A June Daybook

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…