tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28739196293813425452023-11-16T01:13:12.763-06:00Simply Adrianesimply a home schooling, city gardening, frugal minded mom in LouisianaAdrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.comBlogger509125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-20742354899913050712013-01-23T22:34:00.001-06:002013-01-23T22:34:34.577-06:00new post on the new blog<p><font size="4">I promise that I’m not trying to be pushy. But just in case you haven’t seen it, I’m over on a new blog. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Today I wrote about some changes we’ve made to our curriculum at midterm. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Coming soon – posts on knitting, gardens, preschool, homeschool, and food</font></p> <p><font size="4">I hope you’ll hop on over to my new blog and read along with me!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Just click on the picture to be directed to the new blog:</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.simplyandtruly.com/"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51cHOuNJqshNYdlm5FV0D89MT5cSXWokzL3wpAfL1pOzL26YUktgqFu4aHlEmQWJuCLMbCHlK-ArV9_FWdidBvvRcssC_DsuBYrKFz8yxNtqBWUUNbR5m51a127RkLDnPD12g8JPe91fH//?imgmax=800" width="621" height="353"></a></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-63243371959047509392013-01-14T22:19:00.001-06:002013-01-14T22:19:53.101-06:00I’ve moved!<p><font size="4">Just a reminder that I’m posting over at <a href="http://www.simplyandtruly.com/">Simply and Truly</a> now! I’ve loved this space that was my little blog home on the web and I’ve made some great friends. I’d love for you to come over and join me in my new writing space! </font></p> <p><a href="http://www.simplyandtruly.com/"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8qIRJGjMuRJFjUc4JDsEJvx5jxbevNj4AEZUD45rBNvCiMmFyMmKKBg6-In8Nnc6m5h0TEuyYJllBbe20vEgr6O6Dymz1GCf_HfuPt7qlx0uNXAjx2ZUXkfS9Uw8e8rNBy8upOHg5iHB//?imgmax=800" width="706" height="312"></a></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-53780143641739222502013-01-10T22:25:00.001-06:002013-01-10T22:25:37.108-06:00ten on ten {January}<p><font size="4"><font size="3"><em>{I had intended to post this over on <a href="http://www.simplyandtruly.com/">the new blog</a> but am having a few problems with Windows Live Writer and the blog communicating. So I figured that I’d post it here until I can find out what’s going on.} </em></font></font></p> <p><font size="4">I have wanted to participate in Ten on Ten since I first heard about it. Yet it never failed that every month on the tenth, I would forget all about it until it was over. This time I used my secret weapon to help me remember – Google calendar! {smile} Here are ten pictures of our day on the tenth of January 2013. </font></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="January 10, 2013 004" border="0" alt="January 10, 2013 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZqCHn4iBHsJmDOhJq3UTqgwh4ttbiQDa9vX1XUIRhHSc3gfDVBf7Ur19Ul5A4-j-195N3QpTZXW43jCRcDaTyzXrzLUJglu_z6iUpkfXwyTH24XeBvDw2nam4X5DfUO_UNBR3VLzPmwh//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="453"><font size="4">Running late this morning but slowing down for a little time in the Word & journaling.</font></p> <p align="center"> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="January 10, 2013 008" border="0" alt="January 10, 2013 008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZypEN5tOuw-3GPJlovs9Ab00siiWUEAVZYnQuybv47lG4x7q8cBcFPoUY6lSMthaemUU97FRCG5ePdYfO2Z8zaLCy-73EaY6i78IjZbCEwXSjXltboacSVlGeCKj9GvSOLdj-5yCohxl//?imgmax=800" width="479" height="604"> <font size="4">It’s clean sheet day here at Casa Little House. I {heart} clean sheet day! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="January 10, 2013 011" border="0" alt="January 10, 2013 011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhvzva0VE1ZziknGX_kRtW99SG-uba39LzASV9VleUdhF6BpbU4XJGelC2u5fVdE-gPDqSo9XcJvMc_Pf9-VGz5YUF4WQ4sM4jOQNxYJg4RvMTvnQSB8Uuw7xZHm-lKoxquxR9LJTTlWz//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="453"> Let the dog out and decided to stroll the garden since it wasn’t raining for the first time in 2 days.</font></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="January 10, 2013 016" border="0" alt="January 10, 2013 016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw7-P5NK7_BS-OeYPg27VjMdbAbpSrNB1e5_13YP1dYHNjasH0z5cW1Bgaac3c_WCubUWF0KKSKX1iv82A-k91H6oXM3ugFUsEguvC57TxS2hsHeUTKAOPGc2hsXI1wZ5UbPNJ9cGV-Vk//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="453"> <font size="4">Lots of learning going on in our little school – someone started his first day of Kindergarten!</font></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="January 10, 2013 032" border="0" alt="January 10, 2013 032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC_DpDJHTTibYvxzAJWfsDmU_iiwzKrQ2UsvXKTvOOhv70C0u2KkNa4z7hqZUQ45wT-05GC344BdZzLQ93jqEUHIhkkCAktsS9YdFRmSL4EObtGC1BQbwCr1pwjl12P22IqlZgO0MAtRv//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"> <font size="4">spelling & reading and listening & knitting – all in the day of the life a homeschool momma</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="January 10, 2013 039" border="0" alt="January 10, 2013 039" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0gH35oEczyheQ109bdX0WwHh3zWw3sLPI62TLD2x4bbMPwBNINJHJMOLxBVrjF_b5oa6Nl3TOxFrOftS9iOQlXmKKg4ZvPAzFkdtcWTvW9dBB2cURaOLc0C-VQ7mrHu7HHtLo9wVw-yH//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"> Lunch time! Blueberry/strawberry/banana smoothies for dessert! YUM!</font></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="January 10, 2013 033" border="0" alt="January 10, 2013 033" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_dwGoxbN_F1Uv4EdQsdPeAAGW_WLsYe5VP4Anq3xnY8ZFdnsGSNVIExrxPVyPcqEAVVCy3CuCdl40sHpd4qOKXLG5JEplqXvYSbqnc9YJPC8AD7fiLO4EoPNh4vMFdEEnTPWAdwjtS5c//?imgmax=800" width="453" height="604"> P<font size="4">retty colors in the sink make washing dishes a bit more enjoyable…ok, maybe not but they sure do make it prettier!</font></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="January 10, 2013 049" border="0" alt="January 10, 2013 049" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZefdt9mCMitPbCafi2J6SWNG2XE1KhKAtRC9961LeHQkSN5k7HGWBQVBepbnNwIUPW2_1qUwC1-AdUHjuDkiekMYyp_Sslg-_QJqZcIK1YLNXeJttpMkfRh0MzVBCHo29XRQdp4k6Kdls//?imgmax=800" width="423" height="544"> <font size="4">Quiet time for all and sweet snuggles from my blueberry smoothie mustached boy!</font></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="January 10, 2013 056" border="0" alt="January 10, 2013 056" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUswR0OAGawU2PuTew7WtMNMLbBS97P32HWc8ik_LpksBdzINOsX315qmtfSlqiLeTS6dZBwYmIPAEUpOzgykTU_wxA44w-T8tIiXazewQqMTf919iN7fWjmwQVkRb7cjeJY-9hHRQIdHH//?imgmax=800" width="454" height="604"> <font size="4">Finally, we have a sunny day after all of the grey ones! The kids head out to enjoy the sunshine. I try to calm my nerves as I practice to sing a solo on Sunday. </font></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="January 10, 2013 058" border="0" alt="January 10, 2013 058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2plxh5lawXbMZbGYoBAKNaOll2hTXipTRfAG9Md-5ODCEhRno8ilajg4K6rN4hBQ6qMCZ-Vwl8zy_3JEtA3Ax2THyM-h73t_GZdqtiR9jdn9iPbGpjEIMg780nMaSvIFu7cn5d67I08dE//?imgmax=800" width="419" height="550"> <font size="4">As I finished practicing, I heard applause and laughter behind me. Quietly I grabbed the camera to try to capture the moment of three of my kiddos cheering me on. Of course, they all scrambled!</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left"><strong>These are just ten ordinary moments from our day on January 10, 2013.</strong> </p> <p align="left">Linking to:</p><a href="http://www.rebekahgough.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img border="0" alt="ten on ten button" src="http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k578/rebagough/Screenshot2010-10-11at110042AM.png"></a> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-12489275234654925892013-01-09T23:21:00.001-06:002013-01-09T23:21:51.328-06:00{hair and blog}changes<p><font size="3"><font size="4">Change has been brewing here in our little deep south home. </font></font></p> <p><font size="4">First it started with the hair.</font></p> <p><font size="4">It went from this:</font></p> <p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Dave and Age" border="0" alt="Dave and Age" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxjk-m3bDsbeYFYSw9uBxiH1ldLEJm3E0sxF1mreiIGuu-tPu_cpLQ-rVJd6sHh9rdXi_GXfrff49HNQFemADKX-2bO5rVOjIgUAeA5kkPNfZyu5HYYKvpqgmkVeJQ_bW_t_xzaMkkfxX//?imgmax=800" width="354" height="343"> </p> <p>That’s some mighty long hair there!</p> <p>To my new hair-do which is about 12 inches shorter:</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMAG0331" border="0" alt="IMAG0331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXQEJeUbBQJEqWmk8ERhn8f86QANA1RuMRhBIk_TYNEfVSaJ2gxQ4xen_yT19nCgJe3XDxJkAx2n6MGtYWjOfXN2kP54fVnVL8Bg5_xDh49m7gtQvtBtUa0dTUdayjouxU3lOQQPFnn_1//?imgmax=800" width="318" height="480"> </p> <p>And for some reason my hair is looking really red or even a little orange in that picture. It’s still the same color as the first picture. The lighting in our house just really stinks when it comes to nighttime pictures. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong>And now for the blog change…</strong></p> <p>After a few years of blogging here in this little space and changing my blog name a <strike>gazillion</strike> few times, I felt the need to get my name and url streamlined and all of my stuff in one place. So I am going to be blogging at my new blog home</p> <p><font size="5"><a href="http://www.simplyandtruly.com/">simply and truly</a></font></p> <p><font size="4">The new blog is not quite finished but I have imported all of my current blog’s posts over there. I will continue to work bit by bit to make the new blog feel more like home. I’m not sure how long Simply Adriane will stay open. I know that some people like to visit here from Pinterest so I’m thinking on how to handle that so that the pins on Pinterest won’t be broken. </font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>I hope you will join me over at my new place!</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4">I’m still going to be writing on homeschooling, gardening, frugal living, stretching our little home, and many other things. It’s still me, just at a new bloggy home!</font></p> <p><font size="4">And just in case you needed it again, here’s a link to the new blog!</font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="http://www.simplyandtruly.com/">simply and truly</a></font></p> <p><font size="4">I hope to see you there! </font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-46161257097955783032013-01-08T21:43:00.001-06:002013-01-08T21:44:30.575-06:00the blog post of one who has writer’s block<p><font size="4">It always happens this way if I am away from the blog for a while. I end up just not knowing what to say. Where exactly do I dive in? Do I catch up what we’ve been doing? Do I just start from this moment in time and carry forward, forgetting the past? I really don’t know but when I do get to this point, I will sit at the computer and simply stare as if the words will magically appear in my mind. I <em>want </em>to write but am not sure where to begin.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>So what do I do when I’m not sure what to write? Well, I pull out a good old daybook entry…</strong> {smile}</font></p> <p> <strong>viewing:::</strong> <em>a rainy, drab day</em>. Winter makes me appreciate our deep south summers. Even though our summers are hot, at least there are colors besides drab, wet grey. (I am thankful for the rain. I am thankful for the rain…)</p> <p><strong>thinking:::</strong> <em>about a trip to the beach this coming summer.</em> Two of our kiddos have never seen the ocean. One doesn’t remember her trip because she was a wee babe. We hope to change that this summer.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="January 1, 2013 128" border="0" alt="January 1, 2013 128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12n-T0cfiz2XCNv_yc0PQRSfoXfr1VxjQn_HFlTJI88LARuvSoRrY9YOTUCMOewHeYprVsazi0LtArYhv3LtFwA9bSXKuUV6Q3HvZpAWAzJZPmdvrQZSEXSkvuGMkQaMdkMkLOCrXaqXP//?imgmax=800" width="416" height="554"> </p> <p><strong>cooking:::</strong> <em>winter = comfort foods. </em>Lots of root vegetables are appearing around here much the chagrin of my picky eater who does not like potatoes. </p> <p><strong>wearing:::</strong> <em>a sweater, a t-shirt, and velvet yoga pants. </em><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-of-getting-dressed.html">You’re not really surprised are you</a>? In my defense, today was a stay-at-home-no-extracurricular-activities day <em>and </em>I wore jeans most of the day. And I do believe dark, rainy days just look a little brighter while wearing a pair of velvet yoga pants!</p> <p><strong>creating:::</strong> <em>a blue cowl. </em><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/learning%20how%20to%20knit">Knitting is my newest obsession</a>. </p> <p><strong>wondering:::</strong> <em>if I will be able to sing a solo on Sunday that is stretching the low end of my vocal range. </em>Just a bit <strike>very</strike> nervous about this.</p> <p><strong>reading:::</strong> <em><u>Knitting Rules</u></em> by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee</p><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=littwhithouso-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1580178340&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <p><strong>learning:::</strong> <em>how to knit without a pattern.</em> Well, maybe not learning it but attempting it! </p> <p><strong>pondering::: </strong><em>changes in the garden. </em>I foresee a lot of work!</p> <p><strong>educating:::</strong> <em>relaxing our learning. </em>I’ve even studied some <a href="http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/earl_stevens.html">unschooling</a> sites! No, I don’t plan on being an unschooler but I am learning that we can relax (not our standards but our rigid methods) in our home and still learn many, many things. Maybe I’ll share some of my thoughts on this…once I figure those out a bit more. </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="January 8, 2013 005" border="0" alt="January 8, 2013 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1AFRcFRd2djMtE27q_vt4j3sh1eeTyy1-3JthJ7kVQYyeM1xjFZLZVsbmMUu_6hC49SS3Up-OfIoM57Ief8nJVN4gzw5ieuUMIDAyVgSpEcqjPzDtIYRiIKzCdRCLE4FbnDcvnQ9xIor//?imgmax=800" width="554" height="416"> </p> <p><strong>fluffing the house::: </strong><em>decorating with Fiesta dishes. </em>My Mom and Dad gave me a gift of Fiesta dishes for Christmas. So many happy colors to brighten our days. </p> <p><strong>planning:::</strong> a new blog. I know, I know…I said I had writer’s block and here I am planning a new blog (which requires writing). But I did buy the domain today and as soon as everything is redirected to the new address, I plan to start posting there even though it won’t be as “decorated” as I like. (Hopefully by the end of the week.) </p> <p><strong><em>I hope y’all are having a great week! Blessings, Adriane</em></strong></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-40420761580867140262013-01-03T21:48:00.001-06:002013-01-03T21:48:26.457-06:00a fresh start: 2013<p align="center"> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="January 1, 2013 119" border="0" alt="January 1, 2013 119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-U3f404eS3fJwFjs345wlWD6cELoJFbL_AV1IV8H38FpmzsRAOpeROEWLjQ3FA8c_c81or9lvqRH2yUhgD7UfdLLinkGxSUAy2FL2qTWesfSxXfvGEd8uDpj0xOUwjs60P9n7o-am7Yo9//?imgmax=800" width="554" height="416"> <em>We ate our black eyed peas and greens on New Year’s Day. Did you?</em></p> <p>I didn’t intend for December to be such a quiet month here on the blog. I had said that I wanted to keep the <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/12/blogs-books.html">normally busy month as simple as possible</a> and life seemed to hold me to that statement. Between illnesses, a storm that took out one computer, one vehicle going kapuut and the other trying to do the same, and just the every day busyness of life…it’s easy to see how the blog fell down the list of things to be done as we tried to keep our Christmas season simple and focused.</p> <p>And now we are here at the beginning of a new year – a fresh start! I love the new beginnings of a new year and a chance to start anew!</p> <p>Last year, I loved the idea of choosing a word to help shape my life over the new year. As I pondered over what word to choose for this year, many words ran through my mind. But there were a few that kept reappearing. Words like discipline, self-control, and intentional often came to mind. </p> <p>Those reoccurring words helped to shape my new word of the year:</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="2013 word of the year" border="0" alt="2013 word of the year" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1qbZCD-G_uNvoxCIOza0x8tgslLDLoYbhb1NxEboaq-gPPyHYmm5-E0JDXfyXesHQqRfQ2cCqruQJbLi1pESb6Y145MxMjTdbEh3Mzg9MzPE9viYU0eHjkAr-p8ndkqXuG6Em-Pfvy_I//?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>I will <em>focus </em>on:</strong></font></p> <ul> <li><font size="4">growing in my relationship with God through worship, Bible study, journaling, and prayer</font></li> <li><font size="4">caring for my family and strengthening our relationships</font></li> <li><font size="4">caring for our home</font></li> <li><font size="4">caring for myself by eating healthy and exercising</font></li> <li><font size="4">ministering to others (friends, neighbors, church members, strangers) by using my God-given gifts & talents</font></li> <li><font size="4">becoming disciplined in areas of weakness in my life</font></li></ul> <p><font size="4">I am excited that <strong><em>focus</em></strong> is my word for the new year because my life has just felt so hap-hazard and out of control lately. It seems that I’ve become way too lax in many areas of my life and it shows. I can see it in my attitude, my appearance, our home, and my habits. Things need to be cleaned up before it all spirals even more out of control! </font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>And just how am I going to incorporate <em>focus</em> into the many parts of my life?</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4">Well that, my friend, is still a work in progress but this much I do know – I am going to take it bit by bit, one area at a time. Each month I am going to set a goal and that goal will work towards helping me to focus and become more self-disciplined in that area. So far, I have the goal for January. But that’s it! (More on that later.)</font></p> <p>I’m asking you to keep me accountable as I blog through out the year and share how my new word is changing my life. </p> <p><em>And speaking of the blog…</em></p> <p>I know that <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/12/blogs-books.html">I mentioned back in the fall that I was going to open a new blog in January</a>. Bad news…the blog is not ready. Remember that storm I mentioned back in the first paragraph? A branch fell from a tree during that storm and sat on an electrical power line in our backyard for a few days. We had electricity but it was shaky. The lights would dim and the power would surge when the electric heater would start to blow. Well, one power surge <strong><em>fried</em></strong> our main computer. <em>The same computer that has the new blog header that my husband has been working on. </em>Since we do have a working computer, we will be able to rework the header and the sidebar buttons. And as soon as we have a little time, that will be done. I was so hoping for January but it just wasn’t to be…such is the way things work in life. </p> <p><strong><font size="4" face="Georgia">Ok y’all…now it’s your turn. Do you have a word for 2013? If so, please share it with us. </font></strong></p> <p><font size="5" face="Rage Italic">Simply in His love,</font></p> <p><font size="5" face="Rage Italic">Adriane</font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-18776048999126645142012-12-05T21:38:00.001-06:002012-12-05T21:38:32.622-06:00December 4 & 5<p><font size="4">Bah-humbug! </font></p> <p><font size="4">That sums up how I’m feeling right now. Between my being sick and the kids taking turns being sick and the warm weather, I’m not feeling the whole Christmas spirit thingy right now. I know, I know…this is all a bit of downer right now. Sorry. </font></p> <p><font size="4">So what’s a sick mom to do on December days when she’s sick and not feeling the Christmas spirit?</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>December 4</strong></font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="December 5, 2012 047" border="0" alt="December 5, 2012 047" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvIeZ27eCe9PSGFEL3jAlBQ7IxSq1_LKRbhSzTIrRABw4IEZnIf1m9tpmZtv8psHnysv5jsQ9WyS4Vzc3D2RkSSBZsawBu_XwGaAtkBqFMcW6QTDKVVN8qxTiJ_RyugFsv_syFapSjAuS//?imgmax=800" width="570" height="436"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="4"> maybe a little knitting and watching a little Downton Abbey…</font></p> <p><strong><font size="4">December 5</font></strong></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="December 5, 2012 052" border="0" alt="December 5, 2012 052" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nro22oACx7y5lBCz0M0PXIZIA4fvk7JxkkWWnRIvFPL95MLOxplz8TQNVCr1AJc1-w5GQG9UEOza60DGw9Q2ODrZslb0vYN5dqt7ogKCVMdeS6X2z1XxwkDLaXqHiRvARL0dJSSEFbOI//?imgmax=800" width="432" height="570"> </p> <p><font size="4">and chilling with my sweet baby girl who is also sick…and reading lots of books and knitting for when the sitting still gets a bit old.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Hopefully tomorrow will look a little different even though I am enjoying getting some rest and all of the snuggles. {smile}</font></p> <p><font size="4">Linking to: </font></p><a title="December Photo Project" href="http://www.tredways.org/december-photo-project/"><img alt="December Photo Project 2012" src="http://www.tredways.org/img/dpp_2012/dpp_banner_120x120.jpg" width="120" height="114"></a> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-80517475884645574562012-12-03T20:52:00.001-06:002012-12-03T21:03:00.223-06:00December 1 - 3<p>Oops! I’m a tad late but joining up anyway! </p> <p>The <a href="http://www.tredways.org/december-photo-project/">December Photo Project</a> is a challenge to take a picture everyday in the month of December. </p> <p>I’ve always loved to look at the DPP photos on blogs that I read and thought that I’d join up this year. You can join up too by <a href="http://www.tredways.org/december-photo-project/sign-up/">visiting this link</a>. </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="5">December 1</font></strong></p> <p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="adventwreath" border="0" alt="adventwreath" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6G9pqdmQ2hUGr3-cAQ-nOrLSynCGR-kvdwkwFz6xNy7l1VuVPpbmVNQFe7Bvw2WwtV_QdlUctDVcQFkh2FoWI1BidkGhYzNAxe3V5Y1rUhV8d4QIP0eY3w91uESUQjk0rIkn8J0gtPOAf//?imgmax=800" width="457" height="620"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The lighting of the candles around the advent wreath begins. Every evening as we gather to eat, we talk about the Light of the world. </font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="5">December 2</font></strong></p> <p align="center"> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="evan singing" border="0" alt="evan singing" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ermQs5zoRrE5JKAcg-c-SZCANJDECSEgy0EGWquWoOVgTB1LNsEY6uXzaUoWvBSzY-wuVbAM2_KkMPBqepXkLHhIAtDY8x0rAUFDSWmr91zOe1HsvLi-jPDZRnf-yFUzJzIJu_26Rgvv//?imgmax=800" width="375" height="470"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The children’s choirs perform. I don’t know if there are many things sweeter to my ears than the sweet voices of children singing such sweet songs! {I wish I could show all of their sweet faces (and the picture also wouldn’t be so badly distorted either) but they aren’t all my kiddos and I don’t want to post without permission. But trust me, they have some sweet, sweet faces!}</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font> Did I overuse the word<em> sweet</em> or what? {smile}</p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="5">December 3</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><font size="5"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKVi9mF5p9-NpnmMXnF5Ckv_bEDZuQwmaEWn9xvZ-gIEbTNIOdfnyzyqvOQk60aBwEkheZJb92VKQOg4pQUShOAuuRMQZlDHGq3ZFMe7RnTB13DGRoBZrGNanRm0Em6vBRVProQQbFA1K/s1600-h/Christmascrafting%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font color="#3f3e3e"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Christmascrafting" border="0" alt="Christmascrafting" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblngBjPid8Cy0rCEAoPYSiGDeQtb7HbEkmFDiCOm4ySpQj3XLvEHY-Lm-bGXzDGnmdKx2lA93JQD68cDvw45IjaxEVUJL4A9G2QAT1Rcs931UOOIPlF0y2MPrt10h_o82ysY7V7cDd6sY//?imgmax=800" width="620" height="469"></font></a> </font><font size="4">When Momma is sick and school is cut short for the day, the crafting begins! </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="left">Linking to:</p><a title="December Photo Project" href="http://www.tredways.org/december-photo-project/"><img alt="December Photo Project 2012" src="http://www.tredways.org/img/dpp_2012/dpp_banner_120x120.jpg" width="120" height="114"></a> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-36168243566561593842012-12-01T11:10:00.001-06:002012-12-01T11:10:40.070-06:00blogs & books<p><font size="4"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 123" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiill6bmrLhDBfXB7Uc5W4fJHWnT0MHGLwy_-2vW3WCEkfpE67fEK2HqB-0j_Pm7Qe884sMXE3bJvGNYVZ1ddfCRiootRXIOtL5nY5kBR6iE7zC5okMD17o-e-y9LC0Z2-7qJfSytXHr3Db//?imgmax=800" width="554" height="416"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">I <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-day-in-life-november-26.html">mentioned that I had a new blog</a> in the works. I had hoped to open it today. But then I resized the header that my husband had made for me. That, of course, distorted it. {smile} He’s going to work on that for me and add a few details that we noticed would look good. And then I tried my hand at making title buttons for the sidebar. They are cute but not uniform. Like I said I <em>tried. </em>{smile} In other words, the blog is simply not ready for opening yet.</font></p> <p><font size="4">And since I also <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-post-thanksgiving-break-daybook.html">mentioned that I’m trying to keep this Christmas season calmer</a>, more simple, and as stress free (as much as I can), I have decided to wait to open the blog in January. This gives me a month to fix that header and figure out making the sidebar title buttons, etc. One less thing on my plate this month means a much calmer mom.</font></p> <p><font size="4">But I wanted to share a few blog posts that I have read this week and a couple new blogs that I have discovered. </font></p> <ul> <li><font size="4"><a href="http://www.mysimplerlife.com/blog/i-dont-have-time-to-be-sick">I don’t have time to be sick</a></font></li></ul> <p><em><font size="4">I usually get sick ( and am currently sick) in December. After researching, I’m wondering if it is the increase in sugar (lowers immunity) and the increase of go-go-go! This is one reason why I’m trying to slow down this month. </font></em></p> <ul> <li><font size="4"><a href="http://makinghome.blogspot.com/2012/11/homeschooling-great-expectations.html">Homeschooling & Realistic Expectations</a> </font></li></ul> <p><em><font size="4">I read this to David and we both laughed. I told him (and he agreed) that I really can not be all five things on this list all on one day. (visit the link to see the list) Except where she has “willing” wife, I would put the words “hair fixed, all makeup on, and non-stained clothing” wife. {smile}</font></em></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://gratefulforgrace.com/2012/11/what-ive-learned-getting-to-mother-little-ones-6-times/">10 things I’ve Learned Getting to Mother Little Ones 6 Times</a></li></ul> <p><em>Yep! What she’s said.</em></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2012/11/the-2012-homesteaders-gift-guide.html">The 2012 Homesteader’s Gift Guide</a></li></ul> <p><em>Because my heart is the heart of a homesteader…one day…</em></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://sarahmae.com/2012/11/a-25-day-christmas-countdown-that-counts/">A 25-Day Christmas Countdown That Counts (FREE eBooklet)</a></li></ul> <p><strong><font size="4">New to me blogs:</font></strong></p> <ul> <li><font size="4"><a href="http://www.togetherin10.com/">Together in Ten</a></font></li></ul> <p><em><font size="4">Because I <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/31%20days%20%7B2012%7D">really am trying to get dressed everyday</a>…and in if ten…even better! </font></em></p> <ul> <li><font size="4"><a href="http://www.theflourishingabode.com/#!">The Flourishing Abode</a></font></li></ul> <p><em><font size="4">I came across this blog on Pinterest. Many great blog tips. </font></em></p> <p><font size="5">I hope y’all have a great weekend! Leave us a comment and tell us of any great blog posts or blogs that you’ve read recently! </font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-61143403911369083122012-11-29T16:35:00.001-06:002012-11-29T16:35:52.911-06:00a very {easy to make} review game<p><font size="4"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 27, 2012 004" border="0" alt="November 27, 2012 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLzupdDabQstYnV1Gvlwps31jTjJ2eRKLui6h00bhXiuf4doMiFHV2gvydoVK5mtF4-ZSwh5HpSNMwtr1-_f2VOgcv8bVyNtsH_RPziJFKBR17P19Tgl4qeAkZre8rDgMVwkqBVsB_KVR//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">Reviewing material is just an everyday part of our homeschool. Phonograms, sight words, math facts, Latin/Greek roots, spelling words…all require frequent reviews of the material to achieve mastery. However, that can get a bit boring for both the kids and the teacher.</font></p> <p><font size="4">We try to play many games in our homeschool to take the hum-drum out of the review. If I can, I like to make it seasonally themed too. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Since the little ones are doing a unit study on all things gingerbread (more on that soon), I searched Pinterest for some cute gingerbread games. And boy howdy, there were some <strong><em>cute, cute, cute </em></strong>printable activities. </font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 27, 2012 002" border="0" alt="November 27, 2012 002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6bCcHilZZjjPPwzczynFnwXnTT81BjuT2CfkH6Ay7fwU0NoGBE4isiN3oZ-Ktb-f4b91Ll14J9blC-BLHCRc6eDQa26sjPvOnZX-JHi3eeTdRpkgXHTNzHhGsa_KgB74wFPesTL4LJeS//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p><font size="4">The only problem for me is that they required <em>a lot</em> of color ink to print. Even if you set it to “quick copy”, they would just use up a whole lot of ink. And color ink cartridges are <strong><em>pricey</em></strong>! Honestly, I am a bit stingy with the color ink around here. </font></p> <p><font size="4">But I wanted to make a cute review game so I pulled out what I had around the house: <em>a colored file folder, markers, and index cards</em>. <strong>I’ve come to learn that my kids aren’t concerned whether the review game is one that will win an award for the cutest game board ever. They just want to have fun while learning.</strong> </font></p> <p><font size="4">Now before I show it to you, you have to promise me one thing. Promise me that you won’t laugh at my game board. Because while my husband is an artist and some of my kids follow in his footsteps, I am not an artist. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Ok, since you’re not going to laugh…here is the game board that I created in about ten minutes on Sunday night. (It was getting really late. I told myself if I had more time, I could have made this way cuter!)</font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 27, 2012 001" border="0" alt="November 27, 2012 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrncSMaNvOVYD_T2wqFHF_GzXvcVunCH4auhty3mCUsEOMFMwG3d4gacZ-aSEXwiRZ01OEayAICMvR1BbvL1uTglJ-jjk3aF0DhY_Qmz4oB0nYX3RAt4ANfxJ5nfKAHkZE-J3lezYBkcIr//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="442"> </p> <p>You didn’t laugh…did you? {smile} </p> <p><font size="4">Just a simple gingerbread man drawn on a file folder with a little path following the outline, and places to begin and end and <em>Voila! </em>you’ve got the easiest game to construct that makes review time fun!</font></p> <p><font size="4">We’ve had a blast this week practicing sight words and spelling words. And not once has a child told me that the game board was not pretty enough. Actually they’ve begged me to play it everyday! </font></p> <p><font size="4">So while I <strong><em>love </em></strong>those cute games you will find on Pinterest (and if I discovered an endless supply of color printer ink, I would print out every single one of them), it is sometimes easier, cheaper, and still just as fun to use a few materials around the house to make a learning review game!</font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-66526273545092258912012-11-28T05:00:00.000-06:002012-11-28T05:00:07.643-06:00gingerbread play-dough<p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gingerbread playdough" border="0" alt="gingerbread playdough" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHSbvy5a8WNSHTh1929ROBXaWdnrycLI5AJyc4Mg5MfZYjdudrtQjK4TWJxWiJVeDPWGFIATe508i_8pNg_G9xCCr7gzJlhW3M6hjR63MKlXk5NacEKKhpp9HDOzCVXQZps-tiU1XTcco//?imgmax=800" width="554" height="421"> </p> <p><font size="4">My kids <strong><em>love </em></strong>play-dough! And since we are reading books and doing learning activities with gingerbread people (more about that soon), we made some gingerbread play-dough! </font></p> <p><font size="4">It is so easy to make. Littlest Man helped me put the ingredients into the pan. I handled the food dye, cooking, and kneading of the dough. It is super easy and quick.</font></p> <p><font size="5" face="KG Like A Skyscraper">Gingerbread play-dough</font></p> <p><font size="4">Ingredients:</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="4">1 1/4 cups of flour</font></li> <li><font size="4">1/4 cup of salt</font></li> <li><font size="4">2 TBSP cream of tartar</font></li> <li><font size="4">seasonings such as cinnamon, ginger, and ground cloves (these were what I had in my pantry)</font></li> <li><font size="4">1 cup of water</font></li> <li><font size="4">1 TBSP oil</font></li> <li><font size="4">a few drops of food coloring (I used the brown from my cake decorating kit)</font></li></ul> <p><font size="4">Put flour, salt, and cream of tartar into a pan. Mix in seasonings. (I did not measure these but if I had to guess I probably put in about 1/2 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of ginger, and 1 tsp + of ground cloves. I just kind of smelled it to see if it smelled about right. Sorry for the lack of exact measurements. That usually drives me crazy when I want exact numbers. {smile}) </font></p> <p><font size="4">In a separate bowl, mix the water, oil, and food coloring. Add to the pan of dry ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture stiffens and forms a ball. Spoon onto a lightly floured surface and knead 1-2 minutes. (It’s quite warm so be careful.) Store in an air-tight container so your play-dough won’t dry out.</font></p> <p><font size="4">There you go! Easy, easy. And fun!</font></p> <p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="edited gingerbread play-dough" border="0" alt="edited gingerbread play-dough" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVhq5tjsQQlUOPcGHEzX-Jkd42J4t2xZamyJpCSivDkAhQi2XIdVNeKQPml-FtC234iNiaC6-2t7_Q7QHyCKdMkf1-W8xwyZVphNnciofv5LFL2hnJgzBKxSnNMWtgviB6_6fJMdwlILe//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="376"></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-9689131713367733282012-11-27T16:16:00.001-06:002012-11-27T16:16:42.250-06:00a day in the life {November 26}<p><font size="4">I <strong><em>love </em></strong>to read about other moms and their days. I <strong><em>love </em></strong>day in the life posts. Really. I’m not sure why (I promise I’m not weird or anything.) I guess it could be because I have gained ideas from other moms when reading those posts. Or maybe it is that I find out that my life is pretty normal after all. Plus I love to look back over the blog and see what we did at certain times and during certain seasons of our lives. In light of that, I set out to document November 26, </font></p> <p><font size="4">{a day in our lives}…</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>6:40</strong> Way later than I need to get up, I roll out of bed and head toward the kitchen. I grab a drink and sit in the dark with my phone. As I’m reading some of my reading plans on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/YouVersion-Bible/dp/B004MC8CA2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354052056&sr=8-1&keywords=youversion+bible+app">YouVersion Bible</a>, Littlest Man comes in and wants to sit with me. I happily oblige. </font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 070" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 070" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4S7IfWPb6kHhmZ9-9uKFzoebPy8vC-I_z_NiqC6O9YeDbYyfXE639xsADMdxQrGENCa7RpfVzDJkFzkp2P12EA6JrlQJd_WW7lD-p2I55BR69Xc2wzSrvr7npuZNX2T53W5GD4a-U6k2S//?imgmax=800" width="420" height="500"> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>7:12 </strong>I run off to get a quick shower and tell David that I will get out before he needs to leave for work. A quick shower, a quick hair-do and makeup, a good-bye kiss for my hubby, a load of clothes in the wash, beds made, breakfast, and ushering of kids to and fro as they complete bedroom chores, a quick stroll through the garden…sounds like a typical morning around here!</font></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 050" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VIRzZS8NSeK2ETak9R7_6c5oPcVV9lJrixlu-HSVxammC97CKy8bBwYGKv-cFnAn9zLdsYpC6pndEHZtwa8x1a0Njen0-x5Sph5L5FHH4CsGoFUx3GzJOv5RhZVCZxaZtuzy84h72P4r//?imgmax=800" width="398" height="529"> <em>time to cook up some greens, I do believe</em></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>8:30 </strong>Most Mondays start with me running behind and this Monday was no different. I hand the kids some paper and tell them to write a few things that they would like to receive as Christmas gifts. While they ponder, I run around and finish up morning chores. </font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 047" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 047" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFG5XuSJY7neuu-NJax0qtIMIzIS2dyt80g0pWj_mM3jCZDDhaIdQzOG2Qmn4nB1DBGE9ZCS9cSDXEONq0e-zjA2tNbQ2BPHSJXfLSN4w3lyaVYf2VHauAZe4pgXd_aetm_TKFz-eIKom//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>9:00 </strong>The older kids are still working on their gift lists so I head to the kitchen with Littlest Man and make gingerbread play-dough (directions coming soon).</font></p> <p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gingerbread playdough" border="0" alt="gingerbread playdough" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GQ21mJ8fTJbLBI3rkjlDQTg3El5hTl2MNjhVm9p6PeCm9ZNyPkxIHV3_rDP-fD9-Fcj3mmjxHqTkRZebijpetTZnIPcu0gA5ebMuWeLU4ZqjKPjOyX2P99OpPfoIqoTv1mVsDWYcZhPo//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="402"> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>9:30 </strong>Littlest Man and Sunshine Girl play with the new play-dough. The oldest child is sick and gives his best college try on finishing school work today but I send him back to bed when it becomes apparent that he feels awful. The two older kids and I start work on Greek roots with a review and introduce the new root for the week. They then begin independent work and I start reading & math with Sunshine Girl. We play a new sight word game and end up with a few spectators along the way.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 081" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 081" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhkldtl0zjCiXofwrCoXGzauGWVxR-tS2gXPxrBBcWkY6BioilQtcyj9if3qTEl_-VNZWYy-UAcHeE-MqIQswhI8J6U92zGVfsp4UXplgeQapQUUlCEc7BMiLZXJSiIIXQJmGxcmlINcx//?imgmax=800" width="398" height="529"> </font></p> <p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 084" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 084" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG2SmbYC5rPMJdcK-qJK5cgCG-nzVH5gB4IqacQaUBDCrQuRmKA86uPD7Iaj-fLesWGKTqKGN3gHHywo0zytzhQpqQM9FM_76HPiINpzJT5GEkvjm9ArUuJygiwYVmnQUNUY1EuavYhLd//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>11:33 </strong>After a morning of bouncing from child to child and teaching as needed, it is time to make lunch. The kids go outside and play a while after picking up some of their messes. I check in on my oldest (this is probably about the 4th or 5th time) and get what he needs. As lunch is being made, the kitchen is also being cleared of the morning dishes and supper is started in the crockpot.</font></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 090" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllAUb-TDLlQlbBpO-yhdvBAY6ODzaO242oSlzywivFKARl-k2YG8KdM2Bn_XUreuEGbciKC3tTdQ7zNA2yHrDfToIkl6XvuXhyphenhyphenpw7ZDpfM_aEKtgVINyRMFQk7bUEZmZmfulJx89B2Q-S//?imgmax=800" width="398" height="529"> <em>Who has time to clean when you’re busy learning?</em></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 095" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 095" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmUNS3YwpIbjOw1Lvak8URJ3Hdvh292DEoRTbvAytqTINWLg2FEfzn_IbZELtkJ5yb0kqqh8QlfYmaZnmRtEMNKs1-ltSkGT-85IEsWgLJPVWu1knUlLiCccUY3eTdpjc4mutm4Vzh3nz//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>12:00ish</strong> Dave gets home and we all eat lunch. I finish cleaning the kitchen, take care of laundry, and direct the older kids to get back to work on school work. We all say good-bye to David as he heads back to work.</font></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 097" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 097" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PofOD_Y0hupOkz5QHcCc5oNxI6RZo1l3psHbQW-TwADEqb4Y1OaFLNqBGQ9Wnu0OC2B3W-fCC3SnZ4l9fqQDFUXI2_YBA4-fohvFUc6AEheXJ54glOG1adVEAO0Wg1Z5710JM2ZYKWOf//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="348"> <em>A clean kitchen…ahhhh! </em></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>1:00</strong> As the little kids play with play-dough and paint, the older kids and I finish spelling, grammar, and science lessons.</font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 100" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJICY8KSp7wSVCvDu9tD-is-HFNMJT1LyJ9sdwMcPYbtmOCzw_TeThSkM5wTTSM_2vXnGS_Wq0I7qx0TYHmk5xDPFy9MS-RM6zxVz93DnJIx9N1JMawfxtNYFAXX6x3OY3NT7NwiGgPh_//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="294"> </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 102" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJhd56Yx4ttvcdh1rx22vzesAQwRlzyEEdLXbyeS1RyYroXHGj2Q_VDJFbNCipvDF-thhwIPwjP9zqnehIYSJh0WOQ6-VLQIbPZuSMNZOsOUJD3xH66dGCg-8vreQhIp9Df9Q0zCZlWqw//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="365"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 105" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkwBdYhYMS_-gRR7u7ifI_e9nA3UbRX9F-3Vua-cYIqFEvEavXPewArCpE-1CWj698FYkcU5Y9P1jkggwIS4KcGTYZuNCE9Woc-XNbKARhQnrEtK6GeYb3J5vZwn7UMxVPj4pijvoFWcY//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> <em>science experiment about photosynthesis and chlorophyll…</em></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>2:50 </strong>Just as I think that we are done with school for the day, my son tells me that he would like to read with me. We read his book together (He is more motivated to attend to his book if he & I take turns reading…you do what you have to do. Plus, I really enjoy the time with him and I’m modeling how to read with fluency & inflection. A win/win in my book {smile}). </font></p> <p><font size="4">After he finishes, he scoots out the door for a little free time and I tackle my to-do list. Then we head out for swim team practice. We return home and finish up dinner prep and more of that to-do list. However, on the way home I suddenly realized that we needed beans for dinner. I check our canned goods and we are out! Yay for the frozen beans in the freezer. Under the water they go in hopes that they will defrost in time. (They did defrost in time.)</font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 054" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 054" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiFMreD6yqMTHTUJBV3OJhxj3OGLQdPZAePviyAFCiLtC8JOcisDp-MHk7FCIYuS99Az6RmcKrEgGLXwYmMZRuRUNylgFKVHzTt-U8lQT4H3K1EdphiGtnNUHYgY9dkxNRg8YZSPDLBe9//?imgmax=800" width="361" height="429"> </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 107" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7BXHP5IKwBfoJkNw2wEt-v_rar04D6vXHPo-B1JSo0HhNYA02Wg04UfFcFF5KVgi9O_Hm8rLF4OEfnDCyhAq8CqSU9HagPbb5PERWbuwOygFGxXkBXQbvalJwQhXD42ZLS-xyX_4xgRE//?imgmax=800" width="466" height="451"> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>5:45 </strong>David is home! We eat dinner and clean up.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 109" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyFYzk8lMCWoiA-dklBgDIFYwFV45qOSVBnknOFknjDI1nuVrVq9tb_2HOVvW8siNBb6FiYN7lT4lci8_w-4rqDDQuyLRu8R3RTLQeMHLKtAWdYOr5EH4Fyb4CrjGrgjcRvu2S_gZuFu9//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Time? I lost track of time here. </strong>David and some of the kids head out to buy a Christmas tree. I hear the rain falling shortly after they left. They come back soaking wet!</font> While they are gone, I start folding tons of laundry that has been washed since we returned from our Thanksgiving break trip but have been waiting to be folded. </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 116" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54d7G3wtzZFydFZ_yxL-2fdKmc-6xPEf7fu-jcymMss6ueW-Jx6mtS-Se7Eine108OzuvATN5DdwuKZtTFnw5ce1feyOlpvbM0rHkDVWjFRBK-12OfiLOmtZeb3lzcWrkLEJ8WxW2IQJq//?imgmax=800" width="398" height="529"> </p> <p><strong>9:00ish</strong> The laundry is done! Finally, a little time to work on the new blog (coming soon) and write a post or two.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 123" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4IUv9yKgNTA0RzXSROXELtqx-DyheQucnsiYGqdT_MNIsmqdKOOxL2ZOUnbGpWGU6CRLZFT4jtGmoTGnbeKiv5_q7bkBVdifK8CCvxwwbUy_n2spL9dfX851ms0QesuIrpPjaMN9sGNH//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p><strong>11:00ish </strong>It’s now after 11 pm as I write this post. This momma is tired! It’s time to head to bed and get ready to start a day like this again on Tuesday! </p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-7552045434767528742012-11-26T22:48:00.001-06:002012-11-26T22:48:57.651-06:00a {post Thanksgiving break} daybook<p>Last week our family took a break from school and enjoyed a Thanksgiving break. The older boys spent the whole week with their grandparents. The three little ones, David, and I headed down on Wednesday. We “roughed it” in my parent’s RV and ate our fill of my Mom’s cooking. It’s something we look forward to every year!</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 020" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 020" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGtBsg8xzoNhqPnkCnnHjPs7lwXtLpxC08Dioog0UmI_cG-tywFukHmj4_kk9r77GSJNFNh7V8Wz2KTEbIvopO7bzUEJOO6ktrMfatHodj4h_w5woqZd3X2LcaNZ70PjVJyTXPIizwUyw//?imgmax=800" width="506" height="414"> <em><font size="3">Every morning during our RV stay, I was the first one to wake up. I would sit by a window and read and watch the sun shine on these trees. (And sometimes a cow or two would be in the scene.) This particular morning, it was raining as I read there. It was pure, cozy bliss!</font></em></p> <p> </p> <p>Here is my {post Thanksgiving break} daybook:</p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Outside my window::: </strong></font><font size="4">beautiful foliage colors, comfortable temps, and a surprise rain that caught us off guard when David and the kids left to buy a Christmas tree tonight {they came back home soaking wet!}</font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I am thinking:::</strong></font><font size="4"> about chocolate. I could really use some right now. {smile} </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I am thankful for:::</strong></font><font size="4"> the laughter I hear coming from my child who has been sick since Saturday. It could be the Tylenol doing its work but I’m thankful that he is acting normal for the time being. It breaks my heart when my kiddos are sick.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>In the kitchen:::</strong></font><font size="4"> we <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/07/stretching-8-pork-loin.html">stretched a pork loin</a> this week. Tonight was the Tex-Mex nachos night. It was yummy! </font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 109" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQAVhLTJVR7Y5BzVPejBTRBD6l9Ao_PiJRJsdxjHqS4F4IrWGXYhNuIhVKfwP-0EXgsxBRnlYvE0tB5eC9JYshE1a6p9x-CjEqLFE5Y6H6juzpxwJk2BNXhJVLvDQ2cFmiy-tKBxbE1vc//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I am wearing:::</strong></font><font size="4"> black t-shirt, teal cami, tan cardigan, and black yoga pants {<a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-of-getting-dressed.html">not the holey ones though</a>}…I had jeans and earrings on earlier but I got comfortable before my clean laundry folding marathon tonight. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I am creating:::</strong></font><font size="4"> a new blog…hopefully to open this weekend. I’m trying to do a little bit at a time. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I am going:::</strong></font><font size="4"> to keep the Christmas season as peaceful as possible this year. At least that’s my plan.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I am wondering:::</strong></font><font size="4"> what it is that we need to let go of and simplify this year so that the Christmas season is calm and as stress free as possible. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I am reading:::</strong></font><font size="4"> a Kindle download that has been sitting on my device for a while: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Weary-Mom-Expanded-ebook/dp/B009TQ76LC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1353989929&sr=1-1&keywords=hope+for+the+weary+mom">Hope for the Weary Mom</a>. It brought tears to my eyes this weekend. And in a good way…in a God sent those words because it was exactly what I was thinking about and needed to hear way. I’m also reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Thousand-Gifts-Fully-Right/dp/0310321913/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1353989985&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=one+thousand+gifts">One Thousand Gifts</a>. Also shedding tears with that one. </font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 016" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ2GEwgcSCsEm1uHgSsKkeg_9J5h-49a-KmFWB3w8E5-tRgKT_x-RKdX1A9GZsHTzNUNT7okMlwsHmR9IHwSKCVnzdgi3ItIUjeXuJv-eH7QObDKczrYEaroQA8nXRnG2_JlDzEaM2W-R//?imgmax=800" width="398" height="529"> </p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I am {still} hoping:::</strong></font><font size="4"> to finish up the last few episodes of season 2 of <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/">Downton Abbey</a>. I just need to find the time!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I am looking forward to:::</strong></font><font size="4"> Family night on Tuesday. We are decorating the Christmas tree!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I am learning:::</strong></font><font size="4"> to control my tongue when hurt, angry, etc. Studying the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1&version=NASB">book of James</a> helps me to remember this. I’m not there yet…and honestly don’t ever expect to be there but I’m giving it the best effort that I can. {smile}</font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Around the house:::</strong></font><font size="4"> fall cleaning, fall decorations put away, Christmas decorations coming out</font></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 26, 2012 006" border="0" alt="November 26, 2012 006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffRPzpSg9V8vi3UsNeA7CGreLdAmZGVVSwFfQk0HoVPMLoWwu3c4vXpdoW7RtSnZPlbXomf_6wFtdDrg_J7R3KO3pJxVVr-l3eXQ4i56Qr7I8EPGyJAoVHV3kK1lpLinkFumpoDwcCQ1k//?imgmax=800" width="398" height="529"> <em><font size="3">Thanksgiving break project: newly organized closet {LOVE!}</font></em></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I am pondering:::</strong></font><font size="4"> how to reach out to an old high school friend. We are connected now by Facebook. My friend seems so angry and lives & thinks so very differently than I do. He is on my mind a lot. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>A favorite quote for today:::</strong></font><font size="4"> “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” C.S. Lewis</font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>One of my favorite things:::</strong></font><font size="4"> <a href="http://karosyrup.com/recipe_details.asp?id=485">pecan pie</a> So not good for you but oh, so good!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>A few plans for the rest of the week:::</strong></font><font size="4"> Christmas tree decorating {family night}, church preschool nursery, choir & praise team practices {if my voice returns}, swim team practices, children’s choir performance preparation, {hopefully} some walks with my walking buddy, a store run for food & Christmas lights, new blog prep, gift shopping, maybe a <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/08/affordable-but-fun-date-nights.html">date night with my husband</a> this week too</font></p> <p><font size="4">To visit other daybooks, please visit:</font></p> <p><a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="simple-woman-daybook-large" border="0" alt="simple-woman-daybook-large" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2uIwTzD1APkd3Xo9IaMNbZa7Qspm3ipkToMRW0pz23GAygUGZT3vLwjHZM1PCiWuT-KtEsrwaHpdHK9fS0exq820kJjxgC9YgEjzV7VfpaYR6aOpgsOmWO4-DzRgsDnEAAtt2pKRIUpy//?imgmax=800" width="174" height="244"></a></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-8025161251695909122012-11-16T05:00:00.000-06:002012-11-16T05:00:11.248-06:00Friday favorites {cold weather edition}<p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 14, 2012 002" border="0" alt="November 14, 2012 002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wwzz7Kdq05ECXBCLWePwkfiBbW7jjBWJ3rcilxJIiU3pQgZYYZqPbIRNSGeeKQfCrEXz9ZS95p75jq-Qd6nwQNEUYG9kxinAK7N-g2vjJe62HEd_wK_gnZMgHbh_ap-_lN5BsjtdnGYz//?imgmax=800" width="539" height="447"> </p> <p><font size="4">This little space in our bedroom is my “office”. I sit here to write and plan. I watch kids out the window as they play. Sometimes I watch the butterflies & hummingbirds as they zip around the garden flowers. I love the way the sun comes through the windows in this room. I just adore this little space in our room! </font></p> <p><font size="4">As I was standing here, I realized that this little space held some of my favorite cold weather things. (Under the desk, you may see a box of stuff. That is actually a box of homeschool books that my friend gave to me. They are in this spot so I will remember to sort through them and find a spot on the shelves.) </font></p> <p><font size="4">Some of my favorite cold weather things are:</font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 14, 2012 005" border="0" alt="November 14, 2012 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHqM3GrtfU6i7zWvcPhlWGGXl96WF3-vFJZmUG8HVxLL2ghSYPRTyUH-bPiIfM_hJ8YfFmAOz5piNWnLEhZ3T1tQLFvsfWFqIUZEb8jV7hM-AJmnzNTc2R330c6aQRf7-WNTNAoTO9QUz//?imgmax=800" width="462" height="594"> </p> <ul> <li><strong><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit">cozy sweaters</font></strong></li></ul> <p><font size="4">I love a cozy sweater! We live in an older home and it can be a little drafty. A cozy sweater is a must!</font></p> <ul> <li><strong><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit">knitting work in progress (The Weekend Scarf found on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/account/login">Ravelry</a>)</font></strong></li></ul> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/11/knitting-wip-and-purl-stitch.html">Knitting is my new hobby</a>. I am <em>loving </em>it! </font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 14, 2012 003" border="0" alt="November 14, 2012 003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV_Ep5TyPBvzPrHehR9vpTdtobLh1idE4s94LIbdPpSbUk79ht_Yq0XUc1O4xFDykYGXhQt7QDUtU3XjzVSJWH3y-bGz1A68s_tPLejb4GuGRGkIzMC_G0lh-dLuXp4hC278cKzK41tjx//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"> </p> <ul> <li><strong><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit">Starbucks Caramel coffee (with half & half and sugar)</font></strong></li> <li><strong><font size="4"><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit">things to read</font> </font></strong></li></ul> <p><font size="4">Books on the Kindle, real turn-the-page books, or blogs on the computer…I love to read!</font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 14, 2012 007" border="0" alt="November 14, 2012 007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyGPX8f8Uwo92fNJAiUJFZ1KXdnhH7NrDD97_g3EXgl5Fi4_S0B6ZmkC_hdb6u4jSwJat82hkBVVdrNaofD5WZde6AerB9_gHU8ZBanrlOKuW2-AQbBk43a9Oqiuq8qH5A-1f7CloMVmq//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="257"> </p> <ul> <li><strong><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit">fleece</font></strong></li></ul> <p><font size="4">I love fleece and all of its coziness. The big piece of green fleece is put on our windows at night because the neighbor’s light keeps me awake without it. (Making some light blocking curtains is on my to do list…one day!) My kiddos love to snuggle to sleep under fleece and have asked me to make blankets for Christmas presents. {smile} </font></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><font color="#008000" size="6" face="Pea Bandit">What are some of your favorite cold weather things?</font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-87189545980678488952012-11-15T22:49:00.001-06:002012-11-15T22:58:33.104-06:00Homeschooling High School {Algebra}<p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="November 7, 2012 012" border="0" alt="November 7, 2012 012" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRG-waFGricJUmJSWjF2Xy9letmT_-Txy2RJxW9Pw_C3u9llo_FlOSTD0S-NJiyRBvmdr0icO5azStdTVbg3LoM3hiXe1ElNS6WoJN-Vtekv6BsdWUQCS4F-4e0IxYw9BCIglPaphojTzA//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"></p> <p><font size="4">As a home school mom, it is not uncommon for me to receive certain questions from family, friends, and strangers. (Yes, even strangers. {smile})</font></p> <p><font size="4">I’ve had conversations that go something like this:</font></p> <p><em>person speaking to me: </em>Are you going to home school through high school?</p> <p><em>me: </em>Yes, that’s the plan for now. </p> <p><em>other person: </em>Well, what about algebra? Or even science? Are you able to do that?</p> <p><em>me: </em>Yes, I plan on teaching those subjects too. </p> <p>Usually the conversation goes on with me explaining the many options available to homeschoolers in regards to curriculum. </p> <p>(Though, honestly, I want to ask people if they realize that they are telling me that I’m not smart enough to teach my child. I realize that I’m being snarky…and trust me, I try to not let my snarky side ever come out. But I wish people would realize that most homeschooling parents are aware of our weaknesses in our educations. And most have all ready thought on how to teach our children despite our weaknesses. One day, I’m going to start rambling off my high school and college rankings, pull out my educational resume, spout off my math ACT score and maybe even my college GPA! Yes, I do believe I am totally and completely capable of teaching my children. <strong><em>Even</em></strong> <em><strong>algebra</strong></em>. And if I find that I can not do it, we will find another way to do it. Ok, rant over…sorry…stuffing my snarky side back into hiding. Can you tell this is a soap box thing for me? {smile})</p> <p>So like I was saying before I went off on that tangent {ahem}, <strong>how do we teach high school algebra</strong>?</p> <p><strong>First, we chose a curriculum that works for us. </strong>We use <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/saxon-algebra-dive-rom-3rd-edition/pd/544213?item_code=WW&netp_id=507821&event=PPCSRC&view=details">Saxon Algebra</a>. We also bought the DIVE CD-ROM that has the lectures for the lessons. We have also found that the <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/saxon-algebra-1-solutions-manual/9781565771376/pd/98011?event=CPOF">Solutions Manual</a> is a very useful tool to have. The Solutions Manual gives each problem and step-by-step solutions as to how the answer was found. It is wonderful to have around! </p> <p>Another great math curriculum is <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/teaching-textbooks-algebra-kit-version-0/greg-sabouri/9780983581215/pd/880201?item_code=WW&netp_id=914582&event=ESRCQ&view=details">Teaching Textbooks</a> (TT). TT is an interactive math curriculum completed by the student on the computer. The computer teaches the lessons, presents the math problems, grades the problems, and shows corrections to mistakes. We have used it for other grade levels and have not used it for Algebra. However, I have friends who have used it and love it. </p> <p><strong>After Bryce has completed a lesson, he checks the lesson in a different colored ink. Later, he and I go over any incorrect problems or math problems he has left blank (our signal for <em>I need help with this one</em>). </strong>I remember when my algebra teacher took the time to show us step-by-step solutions and the reasoning behind the solution, particularly with the math problems we struggled with, that algebra started to “stick” for me. I’m trying to follow this same model for my son. So far, it seems to be working. </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 7, 2012 014" border="0" alt="November 7, 2012 014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lPfn3RUMcjJRCPXHtDiAZ1hyphenhyphenA_fDUGNZ1dwdUVbe3NH54TgCpeZJVeAHMyCmplj47GVazE1xcCEATk9iAtA7LPPuMI5ZxJI9EsmylXETn7SgtW5MeDgkqUfFBw8XjsQxYgyJSR6qTemE//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p><strong>I make a “pop quiz” reviewing new materials or math problems that seem to continually trip him up. </strong>I have him complete the pop quiz before his next lesson. He must bring it to me and let me look over it before moving on to the new lesson. This is one way that I check to make sure he is understanding the material before moving forward.</p> <p><strong>The more involved I am in his algebra instruction, the better he seems to do with it. </strong>I’m going to be honest. It is hard to carve out the time to do algebra one-on-one instruction everyday. But Bryce seems to flourish more if we do. So we do our best to fit it in everyday or we have a big tutoring session once or twice a week. </p> <p><strong>Sometimes I have to study the lessons to remember what to do. </strong>No, I do not remember everything that I learned in algebra. But Saxon Algebra is excellent in explaining how to find a solution and the why behind it. (I am big on the why part…I need to know why. {smile}). There are times I have to ask Bryce to wait a minute while I study the lesson. (Saxon gives these little cues to tell you which lesson to go back to for help.) Usually after studying the lesson, I am able to go on with helping him. </p> <p>This is what we do in our home school. <strong>But I do have more advice</strong>: </p> <p><strong>Get help if help is needed. </strong>Once I had a chat with another home school mom at my son’s fencing lesson. At the time, my boys were little but she told me then, “If you ever need some help with the higher level maths, I am more than happy to help out.” (She was a math major and a lover of all things math.) There are people out there that for them, math is a breeze. Many of them are willing to lend a hand to help or perhaps you can exchange services with them. There are probably many of these math lovers in your local home school groups. Sometimes, all it takes is asking and friends will be able to recommend someone to you. </p> <p><strong>Don’t let algebra scare you. </strong>You and I survived it once. We’ll survive it again. (Or many times if you have more than one child.) </p> <p><font color="#008000" size="6" face="Rage Italic">What about you…do you have some advice for surviving and succeeding with algebra in your home school? </font></p> <p><font color="#008000" size="6" face="Rage Italic"></font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-16040012194331728362012-11-14T18:17:00.001-06:002012-11-14T18:31:24.136-06:00When a home school mom is sick…<p><font size="4">It happens. Sore throat. Congestion. Sinus headache. Cough, cough.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Even we home school moms get sick on occasion.</font></p> <p><font size="4">A friend asked me how I handle sick mom days in our home school.</font></p> <p><font size="4">So what does our home school look like when I am sick?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="6" face="Pea Bandit"><strong>Stick to the basics.</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 14, 2012 009" border="0" alt="November 14, 2012 009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHN5u-o-zZPopjRVlFiDVkxHDtPR5N8EviWvfjlUJI5PXKk4nloKmrNzWAiejUceDmHwpMg6ljE7jCqnFL3wBhoSagc8tO5seQ7NqnMZibK_OfA1Wa64thoIXpiR1HX29XfwVfwedw7rs//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="6"><font face="Pea Bandit"><font size="5"><strong>Let the kids do all of the reading and rest your voice.</strong></font> </font></font><font size="4" face="Times New Roman">(I have to knit while they read or I will fall asleep. There’s something about a busy mom who sits still for too long will always fall asleep! Or is that just me?)</font></p> <p align="left"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 8, 2012 006" border="0" alt="November 8, 2012 006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6KFikDhaZw5PLT13w7S4A_KU7j1MUN_qeM9SRFlTJXmwrpKACiMwudJnbjm_vghTxte9-l7-9ntQ7wDDelITjZVvXCv2amYoR4DKJ3qpStkvrV9kwf4eiqt0KPhwqJXhX2i-Om8O1xB-//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit"><strong>Limit math to basic reviews. Save the harder problems for a day when you have the voice (& energy) to handle them.</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 14, 2012 018" border="0" alt="November 14, 2012 018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS-dhJTJT242Ms8L0D-SA9yIxA8zoNeulsXPncpIIJfQ9zb0guqoyccA_kTw-BHvZ81C3pM1BYSuWRPwu8goE3AmErcz6yFzolpsFY-oYwgRpaapLVu5TvHcdZeG5bxDAKT63HFVpKr2H//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="436"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit"><strong>Let history or science be taught by Netflix.</strong> <font size="4" face="Times New Roman">(We watched Lewis & Clark today to coincide with the literature selection of the 7th grader. We love to watch Beakman’s World for science too.)</font></font></p> <p align="left"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 14, 2012 015" border="0" alt="November 14, 2012 015" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG8Hjb0BrVS6zJdWP61j23n2VAF7XdIrKu297kuc_t4YEYOD7wyCgQ1RfWIuxEe7CoiPbOdeG2hF2UCMjT8yiumJ7iNh_fmwgzKC50SnRCd4vzBH2Lomc4cM_fxGeSIp_vdAGsxSu3RcA//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit"><strong>When mom is sick is a good time to fit in reviews. Make reviews of phonograms, math facts, etc. fun by playing against the timer. </strong></font></p> <p align="left"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 14, 2012 017" border="0" alt="November 14, 2012 017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCZx5KeAnnHSzlC3gG4kUQz-PWRDg8nZ1ZhyQkBxi1uDHDLtaeYJMIZPLQf6VK0prXZDFbDnKDkVu9I-bKR_E-ubXwsvU8mAs9rB5qj8jspJBZAG4mWgoEh5BprBa1Ea8QyP3fIYq9CGA//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"> </p> <p align="left"><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit"> <strong>Read</strong> <font size="4" face="Times New Roman">(older kids can read these to the littles if needed) </font><strong>seasonal/holiday/library books and do simple art/writing projects.</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="November 14, 2012 021" border="0" alt="November 14, 2012 021" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03-sT_RaqFjBjKfZ-gNtVEg5yZuSfzGD0KV1OgZRjZmTQnyBZ3nGUNclUqFqJ69OBLnnW4xoSC8t45gKepEI8iTSiI-7TU_zcGDrLi4L1PJQO26A6bai9O3Hsx6Zt3202asrVtStUHmIR//?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454"> </p> <p align="left"><strong><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit"></font></strong> </p> <p align="left"><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit"><strong>Then send the kiddos outside for some sunshine and release of energy while you sit down to rest and re-cooperate. </strong><font size="4" face="Times New Roman">(And if I’m actually sitting, I might as well get in some much needed planning!)</font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><strong>Sick home school mom days are hard. But learning can and does happen!</strong> </font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#008000" size="6" face="Pea Bandit">What do sick mom home school days look like in your home?</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit"></font> </p> <p align="left"><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit"></font> </p> <p align="left"><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit"></font> </p> <p align="left"><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit"></font> </p> <p align="left"><font size="5" face="Pea Bandit"></font> </p> <p align="left"><font size="6" face="Pea Bandit"></font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-37133836053943165592012-11-13T05:00:00.000-06:002012-11-13T05:00:09.955-06:00knitting {wip} and the {purl stitch}<p>I think I have a brand new love. </p> <p>It’s called <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/learning%20how%20to%20knit">knitting</a>!</p> <p>I’m not sure why I’m enjoying it so much…maybe it’s just the newness of it all. </p> <p>Or it could be that I can carry my projects to different places with me, or my love of scarves and excitement that I can totally create them, or maybe even that I can sit and chat with others & watch football/movies while knitting. </p> <p>Whatever it is, I am truly enjoying my new hobby!</p> <p>Well, I’m enjoying it except for the snafu I ran into the other night. I had to step away from the needles on that one! (more on that in a minute)</p> <p><font size="6" face="Pea Bandit">Works in progress (wip)</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="November 7, 2012 021" border="0" alt="November 7, 2012 021" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2VZYB4vWhzy69v1Rll3BDgPHE9vWFBeZKii8yeygfjPxZj3rIJUBCJLsDpeG1mCVHOMebfvEOO_dyffMU3HzQGHaT9ncPQ2eW5qOzyaNgBgL0WzJW-UstrZ4NRp-RdetKWBlWmn31veT//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p><font size="4">I finished the <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/learning-to-knit-knit-stitch-and.html">previous dishcloth</a> that I showed you. I had intended to use it in the kitchen but my oldest daughter begged me to give it to her. She needed a soft cloth for her face, she said. So she is now the proud owner of my first knitting project. Then I started work on this happy little orange dishcloth. Now someone else is trying to claim this one too. {smile}</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="November 12, 2012 004" border="0" alt="November 12, 2012 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtR-cnnGX0WMz_IWOy1FpuTRXmwlPdplEBmowqVmGzxkTD8Lren_YrSAyJnCBbZwEqYwwYqAtcjKSoSqAQvFNyWY1W9UwrjYaDXOBKVYEGrifZZesSOBG_hDyvvHW4ZkLOjJmE0-k4aK1//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p><font size="4">I <em>love </em>the scarf accessory craze! This weekend, David and I went on a little date to the craft store for yarn to satisfy my need for scarves. (I love that man!) I had to show some serious restraint in the yarn aisles, y’all. I walked out with three different colors. Trust me, I could have walked out with so much more! </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="November 12, 2012 005" border="0" alt="November 12, 2012 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQBRnEvW4Alpd_rrCiwIriUNVQsDXDn3BjzRQrmBUCVpbuErqggClkgBeZU1dXOVd1Or0VCi4jriKSnXR479P04QEE494m81VF9LgUpqnGlSHJO9aa9V8vKtw3uvPF8YXzuj8Nq7MXAkk//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p><font size="4">The original plan was that the deep purple would be a scarf that was a mixture of knit stitches and purl stitches. This is where I got frustrated and started to doubt if I was cut out to be a knitter. Every time I got to about the fifth or sixth row on that scarf, I would get in a bind. I could not for the life of me figure out what I was doing wrong. It was something with the purl stitch but it has me baffled. After the sixth (or maybe seventh) time of unraveling my work, I decided to find another scarf pattern. This time, I am doing much better. But I am determined to figure out that other pattern! </font></p> <p><font size="6" face="Pea Bandit">The Purl Stitch</font></p> <p><font size="4">On that note, I wanted to link you to another video for the purl stitch. The purl stitch is not hard. My problems above were something with switching between the two and where my yarn was…so don’t let my troubles scare you. I’m pretty sure that my problem is simply lack of experience. A visit with an experienced knitter could probably fix my problem right up!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Anyway, here is a good video on the purl stitch:</font></p><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2UH-htXoBwQ" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><font size="4">Other posts on how I learned to knit:</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/learning-to-knit-casting-on.html">Casting on</a></font></li> <li><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/learning-to-knit-knit-stitch-and.html">The knit stitch and knitting a dishcloth</a></font></li></ul> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/learning%20how%20to%20knit"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="learning how to knit button" border="0" alt="learning how to knit button" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTZcrVqR7YDFm8hnXGeHQnJ1sFFYu0YFqBdeZMPXwl7iU7piztl-qOHq3vewOOqahuIdpDQkhQIYtzOQ6wk-eD6B3tvqBQi-MERKa2JZgDiLJHKn4BT0DvpTEat4isZMBtiElW19Uj5sD//?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a> </font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-25734591974595893902012-11-12T22:03:00.001-06:002012-11-12T22:07:31.593-06:00Menu {November 12 – 17}<p><font size="4"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/11/menu-plan-monday-nov-1212.html"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="mealplanmonday_v2" border="0" alt="mealplanmonday_v2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-I8UkO8xsLsmVNT6x7ALl2VcUz_RKLXAH9CbjSVhYXGxOu5V_GmlDqAfpDCgRQps2rbENsHlNO-KPsbZxZPUiNAPesnEeSIOGwKbGOY3xAINph776xoMd4LVD2SAmaWyR6_ucD77kYWB//?imgmax=800" width="244" height="124"></a> </font></p> <p><font size="4">Tonight we have our first freeze warning here in the deep south. The cold weather moving in makes me crave cold weather comfort foods: chili, soups, and potatoes. Our menu this week reflects my cravings as we enter the cold weather months.</font></p> <p><font size="6" face="Pea Bandit">Dinner menu ~</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="4"><strong><font color="#008000">Monday:</font> </strong>Chicken, mashed potatoes, salad</font></li> <li><font size="4"><strong><font color="#008000">Tuesday:</font> </strong>{<em>David’s birthday celebration meal</em>} Tacos, chips & salsa, poblano chile pepper enchiladas, pinto beans, salad, and bread pudding for dessert (ice cream for the kiddos)</font></li> <li><font size="4"><strong><font color="#008000">Wednesday:</font> </strong>Slow cooker chicken with potatoes & carrots, green beans</font></li> <li><font size="4"><strong><font color="#008000">Thursday:</font> </strong>Homemade pizza night! Cheeseburger and pepperoni pizzas, salad</font></li> <li><font size="4"><strong><font color="#008000">Friday:</font> </strong>Chili with baked potatoes, salad</font></li> <li><font size="4"><strong><font color="#008000">Saturday:</font> </strong>White bean stew, cornbread</font></li></ul> <p><font size="6" face="Pea Bandit">Breakfast menu~</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="4">Oatmeal with fruit/craisins, and walnuts *really want to try it with pumpkin too</font></li> <li><font size="4">Polenta with cheese, oranges</font></li> <li><font size="4">Eggs (fried, scrambled, hard boiled) with toast or biscuits, apples</font></li> <li><font size="4">Pancakes or French toast, with syrup and fruit</font></li> <li><font size="4">Muffins or Quick bread with fruit smoothies</font></li></ul> <p><font size="6" face="Pea Bandit">Lunch menu~</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="4">Hot dogs with chili, side of chips/baked fries, pineapple</font></li> <li><font size="4">Spaghetti, cheese toast, salad, fruit</font></li> <li><font size="4">Chicken noodle soup, grilled cheese</font></li> <li><font size="4">Sandwiches, mac & cheese/noodles, fruit</font></li> <li><font size="4">Fried rice with chicken & veggies, fruit</font></li></ul> <p><font size="6" face="Pea Bandit">Kitchen to-do list~</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="4">bake Amish White bread and whole wheat bread</font></li> <li><font size="4">cook pinto beans and white beans (freeze extras)</font></li> <li><font size="4">make pepper sauce from last of garden peppers</font></li> <li><font size="4">mix up salad dressing</font></li></ul> <p><font color="#008000" size="6" face="Pea Bandit">What’s on your menu this week? </font></p> <p>Thank you, <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/11/menu-plan-monday-nov-1212.html">I’m an Organizing Junkie for the Menu Plan Monday link-up</a>! Visit there to see what others are eating this week. </p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-81639022332401526472012-11-09T10:39:00.001-06:002012-11-09T11:22:45.523-06:00Fall {fun} learning<p><font size="4">I love fall! The actual season is quite short here in the deep south so I grab every opportunity to incorporate fall fun into our learning.</font></p> <p>It may be a little late to squeeze in all of these activities this fall, but I’m going to post them as ideas for next year. Here are some things we have done this fall and some we are planning on doing:</p> <p><font size="6" face="A Year Without Rain"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="November 8, 2012 005" border="0" alt="November 8, 2012 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZomxwqsvrbJ8a3pmw2sNPB2M7Ws_aTvit49zQB5TleD2lBDKikp39VHVyBu-jQi4LNcqRhknNBlQo4cF_h2OiJWfduMy9LxzWVYxjHRwfBiM2wMZvEJLCBOalyTzwh03Nl94Teaer6zAP//?imgmax=800" width="395" height="529"> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="6" face="A Year Without Rain">F is for fall</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">An “F” decorated with falling leaves and a feather. (I haven’t a clue where the feather came from…I guess Evan found it and added it to the paper since it was the same sound. {smile})</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">We also sang <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/2010/10/something-special-music-timefall-leaves/">these fall songs</a> while identifying colors and color words. My kids are partial to the “Leaves are falling, Leaves are falling, One fell on my nose” sang to the tune of Jingle Bells. </font></p> <p align="left"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="October 23, 2012 034" border="0" alt="October 23, 2012 034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbooTIbgnY64JjCewZxnF43BBjU9jBktpaKJ84M-yLqH2_we5F3uueuH5-tHBd0jhe788lNsRiRhSsvJqujiPruNIWCqAehZWX28xWLF5wJJvZxSjayIKHmb6yvwXG-d6P_WLm_pX5EZj//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="6" face="A Year Without Rain">Fun fall counters</font></p> <p><font size="4">We bought these counters from Dollar Tree a few years ago. (But I’m sure they have something similar even now.) They have come in handy for counting, patterning, adding & subtracting, and even multiplying. It’s amazing how something so simple motivates the kids. </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="November 8, 2012 007" border="0" alt="November 8, 2012 007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghStplNmJVAAoDDosHWzFxzRHRMEIf7e-VGrxCPdQ7hVjsIni3Qa3KB9r-oVxsQ3qu2uY4OXlEgC93hjkAB1puOs742bjoPH4mIt61X96XSaFr9taY-dCU_7ixZeW7mDUf5tv1uEgw21j//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_20121029_170557" border="0" alt="IMG_20121029_170557" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Hh8z84bcSDffSIWHgj5xGGmJ7DgOSAc2UcosANrFtZfJQw-tRLR2lSwltPVYnUmJkLZA5VY0TBmTaYg-isPDGNcCLL8souj841lbnP5_ByZNIE7-puMuKiz4mpmNSY5PwHZRKdsmmSFo//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="529"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="6" face="A Year Without Rain">Fall handprint trees</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">My older kids did this in the past and now I’ve done it with my two littles. For the handprint trees, we used brown construction paper, traced the little ones’ hands, and glued it to white construction paper. The little ones used cotton swabs (and fingers) to decorate the trees with falling leaves. I hot glued the trees to some painted frames and hung them in our kitchen. (Note to self: write the date on the pictures before placing in memory boxes.)</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">Other fun fall activities:</font></p> <ul> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4"><a href="http://pinterest.com/adrianedw/october-homeschool/">My October {homeschool} board at Pinterest</a></font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2011/11/fall-traditions.html">Fall sun catchers</a></font></div></li></ul> <p align="left"><font size="4"></font> </p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJniUFIUhEO4rVXHSQHxA04zoIC-XIb5nzpiyYHiUMFTxJ0dDTaNd9pJ62yxV_j_rbuj57vNiIgKG1t88W2D7qU6QkVrvoRPesICypB99TK_BaXK9IpJ327_NJQhlpB5y2T75j4a_8bW77/s1600-h/October%25252016%25252C%2525202012%252520011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="October 16, 2012 011" border="0" alt="October 16, 2012 011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifD_amv0nwf6tScqUfMIXgsDYZyhj6Ti2vBtRMvGYE0mz27XbhLdAcTbaP8-B-IRqJjqicifWNDl1tMmdWCptmWLpfFapUaIy-qqM7SYj1W1xNlF49rbq7GPenWtjsDHMvNAL0o37Gvg05//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"></a> </p> <p align="left"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="October 19, 2012 047" border="0" alt="October 19, 2012 047" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UIQcmHrT7he9Hlb0e9V_mDzbTdiLQuyTQPJA7tlF_NWE_z05DxBAx9EDDasCEMbXHtegh30wQPc7Om0sscNFZeaVMnDv5711zkM6-pJsLwCyhUKzjgCrfL2iIHPfGXZbKoCeObg6JGKf//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="6" face="A Year Without Rain">Pumpkin carving and seed roasting</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">We carved pumpkins this year and roasted the seeds. I had intentions of turning this into a writing lesson for the younger ones but did not. </font></p> <p align="left"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="October 23, 2012 035" border="0" alt="October 23, 2012 035" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlK_4tyH_5hZ6ZxeNrG32DmqFAGyyVSobCDHu8hL2JEDR5ATMbRvfvcaTjJ3TAyr75NZPyXNIo6q2sfp2j3ZbemdoOpThndHXfm5aqWxkLCe2tVM4Ez2Y9A7eSWsevwW_wJYjjzBHV1GA//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="6" face="A Year Without Rain">Apples, apples, apples</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">We did some activities earlier in the fall season with apples. I’ve pinned <a href="http://pinterest.com/adrianedw/september-homeschool/">some great ideas on Pinterest</a>. This picture is our learning board. The board holds vocabulary words, songs, and spelling activities. There is more about our past <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2010/10/apple-fun.html">apple fun here</a>. </font></p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaElvqFrkI8t39FmHU_3Vdt3gu2RRlGfImGcHTkOFVI7K1g7Kai28TebsQEvOlsWLhukwwvFtRRNAWXaKMKUSly9gxPEIbhlgwUyYRK4v2fEJ8y0DOg85LoKpJUhsVKKMKK6iZb3U1m7X/s1600-h/IMAG0133%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMAG0133" border="0" alt="IMAG0133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZJS29jF5QC7a8jJTAkEI8KqkIiUCTQofm8AXjPVyYnOOOPX1Jgv_tlqkwD5DylqwfDFlWUpGWx5x5LDFtwjsjI1KcYcuxh3PN3SE52RzfpupgkzhrGb5p2-Sg-Gf9LTS1GvGKoMMS6xL//?imgmax=800" width="408" height="529"></a><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="November 8, 2012 002" border="0" alt="November 8, 2012 002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bT6jbbNCo3ihG4MdPXQiT8hWQiWbaS4jCbPHK9KkVAOfLZZMV0fynGh3VY7wFMIEYIj2z948m_27rt-wcc0PeWZgnAgsHwGKyZtP43qEk4VgIRKcvh1lfT8pj_sdSUwRbOxpZp5iAHxe//?imgmax=800" width="529" height="398"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="6" face="A Year Without Rain">Thanksgiving</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">This coming week, our children (older and younger) will be focusing on Thanksgiving. Here are some of the ideas that we will be using:</font></p> <ul> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2009/11/lapbooking.html">Thanksgiving lapbook</a></font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2009/11/home-school-month-of-november.html">Book list for Thanksgiving</a></font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2009/11/preschool-t-is-for-turkey.html">T is for turkey</a> (I’m thinking we will do the the feet and hand turkeys.)</font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2009/11/tree-of-thankfulness.html">Tree of thankfulness</a></font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4"><a href="http://www.meetpenny.com/2011/11/free-thanksgiving-unit-study-lesson-plan-printables/">Free Thanksgiving unit from Meet Penny</a></font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4"><a href="http://applesandabcs.blogspot.com/2012/10/turkey-time-craftivity.html">Thanksgiving writing prompts</a></font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4"><a href="http://pinterest.com/adrianedw/november-homeschool/">November {homeschool} Pinterest board</a></font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4"><a href="http://www.hsclassroom.net/2012/11/teaching-your-kids-to-be-thankful/">Be Thankful copywork and notebooking printables</a></font></div></li></ul> <p align="left"><font size="4"></font> </p> <p align="left"><font color="#008000" size="6" face="A Year Without Rain">What are your favorite fall fun learning activities?</font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#008000" size="6" face="A Year Without Rain"></font> </p> <p align="left"><font color="#008000" size="6" face="A Year Without Rain"></font> </p> <p align="left"><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-16897415390038863122012-11-08T23:02:00.001-06:002012-11-08T23:02:30.494-06:00{31 days} The why {pt. 2} and the wrap up<p><font size="4">I promised part 2 of why I was <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/31%20days%20%7B2012%7D">challenging myself to getting dressed for 31 days</a>. And since <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/11/random-life-and-such.html">life happened</a>, I’m doing this way later than I had intended.</font></p> <p><font size="4">In <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-1731-why-behind-it-allpart-1.html">part 1 of “the why behind it all”,</a> I spoke of how my life has really lacked discipline here lately. Unfortunately, that discipline has spilled over into many areas of my life: what I eat, how often I exercise, my sleep, and even taking care of our home.</font></p> <p><font size="4">It was my hope that focusing on getting up and getting dressed everyday would help me to “tame” one undisciplined area of my life and that, in turn, would cause me to become more disciplined in the other areas.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Today, I will tackle part 2 which is a little harder for me to write. I always want to be real and open on my blog. But y’all…I’m southern. And sometimes we southern women are known to gloss over and candy coat the ugly stuff. It’s just what <strike>we</strike> I do. But life gets ugly sometimes and I believe that putting it out there for someone else to read, may very possibly help me and maybe some others in the process.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/31%20days%20%7B2012%7D">So why did I decide to get dressed from head to toe for 31 days</a>?</font></p> <p><font size="5"><strong>Depression</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4">Yes, the old ugly “D” word. That’s why.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I’ve only been officially diagnosed with depression once. After the birth of our third child, I struggled with the “baby blues” (or so I thought) for over 8 months! Finally, I realized that this was something more and went to the doctor. She diagnosed me with late-onset postpartum depression. I figured that since I now knew what depression felt like that surely…surely, I would recognize it should it strike again.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Wrong, wrong, wrong</font></p> <p><font size="4">It took me a while to notice it, but these past few months, I realized that I was sinking again. There was a summer of sickness, more changes (big changes) than I care to count, broken relationships, anger, and a bitterness that I was dealing with. These things were taking a toll on my mental & emotional states. I was finding it hard to get up and get dressed and to take care of my family.</font></p> <p><font size="4">What really sealed the deal for me was when I didn’t want to sing any more. If you know me, then you know that music is the very heartbeat of my soul. To not want to sing is totally opposite of who I am. I <em>knew </em>there was a problem when the songs wouldn’t come anymore.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>So I’m making changes. I don’t want to stay here with the “D” word anymore.</strong> </font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/31%20days%20%7B2012%7D">I started with getting up and getting dressed. Head to toe. Earrings and hair</a>.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I’m walking again with a friend. We are going to start running. We are shooting for a 5K in the future.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I am singing. And I lead children’s choir. Love, love, love!</font></p> <p><font size="4">I am spending time with friends who inspire me. We’ve gone to lunches. I love to hang out with my walking buddy because she always makes me laugh. We’re texting and messaging. (Many of us are busy moms so sometimes that’s all we’ve got!)</font></p> <p><font size="4">My husband and I make sure we have “us” time. He watches Downton Abbey with me. (Love that man!) We laugh and talk often.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I’m journaling through the Bible. I’m in the book of James right now. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I’m <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/knitting">creating things</a>. I love that!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>All of these things are filling my soul and squeezing out the big “D”. </strong></font></p> <p><font size="4">I feel so much better than I did at the beginning of the 31 days challenge. <strong>I don’t get out of the yoga pants every day. But, for the most part, I’m getting up and putting one foot in front of the other.</strong> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/31%20days%20%7B2012%7D"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="gettingdressedseriesbutton" border="0" alt="gettingdressedseriesbutton" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxF1mePv-kVPxukA58E5Z9ui-z7i9KudXc4XeUt0ACrEXBcRiA3gchduhMV-XuVsWAZdWteIYWwJjbRRRbfK_oDcdtQgqMWFI37sg_LYjL6RtZamzjQRQoH8DZimLFZIUOcjeVC6SpDMUK//?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a> </p> <p><em>*Just a little note on depression. When I was first diagnosed with postpartum depression, I did take medicine to help myself get better. My doctor and I talked later about what to do if I felt like I was becoming depressed again. Her advice: eat well, exercise, reduce stress, get rest, and do things that you enjoy. Of course, she said to come back and see her if those things didn’t seem to help. All of this to say, if you feel like you are depressed, your doctor may be able to help you or give you some advice on what will help. Please note that what I have written above is what works for me. </em></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-42311520873358607912012-11-04T23:32:00.001-06:002012-11-04T23:44:00.738-06:00an autumn daybook<p><strong><a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="simple-woman-daybook-large" border="0" alt="simple-woman-daybook-large" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-tCaObnu6BR6cC6q1BZKFYxiOtEfEdsQcjM0PQJpd6Sm40OyPA-wd45x4DiHimgrIH1qxnnKOwwkKDUOBFyMHdsSUeatl-my13TxBIxW-lDs1rLIln2QwPxuxWQtJceiq-TCrkZL8He4//?imgmax=800" width="174" height="244"></a> </strong></p> <p><strong>Outside my window::: </strong>It is dark. Today was the first day after we turned the clocks back. It takes me a few days to adjust to the early darkness.</p> <p><br><strong>I am thinking::: </strong>I am tired. And I am tired for the same reason as the previous few sentences: the time change.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_20121016_111539" border="0" alt="IMG_20121016_111539" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhOyh3bVw2cazkx8HsVdbWigoKr_JuDK7dksYL_HfbgVUsruXXD6PPaf_AA5GBJI5ftB9M9W2Ml2vb4INUVYcm75gtxtZ3XRq28ZasgPCdvJ6_5aPb-mrUGmgEebXtUuTX8jSu6b43rWh//?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"> </p> <p><strong>I am thankful::: </strong>I love the month of November. I strive to live a life of thankfulness always but November always forces me to really focus on the blessings in my life. I’m recording my blessings daily on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter. (See my Twitter link in the side bar if you’d like to check it out.)</p> <p><br><strong>In the kitchen::: </strong>There’s a peck of peppers that need to be pickled. I also am in the mood to start making homemade bread again. yum…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3uWxJdovretpRDAzWxrjaHZ0n6lIvfJObxCW_xbI37rEHJFkmsUOwcaMfUgoq5YSha6rEbZY9db3ZvQ_FW5rJeUFQzhOGTF7lsqYXbpkSsARJDG9ZFdjWzup7FAfbmRRc60Hm6NmFo5-/s1600-h/IMG_20121029_093337%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_20121029_093337" border="0" alt="IMG_20121029_093337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-gzc0Z_WPuNLmEnr9A5FnP-kBoBB53iDtkO3Yx8Pu-KDsdy2vFmq3sLvIhAlOWhg6ox83Id40ky-pxMgMNMq_QyJYWxNdGhp3Y-Td3OICiH5LjwPzoWHSuTKVrjBRfkgCANNVN3G7Zh1//?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"></a> </p> <p><br><strong>I am wearing:::</strong> <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-of-getting-dressed.html">those holey yoga pants</a> and a cozy sweater. The pants even have a brand new hole. I just can’t throw them away yet! {smile}</p> <p><br><strong>I am creating::: </strong> dishcloths with my <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/learning%20how%20to%20knit">new found hobby of knitting</a>. Love it! </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_20121024_160756" border="0" alt="IMG_20121024_160756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwtgvRJJ6PpiKYUn0rqYdEaoka7Zjb9F8skKwKj7tpdyMI89YL6vv6Ve3nbrvDWsEhxpXQg4gPE4ZfsladY8F1_1YIQjo9KcviYKv80_ZzwbYxOv1ya90ELb9bT6QR6oWIV5xZy2ergCD//?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"> </p> <p><br><strong>I am going::: </strong>to start running with my friend who said, and I quote, “I do not run unless something is chasing me.” And it was her idea too! She even said that maybe we will run a 5K one day. I’m super excited! </p> <p><br><strong>I am wondering::: </strong>how to get everything done on Monday that needs to be done. Guess it will be a practice of eating that elephant one bite at a time. </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_20121102_113516" border="0" alt="IMG_20121102_113516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BgFF1-HlrOvIyTBiYfG-SULj4jyJ8hWx06SZJwSj5FFKnw4td_176YrhLxFNdX3WhLuHt2tGHGaSnODXNQehx7a3VbAbUj5dBQkudWAfB5uOhZht-_H39dtGnhFViRmKbTeogvRN8yO8//?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"> <br><strong>I am reading:::</strong> <em>Still </em>reading <u><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/09/breathing-changing-and-knitting.html">Breathe</a></u>. I need to start rereading <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Not-Fan-Becoming-Completely-Committed/dp/0310331935/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352092285&sr=8-1&keywords=not+a+fan">Not a Fan</a></u> since my husband will be teaching a class centered around that book. </p> <p><br><strong>I am hoping::: </strong>that I can find a little time to finish watching season two of <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/">Downton Abbey</a> on Hulu this week. I <em>need </em>to know what happens! {ha!} </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_20121029_170557" border="0" alt="IMG_20121029_170557" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt2Viaw57tztRSeFDc4D5r2wc04pxCG5zQuGGaNwxHb5E-j3rfGMZ9rc6ymEFp9VxSEy4o7tsb6AbHo2CLL87bgkkAoXIeESuEONgYhVovGL86z1ADzUN6DlV0rtznKl-nvWmAmYyyxt9//?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"> </p> <p><br><strong>I am looking forward to:::</strong> Tuesday’s presidential election. I’m ready to hear and read about something else for a while. </p> <p><br><strong>I am learning:::</strong> That my style has changed as a homeschooler. I’ve always been eclectic in my teaching philosophies but now I see I am leaning more towards Charlotte Mason and relaxed homeschooling. I’m quite enjoying it too!</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_20121016_182427" border="0" alt="IMG_20121016_182427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIMX8PufOrxbxRShvYHMvO3gfIQoH4ql1xThElsRNFNLwOY4Alm_8QNZUKyz3GBxVrGEU7wUePderZVnLndAQMqW-Ygn9x0FPgJYysB7K5SXr0jiWnqv7Vvpk3XYCWK13eXOgZEgYAjX5//?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"> </p> <p><br><strong>Around the house::: </strong>Fall makes me want to tidy and ready the house. It also makes me want to start big projects. I’m eyeing paint colors and possible kitchen upgrades…not sure when the projects will be started but collecting ideas for the future. </p> <p><br><strong>I am pondering::: </strong>my mind keeps returning to the thoughts of how we humans can call something that is wrong, right and call something that is right, wrong. It completely boggles my mind. And I realize that this is all very vague. I’m just not up for controversy right now so I’ll leave it vague. </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_20121024_161256" border="0" alt="IMG_20121024_161256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytGWEYspAWOuPtmWBISUS0QiDtqwDT73xK5RX56-wLd6gugBWdpKVwu06q65NTFkhmTrWF_ut1MC_m4Axhe7mCk8APHKTBTHdFygHCSFJpIrEjsDAN7C4eAm9pgEgboomw4sRmntItdhG//?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"> </p> <p><strong>A favorite quote for today::: <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/10/31/164030712/dear-little-girl-sorry-we-made-you-cry-about-bronco-bamma-and-mitt-romney">“I’m tired of Bronco Bamma and Mitt Romney.”</a></strong> {This totally cracked me up! And just for explanation – what made me laugh was her calling the president Bronco Bamma…not her crying or all of the comments on that particular post. For the most part, I ignored the comments. I know who I am voting for and am trying to block out as much of the campaigning & yah-yahing as I can.}</p> <p><br><strong>One of my favorite things::: </strong>cozy sweaters. </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_20121029_175701" border="0" alt="IMG_20121029_175701" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOpXFU3fa8HrvP_105ycwySRO1yBfFjiiggq-FX6B-sdEdGHBkm9t6hgDjTYak8cUHOl-cDqHvSdY1kkkBvZB1q2wSVnEyUCkPSQaYtEKdYCFB5ZIozDl0cAEm2QTF3GFrMU4tKTwHBL2//?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"> <br><strong>A few plans for the rest of the week::: </strong>a Sunday School party, voting for President of the United States, swim team practices, running with a friend, camping with a friend for one boy, church camp for one very excited little girl, and the birthday of my wonderful husband – a busy week! </p> <p><br><strong>A peek into my day:::</strong></p> <p>The pictures are just snapshots of our days from my Instagram account. If you have that app on your phone, I am adrianedw if you’d like to check out my pictures. I also post these pictures to my Twitter account. (See little link on the sidebar.) </p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>To read other daybooks, be sure to visit <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">The Simple Woman’s Daybook</a>. </p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-68314066866501382862012-11-03T21:29:00.001-05:002012-11-03T21:29:57.781-05:00random {life} and such<p><font size="4">Life…</font></p> <p><font size="4">it’s active, noisy, busy… just to name a few.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Right now, I can hear the LSU game playing on the TV beside me and the chanting of my older boys as they say, “LSU! LSU!”</font></p> <p><font size="4">Little ones are in the process of getting ready for bed and, as you can probably imagine, it’s a little wild because of the game and normal kid stuff. </font></p> <p><font size="4">The kids filter in one by one behind me as they bring their outfits of choice for Sunday church to our room to be ironed for the morning. Of course, they stop to talk to me or look at the pictures on the computer…as they leave, I turn back to the computer and try to remember what it was I was wanting to say.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Somewhere in the house, I hear someone singing loudly at the top of his or her lungs and the phone ringing too.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Welcome to my crazy life! </font></p> <p><font size="4">This craziness is what has kept me from the computer these past few days. First, it was costumes needing to be made but that later became a tired mom who just wanted to unplug at the end of the night.</font></p> <p><font size="4">So to catch you up, here are a few things we’ve been up to the past few weeks:</font></p> <p><font size="4">#1 Remember <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-2331-early-to-bed-early-to-rise.html">those tutus</a> I had to make? They were finished and part of our costumes for the fall festival at our church. Here we have rednecks, a tooth fairy, and a princess. (Nevermind the fact that my guys dress like this all the time!) </font></p> <p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMAG0251" border="0" alt="IMAG0251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv7V9Z2K3W_4dRS59EFkdloE5zBvkRESuJ1HXW2USmzMHM9ZZZBClu5aTK_9Gu0DyY49Q944vfx4D0JtCD24iCvHdi1zyexhZlFzp4CPByO1a4so3V6vPBDLCBHc4TUDLb6NvrmxY2ahK//?imgmax=800" width="304" height="388"> </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMAG0252" border="0" alt="IMAG0252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfQuuX9la6_xa57wIkbBdcXp9naKQIFBCuvzeit_4gAFM1gSix3Tvs8ANzhVXDrrPEBOQIDQuQ9YmQv0ek4bzZ65c5ECclcmIUxfMI4i6S4rSsN2fFpzLxOcb7XNQSX2aF8H1G450GfNR//?imgmax=800" width="304" height="438"> </p> <p>#2 I kind of abandoned the <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/31%20days%20%7B2012%7D">31 days series</a>. Sorry. After the costumes and just general busyness, most nights found me just wanting to sit and be still. Sometimes I need that. I still want to wrap up the series so be on the look out for that.</p> <p>(Just for the record, I stopped writing at this point of composing this blog post and read books, helped littles get ready for bed, tucked kiddos into bed, and picked up some of the house. life…{smile})</p> <p>#3 The garden called me to come out and work this week. Since the older boys were away for the week, it was easier to get outside and work because our school load is a lot easier without a week of 7th grade and 9th grade.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoqJMUUOmaee_yeHZiXtLpmvFKyLAfLEssDSTBOTso-nerPILVD7PKlGHfHKjhXFQdTAemOHauxPbLRzHlNaA7mFFsRKnYgBZTvHExBuEkpOpbAstlGi1CXhyz82HsFhdDsKH8fUZot_7/s1600-h/IMG_20121026_095739%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_20121026_095739" border="0" alt="IMG_20121026_095739" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FTGOj3zM0zYwdqQ58OVwND852vWW2XfGAqdYOCH59HECtPzS1N6XwY5dfZm3edE1FuMbayoozNxCL_57WSGUcWRYLkK0D48rvT-7Hy5Z7-1_5UtDdfupC4HbOdl0ndSG5CP8RrLgmuSP//?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"></a><font size="4">We picked the rest of the peppers, planted carrots & broccoli, and put some of the beds to rest for the winter.</font> </p> <p>#4 Lots of peppers meant that I spent a few hours in the kitchen making pepper jelly. I still need to make pepper sauce with the other peppers.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="October 31, 2012 008" border="0" alt="October 31, 2012 008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3X9z1Ela7qvSWwMBaw63rVdgxNxcGe3ZgGtzpydvjiOs7Htjj9TItZTm5R1dwC6_8c_8G9jh15hb9h5DhZfXWorxwKaZvKcSkcdDFXzqbWcIfvdFsWeG6rNh5O9m4NW4fx1GaFbf9Ftg8//?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"> </p> <p><font size="4">#5 I’ve been documenting my days on instagram using my phone. If you’d like, you can check out my <a href="http://instagram.com/">instagram account</a> (my user name is adrianedw) or my new <a href="https://twitter.com/simplyadriane">Twitter account</a> (Adriane W or simplyadriane). Yes, I finally got on that Twitter train after all my feet dragging. I mainly use these two social medias for pictures here and there. It’s a quick and easy way to document my days when I’m short on time. </font></p> <p><font size="4">#6 The older boys took a break from school this past week. However, they spent the week working with their grandpa. That’s one of the perks of homeschooling. My boys were able to lend a hand when needed. It’s not that we consider the school work not important. It’s just that we can make school fit in around life. I like that. The little ones did language arts and math everyday. This coming week we will get back into history and science. (Incidentally, our school district will be taking time off this coming week and we will not.)</font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_20121025_094641" border="0" alt="IMG_20121025_094641" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MoP0HyKhJhBQNpfRA7-ySY2iZXYFmRkbt5CuMdACBDvIOvoacozlf-wmqmCMWmx3MbT2D-J9gQAqv7VxjFhLzNJS1rlkDqPcReIEH1g805q17swtOaaWB9Yl5gvP6r6RJFwuX0GkOaRI//?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"> </p> <p><font size="4">#7 Finally, I have started a new blog. It’s not even remotely ready to open up yet but soon, I will be posting there instead. Until then, I will be posting here. More on that soon too. {I hope, anyway…}</font></p> <p><font size="4">I need to start ironing and getting myself in bed soon. I hope to make this extra hour of sleep tonight work to my advantage! </font></p> <p><font size="6" face="Rage Italic">See y’all soon!</font></p> <p><font size="6" face="Rage Italic">Adriane</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-84158765475538629652012-10-23T22:09:00.001-05:002012-10-23T22:09:59.217-05:0031 days: 23/31 {early to bed, early to rise}<p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="October 23, 2012 019" border="0" alt="October 23, 2012 019" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUUUi1S6gL3DsLiI0wU6puv4kq0qP8n5zmiwoWQe_VK085mWEPxaWAYcptiCjn4AEzL1nD3DOqEWw-N4ooyp0VmEkGojSzYAQC2aTlBzMQPCKYWar4yqEgcy9zGRBTcH6aR8NPRfLgT0H//?imgmax=800" width="554" height="373"> </p> <p align="center">What do you call a mom of five with a towel wrapped around her eyes walking around the yard amidst swarming kids and repeating the word “<font size="5" face="Pea Two Peas and Their Pod">bat</font>”?</p> <p align="center">Do you call her:</p> <p align="center">weird?</p> <p align="center">or do you say:</p> <p align="center">she’s finally lost her marbles?</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="October 23, 2012 021" border="0" alt="October 23, 2012 021" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfwUKjPaU8KIoo7jhzBBt1ZOCYaHUmS8lUOkq3AU294slQAMn7ve7nSkFic3jxELjxEo5D2w-VgCht-kjTiZ2JAITgRrrlDlteXoYacPEdgvsBRfoQmue9pU1AFOeVUZAMGoT4sXdHTZ6//?imgmax=800" width="554" height="455"></p> <p align="center"><em>{My hair dried in all of its natural wavy frizz before I had a chance to straighten it this morn!}</em></p> <p align="center">So what would you say if you found out that she was teaching her littlest kids about echolocation because they are studying bats? And she was the bat and they were the bugs? </p> <p align="center">You would probably say:</p> <p align="center">Oh, she’s a homeschooler!</p> <p align="center">Life is always interesting around here, I tell you!</p> <p align="center"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="October 23, 2012 013" border="0" alt="October 23, 2012 013" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqBmzm2JjlHt0HrDhuF7qwh9pznif2zW-GKg0udmVx-1fD3iAq1DyFExbf13h9sAyOe4NgIvVQtmod7ZEM3GTnn2d6LAHjzZuuDm-YvJyuV-_U-vMo4Pq0r5z5bbWbC0ljLIuYQ2xCgOJ//?imgmax=800" width="504" height="420"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4">These past 23 days of getting dressed from head to toe have brought about many changes. One change is that I can not be like a bat. Whereas a bat stays awake at night, I am learning (relearning, really) that I must get to bed earlier if I am to be up before the kids and have the time that I need to start the morning without stress. For me, getting dressed as much as possible and spending some time with God in Bible reading starts the morning off so much better than when those things are not done.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/31%20days%20%7B2012%7D"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="gettingdressedseriesbutton" border="0" alt="gettingdressedseriesbutton" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QJgA0YYwgtkOFeS8pk1xuKPPMQlTHhYH6l-16Of1P1g78KizjXIBSm-1VA2ejYXle1hUVkis3x2GoOdYG1CDeL6lLdQHrcWO99gr-3Hnac469Ke_y5Pj6di-MAoIzDgwf-6_rx0TeTYy//?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a> </p> <p align="center">Are you new here and wondering what I’m talking about? I’m taking the 31 day challenge. Read the <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-of-getting-dressed.html">original post here</a>. Please click the button above to see all of the posts. </p> <p align="center"><em>Little note: I am up to my eyeballs in tuille (sp) and making tu-tus for two very special girls. In the mean time, on my computer sits the beginnings of preschool, homeschool, decorating, gardening, and knitting posts. Soon and very soon, those posts will be completed and appear here. But it may have to wait…until after I surface from the sea of tuille and tu-tus!</em></p> <p align="center"></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-5458242608827783092012-10-23T00:00:00.000-05:002012-10-23T00:00:00.144-05:0031 days: 22/31 {getting dressed is easy to do}<p><font size="4">I know I promised <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-1731-why-behind-it-allpart-1.html">the part 2 of the why I’m doing a 31 days of getting dressed challenge</a>. But I’m too tired to think like that tonight. I hope y’all understand. This momma is tired!</font></p> <p><font size="4">So I thought I’d show you how easy it is becoming to get dressed from head to toe and to make it look a little more dressed up than normal.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="October 22, 2012 016" border="0" alt="October 22, 2012 016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7d-DTv_1zh73Kk32hKtEzykmPVFROmVdbvN-NQ9y9ESWC_umzs0HDnniAteAKC7koiUpiH_d9GFSf9lK_eDCQ7tjf_YRa3MzzIKNUH38B0K_gjtne3KYcqzJmcM5BLDQfbxRgJuM1CLS0//?imgmax=800" width="313" height="533"> </p> <p><strong><u><font size="4">The basics</font></u></strong></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-of-getting-dressed-831.html">Last night, I laid out</a> a grey v-neck t-shirt that needed little ironing and a pair of jeans. Super easy, comfy clothes for a day of homeschooling and housework.</font></p> <p><strong><u><font size="4">Plus a little bit of pizazz</font></u></strong></p> <p><font size="4">Since the kids had swim team practice, I added a cardi, some drop earrings, and a $1 red necklace from the dollar jewelry store (to add color) and my mary janes. I love to wear layers and a cardigan just makes me feel more pulled together. I also cuffed the jeans for a different look and it because it was hot y’all!</font></p> <p><strong><u><font size="4">Easy, breezy dressed for the day</font></u></strong></p> <p>This outfit was so easy to pull together (seriously, 5 minutes or less) and is an easy every day outfit for around the house & running errands.</p> <p><font size="5" face="Rage Italic"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/search/label/31%20days%20%7B2012%7D"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="gettingdressedseriesbutton" border="0" alt="gettingdressedseriesbutton" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3lGob1CLpcuJLr5bWOcrmgi5sPeq7z9iCBkvHu0KP0ksCeO_6RC-VSOUKasX5KjqS3QDdLh9fPRJbSHAj-NVAf_OIkgK44CpV0fqyCM-T-LxO541dWSijAI5qE3bLAiGGCLE67s4EwB7//?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a> To read my other 31 days of getting dressed posts, click the button. If you’re wondering why I’m doing this, please visit <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-of-getting-dressed.html">here</a> and <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-1731-why-behind-it-allpart-1.html">here</a>. </font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873919629381342545.post-89222057285513196352012-10-22T21:38:00.001-05:002012-10-22T21:38:21.060-05:00menu plan {October 22 – 26}<p><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/10/menu-plan-monday-october-2212.html"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="mealplanmonday_v2" border="0" alt="mealplanmonday_v2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBhL8BYLIXXtAO1BJ_cZEYKM0LieY2jyDMFx3i6B9oFZzfo_3ZiLBZlbwprEXM5ImTOe_O3LIKVaZwwMHlDko0uclq32jSvVi8aVLF-APMRh-3Sgg3TFvJdCUOaDVjaHzeom-AfGGYdBS//?imgmax=800" width="354" height="179"></a> </p> <p><font size="4">We went through the past week without a menu plan. Ask me how <em>that</em> went…</font></p> <p><font size="4">Too much money spent and chaos…that’s how that went.</font></p> <p><font size="4">This week, we have a menu plan! And I’m expecting a much easier week in the kitchen.</font></p> <p><strong><u><font size="4">Breakfasts</font></u></strong></p> <ul> <li><font size="4">eggs with toast/<a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/01/recipes-angel-biscuits-and-pancakes.html">biscuits</a>/or banana bread, fruit</font></li> <li><font size="4">oatmeal with fruit</font></li> <li><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/01/recipes-angel-biscuits-and-pancakes.html">pancakes</a> with fruit</font></li></ul> <p><strong><u><font size="4">Lunches (serve with carrots/salad/slaw and fruit)</font></u></strong></p> <ul> <li><font size="4">spaghetti</font></li> <li><font size="4">hot dogs, mac & cheese</font></li> <li><font size="4">sandwiches with chips or noodles</font></li> <li><font size="4">chicken tacos</font></li></ul> <p><font size="4"><strong><u>Dinners</u></strong></font></p> <ul> <li><font size="4"> <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2012/07/stretching-8-pork-loin.html">pork loin</a>, sweet potatoes, peas, cabbage</font></li> <li><font size="4">chicken and dumplings, cole slaw, <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2011/01/rolls.html">rolls</a></font></li> <li><font size="4">fried rice with pork, stir-fry veggies</font></li> <li><font size="4"><a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2010/11/eating-for-less-challenge-day-2.html">chicken & sausage gumbo</a>, cole slaw, <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2011/01/rolls.html">rolls</a></font></li> <li><font size="4">eat out (fall festival)</font></li></ul> <p><strong><u><font size="4">Sweet treats/snacks</font></u></strong></p> <ul> <li><font size="4">sugar cookies</font></li> <li><font size="4">popcorn/salted or kettle corn</font></li> <li><font size="4">banana bread</font></li> <li><font size="4">carrot chips with <a href="http://lifeinawhitehouseonpennsylvaniaavenue.blogspot.com/2011/04/garden-harvests-and-recipe.html">ranch</a> dip</font></li> <li><font size="4">peanut butter fold-overs and/or fruit (the old stand-by!)</font></li></ul> <p><font color="#008000" size="6" face="Rage Italic">What are y’all eating this week?</font></p> <p><font color="#008000" size="6" face="Rage Italic"></font> </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4">Check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2012/10/menu-plan-monday-october-2212.html">more menus over at Organized Junkie</a>!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Adrianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03217526453009599484noreply@blogger.com0