Simple Woman's Daybook--February 22, 2010

 

Outside my window...Late this morning!  6:40 a.m. and a mild, rainy 52 degrees.  Gray and misty.

I am thinking…about a lot of things.  Thinking about an old (September) Zenit article on internet pedophilia networks that really has me disturbed; about my friend Cindy and how I really need to talk to her soon and see how she is holding up...mid-April seems so far away; about school (I'm again feeling like I'm not covering all the bases with my kids and that they aren't learning what they need to); about Easter clothing and spring cleaning and upcoming birthdays and various projects that I have in mind, but no time to do.

I am thankful for…those simple things like: my family, a dry, warm house, a full pantry, a milk cow, relatively good health, coffee, good priests and good friends.  I am glad for a break in the seemingly endless colds of this winter, and for Gemma's rash being much, much better.

From the kitchen...sausage and eggs, if Bret is game...

I am creating…a sweater for my niece, due in March.  I finished a cotton hat for Gemma, but alas, it turned out too small and unlike wool, it can't be blocked to size!  I did find a couple of skeins of cashmere/silk blend on eBay at an excellent price, so Gemma will have something pretty and woolen after all!

I am reading ... nothing but my daily scripture reading.  Between the new schedule I am trying to stick to and a little bit of knitting, I have no time to read.

I am hoping...to have a good and productive week with the kids and to find extra ways to make sacrifices.  I want to "do Lent well"...

I am hearing…A lot of arguing over Megablocks and weird sound effects (boys do a lot of that, don't they?).

A few plans for the rest of the week: Library today.  Hopefully a trip to the thrift stores to look for some items for the boys. Waiting for our heifer's calf to be born any day now...


 I am praying... for my friends and family amidst all their challenges.  And for myself, that I make every effort to find God's love and beauty in a world that seems so dark and perverse at times.  Thank God spring is getting closer!

A Picture Thought: I wonder how many photos I have of Dominic passed out somewhere with Pooh.  It will make an interesting post one day...

 Visit Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook for more daybook entries, and have a good week!

 

Simple Woman's Daybook--February 15, 2010

Outside my window...5:58 a.m., dark, 25 degrees with a fresh dusting of snow over everything.

I am thinking…about what a difference a good confessor makes.  Last week I left the confessional feeling empty and cynical.  Grouchy.  Not at all what I had hoped for in receiving that sacrament, which was that some of the weight would be lifted from my shoulders.  But yesterday I had a confessor who was God's Mercy incarnate.  Gentle, consoling and wise.  Not that he told me what I wanted to hear, really, which is that everything will get better soon, and the blackness will dissipate, but that I mustn't fear the blackness and I must realize that God has not abandoned me.  Funny, when I tried to tell myself this during the week, it made little impression on me.  But from his lips, it was truly as from Christ's.

I am thankful for…confession!  Good priests who really love God's people.  Friends who pray for me.  Gemma being able to nurse last night.  My beautiful kids and strong, capable husband. 

From the kitchen...I'm thinking breakfast burritos...

I am creating…a sweater for my niece, due in March. I need to do some pants for Gemma from cotton or acrylic now, as I am afraid to put her in wool.  Seems she has developed eczema around her thighs and a few spots on her neck.  She starts to scratch as soon as I have her pants off (I actually put socks on her hands for diaper changes!), and I need to get it under control.  I am so bummed about the wool...I love real wool!  And cashmere isn't in the budget!

I am reading ... nothing but my daily scripture reading.  Between the new schedule I am trying to stick to and a little bit of knitting, I have no time to read.

I am hoping...to get back into our routines after a second week in "survival-mode".  And that I can get Gemma's rash cleared up.  I'm no longer sure what is diaper rash and what is eczema!

I am hearing…blissful nothing.  The calm before the storm...

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Shrove Tuesday and some lessons about Lent.  I have our calender up for Lent (photos forthcoming soon), and we will discuss today and tomorrow what it is we shall do as a family for Lent.  I hope to have time for a blog post on this tomorrow, and maybe bump up some of the stuff from last year.

 I am praying...for God's grace to keep me up even though I feel so weak lately.  I am praying for my sister's family and her baby (to be born in a few weeks); for so many friends in my morning prayers and rosary especially; and for Lent to end with Easter in my soul.

 Picture Thought: Me and my baby girl, who turned 7 months old yesterday.  I am vain enough, to my shame, that I only keep one in a hundred photos my kids take of me, and this one is a keeper!

 

 Now visit Peggy for more Simple Woman's Daybook entries, and have a blessed week!  (Note: Peggy is posting the blog links on Tuesdays now, but feel free to drop by anyway!)

Simple Woman's Daybook--February 8, 2010

Outside my window...7:00, everything cold and misty gray.

I am thinking…mostly about Adrian.  In the last two months he has been showing some real obsessive tendencies.  At first I thought it was just the normal weird kid stuff, but now I think that I am going to have to learn all I can about OCD.  It's not anything really bizarre, which is why I have been able to sort of look the other way, but he has sort of obsessive thoughts about certain things, and I think this may be why he has suddenly become my little shadow.  My heart breaks for him, because I see that it causes him anxiety, and I just want him to be a happy, carefree five year old.
 
I am thankful for…this is a hard one this morning.  I guess I have to say that I am thankful for food on the table, a roof over our heads and this terrible cold finally coming to an end.  Gemma was smiling last night, and nursing with ease for the first time in nearly a week.  My milk supply, however, is in serious decline after all of this, and so I guess I'll be guzzling Mother's Milk Tea and lots of fluids. 

From the kitchen...Bacon, eggs and biscuits. I think.  Una has some sort of a menu plan worked out for the week...

I am creating…a sweater for my niece, due in March.  I have already made a mistake about a million stitches ago, and will have to figure out a way to live with it.  I am also doing another pair of Mary Jane booties for Gemma, which is a nice "take-along" project for the van, being quite uncomplicated.  Gemma is nearly 8 months old, but has such tiny feet that nothing fits her except a pair of newborn Old Navy shoes and the booties I have made. 

I am reading ... nothing but my daily scripture reading.  Between the new schedule I am trying to stick to and a little bit of knitting, I have no time to read.

I am hoping...to get back into our routines after a week in "survival-mode".   

I am hearing…Dominic, making every attempt to annoy his older brothers.  I tell you, the child has no self-preservation skills at all!  It will be a wonder if he lives to see his next birthday, the way he enjoys provoking us all!
 
A few plans for the rest of the week:  Just getting back to routines, really.  Today, and every other Monday, is our day for a trip to a local food bank and then on to the library.  School on these days usually consists of reading (them to me and me to them), and some sort of art or craft project.  I guess our craft projects will be geared towards Valentine's Day this week.

 I am praying...to the best of my meager abilities.  In blogging I try to be honest and real, and not cover up the rough spots in my life (those sorts of blogs turn me off completely); then again, I have no desire to stand naked before the world on this blog and reveal everything that goes on in my life and in my heart.  I will say this much:  I am going through what most certainly can be termed a Dark Night of the Soul.  I thought I had experienced this before, but this is much deeper.  God is hidden and my faith is teetering on the edge of nothingness, and my life seems like Pandora's box, where only Hope remains.  I am hanging in there, and praying to Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who knew the same blackness.  And I am hearing what my sister said about such bleak times in one's spiritual life:  "Sometimes it's a matter of just going through the motions."  I will pray, I will receive the sacraments, I will do our family rosary--even if I can't discern any point to it right now, since I don't really feel as though God is listening... 

 Picture Thought:  He can sleep just about anywhere, as long as Pooh is near...

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Simple Woman's Daybook--February 1, 2010

Outside my window...6:00 a.m. and dark.  The waning full moon casting long shadows across the deep blue snow.  

I am thinking…about Cindy in Louisville with Madeline.  I was supposed to go up on Saturday, but it snowed mightily and we couldn't.  Then Gemma got a cold.  As of last night her cold wasn't too bad, but I've canceled with my friend and driver, so it looks like I won't be going.  Cindy had a rough day.  Her family came up for a visit (it was her wedding anniversary), and it is so hard for her to say goodbye to them, especially, I would imagine, to John, Joseph and Abbie, who are 5, 3 and 19 months respectively.  I wish I could be up there to give her a hug!

I'm also thinking about how relaxing yesterday was.  We couldn't make it to Mass, so the day seemed to go on forever (usually we don't get back from Mass until early afternoon).  I made window stars and knit and played on the computer.  It was very nice...makes me wish we had a nearby early Mass.

I am thankful for…my husband Bret.  He's been kinda crabby as of late, but when I think of all he does and the pressure he is under to provide for this brood and keep up with everything around here, it is a wonder that he is only crabby and not insane.  Bundled up like an arctic explorer, he has been making his way to the barn during the cold blasts of this winter to feed animals and milk the cow.  He is trying to fix up this house so that we can put it on the market.  He's trying to find jobs to support us.  And he has a cold, too!

From the kitchen...Cinnamon Streusel Muffins and apple sauce.  

I am creating…my hat for Madeline didn't work out, and I need to start another.  I was using size 2 needles and baby yarn, and I made a big boo-boo and tried to rip out rows to correct it and couldn't get the splitty yarn back on the needles.  So I unraveled it.  I started a baby sweater for my unborn niece, due to make her debut next month.

I am reading ... nothing but my daily scripture reading.  Between the new schedule I am trying to stick to and a little bit of knitting, I have no time to read.

I am hoping...to continue adjusting my schedule to make it work (yes, I know I hoped to have it done in January.  February just came up so quickly, know what I mean?  Also hoping that some work comes in for Bret, and that Madeline continues to do well!

I am hearing…absolutely nothing.  How very nice.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Just school and hopefully finding a day when my friend Deanna and I can coordinate to get up to see Cindy.  Friday is Adrian's birthday--my little peanut turns five!  Lately he has become my shadow...every time I turn around, he is there.  It's taken a long time for that...he's been a Papa's boy practically since he was weaned.  Gifts will be Dinosaur-themed, and the cake will likely be, too.

I am praying...Pretty much the same as last week:  for Cindy's family, of course, and for my own sister and unborn niece.  For St. Joseph to toss more work our way.  And there are a number of people I only know through this blog for whom I pray daily as well.  

Picture Thought:   Sunset at Patch O' Dirt Farm (click to enlarge)

 Visit Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook for more entries.  And Have a good week!

Simple Woman's Daybook for 25 January 2010

Outside my window...5:28 and dark, 38 degrees.  We are heading toward another blast of cold this week.

I am thinking…about Madeline Therese.  I saw Cindy's husband Dale and the rest of the kids at Mass yesterday and I felt a bit badly for little Abbie Clare, the next youngest, who is about 18 months old.  I'm sure she misses her Mama.  It's good, though, that she has such a large family...she certainly isn't lacking love and attention!

I am thankful for…my children.  I can't imagine life without them, even though I didn't have my first one until the age of 35.  Don't think that saying this means that I don't scream at them and that I feel loving every minute of the day--sometimes, in fact, I really do like to try to imagine life without them!--but truly, I find thinking about life after they have all left rather depressing.  Thankfully, since I will be homeschooling until I'm 64, I may not have to worry too much about that...

From the kitchen...I''m thinking muesli.  I put the quick oats in the bowl and the kids add the almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, dried apple, cranberries, raisins and dates as they wish.  It actually turns out to be more like trail mix with a few oats and some milk...

I am creating…the second glove of the second set I'm making for Adrian.  I want to finish it this morning so that I can move on to baby things.  I want to make a hat and booties for Maddie, but if I have time, I would also like to make a couple of extra sets for a few more NICU babies.

I am reading ... yikes, I haven't even finished the books I've been reading, and the Fathers of Mercy had a table out after Mass with books for the taking, and now I have 4 more books to read.  One of them is this.  I'm interested in it because I, too, was very wrapped up in the new age and occult philosophies when I was younger. 

I am hoping...to continue adjusting my schedule to make it work; that some work comes in for Bret, who is between jobs again, and that Madeline continues to do well!

I am hearing…absolutely nothing.  Which is why I rise at 4:30 every morning.  I need some quite before I am plunged into chaos!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Gabriel and I are getting our hair trimmed today.  I usually cut his hair, but it is so thick that I always dread it.  So today he will have it done by someone who knows how to cut his hair in less than 45 minutes!  I will try to tackle the other boys myself.  Trip to the library today as well.  I have some cooking to do for Cindy's family, and knitting to work on.  The highlight of the week will be a trip to Louisville (about a 3 1/2 hours' drive) next Saturday to see Cindy and Madeline!

I am praying...for Cindy's family, of course, and for my own sister and unborn niece.  For St. Joseph to toss more work our way.  And there are a number of people I only know through this blog for whom I pray daily as well.  And although I do pray for the people of Haiti, I will admit it is an after-thought.  Without TV, radio or newspapers, I'm not bombarded with images of devastation.  Frankly, I feel that the whole world is praying for Haiti right now, while those for whom I pray do not have world-wide attention...

Picture Thought:    I know, I know...but I can't help myself!

 Now go to Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook for more Daybook entries.  Have a blessed week!

Simple Woman's Daybook for 17January 2010

Outside my window…5:35 and dark. 28 degrees outside, but the snow and ice are gone.

I am thinking…about the schedule I've been plugging away at. I sure do hope that for all the time it is taking me to do it, that it will be worthwhile and keep things running more smoothly around here.

I am thankful for…Confession and Communion. Even when my prayer life is totally arid and lackluster, those two sacraments give me the strength I need to hang in there. And at the Chapel of Divine Mercy, as with other churches with Fathers of Mercy pastors, confessions are heard right before Mass every Sunday.

From the kitchen...Pancakes? I haven't really worked out my menu plan this week, but I have a full pantry and freezer, so I hope my schedule won't cave in because of this oversight!

I am creating…Finished the fingerless gloves for Adrian...and they are too big! So I need to start another pair. I also have baby things to make for my first niece, to be born in March. And now I need to knit up a teeny, tiny hat and booties for Madeline Therese...

I am reading ...A Mother's Rule of Life. I also have Goodbye, Good Men on the bedside and read a little of it here and there, but it is tough to read. I have to put it down after a few pages. And I have How to Tell Stories to Children to read.

I am hoping...that my schedule will be useful this week, and that Madeline does well!

I am hearing…just the sound om my Gabriel playing quietly in the living room by himself.

A few plans for the rest of the week: knitting another pair of fingerless gloves; ordering a few things for a little boy in this house who will be 5 on the 5th of February; continued work on scheduling and menu planning; a visit from friends on Friday: Bret will be teaching a friend how to hook up a Jersey cow to a surge milking machine!

I am praying...for Cindy, her family, her new baby. I am praying for 2010 to be a good year in spite of a bit of a bumpy start. I am praying for the health of my family in mind, body and spirit. And I am praying to be the kind of mother who can lead her kids to sanctity by her example (where is that laughter coming from...?). I am praying without ceasing...

Picture Thought: this isn't Madeline, it is Faith, a baby born in Ireland. This is what a 2lb, 20z baby looks like. Maddie is an ounce less...and I remember thinking how tiny Gemma's hands looked at birth!Visit Peggy for more Daybook entries, and have a blessed week!

Simple Woman's Daybook for 11 January 2010

Outside my window…nearly 6:30. Dark and 41 degrees. Our snow is melting!

I am thinking…school, chores and schedules. I am trying to come up with on that is so all-inclusive and yet flexible that the kids and I will be able to keep it in use for more than a few weeks. It is really daunting, and thankfully I have given myself the whole month to do it.

I am thankful for…coffee. Gemma is still not settling down for the night until 10-10:30, and she nurses once or twice at night, the second time usually just before 3 a.m. Since my alarm is set for 4:30, I rarely get back to sleep. After more than twenty years of rising before 5:30, my internal clock apparently cannot be reset...

From the kitchen...I myself am in the mood for muesli. I'll see if I can get a consensus on that.

I am creating…I finished a new hat and one fingerless glove to put aside for Adrian's birthday next month. Will finish the other glove, hopefully in a couple of days, and move on to a hat/fingerless glove set for Una. Actually--I would love to do some baby mittens for Gemma's cold little hands. And I need to find a nice pattern for a baby sweater or two for my sister's baby girl, due in March. I love knitting!

I am reading ...A Mother's Rule of Life. I have a nice stack of books on my bedside table, but between Gemma wanting to be with me all evening and knitting and scheduling, I haven't any time to read other than a few minutes after morning prayers.

I am hoping...for a peaceful and productive week!

I am hearing…Strife! I've already had to break up a few fights, send Una to her room, threaten to send Dominic to his if he shrieks again or puts banana on Sebastian again, and lock the office door because of the interruptions at 30 second intervals...They do this anytime they believe I am too occupied to intervene.

A few plans for the rest of the week: make an appointment to have my hair trimmed (maybe Gabe's, too, as it's so thick and I hate cutting it!), cut Sebastian's hair; work on the schedule; go to the library, figure out what to get Adrian for his birthday next month. I need to reassess my menu plan and look at what is in the pantry and freezer, and work with that.

I am praying...for work for Bret. He has that third altar to do, but there are things holding up that project temporarily, and so there is a bit of a lull right now. He will be finishing up a shed for my sister, but then there isn't anything thereafter. I guess he can use the time to work on our bathroom and fix Gemma's crib (she's getting big for the co-sleeper and for our bed)!

Picture Thought: Gemma Apple-Cheeks in a new lavender hat. Now you can visit Peggy for more Daybook entries. Have a blessed week!

Simple Woman's Daybook for 4 January 2010

Outside my window…a nippy 18 degrees. No snow, but we are hopeful...

I am thinking…about the new year, of course, and the continuation of the school year. This month I will be working out what I hope will be a workable schedule for household and school. What schedule I had--and it was pretty loose to start with--fell apart during Advent. Without a schedule, nothing much was getting done and stuff began to pile up. I need to restore order. Also, I think the kids, although the groan at the beginning of a new schedule, are more contented when they know the drill and what is expected of them.

I am thankful for…a new year. 2009 wasn't a banner year for us, and I am looking forward to a better one.

From the kitchen...Raisin-Bran Muffins, I think. It seems a good thing to heat up the oven on a morning like this.

I am creating…I just finished another hat for Gemma in a soft lavender wool from Elizabeth D., and I am not sure if I will be doing a hat for Una or fingerless gloves for the boys. I do know that I am itching to do something on double-pointed needles...

I am reading ...A Mother's Rule of Life . It's very good thus far, but a little scary. I am afraid of committing to something and failing to stick to my commitment. But it's good to get a little sand in your pants now and then to stir things up and make you rethink what you may be doing wrong. I do think I need to put God at the center of things not just in word, but in deed.

I am hoping...for not too much tension and strife as we ease back into school this week.

I am hearing…Nothing! Dead quiet.

A few plans for the rest of the week: tweaking my schedule to make it work is at the top of the list. Taking down the Christmas tree and putting away all the ornaments after the 6th, so as to have space in my workroom again. Piggy goes to the butcher on the 6th as well. And I need to order cod liver oil, iron and tea today. Call our parish about Masses for our family for this year.

I am praying...for our family and friends. As mentioned above, I want to have a Mass for my family every month this year, plus a Mass for each individual family member. According to my New Year's resolution and our new schedule, I will be praying more with the children throughout the day.

Picture Thought: Gemma at three days old, nearly six months ago. Where has the time gone? Where has all that hair gone...?

Check out more Daybook entries on Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook.

Simple Woman's Daybook for 28 December 2009

Outside my window…6:17 and dark. 21 degrees. Nice that we have nowhere we have to go today...

I am thinking…about the whole crazy, busy, joyful Christmas weekend! Although there were a few failures (I didn't get half of my Christmas cards out this year, and I would have liked to have my house clean for Christmas, and I wish the boys had all had fresh haircuts and shined shoes for Mass), there were successes as well (a single neighbor invited for dinner obviously enjoyed himself and stayed until bedtime; the games I purchased for the kids have been very popular; we talked to my dad in NC over the webcam using Skype, and even though I didn't get two last varieties of cookies done, we still had more than enough to give away and many left for ourselves as well).

I am thankful for…Faith, Friends and Family. Those are the big ones. Health pretty much tops the list, too. I always fear that Christmas will fall short of everyone's expectations, and without fail it always exceeds our expectations. That is Christ's birthday gift to us...

From the kitchen...I'm not sure yet. We have these confused chickens who were laying only 2-3 eggs a day during the summer and now, with the shorter daylight hours, are suddenly putting out 5-7 eggs a day. Suddenly I have dozens of eggs...and the kids don't even really like eggs!

I am creating…I'm sewing up Gemma's longies today, and yesterday I made a pair of booties. The girl has such dainty feet that even the size 1 shoes are still too big on her.

I am reading ...A Mother's Rule of Life is one of the gifts I received from my mother, and I have to begin reading it this week. I think it is just the book I need right now.

I am hoping...to have a relaxing week in spite of several things that must get done.

I am hearing…quiet children. Several are drawing in the living room right now.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I really need to get a goal plan in place for the next six weeks of school, and an updated menu plan in place for myself. I need to write a little "newsletter" for those friends who didn't get Christmas cards. I have to come up with what we will serve on New Year's Eve, since my sister's family and my mother will be coming over.

I am praying...for our family. I always do, of course, but I want to pray more specifically for all the various needs of each member of the family. I want to make a special point of praying with the children, and it gets harder as they get older--harder just to get everyone in one place. We do pray the Rosary each evening, but I really want to have a time at the beginning of each day.

Picture Thought: I love being the first one up in the house and doing my morning prayers and having my coffee by the light of the Christmas tree. Like a child, I would like to have the tree up all year 'round, but I know that in doing so it would lose all of its magic...Visit Peggy at Simple Woman's Daybook for more entries.

Simple Woman's Daybook for 21 December 2009

Outside my window…6:13. There's a glittering frost on the yard. Can't wait for the sun to come up so I can see it sparkle.

I am thinking…what everyone else is: only a few days left until Christmas! Can one think of anything else?

I am thankful for…diminishing colds in our family; the fact that my kids are still children and all living at home; friends--my gosh, I haven't a huge circle of friends, but the ones I have are priceless. (Cindy V., I don't know what good I've done in my life to deserve you as a friend, but I am indeed thankful!)

From the kitchen...Who knows? They can eat sugar out of the sugar bin with a spoon, as long as they let me get things done around here! Okay, I'm just kidding...

I am creating…Can you believe I still have a few presents to make? I am putting Gemma's second pair of longies on hold until after the 25th.

I am reading ...lots and lots of Christmas and winter-themed books.

I am hoping...to have a clean house for Christmas. My kids groan and tell me that since we aren't having company other than family, it isn't important. I tell them that the Divine Infant is coming, and we should make our home ready to receive Him.

I am hearing…nothing. Not a thing. The calm before the storm, no doubt.

A few plans for the rest of the week: baking three types of cookies so that I can be done with it and start making up bags and trays to give as gifts. I have three gifts to make if I can. I want to get my workroom cleaned up, because it looks like a hurricane struck it. I am still trying to get some cards mailed out. I am wondering what the kids will wear for Mass...

I am praying...for my friends, those near and those I've made through blogging, and for their families. For my dad, and for a year of hope for all those who have suffered tragedies or hardship in their families in 2009. Less importantly, I am praying that Gemma will get days and nights straightened out. She's 5 months old, for crying' out loud! I'm still nursing her nearly every two hours at night because she only sleeps attached to my bosom, although she can go for 5 or 6 without nursing during the day! Consequently, like the mother of a newborn, I am getting very little sleep...

Picture Thought: Click on the snowflake poster below to see an enlarged image. How can anyone not believe in God? I mean, these are ice crystals which live for only a moment and for the most part are seen by no one but their Creator. What perfection! I frequently am in disbelief over the fact that I am 46 years old, as nature has lost none of it's wonder for me, and my heart still leaps at the thrill of a lit up, decorated Christmas tree. May you all be filled with child-like wonder, too, this Christmas.There are more Daybook entries to be read at Peggy's. Enjoy!

Simple Woman's Daybook for 14 December 2009

Outside my window…5:24 and dark. A mild 54 degrees, and expected to get up to 60 today.

I am thinking…of this last busy week of Advent. Schooling will consist of just the basics this week so that we have plenty of time (uh...wait, is there ever plenty of time???) to bake and decorate. We don't put up our tree until just before Christmas generally, but we keep it at least through epiphany and often beyond.

I am thankful for…our colds. Yes, for all the Swine Flu hype this year, you'd think that half the country would have already been hospitalized by now. We have stuffy noses here.

From the kitchen...There will be a lot of cereal, oatmeal and defrosted banana or pumpkin bread this and next week, as mama will be very busy!

I am creating…another pair of longies for Gemma, knit from the lovely wool Elizabeth sent me. It is good to have several pairs of longies if one uses them as diaper covers, so that one can dry or be washed as another is worn. The first pair, knit from this pattern, turned out very well, and looks so cozy! I also finished another hat like the first I made Gemma, this one a bit larger so that it fits better. I love that pattern--one can knit it up in a few hours and it only takes a couple of ounces of yarn.

I am reading ...lots and lots of Christmas and winter-themed books.

I am hoping...to get a lot of baking done this week, and to get at least a little school done as well!
I am hearing…nothing. Not a thing.

A few plans for the rest of the week: baking, baking, baking. Wrapping presents. Decorating. Picking up a tree with the kids. Watching holiday movies and reading Christmas stories.

I am praying...not nearly enough as I ought. I'm praying a lot for my dad, who can't make it out here for Christmas, and who may end up spending Christmas alone. I have suggested that rather than be alone, to volunteer to serve meals at a shelter or deliver to shut-ins. Doing something kind for others has a way of taking us out of our own miseries.

Picture Thought: because I can't get enough of this baby girl...

You can read more Daybook entries here at Peggy's.

Simple Woman's Daybook for 7 December 2009

Outside my window…6:10 and dark; 36 degrees. Bret is already out milking this morning.

I am thinking… of the days left until Christmas--so much to make and do; so little time! And of our Advent celebration last night. I'm a little sad that my CD player is broken--my favorite holiday music is all on CD.

I am thankful for…the fact that my struggles and challenges are so small compared to those given to some people. God has been so very gentle with me, knowing, I suppose, that I have such difficulty with trust.

From the kitchen...I keep forgetting to take pumpkin bread out of the freezer the night before! Maybe I'll do muffins this morning. Or a peach crumble...I also have to make butter, as the cream jars are piling up in the fridge. I'm using all the extra butter in my holiday baking.

I am creating…a pair of longies for Gemma, who has very few pants for winter. I also cut another pair of pants for her from the sleeves of a knit top, but ran out of white thread. Hope to sew them up today. Bret finished another teether for Gemma, this one a shameless rip-off of this one from Nova Naturals.

I am reading ...craft and knitting blogs and books, and The Liturgical Year.

I am hoping...to continue making and baking, and still get some schooling done this week!

I am hearing…Gabriel playing quietly in the living room and Bret washing the milking equipment in the kitchen.

A few plans for the rest of the week: making more paper snowflakes for the windows with the children; finishing Gemma's longies and pants and seaming Una's sweater; getting started on the wrapping of gifts and mailing of cards.

I am praying...in gratitude for Kimberly's happy news! And for my pregnant sister, who just moved to her new home this weekend, and for Cindy, making another trip to AL this morning.

Picture Thought: Nothing too interesting...just this year's Advent calender. We can no longer afford to get each child his or her own, and so the kids take turns opening windows, and then everyone gets a chocolate, which sweetens the disappointment for those who must wait for their turns.Visit Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook for more entries.

Simple Woman's Daybook for 30 November 2009

Outside my window…5:54 and dark. 45 degrees.

I am thinking… of Gabriel's 7th birthday today, the Feast of St. Andrew and the beginning of a new liturgical year. I am wishing I had one of those gorgeous liturgical calenders. This morning I printed out pictures of the December saints to put up on our bulletin board, along with a copy of the St. Andrew Novena prayer, also known as the Christmas Anticipation Prayer.

I am thankful for…the health of my family, another altar for Bret to build, the easy-going disposition of Gemma--she makes mothering a baby so easy!

From the kitchen...freshly baked multi-grain bread with butter and honey or jam and tea, and some sort of soup tonight.

I am creating…a pair of longies for Gemma, who has very few pants for winter. I love the wool ones because they act as a diaper cover as well for the cloth diapers. I want to sew up some more pants using my favorite tutorial, but I need to dig through my cloth and see what will work for her. Also on the list of things to make: I need to decorate our Advent wreath, which didn't get done yesterday.

I am reading ...craft and knitting blogs and books, and The Liturgical Year.

I am hoping...to get as much done this week as I did last week! And to tie up all the loose ends of so many projects.

I am hearing…Adrian and my birthday boy, Gabriel, chatting in the living room. Gabriel never fails to greet me with a kiss every morning!

A few plans for the rest of the week: making paper snowflakes for the windows with the children as I do every year; getting the nativity figures down from storage; making a few more gifts and another couple of batches of cookie dough; sewing up pants for Gemma.

I am praying...for C., whose miscarried baby will be buried today in a section of the Catholic cemetery in Nashville reserved for such little ones, never born and yet precious in the sight of their parents. I am also praying the St. Andrew Novena.

Picture Thought: Gemma, watching a movie with us last week. I know I'm biased, but isn't she gorgeous?

Visit Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook for more entries, or add your own. Have a blessed week!

Simple Woman's Daybook for November 23rd

Outside my window…4:53 and dark. Gemma woke me at 4, smiling sleepily, and went back to sleep. I have so much to do this week, I decided to get up for my prayers, coffee and an early start.

I am thinking… of this day's list of things to do. I need to go over my Advent/Christmas preparations list and see where I am.

I am thankful for…all the really big things (family, health, food and shelter, the Church, etc.) and many little things that are perhaps not necessary, but which give life bright moments of joy and laughter. I am thankful and praising God for giving Bret a third (!) altar to build for the Fathers of Mercy, this one in their private chapel. God is good. This ought to be good for at least a few decades off in purgatory for my husband's wild youth, don't you think? [wink!]

From the kitchen...probably muffins and applesauce. What I really crave is an apple crumble, but whether I have time for that this morning...?

I am creating…another hat like the one I made for Gemma. This one is in a navy blue with variegated striping and will be for my nephew James, if it will fit him. I still have Una's sweater to seam, but I'm a wimp about seaming and will put it off this week.

I am reading ...craft blogs and cooking blogs. Brown-Eyed Baker has some nice cookie and confection recipes for the holidays. Still reading Pinocchio to the boys.
I am hoping...that I will be efficient this week and not be tempted too much to dawdle on the computer or at my knitting!

I am hearing…the dryer.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Lots of cleaning and cooking in preparation for my mother and my sister's family coming on Thursday. I will be enlisting everyone to help clean so that I can cook and bake. You are welcome to come by and visit, as long as you come ready to work!

I am praying...for C., who has an appointment for an ultrasound after having miscarried yesterday morning; that everyone remains healthy for our family celebration on Thursday; for a joyful week and happy Thanksgiving for my friends and family.

Picture Thought: I don't have a picture right now, but maybe I'll edit one in later if I manage to pick up the camera.

Visit Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook for more entries, or add your own. Have a blessed week!

Simple Woman's Daybook for November 9th

Outside my window…7:20, overcast and 48 degrees.

I am thinking… Christmas and Advent preparations.

I am thankful for…so many blessings from God in spite of failing appliances and ill-timed expenses. It's only money, right? I'm also thinking of Kimberly a lot. I feel rather close to my little community of Blog-Mamas!

From the kitchen...cold cereal today. I have a ton of meat to cook, thanks to the dead freezer...I'm going to do some ground beef, a sirloin tip roast and two pork loins today. I may revert to vegetarianism by the end of the week.

I am creating…finally got a blocking mat and will try to block the pieces to Una's sweater so that it will be easier to piece it together. I am also on a baby-bootie spree lately, as so many friends are expecting and Gemma can also use a couple more pairs. I use this brainless pattern and can do a pair in two days of spare minutes (they'd take about 90 minutes a pair if I could sit and do them all at once).

I am reading ...craft blogs! As if I need anything else to take up my time! Please note Sew Mama Sew's Handmade Holidays carnival. Lots of fun ideas for every day this month!

I am hoping...to have a good, productive week and get further along with the holiday preparations.

I am hearing…boys bickering and spoons clinking in cereal bowls.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Cook lots of meat--which will make for quick meals during the busy holiday period, finish Una's sweater and begin some baby projects, prepare a blog post on some of the craft ideas I have discovered and love, and make cookie dough to freeze (if I can squeeze it in with all the meat to be cooked)!

I am praying...for Kimberly; for a little 9 month-old named Katie who has a retinal tumor and will have to have her eye removed and for her family; for all my mama-friends near of far, who have asked for prayers and for whom I have promised to pray.

Picture Thought: Una and Gemma on Saturday.Now you can check out Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook for more entries, or add your own. Have a blessed week!

Simple Woman's Daybook for October 26th

Outside my window…6:18 and 39 degrees. Dark, but for a faint ribbon of light on the eastern horizon.

I am thinking…about the week ahead, as always, but also about the lovely autumn day we had yesterday. With all the rain, we haven't had much opportunity to enjoy the fall colors, but yesterday was sunny and the hour-long ride to Mass was just beautiful!

I am thankful for…a network of friends and family who pray for me when I need it. I am entering this week feeling so much stronger than I did last week.

From the kitchen...I think it will be the Raisin Bran Muffins again, but with blueberries and yogurt on the side.

I am creating…I finished all the pieces for Una's sweater yesterday! Now I need to steam-block them so that I can seam them. I hate seaming, because I am not very good at it. But I am excited about the prospect of getting this finished so that I can start on one of the many other things I can't wait to knit!

I am reading…this very nice book I found at the library. And skimming through this one, too. I recommend them both!

I am hoping...to renew my resolution to strive for peace and holiness in my home. Dominic is such a hyper kid that he really needs everyone around him to remain calm, otherwise there is chaos and he gets the whole house into an uproar. So I need to look at him as a messenger from God--this relates to the homily I heard yesterday--and let him teach me how to be gentle and peaceful, even when it seems impossible to do so!

I am hearing…the washing machine agitating away...

A few plans for the rest of the week: Now that the kids know most of the countries in Asia, we will concentrate on a few of them. I don't think I can be as thorough as my friend Marilyn, as I am rather short on resources (our local library had only 3 kids books on China!!!), but if the kids learn enough to know something about each place and recall it at the end of the year, I'll count it as a success. Online geography games have been a great hit.

I also need to decide what I'm baking for the holidays, and start making cookie dough. I try to do several a week and freeze the dough, than just before Christmas I start thawing and baking in a frenzy, usually to the music of the Nutcracker Suite. Since I almost never bake cookies at any other time of the year, the kids get very excited.

And I need to continue my Christmas shopping. I know that the great sales are after Thanksgiving, but I can't bear the rush. For my peace of mind, I need to be done with the shopping by then!

I am praying...as last week,for strength and patience and calm as we move into this crazy time of year. I so want each week to have some really joyful moments during school, not just after.

Picture Thought: The new piggies. Actually, the two larger ones are for a friend who is going to raise them for his 4H project. Ours is the runt in the middle. We have a family tradition of raising runts. It's because we usually let the kids pick the pigs out and they always go for the "cute little one." This one has been named Sue Ann, after Arnold Ziffel's girlfriend in an episode of Green Acres. My own choice for a name was "Dinner" but the kids won out again...

Now you can check out Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook for more entries, or add your own. Have a blessed week!

Simple Woman's Daybook for October 12th

Outside my window…6:07 and dark. Fifty-two degrees with a chance of rain.

I am thinking…about school today after our week-long break. Sebastian and Una both said that it seemed like two weeks--a good sign that they were a bit bored. No one groaned at the mention of school last night!

I am thankful for…a lovely visit from Fr. Tom Sullivan, CPM, one of our Fathers of Mercy. Today is his birthday, and we celebrated a bit with pizza and beer and cheesecake--cupcakes for the kids--and my sister and brother in law came by with nephews to help celebrate.

From the kitchen...we've taken a 3 week break from muffins. I think that we shall have raisin bran muffins and spiced apple sauce today.

I am creating…I am about 2/3 done with the first sleeve of Una's sweater. I so want to finish! I have several other things I would like to knit as gifts for Christmas!

I am reading…maybe I should turn this into the "I wish I could read" line, as it seems there isn't much reading getting done besides what I read for the kids' school and my morning scripture reading!

I am hoping...to have a really good school week and get a lot done and keep the kids happy!

I am hearing…Nothing! Why did they wake at the crack of dawn all week when there wasn't any school?

A few plans for the rest of the week: make butter (I am stockpiling it now for holiday baking); a trip to the library on Thursday; start working on the kids' costumes I'll be ready at the end of the month; work on my Christmas planning!!!! October is going by quickly!

I am praying...for strength and patience and calm as we move into this crazy time of year. Autumn is my favorite season, but with all the holidays and planning, it can get a bit crazy. May God help me to do what is necessary and forget the rest!

Picture Thought: Gemma at 4 days old. She will be 13 weeks tomorrow. Isn't it amazing how much they change in just a few months?Visit more "day-bookers" at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless your week!

Simple Woman's Daybook for October 5th

Outside my window…7:00 and cloudy. A cool, autumn day.

I am thinking…about this week's chores. This is my free week after 6 weeks of school, and I have a lot on the agenda!

I am thankful for…a delightful Sunday with good friends, in spite of the rain. The kids played together--ten of them, not counting the two babies--for over 5 hours without one little spat. Good food, good company. Next time maybe we can have good weather as well!

From the kitchen...Nary a clue. My focus is obviously on the next six weeks and not on this week. Maybe I'll whip up some muffins after all...

I am creating…Still plugging away on Una's sweater. I hope to finish the second half of the front and get start on the first sleeve this week.

I am reading…some things for school--Geography and stuff for our upcoming science unit on space--or is it dinosaurs? I have votes for both sides!

I am hoping...to get a lot done this week, and that Bret gets a lot done as well.

I am hearing…children playing fairly quietly. Must be because Sebastian and Dominic are still sleeping, hence fewer arguments!

A few plans for the rest of the week: today I have butter make, the 6 week plan to look at and start work on, a closet full of shoes to sort through and winter coats to take out and try on.

I am praying...For my mother, who is in Rome right now; for Marilyn's family, especially her little boy who is dealing with a tummy bug right now; for for my sister and friends Cindy and Elizabeth who are all three expecting (and for their babies, too!); and for a peaceful week.

Picture Thought: I don't recall what her brothers were doing at the time, but Una looks fairly disgusted here!Now visit Peggy for some more Simple Woman's Daybook entries, and have a great week!

Simple Woman's Daybook for September 28th

Outside my window…6:07 and dark, windy and cool.

I am thinking…about too many things this morning! Loose ends to tie up, bills to pay, chores that have been put off for too long...How I wish I could magically bring everything up-to-date and have a nice fresh start!

I am thankful for…a fairly relaxing Sunday. We stayed a long time after Mass visiting with friends and at home Gemma had a decent nap so that I could work on one of my projects.

From the kitchen...Okay, I'll admit it. We are all sick of muffins. Today it will be egg and sausage breakfast burritos since we have tons of sausage from our last pig and the chickens seem to be laying a bit better again (I think they are coming out of a long molting period!)

I am creating…Una's sweater. Started on the second half of the front. I do hope to be done with it by the end of October, but that may be pushing it...

I am reading…I don't read much other than my Bible and books for school these days. I keep telling myself that one day the kids will be grown and there will be plenty of time to read.

I am hoping...for this interminable bug to leave my friend Marilyn's home! And for God's grace to get a lot done next week. We are taking off after 6 weeks of school so that I may form a goal-list for the next six weeks and restock my freezer with broth, breads and a few meals.

I am hearing…Sebastian and Gabriel quietly playing in the living room.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Other than school, trying to squeeze in a few moments for my projects; order ink for the printer (Agh! I bought ink in July and I'm out again!), attend Mass on Friday.

I am praying...For my mother to stay well so that nothing spoils her trip to Rome next week! And I continue to pray for work for Bret. He is finishing up his second altar, this one for Our Lady of the Caves in Horse Cave, KY, and I don't know what he will be doing when it is finished.

A Picture Thought: a few days ago we had a visit from a neighbor we'd never formally met. This is a shot of Andy and Doc (Doc is the one without a hat). It's nice to live in a place where people occasionally come past your house on horseback or, as in the case with our Mennonite neighbors, in buggies.

Now go and visit Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook to read some more entries.

Simple Woman's Daybook for September 21st

Outside my window…5:57 and 70 degrees. Certain to be another balmy, rainy day.

I am thinking…about this week. I need to look at my plan for the first 6 weeks of school and see how we are doing. I fear that we are not where I had hoped to be, but I may just have to lower my expectations (a better plan than panicking and driving my poor kids nuts!)

I am thankful for…a decent sleep last night, although I had to let poor Gemma cry awhile to get it.

From the kitchen...French toast and mandarin oranges (What, no muffins???)

I am creating…Una's sweater. Hope to finish the left front this week, but I haven't time to knit much on week days/

I am reading… other than my Bible, not much. As always, I've a stack of books I want to read, but no time for reading other than what I need to for school.

I am hoping...for an end to this dreadful rain! We've had it for over a week, and the forecast doesn't show anything else in the week ahead! Normally I love the rain, but having a houseful of kids day after day does alter my feelings about it.

I am hearing…nothing. Just insects and birds. Oh, what peace before the daily storm!

A few plans for the rest of the week: I didn't get to do my yogurt and granola last week, so I hope to find time to do it this week. I have a lot of correspondence to try to squeeze in, too. And I want to begin to plan for the holidays. I need to start list-making!

I am praying...for my dad, who is having a number of personal problems on top of his severe health problems. For my dear sister and for my dear friend Cindy, both of whom are expecting, that their pregnancies are smooth and easy. For Bret to be able to find more work and continue to work at home.

A Picture Thought: Adrian loves Gemma to the point of sometimes really getting on her nerves. I asked him, "When she gets bigger, will you be her knight in shining armor?" He replied flatly, "No. She won't be little and cute anymore."Now visit Peggy to read some more Daybook entries, and have a blessed week!