In the Moment: Monday Afternoon in Early March

I find myself:

::praying earnestly

It took me a little longer to find a Lenten prayer rhythm this year. Happily, though, I have settled into a good one now. It's amazing the difference in, well, everything!

"Sunset tonight. #Pretty #Sunset #NicksPics"

::noticing God's glory

It's snowing outside! So silly, this weather. The snow is light and won't stick at all. It's going to be 70 degrees by Friday. We appear to have skipped winter.

::listening to 

Nick singing while he cleans up after lunch.

::clothing myself in 

Jeans, a white T-shirt, a red sweater, blue cashmere socks made by Elizabeth deHority--they remind me to pray for Elizabeth and to pray for Ann Voskamp, who is wearing similarly handmade socks on a big adventure today.

 "Girls having a bakesale today. It's freezing though so who knows if anyone will come. #Cold #Bakesale #Girls #Stephenspics"

::giving thanks for

public school friends who take the time to write letters in favor of the Tebow bill. Even more, I'm grateful that they've taken the time to assure me--despite the ugly noise to the contrary--that we are welcome and they don't see the polarizing divisions being propogated by teacher's unions and PTAs.

I wrote that nearly a month ago. I'm even more grateful now. The bill died in the senate and we've certainly had our eyes opened to the politics of public education. We've also been loved and encouraged by friends who children in public schools.

"Sarah Annie wearing her 'pink fweater'. Yes, she was wearing a sundress yesterday, waddup with this weather VA? #weather #cutie #sweater #pink #marybethspics"

::pondering prayerfully

the daily Lenten prompts.

::clicking around these links

Hooray for the amazing Joy! Joy Messimer, that is. She's gotten me--and you--all hooked up with Delicious. So, there are live links on the sidebar once again. Joy rocks:-)

 "Fall leaves and sidewalk marked for construction. #Fall #Leaves #Sidewalk #Marybethspics"

::turning the pages of this book

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking. I finished this book and passed it along toMichael. I think it's a great, great read for anyone who is an introvert or loves an introvert or works with introverts. The chapters dedicated to parenting quiet children were especially insightful.

And now, I'm reading the Meghan Method, which was suggested in the combox here a week or so again. Thanks for the suggestion! It's exactly what I needed--a pretty thorough education in practical interior desing and ecorating from the comfort of my own home. No more random clicking through Pinterest and design blog in pursuit of the perfect picture to try to parlay into reality. Whe I finish this book, I will have a rock solid PLAN. And that happens to be exactly what my husband asked of me.

::thinking thoughts as I go about my daily round

I am astonished at what a big difference it makes to have Mike home on the weekends. For nearly all my married life, the default mode has been for him to be gone. Now, he's home. And I am not exagerrating when I tell you it feels as much like a holiday as Christmas (without all the work). It's amazing! Makes Monday feel totally different, too. 

 
"USoccer. #US #Soccer #NicksPics"

::creating by hand

A quilt for Sarah's baby. Oh my goodness! Have you seen that beautiful baby?! The quilt top is all finished and the batting and backing are basted. But I can't persuade my machine to quilt. I might have just come up with a very expensive solution. Maybe. And it would help me make Easter dresses more efficiently, too. And drapes? Right?

::learning lessons in

sewing! I'm working my way through Apparel Sewing Basics with Liesl Gibson, watching it again and again while I sew. I've got fabric all read for Easter dresses and for a quilt for the family room. Oh, and remember how I was trying to decide on fabric for an anniversary quilt? Here's a hint to part of the plan:

I'm so excited about that project that I'm giddy! 

::encouraging learning 

in the pages of picture books. Katie and Nicky have programs of study based almost solely on the picture books in our home. We're having some serious fun with this all of a sudden. 

 "Frenchbraided Sarah's hair this morning. #Cutie #Frenchbraids #Marybethspics"

::carefully cultivating rhythm

Things have become more rhythmic, thank God. The soccer schedule is back to routine. Basketball playoffs are over. Two routine pediatrician appointments turned out to be not routine after all last week and I'm trying hard not to let the followups rock my world too much. Clinging to peace for all its worth these days. It's worth a lot.

::keeping house

Mike is working diligently at relocating all the books from our library closet so that the girls can have a "dressing room." We have grand plans for a considerable amount of painting, fabric-ing, repurposing, and renovating. This house is ten years old, but three times the average number of people live here. Does that make it 30 years old? Sort of.

All of this is still true as it was last time I checked in. We're making progress. Mike and Christian came up with some brilliant ideas last weekend. It's slow going but we are going. And that's all good. In the meantime, the birghter days have predictably inspired me to clean and declutter. That too, is slow going--there are just so many people needs that the housekeeping needs slide around a bit. But pretty soon, the NCAA tournament begins. That's annual laundry catch up time, you know.

And furniture. I really, really want to paint some furniture this week. 

 

"Sarah! #selfie #cutie #marybethspics"

::crafting in the kitchen 

Sigh. I've gotten super serious about attacking autoimmune disease from a dietary perspective in conjunction with necessary medications. The good news is I feel quite a bit better! The bad news is I'm starving;-). So, grain-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, legume-free, potato-free: who has great ideas for things to eat? I'm really eager to hear your suggestions.

::loving the moments

When we are filled to overflowing around the dining room table. 

"Sarah doing 'school'. #sarah #school #superspics"

::living the liturgy

I have my iPod set to chime to remind me to pray the Hours. This, this is a beautiful rhythm by which to live my days.

 "Old converse, so I drew on them. #converse #cityscape #marybethspics"

::planning for the week ahead

Let's see. I've got referrals for followups, so we'll see when I can schedule appointments. Mary Beth has a quick performance Wednesday night and then she leaves for a dance competition. The weekend is incredibly crammed. Katie has an all-star game at the Verizon Center. Paddy has two matches. Stephen and Nicky both have soccer tournaments. 

 

"Got my haircut(: #hairband #haircut #marybethspics"

::capturing the images of my days

Today's photos are taken from the children's Instagram accounts. I found it fun to look through and see things from their perspective--what inspires picture taking, what they see from behind their lenses, and how they caption. They take the photos with Ipods--pretty cool technology.

Below, a little video that Mary Beth took while I was out picking up referrals and prescriptions this morning. Most of the time, we call Mary Beth "Bee." Sarah calls her "Bee Bee," which is funny because that's what my little sister called me. I left them playing and told them Bee was here if they needed anything. Apparently, they "needed" to get going with their own "school" day and didn't want to wait for anyone to facilitate it for them. 

In the Moment on Monday

I find myself:

::praying earnestly

Elizabeth DeHority has been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. Because she is very immunosuppressed, this is particulary troublesome. Pray with me? I'll keep you updated as I get information. She doesn't have her phone right now, but I expect she will be all wired to the world soon.

::noticing God's glory

It's winter, at least for few days. I'm okay with that unless it kills the already sprouting tulips in my front bed. That would be so sad. I think this is the week to plan my garden. I have no idea how to plan a garden. But I know who to ask...

::listening to 

Quiet just now. Much appreciated quiet.

::clothing myself in 

Jeans and a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt. The Monday uniform?

::giving thanks for

public school friends who take the time to write letters in favor of the Tebow bill. Even more, I'm grateful that they've taken the time to assure me--despite the ugly noise to the contrary--that we are welcome and they don't see the polarizing divisions being propogated by teacher's unions and PTAs.

::pondering prayerfully

Think: "Take care not to meddle in things which do not concern you, nor even allow them to pass through your mind; for perhaps you will not then be able to fulfill your own task.-- St. John of the Cross

Pray: God, help me to keep my eyes—and my mind—on my own work. 

Act: Look at your reading, computer, and television habits. Eliminate those things which don’t truly concern you.

from Small Steps, February 6.  And yes, that link will take you to a page that let's you know that Small Steps is out of print. Makes me sad.

::clicking around these links

Hooray for the amazing Joy! Joy Messimer, that is. She's gotten me--and you--all hooked up with Delicious. So, there are live links on the sidebar once again. Joy rocks:-) 

::turning the pages of this book

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking. I am now halfway through the first chapter. I started this book over two weeks ago. It has been a noisy, noisy fortnight in my house. Lots of unexpected flurry. I am so in need of quiet. Hoping and praying truly that this is the week.

::thinking thoughts as I go about my daily round

These thoughts linger. For quite some time--nearly two years--I have been on a bit of auto-pilot where home education is concerned and I've been more than disenchanted with Catholic homeschool support.  The creative, exuberant joy that I'd always known in home education was clouded in my sorrow.  In the past couple of weeks, as I have been called to defend almost incessantly the way that we live, I'm falling in love all over again, for the deeply held personal reasons that were the genesis of this life's journey more than two decades ago. I'm grateful beyond words for that grace. It's like spring rain.

::creating by hand

A quilt for Sarah's baby. Which will come first? Quilt or baby? Go with baby--that's a very safe bet. Praying, praying, praying for Sarah.

::learning lessons in

asthma management. Seriously? Is there anything new to learn? Apparently so. My sweet Sarah Annie has given us quite a fright this month. And there, my friends, goes the last of the wood fires in my house. Fortunately that fireplace has all the underpinning to be converted to gas.

::encouraging learning 

in the pages of picture books. Katie and Nicky have programs of study based almost solely on the picture books in our home. I hope to share the details of that with you next week. (I know, I said that last week. I'm working on it. Really, I am.)

::carefully cultivating rhythm

Hah! Right now, in this moment, nothing extraordinary is on the books for this week. Perhaps we can settle into that rhythm now?

::keeping house

Mike is working diligently at relocating all the books from our library closet so that the girls can have a "dressing room." We have grand plans for a considerable amount of painting, fabric-ing, repurposing, and renovating. This house is ten years old, but three times the average number of people live here. Does that make it 30 years old? Sort of.

::crafting in the kitchen 

It's nearly Lent. Pantry purge and reorganization to happen today. Whole foods restocking to happen later this week. Looking at a wheat-free Eastern Catholic fast.  But first, these gooey, yummy, goodies for my honey for tomorrow.

::loving the moments

when I get to sew with beautiful girls. Hilary, Paddy's girlfriend, joined me in the sewing room yesterday. She made herself a scarf. And I think she was pretty pleased with herself. She was also amused that Paddy came in to take her picture. And Mike came in to take her picture. And Mary Beth came in to take her picture. And the little girls used HIlary's phone to take her picture...  You know, when the New York Times was here last week, the photographer commented that my children were perfectly at ease in front of the camera. Perhaps that comes with a blogging mom? My family apparently thinks it's totally normal to document with a camera every. thing. we. do.

::living the liturgy

Preparing for Lent. I love Lent. Is that weird?

::planning for the week ahead

Well, I've got well-planned lessons, a meal plan, a chore chart, a fully penciled-in planner, and a prayer commitment. Now, I'm just going to hold on for dear life. {I said that two weeks ago. I had no idea how hard I was going to have to hold on.}

::capturing the images of my days

Scarf fabric for all the girlies in my life. I sort of envisioned a Sunday afternoon sewing-fest. We got started yesterday, but we've barely made a dent in that pile. It's going to be a weeklong adventure instead.

Monday Again

I find myself:

::noticing God's glory

The weather has been mild lately. It's weird. I think I like it. I was looking forward to winter weather. Now, I'm looking ahead to temperatures in the mid-60s by Wednesday and thinking field trips outside.

::listening to 

Dreambox in the living room and Rosetta Stone upstairs.

::clothing myself in 

Jeans and a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt. Stephen commented this morning that he's more tired on Monday mornings than he is on Fridays. The weekends are intense around here. The past couple of days have been downright exhausting. It was a sweatshirt and jeans morning, for sure.

 

::giving thanks for

local friends who can take one look at me and know the right thing to say.

::pondering prayerfully

Listen: First ,have peace in thy own breast, then thou wilt be qualified to restore peace to others. Peacefulness is a more useful acquisition than learning. 
-- Thomas a Kempis (The Imitation of Christ) 

Pray: Jesus, you had such a heart for the littlest child. Help me to remember today that the frenzy preceding Christmas can be stressful for a small child. Open my heart to your grace and your peace so that I can bring that peace to my children. 

Act: Take your time with the bedtime wind-down tonight. Before you even begin, pray for your own peace of heart. Then, take time with baths and bedtime stories and prayers and pillow talk. If your children are all older, share a cup of something hot and give them your undivided attention before bedtime. Bring peacefulness into their dreams--and yours. 

from Small Steps, December 10. I've shared this one previously. But I need to read it again and again. And yes, that link will take you to a page that let's you know that Small Steps is out of print. Makes me sad.

::clicking around these links

I shared some links last weekend. And there are some more good things in the pink Google Share box on the sidebar. 

::turning the pages of this book

Understanding Exposure, at Ginny's suggestion. I am so hoping to take my camera off "auto."

 

::thinking thoughts as I go about my daily round

It's no secret that I'm a big proponent of attachment parenting. And I believe in home education. Here's the thing, though: when you stay connected and you have lots of children and they are home every day, you feel and absorb all their pain. As they get older, it's inevitable that there will be pain. More children, more occasions for pain. That's a lot to absorb. I think I might be too sensitive. 

::creating by hand

A log cabin pillow using my Disney trip cross-stitch as the center. I had an hour of quiet this morning and it was good to let my hands go whichever way they wanted with my stash of beautiful materials.

::learning lessons in

trusting God.

::encouraging learning 

in the pages of picture books. Katie and Nicky have programs of study based almost solely on the picture books in our home. I hope to share the details of that with you next week. 

::carefully cultivating rhythm

I stayed up late last night and re-wrote chore charts and assignment sheets to reflect the changes in the new semester.

 

::begging prayers

for Christian. 

::keeping house

Those aforementioned chore charts will be executed. I plan to be a drill sargent about it.

 

::crafting in the kitchen 

Thinking about Super Bowl food. Pepperoni Rolls?  Antipasto? Fondue? Stuffed potatoes? Or something else entirely?

::loving the moments

when he says, "I'm here. Don't worry. It's going to be fine." And I believe him. 

 

::living the liturgy

I try to remember, in the weeks right before Lent, to check in with Fr. Joseph. His homilies, from the perspective of the Eastern Catholic Tradition, are always good inspiration. Read here for some thoughts on The Pharisee  and the Publican.

 

::planning for the week ahead

Well, I've got well-planned lessons, a meal plan, a chore chart, a fully penciled-in planner, and a prayer commitment. Now, I'm just going to hold on for dear life.

::capturing the images of my days

these are work-in-progress images from my early morning crafting quiet. I'm ever inspired by the art of Anna Maria Horner. Perhaps I'll detail this project with links and such after I finish it, if you would like to make a similar one. Lots of good stuff here: quilting cotton, needleworks, ribbon, and the back-to-be in velveteen.

 

On a Monday Morning at Home

I find myself:

::noticing God's glory

and wishing it would snow. I've been treated to the sunshine and fair winds of Florida for the last two weeks. Now, I'm kind of hoping to hunker down and cozy in at home. A snowstorm would be just perfect right now--a chance to just be home and be settled. Otherwise, all the little grids in my planner are daunting. Really daunting.

::listening to 

Mike's Blackberry chime. He's sitting here beside me. This is a rare event because I try to stay away from the computer when he's around, but he's been around all the time for two weeks now, so we're making an exception.

::clothing myself in 

a Disney sweatshirt:-).

::giving thanks for

• a safe trip
• fine weather
• the chance to visit with my mother and stepfather and my dear aunts and uncle.
• Disney magic (which isn't magic at all--more on that later. Much more.)

::pondering prayerfully

 If creativity is a habit, then the best creativity is the result of good work habits. They are the nuts and bolts of dreaming. ~Twyla Tharp

::clicking around these links

No clicking. I just deleted over 1000 new posts on Google Reader. I sure hope I didn't miss anything really good. Let me know if you know of a not-to-be-missed link from the last two weeks. Oh, but do read this article. Michael told me about it and seconded it by telling me of a similar interview at USA Today. This guy is for real.

 

::turning the pages of this book

The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. Lots of food for thought in this one. Sarah recommended it.

::creating by hand

Gosh! I have a whole list of things I've been itching to get to do. I'm going to start with a baby quilt for a dear February baby. And I think I'm going to try one of these scarves for myself. I think I'm on a little bit of scarf kick. And I promised every child in my family a flannel cozy. They want them yesterday. It's cold and they're complaining just a bit. Oh, and I'm thinking about Project Life. I'd really like to jump in. I have the kit and everything to go back and record my big boys' millions of picture currently in shoeboxes. But, oh, that digital idea? It's very, very tempting... On the other hand, it's a Shutterfly partnership and I 've been disappointed with the quality of shutterfly's printing on calendars and cards lately. Anybody have thoughts on this?

 

::learning lessons in

organization. I've been taking notes, at least mentally. I've come to the conclusion that some of the happiest, most creative places I know are extremely organized. I'm very motivated to re-visit my long-forgotten home organization notebook, update it, and implement some other organizational ideas I have buzzing in my brain. Within hours of arriving home, I'd completely cleaned out the pantry, reorganized three kitchen cabinets, re-organized all the bathroom cabinets, and fully stocked the refrigerator. 

Wedding planning. Here's where I ask (for the first time) for all your great ideas. Let's talk weddings and receptions. particularly if you are local and you know a great venue or caterer, please chime in!

::encouraging learning 

first up in my organized world: a very systematic school week. 

 

::carefully cultivating rhythm

When we were at Disney, our days were planned very carefully. We had a list, all written out, of what we were going to do when. We didn't follow the list. Our plans changed as circumstances dictated change. But we started with a plan and our serendipitous discoveries were all the better for having the plan from which to begin. There is going to be some carefully cultivated rhythm in this house henceforth.

::begging prayers

for my dear friend Colleen, as she meets incomprehensible grief of another child she will not hold here on earth, while going forward to embrace God's plan for her family in a foreign land. Her courage, her determination and her resolve to never, ever relinquish hope inspire me daily. Godspeed, my friend.

and for Mary Beth as she makes some difficult choices and some big changes.

::keeping house

I'm on a tear. Nothing like spending two weeks in beautiful homes and hotels to make one want to renovate the whole house;-).

::crafting in the kitchen 

Mike and I went out this morning and shopped for the week. We're all stocked up and my menus are made. It was astounding how our grocery bill compared to the last two weeks' eating out bills. We won't think about that now, though. Oh, and I think I'm going to take the Green Smoothie Challenge.

::loving the moments

There were so many moments. I'm grateful for all the time we had together. It was good. Very, very good.

::living the liturgy

I'm sort of lost liturgically. It was Christmas still when we left. Michael and Kristin took down the tree while we were gone and carefully put it away. But there are still little remnants of Christmas trimmings here and there. I'm focusing anew on praying the Hours and bringing myself into the presence of the universal Church. I'm ready to sink into Ordinary time. And, oh happy day, there are enough peppermint candles left to ease the transition this week. Life smells sweet.

 

::planning for the week ahead

I begin with the orthodontist at 7:15 this morning. Stephen popped two bands while we were gone.Have I mentioned that my orthodontist never sleeps? I'm pretty sure he doesn't. And he's very cheerful early in the morning. From there, it's back into the full swing of learning and playing and dancing and driving. While we were in Disney World, I walked 5-10 miles a day. Most of the time, I was carrying Sarah. I feel like that was a great jumpstart to a new, more active me. I am determined to get in an hour of exercise every day.

On a Monday at Disney World

I find myself:

::noticing God's glory

In a place like Disney World, where the evidence of imagination and creativity is so strikingly present, it's ridiculously easy to see how we are created in the image of the Creator. God imbued in us a certain creativity. And when we use that gift to its greatest potential, it's better than "magical." 

::listening to 

the hum of the air conditioner in the quiet of a dark hotel building. It's been days since I've written and I've seen and heard and felt so many things that my mind is awhirl. I promised myself I'd stay away from the keyboard these two weeks, but yesterday, in the midst of a crushing crowd and more sights and sounds than I could absorb, every fiber of my being wanted at least a pencil and paper to record, and yes, probably to process, what I was seeing and hearing and feeling. 

::clothing myself in 

my Ergo. I almost didn't bring it. My "baby" is three; why would I bring the baby carrier? I'm so crazy glad I did. When we get to the park in the morning, Sarah is extremely clingy. She wants to wrap her arms tightly around my neck and she needs to stay there for the first couple of hours. Then, as the day goes on, she separates. At the end of the day, when she knows we're leaving, and again transitioning, she's back to her chokehold. As much as I love the feel of her arms around me, I am fairly certain the elbow doctor would frown upon me carrying her that way as we walk briskly through miles of amusement park.The Ergo makes it work beautifully. My little pocket pouch in the front is filled with bandaids and blister packs (we haven't needed them), Salponas patches, hand sanitizer, granola bars and trail mix, and my key to the Kingdom. We're good to go; she plays Roo to my Kanga for just a little while longer. I am so grateful for every minute. 

Rapunzel told her that she looks just like her when she was a little girl. 

::giving thanks for

my good man, who has worked very hard to make this once-in-a-lifetime vacation possible. He's been an endless font of patience and goodwill from the moment we left home and he's made this whole vacation as "magical" as it was promised to be. {And I'm grateful for the company for which he works. I'm so impressed with every little, thoughtful detail. It's good to be a part of the Disney cast.}

::pondering prayerfully

It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes.-- St. Thomas Aquinas 

::turning the pages of this book

The Creative Habit. Disney World is a great place to be reading a creativity book. Lots of thoughts to ponder as I walk and walk and walk and devour the fruits of someone else's creative habits. 

::thinking thoughts as I go about my daily round

I am acutely aware that my large family vacation days are numbered. Michael didn't make this trip with us. We were a party of ten for several truly beautiful days. And then, Patrick and Christian went home to start the winter term. I admit to crying behind my sunglasses as they left us in the park yesterday. It won't be the same without them. And  I wonder when my heart will stop hurting so at the goodbyes. Such a lot of goodbyes. I'm guessing never.

::creating by hand

I stitched on a pillow cover all the way down here, just sweet square from Loulouthi Needleworks. I'm nearly finished now, just working a tiny bit every night before sleep. I'm glad to have found needlework this year. I'm proud of myself for choosing projects I know will take a long time. I'm deliberately slowing myself and overcoming my tendency to hurtle at prime efficient speed throughout my days. Sometimes, what appears efficient is less effective because much is lost in the hurry.

::learning lessons in

Disney. Layer upon layer, there is so much to this place. At every turn, I am amazed and inspired and truly awed. Here, there is tangible proof that something can be well-managed, beautiful, disciplined, and outrageously fun at the same time. Disney should offer mom getaways--intensive boot-camps where we can learn creative management tips and techniques Disney-style and then bring a little magic home to our households. I'm so not kidding. 

::encouraging learning 

There is no doubt that there is much here that is educational and we're soaking up just a small fraction of it. The real life education is abundant, too. Family vacations can bring out the best and the worst in families. The negatives are magnified, if they exist, and it doesn't take long for them to break down the fiber of the family and create discord. On the other hand, a healthy family thrives in a vacation setting and learns to appreciate the gift of happy family all the more. I'm happy to report that we are thriving.

::on blogging and recording

I'm creating memories here, giving my full time and attention to actually doing and saying and hearing and tasting and touching the memorable. I sent a desperate email to Ginny the first night we were here and confessed that I was more than a little hesitant to carry my camera into the park. I had already talked to Sarah and tried to cram a photo class into an afternoon phone call. Essentially, I knew that my pictures would never adequately capture our experiences. Ginny wrote, "enjoy Disney--and really--there is no real way to capture the magic of Disneyworld with a camera.  It's a feeling." I felt like I'd received dispensation. If she says it can't be done, then it can't be done. I resolved instead to focus on details and to try to capture some of the things that made me stop and wonder at the wonder of it all. I am creating memories here, but there's a good chance I'm not ever going to adequately record them.

::carefully cultivating rhythm

Our days have a rhythm of sorts and Mike and I are very conscious of the need to balance the quiet and restful with the noisy and exciting. We are staying in a villa with a kitchen (and a laundry closet, thank goodness). We are able to retreat in a place of utter beauty. Yes, Virginia, I have used my camera to snap pictures of home design ideas here in the hotel. I love it here. If my big boys were here, it would be perfect. And maybe my sewing machine, too. I miss my sewing machine.

::begging prayers

for peace, patience, and safety. And now, especially, for those big kids. It's hard to be this far away from them as their semester begins.

::planning for the week ahead

• Disney
• Disney (Tomorrow is my birthday. I'm having lunch with princesses, mine and Walt Disney's.)
• Disney
• Disney
• The beach at Ponte Vedra and a bit more of grandma and Aunt Lisette
• The long drive home...