The Simple Woman’s Daybook – July 6, 2009

July 6, 2009 darceeLeave a comment

The Simple Woman’s Daybook
is hosted by Peggy at The Simple Woman’s Daybook
Thank you Peggy.

Grandmother Wren is hosting the links for the Summer.

FOR TODAY : July 6, 2009

We had a very nice 4th. This weeks looks like it will be a busy one.

Outside my Window – After a scorching hot weekend the colds have rolled in and the weather has cooled. Our apple tree is starting to look a bit laden with little apples all over it. There is a squirrel doing gymnastics in one of the fir trees. I am thinking it won’t rain and I will be able to get some laundry on the line today.

I am thinking – The homeschool camping trip is a little over a week away. The summer has just flown by so far. We have a lot of gathering, check-listing and packing to do.

From the learning rooms – I am working on next years plans still.

I am thankful for- The cooler weather today is very welcome.

From the kitchen – I will be making up breakfast cups today.

I am reading – Nothing fun at the moment. My free reading time is getting eaten up with other things.

I am hoping – For not much really. I am busy, things are going well, the children are happy. I just need to be working my plans at the moment. I guess hope doesn’t much come into play unless it is hope for good weather for our camping trips.

I am creating – A new dress for me and I am almost done.

I am hearing – The breeze, traffic noise, the children and the dog.

Around the house – Busy day catching up from the holiday weekend.

One of my favorite things – that cool breeze that is wafting through the window.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week – More lesson planning. Getting ready for the camping trip.

A picture I am sharing:

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman’s Daybook – April 6, 2009

April 6, 2009April 20, 2009 darceeLeave a comment

The Simple Woman’s Daybook
is hosted by Peggy at The Simple Woman’s Daybook
Thank you Peggy.

FOR TODAY : April 6, 2008

Today is a beautiful spring day. The sky is blue, the air is warm, flowers are blooming everywhere. And this is probably the most depressing Daybook I have ever written. I promise I am usually not so morose.

Outside my Window – The plum tree has exploded in fluffy, white blooms. Ashley mowed the lawn this weekend so the yard is starting to look like “summer”. I am looking forward to dinners outside and lazy lunches – the children call them picnics – where I make up some sandwiches and fruit and send them outside to “have a picnic”.

I am thinking – About Holy Week. There is a beautiful juxtaposition between the beauty of spring and new life coming from death and the cross. Winter gives way to spring. Nature reflects the realities of liturgical calendar.

There is an extra sadness right now. Last week’s miscarriage still seems unreal and yet it is very heavy on my heart. Christopher isn’t feeling well which gives me an excuse to hide out today. I have flowers to plant and things to do and I want to be happy, but I feel rather numb. Everything feels very unreal not just the loss of the baby, but the whole world, like nothing I do matters, like I am reading a book or watching a movie and I am not really part of it.

From the learning rooms – Last week was a total wash. So last weeks plans become this weeks plans.

I am thankful for- The absolutely wonderful support from friends and family. Monday I left from CCD for the ultrasound and met Kyle there. When we learned the bad news I went home and he went back to the parish. Several people offered to bring the children home so Kyle could come back and be with me. On Wednesday I was bleeding very heavily and had to go into my doctor’s office. My father came over to watch the children. My mother joined him when school was out, they got us dinner. Kyle’s work has been very accommodating and everyone has had kind words and prayers for our family. For all this I am very thankful.

From the kitchen – Tonight we are doing easy salad and bread sticks.

I am reading – I have the next Honor Harrington book on my nightstand, I still need to start it. I picked up my Jane Austin and am almost done with S&S. Lord only knows how many times I have read it, but I was in the mood for it. Elinor is like a reflection of my own mind. Set in a different society, but still so much the same. My own mother has a tendency to be very emotional and doesn’t understand or even appericate my more resevered way of dealing with the world. But to my mother’s credit she has been very kind this week, without inflicting that overindulence of sentiment on me that drives me so batty.

I am hoping – There is very little that I am hoping right now. I want to hope, but I am afraid that my hopes will be thwarted and that I won’t ever hear what I want to hear. Sometimes hoping can be a painful thing.

I am creating – Hannah’s first communion dress. This is the big project for the next week or so.

I am hearing – The children in the backyard. Hannah is singing and planning some “spring play”. Sarah is digging and Josh is a “ranger”. They are happy children.

Around the house –Considering what a wash last week was this week has to be a bit of catch-up.

One of my favorite things – My new bike. I am so happy to finally have a new bike.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week – I want to catch up on everything I am behind on. I am not sure that is realistic, but I can at least start on it.

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman’s Daybook – March 30, 2009

March 30, 2009March 30, 2009 darcee1 Comment

The Simple Woman’s Daybook
is hosted by Peggy at The Simple Woman’s Daybook
Thank you Peggy.

FOR TODAY : March 30, 2008

Today is a bit chilly and windy. The cherry trees are starting to bloom, snowdrops and crocuses have given way to daffodils and the lawn is springing green. Easter is fast approaching.

Outside my Window – The plum tree is starting to bud out – there is moss everywhere.

I am thinking – Twins…. what would we do if we have twins. Yes, I will find a way to worry about anything.

From the learning rooms – We are starting into Rome. I am putting together some preliminary ideas for a “life skills” unit-type study.

I am thankful for- The new baby on the way. It seems so ironic that a month ago I lamented right here that I was wistful over there being no baby in the house. Now we are expecting again.

From the kitchen – Crock-pot night. Beef stroganoff, bread and salad

I am reading – I have the next Honor Harrington book on my nightstand, I still need to start it.

I am hoping – That everything goes well with the new baby.

I am creating – Hannah’s first communion dress. This is the big project for the next few weeks.

I am hearing – Sarah playing, her little playmobile people are going for a car ride.

Around the house – Trash bag challenging, working on some little projects that need tending to.

One of my favorite things – My big water cup.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week – I have no idea. I am just taking this week one day at a time.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you –

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman’s Daybook – March 09, 2009

March 9, 2009 darceeLeave a comment

The Simple Woman’s Daybook
is hosted by Peggy at the Simple Woman.
Thank you Peggy.

FOR TODAY : March 9, 2008

This week I am deep in my 40 trash bag challenge. I spent a good deal of time working on Hannah’s first communion dress. The zipper went in perfectly; I am so happy

Outside my Window – Oh, my. There is snow coming down in big fluffy wet flakes.

I am thinking – The whole daylight savings time has kind of tossed me off. I am not a big fan of time changes.

From the learning rooms – We are talking about eggs, the Aneid, drawing, music and the basics of course.

I am thankful for- Tea, My husband bought me the sweetest tea-kettle. It has a lovely steam whistle, deep, full-throat, two tone whistle that the kids all call “happy sound”.

From the kitchen – Crock-pot night.

I am reading – I have the next Honor Harrington book on my nightstand.

I am hoping – That this snow clears up quickly.

I am creating – Hannah’s first communion dress. This is the big project for the next few weeks.

I am hearing – The children are busy with their morning routine. One part whining, one part working and one part trying to get their siblings to do their work for them.

Around the house – This is kitchen day. The trash bag challenge is going along well.

One of my favorite things – My sewing machine. Yes, I covet those beautiful machines with their embroidery features and fancy computer stuff, but my little workhorse is actually a great machine.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week – Taxes, I am starting my spring cleaning plans, a few things here and there.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you –

Hannah took this picture of her puzzle

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman’s Daybook – February 23, 2009

February 23, 2009 darcee3 Comments

The Simple Woman’s Daybook
is hosted by Peggy at the Simple Woman.
Thank you Peggy.

FOR TODAY : February 23, 2008
I am afraid this is going to be an insanely busy week. Ash Wednesday is this week and with comes Lent.

Outside my Window – So far today it is gray and somewhat chilly and it has started to rain.

I am thinking – My mind is rushing. I can’t keep one thought centered long enough because all those needy other thoughts are pushing forward vying for attention.

From the learning rooms – Alexander the Great, the letters M and S and seeds and sprouts.

I am thankful for- Spring being on its way.

From the kitchen – Crock-pot night.

I am reading – I finally finished On Basilisk Station. I have no idea what I am going to read next.

I am hoping – Would you believe that I got lost on my way to my brother-in-law’s house last week? I think I am too stressed out at the moment to hope for much of anything. Maybe I can hope that things won’t be as dreadfully crazy as I fear they will be?

I am creating – Hannah’s first communion dress. This is the big project for the next few weeks.

I am hearing – Josh is yawning. He is the first one up today. Very unusual for him.

Around the house – A million things to do.

One of my favorite things – hugs.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week – Bookkeeping, a little gardening, some sewing and hopefully a little peace.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you –

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman’s Daybook – February 16, 2009

February 16, 2009February 16, 2009 darcee2 Comments

The Simple Woman’s Daybook
is hosted by Peggy at the Simple Woman.
Thank you Peggy.

FOR TODAY : February 16, 2008
Sarah turned three yesterday. Today is cold and somewhat cloudy. It is also President’s day so Ashley is home.

Outside my Window – The wind is blowing and they sky is mostly gray. I need to finish pruning the roses this week .

I am thinking – It is sort of sad to not have a baby in the house.

From the learning rooms – We are making more solid plans for Lent.

I am thankful for- Kyle being home again. Lord I miss him when he is gone.

From the kitchen – I really, really need to grocery shop.

I am reading – On Basilisk Station — I am almost done with it.

I am hoping – That I don’t get lost driving up to Vancouver today. Actually I am sure I can find Vancouver… my brother-in-law’s house — not so much.

I am creating – Hannah’s first communion dress. I am using my wedding dress and you can see the progress so far. I will be posting more on this soon. Yes, I did find my camera.

I am hearing – The children’s lunch conversation.

Around the house – I have to go grocery shopping, drive to Vancouver and then make dinner. At least there is no CCD tonight. Also, the ugly-used-to-be-white carpet is about 1/3 gone.

One of my favorite things – Hardwood floors. Yes, I know they are cold, loud, whatever… but they are so, so much better than ugly-used-to-be-white carpet.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week – More sewing, a little gardening. The Portland Garden show is this weekend, I would like to go.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you –

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The Simple Woman’s Daybook – February 2, 2009

February 2, 2009February 2, 2009 darcee4 Comments

The Simple Woman’s Daybook
is hosted by Peggy at the Simple Woman.
Thank you Peggy.

FOR TODAY : February 2, 2008
Today is sunny and bright. I am completely exhausted and it isn’t even noon. Kyle left this morning. We had to be at the airport at 4:30. Coffee is my BFF today.

Outside my Window – Happy groundhog’s day. Any hapless marmot who wanders out is bound to be stunned by the big burning thing in the sky.

I am thinking – How very unhappy I am with the GoDaddy super bowl ad and their advertising in general.

From the learning rooms – My mind is turning to Lent, Ash Wednesday is February 25th.

I am thankful for- A husband who loves me.

From the kitchen – I made a couple of loaves of bread last.

I am wearing – Brown pants and a black sweater.

I am reading – On Basilisk Station — still.

I am hoping – That Kyle has a good trip.

I am creating – Hannah’s first communion dress. I am using my wedding dress and you can see the progress so far. I am also putting together my 2009 planner… we aren’t talking about what happened to January.

I am hearing – The music on the radio. Hannah and Josh are doing their phonics and Josh is driving me mad.

Around the house – Nothing exciting today. Just the usual Monday crockpot dinner, ballet and CCD.

One of my favorite things – Coffee – I have a couple of coupons from Dutch Brothers thanks to my homeschool group.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week – More sewing, a little knitting and some work.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you –

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman’s Daybook – January 26, 2009

January 26, 2009January 26, 2009 darcee4 Comments

The Simple Woman’s Daybook
is hosted by Peggy at the Simple Woman.
Thank you Peggy.

FOR TODAY : January 22, 2008
It is bitterly cold today. I had a meeting with Fr Antony this morning. Ashley is off for a teacher in service day.

Outside my Window – The sun is shinning, the sky is blue. and it is absolutely bitter cold. I saw a crow this morning playing on the wind, other than that everything seems to be hiding out. Crows are such contrary birds, figures one lone one would be the one to tough it out today.

I am thinking – I really, really need to start dinner.

From the learning rooms – Today I am thinking about including more liturgy into our daily routine.

I am thankful for- A competent teen.

From the kitchen – Chili for dinner.

I am wearing – Brown pants and my favorite velvet top.

I am reading – On Basilisk Station — still.

I am hoping – That I get to pulling up the horrible, evil, once-upon-a-time was white, carpet up this week. Didn’t get to it last week, but there is hope for this week. *laugh* and this is the same again this week.

I am creating – Hannah’s first communion dress. I am using my wedding dress and you can see the progress so far.

I am hearing – Hannah practice the apostle’s creed.

Around the house –The children are getting ready to go to CCD and enrichment.

One of my favorite things – My new phone.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week – More sewing, more lesson plans, and planting herb seeds.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you –

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The Simple Woman’s Daybook – January 19, 2009

January 19, 2009 darcee5 Comments

The Simple Woman’s Daybook
is hosted by Peggy at the Simple Woman.
Thank you Peggy.

FOR TODAY : January 17, 2008
The sky is blue, the weather is crisp and windy. This past weekend I made a couple of decisions that I hope will increase my sanity level.

Outside my Window – The wind is really going. Overhead the sky is bright and clear. Between the wind and the cold weather it is absolutely frigid. The birds and squirls are hiding.

I am thinking – One change I am committed to is cutting back on my web development work. Every few months I pull my head up long enough to think “I am doing too much”. While I genuinely enjoy web development I am also extremely busy doing other things, not the least of which is homeschooling and homemaking. I originally left the corporate world and took up freelancing to be better at the important tasks of mothering and keeping my home. Now, three children later my business has grown, my children are homeschooling and I find that I just can’t manage it gracefully or sanely. Something has to give. As much as I hate given up the recognition and money I can’t really justify it at the moment.

From the learning rooms – I am setting up field trip for the spring. Much fun to be had.

I am thankful for- Children who play together very nicely.

From the kitchen – Menu plans are in the works.

I am wearing – Black slacks and a cream blouse.

I am reading – On Basilisk Station

I am hoping – That I get to pulling up the horrible, evil, once-upon-a-time was white, carpet up this week. Didn’t get to it last week, but there is hope for this week.

I am creating – Plans for the herb garden and Hannah’s first communion dress.

I am hearing – The children playing — apparently they are taking a great adventure through a hot, dry desert, escorting a small group of children (baby dolls and stuffed animals)

Around the house –Why does it seem like all the light bulbs go out at once. We changed four yesterday and I see another one.

One of my favorite things – Seed catalogs.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week – This is a week of plans. I will continue work on the first communion dress (this is a huge adventure).

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you –

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman’s Daybook – January 12, 2009

January 12, 2009 darcee5 Comments

The Simple Woman’s Daybook
is hosted by Peggy at the Simple Woman.
Thank you Peggy.

FOR TODAY : January 12, 2008
Today is Christopher’s 10th birthday. He has grown from a rolly-polly baby to a lean, tall and handsom young man.

Outside my Window – The weather has shifted to a grey rain soaked mess. This week it is supposed to warm up a little and dry everything off. The fruit apple tree is looking a littl mossy, the roses need to be pruned. Sort of bleak.

I am thinking – Despite the sogginess outside this might be a pretty good week. I have a good idea what I want to get done, it is just a matter of getting to it.

From the learning rooms – This week is my first of four rethinking and retooling weeks.

I am thankful for- Email. It is such a nice way to keep in touch with friends.

From the kitchen – A new crockpot.

I am wearing – Brown slacks and a white top.

I am reading – On Basilisk Station

I am hoping – That I get to pulling up the horrible, evil, once-upon-a-time was white, carpet up this week.

I am creating – Some new lesson plans

I am hearing – The children playing.

Around the house –Why does it seem like all the light bulbs go out at once. We changed four yesterday and I see another one.

One of my favorite things – My full spectrum light.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week – Getting back full into the homeschool day routine. Finishing up my new planner.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you –