Make a Smilebox picture slideshow

Rachel's 11th Birthday

Rachel had her 11th birthday on the 8th. Our kids just love birthdays, even when it isn't their own, but especially when it is their turn. They talk about whose turn is going to next and then count the days, weeks or months until the special day. Ever since Christmas, Rachel has known that her birthday comes next and has been eagerly awaiting the day.

I surprised Rachel by bringing her lunch from McDonald's and staying and having lunch with her at school . We then went back to her class and shared cupcakes. It was such fun seeing her face when she say me and realized what was up. Her teacher is very sweet and everyone sang happy birthday and then she put up a large board and everyone take turns saying some nice about Rachel.

Mom and Dad came over later in the day to have dinner with us and celebrate. We had one of our favorites, Shepherd's Pie, and Rachel requested ice cream cake for dessert.

I had given Mom and Dad some suggestions for gifts, one being a sewing box. Mom was able to find a nice one and stocked it with some supplies and pieces of fabric. Rachel loves working with her hands and I am teaching her some simple sewing techniques. She was so thrilled with the gift.


Happy Birthday, Rachel. We love you! :-)

Weekly Daybook

Go to The Simple Woman to read more entries.
For Today...February 8, 2010

Outside my window...dark and cold. I can't really even see out the window, as the ice on the outside storm window is pretty much blocking all views, even it was daylight out, which it isn't.

I am thinking....what a very busy, full day it was, but what a fun day. Today was Rachel's 11th birthday and I surprised her at school by bringing her lunch from McDs and cupcakes to share with her class. She did not know I was coming and she was so surprised and pleased.

I am thankful for....Rachel. Some days I know I get frustrated, but when I think how far she has come in the four years since coming home, it really amazes me. She is a terrific person and has so many talents and gifts.

From the learning rooms...Gabe and Bess managed their school work independently today as I spend many hours driving here and there, running errands that needed doing for Rachel's birthday and attending a meeting and bringing Rachel to Girls Club.

From the kitchen...a family favorite...Shepherd's Pie, made with hamburger, cream corn and mashed potatoes. Also, ice cream cake to celebrate Rachel's special day.

On my mind...how I can continue in the direction I'm going, which feels quite good right now. I need to stay focused on the important things and leave the rest.

I am creating...a gift for a friend and working up embroidery projects for Bessie's girl's club in March.

I am going...to work on my garden plan. Nothing like getting down on paper some plans for the spring time to help ease the blues of this cold winter weather.

I am reading...a mystery by Dorothy Sayers. I just love Lord Peter Wimsey.

I am hoping...that Brian's back feels better tomorrow. I know how uncomfortable it is to have a sore back and still try to function.

I am hearing....the soft whoosh of the vaporizer and a few soft snores. All is quiet for the most part.

Around the house...wrapping paper and gifts from Rachel's birthday.

I am Pondering...what is our main objective in schooling our children? What will be the best course of action to help them utilize their gifts and talents to best advantage for them in adulthood.

I am wearing...comfy, warm clothes on a chilly night.

One of my favorite things....pulling off a surprise for one of the children. Nothing beats the look on their faces when you have totally surprised them with something.

Here is a picture I'd like to share

Our birthday girl.

Weekly Daybook

Go to The Simple Woman to read more entries.
For Today...February 1, 2010

Outside my window...bright blue sky and plenty of sunshine, but oh, so cold and very windy! The Maine wind chime has been clanging all day. There seems to be a lot more Goldfinches at the feeders today.

I am thinking....that if I'm going to be able to be of better service to God and to those around me, I need to start thinking about taking better care of this humble vessel of a body. As each year passes it becomes less and less forgiving of the neglect I heap upon it.

I am thankful for....feeling better. What a joy it is to be able to breath through my nose without snuffling, inhale without coughing and walk without pain. I am so thankful that we are all on the mend.

From the learning rooms...the basics today...math and LA. We are easing back into our full schedule after many days of sickness in the home.

From the kitchen...Brian is bringing home dinner...mystery.

On my mind...planning for a camping trip this summer out west. It is fun to plan and dream of new places to see and explore.

I am creating...still somewhat in a slump, but starting a new cross-stitch block for my group. I missed the deadline on the last block and Sandra came to my rescue. Thanks, Sandra. You ladies rock. I need to reorganize my sewing area again so I can start working on a new quilt. I also need to set aside a little bit of time each day to work on my projects. Even 15-30 minutes adds up to a finished project.

I am going...to make sure everyone gets into bed early tonight. We had some pretty drooping kidlins' getting off the bus today. I think everyone is still a bit low from their colds last week.

I am reading...my Bible. I would like to start reading more again. Need to set up some type of schedule to fit everything in.

I am hoping...to find more things to sell on Craigslist. What a fun feeling that is...to get rid of things and have someone pay you for them.

I am hearing....the children running through the house being very loud. Dan always has so much energy when he gets home from school. Rachel telling me about her day. She loves to sit with me and chat. It is one of the few times we get to spend one on one time together.

Around the house...backpacks, boots, hats, mittens and jackets...all the detritus of the kids home from school. Baskets of laundry waiting to be folded and put away.

I am Pondering...Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:27-28

Service...translating that into action, daily showing my family love and care beyond just "my duty" to a heart felt devotion...making them feel cared for and cherished.

I am wearing...black windpants, black and gray long-sleeved shirt and black fleece vest.

One of my favorite things....Columbian Coffee ice cream from Stewart's with hot fudge sauce and chopped peanuts.

Here is a picture I'd like to share