July 8th Daybook

Outside My Window
The grass is turning brown where it doesn't get shade. We've been having temperatures in the high 90's all week and no rain for almost two weeks.

I am Listening
to the gentle breathing of Clare while she sleeps. She doesn't want me to leave her side. Clare woke up at 5:30 this morning not feeling well. Clare hasn'ts been able to hold anything down this morning. Her little body is exhausted.

I am so Grateful for
for air conditioning. I can only imganine what life was like for my ancestors during these hot and humid days.

I'm Pondering
"Before you speak, it is necessary for you to listen, for God speaks in the silence of the heart."
-Mother Theresa

I am Reading
Inner Compass: An Invitation to Ignation Spirituality by Margaret Silf
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I am Thinking
that those farmers and shopkeepers in Concord, Mass. and the "rag tag" army of the Revolutionary Army were much braver men than I ever gave them credit. That's all I seem to think about these last few days. It was David vs. Goliath - 1776 Style.

I am Creating
or at least I am trying to create an atmosphere at home where my children can speak to me and I listen, not hear, but truely listen to what is on their hearts. 

Education
Watercolors, real ones!  It's a learning curve figuring out the blending techniques.

Rhythm and Beauty
I have brought out my strawberry and blueberry scented candles to light in the fireplace. Candles bring peace to the room and remind me to pray whenever I see them throughout the day.

I am Wearing
a navy "West Philly Habitat for Humanity" t-shirt and denim shorts. This is the second out for the day.

To Live the Liturgy
Getting to the Liturgy of the Hours has been a real struggle. When life is going well, it's easier to find the time to do the prayers and readings. It's when life throws me a curve ball, like an unexpected illness or a family need, that I loose the time and momentum to open the book. I find it ironic because that's the time that I most need those words to minister to my heart and soul.

I am Hoping and Praying
for healing.
for peace among the nations.
those grieving the loss of a loved one.

In the Garden
Vince has built a trellis for the grape vines. Though this 8 ft by 10 ft. manly, metal trellis is not at all feminine, I love it. It was built out of love and was a surprise over the weekend.

Around the House
Our bathrooms and floors are sparkling and it's not because of my good housekeeping. Two of my children have had a stomach virus during the last two weeks. A towel and beach bucket go from room to room. There have been 3 weeks in the last 3 months where no one was sick. Shortly after the First Holy Communion, the girls started to get sick. An illness in one form or another has going on almost ever since.

From the Kitchen
It's too hot to eat much this week. All I'm interested in eating are foods that can be served cold: cole slaw, mixed salad, fresh seasonal fruit, raw vegetables. Popsicles always seem to help us cool down too.

One of My Favorite Things
On these hot days, I love tending to the garden at 6 am. There is a newness to the day which brings me much hope.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
Inaugural Jane Austen Book Club Meeting this weekend
A sweet 16 birthday party

July 4th Weekend Daybook

Outside My Window
Hostas with their lavender flowers are blooming.  Small American flags are interspersed between the hostas.  Independence Day is near!

I am Listening 
to the birds singing.  Clare yells out, "Sing with me, birdies."  She hears them sing back to her.  "Thank you, birdies," she replies.

I am so Grateful for
my health.
electricity.
a break in the humidity.
a husband who is able to help out with doctor visits.
wisdom to say the encouraging words my daughters need to hear.

I'm Pondering
"Walk with simplicity in  the way of the Lord and do not torment your spirit. Learn to hate your faults, but to hate them calmly." - St. Padre Pio

I am Reading
The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life by James Martin, SJ
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I am Thinking
that I should start to declutter our basement.  We have way too much stuff that could be used and loved by others.

I am Creating
this daybook so that I can be more intentional in my daily living.  I also like the idea of looking back to see where God has been with me in the good times and the bad times.

Education
We've been enjoying bible camps and history camps these past two weeks.  Lots of fun and learning going on here. 

Rhythm and Beauty
I've been pouring through seasonal recipe books for new summer meal ideas. I like to keep the foods simple, fresh and chilled in the summer.  I just need new ideas for presentation.

I am Wearing
Tan shorts and a 3/4 length peach shirt.

To Live the Liturgy
My morning and evening quiet times have gotten shorter with the longer days.  I'm struggling with reading the Liturgy of the Hours with our summer schedule.

I am Hoping and Praying
for healing. 
for peace among the nations.

In the Garden
The ground hog and rabbits are eating whatever fruits and vegetables are not protected by a cage.  I am not a happy gardener.

Around the House
We are getting ready for the 4th of July weekend.  We have flags, music and the Patriotic Little People toys out.  

From the Kitchen
Watermelon and fresh strawberries with milk are a favorite snack this week. 

One of My Favorite Things
Listening to my girls dream of their future jobs.  They are so full of hope.  I need to hear hope in their voices when the television and newspaper scream anything but hope for the future. 

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
Holiday weekend food shopping and cooking
Snow cones
Fireworks

The Paradoxical Commandments

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

- Dr. Kent M. Keith