Daybook, March 10, 2014

FOR TODAY ...Monday, March 10, 2014

Outside my window...It is still dark, thanks to the time change.

I am thinking...I have much cleaning to do today.

I am thankful for...Boys that are able to help lift, carry and lighten the load.

From the learning rooms...The oldest is ploughing through his work in order to be able to leave in June. The youngest is ploughing through his work to see if I will really allow him to be done when the work is done. And I will. No one should be punished for finishing a job. Math and reading are year-round here, but the other subjects...done is done.

From the kitchen...I'm visiting Pintrest when I'm done here.

I am wearing...something warm.

I am creating...I just got done making a tunic for the oldest's performance a week ago. I will be picking my first quilting attempt back up. I really want to finish some (okay, several) knitting WIPs.

I am going...to drive the oldest this afternoon, just like I always do. Driving to dance, driving to dance.

I am reading...Just raced through Marie Lu's Legend and gave it to the youngest. Debating between Daughter of the Forest and A Song for Summer .

I am hoping...

I am hearing...the clock tick, the furnace run and a few neighbors leaving for work.

Around the house...Lenten cleaning.

One of my favorite things...My new sewing machine.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Same song, next verse.

 Have a joyful week!!


Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more Daybookers.

FOR TODAY ...March 5, 2012

Outside my window...Sunshine, light breeze, spring smells.

I am thinking...I am running behind today. Sadly, this is not unusual.

I am thankful for...Homeschooling. I cannot imagine our life if we did otherwise.

From the learning rooms...Youngest is working through a year of folk tales, mythology, fables, fairy tales, fantasy and poetry. Oldest is still adjusting to the demands of an eighth grade schedule, plus two hours of piano, plus three to four hours of dance all crammed into one day.

From the kitchen...left over pizza for one, tamales, chimis and burritos for the other two boys (husband is counted in my "boys" a lot of the time--while always a hard worker, he is somewhat of a class clown--my youngest is THE class clown, though).

I am wearing...not what I should be. Still in jammies.

I am creating...still working on the same projects, a shawl, a scarf, some jewelry.

I am going...to take the oldest to dance and I will visit the pool while I wait.

I am reading...cooking magazines, looking for low-fat, low-carb, low-acidic, tasty & healthy meals to accommodate my family's many needs. Did I mention I have a couple of picky eaters (oldest is NOT one of them)?

I am hoping...to have a helpful appointment with youngest & his doctor tomorrow.

I am hearing...my children discuss technology. Sigh...not what the topic should be, but they're quite animated and knowledgeable.

Around the house...weeding, sorting, praying for more room.

One of my favorite things...my new refrigerator. It holds what it needs to and does not leak on my floor.

A few plans for the rest of the week: putting one foot in front of the other, trying to not get distracted...

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Pretty much my view each afternoon--mine does not have red trim. Gas prices are really getting crazy, huh?

How are you doing???

Be blessed!

Julie


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Daybook...April 25, 2011

FOR TODAY ...April 25, 2011...

Outside my window...the splash of tires through the rain, determined birdsong.

I am thinking...about Easter Vigil, the Great Service of Light, the Mother of all Holy Vigils, my most-favorite Mass of the year.

It was so hard to get there this year. I don't mean to be overly dramatic, but do you ever feel like "something/someone" is at work to keep you out of church? It was dicey up to the moment I sat down in the pew whether or not I would get to worship with our church family. Things just kept...happening that would have made it so much easier just to give up and go home and pull the covers over my head...but

I am thankful for...the fact that we made it!

It was even more beautiful than in years past. For those who've not ever been, the first part of the Mass is done in darkness with a few moments of candlelight. And then for the Gospel, the lights blaze with the "Alleluia" that has been buried for the whole of Lent.

The joy of Easter was just tangible. Over twenty new members were welcomed fully into our congregation during this service. A family of four stood in the Baptismal font and were baptized together. It was exciting to watch my boys watch and remember their Baptism, Confirmation, and first Holy Eucharist only three short years ago. It seems like we have always been there. God is so good.

From the learning rooms...the boys are each working on a project for a different country. They will be presenting their projects in May. Just to us, but we will video it. Much work to be done!

From the kitchen...Left-over corn beef will turn into Reubens.

I am wearing...still in jammies...sigh...

I am creating...I need to start working on next year's lesson plan.

I am going...nowhere fast, sitting in front of the computer.

I am reading...Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher. I've read it before, but I tend to reread books when I need to relieve stress.

I am hoping...my husband will have a good day at work today.

I am hearing...my husband making his second cup of coffee.

Around the house...my landlord will be putting in new windows in a week or so. I must clear a path.

One of my favorite things...Reubens! I am looking forward to lunch.

A few plans for the rest of the week:I must take the van in to have it serviced.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...some earrings I made for Roo's friend, who we all are very fond of.



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Daybook...March 21, 2011

FOR TODAY ...March 21, 2011...

Outside my window...My windows are open!! I love this weather! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, there is a light breeze! Sounds like the beginning of a cliche, but I will take it.

I am thinking...of making a large change in the way we do things around here. There is the potential for upheaval and drama, but the end goal is a little more peace and family time.

I am thankful for...a husband who lets me work out my thoughts out loud. Children who are ready to take a leap of faith and trust our judgment.

From the learning rooms...Roo is working on Italy; Boo is learning about Ireland. Reports at the end of the year.

From the kitchen...TBLTs for lunch...Turkey bacon. My sandwich will be with rye and some feta cheese, because I'm just crazy like that.

I am wearing...clothes from doing yoga.

I am creating...a bag, two shawls, some scarves and socks! Has anyone else done this type of knitting?

I am going...to finish what we started, but start gearing up for a new plan.

I am reading...the same books I was last week.

I am hoping...that I speak with gentleness, but remain firm in my convictions.

I am hearing...BIRDS!!

Around the house...hopefully we can get into the garage soon to sort and organize.

One of my favorite things...music. My husband hooked up a CD player in my room so I can have my music when I want.

A few plans for the rest of the week:much driving, rehearsal for Roo, a show at the end of the week.


Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Daybook...March 14, 2011

FOR TODAY ...March 14, 2011...

Outside my window...IT IS SNOWING!!!! Really? I need to get on the road!

I am thinking..."REALLY???? I need to get on the road!"

I am thankful for...My husband who has been very understanding on this long journey to menopause--that is still not over.

From the learning rooms...One boy does school on the road, one boy does school at home with Dad.

From the kitchen... I will not be in mine.

I am wearing... Pajamas. I need to get dressed and on the road. But it's SNOWING!

I am creating...I have about seven knitting projects going. My goal is to finish ONE, 1, one, uno, next week.

I am going...to take care of a relatives needs for a short while.

I am reading...Salem Falls, by Jodi Picoult and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (yes, again).

I am hoping...for safe travel. Actually, I am praying for that.

I am hearing...the clock ticking.

Around the house...Everyone else is asleep.

One of my favorite things...a quiet cup of coffee in the morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week:Driving...

No picture today. Hopefully, I can start sharing some soon.

Off the computer now. Must load the van. Hopefully the snow will lighten up soon. Will be visiting my bloggy neighbors this evening when Boo and I touch down.

Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Daybook...September 27, 2010

FOR TODAY ...May , 2009...

Outside my window...it's 45 degrees and fair. Looks like a lovely day.

I am thinking..."Where did this year go???"

I am thankful for...my husband and the nearly eighteen years we have been married.

From the learning rooms...trying for a routine this week. We've had so many doctor's and dentist and other appointments lately. I want to have a routine!!

From the kitchen...it depends on my wonderful husband who has taken over a lot of the cooking at night since I am gone so much this (ballet school) year. His options are grilled fish or "Daddy's chicken fingers."

I am wearing...comfortable layers that can quickly be removed or added back depending on the state of my hot flashes.

I am creating...in progress, on needles: three scarves, three afghans, one shawl and hopefully some hair bows and some jewelry if I can see my way clear to my workspace.

I am going...to PSR with son #2 and ballet with son #1.

I am reading...I just finished The Godmother by Carrie Adams. I was looking for something light and quick. Quick it was, definitely British (which I love) but not the fast and funny chick lit I had imagined by the cover art or the synopsis on the back. A bit edgy and sad, with a moral to the story (but questionable character morals--so if you would be offended, avoid reading). Truly a book that pulled me in and demanded to be finished immediately.

I am hoping...I really don't have a cold.

I am hearing...the computer, the clock and some cars off the highway.

Around the house...trying to find: the floor, my bed, a plan that works, a clone to do the boring stuff.

One of my favorite things...walking with my husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week:box up homeschool work and records that can be filed. Organize some things that can be sold.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...This was the house I spent five weeks in during the summer. With nineteen kids. With NO INTERNET working on MY computer--everyone else's computer worked! I really had no business on the internet, anyway. That turned out to be a blessing.


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Laryngitis of the Blog

I lost my voice for a while.

No, I didn't really have laryngitis. At least not the vocal kind (although, perhaps my children wouldn't have minded a bit). I've experienced what some might call "writer's block" but it was that and more. It spilled over into a lot of daily living. The outcome was that I've not been visibly "around" much here. In all honesty, I have been on FaceBook and Twitter, but those are so different. They can consume a lot of time--but they are different.

A couple things happened. Around October I was continually getting a sense that the LORD was telling me that I needed to take a break from my blog. Really? I didn't want to hear that. And I didn't want to announce I was taking a break, because I kept thinking I would "get better" and/or I wouldn't really be able to take a break after saying I was.

One problem with naming your blog "Joyful Days" is that there is a perceived (and maybe only by me) notion that my post should/will be positive. Naming my blog "Joyful Days" however was a challenge to myself. I wanted to start finding "joy in all things" I wanted to see joy in the tiny blessings as well as in the huge miracles. I still believe joy is a choice. I've seen what happens to people who choose to be the antithesis of joy--grouchy, depressed, angry, obstinate...in a word--me.

I've been hesitant to talk about my health issues--certainly not large and devastating, more of the chronic and persistent type...just annoying really, and in the grand scheme of things, very manageable. I didn't want to talk about them much because I didn't want my blog to go that direction even though those things are very much a part of who I am. I didn't want to define myself that way then.

But I have found joy is easier when you are addressing your health issues. My diagnosis of hypothyroidism was a blessing. Depression comes in many forms. I was experiencing sometimes debilitating depression--the depression that took all the energy I had to get out of bed. That kind and other depressions that are caused by chemical imbalances are not depressions that involve choice. But after my blanket of gauze was lifted I saw patterns I had allowed to creep into my life..."Poor me, life is unfair, people are mean..." Well those things are true sometimes, but the better choice is to see the "blessed me." I know I don't deserve all of the blessings I have and I've seen most often people are so kind.

Pre-diabetes has become part of my vocabulary. And when it did I finally chose to lose weight however I could get it off without surgery or medication (other than my thyroid medication, I guess). I've been hesitant to talk about my weight loss, but last year I lost 50 lbs. I've been worried lest I say anything and every last ounce will jump back on my body. My choice of diets has been debated in "real life" and while it is a choice due to my health issues, most people don't like the idea. My choice of exercise has taken a few hits too. Those two things combined with a few others molded my health choices last year. In all likelihood, now that I am a little more comfortable with them, I can share a little more.

My blog found some new readership and I had to decide how much personal information I can allow out here--both my personal "stuff" and my children's and the stuff that belongs to others in my life. I've been hesitant to talk about anything controversial or potentially offending.

Apparently I can be controversial and offending without intending to.

I've been hesitant to post about the reality of my days lest I sound like I'm boasting or worse whining--that "joyful days" thing again.

So, what have I been up to?

Exercise and diet. The road to "healthy" has helped me choose joy.

I found myself slipping a lot in my witness. Asking myself the "What Would Jesus Do?" question more often; asking myself if my action is "Christian" helps in finding joy--it is oftentimes inconvenient and takes a little extra thought--but the reality is liberating.

One more joyful thing is that I've been sleeping more. Part of my research shows that as you age you should get a certain amount of sleep. For quite a few years I worked overnights and still came home to school the boys during the day. That kind of lifestyle catches up with one sooner or later. So four or five nights a week I am in bed before eleven, which for me is huge.

I've pushed my children in ways I said I would not. I've allowed my children things I thought I wouldn't--still surprised when I realize how culturally deficient we are--why do I feel the need to apologize for that?

Driving lots of driving

Sitting and waiting.

Knitting

School--although I daily feel inadequate, and humbled by the children God has given me.

Trying to keep clothes clean and food on the table.

Facebook, Farmville, Farm Town, and Twitter.

Hopefully hitting "Publish Post" will help me blog again. I miss my blog. I miss my bloggy friends. Maybe I can get back on track...

Count it all joy,

Julie

Happy Thanksgiving

Glitterfy.com - Glitter Graphics

Daybook...September 14, 2009

FOR TODAY ...September 14, 2009...

Outside my window...gray and damp. A good day to sleep.

I am thinking...I wish life would slow down.

I am thankful for...my husband.

From the learning rooms...Bible study includes Know and Grow - Understanding God, Famous Men of Rome, The Book of Virtues, The Children's Book of Virtues. And much more to keep us busy.

From the kitchen...spaghetti and meatballs.

I am wearing...my exercise clothes, still...I need to get that changed.

I am creating...continuing to knit, trying #35 needles--they're huge.

I am going...to auditions with the boys tonight.

I am reading...more books than I should.

I am hoping...Roo is not going to get sick today. Boo has been sick and is finally improving. Roo's turn may be coming. I'm letting the boys sleep late today. We've had too much activity and they just may be run down.

I am hearing...creaking beds.

Around the house...same song, next verse...

One of my favorite things...Republic of Tea's Maté Latte.

A few plans for the rest of the week:catching up on record keeping, hopefully getting some long overdue mailing done. I have a few things that have been sitting waiting to be sent.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...the boys two years ago. My how they've grown. In a couple weeks I plan to up date this photo.



Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Purple...

...or even aubergine,amaranthine, amethyst, heliotrope, lavender, lilac, mulberry, orchid, periwinkle, perse, or plum.

I have abused the royal color of purple and unintentionally cause my dear friend Buttercup sorrow. Dear Buttercup, just so you know I really do like purple. I was just surprised because I've just always saw myself as a blue or perhaps black personality. But most certainly I like purple.

So offering the olive branch to any and all lovers of the passionate purple color, I give you:

10 Purple Things I Like

1. Lavender



2. Lilacs



3. Orchids



4. Violets



5. Irises



6. Pansies



7. Statice






8. Amethysts



9. Eggplants



10. Purple velvet

Actually twice a year, during Lent and Advent, my blog is usually purple, the colors of the season. But I felt a change would be appropriate to honor the lovely color of purple.

Oh!! One more thing that I love that is purplish (a little gray/purple)...

Oh bother!



Do you have a favorite color? Or a color you see your personality as?

Have a colorful day!

Julie

Sweetness Most Undeserved

Bad, bad blogger that I am, I've fallen behind on thanking a couple people for their generous words.

Always kind and gentle, Squelly at Dreamers Day shared the True Heart Award with me eons ago.

The award says, "Those who receive this award are of the sweetest nature. They are kind, friendly, funny, loving, eager to share their love for Jesus with others, and brave in their efforts to reflect Him to this darkened world. They are the kind of folks you're blessed to know, even if it's only in the bloggy-sphere." If only I could aspire to half of those kind words...

Then dear Renee at A Path of Joy shared the Circle of Friends award with me.

The rules say:

* To pick up the Circle of Friends Blog Award cut and paste the award logo and use it on your own blog.
* Nominate 5 other bloggers you feel have become part of your circle of friends.
* Link to your nominees within your blog post. Include these instructions on how to pick up the award in your blog post.
* Link back to the person who gave you the award in your blog post, to show your appreciation.
* Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award.

I'm just going to say a huge and heartfelt "Thank You!" to Renee and Squelly and tell you all that everyone who stops by and shares with me is in my circle of friends and you all have such wonderful, true hearts!! I really have grown so much from this community of women who reach across the miles and the internet.

Have a joyful day!!

Julie

Daybook...July 13, 2009

FOR TODAY ...May , 2009...

Outside my window...gray, humid, looks like rain again. Thunderstorms possible.

I am thinking...I love my life.

I am thankful for...I meant to mention this in last weeks Grains of Gratitude, but it got missed, I am thankful for the gentleman who stood behind us in church last Sunday. This wonderful man was obviously an immigrant. He sang with such enegry and gusto, his heart was in everything he said and did. When we closed with "America the Beautiful" I was near tears listening to him. It was obvious his love for his adopted country. We have a very diverse congregation and I am sure some of our members fully realize how lucky we are to be able to practice our Faith freely. I pray that I am not lulled into mediocrity practicing my faith or my freedom.

From the learning rooms...the boys have the week off! This week is my week to sort and organize. Yes, I wanted it done much earlier, but I truly believe God had other plans and maybe I will be open to them now.

From the kitchen...the boys will be learning some easy baking. I am on a limited diet for now and while I don't think they should miss out, I think they might benefit from some supervised baking.

And I won't be as tempted to lick the bowls.

I am wearing...some old clothes I exercised in. Be glad there isn't a "smell" feature on Blogger---eeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...Sorry, I just need to cool down a bit more. Then obviously, hop in the shower.

I am creating...I am going to sort through my yarn stash and see what fibers I want to combine. I've got some really fun yarns and I love the look of blended knitting.

I am going...NOWHERE TODAY!!!!

I am reading...Wuthering Heights...finally. I've read it before, but it was on my list for the Winter Reading Challenge and I got off track.

I am hoping...to be able to participate in a reading challenge again soon. I miss the planning and visiting of other readers. I always get good ideas for books I should read. Because I don't have an out of hand to-be-read list. Bwahahahaha.

I am hearing...the clock tick and a child's bed creak. I moved out to the living room this morning to sit in a comfy chair.

Around the house...sort, organize, remove, sort, organize, remove, repeat, repeat, repeat...

One of my favorite things...a new tea blend I am trying. It's called "The Kitchen Sink." Kidding, but I've thrown in some flavored Mate', some Rooibos chai, a Lady Grey black, and some chocolate green tea in the last minute of steeping. Yes, I know...I'm strange...and random.

A few plans for the rest of the week:Yoga on Tuesday, taking my oldest and a friend's daughter with me--they have a ballet class afterwards, taking them and my friend on Thursday and she and I can have a good chat while waiting for our children, a trip to the zoo if it ever stops raining.

Here is video thought I am sharing...



Song: Wuthering Heights
Singer: Haley Westenra
Songwriter: Kate Bush


Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Honestly?

Carrie at Quite the Normal Life wants me to be honest. And Squelly at The Dreamer's Day does too! They shared the Honest Scrap Award with me. Thanks, ladies! I'm sorry I've been so slow in posting this. Honestly? I've been a bad, overwhelmed by life blogger. But, and I know I keep saying this, maybe now I can get back on track.

To accept this award, I need to: 1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award. 2) Share "ten honest things" about myself. 3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me. 4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving it :)

So my ten scraps of honesty?

1. Honesty is always the best policy. But I am trying to teach the boys that being honest does not mean you have to tell everything that you know. Like...you can say that your mom doesn't like mornings, but not tell someone that I look very scary when I wake up...or worse. Not that my lovely, adorable sons would ever share anything embarrassing about me.

2. Honestly? I start way to many things and then have a horrible time finishing them.

3. I am a serious pack rat. I am a crafter.

4. I am not a domestic goddess. I do not like housekeeping, I do it under duress and fear of the grossness that happens without cleaning. Company is always a great motivator, but I don't invite people over often enough.

5. Seriously? I am a wonderful procrastinator. Scarlett O'Hara has nothing on me. "After all, tomorrow is another day."

6. I am actually a very private person--hence the blog...makes perfect sense. I was trying to explain to someone how you can be a private person and still have a public blog. She doesn't get it. I have hermit tendencies to the point of annoying my friends,

7. Honestly, I am very frustrated with my endocrine system. The human body is an amazing thing, but mine is just a bit off balance. And it keeps swinging to and fro and getting my meds sorted out is annoying. Oh well...I can live with it and I'm happy for my little "thorn," knowing full well it could be much worse.

8. No kidding, I am an avid napper. Lately I have not been able to practice as much as I would like to.

9. For real, I am eclectic (possibly a bit eccentric) in almost everything. Randomly odd, that is me.

10. And finally, I am a grateful Christian, although I wonder at my witness most days.

Who am I asking to be honest? Well...

1. Leslie--she's always good at being transparent.

2. Renee--I can't imagine her telling a lie.

3. Pastor Al--if he'll play--he's about as honest as George Washington!

4. Michelle--you have to be honest as a mom of young'uns!

5. Sheryl--she's always real.

6. gemma--not afraid to say what she thinks.

7. Buttercup--honestly counting those blessings!

So now, honestly, I am going to get busy visiting blogs. Give me a few days to catch up! But I look forward to visiting. I'll bring some tea.

Be honest if you want to!! Tell us some deep, dark secrets and let me know!

Daybook...July 6, 2009

FOR TODAY ...July 6, 2009...

Outside my window...the gorgeous weather continues...I am loving this!

I am thinking...I can't confuse the boys' lunches this week because only one boy is going to be out of the house.

I am thankful for...the fact my drive time is decreased by over an hour every day this week!!

From the learning rooms...Boo is having a week off of everything. He needs a break. Roo is still at summer intensives. He's really learned a lot.

From the kitchen...maybe spaghetti and meatballs today--crockpot version.

I am wearing...denim shorts and a t-shirt--lots of work when I get home!

I am creating...still working on some knitting that I started in May...not a lot of time lately to get the needles clicking and clacking.

I am going...to put the living room to rights in the next two days!!

I am hoping...Roo's demonstration on Friday goes as well as Boo's did last week. I am so glad they were not at the same time.

I am hearing...morning noises--love the comforting sounds of my family.

Around the house...still wading through the chaos.

One of my favorite things...lunch with my husband. We went to a wonderful restaurant last week--food was superb, service was really top notch, and the company...just the best. I am married to a great guy.

A few plans for the rest of the week:Trying to find the living room floor, driving, drinking tea with my husband on the patio.

Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Have a great week!

Daybook, June 29, 2009

FOR TODAY ...June 29, 2009...

Outside my window...Some relief from the heat and humidity, sun, sun, sun! What a blessing. We've had lots of rain & thunderstorms lately.

I am thinking...I should double my estimated time on projects. Maybe I should triple that.

I am thankful for...a lovely package from a sweet friend. Books and rubber stamps!! But most of all I am thankful for her friendship!

From the learning rooms...the boys are in summer intensives, so I'm not giving them any extra, although we are listening to Angie Sage's Septimus Heap: Magyk when both boys are in the car.

From the kitchen...lots of grilling this week, some lasagna, maybe too. I'm tired of packing sack lunches.

I am wearing...a denim skirt and a short sleeve summer sweater.

I am creating...hopefully lesson plans for fall soon.

I am going...to have lunch with an old friend and go bead shopping. We are looking at making a special keychain from hair from her current and past horses' tails. Maybe hard to envision. I will post photos when we get done.

I am reading...Mom Needs Chocolate and The White Road, Book 28 in my beloved Morland Dynasty series. Number 31--The Foreign Field is out in hardback finally. Hopefully it will be in paperback when I am ready for it. I've really gotten behind in my reading and I miss it a lot.

I am hoping...to get back on track soon. I feel a bit adrift lately.

I am hearing...the boys trying to fit in X-Box time before we leave.

Around the house...trying to put the living room back together. Upstairs painting is done!! My husband has some painting he would like to do downstairs--and I will help, but hopefully we will be able to walk across the floor by Wednesday.

One of my favorite things...sitting out in the evenings with my husband since the weather warmed up.

A few plans for the rest of the week:Friday is the final demonstration for Boo's class. Looking forward to it.

Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Daybook...June 22, 2009

FOR TODAY ...June 22, 2009...

Outside my window...Summer. In full force

I am thinking...I have so much work to get caught up on, so many plans to finish.

I am thankful for...my dear husband who puts up with me.

From the learning rooms...the boys are in summer intensives, study dance 6-8 hours a day--four weeks for Boo, five for Roo. This opportunity allows them to learn other styles of dance in addition to ballet. They will also have some music and theater classes and for Roo a chance to learn about resumes. It is odd for me to turn over my children for that long everyday. It has been a learning experience for me.

From the kitchen...Struggling with balancing my dietary needs with creating tasty and healthy meals for two growing boys and one patient husband.

I am wearing...capris and a blue top. Dressed early today because of driving.

I am creating...more messes.

I am going...to take a friend along for the morning drive. Catching up is good.

I am reading...The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper. I struggled getting into this book and finally got an audiobook to listen to during all my driving. By chapter ten, I am thoroughly drawn in and reading every chance I get to pick it up. I will watch the movie when I'm done.

I am hoping...the boys will be injury free this summer.

I am hearing...children rushing to get ready to leave the house. Not common here!

Around the house...still in chaos. More to come.

One of my favorite things...a store in the town near my dad. It is a "variety store" and the owner, who was a friend of my mom's, certainly has a variety. I always joke when I go in that I live in a big city, but always find things I've not seen--you know "necessary things" like beads, rubber stamps and paper in her store. A totally different experience than shopping at Hobby Lobby!

A few plans for the rest of the week:coffee with one friend, museum with another. Taking my goddaughter to see Boo dance. Oh and her mommy (my dear friend) can come too. LOL!!

Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Grains of Gratitude

I am grateful for my boys being so agreeable in the mornings, even though no one in this house is a morning person.

I am grateful my husband only had a very short trip. Things are just not right when he is gone.

I am grateful the flu came and went quickly around here. But it was the most awful stuff we had seen in years.

I am grateful for the women friends I have who are supportive of my choices even if they have calculated the score and came up with different choices. Too be honest I am a bit frustrated with women friends who believe looking at me should be like looking in a mirror. I need to pray more. I am thankful for a GOD who will help me with this area. I want to be a reflection of GOD although I have soooooooooooooooo far to go.

I am grateful friends who checked in when I fell of the face of the internet. Thank you so much.

I am grateful for all the gifts I have been given. I pray that I stop more often and count my blessings.

Grains of Gratitude took root at Brady's Bunch. And for that, I am grateful.

Back on the road...

...today through Thursday evening.

My visiting and responding have been poor. Hopefully I will be able to find a routine for the upcoming weeks.

Maybe...

Miss everyone...

Continued gratefulness for all your thoughts and prayers.

Julie

Daybook May 18, 2009

FOR TODAY ...May 18, 2009...

Outside my window...green leaves, a view of the street. I've moved my computer in my big painting/organization project!

I am thinking...there's a lot to do in the next three days!! Still digging out of my project--living room and bedroom are chaos, but I've found my clothes. Laundry and packing need done.

I am thankful for...my husband who let me paint and make a huge mess, who bought me new shelves!!

From the learning rooms...three days left, but who's counting?

From the kitchen...hot dogs for lunch--Julia Child, I am not today.

I am wearing...still in jammies!

I am creating...working the same yarn with different size needles. Interesting and educational. Love knitting still.

I am going...oh gee...where am I going??? Oh that's right--dance!

I am reading...#28 in the Morland Dynasty series--The White Road. Number 31 is out in hardback and number 32 is out in November!

I am hoping...that I can make a difference today.

I am hearing...someone whistling and calling their dogs that got lose. I just watched them run by. I think I like this new view!

Around the house...chaos...praying for the piles to diminish today.

One of my favorite things...my new paint color in my room. Who knew paint could help my attitude SO MUCH!! I'll post a picture when I get more work done.

A few plans for the rest of the week:Organize. Laundry. Pack. Drive. Wait. Organize. Laundry. Pack. Drive. Wait. Organize. Laundry. Pack. Drive. Wait.

Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Computer Screen Germs

The CDC has recently learned that all computer screens on the inside are covered with bacteria, dust, germs, etc. that can be dangerous to your health.

This is caused by a variety of reasons and it can prove to be a health hazard for everyone that uses the computer. We have determined that the problem can be as dangerous as cigarette smoking because of the quantity of time that most of us are now spending on computers for work and personal reasons.

It is recommended that all individuals with access to a computer should access the link below. This link is to a special program that will correct clean and correct this potentially dangerous Health Problem.

Click on this link to clean the inside of your screen.