HSV Garden Challange ~ May Progress Report

We were finally able to get our vegetable garden planted at the first of May. We have had some good progress and so far things are looking good! I am hoping that temps don't get too hot. Last year I didn't have ONE tomato because the night temps never got below 85 degrees. So far I have eaten several little cherry tomatoes. Every time one ripens, I pop it in my mouth.

We had a nice soaking rain last night, so my garden is perfectly happy today!

Look! A couple of tomatoes!

Rick can't WAIT for the jalapenos! He'll eat them at every meal!

Squash and zucchini are sprouting!

Potatoes are about ready to be dug out! That will be fun to do with the kids.

I eat EVERY cherry tomato as it ripens. This one is next!

Some baby corn stalks. I really just use these for fall decorations.

To see other gardens, go to The Homeschool Village.

Downton Abbey

Do you crave some excellent television? Are you like me? Do you long for quality drama with a deep storyline and interesting characters? Oh, then you have to watch the PBS period drama Downton Abbey. The first season is on Netflix.

Beginning in the years leading up to World War I, the drama centers on the Crawley family and their servants.

Lord Crawley sees his family heritage, especially the grand country home Downton Abbey, as his mission in life. The death of his heir aboard the Titanic means distant cousin Matthew Crawley, a Manchester lawyer, suddenly is next in line and accepts moving onto the vast estate with his even more modernist, socially engaged mother, who clashes with his lordship's domineering, conservative ma the dowager. Marrying off the daughters is another concern. Meanwile the butler presides over a staff which serves the family but also lead most of their entire lives in the servants quarters, intriguing amongst themselves. 

I spent Sunday watching all five of the seven episodes of Season 1. It was a wonderful way to spend my Sunday. After each episode I would get up and do a bit of housework, and then reward myself with the next exquisite episode. I am finishing Season 1 today.


I'll purchase Season 2 on dvd if I need to. It's worth it! I encourage you to spend some "mom time" watching and enjoying it!

My friend also told me about some books relating to the movie. She's hogging them right now, but I'm going to request them from the library.

Nicole's Daybook

Outside my window... it is quiet. It's going to be another hot day today,but hopefully on Wednesday night we are going to get some rain and the temps are supposed to drop into the high 70's. Oh, praying for that!

I am thinking... about how tired I really am.

I am thankful ... again, for Rick, and his willingness to be a real man, one with honor and integrity.

I am wearing... Red denim jeans, cream shirt, tan slip on shoes.

I am planning...  Eli and Brynne's birthday parties. It won't shock those who know me that I am in full planning mode even though their birthdays aren't until August and December.
 

I am creating... homemade stationary with our Keeper's Club group that meets this afternoon.

I am going... to have such a busy day. This morning Kyndal and I are working to take the next step to getting her a new car, and we have our Keeper's Club this afternoon at MY house. I have no snacks or anything prepared and my house is dirty after having it full of four teenagers for the past couple of days.

I am reading...  Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth, Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

I am hoping... that my children know just how much I am willing to sacrifice for them.

From the learning rooms... I've been making a list of science questions Brynne has so that Daddy can use them to teach them on his Science Saturdays in the fall. (i.e. Do Mammoths only live in the snow? Why are you upside down when you look in one side of your spoon?)

Noticing that ... I am a completely different woman than I thought I would turn out to be. Life's circumstances have hardened me in many ways.

From the kitchen... Burgers on the grill. I need to get a plan together. I haven't done that in a couple of weeks.

Around the house... are sacked-out teenagers.

One of my favorite things... is sitting in bed in the early mornings drinking coffee and watching the birds frolic around. It's peaceful (and makes me not want to get up to start my crazy day!).

A few plans for the rest of the week... No plans this week beyond today's craziness. Things will quiet down with Kyndal going back to Missouri and Dawson leaving to go work with my dad for a couple of weeks. I am going to get back to my organization spree.

From my picture journal.

Evidence of my perfect morning: The leash and sunglasses from my morning walk with Crusoe. A notecard with a list of things to do for the day. My cell phone (not perfect, but it's there because I take it on my walks). A magazine with new recipes I want to try covered up by my computer which is covered up by my journal. That particular day I was reading about 1 Corinthians 13 and just had to write it down. My Bible and glasses. My coffee cup must be in my hand.

Lots of women Daybook. See what they have to say at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

"Control" Organization

Although the past several days have been frustrating emotionally, they have been great for my productivity. When I am feeling like an area of my life is out of my control, I feel the need to gain some order. And, so, I organize.

I am not an "organizer" at heart. In fact, I have been needing to get things organized because of my general lack of organization. I am orderly, not organized. There is a difference. This summer I had planned to organize each and every room of our house, including closets, drawers, and cabinets. I was planning to start soon, but decided there was no time like the present.

On Thursday afternoon, I started with Dawson's room and his Nerd Cave. Done.

On Friday afternoon, I pulled EVERYTHING out of Eli's bedroom except his bed and dresser. I purged toys, reorganized them, and put things back in a sensible fashion. Done.

Yesterday afternoon, I switched out all of my summer and winter clothes (my off-season is upstairs in the Nerd Cave closet). I organized my closet and dresser AND even figured out a good way to organize my flip flops. I hung an over-the-door shoe organizer on my wall in the closet and put all my flip flops in it. Now they aren't shoved everywhere, separated from their partner, and I can choose which ones I want at a glance without searching through all of my shoes every time!

What will I organize today? Actually, I think I will take a day of rest, both physically and emotionally. I plan to watch all 7 episodes of "Downton Abbey" on Netflix and "The 1940's House" on Youtube. Then I think I'll finish the book I am reading, Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth.

Tomorrow, I'm moving on to the master and spare baths.

Do you find yourself doing this?

Musical and Cast Party

Last week Eli and Brynne participated in our church's children's musical, "I am a Promise". It was such a wonderful growth experience for both of them. Eli and Brynne were both chosen to recite Bible verses in the program, and they each had a speaking part. They worked so hard and did so good! We were so proud of them!

Sign language to "I Surrender All"

On Wednesday night the church held a Cast Party at the bowling alley. The kids had so much fun bowling, eating pizza and cupcakes.

Love blue cupcake teeth!

Thank you Ms. Connie for a fun party!

During the practices, the kids earned "money" for attendance and memorizing Bible verses. The director of the program purchased toys and games and the kids got to spend their money on them. This was very exciting for the kids!

The experience was actually a little chaotic for me. But, they enjoyed it so much! And it opened up a desire to perform. I guess I can certainly deal with the craziness of musical practices and memorizations for them to experience such joy.

Workin' at the Carwash ~ Whoa Whoa Whoa ....

A couple of months ago Dawson applied for a job at a local carwash, doing pre-cleanings, etc. He interviewed Monday morning and was working by that afternoon. He worked again for four hours yesterday. Do you know he made $16.50 an HOUR with his tips yesterday? Wow!! What a great summer job! He is so excited about the prospects of making money, making friends, and flirting with cute girls. A teenage boy's dream. I am so proud of him! It is TOUGH work! He came home with a sore back, sore arms, and blisters on his hands (Rick did give him some fingerless work gloves to start using. Wouldn't want to ruin those perfect Xbox-controller hands.) I can't wait to see how much money he is able to save this summer to go towards his car. He and I worked out a financial strategy: His actual paychecks will go directly into his savings account; one-half of his tips will go into a savings jar for either larger purchases or to be transferred to his savings account periodically; and one-half of his tips will go into his wallet.

Nicole's Daybook

Outside my window... were a couple of over- "played with" baby bunnies, who were "sleeping" on our back porch.

I am thinking... about the song How He Loves Us by David Crowder Band. We sang it in church on Sunday morning. It's one of my favorite songs and makes me so teary every time I hear it. Makes me realize that no matter what is going on in my world, He loves me.

I am thankful ... for an amazingly supportive husband, one who will do whatever it takes for his wife and children.

I am wearing... Denim capris, khaki canvas shoes, American Eagle shirt.

I am planning...  to handle this current matter with truth, integrity, and a clear head held high and with the power of my Lord. He is the ultimate Counselor. "The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still." ~ Exodus 14:14.
 

I am creating... plans for a little road trip to see some old friends.

I am going... to go pick Dawson up from a hard day at work, and Eli up from his LAST DAY of public school!

I am reading...  Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth, Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv, The Templar by P.C. Doherty

I am hoping... that my children know just how much I love them and that I will do anything for them.

From the learning rooms... Schooooooool's out for Summer!!

Noticing that ... spite costs, and a whole lot more than money.

From the kitchen... nothing tonight! We are celebrating the last day of school with dinner out at Cici's.

Around the house... are 10 new baby trees that we planted.

One of my favorite things... is hearing thanks from my kids when I have done something to help them, even when they didn't think they wanted to do it. (And an extra one ... when Dawson says, "You look so pretty today." He told me that yesterday, and really does pretty often.)

A few plans for the rest of the week... The church kids' musical cast party tomorrow night, a court date for Kyndal's car accident settlement, some unexpected meetings, and then some rest. I am going to need it.

From my picture journal.

I think sometimes our neighbors have to wonder ...

Lots of women Daybook. See what they have to say at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Menu Plan Monday

I have made a quasi self-diagnosis of myself in regard to a health issue. I do not feel bad enough to go to the doctor, but I have a general achiness, fatigue, and some digestive issues. I also have a few other issues that could clearly be linked with my "diagnosis".

So I have decided to make a couple of PAINFUL changes to my diet to help with some of this (hopefully). I am going to start weaning myself off coffee, at least caffeinated. One of my favorite things is a warm cup (or eight) of coffee in the morning. I am hoping to move to decaf and then, possibly, make the change completely (except for social coffee drinking) to hot green tea instead. This will help with my achy joints and digestive problems. I also plan to stop using artificial sweeteners and switch, instead, to liquid Stevia. I have planted Stevia plants that I will be able to harvest in the fall. For now I will use the liquid. This is supposed to help with my achiness, also.

I am also going to start taking Emergen-C twice a day for energy and add Glucosamine Chondroitin to my regular supplement intake.

And this is what we will be having for dinner this week (based mostly on requests) ...


Monday ~ Chicken fettucine alfredo and french bread

Tuesday ~ Dinner out at Cici's Pizza to celebrate our last day of school!

Wednesday ~ Fend for Yourself (we will be eating out at Eskimo Joe's for lunch before our field trip that day, so we'll just snack for dinner).

Thursday ~ Chicken quesadillas

Friday ~ BLTs and chips

Saturday ~ Grilled hotdogs and brats and fries

Sunday ~ Salmon patties, brown rice and veggies

Almost Amish

I grew up in a small town in Missouri with a thriving Amish Community outside of town. It was not uncommon for us to see buggies full of bearded men, women in long black or blue dresses and bonnets, and slews of adorable children. There were even hitching posts at the grocery store.

When I was little, my dad and I would go fishing at the ponds of some Amish families. I was enamered with the children, with their lifestyle. I was even jealous of them. I loved the farm life.

I've always craved that kind of simplicity in my life, but have rarely achieved it.

I am reading a book right now called Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth. It is "one woman's quest for a slower, simpler, more sustainable life." It follows these philosophies:

• Homes are simple, uncluttered, and clean; the outside reflects the inside.
• Technology serves as a tool and does not rule as a master.
• Saving more and spending less bring financial peace.
• Time spent in God's creation reveals the face of God.
• Small and local leads to saner lives.
• Service to others reduces loneliness and isolation.
• The only true security comes from God.
• Knowing neighbors and supporting local businesses build community.
• Family ties are lifelong; they change but never cease.
• Faith life and way of life are inseparable. 

Sounds peaceful, doesn't it? It's what I crave so much.

And then after I read the first two chapters, I was stressed. I realized how far I away I am from the goals I would like to attain. I can't do it all, and certainly not all at once. All any of us can do is pick out nuggets of inspiration from what we learn and then apply some of it to do a little better. Doing a little better all the time is what growth is really about anyway. So what has stuck out at me?

Home ~ Goodness gracious we have so much stuff! Right now the toys and clutter and piles are making me edgy and agitated! I want more order, and less to keep in order. I truly want to spend some time this summer getting some things cleaned out and getting rid of unnecessary stuff. Some things I would like to do are:

• Get a shelving unit to put in Eli's room that has baskets so that they can put all of their little toys in them. I used to try to keep all of their toys organized in tubs. But slowly the toys get all mixed up, brought downstairs and then they are everywhere! Right now Eli and Brynne each have about three tubs each at the foot of their beds, ON their beds. It drives me crazy! I would like to put that shelf with baskets in his room to hold all those toys, and then have one basket on each of their beds for their "NOW" toys. (Currently they each have a "NOW" bucket ... the toys they are playing with NOW. But that bucket has turned into two or three buckets each. It's overwhelming!
• Get a smilar shelving unit to put in the playroom upstairs. And then go through the playroom and get rid of those pieces they really just don't play with anymore, which is most of it. They concentrate mostly on blocks, dress up clothes, small action figures, and cars. (Brynne plays with her Barbies, makeup stuff, and stuffed dogs, but that is all stored neatly in her bedroom.)
• Each week this summer clean out one closet or cabinet and get them organized with containers. Then if I do that by Friday, I will reward myself with $20 to take shopping at garage sales. Yeah, I'll probably get more stuff, but I'm always just on the lookout for useful stuff or the next season's clothes or home decor to enhance what we already have. (The title of the book is Almost Amish, not I Am Now Amish. Baby steps).

Technology ~ I am addicted, and so is the world. I went to Eli's Awards Assembly at his school today. At one point I turned around and over HALF the adults present were staring at their iPhones. And this was while the awards were being presented. In fact, one mom sitting next to me was looking at Facebook when her son received the only award he received the whole day. She glanced up as he was walking off the stage and back to his seat. She smiled, clapped, and looked back down to Facebook. Hey, I was as bored as the next person. But if Eli were to turn around and look at me, I wanted him to make eye contact with me and feel that he was the most important thing to me at that moment. In fact, I want my family to always feel like they are the most important things to me. But, I am sadly failing in this respect, as well.

I have changes in the technology department that I want to make, namely:

• I do not open my laptop or turn on my iPad until I have spent time with the Lord in the morning.
• When I am having a conversation with one of my family members, my laptop is shut and I am looking at them.
• I will CALL and talk to my husband, instead of just texting him. Of course, there are times during the day when a quick text is more appropriate so as not to disturb him too much. But, if we are going to have a conversation, I want us to do it with our voices and not our fingers.

This book has already pricked my heart in a couple of areas. My immediate reaction is, "I don't want to change." But, I do have some work that needs to be done. If I didn't, I wouldn't get so angry when I read some of those things.

I don't plan to don a bonnet, shut off my electricity, and ride only a horse. But, the simplicity of the Amish is something to be admired and appreciated. Let's face it ... they certainly have some things figured out.

A Joyful Noise

On Monday, Brynne's Homeschool Co-op Choir had it's Spring concert. Ms. Margo does such an amazing job with these kids! She only has them two times a month for 45 minutes each session, and this performance was so good that it looked like a travelling troupe was in town.

Brynne has always been shy about being in front of people. But she sang and swayed and smiled and did the hand motions. Ms. Margo told me how she has really come out of her shell and blossomed in class. She did fantastic! And we were so proud of her, and all the kids. What a great Co-op of friends we have!