Why yes, it IS that time again… Almost…

Some of you might remember that we had a humble little book club last summer that was SO much fun… Well, it’s getting to be time to launch the book club again! 
I am so happy it’s today!
No, seriously… Today is a wonderful day. 
Not only is it a new week… 
It is the day that I kick off the second annual Rainy Day in May summer book club! 
Last year’s was so fantastic! We had just under 30 participants, last summer, through this blog, twitter and facebook. Lots of fun!
In case you weren’t around last summer, or you’ve forgotten, here’s how it works: 
– On the 3rd Monday of each summer month, {May, June, July, August} I will post that month’s summer title. 
– On the Friday BEFORE “announcement Monday” I will put a post up about the book, and we can discuss. {Of course, last summer many discussion happened, in many formats, between those dates- and that is absolutely fine.} 
That’s it… One book per month (easy commitment) with the benefit of connecting with other’s who are also reading it… Couldn’t ask for a better summer goal! 
{Don’t panic though, as simple as it may be, I’ll repost this info with each of the four announcements.}
I really hope you’ll consider joining us. I personally got to know a few of my readers more personally, through the book club, and am so proud to call them friends still today! 
So, be sure to tune in next Monday for May’s announcement and- in the mean time- spread the word! 

post signature

It was all about me, after all…

Sometimes I whine too much… Sometimes I can become that horrible woman who complains far too excessively that I fail to see the beautiful blessing before my own face due to the obesity of my self inflicted misery. 
Though not always, sometimes days like holidays where I am “supposed” to be the focus, (i.e. birthdays and Mother’s Day) and days where I am miserably sick are days that fit that description. 
I’m not proud. 
When I woke up horribly sick on Thursday morning, (Thank you, broncial flu-like misery who has taken up residence in my body!) I was determined not to let this weekend fall victim to my stupidity. I sucked it up and behaved well (although increasingly sicker) throughout my husband’s birthday festivities over the weekend. I spent time genuinely laughing with my beautiful daughters, husband and our friends. 
It was nice… 
By the time Saturday afternoon rolled around though, my fever had spiked and it was clear that I was not doing myself any favors by pretending I was absolutely fine. My pity party train arrived and I was sad that Mother’s day would be a total bust… 
But it wasn’t! 
Plans were changed to accommodate my homebound state and my family pulled off what may be my most fabuslous Mother’s day ever… 
Amazing crepes, for breakfast, with both girls and Chw. It was perfect… 
Genny created an “at home” day spa for me, complete with Ambient spa music, low lighting and gentle speaking. She presented me with a “menu” of services to choose from. Her menu included never ending cups of steaming tea, fruit skewers, yogurt dip and chocolates. 

 I chose a Eucalyptus and Green tea hand soak and manicure, A milk and honey foot soak and pedicure and a half hour peaches and cream facial. Divine…

 I also got the most amazing cards… Being a word girl, i have a soft spot for cards and all three of my kinds managed to find the BEST cards. Each one specifically spoke of things which seemed to be just in reference to our relationships… Very moving and lovely words, both the pre-printed and the hand written. (and they all three picked out blue floral cards, which is pretty funny. The pink one is from my husband…)

Added bonus was, it was Sunday so I got to skype with Lucas! It does my heart so good to see that boy’s face. Makes the miles between Idaho and Germany feel somehow smaller.

My husband brought me two dozen roses and also gave me some hair products i’ve been wanting (to go along with the “pampered” theme, chinese take out for dinner and entertained me with Glee Karaoke, which was super fun. Over all, though i’m not feeling any better- my heart is feeling so full and blessed by my beautiful family. I truly am a “simplicity” and quality time girl, and my family really made me feel loved and appreciated… 
I guess, in a way, I also gave myself that gift by not allowing my miserable moments to overcloud my life vision. 
post signature

Thirty-Six…

Dear Chw,  
I could address this letter so many different ways… 
Happy Birthday, Baby… 
To the Man of my Dreams… 
Hello Sexy Lover… 
But really, they would all head in the same direction so I thought to myself, why not keep it simple? 
Day by day, year by year I am continually amazed by you. Just when I think that you have reached the epitome of everything I could ever want or appreciate in a man- you go and push the limits even farther. It would take me years to write out everything I adore about you and all of the ways that you raise the bar as a father, husband and friend… 
Thank you, for loving me. For choosing me. For loving our kids as much as you do. For working so hard, for being so brave. For being you… 
Happy birthday, my husband. I love you so much… 
post signature

Journaling {week four}…

.In my life this week…
Last weekend, at the Farmer’s Market, our car was backed into. Thankfully we were not in it. Also, thankfully (we think) the offender left a note with his information. The first day, this guy was all remorseful. The days following have found him unwilling to really make any efforts to fix this situation. It’s a little frustrating… 


other than that, it’s been a really good week. Warm, quiet. Productive. 
In our homeschool this week…
We wrapped up our last Science unit (climate and weather), our final 6th grade social studies unit (Renaissance) and managed 2 field trips. One was to see a musical production of the Secret Garden. (SO lovely! I had no idea!) The other was to the Old Penitentiary in Idaho. Very fun stuff… 
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
Today is my husband’s birthday and I’m really looking forward to celebrating him and honoring him. 
We also have a few college graduations and parties this weekend, which are also nice. 
My favorite thing this week was…
We received a letter from the Idaho Coalition of Home Educators presenting Genny with an Honor Society certificate and informing us that she tested in the 84 percentile Nationally. We are so proud of her! While i am not a big fan of standardized testing I do value the freedoms that participating leaves us with, in our state. We went to lunch and had lemon cake to celebrate… 
What’s working/not working for us…
I am finding, as the sunshine makes us both antsy with wandering minds, that I’m grateful I pushed for longer school days and more productivity in the winter months. This enables us to have shorter “school” days as we wrap up. Definitely planning to do that again! 
A photo, video, link, or quote to share

This is my nephews, attempting to catch our kite. Wonderfully fun day!

post signature

Just one of those days…

Some days you just need some something special…
Some days you might need to snuggle on the couch with your favorite blanket and your favorite movie… 
Some days you might need a glass of wine or two… 
And some days you might need some comfort food… 
And chocolate… 
Or both. Put together… 

And some days you might need all of the above… 
Hello, today. 
post signature