Daybook

Daybook for Today, August 19, 2009

Outside my Window... it is rainy. Again. This Midwestern summer is unlike any I've experienced in California (where it rains until about April then starts up again around the end of September.) Lots of rain. But it is doing this lazy gardener's garden good!

I am thinking... and wondering why all the "staples" of my kitchen always seem to run out at the same time. Just got back from a trip to Whole Foods to replenish coconut oil, red wine and apple cider vinegars, honey, olive oil and cod liver oil, just to name a few. All items I use A LOT of. Phew.

Oh, and by the way, did you know that Whole Foods has it's own brand of Coconut Oil? Their 365 Organic line of Unrefined, Expeller Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil was only $5.69 for a 14 oz jar! We decided to try it out . . . it was about a two/thirds the price of the Nutiva.

From the school room... I had such a great conversation with my Aunt Tina, who homeschooled her five children for several years, while we were in California this past weekend! I told her about my plans for home pre-school this fall and she got all excited again! We came home with a (gifted from her cupboards!) alphabet cookie cutter set and she's going to be sending me some of her old curriculum and notes. I am so excited!

I am thankful... for a fantastic weekend with my family! Not only did Andrea and Blake get married, and they had a gorgeous wedding with many a teary eye, but we got to visit and just love on each other as one great big happy family. Lloyd even came home with a new phrase - "Okey Dokey." Nice.

From the kitchen... Now that we're going to be home for a while I'm looking forward to replenishing my supplies. Making up a batch of whole wheat graham crackers for Lloyd this week (using those new alphabet cookie cutters!) as well as maybe some carrot spice muffins. I'm also going to be making up another batch of pesto within the next few days as my basil plant is overflowing, a batch of grain-free granola for breakfast this weekend and I'm trying my hand at making a kombucha scoby.

Our loose menu plan includes:

• Beef Kabobs with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms with Tzatziki Sauce and a Greek Salad
  
• Roast Chicken with green beans with balsamic tomatoes, basil and bacon
• Ina's Chopped Liver with Nut Thins

I am creating...happy boys.

I am wearing... Dark blue jeans, black t-shirt. Pearl studs.

I am reading... a lot. Blogs. Books. Magazines. Cookbooks. I've got a lot on my mind and a lot to research and think about.

I am hearing. . . Luke playing in our Exersaucer. He loves it!! Just like his brother did.

Around the house... it's a bit messy. We are in the process of unpacking and catching up on laundry. I think everything is clean, but two more loads need to be folded and put away. Then we need to put away the suitcases, sweep, etc. Looking forward to a more normal week at home next week. I'm thinking of refreshing my cleaning schedule with our new home and new season of life.

One of my favorite things... is iced coffee after lunch/during naptime.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...

• Pray for guidance, patience and grace as a new mama of two. With T., with Lloyd, and with myself.
• All of my kitchen projects, listed above
• Trip to the park - as soon as it stops raining!
  

A Picture Thought to share (above) - The happy couple! I didn't take any pictures of the wedding (a bit busy perhaps? Being a matron of honor and mother of two little ones?! :) I snagged this from my dear friend Melissa's facebook. Thanks Melissa! Once we get more, I'll be sharing them here!

Have a great day!