Monday Musings...

Outside My Window...
We had rain at last! It was so much anticipated and wanted that we went for a very damp and muddy walk. If you haven't heard, California is facing the worst drought it has had in 500 years, so the rain we had was very, very welcome. And though today is clear and cold, we have more rain on the schedule for later in the week!




Around the Garden...
We finally got around to a lot of deadheading. And we're planning our veggie garden! I downloaded a very handy chart for planting times, and am now working on the diagrams for new raised beds. The chickens lay off and on... the weather must be confusing, as it is warm and dry for weeks, then we get a wet day, then quite cold again. I still have some dormant pruning to finish off, hopefully over the next weekend.

Around the House...
I've been reading The Fresh 20, which is a great tool for meal planning! It is a very simple approach, and though I am not using the meal plans/menus/recipes as written, it has given me some ideas! I'm also working this week on teaching the kids how to properly wash a load of dishes (no, we do not have a dishwasher). Last week, I taught them how to do a load of laundry. I think practical skills are very important, so I am aiming for one every week or so.

In Our Homeschooling...
Last week, we babysat my mom's/sister's dog, which totally disrupted everything. I swear, it was like having a toddler, or two, in the house! So my goal this week is to get back in the flow. I'm working on a reading list for the week (I'm adding back in a few titles from A Picture Perfect Childhood), The Boy has some catch-up work to do with his physics course, and we need to start some zoology projects with The Girl.

What I'm Working On...
Besides more effective meal planning, I am reading for my American Lit class, and trying, really hard, to finish off The Girl's scarf and my own. I think I want to try making a hat next! I have a gift certificate to a lovely yarn store, and really should go use it.

What We're Watching...
The kids, thanks to park day friends, have discovered Dr. Who. We watched the movie Holes this weekend, which was enjoyed by all. I am trying really hard to not rush through season 4 of Downton Abbey, since Amazon sent me all 4 remaining episodes last week. I'd like to get back to watching Eureka and Once Upon a Time, as we have neglected those for a while, but with The Boy at fencing two evenings a week, there has been less screen time (not a bad thing)!

What We're Up to This Week...
We need to start working on making valentines for our annual park day Valentines exchange. And the kids will each need to make a "mail box" for this event as well. Fencing two nights, I have my evening class, and we will be picking another movie for our family movie night! Any suggestions?

Have a wonderful week!