Cold and Rainy Days

The last couple of days have been cold and rainy, reminding me that it is still winter. I did not care to get out in the dreary weather yesterday but I did go vote. Today was more of the same drizzle and cold with a threat of snow. It's supposed to be spring-like again next week. I am finding it mandatory to keep all seasons of clothing accessible and to determine what kind of mood the sun is in before we go anywhere.

The family that John and Gabe stayed with in Romania came down with a stomach bug while they were there. Gabe decided to bring it home. He has been feeling pretty rough for the last few days. Tonight I saw a glimpse of his usual boisterous, talkative self. I am hoping that he is on the mend.

Tomorrow - February 14th - The Homeschool Lounge will be open to the public. It's a fun and friendly place to connect with other homeschool moms. So check it out, sign up and add me as your friend. I hope to see you there!

Winter Reading Challenge

Reading has been a long time hobby of mine. In fact, I can't really remember not reading. Last year, I signed up for the Spring Reading Thing and I did read a few books that were on my list. I hoped to do better on the Summer Reading Challenge but life got in the way. I began a couple of books but did not finish them. I did not even try the fall challenge. This was probably the first Christmas that I did not have a single book on my list. My existing stack at home was neglected and dusty.

Well, what better time is there than January to start again? Trish, from A Joyful Heart, is hosting the 2008 Winter Reading Challenge and is giving away a $25 Amazon gift certificate for extra motivation. My list is brief but I fear that if I make it too long, I won't accomplish anything. So here is what I hope to be reading during the next 8 weeks:

• The Power of Crying Out by Bill Gothard (Currently reading)
  
• Answers to Prayer by George Mueller
• Where the Willows Grow by Kim Vogel Sawyer
• Truth Seeker by Dee Henderson (I think I started this one during the summer challenge.)
• Boy by Roald Dahl (Currently reading aloud)
• When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy (Currently being read aloud by my husband to the family)
  
• Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (Possible read aloud)

What are you reading this winter?

Around the House

The weather has turned wintery with temperatures below freezing yet we still haven't felt the need to turn the heat on. We did have to don sweaters and warm slippers and curling up under a warm blanket now seems like a good idea. The indoor thermometer says 68 which is actually warmer than we were accustomed to in Romania.

Yesterday, I was able to get some work done in the girls' room. They had one small dresser to share with drawers deep enough to hold a couple of tee shirts. I had them use it for PJ's, socks and underclothes. Tee shirts, blue jeans and other articles of clothing all had to be hung in their closet. It was one crowded closet. Add to that the toys, purses and an entire array of paraphernalia that they "need" and the closet was one colossal mess. Well, we were able to get the girls their own chest of drawers. I moved the small dresser into the hallway where it still holds the PJ's and etc. I filled up Holly's chest of drawers and went to work on the closet. The room now looks terrific and heaven help the person who messes it up! I am working diligently with Holly on putting back what she gets out. Something I obviously failed to do somewhere along the way. Now if I could only figure out how to get her to do a decent job on making up her bed, which is the top bunk.

Bizarre Weather

The weather here in Constanta has been rather bizarre this winter. The first year we were here went on record as the coldest in 53 years. I think last year beat it. Winter usually finds me wearing long sleeves under sweaters and warm fuzzy slippers with thick socks. Even then, I am lighting candles and sipping coffee or hot chocolate, attempting to take off the chill.

This year, we have seen a few days of near or below freezing temperatures and once we had a dusting of snow. Most days however have been in the 50’s and even the mid 60’s. Yesterday I was walking around the house barefooted. I don’t usually do that until July. The forecast promises that Winter is still hanging around. For now, I am enjoying these mild days.