Simple Woman’s Daybook (4.20.09)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Outside My Window…
it is dark because it is Sunday night. JR has to do some work from home so I figured I’d get a head start on this post and actually get one published this week! The ten day forecast says sunny and 80-90 during the week; showers for the weekend.
I am thinking…
about Susan Boyle. I’m sure many of you have seen clips of her on the news or YouTube. The thing that gets me is that no one thought she had any singing talent because she didn’t look like a pop star – because we all know that singing talent is physically visible (just a hint of sarcasm there)! I guess I should just be grateful that this beautiful woman got the chance to show the world her talent and was appropriately applauded for it. I hope the world takes note – everyone of us is valuable and has our own gifts. It is not possible to see the vast majority of gifts by looking at someone.
I am thankful for…
my Mom. Her birthday was a couple weeks ago and I didn’t get a post up that week so I want to take the opportunity to give her a little tribute now. I have lots of warm, happy memories of my childhood, most of which include my mother right along side me. I remember making crafts, homemade treats, and singing together. Mom tirelessly devoted herself to every one of our childhood endeavors – girls scouts, 4-H, church choir, and every fundraiser our schools ever put on. When we got to junior high and there was no Catholic camp for junior high kids, my entrepreneur mother & her friends started one that still goes on today. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for us. Thank you, Mom, for the beautiful woman you have always been – inside & out. Thank you for your loving devotion to our family, for your countless hours serving the community, and for always being my biggest fan.
Happy Birthday, Grandma!!
We are learning…
Violet is growing & changing so fast! Well, maybe not growing so fast – she’s still a little peanut, but that peanut can now crawl around the room, sit up when she gets somewhere she wants to hang out for awhile, and then mosey on her way. She is loving solid foods (so far she’s had avocados, bananas, pears, rice cereal, squash, and sweet potatoes). Oh, and she LOVES puffs. I have to make a video of her crying in the high chair. All I have to do is walk over and grab the puffs off the top of the refrigerator (I have to keep them there or her sisters will feed them to her until she explodes) and she instantly stops crying and starts clapping!
Molly is communicating more and more. Tonight she was calling for her baby doll, “Baby, where are you? where are you?” And when she found her she scooped her up and cuddled her and said “There you are!” She was so excited to run around the room showing all of us she had found her baby. Another sweet thing is watching her read books & do puzzles. She will sit for longer & longer stretches of time (we’re talking almost 10 FULL MINUTES here people!) concentrating on her work. And she started singing, too. I haven’t figured out what she’s trying to sing – maybe Happy Birthday or maybe Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? Anyway, she makes really serious faces and tries to sing like her big sister.
Olivia is curious about EVERYTHING these days. There seems to be no end to the questioning, especially in the van. Where are we going? What are we going to do there? Who else is coming? Where does that road go? Why can’t we go there? What are they making over there? Who is that man? What is he doing? It’s great to see her healthy sense of curiosity. It can also be exhausting. At that point, I’m grateful for the really sweet Bible Songs CD she got from our friend Lisa! Which, by the way, made her a little star at preschool music class because she already knew all the words to “Praise, Him, Praise Him all you little children, God is love, God is love!” and “I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart . . .” It’s been really fun to teach her the sweet children’s songs that I knew & loved. Makes me want to learn guitar so the girls & I can have our own little choir!
From the kitchen…
we had a pretty big Easter so we were eating leftovers all of last week. We are working on an Easter post that will give all the details (one of the benefits of being Catholic – Easter is a 50-day season!). We had our favorite ribs tonight & I’ve been craving a good hamburger so we’ll have those tomorrow. I need to take a meal to a family that had a baby a couple weeks ago and I ALWAYS take cranberry chicken because it is super easy to make two batches and always a big hit! How can it not be when it has 1 cup of Dorothy Lynch? 
I’m also planning to make my first batch of homemade biter biscuits for Violet this week. I could use something for her to gnaw on that takes some time. She hoovers those puffs!
I’m also planning to make my first batch of homemade biter biscuits for Violet this week. I could use something for her to gnaw on that takes some time. She hoovers those puffs!I am wearing…
“play clothes” (aka around the house clothes) – Columbia khakis, an old green tshirt & crocs.
I am creating…
several things are underway, but somehow nothing seems to get finished. Today we finally got some of Olivia’s artwork into envelopes to mail to her grandparents. I’ll drop those in the mail tomorrow (using my drive-thru post office – yeah, I know you’re jealous!) and will at least be able to cross one thing off my list. Too bad I added a dozen more last night!
I am still working on …
getting in 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 definitely better in every area, but still finessing things to get it all into a more natural routine.
I am reading…
not a whole lot these days.
I am hoping…
that all goes well for JR’s cousin Jane & her family. She & her husband went to Uganda today to pursue the adoption of 3 & 6 year-old orphan brothers. They will join 4 & 2 year old brothers at home. May God bless all of them with the best transition possible, a safe journey & a most happy homecoming!
I am hearing…
the clicking of JR writing a post on the laptop & a UFC fight he’s watching in the background.
Around the house…
I am still working on creating order through daily & weekly routines.
DEW Each Morning:
Dishes (empty dishwasher & wash dishes by hand)
Eat (plan meals for the day)
Wash (get the laundry going)
3 Ss each Evening:
Set the dishwasher to run overnight.
Set out stuff for tomorrow.
Straighten up.
And I will add only checking email & blogs in the morning & evening as part of the new routine. I’ve allowed myself to feel connected to the world by checking for new emails or blog posts throughout the day, but I’ve read enough now to think there is something to the idea that if you allow yourself to be interrupted by email & blogs all day long, you will be less productive at processing email & blogs (let alone less productive at the rest of your tasks!). More thoughts on creating order are coming in a series of posts about my first few years as a full-time homemaker.
One of my favorite things…
meeting Mariana from preschool. She has a son in Livy’s class and approached me one day saying that she had noticed me getting all 3 girls in and out of the van every morning & afternoon and wondered if she couldn’t help me, especially when it is raining or one of the babies is sleeping or I’m just too tired. It’s awesome! If I need a hand, I just call her cell on my way there and she will wait for us and then walk Olivia in with her son or bring Olivia out with her son. She has been such a gift to us! And I learned recently that her son will be in Livy’s class next year, too, so I look forward to our continued friendship (and maybe being able to help her out for a change)!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Livy has preschool Tuesday & Thursday – only 5 weeks ’til summer break, better try to be productive! Thursday is Western Day so I am feeling the pressure for Olivia to be the most prepared in her class – afterall, she is the daughter of two farm kids! We may go to the park with a friend Wednesday morning – this is prime park weather in these parts (tomorrow will be 90)! I have my group session with my personal trainer Wednesday evening & 5K training Saturday morning. I’m looking forward to going out with some girlfriends Thursday night. Friday is my baby brother’s 20th birthday! Shocking!! Saturday we’re having friends to dinner.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing…
Olivia & her classmate, Ethan after their performance at the Church Festival. Both Molly & Olivia enjoyed two pony rides after the performance. And, of course, my memory card was full! I managed to delete enough photos to get some shots of their second ride, but their smiles were not nearly as bright as the first time around! 
Tags: daybook
Simple Woman’s Daybook (3.31.09)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Outside My Window…
it is absolutely gorgeous. Now THIS is the weather I was talking about when I said March was my favorite month to live in Central Texas!! We had severe weather last week, though, and a serious hail storm did enough damage to require a new roof & body work to both vehicles. It was golf ball sized or larger hail & pretty wicked looking.
I am thinking…
about JR and the deadlines he is under at work. I am thinking how long it has been since I was working and had deadlines. It is so easy to forget how challenging working can be. I don’t miss working, but I do miss the camaraderie of my team, the setting & accomplishing of goals, the challenge of stretching myself, and the satisfaction of a completed project. Those are all relevant to mothering to some degree, but in a very different way. Oh, and the paychecks were nice, too!
I am thankful for…
my Dad. Today is his 58th birthday and I am grateful for the wonderful man that he is and the loving, devoted father he has always been to me. Thank you for your lighthearted spirit, your fun-loving attitude, your generous & kind soul. I have been thinking about my Dad lately as I see my girls with their Daddy. I remember the special way a little girl lovingly admires her father. I remember dancing on his toes at weddings & thinking he was king of the world! I love you, Daddy!
Happy Birthday, Grandpa Goofball!!(If you look closely, you’ll see Livy’s face is covered in chocolate thanks to the candy cane full of M&Ms from Grandpa)
We are learning…
Violet has started eating solids. I wasn’t in any rush (and we’ve always waited until 6 months anyway), but we have some friends who had babies (baby Benett & little Roxy) more than a month after Violet was born and they were both eating cereal long before she was so we were starting to feel like we were behind! Violet had rice cereal for the first time on my birthday and was so excited to be eating like a big girl. Time to load up on all the baby veggies and get the freezer stocked with sweet potato, squash & avocado! She is also a serious scooter/crawler now and will even follow us from room to room (albeit slowly). I can’t believe our little Peanut is moving around!! I guess being petite has its advantages!
Molly is at a really adorable age. At 19 months, she is old enough to mimic big sister and play house, but not old enough to be very naughty (that is not to say she doesn’t have a mind of her own, just that she is not trying to be ornery)! She is a very sweet little mama and loves to rock her babies, nurse her babies & put them down for naps. She is such a happy little thing and always greets Violet with a cheery “Hey, baby!!” which apparently is what I say when I get Violet from her crib. Molly still calls Livy “Mama” and misses her big sister whenever they are apart. She is really starting to talk a lot (though JR & I are the only who knows what she’s saying). Yesterday, she dumped her cookies out of the bag and I asked her to put them back. “No, Mama,” she said, “I want cookies in bag.” Yikes!
Molly still calls Livy “Mama” and misses her big sister whenever they are apart. She is really starting to talk a lot (though JR & I are the only who knows what she’s saying). Yesterday, she dumped her cookies out of the bag and I asked her to put them back. “No, Mama,” she said, “I want cookies in bag.” Yikes!
Olivia was the special child at school today. The themes were green & square so she took green jell-o jigglers and her shamrock pillowcase from Grandma Andrews for show & tell. She also wore a Jolly Green Giant t-shirt from Grandma Kane to be sure to look festive. I am just amazed at how grown-up she is already. There is nothing she enjoys more than helping Mom & Dad so she regularly empties the silverware from the dishwasher, sets the table, “makes” salads (by putting the spinach in bowls), picks up toys, & helps her sisters. I am really proud of her devotion to the little girls.
This is a picture of Olivia wearing the dress I wore for my Aunt Teri’s wedding (oh, about 28 years ago!). My sister, Rachel, was the flower girl & had this dress in purple. All my little girl cousins & I got to have a matching dress in a different color! I doubt my Mom has time to scan the picture of all of us cousins from the wedding & email it to me for posting (she’s a tax preparer, so this is obviously a hectic time), but if Grandma or one of the aunts can do it, I’d love to show how Liv compares to the previous generation!! Oh, and I don’t know why she’s giving such a tortured look. She was having fun trying on dresses, I swear!
From the kitchen…
there is not a lot exciting going on these days. JR is working long hours this week so I am taking advantage and not doing much for dinners. Last night, the girls & I had grilled hot dogs & pasta salad!
I am wearing…
black slacks, a turquoise t-shirt & flip flops. I’ve thought about stretching myself & trying another type of footwear but change is hard & summer is HOT!!
I am creating…
what I can. I hit some more hiccups in my plans for Violet’s announcements and have accepted that they will get out soon, but not on my original time line (or the 1st alternate or 2nd alternate or 3rd alternate . . . .). I’m conflicted about it, but I’m trying to find the balance between setting goals/deadlines & realizing that life happens and doing what I can when I can. Sometimes arbitrary deadlines aren’t helpful, but if there is never a due date, it can be over 6 months before a birth announcement goes out!
I am getting pretty good at …
getting in 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. In fact, I started a 5k training program last Saturday and have 12 weeks to be race ready for a 5K. This will technically be my second 5k, but since I erased the first one from my memory (yes, it was that bad), this is officially my first running endeavor. I’m excited to have a date on the calendar and something to work toward. I’ll admit I’ve been inspired by JR’s commitment to his marathon training (he’s doing the FULL Lincoln Marathon on May 3rd). Two of my brothers are natural runners and were quite competitive in Cross Country in their day (Nathan even ran in college). I also have an aunt who runs everyday, so there is something in my genes that says I could be a runner . . . we shall see!
I am reading…
I think it’s time to be honest in this section. So far, I’ve been putting the title of a book that’s on my nightstand thinking that I will pick it up and read it in the week ahead. So far that has not happened. So honestly, I am not reading anything except stories with my little ones. The ironic thing is that I love collecting books and my house is full of books I’ve yet to read!
I am hoping…
that my friend Tanya’s daughter, Ana, will have a miraculous healing from her cancer. I am hoping that God will not call her to Himself just yet. I am hoping & praying that God will give her the opportunity to have a long & happy life. I am praying for a miracle. Please join me.
I am hearing…
Jack Johnson on Pandora – decided to shake things up a bit!
Around the house…
I am working on creating daily & weekly routines. I have pretty much been operating in crisis mode & putting out fires for the last year and I am ready to have a more peaceful flow to things. I know that having regular routines will make life easier on me & the girls so we are starting to play with our schedule (or lack there of) to figure out what fits and what I can do when. There are a lot of suggestions out there and it’s a matter of finding what fits with our lifestyle. I’m also trying to build up to something respectable by starting step by step. One example I liked is as follows (this is my Step 1 starting today):
DEW Each Morning:
Dishes (empty dishwasher & wash dishes by hand)
Eat (plan meals for the day)
Wash (get the laundry going)
3 Ss each Evening:
Set the dishwasher to run overnight.
Set out stuff for tomorrow.
Straighten up.
One of my favorite things…
my husband. I don’t tell him enough, or reflect on it enough, but I simply adore this man! Here are my top 5 favorite things about the man I married:
- dependable provider – he excels at his current job and meets all of our needs, but I know if circumstances were to change, he would do ANYTHING he had to to take care of us
- impressive athlete – this marathon training is incredible. Last Monday he ran 16 miles BEFORE going to work!
- handsome devil – he’s always been a looker, but the marathon training is definitely noticeable!!
- handiest handy man you could ever hope for
- devoted Daddy – there are not words to describe what it means to see the love he has for his girls and the joy he finds in being with them.
Daddy & the “big” girls watching a show about tiny, but deadly jellyfish (they find the most bizarre shows to watch).
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Today I’ll call my Dad & cousin Holley who celebrate birthdays today – Happy Birthday!! Livy has preschool today & Thursday and it’s a big week because she gets to take snack & bring show & tell. Tomorrow a friend is dropping by with her 2 year-old Sara Beth so that we can get acquainted better in case we are called on to keep Sara Beth while her new baby brother or sister is born next weekend! I have my group session with my personal trainer Wednesday evening & 5K training Saturday morning. Might attend the strength class at NI on Friday morning (it’s at 6:15am, and believe it or not, I did make it there on my birthday last Friday!). I’m looking forward to meeting with Madonninas Mothers (my mommy prayer group) on Thursday morning. Sunday is my Mom’s birthday so hopefully, we can do a videochat with the birthday grandparents this week!!
Here is a picture thought I am sharing…
Decided to add pictures throughout this time so you’ve already seen everything! Hopefully, we can get the on-line photo album updated soon – we are seriously behind now . . .
Tags: daybook
Simple Woman’s Daybook (3.16.09)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Outside My Window…
it is sunny, & warm again! Last week we had a cold snap in the 40s and I was a little bitter that my favorite weather month had started out too warm (high 80s for a week) and then too cold (in the 40s the next week). I guess I sound a bit like Goldilocks, don’t I? I think this week will be quite pleasant, though, with the forecast sunny most days and 75-80 all week. The perfect weather for eating out on the patio (too bad I don’t have one . . . yet!).
I am thinking…
about the last year and what a blur it is. A year ago this month, Livy had just turned two, Molly was seven months old, and I was starting my second trimester with Violet. Then we caught a horrible, terrible, no good, very bad flu bug and I never really recovered . . . well maybe not never, but it was a long, long time. Stay tuned for the rest of the story in a separate blog post!
I am thankful for…
good health, the ability to exercise & the abundance of healthy food at my disposal.
We are learning…
So much for Violet sleeping through the night! Let’s just say we’ve hit a bump in that road, but on a positive note, she IS learning to scoot & crawl! Last night she took two “steps” forward (on hands & knees) to get to a book. Seems she is most motivated by paper & books, not so much toys. Grandma Andrews says JR was the same way and loved newspaper, especially. We’ll have to see what we can do there, we don’t get the paper! As a comparison, the older girls didn’t crawl until the more typical age of 9 months, so Violet crawling at 6 months is quite the accomplishment!
Molly’s language development is really blossoming. She’s stringing three words into sentences quite easily these days. Here is what we hear most often:
“I did it!”
“Give it back!”
“I want milk (or more or apple or whatever is the object of her desire).”
“Baby night night (referring either to Violet or her baby dolls).”
She is also known to shout one word commands like “Out!”; “Eat!”; and “Mine!”
Olivia continues to amaze me with her understanding of the world and interest in all things grown-up. She is really in to painting & coloring lately and has started actually drawing faces (this is the first that her artwork is not just scribbles!). And she has started finding “O for Olivia” everywhere – on signs, in menus, and in her books!
From the kitchen…
Our fancy roasted chicken turned out yummy, but we think our rotisserie chickens off the grill are probably comparable. This week I put a lot of regular favorites on the meal calendar – grilled chicken breasts, teriyaki sirloin kabobs, hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, & grilled pork steaks. We’ll probably go to the parish fish fry this Friday night because a lot of friends will be there (though JR will likely eat a PB&J before we go as he doesn’t eat fish!). And since we haven’t had one in awhile, a roast for Sunday dinner.
Oh, and I got a Cooking Light 5 Ingredient 15 Minute Cookbook from Amazon and plan to use it primarily for healthy lunches for the girls & I.
I am wearing…
a blue t-shirt, khaki shorts & flip flops.
I am creating…
labels for Violet’s announcements. We had a hiccup in the design as Costco changed the dimensions of their announcement card so it had to be laid out again and that was delayed due to JR’s race. At any rate, we are moving full speed ahead for mailing soon!! And finally, I will be able to talk about something else in this space!
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 really focusing on exercise the last couple weeks since starting a training program through NI’s gym. You’ll be pleased to know that daily exercise has required daily showering as well! I meet for a group session with a personal trainer on Wednesday afternoons and will be getting up early to workout on Mondays & Fridays and then add something during Livy’s preschool on Tuesdays & Thursdays. It has been quite a hurdle to get in five opportunities for exercise each week! But everyone keeps telling me that once it is part of your routine it will be so much easier!
I am reading…
still trying to get through the Montessori book. For a lighter read, I picked up Amazing Grace for Mothers the other night when I couldn’t get to sleep. It’s similar to the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Unfortunately, the little story I read was about a mother who lost a child to SIDS at four months. Needless to say, it didn’t help me fall asleep!!!!
I am hoping…
the dermatologist we see tomorrow will have a quick, easy fix for Olivia’s rash that just won’t go away!
I am hearing…
the Olivia show. After painting a few pictures, Liv is watching a TV treat while the babies take a nap! It’s not the best show on TV, but Livy really gets a kick out of the fact that the star is “Olivia!” The theme song is really cute, too! Of course, she chose “Olivia paints” from the episodes we have on the DVR. We’re planning to cancel the cable this month – I’ll really miss the DVR but we expect to be watching less TV and that is a good thing.
but we expect to be watching less TV and that is a good thing.Around the house…
stuff is everywhere! We had a full & fun weekend and that leaves a lot of clean up this morning. Saturday we put a good faith effort into finishing the clean up of the office to decorate Violet’s room. We made a lot of progress, but didn’t quite get to the painting. Sunday we went to Macy’s after Mass and took advantage of all the girls falling asleep in the van for me to do some shopping for a dress for an upcoming wedding. When the girls woke up we grabbed some lunch and then headed back to Macy’s for Easter dresses for the girls & some casual clothes for me!
One of my favorite things…
out-of-town visitors. For various reasons, no one is planning to visit us this year. After a record number of visitors last year it is a bummer to not have that to look forward to this year. It is especially sweet to have family come visit because when we are home for the holidays it is really hard (okay impossible) to get enough quality time in with everyone we want to. When they come to us we can devote all our time & attention to spending quality time together!
After a record number of visitors last year it is a bummer to not have that to look forward to this year. It is especially sweet to have family come visit because when we are home for the holidays it is really hard (okay impossible) to get enough quality time in with everyone we want to. When they come to us we can devote all our time & attention to spending quality time together!A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
This is Spring Break week so Livy is off from preschool. We have nothing planned today. Tomorrow I’ll take Liv (and the babies will come along) to the dermatologist and try to do something festive for St. Patrick’s Day (including lounging & napping with our new St. Patrick’s Day pillowcases from Grandma Andrews – thank you!). Wednesday I meet with my trainer, and Thursday I have my rosary group (Madonninas Mothers). Friday we are supposed to host the bilingual playgroup. I’m thinking we might try to meet at a park, weather permitting. Friday night is a send off at the parish fish fry for our friend who is entering a contemplative order of sisters. Saturday our friends are keeping the big girls while JR, Violet & I got to a wedding (the daughter of a friend of JR’s from work). I’m looking forward to a nice evening out in the country (the wedding & reception will be on the family’s acreage).
Here is a picture thought I am sharing…
The Perfect Pair
Violet Frances at 6 months
Max Benedict (our godson) at 6 months (he’s one week older than Violet and probably a head taller!)
Be sure to visit Peggy for links to more daybooks.
Tags: daybook
Simple Woman’s Daybook (3.3.09)
Tuesday, March 3 2009
Outside My Window…
it is sunny, breezy & 73. I am so pleased to have typed March above because this is my most favorite month to live in Austin. This is our Spring and by far the best weather month we have – and it’s also my birthday month!
I am thinking…
about the different choices that each family makes for educating their children. We have recently signed Livy up for another year of Mother’s Day Out (though it is going to have more preschool elements to it next year and will be called St. William’s Early Childhood Development Center) and Catechisis of the Good Shepherd. She will be at MDO Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:30 to 1:30 and CGS on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30. I am really excited about both programs and the things that Livy will learn & enjoy in each of them. I have several friends who are sending their children to one or both of these programs and several who have opted out of both of them. It’s interesting to me why each family makes the choices they do. Ultimately, we are each considering our family situation, our children’s needs, and our own needs as mothers, which are all different, of course, and require different things. It gets even more interesting as people talk about what to do with school-age children with some doing public school, some Catholic school, and some homeschool. I definitely think this is one of those areas were there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. Each family will choose what is most fitting for them.
I am thankful for…
quiet time when Olivia is enjoying herself at Mother’s Day Out and the babies are sleeping.
We are learning…
Violet is learning how to sleep through the night. Last night she went from 9pm to 5:30am without eating (but she did wake once). Molly is learning how to make up her own mind and get her point across. There have been several instances lately with Livy where Molly is very clear about what she wants and it is different than what Livy wants. Livy is not so sure she likes this development. She liked it much better when Molly followed mother hen like a good little chick! Olivia is a non-stop talker these days and is constantly telling stories. They usually end with – “that’s so silly.” She adores her sisters and really wants to mother them. My favorite thing is to hear her praising them “Good job, Molly, you did it!”
From the kitchen…
We had a lot of food prep going on last night and will be having a butterflied roasted chicken brined & stuffed with compound butter later this week. JR found the recipe and it looks delicious so I was happy to have his help preparing the brine & compound butter last night (after I made hamburger helper – a little weak by comparison!). We’ll have our chicken Wednesday night, JR is doing a spaghetti dinner Thursday night to get in a bunch of carbs before his big race Saturday & Sunday. My crazy husband will be running a relay with 9 other crazy people who are each taking 4 legs (5 miles each) of a 200 mile race!! I hope to finish up our favorite meals list on one of my solo evenings this week. Oh, and because I started a new program called Healthy Eating Every Day we are not counting Weight Watchers Points anymore. I’m just getting started with HEED so I’ll share more later.
I am wearing…
black slacks (down one size!), a new pink t-shirt, Merrells & a smile
I am creating…
a happy home AND a mailing list for Violet’s birth announcements – woohoo!! JR saved me and designed a breathtaking announcement Sunday night – have I told you lately that I love you??
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 starting to see some good habits in their infancy stage and it feels good to be headed in the right direction. I am hoping to have them really ingrained by Easter.
I am reading…
less blogs for Lent (only 30 minutes a day for the internet – excluding writing my posts). For now, I think I am going to pick up my Maria Montessori book again. I think I ended up with a more philisophical one than a practical one, but I am going to try to get through it. It seems Montessori is a big buzz word these days with all different kinds of thinking about the practical applications of her philosophy so it would be interesting to understand better where she was coming from. Okay, I went to Amazon to find a link to the book and found the following review – I guess that’s why I’ve found it hard to get into! Maybe I’ll look for The Child in the Family at the library for an easier read . . .
This is Montessori’s last book, and the most in-depth discussion of her theory based on decades of scientific observation of children. It discusses the special mind of the child, and how nurturing the special potentialities that only children have is the only way to change (and save) humanity. Montessori’s theories are particularly interesting today in light of recent neurological discoveries, especially those related to critical periods and language.This is a very dense book, and requires a good deal of concentration and time to read. I would recommend The Child in the Family as the first book for one wanting an overview of Montessori ideas.
I am hoping…
to have fun tonight at dinner with my bilingual friends for a Mom’s Night Out – and not make a fool of myself with my Spanish when I won’t have the children to distract everyone from my mistakes!
I am hearing…
Violet babbling & Pandora playing my Norah Jones station.
Around the house…
baby stuff everywhere – especially baby dolls – in a fairly neat order, but still making it obvious there are a lot of tiny girls living & playing here.
One of my favorite things…
visiting. I really love to sit & chat – with old friends & new, with relatives young & old, with other moms on the way into preschool, with the lady next to me in line at the grocery store. I am such a conversationalist and that is probably one of the most challenging things for me staying at home – no one to visit with!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Livy has preschool today & Thursday. I’m going out with Mamas Bilingues tonight, we have a landscaper coming in the morning to give us ideas on what to do with the barren back yard (which has complete shade coverage from our big, beautiful trees but won’t grow grass), I will meet with my trainer tomorrow night for a work out, and host my rosary group (Madonninas Mothers) Thursday morning. JR goes to a spaghetti feed that night. Confession on Friday and hopefully, a playdate late Friday afternoon. JR will be at the race all weekend, so the girls & I will be attending two birthday parties for our little friends and going to Mass on our own – should be interesting!
Here is a picture thought I am sharing…
Oh Happy Day
Be sure to visit Peggy for links to more daybooks.
Tags: daybook
Simple Woman’s Daybook – Fat Tuesday edition (2.24.09)
Fat Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Outside My Window…
it is dark and still quite warm (71). It was 80 today and expected to be warmer tomorrow. After playing outside for a bit and then coming in to start supper (and the oven), I turned on the AC. I’m weak and it was fat Tuesday!
I am thinking…
about these quotes I read earlier this evening on Catholic Culture
No Lent is worthy of the name without a personal effort of self-reformation, of leading a life more in accordance with God’s commands and an attempt by some kind of voluntary self-denial to make reparation for past negligence.Lent should be a long retreat, one in which under the guidance of the Church we are led to the practice of a more perfect Christian life.
I am thankful for…
my life. It is not always easy or exciting, but I am living my dream – I spend my days caring for my three beautiful, healthy daughters while my dear husband brings home the bacon and then returns home to actively engage himself in family life.
We are learning…
Violet is coming into her own these last few weeks. She is settling into a morning, afternoon & evening nap routine and as a result, she is super pleasant most of the time. She is also super mobile – much more than I remember her older sisters being at this age. She rolls both ways with ease and scoots all over the place on her belly. She has even gotten up and rocked back & forth on her hands & knees a few times. Whew – now I need to babyproof again!! Molly is talking more and more. She’s been babbling non-stop for quite awhile, but some of it actually makes sense now. She can say apple, all done, baby, backpack, banana, bath, book, bye-bye, Dada, dog, door, Dora, Elmo, eye, kitty, Mama, me (when she wants a turn), milk, mine, more, mouth, no, nose, please, poo-poo, pop, thank you, uh-oh, up & yeah – at least that’s what I can think of right now. Her catch phrase is “I want _____.” Oh, I almost forgot my favorites! Molly says “Amen” at the end of prayers and ever so sweetly folds her hands and bows her head while praying. And she says” I yuv you” too!! Olivia is loving school and especially “singing at chapel.” She is learning how to test the limits and suffer the consequences. We are serious about our discipline charts these days and she usually uses up all three warning spaces and starts losing privileges. On a positive note, she is super imaginative & talkative lately. Our living room is apparently FULL of crocodiles that she must shoot, kill & eat (apparently the hunting Daddy did over Christmas break made a BIG impression). It is really fun to watch her pretend and try to draw Molly into the game. They are just about ready to be super playmates – Molly needs just a couple more months to mature and things will really be a lot of fun.
From the kitchen…
We finally had Monica’s meatballs (my sister-in-law’s mother-in-law’s recipe!) tonight for fat Tuesday (with the mashed potatoes & corn, it’s a pretty heavy meal). Tomorrow will be a meatless day due to Ash Wednesday and I am thinking I’ll just make an easy cheese pizza for supper. I am working on an updated list of our favorite foods so that I can just glance through and pick a few things each week. We’ve had some pretty good stuff lately – especially some great things off the grill last week so that is inspiring me to keep things going.
I am wearing…
jeans, a purple top, & flip flops with a ponytail.
I am creating…
a plan for Lent (though Violet’s birth announcements are mocking me since they are STILL not done – I am one of those ‘better late than never’ people but I think it’s time to drop the perfectionism because if it’s not done soon, we will miss the window altogether).
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 have made some progress on sleeping & showering and am hoping to make significant progress on praying during Lent. The exercise & eating components should start to take life, too, as the fitness program I started at NI kicks off tomorrow. Could I really have good habits developed in each of these key areas by Easter? Let’s hope!
I am reading…
I am hoping to read an actual book for Lent! Jennifer recommended several good ones for spiritual development and I’m thinking of picking one up.
I am hoping…
for a really meaningful Lent where good habits are developed and I arrive at Easter a more balanced & healthy person.
I am hearing…
Obama’s address to Congress. He is quite the gifted speaker. The country is sure in a pickle. I’m not sure I’m on board with his solutions. I’m concerned about where we will get all the money to do all of that. I’m concerned about Iraq and prematurely ending the war only to have great unrest in a critical region. I will continue to pray for our country and our leadership and hope for good things.
Around the house…
we had a very lazy fat Tuesday. It was nice – I even took a good, long nap! It’s been ages since that happened.
One of my favorite things…
baths. There’s no better way to finish the day than a nice long soak in a super hot tub.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
We had an appointment with the pediatrician Monday for an ongoing skin issue for Livy. Today was preschool. Tomorrow we will go to Mass for Ash Wednesday (even though it is not a day of obligation). Tomorrow is my first workout with the personal trainer through my new fitness program. Possibly a playdate with the Bebes Bilingues on Friday and then Mass again on Sunday.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing…
My Joy
Be sure to visit Peggy for links to more daybooks.
Tags: daybook
Simple Woman’s Daybook (2.9.09)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Outside My Window…
it was dark & rainy this morning when I started writing, but it is sunny (70s) this afternoon and we have the windows open. Makes you northerners want to come visit, doesn’t it? Hurry up before it gets HOT!
I am thinking…
we have a lot to do today – better make this a quick post. We had two sickie bears last week so much of what was mentioned last week is still on my plate this week.
I am thankful for…
our cozy little home. Sometimes I dream about a house with a playroom & bigger bedrooms & a neighborhood with a nice park & pool, and someday I will probably have all that. But for now, this is enough house to clean and enough house to keep us all cozy & comfortable.
We are learning…
Violet is learning to play independently (as independently as one can be with two older sisters anxious to provide you with an unending supply of toys). She is happy for longer & longer stretches lying on a blanket on the floor watching the girls whirl by. Molly has two loves these days – building towers with Duplo blocks & reading books on her own. Both are super sweet to watch. Olivia continues to be fascinated with letters and is humoring me a bit with a few Spanish words & sounds, too.
From the kitchen…
Still need to make a meal calendar for this week, but I expect we’ll see the swiss steak that never got made last week and maybe some of Monica’s meatballs. I need to get a good list going of our favorites so that I can just glance through and pick a few things each week. I also need to re-order the deep freeze in the garage which is stocked completely full of meat from home (thanks Grandma & Grandpa A) as well as the last Costco purchases so I know what I have and can rotate through somewhat orderly. I’ve also been thinking of getting the Cooking Light 5 Ingredients, 15 Minutes cookbook. A few friends that have tried it just rave about its simplicity & flavors – and they’re healthy meals to boot!
I am wearing…
jeans that my sister loaned me, a blue t-shirt, & NEW shoes! I am a huge Merrell fan. My last pair lasted me about five or six years and were the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever had. The girls are also wearing their new shoes – Superballs from Stride Rite. Livy even got tennis shoes with laces – she looks so grown up!!
I am a huge Merrell fan. My last pair lasted me about five or six years and were the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever had. The girls are also wearing their new shoes – Superballs from Stride Rite. Livy even got tennis shoes with laces – she looks so grown up!!I am creating…
We didn’t make much progress on Violet’s birth announcements last week, so I am going to kick it into high gear in the hopes of getting them out this week . . .
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 found it quite challenging to make the 10:30 bedtime last week. Will try harder this week to make it a reality. Also switching things up & showering at night to make it one less thing to accomplish in the morning. Bonus – my hair actually looks better the next day than when it’s washed in the morning!
I am reading…
I have been reading a few parenting magazines & other super light reading lately. I really enjoy my Faith & Family Magazine. Also, check out my shared items in the right sidebar for some interesting articles from the Times (see doesn’t that make me sound sophisticated? It’s not just mommy blogs!).
I am hoping…
for a lighthearted, happy Valentine’s week. We have no big plans for Saturday, but I’m hoping to come up with little warm fuzzy ways to enjoy the holiday. A few weeks ago Amazon had a special on the entire series of Everybody Loves Raymond. We decided to get that for our gift to one another and have been enjoying watching the early, early episodes. I just love the simple humor and I’m a huge Patricia Heaton fan – she’s a spokeswoman for Feminists for Life!
I am hearing…
Sleeping Beauty – as a special treat, the big girls are watching Sleeping Beauty while Violet naps so I can finish getting some packages ready for the post office and finish this post!
Around the house…
there is still laundry to be done, toys to be sorted, dusting that is long overdue . . . we had two girls sick last week so not much housekeeping got done. However, we did spend a good chunk of the day Saturday on the garage and JR did an amazing job sorting through all the junk and clearing a huge space for projects & play.
One of my favorite things…
my new minivan. I don’t know how I survived without it!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
As usual, Livy will go to preschool Tuesday & Thursday morning. I have a pre-assessment at the Fitness Center Tuesday morning to get a record of where I’m starting from. I decided to go ahead and do the 14-week program they are offering with exercise & diet components. They will be meeting twice a week, but the director is really good about being flexible with me coming when I can (and participating from home when I can’t). 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. The only plan we have for the weekend is Mass on Sunday.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing…
Girls at Play
Be sure to visit Peggy for links to more daybooks.
Tags: daybook
Simple Woman’s Daybook (2.2.09)
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…
Be sure to visit Peggy for links to more daybooks.
Tags: daybook
Simple Woman’s Daybook (1.26.09)
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…
Be sure to visit Peggy for links to more daybooks.
Tags: daybook
Simple Woman’s Daybook (1.19.09)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Outside My Window…
It’s sunny and I can see my heavenly bamboo shrubs blowing in the wind. It should be 70 today. Maybe we’ll get out our bikes this afternoon.
I am thinking…
I will go ahead and make that pot of coffee after all. I was thinking I would try to get by without it, maybe even sneaking in a nap when the girls nap, but it is not looking like I will get all three to nap at once and it sounds so yummy! It might help me forget waking twice with Molly in the middle of the night and a half a dozen times with Violet since they are both pacifier users and stuffed up.
I am thankful for…
JR helping me get this all set up this morning and my new computer desk out in the living room so that I can type this while the girls eat breakfast and then color in the same room. Good idea, honey!
We are learning…
many, many things. Violet is working on rolling over – I’m trying to make a more conscious effort to get her time on the floor to try it out (which still requires a lot of supervision when it comes to her sisters). Molly is trying to do big girl things like color, but she really doesn’t have the attention span or fine motor skills to do so. For example, after coloring for a few minutes she has crumpled up her paper and is putting it on like a hat. Livy is learning about the dentist for an upcoming first visit to our family dentist. She is reading “Show Me Your Smile” starring Dora and got a new power toothbrush shaped like Cinderella this weekend. So far so good.
From the kitchen…
I plan to dig out my meal calendar and start using it again. I am looking forward to the lowered stress levels that accompany forethought with regard to preparing meals. I know we will be trying a couple recipes with frozen grilled chicken breast strips that were on special at Costco. I have ingredients for chicken pot pie and chicken enchiladas. Of course, we’ll be rounding out our week with plenty of beef, too, probably sirloin kabobs & lasagna. JR & I are also going to keep track of our Weight Watchers points starting today so it will be that much more important to plan ahead regarding meals.
I am wearing…
socks, denim capris, a grey pullover hoodie, and pearl earrings.
I am creating…
on-line photo albums (October is up now). It’s so hard to choose pictures these days. I was looking back last night and noticed that when Olivia was born there were about 20 photos in each of her monthly albums. Now there are anywhere from 50 to 100 photos in our albums! Of course we’ve multiplied the subjects, and then there are all the various combinations, and just so many more adorable moments to capture.
I am 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 realize this is not rocket science, but I also know that I have been cutting too many corners on each of them.
I am reading…
There are a few books on my nightstand that I’ve started and left unfinished. I saw JR pick up a book last night (Between a Rock & a Hard Place) and I think I’ll choose one for myself and get going on it tonight. Perhaps The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori.
I am hoping…
my friend Tanya’s daughter, Ana, is healed completely of her cancer and returns to full health as soon as possible. Her family has asked that we recite the following prayer:
O Lord, You are constantly at work in your Church And through, individuals and communities You manifest your Spirit for the good of your people.In a special way You bestowed your Spirit on your servant Blessed William Joseph Chaminade So that he might live fully according to the Gospel And with love devote himself to your saving work.You have inspired communities of men and women to follow his example by consecrating themselves to You To serve the Church under the leadership of Mary.We now pray to You to give us visible signs Of your grace and holiness in his life By granting us the special favours We ask through his intercession. (Ana’s complete healing, heart and soul, mind and body)May the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit Be glorified in all places Through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.Amen.
I am hearing…
Livy talking to Violet about ladybugs and Molly saying “I want more (breakfast)”! And Pandora playing my Norah Jones station.
Around the house…
We are still not back in our rhythm after being away from home for two weeks and then sick for two weeks. I would like to get us back on track this week. Then we will begin the huge project JR & I have been wanting to tackle – home organization & decluttering (especially rethinking our play spaces and collapsing what’s left of the office/making a nursery for Violet).
One of my favorite things…
is a reminder that life is beautiful – that though I may feel overwhelmed at times, I have so very, very many things to be happy about and a truly beautiful life. Working on our photo album yesterday was my reminder.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Tomorrow we will watch the inauguration of our new President. And later this week we will watch the coverage of the National March for Life in memory of the 36 years since Roe v. Wade legalized abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. I pray that President Obama has a change of heart on this issue. Livy will go to “school” Tuesday & Thursday. There are several fun events planned this week for Employee Appreciation Week at NI. We are thinking of attending an Austin Toros basketball game on Wednesday night and a free day at the Children’s Museum Saturday. It is also the Texas Rally for Life on Saturday, but we will likely not be going this year and instead taking the little ones home for naps after a morning at the museum. We may fill in here and there with a couple playdates that were canceled while we were sick, but that is starting to sound like an awful lot.
Here is picture thought I am sharing…
Be sure to visit Peggy for links to more daybooks.
Tags: daybook
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