For Today (February 9, 2009)

Outside My Window...

The birds are singing, but it's overcast and looks like rain. The last couple of days have been lovely, though, and the kids have been outside constantly.

I am thinking...

I'm always thinking about a hundred things all at once, but today I'm thinking mostly about Mom's Night Out, which is at my house tomorrow night. We're going
to eat and swap recipes, and eat and play a game, and laugh and eat!

I'm thankful for...

It's hard to narrow it down, but I'm thankful for the children that God has given to
me and the blessing they are in my life. How different my life would be if I had chosen not to have them all!

From the learning rooms...

Our last week of Westward Ho! I'm planning several projects this week and trying to finish up all the read alouds and research for minit books to
go in our notebook/scrapbook.

From the kitchen...

Focaccia Florentine and No-Knead Harvest Bread for company tomorrow night. Plus chicken salad and homemade yogurt cheese with crackers (everyone is bringing salad). For my family this week, black bean chicken soup, a roast,
and hamburgers are on the menu.

I am creating...

I'm about to start cross-stitching something to go on the front of a toile apron, which I'm planning to sew. I was thinking about doing a quote
from one of Jane Austen's books.....

I am hearing...

Thomas and Abby, my two youngest, at the table in the living room.
He's writing a story, she's drawing.

Around the house....

We didn't clean house on Friday, but are saving it for tomorrow. But I did have Carrie vacuum behind the furniture and under the beds. Today the girls
are going to re-organize their walk-in closet, which is not used for clothes, but contains a chest of drawers and storage containers, to make room for a computer to use for writing and learning music.

One of my favorite things...

Chocolate!
Particularly Chocolove Chocolate.
I'm hoping for a tiny bite of the dark chocolate-orange peel bar that Katie brought home last night!

A few plans for the rest of the week...

Our family is playing music at two Valentine's banquets over the weekend, so there will be lots of practicing going on every night! And an out-of-town orthodontist appointment for Emily, who is getting rubber bands this time. Ouch!

I am wishing...

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, JULIE!!
whose birthday is today!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...