Outside My Window
It is cold and dark. Our neighbors have put up their Christmas lights. On Christmas Eve, our entire neighborhood will have luminaries on the street. It looks so cool when we drive home from Mass.
I am Listening
to the giggles of my girls. We have a train set up under the Christmas tree. The girls have placed a camera on the train and are recording its ride.
I am so Grateful for
the time to spend with my family this weekend.
I'm Reflecting on
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”
- St. Francis de Sales
This just seems so appropriate with the busyness that surrounds these final days of Advent.
I am Reading
A Darcy Christmas.
My Advent Reading
is Advent and Christmas Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton.
I am Thinking
that I have 4 more days left to finish all that I want to accomplish before Friday. Not much time really.
I am Creating
joyful anticipation for Christmas. We've all felt like this has been different than our other Advents. The girls are growing and getting involved with various activities. We don't have all those days and evenings at home like we use to have. I have a few surprises for them up my sleeve. :-)
Education
We'll continue to focus on the joys of this season.
Rhythm and Beauty
A final cleaning and baking of cookies will happen this week. Fresh greens need to be cut and put in vases.
I am Wearing
tan jeans, cream turtleneck, and my dad's barn red, wool button down shirt. I "borrowed" it from him in high school and then it became mine when I moved out. I just love how warm it keeps me.
To Live the Liturgy
We've added the O Antiphons to our evening prayer this week. It is a sure sign that Christmas is approaching.
I'm Thinking
that I'll need to reassess our Advent plans next year. I want to sit down with the girls to see what worked/what didn't work this Advent.
I am Inspired
by those who take the high road.
I am Hoping and Praying
for continued good health.
those who are facing lay offs.
those who miss loved ones especially during the next two weeks.
In the Garden
Vince did a final sweep of the leaves and branches. The tractor and yard are officially winterized now.
Around the House
Everywhere I look I see signs of children playing and creating. There are trains, Little People Christmas Village and Nativity characters, a half painted nativity set, cookie tins, and Christmas books. Now just to get them where they belong...
From the Kitchen
Our Christmas Eve menu is set: Hot hors d'oeuvres, Chicken Marsala, salad, and a surprise dessert.
One of My Favorite Things
is making Springerle cookies. I love challenge of making the imprint from the wood block. The smell and taste of these cookies remind me of Christmas from my childhood. I'm so happy to know that my girls enjoy these cookies as much as I do. It's always nicer when I can share with others.
A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
I'm pretty much planning on sticking close to home this week. Vince will take a day off of work. We'll work on finalizing Christmas preparations together. And maybe, just maybe, we'll have enough time to go to Waterloo.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Emmanuel and I
Bare.
Completely pruned.
Emmanuel. God with us.
Fear.
Completely vulnerable.
Emmanuel. God with us.
I trembled before the throne of God.
Begging for His healing touch,
Pleading for another chance,
Knowing that today is the day,
My heart and soul opened.
I felt His hand upon my face.
He lifted my chin.
I lowered my eyes.
I didn't want to see His pain.
"Look at me."
I looked into His eyes and saw Love.
Pure. Unconditional.
I was loved.
"Take courage. Have hope."
"Fear is useless. What is needed is trust."
I trembled before the throne of God.
Praising Him for His healing touch,
Thanking Him for another chance,
Adoring Him for the wonderful gifts,
My heart and soul soared.
Growth.
Deeply rooted.
Emmanuel. God with us.
Courage.
Fully trusting.
Emmanuel. God with us.
Hand in hand. Step by Step.
We walk this journey together.
Day by Day. Month by Month.
We walk this journey together -
Emmanuel and I.
Completely pruned.
Emmanuel. God with us.
Fear.
Completely vulnerable.
Emmanuel. God with us.
I trembled before the throne of God.
Begging for His healing touch,
Pleading for another chance,
Knowing that today is the day,
My heart and soul opened.
I felt His hand upon my face.
He lifted my chin.
I lowered my eyes.
I didn't want to see His pain.
"Look at me."
I looked into His eyes and saw Love.
Pure. Unconditional.
I was loved.
"Take courage. Have hope."
"Fear is useless. What is needed is trust."
I trembled before the throne of God.
Praising Him for His healing touch,
Thanking Him for another chance,
Adoring Him for the wonderful gifts,
My heart and soul soared.
Growth.
Deeply rooted.
Emmanuel. God with us.
Courage.
Fully trusting.
Emmanuel. God with us.
Hand in hand. Step by Step.
We walk this journey together.
Day by Day. Month by Month.
We walk this journey together -
Emmanuel and I.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Feast of St. Lucia Daybook
Outside My Window
It is cold, windy, sunny and snowing a bit.
I am Listening
to the wind blowing.
I am so Grateful for
*the smell of fresh cut Christmas trees.
*the taste of Hershey's homemade hot cocoa.
*the sight of joyful faces when I ask at the last minute, "You girls up for getting a Christmas tree now?"
*the sound of Harry Connick Jr. Vince Guaraldi, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without their voices.
*the ability to walk and lift things.
*time spent with my family.
I'm Reflecting on
"Wisdom enters through love, silence, and mortification. It is great wisdom to know how to be silent and to look at neither the remarks, nor the deeds, nor the lives of others." -St. John of the Cross I've read this before but the quote has returned to me.
I am Reading
A Darcy Christmas. Ok, so it's a little sappy but honestly, I needed something fun and light-hearted after reading The Lost Art of Reading by David Ulin. That book was more like a political book. It was nothing like I expected.
My Advent Reading
is Advent and Christmas Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton.
I am Thinking
that it really is true that the time with your children goes by so quickly. Advent is just so different for me this year. The girls have been busy with practice for the Christmas play for the last three weeks. Add in basketball and the parade preparations and it seems like we're hardly home as a family this year. I'm going to hang on every last minute I can with Clare.
I am Creating
a wrapping center. The girls and I will be wrapping gifts soon. I have the wrapping paper, tape, bows, ribbons and scissors together. I'm hoping this makes things go quicker for us.
Education
This week and next week we'll focus on the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Of course, we'll add in some taste testing.
Rhythm and Beauty
It's funny how Advent looked like it was going to be calm. This is one of the busiest Advents yet. When the girls got speaking parts in the Christmas play, that meant play practice three times a week. It's been hectic balancing school with play practice and other activities. This is the last week of play practice. I'm looking forward to a slower pace.
I am Wearing
navy yoga pants with a grey oversized QVC sweatshirt.
To Live the Liturgy
Today is the feast of St. Lucy. My girls enjoy reading Kirsten's Surprise.
I'm Thinking
how nice it was to sit back and watch the girls decorate the tree with their ornaments we gave them each Christmas. It was neat to see their expressions and hear their stories about the ornaments or Christmases past.
I am Inspired
to keep on striving for simplicity. I tend to make more work for myself. I'm seeing the fruits of keeping things simple.
I am Hoping and Praying
for continued good health.
those who are facing lay offs.
those who miss loved ones.
In the Garden
I am tempted to plant a holly tree. I wonder if there is a miniature species available. Growing up, we had one in our front yard. It was nice at Christmas but a pain, literally, when I had to cut the grass around it.
Around the House
I really want to make a plan to sort through the things that have been accumulating in our basement. Our shelves are in need of organizing as well. I see a shopping trip to Target with lots of Rubbermaid totes in my future.
From the Kitchen
11 days are left until Christmas Eve. I need to finalize the menu for the party and make a shopping list. I think we'll also bake some cookies and perhaps make a batch or two of cookie dough.
One of My Favorite Things
Seeing the smiles on my girls when they unexpectedly ran into friends at the parade on Saturday. It was like seeing long lost friends.
A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
Baking, planning, shopping and the Christmas play are all in the planner.
It is cold, windy, sunny and snowing a bit.
I am Listening
to the wind blowing.
I am so Grateful for
*the smell of fresh cut Christmas trees.
*the taste of Hershey's homemade hot cocoa.
*the sight of joyful faces when I ask at the last minute, "You girls up for getting a Christmas tree now?"
*the sound of Harry Connick Jr. Vince Guaraldi, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without their voices.
*the ability to walk and lift things.
*time spent with my family.
I'm Reflecting on
"Wisdom enters through love, silence, and mortification. It is great wisdom to know how to be silent and to look at neither the remarks, nor the deeds, nor the lives of others." -St. John of the Cross I've read this before but the quote has returned to me.
I am Reading
A Darcy Christmas. Ok, so it's a little sappy but honestly, I needed something fun and light-hearted after reading The Lost Art of Reading by David Ulin. That book was more like a political book. It was nothing like I expected.
My Advent Reading
is Advent and Christmas Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton.
I am Thinking
that it really is true that the time with your children goes by so quickly. Advent is just so different for me this year. The girls have been busy with practice for the Christmas play for the last three weeks. Add in basketball and the parade preparations and it seems like we're hardly home as a family this year. I'm going to hang on every last minute I can with Clare.
I am Creating
a wrapping center. The girls and I will be wrapping gifts soon. I have the wrapping paper, tape, bows, ribbons and scissors together. I'm hoping this makes things go quicker for us.
Education
This week and next week we'll focus on the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Of course, we'll add in some taste testing.
Rhythm and Beauty
It's funny how Advent looked like it was going to be calm. This is one of the busiest Advents yet. When the girls got speaking parts in the Christmas play, that meant play practice three times a week. It's been hectic balancing school with play practice and other activities. This is the last week of play practice. I'm looking forward to a slower pace.
I am Wearing
navy yoga pants with a grey oversized QVC sweatshirt.
To Live the Liturgy
Today is the feast of St. Lucy. My girls enjoy reading Kirsten's Surprise.
I'm Thinking
how nice it was to sit back and watch the girls decorate the tree with their ornaments we gave them each Christmas. It was neat to see their expressions and hear their stories about the ornaments or Christmases past.
I am Inspired
to keep on striving for simplicity. I tend to make more work for myself. I'm seeing the fruits of keeping things simple.
I am Hoping and Praying
for continued good health.
those who are facing lay offs.
those who miss loved ones.
In the Garden
I am tempted to plant a holly tree. I wonder if there is a miniature species available. Growing up, we had one in our front yard. It was nice at Christmas but a pain, literally, when I had to cut the grass around it.
Around the House
I really want to make a plan to sort through the things that have been accumulating in our basement. Our shelves are in need of organizing as well. I see a shopping trip to Target with lots of Rubbermaid totes in my future.
From the Kitchen
11 days are left until Christmas Eve. I need to finalize the menu for the party and make a shopping list. I think we'll also bake some cookies and perhaps make a batch or two of cookie dough.
One of My Favorite Things
Seeing the smiles on my girls when they unexpectedly ran into friends at the parade on Saturday. It was like seeing long lost friends.
A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
Baking, planning, shopping and the Christmas play are all in the planner.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Feast Day of St. Nicholas Daybook
Outside My Window
It is dark. The icicle lights are blowing back and forth. It was a very blustery day with intermittent snowflakes.
I am Listening
to the turning of pages as Aislinn studies for her Latin test.
I am so Grateful for
a warm house.
Lands' End coats with hoods.
warm cars.
I'm Reflecting on
"Try to commit yourself to a plan of life and to keep to it..."
- St. Josemaria Escriva Getting to Know God #149
I am Reading
The Lost Art of Reading by David Ulin. I just picked this book up yesterday at the library.
My Advent Reading
is Advent and Christmas Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton.
I am Thinking
that every time I think I'm done shopping for Christmas gifts, I remember someone else. So many people have come into our life this year. It's important to me that I show a token of appreciation. I really do need to make a master list for next year.
I am Creating
a Hansel and Gretel Christmas tree. We have candy canes, faux gingerbread cookies and a real gum drop wreath garland. I hope to add sugar cookies to the tree and maybe a few more surprises. We have a Hansel and Gretel gingerbread house too.
Education
We are working on an Advent Alphabet book. Last week was A-E. This week the letters are F-J. We'll have to double up a few letters next week and the week after.
Rhythm and Beauty
We eat our meals in the dining room which opens up to the living room. I've noticed since putting the Christmas tree in the living room that we've been eating breakfast by "tree light." A little elf has been turning on the tree lights and plugging in the fireplace mantle lights. It really does look nice at 6 am.
I am Wearing
tan Lands' End jeans, a red turtleneck and my old comfortable Esprit navy wool sweater. Is Esprit even around anymore?
To Live the Liturgy
Today is the feast of St. Nicholas. One of my favorite books to read is A Baker's Dozen.
I'm Thinking
how blessed I've been to spend so many Advents with my girls and to create memories. I didn't realize how fast time would go and how fast things change.
I am Inspired
by the book A Fairy Tale Christmas. I love creating magical moments with my girls.
I am Hoping and Praying
for continued good health.
for all those souls that have gone before us.
in thanksgiving for a friends recovery from back surgery.
In the Garden
I trimmed back the boxwood to use the branches for decorating the auction rooms last month. Now I don't have much for decorating my own home. I did notice that there are two very tiny boxwood plants that are growing in the front garden. I'd like to transplant those in the spring.
Around the House
I'm finishing up my current decluttering mission. I'm filling up the van with bags and bags of clothes, toys and household items. I can not wait to bless others later this week.
From the Kitchen
We made Specuulas cookies in the shape of St. Nicholas. I outlined the cookie and added the miter and staff with icing.
One of My Favorite Things
the picture in my mind of Clare wearing sneakers and her pink winter coat over her striped pajamas. Too, too, cute...
A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
I'm on a costume search with every other church and school doing a Christmas play. I need to find female generic Jewish attire for the upcoming Christmas play. I know I don't have the time to make these items.
It is dark. The icicle lights are blowing back and forth. It was a very blustery day with intermittent snowflakes.
I am Listening
to the turning of pages as Aislinn studies for her Latin test.
I am so Grateful for
a warm house.
Lands' End coats with hoods.
warm cars.
I'm Reflecting on
"Try to commit yourself to a plan of life and to keep to it..."
- St. Josemaria Escriva Getting to Know God #149
I am Reading
The Lost Art of Reading by David Ulin. I just picked this book up yesterday at the library.
My Advent Reading
is Advent and Christmas Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton.
I am Thinking
that every time I think I'm done shopping for Christmas gifts, I remember someone else. So many people have come into our life this year. It's important to me that I show a token of appreciation. I really do need to make a master list for next year.
I am Creating
a Hansel and Gretel Christmas tree. We have candy canes, faux gingerbread cookies and a real gum drop wreath garland. I hope to add sugar cookies to the tree and maybe a few more surprises. We have a Hansel and Gretel gingerbread house too.
Education
We are working on an Advent Alphabet book. Last week was A-E. This week the letters are F-J. We'll have to double up a few letters next week and the week after.
Rhythm and Beauty
We eat our meals in the dining room which opens up to the living room. I've noticed since putting the Christmas tree in the living room that we've been eating breakfast by "tree light." A little elf has been turning on the tree lights and plugging in the fireplace mantle lights. It really does look nice at 6 am.
I am Wearing
tan Lands' End jeans, a red turtleneck and my old comfortable Esprit navy wool sweater. Is Esprit even around anymore?
To Live the Liturgy
Today is the feast of St. Nicholas. One of my favorite books to read is A Baker's Dozen.
I'm Thinking
how blessed I've been to spend so many Advents with my girls and to create memories. I didn't realize how fast time would go and how fast things change.
I am Inspired
by the book A Fairy Tale Christmas. I love creating magical moments with my girls.
I am Hoping and Praying
for continued good health.
for all those souls that have gone before us.
in thanksgiving for a friends recovery from back surgery.
In the Garden
I trimmed back the boxwood to use the branches for decorating the auction rooms last month. Now I don't have much for decorating my own home. I did notice that there are two very tiny boxwood plants that are growing in the front garden. I'd like to transplant those in the spring.
Around the House
I'm finishing up my current decluttering mission. I'm filling up the van with bags and bags of clothes, toys and household items. I can not wait to bless others later this week.
From the Kitchen
We made Specuulas cookies in the shape of St. Nicholas. I outlined the cookie and added the miter and staff with icing.
One of My Favorite Things
the picture in my mind of Clare wearing sneakers and her pink winter coat over her striped pajamas. Too, too, cute...
A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
I'm on a costume search with every other church and school doing a Christmas play. I need to find female generic Jewish attire for the upcoming Christmas play. I know I don't have the time to make these items.
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