A Fresh New Year again

2015 has come. Time moves forward and we wander from day to day seeking the Lords will for us in every moment. Often unsure of the exact words to say or actions to take but always knowing that He knows. He always knows. I am learning to do what I know the Lord is asking of me. Not just the big things but the little things. I find it so simple to procrastinate in my insecurity, yet through the last few years I have seen over and over again his amazing, abiding grace through everything. My Lord is amazing and the plans he has for me are far greater than the plans I would make for myself.

I will be leaving my job at Michaels after three years at the end of the month. That job was an answer to prayer during a time that Justin was out of work. Now it is time to move on to other tasks. Ministry and Mothering and combinations of the two. We have found a beautiful new family in Glide full of imperfectly perfect people. God is growing us through these new relationships. I do not know what tomorrow holds but I know who holds tomorrow.

The Simple Womans Daybook July

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... Sunshine and Heat

I am thinking... So much to do so little time

I am thankful... For ice cubes

In the kitchen... Ya I need to finish those dishes in the sink

I am wearing... Blue top and a many colored skirt.

I am creating... A new curtain rod for the boys closet out of a pvc pipe we had left from another project

I am going... to stay home and chill the rest of the night

I am wondering... If Timothy heard me ask him to clear off the table????

I am hoping... That Lost Generation will move up on the leaderboard this month. :)

I am looking forward to... Bedtime hehe

Around the house... sewing to finish, cleaning to do, children, and plums

I am pondering... The list of upcoming activities and praying for endurance

One of my favorite things... Having food prepped in the freezer for days I do not feel like cooking.


One moment... A few plans for the rest of the week: Ok here it is, church, family potluck, clean house, pack Evangeline stuff, give rides to a coworker, work, welcome Grandpa, prep for Camp, Pack for all of us, Youth group, Group leader.

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A moment from today...

January Freeze

As I drive to work early mornings it is sometimes hard for me to reflect on the Crispness of Winter and the Glory of the Four Seasons. I am more concerned with running late or waiting for windows to defrost and slipping on the ice. Hard to Love the cold when you have to unload a truck in Icey weather for two hours and take the rest of the day to thaw back out. :)

We are back to school now and doing what I would call good. Timothy is still what would be considered behind in his Math, Reading, and Grammar. We are working on it and I am practicing my patience every day. Today he will finish his Math book and advance to the next and something as simple as that means progress and helps me look back and see advancement which is often hard to see in a slow build up. We have to look back and remember where we were to see how we have grown.

Evangeline turned twelve this month. Twelve years a Mother and I still don't know what I am doing. She is beautiful and emotional. She is mostly independent with her work although I do several subjects with her and check all of her work afterwards. I enjoy seeing her read directions no matter how vague and be able to work out in her head how best to accomplish them. It is beautiful in it's own way.

Caleb is a ball of fire. He rushes to get his school done and can never get enough. he is finally reading Bob books and we are now breezing through Phonics Pathways. He is still doing simple math but has started doing a few extra pages a day now that he is excited about it. I am just trying to use this excitement as long as it lasts.

Haven is excited but not as excited as Caleb. His excitement seems to be born more from competition than Love of learning at this point. He just wants to do everything Big Brother does. He is also working on Phonics Pathway but is a little behind Caleb much to his dismay. He is on the same level in math.

I can't wait for Spring. I Love the new life we get to see. I am yearning for my yard and my fingers to thaw out. :)
Yet while it is Winter I am trying to Live in this moment and remember that every moment is a gift from God.

My Beautiful Birthday Girl

Nature Journal Making

We will be getting together with my Sister and Cousin once a week on Fridays for Nature/Science study. A little extra to give the kids a chance to get out and hang with there cousins and friends. :)
The kids are supposed to bring a Nature Journal so they can draw or journal whatever we happen to be studying that day. Our budget is super de duper tight right now so I decided we would just use paper on clipboards. So we did that last week, I even tied there pencils to the board with a string so they would not lose it.

Sadly they ended up being a tad too bulky and Mommy ended up carrying two of the boards by the end of the walk, plus the papers came out a bit to easy for rough little boys.

So week 2 and I decided to make some kind of homemade journal. So here is what I made.

The materials I used:
Cardboard pieces,
A drill to make the holes. :)
Paper and a paper cutter
Hole Punch
Glue Stick
Sugar and Cream cotton yarn (embroidery floss was too tight after it was tied and ripped the pages)
Duct Tape
Stickers

This was all items I already owned and I think they turned out really cute. Lets hope they hold up to some rough kidlets for some nature and science exploration.

An Early Autumn Day

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... Rain and a peak of sunshine

I am thinking... That if I get the job at Michaels I will need to be extra motivated with the kids school prep each week.

I am thankful for... My beautiful daughter she is far too big and I am having a hard time remembering that she is 10. :)

From the learning rooms... We are now doing HOD half time since it was taking too long each day. I hope to work into full time in the next 2 months.

From the kitchen... 2 chickens in the slow cooker

I am wearing... Jeans that are actally pretty new, black tanktop with a blue tie dye look shirt over top, and my thrashed brown boots.

I am going... To town later today to get a few groceries and to buy Graph paper to help my girl with her math.

I am reading... I am supposed to be reading Anna Karenina for a book club I should get back to that soon.

I am hoping... That the Lord blesses Justin with a job soon and that I will continue to trust in the Lord to take care of us just as he always has..

I am hearing... The washing machine fill with water, and the boys watching a Leap Frog video quietly



I am Creating... Some Pillowcases for the kids room. I have some ladies coming next week to sew some with me so I need to get these examples done today. :)

Around the house... A bit of cleaning to do, I also want to do something fallish soon for decor.

One of my favorite things... Hot chocolate on an Autumn morning, and Party Planning. (I was doing both this morning)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Waiting on a call about a job, finish some sewing, do some more cleaning, school with the kids, finish grocery shopping, and maybe start reorganizing my room.

At the river

A little trip to the river.

Exploring and attempting to catch living creatures of any kind.

I do not need shoes daddy, you can carry me.

This boy is fearless

Happy to be dirty and wet.

Beautiful girl

Simply Me in August

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... Sunshine and roses

I am thinking... That I need prayer and guidance as we start our new school year.

I am thankful... To have a quiet morning with just Timmy and I to do some school.

From the learning rooms... Started using Heart of Dakota curriculum this year and it has been so wonderful thus far. A schedule to follow that is totally understandable yet flexible, and completely Christ centered.

In the kitchen... A few dishes to wash as always and yummy coffee my hubby brewed for us this morning.

I am wearing... A blue shirt with a white shirt underneath, blue Jeans, and brown sandles, and my wedding band.

I am creating... A small cross stitch a bit at a time. I was inspired recently by Karen over at Mother Culture.

I am going... To be home most of the day, unless I run to the store for milk and one more last school supply for Timmy. (seems I keep running into last school supplies I need to get LOL)

I am wondering... In what way the Lord will show Himself to us today.

I am reading... The Hobbit to the kids as a read aloud and just about to start reading Homestead: A Memoir myself.

I am hoping... That we can clearly see what God has planned for us when it comes to Justin's future Job plans.

I am looking forward to... Christmas- Yep I said it. I have this excitement to start handcrafting for family. Also MOPS this year where I get to teach crafts to moms. Love it!

I am hearing... My husband whistling a worship song. :)

Around the house... Just keeping busy, too many projects started at once. I need to complete something soon.

One of my favorite things... Having Justin home

A few plans for the rest of the week: I plan to seek God, Teach my children, Enjoy my family. :)

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Justin doing the Mento/ Diet Coke experiment with the kids. :)

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Just for Today

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... A few red roses against a green back yard

I am thinking... Just 14 days to go until my Justin comes home

I am thankful for... Amazing Family and Friends who are there for me even when I didn't realize I needed them.

From the learning rooms...(if this applies) We are learning to Pray and Trust

From the kitchen... Dirty dishes since my dishwasher is acting up. Time to give it a good cleaning and see if that will help.

I am wearing... My boots that have seen better days, Jeans that I embroidered that have also seen better days, and a stripey yellow and grey shirt with a hood. (Oh and one of my headbands from Shae)

I am going... To town in a bit to give my sister a ride to WIC and to see if anything can be done about Travis phone not working in India.

I am reading... A Pocketful of Pinecones to myself and The Hobbit (same edition I linked too it's so pretty) as a read aloud to the kids

I am hoping... To start working on the boys paint touch up soon

I am hearing... The kids playing with some bugs

Around the house... Flowers on the kitchen table, a bit of cleaning to do, some fresh herbs I just picked on the counter

One of my favorite things... Hearing my Justin on the phone

A few plans for the rest of the week: Go to the park if it is nice out, maybe drive through the Safari, Have a WIC class sometime, Small group on Tue, Keeping busy as much as possible - maybe some sewing.


Sadly we only have one camera and it is with Justin so I do not have a pic to share :)

The Simple Womans Daybook

A Visitor

We got a visit with our Lovely Taiah overnight. :) The girls as always made a list of things to do while she was here. (My sister jokingly called it a bucket list for kids hehehe)

Build a puzzle (check)

Playing outside with the neighbor girl Haley was not on the list but still fun. :)

Do Finger Nails (check)

Tea Party with Felicity and Molly (Check)

The girls also slept in a sheet tent and got to watch Ramona and Beezus together. Went to Wed night church and got some good play time in. :) I think my girly should be okay to wait until Taiahs next visit now. :) It was so nice to see her, we just love some girl time around here since we are usually out numbered. heheheh

Spring sewing swap

I took part in a springtime sewing swap over at The Homeschool Lounge. I received this amazingly cute apron from my swap partner. I was so excited and wore it all day yesterday.

I just love doing these little swaps it is a nice reason to sew something and always a chance to get some lovely mail instead of just another bill or credit card offer. :)

I now have a pile of sewing I need to start on. Some mending and some custom orders. Plus a birthday present for my almost 2 year old niece who is growing up way to fast. :)
Feeling happy to see the sunshine and ready for the gardening, walking, and park playing season.

Boys are a blessing

Justin had to work this Saturday and it just happened that my nephew and niece who are far to old if you ask me were in town at my moms for the weekend. So my momma and I did a little trade off and I kept my Nephew and she took Evangeline. So it was just me and the boys Fri night and Sat morning.

Elias went with us to the Build and Grow clinic to help the boys build there pull back race cars. These are a big hit and if you have not checked out Lowes free building clinics yet I again recommend them.

Here Elias is being very patient with Caleb.

Can you believe this a teenager playing Motor Boat with his little cousins. This just makes me smile I am so glad that even with the age difference they all just Love each other.

Duck Duck Goose time. :)

And my Haven concentrating, wish I could be that focused when I do a project.

Simple Woman on a Sunny Feb Day

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... Sunshine and grass that I needed to mow before today!
I am thinking... That this cold I have seems to be lasting forever and I am very ready to be over it.
I am thankful for... CELL group on Tuesdays, a chance to fellowship and an the perfect motivation to get my house pretty once a week.
From the learning rooms... I am rearranging bookcases. We are starting a new curriculum next year so also attempting to find all the books used at bargain prices. hehehe
From the kitchen... Trying not to look right now but I do think I can get it clean today if I have enough hot tea to motivate me.
I am wearing... Blue Jeans that almost fit right, a GI Joe t-shirt I got on clearance at Target, my worn out brown boots, and my awesome shell necklace my momma in law brought me from the Bahamas. Oh and of course my wedding band and a pony tail. (I need a hair cut soon)
I am creating... Nothing - I need to be making invites for my Timothy's birthday but that will wait until I feel well.
I am going... No where today - Home Sweet Home
I am reading... Just finished Pegasus by McKinley good but it was a first in a series she hasn't finished and I didn't know. Ughh Now I am reading some classic childrens fantasy books by E Nesbit (free on my kindle Yay!)
I am hoping... That I will actually do instead of sit
I am hearing... My children watching a movie.
Around the house... Laundry room still needs organized, getting a pile ready for a garage sale at some point in time.
One of my favorite things... Sunshine spots on the floor and little people curled up with there doggie in them to rest.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Get better quickly, Clean house, sewing a baby shower gift for a shower Sat.

No pictures today since I haven't felt well I don't think I have pulled out my camera for awhile. :(

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Simple Womans Daybook - On a chilly Feb morning

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... Fog and Frosted grass
I am thinking... That we need to start our school day soon with our devotion reading time
I am thankful for... My husband - God really knew what he was doing when he brought us together
From the learning rooms... I am trying to make decisions on next years curriculum
From the kitchen... It is actually cleanish - might go make a hot pot of tea soon
I am wearing... Old blue Cord pants, old boots, plum long john style shirt and a brown zippered hoodie??? Ya I don't coordinate today
I am creating... Bean bags for my boys, hope to finish them today
I am going... No where today - Home Sweet Home
I am reading... Not much but I want to start soon
I am hoping... That I can get our taxes filed today
I am hearing... A leap pad being played with in relative quiet
Around the house... Kitchen chairs need recovered today, Laundry room needs reorganized, other than that it's pretty clean and calm. For now
One of my favorite things... waking up to a delicious hot Latte
A few plans for the rest of the week: Homeschool co-op tomorrow, grocery shopping
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Waiting for his Cocoa - Kinda how I feel waiting for my coffee. :)

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Christmas Joy - Day 5

Okay okay so much for picture a day. Lets just call it "at least a picture a day" :)


Working back through the day I will start you off with the finished product. Our lovely Christmas tree. The very most beautifulest we have ever had according to Timmy. :)

A little help decorating from my girl

A little help putting on lights from my littlest boy

Timmy putting together the tree stand which he figured out all on his own. :)

At the tree farm where the gentleman used this awesome machine on our tree. (But he did not break it as Haven was a bit concerned he might)

A daddy can never have a big enough audience. Now if only he could get some help. hehehe

The first tree Caleb saw of course it is the one he wanted. So we took it home in picture form instead and he was happy with that.

Oh and the nice lady gave us candy, what could be better?

Some Summertime Simplicity

Finding Nature in the everyday! Caleb was amazed at this "beautiful butterfly" he found in the Costco Parking lot. :) Followed by a brown moth he found which sadly flew away before I snapped a pic.

Beautiful Girl on a very sunny day at the park, they were protecting the fort from something or other?

Playing in the Baby Whale. Gotta love Kaylin and her dancin skills. hehehe

Hmmmmm what's this?

Oops we need some Oxy Clean STAT

Hanging with the Cousins, and this is what I get when I tell 6 kids to smile. :)

Summer Free time is winding down as I prep for school starting on the 6'th. Of course I am trying to focus on the day to day beauty and remember not to worry to much about tomorrow. Prayer for the upcoming school year would be a blessing as this momma is imperfect and I need God's perfection on a day to day basis to carry me through.

Matthem 6:27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Simple sewing

The girls over at the Homeschool Lounge have started up a group for us who like to sew. :) They are kicking off August with a little bit of a friendly sewing challenge. We get points for any and everything we sew this month. Of course we lose points if we have to buy any fabric. hehehe Perfect challenge for me as I already have an overabundance of fabric that I need motivation to transform into something less sheet like.

So here is a little Simple Skirt How To. :) Or More like a simple How I made a skirt.

Step 1. 5 Quarter fats that I purchased ages ago folded in half. (Ummm yes I rarely use an iron)

Step 2. I cut them all on the open side at a slight angle from bottom to top. These are still folded over.

 

Step 3. Sew them end to end. I actually serged them together but regular sewing would work too.

Step 4. Turn inside out and sew ends together. (Now its a huge circle of fabric)

Step 5, 6, and 7. Serge top and bottom or roll hem. Then fold down top and sew to create a tube for stringing the elastic through. I cut the elastic to just fit my girls waist this way there is a ton of stretch so she can wear this skirt for a long time.

I used FOE simply because I have tons of it and the contest is about using up our stashes. Regular elastic would work fine as well. I also sewed a bit of lace on the bottom hem simply because I had it in the stash. :) You could easily use ribbon, lace, or nothing at all on the bottom hem.

As I sat and looked at my bible today I noticed my cover was rather bland. So here it is with my new embellishment. :) Simple yet fun. Just the kind of embroidery project I can actually finish.

Check back for more of my August sewing. I am always a fan of encouragement and friendly challenge. :)