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.

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.

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.

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.

For Today

Outside my window... The sun is blazing on the field covered in snow. It is 10 degrees below zero.

I am thinking... Life is so precious and so short. I wish we were born already knowing the important things, so we could live it right from the very start.

From the learning rooms... The letter "q," pronouns and 5 sentence paragraphs, and studying the amazing qualities of seeds, that hold the plan for life in a tiny little germ.

I am thankful for... every moment I get to spend with Paul before he leaves again.

From the kitchen... we are having Thanksgiving early so we can enjoy it before Paul leaves. Today my kitchen will be overflowing with pies and sweet potatoes and a big, fat turkey.

I am wearing... blue running pants, black t-shirt, red hoodie

I am reading...Madea's Guide to Life.

I am hoping... that all goes well while Paul is in Wisconsin, that it is a time of mending and rebuilding relationships.

I am praying... for patience and strength, for the decision makers in Washington, and for God to be with my husband in everything he does.

Around the house... I went ahead and hung my Christmas curtains and tied them back with festive red ribbons, and put out my advent candles. I'm getting excited for Christmas, and just couldn't hold myself back.

One of my favorite things... those days when I get more done than I ever thought possible, and I can go to bed proud. Lord, please make today one of those days.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Thanksgiving early so the kids could enjoy the feast day with their daddy. Then pack the man up and send him off for a 10-day trip (a week with his kids in Wisconsin, then 3 days in D.C.).

For Today

Outside my window... Well, since I'm writing this at almost 2 in the morning, it is black night outside my window, and already 8 degrees below zero. My world is covered in snow now.

I am thinking... about how nice our weekend has been, and especially these last quiet hours before we start another week. Andrew turned 10 this week, and I've been reflecting too on everything that has happened over the last ten years.

I am thankful for... our cozy house, healthy children, and all of the good that has come out of years of struggle.

From the kitchen... getting started on Christmas cookies; I'm working on making dough ahead of time, and freezing it to be used later.

I am wearing...a blue Cincinnati Bearcats sweatshirt from my Grandmother, and stripey pajama pants.

I am hoping... to accomplish everything I need to next week.

I am praying... for patience and focus. It's soo easy to get sidetracked by little things, and to get frustrated over the sidetracking.

I am listening to...The Wire, season 3; I don't really watch it, but Paul does, so I get to listen and try to occupy myself otherwise.

Around the house... Yay! We got our new garage door this week! We also emptied out a lot of the junk we have collected! I love decluttering and simplifying. Unfilled space makes me feel richer than anything.

One of my favorite things... Staying up into the wee sma' hours with my husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week... besides the usual lessons (the girls are already up to learning the small letter o, and we're getting excited about learning to read soon; Andrew is studying about the Athabascan culture as part of his social studies unit on the history of our area), we are planning to have an early Thanksgiving dinner this Friday. We'll be sending Paul off to Wisconsin to visit his big girls next weekend, and then it'll be December before we see him again.

Sorry I've stayed away so long--I had some sort of glitch that wouldn't let me log into my blogger account.

For Today

Outside my window... The sun is shining brilliantly, the kids are playing in mud puddles in the sandbox--is it really October in Alaska?!

I am thinking... so many things at once lately! What will our menu for the next week look like? Where am I at in the kids' lesson plans? Am I forgetting any appointments? So much to do, so little time!

I am thankful for... the beautiful weather, for our successes in work and at home, and for relief to Paul's pain this week (for those who don't know, my husband is a chronic pain sufferer).

From the kitchen... cinnamon rolls? I am in the mood for baking, but not sure just what. Reheating last night's pork chops for dinner tonight.

I am wearing...a pink, yellow, and orange flowery top, blue running pants, fuzzy pink socks, and a sort of burgundy colored sweatshirt tied around my waist. I was cold this morning, but between the sunshine and the ever-running dryer, am now quite warm!

I am hoping... to find a quiet minute to get organized!

I am praying... for our blessings to continue to flow. Life just gets better and better. My biggest wish right now is to save up enough to fly the gang to Ohio to visit with my grandparents, possibly in time for the next family reunion?

I am listening to...the clothes tossing around in the dryer. Sweet silence while the kids play outside!

Around the house... I emptied the kids' room of excess, after getting fed up with their bickering. It's amazing how peacefully children play when they aren't overwhelmed by STUFF! I guess they're not so different from adults, though. The more I declutter, the more I love my home.

One of my favorite things... A clean house. Time to get to work on that, now that lessons are done for the day.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Going through all the kids' toys, sorting out the goods from the bads; take some donations down to Salvation Army and toss the junk; planning the Free Art Day for this Saturday at work, practicing up on face painting--come to AYFN for some fun, free art, starting at 2pm! Working on "The Emotional House" book with Paul, as we plan out our remodeling. It's an excellent workbook for designing your perfect home, and I was happily surprised to see that he wasn't too cynical about it.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!