Simple Woman's Daybook - April, May, and June 2017

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook for April, May, and June 2017.

Outside my Window...it is presently a cool overcast day.  It is a great day to home-school.  I usually don't turn the fireplace on in April...but I did today for a little while.  I think we have global cooling in Maryland because it is June when I type this next sentence and it is still cooler than usual. 

Finally, today: June 13th, we are having some sunny hot weather. A wonderful home-school father and his sons are putting in a new back deck for us.  I might have to give them some popsicles later to cool them off.

I am Thinking...that I hope the Lord guides the progress of my children.  

Colin/26 - Receiving his Ph.D. in Engineering and this fall going to live with some Franciscan Monks in New York to help serve the homeless for a short period. He expressed that he does not want to become a priest nor has he given up on girls.  Therefore, we will see where the Holy Spirit leads him! 

Brandyn/25 - Living at home to finish up his Nursing Degree at the local community college. Also working part time at University of Maryland in Baltimore Hospital. 

Kristen/21 - Just transitioned from University of Maryland to Montgomery College to finish up her Nursing Degree.  She will be going on a mission trip this summer to Latin America and working as a lifeguard sub at the local pool.  

Claire/17 - Attending University of Nebraska in the fall to begin her degree program in early childhood education.  We are currently attending her high school graduation celebrations.  She is on swim team and life guarding at the local pool for her summer job.

Patrick/10 - Continuing to finish up 5th grade home-school lessons and participate in swim team and soccer.

I am Thankful...for the deacon at our local parish as he communicated with my brother who has colon cancer to see if the Church can assist him in any way while he is getting treatment. That was in April.  Now it is June and they should offer him Prayers of the Sick sacrament.  

I am also thankful that my fifth grader was able to speed up his completion of his fourth quarter home-school material. Now he is basically finishing up just reading and vocabulary.  He is working on a book report about Saint John Bosco by Catherine Beebe.  He said that he may choose this Saint for his Confirmation name. Right now he is outside at recess playing with a neighbor.

In the Kitchen...We had pork chops, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob.  That was in April.  In June, Brandyn helped me make up my own seasoning for the pork chops.  It turned out very good.  

Last night, June 12th, my hubby barbecued chicken and potatoes.  I love the way potatoes taste when they are barbecued. Although I didn't have dinner last night as my stomach did not feel so good. 

I am Wearing...Black sweats with a blue tee and grey and pink jacket.  Cozy clothes to snuggle indoors on this rainy day.  That was in April.  Now (in June) I'm wearing black jeans, short sleeved blouse, black sweater, and flip flops. Today, June 13th, I'm in shorts as it is very hot today.

I am Creating...a simple craft to have for my journal writing class and a yummy dessert for the end of the year celebration for our home-school coop. That was in April.  

In June, I am continuing to develop ideas for my journal writing class.

I am Looking Forward to...sunny and warm weather with the swim team starting up for our two youngest children and life guarding positions for my daughters.  The swim team pasta dinner is this Friday evening.  I am making Creamy Pesto-Chicken Casserole.

I am Hearing...three of my kids and the dog fooling around and playing in the background with hubby talking on the phone about college to my daughter at University of Maryland.  That was in April.  

Now it is June and I was the first one up today.  It is 8:00 a.m. and I hear a couple others beginning to rise. Today, June 13th, I hear the men and boys working on the deck.

Around the House...In April, we finally cleared out much of the clutter in our basement, got new walls and new floor with some book shelves too.  It looks much better.  We will be getting a new air conditioning and new deck in June.

I am Praying...for my brother who has colon cancer. I am also praying for my mother who is very worried.  I am also praying for myself that I do not have any setbacks or recurring issues with my illness as I have recently. I am currently receiving some treatment. I am also praying for my oldest son who is over in Sweden for his career.

One of My Favorite Things...was celebrating Easter with the family and taking a weekend trip to Ocean City, Maryland.  That was April.  Now in June we are busy with Claire's graduation celebrations.  Here is a pic to share:

A Few Plans for Next Week...finish my craft for my journal writing class and turn in religious education registration to Mother Seton Parish.

Here are some recent pics to share of one of the graduation events my family attended for my daughter:

Simple Woman's Daybook - March 2017

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook for March 2017.

Outside my Window...it is peaceful and the birds are chirping. There is a slight cloud coverage and the temp may be around 60. 

I am Thinking...that I hope my neighbor likes the Reese's Peanut Butter and Milk Chocolate Chip Layered Cheesecake I made for them as an apology for asking them to greet me with a hello if they see me close by. I thought they were purposely ignoring me when they didn't say hello or good bye to me. I've developed too much anxiety about being rejected. I need to stop depending on others to fulfill my need to belong and feel welcomed. Although, I am teaching my own son to greet their parents as a matter of respect and good manners.

I am Thankful...for the fun family gathering we had this past weekend. Here are some pics:

In the Kitchen...Last night I made Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Loin Filet, New Potato Bake, and Fresh Green Beans

I am Wearing...black sweat pants and a green and black tee.


I am Creating...A lesson to teach the first through third graders at our homeschool coop on the Wright Brothers and Aerodynamics.

I am Looking Forward to...not having to do too much shopping. The crowds in stores around here seem to be very serious and unfriendly recently.  It is very depressing.

I am Hearing...a nicer tone from our local pastor.  He often had an angry tone and suddenly his tone changed for the better this past weekend.  I hope it continues.

Around the House...We finally have a nice downstairs where our children can bring their friends to hang out.  We have a new floor and wall put in and cleared much of the clutter out.  There is more clutter to clear out too.  We also got some waterproofing done.

I am Praying...for my brother who might have colon cancer. I am also praying for my mother who is very worried.

One of My Favorite Things...was seeing my son's new conversion van he bought.  We call it the "scooby doo" van. Here is a pic:

A Few Plans for Next Week...get some moles removed off of my face.

Here is a recent pic to share of my hubby and daughter at the father daughter dance with her school :

Simple Woman's Daybook - January 2017

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook for January 2017.

Outside my Window...it is overcast with a slight breeze today and a bit cold.  Our dog cries when she sees our neighbor's dog running in her yard inside the electric fenced in area.  Our dog is put on a leash.  I've been asking my husband if we can get an electric fence for our back yard so that we can let Bella run around and get some exercise.  He thinks it is a waste of money.  Say some prayers that my husband will understand that our dog, Bella, needs to get exercise too.

I am Thinking...that this month will be a joyful month since all five of our children will be home with us.  I never get to see my oldest son who will soon have his Ph.D. in engineering.  His lease is up on his house and he will be staying with us during part of his last six months of research at college for his Ph.D.  I've been making him some chicken fried rice so that he has something healthy to eat when he gets hungry.  My second oldest son, who is a good cook, gave me the idea to cook with soy sauce.  It worked out quite well.  In fact, he is going to make dinner tonight for our family since he is on break from college.  Here is his meal:  

Brandyn's yummy dinner

I was able to have lunch with my oldest daughter yesterday and she filled me in on all her friendships in college.  She met a nice boy recently and he sounds like a real sweetheart.  She just returned from a Focus Mission Trip to San Antonio.  

My son and his girlfriend are so cute together.  Here they are working together to make sushi.  They have their college education to finish before they settle down together.  Please say a prayer so that their relationship continues to grow with the blessings of Christ.

Cute couple!

I am Thankful...for the relationships my children have established as siblings.  It is so good to see my youngest and oldest bond together as I know they are very good for each other...especially at this time.  My two daughters fill our home with tons of giggling and laughter.  It is wonderful to see their relationship develop.  My second oldest's girlfriend fits right in with them too.  I am also thankful for scouting for my son and husband.  Here is some recent pics:

Husband as cub master in same troop my father began years ago.

In the Kitchen...Last night I made pork chops, potatoes, and broccoli with cheese.  Tonight my son is cooking dinner.  We will all be pleasantly surprised.  This luxury can take place while he is on break from school.  He returns to college classes on the 25th of January.

My little scout!

 I am Wearing...gray sweat pants and a black long sleeved shirt.

I am Creating...A craft for my journal writing homeschool class.

I am Looking Forward to...not having to go to the doctor because I'm not feeling well anymore.  I've been having a lot of fatigue and some shortness of breath that has greatly worried me.  I've been able to receive doctor reports that are positive about my health.  I'm taking vitamins, exercising more, and quitting unhealthy habits.  I hope to be healthier and have more energy to do things this year.

I am Hearing...my 5th grader, who is the last child homeschooled, do research on the thickness of ice and when it is safe to walk on it.  We have a pond behind our back yard and he threw a heavy stick on it to see if it would sink.  The pond is frozen.  We told him he can not go on it.  He is also talking to me about building a tree fort in our back yard.  He comes up with ideas between his subjects during the day all the time.

Around the House...We finally have a handy man coming to fix odd jobs we have to take care of around the house.  We need two new toilets, better lighting, closet doors, book shelves, new faucets, new sink basin, towel racks installed, t.v. mounted on wall, etc.  Also, we've been able to declutter a bit since my oldest moved back in for a short duration until he receives his Ph.D.

I am Praying...for my husband to find where the mice are getting in our house.  They get in our utensil drawers in the kitchen and leave their droppings everywhere.  Right now, all our knives, spoons, and forks are out of their drawers and on top of the counters.  It is a pain in the neck.

One of My Favorite Things...was being able to watch some football games together as a family this month.  We all seem to like the Green Bay Packers.  My oldest son has the same smile as Aaron Rodgers - their quarterback. My oldest son is the one who got our family hooked as official 'cheese heads.' 

A Few Plans for Next Week...attend a wedding in Missouri with my husband.  Our good friend's son is getting married. Also, meet my friend at the local mall to walk together for some exercise.

Here is a recent pic to share of one January evening while watching a football game:

Night of the Green Bay Packer's game

Simple Woman's Daybook (September)

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my Window...it is going to go up to 94 today in Maryland according to this mornings weather report on WMAL.  It is currently pleasant in the morning as we just returned from walking our dog, Bella.  She attracted a couple of our neighbors' dogs.  It's so funny how she gets so excited when she first sees them at times...and...suddenly...a couple minutes later...she doesn't even know the other dogs are there.  Why is her "doggy world" like this?

I am Thinking...I am very concerned about my 24 year old son.  His heart is breaking as he just helped his girlfriend move three hours away to attend grad school.  His girlfriend is studying to be a physical therapist and they just tacked on three more years of study for this degree.  I do not see the need for this.  I think people (likely liberals) are specifically making it harder for young people to start families together.

Son and Girlfriend

I am Thankful...for the interview I had with a local Catholic school to possibly be a substitute teacher in the future.  In the meantime, I might be able to help with after school care.

In the Kitchen...We barbecued chicken last night and had mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.  I also made some yummy Buffalo Chicken Bites for our next tailgate at University of Maryland football games.

Dinner last night

Yummy Tailgate Food

I am Wearing...pink shorts, grey tee, and black flip flops.

I am Reading...My son's book on Thomas Becket with him.

I am Creating...Two crafts for two different journal classes I am teaching.

I am Looking Forward to...going to the Penn State game with Maryland in Pennsylvania with my hubby, other son, girlfriend, and her parents.  It will be the first time we meet her parents.  She is a beautiful girl my son met on CatholicMatch.com.  I've heard about 1/3 of couples are meeting online these days.

Son and Girlfriend

I am Hearing...the quiet in the house while my son is doing his religion. He studies three separate religion books, including the Catechism and Bible History.

Around the House...I just watched the ending of the "Lord of the Rings" with my 5th grader last night.  It was so good that I could hardly take my eyes off of what was going to happen next!

I am Praying...for my children and our country/military...always...always...always!

One of My Favorite Things...was seeing my 5th grader double up on some of his work this year so that he does not fall behind.

A Few Plans for Next Week...attend Back-To-School night at my daughter's Catholic school in Virginia.  I always look forward to meeting her teachers.

Here is a recent pic to share:

Family at the Beach 2016 Summer

Simple Woman's Daybook - August

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my Window...it was very warm and sunny here in Maryland today.  My son and I have been taking our dog, Bella, on many walks lately.  My son usually rides his new bike while I walk the dog.  We'll try to continue to do this during the homeschool year on nice days!

I am Thinking...I am glad I ordered my hubby the book I'm reading (see below) so that we can read it together (I'll re-read it) and discuss it.  It is a great book and I think it will help our relationship grow stronger.  He needs his own copy because I've written all over the margins in mine.

I am Thankful...for the two vacation trips we've been able to take.  My hubby and I visited California for our cousin's daughter's wedding.  We had a wonderful time.  Here are some pics:

Our cousin's daughter is the bride

My hubby and I and his two sisters.

Laguna Beach in California

Berlin Wall at Reagan Library

I'm holding Reagan's hand!

We also took our usually family vacation to Ocean City, Maryland.  Here are some pics:

Mom and three youngest

Whole family together

Pyramid!

In the Kitchen...We barbecued pork chops and corn on the cob and made fresh green beans last night.  We are eating leftovers tonight as there are only three of us here.  One of my daughters returned to college this morning and hubby is helping her bring items to her apartment on campus.

I am Wearing...black exercise shorts and colorful tee (again).

I am Reading...How to be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving (still)

I am Creating...A place for organized recipes.

I am Looking Forward to...going to our new coop meeting for moms.  We will be doing two coops this year.  One is every other week and the other is every week.  I only am a lead teacher in the coop every other week and have all my lessons planned out.  In the second coop, I am just an assistant and helper.  Therefore, it will be manageable.  My son is willing to take on a couple classes in both history and science rather than just one for each.  He will have to work harder but he should be able to.

I am Hearing...the phone ringing and it is my doctor calling.  I made an appointment with her.  I've been able to manage my illness a little better recently.

Around the House...I straightened the lower "junk" cabinet in the kitchen the other day.  I bought some items to hold the dog food rather than keeping it in the giant bag.  It is much easier to manage.  I also organized my recipes in a book.  Now I have to type and print them all out neatly and put them into some kind of binder.  Here is a pic:

I am Praying...for my children and a dear friend who had a double mastectomy and her family.  I was so glad I got to see her the other day!

One of My Favorite Things...was being on vacation with the family all together.  Next year we have to put up a bigger shady area on the beach as our family is growing with girlfriends and such.


A Few Plans for Next Week...we are going to our first coop and I am all prepared.  It will be a good time.

Here is a recent pic to share:  This is hubby and I on beach in Ocean City -

Mom and Dad

Simple Woman's Daybook - July

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my Window...it was hot, bright, and sunny in Maryland today. Yesterday it was very hot at our last swim meat of the year.  It is nice that swim team is finally over as it gets too hectic towards the end of the season.  Nevertheless, my daughters still need to coach until divisionals and teach swim lessons.  Therefore, I'm still swamped with carpooling duties early in the morning.

I am Thinking...I am glad that I made a doctor appointment the other day because I haven't been feeling very good lately.  I get tired very easily and seem to be struggling with occasional allergies or sinus problems.

I am Thankful...for the programs in the Church for our youth.  My sons have been on numerous mission trips both inside and out of the country.  The Catholic Student Center at the University of Maryland has two wonderful priests there that have continued the work of strengthening our children in the faith.  One was able to come to the house for dinner this month.  What a refreshing friendly change from our stuffy pastor!

In the Kitchen...We barbecued burgers and pork chops on Monday and Tuesday.  Wednesday was the swim meat so everyone kind of ate left overs.  Tonight my daughter made a yummy chicken and pasta dish for us.

I am Wearing...black exercise shorts and colorful tee

I am Reading...How to be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving

I am Creating...Cookie recipes.  I wanted to give some to my neighbors but there are no nice cookie containers. I just used sandwich bags and attached a nice note.  My son and I will have to bring them to the neighbors together.

I am Looking Forward to...going to California for our nieces's wedding.

I am Hearing...the kids watching t.v. downstairs.  They were outside but apparently the mosquitoes are starting to attack.

Around the House...I straightened the girls room a little the other day as they are so busy with work, swim team, swim lessons, and coaching that there is little time for cleaning.  I also straightened my own closet out.

I am Praying...for my son Colin and his girlfriend Jordan.  They just met on Catholic Match.  She is a very sweet girl. Also, for Ted Cruz and his family.

One of My Favorite Things...helping Jordan cook for Colin at our house the other day and celebrating the 4th of July with some good friends. Here are some pics:

A Few Plans for Next Week...we are going to the Shrine of St. Anthony's and will complete a report on it for one of my son's 4th quarter homeschool assignments.

Here is a recent pic to share:  Crab Feast at the pool.  That's my hubby in the background.  He's a big flirt (in a good way) just like my dad was.

Simple Woman's Daybook - April 13, 2016 - April 14, 2016

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook:

Outside my window...it was a bright sunny day today and yesterday in Maryland.  It is finally warming up a bit but is still too cool for me.  It is often cool lately for this time in our state...in the 50's or low 60's.  It is more often in the 70's during April in Maryland. 

I am thinking...that I am grateful for the Bible study my hubby and I are attending at our parish.  Some of the questions were:

1)  Identify people and events that God used to help you come to faith in Jesus.

The constant love between my own mother and father greatly greatly assisted me in falling in love with the Lord.

Also, when I broke up with my first serious boyfriend, I finally realized how important family was to me.

After I was assaulted in a woman's restroom, I turned to the Lord more often.

Each of these situations played a huge role in fostering my faith life.

2)  Who cultivated your curiosity?

My religious education classes taught me a lot about Jesus, the Mass drew me in, my parents constant love, and the suffering after the assault all cultivated my curiosity or planted seeds w/in me to explore further into His love. Both words, actions, suffering and His very presence drew me closer to the Lord.

3)  Who explained the Gospel?  

My religious education teachers taught me the parables and sacraments while my parents taught me through virtuous actions and living.

4)  Who invited you to make a personal decision to accept Christ into your life?

It was never a choice.  Christ was always present, and I ran to him.  I've accepted the Lord from the beginning.

I am thankful...that I was able to hold the Journal Writing Class at my house today.  The boys had so much fun.  It was a beautiful day and they were able to play outside often.  I am also grateful that my leg stopped hurting.

In the kitchen...We are having shish kabobs tonight.

I am wearing...a pair of blue warm ups with a grey jacket.

I am creating...I finished my craft and chose some Bible verses for my Journal Writing Class Thursday.  I also chose some books for the Journal Writing Class I'm teaching at our homeschool coop next year too.  I sent out the song with sign language we are going to learn and asked the moms to do a summer prerequisite for the class.  They are to teach their children what the word VIRTUE means, point out examples, and practice the song occasionally.  Friday I am looking at a closer coop to home which means we might do both coops as the one I'm in now only meets every other week and is 50 minutes away.  Here is my Virtue Song:

Virtue Song

(Tune:  Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush)

Help Me See the Virtue

The Virtue

The Virtue

Help Me See the Virtue

In the World Around Me

Help Me Have the Wisdom

The Wisdom

The Wisdom

Help Me have the Wisdom

In Decisions I Make

Help Me Seek the Knowledge

The Knowledge

The Knowledge

Help Me Seek the Knowledge

In People that I Trust

Anchor Thoughts bring Joy

Bring Joy

Bring Joy

Anchor Thoughts bring Joy

To Everyone I Meet

I am going... to check out another coop tomorrow that is closer to home.  They offer History, Science, Art/Music, and IEW course.  It sounds great.  They meet once a week.

I am wondering...how my daughter will enjoy her junior prom tomorrow night.  She is double dating with a friend. I picked her dress up from the cleaners today as it needed to be hemmed.

I am looking forward to... picking up my dog, Bella, from the vet later today.  When I woke up, I noticed a big stain of blood on our white couch.  She kept licking as though she were swallowing the blood.  The vet said, "she had a 3.5 leison under the right side of her tongue and her tooth was loose.  The tooth had to be extracted and she needed stitches.  Nobody knows what she did to herself.

I am hearing...my two sons and I clicking away on computers.

Around the house...I need to organize better.

I am praying...for Ted Cruz and his family.

One of my favorite things...teaching my son how to write and communicate.

A few plans for the rest of the week...is to visit the new coop, get my nails done with my daughter, drive my daughter to her friend's house on prom night and take pictures, pick up my dog, and continue to pray for the list of people I wrote down on paper.  It helps me to remember when it is written down.

Here is a recent picture of Journal Writing Class today: