Monday, June 29, 2009

Daybook June 29, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday June 29, 2009

Outside My Window... dark.

I am thinking... that it's good to be tired. My sleep has been restless the past few nights. Hopefully tonight will be better.

I am thankful for... church family. We are just home from a Softball BBQ fellowship. It was a lot of fun and I was happy to see a lot of folks come out to cheer on our rec league softball team.

From the kitchen... lots of leftovers from the Girlies' birthday bash. It was a great time. I am smelling decadent chocolate cupcakes as I type. Must... show... restraint...

From the schoolroom... we're rowing A Pair of Red Clogs. We also have postcards to address for a postcard exchange with homeschoolers around the country (and the world actually). They were supposed to be in the mail today. Hopefully tomorrow...

I am wearing... here we go again... black capris, floral print top, flip flops.

I am creating... do lapbooks count?

I am going... to figure out something to do with kohlrabi this week. I'm open to ideas.

I am reading... Quilter's Legacy still.

I am hoping... that a friend struggling with depression has breakthrough improvement and that her unsaved husband will see our Lord mighty and strong through her release from sadness, anxiety and panic. Please pray with me.

I am hearing... nothing. It's really quiet.

Around the house... my studio is still a mess. I don't go in there unless I have to. It's time to do something about it.

One of my favorite things... Pepsi. I drank my last can today. Really.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: homeschool, vbs, swim lessons, work, laundry, mommy and me, soccer, gymnastics, fun, lunch with friends, getting at that studio, and maybe some bocce.

Here is picture I am sharing...
This is Grom with his newest discovery... the pill bug or as he affectionately calls them Rolly Polly Pills. He's been finding them constantly, bringing them into the house, letting them crawl all over him and getting very upset when they die or have to be returned outside.

I had a roomate in college who had to collect Woodlouses or is that Wood Lice for a project. I guess there are 2 kinds, the ones that roll and the ones that don't. She had to have 100 that rolled. She got me to run around with her over turning rocks and boards looking for them. It was hillarious picking and poking at the poor things to make sure they would roll up into a pill. Where did that memory come from?

How you can be praying for me and mine... pray that we would thrive during these busy weeks. Pray for Surferman's back. He's had some numbness and tingling in his leg that is related to an old back injury.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Thursday Thunks - 6/25/09

Thursday Thunk is a blogging meme that gives you something to blog about. Find out what I think about weird, random and sometimes inappropriate things (I usually just delete those questions, in case you notice the numbering off). Happy Thunking!

1. Someone knocks at your door. You answer it. It's a kid from the local school selling candy bars for a fundraiser. Do you buy one?
Probably. I'm a sucker for kids who have to sell stuff for school.

2. The end of the world is tomorrow and you are out of milk - do you go buy some?

I wouldn't buy milk, but instead probably half-n-half. I use milk in my coffee every morning. But... if it was the end of the world... I'd splurge and buy half-n-half.

3. Have you ever picked up the phone and called someone that you hadn't talked to in years?
Nope. Out of sight, out of mind. I tend to focus on the people in direct view. If you want to stay my friend... don't move. I have less than a handful of friends that I keep in touch with who don't live in my county.

4. Whats on your computer desktop background?
A beautiful summer wallpaper from the Kindred site by Sarah Ahearn. Go look at it. It's really pretty and very cool. I love it.

5. What was the very first movie you saw in a movie theater?
I remember being really scared by Fantasia at a theater. It was so real, I swear I saw it live. I also remember seeing Song of the South at a Drive-In. I'm dating myself. WAIT! I just googled Song of the South and see that it was released in 1946 so something is wrong with that memory. I'm not THAT old. And... I googled Fantasia and it was released in 1940. Maybe these are my mother's memories?

6. If you had to take a 10th grade science test, do you think you would pass?
Walking in cold... probably not. If I had a chance to review the material for a little while... I think so.

7. Describe heaven.
A place without sadness, illness, trouble where I will dwell for eternity in the presence of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

8. Has a place that you lived ever been infested with some sort of insect or rodent?
Unfortunately, yes. When I lived in Tennessee, my apartment was full of cockroaches. I found out the landlord was regularly spraying when I wasn't home, and not notifying me that she was going to or had sprayed. Since I valued my health, I asked her not to spray without telling me. She kept spraying the other apartments and my apartment became roach haven.

9. When you were a youngin', did you hide in the clothes racks at department stores?
Of course!

10. Is there anything in your vehicle that is broken?
Just the CD player. Unfortunately though, my wonderful minivan is starting to show it's age.

11. What is something in your house that people would be surprise to find?
A dead skunk hat. My dad just brought one home from a trip for Grom. It's amazingly gross. I'm not sure what he was thinking.

12. Do you agree with the death penalty?
If it's carried out, I agree with it. If it's not, than why bother. Swift justice.

13. Whats your favorite type of bear?
This one. Real bear? Probably a polar bear.

14. Where was the last place you went?
To my friends house to get some cupcake holders for my sister. My sister is making a billion cupcakes for the Girlies' Birthday Extravaganza Party. I'm looking forward to eat one or three.

15. What if that person knocking at your door earlier was an adult selling candy bars... would you buy one?
Probably not.

Monday, June 22, 2009

What's for Dinner - Week of June 22, 2009

Another week and more meals!

Monday
~Beth cooks~
Potstickers
Salad

Tuesday
Pizza
Salad
Watermelon

Wednesday
Hamburgers on Chibatta Rolls
Fiesta Salad (in a bag from Costco)
Cole Slaw


Thursday
???
I'm hoping Grandma has a good idea.

Friday
???
I'm hoping Grandma has another good idea.

Saturday
~Girlies' Birthday Party~
BBQ Chicken
Fruit Salad
Cupcakes
and more

Sunday
~my folks cook~
Family Dinner

Daybook June 22, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday June 22, 2009

Outside My Window... beautiful blue sky, a gentle breeze... a gorgeous day to live at the beach.

I am thinking... that I watch too much reality TV because I care about people I don't really know. I read that a portrayed as Christian reality family is divorcing. It makes me sick to think that essentially being on TV destroyed this family. Oh, and they say the kids are oblivious to it all. #7 - Stay with the one you married.

I am thankful for... computers that work. I think I finally have my computer woes under control. It's so nice to not fight with your Mac.

From the kitchen... Lots of yummy easy food this week. My grandmother is visiting and I'm sure she'll have some (lots) of ideas of what we should eat. I've planned pizza and hamburgers to get things started.

From the schoolroom... We finished rowing Katy and the Big Snow and just started Madeline. I remember Madeline from when I was a kid. In fact, we have my copy of Madeline and the Bad Hat to read. One thing that is driving me nuts is when we listen to audio versions in the car. The reader says her name Madeline (rhymes with pen) instead of Madeline (rhymes with line). When you read the story and the rhymes it is so clearly the second. I just want to grrr everytime she pronounces it wrong and messes up the rhyme.

I am wearing... Ha! Something different... grey pants and a turquoise t-shirt with some lace detail... oh and flip flops.

I am creating... I hope some name gifts. I have quite a few friends with birthdays coming up. I want to get some of them done tonight at Crafty Women.

I am going... nowhere and everywhere. I'm often on the run, but don't feel like I go anywhere exciting or interesting. I need to plan a retreat day soon.

I am reading... The Quilter's Legacy by Jennifer Chiaverini. I am really enjoying these nice stories.

I am hoping... Grom gets in the pool for swimming lessons. He was so funny last year and stubborn about getting in the pool. We had to take Grandpa to get him to do anything. He's been swimming like a fish in our jacuzzi (or as he says cacuzzi). He can hold his breath a long time and does a great job of swimming under the water. I hope it translates to the big pool.

I am hearing... windchimes.

Around the house... a fun but probably exhausting visit from Grandma (Grom's Great Grandma) and a HUGE birthday party.

One of my favorite things... kisses from Grom. The other day he climbed up on my lap and started giving me all kinds of kisses. He was giggly and smiley. More and more kisses. Finally I asked him what was up... He said he was trying to make me forget the grief he's given me earlier that day. I asked him what grief? He smiled, gave me another kiss and left my lap saying to himself... it worked!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: swimming lessons, interns, a trip to Paris (school work), being straight and direct with Grandma and not letting her get riled up, the Girlies turn one!

Here is picture I am sharing...This is the photo collage I helped my sister make for the invitation to their birthday party. A full year of great photos. They are so cute!

How you can be praying for me and mine... Pray that Grom would be better about listening and doing what he is asked to do. Pray that I'd be more consistent with discipline and that he's know what to expect instead of pushing my buttons to get a reaction. I want to be fast, firm and fair.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Daybook June 15, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday June, 15, 2009.

Outside My Window... dark. Super dark. I almost didn't do my Daybook this week, but decided to bust it out quick.

I am thinking... I should go to bed.

I am thankful for... my sister, Beth.

From the kitchen... I've been enjoying grapefruit and citrus fizzers. I mix orange juice or grapefruit juice with lime essence sparkling water. A very refreshing drink.

From the schoolroom... Day One of our summer experiment is in the books. We're studying Katy and the Big Snow. Yep, snow in June. I learned a lot today. I hope Grom did too. I'll be making some changes tomorrow and the next day.

I am wearing... black capri, sage green top, flip flops.

I am creating... Do lesson plans count?

I am going... to a Creative Church Communications workshop on Thursday. I'm excited and apprehensive. I'm taking interns and hope it won't be horrible.

I am reading... Another Quilter book, but I can't remember the title. I'm sure I'll still be reading it next week.

I am hoping... to make some big decisions soon. The Lord's will be done.

I am hearing... commercials. I need to fast forward.

Around the house... I'm waiting for a rivet for Grom's newest pair of Crocs. I don't think he's been without a pair of Crocs since he could walk. This latest pair had a bum rivet from day one. Grom chose purple Crocs this time around... Grandma's favorite color.

One of my favorite things... blogging. I wish I had more time and more interesting things to say.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: School. Decluttering. Fun. Mommy and Me.

Here is picture I am sharing... a beautiful latte. Can't go wrong with a latte.
photo by tonx

How you can be praying for me and mine... pray for my time management and for patience.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

What's for Dinner - Week of June 15, 2009

Monday
~Beth cooked~
Stir Fry Veggies with Mandarin Chicken
Brown Rice

Tuesday
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Wilted Spinach with Garlic and Oil
Green Salad with beets and other CSA veggies

Wednesday
Beef Stew with more CSA veggies
Cornbread
Green Salad

Thursday
CORD

Friday
CSA Veggie Quiche
Green Salad

Saturday
Surferman and Grom's Homemade Pizza
Green Salad

Sunday
Picnic Dinner with ???

Happy Birthday Sister!

h31 Red A P P y5

B i KMcElman_090514_R T letter H

letter d letter A Y


B East KMcElman_090516_T2 happybirtHday Exclamation

Yikes, my younger sister is going to be 40 soon. I remember when we were little kids.

One of Beth's friends arranged a 40 Days of Beth Celebration. 40 of Beth's closest friends are each doing something every day for her for 40 days around her birthday.

Today is my day.

I've been trying to think of something creative and fun to give her. Something chocolate? nah...

How about 3 3 reasons Beth is great?
  1. She loves the number 33. She's committed to it.
  2. Chip married her.
  3. Girly #1 - Beatrice (in no particular order).
  4. Girly #2 - Maggie
  5. She's a great mommy.
  6. She loves Jesus.
  7. She runs (and is the only person in our family who does).
  8. She reads Newsweek cover to cover - every week and she has for years.
  9. She knows what she likes.
  10. She has great taste.
  11. and a kooky retro style.
  12. She is able to say no to our parents.
  13. She has a wicked sense of humor
  14. and is really quick.
  15. She calls for cooking advice.
  16. She loves Grom.
  17. She makes cool baby gifts -
  18. bibs,
  19. burp cloths and
  20. hooded towels.
  21. She's pretty.
  22. She's loyal.
  23. She is frugal.
  24. She knows how to play the "Guess how much I paid for this" game.
  25. She collects heart shaped rocks.
  26. She likes chocolate
  27. and Cup of Noodles...
  28. not together.
  29. She's smart and
  30. always up for a good discussion.
  31. She's a great friend (I doubt you could find 40 people to do such a thing for me.)
  32. She reads my blog.
  33. And will forgive me if I've forgotten an obvious reason she's great.
Happy Birthday Beth! I love you.

Monday, June 08, 2009

Daybook June 8, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday June 8, 2009

Outside My Window... it's really dark and really late. I should be headed to bed, but wanted to cross this one more thing off my to do list.

I am thinking... of Nicole and Ben at the hospital waiting for the birth of their baby, making decisions they didn't want to make. Lord, keep all of them safe.

I am thankful for... Crafty Women's Fellowship. We gather a couple of times a month and work on projects and fellowship. I enjoy their company, learn things and tonight got to hold a baby!

From the kitchen... Aunt Theo's Potatoes. I made 3 big pans for a baby shower on Saturday. Surferman finished the last of them for lunch today. They are SO yummy.

From the schoolroom... Lots of planning for our summer. I exceeded the number of books you can put on hold at one time from the library. I'm going to have to start using Surferman's card too. We have a lot of great books in our future.

I am wearing... a very sparkly red top, black pants, shoes and socks.

I am creating... a project with Photoshop and Illustrator for my sister's girlies' birthday party. I was so frustrated not being able to do what I want to do. A couple of gals at Crafty Women pointed me in the right direction. It's all about Command J. Who knew?

I am going... to have to reinstall the OS on my Mac. It's still acting wonky and the Geni (is that plural of Genius?) at the Apple store don't have any other ideas. I'm praying I have a good back up.

I am reading... a lot of great kids books and I finished The Runaway Quilt. I really enjoyed it.

I am hoping... to meet baby Joshua soon and that he and mom make it through healthy.

I am hearing... The tick tock of 2 or 3 different clocks. It's a peculiar symphony when mixed with the click click clack of my keyboard. Our home is so quiet right now.

Around the house... Big plans for decluttering, organizing and cleaning... all ending with a really big garage sale in 2 weeks. Surferman did his closet today. Mine is next. Maybe tomorrow?

One of my favorite things... listening to Max McLean read the Bible. I think he believes he is Paul. My pastor challenged us to read the book of 1 Corinthians three times this week. So far I've been able to listen once and skim it once (I was looking for Bible verses to post in our shower). What do you think... listen twice = read once or??

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Grom's last week at Montessori. First event with Summer Interns from church. Graduation Party. Graduation Party. Graduation Party?

Here is picture I am sharing... another shot of fearless Grom hanging from the Parallel Bar over the pit at gymnastics. I like this shot with the blurry girl in the front. His coach is the best. She is positive and challenging and great with discipline and keeps it really fun.


How you can be praying for me and mine... Pray for our homeschool experiment. Pray for my time management.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

Sunday, June 07, 2009

What's for Dinner - Week of June 8, 2009

Monday
~Beth cooks~
Garden Patch Casserole

Tuesday
Pancakes
Egg
Sausage

Wednesday
Sloppy Joes
Salad
Fruit

Thursday
Honey Baked Lentils
Rice
Veggies

Friday
Leftover Pork Enchiladas
Salad

Saturday
Apppetizer?

Sunday
Side Dish?

Monday, June 01, 2009

Daybook June 1, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday June 1, 2009. Can you believe it's June already?

Outside My Window... dark. It was a busy day.

I am thinking... that I might throw this computer across the room if it doesn't start working better. I installed an update and I'm having all kinds of issues. I feel hobbled when my calendar doesn't work right.

I am thankful for... Redbox free Mondays.

From the kitchen... my sister made yummy yummy pulled pork BBQ sandos.

From the schoolroom...planning for summer. I filled out the paperwork for Grom to go to our local public school. I'm going to try schooling him through the summer to see if I can homeschool with my work schedule. If we can make it work this summer, we will give it a shot in the fall. Pray for us.

I am wearing... black pants, kelly green tee, black shoes

I am creating... I've been playing with Photoshop to help my sister with a project for the Girlies 1st birthday party in a couple of week. I don't know the program very well, so it has been a steep learning curve.

I am going... to make a huge pot of organic vegetable soup tomorrow.

I am reading... The Runaway Quilt still. I just read a little bit before bed, so it can take me a long time to get through a book.

I am hoping... that my friend stays healthy until her baby boy is ready to come.

I am hearing... Paul Blart Mall Cop - Surferman and I are watching. So far... so bad.

Around the house... my studio is a crazy mess. We have set a garage sale date (June 20th) and it's time to clean house. We're hoping to go to Disneyland with our proceeds.

One of my favorite things... our bedroom since we got new bedding and decluttered. Our bed makes me happy.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Mommy and Me, Ice Cream Social and Graduation at Grom's school (I sure hope they don't do the cap and gown thing). Apple One to One lesson, and a baby shower at my house on Saturday!

Here is picture I am sharing...The Girlies in dresses that Grandma knit on teeny tiny needles.

How you can be praying for me and mine... I have a lot going on, a lot to do and time is always limited. Surferman and I are also trying to make time every morning to have coffee together before we get our days started. Pray that we are consistent about it. Grom has admitted to being "sneaky". Pray for his heart and wisdom in correcting him.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.