Mommyville

Simplicity

2011-06-09T09:37:00.001-04:00

I grew up on a dirt road, in a little house surrounded by fields and pastures. On one side, a horse named Dusty lived happily for many years. We had cats, lots of them, who were mostly feral but liked my mom, if no one else. We always had a dog, too. On our front porch, a swing hung from the slatted wooden ceiling. Many days were spent there, just watching life go by. The little elementary school I attended from kindergarten to fifth grade was less than a quarter of a mile away, and the little place my mom worked was about twice that. All in all, my world was pretty damn small back then, But it was good, simple, uncomplicated. I remember picking blackberries one summer, all along the tree line where the briars grew. We picked so many of the wild, juicy berries that we had enough to make jam. I don't know if you've ever made jam, but it takes a LOT of berries.The same year our peach trees bore a ridiculous amount of fruit, and we made jam from that, too. I want my kids to appreciate that kind of glorious simplicity, to be innocent of the crazy world outside that never slows down, never sits on the porch to appreciate the life lived. Our blueberry bushes are full of not-quite-ripe berries. In a couple of weeks, we're making jam.

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Slippin' and Slidin'

2011-06-08T14:51:00.001-04:00

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My absolute favorite song right now

2011-01-25T12:52:00.004-05:00

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-01-24T09:23:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY January 24, 2011

Outside my window...the air is crisp and cold, and there is frost on the ground.

I am thinking... about going back to work Wednesday. I've been off for 9 days due to a studio remodel, paid of course. I've enjoyed it.

I am thankful for... the opportunity to change my life. You can't ever start over, but you can change direction right now. That's what I'm doing,

From the learning rooms... playing catch-up, as always.

From the kitchen...leftover chili mac from last night.

I am wearing...pajama pants and a very comfortable shirt.

I am creating... a plan as usual. This time for my life.

I am going...to stay home today.

I am reading... The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub, and various dream books.

I am hoping... to get myself/family/house back under some semblance of control.

I am hearing... a video game from the den.

I am praying... for guidance. I'm listening Lord.

Around the house... a jigsaw puzzle on the dining room table, 2 new chairs in the den that the kids are loving, a lego table in the living room that needs to be delivered to a friend.

One of my favorite things... epiphanies.

A few plans for the rest of the week: start using my control journal again, cook dinner every night, book the beach house for May.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I'm back...

2011-01-23T13:23:00.003-05:00

It's been a long time since I've posted here. Life has taken me down some rather strange roads since May of 2009. I've made new friends, started a full time job, spent 8 months being separated from my husband, lost myself in a depression that lasted way longer than I thought, witnessed tragedies that rip families apart, experienced things I never anticipated. I was lost for a while...I'm working my way back to me. I'm still homeschooling the kids, although it is very challenging now that I'm working. I've learned that #3 likely has Asperger's Syndrome, and have waited many months for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. In a few weeks we will finally get that (hopefully).
All in all, this has been the most challenging time of my life. I read through all my posts here the other day, astounded at the happiness this woman in Mommyville seemed to be so full of. Where did she go? What happened to that joy? Was it real? I don't know. I just know I was a better mom back then, and I'm sure a better wife. I was also pretty self-deluded. So here I am, more aware of who I am. I'm finding my way back to happiness and joy. But I'm making sure I take myself along for the ride this time. I'm not sitting on the porch watching everyone else live their dreams. I'm defining my own dreams, and making them happen.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-05-25T17:53:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY May 25, 2009

Outside my window...then sun is getting lower, the air is humid, and the grass needs to be mowed.

I am thinking... about the things I need to get done before bedtime to get ready for tomorrow.

I am thankful for... our soldiers, past and present. Thank you for making that sacrifice for me and the rest of our country!

From the learning rooms... planning and praying for next year.

From the kitchen...full freezers and full pantry thanks to a great shopping trip this morning.

I am wearing...jeans and a white top, bare feet as usual.

I am creating... Nothing currently

I am going... to bed early! I am so sleepy...

I am reading... Stephen King's dark Tower series, Book 2: The drawing of The Three, and still reading my Bible.

I am hoping... that this week flies by, and my kids will be out for the summer!

I am hearing... a cartoon playing in the den

I am praying... for overtime on my husband's paycheck. His company has cut everyone's hours(save his and a few others) down to 32 hours a week.

Around the house... toys from #3's birthday party Saturday. We had to have it a week early, his real birthday is next Saturday.

One of my favorite things... long weekends!

A few plans for the rest of the week: a field trip for #2, exams for #1, cleaning out the spare room for my nephew, T.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

#3 at his birthday party

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-05-04T18:49:00.003-04:00

FOR TODAY May 4, 2009

Outside my window...big fat rain drops have just started falling, and the sound they make when they hit the roof is so loud...

I am thinking... about my best friend's graduation party. On Thursday she will officially be an R.N., and we are celebrating this weekend!

I am thankful for... many things. I'm especially thankful for COUPONS right now, as I've saved 50-70% every week for the last month with them.

From the learning rooms... planning and praying for next year.

From the kitchen...frozen pizza tonight

I am wearing...jeans and a white top, bare feet as usual

I am creating... a plan, as usual. This time it's for a party.

I am going... no where, I'm in for the night.

I am reading... no new books, still reading my Bible, 1 Samuel

I am hoping... to get myself enrolled into the nursing program soon.

I am hearing... thunder, and a deluge of rain assaulting my rooftop. I like it.

I am praying... for guidance, as always! I've gotten better at listening :)

Around the house... much clutter to go through and clear out.

One of my favorite things... Tuesdays, when my husband is off from work, and we have time to ourselves. Even if there's work around here to be done, we can fit in a conversation or two!

A few plans for the rest of the week: ordering a graduation cake, making two banners, organizing guests and their dishes...all party stuff.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Trixie in the clover...

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-04-27T09:32:00.003-04:00

FOR TODAY April 27, 2009

Outside my window... it is humid and hot already.

I am thinking... about #3, and wondering what kind of day he's having. I'm second guessing myself (as usual) about the decisions I'm making about school next year.

I am thankful for... the wonderful day at the beach with my family yesterday. We had a great time together.

From the learning rooms... planning and praying for next year.

From the kitchen...a full pantry, thanks to my new coupon craze. I'll never go back to shopping the old way again.

I am wearing...jeans and a lavender top, my feet are bare

I am creating... doubt in myself, which is one of my biggest faults.

I am going... no where today until school gets out. Mondays are for cleaning the house.

I am reading... nothing right now. I need a good distraction!

I am hoping... that I'm doing the right thing for #3.

I am hearing... a truck down the road

I am praying... for guidance, as always!

Around the house... weekend mess awaits me.

One of my favorite things... being able to depend on God when I can't depend on myself.

A few plans for the rest of the week: de-cluttering the kids' rooms and laundry room shelves, taking Mom to the dr. Friday for a cortisone shot.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

#3 flying his kite at the beach

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-04-20T10:21:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY April 20, 2009

Outside my window... the lawn has been mowed, my garden is looking sad, and I see a cloudy sky promising rain.

I am thinking... about our country, and how to best prepare my children for the future.

I am thankful for... God's blessings.

From the learning rooms... not much, still planning for next year. We've decided to send #2 and #3 to the brand new elementary school in our neighborhood next year. If we don't like it, we'll bring them home. We're still planning on homeschooling #1 and T, my nephew.

From the kitchen...the beginning of a nice stockpile. Tons of pasta and cereal bought for a song with coupons.

I am wearing...yoga pants and a tee

I am creating... a plan, as always. This one includes sending myself back to school.

I am going... only to pick up the kids this afternoon. All errands will wait for Friday.

I am reading... Stephen King's From A Buick 8, still. Almost done, though.

I am hoping... that I'm making the right choices for my family. My heart tells me I am.

I am hearing... the TV from the den, just background noise.

Around the house... several new games and activity sets for the kids, given to us by a friend, waiting to be be put away.

One of my favorite things... weekend Wii bowling tournaments with my mom! So much fun.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

#2 being way too nice at her Taekwondo belt test Saturday.

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Great Money-Saving Site, PLUS Giveaway

2009-04-17T09:55:00.002-04:00

I've found an awesome money-saving site, Southern Savers. Jenny finds all the best deals and matches them up with current coupons (a service some people actually pay for), and helps thousands of people save a ton of money every day, and often getting things for FREE. I love that Jenny also encourages donating your excess goodies to charities. To celebrate ONE MILLION visitors, she's having a giveaway for 4 $25 Amazon Gift Cards. Awesome, right? Go check it out...you'll be hooked!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-04-13T12:53:00.003-04:00

FOR TODAY April 13, 2009

Outside my window... it's cloudy and windy, and I'm hoping for rain

I am thinking... about some big changes

I am thankful for... God's guidance. He has opened my eyes to things I've been overlooking, and things can only get better from here.

From the learning rooms... some changes in plans. Homeschooling is still in our future, but differently than we had planned.

From the kitchen...dirty dishes that are waiting for me

I am wearing... jeans and a t-shirt

I am creating... a education plan for our family, including myself.

I am going... to pick the kids up soon, and then maybe to meet the principal of the brand-new elementary school nearby.

I am reading... Stephen King

I am hoping... that my husband gets some overtime this week. This economy seems hopeless.

I am hearing... the wind blowing through the trees.

Around the house... just weekend clutter to pick up.

One of my favorite things... realizing I'm right on track when I actually thought I was lost!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Our lovely Easter eggs!

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My Redeemer lives!

2009-04-12T08:53:00.002-04:00

I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.

Job 19:25

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-04-06T08:58:00.003-04:00

FOR TODAY April 6, 2009

Outside my window... it's cloudy and muggy, and there's rain in the forecast

I am thinking... about my Granny, who went home to be with our Lord last night. She was 97 years old, and passed in her sleep.

I am thankful for... The peaceful way my Granny took her last breath, without suffering.

From the learning rooms... still researching curriculum for the older kids

From the kitchen...today I'm planning meals and making shopping lists

I am wearing... capris and a t-shirt

I am creating... a plan for this week...it's going to be a busy one

I am going... on a field trip Wednesday with #2, class Easter parties on Thursday, and Granny's funeral in Georgia Friday.

I am reading... nothing right now

I am hoping... that this week goes smoothly

I am hearing... #3 tossing and turning, he's home sick today with a fever

Around the house... much cleaning to do

One of my favorite things... Easter! It's my favorite holiday

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Granny with the kids

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Giveaway over at Apron Strings

2009-04-04T22:42:00.002-04:00

There's a great Spring giveaway over at Apron Strings! Stop by and check it out, and tell Judy you heard about it in Mommyville!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-03-30T07:48:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY March 30, 2009

Outside my window... it's surprisingly cool

I am thinking... this is going to be a crazy week

I am thankful for... God's guidance! I'd be completely lost right now without it.

From the learning rooms... making decisions about #1's curriculum, and for my 13 year old nephew, T, who's coming to live with us.

From the kitchen...coupons clipped and grocery list made, just need to shop now

I am wearing... yoga pants and a t-shirt

I am creating... a plan for my children

I am going... grocery shopping, and to lunch with my mom and sister

I am reading... and old Stephen King, Night Shift, and Little House with #2

I am hoping... that T loves it here

I am hearing... the heat running. By noon, the a.c. will need to come on!

Around the house... Laundry to fold, and weekend aftermath

One of my favorite things... playing outside with my kids on warm spring days

A few plans for the rest of the week: the kids have standardized testing this week at school, dr's appointment Thursday, dentist on Friday

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

My nephew, T, at Edisto Island last summer.

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My baby lost his first tooth...

2009-03-27T08:03:00.002-04:00

Thank goodness Spring is here!

2009-03-23T18:46:00.004-04:00

The kids and I took a walk around the yard today, admiring new Spring blooms.

Here's a daffodil...

And some yellow jasmine, which happens to be our state flower...

And I can't remember what these are called, but they're shrubs that look similar to a crape myrtle, at least it's leaves do...

These are our blueberry blossoms. Every summer we get a ton of berries...

And this, of course, is a clover. #2 pointed it out, and I dismissed it, telling her it was a weed. She promptly reminded me that it's a flower nonetheless. She's right, of course.

Take some time to look at the beauty in your own yard...even the weeds.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-03-23T07:59:00.003-04:00

FOR TODAY March 23, 2009

Outside my window... it's cool now, but warming up today

I am thinking... I can't wait to get my seedlings in the ground today

I am thankful for... mornings that go smoothly

From the learning rooms... a new choice in curriculum

From the kitchen...a full pantry and fridge

I am wearing... capris and a t-shirt

I am creating... my garden: tomatoes, squash, peppers, beans, cucumbers, melons!

I am going... nowhere until it's time to pick up the kids

I am reading... and old Stephen King, Night Shift, and Little House with #2

I am hoping... that I get everything in the ground today

I am hearing... the dog whining to be held

Around the house... weekend mess to be cleaned

One of my favorite things... hot coffee in my big red mug

A few plans for the rest of the week: going through toys and clothes to donate or trash

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-03-16T08:05:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY March 16, 2009

Outside my window... it's wet. We finally got some rain last night!

I am thinking... how behind I am on my garden, it still needs to be tilled

I am thankful for... a small laundry pile, thanks to my husband

From the learning rooms... planning and preparation

From the kitchen...a menu to plan, and shopping list to be made.

I am wearing... a nightgown

I am creating... a shopping list for curriculum

I am going... grocery shopping, and maybe to the pediatrician

I am reading... Little House on the Prairie with #2

I am hoping... that #1 and #3 get over this bug today, we've had enough of this to last a lifetime!

I am hearing... Scooby Doo from the den

Around the house... sick kids, Vaporub, chicken soup, and a tired Mommy

One of my favorite things...Little House on the Prairie

A few plans for the rest of the week: disinfecting the house, getting back to a routine

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Squash seedlings gone wild!

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-03-09T11:07:00.003-04:00

FOR TODAY March 9, 2009

Outside my window... it's very warm out, and the pine pollen is already coating everything

I am thinking... about what to do this week, the kids are on Spring Break and hubby is off, too

I am thankful for... this week with my family

From the learning rooms... planning and preparation

From the kitchen...cleaning to do, pork roast for dinner

I am wearing... a t-shirt and capris, bare feet

I am creating... a plan for our week

I am going... nowhere today

I am reading... Just After Sunset by Stephen King...almost done

I am hoping... that the kids don't get this virus I have

I am hearing... the tv in the den, although no one is watching it, it's still blaring

Around the house... almost everything's clean and tidy

One of my favorite things...uninterrupted time with my family, like this week

A few plans for the rest of the week: karate for the kids, a visit to Granny's, dentist for the kids

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Sunset over St. Helena Sound viewed from Edisto Island...wish we were there right now!

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-03-02T19:17:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY March 2, 2009

Outside my window... it's freezing cold and night has fallen

I am thinking... about how much I got accomplished today

I am thankful for... a warm home

From the learning rooms... planning and preparation

From the kitchen...a shiny sink, and clean counters

I am wearing...jeans, long-sleeved shirt, and socks

I am creating... a new routine

I am going... nowhere for now, I'm in for the night

I am reading... Just After Sunset by Stephen King

I am hoping... to go to bed early tonight

I am hearing... the bath running in the next room

Around the house... everything's clean

One of my favorite things...snuggling up on the couch with my babies on cold nights like this

A few plans for the rest of the week: karate for the kids, walking for me, decluttering...same as last week

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is a hawk that lives in our area. He caught a rabbit that was too big for him to carry away, so we got a rare glimpse of him on the ground.

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Giveaway! Amy Butler bag pattern PLUS fabric!

2009-02-23T20:58:00.004-05:00

The Fabric Shopper is giving away this Amy Butler Design Frenchy bag pattern, plus a $25 Gift Certificate for Fresh Squeezed Fabrics.
How cute is this bag?Get over there and check it out!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-23T09:10:00.007-05:00

FOR TODAY February 23, 2009

Outside my window... sunny but cold with a crisp wind

I am thinking... about cleaning my house today

I am thankful for...my husband and children

From the learning rooms...planning, planning, and more planning

From the kitchen...hot coffee awaits

I am wearing...jeans, long-sleeved shirt, and tennis shoes

I am creating... a plan for my health and fitness

I am going... nowhere today

I am reading...homeschool catalogs...still

I am hoping... to get the house clean before the kids come home from school

I am hearing... the heat running

Around the house... lies weekend aftermath, typical Monday

One of my favorite things...listening to my son read me a bedtime story

A few plans for the rest of the week: karate for the kids, walking for me, decluttering

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

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Fireproof DVD Giveaway at Nanna Days!

2009-02-21T10:43:00.005-05:00

Click on over to Nanna Days and check out this awesome giveaway for the Fireproof DVD! The drawing is February 28, so get over there and enter! Good luck!

When mommies get sick

2009-02-19T09:01:00.012-05:00

Here in Mommyville, I've seen my fair share of flu, colds, stomach viruses, ear infections, and even pneumonia. And two of my brood are asthmatic (that's another matter altogether). I've held my sick babies with fevers sometime high enough for an emergency room visit. I've given breathing treatments, bribed and/or forced antibiotics into little bodies, cleaned poop, mopped up vomit, spoon-fed chicken soup, and washed sheets and blankets and towels for what seemed to be 3 days straight (or longer). It's what I do. Just one of my many jobs as mayor of Mommyville.

But what happens when Mommy gets sick? This week I've had the worst cough. The cold wasn't so bad. It was gone in a couple of days. But this cough! One of those that makes your stomach muscles hurt from constantly contracting them. The kind that feels like you have sandpaper stuck in your throat. The kind that can make you pee your pants if you're not careful. The kind that makes you vomit. Oh yeah, it's that bad. And it's still here.

So, Daddy (I think of him as my deputy mayor) has picked up the slack where he can. He's picking the kids up from school, and taking them to their karate practices. He can only do so much though, with that pesky job of his taking up 10+ hours a day and all. On his way home from work this morning (he's on night shift this week) he did bring the kids McDonald's for breakfast. The only thing is, he gets home at 5:40 a.m. And he woke everyone up "just a little early" to enjoy breakfast with Daddy. They actually got up! Even #1, the perpetual late sleeper. So he gets and "A+" for feeding them breakfast, and saving them from eating coughed-on Cheerios.

But you Mommies know that even a sick Mommy has to get up and "DO". There's always something that only I can do (at least in my opinion). I'm a laundry Nazi. Only I can do it the right way. The dishwasher must be loaded the right way too, or we all know it doesn't get as clean. So this week, I've been researching home remedies for coughs from hell. I'm not a fan of OTC cold medicines, for my kids or myself (a couple of years ago, after giving #2 a cough suppressant for a few days, she developed pneumonia from NOT coughing enough. All the yucky stuff that needed to come up was draining into her lungs. Scary, huh?) The good ones just knock you out anyway, and this Mommy doesn't have the luxury of being comatose while riding the cold out. Dishes, laundry, remember? So here are some things I tried:

Vick's Vaporub Cream
I've tried the old "smother-your-feet-with-Vick's" trick. It works pretty well. But you must be laying down and doing nothing for it to be effective. It's not so good for walking around doing housework. So, heavy slathering on the soles of your feet, then thick socks on, then go to bed. It helps. During the day, I still use it on my chest. It helps a little.

Honey

I take two teaspoons of honey. On one spoonful I sprinkle ground ginger. This really helps me! I don't know what it is about honey, but it's effective. I think the spiciness of the ginger helps open up your airways. You could also try cayenne or black pepper. I'm not worried about overdosing, so I use this a few times a day, whenever I feel like I need it, and at bedtime.

Spicy Foods
Just like the ginger, I think anything spicy helps. So In the last few days, I've eaten tacos, breakfast burritos with hot sauce, grits with hot salsa, and soup with lots of pepper. Spicy is good.

But truthfully, I'm still coughing. It's getting better, but it's still here. What works for you? If you have any tried and true home remedies, I'd love to hear them!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-16T09:24:00.005-05:00

FOR TODAY February 16, 2009

Outside my window... it's rainy and cold

I am thinking... about bringing our nephew to live with us

I am thankful for...a wonderful birthday party for my daughter. She loved it!

From the learning rooms...preparations for next year's homeschooling

From the kitchen...my shopping list is waiting to be written

I am wearing...yoga pants and a t-shirt

I am creating...a plan for next school year

I am going...out to run errands today

I am reading...Sense and Sensibility

I am hoping...that my cold is gone soon!

I am hearing... the hum of the computer

Around the house...it looks like cupid threw up, lol. Valentine's junk is everywhere!

One of my favorite things...watching my children play

A few plans for the rest of the week: not much until I get rid of this cold

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

My Princess on her birthday!

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Happy Birthday to my baby girl!

2009-02-13T19:09:00.007-05:00

My girl is growing up on me...8 years old today!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T08:07:00.003-05:00

Check out Wordless Wednesday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-09T08:30:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY February 9 , 2009

Outside my window... it's a little warmer

I am thinking... about buying a new alarm clock since my has failed me 3 times in the past two weeks.

I am thankful for...my family, and the opportunity to support my friends in their time of grief

From the learning rooms...preparations for next year's homeschooling

From the kitchen...Monday: Chicken noodle soup with yeast rolls
Tuesday: Meatball Stroganoff with noodles
Wednesday: Beef Enchiladas
Thursday: Country Fried Steak and gravy with Rice
Friday: Sloppy Joes

I am wearing...comfy pants and a t-shirt

I am creating...a legacy for my children

I am going...nowhere today, I'm keeping my best friends' child while they attend a funeral

I am reading...Sense and Sensibility

I am hoping...that I can bless my house this morning

I am hearing... Night at the Museum playing in the den

Around the house...are the remnants of a weekend full of children

One of my favorite things...waking up late, yet being organized enough to still get everyone out the door on time...no tardies!

A few plans for the rest of the week: decluttering kitchen cabinets, Karate with the kids

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-02T11:13:00.006-05:00

FOR TODAY February 2, 2009

Outside my window... the sun is shining and the temperature is warming up for a few days

I am thinking... about how much I have to do today

I am thankful for...the support of my family

From the learning rooms...preparations for next year's homeschooling

From the kitchen...Monday: Chicken quesadillas with guacamole
Tuesday: Burgers and fries
Wednesday: Ranch Chicken with rice
Thursday: Beef Stew
Friday: Spaghetti and salad with homemade rolls

I am wearing...jeans and a t-shirt, and slippers on my feet

I am creating...an idea for a quilt

I am going...nowhere today

I am reading...Sense and Sensibility

I am hoping...to have an appointment for my son by Wednesday

I am hearing... classical music on the phone as I wait on hold

Around the house...is weekend clutter, waiting to be picked up

One of my favorite things...reading while sipping my coffee

A few plans for the rest of the week: decluttering the house, filing taxes, paying bills

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
A horseshoe crab from our vacation at the beach last June. I can't wait to go back!

Visit The Simple Woman's Day Book
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Giveaway - Ideal Poultry

2009-01-27T22:44:00.003-05:00

Get on over to Life in the Lost World, Jaydee's got a wonderful giveaway going on for an Ideal Poultry gift certificate! Check it out.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-25T23:03:00.006-05:00

For today, January 26, 2009

Outside my window...6 pine trees lay on the ground, cut into pieces

I am thinking...that God is good!

I am thankful for...my family, and for God's hand in everything we do

From the learning rooms...still preparing for homeschool next year

From the kitchen...dinner is in the fridge, chicken and rice I made last night

I am wearing...jeans and a t-shirt and nothing on my feet

I am creating...a comfortable home for my family by getting rid of clutter

I am going...nowhere until school gets out

I am reading...The Power of a Positive Mom by Karol Ladd, and homeschool catalogs

I am hoping...that my step-mom hears good news from the doctor today

I am hearing...the hum of the computer

Around the house...I've accomplished much over the weekend

One of my favorite things...weekends with my mom

A few plans for the rest of the week: more decluttering and deep cleaning

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Visit The Simple Woman's Day Book
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-19T08:16:00.007-05:00

For today, January 19, 2009

Outside my window...the rain drips from the pines

I am thinking...that today is going to be a good one

I am thankful for...my family, and for this extra day with my children before they go back to school

From the learning rooms...we are planning for next school year, when we'll begin homeschooling

From the kitchen...coffee is waiting to be brewed

I am wearing...a gown and my soft, cozy robe

I am creating...a plan for my children's education

I am going...nowhere today, I'm content to stay warm inside with my babies

I am reading...homeschool catalogs

I am hoping...that #3 gets an appointment soon

I am hearing...#3 playing with our chihuahua

Around the house...weekend clutter is lying a bout waiting to be picked up

One of my favorite things...extra days off from school for my kids

A few plans for the rest of the week: decluttering and researching curricula

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Visit The Simple Woman's Day Book
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Grandma Betty's English Trifle

2008-11-26T13:01:00.028-05:00

This is a dessert that my English step-grandmother made when I was a child. It was my favorite, and she would make it for any occasion, even a simple weekend cookout. She passed away when I was 14, and I never had the chance to learn the recipe for myself, and of course, it wasn't written down anywhere. After some trial and error, I came up with this recipe on my own, and to everyone's delight, it tastes just like Grandma Betty's. I make it for special occasions and holidays.

Ingredients
Trifle custard (recipe below)
Pound cake, homemade if you have it, but frozen is fine
1 lb strawberries, rinsed and hulled
1/2 cup sliced almonds
Amaretto, brandy, or other liqueur, to taste
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar

Trifle Custard
2 cups milk
2/3 cup heavy cream
4 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Combine milk and heavy cream in saucepan; cook over low heat until warm.

2. Combine eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl;

whisk until combined well.

3. Slowly add about 1/4 of warm milk mixture
to eggs,whisking well.

4. Pour egg mixture into saucepan with
remaining milk, stir well

5. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until
mixture thickens and coats the back of the spoon.
Remove from heat, add vanilla, and cool to room
temperature.

While the custard cools, prep your other ingredients (or recruit a kid to do it for you, like I did)

Slice the pound cake...

and the strawberries...

and whip the heavy cream with the sugar until almost stiff.

Assembling the trifle

In a trifle bowl, layer pound cake and sprinkle it with liqueur...

then add 1/3 of the strawberries...

then 1/3 of the almonds..

and then 1/3 of the custard

Repeat layers twice more, and it should look like this:

Top it off with the sweetened whipped cream, and any leftover almonds, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, overnight if possible. Enjoy!

A week of Thanksgiving......Tuesday (yes, I skipped right over Monday)

2008-11-25T07:39:00.014-05:00

I'm extremely thankful for my kids. I don't even know where to begin. They are my life; there's nothing else that I spend more time on. I know some mothers who often wonder what they'd be doing if they didn't have a family, but I've never even pondered that avenue. I know what I was made for, and it is this: life in Mommyville. I am amazed every day by their accomplishments, and often, their silly antics.

#1 is growing into a young woman, and it's awesome and yet sad to watch, all at once. She's smart, beautiful, and everything a daughter should be.

# 2 is the ray of sunshine in our lives. She's witty beyond her years, and never fails to bring smiles and laughter to us all. She is the also the MINI ME. She looks like me, she acts like me, and I can't count how many times she's heard "You are just like your Mother!" from her dad or grandparents. I think it's a good thing...

# 3 is my baby boy. He is ALL boy, too.
We must often remind him that his sisters
don't LIKE to "play" Iron Man, or
Transformers, or Spiderman, especially when they have to be the bad guy. I had to watch him go off to Kindergarten this year, and I miss him terribly. He is my last baby, the one that you watch grow every day, knowing that this is IT. He was the last resident of Babyville. And now he's growing up on me, too.

A week of Thanksgiving.......Sunday

2008-11-23T08:50:00.008-05:00

Every day this week, I'll be posting about the many things I am thankful for, in no particular order.

Today, it's my Mom. She is my best friend, my confidant, my sounding board. She's my coffee buddy, my motivator, and my teacher. She's strong, she's hardworking, and I'm glad she's mine. She's my children's loving Mae Mae, their playmate, and their advocate when they've been naughty. My husband loves her; none of that typical mother-in-law stuff applies to her! Even our chihuahua prefers to stay on her lap when she's here. So, yes, I am so thankful to have a mom like mine.

What are you thankful for today?

Thanksgiving is almost here!

2008-11-20T10:47:00.005-05:00

In our family, everyone contributes their best dishes to the turkey day dinner. My step-mom always cooks the turkey and gravy, and makes an awesome southern cornbread and sausage dressing - her father's recipe. I make dressing too, just a different kind (see recipe below). My mom makes a wonderful broccoli casserole, deviled eggs, and the pumpkin pies. I usually make a dessert as well, and often it's an English Trifle. I'll be posting that recipe tomorrow. My sister likes to make Brussels sprouts marinated in a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette...yummy! Then, of course, we always have sweet potatoes of some sort, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. What are some of your favorite dishes for this holiday? Comment and let me know what your family's specialties are.

My Dressing

This is pretty forgiving, but you will need to taste as you go.

Ingredients

cornbread, prepared and baked in 13 x 9 pan (I use two boxes of Jiffy corn muffin mix, prepared as directed for Johnny Cake), crumbled into chunks onto a sheet pan and lightly toasted
1 loaf French or Italian bread, (crust on or off, you decide) cubed and toasted
1 1/2 sticks of butter
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
4-6 cups chicken stock or broth, low sodium
1 1/2 cups dried cherries
rubbed sage, to taste
salt and pepper. to taste

Directions

Place cherries in a small bowl, and cover with chicken stock. Let them soak a while.
Place all of your cornbread and French bread cubes in a very large bowl, mixing them together well. If necessary, use two bowls, but be sure to divide evenly.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery and onions, and cook slowly until tender. Do not brown the vegetables.
Once the vegetables have softened, you want to add the seasonings to the skillet. I start with 1 teaspoon of sage, one tablespoon of salt, a 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. It will taste strong, but remember, there is a LOT of bread to soak up those flavors. And, this is just a starting point.
Drain the cherries, and add them to the skillet mixture, stir well.
Pour the skillet mixture over the bread (remember to divide evenly if using two bowls). Mix well.
Now, we'll start adding the stock, a little at a time. Start with 1 1/2 cups, pouring it over the dressing, and stirring to incorporate. Keep adding stock until the dressing is sufficiently moist (This is also a matter of personal preference, some like a loose, almost batter-like consistency. I like mine moist, but still be able to identify all the ingredients).
This is the time to taste. Make sure you get a little bit of everything on your spoon. Adjust the seasonings to your liking, and be sure to mix well.
Pour into a greased casserole dish (it may take two dishes to hold it all), and bake alongside your turkey until heated through and evenly browned on top, about 45 minutes.

I always make mine a day ahead, and let it sit, covered in the fridge until time to bake it.

I love the Fall!

2008-11-19T09:28:00.004-05:00

I love when the weather turns cool, which around here doesn't happen until, well, right around now. It's not unusual to wear short sleeves and flip flops until Thanksgiving here in the Low Country of South Carolina. Lately we've had a bit of Fall weather, and we went outside to enjoy it. Here's #2, gearing up for a game of Monkey in the Middle with her brother and dad.

And here's #3, climbing the crab apple tree, in flip flops, no less!

This is a bird's nest we found in a crape myrtle.

Alas, no birdies, just fallen leaves.

These cool Autumn days won't last long. Here, we usually go from hot and humid to freezing cold in a flash. We'll enjoy it while it's here!

What if I were a HMS (home school momma)?

2008-11-18T09:04:00.007-05:00

I've been dreaming of homeschooling my children for years now. Why haven't I started yet? Simple. Pure fear. Fear of the unknown, and mainly fear of failure. What if I can't teach my kids? What if we aren't disciplined enough to stick to it? What if we waste a year and learn nothing, only to thrust them back into school at a disadvantage? What if, what if, what if...

What if we go bankrupt paying for the private school they attend now? What if my kids grow farther away from us every day as they are influenced by their peers? What if I lose all those aha! moments when my kids learn something new, only to go unnoticed in a classroom of many?

What if I just bite the bullet and take my kids back? Yes, I am. I'm taking the rest of this school year to research and prepare, and get things in order. We are becoming a homeschooling family. What if it's great? What if it's the best thing we've ever done? It will be. I just know it.

If any of you homeschoolers out there have any advice to offer, please do. If I've learned anything lately, it's that there are a ton of homeschooling bloggers! Anything you can share about curriculum, discipline, organization, etc., please do so!

Old Red Barn Giving away 3 quilts!

2008-11-15T12:26:00.001-05:00

Three beautiful quilts are yours to win! Get on over there and check it out. Click on the button on my sidebar to go there.

#2 cheering

2008-10-14T14:09:00.002-04:00

Life is Grand

2008-05-20T13:10:00.003-04:00

You should write what you know, right? So, here we are in Mommyville. Mommy stuff? Now that, I know. I have three wonderful children. My oldest, #1, is twelve. My middle child, #2, is seven. Last but not least, #3 will soon be five. My husband D and I are your average folks, working to make a living and raise our kids the best way we can, and we just celebrated fifteen years together on the May 14. Sometimes I sit back and think about how lucky I am to love, and be loved, by these amazing people. Everyone should be so lucky as me.I'm at a point in my life where I've realized that it's time to stop taking things for granted. I'm making over my attitude and outlook on life. My kids are out for summer break soon, and I plan to make the most of it. Does that mean running hither and yon in the heat doing crazy stuff we don't normally do? No. It means turning the tv off, and reading a story to my kids (even #1!), camping in the backyard and roasting marshmallows, playing hide-and-seek in the dark outside, lazy days on the beach, making up stories together about our tomorrows, picking ripe tomatoes out of our garden, re-decorating a certain bedroom for a certain pre-teen, and acting silly for silliness' sake. Life is grand.