I've always likened us to a traveling circus.......

............this just confirms it!

Yep, that's the guy with the arthritic ankles and post-surgical neck!  God love him!  (I sure do!)

My Simple Woman's Daybook - Pentecost Sunday Edition

Outside my window...

 Last week's rain is causing our grass to grow faster than we can keep up with!  Our lawn gal (Olivia) is hoping to get to it between the showers this week.

I am thinking...

That this long-time favorite book to read to my babies sure does sound different when read by 
Oma with her thick Indonesian accent!  
(Indonesian cats evidently make a sound very different from the "meow" of the western world kitty!)

I am thankful for...

The Holy Spirit.

Towards an education...

Most subjects are winding down for the year.  However we're just finishing our third unit (of four) in history.  June and July will see lots of current events and president studies.   I'm OK with that.  Reagan, Carter, Bush x 2, Clinton and Obama are just too interesting to rush.  

From the kitchen...

Lots of roasted veggies from our local farmers market.  (I find if I get enough variety in there, everyone can find something they like.)

I am wearing...

A cozy soft skirt and t-shirt on this rainy Sunday afternoon.

I am creating...

Order in my home.  It's coming slooooooowly.


Someone who would know once told me to expect to wait at least 6 months until the fog of bedrest and 
c-section lifted.  Brayden is now 13 months and it is just lifting.  Praise God it is lifting.

On my iPod...

This wonderful product created by the writers of our history curriculum.  While on my weekend run, I can also get a head start on our history studies for the week.

I am reading...

Simplicity Parenting.....still.  I'd also like to dig into Signs of Life

I am hoping...

For respite soon for August.  Poor guy works so hard for so many people.

I am hearing...

Lots of ear clutter!
Folks often comment to me that they imagine our home is very quiet since we have girls.   Those folks need to stop by one day when we've got flute practice AND karaoke going simultaneously!  

Around the house...

Last week's laundry got folded.....yesterday.  ;-)


We're doing a lot of straightening as we anticipate a visit from a very special friend.  

One of my favorite things...

Friends who know me and love me anyway.  

A few plans for the rest of the week...

 Swim team season is here.


A dear friend and her daughter come to visit as they go college hunting.  The fact that they're looking at colleges means her daughter is just a couple years away from the age when my friend and I met.  

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

My Simple Woman's Daybook - May 15

Outside my window...

August's green thumb really deserves some kudos these days.  The yard is all abloom thanks to his efforts.  I'm thankful at least one of us enjoys yard work!

I am thinking...

That life is meant to be lived as a marathon, not a sprint.  
(Why must I have to relearn that over and over?)

I am thankful for...

A husband who recognizes when his wife is wilting and takes appropriate action.

Towards an education...

President John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, and Vatican Council II......lots to explore  this week.

From the kitchen...

For a myriad of reason, we're cleaning up our eating.  I'm pulling out one of my favorite healthy cookbooks for some new ideas.  Baked chicken is getting boring.

I am wearing...

Running shoes, running shorts, running shirt....and lots and lots of sweat. 

I am creating...

Order in our home...........God help me.

On my iPod...


First, a confession:  I'm a closet "iPod addict".  Really.  Maybe one day I'll write a post about how much I rely on my iPod on a day to day basis.  August had no idea he was creating an addict when he gave it to me for Christmas!


 Jason Gray  (He's got a great testimony.) also an apologetics talk called
"Can You Be Catholic and Evangelical?"

I am reading...


Simplicity Parenting.....still.  I'd also like to dig into Signs of Life

I am hoping...

That I'll soon have lasting relief from my persistent back pain.  :-(

I am hearing...


Four sisters in the kitchen at once, kind words, and pots banging.  Sweet.  

Around the house...

There's clatter in the kitchen as yet another cooking competition is underway.  

Today's secret ingredient:  lemon.

All the laundry is washed and dried.  (Ahem, notice I didn't say "and folded"?)

One of my favorite things...


Empty Sunday afternoons, slow paced runs, and cool spring breezes.  
(Oops, I guess that's three favorite things!)

A few plans for the rest of the week...

Eliza finishes her music classes this week.  Marina's and Olivia's online class wraps up this week.  Orchestra is already done.  
Our weeks are clearing out as the school year winds down. 
What am I saying?!  Swim team season starts tomorrow!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

A handsome specimen of one of our "Knockout Roses" courtesy of my handsome gardner.  ;-)

In Praise of BABIES

Apparently, a french filmmaker has recently released a documentary in which he follows 4 babies - all born in different parts of the globe - through their first year of life.  Although I haven't seen it, it looks and sounds like an adorable film.  And if you're local, I happen to know it's playing at Vinegar Hill.

You can read a review as well as watch the very cute trailer here.  (Yes, Marina and Olivia, it's fine if you click over and watch the trailer.)

A Little Mother's Day Humor

It's not a secret around here that Hoops and Yoyo are my absolute favorite e-card characters.   So, although I could take the time to send this card to all the hardworking mothers I know.  Instead, I'll post the link here so all of you can click on over and enjoy it for yourselves.

Happy Mother's Day!!

17 Years!

17 years

5 kids

6 puppies

2 dogs

1 cat

3 guinea pigs

4+ hamsters

2 hermit crabs

an assortment of Beta fish
too many surgeries

1 house fire

and more prayers than I can even count

LATER.......

..........the adventure keeps getting better and better.  I wouldn't want to be on this ride with anyone but YOU!  

A Little Update on our Little Man

Hey Everyone! This is Olivia with an update on Brayden.


Our little Buggy has grown so fast and now is a little boy! He's a year old now, and as handsome as ever. (have you ever seen such a cute little face?)

For his birthday he had spaghetti and a cupcake for the first time.......and.....well.......he must've enjoyed them. 

Have you ever tried stuffing the whole thing in your mouth?

Let's just say, his whole meal was very memorable.

Then he almost got buried in his sea of presents.

And had tons of fun playing with them.....

We LOVE our little Brayden!!!

(I realize that his expression is a little weird in this picture......but it's still cute. How can it not be?)