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:
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| St. Lucia, St. Therese, St. Catherine, St. Anthony |
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| 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! |
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| A rare picture with my cupcake friend! |
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| 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. |
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| My diva girl and her new microphone. She was in heaven. |
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| Annelise's first gift of the day, a Leap Frog Violet doggie....she was so cute peeking inside the wrapping! |
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| The cupcake girls in their matching dresses...Courtney and I didn't know we'd bought the same thing until Mass. |
