A Gracefull Place

FOR TODAY~ February 5, 2009…

Outside my window…  It’s dark!  And cold!   It’s nice to see it stay light later.

I am thinking… am I thinking?  I don’t think I have much brain power left! 

I am thankful for… everyone getting better!  And that it wasn’t as bad as it could have been!

From the learning rooms… um….infectious diseases?!

From the kitchen… tonight we had Calico Bean Bake (a favorite!) and cornbread.  YUM!

I am wearing… my  navy with rose floral print jumper and an off-white turtleneck.

I am creating… nothing this week!   R & R this week–Rest and Recuperate!

I am reading… not much this week.  I’m tired of researching so taking a break from reading!

I am hoping… we can start being a bit more normal next week!  (Well, normal for us! )

I am hearing… Battle Hymn of the Republic on the piano (Cassia), Bekah reading a story to Charissa, Isaiah making motor noises, Jessica and Leah doing dishes.

Around the house… Above mentioned children, then Susannah is out feeding her baby goat (Josephine, I believe!), Noah and Anna are playing with their "firetruck" thing (don’t know how to describe it–a vinyl and wire frame thing that collapses flat, but when up is a little firetruck they get inside).  I think they liked the "woo-woo" scenes in Fireproof!  (Which my children watched FOUR times this past weekend!!)

One of my favorite things… is how good I feel after exercising!   (T-Tapp–see sidebar!)

A few plans for the rest of the week: continue getting better and gently get back into the swing of things.  And I’d really like to finish finding the garage, but I’ll quit saying that as we keep getting sick when I say it!  Shhhh!

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

Blessings on your day!

FOR TODAY, January 28, 2009

Outside my window… It is getting dark.  We’ve had snow–it’s still fluffy, and the fir trees look like they’ve been frosted!

I am thinking…  that I am tired of researching illnesses!

I am thankful for…  friends who share their herbs and natural remedies with me!

From the learning rooms…  Not much.  Almost all the children are sick!

From the kitchen… chicken spaghetti, salad and Italian bread–yum!

I am wearing… a black turtleneck with a red and black plaid corduroy jumper.

I am creating… herbal concoctions! 

I am reading… mostly herb and health books right now, as well as researching whooping cough!   Other than that, still working through Assumptions that Affect Our Lives, The Heart of the King, and Listening to the Language of the Bible.

I am hoping… my sick children get over this coughing soon!  (Supposedly it is not whooping cough, but we are taking precautions and taking antibiotics because I am convinced it is!)

I am hearing… Cassia in the kitchen finishing supper and giving directions to the boys, who are helping Leah set the table–whoever’s laundry day it is sets the table and gets to pick where everyone sits–except my husband and me!

Around the house… another daughter just joined the "set the table" brigade!  The others are upstairs, resting or reading.

One of my favorite things… is vanilla yogurt!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Get well!!!   Other than that, continue trying to declutter…maybe I should quit trying!   Everybody gets sick when I do!       I also want to get a few jumpers made.

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

Our barn, through a hole in the siding–taken from the inside  of a bedroom upstairs that is being worked on!!!

(No wonder it was so cold in there!!!)

Outside my window… It is snowing!  Grey skies, slight wind, but fluffy snow.  Nice, as long as I don’t have to drive in it! 

I am thinking… I need a nap! 

I am thankful for… a warm home, a loving husband, and sweet children!

From the learning rooms… today is off to a slow start.   I think most of them have done their daily things they do on their own.   I plan to do some Bible with them later, and maybe get in FIAR with Charissa.  We’re doing The Rag Coat by Lauren Mills.

From the kitchen… not sure!  I haven’t conferred with today’s cook, yet! 

I am wearing… my blue snowflake jumper with a red turtleneck that has a snowflake embroidered on the neck.

I am creating… elderberry/ginger syrup and some other herb tinctures.

I am going… nowhere!  (Well, I’ll have to run into our little store in town, 1/2 mile away, later!)

I am reading…  Assumptions that Affect Our Lives by Dr. Christian Overman (I highly recommend it, by the way!), Listening to the Language of the Bible by Lois Tverberg (another highly recommended book!). 

I am hoping…  that my children with bronchitis and coughing get better.

I am hearing… Bekah doing her part of lunch dishes.   All else is quiet.  Other than the coughing!

Around the house… we are either napping or having quiet hour!

One of my favorite things… snuggling with my 2 year old!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  unearth the sewing room, get my kitchen bar back under control (it’s a hot spot, alright!), and tincture some herbs to help with the sickness.

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

She lost them both within an hour!!!  That cute seven-year-old smile!

Blessings on your day!

Outside my window… it is sunny, blue sky, and COLD!

I am thinking… of a friend who lost her brother and two nephews just before Christmas.   Praying for her.

I am thankful for… my fall yesterday not hurting me worse than it did!  (I fell on our stairs and slid about halfway down!  OUCH!   )

From the learning rooms… Bible time this morning, two daughters are deciding what project to work on for the next 6 weeks. 

From the kitchen… Creamy Spinach Enchiladas, Barbecue Meatballs, and some sort of bread!

I am wearing… my navy floral jumper and a white blouse.

I am creating… some organizational ideas for my planners that maybe I will use this year! 

I am reading… well,not yet, but I just got my order from Heart of Wisdom!   Four really wonderful books!!!   I’m trying to decide which one to start with!!!  So stay tuned for next week’s readings! 

I am hoping… to get more of our learning going tomorrow!!!

I am hearing… Isaiah wanting "Ma-ma", Dallas upstairs with his helper "de-structing" Susannah and Cassia’s room!  

Around the house… Susannah and Cassia are chatting, Dallas is tearing out the aforementioned room, Noah is napping, Isaiah is fussing, Leah is studying the BMV book to think about getting her permit, Jessica is waiting on me to ask me some organizing questions and the younger girls are rearranging their room— again!!!

One of my favorite things… is having talk time with my children!  (We jokingly call it a "Pow-Pow"! )

A few plans for the rest of the week: To clear out our garage, get a good start on organizing the sewing room, go to a llama info meeting tomorrow night, change my playlist back, and hopefully get some sewing done (no, I’m not very ambitious!!!  Ha!)

Here is picture thought (or two!) I am sharing…

Pooh decided to help Isaiah with a puzzle!

And here is the WHOLE gang! 

Hope you have a blessed week!

Wow!  The last Daybook for 2008!!! 

I’ve had a busy and wonderful time with family these past few days!   Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things here! 

FOR TODAY, 29 December, 2008…..

Outside my window… sunny with that beautiful blue sky!   I haven’t been outside yet, but it looks cold! 

I am thinking… how good the Lord is to meet our needs–especially our emotional need! 

I am thankful for… a church where the pastor preaches what God wants.   The Lord used his sermon yesterday to minister to me!

From the learning rooms… still on break! 

From the kitchen… Calico Bean Bake, cornbread and Cheesy Broccoli/Cauliflower dish (yum!!!   )

I am wearing… my exercise clothes!!! 

I am creating… a few more gifts for friends!  (shhhh!)

I am going… to have Bible time with the children after my shower.

I am reading… trying to finish Our Father Abraham before it goes back to the library!  (And I thought January 2 was plenty of time!!!)

I am hoping… to get some organization done this week.

I am hearing… O Holy Night on the piano, and Isaiah fussing because he doesn’t want to go "poppy" (potty!)!

Around the house… Cassia on the piano, Isaiah on the poppy  (and Susannah is with him), Noah is on the couch with a "brr" on his toe where Isaiah accidentally dropped a fire engine (play engine!!!), the rest are in their rooms reading, organizing or playing.

One of my favorite things… is watching our toddler!   He’s soooo much fun!

A few plans for the rest of the week:   having friends over for New Year’s Eve, Dallas’ birthday tomorrow, going out with friends on Friday to celebrate their anniversary and hubby’s birthday!   

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

And today, Isaiah will show you how to finger paint, using Cocoa Wheats!!!

One more–too cute to pass up!

Have a wonderful day!

Outside my window…   It is getting dusky.  It is COLD today with a biting wind!  

I am thinking… I have a LOT of sewing to do!!!

I am thankful for… a warm home!  And wonderful daughters who make yummy dinners and just generally spoil me!  

From the learning rooms…  I think we are now on Christmas break!   No one is staying focused much, so this week and next will be "sewing for others" and "cookie making, 101, 201, 301…" for us!   

From the kitchen… Firecracker Casserole, salad and Parmesan Toast  

I am wearing…  My navy jumper with mauve and light blue flowers, a white blouse and a white SWEATER!

I am creating… lots of things I can’t type about!!!!  (shhhh!)

I am going… Actually, I already went!   Spent a nice afternoon shopping at our favorite antique store in Nappannee!!!

I am reading… The Heart of the King and Our Father Abraham

I am hoping… for snow!!!

I am hearing… a beautiful Christmas CD by Melinda Wickam, To God All Praise and Glory V (available from IBLP, and you can hear some samples there, too!)

Around the house… Susannah is fixing dinner, Isaiah is helping   ,  Jessica, Leah, and Cassia are sewing (sequestered away in their rooms!), Anna, Bekah and Charissa are either making their Christmas list or going over theirs (I’m about to do the major task of coordinating 7 lists!!!).  Noah said he is with Jessica "and she hewing"!   (He doesn’t say his "s" sound!)

One of my favorite things… is the camaraderie my children and I have.  I love the busy and loving interaction of our family (well, most of the time, anyway!!!)

A few plans for the rest of the week:  SEW SEW SEW SEW SEW SEW, and maybe…….sew some more?!

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

Okay, I can’t make up my mind!   

Can’t I please come in?!  I promise I’ll be gooooood! (me-OW!)

"Wee" Three Kings

"Wo-ah!  Look!  Neeaaat!"

Bekah with the Nativity set Dallas’ mother made years ago.

Blessings on your day!

Wow!  I’m actually getting the Simple Woman’s Daybook done on Monday! 

For today, December 8, 2008

Outside my window…  It’s an overcast day, an inch or so of snow on the ground.  Cold!   But I like to see snow in December!   Hopefully it will last through the end of the month!

I am thinking… of taking a nap as soon as I finish this!!!

I am thankful for… family, friends, church family who have lifted me in prayer over these past few weeks.   Those prayers are so very dear to me!

From the learning rooms… We started our study on HOW’s Wisdom Study this morning.   Also planning to do the Jesse Tree devotional (yes, we’re behind!).   That is new for us this year!   Working on our memory section of Luke 2:1-20 to recite for church in a few weeks.

From the kitchen… Right now, my oldest is making Christmas Mice with Oreos and Hershey Kisses for her students (and mine!)   We just finished a hodge podge of lunch (aka leftovers!).   For supper, Enchilada Bake.

I am wearing… One of my Christmas outfits!   It’s a light country green jumper with birdhouses and bows, holly and evergreen on it.  The blouse matches the pinky-red colors in the jumper with some of the jumper fabric as ruffles around the peter pan collar and sleeves.

I am creating… Still working on a poncho.   Got one quilted pillow top done.   Also still trying to finish that jumper and blouse from a month ago!!!

I am going… to give one piano lesson this afternoon–but I’m actually staying as the student comes here!

I am reading… The Heart of the King   I know I’ve said it before, but I HIGHLY recommend this book!   It has ministered to me greatly in the past few weeks.  Also reading Our Father Abraham by Marvin Wilson.

I am hoping… to continue feeling better and less tired.

I am hearing… Christmas songs on the piano, rattling paper in the kitchen.

Around the house… Jessica is making Christmas mice, Cassia is on the piano, Noah is riding his trike with one of the little girls’ strollers hooked onto the back (it’s his "trailer"), the dog is barking to go out, Susannah is making cookies for our students, Leah is eating  , Isaiah is "cooking" (picture to follow) and the little girls are playing stuffed animals upstairs.

One of my favorite things… is snow in December!  And of course, for Christmas!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  I hope for us to get our matching jumpers cut out this week (and at least started!), to clear out a spot in the sewing room to sew (I’m two weeks behind now–straightening is not the goal now–just a spot is!!!), and to get a hefty start on the homemade gifts!    AND to coordinate 7 Christmas lists (the boys are at my mercy!)!!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

The boys have been very "into" cooking lately……

Which makes finding the pans, hot pads and spatulas quite the adventure!!!

May your day be blessed in Him!

Before I start on a glimpse of my day, I just want to remind you about Kelly’s special this week!  Click on any of the titles to the right (Getting Your Children to Obey, Think Outside the Classroom, Finding Financial Freedom or her By Heart Scripture cd) and if you purchase, use the code THANKSGIVING to get $2 off!  Offer good through Friday, the 28th)

For today, 26 November, 2008.  

Outside my window….  It’s a beautiful sunny (and cold!) day!  Pretty blue sky.

I am thinking… how much I love and appreciate my daughters, who are making the whole Thanksgiving feast for tomorrow!

I am thankful for…. the same daughters who are taking good care of me, especially these few days I’ve had to stay down on bedrest!   I’m also thankful for ALL my children, the baby, my wonderful husband, and all my wonderful friends–real life and cyber!

From the learning rooms… well, everyone got their "usual dailies" done, and now the three younger girls are watching a "How to Teach the Cello" dvd….and none of them play cello!   Too funny!

From the kitchen…. meatloaf, salad and rolls, as well as some baking for tomorrow!

I am wearing…. um…my nightgown?!   (It reminds me to take it easy!)   It is very pretty, a lavender floral!   Maybe I should call it a "housedress"?!  

I am creating…. in spite of bedrest and taking it easy, I am knitting a poncho and working on a quilted pillow.  Might have to have a few of my daughters finish that jumper and blouse for me! 

I am going…. nowhere!  Staying home tomorrow and having some dear friends join us as well as my mom.

I am reading… a LOT!   (One of the "perks" of bedrest! )  Reading that wonderful book I mentioned in my last post, The Heart of the King by Ron Auch.   Also reading Our Father Abraham by Marvin Wilson, working on Lord, Teach Me to Pray by Kay Arthur, and still also working through A Woman’s Call to Prayer by Elizabeth George.

I am hoping… to be able to get up more in the next day or so (easing into it!)

I am hearing…. pretty much just the chop, chop, chop of someone chopping veggies in the kitchen! 

Around the house…. Anna, Bekah and Charissa are watching the aforementioned cello teaching dvd, Cassia is chopping veggies/making supper, boys are napping (ahhhhh!), and not sure about the other three!

One of my favorite things…. is having hot chocolate before bed!  

A few plans for the rest of the week…. well….I’m thinking I need to quit making plans!  LOL!   Seems when I get into a groove, something comes along to throw us out of whack!     My main plans are to ease back into "normal" (which will NOT include hefting Rubbermaid tubs around in the future!), go Christmas tree shopping Friday afternoon (hopefully!) and celebrate Thanksgiving again with my brother and his family on Saturday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing….

Every fireman should have hot pads, right?!

And please enjoy my daughters’ duet, if you haven’t already.  It’s my Thankgiving "gift" to you!

For the Beauty of the Earth

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!!!

For 18 November, 2008. 

Outside my window…  it was snowing earlier!  Now just windy and COLD!  Gray skies….

I am thinking… how incredibly blessed I am!

I am thankful for…  a warm home!   And lovely daughters that are willing to serve!

From the learning rooms…  two daughters are finishing projects that were due LAST week!  One is on the three branches of the government, the other on the skeletal system.   Oldest daughter is learning to weave, and the littles are doing their regular fare plus decided to work on a newspaper together.

From the kitchen…  Zucchini-Ricotta Bake, salad, and Parmesan Toast Bread.  YUM!

I am wearing… a pink blouse and last year’s Easter jumper, which has pastel flowers all over it.  I know, not very "fallish"! 

I am creating… actually finishing a project for one person’s Christmas (gotta be a bit vague here!   )

I am going…    maybe to Goodwill if they’re open a few more hours–some girls couldn’t find coats to use outside at the one we went to Thursday.   And we’re not paying full price for coats that will go to the barn, get "stuff" on them, you know…..

I am reading… Back to A Woman’s Call to Prayer by Elizabeth George.  (I read like I work on knitting projects–skip around among several!)

I am hoping… to keep my kitchen counter CLEAR (since I finally got it cleared off, with some help, for my daughter’s birthday tea Saturday!)

I am hearing… that beautiful duet of For the Beauty of the Earth.  I’m really going to have to figure out how to get that on here….

Around the house… two daughters on the piano, one cooking supper (yes, I’m spoiled!), three younger girls upstairs working on a "newspaper", oldest daughter is weaving, two boys behind me playing with/fighting over some blocks.

One of my favorite things… is seeing many Godly young ladies together and encouraging one another that they are not alone in the world!    (Susannah will blog about her lovely birthday tea later this week!)

A few plans for the rest of the week: I really want to finish some jumpers for me, get my Christmas present supply found and in one place (I think I have enough from over the years that I didn’t get done to do quite well this year, IF I find the stuff and use my time well!), and Wednesday, I hope to hear the baby’s heartbeat!!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing:

I have titled this "Cutie in an antique coat"!

 My mom made this coat for my brother 33 years ago!!!  Two of my cousins wore it, I inherited it, and forgot about it with my first son.  Isaiah didn’t want to take the coat off and rode his trike around the house in it for about an hour! 

Remember, if you enjoy my blog, you can vote at Homeschool Blog Awards for Best New Homeschool Blog!  Thank you!  ("Polls" close midnight November 21)

And please don’t forget to pray for Noah Estes.

Blessings to you!

It’s been a rough few weeks!  The ickies have set in as well as that very tired feeling!  

For today, November 3, 2008.

Outside my window…. it is Indian Summer!  70 degree weather, a breeze, and a beautiful blue fall sky!  The maple tree in the backyard has turned it’s golden yellow and looks so beautiful framing our backyard, with spots of blue sky in between!

I am thinking….  I need another nap!

I am thankful for…. my wonderful family who serve me so graciously when I can hardly function!  And that they are all as excited as me about the new baby!

From the learning rooms…. the girls are finally getting a good start on our Names of God study.  We tweaked it a bit and decided two weeks wasn’t enough time!   So we’re going to try for one a month.

From the kitchen….  Italian lasagna, breadsticks and salad.

I am wearing…. a yellow blouse and a green jumper (not quite John Deere colors…. LOL!)

I am creating…. my jumper I started on!  Got a lot done on it Friday, but would like to finish it tomorrow (icky feeling permitting!)

I am going…. to stay home! 

I am reading…. I am finishing Heart of Wisdom by Robin Sampson, and started reading Herbal Antibiotics by Stephen Harrod Buhner.

I am hoping…. to feel a bit better this week and try to get back on track for my T-Tapp workouts.

I am hearing…. My now 17 year old daughter in the kitchen making dinner (her birthday was Saturday), and all else is pretty quiet (not sure that’s a good thing!)

Around the house…. One daughter making dinner, another about to switch her towels into the dryer (each girl has a "laundry day"), another is trying to finish a new outfit to wear tomorrow when she and yet another daughter will help at the polls, one boy is sleeping, another is playing somewhere and the little girls are playing.

One of my favorite things…. is Indian Summer!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Finishing the aforementioned outfit, decluttering my sewing room (no, we still haven’t gotten to it!), voting, and do the "big winter clothing" shopping trip later this week.  OH, and I’m expecting a dear friend from the Upper Peninsula to visit this weekend with her family! 

Here is a picture I’m sharing:

He’s got a little ways to go to grow into Papaw’s boots!

Blessings on your day!