~~~~The Simple Woman's Daybook~~~~

For Today:  Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am hearing.....

the heat kicking on.  I am not a fan of putting the heat on too early in the Fall as it seems to lead to dry skin, static everywhere, chapped lips, etc., but it was feeling really cold in this house last night.  My numb feet could attest to this.

I am wearing......

light blue long sleeved jammie tee, and light blue striped jammie pants.  I also have my sage green throw over my shoulders.  With the heat on, I am still chilly. I would love to move to Florida....if my entire family would come with us.  Guess I better adapt to the cold.

Outside my window......

seems cloudy so far.  And it's only about 46 degrees.....brrrrrr.

(I miss summer!)

I am thinking.......

I miss summer!....and I hope we can get through these cold viruses soon, so we can start enjoying some of the fun outdoor events of Fall.

Thankful for..............

a positive attitude yesterday.  Even though we couldn't make it to the Fall Festival like we usually do (because of Evan and I being sick), Alexa came up with the idea of decorating for Halloween.  And so that, along with watching some fun Halloween movies, eating popcorn, ordering pizza, putting on a Halloween CD and jamming with Glow Sticks to Monster Mash and other "Scary" tunes, saved the day from being a total bummer.  My kids were rockin' out in the dark with glowing rings all over their bodies.  They used the glow sticks as drum sticks, and had a blast.

I am reading...........

Caddie Woodlawn.  I am working my way through all the books on our shelves.  I need to get some grown up reads, I really do, but in the meantime, I read what's available.  I am really enjoying books....more than I have in years!

In my prayers...........

my mom and aunt who are on retreat.....for their safe return home.  For my dad, whose health always concerns me.  I'm so glad I got to talk to him last night.  It was a short conversation because I have laryngitis, but at least he knows I was thinking of him, as always.  For all unborn babies everywhere.  That they will be welcomed into the world by their loving mothers and fathers and seen as the true gift they are.

I was hoping.....

to participate in the prolife chain that reaches across our town today.  We always try to participate in the prayer chain, showing our support for an end to the tragedy of abortion.  But being sick this year means we'll have to miss. 

I am hoping......

The 40 Days for Life recently began, so I hope to be a physical part of that sometime over the next few weeks.  The innocent victims of abortion are always in our prayers, but I would like to more fully participate, once we are well, by praying outside the local abortion clinic.

From the kitchen..........

bbq chicken pizza, pulled bbq chicken sandwiches, salsa chicken, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, green pepper casserole etc.  Back to the warm-your-house-and-tummy recipes of the cold weather months.

As for education.......

(prepare yourself for some bragging)  my oldest attends public high school.  She did so well last school year that her GPA earned her an award at her school.  There were only 60 in the school of 2000!  We are proud of her hard work and dedication. 

Skylar is taking classes at a nearby church and she is enjoying herself (and learning) a lot.  The classroom environment is fairly new to her (other than CCD and VBS) and she's handling it well.  She's made a few friends, too. 

And Alexa is working hard on her schoolwork.  She's a bright girl and works well independantly, for the many of her subjects.

  Evan hasn't had "school" for the past week due to illness.  Colds...go away!  Right now!

please?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The liturgical year.....

Feast of The Guardian Angels:

Angel of God, My Guardian Dear,

To whom God's love commits me here,

Ever this day, be at my side,

To light and guard

To rule and guide

Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For more Daybook Entries, stop by Peggy's. :)

I hope your weekend is/was cozy and enjoyable!  Make every day count!

TTFN

~Tina

Back to the Daybooks

For Today, Sunday, August 14, 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Outside my window.... it's a dreary, rainy Sunday morning. The perfect day to sleep in, especially since we go to the 11:30 Mass. But can someone please tell that to Evan? He was up at 6:45. :/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am wearing..... light blue striped pajama pants, and light blue T, ankle socks and my hair is up in a messy pony tail.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am hearing......the faint sound of Pink Panther on TV in the other room. Evan is watching it. I told him if he wanted to wake up that early, he would have to sit downstairs and watch a show so as to not wake everyone else. I am beginning to hear some stirring upstairs in the girls room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am thinking.....about this coming school year, and what clubs the kids will be in, and what classes they'll be taking. I need to work on some sort of schedule. But it's tough when I'm so desperately trying to hold onto what's left of summer. Summer......don't leave me!!!!!!!! I thought you were my friend!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am hoping..... we get some nice weather over these upcoming last weeks of summer. We still need to hit the fair, Splashdown, and we have a family reunion to get to.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Plans for today.....Mass at 1130, continuation of writing out school plans for the first nine weeks, I should start thinking what to make for dinner, too. Since it's supposed to be raining all day, I think we'll probably stay in, other than John's trip to Costco and the kids and I heading to Mass.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later this week.....it looks like rain, or a chance of rain almost every day this week. There is one rain-free day midweek, so I hope we can get to the fair that day. We might take Alexa's friend bowling with us on one of the many rainy days. And the dollar movie's are on Tuesday and Wednesday. We also have a doctor appt. for Taylor and Sky has karate. I would like to have one of Sky's friends over this week, too and I'm sure my oldest will get together with her boyfriend a few times.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

School prep...... most of the curriculum is ordered or already here. I stuck with the same old same old for most subjects (if it ain't broke, don't fix it), but Alexa and Sky are going to be working with me 3 days a week on American History. We are using From Sea to Shining Sea from CHC. Looking over it last night, it looks pretty good. We'll also add real stories/books to it. And I hope to take some field trips as the History lessons get into more recent history. I think they'll remember it more that way. Evan is Kindergarten level and I'm still trying to decide on his Phonics program. Everything else is set for him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am thankful for......this wonderful summer we have had, vacation in PA with our family, the health of those I love, especially my children and parents. Also for the rain, since everything that grows outside was beginning to look dead. Our grass looks like straw. I'm thankful for the VRE and this city we live in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the kitchen.....pasta, steaks and hot dogs on the grill (if we get a break in the rain, because I am not standing out there on the deck, over the grill with an umbrella again.....yeah I did that last week), veggie pizza, not sure what else. I'm not ready for Fall, but I am ready for the change that Fall brings to our menu.....Stuffed Pepper Casserole, Salsa Chicken, BBQ Pulled Chicken...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reflecting on last week.....Alexa had her dance camp and loved it! I have a video of the dance show but can't find a way to upload it because the file is too big. John mentioned something about "zipping" it, but the only thing I zip are my jeans, so he'll have to school me on that one. I'll keep you posted.

Our 19th Wedding Anniversary was last week, too. He bought me dark pink roses and I bought him an engraved pen. We went out to dinner.

I did a little Christmas shopping last week....just a few things. And bought some supplies at Joann Fabrics to make a few gifts.

I organized the bookshelves and decided on which ones to give away/sell. Last week was not too exciting for the kids, except Alexa.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A picture to share....

Greeting each other after our trip to PA without Daddy. Evan sure missed him!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For other Daybook Entries, stop by here.

Have a great day! And make it special!
TTFN

~Tina

Summer Time.......Well Spent

At the end of the school year, if not earlier, we begin looking forward to summer. In our somewhat distorted and "wishful thinking" memories, we see summer as endless days of great weather, just waiting to be filled with camps, vacations, pool days, cookouts, play dates, reading just for the fun of it, and anything else we can think of. But, if we are realistic, we know that summer usually seems to slip by all too quickly and we are left with that feeling of "where did it go?"....just like when you eat an entire bowl of rocky road ice cream, then look down in disbelief, trying to solve the mystery. You are pretty sure you enjoyed that big bowl of sweet deliciousness, but you just didn't pay attention to every bite. Sometimes, you just went through the motions without being fully aware of just how tasty it was. I want to be aware of this summer. Actually I want to be aware always, but we'll just start with this summer. So it's not just about the plans, some of which I'll list below, it's about the focus....the attention. Am I in the moment? Big or small, am I really there? Am I focused on who is there with me? Am I taking in the people, the conversations, the sights, the sounds, the smells and even the tastes? Here's some "places" I plan to be this summer.

• celebrate Alexa's 9th, Evan's 4th and John's 4o~something.... birthdays
• visit with my dad and his wife and my siblings and their families at my dad's house in the country
• participate in our church's first VBS in 10 years
• grow veggies in a container garden with the kids
• take the children bowling at least a few times on those hot hot days
• get the children signed up for our summer reading program at the library...then READ, READ, READ
• have a blast at the U2 concert in Pittsburgh with the best sister EVER
• spend the day at Kennywood with my kids, my mom and my brother and his family....(one time on the Thunderbolt and some Potato Patch Fries and my day will be made)
• go to the county fair
• help the children enter some of their art and handcrafts in the fair
• go to the theater to see some dollar movies with friends
• see the fireworks from a cozy spot on our blanket on the museum lawn. Have a little picnic there, too, and don't forget the glowsticks! Bring lots to share!
• create some rosary bracelets
• share some chapter books with Alexa (her reading to me) a chapter a night.
• catch fireflies
• make and eat s'mores
• grill out as often as possible
• Farmers Market!!!!!
• children start on Christmas gifts
• daily outside time, no matter how hot it is, even just for a little while.....vitamin D intake!
• make one trip to our local waterpark
• Sky and Alexa need to have a lemonade stand. Actually I need them to, as a necessary part of their childhood.
• Alexa gets to dance her little hip hop heart out at a local dance camp. She can't wait.

I kinda cheated on this list. Some of these can already be checked off. Alexa's birthday was so fun! Had a blast seeing everyone at my dad's! Yummy s'mores....enjoying the farmer's market and grilling out on the deck. etc. I took lots of photos and I hope I can post at least some of them. It's been a fantastic summer so far! It's been really hot and muggy at times and Alexa and Sky have both had bouts with illnesses. But summer isn't perfect, but it is awesome. And we are making as many living-in-the-moment memories as possible.

Hope you enjoy your holiday weekend! Make it special!

TTFN

~Tina

Another Spring Daybook

For today: May 23rd, 2011

~~~~~~

I am wearing: soft stretchy yoga-type pants in navy blue and an orange T. Not that I worked out our anything, don't be silly. That stretchy, soft material is super-comfy for sleeping in, too, and I just haven't gotten dressed yet.

Outside my window: sunny and warm at the moment. Going to be in the 80s all week, but every day brings the chance of a thunderstorm. I'm ok with that. It's still beautiful most of the day.

Our front yard looks great! This past weekend, John mowed, Sky and Evan pulled weeds with me, and Evan and I freshened up the landscaping. We trimmed bushes, picked up sticks that fell during the winter and layed mulch.

It looks like somebody actually lives here now. :)

I am hearing: WowWow Wubbzy on the TV in the other room. And some chatter of young girls upstairs. I think they are trying to avoid the inevitable start to their school day. But they'll get hungry and have to come down at some point.

I am thinking: about upcoming birthdays, planting our container vegetable gardens, CVBS at our church, making a trip to my dad's at some point, testing for the girls, curriculum choices for next school year, trip to PA this summer to do loads of fun stuff with family and possibly see a friend or two, John at his new job, and Taylor not feeling so great last night. Lots on my mind...

From the kitchen: I need to get to the store. But this week I plan on making BBQ chicken pizzas, grilled chicken salads, tilapia/rice. I look forward to getting my grill up and running again, too. This weekend we'll probably have burgers and turkey dogs, a veggie tray, s'mores and hopefully loads of fruit from the farmer's market.

I am praying for: the health of my parents, John's sister, my sister-in-laws mom in FL, people all over the world and in this country suffering from natural disasters....and many other things.

Our Memorial Day plans: We had plans for Sunday to meet up with my siblings at my dad's. We were really looking forward to it, but that got messed up and it's very disappointing. We'll make the best of it and have the whole weekend here.

I plan on grilling burgers and turkey dogs and making up a fruit tray and possibly veggies, too. We are trying to eat much healthier lately, (especially minimizing sugar and fat intake). We might go to a pool or have some sort of water battle in the yard with squirt guns and water balloons. We'll see.

I am hoping: to get all of the girls' testing done this week so we can get on with SUMMER!

Plans for the week: finish testing girls, get our container gardens started, grocery shopping, cleaning the grill and cleaning off the deck in preparation for this weekend, bathing suit shopping for girls?, and work on Father's Day gifts. Oh and I need a haircut and the van needs an oil change. Evan has his final preK group meeting Thursday morning. It will be an end of year party! Sky has karate, too.

From the schoolroom: testing! and wrapping things up for this school year. We might do math every other week this summer, but somehow, the kids aren't too fond of that plan. Go figure...

Planning our summer: CVBS, Alexa and Evan's birthday parties, dance camp for Alexa (maybe), trip to my dad's and to the lake near his house, trip to PA (Kennywood, nephew BD party and U2 concert with my sister!~ oh yeah!), organizing school room, planning and ordering curriculum, trips into DC on VRE, etc....

I am reading: some books I purchased from the festival at our church. The one I'm reading now is a biography about Blessed Pope John Paul II, but I can't remember what it's called at the moment.

Some recent happenings: Evan's preschool group had an exciting visit from the fire dept. last week. The 4 firefighters were very good with the kids taught them about fire safety. They also took them outside to see their fire truck. so fun!

Taylor teched for a play at her school last week, which means she was extremely busy, tired and having fun with her friends.

I celebrated my birthday last week (same day as Bl. Pope JP II~he was born exactly 50 years before me!) at Red Robin with John and the kids. It was a blast!

John started his new job. He's taking the train and metro to get there, which is much less stressful than driving around here. He likes it so far!

Pictures to share:

(the kids and I at Red Robin for my little birthday dinner last week~John took the photo)

(Evan lovin' Taylor's new gorilla friend)

Enjoy your week! Make it special!

For more Daybook Entries, go to:

Peggy's!

TTFN

~Tina

An Optimistic Daybook :)

For Today: Monday, April 4, 2011

~~~~~~~

I am hearing:

The coffee maker making me some wake-me-up goodness. And Curious George on TV in the other room.

I am wearing:

Jeans, black stripey socks, and a brown long-sleeved T. I'll probably be changing the shirt, though. Supposed to get pretty warm today!

I am feeling:

Happy about today's weather and a very full week ahead. Also tired, from not getting enough sleep last night.

I am thinking:

I wish we had creamer. I'm not a fan of coffee without it. :( I do have deeper thoughts rolling around in my head, but this is at the front of my brain right now.

I am smelling:

Evan's cinnamon toast waffles, my blueberry oatmeal and coffee. Oh yeah.

Plans for today:

Today is nature club for all and Evan's first soccer practice is this evening (SO CUTE!) and usually Sky's karate, but we have to skip it to see how long soccer practice is. The timing might not work out and don't want to leave either child stranded.

Later this week:

an appt. for the younger girls, a meeting for me, more soccer practice, karate, preschool group for Evan, girls club for Alexa and Sky, a birthday party and also Stations of the Cross on Friday night. Saturday we want to go see HOP! and then Sunday the girls have their last CCD classes for the year so there's a party (note to self...buy ccd teacher gifts this week). Then next Monday the girls have a Lent Retreat after morning Mass.

The liturgical year:

Sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, the girls upcoming Lent retreat, might go to confession this Saturday instead of waiting for the Penance Service.

I am hoping:

to get to my dads.....finally. thinking next Tuesday but have to wait on the weather to see for sure.

I am reading:

Not much. Does reading to Evan count? I'm just reading my lenten devotional, but I'm ordering some books from Amazon sooooooon. There are a couple in my shopping cart that I'm anxious to get!

Shopping:

grocery store for food for us. Also need to get end of year teacher gifts and a birthday gift for Skylar's friend. At some point soon I'll need to get our gardening stuff so we can plant veggies in big pots on the deck. Can't wait for that! And I should start thinking of what everyone will need to wear for Easter Mass, too. Too much to think about.....my brain hurts.

From the kitchen:

well, not sure. Grocery store tomorrow, so I better think fast!

Picture to share:

Evan made this tunnel for his train. He was very proud of it.....as he should be. It was awesome!For more Daybook entries, stop by Peggy's.

Have a great week, everyone!

TTFN

~Tina

A (somewhat grumpy) Daybook

For Today (or tonight): March 28, 2011

Outside my window: dark and cold. It's Spring but really feels like winter. It's annoying.

I am wearing: big, baggy, comfy flannel PJs. "Why would I wear flannel in Spring", you ask? See above.....and it's still annoying.

I am feeling: that's easy....annoyed....... with the weather. And tired, and concerned for my sick children and frustrated with not being able to get up to my dad's house like we planned 2 months ago. So as to not make this the most depressing Daybook ever, I should also state that I'm feeling blessed in many ways too. (maybe this wasn't the best time to do a Daybook)

From the kitchen: Nothing special because I can't get to the store at the moment. ummmm.....let's see..... Tonight we all had Lean Cuisine that John picked up at Costco yesterday. I am blessed that he went there and that he purchased those frozen dinners. They were a lifesaver tonight. The rest of the week's dinners are "your guess is as good as mine". There's stuff in there, so don't fret for my children. I just don't have a "plan".

From the schoolroom: The basics are still coming along nicely, but Sky didn't do school today, because of her throat. I still think we'll be done by Memorial Day. YES!

Liturgical year plans and celebrations: We've been going to Stations of the Cross every Friday so far. That helps me keep on track with my focus this lent. The girls have some Lent retreats coming up, if they are well enough to go. No teatimes lately.

From the yard: Spring "looks" like it's begun, but doesn't feel like it. It's beautiful....the blooms, the buds, the birds and small animals all around the yard. Can't wait to start our container gardens and flower boxes!

I am thinking: I need to go to bed. No deep thoughts flowing tonight.

I am hearing: The sound machine, the heater, Evan breathing heavily.....and my conscience telling me to go to bed.

I am planning: .....you guessed it....on going to bed. Beyond that we have doctor appt. tomorrow and I've started looking into some summer fun activities. Summer makes me smile.....a really big smile.

I am reading: a Lent devotional. Can't remember the name of it. It's small and purple. That's all I remember. Oh....I think it's in the Amazon spinny wheel thing in my sidebar. Check there if you're interested. It's a good little book.

Praying for: my children to get well, a trip to my dad's to finally pan out, and Spring to come once and for all. Many more intentions, of course.

A picture thought I am sharing:......not this time....too tired.

Good night.

And for more Daybook entries, stop by Peggy's. :)

Have a great week!

Daybook at Night

For Today: February 21, 2011

I am thinking: about the weather and wondering what we will find when we wake up in the morning. They are calling for two or three inches of snow, but we'll just have to wait and see what we actually get right here.

Outside my window: very cold and very dark. Snow is falling as this February night reminds us it is still Winter.

I am wearing: cornflower blue flannel PJs with an offwhite floral print. I'm also wearing a brown long sleeved T and high black socks. No matchy matchy at the moment....it's all about comfort tonight.

I am hearing: the sound of Evan breathing, then steady hum of the sound machine and my own clicky clack typing on this keyboard. I was hearing some nasty frozen something or other falling from the sky, but I think it has turned to a silent snowfall now.

I am praying for: my oldest daughter, still suffering from a virus that is causing terrible pain in her throat along with congestion and it's majorly wiping her out. I'm beginning to see a doctor visit in the not-so-distant future.....like tomorrow, if the weather cooperates. Also for my sister-in-law who was in a car accident, but thankfully she's okay. And John's sister who is so strong, but battling so much on a daily basis. And for my dad, of course, whose health always concerns me. There are others, too, in need of prayers, like my sister-in-law in FL whose mom has Alzheimers....... such a horrible disease.

I am remembering: Having some fun with the kids at the Cabaret this weekend. It was put on by our church and Taylor worked "behind the scenes" as an assistant stage manager. So the other three kids and I enjoyed popcorn and candy as we saw musical numbers, skits and the very funny improv group. We were surprised to see Skylar's best friend's dad was one of the improv comedians! We talked to him before and after the show. We also ran into other friends there. It was a really nice time. We would have loved for John to join us, but he had lots of studying to do and with us all out, he was left with a quiet house and a great environment for focus and concentration. :)

I am planning: some Lent activities, lessons, stories, teatimes, meals etc.

I want to remember: John making the effort to come to Mass this weekend....and the wonderfully kind thing he did while we were there. Unfortunately we were there without Taylor. :( We prayed for her during Mass, of course.

Looking forward to: seeing my dad and his wife AND my grandma soon.....road trip!

So thankful for: my dad's health. We had a bit of a scare recently. Immensely thankful that he is okay. Thankful for good health for all my family....and hoping Taylor is well soon.

From the kitchen: Went to SuperTarget today AND John went to Costco......rarely does that happen on the same day. So we are fully stocked for food (and meds). This week we'll have.....homemade pizzas, pulled bbq chicken in the crock pot, soup, chicken tenders and fries, pasta and sauce, stuffed pepper casserole. all yummy stuff

I am hoping: Taylor gets well soon and that they cancel her school for tomorrow so she doesn't have to officially miss another day. Missing school bothers her a lot as she doesn't want to get too far behind in her work. But she's smart and consciencious so I think she just needs to focus on getting better.
A picture thought I am sharing.......

My sweet, sweet little boy

For more daybook entries, stop by Peggy's.

TTFN

~Tina

My Word 2011

I've been reading a lot of blog posts about choosing a word as sort of a theme or focal point for the year. It seems simpler than a specific New Year's resolution, and probably easier to stick to, or at least easier to come back to, if you have a setback. I don't know when this started. Maybe people have been choosing an annual word for years and I've just been oblivious to it. That's not out of the realm of possibility.

This year, I thought I'd give it a try, but let me tell you, it's not easy. I have been thinking and thinking and praying and just coming up with so many that would work well for me. I guess that shows how many areas of my life are in need of improvement. ;) I could choose patience, serve, surrender, give, peace, calm or pray. But in trying to think of my word, I thought to myself, "I need to listen to God's word for me. I'm asking Him what it should be, but am I listening?"

And there is was....like one of those moments where a soft light shines down from above on the person who finally got the message. I could practically hear a chorus of angels singing as it hit me.

LISTEN....that is my word.

Kind of ironic isn't it? I do need to listen...first and foremost to God. When I ask Him, I need to listen to the response. When I make choices in my every day life, I need to listen to that voice that tells me if it's not what God would want me to do. Or that feeling I get when I'm doing things I shouldn't be doing like getting angry in traffic or gossiping in front of my children, or staying up too late at night (btw...what time is it?...eek). I need to listen and acknowledge that it's a message from God.

And when people talk to me....family, friends, neighbors, the mail carrier, a cashier, the UPS guy, anyone ....I need to shush up and listen. Especially when my husband or children talk to me about their day or just what's on their mind at that moment, I need to listen. I need to really, really be there, in that moment, listening....taking in what they are saying. And I need to make sure I do not interrupt as I listen. When we listen to others, we show them we care. They are important. We love them. What they have to say matters.

So there's my word for 2011....my first "word of the year" ever. Listen.

Do you have a word for 2011? Do share. I promise, I'll listen. :)
TTFN
~Tina

*~*~*A Simple Woman's Daybook*~*~*

For Today: December 13, 2010

First Snow Edition

I am wearing: Light blue, striped jammie pants and a long sleeved blue T. High black socks and two hairbands on my wrist. As you can tell, I'm not exactly ready for the day.

I am thinking: of how we only have 2 weeks left until Christmas and although I still have plenty to do, I want to savor every minute of it. It's such a fun and memory-making time of year.

I am hearing: The heater running, Evan watching Arthur's Christmas in the other room, and the garbage truck outside (at least I think it's the garbage truck).

I am praying for: peace.....in our home, in this country, in the world.

From the kitchen: leftovers tonight (pulled chicken and bruchetta chicken), and beyond that.....let's just say I need a trip to the store. Lots of baking and candy making will happen this week.

The liturgical year celebrations: Today is the Feast of Saint Lucy. A Teatime and candle rolling sound just about perfect for it. Maybe we can make some "candle cookies" too. We'll see what time allows for.

Plans for later this week: hmmmm.....karate and preschool group, Christmas shopping, baking and perhaps a trip to walk through Old Town (if the temps warm up a tad). It's so pretty in Old Town this time of year.

There's also a Drive Through Nativity this coming weekend that I'd like to check out. It's being put on by a local church.

Skylar's Birthday is tomorrow! And even though it is, she is going with her Squire Roses group to sing Christmas Carols and help with Bingo at a local nursing home. She's got a big heart. Her birthday party will be this Saturday.

I am remembering: family members that have passed away and will be missed this Christmas. I want to remember them, and talk about them as we celebrate.

I am reading: The Advent Reflections book I mentioned last time. I can't remember the name of it and it's up in my room. It's been a nice way to begin or end the day, depending on my day.

Also reading Jotham's Journey with Alexa and Sky. That's a very interesting Advent journey. We read Tabitha's Travels last year and I used to read it to Taylor when she was younger, but in the Spring, we invested in Jotham's Journey and Barthomew's Passage. We'll do Bartholomew next year. So glad I have the whole series. These are worth passing down to grandchildren.

I am enjoying: this Advent season with all it's preparations. And seeing Christmas through my childrens eyes.

I am thankful for: this warm house. I opened the door to see John off this morning and WOW is it cold! And such a bitter wind is blowing!

From the schoolroom: Still going on with the basics so we don't fall behind. I hope to do some "Christmas School" with Evan this week. Should be fun!

A Picture Thought:

Right after we decorated the tree this year, the kids got a little silly and "creative" in posing for pictures. :)

For more Daybook entries, stop by Peggy's

Have a wonderful day!

TTFN

~Tina

~~An Advent Daybook~~

For today: December 6th, 2010

Outside my window: dark and freezing cold. So windy, too....brrr.

I am wearing: warm, comfy light blue flannel jammies.

I am hearing: the heater and that's all. Everyone else is tucked into their cozy beds.

I am thinking: how much longer should I stay up? Not much.

I am planning: our Advent activities. Haven't started the actual Advent chain yet, but we've been doing the activities every day. I've just been sort of announcing it, once I make up my mind for what will work for that day. We've had a lot of fun so far!

From the schoolroom: making sure we stick to the basics, at least, during these busy days. Also, reading comprehension for both girls clearly has a Christmas theme going. They're likin' it. I've been very lax with Evan in the way of "formal schooling" lately. Makes me very appreciative of his weekly pre-K group. :)

From the kitchen: We have a pretty good routine going now, for cold weather meals. Lots of healthy comfort food. But with the Advent season comes lots of baking and candy making and celebrating, so "healthy" is going a tad bit by the wayside for the next few weeks. And the house is smelling goooooooood!

Plans for the week: Pre-K and karate as usual.....baking, gift-making, perhaps a snowman or peppermint day....putting up our little christmas village.....so much to enjoy, it's hard to choose!

I am reading: Advent and Christmas stories with the kids and Light the World, Daily Meditations for Advent for me.

I am happy: that I got to have a nice conversation with my dad tonight.

Looking forward to: a trip home to be with our families sometime this holiday season.

I am thankful for: my mother's visit over Thanksgiving weekend, and a little beyond. We had a wonderful time with her and she was such a help to us. Love you, Mom!

I am enjoying: the lights on the tree and the fireplace, and the warmth of our home, the comfort of my bed.....where I am headed soon. (can you tell I'm getting tired?)

A picture thought:

Evan discovers the little treasures left by "Saint Nicholas". He was especially pleased with his nutcracker.

Hope you are warm and safe and enjoying your Advent with those you love. For more Daybook entries stop by Peggy's and have a look. :)

TTFN

~Tina

A Couple of Advent Sites

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has posted an online Advent Calendar with meditations, readings and prayers to help you keep your focus this Advent Season. And EWTN has theirs posted HERE. Both sites provide many opportunities for reflection during this holy season.

Advent is a time of preparation, yet it feels like I need to be prepared for Advent, so we can fully prepare for the coming of Christ. So as much as I am preparing the house, pantry and fridge for Thanksgiving, I am also preparing my Advent plans so we can prepare our hearts for Christmas.

I'm thinking we need to keep it simple this year. I'm sure I say this every year. But really, trying to do too much or too many things just complicates and stresses. Simple, simple, simple. After all Jesus birth is the reason for Christmas and the reason for all of the celebrating. It should be done in a way that brings families closer together and closer to Him. I need to watch what kind of example I am to my children as Advent moves on. Where is my focus?

Every Advent for at least the last few years, I have made an Advent chain. Each link has something we will do or enjoy on that day. Alexa, especially, loves this tradition. I start by looking at local events that our church is putting on, and also community events. Another important thing is planning Skylar's birthday party, as it fall right in the middle of Advent and I'm careful not to look at is as "one more thing to check off my list". We truly need to focus on her that day. So I make an advent calendar, that I keep hidden in my planning notebook, of all the major events of the season. Then I fill in with some of our family traditions. And from there I add days for slowly decorating, an occasional favorite Christmas movie night, and baking/candy making days. Although it sounds like a lot, many things on the chain are things we need to do anyway. Such as wrapping gifts, putting up the tree, decorating outside, mailing the Christmas cards. There are really just a handful of things that take us away from the house for "events".

I wrote more about our Advent traditions here. Hope that your Advent plans are coming along nicely. Have a wonderful weekend!

TTFN
~Tina

To Help With Your Holiday Planning

Look at this little gem of a website. I discovered this just in time for the upcoming holidays. I've already printed out many pages to make my own holiday planning notebook. Can't wait to get started filling in the pages! It's called ORGANIZED CHRISTMAS and I'm loving it so far. I especially love the PLANNER PAGES but there are useful tips, articles, recipes, gift ideas and a variety of printables in addition to the planner pages. Check it out. And starting this early I'm bound to have it together this Christmas. Right?

TTFN
~Tina

The Simple Woman's Daybook

September 20, 2010

Outside my window.....it's an overcast morning and it's kinda chilly. But it's supposed to be a beautiful sunny Autumn day!

I am wearing.....not dressed yet....still in light blue, cotton jammie pants, white cotton ankle socks, a light blue cotton T and my summer robe. Nice and cozy....but I do need to get dressed soon. It's a Monday, after all, and there is lots to do.

I am hearing.....Evan breathing. He is sitting here beside me, all snuggly as I type. He's half asleep and has a cold. Poor little guy. :(

I am reading.....nothing right now. Not even on Facebook or reading blogs much lately. Just too busy.

Our school days.....are more structured now. Not completely by the clock, more by a certain order to the day. And, although the schedule varies from day to day, there is still a comfortable pattern to them. We are up earlier now, too, which is very helpful. We basically start the day with breakfast, rosary, then I assign the girls their "on their own" schoolwork and they are off. Then Evan and I begin his preschool. After about an hour, I ring the snack bell. Then it's back to work for all. I work with Alexa to do a couple of subjects, while Evan plays or works on something quiet (hopefully) beside us. Then I fix lunch while Evan and Alexa play together. Lunch bell rings and brings happy, hungry faces to the table. The kids get recess after that, while mom cleans up, checks email, moves laundry, makes "business" calls, etc. Then they come back in and I work with Skylar. Now, on days where we have extra curricular activities, that is altered a bit. This schedule is working pretty well, so far. Yay!

I am thinking about.....how I wish I lived closer to my family. I would love to be able to get together, just to get together. I would love to go to my neices and nephew's sporting events and recitals etc. And I'd love for family to make it to my children's activities. I try not to think about it too much, because there is so much to be thankful for. I know I just need to "bloom where I am planted". I'm trying.

Plans for the week include.....karate, Evan's preschool group (if he's well enough), a teatime? and PE for Alexa. Taylor has practice for her play every day after school this week, so I'll need to pick her up. This is our "light week". Every other week is heavier with activities. Weeks like these will be our chance to keep school on track and enjoy a teatime, art and poetry lessons, extra playdates or a nature walk. :)

I am thankful for.....our new church! It's beautiful! And I'm thankful for our church's homeschool group. There are clubs for all my kids and the clubs work so well with our schedule this year. It's a long story, but I felt compelled to drop out of a co-op that we had been a part of for years. We didn't fit in there any more (not sure we ever did). But, when one door closes, God opens another! So true! I'm so happy to be meeting new people and my children are making new friends. Plus we are getting back in touch with some old ones. It's all coming together so nicely.

Makes me happy......Taylor transitioned into high school so well! She's making lots of new friends and even got a part (one of the few available) in the school's Fall play!

I am hoping.....that my husband got a good night's sleep.

From the kitchen....homemade pizza, pasta, hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, quesadillas and London Broil (courtesy of Costco) with Skylar's homemade mashed potatoes on the side...yummy.

For more daybook entries go to...

The Simple Woman's Daybook page

and enjoy!!!

TTFN

~Tina

File Folder Preschool Fun

I found some file folder games and neat FREE printables online to use to enhance Evan's schooling this year. One of the websites is http://www.filefolderfun.com/ . This site is filled with many different games and activities based on many different themes. I printed out some easier games for him to do on his own while I am working with his sisters, and some more challenging ones for us to do together.

The Monster Manners game had to be "altered" a bit. It comes with several monsters holding signs. Some of the signs have kind words printed on them, and some have rude and selfish words.
The game came with two pockets in which to sort them. One had "under the bed", the other had "in the closet". The child determines that if it's kind words, the monster can go under the bed, not so kind goes in the closet. I really don't need to put those ideas in Evan's head, so we focused on how our words make other's feel. I made happy and sad faced pockets for Evan to put the sorted monster cards into. I think he'll enjoy it and it will teach him about the power of words.

Another game is for sorting shapes. It's based on a Fall Leaves theme. This is one Evan could do on his own, once I show him how.

(The "pockets" I picked up at the dollar store. They have come in very handy.)

To make this game, you cut out and glue the leaves with the shape designs on them to the inside of the folder (below), then have the child match the coordinating leaves (above) to the ones pictured below.

There are so many themes to choose from at a variety of skill levels. Outer Space....
Animals......

Apples.... Dinosaurs..... Harvest Time/Thanksgiving.....
The list goes on and on. I'm looking forward to using these with Evan! Can't wait to get our new school year started! Only one week left for us! How about you?

TTFN
~Tina

Flying By

I can't believe it is July 7th already. Wow. That's another summer that is just flying by. I want to make it slow down! But I think maybe I just need to speed up. Well, in some ways, anyway. For instance, I need to get moving on plans for the rest of the summer. Not every little detail for every day, just the trips and other "big stuff" on the calendar. Then I really need to get my plans for next year in order. Really quick-like! Partly because I have to turn our paperwork into the schools by Aug. 1 and partly because it really bothers me having that looming over my head. I also need to go to the garage and pull out all the curriculum I have stored out there and see what will work for this year. I'll have to hop on over to Amazon, CHC and Seton and order the rest. The schoolroom is beggin' to be cleaned out, as is the girls room....oh and the garage, ugh! Okay.....breathe.

Well, we have done some fun things this summer. I'll focus on that for a minute. Early summer (actually Spring) we went to Disneyworld with family. We visited John's brother and sister-in-law on our way. SO good to see them. And we had a BLAST in Disney!!!! (But, then we came home to Alexa and Evan sick with a stomach virus.) :P

After that passed, we celebrated Alexa making her First Holy Communion! That was such a special day!!! And we had some grandparents here to share in that with us.

A week later, my dad and his wife came down. We always have a nice time with them. I'm still a "daddy's girl" ;) and I always will be.

We made an unexpected trip to PA to be there for a family emergency. So relieved and thankful that all is going well in that area. We celebrated Alexa's Birthday with my brother and his family, my in-laws, and my mom at a restaurant in PA. That was a fun evening.

When we came back to VA, Alexa had a birthday party with a couple of friends. She didn't want that party to end. It was such a girly, silly, happy, giggly day! Perfect for a girl turning 8. :)

We had another illness hit our family....just the kids. It was intense, but luckily, shortlived. After a couple of days, all were okay again.

We went to Old Town to celebrate the 4th of July. That is also John's birthday, so we gave him his gifts at home beforehand. He loved all the gifts, but especially the Captain America Shirt from the girls (fitting that he was born on the 4th of July), and the toy Superheroes from Evan. That night, we saw the most amazing fireworks EVER! Seriously! John and I were in awe. We had excellent seats too. Next year we plan to do the same thing.....get there by 6. Park in the school lot, get a seat on the lawn at the bottom of the hill below the little tree. And bring snacks and water and a few toys for Evan....perfect.

We enrolled in the library's summer reading program. The kids all enjoy reading (or in Evan's case, being read to). Taylor has some summer reading to do before she starts school, too. Skylar enjoys the Harry Potter series and the Percy Jackson and the Olympians books. Alexa's reading has taken off! She is enthralled with the Magic Treehouse books. She reads them to me sometimes. I'm so proud of her. Evan's latest thing is space. He's so interested in planets and rockets and the sun and moons. And Star Wars, of course.

We have put the pool out on the deck for the younger kids on some of these hot days, and I bought a charcoal grill, too. Been cooking hamburgers and hot dogs about once a week. Yummy. Popsicles are back in the freezer, and sometimes icecream too. We did make-your-own icecream sundaes for Alexa's birthday party. That was a hit! Taylor has been going here and there with friends. Sky is still working hard at karate.

So our summer is going well. We've done a lot, enjoyed many days and are trying to savor the many benefits of summertime. This is just my usual time to panic as I look at how fast it all seems to be going. I just need to take a deep breath and relax and find a balance between enjoying this summer break, and accomplishing some important tasks.

How is your summer going? Are you getting some major projects done? Are you enjoying the little things with your children?

I wish you all the best of times this summer!
TTFN
~Tina

A New Look.....

So, what do you think? I was getting bored with the looks of this blog, so I opted for some major changes. I like them, how about you?

I haven't posted for a while, but I still have SO much to say. Just have to find the time to say it. ;) We've been so busy with Easter, Confirmation, planning for First Holy Communion, a dance recital, testing, a HUGE trip to Florida to see family and enjoy a week at Walt Disney World, and now, unfortunately, illnesses. I plan on being back on track soon. So hang in there. I'll be back!

TTFN
~Tina

Our Advent Traditions

I thought I would take some time to write about our family Advent Traditions. They have developed over the course of our marriage and the raising of our children, but some of the traditions go back to our childhoods. And we enjoy sharing those with our children.

One of Alexa's favorite Advent traditions was started a couple of years ago. It is an Advent chain. I saw a similar idea over at By Sun and Candlelight. (Can't seem to link to it right now..argh). Anyway, I write out some fun activities onto strips of colored construction paper (purple for all weeks except the 3rd week, which is done in pink). I tape/staple those together as links, only one week at a time. The kids take turns, usually after lunch, tearing off and reading the words describing that day's activity on the inside of the link. They, especially Alexa, get so excited about it. I only write these out one week at a time, because plans sometimes (MANY times, actually) have to be changed at the last minute for some unforseen reason. We've had a lot of fun with this. The activities can be very simple and still be fun. Actually Alexa prefers the ones where we do something cozy at home.

I begin this process by checking local festivities in our city, along with the library, co-op events, and fun activities our church is putting on. I also put Skylar's BD party on the calendar right away, before anything else. So once these big events are written in, I fill in the other days with smaller, simpler ideas.

Here are some of the bigger, "away from home" activities for us this year:

• Saint Nicholas Day, celebration of saints (put on by a local Catholic school)
• Gingerbread House Decorating Party (put on by co-op friends)
• Old Town Christmas Carol Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Christmas Parade
• Advent Carols performed by our church choir and handbell choir
• Train Show in Old Town (this is followed by a stroll through the streets of Old Town to see the decorations, and hot chocolate when we get home!)
• A trip to the movies to see The Princess and the Frog (shhhh!)

There have been other things in past years, such as puppet shows at the library, or having a mini Christmas party with friends, or riding the Santa Train. And some of the outdoor activities are dependant upon the weather, too.

Some of our simpler and (mostly) Stay at Home Advent Activities include:

• Candy Cane Day ( read The Legend of the Candycane and make Peppermint Bark together as gifts for friends, and sip minty chocolate cocoa)
• Decorate the tree.
• Mom gets out most of the Christmas books and we read as much as we want together and drink hot chocolate.
• Read Night Tree by Eve Bunting, then bundle up and go into the yard and decorate our own trees with birdseed, suet and homemade bird feeders.
• One day, early in Advent, I bring in all the Nativities (our good set for the mantle, the Playmobil one for the older kids and Evan gets the Little People Nativity).
• Decorate for Advent....get the wreath out, change the colors on our family altar, etc.
• Make Christmas cookies for neighbors and to take to the Grandmas.
• Make candy and fudge...Yummy!
• Read The Legend of the Poinsettia, then make poinsettia clothespin fairies. We could turn this into a teatime (just might do that)
• Take a winter walk, after the Winter Solstice, and collect some things we find for our nature shelf.
• Stop and get donuts after Mass on Sunday.
• Watch certain favorite Christmas movies, either on TV or from our collection. I try not to let them watch too many Christmas specials, because it can get old....really fast.
• Watch the Juan Diego DVD that we own (link is in my sidebar) on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Make an ornament, or bookmark to remind us of this feast day.
• Read Country Angel Christmas by Tomie DePaola and make little paper angels and enjoy some delicious angel food cake along with a cup of hot tea!
• Decorate the outside of the house.
• Create Christmas gifts from crafts, as we listen to Christmas Carols.
• Take a tag off of the tree at church and purchase a gift or two for someone in need.
• Go to the grocery store to purchase rice, beans, pasta, etc. to donate.
• Watch Polar Express, stopping half way through to enjoy hot cocoa (just like in the movie).
• Have a Classic Claymation Christmas Night (very nostalgic for mommy and daddy). Watch a double or triple feature as we enjoy loads of popcorn.
• Present wrapping day!
• Teatime for St. Lucy. Roll homemade beeswax candles! Even young children can do this. And they make neat gifts, too.

I could probably go on and on and on....but I need to get to bed. If you have any ideas of your own, please feel free to leave a comment. My kids are always open to new fun things being added to our Advent chain. :)

May you have a very blessed Advent season.

TTFN

~Tina

~The Simple Woman's Daybook~

For Today: October 26, 2009

Outside my window....it's cold and the sun isn't up completely, yet. It's not raining, but it's quite cloudy.

I am thinking... that I wish Evan would be quieter in the mornings, so as to not wake his dad. But little boys and quiet do not go together.

I am thankful for... Taylor's co-op classes. She especially enjoys the drawing class. And she's very good at it.

I am wearing... comfortable jeans, socks, a long sleeved red T shirt and a hairband around my wrist. My hair is down at the moment. When it's up, I get too chilly.

I am remembering...the time we spent with my dad and his wife recently. It was a nice trip, always is, but my dad wasn't feeling well, so I'm hoping he's feeling better now. We had a nice time visiting my grandmother, too. And as a bonus, I got to see my rather comical uncle. :-)

I am going... to take Taylor to co-op Science and Art classes....then to Target. Later this week, a few karate classes, dance class, stop by the church and possibly shopping for shoes for all my kids. I'm sure there is more I'm forgetting, but that's enough to think about for now, anyway.

I am reading...the Catholic paper that we get through our church, and Women's Day and Good Housekeeping Fall editions. I love FALL!

I am hoping...that this is a productive week, especially with school, but that our house doesn't become a shambles in the process.

On my mind... lots of things...too many things.....I'm a bit overwhelmed right now. Need a new van, many meetings and planning for Taylor's Confirmation and Alexa's First Holy Communion, planning for Disney, school planning(I'm behind for the week), another trip to PA soon (?) and these are the big things. The house needs red up and a good cleaning. Ugh. Oh, and laundry...always laundry.

From the learning rooms....we are keeping up with the basics. I won't allow us to fall behind there for many reasons. But we are a bit behind (according to myself) in the Africa studies. And the girls are missing this part of their studies. I've been pretty good with Evan, though and his Tot Schooling. He requests school every day!

Noticing that...Taylor seems much happier this school year.

Pondering these words.......found here. They are just what I needed to hear right now.

From the kitchen... tonight Taylor made Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry (with loads of yummy veggies) and it was served over rice. Later this week we'll have burgers and homemade fries (Taylor again), Green Pepper Casserole, Bruschetta Chicken and possibly homemade mac-n-cheese. I'll attempt to find the time to bake an apple pie, too. I bought the crust in hopes of getting to the orchard for fresh apples, but it wasn't in the cards. So I bought some apples at the store to make the pie.

Around the house....need to clean a bit and go through Alexa's clothes to see what hand-me-downs fit, and what we'll need to purchase. I should probably do the same for Skylar.

One of my favorite things........cinnamon bears. And the smell of cinnamon, too.

From my picture journal......

Taylor took this on our way to visit my dad and his wife. Love it. For more daybook entries, visit Peggy's.

TTFN

~Tina

The Simple Woman's Daybook~September 19, 2009

Outside my window....it is dark and chilly, but not raining anymore, thank goodness! It had rained for five straight days until today. So great to see the sun again.

I am thinking.....about how I should get off of the computer and straighten up a bit. Then I need to call my dad and finish planning school for the week. Yes, it's Monday night, and school isn't completely planned for this week yet. This just happens sometimes and I can't stress over it too much.

I am thankful for.....cooperative children. It makes it so much easier to accomplish things on a busy day when they aren't giving me a hard time. Sometimes they know what needs to be done, and they just do it, even if it isn't "fun" for them.

I am wearing.......blue jammie pants and a burgundy long sleeved cotton tee. Warm socks and my favorite cozy, white robe. I have my hairband around my wrist, waiting to be put back in my long hair as soon as I get off here and get back to work.

I am remembering......how much fun we had the last time we visited my dad and his wife, this past May. The kids love it up there in the mountains of PA. Hoping to make the trip again later this week.

I am going....to Skylar's belt ceremony for her Karate class this Wednesday. She's moving up again! She is really sticking with it and loves it!

I am reading....other blogs to get ideas for "schooling" Evan. So many inspiring women out there sharing their plans.

I am hoping......that everyone is well enough for us to make the trip to see my dad and his wife. Skylar, Alexa and Evan have all had colds recently, and still have them a little. Also hoping Taylor and I stay healthy.

On my mind.....I need to get another patch on Skylar's new karate uniform AND iron it before Wednesday. Eek. And Alexa really wanted to have a little "Halloween Party". We are rolling with this. It will just be family, but she is so excited and trying to have something for everyone!

From the learning rooms.....still following the Serendipity plans for the middle girls. They are enjoying themselves with this. We fell a little behind, but are finishing up Ancient Egypt. I love that the plans can be adapted to suit each family and that nothing is set in stone. Africa was laid out as a 6 week program, but we will probably take 8 weeks considering we are leaving town this week and just got over being sick last week. Love the flexibility with this! Evan's having "Pumpkin Week" (or possibly 2 weeks, due to the trip out of town).

Noticing that.....my Evan is getting a bit of a temper. I need to nip that in the bud.

Pondering these words........"Only this I want, but to know the Lord, and to bear His cross, so to wear the crown He wore." These words were in a song at Mass this weekend. Very nice melody. It was the first time I've noticed Alexa actually be able to follow along in the book to a song at Mass. She has a very sweet voice and I enjoyed sharing a book with her, so I was close enough to hear her. The words are powerful, and extra touching when coming from a child.

From the kitchen.....pumpkin bread some day this week. I want to surprise the kids with it. Evan is having "Pumpkin Week" for his school theme, so I thought the bread would be a nice touch. I REALLY need to make pumpkin chip cookies that my mom used to make! They are awesome!

Around the house....should clean up the house before we leave town. I don't like coming back to a messy house. It's not too bad, but things need straightened up and put away. And perhaps the bathrooms need a cleaning.

One of my favorite things......watching as the children make each other laugh. I know they all have friends outside of this house, but I love seeing them enjoy each other. Siblings are so important.

From my picture journal......

Stop by
Peggy's

to check out more daybook entries.
TTFN

~Tina