Outside my window…you’ll find me.  We’re playing outside.  Looking in my window right now is pure pleasure.  We cleaned up every toy, every misplaced item.  I almost hesitate to take the kids inside.  I know the order is short-lived.

I am thinking…it is so easy to get caught up in my own little bubble over here, to forget that there’s a big world out there where life is moving along for everyone.  A nice long chat with a cousin in Maine this morning reminded me that life is happening, dear loved ones are growing older despite my tendency to keep everything stagnant in my mind.

I am remembering…Andrew’s reaction when Daxson walked out of his office a few days ago.  Andrew had just woken up from his nap and was out of sorts, crying, when he heard Daxson’s office door open.  Instantly he stopped crying, popped his little head up, and opened his eyes wide.  As soon as he saw Daxson, he clambered down from the couch and rushed to the window, exclaiming, “Da! Da! Daaaa!”

I am thankful…for well-behaved children at the grocery store this morning.

In the refrigerator…a peanut butter and pickle sandwich (because that’s what I crave at 10:00 at night) and lots of Thanksgiving food to prepare.

I am wearing…black pants and a pink t-shirt.  I’m not quite ready to pull out the maternity clothes, but I’m finding few things left that fit.

I am creating…beeswax candles with Joseph and William at William’s insistence.  He has such fond memories of making beeswax candles last year when we went to the Honeybee convention and luckily I had a beeswax candle kit in the closet.  A perfect craft for a fall day.

I am going…to get busy with my Christmas shopping soon.  I always try to finish all the gift shopping before Advent begins…it certainly makes for a much more focused Advent.

I am inspired…by Elizabeth Foss’ Advent and Christmas plans in Real Learning and I finally plan to follow the plans this year.

I am reading…sadly, nothing in print.  I’m early to bed and early to rise and in my few spare moments, I’m poring over electric cooktop reviews and double oven recommendations.  Feel free to add your thoughts in a comment.

On my iPod…I honestly don’t know right now.  The last walk I took was before the morning sickness hit and that was the end of September.  Hopefully soon my energy will return.

I am looking forward to…Thanksgiving.

In our learning room…this week we will follow Five in a Row’s plans for Cranberry Thanksgiving (we have an old used copy, but I just noticed it must be back in print, because Amazon is offering it new)…one of our favorite Thanksgiving books.

Around the house…winter clothes are all pulled out, washed, and organized.  It always seems like such a huge task to sort clothes.  I’d love to hear how you store and sort your little ones’ seasonal clothing.

I am pondering…Jeremiah 29:11-14 and finding such comfort and joy in these words…“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope.  When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you.  When you look for me, you will find me.  Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the Lord…”

I am praying…for America, for our leaders, for our liberties and for a sweet little five year old who is currently in Houston at the children’s hospital, still fighting for his life and for his mama and the pain she must feel each day as she holds his tiny hand.

One of my favorite things…crisp Autumn days and mulled apple cider.

A peek into my day…

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

Outside my window…three little boys are being chased by Daddy.  There’s lots of squealing and screaming, but those smiles stretch from ear to ear.

I am thinking…if I just let Him, He does a great job guiding my life.

I am remembering…our grand adventure and the priceless memories made last weekend with Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Gary, Auntie Leslie, Uncle Dustin, and Alex at A Day Out with Thomas.

I am thankful…for new life growing inside of me.

In the refrigerator…Grandma Nury’s cooking…I am so thankful for Grandma Nury and all of her delicious food.  I’m afraid we’d be eating cereal and only cereal right now if left up to me.  These days just the thought of food is enough to do me in.

I am wearing…gray shorts and a pink and white striped tank top.

I am creating…a pile of books I want to read this fall…now if only I could stay awake past 8:30.

I am going…to download pictures to Shutterfly soon.  I’m long overdue.

I am wondering…if I will ever feel caught up on all the things that need to be done.

I am reading…This Country of Ours by H.E. Marshall, one of many books on my shelf that I’d like to preview before reading to the boys.

On my iPod…Glenn Beck’s radio show.

I am looking forward to…the Vice Presidential Debate.

Around the house…we’re schooling.  We’re playing.  The big boys are taking good care of this mama.

I am pondering…the idea of motherhood as a form of idolatry and I am praying that I have not lost perspective…it’s so easy to make motherhood an idol.

I am praying…The Memorare, mostly because it’s just so comforting.

A favorite quote for today…”Yes, there are days when we have to encourage them to conquer the slides of life without our help. But there are also moments when we are God’s gift and his provision, his hands and feet for these little ones – protecting, training, guiding, clothing, rocking, feeding, sliding.” Katy Rose…read the rest of Katy’s story at the MomHeart blog.

One of my favorite things…cold honeydew.

A peek into my day…

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

Outside my window…there is a gentle breeze.

I am thinking…I never get tired of seeing the world through little eyes.  Before arriving at the beach, I dread the sand, the heat, the effort.  Once we’re there, I watch their little eyes take it all in and I, too, am reminded of how little we are and how great this world is and I know that the effort is totally worth it.

I am remembering…Every now and then when we’re eating lunch, I let the kids watch Super Why!  Monday I turned it on only to find that Super Why! was not on, but instead a new show called Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood was on.  The episode was about how “if something seems bad, turn it around and find something good.”  I let the kids watch it while I caught up on email and such.  Halfway through, I lost my internet connection.  I let out a grunt and said, “Ugh, I just lost my internet connection.”  William quickly piped up that I should turn it around and find something good.  At first I wasn’t sure what he was talking about.  I confusedly asked, “What?”  William patiently replied, “Just like they said, Mommy, when something seems bad, you should turn it around and find something good.”   Point well made, William (and PBS).

Ah, but that’s not the end of this story.  The next day after lunch, Andrew threw all of his leftover food on the floor (which was about half of his lunch).  I picked it all up (or so I thought) and went about my business.  Joseph was sitting in the kitchen talking to me when I stepped on a piece of grape from Andrew’s lunch.  “Ugh,” I grunted.  Joseph asked what was wrong.  I explained that I was frustrated that Andrew had thrown all of his lunch on the floor and that I kept stepping on bits of it.  “Well,” Joseph replied thoughtfully, “let’s see if we can find something good about this.”  I looked at him.  “Just like we learned yesterday, Mommy, you know, on PBS.  Let’s turn this around and find something good.  So if Roo threw his food on the floor, what can you tell me is good about it?  Now before you tell me, Mommy, I just want you to know that I really think this might be a virtue lesson.  Finding something good when it seems bad really does seem like a virtue, doesn’t it?”

I thought I was the teacher here.  I have so much to learn.

I am thankful…for blue skies.

In the refrigerator…a carton of coconut milk.  Always.  Nothing makes a better smoothie than coconut milk.

I am wearing…jean shorts and a blue v-neck t-shirt.

I am creating…wooden saint dolls to add to our collection.

I am going…to attempt a garden again this fall.

I am wondering…what is it about taking the cushions off of the couch that amuses children so?

I am reading…The Rhythm of Family by Amanda Blake Soule.

On my iPod…Uncle Tom’s Cabin.  It’s long and my walks have been short lately.

I am looking forward to…my next cup of tea.  I may just be addicted.

I am learning…that my attention is worth more than gold to these little children of mine.

Around the house…we’re schooling.  We’re playing.  We’re loving.

I am pondering…the thought that sometimes we are failing.

I am praying…for our friends, Kateri and Joey, as they continue to mourn the loss of their 6 year old son, Avery.  If you are able to help financially, please click over to the memorial fund for Avery.  In Kateri’s request for help, she reminded us that “Just like the little loving actions of that special boy in his daily life, there is NO amount too small to help us through this.”  Please consider giving.

A favorite quote for today…”Give something, however small, to the one in need. For it is not small to one who has nothing. Neither is it small to God, if we have given what we could.”  St. Gregory Nazianzen

One of my favorite things…reading to Andrew.

A peek into my day…

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

Outside my window…it is windy.  Very windy, yet I can still hear a dog barking somewhere in the distance.

I am thankful…for joy, laughter, and the time to share it.

I am thinking…about some wise words that I recently heard.  I now find myself asking often, “Will this … get my child to heaven?”  Be it a book, a game, a playdate.  Each moment should take us one step closer.

From the learning rooms…you wouldn’t know this yet, since I haven’t posted the promised plan for this school year, but we are traveling down the Alphabet Path again (we just can’t resist) and this week is A week.  Our house is filled with excitement…who knew that a letter could be so incredibly inspiring!

In the kitchen…an apple pie, of course.

I am wearing…a pink t-shirt and black gym shorts.

I am creating…plans, plans, plans!

I am reading…Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper, which I was tempted to quit a few pages into it, but now I’m intrigued and can’t seem to put it down.

I am listening…to the sound of a car passing by, the hum of the computer, and that barking dog somewhere out there.

I am praying…for our beautiful friends, Kateri and Joey, as they prepare to welcome their newest little one into the world.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

Outside my window…it is beautiful and sunny, although terribly hot.  Forecast is calling for rain, but I don’t see a single gray cloud.

I am thankful…for sign language.  Andrew communicates so well with those little hands.

I am thinking…just when I think I’m back into the swing of blogging, I regress.  Someday I will be consistent.  This is not someday and I think someday may be far, far away.

From the learning rooms…today was the official first day of our new year…before I even saw Joseph this morning, I could hear him, “Yea! It’s the first day of school!”  We’ve been schooling lightly all summer so it wasn’t a very dramatic change, but we did start all of our new curriculum and I promise to post our plan very soon.

In the kitchen…lots and lots of fresh berries.

I am wearing…a white skirt and a striped tank top.  Mom asked me last night if I was going to wear a skirt for our first day of school and I said, “Enh, I don’t know.”  Mom replied, “Well you should.”  Well, Mom, I did.  Mostly because you said so.

I am creating…plans for this next school year.  Always planning, but I’ve learned that I’m happier this way than trying to fit in a box.

I am reading…Charlotte Mason’s original works.

I am listening…to Andrew blow raspberries as he takes down every. book. from. my. shelf.  AGAIN.

I am wondering…who was really having more fun here?

I am praying…Stay with me Lord by Padre Pio:

Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You.  You know how easily I abandon You.
Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often.
Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life, and without You, I am without fervor.
Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light, and without You, I am in darkness.
Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will.
Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear Your voice and follow You.
Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You very much, and always be in Your company.
Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You.
Stay with me, Lord, for as poor as my soul is, I want it to be a place of consolation for You, a nest of love.
Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late and the day is coming to a close, and life passes; death, judgment, eternity approaches. It is necessary to renew my strength, so that I will not stop along the way and for that, I need You. It is getting late and death approaches, I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows.
O how I need You, my Jesus, in this night of exile!
Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all it’s dangers. I need You.
Let me recognize You as Your disciples did at the breaking of the bread, so that the Eucharistic Communion be the Light which disperses the darkness, the force which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart.
Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to remain united to You, if not by communion, at least by grace and love.
Stay with me, Jesus, I do not ask for divine consolation, because I do not merit it, but the gift of Your Presence, oh yes, I ask this of You!
Stay with me, Lord, for it is You alone I look for, Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit, because I love You and ask no other reward but to love You more and more.
With a firm love, I will love You with all my heart while on earth and continue to love You perfectly during all eternity.    Amen

Around the house…the boys helped clean this weekend, so now it’s just a matter of picking up toys.  Again and again.

One of my favorite things…brothers.

Here are some pictures for thought I am sharing…

Outside my window…it’s cloudy and threatening rain.

I am thankful…for air conditioning.  Whew, it’s hot out there, but quite nice in here.

I am thinking…this is the 3rd time I’ve tried to write a daybook.  Not quite sure why I can’t seem to keep up with my blog these days.  Could it be that these three little boys keep me so busy that it’s hard to dash off even one sentence?

From the learning rooms…we ditched our WinterPromise preschool curriculum and we’re back to Five in a Row (just for the summer).  I promise to share our fall plans soon.  This week we’re working on Lentil by Robert McCloskey.  Today Joseph built the town of Alto with his blocks and acted out the story using his Little People.

In the kitchen…lentil soup…what could possibly be more appropriate for our story this week?

I am wearing…khaki shorts and a seafoam green tank top.  There was much discussion about the color of my shirt.  After much debate, I win.  It is exactly this color.

I am creating…a Charlotte Mason education plan.  I’m doing lots of reading, lots of planning, lots of dreaming.

I am reading…Home Education by Charlotte Mason…finally I’ve gone to the original source for inspiration.

I am listening…to Uncle Tom’s Cabin on my Ipod.

I am pondering…quite a few things.  The one that weighs most heavily is the loss of a dear friend’s son.  I want to reflect on it for you, but right now I’m still pondering it in my heart.

One of my favorite things…art.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

Outside my window…Joseph and William are playing with the umbrella on their picnic table, discussing the purpose of such an activity.  The birds are chirping, the sun is shining.  Life is good.

I am thankful…for friends like Cariann Galloway.  She took time out of her day on Sunday to show us a glimpse of what it’s like to be a vet.  She introduced us to many of her animal friends out at Glenoak Rehabilitation Center.  Joseph and William learned quite a bit about how to take care of a horse.  Our visit inspired lots of good reading including Vicky the Vet, Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm, Mrs. Wishy Washy’s Farm, The Little Pony, Horses and Ponies, Things People Do, Scholastic Discover More Farm, The Big Red Barn and much more.  Cariann’s introduction to horses was a perfect prelude for our Winterpromise curriculum since our work this week focuses on horses and who lives at the farm.

From the learning rooms…we’re on week 4 of our WinterPromise curriculum.  We’re currently doing I’m Ready to Learn and Journeys of Imagination.  We’ll begin Animals and their Worlds in the fall.  We also started doing Sandi Queen’s Language Lessons for Little Ones.  It’s perfect for William (he does the copywork with my help).  It’s too easy for Joseph, but it makes for a nice phonics review and a gentle introduction to narration and the study of fine art.  Here are Joseph and William’s farm murals that they recently made.  We’ve since added all the words in Spanish since Grandma Nury has been covering farms:

WinterPromise’s curriculum has lots (and lots) of crafts to make.  Here are Joseph and William making roosters one Sunday afternoon:

Here’s little Andrew joining the big brothers at the school table.

In the kitchen…fresh apple pie.  It’s Daxson’s favorite and since it’s our anniversary today, it just seems appropriate.

I am wearing…jean capris and a brown shirt.  I finally got to ditch my glasses because I made it in to see the optometrist and am now wearing my new contact prescription.

I am creating…a mental list of things to do.  Laundry is on there, of course.

I am reading…Stupid Things Parents Do To Mess Up Their Kids by Dr. Laura Schlessinger.  I can never get enough Dr. Laura.

I am listening…to Joseph and William, chatting away as they play outside.

I am pondering…A Legacy of Grace.  Have you visited MomHeart yet?  Please, please go visit.  You’ll find so much inspiration there for your mothering journey.

One of my favorite things…spontaneous learning opportunities.

I am wondering…if you know that Signing Times is offering a free video on demand (and the opportunity to win an iPad 3).  Please go visit now and take advantage of the free video…if your kids haven’t seen Signing Times yet, they are sure to fall in love with Rachel, Alex, and Leah.  We’ve used Signing Times with all of our little ones and the benefits are enormous.  Andrew is just starting to use a few signs and it’s exciting to see that he’s already able to communicate with us!  Here’s Andrew at the Aquarium signing milk:

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

Outside my window…it’s incredibly windy.

I am thankful…that our calendar for May is delightfully empty.  No big commitments.  No parties to plan or attend.  A nice lull.

From the learning rooms…we are working on our new curriculum from WinterPromise.  I know I haven’t blogged about U through Z yet for the Alphabet Path.  I have so many wonderful pictures and memories to share, but I just don’t know if I’ll ever get around to it.  We did finish the Alphabet Path, though, and we loved our adventure!  Joseph keeps asking when it will be A week again.

In the kitchen…aside from a pitcher of sweet tea, I made nothing today.  Alcapulco and Bill Miller’s BBQ did my job for me.

I am wearing…workout shorts (although I am obviously not working out right this moment) and a pink v-neck t-shirt.

I am creating…a calendar for the next school year, planning and re-planning and trying to fit in all my grand plans.

I am reading…Stupid Things Parents Do To Mess Up Their Kids by Dr. Laura Schlessinger.  I can never get enough Dr. Laura.

I am listening…to the constant hum of the air conditioner.  Seems like it never gets a break down here in the south.

I am pondering…Why the Kids Really Need a Little Red Hen Mama and all the wisdom within Ann’s thoughts.  (If you haven’t visited Mom Heart yet, it’s totally worth your time to stop by and read some of the heartfelt, encouraging words you’ll find.)

One of my favorite things…Grandpa Gary and his buddies.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

Outside my window…there’s a gentle breeze ruffling the curtains.

I am thankful…for my friend Virginia.  While the kids played, I soaked up her wisdom.

From the learning rooms…we are on letter T on our Alphabet Path.  We’ve also been hard at work at some Kumon workbooks and these Rod and Staff preschool workbooks.  Joseph and William both keep asking for more.

In the kitchen…waffles with fruit syrup.  We added just a dash of V8 Fusion to our peaches and strawberries this morning for the syrup…mmm, mmm.

I am wearing…jeans and a purple tank top with a butterfly on it…a flashback to my college days.

I am creating…scenarios and solutions in my head as I continue to slowly read and digest Liberated Parents, Liberated Children.  Now if only I could remember my solutions when under pressure.

I am reading…Building Better Families by Matthew Kelly.  My sister has been raving about it for months.  I’m finally going to see what she’s so excited about.

I am listening…to the hum of the computer.  That’s it.

I am looking forward to…a visit with Mom soon.

I am remembering…a few weeks ago when we went to the park.  I was taking pictures of the kids as they were climbing a tree and Joseph kept making a funny face.  Finally I asked him if something was in his eye and he opened both eyes and replied, “No, can’t you see?  I’m winking.”

I am pondering…Elizabeth’s blog and her adventure in storybooks this year.

One of my favorite things…watching Daxson fly the kids through the house while they sing the theme song for Superman.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

Outside my window…it’s sunny and beautiful.  I think Mother Nature forgot to send winter our way.  Yesterday was in the mid-80s.  We were wearing shorts and sweating out in the sun.  Today it’s supposed to be low 70s…a beautiful spring day.

I am admiring…Joseph’s attention to detail.  He has been saving his commission to buy Henry the green train.  He finally earned enough and bought the train.  After playing with it for awhile, he brought it out to me and told me that there must be some mistake.  Henry wasn’t the right size.  After further explanation, I learned that he read in Henry the Green Train (by Rev. W Audry) that Henry was bigger than James, but smaller than Gordon.  He showed me his toy trains Henry and Gordon and sure enough, they were the same size.  I told him he had two choices.  He could either write to the company and explain their mistake or he could just play with them as they are.  He said he wanted to write a letter so I told him to start it with “Dear Sir.”  Off he went.  A little while later, he brought this letter to me:

He proudly mailed the letter yesterday and is waiting for their response.  Let’s hope they send one.

From the learning rooms…finishing up S week (we spent two weeks on this splendid letter!) and hoping to post one big blog to catch up on our Alphabet Path.

In the kitchen…homemade baking powder biscuits with sausage and smoothies.  A special Saturday morning treat.

I am wearing…gray shorts and a blue t-shirt.  Proper workout attire.

I am creating…a blog about our Lenten plans…hoping to get it posted before Lent is over!

I am going…to adoration this afternoon and looking forward to a few moments of peace with the Prince of Peace.

I am reading…Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade.

I am listening…to the dishwasher running, the rhythmic click of Andrew’s swing as he naps, William asking me to get him some tape, and Joseph reading his “shopping list” to me as he runs around the playroom trying to find all the things on his list.  I am amazed that I can listen to so many things at once.

I am looking forward to…visiting this quaint little quilt shop in Austin again.  Mom discovered Kim’s shop, Hennig House Quilt Shop, this past December and took the boys and me out to visit while were were there last month.  Kim’s shop is awesome!  It’s filled with beautiful quilts, delightful fabrics, and lots of patterns to spark your creativity.  Kim just recently published her first book Story Time: Picture Books to Stir a Child’s Imagination.  It is filled with incredible applique patterns for making children’s quilts.  I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with Kim, while the boys enjoyed the opportunity to feed Kim’s goats.  If you’re in the Austin area, add Kim’s shop to your list as a must-visit.

Around the house…tried soaking the shower curtain liner (one of those fabric microfiber ones) in Oxy-Clean.  Didn’t get it clean.  Put it out in the sun to bleach it.  Still didn’t get it clean.  Already tried Nature Bright.  I guess I may have to finally give in and use a little Clorox.  Or just buy a new liner.

I am remembering…a tiny little blessing born three years ago.

It’s hard to believe that we just celebrated his 3rd birthday.  Happy Birthday Alex!  (Thanks for letting us help blow out your candles!)

One of my favorite things…little babies…here’s Stephanie with little Harrison, who just recently turned 2 months old.

Here are some pictures for thought I am sharing…