The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window... cloudy, muggy, early summer morning.

I am thinking... about all the things that need to be accomplished this week, and how I can squeeze in a couple of fun things for the kids, too.


I am thankful for... the great Dad that Al is to our children.


I am praying for... David's first appointment with Shriner's this Wednesday. That I can keep straight all the information that I'm sure will be dumped on me over the course of one long day with the cleft team. And that David doesn't get frightened by the doctors (he has struggled with that).


I am wearing... the green flowered jammies I wore in China when we adopted Abbie (I don't get rid of anything sentimental!) and pink flip flops.


I am creating... an activity bag for David to bring with us not only to Shriner's this week, but whenever we have to wait somewhere. Also planning a few homemade Christmas gifts.


I am going... to do the grocery shopping for the week with all four children today. Pray for me...


I am reading... six books at the same time, the most notable being Dangerous Surrender by Kay Warren (and discussing it weekly with my friend Dina who is reading it with me).


I am hoping... to make some fun summer memories with the kids, a little bit every day.


I am hearing... Charlotte running in her wheel, the coffee pot gurgling. Otherwise, total quiet and peace!


I am remembering... my Dad. Yesterday was Father's Day, and also the 10 year anniversary of his passing. I still miss him every day...


From the learning rooms... summer reading, lots of library trips, a few math facts drill sheets, a few journaling ideas, and a real cool book called The Anti-Coloring Book by Susan Striker and Edward Kimmel that gives kids unique ideas for stories and drawings, instead of just coloring in someone else's pictures.


From the kitchen... hoping to have time to try a couple of new muffin recipes, a chicken tenders recipe to freeze, and crockpot oatmeal. Hoping to improve my menu selections before the school year kicks in again.


Around the house... starting to collect things for a kids clothing and toy resale this fall. We have a desk to paint for Hannah, and I have a list of other small improvements I'd like to make around here.


On my mind... Shriner's.


Noticing that... this house gets awfully messy with the six of us home all the time! But that cleanup can go much more quickly with everyone pitching in (even David helps)!


One of my favorite things... saying "Yes!" to requests for push-up freezer pops! :)


Here is a picture that I am sharing...

My summer helpers!

Happy Father's Day, Al!

As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

Proverbs 27:19

Our Dads

Al and I both lost our Dads much too young. On this Father's Day, we are missing them and appreciating them...

Look, Mama! Cool Stickers!

This post requires no text. The pictures speak for themselves...

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was a little extra-special for me this year. It was the first year I finally had ALL my children in the nest! And our David was dedicated at church that morning.

David was not interested in a smooch from Pastor Brian...

We Are Family!

Abbie's Bible Sunday

Another Spring event... Abbie, as a graduating Kindergartener, received her Bible and was promoted from Preschool to Elementary Sunday School at church! This is always a special Sunday for each of our children...

Daddy and His Girls

I realized I hadn't posted any pictures from this year's Daddy/Daughter Dance, and I thought you might still like to see them - two months later (ack!)...

Al had three lovely dates that evening...

Hannah won the raffle for this cute basket filled with cool accessories from Justice - including a $75 gift card! She and I had a fun Mom/Hannah date night spending it a couple of weeks later!

Resident Artists

Back in April, our family attended the Kaneland Fine Arts Festival. We had a special reason to attend - both Abbie and Rachel had works on display there!

Abbie's penguin...


Rachel's alligator...

A closeup of the alligator....

There were many artists displaying their work, and music by various groups including a steel drum band and an early music recorder ensemble. There were lots of opportunities for some hands-on creating...

The girls were proud of their work...

We later learned that Rachel's alligator had received a special honor! It was awarded first place in her school for the school district's art purchase program. The work will be professionally matted and framed and will hang in the school district offices for the coming year. Then, it will return to the school, where it will hang permanently for all to see!

Here is Rachel, accepting her award at the school board meeting in May...

All three of our girls have shown a real interest in, and talent for, art. We're so proud of their accomplishments!

Carousel

Thursday was the first full day of summer vacation for the girls. The weather was perfect, and Al took the afternoon off so we could all go to Blackberry Farm. While there, David went on his very first carousel ride. I thought you might enjoy some pictures of his reactions. We are enjoying experiencing so many "firsts" through his eyes!