Shoes and Pocketbooks

This is my latest cross-stitch blog. The theme for this quilt is "girly girl" and I think this block will go nicely.



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Catching Up

Gosh, I am so behind in blogging. We have been bumping along just doing what we do...nothing earth shattering, but the days do seem to be busy. Here are a few snippits from the last couple weeks.

Mom and Dad recently treated us to lunch out at Friendly's. We really fill a table.

Gabe had an appointment and is on his 3rd cast. This one is a short cast that he can remove for showers and an occasional itching attack. He will have surgery in the next few weeks to remove the wires and pins.


Punchie the cat, aka Willie moved into the house. He was suppose to be an outside cat, but he spent way too much time catching the wild birds. This did not make me a happy camper at all, so the decision was made that Punchie would now reside inside the house. He still stalks the birds, but from behind glass or screen.

Dan has realized that Punchie loves to play, but often uses claws. A pair of garden gloves does the trick for play time with the least amount of scratches.

Bess is my ever present helper, always willing to pitch in and get any job done. She actually seems to enjoy mowing the lawn. We split this chore, taking turns on the front and back yard.

Hannah's Surgery

Hannah recently had surgery on her mouth. This was part of the ongoing treatment for her cleft. She had a tooth pulled, a fistula closed and a bone graft.

She did a get job. The pre-op rooms are equipped with TVs and she enjoyed some cartoons before she went in.


The procedure took about an hour and she was in recovery in no time. Her poor little mouth was pretty swollen, but she took it all in stride with the help of a nice cold Popsicle.

Art Work

All the teachers at our co-op are wonderful. We appreciate the time and energy they put into the classes for the children. Art is an area I do not excel in and I am so thankful for Deb B. the mom that teaches art at our co-op. She does a super job and the children have learned so much.

The first half of this year, they finished up Meet the Masters, which is a curriculum about many of the great artists. The second half was devoted to learning cartooning techniques.

Here are some samples of the children's work.

Year End Homeschool Event

A few weeks after Gabe broke his arm, we had our year end potluck dinner and art show for our homeschool co-op. This was a great event where the children were able to show off some of the artwork and nature journals to family. Mom and Dad joined us.

It was a wonderful time of fellowship and great food.

Gabe has made some terrific friendships this year. He has grown tremendously in his social interactions and enjoyed special times with his friends. These three boys are his best buds. They were so sympathetic and concerned for Gabe's broken arm.

The older class recited poetry they had been working on. Bess did a great job with her poem, "Twice" by Christina Rosetti. She memorized the whole thing and gave a very good presentation.

A Few Blooms From Our Gardens

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Monkey Time

As you can see by the pictures, these were taken before Gabe broke his arm. One of our favorite local places to visit is the school playground. There are several different climbing structures around the school. We can only go after school hours or the weekend, but the children have a ball.

It is conveniently located on the way to the library, so a quick stop at the playground sometimes follows our weekly library runs.

Weekly Daybook

Go to The Simple Woman to read more.

For Today...May 4, 2009

Outside My Window...an off and on day with the sun. It seems to getting cloudier. Maybe we'll get a bit of rain. The birds are very busy at all the houses. They have been squabbling over the prime boxes. It will be interesting to see who ends up where.

I am thinking...how I can change things to make my life simpler. I do not do well with so much on the go. I also need to figure out how to streamline the house more. Sort and hoe, sort and hoe!
I am thankful for...modern technology. I enjoy the simple life, but also realize the value of the technologies that make my life more interesting and fun. I enjoy having access to the world.
From the learning rooms...back to the books this week. Taking two weeks off has refreshed us and everyone did well getting back to our school time schedule.
From the kitchen...nothing yet. I haven't done any cooking yet and haven't come up with dinner plans yet.
I am wearing...a purple t-shirt, gray sweats and a white floral long-sleeved shirt.
I am creating...I have not worked on anything this week except one of my BOM embroidery projects. Hopefully with us settling in again after Gabe's injury, I will have time and inclination to get back to work.
I am going...to make the most of our situation and rejoice that God has put us exactly where we are. This is a tough one for me.
I am reading...very little this week. Not a lot of leisure time for reading right now.
I am hoping...for God's continued prodding. I feel things are on the move.
I am hearing...Gabe on the computer. The younger children playing in the toy room...hmm and one child not sounding quite so happy.
Around the house...projects needing attention, laundry to fold and schoolwork yet to be done for the day.
One of my favorite things...a fresh new day everyday! The possibilities are almost endless.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...more doctor visits, one child has outpatient surgery and a temporary leaving.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... Chess is the game of choice these days. Gabe is getting quite good, but Bess always gives him a good game.

Late April Blooms in the Garden

I took these photos throughout the week last week. The garden is starting to green up nicely. I am so relieved to have spring upon us.

Dan's Sixth Birthday

Before all the excitement of Gabe's injury, Dan had a birthday. He is now six years old! I was glad his birthday came before Gabe got hurt as I am sure this would have put a damper on the festivities and the children so enjoy their special day.

He had been anticipating his birthday for months, as he, Hannah and Rachel all have spring birthdays and his comes last. He had been talking about it and giving us gift ideas.

We hit on a couple of really great gifts for him in addition to some of his suggestions. He was thrilled.

Mom and Dad came over for dinner, dessert and celebration. We allow the children to pick their dinner and dessert for their birthdays. Dan requested shells and sauce and ice cream cake. As always, the cake was very yummy.

Happy birthday, Dan! What a big boy you are now.