Outside my window…it’s sunny and gorgeous, but the wind is howling.  The temperature is slowly dropping.  Finally, a little winter in our corner of the world. 

I am remembering…yesterday I framed a photo of William and Walker.  William went over to see it and was so excited to see Walker, he exclaimed, “Hey, that kid is Walker!” 

I am thankful for…walks with my sister-in-law, Jessica.  It’s so nice to have someone to get out and chat with.

From the learning rooms…put up our February calendar this morning.  Joseph loves the February numbers because each number has a heart on it (he’s always saying “My favorite shape is a heart cause I love ya!”).  Almost done with Saxon K Math and I think we’re going to give Right Start Math a try…I’m very excited to approach math in such a different way.

From the kitchen…homemade pizza today.  Maybe some homemade bread later in the week (just seems right with all the cold) and oh, wouldn’t chili be nice?

I am wearing…gray maternity cords and a black knit top.  I actually match and even look a little fashionable (until I put on my old ratty tennis shoes, that is).

I am creating…still working on the preschool curriculum that I started awhile back (lost a little motivation when the 1st trimester ickies hit). 

I am going… to order a fun print of Daxson and William from mpix later this week.  It so perfectly catches his little personality.  I know you’re curious, so here it is (it was taken by our friend Amanda Hagood in Austin).

I am reading…A Child’s Book of Geography by Ann Voskamp, storing up geography information for our Tour of the Continents next school year (I’ll share more later).

I am hoping…the shelves get installed into the new office soon so I can move some of the “stuff” that’s cluttering the house out!

I am hearing…William’s rhythmic breathing as he naps and Joseph’s imitation of an airplane (done in a whisper so he doesn’t wake up little brother).

Around the house…the office and guest bedroom really are almost done.  The tile is being grouted and then the shelves need to be installed.  I’m sure there’s a few more things to it than that, but those are the big things. 

One of my favorite things…a coffee from Starbucks. 

I am praying…that my children always feel the hand of God gently guiding them.

Here is a picture I thought worth sharing:

Outside my window…the sun is finally out again.  Maybe some of that icky mud will dry up now.

I am thinking…I dread doing our taxes.

I am thankful for…fresh blueberries in the midst of winter.

From the learning rooms…one of the few things I miss about my teaching days are the wide, open walls.  So much room and potential for exciting, eye-catching bulletin boards!  I have been wishing I could do that in our humble little homeschool, where our “schoolroom” shares space with our playroom but since it’s already a busy room I don’t want to overcrowd things.  So I was thrilled when my sister-in-law, Jessica, cleaned out her house and said, “I found an old bulletin board that we don’t need…do you want it?”  “Yes!” I replied, awakened by the possibility of a portable bulletin board.  The best of both worlds.  Plus it’s a double sided bulletin board!  Now I can easily make beautiful, eye-catching bulletin boards without crowding our room!  Thought I’d share some pictures with you…(by the way, the boys LOVE our new bulletin board.  We pull it out just once a day during calendar time and they are tickled to get their pointers and participate!) 

From the kitchen…simple, simple meals this week.

I am wearing…olive green pants and a rose colored top…I actually think perhaps I look like a rose today, stem and all.

I am creating…stories.  Constantly, I am creating stories to tell two little eager boys at bedtime. 

I am going…to finish watching the Math U See video, hopefully.

I am reading…The Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina Kenison. 

I am hearing…Joseph as he reads Green Eggs and Ham.  I love his running commentary.

Around the house…the new office and spare bedroom are almost done…painting is finished, ceiling fans installed.  Just need the floors and new shelving for the closet and I think we’ll be ready! 

One of my favorite things…day dreaming.

Here is picture I thought worth sharing…We’ve been working on estimating in math and this week we were estimating marshmallows.  Joseph guessed 100 and William guessed 4.  I think we need more practice…there were actually 32 in the jar.  Joseph divided them by 10s and counted them out and then handed them over to William who was happy to count them again (and again and again and again)!

Outside my window…night has fallen.  Two little boys are sweetly resting. 

I am thinking…I should be sleeping, not blogging, but I’ve missed the world of blogging so.

I am thankful for…the ease of communication.  What would I do if I couldn’t call my mom and my sister on a daily basis?

From the learning rooms…just finished our first full week of being back after the Christmas holidays.  It is so lovely to be back in a routine.  William is showing a little more interest in schooling although he still flits back and forth between joining us and playing, but I can see his curiosity is peaked.

From the kitchen…this week has been the week of one-dish skillet wonders.  Tried a skillet spaghetti and a skillet spanish rice that were both delcious (thanks, Mom, for sharing your finds!).   

I am wearing…pajamas.  Nothing matches because the clothes that fit right now don’t exactly coordinate.

I am creating…a record of our memories.  I thought about no longer blogging.  I seriously considered it because I’m pregnant, and I’m tired, and I so desperately just want to sleep, but then I glanced back through the past year of blogging and realized I had created a storehouse of memories.  Things I might not otherwise remember when my children are older and I realized that while I may not blog as often, it’s important to try to do a little. 

I am going…to try to make it to Mardel’s education sale tomorrow and I hope to visit the Fruit King…they’ve got blackberries and strawberries at insanely low prices!

I am reading…Mitten Strings for God by Katrina Kenison.  Yes, still.  I’m tired, I tell you.  When given a choice, for once in my life instead of choosing to read, I’ve been choosing to sleep.  But I will eventually finish this second round of Mitten Strings.   

I am hoping…for a year of peace and good health.

I am hearing…just the hum of the laptop. 

Around the house…the office and guest bedroom are almost done…well, at least we’re getting closer to the finish line!  Much progress has been made despite my fears that I would have to learn to install plumbing, electricity, sheetrock and floors. 

One of my favorite things…observing.  Just sitting back and watching my kids as they play. 

I am praying…for those who don’t feel loved…I can’t imagine a life without love.

Here is a picture I thought worth sharing…

Are you sure Santa can fit through here?

Outside my window…it’s sunny but cold.  A perfect combination.

I am thinking…there are some things that just make life sweeter.  Toddler kisses and “I love you Mommy” are two of those things.

I am thankful for…ginger ale and applesauce.  When nothing else agrees, those two things seem to do the trick.

From the learning rooms…lots of Christmas preparation…baking, wrapping, decorating, painting ornaments (such a great opportunity for practical life exercises…measuring, cutting, taping); Christmas stories galore (especially Tomie dePaola’s); Christmas fingerplays and songs…we’re finding that Advent season is really a curriculum in and of itself.

From the kitchen…Peanut Blossoms. 

I am wearing…black yoga pants, a black t-shirt, and a pink and gray striped hoodie.  Warm and cozy.

I am creating…an Advent season full of delightful memories.

I am going…to take Joseph and William driving one evening to see Christmas lights again…they are so amused by such simple pleasures.

I am reading…Mitten Strings for God by Katrina Kenison.  A perfect Advent retreat.  A reminder of why simple is good and why less is more….such a beautiful and much needed message in the midst of the season of materialism. 

I am hoping…that Advent and Christmas always remain such a magical season in the hearts of my children.

I am hearing…Joseph, as he reads Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? (while he’s dressing his little Jesse Bear).

Around the house…laundry, cleaning, cooking…all the usual.

One of my favorite things…listening to William.  He repeats everything.  My favorite thing he says lately?  When given a cup, he’ll exclaim, “Lemonade!” but then he takes a sip only to realize it’s not lemonade and he says, “Actually, it’s water.”  Nothing like hearing the word “actually” from the mouth of a 20 month old!

I am praying…for a healthy baby, a healthy pregnancy, and the energy to get through one day at a time.

Here is a picture I thought worth sharing…

Outside my window…it’s sunny and beautiful.  The windows are open, the house is airing out, and the breeze feels so good.

I am thinking…it’s been awhile since I’ve blogged.  It’s time to get back in the groove. 

I am thankful for…curious, eager little children.

I am remembering…our recent visit to Austin.  I must remember every little detail (and if I don’t, I will be reminded) because Joseph has been asking me every night to tell him about the time we went to visit Austin.  We had such fun visiting Austin’s Science and Nature Center and the play area in Zilker Park…

From the learning rooms…Week 10 of Sonlight 4/5.  Still tweaking it a little, but overall, still loving it.

From the kitchen…beans, beans, and more beans.  Not sure how it worked out, but the past few days every meal has involved beans…I think it’s time for a bean break.

I am wearing…a blue polo and black velour lounging pants.  Nope, I don’t match.  Yep, I just realized that.

I am creating…well, I’m still working on my own original preschool curriculum.  I’m only on week 2 of Year 1 (I plan to make it a 3 year preschool program)…I have a ways to go. 

I am going…to try to get some Christmas shopping done this week.  The sooner, the better, I think…that way Advent season can truly be about Advent and all the beauty that goes with it instead of the commercial aspect.

I am reading…The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare.

I am hoping…my kids always feel safe.

I am hearing…Joseph’s TAG pen as it reads and William saying “Trip Trap, Trip Trap…” as he acts out the Three Billy Goats Gruff.

Around the house…the guest room/office construction is at a halt.  I fear that perhaps the workers have forgotten us, although Daxson guarantees that is not the case. 

One of my favorite things…napping.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Reorganize the kids’ dresser and closet…cold weather seems to be visiting more often and their winter clothes are not easily accessible right now.

Here are some pictures I thought worth sharing from our recent trip to Austin…

Outside my window…it’s dark and cool. 

I am thankful for…cousins that make Joseph and William laugh.

From the learning rooms…this week’s Peak with Books book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear.  We’ve read this zillions of times and we still love to read it!  We’re creating our own copy of the book plus some felt board pieces for it. 

From the kitchen…brisket from Grandma Nury.  Mmm, mmm.  How nice to have a night off of cooking and still eat a homecooked meal.

I am wearing…pajamas.

I am creating…a new preschool curriculum…a combination of all my favorites.

I am reading…Hints on Child Training by H. Clay Trumbull and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

I am praying…Mom has a safe journey home tomorrow.

I am hearing…just the quiet hum of this computer.

Around the house…the painting is finished. 

One of my favorite things…visiting the pumpkin patch in the fall.  Last week we had the privilege of taking Grandpa Gary with us.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Just school and lots of playtime.

Here are some pictures I thought worth sharing…

Last week we went to Aunt Romy and Uncle Lister’s for a birthday celebration dinner.  The honored guests were Aunt Romy and Uncle Bryan, although they were kind enough to allow the kids to blow out the candles on the cakes…

Visit Peggy’s blog for more daybooks.

Outside my window…it’s fall…no leaves turning colors yet, but at least it’s cooling off.    

I am thankful for…food to fill my children’s tummies.

From the learning rooms…one of my favorite stories this week…Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey, which is inspiring us to read all of McCloskey’s books again and again.  Today Joseph told me he has a loose tooth (which he totally does not) and he kept trying to wiggle his tooth.  I couldn’t figure out where he had even heard of loose teeth…I finally realized we can thank Mr. McCloskey for the dental lesson…Joseph’s pretending to be Sal from One Morning in Maine! 

From the kitchen…”Health By Chocolate Cookies” from The Sneaky Chef.  Joseph helped make them and then he and William gobbled them down for lunch…spinach and blueberries and all!

I am wearing…jean capris and a blue polo shirt.

I am creating…a wishlist for felt stories! Is there anything more inviting and fun than felt?!

I am still reading…Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship by Donna Marie Cooper O’Boyle, whom I had the pleasure of seeing this week.

I am hearing…lullaby music as my little ones rest this afternoon. 

Around the house…they’re painting the trim this week!

One of my favorite things…daydreaming.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  A picnic with our dear friend Marjorie and a nature trip to collect leaves, acorns and anything else that is falling.

Here is a picture I thought worth sharing…

The South Texas Institute for the Arts has an amazing Lego exhibit on display right now called The Art of the Brick, in which the artist has used only Legos to build his sculptures.  Absolutely amazing.  Photography is prohibited inside the museum, but we stopped to pose outside in front of this giant Lego so we’d have something to share with you…

Outside my window…the sun is shining.  The days are getting shorter.  Autumn is on its way.      

I am thankful for…a respite from the heat and the hope of a cool fall.  The beginning of our week was so beautiful, we enjoyed our lunch outdoors.  We were even lucky enough to have Marjorie join us on one of those days…

I am reflecting…on St. Therese’s words, “You know that the Lord does not look at the greatness or difficulty of our action, but at the love with which you do it.  What, then, have you to fear?” 

From the kitchen…Italian Sausage and bean soup…it’s good, I promise.

I am wearing…jean shorts and a tan tank-top.

I am creating…some alphabet and alphabet sound cards for our tabletop pocket chart. 

I am still reading…Karen Andreola’s A Charlotte Mason Companion and slowly working my way through Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love. 

I am hearing…Daxson talking to William and Joseph reciting lines from Mary Poppins. 

Around the house…tomorrow the painting outdoors begins!

One of my favorite things…William’s newest response to all questions. “O-tay.  ‘Ere we go.”  It’s his standard response…William, do you want some applesauce?  O-tay.  ‘Ere we go.  William, do you want another push in the swing?  O-tay.  ‘Ere we go.  And then sometimes he starts the conversation…”Mommy time.”  “You want mommy time?”  “O-tay.  ‘Ere we go.” 

Here are some pictures I thought worth sharing…

This week we had the privelege of visiting St. Thomas More’s atrium.  Mrs. Lippincott and Gillian took the time to teach Joseph a few things about practical life.  Then Joseph discovered the puzzles and happily chatted away to Gillian as he took them apart and put them back together.    

Outside my window…it’s raining.    

I am thankful for…fresh raspberries from Grandma Nury.  What a delicious end of summer treat!

From the learning rooms…we’re doing lots of reading!  Today we read a new story from Puerto Rico about the tiger and the monkey.  Upon seeing the title, Joseph eagerly grabbed his finger puppets so he could act out the story as it was read.  I love his enthusiasm! 

From the kitchen…lentil soup…one of our favorites.

I am wearing…blue shorts and a pink shirt.  I don’t match…again.

I am creating…a new language arts plan for Joseph. 

I am still reading…Karen Andreola’s A Charlotte Mason Companion and slowly working my way through Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love. 

I am hearing…the hum of the air conditioner.  Everyone is sleeping. 

Around the house…just need to put away our atrium supplies and set up our prayer table again. 

One of my favorite things…listening to Joseph talk on the phone to Grandma and Grandpa.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  It’s Friday night.  This week is almost over. 

Here is a picture I thought worth sharing…

On Daxson’s birthday, we had a delicious chocolate cake.  William couldn’t eat that cake fast enough…even with two forks!

Outside my window…the sun is smiling upon us; the humidity, though, seems to be mocking us.

I am thinking…it’s September.  Soon it will officially be fall.  I love the crispness of fall and the change of leaves.  I love the cool mornings and the drop in humidity.  I love pumpkin season and Thanksgiving.  I know fall, as I’m describing it, comes later than it’s official day here in South Texas, but I am still eagerly awaiting its arrival.   

I am thankful for…hope.

From the learning rooms…we’re starting school on Monday and I am thrilled.  I miss having a schedule; a defined routine.  This past summer (with little routine and days of saying to Joseph and William, “what shall we do today?”) brought back memories of growing up.  My dad was in the Navy, often deployed for months at a time.  My mom is a bit undefined when it comes to her time.  She stays up late and marches to the beat of her own schedule, which is, in essence, no schedule.  She’s spontaneous and easily adaptable, which for me is fun for about a day, then suddenly I feel lost.  I function quite well on a schedule.  Oh, who am I kidding?  I crave it.  I pine for it.  I’m addicted to routine.  I remember anxiously waiting for Dad to return from deployment, knowing that when the Captain was home there would be routine, a set schedule.  Yep, I’ve always been this way. 

From the kitchen…Mom and I are going to attempt to cook from the Uncheese Cookbook.  Whatever nutritional yeast flakes are, they seem to be important to the process of faking cheese.  We’ll see.

I am wearing…a blue polo shirt and black shorts.  No, I don’t match.  Yes, I’ll dress nicer someday.

I am creating…I am one step further in finishing that scrapbook that I vaguely mention from time to time.  I have finally pulled all of the pictures out.  That’s all I’ve done…I still have a ways to go, but at least the mess on the table reminds me that I have a project to finish.

I am going…to try to work on my DAR application.  Those old Census reports are a little confusing at times. 

I am reading…Karen Andreola’s A Charlotte Mason Companion, but I’ve also decided to go straight to the source, so each day I’m reading a little of Charlotte Mason’s own writing. 

I am hearing…Joseph telling the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff. 

Around the house…Mom and I finally sorted through the yarn today.  I cringed each time I placed a skein on her lap, allowing her the opportunity to take it home.  I see such potential in each skein, but reality hit a few weeks ago when I realized that it’s a shame to just leave all that yarn sitting there, unused, rolled into neat little skeins when they could be knitted into glorious projects and now is not the season of my life for knitting.  So I am parting with my clutter and those dear skeins of yarn.  Besides, when I finally discover time for knitting, it will be fun to go pick something new.  

One of my favorite things…clearing out clutter!  So even though I’m sad to see the yarn go, I am relieved to find space in its place!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  A few last minute things to get done before school on Monday; some baking with Mom; dinner with Dax. 

Here is a picture I thought worth sharing…