Simple Woman

Outside my window…
Sunny, and pleasant!

I am thinking…
that Ohio sends its kids back to school too early. Our parish school opens this week and the public schools next.  Don’t get me wrong- I’m happy to have the kids go back to school and to be able to get the full attention of my kids back  – but at the same time it seems wrong to be sitting in a classroom when the weather is so nice. I know it Michigan they don’t go back until after Labor Day.

But in Ohio, school must start early because … we can’t have the football championships when the weather is too cold!!  So consequently all children must be sacrificed to the God of Football I guess.

I am thankful for…
the more common sensical nature of homeschooling.

From the learning rooms…
We are still taking a well-deserved break. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Izzy is also starting her third  Wilton Cake Decorating Classes this week.  This is the course she really wanted to start – fondant and gum paste – yum!

Here is the cake she made for the feast of the assumption

and here is the cake her friend commissioned

Tacos salad – my kids love this and it is nutritious and still low cal the way I make it.

I am wearing…
Black capris and a black t shirt.

I am creating…
my notification for the state of Ohio – groan… the busy work that they require of homeschoolers every fall.  At least I have our portfolio reviews so that was the hardest part.


I am going…
to finish getting my paperwork ready to notify for our homeschool year.

I am also taking on a big prayer project – I am going to say one rosary a day for my son Calvin’s successful completion of Paramedic school. Last year he made it all the way until the very last unit (in April!!!) before he was dropped from the program – he just couldn’t seem to pass toxicology. But they were glad to have him back in the program and he is trying it again. He has to do it all over including the clinicals while working 40+ hours a week. So I decided that this is what I’m going to do for him.

I am not a DAILY rosary person. But I’m going to change that.

I am reading…
Nothing. But I’m listening to some great MP3 recordings from  The Ultimate Homeschool Expo. 

Last week I had a lightbulb moment when I was listening to Cathy Duffy’s talk about learning styles. Now, I have been homeschooling for 17 years now- I understand learning styles and in fact, my kids all have different learning styles!!   But there was something she said, or maybe it was the way she said it, that gave me a little more insight and opened my heart  into the behavior of my teenager.

I am hoping…
That everyone gets a chance to see Obama’s America 2016. I saw it on Friday and it was a very enlightening movie on a number of levels.
What stood out to me the most though was how much we did not understand Barack Obama when he was running in 2012.  In fact, I remember more news coverage and speculation on Sarah and Bristol Palin’s pregnancies than there was about his education and background.

And contrary to what I have also heard and read – this wasn’t a smear piece.  This was a factual biography and explanation of the President’s ideology and policies.  Everyone should see this before they vote this November.

I am hoping…
That Mr. Pete has a good couple of weeks.  Band is starting back up and he is really working hard right now!

I am hearing…
the hum of the air conditioner.

A video I am sharing…

The trumpet fountain – made by Mr. Pete!