Weekly Daybook

Go to The Simple Woman to read more entries.
For Today...January 11, 2010

Outside my window...it is warmer today...in the 20s. Seems so much warmer than our minus degrees yesterday. It is gray and cloudy. I think it wants to snow. The birds are so busy at the feeders.

I am thinking...that I need to get back to my decluttering. The walls are moving in on us with our piles of things, or at least it feels that way.

I am thankful for...my church family. We are a very imperfect bunch, but so many wonderful people that love the Lord and are trying to do the best they can to serve Him and love each other.

From the learning rooms...our normal schedule this week, we are moving on in our geography lessons to a new continent.

From the kitchen...Asian style sesame chicken in the crock pot with rice and salad.

On my mind...why I hang on to so many things that plague my mind...namely so many possessions that I don't really care for, but seem unable to sort and get rid of. Some might be my New England upbringing...you never know when you might need something, so you better save it. The piles overwhelm me and I don't even know where to start.

I am creating...a new quilt, ongoing Christmas projects and cross-stitch block for my stitching group.

I am going...to try and stay on task this week. I am so easily drawn away by things that look like more fun. I need to get some serious work done.

I am reading...my Bible. No books of leisure at the moment.

I am hoping...to make some major changes in 2010. It will take nothing less than a major act of God to accomplish what I would like, but I know He is up for the task, if I can hold up my end of the deal.

I am hearing....Gabe cleaning out under his bed. "It is disgusting under here." "How did all this stuff get under here." Very funny!

Around the house...major laundry day today. There are several piles sorted and ready to go in the wash, one load in the washer, one in the dryer, some on the couch ready to sort and baskets for each child to sort and put away.

I'm Pondering these words..."Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt. 11:28-30

I have seen oxen yoked and working together. Neither of them seems to be working especially hard most of the time and when they do have a very heavy task, the put their heads down and accomplish it together, sharing the toil. There is always one that is the lead oxen, directing the way they move, how they pull and where they go. If I could just yoke myself to Christ and keep myself there, not pulling against the yoke when it isn't going the way I want or trying to take the lead, but willingly submitting myself to the yoke and to the leadership of Christ, my pull would be so much easier, my burden so much lighter. Why would I want to carry such a load alone?

One of my favorite things...a new quilt project. All that fresh fabric waiting to be transformed.

Here is a picture I'd like to share

I don't like carrying all the dirty laundry down our steep stairs, so I toss it down. Usually there is a child or two at the bottom playing "catch the laundry".

Weekly Daybook

Go to The Simple Woman to read more entries.
For Today...January 4, 2010

Outside my window...it is dark and cold. The wind has died down and it is very, very quiet. The snow on the road makes even the occasional car almost silent.

I am thinking...that I am glad our first day back to our "normal" schedule went pretty well. We got a lot done today.

I am thankful for...God's daily love and care. When things seem so difficult, He will give me just the boost I need. It might not be a huge boost, but it will be enough to see me through.

From the learning rooms...basics today. Easing our way back to a full schedule. We are changing up a few things, taking some out, adding some in...doing our mid-year tweaking.

From the kitchen...chili and cornbread tonight. This is one of our favorites and oh, so good on a cold winter evening.

On my mind...writing a post about my word of the year. I've never actually written about it, even though I've committed to a word the last few years.

I am creating...finishing up some Christmas projects. Yes, I know Christmas is over, but I am going to continue until I am done. Starting a new cross-stitch project for my ladies group.

I am going...to continuing working on our schedule. We got a lot done today and it felt great. I need to keep it going. There needs to be some changes in how I use my time.

I am reading...my Bible. No books of leisure at the moment.

I am hoping...for a very good 2010. A year of growing closer to my Lord.

I am hearing...lots of snores. I think we have the noisiest family when it comes to sleeping. It sort of feels like the dwarfs house in Snow White...you know the scene where they are all sleeping and making so many different snore noises. It makes me smile.

Around the house...school books waiting to be packed away. I cleaned off another shelf today. Christmas things are still out. Gabe wanted to keep the tree up longer and I really don't mind. It smells so heavenly and is still so pleasant to enjoy in the evening with the lights off except for the tree.

One of my favorite things...playing games. Tonight we tried Settlers of Catan. I think it is going to be a lot of fun once we get past the learning curve.

Here is a picture I'd like to share

Gabe loves to cook and is getting quite a repertoire of dishes. I think he was making scrambled eggs, sausage and toast.

Christmas Afternoon

We headed over to Mom and Dad's in the afternoon. Glenn, Theresa, Julia, Mariah, Abbie, Zeb, Dave, Sandi, Emily, Amber and Walt also joined in the Christmas celebration.

We had a buffet style meal of turkey, ham, scalloped potatoes, broccoli casserole, stuffing, squash, sweet potato, a veggie platter, deviled eggs, a pickle tray, cranberry sauce, gravy, rolls and pies and cookies for dessert. Oh, my, I'm stuffed all over again.

After dinner we opened presents. Each of the grandchildren draws the name of one of the other grandchildren, so the children get a gift, plus Noona and Papa give them gifts.

The younger guys went outside for a while. There was plenty of snow to play in.

It was a very nice day. I love our family and the closeness we have. Everyone enjoys each other's company and there are always plenty of laughs.

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning...how magical and exciting it always is. It took forever for some of the children to go to bed the night before, so we had a nice leisurely get up time.

Here is the scene before everyone came in.

Everyone opened their stockings and we had breakfast.

Our opening can take a while as we do one person and one gift at a time. It is nice to be able to savor each gift and enjoy it with the giver and the receiver. Here are a few shots of the happy faces of Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve

Brian had the day before Christmas off as did the children. It was a nice day. We did last minute errands, baking and wrapping. We played and enjoyed the day.

Lasagna, garlic toast and salad was the dinner choice. Everyone decided this was a very good menu to have next Christmas Eve.

We set a nice table and enjoyed a wonderful meal.

We really need a bigger table.


We went to the Christmas Eve candlelight service at church. I love being with our church family and the service is so beautiful. (I borrowed this from our church site. Not sure who took it.)


Brian and I finished up the wrapping after the children were in bed.

Winter Concert

Rachel is in the 4th grade chorus at school and they had their Winter Concert right before Christmas. It is sad to me that they have to call it a Winter Concert, but they did sneak in a few real Christmas songs, although it was just in music...no words.

Rachel was so excited and nervous. Noona and Papa came over as did Wayne and Liz. She was thrilled.

She did a great job and the music was surprisingly good for a 3rd-5th grade concert...really very good. You can tell that the teachers really care about the music and the students. It was a very nice evening.

Cookies and Gingerbread Houses

The afternoon of December 20th found us at Wayne and Liz's home.

We had a wonderful lunch of spaghetti and meatballs (made with venison), bread and salad.

After lunch we decorated cookies and gingerbread houses.

Wayne wisely assembled the houses the night before.

The cookies were made and ready for yummy frosting and decorations. Everyone had a turn or two, except Wayne I think. He kept up with the dishes. :-) Ashley was home and Trent joined in the fun.

Here are a few of the finished product. The children had so much fun going wild with the decorations and of course, the cookies were so good.

Next came the houses. There were piles of goodies to put on the houses and each one was uniquely different.

Some were much more careful with their decorating, others had quite the free for all.

Look at all those happy faces and finished houses.


Wayne and Liz, thank you so much for a terrific afternoon. We had so much fun and as always enjoyed the wonderful company.

A Bit of Off Road Driving

The night of December 13th was the Cantata at our church. I had to be there earlier to warm up and go over last minute instructions. Brian was going to bring the kids later.

It had snowed earlier in the day, then turned to rain. The roads seemed clear. Thus the problems began. I have been driving for a very long time. I have never gone off the road before. I was preoccupied and not noticing that the paved road changed to the dirt road. I went to go around a curve and the car continued forward. I knew I was going off the road.

My first thought was not to hit any trees...I hate the idea of the air bags going off. I know, pretty silly. Once I was off the road, into the snow, I had a bit more control and was able to steer between two trees and over the bank I went. It was quite the ride to say the least. My purse went flying, with my cell phone. I was able to unbuckle the seatbelt and feel around for my purse and get my phone. I called Brian, he came and picked me up in our 4-wheel drive truck, took me to church and I sang in the Cantata.

These pictures are from the next day.

We called a towing company. The guy was terrific, making sure he angled the cable and used a pulley to pull the car between the trees.

Brian got in and drove the car home...amazing. There was only a small dent in the front fender, no other damage except some scratches and this is an older car, so no bother there.

Here you can see how steep the bank was.

I am so thankful for so many things...I was not hurt, I had no children with me, the car sustained almost no damage, the towing guy was so careful, Brian was home to rescue me, Bess was able to stay home with the rest of the children so Brian could bring me to church and the car was able to used again right away.

Lesson learned...no matter how preoccupied and busy life gets...PAY ATTENTION TO THE DRIVING CONDITIONS!

2009 Ornaments

For the past several years, I have participated in the SHS (an online group) ornament exchange. I have received so many wonderful ornaments through this exchange. This year, Ginger in LA, sent me these lovely teapot and teacup ornaments. They are so pretty and perfect, as Ginger knows that Bessie and I try and have tea together as often as possible. She also sent some wonderful teas and chocolates. I wonderful box of goodies. Thanks so much, Ginger.

My friend Laura in MO also sent me these gorgeous ornaments. This was such a surprise and the ornaments are so beautiful. These ornaments are Jim Shore from Heartwood Creek and the detail is wonderful. I just love them. Laura, you are so generous and kind. Thank you, so much.

Decorating the Tree

We had to squeeze in time to decorate the tree. There were so many activities and other commitments this year. We finally had a few hours on Sunday the 13th, after church and before the Cantata.

It is always so fun to pull out the ornaments and remember where we got them and who gave them to us. I am especially finding it fun to remember the wonderful ornaments I've gotten from my online friends at SHS and a few other groups. These ornaments have become so precious to me.

Brian and Gabe put on the lights. This was quite the ordeal this year, as we found several of the strings did not work. Thankfully, I had purchased a few sets on sale last year after Christmas. Of course I had to remember where I had put them...no easy task, but the sets were found the the lights were hung. Brian was still able to smile after it all.


Each child has their own set of ornaments. Each year we give them an ornament and sometimes they receive them from other people. Our tree was loaded this year with all the favorites. I am thinking we might have to add a second tree next year.



We drew names to decide who would put on the star...Bess won. It amazes me that she is now able to accomplish this on her own and to remember back to so many Christmases when she was little and Brian would hold her up to put on the star.