30 Days of Thankfulness days 3 and 4

Told ya i would forget to post something every day :-) Not because i'm  not thankful, lol, just because i am very forgetful AND very busy right now.

So, anyway, today i got to spend a whole day...from 8 am to 6 pm...with my oldest daughter. I don't get to spend a whole lot of special time with her anymore, so when we made plans to go shopping today, i was very happy to have her all to myself.

Erin and her yournger sister Rai

Erin is the oldest of my three kids. Because of that, she is the one who her dad and i kind of "practiced" on in order to get parenting right. Not really like that, but you know what i mean.

Erin is kind and generous and sweet. She is easy to talk to, and likes to talk alot. She is funny and bright and charming. She is way more organized that i could ever hope to be, and there is a big part of her who reminds me of my older sister, who she is named after. I have watched Erin go through some stormy times and get frustrated and depressed, but she always manages to bounce back. I love this child of mine so much and am so thankful that the Lord gave her to me. She is a joy to me and i am so proud of the woman she is becoming.

Today i am thankful that i have been blessed with Erin and that she still loves spending time with her mom :-)

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 1 &2

It's been a long time since i've written anything, but my friend's daughter is hosting a "30 days of thankfulness" challenge on Facebook, and , since my blog is focused on seeking the silver lining in all things, i figured joining this challenge would help me to do just that. Since i'm joining a day late, i will use this post for both days 1 and 2. Hopefully i will remember to post something every day or two duriing this challenge :-)

I have been really out of it lately. Like, really down in the dumps, poor me, kind of down. It was really getting on my nerves that i couldn't talk myself out of this dumpy feeling like i usually can. I gave into the feeling for a while, which is NEVER a good thing to do. But, i didn't know how to control the feeling or the situation that was bringing me down.
Then it dawned on me last night--I don't have to control it.....in fact, i can't. Duh, How could i forget that whenever I try to control a situation, or my feelings, i utterly fail. I make a mess out of it. I wind up acting like the kind of person i do not want to be. So, what can i do? I can put my focus back where it belongs....on the Lord! Read His word! And, talk to my Creator and my Savior. He has all the Answers. Even if the answer is just "wait it out and have faith", which is not always easy.

So, today, i am thankful for the Hope that i have in Jesus Christ. He helps me remember that this life and the trials that come with it are just practice. Real life begins the moment we wake up in Heaven, in His presence. Thank God that I have an instruction manual on how to get through hard times! Thank God that i have a Heavenly Father who is always with me and will never forget me...even when i forget how to follow His instructions and forget i can lean on Him. Problems will always be with me...always. It will never be perfect here in this life. Someone will always hurt me. So, thank God that i have hope in the Lord! And, most important for me right now, I am thankful that i am loved, and loved unconditionally, by the One who created the whole universe...and  me. He has a plan for me...I know that his plan is perfect for me...i don't know what it is, but i have hope because i believe that nomatter what is going on now, it will all work together for good...because i love the Lord.


Romans 8:28   And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I am thankful for Hope.

Daybook for the week of September 18, 2011

______________________________

FOR TODAY September 19, 2011

Outside my window...Dark and chilly. It's been nice and chilly here lately. Not too cold, not too hot. We had the windows open for a couple days, but today it was too warm. I am looking forward to consistent chilly days--not cold days, but chilly enough for long sleeves and/or a jacket.

I am thinking... that since my gym membership is over, i really want to start jogging in the morning or evening to get back into shape. I hope i have the motivation to do this.

I am thankful...That Rachel really, really likes high school...still, after almost a month, she still like it. This makes me so happy for her. AND, Matt loves it too! It is so nice to see them both enjoying their days. They both got involved with the fall play...Matt got a lead part and will be playing the part of Hook and Mr. Darling (Peter Pan) and Rachel made it in as an indian (which is not easy as a freshman). I love their excitement :-)

From the learning rooms...Well, this no longer applies to homeschooling (which i am actually glad about), but for my college classes it does. I have a Spanish class, which i can not stand (the reason why i will leave for another post) and a Technical Writing class, which i knew i would not like because it is a very hard class that requires a LOT of writing...the kind of writing where i have to make sure that every single word and every single sentence and every single paragraph are all perfect. Starting in October, i will also add a Human Communications class for eight weeks. This is a sixteen week course that is smooshed into eight weeks, so i'm pretty sure that i will be very busy for the rest of the semester once this class starts. But, all in all, i am ok with the classes i have and am happy to say that they are the last classes i have to take! Next semester is my internship and then i will be graduating...which i can say i'm a little nervous about (but i'll save that for another post).

In the kitchen...Last night i made a banging chicken soup with matzo balls that were nowhere near as good as my mother-in-law's, but were good enough. Today i didn't cook (unless you can count cheese fries and raw broccoli as cooking) because only rai and i were home for dinner and that is what she wanted. Tomorrow is a school day and i may throw something in the crock-pot...i am still on a mission to put something in that crock-pot that rai does not hate, lol.

I am wearing...p.j's. Today was a lazy day that pretty much included me changing from one pair of pj's into another pair. That was the extent of my excersise for the day. Tomorrow, i will get back to exercising, lol.

I am creating...um...let's see...i guess the only thing i am creating is a couple of hopefully perfect tech writing papers. And a tidy house. A couple good dinners. That's about all i can think of...i am not very creative.

I am going...to the doctor with Erin tomorrow to help her get some answers about some back and joint pain she has been struggling with. Then i am going to run some errands and go to school. I don't really know if i'm going anywhere for the rest of the week...shopping maybe :-)

I am wondering...what i should do with the rest of my boring week, lol.

I am reading...English Tech book for school and a book titled "Uglies" for leisure. It's a young adult fiction that i took off Erin's book-shelf one day, and it's actually a pretty good book. Once i pay my fines at the library, lol, i will pick up some Ted Dekker books to read.

I am hoping...that i really will be motivated enough to get up early and start a jogging program.

I am looking forward to...going to school tomorrow....i really do look forward to getting out and having some Michele-time once a week (twice, once my other class starts). Oh, i just remembered, i have an honor society meeting on Thursday, so that's something else i can do this week :-)

I am hearing...actually, the house is quiet. The fan is on, but i hear the crickets outside. And Rai is humming while she gets ready for bed.

Around the house...Didn't really do any house projects this week, BUT, i did fix Erin's bike. It took a couple of days and two trips to the bike shop--once for advice and then to get them to take the back tire off the bike because i had stripped the nut and had the tube replaced. But the rest of it was all me. I fixed the front tire, put air in it, broke the brakes while trying to put the front tire back on (that i didn't realize i had broken until the front tire WAS back on, lol) took the tire back off, fixed the brakes i had broken, put the tire back on...and WHALA--just like that-- the bike was fixed. yeah, it may have taken me two days to do a job that would have taken Steve like twenty minutes, but i learned something and fixed something..and that felt good :-) I don't like having to wait for someone else to do something, so i am trying to learn to do things on my own...it may take a while, but at least it's getting done, lol.

I am pondering...nothing, lol

One of my favorite things...being self-sufficient

A few plans for the rest of the week: see above

Here is picture thought I am sharing... I missed my Neice's wedding because it was just too expensive to travel for the third time this summer. I cried when i saw the pictures because i really, really wanted to be there and support my cousin Beth and her beautiful daughter. She made a lovely bride, which did not surprise me. She has turned into one wonderful young lady who i'm sure will make a lovely wife. So, here is my picture thought this week...wish i could have been there:

Jen and Wes

My cousins Beth and Mike--Bride's parents

My daddy dancing with the bride

My sister and brother-in-law

My mom and dad

Daybook for the Week of July 31, 2011

FOR TODAY July 31, 2011
Outside my window...dark, starry, warm, summer night :-) It was a very warm day with a slight breeze here and there. I spent the day washing my car inside and out. It looks great and i actually enjoyed the warm day. It took me two hours (it was very dirty, especially the inside) and by the time i was done, i was drenched in sweat!

I am thinking... I can't believe that summer is more than half-way over. I'm not ready for it to end yet.

I am thankful...that i still have three more weeks of summer left before the school year starts again.

From the learning rooms...well, rai and i need to brush up this week on some things that she may have forgotten over the summer because she has an entrance test to take on august ninth that we need to prepare for...i pray that she does well so there are no problems with her high school entrance. Once that is done, all the home-school books can be sold or given away :( maybe we can sell them for enough money to buy the Kitchen Aide machine that Steve and I would like to have ;) or for the Wii fit that i would like to have :0) Either way, it is an end of an era, one that i do not regret but am ready to say good-bye to.

In the kitchen...i haven't done much cooking since i came home on Wednesday from our three week vacation in florida. The pantry and fridge were empty, so i had to do some shopping...i made meat sauce today for dinner and crab-cakes and shrimp for dinner the other night. I do want to do some baking so we have some muchies in the house :-)

I am wearing...black jeans, brown tank top, black belt...time to get the jammies on soon.

I am creating...nothing...but i do want to start creating scrap-books from the old pictures i have of the kids growing-up years...maybe i should start that little project while i still have three weeks of summer left...time flies, however, and i never get the things done that i plan on doing...

I am going...tomorrowi am taking matt to the eye doctor and then i am taking the kids to see the new Harry Potter movie. Tuesday i have a doctors appointment, after that, i'm not sure if i actually have anywhere else to go....i do want to go to BB's ( a grocery store in PA that has great prices) sometime this week.

I am wondering...if my financial aid for this semester of college has come in yet, and if it will cover all my classes. I'm also wondering if i should switch some of my classes around because i accidentally reserved a vacation rental for Steve and I in Atlantic City for our 25th anniversary on the same days as my first week of classes...duh..

I am reading...Insomnia, by Stephen King...which i have been reading off and on for over a month..i'm thinking about getting some new Ted Dekker books out of the library for some more interesting summer reading...oh, speaking of summer reading, i have to go to the book store to purchase the summer reading book that my kids are supposed to be reading this summer...i really should get it to them before school starts, lol...maybe we will bring back read-aloud-together nights for the next couple weeks so they both can read (or listen to) the book together. Who ever heard of the book "Marcello in the Real World"? I did go to three different book stores in Florida and none of them had the book in stock!

I am hoping...That i will be able to get a nice, part-time job soon...one that will allow me to be home when the kids are home and still give me enough time to do well in school...i am really looking forward to entering the work-world again :) AND bringing home some "bacon" lol

I am looking forward to...contributing to the finances of the family!

I am hearing...the t.v. ...as usual at this time of night, the fan, erin talking to her boyfriend.

Around the house...spent the past couple of days doing some semi-deep cleaning. I still need to finish the spring-cleaning, lol. Windows need to get done, walls need to be wiped down, doors should be scrubbed, floors should be mopped, laundry room needs a big scrubbing and organizing, bathroom needs to get painted, my bedroom needs a deep clean--I better get a move on it! After spending weeks at my mom's VERY clean house, i have an urge to get mine to look the same...thanks mommy! lol

I am pondering...um...let's see....let me think...*stares of into space for a bit*....nothing, ha-ha-ha :-) *thinks a bit more*.....Oh, yeah, i have been pondering about finding a new church to go to in my area...my old one is just not my "fit" anymore, and, after spending weeks at my mom and dad's house, i have an urge to find a church that i will want to attend every week...not one i only go to out of guilt, but one i look forward to going to again....thanks daddy! lol

One of my favorite things...Sundays used to be one of my favorite things...and i really do want to get back to that...having a church family that feels like family, getting involved, worshipping the Lord, hearing the word of God...really is one of my favorite things. Unfortunately, one of my least favorite things is change, and new things, and being the "new kid on the block". I need to get over it and just take a step. wow, i guess i really have been pondering :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Enjoying summer, getting spring cleaning done, doing projects i have put off (?), sitting in the sun and reading a book...ect.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... Scenes from Florida, Family, and Fun:

All the cousins (except for Jayden, who didn't want to pose, lol)

My great-nephew, Breyon (10 months) loves riding on the vacuum :)

Neice-Brittney, Great-nephew-Jayden 4, Neice-Kimberly

Great-neice-Kyleigh Grace, 7 months, and Matt 17, who is a big softie for the babies :-)

Great-neice, Kyleigh Grace, 7 months

Matt and my dad, who is teaching Matt about gun safety :-)

My three crazy kids, having fun in the pool at Grammi and Pop-pop's house!

more pool fun

Erin-19 and Neice Kim, 22...beautiful ladies!

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Weekly Wrap Up: The One Where it Started Feeling Like Summer

Yet another week come and gone.
And yet again, i can't really remember what we did. Which, in this case, is good. That means that summer vacation has started and there wasn't much to do.

Rachel's dance recital was on Friday and Saturday last week. The whole family sat in the audience on opening night :-), which was great cause it's hard to get us all together lately. Rachel did great and we were very proud of her. In fact, a lady we didn't know came up to her after the show and told Rai that she was very impressed with the way Rai danced and that she should keep it up! Rachel looked wonderful and, in my opinion, has a natural talent on stage.
Saturday night was my night to help out backstage. We had to be there at 3:30 and didn't get done until after ten. It was a long night, but i enjoyed talking to another mom and being there with my daughter for her last night. She will not be joining that Dance Studio again, for reasons i won't get into here, but i hope she will be able to sign up for the various plays that her new High School will be putting on. She is a natural :-)

Sunday i had a nice day out with Erin, we went shopping at the mall, i bought her birthday gift that she picked out, and we had fun trying on some clothes. Then she had to go to work Sunday night. She is a night person, so she works the night shift and sleeps in--well, in my opinion, she doesn't sleep enough, but she is young and has more energy than i do.

I believe that Matt had the car on Monday so he could go to work and i could relax. He has been working a lot this summer so far, which will help him save for a car and a trip to Europe that he is taking next year. We told him that we would pay for half as a gift for his 18th bday and for graduation, but we could only afford (i hope, lol) to pay for half, so he needs to use his car money to pay the other half, and now needs to save more for a car....until then, he is using mine :-)

Wednesday Rai and I went to visit my friend Debbie. We had a nice lunch together and then me and Deb went up to have some kid-free "girl time" while the kids stayed downstairs and enjoyed each others company.

Thursday and Friday were such beautiful weather days, so i sat in a chair outside and listened to music and read a book. I loved it! Sooo relaxing, and i got some nice color too. Now, when i go to Florida next week (yay!!), i will have a base tan.

Like i said, the rest of the week is kind of fuzzy. I did the normal things like housework, laundry, and cooking. I read some more of one of the books i am trying to finish. I watched some tv. Boring, but relaxing.

All in all, in was a good week.
If you want to blog about what you did this week, you can join our host here: http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/2011/07/weekly-wrap-up-one-that-was-rather.html

Five Question Friday

 

 

 

1. If you had the opportunity to bungee jump, would you?

      No way, lol. I'm all for excitement...but not the kind that could end with me dead. In fact, i'm not really into this kind of excitement anymore at all...last year when we went to Six Flags, i had no desire at all to go on the "death-defying" roller coasters--which didn't look like they defied death at all...not my type of thing anymore.

2. Would you rather go to the movie theater or to the drive-in?

     I like them both. Though i haven't been to a drive-in since i was a teen, it reminds me of summer nights. I like the idea of drive-ins, but i probably would choose a theater if i had the choice. Better sound, no bugs. For the ambiance, however, i would choose drive-in if it were just me and the hubby.

3. Do you have your groceries delivered?

     um, they deliver? Cool. Nope, never had them delivered, but if it didn't cost any extra, i would consider it...it would help me to cut back on those not-so-necessary items that i buy because they look/smell good. Or on those days where i don't have use of my car and the pantry is getting low.

    

4. Eyebrows: Do you wax, thread, pluck, or stay au naturel?

     I'm all about saving money, but after a few years of trying to shape my own eyebrows, i took the plunge and got them waxed. Now, i get them waxed every couple of months and just "clean up" the edges in between. Thank God for eyebrow pencil, because sometimes i "clean up" waaayy to much and wind up with too-thin brows :-)

5. Would the people you went to high school with be surprised by your life today?

     That's a good question. I would say that, yes, the people i went to high school with would be surprised by my life today. Considering i was a derelict in high school and didn't even finish because of a few very bad choices on my end, my school peers would be surprised that i am in a stable marriage with three pretty outstanding, well-behaved teens (who, thank God, did not follow in my terrible-teen footsteps)

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Simple Woman's Day Book for the Week of June 26, 2011

FOR THIS WEEK--June 26 

Outside my window...Dark, kind of cloudy, a bit windy...it was a pretty nice day today

I am thinking...I need to get a tan before i go down to Florida, maybe i will lay out in the sun a couple days this week so i won't look so pasty white...now that my "spray tan" has worn off, lol.

I am thankful...That my children's extra-curricular activities are pretty much done for the rest of the summer and i can enjoy some long, lazy days reading, watching a movie, or even doing some more spring cleaning...let summer begin!

From the learning rooms...see above...school is out for summer :-)

In the kitchen...um...Steve made dinner tonight since i was busy with Erin all day, i don't think anybody made dinner yesturday since i was busy with Rachel, we got pizza the night before since i was busy with Rachel, and the other nights i cooked--twice a tried new recipes, and they both tasted yummy. One was pork and apples and carrotts and maple syrup of all things, and the other was beanless chili using cut up beef instead of chopped meat, and i thought that was great :-) I do love experimenting!

I am wearing...blue jeans, blue sleeveless shirt, blue hat, white socks--soon will be wearing pj's...almost bedtime :-)

I am creating...nothing this week i don't think

I am going...i may be going to visit my friend debbie this week, but other than that, i am going NOWHERE for the first time since the kids got out of school, i have a full week with nothing planned.

I am wondering...why my gym card no longer works...which reminds me, i do have to go to the gym a few times this week, that is, if i can get my key card to work.

I am reading...A Praying Life, Desperation, and a few College guides to prepare to guide Matt and help him get done the things he needs to get done to apply for College

I am hoping...this week goes fast so that our Florida trip will be here!

I am looking forward to...Seeing my friend Deb, our 4th of July bbq--we are having some of Steve's work friends come over and Erin's boyfriend and Matt's girlfriend...we don't get a lot of visiters so i'm looking forward to it, and of course, Our Florida Trip

I am hearing...The Tv is on...the fan is whirring, Rachel was talking to me...everyone else is sleeping

Around the house...A bit of a mess since i have been so busy lately, i need to get on that.

I am pondering...a LOT of things that are too weighty for this blog

One of my favorite things...stepping on the scale and seeing a five pound weight loss...Go Me!!! My first goal weight has been achieved...two more goals to reach!


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Matt at Boys State--Speaker of the House

Rai in her Dance Costume

Weekly Wrap Up: The One That Brought Our Homeschool Jouney to an End

Wow, i can't believe that the week is over all ready! Seems like just yesturday was monday.

This week was bitter sweet because it was my very last week home-schooling my youngest daughter before she goes off to high school next year. Bitter because i will miss her and sweet because i am looking forward to focusing on finishing my schooling and getting a job!!

Saturday last week, i went to a graduation party for my good friend Chelsea, who graduated college this year. I will miss having classes with her. It's hard to believe that she is only 21, she and i get along really well and i relate to her alot, which either means i have a young soul or she has an old one,lol.

Sunday, i don't think i did anything but sat around all day. Which in theory i love, but when i actually do it, i feel pretty crappy. I did order a washing machine from lowes, since ours was on the brink of dying. I watched t.v pretty much all day and Matt took my car out with him all day as he had to work all day and then had a graduation party to go to....most of his drama friends are graduating this year, so next year is gonna be a bit different for him.

Monday me Steve and Rachel went out to buy Steve a new grill, since his broke over about two years ago, and we wanted to bbq today. While we were out looking, I got a call from Erin, who was home sleeping, that the Lowes delivery truck was there to deliver the washing machine i had just ordered the night before online. Which was weird cause they didn't call me to set up a delivery time. Either way, i love my  new washer!! it is so quiet and it has a bunch of different cool setting that i still need to play with.

Tuesday me and rai did some homescool work and went shopping for groceries. Matt had an extra practice for a show he was helping to put on for Dr. Marchio, who is the superintendent of our schooldistrict, who is retiring this year, so he took the car this afternnon

Wednesday was just another home-school day wrapping up our last week of stuff to do while matt took the car again for a last all-day practice for the Dr. Marchio retirement show.

Thursday Rai and  I had an appointment with her next year's guidance counselor about what classes she will take next year in high school and such.

Friday was our very last day home schooling and rai finsished her last research paper...which i have to say was a great paper. She has come sooooo far since i took her home 2 and 1/2 years ago. I am so proud of both her and me...we have accomplished alot together!!

Satuday, today, Matt went early this morning to take his second round of SAT's and i hope he did as good as he wanted to this time around.

He will be done with school on Monday after he takes his finals. Then he will be done with his junior year and will be a senior next year....wow.

Well, that's about all i remember for this week. I'm sure much more happened, but my memory escapes me at the moment.  I hope you have a great week!

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5 Question Friday

1. If you had to choose, how would you prefer to choose to spend money...on landscaping or a pool?
Well, since i currently live in a neighborhood that does not allow pools any bigger than those little baby pools, i would definitely spend money of landscaping. In fact, we have done bits of landscaping here and there over the years--flowers and lights up the walkway, a beautiful pond with a fountain by the front windows--but nobody took care of the upkeep, so everything died and the pond and fountain got ruined. So, in hindsight, along with the money spent on landscape, i would save some to pay a landscaper once a month to care for said landscape.

2. Death penalty, yea or nay?
That would be a big no. IMO, no one has the right to take another one's life, except for our Creator. I do believe real criminals should be punished by a very long jail sentence, but i don't believe that death should be considered part of that punishment.

3. What is the worst thing your kid has gotten into when you turned you back/blogged/showered/blinked?

My kids are all teens now, so it's been a while since i had to keep an eye on them, but i the worst thing i can remember is Matt getting his head stuck inbetween the banisters in my mom-in-law's house when he was about 2. Wow, did i panic about that one! Thank God for cool-headed grandmothers! She somehow got his head out of there while i ran around in a panic! I am sure that Rachel got into a lot of trouble too, since she used to be known as "the little tornado" by everybody who knew her well :-)

4. How often do you REALLY go to the dentist?
Not often enough...for sure. Up until a year ago, the kids didn't even go regularly, and had the cavities to prove it. But, we got them back on track, filled most of the cavities, and got them on a cleaning schedule.
Me, i have not seen a dentist for probably about five years...at least. Yuck, i know that's not good. Once the kids are all done with their teeth problems, i will make an appt to start taking care of mine. Even though we have insurance, it still is way out of our budget to spend the amount of money the dentist charges us. I don't know what we would do without insurance! Well, yes i do actually, since that is why the kids went so long between visits...lack of insurance. I really, really hate how much it costs just to keep our bodies healthy...and don't even get me started about how much it costs if one of us gets sick!! UGH

5. What is your favorite animal?
Definitely dogs. I love horses too, but dogs can stay in your house and ride in your car and sleep on your bed...not so with horses, lol.
wow, i don't know why my typed letter all of the sudden changed and got lighter and smaller, lol.

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Weekly Wrap Up: The One Where I Started the Spring Cleaning

Weekly wrap up for week of May 22

This week went so fast, i can barely even remember what we all did. Since my school is done until the fall, i have more time to do all the things i've been putting off for a while. But, since Rai still has home school until the end of this week, my time was still not my own.

Last Saturday, Me, Steve, Erin and Rai went to the outlets in Perryville Md (Matt decided it would be more fun to hang out with his girlfriend than to shop) mainly to find Steve a good, comfy pair of sneakers that would not break the bank. We managed to get him a great pair that is designed to keep pressure off the heel, which is perfect for him, since he stilll struggles with heel pain since his surgery last summer. The sneakers were originally 120 dollars, but with outlet prices and coupons i spent over an hour searching for the night before, they came to 35 dollars plus tax....:-) We looked for a pair of sandals for him, but didn't have much luck with that.

Monday was school for Rai and Matt. While Rai did schoolwork, i worked on starting the spring cleaning. I don't remember what i worked on that day though. I do know that i went to the gym both Sunday and Monday, which i felt really good about. The more i go the better i feel. Rachel and Matt also go with me most of the times, so we keep each other company.

Tuesday Rachel had dance in the morning and we did school and i cleaned...again. I'm not sure what else. We didn't go to the gym today, but Matt stayed after school until 8 p.m. to practice for a drama production that the school is putting on to say goodbye to their retiring Superintedent.

Wednesday was school for Rai and Matt again, and i spend a couple hours scrubbing the kitchen cabinets, inside and out. The cabinets i have don't reach all the way to the ceiling, so they collect a lot of dust and grime...and i must say it's been quite a while since i cleaned the tops of them. I just read on another woman's blog to put wax paper on the tops of the cabinets, so when it collects dust next time i won't have to scrub it, i can just change the paper...great idea :-) Oh, yeah, i did go to the gym around 8p.m., which worked out pretty well, cause it wasn't so crowed, and i actually  slept better than i usually do.

Thursday...you guessed it, school again, but it was the last school day of the week, so it went quickly. 4 more days and we will be done... phew. It's been a long year! Right now Rai and I are just really wrapping up each class, making sure i have taught enough for Rachel to be on target for high school. We are now doing maybe thirty minutes for each class, sometimes less. We usually are done by 2. Matt is busy taking final tests and finishing his Junior year as well as he can. Rai had an eye doctor appt on Thursday and learned how to put contacts in and take them out. She is soooo excited to have contacts! Me and Rai went to the gym at 8 again.

Today is Friday and i mostly ran errands while Steve, Matt and Erin worked and Rai finally got to sleep in. Took Matt to work at 6:45 a.m., came home and put make-up on and did my hair, went to get some blood tests done that i have been putting off for 2 months. Then i went down to Dover to turn in some paper work for Financial Aid for my college classes next fall, picked up Erin's new license plates for her new car, went to Best Buy for a couple things, Came home, picked up Rai, went to walmart to get something for dinner (pizza--walmart pizza is the best), came home, made dinner, took a shower, and got on the computer. So, at least i remember what i did for one day! No gym today.

Tomorrow i am going to relax in the morning, do some cleaning probably and then go to my girlfriends house to help her celebrate her graduation from college. I will miss taking classes with her! Steve is making dinner, so all i have to do when i come home is go to the gym.

Sunday i will most likely do nothing...except maybe go to the gym. I may go to church, but given my recent history, i doubt it.

That's my week.
This weekly wrap-up is hosted by: http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/

Five Question Friday

 

 

 

1. Do you apologize to your kids?

absolutely...and often. Maybe more often than is necessary, but i'm not sure. If i mess up, as in be cranky or judgemental, or if i turn on my "i'm your mother so i know better than you" voice and refuse to let my oldest daughter get a word in edgewise, i apologize. Motherhood is messy and i mess up a lot...so yeah, i do apologize.

 

 

2. What color are your nails right now?

My finger nails are clear, because they need to be shaped and longish before i bother to color them.

My toe nails are blue :-) to celebrate flip-flop season.

 

 

3. When you were growing up, how difficult was it for you to stay home from school sick? (As in, did you have to vomit or just say "I don't feel good".)

 

I honestly don't remember, but i would lean more towards having to have a fever before i was allowed to stay home. Unfortunately, by the time i was in high school, if i wanted a day off, i would just cut my classes and hope my parents didn't find out....which most of the time they didn't.

4. When is the last time you bought a new comforter for your bed?

 

Wow, it's been quite a while. Say, 5 or 6 years. And since it was of pretty cheap quality, is has not stood the test of time and has a very looooong verticle rip in it. I went to throw it out the other day, but hubby complained that it was comfortable, so now, when i bother to make the bed, i cover the ripped comforter with a bed spead.

5. Favorite website(s)?

Well, i'm on facebook a lot.
And blogger..

and yahoo for email..

but i don't think i have a favorite other than that.

 

 

If you want to join 5 question friday, go here... http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/

The Simple Woman's Daybook for the Week of 5/23/2011

FOR TODAY May 24, 2011
Outside my window...A clear, dark night. It was very warm today, in the mid-eighties, and a bit muggy. It's been a cool, rainy spring and we have not had more than a day or two of that "spring" weather that i love (low seventies, warm and sunny), and now it looks like summer weather is here.

I am thinking...I need to go to bed.

I am thankful for...My children...Erin-who is so mature and solid and generous and loving and original...Rachel--who is so sweet and personable and kind and also mature...Matt--who is so funny and refreshing and strong and independent...i have been so blessed with these precious children!

From the learning rooms...We have 2 more days this week and 4 days next week until we are done with school for the year...and forever, since Rai is going to public high school next year. We are finishing up with all of the subjects and just making sure that we have covered as much as possible. History is covering the 1940's to the 2000's, science is learning the senses, math is just polishing up loose ends, English is finishing the reading comprehension and editing books, and one final research paper. That's the bulk of it. I really, really am looking forward to this summer break!!

From the kitchen...Um,....tonight we had "whatever night" which is each of us having whatever we want, lol. Yesturday was choice night, which is almost like "whatever" night, except i give the family a choice of three things i am willing to cook that include whatever ingredients we happen to have in the pantry. Tomorrow is steak night. Our food budget has gotten way out of control, and we need to scale back for the rest of the week to meet the rest of our budget. But, the food is there, just not the kid's favorites. And the kitchen is clean...YaY!

I am wearing...Black jean capri's, lime green tank top, belt, socks....need to get into pj's soon.

I am creating...nothing, i don't think. I did create a lesson plan for the rest of the year today, for the second time, since i lost the first one i did yesturday :-)

I am going...Well, since we have met our budget for spending this month, i am going nowhere, lol. I gave the car to Matt tomorrow so he can drive to school, since he needs to be there till 7pm. This keeps me from those spontaneous trips to the store, lol.

I am reading...Various magazines that have been piling up while i was in school, which i now have time to read :-)...I also got another book on my e-reader to start reading.

I am hoping...That i will able to correctly tread the line between parenting and mentoring my adult daughter. Now that she is an adult, certain expectations by her and me need to be reassessed, reexamined, and dealt with. I pray i deal with them in a way that benefits my darling first born's future and our relationship.

I am hearing...The t.v. is on, but everybody else is sleeping....which is what i'm gonna be doing very shortly.

Around the house...Been starting some small Spring Cleaning projects, so the house is tidy...but still needs some deep cleaning.

One of my favorite things...quiet time by myself...sometimes i just don't get enough of this and start to get cranky.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Rachel has an eye doctor appt on Thursday, she should be getting her contacts soon...she is soooo excited!! and i am excited for her. I'm not really sure what else i''ll be doing this week...just wrapping up homeschool and doing spring cleaning projects and enjoying time at home with the family. :-)

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... My beautiful babies

Matt during Hairspray production

Erin and Rai on my birthday

Have a great week!!



Go here http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ if you want to blog about your week.

An Update for May

Since i bugged my dad to update his blog, i guess i should update mine. I keep thinking of all these great things i want to blog about, but than forget to do it when i get some time to just sit on my  computer. Which, i must admit, i have alot more of (time) recently since my school's semester just ended. Thank God. Now, i just have to focus on getting Rachel done with 8th grade. We have three more weeks of homeschooling and then the summer off. Next year, Rachel will be going to public high school, so i will have more time to focus on finishing my college career and starting my working career. Both she and i are excited about next year, and maybe a little nervous too. I will miss having her at home with me and teaching her all her subjects. But i also am looking forward to a new start for both of us. She will need to have an entrance test in August, which i am not thrilled about, but she should do fine. I tested her using the FCAT state assessment tests, and she tested on level for her grade. I just pray that she will test well and be able to pick the classes she wants for high school and be able to get into the drama program.

Erin and Matt are doing well in their perspective work/schooling. Erin is now working full time and McDonalds and was offered a promotion as a shift manager. She is not sure she wants to take it, but it is nice that the offer was made. Matt is in the last couple of weeks of his junior year and is working to get his grades up. He hit a bit of a slump this semester and will need to work alot on school work to pass well, but hopefully he will do well. He also works hard at his job and his extra-curricular activities (drama, production plays, and Boys State, which is a group that teaches him how to get involved in the world of politics--which he recently found out he likes :-)) He is a busy boy....i mean young man :)

Steve's store is in the middle of a re-build, so he is bouncing around at the moment helping out where he is needed. He is doing very well getting noticed by the higher-ups in his company and i am very proud of him.

The kids and i are looking forward to a three week visit to my family in Florida in July. We all miss them very much and really enjoy our time with them.

The weather here has been pretty beautiful lately. Mid seventies, blue skies....i love it. Tomorrow, we are supposed to go to a big "field-day" like event for McDonalds, but it is supposed to rain, so i'm not sure if we will or not. Hopefully it won't rain. If it doesn't, me, steve, and rai will have a fun day together.

Well, i guess that's about it for now. Hopefully i will remember to hop on here more often. Until then, 3 things i am thankful for today are:
1. My father. It's his birthday today and i've been thinking about him alot today. He is such a wonderful role-model who lives out his love for God and obedience to Christ in his daily life and i am sooo proud to be his daughter. I hope one day that people will look to me the way they do to my dad. I love him very much.
2. Warm weather. It was so cold for so long, it is so great to feel warmth on my skin
3. The gym...i lost three pounds and have been working out and it feels great

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Just something to get me back on my blog!!

1. What are your plans for Easter day/weekend?

I'm hoping to go to Good Friday service on Friday evening. Saturday, i will probably go shopping and do homework...college classes are almost over and it's crunch time. Sunday, we will go to church, hopefully the whole family, and then have dinner together after that. All of our family is living in another state, so it's pretty quiet around here come holiday time :-(


2. Besides Jesus, what one person from the Bible would you most like to meet and why?
 
I would love to meet David because God called him "the man after Mine own heart." He was a Sheppard and a king and also a sinner who was still chosen by God. I would like to hang out with him for a while and pick up some tips on getting really close to God.


3. What is one modern day convenience you didn't have as a child that was easy to live without?
 
Satellite TV. We did so much more when there was not 200 channels of soul-sucking-time-wasters to watch. I have a love-hate relationship with television because i do love to relax in front of a good program or movie, but some of us spend too much time in front of the TV when we could be doing so much more.


4. Are you more right brained or left brained? If you're not sure what that means there is an interesting little quiz here.


http://www.wherecreativitygoestoschool.com/vancouver/left_right/rb_test.htm

My Results: I am more Right Brained:
Left Brain  49%             Right Brain  51%             
You are more right-brained than left-brained. The right side of your brain controls the left side of your body. In addition to being known as right-brained, you are also known as a creative thinker who uses feeling and intuition to gather information. You retain this information through the use of images and patterns. You are able to visualize the "whole" picture first, and then work backwards to put the pieces together to create the "whole" picture. Your thought process can appear quite illogical and meandering. The problem-solving techniques that you use involve free association, which is often very innovative and creative. The routes taken to arrive at your conclusions are completely opposite to what a left-brained person would be accustomed. You probably find it easy to express yourself using art, dance, or music. Some occupations usually held by a right-brained person are forest ranger, athlete, beautician, actor/actress, craftsman, and artist.

Your Left Brain Percentages:

50% Symbolic (Your most dominant characteristic)
38% Logical
31% Sequential
22% Linear
20% Reality-based
7% Verbal (Your least dominant characteristic)

Your Right Brain Percentages:
45% Random (Your most dominant characteristic)
40% Fantasy-oriented
25% Nonverbal
20% Intuitive
19% Concrete
18% Holistic (Your least dominant characteristic)

Interesting.

5. What is one thing you intended to do today but didn't?

Well, the only thing i can think of is that I intended to make a cell phone call while stopped at a red light...but i picked up my phone, put it to my ear, and looked to my left...and saw a police car right next to me with a grumpy looking police man staring at me with a frown on his face (it is now illegal in DE to use our cell phone's while driving). So i smiled, put down the phone, and drove on my way. :-) The only other thing i can think of is wash my car, but i ran out of daylight. Next warm day, that is what i intend to do.



6. Cadbury Creme Eggs or Reeses Peanut Butter?
Resses Peanut Butter all the way!!



7. Who was your favorite cartoon character when you were a child?
Um, i don't remember as a young child actually watching cartoons, but i did love Sesame Street. I loved watching the Smurfs when i was a bit older ( like around 15, lol) I also loved the cartoon He-Man that i used to watch with a little guy i used to baby-sit for.


8. Insert your own random thought here.

It was such a beautiful day today, it felt so good to be outside. I am really looking forward to summer this year. I hate hot and humid weather, but it's been sooo cold for such a long time that i can't wait for it to be hot for a while. Plus, summer is my favorite time of year because i get to go to Florida for three weeks to visit my family (parents, sister, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews) I can't wait!!!

If you want to join Wednesday Hodgepodge you can join us here

The Simple Woman's Daybook for the Week of 3/21/2011

A day or two late, but i needed some direction to write on the blog today sooo....

FOR TODAY March 23, 2011


Outside my window...Dark, cold (again) just finished a thunder and lightning storm....still around 35-40 degrees...can't wait for warmth and sun

I am thinking...I have alot on my mind and i'm thinking about too much to actually separate one or two things to put right here.

I am thankful for...My children and the relationship i have with them and the love they have for me.

From the learning rooms...Started our new Bible program last week, but didn't do any this week. It's an apologetics course on world view, and looks very interesting, i just need extra time to work it into our schedule. History--we are up to the Civil War, Science--Just finished up DNA and are now doing studies on cells, English--Grammer, Reading comp, and a reading packet on The Red Badge of Courage, i need to add some writing.
I just found out today that Rai will probably have to take a test before she enters public high school, which we are both nervous about. Her because she hates tests, and me because if she doesn't do well than i will feel like i failed her.
From my learning rooms, i just took a test for Drug and Alcohol, on which i did well, I love my Human Services class and am learning alot, i just wish the classes did not take me away from teaching Rai her classes. Then there is spanish, which i absolutely abhor. I really don't think i'm going to pass that. Not exaggerating either :-(

From the kitchen...Keeping it clean, lol. Cooking about three times a week, maybe four. Steve cooks once a week, most times. I'm more happy about the fact that it has been staying clean because i resolved that it would, and it has (for four days now)

I am wearing...Jeans, tank top, long jacket shirt, slippers, bathrobe.

I am creating...An online calender that i can put all my responsibilities on to keep track of everything that needs to get done. Being computer illiterate, it will take some time to set it up correctly.

I am going...Nowhere tomorrow, my friend Debbie's Friday, hopefully church on Sunday. Other than that, i'm not sure. I am currently sharing my car with Matt, so he usually takes it on the weekends...he will hopefully be buying his own within a month.

I am reading...The Song of Susannah, by Stephen King, which is book six of the Dark Tower series. This is King's "version " of Tolkien's Fellowhip of the Ring trilogy. I just found out that soon there will be a movie based on these books, and i'm looking forward to seeing it.

I am hoping...Honestly, that i can drop Spanish before i have to make a fool of myself during the final, which is a listening test--there is no way i can pass that.

I am hearing...The t.v. in the background and the dishwasher running in the kitchen.

Around the house...Pretty clean. I have once again subscribed to the Fly Lady website, which is a free system of reminders, schedules, and encouragements on keeping a schedule to keep your house clean (the first step being to shine your sink and keep it that way, which is why the kitchen has been clean for a couple of days).

One of my favorite things...a clean house :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Thursdays are usually my day to do whatever i want (after Rai is done with school of course) so i usually just read, or watch a movie or two, or play on the computer or go shopping. It's like my saturday. Friday i usually deep clean the house, but since i've been working to keep it clean, it won't take that long. I need to dust and vacuum and work on my bedroom. That is, after i come back from my friend Debbie's house. Saturday and Sunday i will probablly work on school work, mine and Rai's.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... because i am thankful for my kids and can't wait for summer, this is one of my kids (and my nieces) taken during one of our summer vacations in Florida:

Here is where you should go if you want to blog about your week:
 http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

6WS

                                         SO PROUD OF MHS HAIRSPRAY KIDS

The Simple Woman's Daybook for the Week of 2/28/2011

FOR TODAY--February 28, 2011


Outside my window...Dark and rainy. It was finally on the warmer side today...i think. The temp was 57 degrees, but it RAINED all day. Nasty weather that is only good for laying on the couch with a book...but, alas, no such luck.
Mondays are my looooong days.
I am thinking...I should really go to sleep, it's about 1 a.m. and i have to get up at 8. I have a very busy day tomorrow and need all the energy i can get!

I am thankful for...so many things. On the top of my mind right now is being thankful that i can stay home and be available for my kids...well, not every day, but enough that i am usually here (except mondays, lol)

From the learning rooms...Finally started a new semester of American history with Rai today. We will be covering the Civil War for a while. Still waiting on the Bible curriculum to come in and the Grammar to come in...other than that, Reading comprehension, General Science (starting DNA this week) and Algebraic sentences for math. For me, i am still struggling in Spanish, but my other classes are fine. I think i need to complete a case study for Drug and Alcohol and also a diagnostic assessment for Human Services. Lots of work to do...

From the kitchen...I just finished making 2 pans of macaroni and cheese and 2 pans of brownies. I will be serving them to some of the 150 kids who are involved with the Hairspray production that Matt's school is putting on. This is Tech week, known to the kids as "Hell Week" because they don't get home from practice until after midnight for the next few nights....so the mom's feed them dinner, and my night is tomorrow :-)

I am wearing...P.J's

I am creating...um, nothing....unless the diagnostic assessment i'm donig counts?

I am going...to Rachel's dance class tomorrow a.m., then to take matt to the dentist, then to serve the kids the load of mac and cheese i made tonight. Wednesday is school, gym, back to serve dinner again at the high school (five pounds of baked potatoes, lol) and then to watch the first dress rehearsal of Hairspray after dinner is served (i'm sooo excited).

I am reading...Almost done reading The Waste Lands, by Steven King. Also reading various school books for my and Rai's school.

I am hoping...To remember to get all my work done this week.

I am hearing...Matt doing his science project (at 1 in the morning!) and Bon Jovi music coming from my phone.

Around the house...A bit messy...but not terrible. It will be, though, if i don't get on top of it tomorrow. Laundry needs to get done, floors vacuumed, clutter put back in it's rightful places.

One of my favorite things...Bon Jovi concerts!!! Thank God Matt's play is this week, or i would be sooo tempted to buy tickets for the show on Wednesday....this week is the last time Bon Jovi will be in my area for a few years, and i really would love to go....but, Matt's play is more important...AND about 160 dollars cheaper ;-)

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Dentist tomorrow, high school dinner, high school play, dance, gym, my school, eye doctor for me on Thursday (i'm hoping to get glasses) Church on Sunday?

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...



Fondly remembering my GREAT seats at last year's concert!

Have a Great Week!


If you want to blog about your week, join our host for this meme at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/