Outside my window ... the sun just set, and i'm sitting in the family room facing the courtyard, so all i can see outside my window is actually my reflection on the window across the room. but i know what's out there. just a half hour ago i planted some new transplants in my raised garden bed off the courtyard.

I am thinking ... now that we have only 3 children at home, I actually have some time on my hands. Except Tuesdays, which are super busy days.

Praising God for ... a period of peace in our lives; all the small and simple things i enjoy, like clean running water, glorious citrus season weather, a granbaby that lives next door.

Praying for ... Abbey to come back to her roots and remember what she once knew and what makes her happy. Colton's investigators, specifically Tesla. 

From the learning rooms ... Sage is doing online Rio Salado college classes. Grace is taking online classes from BYU high school, meeting with Becky Keller for reading tutoring every morning, and studying Kingdoms and Classifications biology unit from The Good & The Beautiful along with Emma. Emma meets with Becky for Language Arts each morning, and has a set of subjects and workbooks she's supposed to do. She has a biology class with me and Grace, too. All 3 girls still attend Mathnasium. Everyone is pretty independent with their school work, not requiring much hands-on time from me other than the science class i teach each day.

From the kitchen ... I made stir fry from Trader Joe's shredded beef, spinach, and shitake mushrooms. The sauce was my own: garlic, ginger, tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil.

I am wearing ... pink sweater from Banana Republic, dark grey, high-waisted, cropped jeans. Currently shoeless, but had my black leather Holy Land sandals i got for when we were in The Chosen as extras last June.

I am creating ... lots of quilts. I've been on a roll with starts lately, and will soon batch process several of them through the quilting phase. Most recent projects this week: string star (class with Tara Faughnan), low-volume crossroads, yellow + white crossroads.

I am going ... to Mexico with all the Seever family for Adam's 50th birthday next month. We'll be staying at the Los Veneros condos in Punta de Mita that we like and have been to several times before.

I am reading ... Life in Jeneral, a home organization book. I actually haven't been reading much at all recently. It would be nice to have a good novel again.

Personal scripture study ... Alma 32, the sermon on the seed of faith.

Family scripture study ... Come, Follow Me lessons in John 2-4 this week.

I am hoping ... the Parsons decide to sell their house on 158th Street so I can build there instead of on the Igleskis' property we bought last year.

I am hearing ... Sage and Adam converse. Adam breathe as he stretches his injured parts.

Around the house ... new navy blue couches came this week. I finally replaced the red couches we've had in our family room for 22 years with a new set; identical make and shape, different color.

One of my favorite things ... Picking citrus off the tree in our backyard and eating from my garden. Having fresh herbs on hand is so nice.

Plans for the rest of the week ... Being Saturday evening, there's not much left in the week. But next week, I'll be doing our annual valentine's dinner and candy bar for the girls. Talking to Colton (Elder Seever, servin gin Anchorage, Alaska mission) by FaceTime call on his P-day on Monday. Adam will be gone on business Monday-Thursday. I'll be helping Emma trim and bind her first quilt, The Pleasantest Thing. I watch Robin on Wednesdays and Fridays while Macey is at Pilates with Sage, and while she goes to Institute with Peirce. On Wednesday, we go to the temple for baptisms with the girls in the morning and I'll go for an endowment session myself. Hair appointment with Amy VanGiesen on Tuesday.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing ...

family photo from late 2022 (because they're the only photos i have on my laptop).

Outside my window . . . our fourth wet and rainy day in a row! grey skies and rain droplets abound. all the leaves are fallen and puddles are collecting. a day to be cozy inside.

Praising God for . . . hmmm. not enough, likely.

In prayer for . . . my parents and what would be most helpful to them as they seek to make some business/financial changes in their lives at this time.

I am thinking . . . that I just want to go back to bed and listen to the rain.

I am thankful for . . . again, not enough. but I am grateful for the way my life is held, how things go on and we are so comfortably blessed.

From the learning rooms . . . school is just starting back up and i'm considering what changes should be made, what to study beyond our everyday basics. the oldest two start their next semester of on-line college courses next week. the middle three went back to mathnasium this week, it being sage's first time there. i'm thinking of putting the baby into preschool a few days a week just for fun.

From the kitchen . . . made quick and easy (but culinarily lame) cheese crisps for lunch out of Costco self-cook tortillas and shredded mex cheese, standard pantry items around here. dinner should be Smitten Kitchen Chicken Chili, if I go put it in the crockpot now.

What i'm wearing . . . what I wore to bed: long sleeve, heathered grey top layered over a white tee, charcoal grey yoga/pj pants, grey argyle socks

I am creating . . . plodding along on oldest son's wonky blue and orange quilt. took a break from that to make some sugar flower pinwheels for a valentine's throw quilt I started last year

I am going . . . on a business cruise for 5 days with husband and extended family in a few weeks, but no plans between now and then. staying put, cozy at home!

I am reading . . . Cabin Lessons by Spike Carleson, a memoir of his family building their own cabin together. And a few other cabin idea and construction books.  all in relation to our Greer cabin, of course.

Scriptures I am studying . . . October 2015 General Conference talks

Family scripture study . . . Mosiah 18, story of Abinadi, Noah, Limhi, Alma

I am hoping . . . Adam and Colton are safe and happy on the slopes of Sunrise

I am hearing . . . Macey and Abbey listen to the newest One Direction album as they eat lunch ("Olivia" and "For Your Eyes Only"); three little girls yammer and play with the contectagons in the family room

Around the house . . . awaiting barn door installation on the dining room, which we are converting to my sewing room. Dadam has led a decluttering charge the last few weeks and we are seeing space open up, but there is still far too much stuff in this house

One of my favorite things . . . wool socks to keep my feet warm when i'm not stomping around in my Ugg boots

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . other than staying cozy at home, I will likely be working on Colton's quilt, which is weighing on me to be finished. a date night would be nice. and i'm expected at a siblings meeting about my parents' situation on Friday


Picture thought I am sharing . . .

a view of the sinking sun on the road home from the cabin on December 31, 2015, taken by Grace, my only car companion as everyone else had already gone home with Dadam. she entertained herself the last hour of the trip by taking endless phone photos and talking to Siri.

Outside my window . . . mid-morning sun pouring in over the williamses' house, front yard trees in full spring green glory

Praising God for . . . another day, a friday! friday is craft day here.

In prayer for . . . keeping my head above water

I am thinking . . . I should go shower after Crossfit workout and getting mesquite pollen all over myself picking grapefruits

I am thankful for . . . Adam taking the littles to the zoo today; RS temple night last night

From the Learning Rooms . . . ugh. Not nearly enough going on here. Late Spring burn-out. But i recently did a Gee's Bend reading unit with the little girls and they are designing quilts based on that. Also reading lots of spring-related garden/growing/insect books with them.

I am wearing . . . workout clothes: running shoes and white socks, black knit capri pants, white tee, ponytail, pollen in my hair

I am creating . . . been working on Emmy's First Year Project Life book and the family 2014 book. ready to quilt today!

I am going . . . to Laird's Pinewood Derby race tonight.

I am reading . . . finished Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee last night. Simply Beautiful. Also read Leaving Gee's Bend by Irene Latham earlier in the week - a good human interest/history read.

Scriptures I am studying . . . 3 Nephi, Christ's visit to the Nephites

Family Scripture study . . . Book of Job

I am hoping . . . to find some sewing time. So many quilts to finish and start.

I am hearing . . . Macey's laughter ring through the house and the noise of kids puttering around on a Friday morning as they get going on school work (big kids) and get ready for a day at the zoo with Dadam (littles).

Around the house . . . cleaning up the usual messes. Downstairs has been cleaner lately but the upstairs is a nightmare. Adam made another laundry tower in the kids' hallway. I have no choice but to tolerate it. Somehow there is also a huge pile of laundry all over the laundry room floor.

One of my favorite things . . . all the yellow palo verde blooms everywhere right now

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Laird going to Garren's bday part on Saturday. Gene coming over for another discussion with the missionaries on Saturday night.

Here is the picture thought I am sharing . . .

Sage's hands and Pan's paws

Outside my window . . . sunny but chilly weather, several construction vehicles working at our house (on the gates) and at the Williams's across the street (on their enclosed garage).

Praising God . . . for infinite grace and constant opportunities to repent; that I never walk alone

In prayer for . . . Elli Blinston's recovery; all the people we invited to the temple open house

I am thinking . . . there are several projects I should or could be working on right now: Project Life, quilts, packing, but I haven't touched this daybook in years and decided to make an entry

I am thankful for . . . a good husband, comfortable home, means at my disposal for so many pleasant and productive hobbies

From the learning rooms . . . Macey got a 97% on her Technical Writing assignment from BYU online courses; Laird was grounded today for neglecting his writing all week long; Grace and Sage have been learning about measurements of time this week

From the kitchen . . . crock pot salsa verde flank steak burritos for dinner (second night)

I am wearing . . . my Saturday stay-at-home outfit that I woke up in: baby blue yoga pants; white v-neck tee, black ribbed Gap cardigan; bare feet; hair pulled back in a sloppy bun

I am creating . . . lots of quilts. Today I worked on a baby quilt for Lucy Purdy's new little girl. I basically ruined a lovely quilt with some horrid fmq quilting. Also, I've been working on the Project Life books, finishing up last year and beginning this year's.

I am going . . . to pick up Macey and friends from a stake youth dance this evening.

I am reading . . . just finished Under Wildwood by Colin Meloy. Sadly, it was a disappointment after the first book: a bit too graphically violent, agendas/philosophies I disagree with, strong language for a children's book. Bleak House by Dickens, which I also just finished recently, was much, much better.

Scriptures I am studying . . . I've read in 2 Nephi the last few nights but need to dive into the Sunday School course of study of the Old Testament for the new year.  Also, I've been reading talks from October 2013 General Conference as part of our ward's Relief Society challenge, even though I do it anyway.

Family scripture study . . . 2 Nephi 6

I am hoping . . . the children's bronchial afflictions blow over quickly, especially Emmy's

I am hearing . . . mostly silence as pretty much everyone is gone to play elsewhere; dogs barking occasionally; the sound of drills and banging as the gates are installed on the side yards

Around the house . . . the Christmas tree, drying in the corner (I've had the ornaments put away for over a week but Adam hasn't found the time to take the tree out!). relatively clean downstairs but not up; the school room is the same impassable mess it's been for over two years; there are laundry piles on the floor in the kids' hallway, in addition to the overflowing hamper, that have been there for weeks

One of my favorite things . . . all the new Project Life products I found this week, including mini kits and mini albums for each of the kids to use on their own (these will be sunday projects)

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Adam and I are leaving for a business trip, the annual salesman cruise. Marmee will be here with the children

Here is the picture thought I am sharing . . .

right now there are acorns on all the sidewalks from the live oak trees that line the streets

Outside my window... sunny, cloudless blue skies; low 70's temps, but rising

I am thinking... that i really want to get caught up on blog posts - i have dozens of folders that have never been posted about.

I am thankful for... Rosie Cooper: friend, hero, and Laird's preschool teacher this year. She's so kind and loving. we just went to the end-of-year party at the Cortina park this morning. looking forward to Sage being in her class next year.


From the learning rooms... just bought a ton of new reading for the kids last week; working on multiplication with M&C; addition games for L&A; piggy bank has been especially popular with them. need to get a writing workshop going for the summer, word study included.


From the kitchen... no idea really. the fridge needs to be cleaned, menus need to be made, and shopping done. have had the ingredients to make a "heavenly seduction coconut cake" from rose levy beranbaum's Rose's Heavenly Cakes for over a week, but haven't gotten around to it. summer fruits & veges are starting to come in, which makes sides so easy and meals deliciously simple. have some flank steak and chicken tenders in the fridge which need to be cooked. looks like i'll be grilling something tonight.


I am wearing... vintage wash, boot cut Gap jeans; scoopneck rose J.Jill tee; brown Mossimo flip-flops with a brown and pink plaid strap


I am creating... i've been trying cakes from Rose's Heavenly Cakes for the last month, but little else creativity. we've been biking and playing outside a ton, not creating anything indoors. so maybe you could say i've been creating memories & habits on the bike trail or making muscles


I am going... probably to the grocery store; to take the 4 oldest to basketball and the baby girls to play with the Monsons at 2pm; at some point i'll have to go get the suburban out of Safeway's parking lot, where it died on me this morning


I am reading...The Narnian, a C.S. Lewis biography; a Beatrix Potter biography; Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains, a children's novel; just finished The Silent Boy, by Lois Lowry; revisiting Young Children Reinvent Arithmetic 3rd Grade, by Constance Kamii to brush up on math for Macey & Colton

Scriptures I am studying... I've been looking over various chapters in D&C, most recently section 88. i don't have any set study schedule just now. need to get one. need to finish off the talks from Oct 2009 Gen Conf.

Family Scripture study... Matthew 24

I am hoping... the nice weather holds a bit longer


I am hearing... Colton moan about some writing he has to do; Sage clinking the legoes as she builds with them; the chatter of Grace


Around the house... messy as usual; my bedroom is moderately clean and the bathroom has improved some; someone pulled out a few baskets of dirty laundry off the laundry tower and emptied them on the floor - why?


One of my favorite things... my new bike and the QC wash trail


A few plans for the rest of the week: Adam & Colton leaving for BYU father/son basketball camp on Friday; Allee's bday party for Abbey on Saturday; family symphony on Saturday


Here is picture thought I am sharing...

the 4 dozen roses Adam spoiled me with for mother's day

exquisite!

Outside my window...alternating periods of stormy grey clouds/rain and bursts of sunshine (we had 4 cycles by the end of the day). when it's rainy, there are glorious, steel grey thunder clouds rolling across the sky. i feel the nip in the air and the moisture, too. then the sunshine comes, lighting up everything, making it sparkle and shedding a pleasant warmth abroad.

I am thinking...how cozy it is to have a few days of rain like we've been getting

I am thankful for...the rain! i wish it was like this every year

From the learning rooms...Macey skipped out on us to go watch the Olympics with Marmee; we are in between major topics right now. the weather today is making me remember i wanted to do a weather unit. but we just finished Jefferson and I wanted to follow up with Lewis & Clark. being monday, we picked new words for word study. Abbey & Laird started a new unit in math: apple boxes.

From the kitchen...still kind of in a cooking slump, but am planning on making easy homemade pizza for dinner with the dough I got at Trader Joe's on saturday. lunch will be campbell's bean & bacon soup because rain always means soup!

I am wearing...my pjs! sort of. we usually run on monday morning, but the rain stopped those plans. i was feeling so cozy i just stayed in my red floral pj bottoms and pulled on a light tangerine hoody (totally mismatched) that was next to my bed and a pair of socks. cozy rainy weather wear, perfect for curling up with a book indoors all day.

I am creating...nothing. in a creative slump, too. been busy studying health stuff.

I am going...no where, except to pick up Laird from the Lunt's after playtime. maybe to the grocery store if i feel like changing my pants

I am reading...lots! Suzanne Summers's Ageless and Garth Nix's Lirael (for the 3rd or 4th time on his Abhorsen trilogy) are on my agenda today.

I am hoping...we keep getting more rain. with those glorious, perfectly warm sunny days in between, too . . . that dr. mikel can help me get my hormones balanced so i can be healthier and nicer . . . that Adam's annual summit meetings go well this week

I am hearing...the pitterpat of rain on my windows; lots of complaining about schoolwork today

Around the house...still need to clean up the green room after we pulled a bunch of stuff out of the laundry room when the new washer/dryer arrived; the last of the Christmas ornaments are sitting in there too. the carpet is looking pretty disgusting. we've definitely worn it out in the last 6 1/2 years. but the thought of getting it replaced and all that entails makes my head hurt.

One of my favorite things...uh, rain. i am really, really happy about this weather!!! and taking daily walks around the neighborhood with Grace each day while the weathers good (not rainy days of course)

A few plans for the rest of the week: visiting teaching jill doi, darcy hemenway, and angela carling; dr. appt with dr. mikel for hormone testing; adam's annual company managers summit meetings tuesday thru friday; getting pedicures and having dinner with my seesters on thrusday for katee's 26th bday; jodee's 30th bday party on friday night; stake women's conference on saturday; Grace's 2nd bday on sunday

Here is picture thought I am sharing..

our citrus is in season, the branches are heavy laden with fruit

Outside my window...windows & doors open to the cool fall breezes and gentle sunshine which magically began appearing with the turn of the calendar - heavenly!; Laird & I saw the roadrunner & a young mockingbird in the wash a bit ago

I am thinking...that I have a lot of laundry to do & I better get packing soon AND that I need to start excercising again

I am thankful for...a new water heater, working appliances, and warm showers (didn't have any of that all weekend) and General Conference this past weekend

From the learning rooms...studying Thomas Jefferson

From the kitchen...probably having chicken enchiladas, salad, vege, & fresh pineapple for dinner; Jodee & kids coming for dinner after Miss Jenee's musical theater class

I am wearing...periwinkle tshirt & skinny black cotton pants (that are covered in lint from the laundry I'm doing); no make-up, jewelry or shoes

I am creating...blog posts about girls weekend (but I did make Grace a new bracelet last week - see below)

I am going...to do a bunch of laundry; just about every washable item we own needs cleaning!

I am reading...Jonathon Stroud's The Golem's Eye: Bartemaeus Trilogy #2

I am hoping...somehow I get to see NieNie (Stephanie Nielsen) on Oprah tomorrow

I am hearing...the click-clack of metal eggs and warbling/squabling voices as my kids playing "Rattlesnakes" game at the top of the stairs; the laundry timer going off to tell me to switch my loads over; the breeze rustling through my backyard foliage

Around the house...my kitchen sink is nice & shiny, but the rest is the usual mess. in the family room there are pens, crayons, notebooks, worksheets, and lapdesks leftover from General Conference weekend scattered everywhere. but on the upside, finally got the new bookcases in my bedroom filled up with the boxes of books that were clogging my closet and various corners around the house.

One of my favorite things...H.K. Anderson's peanut butter filled pretzel squares (found at Costco)

A few plans for the rest of the week...heading up to Greer for the rest of the week after Laird's preschool class tomorrow; should be lots of time to read, lots of playing outdoors, many pictures to take, cozy nights inside by the fire, and too many treats

Here is the picture thought I am sharing...

our lime tree is dropping more limes than we can keep up with. Grace enjoys collecting them for me.