Being a Child of God

Being aware of simplicity this month is different than I thought it would be.  It's been a brutal month of colds, fevers, sore throats and ear infections with my children and my husband.  Caring for a so many sick people has made me keep things very basic just so I can get by. Things that were once so important have lost their intense meaning in my life.  On the flip side, many things that I didn't think important are now seen with fresh perspective.

I've just finished reading Brennan Manning's book, Ruthless Trust.  He reminded me that little children look at the here and now.  They don't worry about the future. They live in the moment and they enjoy the moment. That is exactly what I seek. Sometimes I spend too much time thinking about the future and remembering the past that I forget the present. 

Late afternoon yesterday and all through last night, I received the opportunity to be that little child of God and live in the here and now.  My little three year woke up from her nap screaming in pain. From the location of the pain, I soon figured it was an ear infection. The first available appointment at the doctor's office wouldn't be until Tuesday at 11:30 am. I prepared for a long night ahead. 


All thoughts of what I was planning to do were gone in an instant.  Nothing mattered but comforting my child and easing her pain.  I held my daughter and rocked her while singing songs of praise.  Finally, she fell asleep. Despite the Motrin given to help with pain management, my little girl whimpered in pain throughout the night. It's a very hard thing to listen to and know there is nothing else to be done but pray.  Pray I did.  Prayers for wisdom, healing and trust were voiced, not only for my daughter but for me.

Today I watch my three year old in a new light.  I'm trying to learn from her, to be that little child in God's eyes.  I want to run to the knees of God and stand next to Him, feeling his arms around me.  I want to be surrounded with God's other children.  I want to be free in His spirit.  I want to be the woman that God created me to be.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

- Matthew 19:4



Simplicity in Prayer

Last week and this week, my family has been hit hard with fevers and coughs.  My prayer time routine is out of sync.  It's hard to pray early in the morning when I've been up several times a night helping a sick child or comforting one with a bad dream.  These sleepless nights remind me of when my three middle girls were babies.  My oldest was just two years old. Life was filled with hour and a half feedings followed by an hour and a half of time to clean up, diapering, preparing for the next meal and taking care of my two year old's needs.  Prayer time seemed so scarce, at least prayer time in the traditional sense.  It was a hard adjustment for me. 

 

One evening, I began to read Abandonment to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade.  It changed the way I viewed my prayer time in the midst of raising a family.  I was being called to practice "the sacrament of the present moment."  I was to be in the here and now with my toddler and babies and offer it as prayer.  So every diaper I changed became a prayer.  Every middle of the night feeding became a prayer.  Every wake up call because of bad dreams or a fever became a prayer.  It was something easy to do and I felt so much more connected to God.  As the girls got older and I was able to get in the traditional times of prayer much easier, I forgot the "sacrament of the present moment."   My eyes didn't see God in everything that was around me.

 

These last two weeks have reminded me of those early days of motherhood.  My two year old is now eleven years old.  My middled three are nine years old. They now have a three year old sister.  I've felt the call again to really be in the here and now with my family and with God. I'm being shown how I am to become rooted in prayer throughout the day by making my life a prayer.     

 

 

Come, all you simple souls those without piety, grand talents, or lessons learned.

Come, all you who understand nothing of spiritual terms, who are filled with amazement at the eloquence of the learned.

Come, and I will teach you the secret, unreachable by those brilliant scholars-the secret of perfection.

You will find this perfection within you, above you, below you, with every step you take.

Then you will be united with God, hand in hand you will walk.

Come, not to study the map of spiritual terrain, but to possess it for yourself; To walk about in it without fear of going astray.

Why learn the theory of Divine Grace, and what it has been doing throughout the ages, when you can become and be the very instrument of its operation?

Come, not to discuss the words of others, but to listen…For in the sacredness of every moment
Divine Grace is telling you alone all that is required.

 

-Jean-Pierre de Caussade

Simply Complex

I have a love/hate relationship with this word.  When I was single, it was so easy to live a life a simplicity - debt free living, giving back to the community and working as a teacher in a non-profit school. I was only making decisions for myself that were accountable to God.  I furnished my condo sparsely and ate simple meals.  My big splurge each month was going out after our young adult prayer meeting.  Life was simple and beautiful.

When I met my husband, we shared the same values.  It was so refreshing.  We married.  Then the simpleness of our lives changed.  We had children.  I tried to keep things simple.  Really, I did. Voices echoed in my head. "But you need the Diaper Genie."  "You have to have the wipe warmer for those cold nights."  "You don't want the Euro Glider XL92?"  I didn't want/need any of those things. People thought otherwise and lovingly bestowed baby equipment, clothes, etc. upon our simple home. Often, the items were unsolicited. I ended up making Goodwill runs to empty out our basement.  Life was now complex and beautiful.

My babies are no longer babies. I'm no longer making decisions for myself.  My husband and I are making decisions for our family. We feel stronger than ever that we are accountable to God.  We're striving for simplicity in this complex world of school, meetings and sports.  We're saying "No" to things that are good things but things that make life a bit more complex, a bit more stressful because we're trying to fit it in our schedule. This is why I hate simplicity as much as I love it.  I have to work hard at yet another thing - being simple. I have to continually declutter my life, home, calendar and free time, in order to have simplicity.  

Through it all, I'm seeing the fruit of this constant cleansing.  As I continue to say "No" to unnecessary but good things, I'm finding that I'm able to hear God's voice clearer. I'm able to now say "Yes" to where God is calling me to be in my prayer life and where He wants my family to be.  Life is simply complex and beautiful.

Simplicity Today

                               

This month I'm taking small steps in simplicity. I had a wonderfully long post on Simplicity Today and the computer froze up while in "saving" mode.  When I returned to the post, it was gone. What was supposed to be simple has become complex.  That's no surprise here.  However, in my quest for keeping things simple, I will not try to rewrite the post.  I'd like to go spend some time with my children who are home from school due to the ice storm.


The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest. - Thomas Moore



Rejoicing in Hope

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
- Romans 12:12

This past weekend, my husband and I went on retreat.  We try to go once a year. The grandparents enjoy spending the weekend with the grandchildren.  The grandchildren enjoy spending the weekend at their grandparents. We enjoy spending time with God, both alone and as a couple.   However, I always feel like the week before the retreat or the weekend getaway is always a trying one.  This past week was no exception with all the snow, meetings to attend and errands to be done.  Add to that the prep work and packing and I was slowly losing that joy.

Rejoice in hope...

Last Tuesday, it snowed.  Roads were a mess.  I made a list of all the things that had to be done for the upcoming weekend.  I also made a list for all the things that had to be done for the March for Life on the Monday after the retreat.  I had to do as much as I could since we'd be getting home on Sunday afternoon.  It left us a short amount of time to pack.
I did the laundry and the older children packed their own bags.  I packed the bags of our three year old. 

Rejoice in hope...

On Wednesday, I had to prepare for a book club meeting.  I packed medicines.  I've learned the hard way that it is necessary to gather cough/cold/fever medicines.  The time you don't pack them, is the time that they will be needed at 3 am.  I filled out  an emergency authorization paper and gathered the insurance cards. 

Rejoice in hope...

On Thursday I made cranberry muffins and brownies for the children to bring to their grandparents.  I made extra for the book club meeting that night.  I also packed extra food so my parents weren't eaten out of their home. 

Rejoice in hope...

On Friday morning, we awoke to snow on the ground.  I packed my bag and went over the list several times. By 2:15 pm, the car was packed with sleeping bags, pillows, back packs, bags of food, art supplies, books, DVDs, and medicines.  We were ready to go to my parents' home. 

After making sure everyone was settled, I headed back home.  I could now really start to think about my time with God and my husband for the next few days.  I turned on the Christian rock station. The tension from the drive up started to melt away. The music had me tapping my hands on the steering wheel.  I turned up the volume and sang. 

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na

Waves of mercy, waves of grace

Everywhere I look, I see your face
Your love has captured me
Oh, my God, this love how can it be?

I was singing and rejoicing in the hope of what this weekend would do for my relationship with God and my husband.  By the time I got home, I no longer felt tired but rather, rejuvenated, full of excitement in the hope of strengthening my love for God.  Shortly there after, my husband arrived.  We were ready to start our retreat. Together we rejoiced in the hope of  hearing what God wanted to whisper to our hearts.

The Day After the March for Life Daybook

Outside My Window
the temperature is 27 degrees and it is snowing.

I am Listening
to quiet.

I am so Grateful for
the life that God created for me to live

I'm Reflecting on
Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Romans 12:12

I am Reading
Jane and the Wandering Eye by Stephanie Barron.

I am Thinking
how wonderful it was to see so many friends at the Basilica and at the March for Life yesterday.

I am Creating
organized space in the basement, still. I can see that this is going to be an ongoing project. I think I'll make it a goal to finish by October.

Education
Our focus this week is on Washington, D.C. and pro-life issues.

Rhythm and Beauty
The busyness of preparing for a weekend away with my Vince immediately followed by the March for Life has left the kitchen and mudroom in a bit in disarray. I anticipate that the next few weeks should be much slower.

I am Wearing
jeans with a white turtleneck and red sweater.

To Live the Liturgy
I'm coming to the conclusion that some days the Mass readings will have to be sufficient enough for me.

I am Inspired
by all the high school students, college students, the various orders of priests and the various orders of sisters who marched to Capitol Hill. They've inspired me to keep raising my daughters with a strong moral compass in spite of the world's influence.

I am Hoping and Praying
for continued good health.
those who are facing lay offs.
for those missing loved ones right now.
for those who are sick with the flu and other winter illnesses.
for our priests.

Around the House
I've been keeping up with the weekly work better than in the past. I'm finding that I'm gaining more free time this way.

From the Kitchen
I did bake cranberry muffins and brownies. They're gone now.

One of My Favorite Things
Receiving hugs and "Thanks, Mom" after our trip to D.C.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
After a long weekend away, this is a week to catch up on laundry and cleaning. Not much else is scheduled.

A Year of Living Joyously - One Small Step at a Time

January was off to a good start. Lots of joy flowing through the day. I was loving it. I was just basking in the glow of Christmas joy. Wham! Out of nowhere, I was hit with news that took me off guard. I felt anger at the situation; at the person who caused it. Then I caught myself.

It's not that I can't feel anger. Anger is an emotion that we all feel at times. It was how I was brooding over the situation and getting myself worked up. I was losing the joy.

Elizabeth Scalia's blog had a quote today by St. Francis De Sales that spoke to the heart of what put me in a turmoil.

To persevere in the devout life it is a matter of deciding upon some excellent and generous maxims, with the right intention. The first I would suggest to you is that of Saint Paul, “All turns out well for those who love God.” [cf. Rom 8:28] If we agree that God can and does draw good out of evil, will He not do that especially for those who give themselves to Him without reserve? Even our very sins (from which may God preserve us!) are destined by Providence for the good of those who serve God. If David had not sinned, he would not have learned his deep sense of humility! … (Letters 1420; O. XVIII, p. 209)

When I'm angry, I'm close-fisted, close minded and frankly, quite ugly. I'm most struck by this part of the quote - If we agree that God can and does draw good out of evil, will He not do that especially for those who give themselves to Him without reserve? So the question that I ask myself is "How can I give without reserve if my hands and mind are closed to God's workings?" It's no easy task. Life is hard and messy and full of upsetments. I've got to work on finding the joy in all kinds of settings.

I'm making a conscience decision to live my goal of joy in 2011. I'm using Small Steps for Catholic Moms to jumpstart my year. It's one of my favorite daily reading books. Each month, a virtue is focused on. For January, it is Joy. Each day has three sections: think, pray, act. Think has a quote from the Bible, a saint or other well known Catholic is listed at the top of the page. Pray has a short prayer related to the quote. Act has something for you which relates to the quote and prayer.

I'd like to have 365 moments of joy by the end of the year. Here are my first 18 moments of joy are:

1. Faces smiling at me through the kitchen window just as snowballs are released

2. Gleeful sounds coming from the bedrooms when a 2 hour snow delay is announced

3. Holding the hand of a three year old bundled up in a fuchsia hooded coat as we walk through the park on a cold winter day

4. Three sprigs of Douglas fir in a mini vases sitting on the kitchen window sill reminding me of Christmas though it is well over

5. Watching my children try to stay up to midnight on New Year's Eve as they try to hold back yawns and drooping eyes

6. Hearing my three year old say, "I love you, Mom. You're my best friend."

7. Having my 11 yr. old daughter who never seems to need me anymore ask, "Can you rub my back? My muscles are sore."

8. Having a long weekend with my family.

9. Finding out the next day after the long weekend that school is cancelled.

10.Seeing my husband and daughter return from the ER

12.Hearing how my husband drove to Dairy Queen on a snowy Monday night in January to get my all-fixed-up daughter a "Blizzard" to ease the memory of the ER

13.Seeing a second Blizzard for me to enjoy with my daughter while we chat over the whole ER episode

14. Speaking with a family member who is going through a tough time and knowing that they see the hand of God in it

15.Dreaming about gardening and joining a Community Supported Agriculture(CSA)

16.Seeing my big girls dress up my little girl as a ballerina and watching that ballerina twirl and twirl and twirl

17.Sounds of little girl feet padding across the hall to say goodnight to the big sisters

18. Listening to the voices of the girls reading something funny out loud to one another

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Daybook

Outside My Window
there is a fresh coat of snow. We've had snow on Friday morning and then again Saturday morning.

I am Listening
to quiet.

I am so Grateful for
an officially completed remodeled bathroom. The upstairs bathroom was gutted out and new wallboard, tub, toilet, floor, sink and cabinets were put in. It took three years of working on it when we had time on vacations and the summer. Spring, fall and winter we were too busy with the girls' weekend activities. Taking this long also helped us to get what we wanted without being in debt.

I'm Reflecting on
Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Romans 12:12

I am Reading
Master Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels. Lots of interesting things in there about natural foods and processed foods.

I am Thinking
how short life is and how important we do things that bring us joy.

I am Creating
organized space in the basement, still. I spent this past week going through the Christmas things. I plan to go through on shelf at a time for the next few weeks and sort through everything.

Education
We're working on Mm and starting to write letters. Lots of questions are being asked about how to spell words.

Rhythm and Beauty
We're soaking in the peace and calm that snow brings to our home. Yes, inside, it can get loud with the running and laughing but we are all home together. That togetherness brings its own sort of peace and calm.

I am Wearing
jeans with a white buttoned down shirt and navy blue sweater.

To Live the Liturgy
I've been slacking again with the Liturgy of the Hours. I let my Advent reading trump the Hours. Not so good.

I am Inspired
by those who give of themselves in spite of being in harm's way. They are my heroes.

I am Hoping and Praying
for continued good health.
those who are facing lay offs.
for those missing loved ones right now.
for those who are sick with the flu and other winter illnesses.

Around the House
I've been working hard at keeping up with the house since Christmas. I'm finding that putting things away when we're done is half the battle.

From the Kitchen
I still have to do menu planning this week. I should just do one for the month. I really do drag my feet on this. Today the Eagles and Packers play in the first round of playoffs. We'll watch the game and eat stadium food and some veg. and dip for dinner.

One of My Favorite Things
I'm always calling Clare by her sister's name when it's just the two of us. I was apologizing about that. Clare replied, "It's ok, Mom. We all have lots of names."

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
I have to finish working on my game plan for this year. I'm looking at goals for health, home, hobbies, spirituality, and family life.

What Does "Take Care of Yourself" Mean?

I was recently asked this question. For me, "Take care of yourself" translates into "Love yourself." By that, I mean love yourself as you love your family and friends. 2010 was a long journey of courage. One of the lessons I learned from that journey was to have the courage to love myself. I give so much time, energy and love to others but skimp on things when it comes to myself.

How does one love themself if they don't know how?

I made a list of needs vs. wants to figure out how to take care of me. I have to make sure that I take time for personal prayer in the morning. I "need" that to function properly. I'm also working on eating a bit more healthy and taking vitamins. Exercise is important as well. I respond well to anything outdoors especially cold winter walks. I find them refreshing and uplifting. Often, if I'm by myself, I use this time as additional prayer.

Another need is quiet time in the afternoon for me to recharge. I'm an introvert by nature so spending time with others, especially outside the home, takes a lot of energy. If I don't recharge, I'm grumpy. I try to use that time for something that I enjoy doing like reading.

How do I make it work?

Well, I've been praying about ordering my life so that I feel like I can take care of myself. I've become more focused on how I spend my time and what brings me joy. In doing so, I have to give some things up.

What activities become excluded?

Through this journey, much of my online time has been eliminated. It freed me up to do some of the things on my list that I didn't think possible. That gives me joy.

New Year's Eve Daybook

This was written on New Year's Eve but not posted.

Outside My Window
The sun is setting. The weather today was in the 30's, a bit warmer than earlier this week.

I am Listening
to the girls play "Zim Zam." Remember that game? We have it set up in the family room.

I am so Grateful for
for our family room addition. When we opted to skip a bathroom remodel for an addition to the family room, I thought it would help with space issues. I never realized how much time we would spend in the family room. In the winter, we use it for "indoor soccer." Now, we've added Zim Zam.

I'm Reflecting on
Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2

I am Reading
A Darcy Christmas still. We've had a week filled with activity straight into the night. Very little reading was done.

I am Thinking
I have two more days left until the older girls go back to school and Vince goes to work. It will be very quiet here.

I am Creating
organized space in the basement. I bought Rubbermaid Totes at Target. I'm ready to sort through the shelves and holiday boxes. I'd like to organize our arts and crafts area a bit more.

Education
We'll look at Epiphany this week and study a bit about winter. I think we'll read some of Jan Brett's books this week. They will tie in nicely with winter.

Rhythm and Beauty
It's nice to be relaxed around here. Monday we'll get back to a normal routine. September through December always seems like non-stop activities. I'm looking forward to slowing down with winter here.

I've enjoyed having fresh evergreens and boxwood around. I do think I'll keep them in the house longer than I was expecting.

I am Wearing
jeans and cream turtleneck.

To Live the Liturgy
I will set out some books on our Blessed Mother since tomorrow is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

I am Inspired
to live a year of JOY! 2010 my word was COURAGE. I lived courage. I want to live joy. I want to inhale joy. I want to exhale joy. I want to be surrounded by joy.

I am Hoping and Praying
for continued good health.
those who are facing lay offs.
for those missing loved ones right now.

Around the House
Epiphany is next Thursday. I will slowly put away some of the Christmas decorations this week. I want to make a list of things that worked this week of Christmas and what didn't work.

From the Kitchen
I need to sit down again and think of menus for the next week. I'd like to use the foods from the freezer first.

One of My Favorite Things
is eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate with the family at the end of an afternoon of skating.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
Not much is planned for the upcoming week. It's going to be a time of transitioning back to a normal schedule.

Fourth Sunday in Advent Daybook

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.

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.

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.

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.

First Sunday in Advent Daybook

Outside My Window
It is cold and dark. I see the reflection of the mini white lights hanging from the mantle.

I am Listening
to the girls playing with the Fisher-Price Little People Christmas town and Nativity set.

I am so Grateful for
laughter.
a warm home.
mini white lights.

I'm Reflecting on
“Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow.”
- Helen Keller

I am Reading
Tea with Jane Austen . The Austen family had to keep their tea and sugar under lock and key due to the high cost of these items. I'm glad I don't have to do that.

My Advent reading is Advent and Christmas Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton. I'm looking forward to spending time with Chesterton.

I am Thinking
that I really need to exercise more often than I have been. I can not believe how sore I still am from the Black Friday shopping and wrapping.

I am Creating
a warm, inviting place to prepare our hearts and home for the Christ Child. The Advent candle has been lit. I have the Advent Calendar and the Jesse Tree ready. This year we will read Destination Bethlehem as our family devotion. This is my absolute favorite time of year.

Education
I think we will look at how Christmas is celebrated around the world. We'll use lots of Christmas picture books.


Rhythm and Beauty
We're decorating with candles, mini white lights and some greenery right now. It's very simple looking now. Little by little, we'll add to the decor.

I am Wearing
jeans and a brown argyle sweater with a pink turtleneck.

To Live the Liturgy
Today is the start of the new liturgical year. The gospel readings will be from St. Matthew this year.

I'm thinking
that kindness goes a lot further then rudeness. Why do people continue to be rude?

I am inspired
to slow down and keep Advent simple so that I can enjoy this time with the girls. I can not believe how much they continue to grow and change.


I am Hoping and Praying
for those prayer intentions that have been given to me.
for continued good health.

In the Garden
we have put mini colored lights over the bushes.

Around the House
I'm sorting through drawers and cabinets. We have so much but use so little. It is time to give these things a new home.

From the Kitchen
I can smell the sugar cookies the girls made today. I hope to make a few batches of cookie dough this week. I will be gathering the ingredients for the St. Nicholas cookies. I think we'll make them next weekend.

One of My Favorite Things
is Black Friday shopping. I generally despise shopping but there is something about getting up early one day a year and shopping for bargains that energizes me.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
Basketball practice, the Jane Austen Book Club and our Christmas Fairy Tale tea will happen this week. Our Fairy Tale tea theme this year is Hansel and Gretel. I will finish decorating the living room and work on the tea menu.

All Saints' Day

I absolutely love this version of the Litany of the Saints. This is from Pope Benedict's visit to the United States in 2008.

Blessed Damian of Fulcheri, OP

Today is the feast day of Blessed Damian of Fulcheri, OP also known as Blessed Damian of Finaro.

Damian was born in Finaro, Italy in the 1400's. When he was a baby, Damian was kidnapped. Frantic, Damian's parents sought the intercession of our Blessed Mother. Those searching for the missing baby saw a light which caught their attention. Upon further investigation of this light, they discovered the kidnapped baby. The baby was brought back to his parents. They rejoiced at the wonderful site of their baby. Many talked for days about the miraculous light. When he was older, Damian became a well known Domincan preacher.

I think Blessed Damian would make a good patron saint of kidnapped children.

Doing It All with God's Help

"If you have too much to do, with God's help, you will find time to do it all."
- St. Peter Canisus.

This was on my home page one day not too long ago. I read it first thing in the morning and chuckled to myself, "If you have too much to do, then you have too many things on your list." I close out my home page and began my morning work.

Mid morning I had some computer work to do. Unfortunately, I couldn't access the internet. There was a problem with the filter. 3 service calls and 4 hours later I still hadn't resolved my problem. My work list was hardly touched and I had 30 minutes to get things done.

Then that quote from earlier in the morning came to mind but in a different light. I felt like God was teaching me a lesson about laughing at such a quote. My list to do was suppose to be managable but I didn't anticipate being sidetracked with a 4 hour computer issue. I quickly said a prayer for wisdom to know what had to get done in those 30 minutes and what I could do the next day. Sure enough, God showed me what could be done in those 30 minutes.

October Daybook

Outside My Window
it is raining and windy.

I am Listening
to Monday Night Football. The Giants are beating the Cowboys (38-20) on Monday Night Football.

I am so Grateful for
my husband who knows just how to get me laugh so hard that I cry.
beautiful autumn days.
DVRs. I love how I can fast forward through commercials and record a program that I'd normally miss.

I'm Reflecting on
"If you have too much to do, with God's help, you will find time to do it all." - St. Peter Canisus. I've been working on streamlining my "to do" lists: Needs vs. Wants. Sure does change my perspective

I am Reading
Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace. I discovered this author a few years ago and just loved her characters of Betsy, Tacy and Tib. I loved reading about the early 1900's and how things were changing with so many inventions. It reminded me a lot of where we are now with inventions constantly changing our lives.

I am Thinking
that somehow I quietly became a "meat and potato" girl and lost my taste for "champagne and cavier." I'm not sure when or how it happened but it did. It's a good thing.

I am Creating
menu plans for the next few weeks, including Thanksgiving. I'm trying to take advantage of the grocery store sales.

Education
We're going to St. Charles Boremeo Seminary this week for a tour.

Rhythm and Beauty
We're decorating with Autumn in mind. Lots of pumpkins are around the house.

I am Wearing
plaid pants and my gray University of Penn. sweatshirt.

To Live the Liturgy
I've been reading To Be Like Jesus by Sr. Ann Shields. It's been wonderful to tie in the Sunday Gospel Readings with this book. I sure hope that there will be another book to go with the 2011 Ordinary time readings.

I'm thinking
I spend waayyy too much time worrying about what others think of me. Yet, I don't spend enough time wondering what God thinks of me. Hmm... Got to work on that.

I am inspired
by ordinary people leading their lives in extraordinary ways. Heroes are amongst us everyday.

I am Hoping and Praying
for those prayer intentions that have been given to me.
for continued good health.

In the Garden
I'm trying to get to the weeds before they completely take over.

Around the House
I'm working on going through books and giving away those that we don't "love."

From the Kitchen
Menu Planning is helping out a great deal. It's really making me think about what we have in the hosue and what we need to get. Life is much easier with menu planning

One of My Favorite Things Baseball - World Series - Rangers vs. Giants. Go Cliff Lee!

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week
We have the last soccer game of the season this Saturday. Halloween is around the corner and we're still figuring out costumes. I bought the candy (Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, York Peppermint Patties and Kit Kats) a few weeks ago while shopping at Target. I've learned the hard way that it is better to buy early than to buy late.

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