Simple Woman's Daybook~July 5

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the links entered in this week's Simple Woman's Daybook ~

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Outside My Window ...I see the first green tomatoes on my tomato plants.

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I am thinking ...how complex teenaged boys are and how challenging the "summer of three young men" has been.

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I am thankful for ...Michael, who painted the basement this summer.

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From the kitchen ... lots of leftovers from yesterday's party.
Tortilla rollup  pinwheels from the Susan Branch Summer Book
Fresh Tomato Mozzarella and Basil Salad
Hamburgers and Hot dogs for the kids
Cajun-rubbed steak for the adults
Roasted Corn from the Summer Book
Spiced Pineapple Rice from Vegetable Heaven
Gene's Baked Beans
Mixed Green Salad with Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese
Fruit Salad of Watermelon, Canteloupe, and Blueberries
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

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I am wearing ... Khaki capris, a crisp white blouse, crocs and a ponytail.

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I am creating ...more lesson plans (sneak preview at Serendipity in a couple days).

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I am going ...to finish up my curriculum shopping and hang out with friends at the Northern Virginia conference this weekend. Great speakers lineup only five minutes from home--I'm looking very forward to soaking in some wisdom.

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I am reading ... Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Fulton J. Sheen .

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I am hoping ...for a second VBAC and I'm a little nervous about a very stretched out uterus and a kind of low placenta(would you say a quick prayer please?).
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I am hearing ... lots of birds who are happy we filled the feeders yesterday.

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Around the house ... we need to rearrange some furniture and adapt to our changing family.

One of my favorite things ...a day that begins bright and sunny after a good night's sleep. This elusive night has become my almost incessant prayer.

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A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: a day with just my girls today (shh...I'm taking them for "real" haircuts!); a visit with my friend Martha; a new, improved exercise routine.

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Here is a picture thought I am sharing~

 
Karoline tells her "baby" about the birds at the feeder

Such a deal!

Linda Nelson of Sacred Heart Books and Gifts is on a mission! She wants to get Real Learning into your hands. She is offering the book for $14.40, with free shipping in the US. While you're there, check out an unbeatable selection of living books and other curricular materials.

Of course, it's about the clothes...

A couple of weeks ago, I was listening to commentary on FOXNews about the pregnancy pact. I have lots of thoughts about this particular phenomenon, most of which are expressed very well by Stef. But one expert in Gloucester truly connected some dots for me. She surmised that one of the big draws for these teenaged girls--young teenaged girls--was that maternity clothes had become so chic, so totally hip. Let me re-phrase that: high school freshmen and sophomores are eager to get pregnant becuae they know they'll look pretty darn cute in today's maternity fashions.

And that explains a lot.

It explains why my maternity clothes left from pregnancies with Michael and Christian (20 and 17 years ago) still fit better than clothes of the same brand and size purchased recently. It explains why there is no room in these new shirts for matronly breasts. There isn't even room for full-grown breasts. The shirts are cut so low that a regular,  normal, mature bra shows above the neckline. The skirts are cut so high that one cannot reach up and lift a frightened five-year-old out of a tree. These clothes are cut for a fifteen-year-old.

So, what are grown up moms who aren't built like either Angelina Jolie or a high school cheerleader wearing these days? I'll tell you one thing, my old, old maternity clothes are priceless.

And the list grows longer

The boys of summer are a good bit more subdued this week. In addition to this boy, and this boy, Patrick  found his way to the Disabled List. A whole lot of summer left and no sand, surf, swimming or SOCCER.

Sounds like loads of fun.

I'm really ready for a boring week. Patrick, poor dear, is not.

Simple Woman's Daybook~June 29

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the links entered in this week's Simple Woman's Daybook ~

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Outside My Window ... the day is bright and summery and my little man tells me that it's not nearly as humid.

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I am thinking ...almost incessantly about next term's lessons and plans.

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I am thankful for ...online friends who become in real life friends in every sense of the words.

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From the kitchen ... a summer vegetable and bean soup is planned for dinner, with homemade oatmeal batter bread to accompany it.

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I am wearing ... a nightgown.

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I am creating ...Fourth of July weekend menus.

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I am going ...to take it easy the first few days this week because we have way too much planned for the weekend.

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I am reading ...Archbishop Fulton sheen's St. Therese--a Treasured Love Story. this is a beautiful book and I highly recommend it! HT: Jessica .

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I am hoping ...for a good visit with the midwife this week.
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I am hearing ...
Stephen and Nicky singing Signing Time songs with Karoline.

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Around the house ... things are a bit better but I am very aware that it's a 24/7 job if I want it to be at all livable around here.

One of my favorite things ...a fresh blueberry pie after a day of picking and playing with friends in the country.

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A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: a visit to the midwife, Patrick to the orthopedist,a friends' birthday on the third, a celebration for Independence Day, a cookout for company on Saturday!

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Here is a picture thought I am sharing~