Daybook: Thanksgiving Week

Outside My Window:
It's the first day of Thanksgiving holiday week. It's cold outside. I can tell because it's slightly overcast, but not completely dark in the house.

I am listening to:
Tess and Sam chatter. Sam is making siren sound effects with his Lego police car. I wish it were completely quiet.

I am wearing:
jeans and a pink sweater. It's a thin pink sweater and I'm a little bit cold.  I noticed a small hole near the armhole this morning. It makes me sad that my clothes just don't seem to have much longevity.

I am pondering:
That I'm exhausted both physically and mentally. I try to keep my blog a happy place so I don't usually write down my struggles, but I'm struggling right now. I'm feeling very alone. I'm overwhelmed with my mothering duties right now. It's not easy to admit that. I never expected feel like this after the twins were born, but I do. I can't seem to order my day to build in the peace and quiet I crave. I feel selfish. I feel pulled into a thousand directions all the time. I'm having a hard time feeling hopeful about any meaningful change in my days.

I am reading:
Well, I'm almost done listening to Mindy Kaling's book, Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me?  andI'm reading The Westing Game to Luke and The Ministry of Motherhood for a Bible study. I'm also reading quilting and knitting patterns? Does that even count?

I am creating:
Despite the fact that I feel completely exhausted, I'm still knitting a ton. It amazes me that even though I don't really get to knit until after 9 pm most days that I am still finishing small items. I casted on this cape in a yarn called Holiday Lights in White to go with Tess's Christmas dress. I'm in the middle of a hat for Paul knit from sock yarn. I've knit the body of a sweater for Sammy and I'm in the middle of another cap-sleeved shirt for my friend's daughter for Christmas. Yes, I know. I'm still doing that. Every time I get semi-close to finishing something, I cast on another project. I'm sure this isn't helping what's going on in my overwhelmed brain.

I'm also working on some quilting as well. I do love to quilt, but I don't find it truly relaxing. It's fun to design quilts. It's fun to buy fabric, but it's sometimes stressful to sew those pieces together  I used 3 Woodland Bloom charm packs to create this topper. I cut all the charms in half, re-arranged them, and sewed them back into squares. Then, I sewed the rows together. Sewing the rows took way longer than I expected. Now the topper is complete, but I don't have any fabric for the both the backing and binding. I haven't figured out how when my life feels the most out of control, I add to my work by taking on more projects. Maybe this is something that I can truly control? I don't know. 

Towards Rhythm and Beauty:
I feel like I've forgotten how to achieve this at all. I feel like I'm just treading water right now.

From the kitchen:
I'm thinking about the pies I'm going to make for Thanksgiving. I think I've settled on Dutch Apple Pie and the Pumpkin Mousse Tart from Martha Stewart's Pies and Tarts. I thought that would make traditional pumpkin pie a little fancier. Paul loves Dutch apple pie and Sam loves using the Pampered Chef Apple-Peeler-Slicer-Corer. Sam can handle getting the apples ready for me.

Around the house:
fabric, yarn, books, toys, dishes....and they're not in their rightful place!

Giving Thanks for:
My chaotic life despite what I've written above.

A Few plans for this week:
making pies
Taking Luke and Sam to a youth production of The Nutcracker the Sunday after Thanksgiving
Hopefully, a date with my hubby
some dedicated knitting time

Picture Thought



Just look at those cute faces.



 

August Daybook- The way overdue daybook

Outside My Window
Last night, around 1:30 in the morning, the bear was back. This time, we were prepared with a bear-proof garbage can.  This year, we decided to expand the living space in our basement by converting our tiny garage. So, the garbage can has to stay outside now and that attracts bears. We've been on a waiting list for a bear-proof garbage can for months.  There must be a serious high demand for these garbage cans here in Colorado since they seem almost impossible to find, but Paul found someone selling one on Craig's List.  Even though, it's bear-proof doesn't mean it's bear repellent! Anyway, we heard the can being knocked over early in the morning. Now, we need to find a space where the bear can't find it.

Now, it's late morning and it's overcast outside my window.  I don't mind since it cools things down considerably around here.  I'm expecting more rain.

I am listening to
Friendship Bread on my MP3 player. I keep trying to listen to this while I'm nursing at night, but I keep falling asleep and having to rewind.

I am wearing
faded jeans and an ugly stretchy light blue t-shirt.

I am pondering
so many things.  Mostly lists of things to do this month.  I am thinking about how the beginning of August always feels like the beginning of the end of Summer. I am thinking about organization and what things need to be purged. I'm pondering sewing curtains for Tessie's bedroom. I'm wondering when  I will have time for all my creative pursuits. I'm thinking about what creative endeavors I'd like Luke to try this year. He doesn't seem as interested in knitting anymore. I know he thinks kids will laugh at him if he mentions that he knits. It didn't use to bother him. I'm also thinking about style and color. I recently had my colors done. I'm fascinated by what color can do. I'm ready to incorporate some of these saturated hues into my wardrobe. I'm thinking that it's time to invest in some good clothing. I'm thinking about the upcoming transition into Autumn and I'm pondering our return to a more disciplined schedule.

I am reading
Manning Up
The Forgotten Garden (This is more like the forgotten book.  I just haven't been in the mood for it lately.)
The Practical Guide to Patchwork
The Penderwicks at Point Mouette (reading to Luke)

I am creating

Well, as usual, I have too many projects on the needles.  I'm working on this little baby sweater for a friend's new baby boy.  I'm trying to tame the knitting bag and keep things organized.  I'm pondering themes for quilts for the twins.  I've purchased fabric for a pirate-themed quilt for one twin, but I haven't decided on the other theme yet.  I've been spending some time at the Fat Quarter Shop for fabric inspiration.  I'm also creating a lot of boards at Pinterest. I love Pinterest!  It's like clipping all those inspiring pages from various magazines all without the hassle of scissors and a mess!  So much inspiration there! 

Towards a Real Education
I am spending time with Sammy in the evenings.  We are trying to conquer Teach Your Child to read in 100 Easy Lessons. Sometimes, he can be a little stubborn, but I know he looks forward to having time with me and I can see his confidence grow a little each day.

Luke is going to help me design his wildlife quilt.  We've collected lots of fabrics of bears, raccoons, deer, log cabins, evergreen trees etc. and I think he will enjoy being part of the process.

I've also been talking to Luke about learning to carve or whittle.  He's had a couple of books for a while and he expressed interest in trying to carve chess pieces. 

Reading aloud time with Luke in the evenings. I've committed to at least ten minutes a day so that we have a little time with just each other. This is part of our informal learning during the summer.  Reading aloud  has always been a vital part of our lives, but as I've mentioned before, our reading aloud time dwindled down to only about once a week during some of my pregnancy with the twins and during the early months after the twins' arrival. I know it's important to him because he reminds me every day. 

Towards Rhythm and Beauty
I am thinking about the small details that make a home.  These are those small things that I neglected over the foggy year of the twin pregnancy. Every day, I feel that I dwell more and more in possibility, but that often collides with reality.
August is different than the other Summer months. It's less care free. It's the month to gear up for the transition into my favorite time of the year. August feels like the month to prepare. I'm thinking about putting up jars of jam and canning pickles. 'm thinking about making sure we slowly transition back to regular bedtime (I'm thinking about Luke here. He's been staying up until 10pm these days reading The Far Side.)
I am thinking about transitions.

I am Hoping and Praying
for an inspiring school year for Luke and Sam. I'm hoping to begin the potty-training process with Tess.  I'm hoping that boys will have a prosperous year of learning all the time. I am hoping that I can create a workable routine and schedule that makes our days flow better.

In the Garden
Mammoth Sunflowers, a few strawberry blossoms, the hope for a pumpkin pie pumpkin, Chives, Basil and one ripe  tomato!

From the Kitchen
I perused the latest issue of Everyday Food and I got some simple inspiration. I've been in a cooking rut this summer. It's been evident in the amount of times we've had breakfast for dinner. Paul will cook up some eggs, bacon and/or sausage and rye toast when we're just out of ideas and I've been out of ideas forever.  Last week, I baked a batch of cream scones and we had Darjeeling tea, scones and sliced cucumbers for dinner. I'm needing to make a Fall menu that will simplify life in the kitchen. I'm thinking about having Luke write the list for me.

Around the House
the need for order.

One of my favorite things
I've just discovered Boulder Ice Cream in Coconut! I'm in love.

A few plans for the week
Celebrating my dearest friend's 39th birthday
taking a trip to the Farmer's Market to collect our weekly vegetables
baking a cherry pie (I have some Grandma Hoerner's Cherry Pie filling that needs to be used soon.)
finish knitting the baby sweater. I have one sleeve to go.

Picture Thought
Tessie out on the deck wearing various hand knit items on this overcast day.  It is almost cool enough to wear a sweater today.

Why I feel a little blue

I snapped this picture from my window in my bedroom last weekend.  Yes, it's May, but it's what we've come to expect here.  I can't really put the winter gear away until June.  I often whine that Spring is the most difficult season here.  Friends call it mud season.  Even though our winter was mild, winter won't completely let go during the Spring.  Today is another overcast day around here.  I already have low expectations for my garden and I haven't really planted everything yet. Come on, Sun! Break through those clouds! I will choose to be grateful for the moisture and see it as a blessing. It will reduce the wildfire danger up here and we desperately need the water!

February Daybook

Outside My window: I woke up this morning to snow. It's been snowing all day, but we've only gotten about two inches and that's snow I can handle. It's around 2 pm now and the sun is peaking out now.

I am listening to: the Kitchenaid mixer. Luke is baking oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies without my assistance. I'm sitting down for the first time today. I was knitting a sock and then I thought that I might update my blog. Tessie is still sleeping, but I expect that she'll be up soon from her nap, but for now, I hear the Kitchenaid.

I am wearing: I'm wearing a pair of jeans, red slippers, a pink long-sleeved t-shirt and a black fleece vest. It's comfy, but not pretty.

Favorite things: finishing books and projects. I hope to finish reading both The Day I became an Autodidact and Simplicity Parenting and my pair of socks that I started a week ago using sport weight yarn from Sunshine Yarns in the colorway Field of Flowers.

From the kitchen: Tonight, it's spicy turkey soup except that I'm using chicken (I know I've linked this recipe before) and well, Luke is baking cookies right now and even though I don't really love banana bread, I'm going to bake another loaf for Paul since he really likes taking it to work in the mornings.

I am creating: a menu for Lent and Luke's school schedule. He's been doing pretty well on his own, but I think he does even better when all of his tasks are written down for each day.

Home Comforts: We are trying to stay clutter-free as best as we can so that we can feel less overwhelmed by random stuff everywhere. We are getting there, but I feel we could do well with even more stuff removed from our home. I'm really trying to make good decisions about what I buy. Is there a place for it? Do I really want to store it? Do I really need it? The hard part is creating balance. I don't want an empty home. How does one create a cozy home with the right amount of things?

I am reading: The Happiness Project, Simplicity Parenting, The Day I became an Autodidact and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn....too much at a time. On the MP3 player: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Plans for the rest of the week: Getting our taxes together and organized, shredding some papers that we no longer need to save and hopefully selling some stuff on Craig's List....Slowly shedding unnecessary stuff is part of my Winter plans.

Holiness in the every day: Gearing up for Lent and practicing contentment



Picture thought I am sharing :

New Year's Day book

Outside my Window - Sunshine! It's going to be a gorgeous New Year's day! We're going to have to spend some time outside today. It's a glorious way to start the new decade.

I am listening to - crackling coming from the kitchen. Paul is frying up the leftover potatoes from last night's fondue party. I'm really going to miss him making breakfast every day when he goes back to work next Monday. It has been such a nice relaxing week.

I am wearing - my PJs. I'm wearing a pair of comfy pants and one of Paul's long-sleeve t-shirts.

From the learning room - I'm slowly beginning to think about Spring term. Last term was largely a workbook term and I really didn't like it, but it's been a transitional time since I'm slowly working with Sam and teaching him to read while juggling the baby's nap schedule. Luke is working on a daily nature journal, but he's been concerned that his drawings aren't very good. I got him a book on how to draw birds with colored pencils for Christmas. I'm thinking about more art, more cooking less workbooks and more relaxed days. These things sound all nebulous and unformed, but ideas have been cooking in the back of my brain the last couple of weeks. I'm thinking about how to review French and Latin and come up with a good daily schedule so as not overload on the languages.

Favorite Things - New yarn! I have been organizing my projects on Ravelry and figuring out what's on the schedule for the new year. I still have to finish Luke's wallaby sweater. It's been on hiatus while I work on a lot of smaller projects.

From the Kitchen - I am determined to work on a winter menu. I always say I'm going to do this, but I never really finish it. I bought this book, Sunday Soup a few months ago and I'd like to try a new soup each week. Soup is cozy during the winter months and something that can be eaten for a couple of nights. Right now, I can smell those potatoes coming from the kitchen.

I am Creating - a January budget! It's time to set some financial goals for the new year. We have some home projects we'd like to complete including finishing the boys' bathroom. We gutted the bathroom when we moved into our house four years ago and we've been sharing our bathroom with them since. As they get bigger, our bathroom seems to grow smaller. So, it's time to finish that project. We're also saving for a new car. Our '98 Toyota Sienna is beginning to have lots of little problems. So, we have some careful budgeting on the horizon.

Plans for the rest of the weekend - I think we'll take down the Christmas tree on Sunday. The boys would like to keep the tree up until Epiphany, but I'm one of those people that likes to take the tree down on New Year's day. I compromised with the boys and we'll take down the tree this Sunday. We'll leave the Nativity sets up until Epiphany though. When the new year comes, I need to mentally prepare for regular life again.

I'm also going to clean up the kitchen. It's a disaster from our New Year's Eve Fondue party. I'm going to put Tessie down for a nap and sit down to finish knitting Regular Guy Beanies for Paul and Luke.

Some things to learn in the new year -

1. Magic Loop method for knitting socks

2. read Bleak House and The Count of Monte Cristo

3. learn to draw realistic birds with Luke

4. Fair isle knitting

5. how to make good homemade pizza (I'm sure this involves buying a good pizza stone.)

6. how to grow a successful kitchen garden

Happy New Year friends!!!! Enjoy the possibilities of a new decade! Where will it take you?

Daybook-Birthday Edition

Outside My Window -a sunny day. It's not too hot and there are some clouds, but I don't think it will rain today. I must remember to remind the boys to water the garden. Although we've had a lot of rain this summer, it's beginning to taper off now.

I am listening to- quiet. I nursed Tessie to sleep. Luke is upstairs eating his lunch while listening to a book and Sammy is sitting at the kitchen table eating lunch. He's seems to be talking to himself.

From the learning room-not much. I'm rather behind with my plans for the quickly approaching new school year.

I am thankful for- another year of life. Today, I am 37! How did that happen? Seriously, how did that happen???

From the kitchen- I am not cooking today!!! I made the normal lunches for the kids. I did not even make breakfast for the kids I am ashamed to admit. Instead, I loaded up the kiddos and drove to Starbucks for muffins. They were out of muffins and I bought brownies instead. I know, I'm horrible.

I am wearing- jeans, flip-flops, sky blue tank-top with a light green button-down shirt.

Holiness in the everyday- trying to pray without ceasing.

I am creating- a room for Tess. Paul painted her room a glorious pale blue with a hint of lavender. I'm thinking of sewing a twin-size quilt for the extra bed in her room (like I need another quilt project). Her room has been motley storage until now. I can't wait to put it all back together. I have two prints by two American impressionists, Frank Benson and Edmund Tarbell to hang in her room. I've been waiting to hang these prints for over three years! I'll add images of the prints to this post.

I am reading - too much! I'm determined to go back to reading just one book at a time (although I just downloaded five books to my new MP3 player). I am about to start reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I've moved it to the top of the stack on my nightstand.

One of my favorite things- Sunflowers! Paul just brought me a bunch of sunflowers for my birthday.

Plans for the rest of the week- finish knitting this hat. I only have a few rows to go and I'm just about to begin the decrease rows. I also need to put the house back in the order after the painting adventure.

My Day Book

Outside My Window

Earlier it was sunny and dare I say, almost hot, but now it looks a little overcast. I see some big puffy white clouds. There won't be any rain today.

I am listening to...

Tessie breathing. She's been flipping onto her tummy really well now for the past two weeks. Now, she's on her tummy and I can hear her sucking on her hand. I have the front door open and I can also hear some birds twittering in the distance. I'm beginning to recognize the sounds of some birds like the robin and chickadee. Right now, I'm not sure what bird I'm hearing.

From the learning room

We are definitely winding down for the year. Mostly, I have Luke doing a lot of math review and copywork. He's working on memorizing the vocabulary words from Lessons 1-5 in his Latin workbook. I don't want him to go on until he memorizes both the noun and verb endings. He's starting to spend more time outside and he reads in the afternoons. We worked on fraction skills as we made peanut butter cookies today.

I am thankful

that I seem not to be getting the cold that Tess and Paul have. I had two mildly stuffy days, but I have been taking a lot of Emergen-C- and I'm sure that helped lessen the duration of my cold.

From the kitchen

I couldn't bear to let two almost black bananas go, so I baked a loaf of banana bread and a batch of peanut butter cookies with honey and whole wheat flour (with Luke's help). I've had to do some major grocery shopping for days now, but I am happy that we are using what we have to create some simple eating. I've made a menu for this week that includes Greek turkey burgers on pitas and cheesy potato soup.

I am wearing

jeans and a white tank top. I was wearing a blue hooded sweater over the tank, but it just got too hot. I am wearing light pink Crocs and my hair in a clip...pretty comfy.

I am reading

as usual, too much. I'm reading Revolutionary Road, Simple Food for Busy Families: The Whole Life Nutrition Approach, Real Food for Mother and Baby and I just started Journey to the River Sea. I'm really enjoying the young adult literature this year! I think my hubby picked up my book hold at the library and now I'm looking forward to Jane Austen Ruined My Life. I will definitely be updating my GoodReads page today.

Holiness in the every day

I'm striving daily for just a little quiet time for both prayer and reflection. My days are smoother when I make it a priority. I am also waiting for Karen's book to arrive as well!

I am creating

a sock. I'm still working on my second sock. Tomorrow I start a new knitting class and I just ordered some fat quarters of fabric featuring the Hungry Caterpillar. I'm thinking about making Sammy a quick quilt since he really loves this book!

Home Comforts

There's a lot to do this week indoors, but my hope is that it's warm enough to do some outdoor clean-up. It's time to clean up the deck and the yard. Now that the snow is melted and hopefully melted for good, Luke and Sam can go back outside again and clear twigs and pinecones from our property. We're trying to reduce the fire danger around the house.

One of My Favorite Things

My friend Steph is so good at inventing new drinks. She makes really yummy coffee treats for me. Well, the other day she bought those Starbucks Fraps at the grocery store in the dark chocolate mocha flavor. She poured about a quarter of the frap into a glass and then filled it with milk. Seriously, it would have never occurred to me to dilute it with milk. It's so simple and yet I would have never thought of it. Usually, I don't like those bottled Starbucks Fraps. They're just too sweet, but just a little with lots of milk...yum! Also, I love robin's eggs. Luke and I have been reading a lot of bird picture books and I think robin's eggs blue is just one of the happiest colors!

Plans for the rest of the week

I have got to start some seeds. I have minimalist goals when it comes to the garden this year. I want to try to grow sunflowers, green onions, pumpkins and some cucumbers this year. It's already too late for strawberries. So, I'll just buy strawberries for jam-making this year. I hope to finish reading at least two of the books on my current reading list as well. I'm going to organize my sewing, knitting and crocheting and try to priortize my projects. It's already out of control and then I went and ordered Hungry Caterpillar fabric!

I'm getting my daybook published so late today that I think I will skip the picture though for this week. Be sure to visit Peggy for more daybooks!

Have a great Week!

Daybook-The Last Week of April

I haven't done one of these daybook entries in a long time. Actually I may have only done one. I don't know why I didn't keep up with this, but I am hoping to make this a weekly update again after a long lapse.



Outside my Window

I woke up this morning to about five or six inches of snow. From my bed, I could see out the window and I saw steady snow and an overcast sky. I wasn't too happy about it, but now it's noon and the sun is out and snow is melting quickly! If we have to have snow in April and even May, at least it melts quickly!


I am listening to

Dennis Prager on the radio, but I'm about to turn it off to put Tess down for a nap.

From the Learning Room

Our school year is winding down and I'm gearing up for summer learning. Last year, I gave Luke a traditional summer break. We listened to lots of books and he read, but other than that, his days were wide open. I've discovered that Luke has better days when they're more structured. So, I've been toying with the idea of a light summer term. I want to do new things that will distinguish summer learning from the regular school term. He told me that he would like to learn French. So, I ordered a French course from Memoria Press. We've been pleased with their Latin courses so I'm sure that I'll like the French. I think we'll continue reviewing math as well. I don't want to have to spend so much time reviewing from the previous year. He finished his math book early this year and to keep the math review fun, I ordered both this and this. I want to grow sunflowers and pumpkins and fill all of the bird feeders and draw pictures of birds and well, have lots of nature study. My little boy Sam turned 4 today and I'm thinking about beginning Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons soon. We'll take it easy and slow, but I'm thinking that he needs more mommy time and this may be just the ticket. I'm thinking about Shakespeare stories for summer read alouds and maybe a little Botany. I know that I want to find a typing program for Luke as well. Now that he's getting older and starting to use the computer more, I want him to know how to type properly...too much??


I am thankful
that the snow melted quickly.

From the kitchen
Today, not much. I'm clearing out the fridge and freezer. The boys are eating leftover spaghetti and Paul and I are eating fish sticks with salad. I did bake two cakes for Sammy's birthday over the weekend. I did make the Changing Hearts and Minds chocolate cake from Molly Wizenberg's book, A Homemade Life and an orange bundt. They were both good, but I do have to say that the chocolate cake was more like a really moist brownie. Orange and chocolate do go very well together I must say.

I am wearing
jeans, a light pink t-shirt, brown wool sweater..yes, wool at the end of April!

I am reading
The Mirror Effect by Dr. Drew Pinsky. This is a really interesting book about celebrity narcissism. I've learned that narcissism is not extreme self-love, but actually the opposite, self-loathing. It's actually very sad.


Holiness in the every day
I just pre-ordered Karen Edmisten's new book for inspiration!

I am Creating
Oh, lots of things. I'm knitting a second sock to make my first pair ever. I'm working on a couple of quilts and I'm crocheting a baby blanket. There was definitely a learning curve with the crocheting! I am also thinking about how to decorate our learning room and give it some flair.

Home Comforts
I'm relaxing and trying to enjoy my home right now instead of seeing all the things that need to be done.

One of my favorite things
We always read to Sammy at bedtime. We recently discovered that he can read Big Dog Little Dog. I get tears in my eyes as he "reads" the book, complete with inflection. Of course, he just memorized what we'd been reading to him, but he has the sweetest little voice.


plans for the rest of the week
I'm getting ready for a trip to Virginia for a friend's wedding. I've got a lot to do before Thursday morning and I'm nervous about traveling with the baby without my husband.


Be sure to visit Peggy for all the daybook entries!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

I've seen this at many of my favorite blogs and I've wanted to do one for a while. So, I'll try it today:

Outside My Window ...tall beautiful evergreen trees and an overcast sky, but that's okay. I love the rain.

I am thinking ... that I'm glad that there is some leftover French toast so that I don't have to make much else for breakfast. Maybe I'll make banana smoothies.

I am thankful for...the rain. I've planted some pumpkins, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, a strawberry plant and they need the moisture.

From the kitchen...nothing yet although now I'm really starting to crave that banana smoothie!

I am wearing...plaid flannel comfy pants and an old long-sleeved t-shirt (my PJs).

I am creating...a baby.

I am going...to the doctor a little later and then I'm taking the boys to the park despite the light drizzle.

I am reading...All New Square Foot Gardening, A Nation of Wimps, The Busy Person's Guide to Preserving Food (I want to make jam this year) and Grow Your Own Pizza.

I am hoping...to feel better soon. I'm so tired right now. I'm all consumed with the constant thoughts of my next nap.

I am hearing...Luke. He's upstairs getting dressed and listening to a book on CD.

Around the house...I see a slightly neglected home. Like I said, I hope I feel better really soon so I can get back to my routines around my poor house.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Luke and I are going to plant the sunflower seeds and the carrot seeds that we've bought recently. I'm going to check my little strawberry plants everyday. I'm protecting my two little strawberries and I'm desperately hoping that the critters will stay away. (We get a lot of foxes, squirrels and sometimes deer in our yard.)