Daybook--Nearing the End of Summer

Outside My Window...hot, hot, hot.  Oh, and humid.

I am Listening to...the girls playing with our old Little People garage thing.  You'd swear it was Christmas.  My cousin returned it this afternoon, and even just using old match box cars, they are having a ball.

I am wearing...denim skirt, burgundy shirt, favorite pearls.

I am Thankful For...a sweet note in the mail from a friend.

I am Pondering...the end of summer.  School starting means seasons change, and I have less time to visit with my friends, less time for myself during the day.  It's all good, and it's time, but letting go is a grace.

I am Reading... I just finished A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.  Absolutely fabulous.  I can't wait to reread it.  I'm still reading One Thousand Gifts for our book study.  And today's read was chapter four of Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters.  I'm still working through that list of mine, but I've read others that aren't on it also.

From the Kitchen... chicken, rice, broccoli.  Plus lots of chicken all cooked for the freezer.  Productive day.

I am Thinking...about our school year that will begin on Monday and about the areas of my home I'd like to organize before then.

I am Creating...lessons plans, for three students this year.

On the Learning Front...it all begins again next week.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty...I'm working on a new weekly schedule for school and extra activities we're adding this year.  I'm hoping that after next week I'll have a better idea of what it will all look like.  I'm a bit nervous about jumping in, but I know I'll feel better with just one week under my belt.

Toward Personal Care...um, yeah.  I had three REALLY good days on Weight Watchers last week.  That is all.

I am Hoping and Praying...for our new cousin Hunter to keep healing well so that he can come home; for friends just starting to think about praying about homeschooling; a friend's business; family healing.

Around the House...we implemented new chore charts last week.  So far, so good.  I think they'll end up being a really good thing once we work out the kinks.

On Keeping Home...we thinking of getting an armoire to put the computer in the living area where my desk is.  We're feeling the need to have it in a more public area as our children get older.  I love the idea of hiding all the crud that is always on my desk.

One of My Favorite Things...coffee.  Annelise saying "Ohhhh...."

My Kids This Week...are hopefully enjoying the last week of summer.  Mary-Grace begins gymnastics on Thursday, and Jacob will start karate either tomorrow or next Tuesday.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week...the bigs are sleeping at the grandparents on Friday, hopefully the pool a few times if the weather cooperates, a birthday party Friday morning, and book study tomorrow night (YAY!)

A Picture Thought I'm sharing...

Holy Week Daybook

Outside My Window...  It's GORGEOUS!  Skies are blue, temperatures are crisp.  What a great spring treat  before the heat really kicks into gear.

I am Listening to...a very cranky baby.  The eye teeth are trying to make their appearance, and it's not going well.  On a positive note, I'm listening to Ava talk to herself which is always entertaining.

I am wearing ...  Pajamas...highly considering making a day of this.

I am Thankful For...  a healthy miracle baby, our new godchild, Davis John-Paul.  He is sweet and beautiful and smells of Heaven.

I am Pondering... answered prayers from a lifetime ago and from just days and weeks ago.  

I am Reading... my 2011 list so far:

               1.  Relentless Generational Blessings

                  2.  One Thousand Gifts (just started it again for my first reread)

                  3.  Smart Martha's Catholic Guide for Busy Moms

                  4.  I Believe in Love

                  5.  Discipline That Lasts a Lifetime

                  6.  Organized Simplicity

                  7.  Arms of Love (a reread from a few years ago, but so worth it. I wanted something light)  

                  8.  Dancing with My Father

                  9.  Hints on Child Training

                  10.  Pride and Prejudice (sad to say, I read the Cliffs Notes in high school)
                  11.  Same Kind of Different as Me

                  12.  Mother Angelica:  The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve, and a Network of Miracles

                  13.  What Went Wrong with Vatican II?
                

From the Kitchen... blah.  That about sums it up.  I need inspiration or streamlining or something.  I'm thinking of going back to a weekly rotation just to get back in the swing.  I think it'll be easier to add new things after that.

I am Thinking... that it is time to start nailing down some plans for next school year.  Ideas are swirling all around  my head.  I want to be realistic and dream big all at the same time.  It's all about the balance.

I am Creating... a new saint doll, my list of 1000+ gifts, an organized home, plans for finishing up all the little undone things around our home.

On the Learning Front... the end of the school year is wrapping up well, I think.  Core subjects are almost complete.  I'm thinking of continuing science and history through the summer to supplement all the pool time.  We'll see.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty... our routine has been rocked a bit the past few weeks.  I'm ready to get back on track somewhat.  Ava has spring break this week, so it'll be a little difficult to establish order knowing it will change again in a week.  But we'll do our best.

Toward Personal Care... back to Pilates this week and eating well.  I had a couple of great weeks, and then fell off the plan.  

Living the Liturgical Year at Home... Holy Week came so fast this year!  Waiting for our godchild to be born sure helped Lent to fly by quickly.  I haven't planned very well for this week, so I'm hoping the Holy Spirit will inspire the plan for us.  I'm really hoping to get to daily Mass before the Triduum.  We're seriously considering the Vigil if we can find someone to stay with the little girls.  We also need to get to Confession this week.  Our awesome pastor has provided HOURS of Confession times all throughout this week.  What a blessing!

I am Hoping and Praying...for a peaceful adjustment for the Thomas family.

On Keeping Home...gotta find my mojo again.  It upped and left a while back and I can't seem to locate it.   It's also time to get back on track with cleaning out and decluttering closets and such. 

One of My Favorite Things...  the smell of a newborn, the sacredness of moments shared with precious friends after babies are born.

My Kids This Week... They have enjoyed lots of play time.  Phil took the day off on Wednesday so I could be at the hospital, so they had a Daddy play day.  Then the Thomas kids came Friday morning and spent all day and night with us.  They all had a blast...they played hard, ate beignets, and watched Tangled.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week...Mass, Confession, Triduum services, Good Friday Living Stations of the Cross and possibly company for dinner afterward, and then EASTER!

A Picture Thought I'm sharing...

Daybook--Third Week of Ordinary Time

Outside My Window...rain, rain, and more rain.  

I am Listening to...a noisy toy.  Annelise is playing while the kids clean up the kitchen from breakfast.

I am wearing ...It seems I always do my daybook on the day I wear my yoga pants and black shirt, and today's the day.  Pilates resumes at nap time!

I am Thankful For...a Holy Hour on Saturday mornings, faithful priests, and amazing, godly friendships.

I am Pondering, listening, watching...I've been listening to the Divine Mercy Chaplet while stringing rosaries.  It's so beautiful and filling and relaxing.  I'm pondering a lot...

I am Reading...I Believe in Love.  I think I'll read one chapter a week and force myself to really soak it in.  I was given this book for Christmas in 1997.  I read a few chapters (I only know this because I highlighted some of it), but it was a bit spiritually advanced for me at the time.  Now, it's exactly what I need.  I'm also working on Voyage of the Dawn Treader and Smart Martha.

From the Kitchen... biscuits, bread, chicken in the crockpot (I remembered to plug it in this time.)

I am Thinking...about something an acquaintance said to me six years ago.  "It's so awesome when my friends are being obedient to God's will because it makes it so much easier and desirable for me to be obedient to His will."  And I am experiencing this right now, and she was SO right.

I am Creating...hats and scarves.

On the Learning Front...the basics, history, lots of read alouds.  I'm still mulling over next year's plans.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty...I've made it a habit to light a candle first thing in the morning.  I turn on music in the kitchen much more often.  Finding a moment to stop for quiet seems much easier when other senses are fulfilled.

Toward Personal Care...I had a great eating day yesterday.  I'm hopeful that today will follow suit.  Today I'm trying to drink lots more water and get in my Pilates.

Living the Liturgical Year at Home...right now we're sticking to our morning prayer routine.  It's going really well.  We're going to memorize Psalm 8 next, and we're reading through the Gospel of Mark.  We're still reading Devotional Stories for Little Folks, and there are many mornings that I get choked up reading it out loud.  These stories are sparking lovely discussions.

I am Hoping and Praying...for pregnant friends, many special intentions, wisdom for us and for friends on many different fronts, and I'm so thankful for answered prayer.

Around the House...we are status quo, and that's good enough.  Laundry is flowing, kitchen is picked up, bathrooms are clean.  And I'm thinking about this from Elizabeth:

"The older my baby, the cleaner my house. I hope I never, ever forget this fact. I hate didactic admonitions all about how if you just get your act together, your house can look like Pottery Barn. The reality is that if I really am tuned into my baby and I really have my priorities straight, the house will be a little "in process" most of the time. And the rest of the time? It will be a mess.

But now, it's rarely a mess. And it's often quite clean. But I don't want to pat myself on the back and have any illusions that it's because I've at last mastered all those housekeeping details. The reality is that my kids are older. Period."

One of My Favorite Things...the way Annelise ADORES Ava.  Yesterday morning, she followed me into Ava's room, popped herself up next to Ava's bed, and began squealing and screeching with delight.  These little sisters are a delight to each other.

My Kids This Week...have cabin fever and need to run around outside.  Jacob had scouts last night, and Mary-Grace has art today which will help some.  However, given the nasty weather, they've been playing together very nicely.  Yesterday they played several rounds of Zingo, lots of dolls, and Star Wars people.  But they are ready to burn some energy.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week...Phil and I are attending a day retreat on Saturday, so the kids will be with grandparents.  Everyone's excited!

A Picture Thought I'm sharing...

Our king cake from Epiphany...it was so good!  I want to play around with the filling for next time.

Annelise showing off her mad building skills.

Look at those tippy toes!  She is reaching everywhere now!  We have to make sure everything is scooted back or she'll get it.  We also didn't realize how tall she is because she was always sitting down!

I was cleaning the girls' room last week and walked in to find this.  I swear she thought she was nursing that baby!  I've never had a girl do this so young, although I haven't nursed any of them this long either.

Aunt Mari...my big girls are smitten.

If Ava is within reach and still, you can bank on Annie being right there with her.

Cheesecake stuffed chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream.  Heaven on a plate.

Daybook--Second Week of Ordinary Time

Outside My Window...a teensy bit of sun, and some warmth.  I'll take it.  As soon as their rest time is over, these little people are on bikes and scooters indefinitely.

I am Listening to...the quiet of rest time.  Some days I can take it or leave.  Today, it's the best part of the day.

I am wearing ...yoga pants...about to hit the floor for Pilates.

I am Thankful For...His mercies being new everyday.  

I am Pondering, listening, watching...

I am Reading...same thing as last week.  I didn't read much this past week.  I'm hoping to rectify that soon.

From the Kitchen...fish, shrimp, salad, broccoli, bread.

I am Thinking...about a way to making Mondays less painful for our school time.  I don't like dreading them.

I am Creating...hats, scarves, wooden saints.

On the Learning Front...we got the basics in today.  History will happen later.  I'm praying about slowing down in some subjects and speeding up in others.  Next years plans are dancing in my head, and I'm trying to make sense of them.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty...still working on the Rule.  A candle has been lit everyday, all day.  The difference this makes in mental peace is amazing.

Toward Personal Care...the eating could be lots better, but I'm managing to get a workout in 3-4 days a week.  I'm praying about revisiting the saint diet (no sugar, no flour).  This might prove to be very difficult with a new bread machine in the house!

Living the Liturgical Year at Home...Ordinary Time...we are trying to learn to be extraordinary in the Ordinary.  We are reading our Bibles, Devotional Stories for Little Folks, and talking about all of it.  

I am Hoping and Praying...for many, many special intentions.

Around the House...the washer is backing up.  Phil is stopping at Home Depot on the way home tonight to rent a tool to fix it.  After that, the laundry can resume.

On Keeping Home...Must. Clean. Bathrooms.  (this week, I promise.)

One of My Favorite Things...when Annelise waits for us to clap and praise her when she knows she's done something grand.

Annelise this week...She is so close to taking steps unassisted.  This morning, out of the blue, she starting stacking blocks five high....with her left hand, no less.  Jacob is holding out for another south paw in the house.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week...hopefully a field trip on Friday, a couple's dinner at church on Saturday, relaxing on Sunday.

A Picture Thought I'm sharing...I'll add it later.  If I don't publish this now, I'll never do it.  I need to empty the camera first, but Pilates is calling my name!

Ordinary Time Daybook

Outside My Window...  Dreary and freezing. ***Actually, now it's beautiful and still very cold.***

I am Listening to...  not much.  I'm on a quick break from school work, and the bigs are playing quietly while Annelise naps.

I am wearing...  blue shirt, gray scarf, jeans, black boots.  I find that if I actually dress to the shoes and put on some make-up, I am MUCH more productive during the day.  Go figure.

I am Thankful For... Annelise's rapidly progressing gross motor skills.  She is getting braver and braver by the day.

I am Pondering, listening, watching...  Joy.  It's the virtue for the month of January in Small Steps for Catholic Moms, and it is speaking right to my soul.  I'm trying very hard to listen to the Holy Spirit's promptings for me toward one of my children.  I'm watching Him work.

I am Reading... same as last week, although I plan to start Voyage of the Dawn Treader this week.  I want to read it before the see the movie.

From the Kitchen... Chicken legs in the crockpot (this was supposed to be yesterday's dinner, but I forgot to plug in the crockpot!), leftover blueberry buckle from breakfast, lots of groceries just put away.

I am Thinking... about the lovely souls in my book study group and how they never cease to fill my tank.

I am Creating... the same scarf.  But I'm also creating plans in  my mind of many crochet projects, simplified birthday celebrations for my children this year, and hopefully soon, some painted saints.

On the Learning Front... Mondays are the pits.  While I love the start to the new week, my students do NOT.  I'm not sure how to remedy that.  Tuesdays through Fridays are always so much better, so I take much comfort in that fact.  I am pleased with their progress in their subjects this year.  I am hopeful for another relaxing summer!

Towards Rhythm and Beauty... still working on tweaking the Rule.  Slow and steady wins the race, right?

Toward Personal Care...  I managed to get in four days of Pilates last week, and two so far this week.  My eating has not been great, but it hasn't been terrible either.  I cut my hair a couple of weeks ago, and I am loving the length for the first time in a very long time.

Living the Liturgical Year at Home... Our new morning prayer time has been so good.  We begin with the Morning Offering and Scripture.  Right now, we are memorizing Colossians 3:12-17 and Psalm 1.  The discussions these passages are bringing have been beautiful.  I am trusting that the fruit will come.  We are learning to "let the Word of Christ dwell in [us] richly." We are also reading through Devotional Stories for Little Folks, and everyday the kids BEG for more "Seth stories."  We've had this book for three years...Jacob read it right when we got it, but this is our first family read-through.  How I wish we'd started earlier!

I am Hoping and Praying... for so many intentions.  A friend trying to conceive.  Those expecting babies.  Friends in Haiti.  My mom, grandparents, uncle and cousin who fly to California tomorrow.  Relationships in my home.

Around the House... we're just trying to stay warm without completely drying out our insides with the central heat.

On Keeping Home... Believe it or not, we have mostly maintained the order.  Laundry is moving and shaking.  The kitchen is staying picked up.  These two details make for a much more orderly home.

One of My Favorite Things... watching my children exhibit a virtue that does not come naturally to them.

My Kids This Week...have been busy.  We had Boy Scouts on Monday night, art yesterday, and a birthday party today.  It's good to get out even though it's FREEZING!  It's helping to keep the cabin fever crazies at bay.  

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week... Another relaxing weekend is on the cards, and I'm so grateful.

A Picture Thought I'm sharing:

On her way to check out the latest creation...

Destruction is her favorite thing!

Epiphany Week Daybook

Outside My Window...  It is absolutely beautiful!  The sun is shining, the temperature is cool, but relatively mild...perfect for bike riding after rest time.

I am Listening to:  QUIET!  Everyone is reading or resting.  Music-wise, we are still listening to Behold the Lamb and Do You See What I See? as well as the traditional stuff.  I love hearing my children sing these favorites.

I am wearing...exercise pants, black t-shirt, pink fleece.  It's the only way I knew I would even try to get in my Pilates workout this afternoon.

I am Thankful For... a wonderful holiday break.  Phil was off for two weeks!  And yet, I'm also grateful for the new routine that we're working on.

I am Reading...A Mother's Rule of Life, Smart Martha's Catholic Guide for Busy Moms, & Small Steps for Catholic Moms.

From the Kitchen...biscuits for breakfast, red beans and rice for dinner.

I am Creating...a scarf, wooden saint dolls, and my mother's rule.

On the Learning Front...back to the grind today.  It was rough.  The first day back is always rough, particularly for Jacob.  I'm not sure why this is, but I've learned to expect it and not let it steal my joy.  I anticipate tomorrow being much smoother.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty...It's all about the Mother's Rule right now.  Phil has read the first couple of chapters also and is helping me find a rhythm that will work well for everyone.  I tend to jump in so fast that I'm destined to fail in the first two days.  Right now I'm working on my prayer routine.  Everything else will come after that is set.

Toward Personal Care...It's time to get rid of these last baby pounds.  I'm determined to get a grip on the snacking, and get back to Pilates.  I actually got it done today, and it felt great.  (I'm sure tomorrow my muscles will be screaming!)

Living the Liturgical Year at Home...We will celebrate Epiphany in our home on Thursday with king cake, star cookies, and star sandwiches for lunch.  I'm trying to think of something simple for Sunday's feast of the Baptism of Our Lord.  Hmmm.....

I am Hoping and Praying...for a friend trying to conceive, friends who are expecting little ones this year, and a couple intentions that I hold close to my heart.

Around the House...Christmas gifts have all found a home!  And many old things have been passed along.

On Keeping Home...order!  Finally, I'm seeing order.  I spent a few days organizing closets and my desk last week, and the mental efficiency it gives me is fabulous.  Again, we're still working out our Rule, but I'm hopeful for permanent house-keeping changes.

One of My Favorite Things...Annelise's face when she sees her Daddy or her Nana.  I cease to exist to her in those moments.  Priceless!  And she is finally taking steps with assistance!  Praise God!  The butt-scoot is still her preferred form of transportation, but she pulls up all the time now.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week...Tonight we are going to the annual Priests vs. Seminarians basketball game.  This is always a hoot!  Friday night, we're going to my dad's to eat gumbo and watch LSU play in the Cotton Bowl.  Little Flowers is this weekend.  

A Picture Thought I'm sharing:

St. Lucia, St. Therese, St. Catherine, St. Anthony

A rare moment of sister love between these two...usually when Mary-Grace gets close, Annelise freaks out.  I'm praying that changes very soon because Gracie is so willing to help!

A rare picture with my cupcake friend!

Even more rare, a picture of me and my husband.  I was so very tired that evening, and if I weren't hanging out with some of my very favorite people in the whole world, I'd have been in my bed.

My diva girl and her new microphone.  She was in heaven.

Annelise's first gift of the day, a Leap Frog Violet doggie....she was so cute peeking inside the wrapping!

The cupcake girls in their matching dresses...Courtney and I didn't know we'd bought the same thing until Mass.

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!

For more daybook links, visit Peggy

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!

Visit Peggy for more links.

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...