Simple Woman 9-7-10

Simple Woman

For Today, September 7, 2010

Outside my window...   cool, cloudy and rainy.  Kind of sad to think that summer has left us,
but a lot easier to concentrate on school.

I am thinking...   September, not January, always seems like the beginning of the new year.
A fresh start.  High hopes.  A clean slate.

Same old me.

I am thankful for...   the boys' baptism two days ago, homeschooling, healthy boys (except for colds), and fun plans coming up.

I am praying for...   attitudes - the boys to get along with each other and be diligent workers.

I am wearing...   jeans, black t-shirt, blue sweater, faux-crocs (my slippers).

I am going...   to have a little back-to-school party with some homeschool friends after lunch.
We'd hoped to be out at the lake, swimming, and gloating about everyone else back at school,
but with the temp in the 50's this morning that doesn't sound quite as appealing as I'd hoped!
I think we're going to all go to a special dough-nut shop and then to a park, instead.

I am reading...   nothing.  Just finished several Bill Bryson books I got for my birthday.  Hilarious.

I am hoping...    oh the fresh start of September always fills me with (unrealistic) hopes.   

This year... I will finally make and use monthly menu plans,
take control of the clutter in my house,
help the boys excel in all their studies,
effectively manage my personal time,
and return this old body to a single-digit clothing size.
And stop laughing hysterically at to myself.
Yah.

  I am hearing...  the boys playing in their bedroom.  We're easing into school today.

I am remembering...   a year ago, this week Tate ended up in the hospital with a ruptured appendix for a nine-day stay.  So glad that is behind us!

From the learning rooms...   not a lot scheduled for today.  History, which the boys love, and some reading and writing.

From the kitchen...   feels like crock-pot weather to me (!) but nothing bubbling yet.

Around the house...   I'm holding off on the fall decorations until after our campout, but a pumpkin spice candle did find its way into the living room... ;D

On my mind...   coordinating school, soccer, and chores.

Noticing that...   what is it about summer and boys?  Is it something in the air?
They've all grown over an inch in height and up a shoe size or two.  And a half.
They grow like dandelions on steroids.

Pondering these words...   on polishing one's character,

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (i.e. the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23) don't just happen.  They are forged in the crucible of difficult circumstances.  Very little happens when everything is going your way.  The important stuff happens when it's not.   Michael Hyatt

One of my favorite things...   autumn.

A few plans for the rest of the week...   school, soccer practices, party today :D

Here is a picture I'm sharing...

The boys and their cousin Ben from a hike last week...

... more pics later.