Outside My Window ~
It's dark but my outdoor Christmas lights are lighting up the front porch beautifully. They make me smile every time I pull into the driveway. One of my favorite things to do during this time of year is to drive around the neighborhood to see what everyone has done. There are snowmen gone crazy, Santa's landing on the roof of the garage or the front lawn, and lots of trees wound with lights. It's awesome. Tis the season for wacky lighted lawn ornaments!
I am Listening To ~
Miss Courtney is humming while Daddy reads "The Tale of St. Nicholas" in preparation for tomorrow's feast day. It is a sound I never tire of hearing. If she's not humming than something is wrong. So hum sweet girl hum!
I am Wearing ~
Warm fuzzy slippers, yoga pants and a long sleeve t-shirt with an apron. Cookies are in the oven and the house smells lovely.
I am Blessed and Grateful For ~
#88 ~ A wonderful extended family gathering Saturday night. There were nieces and nephews, fantastic food and wonderful conversation.
#89 ~ an understanding spouse willing to ignore my short temper
#90 ~ a beautiful Novena to the Immaculate Conception
#91 ~ faithful friends who listen with their heart
#92 ~ oceans and oceans of the Lords mercy and grace falling upon my every step.
#93 ~ sales of flour and sugar that allow me to bless others with sweet packages of love.
#94 ~ wool sweaters and socks bringing warmth to my family as the wind screams outside.
#95 ~ polar fleece blankets that warm shoulders and promote snuggling.
#96 ~ a librarian who smiles every time I arrive to pick out my weekly treasures.
I am Pondering ~
It's the second week of Advent and I can feel the pressure building. The social calendar has kicked into high gear and there are only so many hours in a day to accomplish what has to be done.
I ask myself daily "What truly NEEDS to be done?" This helps me stay on task and not get distracted with all the craziness that surrounds the season. Believe me, I am like a little kid in a candy store during this time of year and can be easily overwhelmed by all the details. I have been trying to take some extra time for prayer each day so that my focus remains on the reason for Christmas. This is a time of watchfulness...God has a plan and I need to be in tune with it. Patience and perseverance in both work and prayer will win the day.
Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.
~John Quincy Adams
I am Reading ~
The Bible
Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living by Tsh Oxenreider
Hell's Corner by David Baldacci
St. Louis Marie de Montfort
I am Creating Something of Beauty with My Hands ~
I made a few more flannel baby blankets last week to give to a few new mommy's I know. Haven't really done much else. I think it may be time to attack a larger project...maybe a quilt.
On My Ipod ~
I downloaded the Rosary to my Ipod. Now I can say it while I'm in the car without losing my place. Happy, happy me!
I am Writing ~
It is slow and steady wins the race when it comes to writing these days. The hard part is always finding the time to just sit and write. So I have put writing on the schedule for my day and that has helped. I swear I will be an old woman before I am ever finished with this book. Sheesh!
Towards Rhythm and Beauty in my Home this Week ~
The tree is the last thing to decorate in the house. So tomorrow night on the Feast of St. Nicholas we will string the lights and hang the ornaments. It's going to be lovely. I can't wait.
As for the rest of the week, I need to catch up on some house cleaning which will make me feel a little more prepared to celebrate the coming holiday. I also need to inventory the deep freeze and pantry so I can begin to create my holiday menu's.
Living the Liturgy Daily ~
This is a HUGE week in the church. We have the Feast of St. Nicholas tomorrow, The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday and then we have St. Lucy and Our Lady of Guadeloupe later on in the week. It's one of my favorite weeks of the year so rich with tradition. So there will be a few special meals this week and some really neat traditions. Now to remember to put out the shoes tonight for the morning.
I am Hoping and Praying for ~
~ Baby Caleb who is doing better but still needs so much more prayer support so please send up a few more prayers for him when you can.
~ for friends and family who are experiencing financial distress this season.
~ Baby Gianna who was born on Friday evening and was with her Momma and Daddy for only 45 minutes before going to be with Jesus. For her parents and siblings as they grieve this precious soul.
~ For my Mom as she contemplates the next step in life
~ all the people in Courtney's prayer book that God may hear and answer their needs.
In the Garden ~
leaves and debris...lots of leaves and debris.
In the Kitchen ~
cookies, cookies and more cookies! Join me tomorrow for a week of delectable delights that will make your family drool.
A Few of my Favorite Things ~
~ cookbooks that inspire
~ lambs wool slippers
~ 2 year old's that are excited to see the "fithis" (that would be fishes)
~ Tivo so I can watch those late night shows in the day time
~ friends who have large families that love my cookies
~ family traditions that have lasted a generation or two
~ crock pot meatballs with cranberries and chili sauce
Courtney's World ~
She is still fighting that cold that doesn't want to seem to let go. My prayer is that it doesn't go to her lungs. So far, so good. She is standing pretty well these days at school in her prone stander. This way she bears weight on her legs so that her bones stay as strong as possible. She's so comfortable in the stander that sometimes she falls asleep. It's pretty funny to see. I continue to work with her hand over hand ad she is a little less defensive these days. She actually let me hold her hand throughout Mass this morning. That's good progress. I pray it will be a quiet week this week. Boring is good!
A Picture Thought ~
 |
| Me and my favorite girl! |
You girls look so beautiful and happy. God bless you both. Thanks for the recipes.
ReplyDelete