Day 30:
Today I am thankful for.. Being able to keep up with this for the month. I’m super proud of myself, usually I have the best intentions but then I end up getting to caught up in life to finish. I’m very thankful for this opportunity to reflect on what I am happy and thankful for.
What are you thankful for??
I don’t know about you, but having 3 Crazy Monkey’s in my house we always are in need of some Band-Aids. Of course unlike the days when I was a child, and their was only plain brown Band-Aid’s, now there are numerous ones to chose from.
The selection is a major thing too. Like for us, we have to have boy Band-Aids, and girl ones. Monkey man does not like it when we run out of boy ones, and he is forced to use a Barbie or Hello Kitty Band-Aid.
Recently we were sent some Mickey Mouse ones, that came in a Collectors Tin. First might I start with I LOVE the tin?!! It is so cute, and sturdy. Unlike the box, that usually gets destroyed in my house in less than 15 mins. Check out this cute tin.
Next, the Band-Aids are super cute too. They are unisex so my kids can’t get mad about it being to girly, or to boyish! I would even wear them. Actually, I had to use one the other night. Check out my styling arm! 
This are only out for a limited time, so hurry on over to Amazon and pick some up before they are gone! They come 20 Band-Aids to a tin, so you might want to get a couple. They come in two different sizes, with 4 different designs for the little ones, and 4 more different designs for the bigger ones.
You can also see what is going on at Band-Aid by liking their Facebook page.
* I was given this product in exchange for my honest opinion by Smiley360. My opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys!
1. Do you send Christmas cards? If so about how many will you send this year? How do you display the cards you receive? Or don't you? (gasp!)
I try to send Christmas Cards every year. Some years I get them addressed but not sent. (oops)
We hang the cards on the wall around the house, or on our card holder.
2. When do kids become adults?
Do they ever really become adults??
3. Does your 'beauty regimen' change with the seasons?
No… I’m not really huge on “beauty regimen’s” I am a crawl out of bed, brush my hair and throw it up kinda gal. And out the door.
4. What's something you like to eat that might cause another person to turn up their nose?
Not really thinking there is anything that I would eat, that would make other people turn up their nose. I like to eat my french fries with ketchup and mayo combined.
5. Gloves or mittens?
Either really.. Gloves are nice for driving. Mittens are better for playing outside.
6. What's the longest queue you've ever been in? Was it worth it? Queue=line but doesn't queue sound nicer?
No idea… I’m not a black Friday shopper.. So probably going to be a line when we were at Disney!
7. Besides Christmas, what is one thing you are looking forward to in the month of December?
Playing in the snow with my kiddo’s, sledding, making a snowman, and decorating cookies. Lots of fun stuff!
8. Insert your own random thought here.
The end of this year is almost here.. Wow, this year flew by.. crazy! Where did all the time go? Hoping the next year is full of amazing times, friends, and opportunities.
Day 29:
Today I am thankful for… the talent of others, and their ability to share it. Today I spent with a friend, and she showed me how to sew really cute bags. It was way easier than I thought it would be.. and I finished two really cute bags for the girls for Christmas. Plus I think I might make Pj pants for everyone as well.
Another giveaway has come to an end.. and the winner is..
#3
Ashley Peterson!!!
Thanks to all you that have entered. The winner has 48hrs to respond, or I will have to chose a new winner.
This week we are starting off with…
Monday: Well we didn’t get to have this on Sunday so we are moving it to today.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, and whatever other flavors we come up with. 
Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potato, and carrots
Wednesday: Orange Chicken, Fried Rice, and a veggie (not sure which one yet)
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Soup & Grilled Cheese
Saturday: BBQ Spare Ribs, oven roasted potatoes, and green beans
Sunday: Baked Spaghetti or Zitti
What are you having??
![simplewomandaybooksmall_thumb4_thumb[1]](http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k5_-I-tJnSQ/TtJkklcVkBI/AAAAAAAAEw4/rh2x_ZGBbmo/simplewomandaybooksmall_thumb4_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800 "simplewomandaybooksmall_thumb4_thumb[1]")
FOR TODAY
November 28th, 2011
Outside my window... It is warm, and damp. We have rain coming in tomorrow. We are trying to enjoy the nice weather while it last though. 
I am thinking... Wow, at the end of this week, it is DECEMBER! Can you believe this?? I can’t, time seems to be flying this year.
I am thankful for... The strength I have to keep pushing myself even when times get rough.
From the learning rooms... We are on our 16th Week of school this week. Can you believe that? We are doing great! Read more here.
From the kitchen... Tonight we are having Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza, and whatever other ones people want. We love our homemade pizza!
I am wearing... Jeans, t-shirt, sweat shirt, and sneakers.
I am creating... A list of things I need to get done before Christmas. Making some homemade gifts.
I am going... to try to embrace the smaller things in life.
I am reading... nothing, waiting for my next book in the Cedar Cove Series, by Debbie MaComber
I am hoping... to have another enjoyable week
I am hearing... My kids playing and chattering
Around the house... there are a few things I need to get done. Floors, laundry, and some de cluttering.
One of my favorite things... My quiet Sundays with my kids.. watching a movie and snuggling on my bed.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Scouts, library, play date, walking in a Christmas parade, and a field trip this weekend.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing... My little monkey lost another tooth! She is so darn cute!! Love it!
Day 28:
Today I’m thankful for… Scouts… I love the values they teach my kids. My girls have been in Girl Scouts for 3 yrs. In those 3 yrs I have been right beside them as a leader. Its our time together, as well as to make new friends, while learning to be strong young women. 
I’m also thankful for Cub Scouts, this year marks my sons 5th year. He has learned so many great things, and his confidence has doubled. I love watching him become a great young man. This year, he is also getting some great time with his dad (he is his leader this year).
They are great programs to help teach our young ones great values, and how to give back.
What are you grateful for??
Our recent review is on “The Reading Game” by the author of Wordly Wise Kenneth Hodkinson. My youngest is reading but struggles on a few smaller words… so I thought this might be good for her. She and middle monkey played this game a couple times a week over the last few weeks.
Overview of the game:
It is very similar to a Memory game. It comes with 6 stories, that have 30 new words for them to learn in it. Your child reads a story, and then plays the game with the cards that go along. They have a set of 5 words in one deck of cards, that they play a memory game with. Then once you go over those words and feel they have learned them, you move on to the next level.
Game Contents:
My thoughts:
I thought that it was a cute game concept. However, I’m not sure if memorizing them are the best way to learn. I’m still a bit skeptical that this sticks with them? However, I understand there are some words that just don’t sound out right.
Little Monkey and Middle Monkey, thought this game was fun. As they are a big fan of memory games as well. They had fun seeing which ones they could read the fastest, as they got a match.
I think this will be something we will use as a supplement to our reading program right now. I think this will bring in the fun, and break up the frustration right now.
If you are curious about how well they are doing, you can give your child a pre assessment and then again after they have been playing with it for awhile. You can get that here.
I think this game would be a good addition to any reading curriculum.
You can purchase “The Reading Game” for $24.95 here. You can get a 15% discount off 8 or more.
Check out what the other TOS Crew Members have to say about this game.
*We were given this game in exchange for our honest opinion, as part of the TOS Crew. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys.
In my life this week… We enjoyed lots of time with our family.. It was nice to have a few days of time with everyone. We played games, cooked, and just enjoyed each others company. Something we rarely do.
In our homeschool this week… We did school Monday- Wednesday and took the rest of the week off. This upcoming week marks the last of our 2nd set of 8 weeks (in other words we have completed 16 weeks of school) and so we will have another week or two off. Wanna read more about our journey read here..
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share… I just can’t stress take the time off if you need it. Don’t stress about it. 
I am inspired by… Other homeschool mom’s
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing… This week we are going to have a playdate with a friend, (so mommy can learn to sew from the friends mommy, lol) Scouts, Library, and then me and the girls are going to walk in a parade at the end of this week.
My favorite thing this week was… Spending time with my family! We had 2 very wonderful Thanksgiving meals! 
What’s working/not working for us… Taking it easy this year, not stressing over the little things. Mommy has calmed down a bit on that. LOL!
Questions/thoughts I have… Any of you doing some cool Christmas lessons this next month? If so, do share!
Things I’m working on… Homemade Christmas Presents
I’m reading… waiting on my next Debbie MaComber book in the Ceder Cove Series.
I’m cooking… Tonight we are going to probably have leftovers one more time, and the most of Thanksgiving dinner will be all gone.
I’m grateful for… Having a great family!
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
Fun in the sun, in November! The weather was just gorgeous yesterday!
We have been so busy with family the last couple days, so I haven’t had time to get online. So, I’m going to catch up with the last few days in this one post. 
Day 25:
Today I’m thankful for…. My Stepmom, my parents have been divorced for a long time, and both are remarried. I have to say that my stepmom is pretty cool, and has always given me my space, and let me get to know her on my terms. Today we went to there house for our 2nd Thanksgiving! It was so nice to spend the day with my dad, stepmom, her mom, and my dad’s mom… all people who we rarely get to see them. We had a wonderful time!
Day 26:
Today I’m thankful for… The beautiful weather. It was so gorgeous out today for being the end of November. It was 50! Can you believe that. We spent the whole day outside today, and so we are so thankful for the wonderful weather!
Day 27:
Today I’m thankful for…. my blog. It has been such a great things for me. I started it just for a way to keep in contact with my friends and family. It evolved into so much more than that. It has become my thing.. to call my own, and enjoy. I love to write, and share stories, share reviews, and giveaways. I am grateful for the opportunities it has given to me and my family. I also love the people I have meet through it, and hope that I get the chance to meet them in real life one day. There are some days that these peoples comments are the ones that keep me going, and inspire me to keep my faith. Thanks!
What are you grateful for??
Day 24:
Today I am thankful for.. So many things.. not just one thing in particular. I am thankful for the roof over our head, the fact that we were able to get wood in, so we are warm. I’m thankful for the food we are able to afford and cook, and put on our table. I am thankful for the fact that we are able to afford, clothes, and shoes to keep us warm. I’m thankful for the amazing people in my life, that even though I don’t talk to them everyday they know that I love them, and be there for them in a heartbeat. I’m thankful to have shared this wonderful holiday with my hubby, kids, mom, and grandmother. Remember to be thankful for the things that seem so small… as they can all be taken from us in a matter of seconds.
What are you grateful for today?
Day 23:
Today I am thankful for…
Facebook, yup you heard that right.. Why? Well, where else can you keep in close contact with your family and friends? Not many places. I love that I can post pictures of my kids, and my family can see and comment, or I can ask something and get everyone's opinion. There are many family members I would never get to talk to or stay in contact with if it wasn’t for Facebook. So for that I am grateful… cause in a busy world that we live in today, we need all the help we can get. 
What are you thankful for??
Day 22:
Today I’m thankful for… my cell phone. Yup, I know your going to call me crazy. But it is a one of my favorite gadgets. Really will you see me without it, and it is so helpful!! Not only is it a phone, message taker, and helps me keep in touch with people by email or facebook. It is my biggest helper.. Yup, that’s right, it is my calendar. Without it, I would be lost. Never knowing where and when I’m suppose to be somewhere. I love my phone!!! 
Are you thankful today???
I have been slacking on my Menu planning lately and boy has it shown. We have been having such a hard time with what is for dinner. I know sometimes it seems like such a task to make my Menu plan, but I’m am going to tell you it makes such a difference!!!
For this week:
Monday:
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas (got the idea from someone else that does Menu Plan Monday, Thanks!)
Tuesday:
Sandwiches and veggies
Wednesday:
Leftovers, to make room for all that Thanksgiving food!
Thursday:
Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, onions, carrots, gravy, pickles, olives, squash, turnip, and rolls for dinner. Then Pumpkin Cheesecake, and blueberry pie for dessert. YUMMY!
Friday:
Thanksgiving Leftovers – the best part!
Saturday:
Turkey stew- using more leftovers
Sunday:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, Hawaiian Pizza
Sounds so good! Can’t wait to eat! 
Day 21:
Today I am thankful for… Homeschooling. Yup, it wasn’t an easy decision, and it went against a lot of what my family thought. Ruffled a few feathers, and caused a few issues here and there. However, in the end, I knew that this was the right decision for my kids.
Why did we start homeschooling? Well, I was tried of getting phone calls from the principle everyday telling me to come get my son. (Before you jump to the wrong conclusion let me finish) He was acting out terribly in class, cause he was BORED. He has always been a bright child. He loves to learn, and had attended Pre-k for 3 yrs. Naturally he was ahead of all the other kids. He was reading at a 6 grade level, and was doing science and math ahead of most kids in his class. But the schools were not willing to do anything about it.
Then my middle child, started having issues and begging me not to go to school in the morning. Begging me?? I mean I don’t remember every hating school that bad at the age of 6. I was heartbroken for her. She to was getting bored at school.
Then my littlest she was just starting school and I felt bad. She had wanted to go to school so bad. How could I take that opportunity away from here? So we sent her to Kindergarten. After 2 weeks of being there she came home and told me she didn’t really want to go back. She didn’t fight me, but was not excited at all about going. 
I decided at that point, they were not going back. I wasn’t going to make them dread and hate 6 hrs a day for 5 days a week, so they could come home and take it out on me, and make home life unbearable. We took the opportunity to just make the switch when we embarked on our moving trip a month into school. Once they left FL, they did not go back to a public school.
It has been a year now, and we love it. We love the flexibility, the ability for them to spend more time with their dad. Where if they were in public school they would never see him. Most of all we love the things we have been able to learn, and study longer cause we love it. Or the times we took a bit longer cause we had a hard time learning it. We love that we can learn Latin, Spanish, or electrical connections in elementary school. We are very happy with our decision, and we are blessed to be able to do it.
That is what I am thankful for today… What about you??
![simplewomandaybooksmall_thumb4_thumb[1]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7xa9oOKXKYY/Tskw88fK3wI/AAAAAAAAEus/G5rfUkmAcoQ/simplewomandaybooksmall_thumb4_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800 "simplewomandaybooksmall_thumb4_thumb[1]")
FOR TODAY
November 21, 2011
Outside my window... It is cold.. I’m not ready for this “thing” they call winter yet. Last year was our first winter back (after living 2yrs in FL) I froze the whole winter. This year is not looking much more promising. My hands are already icicles.
I am thinking... Wow, I really did need last week off.. So glad I took it. I’m getting better at this not stressing over the things I can not control thing. Before having a mental breakdown, I decided a week off was in order. Just means altering our schedule for December… but that is ok.
I am thankful for... The amazing opportunities, and friends me and my kids have made this past year. We have had a great time in all the activities we are involved in, and made some wonderful friends, and reconnected with old ones.
From the learning rooms... We are getting ready to jump back in this week. Not to hard of course, since we have a bit of catching up to do, but we will do a few days. Taking Thanksgiving off of course. Read more about it here. (I think I need to update it, sorry if its behind a bit.)
From the kitchen... I think we are going to have left overs, so the fridge doesn’t get to full before Thanksgiving!
I am wearing... Jeans, a t-shirt, and my sweatshirt, and yes shockingly, sneakers! (I found two nice pairs of LL Bean sneakers at a Tag Sale this past week, and they are so comfortable, best part, they fit me and my husband)
I am creating... Scrapbooking pages… bit obsessed with this new program, and have been trying to catch up on this year. 
Check out my giveaway (on the sidebar)
I am going... to try to get my schedule a bit less hectic after the new year.
I am reading... A book by Debbie MaComber… Still have a few left before I’ve read all her books. Plus rereading a Nicholas Sparks book.
I am hoping... That everyone stays healthy and we have a great Thanksgiving. (someone is always sick on a Holiday)
I am hearing... My kids chatter as they make their beds and clean up.
Around the house... I don’t have much to do, cause my son did the laundry on Saturday (love that he can now) and I cleaned the school room yesterday.
One of my favorite things... Holidays, and spending time with my family. Along with our traditions.
A few plans for the rest of the week: This week we have Cub Scouts, Library, Helping my dad, cooking, Thanksgiving, and lots of family time!
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
A picture from last Thanksgiving.. when we were making Gingerbread cookies!
In my life this week…
It has been pretty calm, I had a bit of a mental overload this past weekend, so I decided we needed to take the week off. I needed a mental vacation.
In our homeschool this week…
We didn’t do school.. so we will just bump our week up a couple after the holiday and catch up. That is the great thing about homeschooling right! 
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Take the time off when you need too. It does wonders in the end. I used to stress over it, but now I realize it will be fine. (trust me it took a while to realize that)
I am inspired by…
By my kids.. they teach me amazing things each day. They remind me that life is more that just our routine. Sometimes we need to just step back and take it all in.
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
This week, we are not really going anywhere. The cub scouts are bringing food to the Food Cupboard. Then we are just hanging out at home, and getting ready for Thanksgiving.
My favorite thing this week was…
Going shopping for 6 hrs and not really having any of my kids complain.
What’s working/not working for us…
Taking the time we need to regroup.
Questions/thoughts I have…
Are you done with your Christmas shopping??
Things I’m working on…
Some blog posts, that I need to get up… and some Scrapbooking. Working on a couple of albums, on a new digital program I have.
I’m reading…
A book by Debbie MaComber while waiting for the next book in the Cedar Cove Series comes in.
I’m cooking…
Not sure yet… Trying to figure that out. Spaghetti maybe?
I’m grateful for…
My family… even though they frustrate me from time to time. I am thankful for them, I’d be lost without them.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school. ~Albert Einstein
Day 20:
Today I am grateful for… Being able to be a SAHM. I know, I may complain sometimes, when I’m overtired, and under appreciated. But it truly is the best thing for me, and my family. I love that I get to see what my kids are doing everyday, and learning new. Not missing the big moments in their lives, and teaching them to be better people… while they teach me to be a better person and mom.
Things can get really crazy around here sometimes, but they certainly are a blessing in my life. My life would not be the same without them.
I don’t think I could work outside my home, cause when I’m away from them for more than a couple hours, I wander what they are doing, and if I should hurry back to them. I’d be a mess!
I’m truly lucky, and I try really hard not to take it for granted.
What are you thankful for??
Day 19:
Wow, the 19th day of November.
Today I am thankful for… The TOS Crew. I had been eyeing it over the last year, as I read reviews that a friend was doing. So I decided to be brave, and apply this year. I have to say it was the longest month of my life waiting for them to get back to me, and let me know if I was accepted. I checked my email EVERYDAY.. Yup I was that lame.
When they sent me my acceptance email into the crew, I was screaming and jumping up and down. I was beyond excited. May have even scared a few people in my house. Opps. 
It has been such a huge blessing for us. We have been able to try products that I may not have been able to try if not for this. We have found new curriculum that works great for our family, and things we love, that we never thought we would like. It has been amazing!
I’m so happy we have gotten this chance.
What are you thankful for?
