Monday, January 26, 2009
Outside My Window…
I see gray skies. It is foggy and about 50. I guess it’s a good day to stay in and catch up on laundry!
I am thinking…
how easy it is to despair about all the things that life isn’t and miss the wonderful things that life is. I am thinking about a bookmark I got once that said “If you really want to be happy, no one can stop you.” I am thinking that there is a lot more truth to that than a lot of people like to admit (a lot of people like me).
I am thankful for…
knowing each of my grandparents as a young child, especially since three of them died when I was still young (in fact, I lost one each year when I was 10, 11, and 12). I also had two great grandmothers living into my college years and got to know one of them very well (unfortunately, the other lived in California and I didn’t get to see her more than a few times). I am especially thankful that I have been able to enjoy one grandmother all of my life. What a blessing! I love you, Grandma!
We are learning…
The great thing about very small children is that a major accomplishment is always just around the corner. So last week we were working on Violet rolling over and guess what? She can do it! Now we are working on staying asleep in spite of the fact that one can roll herself over and over and over all over the crib, making it so much harder to settle down and actually sleep! We are trying to get Molly to say “Livy”. Last night after bath, we were saying, “Mama” and she would repeat. “Daddy” and she would repeat. “Livy” and she would mostly giggle, but sometimes repeat “Ibby”. Olivia is learning how to sing the Hail Mary. Our friends shared their secret to improving participation during prayers – sing them! This has worked great for us as Livy LOVES to sing!
From the kitchen…
We did pretty well in the first week counting Weight Watchers points. In fact, last night I had 11 points in the “bank”. Not too shabby for the first week back. We even enjoyed some tasty beef enchiladas, chili, and chicken pot pie last week. This week I am thinking we will have those sirloin kabobs and lasagna I mentioned last week and never got around to making, as well as a ham steak (Livy’s favorite) and a salad dinner with grilled chicken breast. Livy also found the pumpkin bread mix in the closet so we will probably end up making muffins one morning. We are thoroughly enjoying the fresh fruits & vegetables we got at Costco last week. My favorite combination is the green grapes with blueberries (and only 1.5 pts! for a bowlful!). Livy’s favorite are the sweet peppers – she had 8 before the chili was ready last night!!
I am wearing…
flip flops, stretchy guacho pants, a pink t-shirt and a ponytail – my work around the house clothes.
I am creating…
a list of ideas for grandparenting long distance to share with my parents. One good idea I found was sending a jar with the exact number of M&Ms as days that are left until the next visit, instructing the grandchild to eat one a day until they are together again. I thought that was a great way to help little ones build excitement for the next visit and gauge how far away it is. Of course, everyone recommends taking full advantage of modern technology (and especially webcams). Do you have any ideas?
I am (still) going…
to focus on the 5 basic things I must do to be a healthy person in order that I might serve my family better – pray, shower, eat, exercise, & sleep.
I am reading…
Didn’t get much reading done last week. Still would like to finish The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori.
I am hoping…
my dear friend Carleen has a most Happy Birthday today!
I am hearing…
the pitter patter of little feet (Livy wandering around in her princess dress up clothes while the babies sleep). And Pandora playing my new station created around a song that was special to JR & I in our dating years. It has these qualities:
folk rock qualities
country influences
acoustic sonority
minor key tonality
a good dose of acoustic guitar pickin’
acoustic rhythm guitars
I’m not sure what all that means, but it sounds good! 
Around the house…
We are starting to feel more like “normal” around here. We even started chipping away at the home organization & decluttering – a little here, a little there . . .
One of my favorite things…
is watching my husband with our children. Being a father truly brings out the best in him – kindness, gentleness, and a whole lot of fun! He is amazingly creative!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Livy will go to “school” Tuesday & Thursday morning. I plan to attend a meeting at JR’s work gym on Wednesday and considering joining their 14-week fitness program. Perhaps attend our bilingual playgroup on Friday (we joined them at the park last week and had a lot of fun!). Saturday I am registered for our parish retreat – my first retreat in a long time. I am excited and a little anxious. It is a very long day away from the girls (8am to 7pm). At least I”ll have Violet to keep me company.
Here is picture thought I am sharing…
I’m really enjoying reading your daybook, Jenny. What a fun way to write. Keep them coming.
Nice Daybook!
I was also blessed to know all (but one) of my grandparents and 4 of my great-grandparents as well. When Morgan was born, she had two great-great grandmothers and when Maddie was born, she had a great-great grandmother. It’s a priceless gift that God gives us.
Another long-distance parent/grandparent idea I’ve heard: have them videotape themselves reading a book that you have. The children can then read along. I did this when I was going to be gone (to CO) for a week a couple of years ago.
I had to remember the ‘happy’ thing this morning too. It was turning out to be a rough morning and I felt a little sad for no particular reason. Then I remembered two single moms who are close to me, decided to offer it up, and felt better almost instantly. We–especially Americans–have so much to be grateful for. I’m always embarrassed when I’m unhappy but it’s so easy to allow myself to feel discouraged.
So now I’m curious. What song was special to you?
I feel very blessed to have lived so long. Who knows? I might live as long as my Mom who was 99 when she died. I just hope I can stay healthy and alert–at least I think I’m alert! I feel bad that your grandpa didn’t live long enuf to see those beautiful girls of yours–as well as the rest of our great grandchildren. I kinda think he’s probably watching over us.
Love your writing. It’s very special, Jenny
Love you all. gg
I love reading your daybook, Jenny–it makes me feel like I live just down the street instead of way back in NE!
Thanks for taking time to do it!