Outside my Window ~
The sun has set on a stunning fall day spent with my guy finishing our Christmas shopping. The few things I have left I will be purchasing online. I was surprised at how crowded the stores were. Santa was already at the Mall. Seriously? I am so glad to be done. A peaceful Advent it shall be.
I am Listening to ~
Jonathan doing the dishes after giving up on the Colts. Hubby has head phones on and is writing like a mad man. Courtney is humming one moment and yelling the next. I don't think she's happy with Peyton either. I think even her curls are frustrated.
I am Wearing ~
Yoga pants, t-shirt and my fuzzy lambs wool slippers. I have a blanket over my shoulders and am perched happily on the sofa.
I am Blessed and Grateful for ~
My husband and his determination to provide the best life possible for our family. That man works so stinkin hard every day and I am so grateful to him. I don't think I could ever thank him enough for all he does for us.
#72 ~ for Starbucks Christmas Blend coffee that makes everything sweet taste better.
#73 ~ for my new sofa, the first piece of new furniture we have purchased in seven years. I have been smiling for thee days.
#74 ~ for the Feast of Christ the King and an end of the liturgical year. Next week Advent begins...Jesus is coming!
#75 ~ for my mother who gives me so much gentle guidance and love. I don't know what I would do without her in my life.
#76 ~ a part-time job that allows me to be close to my girl while serving others like her. It is a privilege to work with the special ones.
#77 ~ flannel...blankets, jammies, shirts and quilts. I love them all!
#78 ~ electricity and proper plumbing...precious things.
I am Pondering ~
He … transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.
(Colossians 1:13)
"History is filled with fallen monarchs whose reigns were characterized by selfishness and bloodshed. They built luxurious palaces while their subjects struggled in poverty. They isolated themselves by building walls and hiring bodyguards. And they dealt with neighboring countries with greedy brutality.
If this is what we expect in a king, it’s no surprise we find it hard to bow before Jesus. He held no political office. He led no army. He doesn’t present himself as a dictator who tramples on our liberty and demands blind obedience. He uses neither force nor guilt to maintain his rule. He doesn’t have to.
At the Last Supper, Jesus revealed his plan to take over the world. And what secret weapon did he have in his arsenal? Love. It could appear to be insignificant and powerless, but look at the history of the church. Divine love has conquered millions of people, restored millions of people, and inspired millions of people. It has sustained multitudes of saints and converted multitudes of sinners. Love changes history."
I am Reading ~
The Bible
St. Louis Marie de Montfort
I am Creating Something of Beauty With My Hands ~
I am almost done with Courtney's dress. I think I will make a warm pair of flannel jams for her next. I will also be making more baby blankets and I might even cross-stitch a bib or two. I was thinking it might be time for an Etsy shop. I need to think about it some more. What do you think?
On my Ipod ~
Chris Tomlin's new album And if Our God is For Us.
Powerful praise music.
I am Writing ~
...letters...lots of them. I try very hard to write at least 2-3 hand written letters a week. I realized yesterday that I had agreed to being someones pen-pal six months ago and I have never written a letter. Oh mY word! That is not good. So a letter or two we shall write.
Towards Rhythm and Beauty in my Home this Week ~
This week is all about proper prior planning in order to avoid burnout by Thursday. Tonight I will finish my baking plan. I have two days off from school this week so I need to get some muffins and quick breads made for the freezer so that the rest of the Advent season goes well.
Then I will be cleaning the house from top to bottom to get ready for the big day that way after the feast is eaten the family and I can just chill out for a few days. It will be a busy few days but the payoff will be a major one. I need to remember to breathe and exercise daily to maintain some semblance of balance under all the stress.
Living the Liturgy Daily ~
Advent begins on Sunday. I have the wreath and new candles for this year. I am still trying to figure out what meditation to use for the season. There are so many good ones to choose from. I also want to make a family plan so that we keep the Reason for the Season front and center over the nest four weeks. I love this time of year. The anticipation is awesome. Jesus is coming and I want to be ready.
I am Hoping and Praying for ~
~ for Caleb Andrew and his Mom and Dad.
"Lord may his lungs grow stronger and may the surgeries for his other ailments go smoothly"
~ Courtney's cold to pass quickly
~ for Jonathan as he begins his new seasonal job
~ several friends who are struggling with new financial constraints given the current climate. It's a scary world right now.
~ for a my brother and sister-in-law who lost someone dear to them this week. For the healing of their hearts and for the family of the one who has died.
~ for young people struggling with depression and anxiety
~ for Fr. Ephrim who leaves our parish this week to continue his studies. He is such a gentle soul and will be greatly missed.
~ for our dear friend Marques and the others who will take vows as permanent Deacons in January. The church is blessed to have you all serve in this way.
In the Garden ~
not much...a little frost every now and then
In the Kitchen ~
This week will be spent mostly in the kitchen. The menu for the first half of the week is pretty simple. Their will be no poultry of any kind given that we will be eating for the next few billion weeks! There will be baked fish w/veggies, rigatoni w/mushrooms and a fresh salad, and a soup of some kind. Then it will be Turkey Day! Here is my menu:
( I also make my own herb butter to smother it while it's roasting in the oven)
( we made this for the first time last year and it was the belle of the ball...oh so good...it's downright sinful!)
(yes, two stuffing's because Jerry loves anything with sausage as y'all know so well)
(I may make some honey butter to go with these but we shall see)
(Mom will be bringing the pumpkin pie)
I can't wait to get started!
A Few of my Favorite Things ~
~ ready whip on top of homemade hot chocolate is simply divine
~ homemade applesauce
~ quilt squares ready to go
~ netflix and a sweet date
Courtney's World ~
Miss Court has her first winter cold right now. So we are sneezing like the Abominable Snowman and let me tell you of your not expecting it, it will make you jump. So she is getting lots of TLC this week and tons of Vitamin C to help dry things up. I think I need to make some Elderberry Syrup to help support her immune system which is just shot. She is tolerating her stander at school much better which is great. This way she can bear some weight on her feet keeping her bones strong. She only has two days of school this week and then it's just us girls on Wednesday getting ready for the big day. I think she can handle the dusting. What do you think?
A Picture Thought ~
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I love the look on Jonathan's face as he is carded for the first time.
Too funny!
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| Cheers to the newly minted 21 year old! |
Labels: Courtney's World, My Crazy Life
