SweetPea Castle

Simple Woman's Daybook - 20110831

 

FOR TODAY - August 31, 2011 -- yes, I know that this is a couple of days late for our usual Monday, but life has been and still is busy.

Outside My Window... the sun glistens through the leaves of the trees outside the sunroom.  It is beginning to look and feel like the seasons are changing outside.  This makes me immensely happy!

I am thinking... of how I wish I was able to purchase a different curriculum right now for Noah.  He just doesn't seem to be handling the current one well.  I don't think it's going to be a good fit for our family and I simply do not have the funds to purchase what I think we need to switch to.  So, we're muddling through as best as we can until the Lord provides the needed funds and/or material.

In the learning room... We took Monday off to spend the day with Daddy.  Now, we are back to the regular routine.

I am thankful for... God's Word that shows me the truth even when the enemy continues to try to destroy God's plans around me.

From the kitchen... I've gotten the basic menu planned through the next payday.  We are having lasagne tonight, pot roast tomorrow night, and baked chicken the night after that.

I am wearing... a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt.  I'm planning to mow the yard later and need to be comfortable without worrying about having to clean nice clothes when I'm done.

I am creating... I am knitting Eliana's sweater right now.  I am in the final stages of editing a booklet for our church's jail ministry.  Then, I've got shirt logo embroidery options to stitch out for our teachers and ushers.  I'm also going to work with a very lovely young lady today on some embroideries for a special blanket for a breast cancer survivor. -- still.  I've also got diapers that I need to get to work on.  But, there seems to be a decided lack of hours in my day that are able to accomplish these things.

I am going... to stay home as much as possible right now in order to save fuel and money... and stay productive in the areas that need tending around the home.

I am reading... my bible, some knitting patterns, "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens", and "Storey's Basic Country Skills"... YES, still!  Also added "The Backyard Homestead - Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre!" and "The Backyard Homestead - Guide to Raising Farm Animals".  GREAT books!  And, best of all, I'm reading through the book of Romans with my husband!  Although, we kind of got sidetracked.  I really hope to get back to this quickly.

I am hoping... to get this package mailed out today or tomorrow to Darcykins.  I just need to find the right box for the shawls to travel in.

I am hearing... The all-too-familiar whispers from the enemy reminding me of how much I've failed.  And then, I'm reminded by the Lord of how much He has already forgiven me of these things and the vision He has shown me of my future.  I choose to believe the report of the Lord.... again and again and again!

Around the house/farm... the homeschool and homestead books are scattered here and there.  It's messy and not well organized right now.  But, it's home and we're enjoying it.  We moved set up the other stable stall for all the chickens and moved them into it on Monday evening.  The little chicks are standing together and holding their own so far.  I let the bigger ladies out to forage this morning - giving the babies some peace.  I'm planning to let all of them out to forage by next week.  I really want the guineas to be a bit bigger and older first.

One of my favorite things... knowing that even with all the struggles, we are RIGHT where God wants us to be and that He will provide for all of our needs... according to His great riches.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  

• Give the dog a bath and furcut -- NO... REALLY!  He smells horrible!
• Plan the curriculum for the upcoming piano classes I'm teaching this year. -- Need $$$ for the DVDs that I want.
• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• usher and teacher logo embroidery samples planned and stitched out
• SB's embroideries completed
• Put buttons on and take pics of Skye's convertible bloomers
• diaper sewing
• knitting
• spending time with God and my family

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Sorry, with our internet being so slow and being so busy... I don't have a picture to share this week.  Perhaps next week. 

There are many wonderful Daybooks to be read by others participating in The Simple Woman's Daybook, hosted by Peggy of The Simple Woman! 

 

Simple Woman's Daybook - 20110823

 

FOR TODAY - August 23, 2011 

Outside My Window... the morning chill has finally started to creep in.  I LOVE this time of year... when it is chilly in the morning and crisp.  I do NOT like the heat.  The chickens are back safely in their coop after a morning romp through they yard with us.

I am thinking... of all of the things that I wish to accomplish... all of the things I need to accomplish... and how to accomplish any of them today.

In the learning room... We have sick children and are taking this week kind of easy.  Our school is going fabulously and I am amazed at how wonderful my children are.  Tabi is struggling with a few things that are definitely tied to the apraxia, but we are patiently and consistently working through them at a pace that is helping her to grow in her confidence and skills.  We planted our first little gardens in the sunroom and are watching the miniature greenhouses to see how things grow - tomatoes, cucumbers, little tomatoes, and flowers.

I am thankful for... a pastor who loves us enough to not mince words and plainly speaks the truth.  The Lord has blessed us with an amazing pastor and teacher.

From the kitchen... We are working with whatever is in the fridge.  I believe we will be having pizza for dinner tonight and then meatloaf tomorrow.

I am wearing... my original favorite comfy pants from Linnea Boutique... YES, again!  I need more of them... and in a smaller size. <3

I am creating... I am finishing up the leggings for a pair of SMSS Convertible Bloomers for Skye.  And I'll be casting on for Eliana's sweater in the next day or two.  I am in the final stages of editing a booklet for our church's jail ministry.  Then, I've got shirt logo embroidery options to stitch out for our teachers and ushers.  I'm also going to work with a very lovely young lady today on some embroideries for a special blanket for a breast cancer survivor.

I am going... to hang out with some lovely young ladies and knit this evening.  Otherwise, I'm staying home and saving fuel.  I am going to purpose to re-do our budget with Jason's help.  We need to get several things re-worked.  Praying for further provision.

I am reading... my bible, some knitting patterns, "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens", and "Storey's Basic Country Skills"... YES, still!  Also added "The Backyard Homestead - Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre!" and "The Backyard Homestead - Guide to Raising Farm Animals".  GREAT books!  And, best of all, I'm reading through the book of Romans with my husband!

I am hoping... to feel the peace that passes understanding and be showered with His provision and grace this week.

I am hearing... The "Sound of Music" playing on the tv in the living room.  We usually have homeschool PE or Music CoOp on Tuesdays, so we don't schedule homeschool work for this day.  However, several of the children would likely die on a soccer field today with their coughs.  So, we are staying home and taking a day of rest.  We've also got the hvac folks coming out today to look at the a/c... it's really struggling and our electric bill is outrageous!  I'm really praying that they decide it needs to be replaced while it's under warranty.

Around the house... the homeschool and homstead books are scattered here and there.  It's messy and not well organized right now.  But, it's home and we're enjoying it.  The girls' bunkbed was set up and Jason started working on a clothes line for me.

One of my favorite things... knowing that even with all the struggles, we are RIGHT where God wants us to be and that He will provide for all of our needs... according to His great riches.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  

• Get Randi to take pics of these two shawls so that I can mail them out ASAP
• Give the dog a bath and furcut
• touch up the red in my hair... per my handsome hubby's request.
• Plan the curriculum for the upcoming piano classes I'm teaching this year.
• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• usher and teacher logo embroidery samples planned and stitched out
• SB's embroideries completed
• finish Skye's convertible bloomers and take pics
• diaper sewing
• knitting
• spending time with God and my family

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

 

My four youngest children adore their neice, Skye.  This was taken 3 weeks ago and Skye was being properly entertained by her aunts and uncles so that Mommy could get a wee bit of work done.  We love having them so close... physically and in heart.

There are many wonderful Daybooks to be read by others participating in The Simple Woman's Daybook, hosted by Peggy of The Simple Woman! 

Simple Woman's Daybook - 20110815

 

FOR TODAY - August 15, 2011 

Outside My Window... it is entirely too quiet.  The chickens are penned in their coop until at least Wednesday, when I can safely be out there watching them again.

I am thinking... of how quickly one's innocence and sense of security can be shattered.  Last Tuesday, we had a fox take out 6 of our chicks in the middle of the afternoon.  I wouldn't have known what it was if I hadn't seen it for myself.  This fox took out chickens right outside my sunroom door... where my children play and my dog is regularly let out.

In the learning room... We have started our new school year and are well on our way to a good year.  I am so very blessed that the Lord allows me to do this.  I would have NEVER thought it years ago.  And, I still feel overwhelmed and insecure.  However, I know that there is NO other way for our family.

I am thankful for... strong times of prayer.  No one likes to be in despair.  But, to be able to take that heartache straight to the feet of Jesus and know that He has the only answers... well, it's comforting when nothing else is.  I am thankful that He accepts me just as I am and has always known who that is.

From the kitchen... We are heading out to go grocery shopping as soon as all the children have finished their homeschool work for the day.  For some reason, I had it in my head that last Friday was payday... and it wasn't.  Payday is today.  So, we REALLY have no choice but to go out to the grocery store today.  None of us are feeling very well either, so this is not a pleasant thought.  However, it will help us to play our meals for the next two weeks.

I am wearing... my favorite comfy pants from Linnea Boutique... YES, again!  I need more of them. <3

I am creating... the shawl is in the final finishing stages on the needles being knit up.  I cannot wait to block it and then get it sent out.  It is lovely!  I still have diapers on the table to be sewn, but they have to wait till next week at this point.  Then, I think I am going to work on some knitting for my grandbaby and my children.  I have another sweater to knit for one of the girls and fall WILL be here before I know it.

I am going... to the grocery store.  I am going to purpose to re-do our budget with Jason's help.  We need to get several things re-worked.  Praying for further provision.

I am reading... my bible, some knitting patterns, "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens", and "Storey's Basic Country Skills"... YES, still!  Also added "The Backyard Homestead - Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre!" and "The Backyard Homestead - Guide to Raising Farm Animals".  GREAT books!

I am hoping... to be less selfish and unloving.

I am hearing... The dog playing with his chewtoy under the table while the children work on homeschool.  Josiah was playing under the other side of the table, but has since climbed into the cabinet with the legos and cars.

Around the house... the homeschool and homstead books are scattered here and there.  It's messy and not well organized right now.  But, it's home and we're enjoying it.  The gutters got blown out, the dead chicken parts got raked out from under the deck, and almost all of the front lawn got mowed before the tractor ran out of fuel.

One of my favorite things... listening to my children read something from their homeschool books and watching as it "clicks" and they just get it.  I am truly blessed!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  

• Give the dog a bath and furcut
• Continue new year curriculum planning
• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• diaper sewing
• knitting
• spending time with God and my family

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

My husband asked me to post this picture today.  We borrowed an air rifle from a friend to see if it might be what we want for the farm.  We set up a proper target and made sure that everyone and everything was safe.  This was my standing shot... which made it perfectly where I aimed it.

When we found that we had a predator that was bold enough to do a mid-afternoon attack of our chickens right outside our back door, he decided that it was time to address the need for physical protection.  This is not the first we've had this discussion, but it was the point where we came to agreements.

We do not hunt.  We've just never felt the pull of it.  However, we would if we had the need to feed our family.  We love to fish, but only for things that we're going to eat.  We do not believe in just killing animals for sport.  However, we do believe in protecting our property and our personal investments from predators.  

This farm is our livelihood.  It is how we intend to continue eating.  Yes, Jason works outside the farm.  But, we've been without that before and the economy is still in precarious shape.  We intend to work this land and eat from what it provides.  Our chickens were the very first investment.  So, the fox (or coyote or whatever) will need to be dealt with.  We are also strenghtening our coop so that the chickens are safer too.

And, since money is so tight, we have to plan out purchases of everything that we need:

• air rifle for property protection
• hand gun for personal protection
• proper tractor and associated equipment (tiller, cart, plow, etc.)
• fence repair/replacement supplies
• gutter repair
• stable garage roof repair
• large tree pruning
• garage door opener for the main house
• water treatment system
• complete gutting and re-doing of master shower before it crumbles
• and the goats we'd eventually like to get
• and much much more.

God is good and we expect that He will provide for just what we need and what He wants us to accomplish.  We are VERY blessed with all that He has already provided.

There are many wonderful Daybooks to be read by others participating in The Simple Woman's Daybook, hosted by Peggy of The Simple Woman! 

Simple Woman's Daybook - 20110808

 

FOR TODAY - August 8, 2011 

Outside My Window... the sun is filtering through the trees and the wind is bringing a welcome breeze.  The chickens are out in the yard, enjoying some fresh grub.

I am thinking... of the one missing chicken and the new little chicks that are in the brooder in the stable.  One of my black and white speckled from the oldest brood went missing at some point yesterday and hasn't turned up.  So, now we are down to 22 of those original 28.  The 10 new chicks are doing well and were moved into the bigger brooder in the other stable stall last night... along with the 5 new guinea keets.  My sun room smells beautiful again!

In the learning room... We are starting our newest school year this week.  5th, 2nd, and kindy.

I am thankful for... His mercies that are new every morning.  And He has given me enough for THIS day.

From the kitchen... I am throwing some chicken and cream of mushroom soup in the crockpot this morning before heading out.  We will be eating whatever we can make from what is in the house this week.  Payday is friday and things are really tight.

I am wearing... nothing special.  But, I AM comfortable, as we've got a long drive to make today and appointments all afternoon.

I am creating... the shawl is still on the needles being knit up.  I am finishing up the edging this week and it looks lovely!  I will be finishing work on several diapers to stock the shop with soon.  Then, I think I am going to work on some knitting for my grandbaby and my children.  I have another sweater to knit for one of the girls and fall WILL be here before I know it.

I am going... to take the children to their dentist appointment this afternoon, and then go stop by my parents' house for a visit.  Tomorrow is homeschool PE.  Otherwise, we are staying home as much as possible.

I am reading... my bible, some knitting patterns, "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens", and "Storey's Basic Country Skills"... YES, still!  Also added "The Backyard Homestead - Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre!" and "The Backyard Homestead - Guide to Raising Farm Animals".  GREAT books!

I am hoping... to truly walk free from the past and be able to walk in joy.

I am hearing... The children playing quietly in the living room.  They are graciously giving me some time of quiet to finish my Bible time, journal, and preparing to leave for the day.

Around the house... the homeschool and homstead books are scattered here and there.  It's messy and not well organized right now.  But, it's home and we're enjoying it.

One of my favorite things... a fresh cup of coffee and worship tunes.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  

• Give the dog a bath and furcut
• Continue new year curriculum planning
• Begin our new homeschool year
• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• diaper sewing
• knitting
• spending time with God and my family

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Sometimes you've just got to enjoy being piled on.  ;-)

And sometimes you've just got to have your picture taken... when you were the one to take the first picture above and therefor couldn't be IN it. <3 

There are many wonderful Daybooks to be read by others participating in The Simple Woman's Daybook, hosted by Peggy of The Simple Woman! 

 

Taking time away from the craziness...

My husband asked me to take a sort of Facebook break for the month of August.  Not a complete shut down, but close enough.  I know that this is a good thing.  But, I must admit that it feels a bit odd still.

I've decided to take this time to get really ready for our new homeschool year and get some sewing and knitting done.

So, what do you do when you find that you are too connected to the outside world and not connected enough to your close family?

Today I am working on getting the small brooder properly wrapped with small cage wire so that it's protected from any further snakes that would try to invade my new chickens.  We've got 10 one week old chicks to add to our brood.  I'm also expecting five guineas the end of the week.

And, I cannot wait to have our good friends come over for supper tonight.  I love being able to enjoy good food and fellowship with good friends. <3

Simple Woman's Daybook - 20110801

 

FOR TODAY - August 1, 2011 

Outside My Window... the chickens are romping in the yard, enjoying the time out before it gets too hot.  The fields desperately need to be mowed again, but it's really TOO hot for me to do it right now.  That will probably happen tomorrow afternoon.

I am thinking... that no matter how much I have walked away from my past, it is always with me.  Even when I am no longer the person I used to be, the mistakes of my past are shadows in my present.  I thought I would be free of them.  Maybe one day... maybe never on this earth.

In the learning room... We need to work on our religious exemption for home schooling in Virginia.  Eliana is still working on her summer math and english assignments.  Noah is finishing up his projects and writing reports.  Our next school year officially starts in one week.  I am working on curriculum planning this week.

I am thankful for... the forgiveness of my savior.  It's hard to imagine that my sins are thrown as far as the east is from the west and remembered no more, when others remind me of them.  But, that IS what God's word says and I am clinging to that.

From the kitchen... this fever is not helping me decide what to do in the kitchen.  Time to put the roast in the crock pot and think through the rest of the week.

I am wearing... my favorite comfy pants from Linnea Boutique... YES, again!  I need more of them. <3

I am creating... the shawl is still on the needles being knit up.  I am finishing up the edging this week and it looks lovely!  I will be finishing work on several diapers to stock the shop with this coming Friday.  Then, I think I am going to work on some knitting for my grandbaby and my children.  I have another sweater to knit for one of the girls and fall WILL be here before I know it.

I am going... to be home as much as possible the next two weeks.  We don't have the money for fuel that isn't necessary.  I need to get out to purchase chicken feed, take the children to homeschool PE tomorrow, and drive out to my dentist appt in Hagerstown on Thursday.  I'll go mow the lawn at my parents after my dentist appointment and then be home.  The children have dentist appointments in Hagerstown next Monday too.

I am reading... my bible, some knitting patterns, "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens", and "Storey's Basic Country Skills"... YES, still!

I am hoping... to ... I don't know.  Hoping to find rest in the Lord.

I am hearing... The sound of VeggieTales coming from the other room.  The children finished breakfast and graciously went to do their chores while I finish this.  Now, they are keeping things quiet for just a bit longer.  A rare treat. <3

Around the house... there are too many buckets of laundry and boxes of "stuff" still around.  Going to be working on that this week.

One of my favorite things... listening to my children read their devotions in the morning and then talking about them over breakfast.  It melts my heart.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  

• Wrapping the chick brooder in smaller gauge wire to protect the new chicks from harm... and then moving them out into the barn.
• New year curriculum planning
• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• diaper sewing
• knitting
• spending time with God and my family

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

 

A picture of my work in progress.  These will be finished this week and stocked on Friday... just not sure which shop yet.  I've got more I'd like to do, but just don't have the heart to sacrifice my time with my children to sew things that just end up sitting in my house instead of selling and being put to use.

There are many wonderful Daybooks to be read by others participating in The Simple Woman's Daybook, hosted by Peggy of The Simple Woman!