"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."
~G.K. Chesterton
Outside My Window~
It was an absolutely beautiful Fall day today. The sun was out, there was a lovely breeze that stirred all the leaves that are still falling. I love days like today. It truly is my favorite season.
I am Listening to~
Jerry typing his paper for this weeks class in the kitchen. Courtney is softly humming to herself while listening to a Junie B Jones book on her Ipod. It's one of her favorites. She doesn't like headphones so she has a stuffed animal that has speakers in it's ears. She is happily snuggled in. Jonathan is reading upstairs prepping for a round of exams.
I am Wearing~
Flannel jams and a cotton t-shirt with a pair of soft wool socks. The weather is getting colder so socks are a must now.
I am Blessed by and Grateful for~
It has been a challenging week with
Court getting sick on Tuesday. We made it through though with the gift of many prayers and a few helping hands.
#66 ~ Mrs. Meyer's Lemon Verbena Natural Cleaning products. I love the smell of lemon. It speaks to my homemakers soul. It was a welcome respite in the midst of this nasty intestinal virus.
#67 ~ Sweet friends M and S who came by this week bearing lovely latte's and a quick hug of support. I don't know what I did to deserve such friendship but I am so thankful for it.
#68 ~ my husband's strength
#69 ~ my son's good fortune landing a job for the holiday break.
#70 ~ a well-stocked pantry since I couldn't shop this week. It's the little things that make me happy.
I am Pondering ~
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. "
— Mary Anne Radmacher
My perfectionism has kicked into high gear with the approaching holidays. I need to fight to let go of the silly an inconsequential and focus on just doing my best each day with what I have been given.
I am Reading ~
by Tsh Oxenreider
The Bible
I am Creating Something of Beauty with my Hands ~
Still working on Court's dress since I was interrupted last week. I also cut out a new apron to sew. I am such a mess in the kitchen I wouldn't know what to do without one. I also saw a pillow in the Pottery Barn catalog I thought would look fabulous on the sofa but found the price tag a bit steep. So now I need to figure out how to duplicate it myself.
On my Ipod ~
Josh Wilson's CD
"See You"...powerful words. Below is my favorite song
"I Refuse". It's my inspiration to keep moving and serving as God has called me to do. So good!
I am Writing ~
Working on the memoir. Some days are easier than others. I am always amazed to re-read what I have written. We have truly walked through the valley with Miss Court. I also started thinking about our families Christmas letter. I know craziness but it's almost Thanksgiving!
Towards Rhythm and Beauty in my Home this Week ~
Gotta get back to the gym. I only made it two days last week due to Court's illness. I know it will feel good to move and with the holidays coming i need to stay on track.
The cleaning schedule is working our well. I was able to keep up with it for the most part last week even with extra loads of laundry. I am enjoying my new checklists...they were worth the investment in time.
I hope to write a few letters this week. It's been too long and in order to get mail you need to send it and I LOVE mail!
Living the Liturgy Daily ~
Started reading
"The Power of Praying Through the Bible" by Stormie OMartin. She has a bible passage followed by a reflection. They are quick reads and I must say it's been very fruitful. I am also doing my 33 day retreat before my re-dedication to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Dec. 8. It will be a glorious day.
Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King so this week I need to begin preparations for Advent. I have a new set of candles now I need to choose a meditation for the season.
I am Hoping and Praying for ~
~ started the St. Joseph Novena for my two guys. It's good to place the ones you love the most in the hands of one so capable.
~ for a new Momma who desperately needs some sleep. Prayers that baby cooperates.
~ for my Mom to receive a few answers from the One Above to a few things she is pondering in her heart.
~ for my girl to stay healthy for a little while
~ for a special intention
Courtney and I pray together every evening. If there is something you need prayer for just send me an email and I will add it to our list.
In the Garden ~
I need to make a plan for the vegetable garden next year. That way I can make sure I save to invest in a few raised beds. I also need to mulch the front beds.
In the Kitchen ~
I have a menu plan for the week and am looking forward to doing a little baking featuring cranberries.
I will be serving:
Chicken Chili, Rigatoni w/ Mushroom Sauce and Vegetarian Lasagna from Giada De Laurentiis cookbooks. There will be some pork chops and roasted vegetables and I think meatless Friday will be Macaroni and Cheese.
The Thanksgiving Menu debate continues. The turkey brine is decided and the potato side dish. Now I need to figure out the dessert and veggies. So many choices...
A Few of my Favorite Things ~
a hot cup of tea while reading a good book
Cranberry Chutney scented candles from Yankee Candle
happy mail containing letters from dear friends
apples, cranberries and pumpkins
Courtney's World ~
Last week was not a good one for the pickle. She had a nasty intestinal virus that was just plain disgusting. I felt so bad for her. Because her immune system is so compromised she has nothing to fight sickness with. Of course with any virus her seizures come back in full force so not a good week. Her fever broke on Thursday and I thought we had passed the worst by Friday but Saturday proved me wrong with a return of the dreaded diaper disasters. We kept her home from church today. She was finally smiling by this afternoon and even laughed a time or two. I hope it continues. Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. This week has got to be better...don't you think?
A Picture Thought ~
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| a lovely Fall day... |
Labels: Courtney's World, My Crazy Life
