Outside my window…the boys are having a crazy good time with the bubble solution we made!  Seriously, this stuff is amazing!  Hop on over to Happy Hooligans to get the recipe and the instructions to make the giant bubble wands.  Totally worth the time and effort.

I am remembering…Joseph’s traumatic entry into this world (7 years ago!) and am giving thanks again for such a miracle!

I am wondering…if you need an excuse to shop.  I’m hosting an online Usborne book show and I’d love to have you participate! It’s a great way to build your home library and fill the imaginations of all the children in your lives.  You can place your order online anytime between now and July 24th.  Just follow this link:  https://j3131.myubam.com/52766

I am thankful…for air conditioning…these days are loooong and hot.

In the refrigerator…fresh fig and strawberry jam. 

I am wearing…a blue t-shirt and olive green shorts…doesn’t sound like it matches, but surprisingly, it does.

We are creating…works of art for Stephanie and Juan’s new apartment.

We are celebrating…summer!

I am reading…Holiness for Housewives, slowly digesting each pearl of wisdom.  If you don’t have a copy, hop on over to get one…totally worth it…this is one you’ll revisit again and again.

In our learning room…oddly enough, we’re spending some time studying chemistry right now (which explains the pictures for Juan and Stephanie, right?).  Joseph and William are fascinated by the elements and all their properties.  I think we’ll be here for awhile.  And of course, we’re still trekking along in our summer studies.

One of my favorite things…little girls in dresses!

A peek into my day…

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Outside my window…the sun is shining and a breeze is blowing.  Life is good.

I am remembering…

I am wondering…if you need an excuse to shop.  I’m hosting an online Usborne book show and I’d love to have you participate! It’s a great way to build your home library and fill the imaginations of all the children in your lives.  You can place your order online anytime between now and the end of July.  Just follow this link:  https://j3131.myubam.com/52766

I am thankful…when these sweet little people are actually getting along.

In the refrigerator…fried okra.  Grandpa Larry has been giving us okra from his garden and now Joseph’s okra is ready, too.  After it’s been fried, we stick the leftovers in the fridge and then we just snack on it…often.  Yum.

I am wearing…blue gym shorts and a blue tank top.

I am creating…a quick chemistry unit study.  Joseph and William are absolutely fascinated by the elements and I remember nothing from high school chemistry.

We are celebrating…birthdays!  Andrew just turned 3.

I am reading…Killing Kennedy for book club.  More accurately, I am listening to it as an audio book.  I’m also reading The Wednesday Sisters on my Kindle.

In our learning room…such fun summer plans…plants, Native Americans, the beginning of Christianity, ponds.

One of my favorite things…Sundays.

A peek into my day…

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Outside my window…it is still light out, despite the fact that we’ve eaten, bathed, and three of four children are already tucked in.  These long days make me lose track of time so easily.

I am blessed…with amazing friends.

I am remembering…how much fun we had today. We are going to miss these friends so much, come the end of summer, when they leave our sparkling city by the sea.

I am thankful…to have finally uploaded my pictures to Walgreens…now to just get organized enough to place an order.

In the refrigerator…lentil soup.  What is it about lentil soup that everyone goes ga-ga over?  Every.single.bowl. is always devoured in record time and I don’t ever find myself saying, “take a  bite.”  Seriously, if I could get away with serving lentil soup every night, I think I would.  Just for the peace.

I am wearing…blue gym shorts and a purple tank top.

I am creating…our plans for next year.  I finally made some choices, ordered books, and now it’s all just sitting there.  Waiting for me to do something with it.

I am going…to get back into planning next week.  My brain has kind of turned to mush these last few weeks, but I know if I don’t get back into the swing of planning, then there will be no plans in place when fall comes.

We are celebrating…birthdays!  Joseph just turned 7 on the 11th and Andrew’s birthday is coming up.

    

I am inspired…by Sarah Mackenzie’s book Teaching from a State of Rest.  I cannot recommend her book and the accompanying podcasts enough.  Brilliant.  Inspirational.  Food for the homeschooling mama’s soul.

I am reading…Little Shop of Homicide by Denise Swanson…a new series by one of my favorite mystery writers.  So far, so good.  Just finished Thirty One and a Half Regrets by Denise Grover Swank on my Kindle and am anxiously awaiting the next book.  That one had me on the edge of my seat!  Also just finished The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh for book club and am completely mystified by the whole idea of flowers.  Identifying them.  Buying them.  Learning the language.  Seriously, I had no idea how overwhelming the world of flowers could be.

In our learning room…such fun summer plans…plants, Native Americans, the beginning of Christianity and so much more…hoping to share our plans in detail soon.

One of my favorite things…visits with Granny.

 

A peek into my day…

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Outside my window…a strange spring storm just blew in and three little boys are running wild enjoying the cool, crisp air.

I am thinking…Katie doesn’t have much hair, but the little she has is incredibly cute…look closely…no, I mean really closely and you’ll get a glimpse of the tiniest mohawk ever.

I am blessed…with a husband who is willing to cut up little earthworms to feed the frog since I forgot to order frog food.

I am remembering…our day trip to Rockport and the ferry ride home (don’t worry…we’re not climbing THE big tree and yes, mosquitoes were already out but so were the beautiful wildflowers!).

I am thankful…for my little helpers.  Joseph and William have helped keep laundry going today and Joseph even loaded a few dishes in the dishwasher.  It’s the little things that ease this mama’s burden.

In the refrigerator…Bill Miller’s BBQ.

I am wearing…shorts and a t-shirt and everything is on correctly.  Last week, I went to take a shower at the end of the day and discovered my shirt was on backwards…yep, you read that right, ladies and gentlemen, I wore my shirt backwards…ALL DAY…yep, even to church and wherever else we went that day.  And there were 5 other people with me who never once told me something looked odd (I guess maybe the kids just didn’t notice, but really Dax, what were you thinking?!)

I am creating…plans for next year.  Please leave a comment and share some of your favorite curriculum choices.

I am laughing…about Joseph’s comment this morning at Target.  We were walking through the store and William (who always feels that he MUST buy something with his allowance at EVERY store we go to) was whining about how he needed to buy something and Joseph said to him, “I’m going to report to the birthday fairy that you are still whining and she may take away your new age…you’ll have to go back to being 4 if you don’t stop that whining.”  Surprisingly, he did stop whining…at that moment about spending money.  He didn’t start whining again until the next store about how since he’s 5, his boots are too small for him.

I am loving…Leap Year…I can’t help it!  I’m a total sucker for romantic comedies!

I am inspired…by Andrew Pudewa.  Really inspired by this guy.  I was going to recommend his talk about Teaching Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day but really, any of his talks are awesome!

I am reading…A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith for book club and The Living Page by Laurie Bestvater.

In our learning room…the Persians, growth and development, and division.

One of my favorite things…big boxes.

A peek into my day…

 

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Outside my window…the hummingbird feeder has been refilled.  Now if only our woodpecker friend would stay away and leave some food for the hummingbirds!

I am thinking…and dreaming up plans for next year.  Armed with great booklists, I am designing our own history and science plans.

I am blessed…with an amazing glimpse into my childhood.  Mom just turned all the old 8 mm home videos into DVDs.  I was one happy baby!  I love that there was not a single laptop, computer, smart phone or kindle in sight in those videos!

I am remembering…our recent trip out to the Alpaca Ranch.  The kids really look forward to our visit each year.  I am always so impressed by Lyn and all of her amazing work.  Her story is so inspiring!  My favorite part of the tour is always seeing how the yarn is made.  The kids favorite part?  It’s a toss-up between feeding the alpacas, petting the dogs and making a craft with Lyn (this year they made felt snakes).

I am thankful…for a visit with Mom recently.  It was much needed and much loved!

In the freezer…homemade ice cream.  Chocolate chip mint ice cream made with coconut and almond milk.  William’s idea.  He wanted to use the mint in the garden and he insisted we use honey as the sweetener.  I’m not a big fan of the ice cream (I’m not a big honey fan) but the kids love it.  William’s persistence paid off.

I am wearing…shorts and a pink t-shirt.  Yep, it’s already weather for shorts.

I am creating…magnetic fishing poles and magnetic fish.  William (once again!) had a bright idea that it would be so fun to take a dowel and add a string so he could go fishing.  When I suggested maybe putting letters on the fish (to review letter sounds) or math facts on each fish, he gave me a dirty look and said that’s not quite what he was imagining.  Can’t say I didn’t try to turn it into something educational!

I am laughing…at Raymond and Debra…I can’t help it…I’m addicted.

I am loving…all these happy, busy children…

I am inspired…by Andrew Pudewa’s Nature Deficit Disorder talk.  I’ve had the book Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv on my shelf for quite awhile…I’ve picked it up and started it multiple times, but it just keeps getting put to the side.  Mr. Pudewa does an excellent job of summarizing Richard Louv’s book and putting his own perspective on the subject.  I highly recommend it!

I am reading…A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith for book club and The Living Page by Laurie Bestvater.

In our learning room…Greek Mythology, the circulatory system, and prepositions.

One of my favorite things…wildflowers in the spring.

A peek into my day…

Please visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook for more daybook entries.

Outside my window…a squirrel scampers up the tree and pauses.  Andrew sits and watches, captivated.

I am thinking…about plans for next year…RC History again?  Sonlight?  Story of the World?  Decisions, decisions.

I am blessed…with such spirited children…they make me laugh!

I am remembering…my first communion as Joseph prepares for his.

I am thankful…for this smile.  This sweet, precious smile and all the joy it holds.

In the refrigerator…Valentine’s Day cookies (dairy and soy free chocolate chip cookies with a few Valentine sprinkles thrown in).

I am wearing…black pants and a pink shirt.  Oh and my slippers.  These tile floors are so cold!

I am creating…silly Valentines for the kids and pairing them with Usborne books (you still have time…go, order on Jessica’s show!)…for Joseph: “Your love is magical” with this magic kit and this magic book; for William: “You are out of this world and aMAZEing” with these paper airplanes and this awesome maze book; for Andrew: “I’m not LION…you are DINOmite!” with this lion book and this dinosaur book.

I am going…to have to run to HEB this week…I forgot to pick up a few boxes of the little heart candies…you know, the Valentine ones with the words on them.  I see a nice Math sorting and graphing activity in our future.

We are celebrating…a clean soul!  Joseph made his 1st Reconciliation this past week.  He came out of Confession with a huge smile on his face.  After doing his penance, he came over to me and said, “Boy, I feel so much better!  My soul just feels clean.”  We picked up vanilla ice cream to celebrate such a pure soul!  (Of course we had to add some strawberries and raspberries to show God’s love and a few blueberries as a reminder that Mary loves us, too!)

I am loving…these historic breastfeeding pictures!

I am inspired…by Paige’s thoughts.  Think this might just be my favorite blog post.

I am reading…America the Beautiful by Ben Carson on Scribd.  I am loving the book, but I took advantage of the Fox and Friends promotion to get 3 months of Scribd free…1 month in and still not excited about it.

Oh and my Kindle…my glorious Kindle!  I am in love with this thing…I can now take 10 books to bed and not have to worry about the stack falling off the nightstand!  On there I am reading Thirty and a Half Excuses by Denise Grover Swank (her first one in this series is free for your Kindle!), 10 Gifts of Wisdom by Sally Clarkson, and In God’s Garden by Amy Steedman (this one’s free for your Kindle!).

I am loving...how when kids dress up as someone, they only answer to that name.  William constantly says, “You mean Superman?” when I call him William.  Andrew cuts me the eye and says, “No I Buzz Lightyear.”  Yesterday, even Gavin, kept reminding me, “No, I’m Lancelot.”  Okay boys.  Got it.  At least til you change your costume…

In our learning room…the Trojan War, the five senses, and preparation for First Communion.  Our days are full!

One of my favorite things…getting ready for St. Valentine’s Day…

A peek into my day…

Please visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook for more daybook entries.

Outside my window…it’s sunny and beautiful…a taste of spring.

I am thinking…everyone looking at the camera at the same time is getting to be a rare exception around here.

I am remembering…the other night when I was putting Andrew to sleep.  I left the room for a moment only to return to a well-lit room.  I asked Andrew why the light was on.  It turns out Bullseye (the action figure) needed to talk to me.  When I asked what he needed to tell me, Andrew shyly replied that it was a secret and maybe he could tell me later.  The light went back off and Andrew (and Bullseye) fell asleep.  I have yet to learn Bullseye’s secret.

I am thankful…for boys who still love to snuggle.

I am laughing…because it’s extremely hard to take William seriously like this…

In the refrigerator…scones and Cornish pasties.  We just began studying Europe this past week, beginning with Great Britain.  Tomorrow we’ll be eating in Scotland and soon it’ll be time for Irish stew.

I am wearing…light green yoga pants with a pink t-shirt.  The waistband on these pants is finally beginning to show a little too much wear.  I think I’m overdue for some new pants.

I am creating…a to-do list.  1099s top the list (yep, it’s that time of year again).  Organizing the school room closet, finding a moment to chat with my dear friend in Utah, and making more baby food are all up there, too.

I am pondering…this mama’s blog and thinking much about what I signed up for.

I am hoping…these sweet boys will always be such good friends.

I am inspired…by Rachel Macy Stafford and her book Hands Free Mama.

I am reading…Twenty Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank.  I’m a little embarrassed to admit, but I chose it because it was a free download for the Kindle.  I still haven’t become an avid Kindle user, so I’m sticking to the freebies for now.  It turns out this book is actually fairly entertaining.

I am looking forward to…a cup of tea in the morning.  I feel like the Chinese might be onto something with this whole green tea thing. 

In our learning room…Joseph is thrilled with our science plans for this semester…we’re studying the human body (and even William and Andrew are having fun!)

Around the house…I’ve dusted.  I’ve swept.  I’ve mopped.  I’ve scrubbed.  Now I’m resting.

One of my favorite things…when kids think they have found the perfect hiding spot (if I can’t see you, Mommy, then obviously you can’t see me…)

A peek into my day…

Please visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook for more daybook entries.

Outside my window…the boys are warmly dressed, running wild, reenacting scenes from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  I no longer have a Joseph, William, and Andrew…I now have a King Peter the Magnificent and two, yes two, Aslans.

I am thinking…my days of having this little girl tucked snugly against me are numbered…she’s crawling!

I am remembering…it seems like just yesterday that this one was the one in the carrier.  Now he’s keeping up with the rest of them.

I am thankful…for a husband who is incredibly helpful.

In the refrigerator…star sugar cookies…decorated and ready for Santa.

I am wearing…light green yoga pants, a pink Gap t-shirt, and my slippers…they are just so cozy.

I am creating…a curriculum for our spring science…the human body.  Lots of great books and fun hands-on activities.

I am pondering…the Advent Journey.

I am inspired…to find water bottle holders for each of the boy’s bikes…this human mule can only carry so much.

I am reading…The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton.

I am looking forward to…delighted squeals on Christmas morning.

Around the house…the reindeer dust is ready to be sprinkled on the roof.

One of my favorite things…sifting through old pictures and stumbling on a precious memory (that’s Joseph).

A peek into my day…

Please visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook for more daybook entries.

Outside my window…it’s oh so cold!

I am thinking…this doesn’t look like an “I love solids!” face.

I am remembering…last week when I accidentally knocked Joseph’s loose front tooth out while brushing his teeth.  After it fell out, he cried and when I asked why he was crying, he said he didn’t like the way the gap felt in his mouth.  He changed his mind after the tooth fairy came to visit.

I am thankful…for a little sunshine, warm coats, and the chance to spend some time outside.

In the refrigerator…flan made with Grandma Nury to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Mmm, mmm, mmm!

I am wearing…black pants and a pink Gap t-shirt.  Short sleeved.   It’s warm and toasty in here.

I am creating…a post about Advent…now let’s see if I can actually get it done and posted sometime soon.

I am going…to miss the days of Superman and his cape…it looks like he’s been replaced by Buzz Lightyear.

I am inspired…to get my camera out a little more often because little baby pictures are just too fun.

I am reading…The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

I am looking forward to…the feast of St. Lucy.  Since Lucy means light, it’s a perfect opportunity to take the kids out for a drive to see the lights at night. 

In our learning room…we are doing our Advent plans.  A little Tomie dePaola, a little Jesse Tree, some Holy Heroes stuff, and a whole lot of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Around the house…gift making, gift decorating, gift giving…it feels so good to give!

One of my favorite things…my very own little Santa.

A peek into my day…

Please visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook for more daybook entries.