Monday's Musings...

A few moments to share a few photos and highlights
from last week and today...

Last Thursday, we attended Daddy's graduation
from 7 weeks of an advanced gunnery sergeant course.
It had a few humorous highlights
and it was a blessing to be there to support our Marine...






Also, on Thursday, I cut out dresses
for Beth, Carolynne, a regency gown for myself,
and a pair of bloomers for the lil' girls.
Friday was sourdough pizza day with friends. Yum!
And Saturday was a work day.
I did LOTS of laundry (sheets, blankets, etc...)
and Daddy worked with Will.
They steam cleaned the dining room rug together.
Here was Will in his turn...


They, also, had 'car talk', fixed a dining room chair,
and did a woodworking project together...

Making a tank from a kit a friend sent us. ;o)


Today we worked at implementing our schedule more
and picked up with our academics some.
We started off with Bible (using ideas from SOW),
reading in Genesis 21, getting vocab words from our reading,
coloring the story, and doing prayer letters.

Ally began sewing Beth's birthday dress for me
and was able to work in her Advanced Biology.

Will worked on copywork (Language and Math),
cursive, read his library books, again,
(since we return them tomorrow).
His area of choice to do his seatwork...


the garage!
It's probably the quietest place. ;o)
He and I, also, read Sciene aloud and began ancient history.

Beth and Carolynne did their Language Lessons with me
and worked on letter formation.

In addition to our academics, we blessed our home.
I worked in the kitchen and laundry room
while Will did the dining room
and vacuumed the stairs...



Beth and Carolynne worked in
the living room and the reading room,
picking up toys, putting away blankets, shoes, and books...




Ally wasn't feeling well enough to participate
so she was allowed to make her Monday post, instead.
She's been doing a series regarding
courtship/dating/betrothal.


I was, also, able to fill out lots of paperwork
for Ally's new endocrinologist,
reschedule our field trip to the island beach,
have a cup of yummy, chai green tea,
hug my children, and disciple them and teach them
as we were going about our day.
I have been praying the Lord will help me
to be more consistent in all aspects of my life
and to be so with a meek & quiet spirit.
It is not possible without the Lord
but, praise Him, that
I can do all things through Christ
which strengtheneth me"! (Philippians 4:13)"

I'm off to begin supper
and enjoy a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie
with all of my little sweeties!

I hope y'all enjoyed your day, too!

A Special Thank You...

Thank you, Sandra and Elaine.
Your thoughtfulness was a blessing!





"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,
sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."
~ Proverbs 16:24

Simple Woman's Daybook...

For Today...


Outside my Window...
the sun is waking, the sky is light blue,
the birds are singing their praises


I am thinking...
of Truths from yesternight's sermon


From the learning rooms...
further implementation of school and schedule is hoped for


I am thankful for...
answered prayers... even the "little" ones
(I hope to share soon!)


From the kitchen...
egg sandwiches for breakfast,
leftover sourdough pizza for lunch,
and wet burritos for supper


I am wearing...
white square neck dress with pink flowers


I am reading...
the book of Ruth {KJB}, the book of Matthew,
and Laying Down the Rails


I am hoping...
we have a productive week of school
and that we close on the house we are selling this week


I am creating...
birthday dresses for Beth's upcoming birthday


I am hearing...
blue jays cawing, the clock ticking,
and quite hums from the 'baby' monitor


Around the house...
chisel at Mount Washmore
and bless the rest of our home


One of my favorite things...
is being in God's house and in God's Word


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
homeschool, house blessing, grocery shopping,
piano lessons that Ally teaches,
return library books, attend our midweek service,
celebrate a friend's child's birthday,
and celebrate our Beth's 6th birthday

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


During a tornado warning last week,
the children huddled in the hallway together.
As I returned from looking out the window,
the children were holding hands and praying.
It was such a blessing to see!
This photo is just after they had finished.


"For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them."
~ Matthew 18:20

"I have no greater joy than to hear
that my children walk in truth."
~ 3 John 1:4

There's a Fountain Free...

There's a fountain free, 'tis for you and me,
Let us haste, O haste to the brink;
'Tis a fount of love from the Source above,
And He bids us all freely drink.


Will you come to the fountain free?
Will you come? 'tis for you and me;
Thirsty soul hear the welcome cell;
'Tis a fountain open for all.




There's a living stream with a crystal gleam,
From the throne of life now it flows;
While the waters roll let the weary soul
Hear the call that forth freely goes.


Will you come to the fountain free?
Will you come? 'tis for you and me;
Thirsty soul hear the welcome call;
'Tis a fountain open for all.




There's a living well and its waters swell,
And eternal life they can give;
And we joyful sing, ever spring, O spring,
As we haste to drink and to live.


Will you come to the fountain free?
Will you come? 'tis for you and me;
Thristy soul hear the welcome call;
'Tis a fountain open for all.




There's a rock that's cleft and no soul is left,
That may not its pure waters share;
'Tis for you and me, and its stream I see;
Let us hasten joyfully there.


Will you come to the fountain free?
Will you come? 'tis for you and me;
Thirsty soul hear the welcome call;
'Tis a fountain open for all.


words: Mary B.C. Slade music: Asa Brooks Everett
photos from allposters & fotosearch

{Click here to listen to a sample.}


"For with thee is the fountain of life..."
~ Psalm 36:9


"...If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said,
out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
~ John 7:37-38


"And he said unto me, It is done.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
I will give unto him that is athirst
of the fountain of the water of life freely."
~ Revelation 21:6

Simple Woman's Daybook...

For Today...

Outside my Window...
the sky is brightening, drops of light rain are pattering,
a cool, autumn-like breeze is blowing


I am thinking...
of some wonderful Truths from God's Word
through our services yesterday


From the learning rooms...
we still await the arrival of new books,
are working with what we have now,
and look forward to further implementation of our schedule


I am thankful for...
God's house, God's Word, and God's bold, faithful people
that do not change with every wind of doctrine
and that do not conform to this world,
for our visiting evangelist for the revival at our church,
for God's longsuffering, forgiveness, mercy, grace, and faithfulness


From the kitchen...
the coffee pot is cooling, cold cereal for breakfast,
leftover sourdough for lunch and tacos for supper


I am wearing...
my purple print dress and a pink sweater


I am reading...
the book of Judges {KJB}, Laying Down the Rails,
and A Charlotte Mason Companion


I am hoping...
my beloved has a good week at work
(as it is his last week of school),
that we have a true revival at church,
in our families, in my personal life,
and in our town and country


I am creating...
a final draft of our schedule (Lord willing)
and, possibly, another dress


I am hearing...
a tufted titmouse singing, a blue jay cawing loudly,
rain falling from the house, and the clock ticking


Around the house...
pick-up from the weekend and laundry will be done


One of my favorite things...
is spending time in prayer and in God's Word


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
We have a busy week with revival every night until Wednesday,
today is a doctor appointment for Ally,
Tuesday will be piano lessons that Ally teaches,
we have a homeschool group field trip this week,
in addition to what will be done at home


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


"If ye then be risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above,
not on things on the earth."
~ Colossians 3:1-2

By the Seaside...

With a day like yesterday (cooler temps and delightful breezes),
the thought of going to the open shore encompassed my mind.
We packed a lunch, along with a tablecloth,
a few beach toys, a good book, and a journal
and set off for a relaxing time out-of-doors...














The younger ones were very eager
to dip their toes in the water...



... and welcome the crashing of waves...





They, also, enjoyed playing in the sand...


Ally and I, mostly, kept to the shore
and enjoyed watching the children...






as well as reading a good book...


And, of course, enjoying the sights, sounds, and smell
of God's beautiful creation...








We LOVE sea oats...
especially listening to them!

We, also, delighted in watching the shorebirds
as they searched for food...


(I couldn't help but think both were shrimping)








The children, too, enjoyed their lunch
on the beach (with a feathered friend)...



We had a lovely time.
It was a blessing, for me, to sit on the shore,
watching my precious ones, observing His creation,
closing my eyes to listen to His creation singing their praise,
taking in the wonderful smells the salt air brings,
praying in my heart, pouring it out on paper,
collecting my thoughts,
and listening to the still small voice of God.

May we take time to listen and hear that still small voice...

"And he said, Go forth, and stand
upon the mount before the LORD.
And, behold, the LORD passed by,
and a great and strong wind rent the mountains,
brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD;
but the LORD was not in the wind:
and after the wind an earthquake;
but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
And after the earthquake a fire;
but the LORD was not in the fire:
and after the fire a still small voice.
And it was so, when Elijah heard it..."
~ 1 Kings 19:11-13


"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."
~ Matthew 11::15


"But blessed are your eyes, for they see:
and your ears, for they hear."
~ Matthew 13:16

Watering Can Dresses...

I am thankful
that I was able to finish the lil' girls' dresses last week.

They were delighted,
which thrills my heart...



round neck dresses
with contrasting sleeve bands and back ties...


{click photos to enlarge}

Simple Woman's Daybook...

click on photo to see other's daybooks


FOR TODAY ...
September 15, 2008


Outside My Window...
the moon is still shining bright
in the dark, morning sky (5:30am)
and the crickets are singing their prasies


I am thinking...
of God's wonderous, everlasting, unfailing love for me
and other Truths from last night's sermon


From the learning rooms...
we continue to await the arrival of a few new books
and our schedule hangs on the wall,
awaiting fuller implementation


I am thankful for...
a church home that boldly preaches & lives the Word of God,
for God's perfect and preserved inspired Word,
for His great love, forgiveness, and longsuffering


From the kitchen...
the aroma of coffee is calling my name.
Boxed cereal (a special treat) sits in the pantry
to be eaten by the children when they awaken,
sandwiches are the plan for lunch,
and wet burritos will be served for supper.


I am wearing...
blue regency gown


I am reading...
the book of Judges {KJB}
and Laying Down the Rails


I am hoping (praying)...
my beloved has a good day at work...
that I will be more Spirit controlled


I am creating...
Lord willing, a dress for myself,
a menu and a grocery list


I am hearing...
the clock ticking and the crickets singing


Around the house...
we will be blessing our home
and Mount Washmore will be chiseled away


One of my favorite things...
though bittersweet, is seeing our children grow,
physically, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually...
each in their own way at their different ages


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
grocery shop, go to Ally's piano lessons that she teaches,
work on a new dress, attend our midweek service at church,
enjoy our homeschool park day on Friday,
really try to work on implementing more of our schedule,
focus on discipling our children, enjoying them more fully,
and limit my computer time by a great magnitude.


A picture thought I am sharing...


"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight,
O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. "
~ Psalm 19:14

Simple Woman's Daybook...

For Today... 9-8-08

Outside my Window...
dawn has broken, the sky is bright

I am thinking...
of what the upcoming week holds

From the learning rooms...
we aniticipate the arrival of new books
as we continue in our current ones

I am thankful for...
answered prayer and protection during Hanna's landfall
and for the visitors we had at church yesterday

From the kitchen...
the coffee pot waits for me to drain its last cup,
applesauce muffins for breakfast,
leftover sourdough pizza for lunch,
and chicken and pasta for supper

I am wearing...
the same indigo/pale pink dress I wore
the last time I did a daybook entry ;o)

I am reading...
the book of Judges {KJB} (and still loving it!)
and Laying Down the Rails

I am hoping...
my beloved has a good day at work

I am creating...
packages to mail and, Lord willing,
dresses for the lil' girls

I am hearing...
the children playing in the reading room

Around the house...
some pick-up from the weekend
and yard work to clean up after TS Hanna

One of my favorite things...
the blessing of being able to stay home
and home educate our children

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
continue in my piano practice
(teaching an "old dog" new tricks),
take Ally to her piano lessons that she teaches,
continue to work on our schedule and implementing it,
work on educational plans, make a post office run,
sew the lil' girls dresses and cut out my dresses,
and, perhaps, try going to the ocean


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


It doesn't matter what you KNOW about the Word of God...
it's what you're LIVING of It.

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only..."
~ James 1:22

Giveaway Winners...

As drawn by the younger children this morning...


For Bundle #1: The HomeSchool Bundle
(drawn by Carolynne)



Sandra of Blackberry Cottage





For Bundle #2: The Homemaking Bundle
(drawn by Beth)



Jen of Reflections in the Window




For Bundle #3: The All Tea Bundle
(drawn by Will)



Jennifer at Child of the King


Please contact me via email (found in my sidebar).
I hope you enjoy your bundles, ladies,
and pray they are a blessing.

A special thank you to all of you that participated!
Your participation, comments, and kind words
were all a blessing!

Rejoice in the Lord...

God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thank to the Lord though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.


O rejoice in the Lord.
He makes no mistake.
He knoweth the end of each path that I take.
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.




I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.


O rejoice in the Lord.
He makes no mistake.
He knoweth the end of each path that I take.
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.




Now I can see testing comes from above;
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.

O rejoice in the Lord.
He makes no mistake.
He knoweth the end of each path that I take.
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

~ words and music by Ron Hamilton
brief, instrumental sample can be heard here


"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice:
let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them:
let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."
~ Psalm 5:11

"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord..."
~ Philippians 3:1

"Rejoice evermore."
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Farewell Hanna and a Thank You...

Hanna has now come and gone, for us.
Her visit was quite mild.
We had very, little rain and some strong winds.

The only alteration she brought to our home
was a few downed branches
and a broken gazebo that was blown over the fence...


Rejoicing that it wasn't a tree on our house or more.
Thank you so much for your prayers!

I hope y'all enjoy your weekend!


"I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live:
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being."
~ Psalm 104:33

Week In Review...

I had a few moments to post
so I thought I'd share some photos from our week.
(click on the photos to enlarge)

After Ally taught piano on Tuesday,
we came across this little guy, as we were leaving,
trying to cross the sidewalk... (ewww!)


It was the first time they had seen a millipede.


On Wednesday, Will was thrilled to get his
{belated} birthday box from Gramma...



Even Suzie got a treat...



On Thursday, we took a trip to a local state park
to visit the beach (where we'll be taking a field trip to soon).
When we arrived, we realized there wasn't beach access,
except by ferry (which was closed due to strong currents).
Since we couldn't visit the natural beach,
we walked to the pier...



we enjoyed the scenery...









It was quite bright

We, also, stopped in the visitor center
and read about the island we'll be visiting,
in addition to other educational information...


Since we weren't able to go to the beach,
we stopped at a local park on the way home...




While the younger ones buried things in the sand,
Ally and I read aloud...


We had a nice time, though it was hot.
I hope y'all have enjoyed your week
and have a blessed Lord's Day this Sunday.
Our Sunday School teacher has been doing a study
on how to study the Word of God
and Pastor has been doing a series on Christian character.
What a blessing these have been!
What a joy it is to be in the Lord's house
and feed from His Word!


"Thy word is very pure:
therefore thy servant loveth it."
~ Psalm 119:140

"LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house,
and the place where thine honour dwelleth."
~ Psalm 26:8

Hanna's Headway...

Guess who lives somewhere in the middle
of Hanna's projected path?
Yep, us.
The children and I will be bringing in
some things from the yard today
as we prepare for her visit this evening.

Though she is considered a mild tropical storm,
we appreciate your prayers for us
and those that are in her path.


"Oh how great is thy goodness,
which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee;
which thou hast wrought for them
that trust in thee before the sons of men!"
~ Psalm 31:19

A Merry Heart...

Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin
When he smiled I realized I'd passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile then I realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected
Let's start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!
~ Author Unknown (to me)


Nothing on earth can smile but people!
Gems may flash reflected light,
But what is a diamond-flash
When compared to an eye-flash and a mirth-flash?

Flowers cannot smile;
Smiling is a charm that even they cannot claim.
Smiling is the prerogative of people.
It is the color which love wears,
And cheerfulness, and joy -- these three.

A smile is the light in the windows of the face,
By which the heart signifies it is at home and waiting.
A face that can't smile is like a bud that can't blossom,
And dries up on the stalk.

Laughter is day. Sobriety is night. A smile is twilight.
It hovers gently between both --
More bewitching than either.
~ A smile by Henry Ward Beecher


A smile starts on the inside.
Have a merry heart...
Be sure to smile today!

"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance..."
~ Proverbs 15:13

Regency Reflections...

After a week of sporadic sewing
and getting reacquainted with my seam ripper,
I sewed my last stitch on my recent regency gown.

The fabric is similar to linen (though I'm not sure exactly what it is).
It is a darker shade of blue
with a lighter blue, cotton lining in the skirt.
I decided to forgo the buttons, again,
and go with another zipper in the back,
which is convenient in many ways.

Overall, a pleasant outcome and a delightful experience
(other than the reacquainting I encountered)....

Anticipating Autumn...

Though it's not officially autumn, yet,
the month of September has begun
with wonderful signs of its coming!

It was evident in yesterday's air,
as it was much less humid and a few degrees lower.
And this morning, I sit with my windows open,
feeling and smelling that wonderful, fall coolness
that fills the crisp air! I love it!
Autumn is like having a long missed friend return.

I hope y'all, too, are enjoying
the calm, welcoming changes of fall.

Below are a few poems/quotes I thought I'd share...
all about this upcoming season...



I love fall! Fall is exciting.
It's apples and cider. It's an airborne spider.
It's pumpkins in bins. It's burrs on dog's chins.
It's wind blowing leaves. It's chilly red knees.
It's nuts on the ground. It's a crisp dry sound.
It's green leaves turning And the smell of them burning.
It's clouds in the sky. It's fall. That's why...
I love fall.
~Author Unknown




When the trees their summer splendor
Change to raiment red and gold,
When the summer moon turns mellow,
And the nights are getting cold;
When the squirrels hide their acorns,
And the woodchucks disappear;
Then we know that it is autumn,
Loveliest season of the year.
~ Charlotte L. Riser




"The morrow was a bright September morn;
The earth was beautiful as if newborn;
There was nameless splendor everywhere,
That wild exhilaration in the air,
Which makes the passers in the city street
Congratulate each other as they meet."
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow




"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious
as autumn sunshine by staying in the house.
So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air."
~ Nathaniel Hawthorne



"And he changeth the times and the seasons..."
~ Daniel 2:21