Mid-June Daybook

Outside My Window: A pink sky, setting sun, the end to our Sunday. Father's Day.  We had a rainy afternoon which we spent with naps and watching golf.

                                                                    (Father's Day 2013)

I Am Thinking: about upcoming trips; near and far.  In particular, about my mom and her health issues.  Please pray.

Attitude of Gratitude: Listening to little girls sing themselves to sleep, rain clinking on our tin roof, ginormous sunflowers, fresh tomatoes in the garden, lactaid in order to eat Pizza!

                                                                     (Pearl's sunflowers

In the School Room: moving things around on the shelves.  Pulling down items for Pearl's kindergarten year. Creating curriculum plans--writing them down.  The goal sheets and the extra sheets to write what we actually accomplish each week.

Celebrating the Liturgical Year: Some low key days these next few weeks.  We will celebrate O.L. of Mount Carmel; looking for a tasty treat that is safe for the girls.

From the Kitchen: 

Sunday: Pizza night

Monday: Grilled Pork Chops, sweet potatoes, veggies

Tuesday: Noodle Night with Meatballs and Marinara, Roasted Kale and Green beans

Wednesday: Pork Fried Rice

Thursday:Grilled Chicken, Quinoa-Tabouleh salad, veggies

Friday: Out and About

Saturday: Pot Luck with Friends

I Am Working On: plans for our new Homeschool Co-op.  Trying to get each week planned out and field trips lined up.  Time to get busy!  August will be fast approaching.

                                    (If you are going to wear over-sized sunglasses, wear them with attitude)

I Am Creating: more organized spaces.  The breakfast bar is my hot spot.  So I got two magazine files at the store for 1.50 each and a tray.  The magazine files are holding my scratch paper, calendars, etc. and the tray will be the catch-all for keys, wallet, and the kleenex box. It is working out nicely and I'm pleased with how tidy it is, yet my essentials are easy access.

I Am Going: on trips!  A few small ones locally, but a big trip for my best friend's final vows later this summer.  We missed her first vows because Pearl was born, so we are very excited to attend her finals.

I Am Hoping: that a friend's words unintentional words are true!  I know, weird.  Premonition, maybe.

I Am Praying: that Sarah's wee men stay put for another 5 weeks, for my mom's health concerns, for the blessing of babies for two dear friends, and for another baby blessing for our own family as well.

I Am Reading: Desperate Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson and On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Words to Ponder: “Never read books you aren't sure about . . . even supposing that these bad books are very well written from a literary point of view. Let me ask you this: Would you drink something you knew was poisoned just because it was offered to you in a golden cup?” ~Saint John Bosco

I Am Listening: to lots of interesting stories lately while the girls are playing together. 

Around The House: Piles to be sorted.  It's my summer purging time.

Favorite Things: faces of joy when we do something spontaneous and silly, a phone call to my best friend who is soon going to make her final vows.  We were able to have a phone chat before she enters into her 30 day silent retreat.  Gave her several prayer intentions:)

This Week's Plans: 

-Playdate at the Park

-finish my sewing homework for sewing class

-pick up our bulk bacon order.  (That has a nice ring to it)
-Pool playdate with friends
-Daily Mass
-celebrate with my SIL at her baby shower!

Glimpse Into My Day:

   The girls playing, "Going to Church with Fr. Benjamin"...who they happened to make the horse. Fr. B is a dear friend who was recently ordained:)

Easing into Summer, Quick Takes

1. Happy Pentecost!  We are celebrating with friends for a "Family Fellowship" afternoon. We are going to play "Catch the Fire," make Tongues of Fire hats and share dinner together.  Menu--A Taco Bar, 12 Fruits of the Spirit Salad, and a birthday cake.

2. Pearl is calling all of her baby dolls, "Lucy."  I'm thinking it's from Chronicles of Narnia since we've been listening to the books on tape this past week.

3.  My motto for this upcoming school year as Pearl begins Kindergarten is "Reading, Writing, 'Rithmetic, and Religion." Everything else is just bonus:)  But those are definitely the focus: Math, Language Arts and Religion.  We will be doing two co-ops and speech therapy.  I'm hoping to take a few days each week this summer and create a morning routine that we can ease into and particularly get Princess ready for this.  Also checking folks and Pinterest for ideas to keep her busy.

4. We are on a bit of a fairy kick with the Andrew Lang Fairy books, other Fairy Tales....and even a bit of Tinkerbell:)  Have you listened to Andrew Pudewa's talk--"Fairy Tales and the Moral Imagination?"  So GREAT!

5. Swim lessons start this week for both girls.  Princess is really young but quite intrepid when it comes to water so we'll give her a go.

6. The Garden is coming along nicely.  Some zucchini will be ready soon and the green beans are now producing.  Tomatoes, bell peppers and the jalapeno are yielding too.  We planted two types on sunflowers this year--Mammoth and dwarf.  Yup, that was fun:) The Mammoth ones are about 7 feet tall and haven't even bloomed yet~

7. This upcoming weekend is Ordination weekend for our Diocese and we are planning on going and celebrating our dear friend B, and the other 3 ordinands.  Lots of friends coming in from out of town and several parties to attend.  Busy, busy and then we transition into summertime.

Wednesday Quick Takes

1.  DH's job transition continues.  We continue to pray and trust that this is His will for us.  It will take some getting used to, but there is peace in this new venture.

2. A few weeks ago we took a vacation.  Sort of.  We have a timeshare and we decided to use it close to home to continue to save for a summer trip to attend my best friend's final vows up North.  So we got a timeshare on the other side of town near all the theme parks.  It had LOTS of pools and playgrounds, mini golf, children's activities, etc.  We also have a friend who works at Disney and she used one of her employee passes (they get so many for the year) which enabled our whole family to get in for free for the day.  We spent the morning at Animal Kingdom and the afternoon at Epcot.  Epcot is by far, my favorite park.  It was the flower and garden show too, so that was a double bonus!

3. Our garden is exploding right now.  Everything is shooting up, lots of flowers on the plants which mean FOOD is on its way.  Pearl and I are spending this week on Plants as per her Little Saints Curriculum.  So we measured the sunflowers she planted.  We measured at the beginning of the week and we'll measure again at the end and see how much they grow this week.  I've started to try and make something in the kitchen that goes with our theme each week.  So tomorrow we'll be making Ratatouille.

4. I've been praying for awhile now about returning the veil for Mass.  In college I attended a Tridentine Latin Mass Community and veiled.  but I've always felt uncomfortable veiling in Novus Ordo Parishes.  However, I've noticed more ladies in my Parish wearing headcoverings...maybe 8 ladies total, but was still encouraged.  So I purchased a few light hats (for Florida summers!) and a new darker colored veil as well as some smaller ones for the girls.

5. I started a 24 day challenge.  My goal is not weight loss, but energy and maximum nutrition for my body in hopes for optimal fertility.  Trying really hard to stay true to the plan.  DH asked me what it suggests for meals and I told him.  He said "that's what you normally eat." True.  I've made many changes this last year to see if it helps my tummy issues.  There is a HUGE difference when I include grains and dairy in my diet.  So huge that mentally, even though I love cheese, I can't make myself eat any knowing the pain it will cause.

6. I am pouring over Homeschool curricula, ideas, inspiration, and tips for school with little ones underfoot. Pearl and I will continue the PAL program over the summer as well as Math.  We'll finish Little Saints in just a few weeks and then start some rabbit trails with our picture books and read alouds.  A few other moms and I are planning to get together and go over next years plans and the formation of a Little Flowers group and Blue Knights.

7. My mom continues to have health concerns.  If you could keep her in prayer, I would be so grateful!

Easter Monday Daybook

Outside My Window: A cool spring evening. The season is definitely changing.  We went from really cold and only had that brief window I enjoy so much of true Spring weather.  It is now moving decidedly into hot.

I Am Thinking: About gardening and all it's facets.  About the spiritual similarities and the encouragement it gives me in creating a virtuous life.

Attitude of Gratitude: Alleluia!  He is Risen!  For the gift of my salvation. For having friends join us for Easter dinner. Sweet fellowship amongst the littles and the bigs.

In the School Room: This week we focus on "Spring"books with our Little Saints curriculum...

Celebrating the Liturgical Year: ... but we also continue our Easter themed books and we started our Garden of the Good Shepherd calendar.  We started this with Pearl last year, and she was so excited when she saw it out on the table Easter Sunday:)

From the Kitchen: 

Sunday: Easter Dinner--"Heavenly" Eggs, cheese and crackers, spinach artichoke dip with bread or sweet potato chips, asparagus, bacon wrapped green beans, mashed potatoes, fruit salad, broccoli rice casserole, Standing Rib Roast, Rolls, Namaste Spice Cake Easter Egg brownies, Apple Pie--We fed a lot of people at our house and  had enough leftovers to bless a family today where both parents have the flu.  Way to multiply the leftovers, Lord!

Monday:Leftover mashed potatoes for 2, sweet potatoes for 2, roasted cabbage, bacon, strawberries and coconut ice cream

Tuesday: Grilled chicken, steamed green beans, rice, salad

Wednesday: Spaghetti and meatballs with veggies

Thursday: leftovers

Friday: picnic dinner--sandwiches, chips, fruit and veggies

Saturday:chicken in the crockpot. Enough to feed my in-loves who will be visiting.

I Am Working On: Budgets and a Goal list (ie: debts to pay off, items to save for and future trips cost assessments)

I Am Creating: a Little Flowers Girls Club.  Hopefully to start this Fall.  I need to gather a list of supply needs and costs to get started, but we have a group of interested girls.

I Am Going: swimming soon. I actually went and got a new bathing suit.  All my old ones were too loose.  Surprising to say but true.

 

I Am Hoping: for another baby blessing.  We started hoping at the beginning of the year so we'll see.  We have a track record of long waits.  Pearl started praying for another baby and when I asked her about it, she said she specifically told God she wants a brother because "the boys do what I tell them to do..." Sigh. Actually this is quite true.  When she is playing with her boy-friends they either play the way she wants or they go away.  The girls stand there and argue how the game should be played:)

I Am Praying: for our friends to recover from the Flu, for other friends who are grieving the loss of another baby to miscarriage, for our Godchild, and for our family intentions.

I Am Reading: Oh the book pile is too big.  I can't buy or check out any new books till I finish what I have.  Seriously!  I haven't found time to read yet, but my energy levels are coming back so I'm hopeful!  (Hurray new vitamins!!)

Words to Ponder: "Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

I Am Listening: the whirring of our ceiling fan.  Thinking about the need for some insulation above this part of the house before it gets super hot. 

Around The House: Cleaning up from the Easter party, 4 loads of laundry, leftovers, fresh flowers,   new-to-me dresser to clean and install in our bedroom. Finally my own dresser! I can take down the unsightly crates I've used since we were married. Um, almost 7 years...

 

Favorite Things: gardening, book wish lists, finding great finds at our local Book Warehouse for cheap, little girls in Easter dresses with new white sandals, Easter dinner menu's, egg hunt for kiddos and their friends.

This Week's Plans:

-put things back into order around the house

-start Garden of the Good Shepherd for the Easter Season,

-complete the new-to-me-dresser project

-hopefully set up a trip to a theme park near here.  Hoping things work out as a surprise for the girls.

-get back into reading time

-continue with new exercise routine.  Making it a habit!

Glimpse Into My Day:

Easter Baskets 

Smiling Sisters 

Looked at the wrong camera:)  But sweet on the steps 

 I love that DH got this shot.  Pearl's sweet surprised face when we got home from Church and she saw her basket filled.

Oh, that smile... 

Our sacrifice beans turned into Jelly Beans Easter Sunday.  Some little girls are quite happy.

The green beans (top of the wire) and sunflowers (below the wire) both sprouted this weekend. 

Happy Easter!

He is Risen! Alleluia!

The garden

We took a break from the garden over the cool spells of our Florida winter, but have just planted for the Spring.  Florida really has three growing seasons and we hope to utilize that someday, but for now we decided to use our current beds and will probably add more in the Fall.

We are learning as we go and it's great fun!

Once we do expand it, I want to include two small beds for each of the girls, so they can plant whatever they want.   Wouldn't that be fun?!

So here's what's happening in the garden:

This bed has sunflowers (cutting variety) planted along the back trellis. Marigolds surround two Roma tomatoes and two Big Boys. Zucchini in the close right corner. Basil in the close left corner and cilantro in there as well.

This is a new bed for us.  We decided to use the top layer of block from the other two beds to make a third bed exclusively devoted to white onions.  I think it cost $3 for all the onion sprouts and we couldn't plant them all.  So if we grow 5 we will have re-couped:)

The first bed into the garden has mammoth sunflowers planted along the back part of the trellis and pole green beans planted along the front of the trellis.  Back plant is jalapeno.  There are two green bell peppers and two red bell peppers.  Along the front space here, Pearl planted nasturtium seeds.  Have you ever tried these?  Lovely bright color and they are edible.  Sort of peppery, but I've seen them on fancy gourmet salads and expensive in the store.  They supposedly help keep bugs away from the bells. Same for the marigolds near the tomatoes.  We'll see...

If you need me, I'll be weeding:)

P.R. Update

Thank you for your prayers for DH's work situation!!  His company is dissolving in April, but he was offered another position that could lead to some promising things down the road and includes a pay raise.  Same type of work, a few more responsibilities, and some extra income.  So thankful!  This is definitely a time of transition, though, so prayers still needed as we move into this next phase and adjust to these new demands.

Prayer Request

Would y'all prayer for our family in a particular way?....DH was told this week that there are going to be some MAJOR changes with the company he works for. 

For peace, courage, and faithfulness.

Thank you!!

Early March Daybook

Outside My Window: A cold weekend in the works, but clear and sunny.  Bundling up and playing outside.

I Am Thinking: About the impending conclave. Come Holy Spirit!  Fun interactive guide!

Attitude of Gratitude: Grateful for so many sweet moments this week between my girls.  Lots of loving.  Perhaps our sacrifice jar has played a part in motivating this:)

In the School Room: We started IEW's PAL program and are working at Pearl's pace.  Really working on handwriting.  Lots and lots of read-a-louds.  We've a pile of Lent/Easter/Spring books pulled aside and our library stack is obscene....In a good way.  But I'm looking at getting a rolling cart to use since my largest canvas bag is starting to feel the weight.  That and my shoulder.

Celebrating the Liturgical Year: We are doing Stations of the Cross with our playgroup this upcoming Friday.  Our parish offers Stations in the evening which is little late for families with young children.  Remedy--we'll facilitate our own during the day.  Upcoming: Celebrating as a family --St. Patrick and St. Joseph, doing a Holy Thursday Tea with the playgroup, and then delving into Holy week and Easter activities.

From the Kitchen: Working from the pantry and freezer this week

Sunday: Baked Potato, Broccoli and Bacon Soup

Monday: Roast Chicken, rice and veggies

Tuesday: Noodle NIght

Wednesday: Refried Beans and Rice Burritoes

Thursday:Leftovers

Friday: Baked Salmon, Rice and veggies

Saturday: Dinner with extended family

I Am Working On: My Lenten Cleaning List.  Making progress though DH's office is my nemesis.  So much filing to do.

I Am Creating: game plans--for school, for house projects, for work.  Thinking about our goals as a family; writing out our "Family Mission Statement"

I Am Going: to the warehouse store this week.  It's been awhile and we need some staples.

I Am Hoping: to hear soon how several friends'/family's pregnancies are going.

I Am Praying: for some serious health concerns.  DH's uncle had his foot amputated this week.  For courage and healing with the rehab process.  Also for my cousin-in-law as he starts treatment for Leukemia.  Clay Will Rock This!  Will you join our family in pray?  Thank you.

I Am Reading: Family Building: The Five Fundamentals of Effective Parenting

Some new ideas to think about it.

Words to Ponder: On our Sacrifice Jar-"Do small things with great love" Bl. Mother Teresa

I Am Listening: To hockey game commentary

Around The House: That Lenten Cleaning List.  Sigh. The clutter is getting to me.  I need to cut emotional ties to some things and just pass it on.

Favorite Things: Flowers picked and brought by a special little boy.

This Week's Plans:
-Speech Therapy 2x
-trip to Warehouse store
-Stations of the Cross with playgroup
-prepare for visit with extended family

Glimpse Into My Day:

 Princess does this face often and it totally makes me think of Zoolander and "Blue Steel."

Lent

For the three pillars of Lent, this year our family will be doing:

Pray:

-We will be using this Welcome Risen Jesus: Lent and Easter Reflections for Families

 as a family each day.

-At Christmas we created a designated spot for our Rosaries.  A goal is to pray the rosary as a family after dinner each evening before the kids go into the bath.

-Additional prayer for DH and I.  DH has his own plans. I will be continuing to pray morning prayer before the girls get up, reading from Casti Connubii and Consoling the Heart of Jesus: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat- Inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

Fast:

-Meatless Meals each Wednesday and Friday.

-A Sacrifice Jar

-Additional fast for DH and I.

Almsgiving:

-We are doing a Lenten Cleaning Project (based on this list) and the items collected will be donated to our local Goodwill.

-Planning very simple menu's for Lent will lead to extra money in the grocery budget which is getting collected to donate to a local food pantry.