October Daybook

10/28/12 
Outside my window...I see a ton of yard work and cleaning that needs to be done asap. The forecast said no rain today, so now would be a good time to get this work down.

 I am thinking... As November approaches I tend to think more about our little Saint in heaven. I miss him daily, but even more so approaching upon what would have been his birth month.

 I am thankful for...Having today off from watching extra kiddo’s. I have so much house work to get caught up on and I can’t seem to do that with four children under five running around

 Learning all the time…Focusing on test with Captain for the end of his school year. (Still)

Learning the Liturgical Year at Home…I am hoping to have time this week or next- to print up Saint coloring pages for Firecracker’s Alphabet book.

 From the kitchen… I have a few little ones asking to do some baking this week.

BabyGirl baking up some brownies

 I am wearing... Yoga pants and a long sleeve t-shirt in eggplant. 

I am creating...I am STILL working on costumes for dance and Halloween.

 I am going... to try really hard to get caught up on laundry and house work this week.

 I am reading... not too much at the moment as I just don’t have extra time right now

 I am hoping… to get a good night’s sleep tonight, I so need this after a very long week.

 Pondering these words…”Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.” St. Francis of Assisi 

 I am hearing…The sounds of a dishwasher, washer and dryer running. Yep, it’s a full day of house work around here today.

 Around the house...There is so much to do around here; I wouldn’t even know where to begin.

In the garden…I finally got that garlic planted and now I have to patiently wait for spring to see if it will actually grow.

Rows of garlic

layer of leaves for winter protection

One of my favorite things... Firecracker had his first sleep over at our house and oh how happy he was to have his best friend her to wake up too. I of course did take too many pictures, but here are the ones I did take.

Firecracker with his friend who is sound asleep

 I’m praying for…Julia and her family as they travel down a difficult road. Lord, hear our prayers!

 A few plans for the rest of the week:

 Monday-Dr appointment, Care Net Dinner, Edge night (Catholic Middle School)

 Tuesday-Dance for two kiddos every Tuesday 

Wednesday- trick and treating down town

 Thursday-Dance

 Friday- Robotics team

Saturday- Robotics Lego Team at CWU

 Sunday- Mass, and Teen Life (Catholic High School)

 

 Sharing a photos moment…

Sunshine took Firecracker out to lunch

Late October Daybook

Outside my window...It’s snowed for a brief moment then turned into rain.  

 
I am thinking... of summer days that went by to quickly and how I wish I had a few more hours in a day. 

I am thankful for...Sneaking off to Yakima for a few hours with hubby. What a good man he is to spend that time with me in a craft store for the upcoming Nutcracker. 

Learning all the time…Focusing on test with Captain for the end of his school year. 

Leonardo working on school

Captain doing a drawing

Learning the Liturgical Year at Home…We took time two watch the canonization of  Kateri Tekakwitha and six other new saints on EWTN.  

Saint Kateri

From the kitchen… Today it was hot cocoa with marshmallows.   

 
I am wearing... I am wearing pajama’s Yes- I love days like these, don’t you? 

I am creating...a few sewing projects right now.  I would have had one dress completed, but I forgot to buy bias tape. (Who does that after having a date night at Jo Ann’s…..I do)

I am going... to try really hard to get caught up on laundry and house work this week.

not a recent pic, but a typical laundry day here

I am reading... A few things over here

 I am hoping… to start planning for Advent soon. 

Pondering these words…“When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:10).

I am hearing..It’s QUIET, Complete quietness and oh how good that sounds at this moment.   

 Around the house...I would like to clean off book shelves and make them nice and tidy. Perhaps paint the dining room, since we have a few people coming over for Thanksgiving. 

In the garden…It’s time to clean it up for the winter and drool over seed catalogs. (I need to order these too)

One of my favorite things... A sweet visit from Sue, as we share a moment with family over a cup of hot apple cider. 

I’m praying for…A friend who had surgery this week for breast cancer. 

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Monday- Edge night (Catholic Middle School)

Tuesday-Dance for two kiddos every Tuesday

Wednesday- my only free from activities night-yippy

Thursday-Dance

Friday-Lego  Robotics team and my volunteer night

Saturday- Dance

Sunday- Mass and Teen Life (Catholic High School)

 Sharing a photos moment…

Dance class at home with Tay Bug

Saint Kateri photo from NBC News

Happy 9th Birthday!

This isn't really BabyGirl's birthday month, but I wanted to share her special day with you. As you know life has been crazy here and I haven't had the time to blog until now. 

I am not a planer, not by any means! So I tossed this party together very quickly, but I have to say it turned out quit nicely. I had hoped to do something similar to Jessica's, "An Early American Pioneer" party, since we are studying US History this year. But like I said earlier-I am not a planner and that means another last minute party for the kids.

I did put some thought into getting this sweet Addy doll and she came the day of the party. That was perfect timing if you ask me!

Oh how happy she was to receive a real pioneer bonnet!

Of course Firecracker had to get in on the action too!

 

And I also blog lifted the brownie idea from Jessica too. I had planned on making a heart shaped strawberry shortcake for BabyGirl's birthday, but I simply ran out of time. In the end we had a lovely party for a very special birthday girl!
 

October Daybook

Outside my window...It feels and looks like fall here.

 I am thinking...About the Mass we attended this past Saturday, for Matthew Karstetter who passed away this past September. Matthew will be greatly missed!

Jessica, Matthew and Grandma Sue

 I am thankful for...The time we have left with Anna as we know she will be moving in with her mom soon. We don’t have a date yet, but we know it’s coming, yet we still pray that this day never comes!

 Learning all the time…We are still working on last year’s curriculum.

 Learning the Liturgical Year at Home… I am going work on a family bible study for, “The Year of Faith.” Hop over here for some great ideas!

From the kitchen… Tonight’s dinner will be beans and rice with chicken in peanut butter sauce.

 I am wearing... A brown shirt with floral skirt.

 I am creating...I am still working on nutcracker items, plus a costume for baby girl for Halloween.

BabyGirl  in the parade for the Nutcracker

 I am going... I will complete a sewing project this week….at least I keep telling myself this.

 I am reading...blog post-lots of great blogs post from my sisters in Christ.

 I am hoping… To post something good this week on this blog, it been a long time coming don’t you think?

Pondering these words…"We have loved him during life,let us not abandon him,we have conducted him by our prayers into the house of the Lord." Saint Ambrose

 I am hearing..Okay it's more like watching, but I had to share this new PBS show called, "Call The Midwife." I love it and will have to write more about this show soon

 Around the house...I hope to work on the same rooms I keep posting about, as well as clean up the yard and trim some plants back before the winter comes.

 In the garden…I will plant the garlic this week. (I still have to do this before the grounds freezes!)

 One of my favorite things...Was being able to chat over FB with my brother whom is stationed overseas right now. I miss my family so much!

 A few plans for the rest of the week: Homeschool four day’s this week and Day Care Five Days a week
Monday- Edge night (Catholic Middle School)
 Tuesday-Dance for two kiddos every Tuesday
 Wednesday- no plans as of yet- That’s a GOOD thing
 Thursday-Dance
 Friday- Robotics team
Saturday- Dance for two kids
Sunday- Mass and Teen Life (Catholic High School)

Sharing a photos moment…

BabyGirl poses with a new veil

Daybook

Outside my window...It’s getting colder outside and fall colors surrounds us. I think it’s time to grab that camera for some fall photos.

 I am thinking... “Lord, hear my prayers and have mercy on us.”
 
 I am thankful for...supportive friends and family who are sending up prayers for our family.

Learning all the time...We are still working on last year’s curriculum. We have had so much chaos in our lives since April and that caused us to fall way behind on my school plans.

 Learning the Liturgical Year at Home…I need to make a notebook for ideas and such. So in the mean time, take a peek over here and see what wonderful ideas Jessica has.

 From the kitchen… I’m baking up sweet breads to fill up the freezer. I am wearing... long sleeve t-shirts with yoga pants.

 I am creating... Baby Girl is in the Nutcracker Ballet this year, so I am working on costumes and headpieces for the cast. Then I hope to get this blog up-dated since I've been without a computer for months.

 I am going... To work on the learning space and boys room this week. I am reading...another huge stack of books and adding to my reading wish list. I am hoping… and praying for healing hearts in our family.

Pondering these words…”Cast all your worries upon him, because he cares for you.” 1 Pes 5:7

I am hearing... an audio book by the Duggar’s,“A Love that Multiplies,”

 Around the house...I’m having a bit of nesting urges and really want to make my home a cozy place to be. We’ve been here a year and I have that painting itch and longing for coziness to surround us.

 In the garden…I will plant the garlic this week. I’ve never grown garlic before, but was told it was really easy to grow my own.

 One of my favorite things...is how the internet can bring prayers from around the world and comfort those in need. Oh how God works in so many ways!

 A few plans for the rest of the week: Homeschool four day’s this week and Day Care- Five Days a week

 Monday- Edge night (Catholic Middle School)
 Tuesday-Dance for two kiddos every Tuesday
Wednesday-Cross Fire and Impact (Middle and High School youth church groups)
 Thursday-Dance
 Friday-Swim Lessons, Robotics team
 Saturday- Funereal Mass
Sunday- Mass and Teen Life (Catholic High School)

 Sharing a photos moment…

Flowers from big sis at Baby Girls dance performance
 

Daybook

Outside my window...Sunny and windy(30mph winds)

 I am thinking... “This is the will of God”….The past, present and future are all God’s doing, I must not fret about what I have no control over. I can only place it into God’s hands and allow His will to pour forth.

 I am thankful for...supportive friends and family who are sending up prayers for us and Bookworm. I will post more about this soon.

 Learning all the time…we are focusing on the basics right now; keeping it simple for the time being.

 Learning the Liturgical Year at Home… Praying the Rosary is our main focus for now. We are working on doing the Divine Mercy at three, but that seems to be a challenge with a full and very busy house.

 From the kitchen… A bit of country cooking in the kitchen this week-Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes with cornbread and tossed salad. Yummy! (UGH no pics again!)

 I am wearing... long sleeve t-shirts with sweat shirts…..it’s been cold here lately.

 I am creating... I’ve found a new addiction, Pinterest-so I have been busy pinning things to make, sew and garden.

 I am going... to start a sewing project of some sort or at least finish the ones the kids started last fall.

 I am reading...Mother Angelica’s book by Raymond Arroyo, finally. It’s been sitting in my huge stack of books for some time. I love it so far.

 I am hoping… and praying for healing hearts in our family. We hope to be blessed with a wonderful month of May as April was so difficult for us filled with much heart ache.

 Pondering these words…
“Prayer in Darkness”
“Lord, I’m wounded. I don’t know where to go. I don’t know what to say. I can’t even pray.”

 That may be the best prayer in the world because it demonstrates faith amid darkness…Mother Angelica

 I am hearing... John Clark on EWTN with “Women of Grace.” Both hubby and I read his book on fatherhood, we couldn’t put his book down.

 Around the house...My goal is to work on the Learning Space, however; I have an itch to paint. I am thinking of chalk board paint in the hall way!

 In the garden…I made a place for compost and we started working on the garden space we have. If all works out well we will have a small garden with potatoes, tomatoes, salad greens, radishes, herbs, peas, onions and garlic. Oh and I will head to buy some rhubarb plants this weekend. Urban Homesteading here I come! lol

 One of my favorite things...Attending the bible study by Karlo Brosussard at our parish with hubby. Take a look at his website!

 A few plans for the rest of the week: Busy week with sports!

 Monday-Day care kids and Baseball practice
Tuesday-Baseball game and softball practice
Wednesday-Softball practice and Bible study
Thursday-Dance then softball practice
 Friday-Dance, Softball practice
 Saturday- Farmers Market and Church Carnival
 Sunday- Mass (May Crowning) I love this Mass with all the little ones bringing Our Blessed Mother flowers, it’s absolutely beautiful!

 Sharing a photos moment…

Our Family at Easter Mass

Holy Week Daybook

Outside my window...Sunny and 52*

I am thinking...When is the raging child going to stop raging. Ugh, this gets so old!

I am thankful for... Some time with hubby doing some Easter shopping.

Learning all the time…the kids Science stuff is coming in still. All of them will be learning about Human Anatomy this year and I am pretty excited myself.

Learning the Liturgical Year at Home… It’s Holy week and we will be at Mass quite a bit this week. Caleb will be watching the Passion with us on Good Friday. He has been very hesitating on doing this, so I was surprised when he said he would watch the movie with us this Friday. Caleb also was hoping to see the play “Passion”, however it looks like it won’t be playing near us any time soon. :0(

From the kitchen...Sunday is soup and sandwiches. Monday its Seafood Linguini and tossed salad. I don't have a plan for the entire week yet. I hope to make some sweet bread for our tea time with some great history read aloud.

I am wearing...long sleeve tee, jeans and clogs. I love my clogs, love them.

I am creating...lesson plans (still) and I have been working on binders this week. What a task this has been!

I am going... to share this link with you, a must read from Elizabeth Foss.

I am reading...Still working on that same stack of books. I have started our History program again and that means mom reading aloud to the little ones; gosh we have missed this time of slowing down and listening to great books. We are about 6 months behind on History as our move has set us back. But will it really matter since we do summer school, nay, I don't think so.

I am hoping… Too survive a very chaotic week.

Pondering these words…
Prayer for Holy Week
Jesus, in death you became like us to the end,
and in resurrection you point the way to what we will be.
In bad times give us confidence and faith,
in good times give us hope and joy,
and in all times give us love,
for you are love and hope from God. Amen.

I am hearing... a bit of nothing at this moment and it so nice to have quietness. ;0)

Around the house...kids are back and the house is thrashed, need I say more?

One of my favorite things...Shopping for Easter clothes. I love all the pretty dresses, hats and crisp white girly shoes. Oh and those toddler boy shorts with cute v-neck vest. I could go broke during Easter time, no wait-I did go broke this Easter season.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I have a busy, busy and very busy week planed. I will be indulging in a lot of coffee.
Monday-Day care kids and Baseball practice
Tuesday-softball practice (might have grandson in the afternoon all week)
Wednesday-Baseball practice
Thursday-Baseball practice, Mass
Friday-Dance, Softball practice and Mass
Saturday-Knights of Columbus Easter egg hunt, Visit friends farm and Mass
Sunday- Easter Mass

Sharing a photos moment…

Tay bug out at nap time, but I had to take a picture of those yummy cheeks!

Crochet Dish Cloth

I have been making a few handmade gifts for Christmas this year. One of the gifts I been working on are dish clothes. These are so simple to make and they turned out very nice I must say. I did a double crochet on these completely by accident, however; they turned out just fine. Here are the instructions to make these dish clothes.Enjoy and Happy Yarn Along!

DISH CLOTH
Chain 29.
Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across – 28 single crochet.
Row 2: Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each single crochet across.
Repeat last row, until piece measures 10 in. (25.5 cm) from beginning. Fasten off.

Spring Break Daybook

Outside my window...It’s cold and gloomy outside today.

I am thinking... how much I miss my little ones who are in Mt Vernon visiting their oldest sister.

I am thankful for... some alone time with Firecracker for a few days.

Learning all the time…School stuff is still coming and making plans for teaching Firecracker.

Learning the Liturgical Year at Home… inspired by Shower of Roses
Only wish I had the energy and planning skills this women has.

From the kitchen...Fun foods for Firecracker this week. He has been quite a big helper in the kitchen.


I am wearing...long sleeve tee and pajama pants. Staying home today, so I have no need to get dressed.

I am creating...lesson plans for Firecracker.

I am going...to stay at home and being a hermit this week for the most part. Firecracker has an ear ache that landing us in ER, so it’s the perfect time to slow down and get these sick little ones healthy.

I am reading...The same stack of books. Firecracker has been keeping me busy, so that means no time or energy for reading.

I am hoping… to get those lap books printed up and make some file folders games for Firecracker this week.

Pondering these words… Saint Joseph, patron of the Universal Church, pray for us!

I am hearing... Mike the Knight on Nick Jr.

Around the house...for the most part this house has been pretty clean since three of the kids have been gone on Spring break. Looks like Firecracker isn’t the guilty one when it comes to messes!

One of my favorite things...was being able to take a nap with Firecracker. I’m feeling very rested!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Spring Break! I hadn’t planned on taking one this year as we are behind on studies. However, Sweet pea had other plans and took a few kids with her to visit Pumpkin who lives in Mt Vernon.

Sharing a photos moment…

Spring Break in Mt Vernon with our oldest daughters.

A Review by Captain

“The Life of Fred Fractions”, unlike like all other math textbooks, presents itself in the form of vary humorous novel. The story surrounds the adventures of a morning (meaning that literally) of the 5-½ year old Math professor, Fred Gauss. Unlike other math textbooks that shows pictures of young children at play (not quite sure what children at play has to do with math) “Life of Fred Fractions” shows pictures that actually go along with the story being told. For example, when Fred is walking along the side of the side of the street, the picture shows Fred walking along the side of the street, not a 6-year-old girl playing leapfrog with her friend. So, enough of the over view, since this is a review, I’m going to name the pros and cons about this book, then I’ll give my final verdict.

I’ll name the pros about this book first. First off, since this math textbook is in a novel format, you read a bit of the story then you answer some questions. Because there is a story line attached to this math textbook, it’s more interesting to read then a normal math textbook. So instead of reading an insanely stupid question like “Betty walks seven miles a week, how many miles does she walk in an average four week month?” You read an interesting and funny story that shows you when you’d use the form of math you’re learning so you won’t think “When am I going to use this?” Second, the way the book is written is amazing! I’ve never had a math book written the way the “Life of Fred” math series is written. Third, there is a “The Life of Fred” math book for any age. And I’m serious; you can get a “Life of Fred” math textbook from the 1st grade, to your 3rd year in collage. Forth, if you struggle in a specific math topic, there is a companion book with extra drills corresponding with that math topic. Fifth, “The Life of Fred” math is affordable. And lastly, since you don’t actually write in the textbook, one textbook can be reused for siblings if you have any, thus saving your parents money.

Now I’ll name the cons about this math textbook. First, if you’re an audio learner, you’ll struggle with this math textbook because there is no audio. Instead, buy “Teaching Textbooks” since it is a computer program that gives you audio lectures on how to do different forms of math Second because you don’t write in the book, you have to write everything by hand. Third, as far as I’m aware, “The Life of Fred” math series is only in English. So if you can’t read and understand English, I wouldn’t recommend it. Forth, in “The Life of Fred Fractions” they only give you a maximum of ten math problems at the end of each chapter. So if you like doing a lot of math problems, this math textbook doesn’t provide that, so you’ll have to either get the companion book, or print more math sheets out from the internet. Lastly, people without a sense of humor won’t find this math textbook vary enjoyable.

So this concludes my review of “The Life of Fred Fractions”. I give it a 9/10. It’s a Very great math textbook, and I highly recommend buying it.

Captain

Basic Playdough Recipe

Basic Playdough Recipe
1 cup of salt
2 cups of flour
¼ cup of oil
3 teaspoons cream of tarter
Food coloring, spices, extracts, texture items (rice or Beads) kool-aid (great for color and scents)
************************************************************
2 cups of boiling water (I use the microwave to heat water)
Mix the above items in a large bowl while the water is heating up in the microwave. Pour the boiling water into the flour and salt mixture (add kool aid now). Mix until the dough is no longer sticky. Pour out onto counter and knead out all lumps. Now add whatever fun items you want to it, food color,rice, beads or glitter etc. Store in air tight container or in a zip lock bag.

Firecracker is my Playdough helper.