SweetPea Castle

Simple Woman's Daybook - 20111128

I can't believe it's already almost December!

The latest Daybook can be found here:

http://homestead.zimsywhimsy.com/2011/simple-womans-daybook-20111128/

And, I'm going to post an updated Christmas Wish list over there later today, too!

Simple Woman's Daybook - 20111121

is posted... but not here.  :-)

We (Jason and I) are working on a new blog.  I will begin posting over there... but, I'm still trying to figure it all out.

Here is the new site:  http://homestead.zimsywhimsy.com/

And here is the daybook for this week:  http://homestead.zimsywhimsy.com/2011/simple-womans-daybook-20111121/

 

Simple Woman's Daybook - 20111115

 

FOR TODAY - November 15, 2011

Outside My Window... It's rather warm for this time of year (right around 70 degrees) and it's pretty dreary and misty today.  The freshly fallen leaves blanket the ground everywhere.

I am thinking... that I am blessed beyond measure.

In the learning room... The four youngsters are sick today, so we missed music and arts coOp this week.  We are hoping to get back to our regular schedule tomorrow.  I've got our curriculum plans all together up to our winter break next month.

I am thankful for... my husband's job.  He LOVES his work and the company he is working for.  He also just had an amazing review and got a phenomenal raise.  Now, we are able to work more diligently on paying off our debt and planning for our future farm needs.

From the kitchen... Tonight is pizza night.. for the children.  My awesome husband is taking me out to dinner to celebrate his raise and just because he loves me.  We haven't been out to dinner since our anniversary (which was a gift from his mother).

I am wearing... a long jeanskirt, a red tanktop and a gray sweater.  I wanted to be beautiful for my husband tonight.  Yes, I know that you expected me to be in my favorite comfy pants from Linnea Boutique!  I need more of them. <3  I'm going to be making more of my own.

I am creating... still working on the sweater for Eliana.  I also just started a new test knit sweater that will fit both of the girls.

• I've got a special knitting project on the horizon.
• shirt logo embroidery options to stitch out for our church teachers and ushers.  
• My grandbaby needs more diapers. <3
• Diapers for a mommy who is expecting a rainbow baby within the month
• I've also got yarn on the way for sweaters for the boys

I am going... to the doctor on Friday to review the results of the MRI.  I am in near constant lower back and hip pain.  Having to drive or sit in the same position for long is a killer.

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!  Jason and I are still doing the Song of Solomon study and really loving it.

I am hoping... to finish the diapers currently on my sewing table for Skye and the order that I have within the next two days.  I'm also working on this testknit sweater and have less than three weeks to finish it.

I am hearing... The children are enjoying many "new" movies.  We unboxed all of our movies (even the two boxes that were still stacked in the garage).  Now, they are all properly sorted and organized.

Around the house... we moved the livingroom stuff to the family room finally and have it mostly finished.  There are still plenty of odds and ends that we need to deal with, but it is coming together.

One of my favorite things... knowing that my husband is on his way home from work for the day and can't wait to see us.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  

• finishing the family room arranging
• cleaning up the living room
• homeschool, homeschool, homeschool
• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• clean up the barn
• knitting
• spending time with God and my family

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Sorry... no picture yet.  Perhaps in the next few days.

Good stewardship requires that we plan our future purchases and projects.  So, I'm going to keep track of them here:

• air rifle for property protection
• proper tractor and associated equipment (tiller, cart, plow, etc.)
• fence repair/replacement supplies
• gutter repair/replacement
• stable garage roof repair -- it's leaking badly at the peak.
• large tree pruning
• garage door opener for the main house... this is an eventual thing.  The current one works for now... most of the time.
• water treatment/filtration system
• complete gutting and re-doing of master shower before it crumbles... it's leaking too
• 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 - 20111108

 

FOR TODAY - November 8, 2011

Outside My Window... The sun shines brightly and the freshly fallen leaves carpet the yard outside.

I am thinking... of how awesome God's provision is.  We surely don't have everything that we feel that we need in the long term.  But, He has provided just what we need for right now and continues to do so.

In the learning room... We are getting ready to head out to homeschool music and arts coOp this afternoon.  Tomorrow, we are back to our regular homeschool schedule and doing very well.

I am thankful for... how quickly my husband has healed from his back surgery almost a month ago.  He is still taking it easy, but you can hardly tell that he even had surgery.

From the kitchen... It's pizza night! And, thankfully I've got just about everything else that I need to last until payday.

I am wearing... a pair of black stretchy pants and a t-shirt!  Something comfortable for my own aching back.

I am creating... still working on the sweater for Eliana and have several diapers on the sewing table for Skye.  

• I've got a special knitting project on the horizon.
• shirt logo embroidery options to stitch out for our church teachers and ushers.  
• My grandbaby needs more diapers. <3
• Diapers for a mommy who is expecting a rainbow baby within the month
• I've also got yarn on the way for sweaters for the boys

I am going... to have an mri done next Monday.  We hope to see exactly what is wrong with my own back at that point.  The doc things pinched nerve somewhere.

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!  Jason and I are continuing the Song of Solomon study on sexual intimacy in marriage.

I am hoping... to get our family room organized this weekend.

I am hearing... The sweet prayers of my children over their lunch.

Around the house... Is plenty to do and not enough time or physical capability to finish it all.  So, I'm going to focus on what we CAN accomplish and do that well.  Time to get the family and living rooms re-arranged this week... really!

One of my favorite things... A clean and organized workspace... whether that's the kitchen, the homeschool area, or the sewing area!  It always helps me to feel like working and makes it easier to accomplish great things!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  

• Music CoOp today
• re-arranging the living and family rooms
• homeschool, homeschool, homeschool
• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• clean up the barn
• knitting
• spending time with God and my family

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is the sunroom/sewing/homeschool/dining room after I did a bit of cleanup and re-organization.  I simply cannot function when my space is in chaos and disarray.  So, it HAD to be dealt with today in order for me to continue doing any work.

Good stewardship requires that we plan our future purchases and projects.  So, I'm going to keep track of them here:

• air rifle for property protection
• proper tractor and associated equipment (tiller, cart, plow, etc.)
• fence repair/replacement supplies
• gutter repair/replacement -- this is in the works!
• stable garage roof repair -- it's leaking badly at the peak.
• large tree pruning
• garage door opener for the main house... this is an eventual thing.  The current one works for now... most of the time.
• water treatment/filtration system
• complete gutting and re-doing of master shower before it crumbles... it's leaking too
• 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.

Today, we go out to vote for a few local elections.  It's a priviledge, right and responsibility.  If you do NOT like what's going on in the politics today... vote for change.

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 - 20111031

 

FOR TODAY - October 31, 2011

Outside My Window... It's chilly and definitely fall out there.  The constant dropping of leaves off my trees can attest to that.  And, I LOVE the chilly nights with a roaring fire in the woodstove!

I am thinking... of a very dear online friend who lost her 28 day old baby girl last week.  There really are no words... so, I'm lifting her and her family in prayer.  My heart aches for them.

In the learning room... We are just finishing our homeschool this morning and getting organized for the rest of the week.  Tabitha is taking a sick day, as she woke up with a yucky tummy.

I am thankful for... God's daily provision.  We may not have any financial abundance, be we do have enough for this day.  I am thankful for the job that He provided... that Jason LOVES!  I am thankful to be able to stay home to nurture and educate my four youngest miracles.  I am thankful every day for my two older children and pray for them fervently.  I am thankful for my daughter-in-love.  And, I am thankful for my beautiful granddaughter.

From the kitchen... Well, I guess I should go figure out what we're doing for dinner.  I am thinking that it is a pizza kind of night.  That still means that I have to figure out the menu for the rest of this week and next so that I can go do appropriate grocery shopping.

I am wearing... a pair of stretchy pants and a sweatshirt!  Yes, I know that you expected me to be in my favorite comfy pants from Linnea Boutique!  I need more of them. <3  I'm thinking that I'll have to make my own at this rate.  I've got the OBV (organic bamboo velour)... but I don't have the yoga waist material.  I'll have to see what I can do about that.

I am creating... still working on the sweater for Eliana.  

• I've got a special knitting project on the horizon.
• shirt logo embroidery options to stitch out for our church teachers and ushers.  
• I've got several diapers on the table that need to be listed in the shop and more to accomplish.
• My grandbaby needs more diapers. <3
• Diapers for a mommy who is expecting a rainbow baby within the month
• More diapers for another friend who should deliver any.day.now!
• I've also got yarn on the way for sweaters for the boys

I am going... to do the exercises that the physical therapy team wants me to do at home... daily.  I'd really rather not end up in surgery like Jason just had.  I am also going to request an MRI at my appointment in a week with the doctor so that we can verify whatever this back thing really "is".

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 started a Song of Solomon study on sexual intimacy in marriage with my husband and need to finish the homework today so that we can continue.

I am hoping... to get a lot more knitting accomplished today, as I'll be snuggling with Tabitha.  And I am praying that her upset tummy is just a fluke and not something that will be passed around the tribe.

I am hearing... "Pete's Dragon" is playing in the living room and Noah is finishing his homeschool.  It's actually fairly quiet.

Around the house... Is plenty to do and not enough time or physical capability to finish it all.  So, I'm going to focus on what we CAN accomplish and do that well.  Time to get the family and living rooms re-arranged this week!

One of my favorite things... roaring fires in the woodstove on a chilly day/evening... and spending that time cuddled up with my family.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  

• picking up the prius from the Toyota shop after they finish the inspection and service today.
• Music CoOp Tuesday
• My physical therapy Wednesday and Friday
• re-arranging the living and family rooms
• homeschool, homeschool, homeschool
• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• clean up the barn
• knitting
• spending time with God and my family

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

My handsome husband sent this picture to me and asked that I put it up for today.  I love my hubby!

Good stewardship requires that we plan our future purchases and projects.  So, I'm going to keep track of them here:

• air rifle for property protection
• proper tractor and associated equipment (tiller, cart, plow, etc.)
• fence repair/replacement supplies
• gutter repair/replacement -- this is in the works!
• stable garage roof repair -- it's leaking badly at the peak.
• large tree pruning
• garage door opener for the main house... this is an eventual thing.  The current one works for now... most of the time.
• water treatment/filtration system
• complete gutting and re-doing of master shower before it crumbles... it's leaking too
• 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 - 20111024

 

FOR TODAY - October 24, 2011

Outside My Window... I got to enjoy a very beautiful and chilly sunrise this morning after dropping my husband off so that he could work where there is high speed internet and yet still be comfortable during his recovery. It will be good to have him back in his usual routine next week, but I DID enjoy the sunrise this morning.

I am thinking... of too many things that I just need to give to the Lord to work out. I am dwelling on Isaiah 43:18-19.

In the learning room... We are getting back into a groove with our homeschool after more than two weeks of disruptions with Jason's surgery and recovery.  It's still a bit chaotic with all of the appointments this week, but that's the beauty of homeschooling.  We can work around those schedule issues and make up work whenever we want.

I am thankful for... a pastor who loves God (and me) enough to tell me the hard truths even when I don't want to hear them. He reminds me that my obedience to God doesn't depend on anyone else. I am thankful for God's mercies that are new every morning... and THIS is a new morning!

From the kitchen... We are having taco night tonight! The children LOVE taco night. I still need to determine what the plans are for the rest of the week.

I am wearing... a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt!  Yes, I know that you expected me to be in my favorite comfy pants from Linnea Boutique!  I need more of them. <3  I'm thinking that I'll have to make my own at this rate.  I've got the OBV (organic bamboo velour)... but I don't have the yoga waist material.  I'll have to see what I can do about that.  But, both pairs are dirty and I need to do laundry.  So, today it's jeans and a sweatshirt, since it is coooolllldddd!

I am creating... still working on the sweater for Eliana.  

• finishing up a large custom AIO for an Etsy order.
• I've got a special knitting project on the horizon.
• shirt logo embroidery options to stitch out for our church teachers and ushers.  
• special embroideries for a special blanket for a breast cancer survivor.  
• I've got several diapers on the table that need to be listed in the shop and more to accomplish.
• My grandbaby needs more diapers. <3
• I've also got yarn on the way for sweaters for the boys

I am going... to be busy this week. We've got lots of appointments this week.

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 going to start a Song of Solomon study on sexual intimacy in marriage with my husband within the next week or so.

I am hoping... to find more hours in my day... or better yet... to be less wasteful with the hours that the Lord HAS given me.

I am hearing... my poor cocker spaniel whining in his kennel.  He's been traumatized throughout this move and all the chaos in our lives recently.  So, he is especially clingy and spastic.  The children are finishing their breakfast at the table and he's always kenneled while we eat.  I know that he will be glad to be out among us as we do our homeschool shortly.

Around the house... It's messy and not well organized right now.  But, it's home and we're enjoying it.  The fields will be freshly mowed this week and the fencing around the chicken coop area will be finished soon.  We've still got to put a netting over the top of the stable stall so that they cannot fly up and over into the rest of the barn.  This will definitly keep it cleaner.

We are also looking forward to the upcoming holidays and the time spent with family.  We just found out that Jason's brother and family will be out for Christmas and we are VERY excited to see them.  Now, we've got to finish getting our living and family rooms arranged and in order.

One of my favorite things... relaxing and enjoying a warm fire in the cold evenings.  My husband does an amazing job of building a fire in our wood stove.  A warm toasty fire inside to counter the chilly outside, with a good book or some knitting, and a steaming cuppa something hot... amazing!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  

• Jason's post surgical appt Tuesday
• Music CoOp Tuesday
• My physical therapy Wednesday
• My dental appointment Thursday
• Grandma Ruth's birthday on Friday
• Gutter replacement estimate on Friday
• homeschool, homeschool, homeschool
• finish the fence for the chickens
• Finish the large custom AIO
• List the finished diapers in the etsy shop
• Work on SB's special blanket embroideries.
• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• mow the fields and yard
• clean up the barn
• knitting
• spending time with God and my family

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Me and my four youngest blessings. It's amazing to be able to have fun playing outside with the children in the sunshine. I can't wait to see the other pictures that my beautiful daughter-in-love took of the children this day.

Jason's lumbar cortizone injection didn't work and he ended up having surgery on October 12th.  He is doing amazingly better and has no more left leg burning/pain.  He is left only with the surgical incision pain that is healing well.  He gets his staples out tomorrow and is really looking forward to that.

Good stewardship requires that we plan our future purchases and projects.  So, I'm going to keep track of them here:

• air rifle for property protection
• proper tractor and associated equipment (tiller, cart, plow, etc.)
• fence repair/replacement supplies
• gutter repair/replacement
• stable garage roof repair -- it's leaking badly at the peak.
• large tree pruning
• garage door opener for the main house... this is an eventual thing.  The current one works for now... most of the time.
• water treatment/filtration system
• complete gutting and re-doing of master shower before it crumbles... it's leaking too
• 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 - 20111004

 

FOR TODAY - October 4, 2011 (yes... I know it's a day late)

Outside My Window... it is VERY chilly... and I really do LOVE it!  My chickens are outside exploring the farm looking for fresh greens and treats.  I do think I need to invest in some thicker and warmer socks... and some new long sleeves.

I am thinking... of exactly how the Lord would have me get back into writing.  It's been a long time since I've really been able to sit down and truly share my heart in writing.  I think it's time to get that back.

In the learning room... Today is the first day of Music CoOp!  The children are excited and looking forward to it.  I will (unfortunately) not be there for it once I get my classroom set up.  I am praying for the ladies who will be standing in the gap for me.

I am thankful for... a husband who loves me and cherishes me even when I fail regularly.  I am thankful that he loves God and is sharing this life with me and growing closer every day.

From the kitchen... We will be having pizza tonight.  The rest of the week and weekend are basically covered... not sure what we're doing about next week though

I am wearing... my favorite comfy pants from Linnea Boutique... YES, again!  I need more of them. <3  I'm thinking that I'll have to make my own at this rate.  I've got the OBV (organic bamboo velour)... but I don't have the yoga waist material.  I'll have to see what I can do about that.

I am creating... the sweater for Eliana is well on it's way.  I'm hoping to get a lot more done on it while I am away this weekend.  I've got shirt logo embroidery options to stitch out for our church 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.  And, I've got several diapers on the table that need to be listed in the shop and more to accomplish.  My grandbaby needs more diapers. <3

I am going... to 'advance' (after all, ladies of God should never retreat) with some friends in a sister church this weekend.  My husband is making me go... and I'm glad for that.

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 also reading some wonderful books on sexual intimacy in marriage with my husband.

I am hoping... to find more hours in my day... or better yet... to be less wasteful with the hours that the Lord HAS given me.

I am hearing... Sillyville being played on the DVD player in the living room.  And the guineas outside being sassy!

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 fields will be mowed over the next couple of days and the barn will be swept out and tidied up.  We got the wood stove all set up and are enjoying nights with warm fires to keep our electric (and propane) bill low.  Now, we're just praying for more wood and/or more funds to purchase a couple of cords of wood.

One of my favorite things... listening to my newest rooster, Solomon, summoning his ladies outside.  I am enjoying most every aspect of this new farmlife.  It's a tremendous blessing... and a lot of work.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  

• Give the dog a bath and furcut
• List the finished diapers in the etsy shop before I leave on Friday.
• Work on SB's special blanket embroideries.
• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• mow the fields and yar
• clean up the barn
• knitting
• spending time with God and my family

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Sorry... no pic this week.  Today just doesn't have enough time to go hunt for one.  ;-) 

I had a pelvic CT scan yesterday for ongoing post-hysterectomy issues.  We will see what the doc at Johns Hopkins says after he gets the report.

Jason is getting a lumbar cortizone injection this afternoon.  He's been in debilitating pain for well over a month now and the diagnosis was confirmed after an MRI last week.  L5 is herniated and bulging.  The injection is the first line of treatment.  We'll see what God does after today to see if anything else is needed.

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

• air rifle for property protection
• proper tractor and associated equipment (tiller, cart, plow, etc.)
• fence repair/replacement supplies -- someone blew through the front fence again this past weekend... taking out another section of fencing.  Probably easier to stomach since we hadn't repaired the first broken area yet.
• gutter repair
• stable garage roof repair -- it's leaking badly at the peak.
• large tree pruning
• garage door opener for the main house... this is an eventual thing.  The current one works for now... most of the time.
• water treatment/filtration system
• complete gutting and re-doing of master shower before it crumbles... it's leaking too
• 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 - 20110919

 

FOR TODAY - September 19, 2011 

Outside My Window... the skies are kind of cloudy and it is cooler than it has been.  I really do like the cool, but could do with more sunshine.

I am thinking... that it will be wonderful to rest at the feet of Jesus in Heaven... where there is no more pain, or fear, or shame, or tears.

In the learning room... Things are going really well.  I really wish we could afford to switch our math and science curriculums already.  But, we are being content with what we have and are making the best of it.

I am thankful for... my awesome dentist, who has called in an antibiotic and pain meds for this stupid tooth that isn't behaving, even after the root canal last Thursday.  Praying for further relief and that it clears up without me having to go in before my next appointment.

I am also thankful for the fact that the yard tractor is repaired again and we can now keep the fields cleared.  We're still praying for the replacement that we will ultimately need sooner than later.

From the kitchen... We need to go to the grocery store soon.  Tonight we are having lasagne.

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

I am creating... I am knitting Eliana's sweater and am finished with the bodice.  Still working on the skirt.  I've got shirt logo embroidery options to stitch out for our church 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.  And, I've got several diapers on the table that need to be finished and more to accomplish.

I am going... to the pharmacy and post office this afternoon.  I've got a diaper that I need to ship to Canada and meds to pick up.  Then, going to come home and either knit or cut out more fabric pieces.

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 Bible with my husband!  We are in Galatians now.

I am hoping... to ... see the Lord move in some unspoken and personal prayer requests.

I am hearing... the children working on their homeschool and Josiah being a particularly determined pest today.

Around the house... things are utterly in disorder and a mess.  This is a condition that I am not pleased with, and yet seem to be unable to do much of anything about.  Going to pray and see what the Lord shows me.

One of my favorite things... finishing a knitting or sewing project and knowing that it is going to be loved and well used.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  

• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• usher and teacher logo embroidery samples planned and stitched out
• SB's embroideries completed
• put the buttons on Skye's convertible bloomers and take pics
• diaper sewing
• knitting
• spending time with God and my family

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

 
Three of the four youngest monkeys.  They were outside rounding the older chickens up, as they had wandered into the neighbors horse field.  They melt my heart.  Josiah was snuggling with me in the sunroom, as his nose is constantly dripping right now and his lip is chapped.  So, he's a little miserable.  Praying that the season changes bring allergy relief instead of more allergy and illness issues.  Time to open the windows and clean everything out while the weather is still decent.

At least we know that we can safely use the wood stove once it starts staying cool.  The inspection over the weekend reassured us that we only have a minor repair that is needed and can wait until spring if we are careful.

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 - 20110912

 

FOR TODAY - September 12, 2011 

Outside My Window... it is a beautiful day!

I am thinking... of way too many things to put into words and share right now.  I am quite happy NOT being "normal".  Perhaps I'll do a study on that and share it here soon.

In the learning room... We are doing really well with keeping to our schedule and accomplishing our daily assignments.  We will be having more math drills throughout this week.

I am thankful for... my parents, who bless us in immeasureable ways. I love seeing all the ways that the Lord has moved in their lives and continues to bless them.  I pray that we have many more years to enjoy and spend time with them.

From the kitchen... We will be having lasagne for dinner tonight and trying to find plenty of softer foods to serve for this week, as Jason is still healing from his dental implant surgery last Friday.  The weather is also cooler and it's a good time for soups and stews.

I am wearing... my single pair of jeans and a simple black t-shirt.

I am creating... I am knitting Eliana's sweater and am finished with the bodice.  Now working on the skirt.  I've got shirt logo embroidery options to stitch out for our church 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.  And, I've got several diapers on the table that need to be finished and more to accomplish.

I am going... to the grocery store this afternoon to pick up some necessities.  We don't have money for anything more than that.  I've got piano auditions tomorrow afternoon at the church for this coming music CoOp.  The plumber is scheduled for Wednesday and I've got a dentist appointment on Thursday.  I'm trying very had to keep Friday free from anything.

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 Bible with my husband!  I can't wait to see which book he picks for us to start through next.

I am hoping... to ... see the Lord move in some unspoken and personal prayer requests.

I am hearing... the children eating their lunch and being generally goofy.

Around the house... things are utterly in disorder and a mess.  This is a condition that I am not pleased with, and yet seem to be unable to do much of anything about.  Going to pray and see what the Lord shows me.

One of my favorite things... looking outside and seeing my chickens foraging in the yard/fields.  It's also really amazing watching my littles round them up and herd them back to the barn/coop.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  

• laundry, laundry and more laundry
• usher and teacher logo embroidery samples planned and stitched out
• SB's embroideries completed
• put the buttons on Skye's convertible bloomers and take pics
• diaper sewing
• knitting
• spending time with God and my family

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

  

Meet Solomon!  This lovely chicken is one of our roosters.  He is the Columbian Wyandotte (white with black and grey markings) in the front left of the feeder.  One of his Columbian Wyandotte ladies is to the right of him..  He is 7 weeks old this past weekend and already cock-a-doodles wonderfully.  I am hoping to get the back field outside their coop mowed down so that I can let him and the rest of the younger birds out to forage in the next week.  We've got 10 chickens and 5 guineas that are all right around 6-7 weeks and are dying to be let out of the coop with the other big girls (13 weeks old).

Wednesday is Noah's 10th birthday and we are praying about how to celebrate.  I want Randi's help making his birthday cake.  And, we are trying to plan his birthday dinner at the local buffet place in Manassas.  We are very blessed that we make birthday's a private family celebration and don't have to worry about all the fuss and muss of big birthday bashes.  It's expensive and gives them a totally unrealistic view of what to expect as they grow up.  Family celebrations allow us to truly shower them with love and personal blessings.

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 - 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!