Simple Woman's Day Book - Week 9

So, I've kind of forgotten about this. Let's try it again...

Outside my window... It's beautiful! It has been rainy for the last week or so, now everything is wonderfully green!

I am thinking... That carpets were the worst idea ever.

I am thankful for... My dishwasher.

I am wearing... Pj pants and black t-shirt. OMG, exact same outfit as last time I posted this!

I am remembering... How much I love age 2. Seriously. I find 3.5+ to be much harder. 2 is just cute and fun. I loved Judith's age 2, and Gideon's is proving to be fun too! Ah, the cuteness! Even the tantrums are cute.

I am going... To enjoy visiting with my Mom and Grandma this week!

I am currently reading... A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller.

I am hoping... That this week is nice so we can go and do some fun things.

On my mind... How pointless it is trying to get the house in perfect shape, and how dirty our carpets still look despite being shampooed.

Noticing that... Ruthie is growing up way too quickly. In my head she's still 2-3 months, so I'm always amazed at how good she is with her hands and stuff. Then I realize, oh yeah, she's almost 6 months. 6 MONTHS?!?!

Pondering these words... "People who live good stories are too busy to write about them." ~Donald Miller

From the kitchen... Cleanliness. Sweet, sweet, temporary cleanliness.

Around the house... A disaster waiting to un-happen.

One of my favorite things... Snuggling with Ruthie at night as she plays with my hair.

From my picture journal... How cute is this?

Simple Woman's Day Book - Week 8

I'm just going to pick up where I left off...

Outside my window... It's starting to recover from our recent snow. It was really nice out for most of lent though!

I am thinking... That a latte would be awesome right now. Yeah, I started drinking coffee over lent.

I am thankful for... Coffee, haha. I haven't been getting much sleep lately. It has taken me 3 kids to get to this point, I've always hated coffee.

I am wearing... Pj pants and black t-shirt.

I am remembering... How much fun Gideon had on his birthday!

I am going... To take Judith out to pick out a "treat" for being so brave at the dentist. She can have anything she wants, from the Mac store, that I can afford, haha.

I am currently reading... Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein.

I am hoping... That I can get the house back in order soon, it's driving me crazy, but I have been too busy and tired lately to keep it in good order. It's not nearly as bad as our place always was in the old apartment.

On my mind... My future doula business.

Noticing that... My weight isn't budging, despite breastfeeding, giving up sugar/junk food, and going to the gym.

Pondering these words... ... ... apparently nothing.

From the kitchen... Dave is now making me a latte, yay!

Around the house... There is a lot of laundry that needs to be washed, or put away. I never get behind on laundry, this is crazy!

One of my favorite things... Lattes, haha.

From my picture journal... The kids at Easter.

Simple Woman's Day Book - Week 7

Outside my window... It will hopefully warm up soon and turn to spring, I'm so done with this!

I am thinking... That there must be something I've been eating recently that's upsetting Ruthie's tummy.

I am thankful for... My cousins who live close by.

I am wearing... Jeans, gray nursing tank and brown hoodie.

I am remembering... How Dave proposed to me 7 years ago. <3

I am going... To be giving up the internet for lent. Feb. 17 - April 3. Don't miss me too much!

I am currently reading... Discipline Without Distress bu Judy Arnall (still slowly plugging away) AND Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Simkin, Whalley, and Keppler. I also just finished Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin.

I am hoping... That my time away from the internet is refreshing and productive.

On my mind... All of the things I need to do while I'm "away".

Noticing that... I get a lot more done and am in a better mood when I'm NOT online all day.

Pondering these words... Psalm 91:1 "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

From the kitchen... We will be making pizza with Ashley this evening!

Around the house... It's a mess! I need to clean up asap!

One of my favorite things... Getting a massage this afternoon!

From my picture journal... Dave, the great multi-tasker. Playing video games online AND parenting.

Simple Woman's Day Book - Week 6

Outside my window... It's cold, and the trees are covered in ice and snow. It's pretty, but that's it. I need spring to come soon!

I am thinking... About giving up the internet for lent (I've never participated in lent before, but this is something I've been thinking about for a while).

I am thankful for... How well vinegar cleans smoothies off of windows.

I am wearing... Brown yoga pants, turquoise tshirt and green zip-up hoodie.

I am remembering... How exhausting it was taking the girls out shopping on Saturday. Judith did not stop talking the entire time, I carried Ruthie in the mei tai everywhere (she only cried at one store, but that bit was rough), and I can't believe just how loooong everything takes with kids. All in all it was a good, successful outing, but I was so tired when we got home!

I am going... To go through the closet and pull out some of Ruthie's bigger clothes and diapers for her. She's starting to outgrow things already. =(

I am currently reading... Discipline Without Distress by Judy Arnall. I also started reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (I read it when I was pregnant with Gideon, but it's part of the DONA required reading, so I thought I'd refresh my memory. I find it far more interesting right now than the discipline book for some reason...).

I am hoping... That someone will come and visit us this week!

On my mind... All of the things I want to do during lent when I don't have the computer to distract me.

Noticing that... I feel better when I'm not online all day.

Pondering these words... "Learn the unforced rhythms of grace."

From the kitchen... The smell of chicken stock being made on the stove.

Around the house... It's actually pretty tidy, for now. The children are working on changing that as I type...

One of my favorite things... Having pizza and root beer with a friend!

From my picture journal... Judith taking after her mama. Although she learned to spell her name recently, thanks to Dave making that her password for her account on the computer!

Simple Woman's Day Book - Week 5

Outside my window... It's still white.

I am thinking... Yeast and I don't seem to get along well. Yesterday the cinnamon bun dough wouldn't rise, and today my pizza dough. D'oh! (I tried different yeast too)

I am thankful for... How cute my babies are. I think God gave me cute babies so I don't kill them when they cry incessantly (just kidding, of course).

I am wearing... Gray yoga pants, gray nursing tank and a navy Roxy hoodie.

I am remembering... How wonderful it was getting 6 straight hours of sleep the other night! The baby hammock rocks.

I am going... To become a doula! For realz!

I am currently reading... Discipline Without Distress by Judy Arnall. I read ONE chapter this week!

I am hoping... uptoten.com continues to occupy my kids this evening so they will stay out of my hair as I attempt to get this pizza made!

On my mind... The future, like where our family is headed. Or where I'd like to be headed.

Noticing that... Skype is such a great way for the kids to keep in touch with Grandma! So much better than the phone.

Pondering these words... "No. A glimpse is not a vision. But to a man on a mountain road at night, a glimpse of the next 3 feet of road may matter more than a vision of the horizon." - C.S. Lewis

From the kitchen... FAIL.

Around the house... Puzzle pieces, crayons, and random bits from making Valentines this morning. Oh, and flour.

One of my favorite things... Having friends over!

From my picture journal... Ashley rocking the sling.

Simple Woman's Day Book - Week 4

Outside my window... Cold and snowy, again.

I am thinking... My house is so much nicer when it's clean.

I am thankful for... The turkey sandwich that I made earlier and forgot about, then I went into the kitchen a minute ago looking for something to eat, and there it was ready for me! I'm eating it right now. Sometimes my terrible memory causes wonderful surprises (other times, not so wonderful surprises...).

I am wearing... Brown cords, black tank top, brown, green, orange and white striped sweater.

I am remembering... That I have library books due this week. I will not forget this time! I hope...

I am going... To the dentist Wednesday to get 2 fillings, and I have to admit I'm pretty scared!

I am currently reading... Discipline Without Distress by Judy Arnall. I didn't get any reading done in the book this week AGAIN. But my excuse this time is that I got my Mothering magazine in the mail. That magazine is seriously the best, I have never gotten through an issue without crying! The only problem is it's never long enough. I burn through it in a day, because it's so good the rest of my life gets put on hold, and then I'm left wanting more, but have to wait TWO whole months for the next issue, not fair!

I am hoping... I have time to make cinnamon buns in the near future. That would be awesome.

On my mind... I really want to become a doula, and am thinking about taking the course in May. BUT, also wondering if this is the right time, or that maybe I should wait until next year, or later. I want to do it now, and I know I could handle the course and reading right now, but I don't know anyone who's birth(s) I could attend in order to get my certification. And I don't think I'm in a position to actually be a doula right now, while I'm still having babies myself. But I waaaaaaant to!

Noticing that... Keeping my house relatively tidy isn't as much effort as it used to be.

Pondering these words... "At this time in history, assuming that society will protect you can be a dangerous belief." ~Peggy O'Mara

From the kitchen... Lots and lots of fresh fruit! It's all we ate all morning.

Around the house... Toys still left out from our play date this morning.

One of my favorite things... Watching my kids play together and love on each other. They bring me so much joy.

From my picture journal... Me & my little man. <3

Simple Woman's Day Book - Week 3

Outside my window... Looks pretty nice, actually. The weather was beautiful for my inlaws' entire visit!

I am thinking... I should be napping, since all 3 kids miraculously are at the same time, but I am enjoying the quiet.

I am thankful for... The wonderful visit we had with Dave's parents!

I am wearing... Jeans, turquoise tshirt and black cardigan.

I am remembering... Haiti in my prayers.

I am going... To get my cavities filled next week. We all went to the dentist today for the first time in almost 3 years...

I am currently reading... Discipline Without Distress by Judy Arnall. I didn't get any farther, I didn't read at all this week.

I am hoping... The pediatric dentist Judith has to see won't cost too much, she has a lot of work to be done and will probably need to be sedated.

On my mind... Judith's teeth and Gideon's upcoming surgery, my poor kids!

Noticing that... I'm so much happier when it isn't freezing out.

Pondering these words... Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

From the kitchen... Fresh lemonade Judith and I made this morning.

Around the house... It's actually quiet for once.

One of my favorite things... Spending quality time with family.

From my picture journal... Us with Oma & Opa.

Simple Woman's Day Book - Week 2

Outside my window... There's still lots of snow, but it's slowly melting with the above-freezing temps we've finally had for a few days.

I am thinking... I should get up early every day and get stuff done, but I'm so not a morning person.

I am thankful for... Friends that are coming over to visit today, and another friend who came last week. They help me feel less crazy. =)

I am wearing... Pj pants, navy tshirt and black hoodie, but I need to change soon.

I am remembering... How cute it was watching Judith having a tea party with Ruthie the other night.

I am going... To pick up my inlaws at the airport tomorrow for a week-long visit, yay!

I am currently reading... Discipline Without Distress by Judy Arnall. I only got through 2 chapters this past week, I wish I had more time to sit and read!

I am hoping... That the weather stays nice for a long time. I'm so done with winter already.

On my mind... How I need to quit letting my feelings get in the way of getting things done.

Noticing that... I haven't had any alone time all week and it's really affecting my moods.

Pondering these words... "They just need to know that it's ok to actually fix the problem." My friend Lindsay said this on her blog when talking about discussing parenting issues with others, and how people would rather be defensive than think about what's going on or what's best for their kid.

From the kitchen... Not too much the last few days besides meals.

Around the house... It has actually been relatively tidy this past week.

One of my favorite things... How much both Judith and Gideon love Ruthie.

From my picture journal... Mama & Baby.

Simple Woman's Day Book - Week 1

Outside my window... Snow still covers the ground, the sky is gray and uninviting.

I am thinking... I should set my sleeping Ruthie down and get some chores done, but she's just so sweet sleeping on my chest!

I am thankful for... Dave being able to work today, the weather has not been favourable lately and it is hurting us financially.

I am wearing... Pj pants, blue tank top and black cardigan.

I am remembering... How nice and quiet the holidays were.

I am going... To take Gideon to the Urologist on Wednesday at the Children's Hospital with the other 2 kids in tow as well, not looking forward to that.

I am currently reading... Discipline Without Distress by Judy Arnall. Judith has gotten a little out of hand since she turned 4/Ruthie arrived, with good reason of course, but I want to figure out how to better meet her needs (and for the love of God STOP the incessant screaming!!!).

I am hoping... To get dishes, laundry and vacuuming done today, HAHAHA! High hopes.

On my mind... Trying to find ways to be more present and intentional with the kids.

Noticing that... I tend to go online in an attempt to "hide" from everything that is stressing me out.

Pondering these words... "The good mother is a great artist ever creating beauty out of chaos." (From a Starbucks cup)

From the kitchen... Home made doughnuts!!!

Around the house... Lots of toys and clutter.

One of my favorite things... Ruthie's little grunts, snorts and squeaks.

From my picture journal... I brought the play mat up from the basement for Ruthie, but she wasn't the only one who enjoyed it!