Monday, February 2, 2009
Outside My Window…
It’s going to be fairly warm & sunny again (almost 60). Apparently, this weather (strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures) makes for good fires so we are under a burn ban. It is also bulky trash week where the city collects large items (such as furniture, tires or appliances) so our neighborhood will be littered with all sorts of odds & ends that folks are getting rid of. And interestingly enough, there will be people driving through the neighborhoods looking for something useful. One man’s trash really is another man’s treasure!
I am thinking…
about the retreat I went to on Saturday and the wisdom I gained. I am thinking, especially, about the Holy Spirit and inviting Him to play a bigger part in my life.
I am thankful for…
three beautiful, healthy daughters. After a miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy, I really didn’t believe I would ever have all of this. It can be a bit (okay even more than a bit) overwhelming at times, but I am grateful beyond words for the gift of these girls. And for their father who loves us so very much.
We are learning…
Violet is learning how to settle into a routine. More accurately, I am learning what Violet’s natural daily rhythm is – how many naps, when & for how long. Molly is also re-evaluating her routine. She is still on two naps a day, mostly because it works well for having to take Livy to school and pick her up, but I think Molly would be happier going to one longer nap so we are trying to figure out how to make that work. Olivia & Daddy have been working on letters this weekend. We inherited a great alphabet mat from Elizabeth & David that Daddy set up for the first time while I was on retreat. Livy has been picking up a letter & asking “What does O sound like?” ever since.
From the kitchen…
I am trying to build enthusiasm for planning meals for the week and writing down what I eat and calculating points. It was sorta fun the first week, and then really annoying last week. Tonight, we will have barbecue ribs (one of Liv’s favorites), later in the week I think we’ll try Grandpa A’s beef stew recipe, grill chicken breasts & maybe swiss steak. I need to do better at alternating the meals that produce leftovers with those that don’t so that everything flows more smoothly. A few more thoughts on Weight Watchers – in most cases, what I’m eating is not near as important as how much of it I’m eating. Also, the little useless foods here and there are really what adds up (the handful of teddy grahams I just ate comes to mind).
I am wearing…
whatever was clean – I need to do laundry!
I am creating…
Violet’s birth announcements in the hopes of getting them out by Valentine’s Day . . .
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. This week I’m focusing on sleep – strict bedtime of 10:30 is in place.
I am reading…
I realized that it wasn’t entirely true to say I don’t read much. Truth is, I just don’t read very much that is written on paper anymore. I read quite a bit online, most of which are blogs by other Catholic mothers (some of which are well-known authors and some of which are just my friends – and some who are both!). I find it easier to read blogs than books, it seems. Maybe because the posts are usually pretty short and I can quickly read a few for a little break. I’ve also gotten attached to the “characters” after reading the blogs for awhile and want to hear what they’re up to. And there is a sort of kindred spirit amongst us since most of them are home raising small souls, too.
I am hoping…
this is a good week – that little by little I can take steps to make our home more joyful, more beautiful & more peaceful.
I am hearing…
“Como te llamas . . . Me llamo Manuel . . . ” the girls are playing CD on learning Spanish that they got from a kids’ meal. And, of course, Pandora which is back to my Nora Jones station.
Around the house…
there is laundry to be done, toys to be sorted, dusting that is long overdue . . .
One of my favorite things…
is my Catholic faith. It has always been a source of strength & comfort for me. The retreat on Saturday reminded me how natural it is for me to live my Catholic faith and how much I miss being actively involved in retreats, especially. I LOVED my days at SKY Camp and TEC. I miss those days. What a blessing it was to grow up in that environment.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Once again, Livy will go to “school” Tuesday & Thursday morning. JR, Livy & I are all going to the dentist Tuesday afternoon (Livy’s first time!). I’m going on a mom’s night out Tuesday with my bilingual group. Thursday my Catholic mom’s group meets for prayer & social time. Friday morning is the bilingual playgroup – I always take a wait & see attitude with this one because I never know what Fridays are going to be like. This weekend is the Special Olympics Winter Games for Central Texas and as new donors this year, we’re hoping to go check out our dollars at work! Anyone want to join us? And, of course, Sunday we’ll be at Mass. Livy has started asking why we go to Mass on Sundays. My best answer so far is because God asked us to and because we love Him and want to receive Him in the Holy Eucharist.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing…
Hello from another Catholic Mom.
I love your “5 basic things”. You have a really enjoyable daybook.
Loved your Daybook! I realized that I had read it but had not yet commented. I love the idea of bilingual playgroups. I know you spoke Spanish fluently; do you still? What a good skill to have, especially with children. I have a friend who taught Spanish at your high school after Sr. Maria. She’s our age, so you may have had college classes with her. I won’t post her name here but I wonder if you know her.
That’s a cute picture of Livy! Seeing her outdoors reminds me to tell you that it’s going to reach a balmy 64 degrees here today!
God bless!