Simple Woman's Daybook 5

FOR TODAY, September 28, 2008.

Outside My Window... water, water, everywhere. We're traveling this week and are at present in Northern Washington looking out over Puget Sound. It's a lovely golden morning and promises to me a beautiful sunny day.
I am thinking... how much fun we're going to have exploring the shore today.
I am thankful.... that we got to come with Erik on this business trip. It's so, so much nicer than being at home without him.
From the kitchen... kitchen, what kitchen? I'm kitchen free this week, although I did bring lots of food like muffins and crackers and cheese and cookies and yogurt.
I am wearing... my "secret-fit belly" maternity pants from Motherhood.... still. What can I say, six months later I still can't fit in my pre-pregnancy pants, and these are comfy. Sigh....
I am creating... a temporary home out of our hotel room.
I am going... to visit Stacy tomorrow. Yeah! We had the pleasure of a visit last summer and I'm looking forward to seeing her and her growing family once again.
I am reading...The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less. I've been reading it aloud to Erik on our drive. So far, so good. Good food for thought, and fun to read aloud and discuss together.
I am hoping... for sunshine today and good sleep tonight. Getting everyone to sleep in the same room can be a bit tricky.
I am hearing... the TV, and the kids laughing. And, I might add, I'm thankful we don't have a TV at home.
Around the house... whatever messes we left in the wake of leaving, thankfully not too bad as my Mom came over and helped. Thanks Mom!
One of my favorite things... traveling, road trips, although the road part of trips is a little more challenging with small people who have smaller attention spans.
A few plans for the rest of the week... playing with the kids, exploring the beach, swimming, and when Erik's conference is over, a few days in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Here is picture thought I am sharing... no pictures today.

Simple Woman's Daybook 4

FOR TODAY, September 15, 2008.

Outside My Window... it's warming up. But the days are beginning to feel Fall-ish, and there is a golden feel in the air. 

I am thinking... that I'm ready for a quiet week.

I am thankful.... for my family. We had a lovely week with my brother Jacob and nephew Joseph from Alaska. We missed my sister-in-law, though, who was unable to come this time.

From the kitchen... chocolate cake and leftover massaman curry.

I am wearing... long sleeves. 

I am creating... milk? Does that count?!

I am going... to finish getting the house cleaned up from the weekend.

I am reading... North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Still. I took a break and read The Kite Runner. Very good, not in a feel-good way, but in a shake-you-out-of-your-comfort-zone way.

I am hoping... that Erik and Poppy will get over the cough they've had for a while.

I am hearing... the bouncing of Raphael's jumper, Peregrine's happy chatter to his little brother.

Around the house... laundry, as always, a few more dishes to be hand washed, clothes that are grown out of and clothes yet to be grown into; they all need to be sorted and put away.

One of my favorite things... happy reunions with loved ones when we've been apart.

A few plans for the rest of the week... starting school with the kids and getting their bedrooms cleaned and organized. Again.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... a few actually. This past weekend Erik and Peregrine went on an all-boys camping trip with his Dad, and I went to the coast with my brother, sister, and the other kids. 

 

My brother Jacob with Raphael.

Cousins Poppy and Joe-Joe.

Cousins Diego and Raphael.

What would your first trip to the coast be without face-planting in the sand?

Peregrine gets a fishing lesson from his Papa.

Erik and Peregrine.

Mama and Raphi.

Little toes in the sand.

Raphi loved the sand! (In total contrast to his big brother, who, on his first trip to the beach, wouldn't get off the blanket!)

If you'd like to join The Simple Woman's Daybook you can visit The Simple Woman who started it here. 

Simple Woman's Daybook 3

FOR TODAY, September 2, 2008.

Outside My Window...it's a quiet and very cool morning. 

I am thinking... about my little brother Josh who is getting married this weekend.

I am thankful.... that Peregrine is not getting on a school bus this week. He'd be off to kindergarten, and I'm so glad I get to keep him home, teach him, read to him, watch him learn, and love him.

From the kitchen... salad with tomatoes and basil from the garden, zucchini muffins, new potatoes, mucver. (Hooray! I've found another way my husband will enjoy zucchini!)

I am wearing... slippers; it's cool in here. 

I am creating...  a more modest neckline on the dress I'm wearing to the wedding.

I am going... to get Raphael's birth certificate soon.

I am reading... North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Loved the movie and am enjoying the book.

I am hoping... and praying for comfort and peace for the Drews family.

I am hearing... morning traffic in the distance, my neighbor's waterfall, Cherry Jones' wonderful reading of The Long Winter from Peregrine's room.

Around the house... lots of little messes from the weekend, laundry to fold, books.... I could go on, but I'll stop there!

One of my favorite things... sleeping in on the weekend. Erik always gets up with the kids and lets me sleep as long as I like. 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week.... resting after the long weekend and resting up for another long weekend, getting ready for our trip to Portland to celebrate my brother's wedding.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... my littlest boy, Raphael, is five months old today!

 If you'd like to join The Simple Woman's Daybook you can visit The Simple Woman who started it here. 

Simple Woman's Daybook- August 18

The last few weeks have been very, very busy. Here are a few snatches of life around here, and I hope to post again soon. 

FOR TODAY, August  18th, 2008.

Outside My Window... the air is cool and clean after an early morning thunderstorm. It's refreshing after a few days of sweltering heat.

I am thinking... about a good friend.

I am thankful for... a restful weekend with my family after a few busy weeks.

From the kitchen... we're enjoying summer's bounty in many ways. Blueberry pie and zucchini muffins to name a few. The last two years I've had morning sickness during harvest time and didn't really enjoy much from the garden. 

I am wearing... my hair down this morning. 

I am creating... a pink haven for Alethea. The painting is finished, except for a little trip, curtains are going up, and I even M0d-Podged the outlet covers with fabric. I'll post pictures soon.

I am going... to enjoy my children today.

I am reading... Inheriting Paradise: Meditations on Gardening in little snatches, usually while nursing Raphael.

I am hoping... the my friend Rachel has her baby soon. She's about to have her fourth and they've recently relocated to India and it's the middle of the monsoon. Come, Baby, Come! (I spent several months with Rachel and Chinua in India before marriage and children. I'm mildly envious that they're back there!)

I am hearing... a dog barking in the distance. Someone stirring in the back of the house.

Around the house... I find way too many toys. And books. And rocks. And articles of small clothing.  

One of my favorite things... laying in bed at the end of the day talking with Erik.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week.... a tea party for the kids and some small friends, freezing blueberries, sewing another apron, this one for my sister.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... three sweeties, all wrapped up in the quilts I've made them.

 If you'd like to join The Simple Woman's Daybook you can visit The Simple Woman who started it here. 

Simple Woman's Daybook

I've never done this before but have seen it and thought it's a nice way to keep a record of some of life's simple moments that aren't worth a whole post. If you'd like to join in you can visit The Simple Woman who started it here. 

FOR TODAY, August  6th, 2008.

Outside My Window... the morning is still and the birds are singing. My chickens are making happy hen sounds.

I am thinking... about all the things I could do today. And trying to decide which one or two of them I could actually do.

I am thankful for... a good visit with a good friend and her sweet children.

From the kitchen... zucchini (via the garden). In muffins, scrambled eggs, bread, burritos, salads, and smoothies. (Yep, smoothies. And no one has noticed so far!) Hoping to try this recipe soon.

I am wearing... an old work shirt of Erik's and some grungy pants for painting.

I am creating... a homeschool corner in the family room.

I am going... to stay at home today.

I am reading... The Old Schoolhouse Magazine that came in the mail yesterday. One paragraph at a time! 

I am hoping... and praying for peace and comfort for Mark and Beka.

I am hearing... the slurpy and contented sounds of Raphael nursing and the happy chatter of my older children as they watch Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Around the house... a small someone can roll over both ways. Uh-Oh! 

One of my favorite things... finding a cup of tea waiting for me when I get up in the morning.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Meeting homeschool friends at the park on Friday, cooking aloo gobi and massool dal for my sister on Thursday evening. Mmmm.... Indian food! I'd like to get my daughter's room painted. Pink, of course.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... of my boys!