An Easter Octave Daybook ::

Outside my window...

So sunny and warm today. Another beautiful day God has blessed us with.  The weather has been so mixed this winter here.  In one week we'll have temps into the mid 70s; only to drop to the low 60's and rain.  So odd!

I am listening too...

Kids playing, though they should be picking up their rooms.  Birds are chirping away outside.  They must feel the presence of spring because it sounds like a party outside.

I am thinking...

That giving the kids, and I, an extra week off of school was a 'great' idea. 

I am hoping...

For a peaceful week!  Every week has been busy and I feel more like a taxi driver than a mom right now.  It's all good though. 

I am praying and rejoicing...

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia!"

I am grateful for...

~ My family! 
~ The singing voice of Lucy and Cecilia!  There is nothing better than hearing your 5 year old sing loud praises to Jesus, "Jesus, oh how I love you!"
~ Long hikes, a good trained dog, sincere conversations with my mother, the support of my brothers and sisters....
~ I'm just so very grateful for this blessed life, even with it's ups and downs!

Plans for this week...

• cleaning up the craziness that is 'that school room'.
• a field trip to the Getty with our co-op.
• music lessons
• tball, softball, and track practices
• setting up our Garden of the Good Shepherd board and work of some plans for it

Picture to share...

We used Charlotte's shared idea of 'cracked eggs'.  They came out great!

O God, who have bestowed on us paschal remedies, endow your people with heavenly gifts, so that, possessed of perfect freedom, they may rejoice in heaven over what gladdens them now on earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

My New Year's Daybook :: 1/9/12

Outside my window...Clear beautiful California weather.

I am listening too...our pastor's Jan 1st homily on Saint Joseph Communication podcast.  We were out of town during the New Year's weekend so we missed Fr. S's homily; they are always so good I'm glad they are being recorded now.

I am wearing...a long skirt and a short sleeve turtle neck.  Not really a winter outfit, except for here in sunny 70 degree California weather.

I am thinking...that I really need to spend some time organizing and de-cluttering the house.  This seems to be a reoccurring thought too.  Perhaps there needs to be less thinking and more 'doing' ;-).

I am hoping...that my FIL latest scan shows some good news.  Hoping to have more time with him and also hoping that The Lineman's surgical procedure of last week did some good.

I am praying...for a dear friend and her family.  Their worries have been many this past year and I just pray for some relief for their family

Guardian Angel,

watch over those whose names you can read in my heart.

Guard over them with every care

and make their way easy and their labours fruitful.

Dry their tears if they weep;

sanctify their joys;

raise their courage if they weaken;

restore their hope if they lose heart,

their health if they be ill,

truth if they err,

repentance if they fail

Praying also for my FIL.  He is receiving another Cat Scan today and by next week he, and all of us, will have a clearer view of how his cancer is growing.  This time last year we were beginning to pray for a miracle and we were granted that.

Praying for The Lineman.  He has been in so much pain.  Praying for his healing and relief.

Praying for our brothers and sisters who have lost their way.

I am grateful...for my eldest girl.  Her help around the house is so appreciated.  It can be hard to be so much older than the younger siblings and have much more of the load to carry.  Oh Lucy, I know honey! And love that you try so hard to pick up the slack!!

From the kitchen...nothing much in the oven right now.  Most of us are still full from all the feasting of the holidays.

From the school room...we just return to schooling today.  Lots of math, phonics and reading going on in kitchen.

Living the Liturgical Year at Home... Solemnity of the Baptism of Our Lord brings an end to the season of Christmas.  Our tree was taken down today, the Christmas books packed away, and we've entered a quieter period. We are mostly prepping Rose for her interview with our pastor.  Hopefully she'll be making her first Holy Communion soon.

In the garden... oh can we say everything is dormant and well, gone.  It's pretty bare out there.

I am creating... A new calendar for the liturgical year.  A revamp of curriculum.  Nothing else creative seems to be able to come out.

Around the house... some rooms are free and clear and simply-simple, other rooms are not there.  Obi the pup's presence is evident around the house too.  I think I'm doing more cleaning now than before; just to ensure that my home doesn't begin to smell of puppy!

I am reading... Surprise by Truth by Patrick Madrid and Peter and the Shadow of Thieves by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson.

I am pondering the words...

“From envy are born hatred, detraction, calumny, joy caused by the misfortune of a neighbor, and displeasure caused by his prosperity.”

~ St. Augustine

Plans for this week...

~ Find our way back to a rhythm that makes sense for us
~ Work on that liturgical calendar
~ Plan our Lucy's 3rd term for this year.  I think there is some areas that need more of my attention.
~ Kadima begins again this week
~ Lots of music lessons! Piano, guitar and viola!

Picture thought I am sharing...

We were in Big Bear Lake over the New Year weekend.  For the second time my brother and his family were able to join us.  This picture has a hidden joke for us.  You see it was read by all of the adults.  Yet, it didn't detour any of them for doing this...

Yes, that is indeed The Lineman with our little Cecilia!  Luckily she only weighs 28 lbs....

Have a blessed week!

My Daybook:: July 11th

Outside my window...there's a bit of cloud cover.  And luckily for me (and Hubby) it's supposed to be a nice 85 degrees today.  Kids are already outside, sitting around the table chatting it up.

I am listening too...some conservative radio talk show...it's all about budget, debt, budget and debts...I think I'll be hitting the mute button soon.  I can only bare to hear the woes of the government for so long.  Mute is ON and now I can hear my kids praying the Hail Mary outside...I wonder why but how cool! 

I am wearing...blue workout pants, a green t-shirt and by trusty chanclas (flip flops).

I am thinking...about so so many things. 

~ Worrying over Princess's rash that has turned out to be a contagious virus.  She's been around lots and lots of children lately :-( and I'm thinking about how many children could have been infected.

~ About Lucy at camp.  This is our yearly Big Bear week along with many great families.  Our girls have attended a "Girls Camp" with the Sacred Heart Sisters in Big Bear for several years now.  The rest of the families take the opportunity of being up in BB to stay the week and hang out.  It's a period of time that we all look forward to.  But because of the previous comment we had to cancel. 

~ Thinking that I really need to get to that garage!

I am hoping...that we hear some good news today.  That Lucy is having a wonderful time among the pines and friends.  That a sweet little girl didn't catch my Princess's bumps.

UPDATE:::
By the grace of God the cancer has reduced enough to allow my FIL time to recover from the chemo AND do some traveling.  Something he has wanted to do since before his dx.  His numbers are all way down and the tumors have reduced significantly!!  We are all very grateful that his time with us has been extended.  And pray that God will continue to heal him and that we all continue to accept His will.
I am praying...for my FIL.  He is getting his test results from last week's CAT Scan.  Please God shrink those tumors and give us strength to accept your will.

For many babies that will be making their grand 'entrance' very soon.

For Lucy and her cousins at camp.

For healing of families and hearts.

For two very special people that are always in my prayers and daily thoughts!

I am grateful...for the sweet smiles of a little red head and her huggy nature!  For my husband who risks his life everyday at work to keep me home with our babies.  For friends and their kindness.

From the kitchen...it's ground beef and spaghetti tonight.  My mom's recipe.  Simple and good.

From the school room...the new veggies sprouting up and the worm box are keeping Max quite busy.  He's constantly outside looking under leaves and rocks. 

The home school conferences are over, our school room is a wreck and my email inbox comprises mostly of CathSwap updates.  Since I'm home this week, my goal is to organize that area and get a clearer view of what our next school year is going to look like.

Presently the ideas are still in my head.  I have science, math, and history down.  I just need to put some order into it.

Can you believe I have a 9th grader now!!! YIKES!!!!

Living the Liturgical Year at Home... we've done a poor job of keeping up with most of the liturgical learning moments lately.  I had wanted to run a small group of Little Flowers for the summer but it just hasn't been possible.  Perhaps I can find some time to work out a mini version of it this week.

In the garden... lots of goodies are beginning to pop out of the blossoms.  We have tomatoes, watermelon, pumpkins (from the seeds of last years crop), butternut squash, eggplants, lettuce, onions, chilies...yum yum.

I am creating... reading lists, landscaping plans for a new sitting area, and an itinerary for a BIG trip that hubby and I are taking in September.

Around the house... the proof of decluttering and it's NOT pretty.  But my kitchen cupboards are happy.

I am reading... A Wind in the Door (Madeleine L'Engle's Time Quintet) and books on organizing, decorating for less and CHC's High School of Your Dreams.

I am pondering the words... from this post and Fr. S homily from this past Sunday.

Plans for this week...

• a few doctor appointments for 3 kids
• new washer and dryer are being delivered on Tuesday...thus the cleaning out of the garage.  No more Laundromats for me...Yippee.
• talking to my London bro about our trip
• music camp for two kids
• our parish's Dinner-Dance gala on Saturday with some friends

Now I'm off to the garage!!!

My Daybook

Outside my window...It's a beautiful day in California.  One of those that people from the midwest could use.

I am hearing...a mixture of kids on a scooter zooming around, little voices from a video playing for Princess, and the music from my blog singin to me.

I am thankful...for a very good friend and time spent with her.  I picked up Yesi from the airport and we immediately drove to be at our "commardes" side as she grieves the lost of her mother.

I am praying for...a family in grief, for my Victor (who is taking a very important test today), for my SIL, for several of my siblings....so many to pray for!

From the kitchen...pizza in the oven for lunch...we've had to make some changes to our menu for this week..but I want to bake the St. brigid's bread.

From the learning room...lots of lessons but nothing new.  We are deep in H week with Rosa, trying to leave Pennsylvania, and fighting along with the Romans.

Living the Liturgical Year in our Home...today we eat with St. Brigid, tomorrow we attend Mass for Candlemass and enjoy some St. Blaise cookies.  Lots of books of Moses, Exodus, and the parables of Jesus.

I am creating...tax papers!!

I am wearing...jeans, white long sleeve and my "B16" t-shirt along with my trusty "chucks".

I am going...to serve some pizza in about 5 minutes and later take Rosa to ballet and then the library.

Pondering these words...

“For me, each day came forth from the hand of God newly created and alive with opportunities to do His will. For me, each day was a series of moments and incidents to be offered back to God, to be consecrated and returned in total dedication to His will.”

-- From the memoir He Leadeth Me by Father Walter J. Ciszek

I am hoping...for good news from both Victor, my youngest brother and sister...still praying!!

Around the house...lots of proof that we are a home schooling family...

One of my favorite things...a husband who surrenders, God's mercy, and old friends.

A few plans for this week...a rosary, a funeral....

A picture to share....

A girl and her horse

My Daybook ~

Outside my window...it's already dark and this daybook should have been retitled "my nightbook".

I am hearing...two little girls giggling in the bathtub and humming from only boy as he completes a writing assignment.

I am thankful for...my health and the bond I have a few very dear and good women.

I am praying...for a close friend whose mother has been in a terrible accident.  Praying for my brother, sister, several family members who are all going through some rough times. And for Marci and her child.

From the kitchen...nothing at the moment since it's way pass bedtime now.  This post has taken me hours to complete.  We had hot dogs for dinner earlier...nothing fabulous since this morning wiped me out.

 ~ day 2 for this daybook ~

From the learning room...we are on break P.E time and there are kids all over the place running in and out of the house. 

Living the Liturgical Year at Home...we will be having an Italian night this coming weekend for St. John Bosco's feast day using recipes from Catholic Cuisine.  It all looks easy and tasty so ,I am excited on having a nice Sunday dinner and then a movie.

I am creating...a library request list for the next few weeks of our Alphabet Path.  I am also trying to put all the ideas for "H", "J", and "I" weeks together.  Jessica and serendipity both have great leads on crafts and books.  We are going to use a lot of what they have suggested but, since this is a horse lovin' family we are going to have fun being inspired by this lovely animal too....

I am wearing...a white long sleeve, green khakis, and my converse "chucks".  I should grab a sweater since I've been shivering for the last hour or so.

I am going...to Holy Hour in just about 30 minutes and hopefully go see an old friend.

I am reading...a few blogs and lots of grammar from my eldests text

Pondering these words...

As we have a high old time this Christmas, may we who know Christ hear the cry of the damned as they hurtle headlong into the Christless night without ever a chance. May we be moved into compassion as our Lord was. May we shed tears of repentance for those whom we have failed to bring out of darkness. Beyond the smiling scences of Bethlehem, may we see the crushing agony of Golgotha.

Nate Saint, martyred missionary pilot

I am hoping...for a miracle for my friend's mother.  She was hit by a car as she was walking in a shopping center and is in grave condition. 

Aroung the house...two sets of kids in opposite ends of the house doing the exact opposite of what I need them to do.  Hmmm, this momma needs to go deligate. 

One of my favorite things...little Red spunky personality.  She is tiny in stature but enormous in spirit. 

A few plans for this week...more cleaning, menu planning, and grocery shopping.  Sadly there may be a funeral to attend and a dear friend to embrace.

Picture to share...

Raining Rain Day Daybook

Outside my window...The rain is just pouring down with a wind to match.  Literally one of my favorite kind of days.

I am listening to...The rain pouring outside and the words from the musical "Singing in the Rain".  Isn't a perfect day to watch this movie.  The family is loving it.

I am thankful for...A great weekend with Victor.  He was a groomsman at a friends wedding and we had a fabulous adult weekend with friends, dancing, and great food.

I am praying for...The people of Haiti and Victor's safety while at work

I am pondering...(borrowed thought from Elizabeth Foss)
"Though we should fall fifty times a day, let us rise again quite simply, without wasting thought in self-reflections on what we may have done or left undone.  Such useless discouragements are often greater faults than the ones that so disturb us.
     If we follow His plans for us, though heaven and earth should be overturned, in truth it does not matter whether we suffer or enjoy, so long as the Divine Will be accomplished."
~ Jane de Chantel

I am wearing...Black sweatpants, a white thermal, slippers, and an apron.

I am reading...A Little History of The World by E.H. Gombrich
 
I am creating...Lessons for this week and hopefully lessons to go into next month.

From the kitchen...Yummy slow cooked pork into carnitas.  We did it using my father-in-law's recipe and boy did they come out great.  The whole house had an amazing aroma.  Just a few weekends ago my brother made carnitas the "authenic" way in a copper pot filled with lard.  Almost like when we were kids.  We only needed the real pig and a large family of uncles working around the pots, aunts going to and fro making use of every part of the pig, and little kids running around the backyard; ususally being chased by the moms to get out of the way.

From the learning room...Continuing with G week for Rosa, off to Philadelphia in American geography, and it's about Rome and The Reformation Period for older girl.

Living the Liturgy at Home...Our morning and evening prayers, praying the Rosary, and trying to be in a place of listening and asking...Is my Heavenly Father pleased with me each and every day?

I Am Hoping...for a good learning week, time to catch up on our budget, and rain all week!

In the Garden...Nothing.  Our poor backyard has truly been neglected. 

Around the House...Still some clutter but we are working on that.  Perhaps another thing to hope for this week...the energy to get it all done.

One of my favorite things...family time together and time alone with my husband.  It was an awesome weekend.

Plans for this week...
Gearing up to end G week with our Alphabet Path
Focusing on quiet family time
Praying for Victor's safety this week at work

Picture Thought I'm Sharing...

Peter piper leading his hens