Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . the ground continues to be covered in white stuff but at least the sun is shining today.

I am hearing . . . hubby and his Dad working in the basement.  They are cutting some baseboards, I think.  We are getting close to being done the basement, but there is a lot of finishing touches to do.  Also hubby hurt his back again so that has been slowing him down.

  

I am thankful . . . for being able to hear Sky and Star perform in the music festival this week.  For a loving husband who watched the little ones while I went. And for the blessing of being able to provide music lessons for them.

In the kitchen . . . hubby made a delicious macaroni salad for lunch.  Mmmm, I really am lucky.  Other than that not much is happening in there.  I'll have to think of something to make for supper soon.

I am creating . . . crocheting a summer top for myself.  I got much of the front done while sitting at the music festival.

I am wearing . . . the usual sweatpants and t-shirt.  I do have a crocheted shawl wrapped around me as it is a bit cool in here.

I am going . . . to town tomorrow to take Sky to her piano lessons.

I am wondering . . . if the snow is ever going to melt.

I am reading . . . not a lot of reading has been done this past week.  I am still reading Raising Happiness by Christine Carter.

I am hoping . . . to get my tomato plants started soon.  I usually have them done by this time but with the weather the way it is maybe it is okay that I am a bit behind.  This is how my garden looked a few days ago and we have had more snow since then. 

I am looking forward to . . . having company for the next couple weekends. Having friends and family around is always a blessing.

Around the house . . . lot's of cleaning to be done as usual and even more so than normal as I have been spending a lot time in town this week for the music festival.

I am remembering . . . that last year when Star had to go perform in the music festival she was a bit disappointed as it was a beautiful, warm day.  We had the kiddie pool out, Auntie Jo was visiting, and a big water fight was underway.  What a difference a year makes.  This year the yard is covered with snow a few feet deep and the night of her performance it was snowing and the roads were a bit treacherous.

A favorite quote for today . . . live with less so those with less may live.

Kid quotes . . . After her performance at the music festival Star was bemoaning a mistake.  I told her it was minor and no one even noticed she had made a mistake.  She said, "Yeah, it is a good thing I am cute, so they didn't realize I made a mistake."

One of my favorite things . . . singing and dancing (with no one listening or watching as I have absolutely zero talent at either but it can be fun).

A few plans for the rest of the week: planting some tomato plants, cleaning the shelf in the kitchen, and organizing the craft/puzzle/game bins.

A peek into my day . . .

Snack time for a couple of cuties

Daybook for April 8, 2013

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . it is clear but cold.  Brrrr -15*C is too cold for April 8th if you ask me.

I am hearing . . . Diego on TV as LK watches his favorite show.  LT is babbling at me from her playpen.

I am thankful . . . for my amazing, wonderful, and oh so adorable children.

In the kitchen . . . I boiled some eggs this morning as we have lot's (the chickens are laying well) so it is egg salad sandwiches for the kids lunches this week.  A roast chicken is ready to go in the oven for supper tonight.

I am creating . . . still crocheting afghans for the girls and enjoying the process.

I am wearing . . . grey sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

I am going . . . to be taking the little ones for a check-up this week and there is band tonight.  Other than that there are no plans to go anywhere.  I like this quieter season.

I am wondering . . . what kind of spring we are going to have.  Is it going to be really wet?  Or once the snow finally melts will it be reasonably dry?

I am reading . . . Raising Happiness by Christine Carter.  I also recently finished The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin which I enjoyed but it wasn't particularly deep or life changing.

I am hoping . . . keep up with my exercise routine this month.

I am looking forward to . . . being able to hang my laundry outside.

Around the house . . . I am trying to get some cleaning and decluttering done so that when it finally gets nice we can spend a lot of time outside.  The basement reno is coming along all the rooms are painted and the ceiling is up.

I am pondering . . . divine mercy.  I listened to this with the kids last night for Divine mercy Sunday and it was really quite beautiful.

A favorite quote for today . . . The most important thing she'd learned over the years was that there was no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.  -Jill Churchill

One of my favorite things . . . watching Lil as she tries to imitate everything that we do.

Kid Quotes:  Noticing a scratch on LK's leg I asked him what happened.  He looked down and said, "Oh oh, it is broken, need's a kiss."  and he bent over and gave himself a kiss on his leg.

A few plans for the rest of the week: cleaning and organizing, playing with kids, and just trying to keep up with everything.

Pictures from the past week . . .

Easter Morning

On the old bales

 Jumping off

 And climbing up 

 Bales are a farm kids playground

 Easter Treats from Grandma T 

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . the landscape is snow covered but the sun is shining brightly.

I am thinking . . . about spring coming and whether I will be any more successful at having a garden this year.

I am thankful . . . for healthy children, a loving husband, and a nice house to live in.

In the kitchen . . . the children are eating cupcakes. A menu plan still needs to be made for this week. 

I am creating . . . crocheting a couple of afghans for my older girls.  I suspect this will be a year long project.

I am wearing . . . just the usual sweatpants and a T-shirt.  A fashionista I am not.

I am going . . . to band tonight with Star.  But no skating today.  The girls had their skating carnival last weekend and did very well.  Now skating is over for the season so we may have a little more time on our hands.

I am wondering . . . how long the snow will last.  I am guessing it won't be disappearing any time soon.

I am reading . . . The Star Garden by Nancy Turner and for some Lenten reading I am going through Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots by Scott Hahn.

I am hoping . . . to remain at peace.

I am looking forward to . . . spring.

I am learning . . . to take each moment as it comes.

Around the house . . . hubby continues to work on our basement reno.  Today he is mudding some drywall.

A favorite quote for today . . . "The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty" (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta)

One of my favorite things . . . smiles.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Lil gets her 18 month shots tomorrow, piano lessons for Sky on Thursday.  Other than that I am not sure.

Some pictures to share . . . LT and LK playing outside.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . it is cold (about -19*C) and white.

I am thinking . . . about different activities to do with my little boy so he isn't watching so much TV or playing video games.

I am thankful . . . for my health.

In the kitchen . . . the dishes are done but the floor still needs to be swept. Perogies for supper tonight and veggie stir fry over pasta tomorrow.

I am creating . . . crocheting a toy for LK.

I am wearing . . . sweatpants, a t-shirt, and a green cardigan.  It is chilly in here today.

I am going . . . to be taking the girls to skating and band tonight.  I might also fit in a trip to the library.

I am hearing . . . saws and pounding as hubby works downstairs.  Also the TV as LK is watching Disney Jr. and I hear Lil in her playpen talking to herself.  Nap time must be over.

I am reading . . . More Than a Bucket List, Making Your Dreams, Passions and Faith a Reality.

I am hoping . . . to continue to exercise regularly this week.  I got up and worked out every weekday last week (yeah me!) and hope to do the same this week.

I am looking forward to . . . a ski trip with 4 of my siblings and my brother-in-law in February.  I feel a bit guilty going on trip without taking my family but the girls have school and it would be a lot more expensive to take everyone.  Hubby graciously offered to look after the kids and encouraged me to go.  (I am so blessed with a wonderful husband.)  It will be fun to hang out with my siblings and I love to ski so it will be a fun trip.

Around the house . . . walls are going up in the basement.  It is exciting.  I am starting to be able to envision what it will look like when it is all done.

A favorite quote for today . . . “Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love. “ Mother Theresa

One of my favorite things . . . a warm house on a cold day.

A few plans for the rest of the week: laundry, cleaning, playing with little kids, sewing with older kids

A peek into my day . . . the kids love helping Daddy work in the basement.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . it is cool and cloudy.  The ground is white from our snowfall on Friday.  There is a large snowhill that I will have to take the kids out to later and see if they can climb it.  Little birds flitter about looking for any grain that may have spilled on the ground.

I am thinking . . . about what needs to be done today and how to accomplish it all.

I am thankful . . . for family, always so thankful for my family.  And I am so blessed to be able to stay home with my kiddos.

In the kitchen . . . roast beef for supper tonight. Then we will use the leftovers to make chop suey tomorrow night.

I am creating . . . crocheting some headbands and mitts for the girls.  Also I have some sewing I plan to do for a little boys birthday that I should get started on.

I am wearing . . . sweatpants and a sweatshirt.  I don't generally get dressed any better than this until I leave the house.

I am going . . . to be taking the older girls to skating and band tonight.  Thankfully Daddy will be able to watch the little ones so I don't have drag them along.

I am wondering . . . what the rest of my life has in store for me.

I am reading . . . still reading Radical Homemakers by Shannon Hayes.

I am hoping . . . to exercise every morning this week.

Around the house . . . Hubby is working on putting up walls in the basement.  I am trying to keep the upstairs neat and decluttered.

I am pondering . . . whether I should try to put my little boy down for a nap or not.  He is at that age where he doesn't always nap but sometimes he still needs it.

A quote for today . . . "Joy is always infections; therefore be always full of joy." Blessed Theresa of Calcutta.

One of my favorite things . . . hugs from a nearly 3 year old boy.

A few plans for the rest of the week: cleaning, cooking, and playing with the kiddos.

A peek into my day . . . we did make it out the snow hill.  We didn't stay outside long as it was pretty cold and LT wasn't that happy but LK was able to climb the hill and slide down.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . the sun is shining but it is cool and frosty.  We had our first hard frost last night.  Good thing I picked most of my tomatoes this weekend.

I am thinking . . . about how children grow up way too fast.  LT is walking everywhere now.  My baby has become a toddler.

I am thankful . . . for family, a hard working husband, and that I am able to stay home with my little ones.

In the kitchen . . . roast chicken for supper tonight then we will use the  leftover chicken in meals for the rest of the week.

I am creating . . . a meal plan for the rest of the week and some plans for a birthday party this weekend (to celebrate LT's first and Star's eleventh birthdays).  Also crocheting a few things for birthday gifts.

I am wearing . . . grey sweatpants and a white T-shirt.

I am going . . . staying home today.   Then Sky has soccer on Tuesday night and piano on Thursday.  The activities for the year are getting into full swing.

I am reading . . . The No-Cry Discipline Solution by Elizabeth Pantely and for a fun light read I am also reading Dead Men Don't Crochet, part of the Crochet Murder Mystery Series by Betty Hechtman.

I am hoping . . . that this beautiful fall weather continues and that I take the time to enjoy it.

I am looking forward to . . . a double birthday party  this weekend for my oldest and youngest whose birthdays are only a week apart.

I am learning . . . patience, you are always learning patience when dealing with little ones.

Around the house . . . a bunch of cleaning needs to be done as usual.  Also this week I hope to go through the two little ones clothes.  (Put away the summer clothes and the clothes they have outgrown and bring out the warmer clothes)

One of my favorite things . . . watching LT mastering her new skill of walking.   She toddles around a bit like a drunken sailor,  plops down, then (very determined) she gets back up and gives it another go. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: cooking, cleaning, playing with the little ones, taking the older ones to their activities, and trying to enjoy it all.

A peek into my day . . . our chickens have started laying and we are happy to have an abundance of eggs.  However, LT & LK discovered them and thought they were wonderful for some fun sensory play.

Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . it is cloudy and rainy.  Where, oh where is Mr. Sun?

I am thinking . . . about summer plans.  I can't believe that school is almost over.

I am thankful . . . that none of my kids seem to be sick today.  Over the weekend they were all feverish.

In the kitchen . . . got a roast cooking in the slow cooker for supper.  I am thinking of making something for dessert tonight.  Any suggestions?

I am creating . . . crocheting a baby sweater for LT. 

I am wearing . . . blue jeans and a navy tank top.

I am going . . . to a couple of a year-end barbeques in the next week.

I am wondering . . . how on earth it is that my baby girl is 9 months old today.  My how time flies.

I am reading . . . Beach Lane by Sherryl Woods.  A light, fun read.  Also working my way through Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka for a parenting book club.

I am hoping . . . that everyone stays healthy this week and that the sun decides to shine a little more.

I am looking forward to . . . summer vacation.

Around the house . . . our basement is finally ready to have the cement poured.  Hubby has been working hard on getting it ready. Now we just have to wait for the guy to come and pour the cement.

A favorite quote for today . . . "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger" Proverbs 15:1

One of my favorite things . . . a hot cup of tea.

A few plans for the rest of the week: not too much going on this week.  On Friday there is a noon BBQ at Sky's school.  I would like to get out in the garden if it ever dries up enough.  Also Star wants to get her dress sewn.

A peek into my day . . .

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . It is cloudy, cool, and raining.  It has been raining all weekend and it it very wet out there.

I am thinking . . . that it is going to be muddy outside for a while.

I am thankful . . . for this rain that will help the grass and crops grow (but I am also looking forward to a little sunshine).

In the kitchen . . . I am making potato rolls.  I plan to add some pizza sauce, pepperoni and cheese to them to make into a sort of pizza bun for lunches.  We will see how they turn out.

I am creating . . . currently crocheting a baby cardigan for LT and I picked up a shawl that was hibernating for a few years and am working a little bit on that.

I am wearing . . . jeans, a black tank top, and a blue fleece sweater.

I am going . . . to Star's band concert tonight.  It is the last band event of the year.

I am wondering . . . how much rain we got over the weekend.

I am reading . . . Cloudy Jewel by Grace Livingston Hill.

I am hoping . . . the sun comes out soon.

I am looking forward to . . . getting out in the garden when the weather turns nice.

Around the house . . . laundry is overflowing.  I try to do laundry on nice days so that I can hang it outside to dry.  However, I am going to have to break down and use the dryer or risk getting buried by laundry. 

A favorite quote for today . . . "It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters."  Blessed Mother Teresa

One of my favorite things . . . tickling my little boy and listening to his giggles.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Not too much going on.  Star has her band concert tonight and she has a field trip with school to the city on Wednesday.  This coming weekend we are planning to brand the calves.

A few pictures I am sharing: Memories of warmer days! (These were taken on May 16 when it was considerably warmer than it is now)

Daybook - May15, 2012

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . it is a beautiful spring day.  The sun is shining and everything is nice and green outside. 

I am thinking . . . that I shouldn't try to have too large of a garden this year.  It is difficult to get out there and get anything done with two little ones.    LK constantly wanders off on me as he loves to explore.  Many a time I have searched the yard for him, praying for his safety, and berating myself for letting him get out of my sight again.  And LT, well she  just wants my attention focused on her not on the weeds.

I am thankful . . . for the health and safety of my kids and husband. ( and that everytime I lose LK I soon find him again safe and sound)

In the kitchen . . . making bread today. I still have to put a menu together for the rest of the week.  I haven't been cooking that much (or that well) for the last little while.  Time to put a plan in place so I can have some healthy and tasty meals to serve. (Kraft Dinner gets old pretty fast although I will admit the kids don't seem to mind)

I am creating . . . just doing a little crocheting here and there when I have a moment to spare.

I am wearing . . . navy sweatpants and a light blue t-shirt.

I am going . . . nowhere for the next couple of days.  There is plenty to keep me busy at home.

I am wondering . . . why LK went and laid down for a nap all on his own today.  Has the fresh air just really tired him out or is he coming down with something?

I am reading . . . oh we have all sorts of books about the Little House on the Prairies series out of the library right now.  Most recently I have been flipping through The Little House Cookbook by Barbara Walker.

I am hoping . . . to get up early tomorrow morning and do a little planting in the garden.

I am looking forward to . . . more warm sunny days spent relaxing outside with my kiddos.

Around the house . . . lot's of cleaning needs to be done per usual but the outdoors beckons.  I do need to clean the porch this week and pack up the winter stuff.  We shouldn't need it again for a few months (I hope).

A favorite quote for today . . . Mother Teresa, upon winning the Nobel Peace Prize, was asked "What can we do to promote world peace?" She answered "Go home and love your family."

One of my favorite things . . . big, light up your face smiles, from a certain adorable, chubby 7 month old.

A few plans for the rest of the week: just the usual cooking, cleaning, laundy, gardening and spending as much time as I can playing outside with the kiddos.

A peek into my day . . .

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . .the sun in shining and it it a beautiful day.  It is pretty windy though but we will take it and try to enjoy this nice weather since there is snow in the forecast for the weekend.

I am thinking . . . about the upcoming Easter weekend and what plans we have for the holiday.

I am thankful . . .that we are starting to feel better here and can enjoy these nice days.  (We had a nasty cold/bug go through the house in the last week and a half).

LT enjoying being outside.

In the kitchen . . . today I am going to make bread.  We had to buy some bread last week because I was sick and so didn't make any.  It will be good to have homemade bread again.

I am creating . . . I am slowly continuing to work on the Bernat Mystery Afghan.

I am wearing . . .Navy sweatpants, an old ball t-shirt and a light blue sweater.

I am going . . . to the stations of the cross with the older girls after school today.

I am wondering . . .when we will get our puppy.  Yes, we are getting a puppy from the humane society.  The girls are super excited for Easter because we hope to have our puppy then.

I am reading . . . The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel and Kid Cooperation by Elizabeth Pantley.

I m hoping . . .that we are all done with this sickness and everyone is feeling good for the holiday weekend.

I am looking forward to . . .visiting with family this Easter weekend (and also getting our new puppy).

Around the house . . .after being sick for a week and half things are looking a little rough around here.  Time to clean and tidy before company arrives.

I am pondering . . .the death and resurrection of our Lord.

One of my favorite things . . .feeling the warm sunshine on my face on a warm spring day.

A few plans for the rest of the week: clean the house, stations of the cross tonight, gym night at the school, grocery shopping, and then decorating Easter Eggs on Friday.

A peek into my day . . .

LK loves to throw rocks in the water.

Daybook - Jan 31, 2012

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . It is a beautiful, warm, sunny day.  And can you believe it?

Yes, I have a load of towels hanging outside to dry. In Saskatchewan, in January, and my hands didn't even get cold hanging it up.  This is a first for me.

I am thinking . . . that is is peaceful and quiet right now.  Both kids are napping and I probably should be too.

I am thankful . . . for all my family and especially my husband who puts up with me and works so hard for us. 

In the kitchen . . . fried chicken for supper tonight. 

I am creating . . . some things for LK's birthday this weekend.

I am wearing . . . navy sweatpants, and a navy tank top with a zip up sweater over top.

I am going . . . nowhere today.  I like having days when we can stay at home.

I am wondering . . . whether all this nice weather now means that winter will really hit us later and it will be nasty in March and April.

I am reading . . . The Friday Night Knitting Club series by Kate Jacobs.

I am hoping . . . to make some muffins today.

I am looking forward to . . . not much just trying to enjoy each day as it comes.

I am learning . . . that I need to drink more water.

Around the house . . . our basement is getting demolished.  The older girls have been moved back upstairs and things are getting tore down in the basement.  It is our plan to jackhammer out the floor and pour new cement.  However, that means a lot of things have to happen.  The scope of this project overwhelms me but it will sure be nice when it is finished.

A favorite quote for today . . . "That's what life is all about - laughing and loving each other and knowing they're not really gone when they die."  Charles Ingalls

One of my favorite things . . . baby giggles.

A few plans for the rest of the week: looking after the little ones, tot spot and shopping on Thursday, the older girls have skating on Friday, and LK's birthday is Saturday.  We have no big plans for his birthday but we will eat some cake.

A peek into my day . . . Our snow is disappearing quickly but the girls found enough to make a snowman over the weekend.  You can see LK wandering off in the background with a cat following him. 

Daybook - Nov. 28, 2011

 

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the trees are bare of any leaves, there are a few white patches of snow that haven't melted from our last snowfall, and the windmill is turning swiftly in the wind.

I am thinking...about celebrating advent and the upcoming Christmas holiday.

I am thankful...for a kind, loving, helpful, hardworking husband.


In the kitchen...I have some banana's that are going to be made into banana bread today and some ground beef that is going to be made into meatballs.  The meatballs will go into the slow cooker so as to be ready when we get home from skating today.

I am wearing...gray sweatpants and a gray T-shirt.  I am all about comfort when I am at home.

I am creating...a crochet turtle for Sky.  Also we are starting to put up a few Christmas decorations and I have to get a Jesse tree put together today.

I am going... to take the older girls to skating tonight and on Friday.  Tomorrow I will do some shopping and take LK to the tot spot.  Hopefully the rest of the week I will be able to stay at home.

I am wondering...why on the slough there are spots where the ice is so clear it almost looks like open water when the rest of the ice is white (the clear spots seem to be frozen just as hard as the everywhere else but it looks so different).

Here Star is checking out one of the afore mentioned spots.

I am reading...Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman.  I don't think I quite qualify as having a large family but it has some good tips.  For light reading I am enjoying Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber.

I am hoping...that we continue to get some nice weather in December.  It is much nicer when we can spend time everyday outside.

I am looking forward to...having some company on the weekend and celebrating Sky's 8th birthday.

I am hearing...LK watching TV in the background.  Time to get to get off the computer so as to turn the TV off and have him help me do laundry.

Around the house...today the living room needs vacuuming and laundry needs to be done.  Hubby was wonderful and cleaned the porch and the kitchen yesterday.  I have the advent wreath out but still need to set up a Jesse Tree.


One of my favorite things...the Christmas season.  I am excited advent is here and we start the countdown to Christmas.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  I am hoping to get started on some Christmas baking this week.  Also I have to go through LK's clothes.  Most of his pants are too short.  I have lot's of hand me downs for him to wear I just have to go through them and get them into his dresser and the too small stuff put away.

Here is picture (or two) for thought I am sharing...

Two of my most precious blessings.

LT sure is growing fast.