Way Out West

The last few mornings we have awakened to snow on the ground, but as the day progresses it usually goes away. After all, it's spring! That's what it's supposed to do!

Some days are rainy and chilly, but other days the sun comes out... and what a welcome sight that is! I haven't seen the temperature go much above 50 yet, but the kids pull on their heavy hoodies and head out to play in the sunshine after their school work is done.

One day last week I discovered that our backyard had been transformed into the open prairie of pioneer days! Our utility wagon was the covered wagon, and the girls took turns being the pioneer and the horse or oxen that was pulling the wagon. The dog played the part of the cow! They set up camp on the deck, with a play tent that they are really too big for. (Shhhh! Don't tell them.)

Later, after the pioneers had gone on to other pursuits, I stepped out on the deck to discover that a claim jumper had taken over their camp!
I spoke with her about the situation, but from all indications she was not a bit interested in giving up her claim.
After all, there were cushy pillows... and the sun shining on the walls of the tent had a greenhouse effect to warm the interior of the tent.

Ahhh... spring!

A Closet Office

Spring cleaning time has begun! Thanks to my 16-year-old daughter my kitchen now shines! I want you to know, that girl's a keeper! (No, Farrah, you can't have her.)

My project for Saturday was to help my 13-year-old daughter organize her bedroom. I called a family meeting to brainstorm the best way to set up her tiny bedroom (only 10x10') to help her keep things tidy. She does most of her schoolwork and some playing in there, and all of her things were constantly jumbled together. She really needed a desk, but I couldn't figure out a place to put one. Her daddy suggested the closet... and that was a brilliant idea!
The closet is also tiny, but it was just the right size for a nice desk that my dad had made for the kids several years ago! The desk had been hanging from the rafters in the garage since we moved last year because we didn't have a place for it. It was a perfect fit for the closet!

We put a small set of shelves on the back of the desk and organized the books, toys, and school supplies. Now the bedroom floor is clear of clutter, and the closet can be closed when R is not at her desk.

(In case you're wondering, we put her hanging clothes on a rod in the utility room. I think that will be fine, as most of her clothes are folded into drawers anyway.)

Works for Me!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my window... the sun is rising above a bank of dark clouds. It is beautiful! I took pictures, but the pictures don't do the scene justice. The ground is wet from yesterday's rain. I'm looking forward to a sunny day.

I am thinking... about today's to-do list.

From the learning rooms... I've been giving my younger daughter a few basic piano lessons lately. She seems eager to learn.

I am thankful for... literacy. What a joy to be able to read... and read and read!

From the kitchen... My daughter made banana bread yesterday, and I just baked sour dough bread this morning. Mmmm! This is the third batch of sour dough bread and it finally looks the way I think it ought to. Last week's was better than the first batch, but still not quite right. This batch raised much better. We'll have it with lunch.

I am reading... Salty Like Blood by Harry Kraus, M.D. and The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn

I am hoping... to get back in the habit of making weekly menu plans soon.

I am creating... still working on the quilt and crocheted curtain for my bedroom. You're gonna get tired of hearing about that before I'm done!

I am hearing... the coffee pot.

Around the house... spring cleaning has started! The kitchen and one bedroom are done!

One of my favorite things... watching the earth come alive in the spring.

A few plans for the rest of the week... I'll be representing Sonlight Curriculum at the Inland Northwest Homeschool Conference on Friday and Saturday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Looking forward to the bright flowers of spring!

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A Rainy Sunday Afternoon

I love long, quiet Sundays at home.

Today it is raining. A lovely, slow spring rain. We are warm and comfortable, and each of us has something relaxing to do.

I am grateful for my family, my home, and a day of rest each week.

***

Some of my friends have started new blogs. Help me encourage them by stopping by and leaving them a comment!

• Ben's Blog
  
• From Judy's Kitchen
• Sheila's Potpourri
  

Books I reviewed last week:

• Scream
• Diamonds in the Shadows
• Red, White & Blue
• Katt's in the Cradle
• Don't Let Me Go
  

It's spring in my yard!

It's too early for beautiful flowers in our neighborhood... but it's definitely spring! I insist!

Two weeks ago, when the time changed, we were still having frigid, single-digit temps. But yesterday was the official first day of spring, and if you look really close you can find spring in my yard!

The first sign of spring is the absence of snow. Remember the humongous piles we had in December? They're gone.
Well, okay... if you look down the street, yeah, there's still snow on the mountains. But that will probably be there 'til June, so we won't worry about that.
Then, if you squint just right, you can see the barest hint of green in the lawn. I'm actually looking forward to seeing the bright, cheerful faces of the dandelions which will no doubt be popping up soon.
Look! There are buds on my lilac bushes. Aren't they just beautiful?
Here is my tiny little azalea bush that was a housewarming gift from friends last year. He seems to have survived the winter and is putting out buds as well.
The rhododendron bush has several fat buds on it, too...
And the denizen of the porch has already put in a formal request for the cushions to be placed back on the bistro chairs, please.
Happy Spring!!