Simple Woman: November 7, 2010

For today... November 7, 2010 

Outside my window... is a loaner car that Pa is driving for the week. His Honda Accord was t-boned last week by a young gal with no insurance, which means we're taking three to four weeks of our lives to get that straightened out. Literally and figuratively. 

I am thinking... about the little girl birthday party that the Suz went to today that was above all, cute, but mostly, so! so! quiet! My only experience is with crowds of boys, so all I know is noise, noise, noise. And also: noise.

I am thankful for... the Suz's speech therapy class (class = two little girls) this year which is 'taught' in both English and Spanish. So not only is my girl getting some help with her sounds, but all three kids get to hear a solid 45 minutes of translated Spanish each week. Score!

From the learning rooms... We're all learning Spanish this year. I'm using a mixture of things to go about it, but it's been fun. And the kids love to hear me pull out some of the crazy dialogues I had to memorize as a kid.

From the kitchen... I've been tweaking a pancake recipe made with applesauce, and trying to decide if it is blog-worthy.

I am wearing... old tennis shoes that needed to be replaced about two years ago. And yet. They're still on my feet.

I am creating... a plan for touring California for two to three weeks in 2012. I think that would be a fun trip for the kids.

I am going... to attend Pa's annual fund-raising banquet for his non-profit this week. Looking forward to seeing all the creative stuff he's been up to, as well as enjoying a dinner out without the kids. Granted, I'll be eating with Pa In In-Charge Mode and a table full of strangers, but still. A night out.

I am reading... far more about Incas, Aztecs, and Mayas than I ever thought I would. Hello, grade school history, I never thought I'd see you again.

I am hoping... to see the space shuttle launch--but it keeps getting delayed and delayed and delayed. Our local science museum is planning a free live-feed of the launch (now November 30th) in their planetarium--which sounds really cool. Now if only that shuttle would just launch! Why aren't they consulting my schedule, ya know?

I am hearing... the sound of Mike Rowe talking on the TV. I declare, my kids are going to think of him like a family member one of these days, based on the amount of time he "spends" in our house.

Around the house... is a brand-new griddle that I've been using every chance I get. Campers talked me into buying it. He did.

One of my favorite things... is a brief moment of sunshine that breaks through during the eight months of gray in the Pacific Northwest. I think I appreciate the sun more seeing as it doesn't come around that much.

My plans for the week... include going on a field trip to the science museum, to learn about the physics of bridges. Right on!

Here is picture I am sharing... of my stunningly handsome boys on a recent field trip to a farm. Here they were looking at a honeycomb, but the theme of the day was "bugs."

Simple Woman: October 10, 2010

For today... October 10, 2010 

Outside my window... is a lawn full of green grass again. The grass stays green and full from September - June but (unless it's watered) goes brown in the summer. ("Summer.") 

I am thinking... about the eight pieces of bacon Pa had for one meal this weekend. It was his (belated) birthday breakfast and his request was for a "pot of bacon" at the end of the rainbow. I live to serve, and to sing "Happy Coronary Day to you..."

I am thankful for... a few smart friends who convinced me to overlap as much of my kids' schoolwork as possible. I was attempting to teach the boys two separate eras of history, and it was driving me to the loony bin. So now--we're all doing American History (and science, and writing, and and and) together and I feel a little less manic. Always a plus.

From the learning rooms... I'm having the boys learn to hand-draw the world map. I know! Exciting!

From the kitchen... Comes a big batch of lemon blueberry muffins that we ate in one day. "We" being, "I had four."

I am wearing... my fat jeans (see: "muffins") and the same fleece I've been wearing daily for the past two years. Campers has informed me that he doesn't recognize me if I'm not dressed in burgundy fleece. It's the little things.

I am creating... a ten-year plan that includes working in the library at the local community college. I'm thinking that might be the best way to help my kids afford a higher education. And no doubt they'll go right along with my plan. As you do, you know.

I am going... to finish season three of The West Wing this week. Oh that show! Is so great! I love, love, love the characters, and the writing, and how it teaches me about government in a relatively painless way. TV shows, for the win!

I am reading... a book called The Core. It's good, solid information for how to give kids a classical education.

I am hoping... to get a Plan Written Down On Paper for how to handle my other blog (Stretch Mark Mama). I've had several people tell me I need to get that gig back up again. I do. I really do.

I am hearing... the sound of all three kids playing Pass the Pigs. Love that silly game.

Around the house... is a brand-new crock pot that will likely last about 2.3 months. I've got some issues with the quality of the previous four crock pots I've owned. Issues!

One of my favorite things... is our library's online site where I can put books on hold from the comfort of my badonkadonk sitting in a chair at home. Seriously! Long live the internet!

My plans for the week... include prepping for my baby's ninth birthday next week. The Campers will be nine. years. old. *shaking head*

Here is picture I am sharing... of the kids on a recent field trip where they had just hiked to the top of a butte. They had chosen to sit beside each other, which just warmed my Mama Bear heart.

Simple Woman: September 5, 2010

For today... September 5, 2010 

Outside my window... is a pumpkin plant that came up voluntarily in part of our yard. It's taking over many square feet and *kinda sorta maybe* looks like it *might hopefully* have a pumpkin growing on it. Which would be a first for our black thumb kind of luck. The kids have no idea that pumpkins don't grow in grocery store bins.

I am thinking... about how this was possibly the coldest summer I've ever experienced. 60-some degrees most days. Roughly seven total days that went above 90. I don't generally like the heat, but still. 70s would have been nice, Mother Nature.

I am thankful for... Ziggy's baseball camp he went to last week. It met Monday through Friday, for three hours each day. Because it was the last week of summer break around here, the class size was super small, so Ziggy got a lot of one-on-one help from some really great guys. And he had so, so much fun.

From the learning rooms... we have finished four weeks of school. We are now in the middle of a four-week break while I recover from the miscarriage and pack for my trip to the Midwest.

From the kitchen... I've got plans to make cinnamon rolls. Comfort food. 

I am wearing... jeans being hooked together at the waist by a rubber band, or what I like to call "redneck maternity clothes." I'm really looking forward to my belly shrinking back down to the good ol' muffin top.

I am creating... a dent in the couch from all the "resting." Which you can imagine is right up my alley.

I am going... to spend the week watching Berkeley Square. BBC TV helps the medicine go down.

I am reading... about how it's very common to gain weight after having a D&C. Apparently, that's due to a mixture of hormones, hormones, and depressing hormones. I mean, I don't mind looking pregnant if I'm really pregnant, but I have a feeling I'm going to have a few uncomfortable conversations in the future. Right on.

I am hoping... to get a couple school-year field trips planned out this week. We have a great group of families we do field trips with each year, and each mom takes a turn heading up one or two trips. It works out well.

I am hearing... the sound of my three kids growing. Seriously. What was in that cold, summer air? Miracle Gro?

Around the house... is a well-used game of UNO. Definitely one of our favorite games right now. Even if it does send Pa and I to the brink of insanity while waiting for the boys to stop giggling and horsing around when they should be laying down a card. The thought! They're having fun!

One of my favorite things... is our local community center and all their reasonably-priced, kid-friendly classes. It's been a great summer of getting to know other kids and letting the boys be under the tutelage of other adults. And they both did well, which was really encouraging to me. Sometimes I wonder.

My plans for the week... include packing and prepping for a twelve-day trip to Indiana and Ohio. I leave this Friday with all three kids to visit family and friends back 'home.' Looking forward to it.

Here is picture I am sharing... of the kids have a picnic in their "spaceships" out in the backyard. I believe that was Campers' idea. As usual.

Simple Woman: July 11, 2010

For today... July 11, 2010 

Outside my window... is a rose bush with its first yellow blooms. Seeing as yellow is my favorite color of rose, the flowers are a daily dose of happy. Now what would make me more happy is knowing how to take care of the plant so it lives on to keep making me happy. Two very difficult things to do.

I am thinking... about our Redbox movie marathon this past weekend. Invictus on Friday and The Young Victoria on Saturday. Both historical flicks. Wow. Geek-o-rama.

I am thankful for... thirteen years of marriage with one of the wisest guys on the planet. And I mean that both ways. Our anniversary is Monday the 12th.

From the learning rooms... sit most of our new books for next year. Resting. And waiting to be used.

From the kitchen... I made steak the other night the Alton Brown way. We rarely eat beef anymore, so that was a rare treat. And by "rare" I mean, "well-done."

I am wearing... shorts. Blessed yet blasted-gotta-shave-the-legs shorts. Summer finally showed up in the Pacific Northwest on the 7th of July and lasted approximately three days. Jeans back on the schedule this week.

I am creating... a list of 36 Latin root words for the kids to learn this next school year. Don't try and out-geek me!

I am going... to blog about our recent trip to the high desert region of Oregon. I will. I said I will and I will!

I am reading... lots and lots about organic church, homeschooling, and the travel spots of Oregon. Summer is a regrouping time for me, both a time of rest from the hustle of the school year and prep for the year to come.

I am hoping... to start meeting more of my new neighbors. Always takes a while, but I really like knowing and shooting the breeze with the people around me.

I am hearing... water squiring out from three Max Liquidator Eliminator. Easily one of our favorite summer toys. Five bucks each at Wal-Mart.

Around the house... are four extra mattresses (that were in the house when we moved in) being put to use. Pa and the kids used them to sleep in the basement when the temps got above 90. NINETY!

One of my favorite things... is the cool of a summer morning. Our breakfast table sits right by the backyard window, and I love cracking it open to enjoy the morning breeze. Ahhh...

My plans for the week... include getting all five of us out the door by 7:30 AM (that's in the morning, by the way!) one day so we can take the van for an oil change. I know! Who was the dork who scheduled THAT?!      (me)

Here is picture I am sharing... of Suz and her two China-twin friends in town for a visit this past week. It was their first sleepover together. So, so, sweet. And yes, the Suz usually wears a barrette to keep the mop out of her face, for those who are wondering.

Simple Woman: June 20, 2010

For today... June 20, 2010 

Outside my window... it is raining and in the 50s. Natives call this month "Junuary" and it is a common understanding that summer doesn't start until July.

I am thinking... about what sunshine and warmth feel like. It's been a while.

I am thankful for... free tickets for Pa and the boys to see Toy Story 3. Of course, these "free tickets" cost me 18 boxes of cereal, but who's counting? Better yet, the film had a little snafu in the middle of the movie (which got fixed, so the show did go on), but because of that--Pa scored three more free tickets to use at a different time. Two for the price of free!

From the learning rooms... I am closing out the most recent school year and ordering books for the next. This is always one of my most favorite and least favorite things to do. I love to plan and think about subjects and schedules, but wow--I sure can get buried in 8000 options. I'll be teaching three grades next year, because things are not crazy enough already.

From the kitchen... I've been on a homemade bread-making spree. With school being done for the year, I've had a little extra time on my hands--and the cold weather is certainly an inspiration for soup and bread. Mmm, Junuary.

I am wearing... jeans and a fleece. 'Nuf said.

I am creating... a school room for the kids. World map on the wall, desks (that were already at the house), and Legos. Well, Legos are everywhere. As usual.

I am going... to start thinking about some fun things to do this summer. No doubt "going to the library" will be high on the list. I know. Party.

I am reading... a bunch of Spanish-English resources--in hopes of finally starting the kids on a foreign language this year. ¿Es muy bueno, no?

I am hoping... to start a new habit of riding our stationary bike while watching Wheel of Fortune every weeknight. I placed the bike smack dab in front of the TV for this sole purpose. I've lived long enough to know that I excel at the Lazy And Geriatric Style of Exercise. Three cheers for me, and I'd like to buy a vowel. *clap clap clap*

I am hearing... the occasional sound of silence. Our current house has three levels which means I can more adequately hide from the noise. However, the house has squeaky floors thereby making my sneaking around more difficult. I will prevail.

Around the house... is an old set of patio chairs that Pa has salvaged and repainted. We're hoping to find some (cheap) cushions so that we can actually sit on the chairs. Crazy idea!

One of my favorite things... is this season of the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance." I know. It is awesome. And so am I.

My plans for the week... include transitioning the girly-dirl to her big-girl bed. We left our crib behind with our beloved neighbors, and the Suz has been sleeping in her pack-n-play ever since we moved. We wanted to let life settle in a bit before we started up the "stay in the bed" routine. Let's just say the pack-n-play is still up and that's where the Suz will sleep when she can't seem to stay in her bed. Good times.

Here is picture I am sharing... of our van that got broken into less than two weeks after we moved in. It was sitting outside our house, while I was home, and the person broke in in broad daylight--middle of the afternoon. I hear there's been a rash of these going around--I guess our number came up. Fortunately, after many phone calls, we were able to get the window replaced the next day. Unfortunately, it cost us $150 and one of our kids has had trouble sleeping ever since. Fortunately, it didn't rain while the window was taped up, and our annual deductible has now been met for this kind of damage. Awesome!

Simple Woman: April 26, 2010

For today... April 26, 2010

Outside my window... and down the street a bit is a big wall-like lilac bush. And it smells delightful. And reminds me of my childhood home.

I am thinking... about what Spanish names to give to the kids for when we start language study this fall. For the boys, I'm thinking "Jefe" and "El Guapo." 

I am thankful for... a husband who has a clear head and a fantastic sense of humor. We're in, how shall we say, a rather "stressful" couple of months and I'd likely spin out of orbit if it wasn't for someone keeping me in line. 

From the learning rooms... the boys are listening to me read The House at Pooh Corner. I am not exaggerating--they spent the whole first chapter howling with laughter every time I said the word "Pooh." Help me.

From the kitchen... I'm trying to add more raw greens to our diet, encouraged on by Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. Pea pods were last week; broccoli this week. The produce guy at the market asked if I needed any help, and I said, "Yes. Tell me which green vegetable I should inflict on my kids this week."

I am wearing... a shirt which caused the boys to ask "are you going to give birth to that blubber, Mom?" Hmm. Need to schedule that liposuction. Cuz I'm obviously not getting to that "exercise."

I am creating... a big ol' huge honkin' mess in my house. We have packed the bulk of the non-essentials and now we're just tripping over the boxes.

I am going... to switch the Suz from a crib to a big girl bed when we move to a different house. What? Is age four too soon? Oh, I kid. 

I am reading... myself hoarse these days. Got so many books to read aloud to the kids. Made a big list at the beginning of the year and BY GOLLY we're gonna get through it! Or just get laryngitis! One of those!

I am hoping... that once summer rolls around I can breathe a huge sigh of relief. Moving and change is hard. Me no likey.

I am hearing... Ziggy talk about what he wants to be when he grows up. This week it's an artist, an astronaut, or a comedian. I told him he could draw pictures of space ships and then make fun of them. 

Around the house... sits an old car seat waiting to be dropped off for recycling. Did you know that car seats expire after six years and shouldn't be used (due to weakening of the materials)? I learned that this week by innocently trying to sell my (expired, unsafe) car seat on craigslist. The uproar! Was fast! And furious!

One of my favorite things... was hearing Campers brag about his brother to our pediatrician this week. Why, it was almost like he was proud of him--the thought!

My plans for the week... include sitting in a fetal position and rocking for a bit. What. This isn't how you deal with major life change? Oh, well forget I said that then.

Here is picture I am sharing... of the Pa. He hates having his photo taken. Hates it even more when it shows up on the blog. But you won't tell, right?

Simple Woman: April 18, 2010

For today... April 18, 2010

Outside my window... the red maple trees are starting to come back to life with the teeniest tiniest little leaves.

I am thinking... about how cell phones work, and how no matter how many times Hubs explains it to me, it never ever, never ever makes sense. My words become air waves? And they know which tower to go to? And they can travel across the country almost immediately? And then turn back into my words at the other end? See? It's hopeless.

I am thankful for... Legos. The boys are currently in the all-Legos, all-the-time stage of life. Gets them out of my hair. Gets the Legos all over the house. Win.

From the learning rooms... Campers was just introduced to the basics of World War II. I tried to work unicorns, rainbows, and ponies into the story. To no avail.

From the kitchen... asparagus is in season and on the menu. I've got four in this family who love it. The fifth stares at it for 20 minutes, pleads for mercy for another 10, and then chokes his itty bitty piece down with a big bite of drama butter.

I am wearing... short-sleeve (instead of long-sleeve) shirts under the same zip-up fleece I wear 327 days of the year.

I am creating... space in my schedule for a noontime cup of tea. Stash's Earl Gray is the current favorite.

I am going... to sign the lease on our next house this week!

I am reading... Red Sails to Capri to the boys. It drew us in from the first chapter which makes the read-aloud experience that much better. The past couple books have been too slow-moving and girly for me the boys.

I am hoping... to squeeze about two weeks of school into the following five days. We're getting close to being done and I'd like to have the worst over with before we move on May 1. 

I am hearing... my little girl say her colors. Correctly. Finally. She also signs the color when she says it, thank you from the bottom of my heart, Signing Time video the Suz has watched 876 times.

Around the house... are boxes sitting beside boxes sitting atop boxes. And did I mention the royal mess? Ai yi yi, it's reached epic levels. 

One of my favorite things... was watching both boys pluck the puffy seeds off a dandelion to give it a Mohawk. 

My plans for the week... include working like a dog during the day to get ready for this move, and then relaxing at night with episode after episode of The West Wing. I've got the DVDs of season one from the library. I will prevail.

Here is picture I am sharing... of the two showboats and the squash.

Simple Woman: April 4, 2010

Okay, so in the last few months, not only did our external hard drive (containing thousands of digital pictures) bite the dust, but our desktop computer did too. And I'm the type of writer who doesn't know what to write unless there are pictures to tell the story.

But I'm aiming to change that. I can. I really can. There are so many stories to be told and I figured this blog was the best place to jot them down.

One meme I've run across recently is called "Simple Woman," and I'm going to make an attempt to answer these sentence starters every once in a while to keep you updated on our crazy life.

Take 1.

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For today... April 4, 2010

Outside my window... is a skinny new row house being built across the street. It's provided endless viewing entertainment for me the kids. This week the siding will go on. I don't mean to broadcast my keen observation skills, but I know that information just by looking at the pile of stuff sitting in the street.

I am thinking... about the song "Up From the Grave He Arose" and how I remember my dad singing that every Easter morning around the house.

I am thankful for... two boys who make up ridiculous-sounding words, type them in a document, and then read them over and over until they've giggled themselves silly.

From the learning rooms... we just finished reading "The Wizard of Oz" together -- second time through for Campers. The boys loved it, and we're set to watch the movie (which isn't as good as the book) once it's available from the library.

From the kitchen... comes the smell of a burnt Peep we cooked in the microwave. Just for fun. And that little experiment broke one of our plates, too. Oops!

I am wearing... freshly washed tennis shoes I wore to the muddy Easter egg hunt I was in charge of this past Saturday. It's rained more than usual this spring. Hard to believe.

I am creating... space in the kids' closet as they are flying through clothes faster than I have time to sort through them. Seems the legs of the two youngest have grown about six inches this past winter.

I am going... to post some Easter pictures this week.

I am reading... Garfield books. Because they are scattered all over my house. All over. My house.

I am hoping... the Easter candy in my cupboard is the calorie-free kind.

I am hearing... all about the iPad. It sounded totally useless until someone mentioned putting it in the kitchen to pull up recipes from the web. Hello! Straight off the set of The Jetsons!

Around the house... is a big-ol' stack of picture books from the library. The Suz has finally graduated from reading board books, God bless her old, overenthusiastic page-ripping-turning soul.

One of my favorite things... is the new mint toothpaste we're trying with the troops. The bubble-gum and fruity-toot flavors never seemed to kill the bad breath. An improvement has been noted since we made the switch. Hallelujah.

My plans for the week... are to head up a street clean-up event in the neighborhood. Right on the heels of the egg hunt. Crazy, much?

Here is picture I am sharing... of the kids getting prepped for some Easter pics. All three talking at the same time. As usual.