My Simple Daybook

For today, September 28, 2009

outside my window...

...very warm, but we expect a cold front tonight!! Thank you, Lord!!

I am thinking...

...of my mom's friend who is suffering terribly with cancer.

I am thankful...

...for generous family and friends who gave me a wonderful baby shower on Saturday. It was a sweet time of fellowship and celebration of our little one. My girls had a great time. Mary-Grace was our photographer, actually getting some good pictures, and Ava brought me gifts. Each time I would open the card to find out who the gift was from, she would look at that person and say, "THANK YOU!!!" before the gift was unwrapped. She was too cute.

from the kitchen...

Shrimp pasta, apples & chicken (scroll down), taco soup, beignets, leftovers;

simple breakfasts and lunches. It feels good to have a plan!

from the learning room...

We begin F week today. We are excited, and really enjoying the Alphabet Path this year. We are plugging along with our core subjects, and I am so proud of what my kids are showing themselves capable of. We will wrap up our second history unit this week, as well as putting together a hurricane lapbook. It will be a full week!

living the liturical year at home...

It's a big week!

On Tuesday, we'll celebrate St. Michael the Archangel with special waffles, activities, and devil's food cupcakes with swords.

Wednesday is for St. Jerome with lion cupcakes.

And Thursday is for our dear St. Therese. We are looking forward to having friends over Thursday night to celebrate our family's patron. I'm hoping to make it to Mass that day also.

Friday, we celebrate the Holy Guardian Angels with angel hair pasta and angel food cake.

Sunday, our godchild will be baptized on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who is also Phil's patron saint.

Whew!

I am creating...

...lesson plans for this week, felt food, Christmas gifts, a baby room, and most importantly, a baby.

I am wearing...

...my new denim skirt and a lime green shirt.

I am hoping...

...for a peaceful, albeit very busy week.

I am praying...

...for Mom's friend, for my children who all have colds, for a healthy baby and delivery.

I am hearing...

...quiet.

Around the house...

...I'm hoping we can wrap up our major cleaning projects in the next couple of weeks. It's amazing to me every pregnancy how this nesting business works! The things that I want to have clean are so random.

One of my favorite things...

...Coffee Mate's Creme Brulee creamer. I have given up sugar and flour for this last trimester (with the exception of very special occasions like baby showers!), so this was one of those things I gave up. Stevia and half-and-half don't hold a candle to my favorite creamer! I might pack a bottle for the hospital since they put refrigerators in all the postpartum rooms.

A few plans for this week...

• 
  
  Lots of liturgical plans!
• 
  
  Ballet for Mary-Grace on Monday (scratch that...she woke up with fever).
• 
  
  Dentist appointments for the kids on Wednesday
• 
  
  Birthday parties on Friday night and Saturday afternoon for friends
• 
  
  John's baptism on Sunday, plus another birthday party for a friend (if it's doable, no promises on that one!)

A picture thought I'm sharing...

Mary-Grace learning to "embroider" for E week. I remember doing this as a child, just making lots of stitches. She loved it!

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My Simple Daybook

outside my window...

...damp, warm, muggy...Fall, where are you?

I am thinking...

...about what's left to do to get ready for the baby! We're all so excited. Phil and the kids put the crib together last night; they can't wait to meet their new baby.

I am thankful...

...that I'm done hosting major events until after the baby arrives. Now it's time to settle in and finish nesting.

from the kitchen...

...leftover crockpot chicken (recipe here) Phil, Ava and I loved it over rice, and the big kids ate (somewhat) obediently.

from the learning room...

...We began E week this week after taking off last week to catch our breaths. We're reading about Eyebright, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, electricity, eggs, elephants, and may even give a shot to some embroidery. (HT: Jessica) We are plugging away at our core stuff quite nicely. I also started giving the kids fish gummies loaded with omega-3s. I am amazed at how much better they are focusing, and I really didn't think I had a problem with them at all.

living the liturgical year at home...

...Today we celebrate St. Padre Pio's feast and begin the novena to St. Therese. Eight years ago today, after having being told months before that I probably had a 1% chance to conceive a baby on my own, I began this same novena. Nine months later to the day Jacob was born. How's that for a rose?

I am creating...

...more felt food for the girls for Christmas, a few more Christmas gifts, and a baby. All pretty fun stuff!

I am reading...

lots of E week books.

I am going...

to be patient today even though I barely slept.

I am wearing...

...pajamas right now, but soon a new maternity skirt that my mom bought me last night. I love it! It might become my uniform for the next 6 1/2 weeks.

I am hoping...

...that this baby will be just a bit smaller than his/her brother/sisters. I'd really like another non-epidural birth (only my first was), so I'd settle for an even 8-pounder.

I am hearing...

...Phil waking up. That's it...no other noise. I'm savoring these few moments of quiet, and looking forward to the time when I share them with our new little one.

Around the house...

...it's all about getting ready for the baby. I cleaned the windowsills, baseboards, door frames yesterday in the baby's room. My mom is repainting the dresser for me. I have a cleaning list a mile long, but will settle for what we can get done reasonably before his/her arrival.

One of my favorite things...

...picking up Ava from Nursery School. She tells me everyday, "K, turn off the music. Let me tell you about Nursery School." She loves it!

A Few Plans for this Week...

...nothing major, which is nice. We're doing school, having co-op on Friday, and my family is hosting a small baby shower for me on Saturday. I'm looking forward to it!

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Simple Daybook...3rd edition

outside my window...

It's muggy and warm...with the promise of rain and 90 degree temperatures. Fall, where are you?!

I am thinking...

about crossing things off my list! I am in super holiday preparation mode so that once this little one arrives there is little to create, only much to execute.

I am thankful...

for a productive weekend on many fronts, and a husband who is so willing to help me around the house and with the children.

From the learning room...

We are moving and shaking. This is our 5th week for this school year, and so far so good. We've not hit our groove yet schedule wise,butonly because life happens. Friends have babies, and we are delighted to shift our routines to help out. But the learning part is happening when it can, and for that I am grateful.

From the kitchen...

LOTS! Yesterday I made a quadruple batch of taco soup, a quadruple batch of spaghetti sauce, and a triple batch of smothered eggplant and spinach. The rest of the week promises lots of ziti, gumbo, and smothered chicken. I'm stocking the freezer for the baby moon. The only reason this was all possible was because my hubby washed EVERY SINGLE pot, pan, spoon, etc. Oh, and there were cupcakes, too.

I am wearing...

gray pants, pink striped top, crocs.

I am creating...

Christmas gifts, Advent and Christmas plans, newly decorated rooms for the kids (for Christmas), and still lots of lists.

I am going...

to the hospital very shortly for my grandfather's surgery. It's minor, but he is 81. Say a prayer for him, please?

I am hoping...

for a successful surgery for my Papa, for a great day with my munchkins, an uneventful week.

I am praying...

for my Papa, for my new godchild and his mommy, for the Mitchells, and for lots of intentions that I hold in my heart.

Around the house...

nothing much for today, but I have a monster list of deep cleaning to accomplish before our little one arrives.

One of my favorite things...

hearing my children playing happily together. Nothing warms my heart like lots of creative, cooperative play between them.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• Bible study tonight, if time allows.
• cooking for friends tomorrow night.
• co-op on Friday
• more freezer cooking, present wrapping, birthday gift assembling (Ava will be 3 soon!) on Saturday morning.
• visiting with out-of-town family on Saturday afternoon.
• possibly breathing again on Sunday!

To live the liturgical year...

• celebrating Our Lady's birthday today with books and cupcakes and singing.
• the feast of St. Peter Claver tomorrow.
• the feast of the Holy Name of Mary on Saturday.
• Mass on Friday.

I'm terrible with the picture of the week. Sorry!

For more links, see Peggy

Daybook...2nd Edition

FOR TODAY... August 24, 2009

Outside my window... It's still dark, but much cooler for south Louisiana. I'm hoping the weather will be more like this for the last weeks of this pregnancy...if not, I'll settle happily for the last few days!

I am thinking... about how excited we are to meet this baby. Last time around, our older children were two and four. At five and a half, seven and almost three, they understand so much more and are just tickled. Their joy is contagious.

I am thankful for... my mom, who works tirelessly to help me accomplish all the crazy ideas stuck in my head.

From the learning room... This will be our last full week with Ava here before she starts nursery school. She's thrilled about it, and I'm praying for a fun last week with her at home.
It's also B week, continued. I didn't get done quite as much as I wanted to last week, so we're continuing this week to wrap it up.

From the kitchen... Pancakes for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, spaghetti and salad for dinner. All very simple.

I am wearing... a long floral skirt and white shirt.

I am creating...lots of lists, an Alphabet of Catholic Saints, and plans for upcoming feast days.

I am going... to Mass very shortly.

I am reading...Making Senses out of Scripture by Mark Shea for our history program. It is excellent. Hopefully I'll finish it this week because there's lots more sitting on my shelf calling my name.

I am hoping... for a GREAT Monday! We sometimes have a hard time getting into the groove on Mondays. This is my intention for Mass today.

I am hearing...absolutely nothing, and it's a joyous sound.

I am praying... for a friend who will deliver our godchild soon, for my son's first Holy Communion next spring, for many special intentions.

Around the house... Phil did a major house cleaning for me on Saturday while I ran errands and organized. It's wonderful to have a clean house to start the week. Still, there's much organizing to be done, but I'm not sure that effort ever ends when one is pregnant!

One of my favorite things... good food and good friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

• A doctor's appointment for me on Wednesday.
• A well-visit at the pediatrician's for the girls on Friday.
• Hopefully, the birth of our godchild! We're holding vigil here on pins and needles. I wonder what it will be like when it's actually OUR baby we're waiting on!

For more links, see Peggy.

Daybook...First Edition

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...it is still dark, and hot and muggy if I had to guess.

I am thinking...about all that I would like to accomplish before our baby arrives in early November.

I am thankful for...Confession, Mass, and Adoration yesterday.

From the learning rooms...getting into a groove. There is still tweaking to be done to the routine to make it work for all of us. I feel certain that we'll get all settled into something great just before it's all thrown off kilter with a new little one.

From the kitchen...oatmeal for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, chicken something or other for dinner.

I am wearing...still in pjs.

I am creating...lots of lists, an Alphabet of Catholic Saints, and plans for upcoming feast days.

I am going...to stay in the present moment as best I can with all the planning and list making that's going on.

I am reading...Making Senses out of Scripture by Mark Shea for our history program. It is excellent.

I am hoping...that today will be better than yesterday. My oldest seems to have a hard time getting into the school groove on Mondays. Tuesdays always seem to be much better.

I am hearing...absolutely nothing, and it's a joyous sound.

I am praying...for a friend who will deliver our godchild soon, for my son's first Holy Communion next spring, for many special intentions.

Around the house...always lots to be done! Today I will mop the kitchen. No, really, I will.

One of my favorite things...quiet mornings before my littles are awake.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

• Our first homeschool co-op gathering on Friday.

• Company for dinner on Saturday evening...we're celebrating the Queenship of Mary with a special cake, and we need friends to help us eat it!


• Possibly company for Friday night as well to finish off our "B Week".

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I Interrupt This (Unintended) Blog Hiatus to Say...

THANK YOU, JESSICA!!

Look who arrived in my mailbox yesterday:

St. Catherine of Siena, St. Nicholas and St. Therese of Lisieux!!!

I've got all the supplies to make our own Alphabet of Saints, but I've been very intimidated by the whole thing! I'm so not a painter. My children were delighted, and they can't wait for me to get after the rest! I am so excited to have something to look at as I attempt this.

Thank you again, sweet friend! I so wish we lived closer to each other.

Update:

-The day after my last post, we got a steal of a deal on a leather set of furniture for the living room as well as a much needed deep freezer.

-5 days later, we found out we are expecting our fourth child...SO exciting!

-The day after that, Ava's godfather had emergency triple bypass surgery at age 46.

-We had some repairs done to the outside of our house, and my mom and two of her wonderful friends then painted the entire outside!

-My mom, dad and those same good friends painted my living room (for the new furniture, of course.)

-2 weeks later, Mary-Grace's godmother had an emergency appendectomy at 15 weeks pregnant.

-I went to Houston for a great weekend getaway/school planning & shopping weekend with two dear friends.

-We spent Mother's Day weekend in Shreveport at my oldest friend's house, complete with the Barksdale AFB Air Show, lots of shopping and new shoes for everyone.

-We hired someone to remodel our hall bathroom...his part took about a week and a half.

-We went to Global Wildlife and redeemed my mom's Christmas gift to us...AMAZING!

-We attended a fabulous VBS with some friends in Abbeville where we learned all about the Mass...as a mystery, a gift, a celebration, a sacred meal, and a call. We also learned about these saints: Joan of Arc, Mary (Queen of All Saints), Patrick, Michael and Elizabeth Ann Seton, and these virtues: patience, peace, unity, faith and generosity. All in all, it was a very fulfulling, very tiring week.

-Our sweet Jacob turned 7! He is now obsessed with all things WWII.

-We had a great 20 week ultrasound where we successfully did NOT find out what we are having! This will be our first surprise at delivery! I'm so excited.

-My mom began sanding, priming, sanding, painting, sanding, and painting the remodeled bathroom. She'll finish up while we're at the beach next week for Phil's family reunion, complete with hanging out here while the tub guy reglazes our old porcelain tub.

-I planned our entire school year, leaving a big break for our baby moon.

-I finally finished Ava's baby book. Her reaction was PRICELESS!!!

-I'm leaving for the beach on Friday morning and I'm already packed!

My mom is super woman.

House, birthday, and beach pictures to come!!!

Lent with the Landreneaus

Lent.

I love Lent.

I love the simplicity, the desert, the growing, the stretching, the sacrifice, the fasting.

I love the universality of this season. I love knowing that all the faithful are growing, fasting, sacrificing together. I love seeing ashes on the foreheads of complete strangers on Ash Wednesday.

I love the anticipation of the Resurrection...spending almost seven weeks contemplating the Cross...His mercy, our sin, His suffering, our redemption. Being reminded of how much I needed my sweet Savior to die on that cross, yet hating the idea of God having to suffer so horrendously so that I could be with Him forever.

Knowing that He had a plan when Adam and Eve left Paradise...a promise that He would come for us, save us, draw us near to Him again, all because of a love so unbelievably immense that He couldn't bear to not have us with Him.

Remembering that He led with service, washing the feet of those dearest to Him.

Remembering the night he instituted the Holy Eucharist, His sacred Body and Blood, and how greatful I am for a Church filled with holy priests, His servants, who pour their lives out that we, the people, might receive Him daily, so that our lives may be made holy.

These are my prayers for my children, that as they grow and mature in their faith, they will hold dear all of these truths.

Lent looks different every year in our home. Some years, last year in particular, I've had the best laid plans only to have God choose something completely different for us. It's hard to let go of my plans, but His always prove to be better, more sanctifying. So this year, I've got lots of things ready to go, but I'm holding them all loosely, wondering what our Lord might have up His sleeve for our family. One thing I did this year to enhance the visual effect (similar to leaving our Christmas tree bare for all of Advent) was to remove several things from our living room. Not much, but enough to notice the bareness. I filled two metal vases with bunches of sticks to remind us that this is a dry, desert time, but that new life will spring forth...and that it's worth waiting for!

Our days begin with our Lenten calendar. I got this idea from Jessica (who just so happens to be the QUEEN of living the liturgical year in way cool and fun ways with her brood). So far, this has been awesome. I love that we are covering all three parts: prayer, fasting, almsgiving. The stars show that we've completed our commitments for the day, and as nice as it is for the kids to see those stars, it's totally an accountability thing for me which is great.

In the mornings, we pray our morning offering, offering up our intention of the day. Then we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Next comes the counting of the object of the day and counting pennies for the rice bowl. They think this is such great fun and are trying to find extras to count so they can give more.

Right after dinner, we do our Jesus Tree. Jessica has each week linked on her sidebar with color sheets for each symbol. The kids color while Phil or I read. We did this with the Jesse Tree and they loved it, so I knew this would be a hit.

Tonight we prayed the Stations of the Cross. It was interesting to say the least. We lit 14 tealight candles in front of our crucifix on the prayer table. The kids took turns blowing out a candle when we finished praying each station. Phil explained to them that by the time we finished, it would be dark, just as it was when Jesus died on the cross and the sky went black. That part was beautiful. Trying to keep the toddler from singing "Happy Birthday" and blowing out ALL of the candles, not so beautiful. I also made a Stations of the Cross box (made it last year, but not until Holy Week, so we never got to use it) based on the idea here. This was a hit, though I might be making one for each of them next year!

Starting next week, we will do one Catholic Mosaic book for Lent/Easter each week, with a craft, copywork, discussion, etc. I'm really looking forward to this! We've loved using this book more over the last few months. The book selections are wonderful.

So that's the majority of the "stuff" of our Lent. Of course, there are those things for the grown- ups that are kept secret, but these are the things we do with our children to enrich their journey. There are lots of wonderful, intimate conversations about salvation, the cross, suffering, the Eucharist, and Our Lady, that have been happening and will surely continue to. These are the moments where all this "stuff" meets the hearts of our children and brings all of us closer to Our Lord. I remind them (and myself) over and over that none of this "stuff" matters one bit if it's not drawing closer to the foot of the Cross, to the throne of God.

Are we inviting Him into our hearts more?

Are we creating a place to welcome Him there?

Lord, be with us this Lenten season. Draw near to us as we seek your face, as we remember this road you walked for our salvation.

Happy Birthday, Gracie!

Happy birthday, sweet girl!

I cannot believe that you are five! It really blows my mind. I love being your mommy, even on days when I don't. You are so full of life and spunk, and you have an incredible heart for Our Lord. I have no doubt that you will lead a life that is pleasing to Him.

This morning I gave Mary-Grace the American Girl doll Molly that I got when I was in the 3rd grade. She was so excited! She'd been wanting a big-girl doll for quite some time, and I was thrilled that I had one of mine to give her. We had birthday donuts this morning, then cupcakes at co-op, and then we went to Mass. Her nanny and parrain and their kids are coming over for beinets tonight at her request. We look forward to this birthday weekend!

Love you, precious girl!

Celebrating St. Valentine

Waking up on Valentine's Day...wondering what waits in the kitchen...

We had such a fun time celebrating Valentine's Day this year. Last year, we had the flu for Valentine's Day, so we were glad to be feeling well this time around. We usually give the kids a book or two and some candy in the morning, but this year was a little different. They each got a book from Catholic Mosaic as well as another book we thought they'd like. Instead of having tons of candy waiting for them, they woke up to this:

They were puzzled by the mound of stuff they saw, but they were excited about the bag of white donuts and the bag of oreos! The rest of the morning was spent making Valentine dots, dipped oreos, marshmallows and pretzels. It was so fun, and they loved that they could pretty much do everything on their own. While we worked, I read St. Valentine, which we all enjoyed.

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

Today we celebrated the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes.

This feast day "marks the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1858 to fourteen-year-old Marie Bernade (St. Bernadette) Soubirous. Between February 11 and July 16, 1858, the Blessed Virgin appeared eighteen times, and showed herself to St. Bernadette in the hollow of the rock at Lourdes. On March 25 she said to the little shepherdess who was only fourteen years of age: "I am the Immaculate Conception." Since then Lourdes has become a place of pilgrimage and many cures and conversions have taken place. The message of Lourdes is a call to personal conversion, prayer, and charity." ~ Catholic Culture

Our Lady of Lourdes is dear to my heart because my grandfather was healed in Lourdes. While he was stationed in Germany, he visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, and was healed of his stuttering. So we wanted to do some special things today to celebrate her.



Our craft today was holy water fonts. The kids had a good time making them. We also read Our Lady of Lourdes by Fr. Lovasik, and we watched Bernadette, Princess of Lourdes.




Based on some ideas from different blogs, I decided to serve an all white and blue menu today. The color blue is often associated with Our Lady, and the white is for her purity from conception.

We started our day with these muffins, which were beautiful and delicious. However, my children are not used to fresh blueberries in there muffins (I usually buy the box mix), so they wouldn't eat them. I will admit they tasted different, but in a very good way! Nevertheless, it was a bust for the kids. There are plenty of leftovers, though, so come on over and get one. Snacks were mozzarella string cheese and ice cream (a HUGE hit). Lunch was cheese pizza with olive oil instead of tomato sauce, another big hit.



For dinner we had chicken and pasta with Alfredo sauce and cauliflower. We actually had a a very nice table setting for once, which was nice. For dessert, the kids were delighted with mini jello "springs"--foil cupcake liners with blue jello--since Our Lady told St. Bernadette to drink from the miraculous spring. Phil and I like them, too!



Here's a shot of our table, and Ava enjoying her "spring". I love how the jello matches her eyes.






We have really enjoyed celebrating the feasts of the Church this year. We look forward to more!

New Year's Eve

I know this is really late, but as I looked through the pictures, I couldn't resist posting them!

We had SO much fun at the Thomas' house on New Year's Eve. It was a small group this year, much smaller than usual, but that allowed us plenty of time on the Wii. Holy cow, we were so hooked, especially Phil. The above shots are of his boxing match with Kessie. I almost spilled my pina colada, which would have been tragic I assure you.

We had chili, pina coladas, LOTS of coffee, oreo truffles, and lots of other snacks. Glad I waited to start the diet later.

30!

I remember when my mom turned thirty; I had just turned seven. I remember like it was yesterday. My dad had told my mom that he had a partners' dinner meeting, so my grandmother picked me up from school and took me to my aunt's house. When I got there, my aunt took me in her room and opened a big box on her dresser. The cake inside read "Happy Birthday, Brenda!"

Confused, I looked up at Nanny. She told me that there was no meeting, but Dad was giving Mom a surprise party. I was SO mad at him for not telling me! (He actually apologized for this last night, saying that was his one regret. I said, "Are you kidding?! I so would have blown it!") Anyway, I remember the clothes I wore, the people who were there. I remember my Papa waiting and watching by the door, all antsy, ready to turn off the light at the exact right moment. I remember the look of shock on her face when she walked in the door.

Well, now it's my turn. But the party was not a surprise, which is FINE by me. Instead, I got to pick a few of the friends closest to my heart to join my family for a wonderful dinner at my mom's house. I come from a divorced family, and if I didn't already know that God was sovereign, I would surely learn it each time one of my children celebrates a birthday. All the grandparents come and are at peace with each other, and it's a kodak moment for God's glory and power to heal. Last night was no exception. Families who haven't technically been family for years came to celebrate with me. My friends gave up evenings with their children, hired babysitters and travelled from near and far to be with me.

And wonderful it was. My mom cooked a huge gumbo, potato salad, and garlic bread, although I only ate a small bowl because I ate SO much spinach dip and baked brie before dinner! She made my favorite cake, which I think became a lot of people's favorite cake last night. Coby and Kessie brought their big ole Vita Mix to make pina coladas for us...Kessie and I looked forward to this all week! My children got a big kick out of their mom having a birthday party. They were quite bummed on Friday night when I told them that all of our friends were coming, but none of THEIR friends were. Then I told them Uncle Jeff and Aunt Katherine would be there, and they quickly decided that Uncle Jeff single-handedly made up for the fact that there friends couldn't come. My dad was also a real trooper and spent much of the evening in the garage getting pelted with tennis balls.

Then came presents. I certainly didn't expect gifts from my friends, but they were so sweet to spoil me. I got a gift card for a manicure and pedicure, new pajamas (that I'm currently wearing and LOVE), a precious coffee/tea mug, sets of coffee and espresso cups (do my people know me, or what?), a beautiful new sweater, lovely notecards, gift cards to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, as well as extra money from family to choose what I'd like. More importantly, they gave me their time, and I am truly grateful.

Then the big gift came...my new laptop! I was so shocked that I'm not sure I really reacted. Phil historically does not shop for me. I tell him what I'd like, and he gets it. So this was a super sweet gift because he did it on his own, and my kids didn't even spill the beans. I'm not sure what he was thinking letting them in on the secret, but I guess he has more faith in them than I do.

One of the guys told me last night that turning 30 was hard for him; every year since has been fine, but that initial goodbye to the twenties didn't sit too well. I thought about that all evening and this morning. Here's what I think:

I'm glad to say goodbye to my twenties, although they were great. I married in my twenties, had children, bought our first house, had another baby. More than that, God grew me and stretched me, especially in this last year, in ways I never could have imagined. He has drawn me close to His heart, and has reminded me over and over again that His heart is the safest place to be. This last year, I have spent more time with Him as friends lost babies to miscarriage, as one lost a baby in heart surgery, and as other friends birthed more babies. I spent one day at the hospital waiting for a friend to give birth and that night attended the wake of a seven-month old. Job's verse "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord" took on a whole new meaning in my heart. I was reminded that only He knows what is and what will be for His glory and the good of our souls. And I can rest in that.

So this morning, I'm sitting in my new pjs, writing on my new laptop, drinking my decaf with creme brulee creamer out of my new mug. It's been a good morning. I think I'll keep 30 around for a while. I'm not sure what God has in store for me in my thirties, but I know that He knows so that's good enough for me.

If my thirties will bring more grace, deeper relationships with family and friends, new friends, more babies, and will bring me even further into God's heart, then I'm so there.

Feast of the Presentation

Today we celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. From Catholic Culture:

The feast was first observed in the Eastern Church as "The Encounter." In the sixth century, it began to be observed in the West: in Rome with a more penitential character and in Gaul (France) with solemn blessings and processions of candles, popularly known as "Candlemas."

The Presentation of the Lord concludes the celebration of the Nativity and with the offerings of the Virgin Mother and the prophecy of Simeon, the events now point toward Easter.
"In obedience to the Old Law, the Lord Jesus, the first-born, was presented in the Temple by his Blessed Mother and his foster father. This is another 'epiphany' celebration insofar as the Christ Child is revealed as the Messiah through the canticle and words of Simeon and the testimony of Anna the prophetess. Christ is the light of the nations, hence the blessing and procession of candles on this day. In the Middle Ages this feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or 'Candlemas,' was of great importance.

The specific liturgy of this Candlemas feast, the blessing of candles, is not as widely celebrated as it should be, except of course whenever February 2 falls on a Sunday and thus takes precedence. There are two ways of celebrating the ceremony, either the Procession, which begins at a 'gathering place' outside the church, or the Solemn Entrance, celebrated within the church."— Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year

Today, Phil and the kids brought a box of candles to be blessed at Mass. We bought pillar candles in the various liturgical colors to use on our table throughout the liturgical year. Elizabeth wrote a beautiful piece a few years ago about the connection between the Presentation and candles:

"When Our Lady took Jesus to the temple and Simeon greeted them, he recognized the light first. He said that Jesus was "the light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." Then, he told the Blessed Mother that she would suffer: "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

She did not understand but she did know that she knew the Light, the Lord, was hers in her suffering. When we suffer, we turn to the Lord, who came as light and life to the world. And we can light a candle to remind us of those words of Simeon who coupled forever the suffering with the Light. What beautiful sacramentals candles can be in the domestic church!

I've always loved candles; I am drawn to light and beauty. In candlelight, the hard edges of the world are softened. Now, I feel drawn to them as I'm drawn to prayer. Christ settles over the candlelit room and softens the edges of the harsh world while illuminating my soul with His holy will. We appeal to our senses when we prepare our homes with candles to use throughout the year."

For tea time today, we made edible candles in honor of Candlemas...pirouette cookies standing in a donut. The felt flame obviously wasn't edible, but I forgot to pick up some icing or candy corn.

We read the story of the Presentation in the Bible. Then we listened to Todd Agnew's song "He Is Called Jesus", and discussed what it might have been like for Simeon to lay eyes on the Messiah.

Ava thought sure she was supposed to blow them out!

Growing Up

Do you see that gap? My baby boy lost his first tooth! It freaked me out a little to see him growing up right in front of me. Jacob is not one of those boys who likes all things bloody, so when the tooth became loose, I had prepared him for the likelihood of blood when it came out. He came out of his room at 6:15 this morning with a big ole grin on his face... "It's gone!" I searched his bed, his sheets, the floor, and pillowcase...no tooth. Good thing that tooth was tiny because he swallowed it in his sleep!

A few nights later during bedtime prayer, he prayed, "Lord, I thank you that I lost my first tooth. And I thank you that there was no blood like most other kids have." Sweet boy, I love that even in little things, you know Who to thank.

Christmas...Finally!