Real Heart Prints » Mel’s Daybook

Daybook for Monday, May 2

Mel — Mon, 02 May 2011 11:00:01 +0000

FOR TODAY, Monday, May 2….
Outside my window… it’s rather rainy, dreary, and cold….though I do love the rain (just hate the bad storms, tornadoes, and flooding that keeps many of us ever on edge).
I am thinking… that if it were warmer, and there weren’t any lightning, I might go out and dance around in the rain, though I’d look like a crazy woman who’s lost her mind.
I am thankful for… a home with my family; I feel so badly for all of the families in the South who have lost loved ones and homes.
From the learning rooms… working on history of several states this week, conducting air experiments, and lots of other fun stuff. Jacob’s also catching up on some of his Cub Scout requirements, so he can earn his Bear.
From the kitchen… I’m really thinking about making some cookies or something.
I am wearing… black sweat pants and a t-shirt (don’t judge).
I am creating… I just haven’t been as crafty lately, but I am working on a picture frame for our bedroom, filled with family pictures, and I’m hopefully going to paint a shelf for our bedroom this week too.
I am going… nowhere today, hopefully.
I am reading… Maximal Reserve by Sam Batterman. It’s had me on the edge of my seat from page 1.
I am hoping… to somehow get rid of the annoying ants that have made their way into our kitchen; happens every spring until we find their nests.
I am hearing… the television right now, playing Astro Boy.
Around the house… I’ve really been spring cleaning and decluttering. I’m hoping to get my pantry better organized this week, as Dan’s building me a couple of extra shelves in there. I also want to figure out how I could make a slipcover for our poor, old, tired couch.
One of my favorite things… is networking online with other bloggers, talking back and forth. I love the friendships that grow out of a simple blog post or tweet.
A few plans for the rest of the week… Oh boy, where do I start? School all week, work all week, Cub Scouts, Tae Kwon Do, swim lessons, choir rehearsal, we want to go see Rio at some point, etc.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing… (My boys and I a couple weeks ago)

For more Daybook, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Daybook for Monday, October 25, 2010

Mel — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:00:45 +0000

I can’t believe the end of October is already here!Â I haven’t done my Daybook in awhile, but here goes!FOR TODAY from Mel’s Daybook….
Outside my window…it’s kinda cloudy, but I love a cloudy fall day, especially because it gives even more incentive to light a candle or two.
I am thinking…of something I read last week from a blogger who attended Relevant….that if I don’t have time to spend with God, I don’t have time to be online (this really invaded my thoughts all weekend, as I know that I need to spend time in the Word every day and haven’t been faithful to do so; although I have to work and it’s not all fun and games being online, spending time in the Word is crucial to my walk, and I must confess, this is an area I struggle with.)
I am thankful for…good friends to turn to, even if they do live far away.
From the learning rooms…we are actually starting into our new Singapore 3A books this week for math.Â We’ve been having a blast with this new MFW curriculum; Jacob loves it, especially science and history.Â We’re going to take Thursday and Friday this week, though, and do nothing but Halloween crafts, recipes, stories, and fun projects.Â Time off for fun, once in awhile, does the heart and soul good.
From the kitchen…tonight is a pork roast mashed potatoes, corn, and bread (that I bought at the store bakery LOL); I’m actually writing this up on Sunday evening; my hubs asked me, on the way home from church, if I’d like to go out, and I told him I’d been craving a pork roast so badly that I’d rather go buy one and come home.Â Am I crazy?Â We never go out, and I think I might be crazy to have turned the offer down.:)
I am wearing…my hubs’ basketball shorts and my I Heart Just Dance t-shirt.
I am creating…this week, I’m working on our office; it has got to have some organizational help; it’s our all-purpose, just throw it in there room.Â I want to inspire work in there vs. an overwhelmed feeling as soon as we walk in the door.
I am going…nowhere today, hopefully, although Jacob has Cub Scouts, but Dan usually takes him.
I am reading…The Next Great Move of God.
I am hoping…that Dan and I can stick to our guns together and lose this weight.
I am hearing…my guys playing Just Dance 2.Â What an awesome game!
Around the house…have to empty trash today, catch up on weekend laundry, and get a package ready for my bestest friend, Nancy (I’m sendin’ you some goodies, Nancy!).
One of my favorite things…is just laughing and playing the Wii with Jacob.Â Oh, and Sunday afternoon lazing around.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Jacob has Cub Scouts and Tae Kwon Do, I have choir rehearsal complete with Halloween costumes, library and errands, work work work (gearing up for the holidays on MamaBuzz), school, trick or treating with some friends from church, etc.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing… (I miss this)For more Daybook, visit Peggy over at The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Daybook for Monday, August 16, 2010

Mel — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:59:55 +0000

FOR TODAY from Mel’s Daybook…
Outside my window… it’s sunny and hot, but at least, it’s a bit cooler than this past week.
I am thinking…there is so much to do to get ready for vacation, but I’m so ready for vacation!
I am thankful for…vacation and a beautiful place to go, just to soak up the serenity and the beauty.
From the learning rooms…I’m definitely in the throes of preparing for school.Â We’ve got to start when we get back.Â Still have much organizing and lesson planning to do, as well as plan our calendar.
From the kitchen…tonight will be Pesto Pepperoni Roll-Ups; I’m using a free trial of E-mealz right now, and I love it so far!
I am wearing…jean capris and a NYC t-shirt.
I am creating…chore charts for the kids.
I am going…nowhere today, hopefully.
I am reading…My Teenage Werewolf by Lauren Kessler.
I am hoping…to get the boys outside more this week; they have GOT to go outside and play and find more creative things to do, which involve me, of course, but tv is going to be extremely limited.
I am hearing…the WII Fit going.
Around the house…have to catch up on some cleaning; when Mom gets sick, it seems disaster rules.:)Â Just taking it one room at a time.Â Am still so dizzy and really hoping this goes away soon.
One of my favorite things…quiet.:)
A few plans for the rest of the week: Catch up on the house and laundry; errands/library; Jacob to Tae Kwon Do, choir rehearsal; work/writing; pack for vacation; etc.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing… (I saw this planter trunk at Blogher and had to get this pic for Mom; what a great idea for a planter!)ForÂ more Daybook, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Daybook for Monday, July 19, 2010

Mel — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:35:10 +0000

FOR TODAY, from Mel’s Daybook….
Outside my window…it’s sunny and hot!Â The humidity is the worst part of it….the heat, I can take.:)
I am thinking…that the bacon for our BLTs tonight smells so good!
I am thankful for…fresh veggies from the garden and the ability to put them up; I’m thankful that I had a mother who taught me how to work in the kitchen….as in how to can and how to put food up, not to be wasteful.Â Sure, I’ve had to relearn a lot of it, but she instilled the values in us.
From the learning rooms…we’re just enjoying our summer break, for sure!Â I’ve already gotten most of Jacob’s curriculum, though, and browsed through it.Â So excited for this new year!
From the kitchen…tonight will be BLTs and peas picked fresh from the garden, as well as fresh cucumbers.
I am wearing…jean capris and my volleyball t-shirt.
I am creating…nothing at the moment; trying to create a more organized desk.
I am going…nowhere tonight.
I am reading…The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher.Â It’s so sad so far; I’m only on Chapter 6, and already 3 people have died!Â Oh, but the story is so good so far!Â It’s hard to put down at night, but sleep takes over.
I am hoping…that I’ll be able to keep up with our tomatoes when they all ripen; I think they’re going to all turn at once, and it’s going to be salsa/spaghetti sauce makin’ time.
I am hearing…the boys outside with Dan, picking zuchinni and cucumbers.
Around the house…mainly did laundry today and took out trash; just cleaned up from the weekend.
One of my favorite things…is finding out I’m going to Blogher ’10!Â Thank you, Blogger Black Book!
A few plans for the rest of the week: MamaBuzz Work/writing assignment; play with the boys; errands/library; church/choir; garden work/putting up cucumbers & squash; getting ready for Blogher ’10 (have to reserve a shuttle and get business cards done); interview with Dr. Sears for MamaBuzz; etc.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…For more Daybook, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Daybook for Monday, July 5, 2010

Mel — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:53:25 +0000

FOR TODAY, from Mel’s Daybook…
Outside my window…it’s sunny and warm with a pleasant breeze.
I am thinking…that it’s nice to take a day off of work every so often.
I am thankful for…friends and holidays.:)
From the learning rooms…we finished moving our schoolroom, and it’s all set up in the dining room; now to get a skinny piece of corkboard to hang on the wall, so the boys can display their papers and artwork.Â Oh, and our new curriculum from MFW is on its way!Â Yippeee!
From the kitchen…tonight, not sure….something easy probably.Â And the rest of our homemade banana ice cream, or maybe some watermelon, that we forgot to cut up last night.
I am wearing…yellow shirt/whit tank and short, blue skirt.
I am creating…a clean, organized kitchen still….this week, I’m tackling the refrigerator and the big freezer (shocking tune: dum, dum, dum…..)
I am going…to take Jacob to Tae Kwon Do later for sparring and possibly to the dreaded Walmart beast.
I am reading…Sixteen Brides for a review.
I am hoping…to just have some fun today, maybe relax a little, maybe get our camping trip planned, where we’re gonna go for sure and reserve a spot.
I am hearing…Jaden driving Daddy nuts.Â LOL
Around the house…doing a mountain of laundry today; my clothesline is filled to the max right now, so gotta let some dry and hang some more out.Â It’s amazing how much laundry a family of 4 can use in just 2 days….
One of my favorite things…singing with the choir at church; yesterday was such a great day.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Take Jacob to Tae Kwon Do; choir/church stuff; ice cream social with choir after rehearsal; library/errands; book writing/MamaBuzz work; plan our camping trip; garden/yard work; finish kitchen; play with kids, maybe take them swimming; get Dan to go for a bike ride; etc.Â Busy, busy, but I love summer!

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…For more Daybook, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Daybook for Monday, June 28, 2010

Mel — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:27:14 +0000

FOR TODAY, from Mel’s Daybook….
Outside my window…the sun is coming up, and it’s looking wet from all the rain.
I am thinking…that this week is going to be a busy one.
I am thankful for…Dan and Jacob and Jaden.
From the learning rooms…we moved our schoolroom to the dining room last night, so Dan could bring his computer in.Â I’m not quite finished moving stuff, but we’re getting there.Â We’re just enjoying time off for the summer right now.Â Of course, the huge SHEM used curriculum sale is tomorrow, and I’m getting ready to order Jacob’s 3rd grade curriculum from My Father’s World this week.Â I’ve never done a package like this, so I’m really excited, especially for the lesson plans that are already done for me.:)
From the kitchen…tonight, we’re grilling burgers.
I am wearing…same ole same-o right now.
I am creating…still working on my kitchen and hoping to Mod Podge my kitchen utensil crock this week.
I am going…to help a friend from choir move today and then take Jacob to sparring this evening.
I am reading…Sixteen Brides for a review.
I am hoping…to stay on top of things this week and possibly get the MamaBuzz forum up and running, or at least closer.
I am hearing…silence right now.
Around the house…have tons of laundry to catch up on.
One of my favorite things…hanging clothes out on the line and then just the fresh, clean smell of everything that comes in.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Take Jacob to Tae Kwon Do, choir rehearsal for 4th of July concert, garden work, errands/library, MamaBuzz/writing work, Mom & Dad coming overnight for Dad’s surgery, etc.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…(Our garden is growing like crazy….we decided to let grass grow back in between the rows, and just keep our actual plant rows weeded; so much easier that way; we just weed-eat down through the middle because our tiller is too huge to fit.)For more Daybook, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Daybook for Monday, June 21, 2010

Mel — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:17:33 +0000

FOR TODAY, from Mel’s Daybook….
Outside my window…it’s sunny and probably hot, and my garden is growing so quickly.
I am thinking…that I love having a garden outside my window.
I am thankful for…my mom and dad and their marriage of 50 years now.
From the learning rooms…we are officially out for the summer.Â Yippeee!!!
From the kitchen…tonight will probably be Asian Chicken with Broccoli and Cashews with maybe some fried rice.
I am wearing…jammies and robe.
I am creating…I’ve got a bunch of library books, hoping to teach myself some different painting techniques and how to strip furniture.Â I bought an old, round table with claw feet at the antique/junk shop the other day, and I want to refinish or paint it.Â It needs some work but will make a beautiful piece of furniture when done.
I am going…nowhere today, except maybe to the pool and maybe to Walmart to grab diapers.
I am reading…True Religion: Taking Pieces of Heaven to Places of Hell on Earth by Palmer Chinchen.
I am hoping…that my Ebay listings will sell for good prices, as they’re going toward our curriculum/books for next year.Â Oh, and that my foot gets to feeling better….rolled and twisted it, and it’s hurtin’ pretty good.
I am hearing…precious, savory silence right now.
Around the house…have to catch up on laundry today and work on my kitchen (more spring cleaning/rearranging).
One of my favorite things…is a clean kitchen with no clutter.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Jacob to Tae Kwon Do; writing work/MamaBuzz work; take the boys to the pool; library/errands; take my other books to sell over to the used Christian bookstore; gardening; etc.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…(My mom and dad renewing their vows with my brother officiating)For more Daybook, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Daybook for Monday, June 14, 2010

Mel — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:21:24 +0000

FOR TODAY, from Mel’s Daybook….
Outside my window…the birds are singing, and it’s cloudy.
I am thinking…that we have to get this grass mowed before it rains.
I am thankful for…a garden that is mostly coming up; I think a critter got my carrots and cabbage and onions.
From the learning rooms…we’re mainly out of school; we’re doing a little catch-up on math, but that’s about it.
From the kitchen…tonight, not sure what’s on the menu, but I think it’s minestrone.
I am wearing…jammies and robe.
I am creating…working on a gift for my Mom and Dad for their 50th wedding anniversary this week.:)
I am going…to take Jacob to VBS this evening and maybe go to Michaels or the dreaded Walmart.
I am reading…Dug Down Deep by Joshus Harris.
I am hoping…to get some marigolds in the ground today and work on my kitchen some more.
I am hearing…the kids starting to stir just a bit.
Around the house…have to catch up on laundry and do some cleaning.
One of my favorite things…hangin’ out with friends.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Take Jacob to Tae Kwon Do and VBS; my writing and my work for MamaBuzz; work on ideas for a new book, in addition to the one I’m working on right now; play with my kids, and take them to the pool; gardening; work on the kitchen more (spring cleaning); errands/library; choir; Mom and Dad’s party; etc.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…(I caught him under the table with his snack)

For more Daybook, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Daybook for Monday, June 7, 2010

Mel — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:06:39 +0000

FOR TODAY, from Mel’s Daybook…
Outside my window…it’s very cloudy; is it supposed to rain today? Bummer….
I am thinking…that even the sound of cartoons in the early morning is a great sound.:)
I am thankful for…being able to grow our own garden, small as it may be. It’s just the right size for us, and hopefully, we can get some good stuff from it this summer.
From the learning rooms…we’re just catching up on math a little bit, but we’re mostly out for the summer now. Yippee! I’m gathering all of our old books and things we just don’t use to sell on Ebay, so I can hopefully earn a little bit of cash towards next year’s curriculum/books.
From the kitchen…tonight, not sure; have to find my menu.
I am wearing…jammies and robe, but that’s about to change.
I am creating…I’m working on our kitchen, organizing it and cleaning it up; then I’m hoping to really create a more peaceful, relaxing bedroom, switch things up a bit.
I am going…hopefully to take the boys to the pool this evening with Dan but not so sure now with the clouds.
I am reading…Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris.
I am hoping…to hang clothes out today again, but we’ll see.
I am hearing…the boys watching early morning cartoons and giggling every now and then.
Around the house…have to do laundry today and just the normal chores/cleaning.
One of my favorite things…is our anniversary. We’re celebrating 10 years this week, on Thursday! I love you, Dan!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Play with the boys, garden work, Jacob to Tae Kwon Do, take the boys to the pool, writing/MamaBuzz work, errands/library, maybe go to the farmer’s market, church/choir stuff, celebrate 10 years with my Dan, possibly go to the zoo with friends one day, etc.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…For more Daybook, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Daybook for Monday, May 31, 2010

Mel — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:26:13 +0000

FOR TODAY from Mel’s Daybook….(Happy Memorial Day!)…
Outside my window…it’s a little cloudy and very hot.
I am thinking…of all of our loved ones who have passed on, and also of all of our men and women serving in the military, as well as their families….and how much they are appreciated.
I am thankful for…family, for marriage, for kids….for loving arms to hug me tight.
From the learning rooms…we are officially done with school.Â We’re finishing up some math that we’re a little behind on, but other than that, we’re ready for summer.
From the kitchen…oh, we are grilling tonight!Â Hamburgers, corn, you name it.
I am wearing…green capris and a gray t-shirt, just hanging out.
I am creating…a wreath for our front door, something summery.
I am going…nowhere today, unless I return our movies or go for another bike ride with the fam.
I am reading…a book for review right now, Brilliant Disguises.
I am hoping…to get the boys into swimming lessons this summer, at least Jacob.
I am hearing…the boys just came in from outside and are washing up….it’s so hot!Â Their little faces are red as beets.
Around the house…just cleaned up a bit but am catching up on some laundry, as I haven’t done laundry in at least 4 days!
One of my favorite things…holidays.:)
A few plans for the rest of the week: Do some catchup on math with Jacob, take the boys to the pool one day, Jacob to Tae Kwon Do, errands/library, MamaBuzz work, church/choir stuff, maybe get some blueberries to eat and put in the freezer, use my new clothesline that Dan made for me, work in the garden and maybe put out some flowers, go through our old school stuff and get it listed on Ebay so we can order next year’s curriculum/books, just “be,” etc.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

For more Daybook, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook.