Outside My Window... it's still dark. The lawn really needs mowed, but I couldn't get the lawn mower to start yesterday. After starting school, and then being sick, it really is high, so I am hoping I can get it going and get it cut!

I am thinking... about how much dd8 likes bedtime stories. They are so precious to her. We had gotten away from it for a while and then she told me, "I heard on the news that a bedtime story helps children sleep better!" I took the hint and she gets so excited each night. We go up and lay on my bed and read. During the week, we practice spelling words then too.

I am thankful for...so many things! I am thankful for great friends. I am thankful that dd10 got invited to the gifted program in our cyber school again. I am thankful that my husband is supportive and helpful when I come up against a challenge in teaching the kids. I am thankful for my home and my family! I am thankful that all of our needs are always met.

From the kitchen...

Tonight - Taco Crescent Bake (from www.thehomeschoolmom.com, Bacon Ranch Green Beans (same site for recipe), Corn

Tuesday - Pot Pie

Wednesday - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, chips, Apple slices

Thursday - Easy Chicken Parmesan (Homeschool mom again), mashed potatoes, salad and rolls

Friday - Spaghetti and meatballs, Italian bread, Salad

I am wearing... Pajamas

From the school room: we are finishing up our first composition papers of the year. We will begin a science unit about the oceans, and continue learning about vertebrates. dd10 will start her literature units from her "Classics for young Readers" books, and dd8 will finish up her animal stories units. In art, we will continue learning about Illuminated Manuscripts, and designing a dish like the early american Indians. In Math we are working on addition and multiplication.

I am going... to start keeping a more detailed record of the kid's learning this year. I want to keep track of their accomplishments, their struggles, what they like, what they don't, etc.

I am reading...a book about dinosaurs this week that a friend lent me about science and creation.

I am hoping...to have a really great week!

I am hearing... the fan buzzing over my head. Everything else is very quiet :) I love these few moments each morning when everyone is still sleeping. Then I am able to better enjoy those moments when the house becomes abuzz with noise and activity.

Around the house...the laundry needs done, the bathroom walls and ceiling needs scrubbed. Mostly during the week, I stick to the basics and then try to do a little extra cleaning on Saturday morning. It makes my week a little less hectic, and lets me focus on school during the week instead of running around back and forth between things. They say that women are great multi-taskers, but I don't think I am :)

One of my favorite things... is crime drama! I am looking forward to the season premier of a bunch of shows this week. CSI, CSI Miami, Criminal Minds, and a new show I can't remember the name of right now. It's about a detective who pays attention to details.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: dd10 starts her homeroom sessions today. They are once a week. She also has a few online meetings with teachers. On Wednesday, dd8 will have her first brownie meeting of the year. DH has 2 doctor appointments on Thursday. My sister has also moved back into the area with her 2 boys, so maybe next weekend we will go and visit them.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...