Daybook 11/16/10

I am thankful for...
*My parents' recent visit :)
*My in-law's upcoming visit :)
*Beautiful Fall leaves outside my windows

From the learning rooms...
*I've ordered some Geometry workbooks to help get the basics down while I search for the mythical "perfect" curriculum.

From the kitchen...
*Some leftover frittata for breakfast
*Lots of water--must drink more water!

I am wearing...
*old jeans, old t-shirt--NOT my official uniform of the day, I promise

I am creating...
*Clean laundry :)--listening to the dryer run now

I am going...
*To the library with the kids
*Later, hubby and I are invited over to a friend's house to talk about some church stuff.

I am reading...
*The Bible
*Hamlet's Blackberry...odd title, huh? It's about our society's addiction to "connectedness" and the blessing/curse that has become to most of us. Food for thought....

I am hoping...
*To get caught up (briefly) on laundry
*To take a run later

I am hearing...
*Laundry tumbling in the dryer
*Children chattering

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*My in-laws are coming for a visit
*Preparing for Thanksgiving

A picture for thought...

This is a pic from last Nov. of my parents, my brother's family, and my family.

Later Days!
Kelly

P.S. For more Daybooks see http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

11/10/10

I am thankful for...
*Family coming to visit soon :)
*Good friends who make me laugh
*Being back in our church's sanctuary following post-fire renovations

From the learning rooms...
*Geometry is not working :P . Rather, the curriculum I bought isn't working--must rethink strategy

From the kitchen...
*The lunch mess waiting to be cleared away....

I am wearing...
*shorts, long-sleeve t-shirt, apron...a warm day after several cold ones

I am creating...
*A mess--got to get to those lunch dishes!

I am going...
*To church tonight...beginning with children's choir at 6

I am reading...
*The Bible
*Just finished Jan Karon's In the Company of Others (good)

I am hoping...
*To get caught up (briefly) on laundry

I am hearing...
*Laundry tumbling in the dryer
*Children chattering

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*My parents are coming to visit
*A birthday party for one of M's friends

Later Days!
Kelly

Back in Town....

...not that I was gone for very long but it's certainly been a long time since I posted on my blog :).

Most of the time when I fail to post it's procrastination, pure and simple. Once you go a few days without posting it's easy to go a few days more without posting and then a few days more...and a few days more....

So, in summary, I'm lazy. Maybe I'll eventually get around to posting pics of my kids in their Fall Festival costumes but we'll just have to see how motivated I get before I forget them.

More recently, I took a weekend trip to Savannah, Georgia, with some of my friends from church. Eight of us stayed in Paula Deen's beach house, ate at her restaurant on Friday night (The Lady and Sons) and ate at her brother's restaurant on Saturday night (Uncle Bubba's Oyster House). Delicious southern cooking, but waaaay overpriced. Most of our crowd enjoyed Bubba's more; I, however, not being a big fan of seafood, enjoyed Paula's place more. I want it noted that I TRIED to like seafood--I tried crab cakes, fried shrimp, and some sort of seafood dip. I'm still not a big fan of seafood :). I can highly recommend the pecan pie, though!

Hubby and the kids did just fine without me--even trying hard to have the house sparking clean when I got home. Some of us left Savannah earrrrrrly Sunday morning so we'd be back for church, so I didn't get to see the house until lunchtime on Sunday. Imagine my surprise when I came in to find the kitchen floor covered in bubbles, courtesy of a dishwasher malfunction!! At least the kitchen floor was sparkling for a little while....

Later Days!
Kelly

Remember the Beach?

Wish we were there....
Later Days!
Kelly

10/08/10

-1-
My parents have joined us for an impromptu visit! We're always happy to have family come to see us :).

-2-

Our eldest child got her Learner's Permit this week. She doesn't really want to drive anywhere except around our neighborhood and that suits us fine.

-3-
Eldest also got a checking account! I guess that means our "little girl" is growing up....

-4-
Has anyone started Christmas shopping? I've bought one gift...but that's pretty good for me at this stage. We also bought our family Christmas ornament while we were at the beach...it's tricky finding an ornament for a family of 6--we like to get the kind that can be personalized with each person's name and the year.

-5-
I'm amazed that people still buy pinatas after watching America's Funniest Videos! That also goes for trampolines. And Treadmills. And Snowmobiles.

-6-
People are creative in finding ways to hurt themselves (see above). Some of my family (not mentioning names, E!), really enjoy some cringe-worthy videos of people falling down, getting hit in various places with diverse objects, and exposing themselves to public ridicule by capturing it all on film and having it aired on national television.

-7-

Later Days!
Kelly

Have I Mentioned The Beach?

I have to give credit to my eldest for all of these pictures...in fact, most of the pictures I have from the beach were taken by her! Thanks, E.!

Later Days!
Kelly

Quick Takes 10/1/10

*1*
I can't believe it's October! That's like, FALL! Finally, there's a slight nip in the air (well, at least the temp's not in the 90s at this moment), football season is in swing, and we're starting to see the leaves changing just a bit...love it!

*2*
My stove is officially dead to me. After a variety of frustrating mechanical issues--the latest being an oven door that came off yesterday--we are going stove shopping today!!

*3*
Did I mention that the oven door fell off WHILE I was baking something?!?

*4*
Just so you know, that leads to less-than-perfect results in whatever you're cooking...also, no matter how high you turn up the temp, your doorless oven will not be able to get above 250 degrees.

*5*
For reasons of public safety, you will also have to remain quite close to your rapidly-losing-heat doorless oven to prevent pets and small children from hurting themselves.

*6*
If we don't get the stove replaced today, I shall be forced to cook dinner for a family of 6 in a toaster oven! Wait, I'M actually going out to dinner with some friends so it will be hubby's challenge :).

*7*
What do you want to bet he'd have some pizza delivered?

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook

Outside my window...
*Fall! Well, Fall-ish, anyway. The temperature is in the 70s rather than the 90s :).

I am thinking...
*That it's so hard to get back to "normal" life after a week at the beach.

I am thankful for...
*Wednesdays--lunch out with the family & church tonight.

From the learning rooms...
*Trying desperately to get back into our school routine--tough after a week off.

From the kitchen...
*Indian food--I used a spice mix to make butter chicken last night and hubby picked up some pre-made naan & gulab jamen--yum!

I am wearing...
*Shorts & my Big on the Pig t-shirt...I will definitely be changing before going out to lunch. Also, my glasses...I'm finding them more and more necessary these days....

I am going...
*To eat Mexican food!

I am reading...
*The Bible
*Otherwise, I'm between books--any ideas?

I am watching...
*Phineas and Ferb

I am hearing...
*The clothes dryer
*Annie the bassett making rude noises



Here is picture for thought I am sharing...


Later Days!
Kelly

Catching up...or not

Wow, it's been a long bloggy break, hasn't it? I find it very difficult to get back to blogging after a long break because it's daunting to feel like I have to catch up. I've found that procrastination works in most cases, which leads to more catching up....

So. I've decided to post a few pictures at a time of our recent beach vacation. That should keep the grandparents happy and will prevent me from having to actually think of something to write :). We're still trying to get back into the swing of school and home routines after our wonderful vacation so my few remaining brain cells are otherwise occupied.

9/11/10

Belated Quick Takes Friday....

~1~
Annie the Basset is recovering nicely from her surgery. She's greatly enjoyed being spoiled and cosseted the last few days and has worked those sad eyes to her advantage!

~2~
We enjoyed dinner with friends last night and the kids enjoyed the pool (too cold for adults). Why is it that kids don't seem to mind how cold a pool is? Why is it that the daytime temperatures are still in the 90's and the pool was cold???

~3~
We are about to embark on my favorite season--Fall. Or Autumn. What do y'all call it? I love the nip in the air (purely theoretical at this point), the changing leaves, and bringing out the Fall clothes (Obviously, I call it Fall).

~4~
In a week's time, we'll be on our way to the beach! It's a constant point of conversation around here these days. We love our yearly trek with all four grandparents!!

~5~
Many traditions have sprung up over the 16 years we've vacationed together: Krispy Kreme doughnuts after early service on Sunday (will that change now that many of our crowd are dieting?), Shopping Day on Monday, carousel rides at Barefoot Landing, Build-a-Bear Workshop at Broadway at the Beach, shopping for a family ornament at St. Nick's Nacks, Ripley's Aquarium....

~6~
Oh, we swim and play in the sand, too! And eat...lots.

~7~
Let's stop to remember the events of 9/11/01 and pray for the families of those who lost their lives or suffered injuries. Pray also for our soldiers and their families, as they have devoted their lives to providing freedom and security for our country.

Later Days!
Kelly

P.S. A special Happy Birthday to Living Out Loud's son, C., who made September 11th a day of joy!!

Happy Labor Day!

I lost the post I originally wrote so I'm gonna do Take 2 in list form:
~We celebrated Labor Day by doing NO WORK OF ANY KIND, including school :)

~The kids and I went over to a friend's house to play in the pool--we had a terrific time but we all have various degrees of sunburn, with me being the reddest :P

~I got to go shopping by myself for a little while this afternoon! Piggly Wiggly grocery store has a promotion where you can trade in your Greenbax (their customer reward program) for gift cards. I paid 12.5 Greenbax (which I get just by getting my regular groceries) for a $25 Kohl's gift card...which I promptly used for some new tops :). They're going to repeat this promotion in November so I'll be hoarding my Greenbax 'til then!

~Hubby grilled steaks for dinner...yummmmmm!

~Our dog, Annie, goes to get "fixed" tomorrow. The hard part will be to see that she doesn't eat anything after 9 p.m. tonight!!

Later Days!
Kelly

!

1. My parents are here for a visit and M. is enjoying being totally spoiled! We built a huge Lincoln Log/train set complex last night and right now, he has Mimi pushing him on the swing.

2. College football has begun--woohoo! In my mind, the beginning of football=fall, however, the temperature is supposed to get up to 98 degrees today :P.

3. The repairs and renovations at our church are underway. Several weeks ago, our steeple was struck by lightning and caught fire. We'll be moving back into part of our church building soon, though the sanctuary repairs will take a few weeks longer.

4. Anybody have big plans for the Labor Day weekend? We're getting together with friends...but most exciting--no school!

5. Our dog is scheduled for surgery next week. Some of you might remember that she was pregnant when we got her (unbeknownst to us). Her puppies were adorable. Also, smelly, loud, and irritating. We DO NOT want to do that again.

6. Speaking of school (was I speaking of school?)...we've completed our first two weeks and are still trying to find our "groove". Bouncing around between the four kids and their varying subjects is keeping me hopping.

7. Time for cellphone upgrades...phones are scary complicated these days, aren't they? Gone are the days when you only used a phone to make calls! I didn't think I was a techie-type, but I love having a phone that can access the internet--how did our founding fathers survive without being able to Facebook wherever and whenever they wanted?!?

Later Days!
Kelly

For school (4K), M. made a house with each family member in a window. He was so proud of himself! He got to cut, draw, glue...besides working on recognizing the names of each person. It's a little strange for me to be doing kindergarten again after several years but he loves getting some focused attention and "doing school" like his siblings.

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook 8/24/10

Outside my window...
A beautiful, warm day--only supposed to get into the low 90s today!

I am thinking...
That our school year has started off better than I expected after The Summer Of Low Expectations.

I am thankful for...
Children who love to learn...though not necessarily what I'm trying to teach them!

From the learning rooms...
Chemistry, Spanish, Literature, Geometry, US History, phonics...I'll let y'all try to figure out who's learning what :)

From the kitchen...
Chicken salad sandwiches for lunch

I am wearing...
sweaty, stinky workout clothes--just finished a good workout!

I am creating...
an atmosphere where learning doesn't just happen during "school time"!

I am going...
To take a shower as soon as I finish this post! Later, laundry, cleaning, exercise class with my friends.

I am reading...
*The Bible--midway through Isaiah
*In a Sunburned Country (travel book about Australia)

I am hoping...
That math begins to come back to me so I can explain it to my children!

I am hearing...
"Mama" constantly from children needing assistance with schoolwork

Around the house...
Work to do!

One of my favorite things...
Fall...can't wait for the season to change!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Exercise class tonight, church tomorrow night, groceries...what an exciting life I lead! lol

Cute photo that bears no relation to anything in today's post...

Later Days!
Kelly

8/18/10 Daybook

Outside My Window

It was a dark and stormy night....no, seriously, it is.

I am Listening to

Kids playing and the jingling of the dog's tag as she wanders around looking for eldest, who hasn't gotten home yet from keeping nursery for choir practice.

I am Wearing

Khaki shorts, brown t-shirt w/ Mom4 on it

I am so Grateful for

~A (relatively) restful summer

~The freedom and privilege to homeschool my children

I'm Pondering

What surprises the new school year will hold

I am Reading

The Bible...still on the Read the Bible in 90 Days plan

I am Thinking

That I can't wait to go Back Home to visit family this weekend! We'll be celebrating some birthdays and I imagine our upcoming trip to the beach will figure heavily in our conversations :)

I am Creating

Lesson plans, lists, & New School Year Resolutions

On my iPod

An eclectic mix of Contemporary Christian, show tunes, beach music, and disco-era :). I love having new tunes to listen to while I work out.

Around the House
We're very pleased with the furniture re-arrangement we did over the weekend. Our living room looks a bit tidier, our master bedroom looks bigger, and both boys seem pleased to have their beds "un-bunked".

I am Hoping and Praying
That hubby feels better soon and that our church's repairs and renovations will continue smoothly and quickly

From the Kitchen

Nothing exciting going on here...

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

~More lesson-planning, laundry, heading Back Home

Picture thought:

Quick Takes 8/13/10

*1*
Hubby and I spent the day rearranging furniture...moved the bed in the master bedroom, moved an armoire from the bedroom to the living room, moved a couple of bookcases....

*2*
Result: more space in the bedroom, new look in the living room

*3*
Unintended result: tired, aching muscles!

*4*
I've also been preparing for the upcoming school year...ordering, organizing, and scheduling, ad infinitum

*5*
We're excited that we'll be going Back Home next weekend to celebrate 2 of my nieces' birthdays...that is, the birthdays of 2 of my nieces :)

*6*
This is probably not a new concept for the rest of the world, but I stumbled on a relatively painless way to practice Spanish with the kids...I checked out the Spanish-language versions of childrens' books that we already own...can you guess what old favorite translates, "Buenas Noches, Luna"?

*7*
Tomorrow is supposed to be a little cooler...only 90 degrees!

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook 8/11/10

I am thankful for...
*Quiet summer mornings...I'll miss them.

From the learning rooms...
*Book orders are still drifting in
*Working on a schedule for school/chores/life...well, more of a routine. I don't want to completely lose the spontaneity that makes life interesting :)

From the kitchen...
*Plain yogurt w/ fiber cereal & craisins on top for breakfast. I threw on a few semi-sweet chocolate chips, too!

I am wearing...
*shorts, t-shirt

I am creating...
*Order? Really?

I am going...
*To transfer my pictures to a thumb drive because my computer is acting funny and I don't want to lose 3 years of pictures!


I am reading...
*The Bible--beginning Esther today

Around the house...
*Hung a boxing heavy bag in the backyard--eldest and I are enjoying some great cardio workouts with it and relieving some stress, too!

My favorite things...
*Hubby
*E,N,K, & M!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*Church service tonight will still be held our local associational office BUT we're praying that the repair work on our church will get started and we'll be back in it soon!


Later Days!
Kelly

Zzzzzzzz

The latest installment in our popular series, "Sleeping M.".

Quick Takes 8/6/10

*1*
We're enjoying a visit from my hubby's parents, Nana and Gdad. We'll be heading Back Home for a visit before too long because 2 of my nieces are having birthdays back-to-back (Yay, C. & M.!).

*2*
We've had some more serious thunderstorms the last couple of days. In fact, we were without electricity for a while this evening. I can't complain, though, because we decided to go to Cold Stone Creamery for some ice cream so we wouldn't have to sit in a dark, quickly-getting-too-warm house.

*3*
Eldest and I tried our hand at "homemade" haircuts this week. She did a pretty good job with mine, but I missed the layers that I'm used to so I ended up getting my hair cut by a professional this evening. I had to go very short to get those layers :). It's just hair, right?

*4*
Those packages of curricula are drifting in, bit by bit. I guess I can't deny it anymore...school is just around the corner.

*5*
Watching AFV (America's Funniest Home Videos) leads me to wonder why ANYONE buys a pinata, a trampoline, or a pet!

*6*
Eldest has one of those crazy bouts of hiccups that burst out of her unexpectedly and dramatically--wish I had it on video for AFV!

*7*
Today, Youngest wanted Nana to get washcloth for him so he could wipe some marker off one of his hands. Hubby told him to go wash his hands, instead. M.'s reply? "But only one hand is dirty."

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook 8/4/10

I am thankful for...
*My in-laws, who are coming to visit for a few days!
*My parents, who wish they could (I'm assuming)

From the learning rooms...
*Almost have the workbox system set up to organize my younger kids' school work
*Waiting on some ordered curricula to come in so I can preview it and start school soon (Thanks, Mimi!)

From the kitchen...
*Dirty floor, waiting to be swept and mopped :P

I am wearing...
*shorts, t-shirt

I am creating...
*Order? Really?

I am going...
*To sweep and mop my kitchen...eventually

I am reading...
*The Bible--in 1 Chronicles now with the Read the Bible in 90 Days plan

I am hoping...
*That my in-laws car problems won't prevent them from coming today

I am hearing...
*The wheezing of my overweight cat
*The humming of my computer, which needs a new battery
*Wall-E, our Roomba vacuum working in the family room

Around the house...
*Hung a boxing heavy bag in the backyard--eldest and I are enjoying some great cardio workouts with it and relieving some stress, too!

My favorite things...
*Visits from family!
*Clean-ish house
*Getting packages in the mail :)

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*Church service tonight will still be held our local associational office BUT we're praying that the repair work on our church will get started and we'll be back in it soon!

Later Days!
Kelly

Quick Takes 7/30/10

*1*
I'm experimenting a little with the blog post today by centering everything. Like it? Hate it? Indifferent?

*2*
Discovered General Foods International's Dark Mayan Chocolate Latte...oh my! That stuff is goooood--adding a squirt of whipped cream to the top is a nice touch :).

*3*
Hubby is cutting grass and it's already 86 degrees at 9:45 a.m.! Our local temperature is supposed to reach 100 degrees later :P. I'm thankful that he's getting to be home for a while today, after several long, stressful days.

*4*
Re:long, stressful days....Our church's steeple was struck by lightning and caught fire on Monday. Thankfully, the fire damage wasn't too bad. Unfortunately, the water damage was considerable, ruining the ceiling, sound equipment, organ, etc. As pastor, Hubby has spent the last several days in meetings with insurance adjusters, architects, repairmen, etc.

*5*
Praise the Lord, we have a place to meet this Sunday! A sister church in the area is letting us use their sanctuary for worship while they are having Sunday School. Arrangements for future services are pending, awaiting the results from asbestos tests. The presence of asbestos will lengthen the rebuilding/repair process.

*6*
A setback such as this will act as a "refining fire" for our fellowship (excuse the fire pun). We'll be back to basics for a while & issues that are usually overlooked may come to the surface. With God's help and an extra dose of patience and longsuffering, we can come through this trial a more unified, holier body of believers!

*7*
Our school year is just around the corner. I've been placing curriculum orders and items are slowly drifting in. I love to get packages in the mail :).

Later Days!
Kelly

7/27/10 Daybook

I am thankful for...
*My church and my church family
*Our local firefighters who responded so quickly to the call that our church steeple was on fire.
*Our fellow believers from another church who made the 911 call about the fire.
*That God protected the church from much worse damage!

From the learning rooms...
*In the process of setting up workboxes for my younger kids so they will be able to visualize the work that needs done and what they've already accomplished.

From the kitchen...
*The lunch mess waiting to be cleared away....

I am wearing...
*Pink shirt, blue shorts, apron

I am creating...
*Order

I am going...
*To enjoy Quiet Time in a little while :)

I am reading...
*The Bible--just began the Read the Bible Through in 90 Days plan.
*A couple of homeschooling books from the library

I am hoping...
*That God will use the fire at the church for His glory!

I am hearing...
*The 4yo slamming doors
*N. & K. giggling about some scheme-in-progress

Around the house...
*Clean garage--I'm still in awe :)

My favorite things...
*Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk ice cream
*Fresh tomatoes

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*Church service at an alternate location tomorrow night :(

Later Days!
Kelly

Back to reality...

After a completely topsy-turvy week, today we try to get back into routine. Last week, hubby was away as camp pastor at a children's music camp & all 4 kiddos were with the grandparents for a few days. That's right...I was ALONE.

By all accounts, the week was a success for all. The kids had a terrific time: water day, going to the movies (Despicable Me), seeing their cousins, going to Stumphouse Tunnel, and getting spoiled :). Hubby had a great time at camp and 28 kids made professions of faith! I got the garage cleaned, the bushes trimmed, the van cleaned, and several other projects done that I've been putting off...is procrastination a spiritual gift?

My parents brought the kids home and were able to stay a couple of days to continue the "Doting Marathon". Just to keep things interesting, let's throw in a Coupon 101 class for me, a Cafe on the Hill youth fundraiser, a youth lock-in, AND a youth carwash! Top it all off with wonderful worship services yesterday, followed by a youth pool party after evening service and you have a very tired family.

So, how do you follow-up such a frenzy of activity? With the kids asking "What are we going to do today?"

Later Days!
Kelly

7/16/10

1. We traveled Back Home to visit family :). Just had a terrific evening eating and talking with grandparents, siblings, cousins.

2. Of course, we just discovered that K. forgot her suitcase, so we'll be going shopping tomorrow...do you think she planned it that way? Can you believe her dad and I LET her forget her suitcase!?!

3. Congrats to my niece Peanut on her new braces--looking good!

4. Happy early birthday to my nephew Brett! You're actually turning out ok in spite of your dad :). Hey, bro! lol

5. It is time to make some tough decisions regarding curriculum choices! It's amazing how fast the summer is flying by...we'll be starting school before too long and I better have some books for these kiddos to study.

6. It's easy to get overwhelmed looking at all the curriculum catalogs and websites that come to my attention every day! Have you seen the Rainbow Resource Center catalog????

7. Our Haiti mission team should be arriving home pretty soon. I can't wait to hear their stories about how God is working in that country. I'm pretty sure there will also be some stories of heartbreaking devastation.

Later Days!
Kelly

7/13/10 Daybook

I am thankful for...
*Our local library! Our library trips on Tuesdays are a highlight of our week.
*Our local Books-A-Million--after the library today we went to B-A-M because the kids had some $$ to spend.
*Kids that love to read!!!

From the learning rooms...
*I don't even want to think about school starting back soon. Thankfully, learning never stops!
*I'm sticking flashcards with Spanish words everywhere :).

From the kitchen...
*The lunch mess waiting to be cleared away....

I am wearing...
*Jeans, tunic, apron, toe-ring :)

I am creating...
*A mess--got to get to those lunch dishes!

I am going...
*To my exercise class with friends tonight :).

I am reading...
*The Bible--just began the Read the Bible Through in 90 Days plan. I'm reading in Leviticus now and am so thankful that Jesus' sacrifice paid for my sins so that I don't have to depend on animal sacrifices!

I am hoping...
*To go Back Home this weekend to see family!

I am hearing...
*Near-silence, as my children peruse their new books.
*Occasional outbursts from youngest :)

Around the house...
*Laundry everywhere!
*Pieces of cardboard from N.'s projects
*Cat and dog hair--ugh.

My favorite things...
*Chocolate-covered coffee beans
*Books

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*Making more Spanish vocabulary cards
*Church tomorrow night--I'm leading Girls in Action this week
*Packing to go Back Home :)

A few pictures for thought...



Our latest attempt to save money involves learning to give haircuts. Our friend T. graciously gave us a lesson :). Result: Hubby, N., and M. look like new recruits, we saved big bucks on haircuts and shampoo, no more messy bedhead!

7/9/10

1~We had a terrific time at our Honduran friends' house last night! They have such hearts for God and ministering to His people. They'll be leaving the States soon to hold a crusade in Honduras--please pray for the Rodriguez family.

2~A Disaster Relief team from our church is heading to Haiti today. Though other events have pushed Haiti from the headlines lately, the situation there is still devastating and will be for a long time to come. Please pray for the people of Haiti, the many mission teams and aid workers devoting their time, and the families of the teams as they, too, sacrifice by releasing their loved ones to serve.

3~I need to get serious about learning Spanish! Bits and pieces of my high school and college classes have stuck with me but not nearly enough. Eldest will be studying Spanish for high school credit this year--I guess I will be, too :).

4~Youngest is "cooking" breakfast at his play kitchen. I love the way that boy takes care of his stuffed frog!

5~Haircut time for the men of the house. N. is not really looking forward to it but a haircut DOES mean he can spend even less energy on grooming :).

6~Kermit, M.'s stuffed frog, probably doesn't need a haircut, but I bet he'll go anyway. LOL

7~Must tear myself away from the computer now and go out for my walk/jog/wog before it gets up to 100 degrees again.

Later Days!
Kelly

7/06/10

I am thankful for...
*All my family and friends--we've had a variety of guests for the past few days and it's been fun.
*The USA! We had a great Independence Day.

From the learning rooms...
*Decisions, decisions, decisions...working on my "wish list" for the next school year...homeschooling 11th grade, 8th gr, 4th gr, and 4K will be expensive :).

From the kitchen...
*The smell of sausage frying and biscuits cooking...my mom is cooking breakfast.
*Homegrown tomatoes from Papa's garden--yum!

I am wearing...
*Pajamas :)

I am creating...
*The above-mentioned wish list--it's much more exciting to BUY curricula than it is to USE it :).

I am going...
*To the library--it IS Tuesday, after all!

I am reading...
*The Bible--just began the Read the Bible Through in 90 Days plan
*Mrs. Sharp's Traditions

I am hoping...
*That the cooler weather continues...but I think it's going back up to 100!

I am hearing...
*My parents and my children talking, eggs scrambling :)

Around the house...
*happy noises

My favorite things...
*My family
*Chocolate

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*Library today
*Church tomorrow night

A picture for thought...

"Tourist-y" photo in front of the Taj Mahal



Later Days!
Kelly

Quick Takes 7/2/10

1. Happy Independence Day (a little early)! Amidst the cookouts and pool parties, take a few minutes to thank God for the U.S.A.! As a country, we have our faults but I still think we live in the best country in the world!

2. Can't wait to use the new grill for the first time--burgers, hotdogs & corn-on-the-cob coming up!

3. Company's coming! We have family and friends coming to visit for a few days--can't wait to see everybody :).

4. I still get a laugh out of watching our Roomba "robot" vacuum :). It's almost like watching a pet run around...plus, the way our cat and dog shed, it picks up enough hair to pass for another pet! In fact, we named it Wall-E after the robot in the movie of the same name. What? Doesn't everybody name their vacuum?

5. I have finally gotten around to hanging some pictures and decorative pieces on the walls! We've lived here almost 2 years and it looked like we'd just moved in. It's amazing how much difference it makes!

6. Congratulations to our local baseball team, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, for winning the College World Series! I'm not normally a Gamecock fan, but if the Clemson Tigers couldn't win it, at least another SC team did!!

7. I use entirely too many exclamation marks, don' I?!?! I guess I'm just an energetic person...not. LOL

Later Days!
Kelly

Clank! Bang!

Aaaah...the Sounds of Summer....

Eldest and Hubby are assembling a new gas grill. It will make its inaugural appearance when we burn some meat for July 4th!

I'm hoping the near cessation of the clanking noises coming from the other room means the grill is almost finished!

Daybook

Outside my window...
*A beautiful evening, post-thunderstorm. Thank you, Lord, for the rain!

I am thinking...
*That it's exciting to have company coming soon! Looks like we'll be grilling out for July 4th.

I am thankful for...
*The week after VBS :). Vacation Bible School is incredibly worthwhile...but incredibly exhausting, too!

From the learning rooms...
*Reviewing some math concepts with my older kids, using the Life of Fred series--who knew math could be funny!?!

From the kitchen...
*Made blackened tilapia tonight--blackened with spices, not burned :). Also, finished off my homemade granola today--good stuff!

I am wearing...
*Shorts and a short-sleeved shirt, no shoes

I am creating...
*A menu plan & a house-keeping schedule (now if I could just be diligent in following these plans)

I am going...
*To paint my toenails--not wearing shoes makes me realize my feet need a little "renovation"!

I am reading...
*Managers of Their Chores (about organizing household chores)
*Harvard Yard (historic fiction)

I am watching...
*an episode of Hart to Hart on dvd as I clean the kitchen :). Love that show!

I am hoping...
*That my son N had a good time at his friend's house this evening. It is a big step for him to go over to someone's house for the first time (I know, he's 13, but it's still a big step for HIM).

I am hearing...
*Blue's Clues
*Hart to Hart

Around the house...
*Trying to dig out after VBS! Laundry and housekeeping got short shrift last week

One of my favorite things...
*My red Dell laptop computer, nicknamed "Rosie"

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*church tomorrow night
*groceries
*more laundry
*trying out some new recipes

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is our group arriving at the Hotel Amar in Agra, India--greeted with flowers! We look exhausted because we ARE! This was taken back in November, 2009.

This glimpse into the days of "mommy bloggers" is the idea of Simple Woman at
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ . Please visit her site if you're interested in participating!

Artist at work....

M. enjoyed drawing on a whiteboard this morning and I wanted to share his efforts with his adoring public :). I'm sorry the poor photos don't do his creations justice.

This is his rendering of Mimi.



And this is me. As a robot. Playing golf.


Later Days!
Kelly

Seven Quick Takes

1. Saddle Ridge Ranch is a fun place to be but I'm glad VBS is over!

2. Praise the Lord that kids got to hear about Jesus this week and 3 of them professed faith in Him!

3. I'm grateful that so many people are willing to pour themselves into children's lives to make sure that they were safe, were taught the Bible, and had fun this week!

4. I suppose I'll have to resume things like cooking, doing laundry, and cleaning ....

5. Tonight's College World Series baseball game between the Clemson Tigers and the USC Gamecocks promises to be a good one. Go Tigers!

6. Raw chocolate chip cookie dough is delicious. It's my walk on the wild side to defy all those dire warnings about eating cookie dough :).

7. If my next post is from a hospital bed, you'll know to obey all those dire warnings! I'm doing this for your education and edification.

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook

Outside my window...
*Heat, heat, heat!

I am thinking...
*That air conditioning is one of the greatest inventions ever!

I am thankful for...
*A little girl gave her heart to Jesus at Vacation Bible School this morning!

From the learning rooms...
*We're learning great stuff at VBS every day
*I'm compiling a list of resources for "Math Camp" and a list for concepts I want to review

From the kitchen...
*I'm going to need groceries before much is going on in the kitchen!

I am wearing...
*A comfy t-shirt and shorts, which will soon be traded for something appropriate for church.

I am creating...
*Memories!

I am going...
*To Bible Study tonight--keeping nursery

I am reading...
*A book about the Charlotte Mason philosophy of homeschooling

I am hoping...
*That I will continue to have energy and enthusiasm for the remaining 2 days of VBS :).

I am hearing...
*The dryer
*The dog sighing because she misses E., who isn't home yet.

Around the house...
*We are in "survival mode" until VBS is over.

One of my favorite things...
*Getting to know a classroom full of energetic, sweet 4 year-olds!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*2 more days of VBS
*Get groceries
*Cook food
*Catch up on laundry

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is what was happening in our lives one year ago this week. Happy Birthday, puppies! Though they were incredibly adorable, I do NOT miss them :).
This glimpse into the days of "mommy bloggers" is the idea of Simple Woman at
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ . Please visit her site if you're interested in participating!

Saddle Ridge Ranch

Vacation Bible School, Day 1

Kids...lots of them. Noise...lots of it. Fun...lots of it. Told kids about Jesus, sang songs, made crafts, played outside in 100 degree heat. Now, tired. Must rest and recover before going back tomorrow and doing it all again. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to use personal pronouns as subjects in my sentences....

Later Days!
Kelly

1. Here's a shout-out to my sweet niece, Casey, who's getting braces today! Can't wait to see your beautiful smile :).

2. Another shout-out goes to my wonderful Father-in-Law, who's having back surgery today. We're praying for a quick recovery and great results!

3. Yet another shout-out to my favorite twins, Yvonne & Yvette, who are celebrating birthdays today! The jury is still out on which is the evil twin and which is the good twin :).

4. I seem to get 97% more comments on blog posts that involve pictures of my children! Thanks, Grandparents :).

5. I never was any good at math so the previous statistic is entirely unreliable (i.e. I made it up).

6. Check out my daughter's new blog--she posts LOTS of pics! Lifesong-onering.blogspot.com

7. Our church's Vacation Bible School begins this Monday morning! Please pray for all the workers, the children that will attend, and their parents--that all will be blessed and God would be glorified!

Later Days!
Kelly

Caught Napping....

It's been a while since I've posted a photo of M. sleeping in odd places. Last night, after a long, hard day, I think he chose the most uncomfortable place in the house to fall asleep. At least, it's one of my least favorite places...the bathroom scale! :P



Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook

I am thankful for...
*my family Back Home that I love to visit!
*the wonderful, godly men in my life--Happy Father's Day to my Dad, my Father-in-Law, and my Hubby, who is a great dad!

From the learning rooms...
*the 2009/10 school year is OVER! However, learning never stops :).

From the kitchen...
*Not much...I've been depending on my Mom's and my Mother-in-Law's cooking for the last couple of days :)

I am wearing...
*jeans & a kurta I brought back from India

I am creating...
*plans for Vacation Bible School, which begins next week

I am going...
*to be driving home in a couple of hours :P

I am reading...
*VBS material
*the Bible
*a mystery, the name of which I can't even remember now (obviously, a gripping read)

I am hoping...
*to have an uneventful drive home, with well-behaved children and light traffic
*to get a phone call from hubby soon (he's still at the convention)

I am hearing...
*the chatter and singing of little girls (my niece slept over last night)

Around the house...
*a cat that (possibly) misses us

My favorite things...
*high-speed internet
*dark chocolate
*happy children

A few plans for the rest of the week:
*Midweek Bible Study at church
*Hubby coming home :)

Later Days!
Kelly

Breaking News...

K. lost a tooth! In our family, that not only means $$ from the tooth fairy, but milkshakes for the whole family :). Mama's always happy when somebody loses a tooth!

Later Days!
Kelly

1. So glad my sweet K. is back from GA Camp!! While she had a great time at camp, we missed her & she missed us.

2. To celebrate K.'s return AND the official end of the school year, we're all sitting around eating special treats...which for the girls in the family ALWAYS involves Ben & Jerry's ice cream :).

3. I'm very thankful for the dedicated and godly women and young ladies that make it possible for girls like K. to enjoy a few days at camp, learning about Jesus.

4. Eldest and I went to Wal-Mart this morning: she wanted to look in the baby section to pick out something for Baby Parker (a baby from our church that just had surgery). I, however, found myself looking at preemie clothes so I could get something for Kermit--M's stuffed frog. Is that as disturbing as I think it is?

5. N. is writing a book, using dinosaurs as characters. Be sure to buy it when it becomes available on Amazon.

6. Hubby will be heading to the Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando in a few days. Please pray for him as he travels AND pray for the issues that will be voted upon.

7. Any ideas for making math fun? I've been telling the kiddos that, though we're not officially in school now, we'll be having Math Camp :).

Later Days!
Kelly

Daybook

Outside my window...
A world of possibilities! Also, high temperatures and high humidity :)

I am thinking...
About Camp La Vida--I'm driving a van full of girls to GA Camp this afternoon!

I am thankful for...
chocolate chips :)

From the learning rooms...
finishing up schoolbooks! Yay!

From the kitchen...
I'd love some homemade wheat bread, slathered with real butter--this is NOT what is in my kitchen right now.

I am wearing...
t-shirt, cargo pants, apron

I am creating...
A tentative schedule/routine that will bring order and peace to my house...or not (same as last week; it's just not happening very quickly)

I am going...
to the final frontier (aka Camp La Vida) to drop of a bunch of giggly girls, including K.!

I am reading...
Curriculum catalogs, VBS material, an Inspector Barnaby mystery

I am hoping...
That the girls from church stay safe at camp, make memories, have fun, and learn about Jesus!

Have a great time, Sweetie!

Later Days!
Kelly