For Today...

Outside my window.....birds are chirping, one of the roosters is crowing and I hear the hum of insects. Otherwise, it's strangely silent. Our farm has been so noisy lately with a calf that's being weaned and a wild guinea that just showed up.

I am thinking...that the baby is off to a bad start today. She woke at 6 and came to our bed and now that she's awake again, she is fussy. School work might be fun today.

I am thankful...for the fun day I enjoyed with my kiddos yesterday. Husband needed some wire from Springfield and I hated to waste the fuel for just that. So we turned it into a field trip day. We visited Lincoln's Home, walked around part of downtown Springfield, ate a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and ended the day playing in the fountains at a local park. I think I am so blessed to get to enjoy my kiddos company!

From the Learning Room...today it's back to the books. We are mapping Europe, reading about the 13 original colonies and learning about whales and other marine animals. Bubby and Bug are writing different styles of paragraphs. Leeny is almost finished with her Reading book - only 8 more lessons. And all are doing splendidly in math.

From the Kitchen...grilled hamburgers, homemade buns, maple grilled squash, salad and melon

I am wearing...boring jeans and a blue t-shirt

I am creating...ocean boxes with the kiddos in their marine biology class

I am going...to get all the laundry done today, folded and put away, even if it kills me. And hopefully, get tomato sauce made.

I am wondering...why I keep getting headaches. Maybe it's because the weather is changing? Hormonal?

I am reading... A Prayer for Owen Meany and so far I'm really enjoying it. I think as I get a bit further in the book, I won't be able to put it down. Another book I've read but continue to re-read a few pages a day is Homeschool Supermom...Not! When Grace Meets Homeschooling. Next to the Bible, this book has had more influence in my life that any other homeschool book I've read. I can't recommend this book enough!

I am looking forward to... I'm really enjoying life right now so each day is something I look forward to.

I am hoping...to have a heart-to-heart conversation with a parent.

I am hearing...Bubby's dirtbike fading into the distance. He's heading to check fences. (I'm praying they are all in good shape and no cattle are out). Big Bird, Telly monster and Cookie Monster are arguing on Sesame Street, and the radio is playing some favorite songs.

Around the house...Mount Washmore that will be conquered today and a few odds and ends that need put away.

One of my favorite things...Fall! The weather changing (minus the headaches).

A few plans for the rest of the week...soccer practices for Leeny and Bug, a chiropractor appointment, a stop at the orchard, garden work, music lessons for Bubby and hopefully some time to sit outside and read.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

This is what I'll probably be doing this weekend. I LOVE canning!

Have a great day! For more Simple Women, go here.