Tales From The Bonny Blue House

Advent Daybook

Outside my window…Very gray and drizzly.

I am thinking. . . About Christmas. How sad I feel about it.  It will be a subdued celebration this year as we are still, as I told  a dear friend this weeken still very much a house in mourning.

I am thankful for. . . the two super moms who generously took over O Night Divine for me this year.  I just did not have the heart for it.

From the schoolroom. . . It’s Advent school! Math, spelling and religion remain and the rest is devoted to picture books, narrations and reading, reading, reading….

I was thinking of having the kids research the star of Bethlehem. Anyone ever done this? Any ideas?

 From the kitchen. . . Spaghetti and meatballs. We have a hectic evening here and I need a dinner that can be easily heated. Kelli is having her first confession late this afternoon Erin ahs flute lessons and then Erin is playing the flute at the second night of our parish Advent Mission. So David and I will be back and forth to church several times this evening.

I am wearing. . . This is a first. Sweats and a big t-shirt. Not because I am exercising but because I did not get to bed until after 4:00 am when Dave took over teething Brendan duty so I could sleep for a couple of hours until he left for work.  I couldn’t face a shower and all that yet. I need more coffee.

I am going. . . Church, flute, church, bed.

I am reading. . . Nothing in particular. I’ve been spending free time quilting lately.

I am hoping. . . That I can do some handmade Christmas gifts.

I am hearing. . . Nothing. Which is scary in a house full of children.

Around the house. . . A fire in the fireplace, some Advent things put out, slowly getting ready.

One of my favorite things. . . Christmas. Really. Even this year. Nothing promises hope like a new baby and the newborn King promises the ultimate in salvation. What else do we need? The miracle unfolding over the next four weeks will lighten our burdens I’m sure.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . Firm up plans for Advent school. Sleep (please Brendan let mommy sleep). Enjoy.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. .

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window… The leaves in the yard are just starting to turn and fall and the sun is shining brightly after a miserably rainy cold weekend.

I am thinking. . . about new closets. We have people coming today to install closet systems in our master bedroom and my big girl’s room. This is to help use the space well and facilitate a large room shift we need to do. Kevin is unhappy being alone in his room since Ryan is gone. L

I am thankful for. . . the continuing loving care provided by our friends and family here.

From the schoolroom. . . We have instituted a few new things this year. Workboxes are working well for us and I am doing “morning basket” a la Jen. I manage to do morning basket a few times a week and that’s enough for us. I’ll post more about it soon.

 From the kitchen. . . I would like to make some pumpkin bread and chocolate chip cookies today. We’ve been moving toward a less packaged food more organic existence here.

I am wearing. . . denim skirt, salmon colored t-shirt, brown tights, brown clogs, peachy colored zip hoodie thing.  I went shopping with Chris this past weekend and decided I need to be shopping in stores that carry clothes for women who are not trying to look like 12 year olds. We went to Coldwater Creek and J Jill.  These stores cater to a more mature consumer. I didn’t actually buy anything at JJill because I like to make the bank happy and pay the mortgage every month but I did love the clothes. I did purchase a new skirt, blouse and two t-shirts at Coldwater.

I am going. . . flute lessons later, no where else.

I am reading. . . pre reading an Eva Ibbotson book for Katie. Well I’m supposed to be. I haven’t actually started it yet.

I am hoping. . . that I can soon go one whole day without crying. Doesn’t seem likely but it’s a goal.

I am hearing. . . Erin and Kelli whispering as they sketch, Sean and Brendan clapping.

Around the house. . . the closet guys showed up and are banging away. It's going to be something like this, but not quite.

We had a fire in our fireplace yesterday, it was a perfect day for it and the children were thrilled. I also had Dave build one for the homeschool moms who come and camp out at my house during the children’s chorus practice on Friday. A lady in my town teaches chorus so the ladies drop off the kids and come here to chit chat and eat bagels.  Friday was cold and wet so I had a roaring fire for them. The little children all gathered around the fire and played there. I am so glad we had the fireplace built as an extra in our construction.

One of my favorite things. . . Cool fall days and warm sweaters.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . Finish up the closet switch and get ready for some very anticipated house guests who are coming this weekend. My two cousins from New Hampshire. Kelly is bringing her beautiful daughter and Maureen is coming along for the ride.  We are all so looking forward to the visit.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. .

Fall mantle. That is an image of Our Lady of the Smiles. Given to us by our Friday night rosary group as well as a few other friends, in memory of our Ryan's smile .

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window. . Brilliant sunshine and green things popping out all over. The peonies survived the excavator but many shrubs did not. I’m going to have to overhaul the front yard this spring and summer.

I am thinking. . . Lesson plans, lesson plans, lesson plans. Workboxes and  curriculum. Time to plan for next year.

I am thankful for. . . Fr. Angelus. He is a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal and he blessed our home on Saturday. He also left me a big supply of blessed salt and holy water. I feel better now. I am also thankful for a twelve year old girl who holds the fussy baby for me whenever I ask.

From the schoolroom. . . We are on target to finish up a bunch of stuff in the next two weeks. I am starting a New York State study with Erin. She’s not too enthused.

 From the kitchen. . . London broil, spinach salad, broccoli. That’s as far as I’ve gotten.

I am wearing. . . Denim skirt, grey t-shirt, black flip flops with little beads on them. My new earrings.  Aren't they cute?.

I am going. . . Step dance lessons, supermarket, Fatima Club, soccer practices, the usual…

I am reading. . . High School of Your Dreams. Ryan will be starting high school in the fall. (How did that happen?)

I am hoping. . . that Bridget outgrows the screaming habit. It’s wearing on my nerves.

I am hearing. . . Sean is howling about something (I should probably check that out) and Kenny Rogers on the stereo.

Around the house. . . The house is pretty clean (don’t be impressed I pay someone) and the laundry is churning away. I am still unpacking boxes that were in storage and trying to find places to put things in the new spaces. Going shopping for a new couch this week!!!

One of my favorite things. . . The way Dave plays with the kids. He was home yesterday and played outside for a few hours. They loved it.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . Buy some workbox supplies, pick up some office supplies to end up the school year. Do the usual running around. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. .

Ryan singing in our parish concert this past weekend.

Check out Peggy's for more daybooks

Simple Woman's Daybook

 

Check over to Peggy's for more entries.

Outside my window. . Dark and dreary. There has been a driving rain all day.

I am thinking. . . I want to call our parish priest to come bless the house. It is technically a new house and I think it could use a new blessing. Dave is of the opinion that the builder unleashed a demon during the construction since we have been plagued by illness and misfortune for months now. I think a fresh blessing will help clear the air. Couldn’t hurt.

I am thankful for. . . Antibiotics and a pediatrician who spends a large part of her Sunday on the phone with me. Sean was dreadful sick.

From the schoolroom. . . Just math this week and Holy Week studies and comtemplation.

 From the kitchen. . . Does a bucket of chicken count?  I’ll cook soon I promise.

I am wearing. . . Pink knit top, grey knit pants, Crocs, Irish sweater. Hair left loose and curly.

I am going. . . Completely bonkers with this sickness. In the last two weeks:
                                                                                                  Strep throat  - Erin, Me
                                                                                                  Ear infection – Me
                                                                                                  Coughing – Kelli, Katie, me, Dave
                                                                                                  Sinus infection – Dave
                                                                                                  Vomiting – Bridget, me, Sean
                                                                                                  Fever – Bridget, Sean, me, Kelli
                                                                                                  Diarrhea – Sean

It's enough already.

 

I am reading. . . Real Food by Nina Planck , which makes the bucket of chicken an even worse decision.

I am hoping. . . I can pull it together to make a nice Easter for my family and my brother’s family.

I am hearing. . . Music from the basement playroom. I can’t quite make it out, WeeSing? Donut Man? Wiggles?

Around the house. . . . The cleaning lady is coming tomorrow. After she faints she’ll help me get it together around here.  I’ve been in survival mode. The big girls are assigned to cleaning out the kitchen cabinets on Wednesday and Ryan will be cleaning the store room. I will be catching up on laundry this week and shopping for Easter.

One of my favorite things. . . Catholic Folk Toys I love these little dolls. I ordered three for Easter baskets and I will be ordering more in the near future. Tammy is a delight to work with and did something truly beautiful with Saint Bridget for me.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . Visit the pediatrician, a well visit for Brendan, shopping, I need a haircut and I’m sure there are a bunch of things I’m not remembering.

Here is picture thought I am sharing. .

Goofy girls.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window. . Bright sunshine and mild temperatures. I am planning to have the kids outside as much as possible this week to take advantage of the milder temps.

I am thinking. . . I am all alone in the house with the children for the first time in months. No workmen, no guests, just us.

I am thankful for. . . all of the friends who have been bringing us meals. Every evening at 5:00 p.m. for the last three weeks a hot meal has arrived here at the Bonny Blue House.  I may have actually forgotten how to turn on my oven J.

From the schoolroom. . . We are actually in a good place school wise. I want to focus on making Valentines and doing a little Abe Lincoln lesson with the younger kids this week.

 From the kitchen. . . Kevin has been begging for cheeseburgers so cheeseburgers it is.

I am wearing. . . Grey turtleneck, jeans, brown loafers, no socks which might explain why I am freezing and need a black pashmina to ward off the chill.

I am going. . .The older five kids have dental check-ups this afternoon. It will be my first outing with all eight children.

I am reading. . . Once a Month Cooking. I am looking forward to getting back in the kitchen.

I am hoping. . .That no one has a cavity.

I am hearing. . . The dishwasher humming, Brendan coo-ing.

Around the house. . . All of the furniture is in the house and all that remains in storage are some books and clothes. Actually a lot of books and clothes. Today the cleaning lady is supposed to come and get things in better shape, spackle dust is driving me crazy. I no sooner clean it up than it magically appears again. I am told this can continue for months. I need to go to the blind store and order blinds for the new windows and curtain rods as well.

One of my favorite things. . . My new coffee pot. The coffee is rich and piping hot.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . Irish dance, guitar lessons, Valentine prep, and a Christening to plan!!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing. .

Don't forget to stop by at Peggy's to check out the other Daybooks.

The Simple Woman's Daybook October 20th.

**Do stop by Peggy's for all of the Daybook entries this week**

Outside My Window ... it's my parents windows and they have these lovely Mexican pansies that bloom purple prettiness, the flowers fall off at dusk and miraculously the plant blooms anew each morning. There is a bird feeder behind it that attracts tons of squirrels, one is feasting at the moment. Squirrels here are smaller and jump much higher.

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I am thinking ... I miss my husband badly.

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I am thankful ... for all the hardship that will result in a home that is finally big enough to accommodate us all.

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From the kitchen ... my dad does a lot of the cooking but I take over breakfast. Chocolate chip pancakes this morning with cut up apples and fruit punch (indulgent grandparents buy fruit punch).

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I am wearing ... denim maternity skirt, black short sleeved top with lace collar detail, black tights and black flats. Red cardigan because it's finally a little chilly here.

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I am creating ... a list of things to pick up from the craft store. We need some creativity here.

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I am reading ... Autism and The God Connection , just started it, I'll let you know.

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I am hoping ... to be home by November 1st (the latest)

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I am hearing .. Kevin and Sean playing trains, Kelli's pencils scratching as she colors a picture.

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Around the house ...Not my house but I try to help out. Vacuuming the dining room where we do school and some laundry.

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One of my favorite things ...keeping in touch with everyone back home via IM. Love my IM.

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A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ... A trip to Oatland Island Nature Center and the Bamboo Gardens . Last week we went to the Train Museum (Kevin's spiritual home), The beach at Tybee Island and Fort Pulaski so we are trying to use wisely our time here.

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Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...
The picture is not recent since my camera cord was left back north. Dave has Fedex'd it to me so I should be loading pictures shortly.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Please go over to Peggy's to see the other links entered into the Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window; bright blue skies and vibrant sunshine. It is going to be hot but thankfully not humid today. The hydrangea is fading and the rose bush did not weather last week's hailstorm very well. The deck needs a pick up and to be thoroughly swept. It's looking like the dog days of summer are upon us.

I am thinking; I prefer the cool breezes of fall and I am looking forward to the golden, russet colors and sweater weather.

I am thankful for; my darling husband who works so hard, provides so well and does it all for us.

From the kitchen; pot roast in the crockpot with little potatoes and baby carrots.

I am creating; a baby. That's enough for the moment.

I am wearing; white eyelet nightgown and lavendar robe. It's still quite early and I am putting off the start of the day.

I am reading;  When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan by Peggy Noonan. There, now you know, I'm a Reagan conservative.

I am hoping; to finish up the children's lesson plans this week. I am very close to the end and it's making me lazy.

I am hearing; Bridgie sitting on my lap with an alphabet book of sorts saying all of her letters; Erin practicing her flute and, if I strain - yup there it is, SpongeBob (bleh).

I am going; bonkers with all of this noise, what happened to the peaceful morning I had ten minutes ago?

Around the house; laundry (sigh...always at the top of the list); clean out the fridge and order groceries for delivery tomorrow; clean off the deck and prune the rose bush in an attempt to save it; freshen up the school room.

One of my favorite things; my fancy new foot bath. This pregnant momma has aching feet.

A few plans for the rest of the week; finish up those lessons plans, fill up the book boxes with new books and put together the Scheuletes; a Cottage gathering; a planning for high school meeting with some moms from the homeschool group (Ryan starts high school NEXT YEAR!).

A picture thought I am sharing with you (its how I get through the day).

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ June 16th

Please stop over at Peggy's  to see all of the entries in this week's A Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my window.... grey skies, and a brilliant pink rose towering at the top of my climbing rose bush.

I am thinking....I should be ironing.

I am thankful for...a husband who spends Father's day helping me catch up on chores after an incredibly busy week.

From the kitchen....yogurt pops made from strawberry smoothies for breakfast. It's one of the few times I'm a cool mom, allowing ice pops for breakfast.

I am wearing...brown tiered skirt, white shirt, brown leather flip-flops. Make-up on but hair is still wet. With this humidity I'm not going near the hair dryer.

I am creating...year end reports for the children and a post for Catholic Cuisine .

I am going...absolutely no where. First day in weeks I have no place to be :)

I am reading....this is silly. The Ultimate Smoothie Book. Making more yogurt pops and other cool snacks is the goal.

I am hoping...to get in to see the dentist today. I've been trying since Friday, I have a horrible toothache and they are unimpressed with my agony.

I am hearing....a street sweeper and the twins chattering.

Around the house...picking up for the cleaning lady, ironing, roasting a chicken to make a few cool meals for the hot days ahead.

One of my favorite things...my new planner  which is blank and pretty and full of promise.

A few plans for the rest of the week... DENTIST.  Then to catch up on the housework and errands. I have a few writing projects that need attention. And most importantly getting outside and doing some fun things with the kids.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...