Nicole's Daybook

Outside my window... Sunny and windy. It was almost chilly this morning after an overnight storm, but it must still be humid because I was a sweaty mess after a short run.

I am thinking... of all the details I need to start working on for Brynne's birthday party coming up in August.

I am thankful ... for the privilege to do what I want to do every day, and a husband who works hard so I can do it.

I am wearing... Nike t-shirt and running shorts.

I am planning... U.S. History curriculum galore! Dawson is probably going to want to shoot me in the head next year with all I have in store for him. But I'm hoping that the teacher's excitement will just naturally rub off on the student.

I am creating... A China unit study for Eli and Brynne (they want to learn about China because they love The Karate Kid with Jaden Smith). Dawson and Brynne's U.S. History binders for fall (you will see this listed here every single week this summer because it's going to take me that long to get it done). I'm also making a picture recipe for "Blueberry Biscuit Yummies" so that Eli and Brynne can cook by themselves after we pick blueberries on Thursday. (Still working on all of these things this week.)

I am going... to finish my Daybook and then go exercise to an episode of Total Body Sculpt with Gilad.

I am reading...  Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand (not really enjoying it that much, but want to get it finished so I can move on), Seasons of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson (homeschool play group moms book study), What Your Second Grader Needs to Know by The Core Knowledge Foundation, and More Faith in My Day by Emilie Barnes (daily devotional).

I am hoping... that Kyndal is always safe and cautious and making good decisions when running around with her friends. This is the hard part of parenting, folks. Breaking up squabbles is nothing compared to hoping all you have taught your child won't be thrown out the window when they have a little bit of independence and freedom.

From the learning rooms... We are still reading. Brynne is one book away from reading the 20 required to get her prizes from the library. Eli is taking a bit longer because he is really working hard on a 60 page book. He'll be there soon, though. Today we are going to do a First Day of Summer notebooking page.

Noticing that ... that mama bird's nest is complete and she is contentedly sitting in it now. Babies will be here soon!

From the kitchen... We've had some incredibly delicious and fresh meals using as much harvest from my garden as possible. I am finding a way to infuse zucchini into lots of our meals. I even added it to our Sweet and Sour Meatballs last night. Yum!

Here is what I have on the menu this week ...

Tuesday ~ Chicken fettucine and french bread, salad
Wednesday~ FFY and Wine Wednesday
Thursday ~ Grilled burritos
Friday ~ Beef and broccoli over rice
Saturday ~ Eggs, bacon and toast
Sunday ~ Grilled hot dogs and brats
Monday ~ Pork Quesadillas and avocado

Around the house... The house is looking great! Flowers have bloomed and spread to their full capacity, veggies are flourishing, ornamental gardens are clean-lined and pretty.

One of my favorite things... Mondays. I am in the minority, I know.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Water park this afternoon. Blueberry picking on Thursday (going to try again). Co-op Gymnastics on Friday. Possibly the Blue Bell ice cream factory on Saturday. And that's it.

From my picture journal.

The cause of my near-fatal heart attack (when it came squeaking and crawling up out of the soil when I was moving the pot.)

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