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 - 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 - October

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

Outside my Window...as soon as the first day of October rolled around in Maryland, the temperature dropped and we had some rainy weather. It feels a bit more like autumn suddenly.  The temperature must be in the 60's or 70's rather than the 80's or 90's as it was most of September.  The other day it was a beautiful sunny day though...a bit of Indian Summer coming through (just for a few days) in the 80's for a high. Today was beautiful too:  cooler in the 60's with a strong cool wind, bright blue sky, and puffy white clouds!

I am Thinking...that the month started out a bit rocky in terms of my PTSD but seems to be more under control now.  My daughter did very good visiting three colleges last week:  University of Maryland, Catholic University, and James Madison University.  She is a senior in high school and she is handling the stress of college visits very well.  She is not sure what college is her favorite yet. She visited others as well in neighboring states.  I drove her to a friends party tonight in Virginia.

I am Thankful...for the two coops that my son is in.  One is close to home and the moms and families are all very nice.  He is taking history, science, art, and choir.   Even though he is doubling up on his history and science, he seems to be enjoying his curriculum.  The other is further away and we attend coop less often (There are only 8 classes as opposed to 16 classes this fall semester).  I teach one class and it is going very well.  I'm teaching kindergarten journal writing.

I am also thankful that we found a great used car for my other daughter in college.  She won't have it on campus yet but when she comes home she will be able to use her own car.  She is ecstatic!

In the Kitchen...I made Spicy Buffalo Chicken Bites for the last Maryland football game we attended at the beginning of the month.  I've been making Ruebin Roll-Ups and freezing them in preparation for the next game.  I'll have spicy and horse radish mustard with them.  Here are some pics from the last game.

My son is a ham! Just kidding!

I am Wearing...black sweats, a blue tee, and a grey and pink jacket.

I am Reading...I have seven books I'm busy with:  1) Out From Under: The Impact of Homosexual Parenting by Dawn Stefanowicz; 2) Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely by Lysa TerKeurst; 3) How to be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving by David Richo - I'm reading with my hubby; 4) My son's book I'm helping him with a book report - If All the Swords in England: A Story of Thomas Beckett by Barbara Willard; 5) The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian; 6) The Catholic Controversy - A Defense of the Faith by St. Francis De Sales; and continuously a daily devotional to keep me away from vice - 7) Imitation of Mary by Alexander De Rouville

I am Creating...Two potential crafts:  One for my home journal class and the other for my coop journal class. I am also having a flyer made for my class.

I am Looking Forward to...I looked forward to celebrating our 30th anniversary this month. We spent the sunny day hiking Sugarloaf Mountain, drinking wine on the way down, and going out to dinner.  Here is some pics:

I am Hearing...the educational channel my son was watching.  He is restricted from watching too much junk t.v.

Around the House...I have to finish organizing some of my clothes in the bedroom.  I bought baskets to organize outfits on my shelves. I also did a major clean up in my son's bedroom with him today!  Hallelujah!

I am Praying...for our country and for babies in the womb.

One of My Favorite Things...was having my son in an Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) class this year.  He is doing very well.  It is nice to develop numerous ways to write instead of just one way.  Therefore, any new exposures are beneficial for him.

A Few Plans for Next Week...attend my son's evaluation to place him on an Upward basketball team.

Here is a recent pic to share of my daughter and I at the University of Maryland game:

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 - June

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook today - June 23, 2016:

Outside my window...it is a bit overcast in Maryland today.  The sun keeps trying to peep out of the clouds occasionally.  After some early morning showers, my daughters went out into the court to see my son riding his new bike as he improved tremendously in just a couple hours.  Then more neighborhood kids came out.  It is wonderful to see the kids playing with each other in the neighborhood.  I am so thankful for our new neighbors.

I am thinking...that June has been a great start to summer this year.  We are finishing up the fourth quarter for homeschooling.  My son only has English, spelling, and handwriting to complete.  Seton homeschool has been a blessing for us.

We had a great time at my son's girlfriend's graduation party at her parents house.  She has a wonderful family.  Her parents are so kind just like she is.  My son's girlfriend will be going to Drexel near Philadelphia next year.  He just took her up there to find an apartment.  We are praying that their love for each other continues to grow strong even with this distance apart.

We were able to attend our parish picnic together.  After the bible study my husband and I were in, we've been meeting more parishioners.  It is nice to share time with other Christians.  My daughter's spiritual adviser, Father Mike, also visited us one evening for dinner.  We had a great time and I couldn't ask for a friendlier help for my daughter.  Fr. Mike is much more friendlier than our parish priest.

Swim Team is off to a great start.  My oldest daughter is an assistant coach while my younger daughter is a coach in training.  My younger daughter is also providing swim lessons for children.  Their summer jobs are lifeguards at our local pool.  My son and daughter are both on the swim team.  They are up early in the mornings for practice and busy at work so they are not sitting around the house all day on the computer.  Practice was cancelled today due to the weather.  We participated in the swim team's pasta dinner, pancake breakfast and picture day, and our first A and B meets.  The swim team is tons of fun for us.  Here are some pictures so far this year:

Swim Team Pasta Dinner: My daughter is standing up as assistant coach and the coach is sitting down talking.

Pasta Dinner-Swim Team: Good friends on swim team

Pasta Dinner-Swim Team: Good friends on team

Two assistant coaches

My daughter coaching

Mom and son

I am thankful...that my husband, youngest son, and I were

able to kick off the summer by going to Ocean City, Maryland on Memorial Day weekend.  The four oldest children are all very independent and busy with jobs and/or their college educations.  Therefore, we just brought our youngest son with us on this trip.  We had a very peaceful time together.  Here is a picture of where we took long morning walks together by the bay.

Memorial Day Weekend

In the kitchen...We had taco's last night for my youngest son's birthday.  It really was a fun filled day because my older son's girlfriend came over to help celebrate. They took my youngest son to the movies and made delicious taco's for everyone.  I made a spice cake and the kids frosted it with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles.  My two daughters got off work early as they are lifeguards and there were thunderstorms all afternoon.  There was a break in the storms and we all ran outside to see the double rainbow.  All the neighborhood kids were running in the puddles together getting soak and wet.  It was like we had our own instant neighborhood water park.  My husband bought a bike for my son's birthday.  Now he could ride his bike with his neighborhood buddy around the court.  Here is a picture of his new bike:

It is so heartwarming for parents to see how well their children get along and interact with each other.  All the kids (adults now) made my son's (10 years old) birthday special.

I am wearing... red, white, and blue.  I think I'm ready for the 4th of July.

 I am reading...Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin - The Extraordinary Parents of St. Therese of Lisieux.

I am creating...I am making a craft for my journal writing class.

I am looking forward to...I planned a movie date today for all the neighborhood kids.  We're going to watch Zootopia and have popcorn.  I'm making fruit salad for a healthy snack too.  I hope they have fun and I hope some of their parents and grandparents stop by while the kids are all entertained with the movie downstairs.  The parents can all visit with each other upstairs...if the parents come.  If they don't come because they are busy...that's o.k. too.

I am hearing...the kids are playing outside in the hose with water balloons and squirt guns now.  We had "movie day" and played "Stay Out of the Thorns."  The girls loved the game.

Around the house...I have been trying to organize more.  I've been going through my mail quicker too.  I bought this unit at Home Goods the other day and it is perfect to store some of the clutter we've had laying around the house.

I also bought this full length mirror for $10.00 at a yard sale.  We had no long mirrors.  I put it here and moved the coffee table in front of the couch.  I cleaned out all the clutter in the drawer of the coffee table.  Now it is organized with things we need rather than junk.

It's been a slow process but with college kids coming home for the summer, I've been trying to help them organize all of their things.  We just don't have the room in our house.  It's absolutely awful to have all the items from their dorm rooms piled up around the place.

I am praying...for my oldest son.  He just came back from a mission trip to Denver to help the homeless.  He loved it.  Presently he is going to University of Maryland and will soon have a PhD. in engineering.  He told us that he may do something totally different than engineering.  He has to think about it though.  We think he may be moving out to the west coast in the future because he has told us that he likes it there better.  He's been taking many trips out west with his research.  He has a heart of gold and loves to reach out to disadvantaged people to help them.  Help me lift him up in prayer so that the spirit with lead him in a good direction.

He was able to visit us yesterday and I was having some symptoms from my PTSD.  He always seems to be able to help me through any fears I am encountering at the time.  I am so grateful for him.

One of my favorite things...was celebrating Father's Day with the whole family.  It is not too often we can all be together at the same time.  We've been eating out on the back deck often and we did so on Father's Day too.  We had ribs and beer.  Here are some pictures of some of our fun together.

Father's Day Drinks

Father and two oldest sons

Mom and two oldest sons

Mom and two oldest studs

Dad with the three youngest kiddos

A few plans for the rest of the week...is to continue to go on walks with hubby on nice days and eat out on the back deck as often as possible before all the mosquitoes come.  I'll also start creating my craft for class.

Here is a recent picture of  my youngest at his cub scout "Rain Gutter Riga-ta":