The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...
November 24, 2008

Outside my window...
Blue, sunny skies, a bare tree, mild temperatures

I am thinking...
about how much laundry there is to do today.

I am thankful for...
an early morning shared with Robert; a beautiful moon he showed me on his way out this morning - the sun was reflecting on the moon and it was so pretty. I wish I had grabbed the camera but it probably wouldn't have shown up well anyway.

From the learning room...
We'll have school today and tomorrow but we are working with a modified schedule. We'll work on science, Spanish, geography and literature. Those have taken a little longer than anticipated at times so we'll work on catching back up on those as needed.

From the kitchen...
I've been working on my holiday baking plans.
Menu for the week -
Monday - Chicken Tenderloins
you can find the recipe from Southern Plate here.
Tuesday - One-Pot Salsa Beef Skillet
Out of town the rest of the week : )

I am wearing...
the usual

I am creating...
lists, lists, and more lists. The holidays tend to do that to me. I have to tell a funny story on myself. I recently started keeping a spiral bound notebook - nothing fancy - just something from the school supply cabinet. It has my grocery list, errand list, Christmas shopping list, and it has a nice pocket page in front where I had some coupons, you get the idea. Well, after church yesterday, I knew I wouldn't have a car today so I decided to do my grocery shopping for Thanksgiving stuff. Last night, I went to pick up my notebook to check my lists and make some more. The notebook was nowhere to be found. I finally realized I must have left it in my shopping cart. I was a bit embarrassed to call and ask if it had been turned in - like I said, it was nothing fancy, BUT, it had all my lists in it!! I got up the nerve to call and ask if it had been turned in. Sure enough, it was at the service desk. I get ready to make a mad dash to pick it up and then I can't find my keys. Can you hear the laughter that was going on in my house!!!! I was an open target for lots of jokes. Now that I have my handy notebook back - all is well once again. Might need to make a list of places my keys might be ; )

I am going...
to observe Rachel's ballet class tonight. It's parent observation month at the studio so I have been observing a class a week. Tonight's the last one.

I am reading...
Shopping for Time...How To Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney. This is our "Book Day" group selection for next month. I received the book last week and read it in a couple of days. I am going to read it again this week, highlighting some specifics. It's an easy, fun read but also very convicting to me right now. Definitely something I needed to read for this present time.

I am hoping...
Allan's meeting with an advisor today will produce a plan for his spring semester of college.

I am hearing...
Christmas music from Rachel's room. I know; it's not even Thanksgiving yet. I caved and let her turn it on while she finishes decorating her room.

Around the house...
lots of laundry today. Preparations for our trip to Louisiana. Rachel started decorating her room for Christmas last night. She's finishing some of it today - all but the tree. Normally, she wouldn't do it until after Thanksgiving, but when we return home from our trip, she won't have much free time because of Nutcracker rehearsals. This is her 7th year to be in The Nutcracker and I can't begin to tell you how many nutcrackers she has in her collection. She decorates her room with them and last year we finally bought her a tree for her bedroom because she has more Nutcracker/ballet ornaments than will fit on our family tree!!!!

One of my favorite things...
the reaction when I splurge on a "coffee shop" hot cocoa for us girls after a long day of ballet rehearsal followed by Christmas shopping. I am so glad my kids appreciate these "little" things!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
spending time with our families, giving thanks for the many blessings of the Lord in our lives.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


Some of the collection of Nutcrackers














Thank you, Peggy, for hosting The Simple Woman's Daybook each week.