just a quick post.

Well, let's see, I haven't posted since March.

SO, maybe later I can post some pictures of my new couch.

And my new art above the piano.

I would post pictures of my organization, but it comes undone so fast, I can't seem to catch it in the "good stage" ha!

Just been busy homeschooling, keeping up with piano, and now the boys are going to altar boy practice.

I have already ordered my flower seeds and hopefully will plant them in late October, which reminds me I need to start working on some All Saint Day costumes. I think I just need to make two, the other kids have swapped or are wearing last years.

Little Miss M wants to be St. Maria Goretti, that doesn't look too hard to make. Something like peasant blouse and skirt, and maybe a shawl.

Sunshine, has offered to be St. John the Baptist, which is exciting to me, because I have some cook ideas for this one.

I think Nature Boy is outgrowing getting dressed up *sniff sniff* but he says he will wear the costume I made for him last yr (St. Francis) because, "you worked so hard on it". I sure did, and it ended up being a bit of a investment. Thank goodness I invested it in his ( being first born and all), so it can be passed down and used for other saints.

I am making a list or schedule for myself for after the kids have gone to bed and I have my " alone time". Usually, after I put them to bed, I  veg out, but I really need to keep a timer on things because that time is very precious. Since, I will be making several Christmas gifts I need to utilized what little time alone I have.

So, here is my schedule;

20 minutes computer time
15 to 20 minutes exercise
10 minutes prayers
15 minutes reading
15 minutes shower
40 minutes task of the day*

* my tasks are;

laundry (get an extra load in)
iron 
sew
mail
another laundry day

what does your evening schedule look like?

The last thing on my mind is, I really want to stay focused this Christmas, and I hope to help my kids stay unselfish. So, I am already giving a lot thought to Christmas gifts, what we can do as a family, using our time wisely,what good books to read as a family this Advent.

Last year I ran out of time and several of our god-children were sent checks, but I  have to tell you, that really helped with my stress level.

I try to have masses offered for the god-children and parents, but it doesn't always work out. I figure most of American has enough "stuff," and I know they are kids, but I am sure they get enough fun stuff from their parents and grandparents.

That's all for now. I will try to post pictures soon, and if I don't pester me until I do.

My backyard

In October I ordered lots of wildflower seeds. I was trying to save money on landscaping. Well, guess what? My backyard is gone crazy with flowers. I love LOVE it. I will definitely do this again. Different kinds of flowers are coming up at different times, it's so cool to go out and see what has bloomed. I take the kids outside and we try to figure out the name of the flower based on some wildflower guides. My husband is working on the vegetable garden and so far, we have tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and some lovely herbs growing in our makeshift hothouse (or cool house). I will have to take pictures of his cucumbers he is is pretty proud and some other people must of liked the look of them too, two big pots of cucumber plants were stolen from our front yard. Pretty sad huh? Well, I must be off. I need to make lunch and second shift in homeschooling begins.

Some things I made this Christmas

This Christmas I made two waldorf dolls. My girls had seen some American girl dolls, but I know they like soft dolls to cuddle with(American girl dolls are expensive!). I showed them some Waldorf dolls and they loved them. Ahem...I do too, but my pocket book doesn't. So....after watching some tutorials, reading up a bit and finally buying a kit, I did it. They came out pretty darn nice. Sure there are some flaws, but...the girls have (okay mostly Little Miss M) have played with her doll everyday. I really enjoyed making these dolls and I hope to make more in the future. Nowadays we are keeping busy with school, ballet, and hopefully piano lessons soon.