved, black top.
I am hoping... for some pretty summer weather.
I am praying... that my wrist heals up okay...I've never sprained anything before...is it supposed to hurt this much?
Around the house... One more way that all things work together for good...packing up all the clutter to fix the floors has shown everyone how pretty our house can be with less in it. Everyone is motivated to keep it bright and airy now.
One of my favorite things... Sunshine. The hotter, the better.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Girls have one more Daisy Scout meeting on Tuesday, I'm going to start ordering curriculum for next year, working on our plans for Memorial Day. And of course roller skating on Wednesday, but I think I'll be sitting this one out.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
For Today
How's the weather... we're still being teased here in Anchorage; one minute the sun is blazing brilliantly, the next there's a chilly breeze sending us running for our sweaters. The blue skies are so beautiful though, I just know this summer will be the best ever.
School days... Oh, the agony! The sun is out and the great outdoors is calling--but we WILL learn to read before this school year is over. It came so easily to Andrew, but the girls are not into it at all. I was a late reader in first grade, too, but once I started reading there was no stopping me. So, still trying to keep that positive attitude. As far as Andrew goes, somedays I just feel like he has outgrown his dear old mom. That boy's brain is huge! He is loving long division right now, and seems to have gotten past his struggles with math.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner... Had a late start this morning; breakfast was hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter on whole wheat slices, and pineapple chunks, followed up with a glass of soy milk. The kids are enjoying almonds, frozen tropical fruit mix, and lemonade for lunch, and eating their picnic on the deck as they play in the mud. Dinner will probably be chicken spaghetti, made with the leftovers from the roast chickens Paul made on Sunday. I'm planning to bake up a batch of shortbread cookies for dessert.
I am wearing... chocolate-brown yoga pants, a summery green and brown sleeveless blouse, my polar fleece sweater when the breezes blow, and sneakers.
I am reading..."Freaks, Geeks, and Asperger's Syndrome," a book written by a 13 year old boy about his experiences as a person with Asperger's, and tips on how to cope with childhood and teen experiences.
Around the house... Put together bunk beds for the kids this weekend. I am ready to replace that washing machine any day now, with all the mud that comes with springtime in AK. We will be signing off on the new flooring this week, and hopefully moving forward soon in getting the house back together after the Great Washer Flood of '10.
Favorite tip of the week... I read this one in the calendar my mom brought home from her trip to Bend, visiting Wes and Liz and their baby. "Choose a special time just for storytelling, like when the moon is full. Light lots of candles and share stories. Use a box filled with story starters. For instance, 'I remember when I got lost...'" I remember when I got lost; I was 7, and we were shopping at the P/X at the base in Germany; I was fascinated by the lingerie section, and looked up and my mom was GONE! So, I did what any reasonable 7 year old on the loose would do; I examined all the bras, then moved on to checking out the lipsticks in the makeup section. Whaddya think, I think my kids will love that story.
Plans for the week...take it easy, take it slow. Enjoy the sunshine whenever it peeks out, hug the children, rake the yard, and maybe visit a greenhouse for something pretty for the garden.
School days... Oh, the agony! The sun is out and the great outdoors is calling--but we WILL learn to read before this school year is over. It came so easily to Andrew, but the girls are not into it at all. I was a late reader in first grade, too, but once I started reading there was no stopping me. So, still trying to keep that positive attitude. As far as Andrew goes, somedays I just feel like he has outgrown his dear old mom. That boy's brain is huge! He is loving long division right now, and seems to have gotten past his struggles with math.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner... Had a late start this morning; breakfast was hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter on whole wheat slices, and pineapple chunks, followed up with a glass of soy milk. The kids are enjoying almonds, frozen tropical fruit mix, and lemonade for lunch, and eating their picnic on the deck as they play in the mud. Dinner will probably be chicken spaghetti, made with the leftovers from the roast chickens Paul made on Sunday. I'm planning to bake up a batch of shortbread cookies for dessert.
I am wearing... chocolate-brown yoga pants, a summery green and brown sleeveless blouse, my polar fleece sweater when the breezes blow, and sneakers.
I am reading..."Freaks, Geeks, and Asperger's Syndrome," a book written by a 13 year old boy about his experiences as a person with Asperger's, and tips on how to cope with childhood and teen experiences.
Around the house... Put together bunk beds for the kids this weekend. I am ready to replace that washing machine any day now, with all the mud that comes with springtime in AK. We will be signing off on the new flooring this week, and hopefully moving forward soon in getting the house back together after the Great Washer Flood of '10.
Favorite tip of the week... I read this one in the calendar my mom brought home from her trip to Bend, visiting Wes and Liz and their baby. "Choose a special time just for storytelling, like when the moon is full. Light lots of candles and share stories. Use a box filled with story starters. For instance, 'I remember when I got lost...'" I remember when I got lost; I was 7, and we were shopping at the P/X at the base in Germany; I was fascinated by the lingerie section, and looked up and my mom was GONE! So, I did what any reasonable 7 year old on the loose would do; I examined all the bras, then moved on to checking out the lipsticks in the makeup section. Whaddya think, I think my kids will love that story.
Plans for the week...take it easy, take it slow. Enjoy the sunshine whenever it peeks out, hug the children, rake the yard, and maybe visit a greenhouse for something pretty for the garden.
Monday, April 19, 2010
For Today
Outside my window... springtime in Anchorage! Aaah! Smells like...melting dog poo. Yuck! Now is the time of giant mud pies and melting snow berms. Today is a cloudy, cold day, with sprinkles of rain now and then.
I am thinking... about the socialization issue lately. It's one that keeps coming up, and it really gets under my skin. The idea that because my kids are homeschooled, they aren't getting enough socialization, just really drives me crazy. My kids can carry on a conversation with people from 1 to 90 years old. They have friends, and they play well with them.
From the learning rooms... Almost done with the O word families. I think Amy is closer to reading than Sarah, but both are really bored by the rote memorization. It's so exciting when something clicks and they recognize words on their own, though. Andrew is working on colonization for Social Studies, and astronomy for Science. I wish these clouds would blow away for a while, since he is supposed to be observing the night sky, looking for constellations and planets.
I am thankful for... this may sound funny, but I am thankful for every darned thing that has fallen apart in my house--and there's been a lot of it lately! I'm just seeing it as an opportunity to clear away the old and make room for the new. I'm hoping most of all that as we repair damages and remodel, we will be that much closer to someday selling and moving. We outgrew this old house a long time ago.
From the kitchen... Fried up some corn fritters and some "French Breakfast Puffs" (basically, doughnut holes) yesterday. It still smells yummy in my house.
I am wearing... a turquoise knit blouse over a long sleeved white t-shirt. Jeans and sneakers.
I am reading..."Children: The Challenge" and still reading Little Pilgrim's Progress aloud to the kids at night.
Around the house... Decluttering like mad! Andrew and Taylor's dresser collapsed yesterday, so that will have to be replaced now. It was all particle board, anyway. I took a bag of outgrown boots and shoes to the donation bin, along with a bag of clothes. We picked out the flooring for the house, but we still have to call the crew to come pull up the rest of the old stuff. Hopefully the next time I write, that'll be done and over with.
One of my favorite things... When kids have their little revelations. I love hearing them say, "OH, THAT'S what that means!"
A few plans for the rest of the week...nothing special. Everyone's finally cured up from the bug that hit us, we're planting the seeds for our garden and anxiously waiting for the snow to melt away. Girl Scouts on Tuesday, roller skating on Wednesday. That's all, folks!
I am thinking... about the socialization issue lately. It's one that keeps coming up, and it really gets under my skin. The idea that because my kids are homeschooled, they aren't getting enough socialization, just really drives me crazy. My kids can carry on a conversation with people from 1 to 90 years old. They have friends, and they play well with them.
From the learning rooms... Almost done with the O word families. I think Amy is closer to reading than Sarah, but both are really bored by the rote memorization. It's so exciting when something clicks and they recognize words on their own, though. Andrew is working on colonization for Social Studies, and astronomy for Science. I wish these clouds would blow away for a while, since he is supposed to be observing the night sky, looking for constellations and planets.
I am thankful for... this may sound funny, but I am thankful for every darned thing that has fallen apart in my house--and there's been a lot of it lately! I'm just seeing it as an opportunity to clear away the old and make room for the new. I'm hoping most of all that as we repair damages and remodel, we will be that much closer to someday selling and moving. We outgrew this old house a long time ago.
From the kitchen... Fried up some corn fritters and some "French Breakfast Puffs" (basically, doughnut holes) yesterday. It still smells yummy in my house.
I am wearing... a turquoise knit blouse over a long sleeved white t-shirt. Jeans and sneakers.
I am reading..."Children: The Challenge" and still reading Little Pilgrim's Progress aloud to the kids at night.
Around the house... Decluttering like mad! Andrew and Taylor's dresser collapsed yesterday, so that will have to be replaced now. It was all particle board, anyway. I took a bag of outgrown boots and shoes to the donation bin, along with a bag of clothes. We picked out the flooring for the house, but we still have to call the crew to come pull up the rest of the old stuff. Hopefully the next time I write, that'll be done and over with.
One of my favorite things... When kids have their little revelations. I love hearing them say, "OH, THAT'S what that means!"
A few plans for the rest of the week...nothing special. Everyone's finally cured up from the bug that hit us, we're planting the seeds for our garden and anxiously waiting for the snow to melt away. Girl Scouts on Tuesday, roller skating on Wednesday. That's all, folks!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Outside my window... Sunshine slowly melting the drifts of snow into mud.
I am thinking... If I had just one day a week alone in the house, how much I could accomplish!
From the learning rooms... Standardized testing this week for Andrew, and on to the O word families for the girls.
I am thankful for...Serendipities; when things that should be catastrophes just keep on working together for good, I feel so grateful. Case in point, my broken washing machine that flooded the house. Finally, the construction that I have been waiting for years to be completed is going to get done. Paul has already knocked the walls out of the laundry area so that we can open the kitchen and living room areas up more.
From the kitchen... Salmon steak for dinner tonight, with oven baked home fries.
I am wearing... jeans and a purpley 3/4 length sleeve shirt...but wonder of wonders, in size 14 for the first time in ages!
I am reading...Little Pilgrim's Promise, out loud to the kiddos.
I am hoping... for someone to offer to take these kids off my hands long enough for me to clean something and have it stay that way for more than half an hour.
Around the house... let's see; my flooring is only halfway ripped up and we're waiting for the demolition to be completed so our new flooring can be laid. Did you hear about my washer? The rinse cycle switch malfunctioned, and it poured water all over my house. All the flooring Paul and I had worked so hard to lay had to be torn up, some drywall will have to be replaced, and of course I have no washer now. Yes, 6 kids and no washer! But here's more serendipity; I get to go to my Dad's house and enjoy the pure bliss of peace and quiet for a few hours while I do laundry and visit with him. It's all good.
One of my favorite things... Getting skinny again...in time, I hope. I've discovered Kundalini yoga, and I really enjoy it. I'm not so big on the aerobic workouts, but they're a necessary evil I suppose. I wish I had the enthusiasm for running, but the best I can work myself up to is a fast walk. I recommend "Walking Off the Pounds" and RaviAna's Kundalini Yoga to anyone interested; those are the workouts I like the most. And the book "When Food Is Love" made a big difference in my eating habits.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Moving forward on the reconstruction of my house, possibly a trip to the movies with the kiddos to see Alice In Wonderland...kids are enjoying Wednesday outings to go roller skating...we'll see what unfolds beyond that.
I am thinking... If I had just one day a week alone in the house, how much I could accomplish!
From the learning rooms... Standardized testing this week for Andrew, and on to the O word families for the girls.
I am thankful for...Serendipities; when things that should be catastrophes just keep on working together for good, I feel so grateful. Case in point, my broken washing machine that flooded the house. Finally, the construction that I have been waiting for years to be completed is going to get done. Paul has already knocked the walls out of the laundry area so that we can open the kitchen and living room areas up more.
From the kitchen... Salmon steak for dinner tonight, with oven baked home fries.
I am wearing... jeans and a purpley 3/4 length sleeve shirt...but wonder of wonders, in size 14 for the first time in ages!
I am reading...Little Pilgrim's Promise, out loud to the kiddos.
I am hoping... for someone to offer to take these kids off my hands long enough for me to clean something and have it stay that way for more than half an hour.
Around the house... let's see; my flooring is only halfway ripped up and we're waiting for the demolition to be completed so our new flooring can be laid. Did you hear about my washer? The rinse cycle switch malfunctioned, and it poured water all over my house. All the flooring Paul and I had worked so hard to lay had to be torn up, some drywall will have to be replaced, and of course I have no washer now. Yes, 6 kids and no washer! But here's more serendipity; I get to go to my Dad's house and enjoy the pure bliss of peace and quiet for a few hours while I do laundry and visit with him. It's all good.
One of my favorite things... Getting skinny again...in time, I hope. I've discovered Kundalini yoga, and I really enjoy it. I'm not so big on the aerobic workouts, but they're a necessary evil I suppose. I wish I had the enthusiasm for running, but the best I can work myself up to is a fast walk. I recommend "Walking Off the Pounds" and RaviAna's Kundalini Yoga to anyone interested; those are the workouts I like the most. And the book "When Food Is Love" made a big difference in my eating habits.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Moving forward on the reconstruction of my house, possibly a trip to the movies with the kiddos to see Alice In Wonderland...kids are enjoying Wednesday outings to go roller skating...we'll see what unfolds beyond that.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
For Today
Outside my window... Beautiful blue skies and a brilliant sun shining down on huge drifts of snow.
I am thinking... Why is it that every year when the sun shines down in spring, I feel this compulsion to clean my house? I mean, I know why, it's because the sun makes every speck of dust stand out...But I think it's time to take myself by the collar and drag myself out into the Vitamin D, regardless of the dirt, before I miss out on it all.
From the learning rooms... Yay! Andrew is all caught up in math! Nothing like a little brow beating from Daddy. The girls are starting to get the hang of this reading business, and identifying more and more 3-letter words.
I am thankful for... They Might Be Giants! Their ABC songs are refreshing, and the kids are so enthralled, I'm not even sure they're aware that they're learning.
From the kitchen... Just made a big batch of my Grandma's cinnamon rolls. Yummy stuff.
I am wearing... blue running pants and a blue tie-dyed long sleeve, flowy t-shirt.
I am reading...Oh, man, I'm not reading, AGAIN! I just don't read anymore. : ( I can remember a time when I devoured every book I could get my hands on, and now all I read are kids' books and curriculum. And my Bible studies, always. I am going to find something to read just so I don't have to write the same thing here, every time I update!
I am hoping... for a beautiful, magical summer full of adventures--and that spring gets here soon. The sunshine is soo nice.
I am praying... for daily strength and direction, and for healing for those in pain.
Around the house... did I mention the dust? My main mission is to dust all around and mop every floor, right after I go soak up some of that sun.
One of my favorite things... Thin Mints! My girlies did their first Girl Scout cookie sale last Friday. They had to admit when asked what their favorite was, that they've never had a Girl Scout cookie. Blasphemy! So I had to buy a box of each kind. Mmm, I forgot how much I love Thin Mints.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Not much of anything...enjoy the weather as long as it lasts, and play it by ear. Ooh, and I'm supposed to on Thursday, go get my very first ever manicure with a friend. I'm a little nervous, I've never been the spa going girl. I never even go get my hair done--I just cut it myself this week. Wish me luck!
I am thinking... Why is it that every year when the sun shines down in spring, I feel this compulsion to clean my house? I mean, I know why, it's because the sun makes every speck of dust stand out...But I think it's time to take myself by the collar and drag myself out into the Vitamin D, regardless of the dirt, before I miss out on it all.
From the learning rooms... Yay! Andrew is all caught up in math! Nothing like a little brow beating from Daddy. The girls are starting to get the hang of this reading business, and identifying more and more 3-letter words.
I am thankful for... They Might Be Giants! Their ABC songs are refreshing, and the kids are so enthralled, I'm not even sure they're aware that they're learning.
From the kitchen... Just made a big batch of my Grandma's cinnamon rolls. Yummy stuff.
I am wearing... blue running pants and a blue tie-dyed long sleeve, flowy t-shirt.
I am reading...Oh, man, I'm not reading, AGAIN! I just don't read anymore. : ( I can remember a time when I devoured every book I could get my hands on, and now all I read are kids' books and curriculum. And my Bible studies, always. I am going to find something to read just so I don't have to write the same thing here, every time I update!
I am hoping... for a beautiful, magical summer full of adventures--and that spring gets here soon. The sunshine is soo nice.
I am praying... for daily strength and direction, and for healing for those in pain.
Around the house... did I mention the dust? My main mission is to dust all around and mop every floor, right after I go soak up some of that sun.
One of my favorite things... Thin Mints! My girlies did their first Girl Scout cookie sale last Friday. They had to admit when asked what their favorite was, that they've never had a Girl Scout cookie. Blasphemy! So I had to buy a box of each kind. Mmm, I forgot how much I love Thin Mints.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Not much of anything...enjoy the weather as long as it lasts, and play it by ear. Ooh, and I'm supposed to on Thursday, go get my very first ever manicure with a friend. I'm a little nervous, I've never been the spa going girl. I never even go get my hair done--I just cut it myself this week. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Outside my window... Wow, did it snow today! There's so much snow piled up outside, the plow got stuck cleaning up the access road behind our house. There's so much snow, the kids could go sledding on the hills the plow made along our backyard! There's so much snow...you get the picture.
I am thinking... I wish I was thinking something bold and exciting, inventive even. But I am really just ready to go cuddle up in bed and watch a movie, and just let the brain turn off.
From the learning rooms... all the kids were sick, one after another, for the past 2 weeks. Even so, Amy and Sarah are still plugging away at their word families and we're working through the E's (it goes A, E, I, O, U, beginning with AD and working through the consonants. We just finished EG). Andrew is struggling with math still, but thankfully Paul has stepped in to put more of a fun spin on it. He also studied early U.S. explorers, this week, concentrating on Captain Cook and Daniel Boone.
I am thankful for... the chance to cocoon a little bit. I'm sorry the whole family was sick, including Paul, but we really did need some intense family time with him home. So if the only way to get him to take a vacation with us and chill out is to catch a yucky bug, I'll go ahead and thank God for those mixed blessings.
From the kitchen... I made a yummy batch of chocolate chip cookies today, and Paul simmered up one of his famous soups; cabbage and potato for dinner tonight. It was of course, delicious!
I am wearing... This is the Alaska girl I am...pink capri shorts and a flowery t-shirt. I didn't go outside today, though. I have just been scrubbing the house of all its little germs, and I hate to crawl around on my knees scrubbing floors in my pants--it wears the knees out too quickly.
I am reading...I just finished Anne Rice's Road to Cana, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was so afraid to read it, because of her history as a writer, which isn't to say I haven't enjoyed her earlier works, but I just don't think I could have borne the same style done to the story of Jesus. Thankfully, she was very respectful in her creation of historical fiction. I loved it!
I am hoping... that all these little people get well soon. It's too beautiful outside for them not to be out there enjoying it. They should be making snowmen and sledding, not wiling away the hours watching cartoons they've already seen a hundred times.
I am praying... for health, for so many people I care about, and for their loved ones. It seems I've gotten so much news lately of broken bones, torn muscles, aching joints, and so many other ailments. Paul's kidney has been quiet lately, but I know that struggle isn't over yet, either.
Around the house... I got rid of a lot of unfinished projects this week in my quest for a clutter-free home. The hardest to toss was the braided rug I had started about a year ago, which was really taking the shape of a basket and would have been so much work to fix, I had crammed it in the bottom of my mending basket, which has been looking more like a mending mountain lately. All gone, now! Mending done, hopeless project trashed, looking better around here every day. And, Paul put frames around the kids' bedroom door. I'm loving my house more every day.
One of my favorite things... Mmm, chocolate covered Macadamia nuts.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Scrubbing up the house, plugging away at the home school. Oh, and bummer, I have to take CPR/First Aid on Saturday. That class always leaves me at this weird cross between boredom and nervousness, and I always come out with a headache at the end. I'm going to have to think of something positive to motivate myself through it.
I am thinking... I wish I was thinking something bold and exciting, inventive even. But I am really just ready to go cuddle up in bed and watch a movie, and just let the brain turn off.
From the learning rooms... all the kids were sick, one after another, for the past 2 weeks. Even so, Amy and Sarah are still plugging away at their word families and we're working through the E's (it goes A, E, I, O, U, beginning with AD and working through the consonants. We just finished EG). Andrew is struggling with math still, but thankfully Paul has stepped in to put more of a fun spin on it. He also studied early U.S. explorers, this week, concentrating on Captain Cook and Daniel Boone.
I am thankful for... the chance to cocoon a little bit. I'm sorry the whole family was sick, including Paul, but we really did need some intense family time with him home. So if the only way to get him to take a vacation with us and chill out is to catch a yucky bug, I'll go ahead and thank God for those mixed blessings.
From the kitchen... I made a yummy batch of chocolate chip cookies today, and Paul simmered up one of his famous soups; cabbage and potato for dinner tonight. It was of course, delicious!
I am wearing... This is the Alaska girl I am...pink capri shorts and a flowery t-shirt. I didn't go outside today, though. I have just been scrubbing the house of all its little germs, and I hate to crawl around on my knees scrubbing floors in my pants--it wears the knees out too quickly.
I am reading...I just finished Anne Rice's Road to Cana, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was so afraid to read it, because of her history as a writer, which isn't to say I haven't enjoyed her earlier works, but I just don't think I could have borne the same style done to the story of Jesus. Thankfully, she was very respectful in her creation of historical fiction. I loved it!
I am hoping... that all these little people get well soon. It's too beautiful outside for them not to be out there enjoying it. They should be making snowmen and sledding, not wiling away the hours watching cartoons they've already seen a hundred times.
I am praying... for health, for so many people I care about, and for their loved ones. It seems I've gotten so much news lately of broken bones, torn muscles, aching joints, and so many other ailments. Paul's kidney has been quiet lately, but I know that struggle isn't over yet, either.
Around the house... I got rid of a lot of unfinished projects this week in my quest for a clutter-free home. The hardest to toss was the braided rug I had started about a year ago, which was really taking the shape of a basket and would have been so much work to fix, I had crammed it in the bottom of my mending basket, which has been looking more like a mending mountain lately. All gone, now! Mending done, hopeless project trashed, looking better around here every day. And, Paul put frames around the kids' bedroom door. I'm loving my house more every day.
One of my favorite things... Mmm, chocolate covered Macadamia nuts.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Scrubbing up the house, plugging away at the home school. Oh, and bummer, I have to take CPR/First Aid on Saturday. That class always leaves me at this weird cross between boredom and nervousness, and I always come out with a headache at the end. I'm going to have to think of something positive to motivate myself through it.
Friday, February 5, 2010
For Today
Outside my window... Another freezing cold, dark Alaska night.
I am thinking... about depression. These dark days must be taking their toll on me, or cabin fever, or both. I spend a lot of my time lately giving myself pep talks and wishing I were as perky as other people seem to be able to be. Laurie Berkner's song cheers me up; "I'm not perfect, no I'm not...I'm not perfect, but I've got what I've got...I do my very best, do my very best, do my very best each day--but I'm not perfect, and I hope you like me that way."
From the learning rooms... Andrew is moving forward at a steady pace in all his subjects except for math...who knew multiplying double digits would be such a mind bender? He takes after his mama in wanting to know "why?" Because, son. Just because. Amy and Sarah are excited about finding word families everywhere they go, and I'm glad. Reading should be around the corner!
I am thankful for... the quiet evening hours. I don't think I will ever outgrow being a night owl...I love this time the best.
From the kitchen... Teaching Taylor to cook! He made meatloaf one night this week, spaghetti the next, and got rave reviews. I'm thinking of tackling chocolate chip cookies with the gang tomorrow, if the sniffles have all gone away.
I am wearing... my blue running pants, a purple long-sleeve t-shirt, my turquoise colored polar fleece jacket, and fuzzy blue socks.
I am reading...I have not read anything just for fun in so long. I have a pile of Bible studies by my bedside, part of my arsenal against depression. And a collection of Waldorf books for inspiration for our schooldays. Anybody read anything good lately that I ought to try?
I am hoping... that "you like me that way." I don't mean to be a crab, but I am a Cancer after all, and I certainly got the moodiness that goes with my birth sign.
I am praying... for Paul's kidney stones. They continue to bother him and they won't go away!
Around the house... I'm decluttering, still--it's amazing the kind of junk two packrats with tons of hobbies can collect. Paul's working on the kids' bedroom; it's all painted now, and he's staining and varnishing the last of the doors to go up.
One of my favorite things... Sleep.
A few plans for the rest of the week... The girls are Daisy Scouts now, and they have a visit to UAA to learn about Women of Science on Saturday. Gotta prep for Valentine's Day too, of course. Other than that, business as usual.
I am thinking... about depression. These dark days must be taking their toll on me, or cabin fever, or both. I spend a lot of my time lately giving myself pep talks and wishing I were as perky as other people seem to be able to be. Laurie Berkner's song cheers me up; "I'm not perfect, no I'm not...I'm not perfect, but I've got what I've got...I do my very best, do my very best, do my very best each day--but I'm not perfect, and I hope you like me that way."
From the learning rooms... Andrew is moving forward at a steady pace in all his subjects except for math...who knew multiplying double digits would be such a mind bender? He takes after his mama in wanting to know "why?" Because, son. Just because. Amy and Sarah are excited about finding word families everywhere they go, and I'm glad. Reading should be around the corner!
I am thankful for... the quiet evening hours. I don't think I will ever outgrow being a night owl...I love this time the best.
From the kitchen... Teaching Taylor to cook! He made meatloaf one night this week, spaghetti the next, and got rave reviews. I'm thinking of tackling chocolate chip cookies with the gang tomorrow, if the sniffles have all gone away.
I am wearing... my blue running pants, a purple long-sleeve t-shirt, my turquoise colored polar fleece jacket, and fuzzy blue socks.
I am reading...I have not read anything just for fun in so long. I have a pile of Bible studies by my bedside, part of my arsenal against depression. And a collection of Waldorf books for inspiration for our schooldays. Anybody read anything good lately that I ought to try?
I am hoping... that "you like me that way." I don't mean to be a crab, but I am a Cancer after all, and I certainly got the moodiness that goes with my birth sign.
I am praying... for Paul's kidney stones. They continue to bother him and they won't go away!
Around the house... I'm decluttering, still--it's amazing the kind of junk two packrats with tons of hobbies can collect. Paul's working on the kids' bedroom; it's all painted now, and he's staining and varnishing the last of the doors to go up.
One of my favorite things... Sleep.
A few plans for the rest of the week... The girls are Daisy Scouts now, and they have a visit to UAA to learn about Women of Science on Saturday. Gotta prep for Valentine's Day too, of course. Other than that, business as usual.
Friday, January 22, 2010
For Today
Outside my window... Black night skies, a beautifully glowing half moon, my world is covered in snow and it is a crisp -3 degrees outside.
I am thinking... angry thoughts about people who hurt children, and self-pitying thoughts about being a foster parent and having to deal with behaviors children should never have learned.
From the learning rooms... We are finally onto learning to read! I so look forward to the day the girls can do that on their own. My philosophy is at odds with my ambitions, as I try to let those little acorns gently unfold, but wish so much for the big oak tree! Andrew is growing by leaps and bounds as a learner; we will be making a map of Alaska out of salt dough this week, studying poetry, and he is most excited to discover the non-stop writing method of journaling.
I am thankful for... the luxury of being able to complain about the most ridiculous things. Disasters like the recent one in Haiti remind me to not take this life for granted.
From the kitchen... most recently, homemade pizza and chocolate chip cookies.
I am wearing... an embroidered, azure peasant blouse, chocolate brown yoga pants,...and my fuzzy black robe with crazy neon colored flowers and peace signs all over it!
I am reading...my various books full of teaching ideas, and I've returned to Beth Moore's devotional on the life of David for spiritual inspiration.
I am hoping... that all the kids stay in their beds tonight and that it isn't too hard to wake them for the birthday party they will be attending at 9:30 a.m. Who does that, by the way? A birthday party first thing in the morning? Are we the only ones who sleep in on Saturdays?
I am praying... for God to give me the patience that I appear to have. So many people remark on my patience...I feel like my greater gift is self-control; I am much better at pretending I am not upset, than really, truly, not feeling upset.
Around the house... Some new pastel colored curtains to brighten up the place, and I'm working on a painting to hang over the stairs.
One of my favorite things... Chocolate.
A few plans for the rest of the week... My baby girls are turning 7! We will be having their party at my sister's house next Saturday. Lots of planning for the two princesses. I always bake each their own cake, too. I listened carefully to all the advice of all the twins when I was expecting them, and have dutifully allowed each to be her own individual self--no matchy clothes, no matchy hair, and definitely, your very own birthday cake decorated just for you, every year.
I am thinking... angry thoughts about people who hurt children, and self-pitying thoughts about being a foster parent and having to deal with behaviors children should never have learned.
From the learning rooms... We are finally onto learning to read! I so look forward to the day the girls can do that on their own. My philosophy is at odds with my ambitions, as I try to let those little acorns gently unfold, but wish so much for the big oak tree! Andrew is growing by leaps and bounds as a learner; we will be making a map of Alaska out of salt dough this week, studying poetry, and he is most excited to discover the non-stop writing method of journaling.
I am thankful for... the luxury of being able to complain about the most ridiculous things. Disasters like the recent one in Haiti remind me to not take this life for granted.
From the kitchen... most recently, homemade pizza and chocolate chip cookies.
I am wearing... an embroidered, azure peasant blouse, chocolate brown yoga pants,...and my fuzzy black robe with crazy neon colored flowers and peace signs all over it!
I am reading...my various books full of teaching ideas, and I've returned to Beth Moore's devotional on the life of David for spiritual inspiration.
I am hoping... that all the kids stay in their beds tonight and that it isn't too hard to wake them for the birthday party they will be attending at 9:30 a.m. Who does that, by the way? A birthday party first thing in the morning? Are we the only ones who sleep in on Saturdays?
I am praying... for God to give me the patience that I appear to have. So many people remark on my patience...I feel like my greater gift is self-control; I am much better at pretending I am not upset, than really, truly, not feeling upset.
Around the house... Some new pastel colored curtains to brighten up the place, and I'm working on a painting to hang over the stairs.
One of my favorite things... Chocolate.
A few plans for the rest of the week... My baby girls are turning 7! We will be having their party at my sister's house next Saturday. Lots of planning for the two princesses. I always bake each their own cake, too. I listened carefully to all the advice of all the twins when I was expecting them, and have dutifully allowed each to be her own individual self--no matchy clothes, no matchy hair, and definitely, your very own birthday cake decorated just for you, every year.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
For Today
Outside my window... Cloudy, grey skies, snow covered fields, and a big old moose huddled up in the snow at the top of the hill. Oh, and I can see Russia from my backyard....NOT (the moose is there, the Russia, not so much).
I am thinking... So many things. It would overwhelm you for me to list them all! My mind is a mile a minute.
From the learning rooms... We enjoyed a nice long Christmas vacation, and now we're back to work. The girls will pick up at W, and we'll continue working on the four processes (multiplication, addition, subtraction, division). Andrew will be moving forward in his Alaska studies and concentrating on mastering his times tables. We're also studying the human body and going to learn to use a compass.
I am thankful for... the holidays being over. Somehow, I feel more like celebrating now that all the stress of getting just the right gifts for everyone, and baking just the right foods, and creating just the right atmosphere, is over!
From the kitchen... can I list all the things I have done? Because Mama's taking a break from the kitchen now! I baked up some Cornish hens for dinner last night...they were leftover from the excess Paul bought to celebrate New Year's. We had them with stuffing. Paul said he's cooking Polish sausages for dinner tonight so I can run to Michaels' when he gets home from work.
I am wearing... blue jeans, gray-blue t-shirt, and a long white sweater, dark brown sneakers.
I am reading...The Get Out Of Debt Book, by Pam Young. If you've never read the book she wrote with her sister Peggy years ago, you should. Sidetracked Home Executives is a great book for organizing the home and feeling good about yourself. The GOOD book is like a mini-sequel to that, talking about how Pam learned to control her spending and giving tips on learning personal self-discipline.
I am hoping... that the New Year will bring all kinds of wonderful growth in our lives. Paul's visit with his girls in Wisconsin went well, and I'm also hoping to meet them and the grandbaby in the new year.
I am praying... for daily help in my job as mother to all these kids. This isn't the easiest job sometimes, and no one realizes more than I do how my own bad moods and lack of patience and even lack of inspiration can affect these growing lives. I take this job very seriously, and I need all the help from above that I can get.
Around the house... Now that Christmas is over, I am ready to take down my fancy decorations and resume my work in simplifying and beautifying. This week, I want to find a solution to bulky curtains...I'm thinking of painting the top third of the huge windows in my living room with some opaque window paint...I'll take a picture when I'm done so you can see. The windows give us a great view, but the southern exposure lets in so much light, you can barely see on a sunny day (and it makes all the dust specks and finger smudges more visible too).
One of my favorite things... Peace and quiet. Rarer than gold, around here.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Put all the Christmas decorations away and get back into the swing of things. Paul and I are supposed to go out on a date with another couple this weekend, too.
Happy New Year to everyone!!! And I'm sorry again about being away so long...I had a glitch involving cookies that wouldn't let me log in to my Blogger account, and I had to wait until Paul was back from his trip so he could fix my computer for me. Anyway, I hope everyone had a great holiday season.
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