Daybook for April 12th 2010

You can find most of the daybooks out there at the Simple Woman's daybook :)  Click on the picture to go there!

FOR TODAY, April 12th 2010

Outside my window...  
it is beautifully sunny and the day is beginning to warm up.  The pollen is still out in full force and the chartreuse greens of spring are all over the place.

I am thinking...
That it has been a long time since I did a daybook entry.  I keep seeing them though, and I enjoy the little things that get shared, so I wanted to join in once more :)
 
I am thankful for...
Time spent with family.  Our Sunday afternoon consisted of a lot of time in the garden- and the kids got to really enjoy themselves making little tiki dolls :)
 
From the learning rooms...(if this applies)
I am preparing to do the new 'Letters of Grace' curriculum with my 6 year old.  It looks like it will continue nicely from the Alphabet Path over at Serendipity.  I will also be doing the latest 'Spring Nature Study' from the Handbook of Nature Study :)
 
From the kitchen...
chicken tikka, rice and veggies.  I am also considering which bread I want to make...
 
I am wearing...
White skirt with a red and orange floral pattern, and a red t-shirt.
 
I am creating...
plans to get moving on with school stuff- and working on a planner :)
 
I am going...
to the library tonight.  And to the brand new grocery store which opens today (though I will probably go tomorrow)... it is a big deal here :)
 
I am reading...
at last count I had whittled it down to three main books ;)  The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Noose and Simplicity Parenting are the main two though :)
 
I am hoping...
to get school going smoother and to get outside :)  and that my seeds will come up ;)
 
I am hearing...
LOTS of birds singing, DD playing and DS trying to watch a DVD I asked him to turn off... :o

Around the house...
A basket of ironing, some dusting.

Around the Garden...
I just planted corn and beans so I need to water them.
 
One of my favorite things...
Teaching the kids something FUN.  This week they learned how to make tiki dolls from Daddy :)  
 
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Do some school catch-up, start letters of grace, read... the usual :)

 
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Easter Bunny egg cosy in action :)

Daybook for Monday 23rd February

Peggy over at the Simple Woman's Daybook hosts these daybooks, run on over for a look :)

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... cold, windy and sunny... the trees are getting ready to bloom though, and the birds are singing like it is spring. I'm convinced!

I am thinking... that I really hope the headache goes away...

I am thankful for... a thoughtful DH. He planned yesterday to do things the kids wanted to- they had a great time :) The things they wanted to do were quite odd... DD wanted to clean the sink and DS wanted to go antiquing... (amongst other normal things like playing Legos...)

From the learning rooms... I think we'll drop Greek until another time. I saw Drew's reasoning for doing this in the Latin Centered Curriculum 2nd Edition, and I think he is right.

From the kitchen... chicken. In the crockpot. I need to check how long it needs to cook :)

I am wearing... grey skirt, white blouse with black stripes. Black long socks and plaited (braided) hair.

I am creating... Lenten plans. We'll have some homeschoolers over for a craft later this week and I really want to make the Lenten season special. :)

I am going... probably to the store- we went a little late yesterday and they were out of some of the things I needed.

I am reading... some magazines (CL UK edition and Victoria) plus some art books and novels from the library.

I am hoping... to get!

I am hearing... Rebel playing and birds singing.

Around the house... Cleaning. Finish M'Lady's book... at least the printing part ;)

One of my favorite things... is garden planning- with spring on the way I need to order seeds!.

A few plans for the rest of the week: celebrate M'Lady's 5th birthday!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Artists Trading Cards (ATCs) are trading card sized original artworks that artists swap- such fun!

Mrs. Brown Takes tea

Mrs. Brown reading

Periwinkle or Vinca major.

Daybook for Monday 9th February

Peggy over at the Simple Woman's Daybook hosts these daybooks, run on over for a look :)

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it's warm and sunny. It is only getting warmer this week... I'm raedy for spring!

I am thinking... that I need to work on my sister's card... I just need to think up a design!

I am thankful for... warm weather in winter. It helps us to get through the cold weather better :)

From the learning rooms... need to catch up with literature... planning on reading extra this week.

From the kitchen... salmon. Shopping on Sunday makes this a regular Monday thing :)

I am wearing... jeans and a red stripey shirt. I'm saving all my skirts for the warm days mid-week ;P

I am creating... a card for my sister and an anniversary card for DH AND some swap gifts. need to get cracking! :)

I am going... nowhere. except maybe for a walk :)

I am reading... some magazines and art books...

I am hoping... to get those cards done!!

I am hearing... silence- the kids must be up to something.

Around the house... craft works and some dusting upstairs ;)

One of my favorite things... spring flowers. I've been watching...

A few plans for the rest of the week: Our 10th anniversary and a homeschooler valentine's day party!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Spring Dreams :)

Daybook for Monday 2nd February

Peggy over at the Simple Woman's Daybook hosts these daybooks, run on over for a look :)

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it's warm and sunny. They forecast snow for tomorrow and warm weather for the weekend- we're into the spring up and down pattern already!

I am thinking... that I hope DD likes her birthday presents and cake- she turns 5 tomorrow. Where has the time gone?

I am thankful for... living where we do. A trip to Northern Virginia at the weekend, gave me a lot of appreciation for our decidedly less hectic pace- and warmer climate :)

From the learning rooms... thinking about doing geography on fun Mondays- and science experiments :) If it is fun, it is allowed on Monday.

From the kitchen... salmon. Hope this new recipe is a good one! I am also planning on starting the Mary-Janes Farm sourdough bread.

I am wearing... denim skirt, white blouse with black stripes. Bare legs for now- hair is up in my crocodile clip.

I am creating... a book- for DD. You can see the entries below :)

I am going... outside- it's a nice day, we need the fresh air :)

I am reading... some magazines (one art, three crafts and two house ones) plus some art books. I am making headway in my pile...

I am hoping... to post up on thing-a-day!

I am hearing... Rebel playing and birds singing.

Around the house... Cleaning. Finish M'Lady's book... at least the printing part ;)

One of my favorite things... is garden planning- with spring on the way I need to order seeds!.

A few plans for the rest of the week: celebrate M'Lady's 5th birthday!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

You can see more of the ice-storm pictures at my garden blog :)

Daybook for Monday 19th January

Peggy over at the Simple Woman's Daybook hosts these daybooks, run on over for a look :)
FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it's cold and overcast. They are predicting actual snow for the first time in over a year!!

I am thinking... that I can't wait for spring. The garden centres are beginning to stock up on seeds and I have catalogues to browse through.

I am thankful for... a slight warming up of the weather. We had to have the rabbit inside for a few days because it kept getting down into the single digits at night. The kids tormented the poor thing with too much loving, we put him back outside as soon as the weather warmed slightly and he was ecstatic.

From the learning rooms... Completely loving the new schedule. I am sticking to the plans like glue this time- no continuing a lesson even if the work didn't get done. Inconvenient, but so much less hassle.

From the kitchen... roast chicken. I will use the bones to make stock for soup later in the week. Any leftover meat will be used in lunch menus :)

I am wearing... dark grey skirt, green v-neck. Bare legs until I find my tights (or what they call pantyhose here). Hair up in a twist.

I am creating... art again. Working my way through a drawing book. Might make a few Artist Trading Cards this week for someone who wants to swap :)

I am going... to the grocery store. Maybe outside into the yard. Not much planned here :)

I am reading... STILL have my Victoria and Food Matters by Mark Bittman (but only the recipes right now) and my art book :)

I am hoping... to do some more of my drawing book PLUS adding a page to my journal...

I am hearing... Rebel talking, the water running and the heat-pump pumping.

Around the house... Cleaning. I want to make M'Lady a cardigan too.

One of my favorite things... grocery stores that think outside the box (see my photo).

A few plans for the rest of the week: Make M'Lady's cardigan, organise a homeschooler gathering, take M'Lady to a birthday party (which means buy a present for her friend).

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Picking up extra groceries became easier this weekend- M'Lady gets to do the pushing ;)

Daybook for Monday 12th January

Peggy over at the Simple Woman's Daybook hosts these daybooks, run on over for a look :)
FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it's cold and sunny. :) Pretty typical January weather for around here. a little too cool for much outdoor study, I'm thinking we might do some feeder stuff ;)

I am thinking... about all the things I need to do today and this week. And my artwork, and the next lesson in my book...!

I am thankful for... a healthy family. It is so much nicer when the kids are not sick with a cold/cough :)

From the learning rooms... The new schedule is working well! My Living Memory book arrived, and I'll be setting up memory work today :)

From the kitchen... well the dental appointment last week skewed my dinner plans, so I am debating what to make for tonight. I think it will feature bread...

I am wearing... Jeans and a white blouse with black stripes. Very old socks (my new ones are being washed) and my hair is back with a crocodile clip. Or at least someting that looks like one!

I am creating... More art... still working through my book :)

I am going... to the grocery store. Otherwise maybe just a walk around the block!

I am reading... Still have my Victoria, Country Living BE, Food Matters by Mark Bittman (I'll review it once done) and my art book :)

I am hoping... to get everything on my list done today...

I am hearing... the kids playing, the radio and the birds chirping- they are quite noisy today :)

Around the house... ditto last week... A little laundry, a little cleaning and I still have those curtains :)!

One of my favorite things... finding a book on food that I agree with.

A few plans for the rest of the week: same as last... read, school- try to get things done.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
aren't these berries such a pretty shade of purple?

Daybook for Monday 5th January

Peggy over at the Simple Woman's Daybook hosts these daybooks, run on over for a look :)

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it's foggy and cool. I love foggy days, they always remind me of England, although the fogs are thicker :)

I am thinking... about all the things I have to get done- all the things I want to accomplish this year too :) So I am trying to start simple and add them in as I go. PATIENCE!

I am thankful for... long holiday weekends. This is always brought to mind after the fact- when we are back into the school routine. I am also thankful for Nature Study Mondays- because it eases the kids back into the school routine. Putting it on Fridays extended the weekend, putting it on Monday eases us back into the school week :)

From the learning rooms... I have re-done the schedule so the kids have a simpler routine. Rebel had requested a few things be put back into action, and I had an idea over the break about M'Lady. This year we'll do the Alphabet Path- NEXT year we'll do Latin Centered Curriculum Year K :)

From the kitchen... I'll be making bread, but tonight is grocery night so we'll be eating out instead. Normally that is a Tuesday thing, but what with the long holiday, things didn't quite work out that way (as in we are out of breakfast supplies LOL).

I am wearing... denim skirt, green v-neck jumper/sweater (courtesy of my sister L for Christmas). Hair is down with the front clipped back with one of those crocodile like clips. I need more hair clips- I keep breaking them- you'd think my hair was lead! (or at least snakes like medusas!)

I am creating... art still. I have a book I am working my way through, with lessons on using coloured pencils. That means lots of doodling yesterday with the lessons, rather than my daily drawing.

I am going... to the grocery store. There is also a homeschool Mother's meeting this week, I am hoping I'll be able to attend, although I also know there is a dental appointment soon too!

I am reading... just finished an art book, still have my Cornwell novels to read, plus a Country Living BE, a Victoria (I saved it for now) and a book about Urban homesteading :)

I am hoping... to get things done. So far so good...

I am hearing... the kids playing, the radio and the distant hum of traffic on the interstate. Fog makes every sound travel further. THAT thought always reminds me of the final Narnia book The Last Battle because in it, Jill whispers in a lisp because of the sound carrying :)

Around the house... A little laundry, a little cleaning and I still have those curtains :)!

One of my favorite things... is how you have a new start at the beginning of each year :) Of course you can always start fresh EVERY day ;)

A few plans for the rest of the week: read, school- try to get things done. That's my aim this week- "Getting it done" :)

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Evening on the rivah :) Well apparently that's the way they say it here in Virginia ;) I say it that way anyway LOL. At the end of the day on DH's birthday, we wandered along the river, picking stones and enjoying the view :)

Daybook for Monday 29th December

Peggy over at the Simple Woman's Daybook is taking a break this week, but you can still catch the previous daybook entries at her site :)

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... It is brilliantly sunny, but a lot colder than it was yesterday :) It is still not a very cold winter though!

I am thinking... About the things I am hoping to accomplish this year. I have a school plan to rethink, and the art ones I mention in previous posts. Hopefully I can keep my theme going throughout :)

I am thankful for... My husband- who gave me this wonderful laptop for Christmas. All of a sudden I realise that my old machine is SLOW.

From the learning rooms... I'm tweaking again. Rebel has requested a few things that mean I have to adjust the way I am doing things. So I will be reading the Latin Centered Curriculum again to adjust it :)

From the kitchen... Well, I have leftover ham, so I'll make a split pea soup later. But I also have a cookie I have to draw for a challenge, so I am probably going to make some of those too :)

I am wearing... black skirt and red, stripey blouse. My hair is back in my new hair clip (thanks to one of my sisters I think).

I am creating... art. Lots to do on this front :D I have also promised M'Lady that we'll make her doll some clothes, and maybe her some like the little girls were wearing at Williamsburg yesterday.

I am going... precisely nowhere as far as I know! I may have to take a walk later to help get rid of those pounds I want to lose...

I am reading... S...L...O...W...L...Y... I have a couple of Patricia Cornwell novels and a few other books I picked up over the holidays.

I am hoping... to get the books read!

I am hearing... silence. The kids are playing a computer game ;) We're still on break, so that's O.K.

Around the house... I am actually pretty up-to-date with the laundry. I have a little to fold, a little to put away and a little to wash. I have some curtains that really need to be worked on, and a few projects here and there, but this is the quiet time of year where I relax!

One of my favorite things... is when the weather is warm over the weekend, and you can go out and enjoy a daytrip with the family!

A few plans for the rest of the week: catch up with the rest of the laundry, read my books, plan and draw. It's a simple week for us!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
One of the wonderful entrances in Colonial Williamsburg :) I always love to see the Christmas decorations down there!

Daybook for Monday 1st December

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy over at the Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it's a chilly day. The trees are bare now and the cardinals are the only bright flashes of colour I see. There is a simple, stark kind of beauty in the late autumn, early winter.
I am thinking... that I am behind on the advent stuff. I really wish DH would get it out of the loft already! Actually I am thinking I wish he hadn't put it all there- I will hide it this year so he can't! I dont mind the tree stuff there, but not the advent stuff!
I am thankful for... long weekends. I really enjoyed our extended holiday weekend! I am also thankful for inspirational books, wonderful online communities and the gifts God gave us :)
From the learning rooms... we are starting our Advent study. I like to do the Tomie de Paola one started by Elizabeth Foss.
From the kitchen... turkey leftovers! I am considering a pot-pie today, I really love pot-pie. I also love the new microwave- I dont HAVE to remember to take out the meat anymore! Rest assured, I only use it for good things- and TV dinners one day a week ;)
I am wearing... grey skirt, green top. My hair is up, and I am waiting for the red-eyes to subside before I wear contacts again. Maybe I should try my visine.
I am creating... Christmas gifts for my secret Santa. I can't talk about them though, because she reads the blog :)
I am going... to a friend's to make the rest of the Jesse Tree ornaments on Thursday (or Wednesday). We had to delay it due to illness, but I am hopeful we'll do it this week :)
I am reading... An Illustrated Life by Danny Gregory- inspiration for people who draw in journals.
I am hoping... to get some baking done. I need to make a Christmas Pudding, but I might just try Mum's new recipe... also a fruit cake with my Mother-in-Law's recipe, a request from DH.
I am hearing... the press conference with President-Elect Obama and his National Security team. It just came on the radio while I was listening to music, and I am waiting for it to finish! If it doesn't soon, I'll put on a Christmas Carol CD or find some advent ones!
Around the house... laundry (it's Monday) and some decorating with the advent decorations! I need to acquire a place to display the Jesse Tree ornaments.
One of my favorite things... is baking... I love to bake. Cookies (Biscuits), Mince Pies (YUM!), cakes, bread... I managed to make a really great roll for Thanksgiving- REALLY good! It was an adaptation of a Scottish Bap from Soups and Bread by Crescent Dragonwagon.
A few plans for the rest of the week: make some stuff for Secret Santa, bake cake and pudding, bake mince pies, make Jesse tree ornaments, decorate and get a Christmas tree next weekend :) Busy week, since I also plan to school, draw and other things ;)
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
My pomegranate that I grew :)

Sorry about the quality of the photo- it just looked a lot sharper on the camera!! (This is for Jill who asked for one ;))

Daybook for Monday 17th November

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy over at the Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my Window... it's FREEZING!! Finally autumn came with a vengeance and all the leaves just DROPPED off of the trees overnight. I have some pomegranates waiting to be picked, and recently planted some garlic for the spring... but most of the garden is sleeping :)

I am thinking... that it will be hard to get the kids out while it is cold!

I am thankful for... sales. I had to do some Christmas shopping for my family back in England, and those sale prices really help :)

From the learning rooms... this week I am aiming high- I want to get everything done! ;) We will have another homeschool group meeting to make Jesse tree ornaments too. Last week's was lots of fun!

From the kitchen... still trying to be healthy. I have to go set up my bean cassoulet in a minute.

I am wearing... jeans and white blouse with a gold stripe. My hair is up as usual.

I am creating... Jesse tree crafts for the kids to make, some knitted goodies and maybe an apron.

I am reading... Real Education, magazines, novels and am trying to get into Atlas Shrugged.

I am hoping... that the kids will go OUT in a minute. And that the school week works out well.

I am hearing... the kids playing.

Around the house... laundry (always lots of that on Mondays), general cleaning. We have to finish painting the kitchen too!

One of my favorite things... is a pair of warm socks on a cold day- my feet get very cold!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Jesse Tree crafts, homeschool meeting, school, reading... apparently the same as last week :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

"Fall foliage" last week. I liked the contrast with the sky :)

Daybook for Monday 10th November

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy over at the Simple Woman (she has a new DAYBOOK blog ;))

For Today...

Outside my Window... the ground is covered with a multicoloured layer of leaves. They look like confetti!

I am thinking... that this weeks is shaping up to be hectic! I hope Nature Study Monday can be calm.

I am thankful for... family time- it makes Mondays easier to bear.

From the learning rooms... trying to make sure the basics get done- so nothing special this week :)

From the kitchen... trying to eat more healthy- DH and I put on too much weight recently and I want to nip it in the bud!

I am wearing... denim skirt with a green v-neck top. Hair up on back of my head.

I am creating... some Jesse tree crafts- I have 3 this week, 2 next and I have to make 5 kits of each!

I am reading... Real Education, some mediterranean diet food books and my usual magazines :)

I am hoping... that the kids actually get something done today and that I can get the Jesse Tree craft sorted out by Thursday!

I am hearing... music on the radio and my computer.

Around the house... laundry- as ever- and some judicial tidying up!

One of my favorite things... is seeing blue skies- we've had a lot of rain recently!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Jesse Tree crafts, homeschool meeting, school, reading...;)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

Handmade costumes are fun :) Yes... I knitted the chainmail!

Daybook for Monday 3rd November

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy over at the Simple Woman.

For Today...

Outside my Window... we've had the first frost, the leaves are falling and the ground is carpeted with a layer of pine needles. We're in the first part of the winter stretch, and I am beginning to think about ways of prolonging the growing season. I think the discoveries I made in the garden this weekend might have helped with that ;)

I am thinking... that the kids are awfully quiet... wonder what's up?

I am thankful for... days spent in the garden. Sometimes I just need some time outside to regroup. My garden looks a lot better for it too.

From the learning rooms... trying a new technique. I am trying the circular method I saw mentioned on the Latin Centered group. Basically you make a long list, and where you stop one day you start the next. I know Rebel works better with a schedule BUT there are so many things he doesn't get done that way. Well NO MORE!! I have also moved Nature Study permanently to Mondays. This really works out well as a great beginning to the week- it is MUCH less stressful!

From the kitchen... I have soup and bread planned. I need to find some ingredients I had no luck with last week :o

I am wearing... jeans with a red striped shirt. My hair is in a ponytail- nothing fancy here today :)

I am reading... Real Education, some Mariah Stewart Novels and my usual magazines :)

I am hoping... To get some school prep done before we go for a walk. I have to print out some things!

I am hearing... the kids playing (they started making noise again ;)).

Around the house... more laundry- have to strip the kids beds and put their brand new flannel sheets on, bake the bread and tidy the kitchen.

One of my favorite things... are autumnal colours!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... start to phase in the new routine. We've been working on the no computers during school, and it has worked well, NOW I need to phase in the routines for blogging and emails etc. And school planning. I am still hoping somewhere along the line that I get a laptop to make the timing thing a little easier ;)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

We picked our fascinating peanuts :) These peanuts- which come from the flowers- are actually under the ground! The flower swoops down and anchors itself to the ground, before producing the pea UNDER the soil :)

Daybook for Monday 22nd September

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy over at the Simple Woman.

For Today...

Outside my Window... it's the first day of autumn, and it feels it. Although it is really NOT cold, it is so much cooler than the summer, that 70+ degrees feels kind of cold!

I am thinking... that we're running late this morning, and almost 9 year old boys who lie in bed don't help matters along...

I am thankful for... people who take the time out to produce something to help/teach others. Bloggers who write about their days- artists who create lessons on CD etc. These people really help those of us coming up behind them :)

From the learning rooms... I am hoping to get M'Lady's books that are on order, this week. I still need to make the atmosphere cards for geography and try to get science in this week.

From the kitchen... stuffing covered chicken dish. Maybe some bread too.

I am wearing... black pinestripe trousers, pink t-shirt. My hair is in a high ponytail- I had originally planned on a French braid, but like I said- we're running late!

I am reading... a couple of novels and a couple of painting books... you can see a few reviews from last week in other posts on the blog :)

I am hoping... that Rebel's birthday present arrives before his birthday tomorrow!

I am hearing... the radio and the squeaky dryer.

Around the house... I am thinking of doing some autumn decorating! I have a small pumpkin and squash set up...

One of my favorite things... is mastering a new skill. I hope I can master these watercolour pencils ;)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... make Rebel a birthday pie. Apparently he doesn't want cake! Still wanting to do the daily walk- AND now I am in the middle of lessons for watercolour pencils :) My Cathy Johnson 'Watercolor Pencil Workshop' CD arrived last week ;)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

Apparently swallowtails like carrots too! But then, you can see from the leaves that they are in the parsley family :)

Daybook for Monday 15th September

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy over at the Simple Woman.

For Today...

Outside my Window... HOT and humid. The last couple of days have been in the 90s and today is supposed to be that way too!

I am thinking... that next time we plan to be outside on a 90+ degree day, I really should wear sunblock. I hate being sunburned!

I am thankful for... miniature golf! Jacobite's cousin took us to a miniature golf course run by his nephew. The kids had a great time!

From the learning rooms... The new tweaks worked! The plan is looking really good now :) Rebel loves the poetry, M'Lady loves the fine arts :) You can read about those on the learning notes :)

From the kitchen... baked chicken for dinner :)

I am wearing... white skirt and turquoise t-shirt. My hair is drying in a base of the neck ponytail.

I am reading... A Yearbook of Feasts and Seasons, Men of Mathematics. I finished Haystack and will post a review later!

I am hoping... the kids finish with the rabbit SOON!

I am hearing... Music on the radio (we keep the classical station on) and the dryer squeaking. The kids are outside.

Around the house... LOTS of laundry (I have an extra load because I bought a new set of napkins and placemats on sale).

One of my favorite things... is candlelight evening with DH. OK so it wasn't planned (the power went out) BUT I also love love love battery operated DVD players (the mini ones). It meant we finished out show while the power was out ;)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... I still want to start regular before school walks! I have to add in two extra drawings (I took off two days because my hand was hurting) and I need to get M'Lady some new paints too :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

Milkweed pods are beginning to burst!

Daybook for Monday 8th September

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy over at the Simple Woman.

For Today...

Outside my Window... it is sunny and warm. The mornings are much cooler now than they used to be though :)

I am thinking... that sometimes computers annoy me! I lost this post which I had already done once :(

I am thankful for... habits. This week I am working on a second new habit in the kids... dressing before breakfast :)

From the learning rooms... new tweaks to our schedule are in place, new books are arriving in the mail and I have a geography plan!

From the kitchen... T-bone steaks with veggies.

I am wearing... denim skirt and pink t-shirt. My hair is up in a clip.

I am reading... A Haystack Full of Needles, A Yearbook of Feasts and Seasons, Men of Mathematics.

I am hoping... the tweaks work out! I don't want to keep messing with the schedule.

I am hearing... M'Lady drawing and Rebel rebelling ;).

Around the house... I need to dust, and wash the kitchen floor AGAIN.

One of my favorite things... is when the kids are enthusiastic about something. Preferably WHEN I suggest it, not an hour later :o!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... to start regular before school walks, to get lessons done.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

I'm thinking of making rosehip jam... what do you think? These are from my garden ;)

Daybook for Monday 1st September

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy over at the Simple Woman.

For Today...

Outside my Window... it is a beautiful BRIGHT September day. I always associate September with crystal clear skies and very bright sun :)

I am thinking... that holidays are nice :)

I am thankful for... holidays! We get extra family time then!

From the learning rooms... tweaking the schedule- we'll see how that works this week :)

From the kitchen... a chicken dish. Not sure precisely what yet :)

I am wearing... pink nightie- it's a holiday, so I've still got to shower ;)

I am reading... some art books and a couple of novels plus the latest Living Crafts.

I am hoping... we do something fun today.

I am hearing... DH feeding the kids.

Around the house... Laundry, (isn't there always laundry), school supplies and art paraphenalia.

One of my favorite things... is going out with family!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... more school and school schedule 'touch ups' ;)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

I finished it! (And I really need to take more pictures!)

Daybook for Monday 25th August

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy over at the Simple Woman.

For Today...

Outside my Window... it's humid and hot outside. The ground is parched and all the plants desperately need water!

I am thinking... School stuff. We're starting today and I hope it goes well :)

I am thankful for... homeschooling. We attended a funeral viewing yesterday and the kids were VERY well behaved and mannerly. I attribute this to homeschooling and being well socialised amongst adults ;)

From the learning rooms... the sound of pencils scribbling, new books to be opened and started- and one panicked mother realising that she just plumb forgot to get the Latin set up. Oh well... call it easing into school again ;) We'll start THAT tomorrow!

From the kitchen... roast beef and fresh veggies. I got some fresh peppers from the market this weekend :) We also got melons and tomatoes LOL

I am wearing... navy skirt and a red satin blouse. My hair is coiled up.

I am reading... Victoria Magazine, The Great Tradition and some cookbooks.

I am hoping... school goes well.

I am hearing... the kids drawing and the radio.

Around the house... Laundry, (isn't there always laundry), school supplies and Tasha Tudor books for the Tasha Tea on Thursday.

One of my favorite things... is going out and seeing my kids behaving with manners and respect- to the point of making people smile!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... school and school schedule 'touch ups' ;)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

I am still working on it, and just uploaded this, the latest pictures :)

Daybook for Monday 11th August

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy over at the Simple Woman.

For Today...

Outside my Window... it is a cool day, with hinst of autumn to come. It's a false hint though because autumn will not arrive here for another month and a half!

I am thinking... about all of the planning I need to do for school. M'Lady will be starting a Pre-K/K program this year- primarily because she has been begging to start school!

I am thankful for... God's own fireworks. We watched last night as a spectacular lightening display light up a large cloud. Rebel was entertained for ages :)

From the kitchen... Honey Chicken breasts with fresh vegetables. I love fresh veggies this time of year!

I am wearing... white skirt with black sleeveless T-shirt. My hair is clipped back in French twist, but I have let the top fall over in a ponytail look.

I am reading... Country Living Magazine. I just finished the latest Country Living UK Edition, and I have another book lined up for later.

I am hoping... to finish school planning this week, and to get a conversation going about a boys 'skills' education.

I am hearing... M'Lady talking and the radio.

Around the house... Laundry, (isn't there always laundry), boxes and craft supplies.

One of my favorite things... is a cool start to the day. I just like it when I go out and it is fresh and cool.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... school planning... the first couple of weeks :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

My First Fig. It suffered the same fate as most of our fruit... something pulled it off the tree before it was ripe :( I wish I knew what did this and why!!!

Daybook for Monday 4th August

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy over at the Simple Woman.

For Today...

Outside my Window... A sparrow sits in the tree grooming itself. It's been very hot the last few days, so I am surprised to see him around. The birds a pretty scarce when it's hot :)

I am thinking... about doing another picture of the tree in INK this time :)

I am thankful for... cool evenings. They make the hot days easier to bear!

From the kitchen... mini Greek turkey burgers. I have to make the pitas for them too!

I am wearing... black skirt with white polkadots and grosgrain ribbon trim (apparently this is my Monday skirt ;)), white sleeveless T-shirt. My hair is clipped back in a low ponytail...

I am reading... several watercolour and drawing books. I have a couple of novels ready to go.

I am hoping... to get the kids to draw in the Bible books.

I am hearing... classical music on the radio.

Around the house... continent boxes waiting to be prepared. Laundry waiting to be done (the dryer is really acting up, wish I had a line as I'd use it!!)

One of my favorite things... is fresh bread. I dont care what my friend Sandy says, it IS a summer food too ;)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... make continent boxes, print out school plans, work on some art, same old same old...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you


If you click on the picture, you can just about see a little bee in the hole, throwing the dirt out. It is some kind of mining bee we watched in the garden. Amazing what you see with your eyes open ;)

Daybook for Monday 28th July

To get the rest of the daybook entries, don't forget to visit Peggy over at the Simple Woman.

For Today...

Outside my Window... it's already warm. The sun is up, and the dew is still dripping off of trees and our arbour.

I am thinking... The week ahead looks to be hot, good job I was planning on working on school plans :)

I am thankful for... fresh tomatoes from the garden... I am hoping to make some tomato soup this week!

From the kitchen... lots of fresh stuff! I love this time of year!

I am wearing... black skirt with white polkadots and grosgrain ribbon trim, teal t-shirt. My hair is in a ponytail for now...

I am reading... several watercolour and pastel books. I have a couple of novels I plan to start today.

I am hoping... to find some music for my Asia continent box.

I am hearing... a grasshopper, the radio and not much else- the kids are outside with the bunny :)

Around the house... various crafting items ready for use- I got some stuff this weekend for school.

One of my favorite things... is walking in a pleasant area with my family.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... make three continent boxes, print out school plans, work on some art, maybe get the kids out a bit more...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

I couldn't choose between them, so here are two from our walk this weekend :) I call them both: Virginia Summer.