the rhythm of the home daybook...advent begins

Outside My Window ~

I woke up to frost on my windshield this morning. Took me a little by surprise at 5:20 a.m. on my way to the gym. Now I am going to have to plan a few more minutes of prep to account for the change in weather. Happy for the change of seasons...not always happy for the extra work that goes with them. 

I am Listening To ~

Courtney snoring ever so lightly while she takes a little nap before dinner. The washing machine is running the third load since getting home from substitute teaching today. Chicken Pot Pie is baking in the oven and the salad is ready to go.  As I type I am watching the Food Network. Always learning something new.

I am Wearing ~

Comfy jeans and a long sleeve lavender t-shirt. Working at Court's school can be quite physical at times changing and lifting kids in and out of wheel chairs so comfortable clothing you can move in is key. Looking forward to jammies after dinner. Soooo looking forward to it!

I am Blessed and Grateful For ~

#79 ~ a four day weekend filled with lots of laughter, sleeping in and yummy adventures in the kitchen.

#80 ~ long phone calls catching up with family and friends

#81 ~ turkey...lots of turkey...and stuffing...yummm!

#82 ~ well organized Christmas decorations that were easily found and are now being out up around the house. 

#83 ~ a working washing machine

#84 ~ a son who is capable of doing his OWN laundry!

#85 ~ cookbooks that inspire and rejuvenate a tired palate.

#86 ~ St. Andrew's Chaplet

#87 ~ Advent traditions a generation old...

I am Pondering ~

The New Year. I have decided to not make a ton of resolutions this year. I will only disappoint myself yet again. This year there is just one word. FINISH! That's my resolution.

I am entering a new season of motherhood now with a 21 year old. My job becomes more about prayerful support than practical, although practical is happening just with less frequency. I know this is the natural course of events but it still makes me a little sad to say goodbye to certain childhood traditions. 

I am Reading ~

Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living by Tsh Oxenreider

Cross Fire by James Patterson

Rachel's Contrition by Michelle Buckman

Preparation for Total Consecration by 

St. Louis Marie de Montfort

I am Creating Something of Beauty with My Hands ~

Christmas decorations and a few gifts for family and close friends. can't give anything away now.

On My Ipod ~

Christmas music...LOTS of Christmas music!

 I am Writing ~

this blog post...

Towards Rhythm and Beauty in my Home this Week ~

This week I will be putting up Christmas decorations a little at a time so that by Saturday we are set. So far I have the outside lights us, the front door wreath, the Christmas tree is up and ready for lights and ornaments. The banister is next and then the carolers scene. The Nativity will be put up tomorrow night. The Jesse Tree is ready and holding it's first ornament.

I have written down my cleaning goals to try to stay ahead of things. I don't want to feel any more stress than necessary. This season goes by so quickly I want o savor every moment.  

Living the Liturgy Daily ~

I have been praying the St. Andrew's Chaplet as well as a Novena to St. Joseph. It's a lovely way to end my day with my eyes and heart on Christ. Tomorrow I will attend the first night of a Novena to the Immaculate Conception. There will be prayers, Mass and a talk by a very learned priest. I can't wait to soak it all in. The Advent wreath is out and ready for lighting. First week is the purple candle. 

I am Hoping and Praying for ~

* little Caleb Andrew...that he continues to grow and that his lungs will get stronger so they can decrease his oxygen intake. 

* for Andrea as she recovers from an emergency appendectomy while 5 months pregnant.

* for Lynne/Dave, Beth/Dave and the Unwin's who all renewed their vows celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversaries. Such a wonderful mass of celebration!

* for Mr Bryce to sleep better so his Momma can get lots of rest.

* for Lachlan and the healing of his little heart ( for his Mom and dad too)

* for my husband and son

* for dear, dear friends who are waiting for God to bless them once more with another child...if it be His will.

In the Garden ~

lots of dead leaves...

In the Kitchen ~

I will be baking some lovely cranberry apple muffins as well as a few new Giada and Barefoot Contessa recipes this week. 

I am really happy to have a fully stocked freezer with meals ready to go. All that work will really pay off this week since I am working every day.

A Few of my Favorite Things ~

sweet sleepy sounds from my girl

the smell of freshly washed hair while snuggling after a tubby

Harney and Sons Christmas Blend Tea with a dash of honey

warm wooley socks

cinnamon sugar

pasta dripping with a lovely basil sauce

Courtney's World ~

Court has been dealing with a pretty nasty cold the last ten days or so and she seems to be finally moving past it thank the Lord. She is still working on gaining those six pounds she lost during her recent brush with the ROTO virus. Slow and steady wins the race with this young lady. She loved art class today painting with her hands smiling the whole time. I love days like that when she seems to really be in tune with her surroundings. Lovely!

A Picture Thought ~

turkey...turkey...turkey...

celebrating with dear friends many years of joy and happiness...

Thanks to Ann@Holy Experience for hosting Multitude Mondays.