Enjoying the Simple

I snatched this idea from Kristen.  She posted about this Simple Woman's Daybook that she drew from to create a great post for today.  As sited on the blog, "Now you can share with others a little look into your day plans andthoughts while you are focusing on the simplicity of the everyday moments around you. That is my vision for this idea! Slow down, take time and enjoy the moment...the day."

I enjoyed her post so much, I will try something similar.  All my blogging friends, please join in with me as I try to take in the simple thoughts, hopes and things of this day.

Outside my window . . . I can see our Mimosa tree gently swaying back and forth.  I am amazed that there is a small breeze on this hot, 100 degree day.  The tree's beautiful silky smooth pink flowers are now wilting away.  This unique tree is also called the silk tree, because of the stunning flowers.  It is also referred to as the Hummingbird's favorite tree. 

I'm thinking . . . how good it is to be home.  Home life is just the best.  Thoughts of prepping a new meal excites me.  Thoughts of our homeschool and the priveledge I have to teach and nurture these chilren we have is overwhelming. 

I am thankful for . . .  our garden that is green from growth.  We harvest cucumbers, zucchini, okra and tomatoes almost daily.  I love incorporating these veggies into our meals.  

From the kitchen . . . there are dirty dishes from a simple lunch of baked potatoes.  I am hopeful about prepping a new meal we will have tonight, Veggie Pot Pie.

I am wearing  . . . my favorite yellow cotton tank top, shorts, bare feet, fair trade earrings from Ten Thousand Villages that Maddie gave me, and hair all swooped up in a ponytail.  

I am creating . . .  a brown blanket that I am crocheting.  This will be for Scott and I to snuggle under in the fall as we melt into the couch after a long day and watch our favorite shows or read a book.

I am dreaming of . . . adopting.  Plain and simple, I would love to adopt a kid.  I think about it morning, noon and night.  I look at little orphaned faces on my computer screen every month.  Scott and I have talked about adopting for years.  We would love to welcome another little one into our family. I will continue to hope and dream of adopting, domestic or international.  God knows the desires of our hearts.  

I am going . . .  to take the kids to the UNC Morehead Planetarium and Science Center tomorrow morning.  This is something that they have been wanting to do for weeks.  I surprised them this morning with the news.  They are so excited.  We have a membership to the planetarium.  They do great stuff for kids there.

I am reading . . . The Simple Path by Mother Teresa.  My friend, Mandy, asked me to read this along with her.  Of course, I was super excited to pick up anything that has to do with Mother Teresa.  This book is all that I wanted it to be.  The book is full of testimonies, guiding principles of charity, descriptions of her work and lifestyle.  Mother Teresa is one of my heroes.  She loved the Lord and people so much.  It is so refreshing and inspirational.  

I am hoping . . . for a peaceful evening within our home.  An evening free of any major mishaps, injuries, bad attitudes, spills and such.  Scott has no class and we will all share a meal and family time together.  This is such a treat to start the week with. 

I am hearing . . .  the small murmur of each child playing alone during their individual rest time.  I hear Playmobil, dropping from Julian's hands.  I hear Kalen as he whispers, "Mommy, look at this," as he shows me his crazy K'NEX creation.  I hear Madelyn's book on CD and the Legos that she carefully is being creative with.  This is a time of day that we all enjoy.  We get to be alone and separated for an hour.  This is a time of refreshment and quiet.

Around the house . . . there are plenty of little messes.  This is the evidence of life, right?  Yes, we LIVE in this house.  Library books spilled from the basket from morning reading, Playmobil helmets and swords decorate the floor near the Playmobil table, cherry tomatoes that are almost rolling off the counter from this morning's harvesting, stacks of folded laundry waiting to be whisked off to their designated homes . . . I could go on and on.

One of my favorite things . . . hanging our laundry outside on the line.  I get to hear the birds make their little calls, watch the squirrels climb the pines behind our home, breathe deeply, feel the warmth of the summer sun and catch glimpses of our garden growing and our busy little children's legs as they jump on the trampoline.  

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . homeschool these eager learners each day and look through the many resources we have for teaching them for the upcoming year.  I want to be playful, enjoying what is left our summer.  I will cook with creativity and delight as I prepare the meals I have planned.  We will meet some friends at the museum, meet some friends at the park, attend a dress up birthday party, attend our church picnic, clean our home, read lots of books, laugh, cry and just take this life in.  

A picture I am sharing . . .

This was a photo taken last Monday.  Scott and I scooted up to Boone for a day by ourselves.  We had just taken the kids a couple of days before.  My mom and Annette said they would take care of the kids and go hiking at Hanging Rock State Park.  

Scott and I totally delighted in each other's company that day.  It was so wonderful revitalizing just to take in that mountain air and share memories.