Break is over

I didn't plan on it, but I took a break from blogging for the summer. I keep getting phone calls and e-mails from friends reminding me to update this more often, so I will!

School is almost out for the year!

My children have only 4 more days until they are free!!!
I am putting together a camp schedule for the summer so that we can all have fun. But - I still have to work and I want them to continue working on what they have been doing in school.
I asked the children to choose 2 themes each. So far our summer vacation looks like this so far:
June7-13 - Dinosaurs!
14-20 - VBS and then Mad Scientists
21-27 - Under the Sea
28 - July 4 - USA
5-11 - Pirates
12-18 - Ancient Egypt
19-25 Outer Space
26-August 1 - Pioneer Days

I still have two weeks to decide on themes and we may rearrange the schedule based on Daddy's days off and our family "field trip" for the week.
Each week we will work on projects related to the theme: Art, Cooking, Stories, Science, etc. I also want to incorporate a Bible Verse and some worksheet stuff into each theme.
I plan to take the kids to one of the $1 movies at AMC on Wednesdays and then go swimming and Grandma and Papas house.
More to come!

Never underestimate

As most of my friends know, I tend to be conservative in my political views. I found this on another blog and I think it speaks volumes.

Visitor in the neighborhood

The garbage men came by this afternoon to pick up yard waste - exciting, no? The neighbor's dogs were barking and at first, I chalked it up to the weekly greeting they give the garbage men. But, they didn't stop, so I poked my head outside and saw something scrambling across the neighbor's lawn. Can you guess what it was?

It was bookin' its way across our neighbors yard and into the yard of the people behind her. I had to convince my kids that we couldn't have another pet right now and that this guy was perfectly fine on his own.
I hope your day was as exciting as ours!

Monday March 30th Edition

FOR TODAY March 30, 2009

Outside my window...squirrels are playing in the leaves and my dogs are laying in the sunshine!

I am thinking...I need to reboot my "servants" so that my house can run smoothly.

I am thankful for...both my husband and I having jobs. This last week was touch and go, but we are both safe - for now.

From the kitchen...I smell the beef roast that has been cooking low and slow for many hours. Now I just need to make some sides!

I am wearing...Jeans, a green shirt and my lace-up shoes.

I am creating...quilt squares tonight with my Girl Scout troop.

I am going...to pick up the rest of my monkeys from school in another hour and a half.

I am reading...gardening books - they have become so worn and dog-eared that I am surprised they are still in one piece.

I am hoping...to spend some time with my husband this week - without kids.

I am hearing...my youngest monkey watching "The Incredibles" in the next room.

Around the house...it is pretty quiet.

One of my favorite things...this time of year. Its not too warm and the chill of winter is behind us. Well, it doesn't get that cold here in FL, but I think you know what I mean!

A few plans for the rest of the week: I need to catch up on lots of house work. Peak season for work starts on Wednesday and I need to feel prepared.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Miss Midnight

Want to join the fun? http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Saturday Fun

My husband works on the weekends, so for our family, it is usually just another day.
On tap for today - I need to clean out my pantries, refrigerators and freezers. Yes those are all plurals!
I have a small kitchen, but my husband and FIL installed some extra cabinets for me after we had been here a few months. So, I have 4 cabinets that I use to store non-perishables. I have 2 refrigerators with small freezers and a stand alone freezer.
I usually keep a tight inventory of what we have on hand - so that I can plan menus easily. It also helps when I shop to know that I already have extra mayo in the pantry so we really don't need anymore!
I know that this is a riveting blog post - sorry! I need to start blogging again on a regular basis!
I'll let you all know how I do!

Happy New Year - a few days late!

I know everyone else is putting their resolutions on their blog, so I am a big ole copycat and will do the same. My list of goals is quite long this year, but I need to get my rear in gear and get some things done! Here they are, in no particular order!

• Get organized - my house is a mess and I have some great ideas that I just need to implement and follow through!
• Keep better track of our money - now that I am working, we should be getting ahead of our bills and saving for a rainy day!
• Budget my time better - I know this goes hand in hand with getting organized, but it is something I need to work on now that my work is about to get really crazy.
• Go back to menu planning and better grocery shopping. Our budget per week is $75 for food. I can do it!!! and do it healthy.
• Make more food from scratch and garden more - I am still feeling the need to stock up and be self-reliant.
• Spend more time with my husband - I mean other than sleeping! We seem to pass each other all the time, but never get to connect.
• Spend some individual time with each of my kids. they are all changing so fast.
• Communicate with my extended family better
• And last but not least - blog at least 4 times a week! I am on the computer enough!

So what are your goals for 2009?