Daybook - Monday, Dec 1st

outside my window . . .  the leaves are falling as fast at I can pay my kids to clear them.  I'm torn between trying to keep a cleared driveway and yard and just waiting until they ALL FALL.

listening to . . . Kalliope's spoon scraping the bottom of the bowl of her favorite breakfast: Cream of Wheat.  She's the only child who really likes Cream of Wheat, which makes me quite satisfied.  I've passed on the love of creamy wheatiness to another generation, as well as the jingle my Dad always sang when he served it to me, "Cream of Wheat, Good to eat, Makes the Baby fat and sweet!"

wearing . . .  Oh, heavens - I'm still in my PJs.  At 9:45.

so grateful for . . .  really good friends.

pondering . . .  see below

reading . . .  finishing up the last couple of chapters of  The Litte Way of Ruthie Lemming by Rod Dreher, which has made me want to really put down some roots in this little town of mine, but also it has made me want to move home to Va Beach.  Dreher's writing about his sister's illness has helped me understand more clearly the purpose of suffering in this life.

creating . . . Russian Tea Mix for gifts this week.  I'm not sure this really counts as "creating" since it is really only mixing and dumping.

around the house . . . Plotting and planning rearranging my den and sun room.  Maybe pictures to follow!  We have a nice sized den, but with two full-sized couches (which we need with 6 of us - and four of them full-sized humans) it is cramped.  I'm thinking a slight rearrangement just might work.

from the kitchen . . . Ok - I posted this on Facebook, so disregard if you are a FB friend and have already seen this.  Made a most-delicious pie for Thanksgiving: Buttered-Maple Black Walnut Pie.  NO corn syrup!  Made the old-fashioned way with maple syrup and butter.  Really, really lovely - custardy and delectable!  That website is all "old" recipes - so a great resource.

real education in our home . . .  We always break for the holiday season.  This will be our last week of school.  Instead, we'll focus on Advent, puzzles, playing checkers (a new favorite thing), learning some kitchen skills, and preparing for Christmas.

My new-to-me teapot.

the church year in our home . . . Thanksgiving and Advent falling on the same weekend always means I don't quite get my Advent act together.

one of my favorite things . . .  Just bought this lovely little teapot at a local consignment store.  It is perfect for our school morning tea.

recent milestones . . . My eldest is just about to complete his first semester of college.  He's attending my (and my husband's) Alma Mater: James Madison University.

the week ahead . . . Last day of classes (I teach 2 classes on Thursdays to homeschoolers), last day of Classical Conversations, getting ready for Saint Nicholas Day (more posts about this very soon), and putting Advent up.

picture thoughts . . .

Girls and I spent a morning at a local park.  This heron, cautiously hunting
his breakfast, is a resident of the pond.  He is reamarkable.

A weekly feature hosted at The Simple Woman's Blog.

Daybook: May 13th, 2014

outside my window . . .  We are nestled back in our green camouflage making the house seem so private and cozy.  Our yard needs lots of work (compacted and mossy lawn, messy and weedy beds).

listening to . . . fan blades whirring, grandmother clock chiming, pots already boiling, and some NPR morning news.

wearing . . . my favorite pjs - white with bright orange, pink and lavendar flowers.  Later: jean capris, white shirt - plain for a cleaning day.

pondering . . . how life will be different with one less child in the house.

reading . . . Ivanhoe, Figures of Speech, Quiet, The Faith - and not a few online articles.

creating . . . a plan for a baccalaureate celebration; some nice mounted icons for a prayer corner.

around the house . . . Artemisia has asked to earn more money in her allowance by taking on the laundry.  She had a "test" run this week and has done an amazing job. She even delivers the cleaned laundry with sweet notes. Is the goal to work my way out of a job?

from the kitchen . . . Oh, my kitchen is a "hot" kitchen.  I have discovered that cooking in the late afternoon is a recipe for a VERY warm house.  So, I've decided to try to do any open flame cooking (seems to make the kitchen the hottest) in the early morning hours.  Thus the boiling pots and whirring fan blades.

real education in our home . . .  We are STILL reading Watership Down.  We sit outside and read while Kalliope plays.  Both my middle kids are determined to catch up/get ahead in math this summer.  So, we are still doing math all summer, it seems. 

rhythm and beauty in our home . . . I've determined to start a new tradition: Sunday family dinners.  My eldest has been very active in our church's youth group, which meets on Sunday evening.  However, things are changing (eldest leaving for college and a new youth leader to be hired).  It's time.

the church year in our home . . . I'm working on setting up a prayer corner.  I'll post some photos later this week.  Kalliope likes to make sure the holy water is always ready.  

one of my favorite things . . . my bullet journal:

recent milestones . . . Athos submitted 8 applications and received acceptances from 6 colleges and was waitlisted at a 7th.  He has decided to attend my and my husband's alma mater: James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA!  We visited in the late fall and he fell in love, so when that acceptance came it is was almost an instant decision.  Go DUKES!  AND his younger brother, Faramir, is finishing up the classroom portion of driver's ed.  How did they get so old?

the week ahead . . . Mom and step-dad arrive today!!  Athos turns 18 tomorrow!!

picture thoughts . . .

"CURLY TREE"    Taken in mid-March on an early spring hike.  

Daybook - November 20th

outside my window . . .  most of the leaves have fallen, but the trees are still clinging to quite a few.  The raking will continue for a few more weeks.  Today is beautifully sunny and makes the remaining leaves look like amber jewels.

listening to . . . dogs excitedly running to the backdoor for their morning romp.  Hubby trying to quietly let them out.

wearing . . . still in my fuzzy blue robe, soon to be in my running clothes.  Later?  No idea.

pondering . . . appreciating moments, activities, and things for their simple "goodness" with no thought to achieving some goal through them... and productivity as vanity

reading . . . "No God Zone" by Cristina Odone (Kindle Single)

creating . . . a crocheted infinity scarf for myself, and soon to start the same for the girls.

around the house . . . laundry has piled up in the laundry room and den.  Time to get my laundry-helper (Kalliope) on the job!  Still have towers of boxes to dismantle. 

from the kitchen . . . leftovers tonight for dinner.  Need to make pasta salad for lunches at CC the next two days.

real education in our home . . .  the girls and I finished A Samurai's Tale  last week and have now started Watership Down.  I'm sure Kalliope doesn't get most of it, but that's ok!  

rhythm and beauty in our home . . . still finding my footing here in this new house, and in this new phase of life (teaching outside the home).  I'm finding it is very odd how a home can shape your family life. 

the church year in our home . . . Advent is just around the corner.  We had a family meeting last night to discuss some of our Advent and Christmas activities.

one of my favorite things . . . my new favorite tea: cinnamon spice.

recent milestones . . . Athos has submitted his first two (of about 8) college applications! (Elon U and Chapel Hill)  

the week ahead . . . the week is half over, already!  School and co-op preparation today, Challenge tomorrow, and Foundations on Friday.  Need to prepare my tutor gifts for the Foundations group as Friday is our last day before Christmas!

picture thoughts . . .

Our Artemisia-designed All Hallow's Eve pumpkins

The day ahead and some feast days

Feast day of St John Cassian 
(about whom I am pretty ignorant)

And today is Leap Year!  Happy Birthday to all you Leap Year babies!  So, does poor John Cassian only get remembered every 4 years?

The day ahead should be a busy one.  Artemisia has her CC meeting today, but the boys are on Spring Break.  There is a large box that needs to be shipped to a homeschool friends in Canada.  I am meeting a young man about potentially teaching my Advanced Math seminar in next year's Challenge 3 class.  Then there is a baby shower and wedding to get ready for this weekend...and my Lively Literary reading group is meeting this Friday to discuss Euripides' The Bacchae, which I need to finish reading.  And Dear Neighbor and her family are coming over this Friday!  We are SO excited ... it has been far too long since we saw them.

And then there is the laundry.  I have, literally, piles of clean (at least it is CLEAN) laundry in my room waiting to be put away.  This is my Achilles heel.  Why is it so hard? I can wash it, dry it, and even fold it...but putting it away eludes me.

The flag of St. David of Wales

Did you know that tomorrow is St. David's Feast Day?  Well, it is!  We are having Welsh Rarebit for dinner (I've no idea if this is a truly Welsh dish or not, but it is the best I can do!)...and I am going to find some daffodils to put on the table.  Apparently, leeks are his personal symbol, so a leek soup might be good, too.






Any other ideas for celebrating St. David's day?

Daybook: Monday, Nov 28th

outside my window . . .  another gray day has broken.  But I think the gray will bring rain and a change in weather tomorrow - sunny and cool.  I'm ready for the chilly weather!  We had some in October, but November has been much warmer.  Nearly 80 degrees recently!

listening to . . . the train whistle in the far distance, tick tocking....and now "Curious George".  A little one just came to snuggle while I finish my morning preparations.

wearing . . . still in my pajamas!  But I'm planning to wear jeans, a black 3/4 sleeve top with a bright raspberry long sleeve top underneath...and a grey and pale raspberry scarf.

so grateful for . . . my grandmother coming to spend Thanksgiving with us!  I haven't had a REAL visit with her in years...just day trip visits.  I'm so thankful all my children have gotten to know her.

pondering . . . how to encourage Faramir to push on through the last bit of school work before Christmas break.  He's so ready to be DONE.

reading . . . Keeping House, On the Incarnation, still The Orthodox Church, and The Oresteia with my reading group.

thinking . . . about Christmas decorations...and Advent plans...and St. Nicholas Day, just around the corner!

on my iPod . . . loaded some new books:  War and Peace, Wicked, and In the Company of Cheerful Ladies

around the house . . . getting ready for more guests this weekend.  Missionary friends are staying with us while they visit our church.  Oh, and new curtains for the kitchen!  I'm hoping they'll help with the glare (it is a very sunny kitchen) and some noise reduction.

from the kitchen . . . maybe some batches of Spiced Pumpkin Bread for the freezer.

the church year in our home . . . the Advent wreath is up.  Today I'm going to print out some images for our little icon cards.  We plan on using Katherine's Jesse Tree devotions.

one of my favorite things . . . fresh cranberry relish!  I just love the sweet tartness of it.  Why do I only make it at Thanksgiving?

the week ahead . . . back to school for the kids, today Artemisia and I have to go check the lost and found for items she left at church yesterday, CC on Wednesday for the boys, missionary friends arrive Friday with a special dinner and dessert for them to share their work with our friends.

Daybook: Wednesday, Oct 19th

outside my window . . .  it is very drippy.

listening to . . .  a few of Artemisia's friends from Classical Conversations playing upstairs, downstairs, and on the stairs.

wearing . . . dark olive green jeans and a pale purple tank under a tan sweater.

grateful for . . . new, old chairs.  New to me, old to me: they were in my grandmother's home for many years.  We hope to recover them in the near future.

reading . . . Pride and Prejudice, The Orthodox Church, my most recent "First Things Journal", and the Paul's Epistle to the Romans.

on my iPod . . .  just listened to an interesting show from KERA (Dallas) called "The Case for Boredom."


around the house . . . no more rearranging this week.  Plowed through Artemisia's room sorting clothes and junk.  She just needs a few items to complete some outfits for the fall.

from the kitchen . . . I mentioned last week that I needed to make banana bread, and I did!  Actually made Coconut Banana Bread.  It was delicious!

real education in our home . . . the girls and I read "Ferdinand" last night.  It is one of my favorite books.  I'd forgotten about the "corks" growing on the cork trees.  Artemisia asked, "Is that how cork grows?"  Had to set her straight.

recent milestones . . . Kalliope is now in a booster seat!  Oh, my, a new bed, potty-training and a booster seat all in the last month and a half!

Daybook: Monday, October 10th

outside my window . . .  the woods are really starting to thin out from the thick greenness of summer.  This might be about my favorite moment of autumn: still enough green to highlight the golds and oranges.

listening to . . . NPR, my corn chowder simmering, Kalliope trying to "cook" with me.

wearing . . . jeans, black top with bright blue tank under.

grateful for . . .  a successful backpacking trip for the guys and a relaxing "girls' weekend" for Kalliope, Artemisia and me.

reading . . . Pride and Prejudice, The Orthodox Church, my most recent "First Things Journal", and the Paul's Epistle to the Romans.

creating . . . or rather I created, a pretty silk flower arrangement that somewhat camoflages the mess in my sink.  With a houseful of people all day, our sink ALWAYS has dishes in or around it.  I'm tired of that being the first thing anyone (read: ME) sees when they enter my kitchen.  So, I made this big arrangement.  It is really pretty (pictures?) and does the job.  I love it!

on my iPod . .  . the SAME OLD podcasts because someone has "borrowed" my iPod sync cord again and I cannot find it.  We have three of these cords, and I still can't keep one in my desk without it being "borrowed"!

around the house . . . I rearranged my kitchen this weekend (I love to take on projects like that when hubby is away).  The bookshelves always just looked messy to me, and they still do a little, but in a more elegant way, maybe.  Messy or not - I live them much better.  Also rehung almost every single piece of wall art in my kitchen...and created a new mantle arrangement.  Oh, and turned my kitchen table on an angle, which I love!  My mother started doing this when I was in my teens.  Maybe it is a mother of a teenager thing?

from the kitchen . . . corn chowder with bacon tonight.  Beef Stroganoff Meatballs tomorrow night.  The bunch of very overripe bananas means there might be a batch of banana bread in my future.

real education in our home . . . The backpacking weekend has put us behind schedule.  Everyone spent Friday getting the boys packed up...and I took the day off of school with Artemisia today, too.  It was a good, quiet holiday.

rhythm and beauty in our home . . . an idea I have for that big flower arrangement is to slightly change out   some of the more seasonal pieces throughout the year.  The main pieces are fairly neutral and should look nice with other seasonal colors.


the church year in our home . . . not much been going on in this area.  I have made a few more icon for our little family altar, but we just haven't been using it as much.  One of the problems is that it sits on our buffet in the kitchen and often becomes a dumping place for little bits of nonsense.  I cleared all of that off and then refilled it with a basket of icons and a pretty houseplant.  Maybe that will encourage the family not to use the buffet as a rest stop.

recent milestones . . . Kalliope started potty training this weekend!

the week ahead . . . "Romans" bible study tonight and boys arrive home, CC on Wednesday as usual, Friday we have friends coming over for chili and a marshmallow roast.

picture thoughts . . .

{pretty, happy, funny, real} -:- October 6

{pretty}

Kalliope and I gathered bags full of these lovely dark brown nuts.  They look like acorns, but littered the ground under what didn't look like an oak tree.  (None of the typical oak leaves I'm familiar with at least.)  Anyone know what these are?  Regardless, they are very pretty and now fill a tall jar on my buffet.

{happy}

Artemisia doing what she loves best - painting!  I'm such a bad mom.  She had to BEG me to paint.  "Mom," she pleaded, "I've been waiting for weeks to paint!"  It was true, she'd been asking and I'd been putting her off.  She's very happy, can't you tell?  

I don't know why I hesitate to let her paint.  She loves it and she is very careful to tidy up after.

{funny}

 A very silly moment. 

{real} 

My perpetually messy desk.  I've heard there is a "bread box principle", which I think means everything on your desk should fit into a bread box or it is too much.  HA!   On top of my white shelf is a radio/iPod/CD player that is almost always on, a photo of hubby in the island of Samothraki, an antique framed card my great-grandmother gave my grandmother, and a stack of slinkies to go in our CC tutor's goodie box.  I wonder what website that is on my computer screen?

outside my window . . . everything is damp and refreshed looking after a long rain that lasted most of the night.

I am listening to . . . morning NPR. Discussing the debt limit debate.

I am wearing . . . still in my PJs!

I am so grateful for . . . a happy week with grandparents for the older kids.

I'm pondering . . . the Church, still. What is it? Where is it? Who is it?

I am reading . . . Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Orthodox Way, The Iliad, The Joy of Fearing God

I am creating . . . a nice clean and ready-for-the-start-of-school school room (before and after pictures coming!)

around the house . . . laundry piles up in the laundry room. Well, the kids are definitely home...and all their dirty clothes!

from the kitchen . . . some special treats for Tuesday, St James feast.

real education in our home . . . working on notebooks and book organization for our school year. This is the easy part.

rhythm and beauty in our home . . . hubby collected a huge pile of rocks while doing yard work Saturday (while I drove to VA to retrieve the kids). We might have a fire pit by the end of the week! Maybe sooner!  Why rhythm and beauty?  Well, we hope that this will become a fun family and friend gathering place.

the church year in our home . . . St James feast on Tuesday... a fruit pancake for breakfast and a nice fish dinner.

one of my favorite things . . . a gallon of "New Black" paint. I have my eye on a few items around here that could use some rehab.

recent milestones . . . Artemisia finally learned to swim - mostly under water! I've still got her signed up for swim lessons over the next two weeks so that she can learn some actual strokes.

the week ahead. . . Swim lessons Monday-Thursday. Our former youth director arrives for a visit Tuesday and we expect to be the center of some of the visiting.

Daybook: Tuesday, July 5th

outside my window . . .  the leaves look positively iridescent green while the sky is a pale, slate blue.  I think it can't decide if it wants to be sunny or cloudy today. 

I am listening to . . .  "Aristocats" playing in the next room.

I am wearing . . . still in my pjs!  A late night last night.

I am so grateful for . . .  an unexpected invitation for a 4th of July celebration

I'm pondering . . .  the visibility or invisibility of the Church

I am reading . . .  Ghost Train to the Eastern Star (Paul Theroux), but thinking about putting it aside in order to read the last Harry Potter before we go see the movie next week.

I am thinking . . .  about meal plans for the next few days.  We are expecting an assortment of company coming and going through the week and weekend.

I am creating . . .  a fresh school room.

on my iPod . . .  I really have been enjoying KERA's "Think" podcast.  I'm about ready to purchase some of the mp3s from last year's CiRCE conference.  It was an excellent one and I still haven't listened to any of the talks!

around the house . . .  lots of cleaning up today as we get ready for company to arrive tomorrow.

from the kitchen . . .  Soupe Au Pistou tonight, Chicken Cacciatore tomorrow...still deciding beyond that.

one of my favorite things . . .  our new membership at the YMCA.  The kids have really enjoyed hitting the pool the past couple of weeks.

recent milestones . . . Kalliope has begun working on her initial consonants.  Athos got his first phone (he pays for the monthly texting fees).

the week ahead . . .  my mom and step-dad arrive tomorrow for an overnight.  One of Athos' friends (who is moving to Texas in a month) is coming to stay with us for a few days.  They are going to a concert Thursday afternoon.  VBS decorating and preparations begin this weekend.

picture thought . . .

Have a lovely Tuesday!

{this moment} -- July 1st

{...this moment...}

a moment from our week that I want to savor
visit Soulemama for more

My drying line sags under the weight of delight that is well-used beach towels.

{pretty, happy, funny, real} -- June 30th and some blogging updates

{pretty}

My tomato plants!  Oh, the delight of homegrown tomatoes.
In fact, I'd call them BEAUTIFUL not just pretty!

{happy}

This is an old picture from late May.  Hubby and I went out "on the town"- our small town, that is. It was a very happy night.

{funny}

This took place in my backyard about an hour ago!
Summer joys: this hammock is the source of many of them.

{real}

(get it...REEL)

Yes, a REEL mower.  This is our new mower.  There are many things I love about it and a few I don't.  One thing I do love...it makes for a pretty decent work out.  Most mornings I get up early and spend about 30 minutes pushing this thing around the yard.  (The new yard is large enough I can only do about 1/4 per day...well, I could do more, but I like stretching it out.)  Another thing I love about it: It is so quiet I can enjoy catching up on my podcasts.

Enjoy more at Like Mother, Like Daughter.


And the updates...

Sorry for the unplanned and unannounced blogging hiatus.  Wish I could say I had some great reason, but it was really just summer.  It always takes us a little bit of time to get our summer schedule going...and then we took an unexpected trip to visit dear friends in Little Rock.  (Photos on our family blog and probably some posted here soon.)

I've been thinking a lot lately about blogging.  I keep thinking I'm done with it, but I can't quite give it up.  One blogging friend said she feels "bored" with the internet...and maybe that is part of it.  Or maybe it is that I feel boring myself.  Am I boring you?  It's a thought anyway.  Another blogging friend said she just isn't sure what her blog is going to become...she feels things have changes so much as her kids have moved out of their preschool/early elementary ages...and maybe that is part of it.  Although I do still have a toddler.

Anyway, I not totally sure what blogging has in store for me.  I plan to keep plugging along perhaps in a more personal and familial way.  This blog gets many hits (and a few emails) about Classical Conversations.  This was a nice way to gain some traffic, but it has left me feeling sort of trapped.    I'm just not a CC evangelist.  It works for us, but that is about the best I can say.  So, if you are subscribed because you are hoping for lots more posts about CC, I can't promise them.  They may indeed happen here and there, but it won't really be a main thrust of this blog.

So, I'll just keep blogging and see where I end up.  Hopefully, I'll still have some readers when I get there - wherever that is.

Happy summer, and a day late: Blessed Feast of Saints Peter and Paul!

{pretty, happy, funny, real} - May 15

A few days late due to Blogger's issues. . . .

{pretty}

Why can't things be made as beautifully as this anymore?  This is my great-grandmother's sewing machine.

{happy}

This is our new kitty: Ezekial Clyde ("Zeke").  A "Free Kitten" sign led to us bringing home this little guy. 

 {funny}

And here he is taming the plant.

{real}

This huge snapping turtle wandered through our yard this week.  His shell was easily 18" long!

Other bloggers, other photos at Like Mother, Like Daughter.

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

Finally, I'm joining the lovely bloggers at Like Mother, Like Daughter in {pretty, happy, funny, real}

{pretty}

. . . this curtain filters the morning light in my bathroom.  

I find new homes not as charming as older homes and sometimes I am discouraged that my home (being new) lacks charm.  But perhaps charm is not found in just the old - that is easy, it is found in the lovely regardless of age.

{happy}

I wish you could hear the squeals of laughter as she ran back and forth on the sidewalk.  

{funny}

This is what happens when I am so distracted by doing Kalliope's hair (and she is sitting happily and quietly entertaining herself) that I fail to notice what she's up to!  Big sister's play make-up was such fun!

 {real}

Burying our beloved kitten, Louie.  We think he was bitten by a snake.  He had been acting slightly off for a day and then disappeared, but we didn't find him for a few days and then it was too late.

{this moment} -- April 1st, April Fool's Day

{this moment}

 A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. 

A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to savor and remember.

Visit Soule Mama for more.

{this moment} -- March 25th, Feast of the Annunciation

Daybook - Monday, March 21st - First Spring Monday

outside my window . . . the trees are beginning to get those tiny almost iridescent green leaves.

I am listening to . . . my son slosh around some "slime" he made last week.

I am so grateful for . . . a delightful and successful trip to Biltmore House for Erik, mother-in-law and the older kids.  (Youngest and I stayed home)

I am reading . . . Purgatory, slowly; Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, slowly; Wives of Henry VIII, slowly.  And trying to finish up last month's First Things because the new one arrived this week!

I am thinking . . . about loyalty and faithfulness.

around the house . . . finally had to ditch the homemade laundry detergent.  I liked it at first, but after using it for about 6 months, I am seeing clothes that just look dingy.  I switched to regular detergent and the very first load I did looked amazingly cleaner.  I had a white robe that was getting pathetic and now it looks bright white again.  Too bad, I loved the idea of cheaper and gentler detergent.

from the kitchen . . .  Greek Cabbage soup,  Rice Pilaf and broccoli, Pasta with tomato sauce, Greek Potatoes and brussels sprouts, and Poached Salmon and sugar snap peas are all on the menu this week.

real education in our home . . . we are continuing our study of the digestive system and moving into Ancient Egypt.  I suspect a sugar cube pyramid is in our near future.

rhythm and beauty in our home . . . time to add some flowers to the front porch area.  There are lots of things we'd like to add to our new yard, but we'll have to keep it simple this year.  We'll start with some annuals and a few perennials around the front porch.  Hopefully a fig tree soon...and in the fall some azaleas and small flowering trees...bulbs, too.

the church year in our home . . . Friday is Feast of the Annunciation.  We will have a feast dinner at the very least.  My goal is to make an Annunciation icon before Friday so we can display it on our family altar (which I still have not moved downstairs).    A reading of the Annunciation story and the Magnificat seems to be in order.  Since it is a feast day, we'll get to enjoy a little dessert, perhaps an Angel Food Cake with fruit!  I'll try to devote a post to the Annunciation Feast tomorrow or the next day.

one of my favorite things . . . a clean kitchen with: no dirty dishes, nor any clean dishes waiting to be put away, counters cleared and wiped to a sheen, and a welcoming candle burning.

the week ahead . . . bible study for me this afternoon, meeting at church on Wednesday, our teen book study Thursday, Annunciation Feast Friday, friends over on Saturday, and serving the youth group dinner on Sunday.  

Daybook - March 14th

outside my window . . .  daylight savings means I'm back to waking up in the dark.  It will take a few days to get used to that, but the good news is it won't last too long.

I am listening to . . .  my girls playing "doggy"

I am wearing . . . grey sweater, bright blue top.

I am so grateful for . . . Saturday morning coffee with a dear friend!

I'm pondering . . . earthquakes, seismographs, etc.

I am reading . . . Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, The Wives of Henry VIII, Dante's Purgatory for Lent.

on my iPod . . . we are going to listen to some classic fairy tales this week.

around the house . . .  just about time to put some cheerful, welcoming spring flowers out on our front porch.

from the kitchen . . . a delicious apple pie to break our fast on Sunday and to celebrate Hubby's birthday

real education in our home . . . birthday cards for family, multiplication facts, 

the church year in our home . . . the first week of our family fast went well.  Everyone enjoyed the respite from the fast on Sunday.  

the week ahead . . . 

:-: Monday - Hubby and eldest are out to see a friend and youth pastor speak tonight.

:-: Tuesday - My MOM's birthday!

:-: Thursday - Saint Patrick's Day!  We'll have a festive (but fast-friendly) dinner and then head out to our weekly book study, "And Then I Had Teenagers", maybe a trip to the hairdresser for me.

:-: Friday - Mother-in-Law arrives to celebrate hubby's birthday (from last week).

:-: Saturday - Off to Biltmore House!

picture thought . . .

Beloved.

{this moment} -- March 11th

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. 

A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. 

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Visit SouleMama for more.

Not a technically beautiful photo, but captured a truly remarkable moment: Baby L trusting (and enjoying) a new friend!

(You'll notice I've changed the rules - I cannot help but put a caption on my photos!)

Daybook - March 7th

outside my window . . .  the grass is starting to poke out from under the landscaper's straw.  I feel hopeful that we might actually have a yard of grass rather than mud one day.

I am listening to . . . my oven's creaks and whooshes as it heats up.

I am wearing . . . brown sweater, medium blue top, jeans, fluffed-but-unwashed hair.

I am reading . . . The Wives of Henry the VIII (A Fraser) and Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

I am thinking . . . about how tired I am and that it might be tired to start taking melatonin again!  It really does help me sleep better.

on my iPod . . .  catching up on a few podcasts today while I do my baking.

around the house . . .  oh, the weekend has put our house is a bit of disarray.  At some point today I sure hope to get it straightened up.  Little E's room needs some SERIOUS attention this week.

from the kitchen . . . batches and batches of sweet treats today for an open house (eldest son's school).

real education in our home . . . tomorrow a friend is coming to give a lesson in water colors.

rhythm and beauty in our home . . . I am trying to determine how to cozy up our kitchen eating area.  The area is large and open and has lots of windows and light.  I love that, but it lacks something cozy and anchoring.  

the church year in our home . . . Ash Wednesday is this week, and of course that means the beginning of Lent.  Trying to decide where to place our family altar.  I moved during the holidays to make room for some special decorations and never put it back in its original location.  I like where it is now, but it isn't a place we can gather as a family, so I'm considering a change to that.

one of my favorite things . . .  fancily painted fingernails on cute little girls.

the week ahead. . .

:-: Today: open house for eldest son's school

:-: Tuesday : water color lesson, and Shrove Tuesday pot luck at church

:-: Wednesday: Ash Wednesday services

:-: Thursday: a special birthday!

a picture thought . . .

Down at the creek a few weeks ago.  Still some icy bits to crunch through.