The Night before Advent starts

Actually, I only have six minutes until the start of Advent. :)

I love this time of year. I love preparing my home and myself to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

My darling husband said to me on Thanksgiving night after we had dinner, but before dessert, "Let's put the Christmas tree up tomorrow." You could have pushed me off the sofa. I grew up not putting the tree up until about half way through December. I should ask my mom why. It could be because a live tree would never last from the beginning of Advent until after Christmas.

We will be putting up our artificial tree this year. We are trying to watch how much we spend. And, with an artificial tree, I can have it up from the first day of Advent until the feast of the Epiphany (Jan 6th, Twelveth Night). Sometimes I even wait until we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord (second Sunday of Jan).

A friend of mine put it to me this way, "I want to get as much Christmas as I can." I think that is a fabulous way to put it. Thanks Lisa.

40 Days for Life

Today is the start of 40 Days for Life. http://www.40daysforlife.com/splash.cfm

The last day will be All Saints Day. It is a rather fitting day.

Please remember to pray for the victims of abortion, the babies, mommies and the daddies.

Homeschool Open house

We homeschool. Two words, but it says so much.

I have been married to a great guy for just over 21 years. We have six children: five girls ages 19, 15, 9, 8, and 6; and one little guy who is four.

We homeschooled our 15 year old daughter when she was in fifth grade. She went back to school in the sixth grade. Our three youngest girls have always been at home. Their big sister came home last year.

We use a classical cirriculum. Well, at least this year we do. We are enjoying the switch. We are not doing it on our own, we are enrolled with Mother of Divine Grace.

Officially our school room is the office. However, most days you can find us at the table doing our schooling.

We have a general schedule for the day, but it seems like it always subject to change. We start out with math and faith. I start with the 8 and 9 year olds. I am usually able to go back and forth with the two of them pretty easily. I school the 6 year old by herself. It works out well.

I do have two things that I just haven't figured out yet. What should I do with the four year old when I am schooling. He likes to color at the table with us, but he has two volumes, loud and sleeping. LOL And, our six year old may or may not be motivated to do schooling.

href="http://thehomeschoollounge.com/">

The Simple Woman

FOR TODAY August 31, 2099...

Outside my window...it is smokey and raining ash. There is an extremely large
(85,000 acres was the official count two hours ago) in the Los Angeles area. We are on the north side of the mountains that are burning and the smoke has made it to Nevada already.

I am thinking...that the pasta salad I made for lunch is going to be yummy.

I am thankful for...that my brother in law only has an infection and not diverticulosis.

From the learning rooms...today is a family day. We might do a little math and science later. Definately will be doing some faith sharing/learning.

From the kitchen...things are quiet. Just waiting for my hubby to come in so we can dig into above mentioned pasta salad.

I am wearing...my pink t-shirt and my blue skirt.

I am creating...backstage directions for the recital.

I am going...to help some friends move on Monday.

I am reading...Down to the Bonny Glen.

I am hoping...that my oldest daughter is able to find a job.

I am hearing...the kids playing nicely together and my D practicing her piano lessons.

Around the house...things are quiet.

One of my favorite things...a nice clean studio.

A few plans for the rest of the week:dance classes for the kids, piano lessons, moving, maybe painting a room, homeschool.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...This is a photo of my mom pinning a corsage on her youngest sister at her oldest daughter's wedding. I got a little teary eyed while I was watching this. I couldn't help but think that it should have been my grandmother taking care of that. She died 7.5 years ago. But, my auntie was so sweet. She said it was great to have her godmother do the honors.

Uppercase Living Give Away

Darcy at http://www.my3boybarians.com is offering a chance to win $35 towards a purchase at Uppercase Living.

Here is the link to the thread. http://www.my3boybarians.com/2009/08/give-away-even-i-can-look-crafty/comment-page-3/#comment-7021

She has a link to the catalog. Lots of neat stuff.

The Simple Woman

FOR TODAY August 23, 2009

Outside my window...I am actually outside on my back patio. I can see my little guy playing wiht a pool noodle.

I am thinking...that summer is coming to an end.

I am thankful for...our pool.

From the learning rooms...is coming along. I have a vision for what I would like it to look like.

From the kitchen...it is quiet. Dinner is marinading. Dishes are done for now.

I am wearing...skirt with a brown -shirt with kanji on it.

I am creating...a Simple Woman blogspot, something I haven't done in quiet a while and I have missed doing.

I am going...grocery and other supply shopping tonight.

I am reading...school syllabi.

I am hoping...that

I am hearing...Daughters #3 and 5 playing in the pool.

Around the house...the school books are put away. Some furniture has been moved around.

One of my favorite things...flip flops.

A few plans for the rest of the week: school, first 4H meeting of the new school year, dance rehersals.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

A Perfect Mess

ABCmomof3 has an opportunity to win a copy of A Perfect Mess at her blog, The Ladybug Chronicles.

I love what she has to say about the book. She even has an interview with the author at her site.

http://ladybug-chronicles.blogspot.com/2009/07/perfect-mess-by-lisa-harper-blog-tour.html

Small Successes

1. We have been running back and forth to the county fair this week. It is my second daughter's first time showing a pig through 4H. We enjoyed the fair Monday for kid's day, with all four of the youngest getting in for free.

2. I haven't forgotten to get my daughter to the fair at any time this week.

3. I have managed to get up at 6:30am every day this week. At least, so far I have. I still have tomorrow. :)

Thoughts from Mother's Day

Yesterday, our pastor led the congregation in a lovely prayer for the mothers who were at Mass. I can't tell you what his words were, but I can tell you what I was thinking about when I was being prayed over.

My six children and my husband had their hands on me while we were praying. My children were on my left side and my husband on my right. It was funny because some of the younger ones were kind of pushing on me. My husband was keeping me steady. I don't even know if he realized it.

But, as a married couple and parents, that is how it is. Not that the kids push me over, but rather that my husband is there to steady me, support me.

It was a nice thought to have on Mother's day.

The Simple Woman

For Today... May 11, 2009

Outside my window... It is a clear, hot day.

I am thinking... that it is going to be warm at the county fair this afternoon.

From the learning rooms... Things are wrapping up for the year. Just a couple more weeks

I am thankful for... my husband having every other Monday off.

From the kitchen... my husband is going through the refrigerator and purging.

I am wearing... brown capris, a sleeveless tunic, no shoes

I am reading... a magazine here and there.

I am hoping... to be able to take a dip in the pool a couple of times this week.

I am creating... thank you cards with my fourth daughter for her First Holy Communion gifts.

I am praying... for discernment for my oldest daughter as she contemplates where to finish her college.

Around the house... Things are quiet. The kids all have to take quiet time before heading to the fair later.

One of my favorite things... flip flops

A few plans for the rest of the week... county fair (at least three days during the week, we have a pig going to the fair), school, swimming lesson sign ups,

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...




Flowers from a bouquet I bought for my daughter for her First Holy Communion last Sunday.

Bendy straws

I was at the fabric store today with my youngest daughter. We found some bendy straws in the summer supplies section.

I bought them. They are an inexpensive way to provide smiles to the kids.

I started thinking about the first time that I remember having a bendy straw.

My sister was born in the mid seventies. She was six weeks early. Back then, it was a much more serious deal than it is now. My sister stayed in the hospital for almost a month. My mom was there for about a week. My dad would take my brother and I to the hospital. I remember having to see my sister through the nursey window and she was in an incubator. I only remember one trip to the hospital. On that trip, Dad took us to have a soda in the cafeteria. They had bendy straws. They were in paper wrappers. Not only did my brother and I have fun with the bendy straws, we also learned the fun of scrunched up paper "growing" when you put a little of your soda on it.

I will have to wait until we get some straws with paper wrappers to teach my kids about making the papers grow. For now, we will all enjoy our bendy straws.

By the way, the photo is my youngest daughter with the package of bendy straws. She is standing next to the butterfly treehouse with five newly emerged Painted Lady butterflies.

Small Successes

1. I woke up last Saturday morning and felt joyous. Long story, but there was a song on my heart all day long.

2. I was able to prepare for my daughter's First Communion without too many set backs. My husband was working. I was sick. But, I felt well enough on Saturday to do the running around and cleaning.

3. That Allegra really took to heart the meaning of the Eucharist (as much as a seven year old can). It is so beautiful to see.

Pondering Solar

We had someone come out to the house and give us an estimate on how much it would cost to cut our electric bill down to tier one or two.

Ouch.

There is a non capped rebate credit of 30% from the Feds now. There is also a rebate from the state that depends on how many kilowatts you take off of the system.

While I would love to reduce my electric bill. I do have an issue with the rebates. While they go a long way in reducing the cost of the panels being put in, they also contribute to the trouble that the state of California is in and takes money from the TARP bill that was passed back in October 2008. There just seems to be something wrong with taking money from either places.

However, with Obama planning his national healthcare, it might be wise to put solar in now. He has said that he is going to tax the energy companies in order to do it. That means, that I will be paying for national healthcare with the electricity that I use. The smart thing would be to get the solar put on the house and avoid however many more tiers they decide to put on electricity to pay for the healthcare.

What to do, what to do.

The Simple Woman

FOR TODAY March 16, 2009...
Outside my window...my husband and a friend are taking down a sycamore tree.
I am thinking...that I am so glad that my husband's back has healed.
I am thankful for...good friends.
From the learning rooms...geometry.
From the kitchen...I am making sloppy joes.
I am wearing...one of my favorite short sleeved tunics, blue jeans.
I am creating...our itenerary for summer vacation.
I am going...to be watching Dancing With the Stars

I am reading...The Rapture Trap
I am hoping...that everyone can sit down for dinner before the food is cold.
I am hearing...
Around the house...kids are coming to the dinner table.

One of my favorite things...listening to Rusty Humphries.
A few plans for the rest of the week: dance classes for the kids, pointe shoes fitting, teaching a baptism class.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...my husband and a friend of ours helping take down the sycamore tree.

The Simple Woman March 9, 2009

FOR TODAY March 9, 2009...

Outside my window...my almond trees are blooming.

I am thinking...how things change so fast.

I am thankful for...the two Good Samaratians that stopped and helped me fix the flat on my daughter's car yesterday. (I just didn't have the time to wait for AAA).

From the learning rooms...the schoolroom is dark. I have to go replace a tire.

From the kitchen...I am standing here writing my entry. We purchased a laptop earlier this year. :)

I am wearing...chocolate brown 3/4 length sleeved t-shirt, jeans, white tennis shoes. I have to go get that tire taken care of.

I am creating...my stamp order for the month.

I am going...to my mom's house to drop off daughter's car after I get the tire replaced.

I am reading...Pride and Prejudice

I am hoping...that getting the tire changed out doesn't take too long.

I am hearing...Toy Story. :) No school yet this morning.

Around the house...I hear kids with sniffles. The swing in temerpature seems to be catching up with them.

One of my favorite things...Good Samaritans and "paying it forward."

A few plans for the rest of the week: dance classes for the kids, First Reconcilliation for Allegra, Jessica's pig's weigh in for the county fair, maybe camping.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...The turkey vultures are migrating home. I don't know where they summer and winter, all I know is that the Mojave Narrow area is a place that they like to stop at on their way back and forth. They are something else to watch. I know that they don't look so intimidating in this photo, but keep in mind how big vultures are, and how many are sitting in those trees. This is across the street from my house.

The Simple Woman

FOR TODAY February 23, 2009..
.
Outside my window...It is raining

I am thinking...that we won't be going on the dairy farm field trip today

I am thankful for...my friend Deaconissa Ruth, and my financial advisor, two women of strong faith who are helping me in a rough spot

From the learning rooms...I think that there will be school today. It is raining at home and at the farm. Not doing an outside field trip in the rain.

From the kitchen...there are a couple of remnants from the birthday party. I need to take care of them.

I am wearing...a forest green long sleeve t-shirt, jeans. no shoes

I am creating...a prayer shawl for a dear friend of mine

I am going...to a farm....in the rain. What am I thinking?

I am reading...Pride and Prejudice

I am hoping...that rain really does clear up where we are going this morning.

I am hearing...Nina waking up

Around the house...kids are getting ready for the trip to the farm.

One of my favorite things...coffee

A few plans for the rest of the week: the beginning of Lent. I love this time of year. It is such an awesome time to work on myself spiritually, mentally and physically

Here is picture thought I am sharing...This is Lil Smokey. She is the 4H project for this year. Remember, she is food, not a pet. She is a spunky little thing though

Monday, January 5, 2009

FOR TODAY (PLACE THE DATE HERE)...
Outside my window...The sun is going down and there are high clouds in the sky. I hope we get a little rain (or snow) in the next day or so.

I am thinking...that I loved Christmas and New Years. I enjoyed the visiting it brought. But, I am ready to get back to the normal rhythm of life.

I am thankful for...my family and my friends. God has blessed me greatly with both.

From the learning rooms...the books are closed for today, but we were back at it after a nice two week break.

From the kitchen...it is taking a rest. We had a pig-pen raising on Saturday and friends over yesterday. The kitchen (and I) are taking a rest.

I am wearing...a red sweater, jeans, USC flip-flops.

I am creating...a different routine for my life.

I am going...to sit down and watch the Fiesta Bowl tonight.

I am reading...Seven Days to the Sea.

I am hoping...that new meetings might have new meanings for my daughter.

I am hearing...my three year old son singing, "Gloooooooooooooooria, in exceleis Deo!"

Around the house...things are winding down for the day, and getting ready for the nighttime routine.

One of my favorite things...ice cold Pepsi.

A few plans for the rest of the week: nothing exciting. Just getting back into the swing of things. My husband and 15 y.o. daughter are going to (hopefully) find a pig for her 4H project on Thursday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...We had snow on December 17, 2008. It is not unusual to have snow on the desert, but we got seven inches in about that many hours. Oh, by the way, this is not from my house, but from a friends. This shot is looking north into the town that I live in.

Happy New Year

I guess that I have been busier than that I thought.

I enjoyed my birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. They were all good days spent with family and friends.

I hope that the holidays were peaceful for everyone.