FOR TODAY Aug. 10, 2010

Outside my window… sunny and warm.  It’s been really humid lately though, so I have the air conditioners on.

I am thinking… about getting ready for school–we have 3 weeks to go!  I am still in the midst of purchasing curriculum and reorganizing.  Lots to do in the next few weeks.

I am thankful for… Summer vacation.  I love the beginning of the school year, but it’s so blessedly wonderful to just be able to relax during the summer.  I’ve considered year round schooling, but I think we’d really miss our summer vacation.

From the kitchen… I just finished making some 7 layer taco dip for dinner tonight.  It’s one of our favorite quick summer dinners.  The recipe is so easy too:

1. 1 can of refried beans (I add some cumin, cayenne pepper and chili powder to kick it up)
2. 4oz of cream cheese, softened
3. 3/4 c. sour cream
4. 8oz  (or so, I don’t always measure) salsa
5. chopped veggies (tomatoes, peppers, green onions)
6. 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
7. shredded lettuce

Just layer ingredients (mix the cream cheese and sour cream together first) and pop it in the fridge for a few hours before you’re ready to eat.  Then serve it with tortilla chips.

I am wearing… shorts and a orange and yellow striped t-shirt.

I am creating… hopefully I’ll be creating some organized space out of this chaos.  We’ll see how it goes.

I am going… to have to do a lot of purging here over the next several days.  We just have WAY too much stuff.  But it needs to be done so I can create some order around here.

I am reading… I just finished a really neat book called Dreaming in Chinese by Deborah Fallows.  It’s written by a woman who lived in China for 3 years and immersed herself in the language.  I thought it would be a neat read since the kids and I are going to try and learn Mandarin Chinese this year.  I learned quite a bit about the Chinese culture while reading this book–it’s fascinating.  However, I’m a little intimidated by the language now.

I’m currently reading All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

I am hoping… to get to the used book superstore soon since I have a 50% off coupon.  I still need to find the rest of the books for the Sonlight Core’s we’ll be studying this year.

I am hearing… the sounds of my kids bickering.  As much as I love my summer vacation I’m really looking forward to the more structured days of the school year.  When the kids are bored they fight.  A lot.

One of my favorite things… when my kids randomly give me a hug and tell me they think I’m great.  I love that.

A few plans for the rest of the week: work on getting things ready for school, and try to spend some time outside while the weather isn’t too hot.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing…

Cutie on the beach

FOR TODAY Thursday, July 15, 2010

Outside my window… it’s slightly cloudy, and not nearly as hot as it has been.  Yesterday’s rain has cooled things off considerably.  Annie even complained of being cold this morning.   Everything is damp and muddy and most likely, I won’t have to water the garden today.

I am thinking…about packing for vacation!  We’ll be heading out to the beach on Saturday and we’re all very much looking forward to it.   This will be Cutie’s first time seeing the ocean.  But first I have tons of packing to do.  It’s no easy feat packing for 6 people–especially when one of them is a baby.   I’m trying to figure out a way to squeeze our oversized playpen in the car since the beach house isn’t babyproof.

I am thankful for… cooler weather!  It’s been so hot lately, and even though we do have air conditioners, we try to not turn them on unless we absolutely have to, and even with them on, my kitchen is always sweltering hot.  So yesterday and today have given us some wonderful relief.

From the kitchen… I’m going to make some refrigerator pickles today with the pickling cukes I picked from our garden the other day.  I also have a fairly large zucchini that I need to do something with–maybe I’ll make some zucchini bread to take on vacation?

I am wearing… khaki cropped pants and an orange tank top.  I’ve acutally been trying to dress a bit nicer lately.  A friend got me hooked on http://chicisimo.com.  It’s fun to see the different outfits people wear, and come up with new and different things out of my own closet.

I am creating… lesson plans!  I have most of our school stuff now, though I still need to get a few more things.  I really love this time of year–planning and dreaming up projects and lessons and books to read…it’s so exhilarating!

I am going… to buy some new sneakers for Cutie either tonight or tomorrow.  She is finally walking, so it’s time to get some shoes on her, especially since we’re going to be out and about the next several days.

I am reading… The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope.  I’m really enjoying it so far–it’s a pre-read for  Annie, and I think she’ll really like it as well.  I’ll probably bring the next Sookie Stackhouse novel with me to the beach–you’ve got to have a nice fluffy book for the beach!

I am hoping… to clear some space on my shelves soon to make room for new school stuff.

I am hearing… Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Wii game.

One of my favorite things… writing lesson plans–cause I’m a geek like that.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Get all the laundry done, get everyone packed…and head to the beach!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing…

A sweet picture I took of Annie--stopping to smell the roses.

FOR TODAY Monday, June 7, 2010

Outside my window… it’s a cool, breezy day.  We had tons of rain yesterday, and today is cool and cloudy, with the possibility of a bit more rain.  That’s fine with me, the garden could use the extra water.

I am thinking… about our summer learning plans.  As much as my children would like a full break from school, I try to sneak in some learning so they don’t forget everything.  I’m thinking we’ll play lots of math games and of course we’ll continue our read alouds–we’re working on finishing up the Chronicles of Narnia.  The kids all have to read something everyday, and Dino-boy, who struggles with reading, will be going through Sonlight Language Arts 1 with me.  His goal is to be able to read the Magic Treehouse books by the end of the summer, just like Gamer-boy.  Aside from that, they are free to play.
I am thankful for… healthy children!  Dino-boy was sick for most of last week with some mystery illness.  He had a low-grade fever and no appetite and was very tired.  Poor kid was so tired of being sick by Saturday, but thankfully, after giving him some echinacea and saying a lot of prayers, the fever finally broke.  Thankfully no one else caught it.

From the kitchen… this morning I made some potato salad with my fresh-from-the-garden dill and parsley.  I’m making some buffalo chicken tenders to go with it.  It’s so exciting to use home-grown foods, isn’t it?  I have some strawberries coming in, and we’re starting to see some tiny green tomatoes on the grape tomato plants.  I can’t wait till we have enough produce to actually cook with.

I am wearing… jeans, a yellow long-sleeve shirt with an orange tank underneath.

I am creating… mentally creating anyhow, Annie’s science lesson plans.  I haven’t yet started to put things onto paper yet, but I’m going to begin working on it soon.  I’d rather get it done now than scramble around getting it ready in August.

I am going… to see Annie’s play tonight!  Her Drama Kids class is putting on their end of year production.  This year it’s “Story Land’s Got Talent” and Annie is playing Goldilocks.  I can’t wait!

I am reading… The Mysterious Benedict Society– Annie has been begging me to read this for months, so I’ve finally started it.  It’s a very fun book!  Sort of a Harry Potterish type of story with orphan-heroes that have to save the world, but with logic and problem solving skills instead of magic.

and Small Steps for Catholic Moms, which I’ll be reviewing very soon.

I am hoping… to get to the store sometime soon and pick out some fabric.  I’ve had a sewing machine for years and have never used it.  Annie learned how to sew in girl scouts and has been asking if we could try out our sewing machine.  So, hopefully I don’t chicken out.  I have no idea what I’ll sew–possibly some matching summer dresses or something?

I am hearing… my big kids watching a Kirby movie.

One of my favorite things… summer vacation–plenty of time to read, plan for the next school year, relax or jump into projects…this is my absolute favorite time of year!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Everything is winding down (another reason I love this time of year!).  Tuesday beings Fitness University–which my kids have always called “Running School.”  It’s a fun summer exercise program and the kids always look forward to it.  Thursday is the last baseball game, Friday the twins are going to a friends birthday party and Saturday I think is the Rookie league end-of-season celebration.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing…

FOR TODAY  Sunday, March 7, 2010

Outside my window… It’s spring!!  Or it is at least starting to look like spring.  I can see green shoots coming up in the side garden, the snow is almost completely gone…this is my favorite time of year–there’s just such hope in the coming spring.

I am thinking… about getting the invitations for Cutie’s 1st birthday in the mail, and then getting everything ready for the big shindig.  I love 1st birthdays–it’s the only party I get to have total control over.
I am thankful for… Cutie finally started eating this week!!!   I suppose she just needed to do it in her own time, but she’ll finally let me spoon feed her, which means she’s eating more than just Gerber puffs and yogurt melts.  She’s eating really well too–3-4oz of baby food 3 times a day.  Now if I could just get her to stay asleep at night, I’d be all set!

From the learning rooms… We’re going to be diving into the American Revolution this month.  I decided to go easy on myself, and I ordered the Time Traveler’s Kit from Homeschool in the Woods.  I think the kids are going to enjoy all the hands on projects, and I’m thrilled that I don’t have to do all the planning.  But I think it’s going to take us more than one month to finish.
 

From the kitchen… I somehow have a house full of junk food!  I don’t know what happened…first we had lots of girl scout cookies from Annie — which we’re getting more of today since this is the last opportunity to buy them.  Then Rob came home with a cake, candy bar, 2 cartons of ice cream and doritos from the grocery store.  Then today after Mass, there was an eagle scout having a bake sale, so of course we had to buy a few goodies, but then a friend hands us half a huge sheet cake cause he thought the kids might like it.   I think by the end of the month–between all those goodies, plus Cuties and my birthdays…I’m going to gain 10lbs.  :P

I am wearing… jeans and a green button down top

I am creating… organization…between the power outage and sickness, our house has fallen apart.  I’m still working on cleaning up.

I am going… to start planning our garden–with the weather this nice, it’s hard not to start thinking of growing things.

I am reading… The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night

                                 The Burning Land: A Novel (Saxon Tales)

                                We Pray, Living in God’s Presence

     
I am hoping… that we continue to have such gorgeous weather, that we can make it to church this week while they’re having the Confess-a-thon, that I can get caught up on laundry…

I am hearing… quiet, which is quite a rare thing around here, so I’m trying to enjoy it.  

One of my favorite things… knowing that I’ve completed a task–I’ll have the b-day invitations in the mail tomorrow morning.   I’ve had them staring at me on the bakers rack for a week now, so I’m glad I’ll finally have that checked off my to-do list.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Besides the usual, we’ve got the Confess-a-thon at church, the twins have cub scouts, Annie has a girl scout field trip to the hospital maternity ward,  and I’m hoping to spend some time outside this week while the weather is so nice.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing…

Dinoboy won 2nd place in the whole pack at the Pinewood Derby

 

FOR TODAY  Monday, Jan. 18, 2010

Outside my window… it is a dreary, snowy day.  We were woken at 4am when the power suddenly went out.  Thankfully, it returned a few hours later.  I was very worried we’d have a repeat of last years 4 day power outage.  I can’t imagine going through that with an infant.
I am thinking… about how proud I am of my sweet daughter.  We had a big busy weekend with Annie’s big theatre debut in, of course,  Annie.  She did a fantastic job as Cecile/Boylen sister.  She loved every minute of it.  She’s already working on her audition for the next show.  I have a feeling that this is just the beginning.  
I am thankful for… my dad.  He is such a devoted Pappy.  Even though he was just here a few weeks ago, he flew all the way back out again this weekend just to see Annie’s show.  She was thrilled that he was in the audience.  And that she had someone here over the weekend to watch her perform the entire score of Annie with her littlest pet shop toys.  
From the learning rooms… We’re still working through our Human Body unit.  I’ve tweaked a tiny bit here and there but otherwise, my plans are working out really well.  I’m in the middle of working out next month’s study–Russia.  I’m very much looking forward to it.  
From the kitchen… So far my Flat Belly Diet plan is going well.  Rob and I had a bit of a rough weekend with all that was going on, but I still managed to make decent choices.  So far, I’ve lost about 2lbs and 1 inch.  Rob lost 4lbs.  Why do men loose weight faster??  That doesn’t seem fair somehow.
I am wearing… jeans and a purpley sweater.  And my warm penguin socks.  
I am creating… memories with Annie–or at least I will be.  I’m planning on getting her a nice scrapbook to keep her theatre memorabilia in one place.  It’ll be a fun little project.
I am going… to hunker down at home this week and work on bringing back some order.  I need to get started on purging some of our excess stuff.
I am reading… The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordian.  Annie has been asking me to read it for a long time now, and I since the movie is coming out really soon, I figured this was a good time to finally dig it out of my stack.  I’m only a chapter in, but it’s pretty good so far. 
I am hoping… that we can work on making a trip to the Boston Children’s Museum some time soon.   They’ve got some pretty cool exhibit’s right now, and I think it would work as a tie in to our human body study as well. (hint, hint Rob. )
I am hearing…Baby Einstein (while baby digests her food), the twins discussing their ds game, and Annie singing at the top of her lungs upstairs.
One of my favorite things… a warm cup of tea and a good book to read on a cold, blustery day.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Besides our usual school stuff, the twins have a pack meeting, Annie has a drama class, and Rob has a long weekend.  

Here is picture for thought I am sharing…

Heading out the door for her first performance.

FOR TODAY  Monday, Jan. 4, 2010

Outside my window… it is a sunny, gorgeous day.  I’m thinking we’ll finally get a chance to play in the snow this afternoon.
I am thinking… about lesson plans, chores, and getting back to our routine after a month of too much video games, too many sweets and lots of laziness.  I love having time off, but it’s so hard to jump back into our normal routine afterwards.
I am thankful for… a warm house!  I am not a winter person, and I dread having to go anywhere this time of year.  I love to just stay home and snuggle up with a good book.
From the learning rooms… so far we’ve been having a pretty good day!  We finished up the morning work (religion, math, language arts and reading) and after lunch (and when baby takes her nap) we’ll start in on our Human Body unit study.  Everyone is very excited!
From the kitchen… I made the kids french toast sticks and sausage for breakfast as a back-to-school treat.  Lunch is frozen pizza and salad, and thanks to my mother-in-law, dinner is leftovers from our New Year’s feast.  
I am wearing… a pink long sleeved Life is Good shirt,  blue jeans and green Life is Good socks.
I am creating… a stack of books to read for the new year.  It just keeps getting taller!
I am going… to tackle the mountain of laundry that keeps growing in my cellar!
I am reading… How the Reformation Happned by Hillaire Belloc (still!  This book is taking me forever, but it’s very interesting), and Desert Fire by Shannon Van Roekel.
I am hoping… that the rest of my day is as productive as the first half has been.
I am hearing… the kids discussing amongst themselves as they play their DS’s.
One of my favorite things… The kids have been playing together so nicely today.  I haven’t had to break up one fight yet.  Of course, now that I’ve said that, all hell is going to break loose.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Back to the usual routine–Dinoboy and Gamerboy have cub scouts tomorrow.  Annie has rehearsal on Wednesday night.   Definitely going to play in the snow before it gets super cold again.  Other than that, nothing too exciting. 
 

Here is picture for thought I am sharing…

Cutie eating carrots

 

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