Daybook Looking Back on Advent (long post warning)...but pictures included so it's okay.

 For today, Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

(actually very late the night before through...umm Thursday night...took me a while to complete this thing!)

I am thinking:

Do I really want to start this post so late at night?  It's been so long and I miss it, so...yeah, I'll go for it.

Outside my window:

It's very cold, and dark of course.  It's not raining or snowing or windy.

I am wearing :

A new purple jammies set that I got from my in-laws for Christmas.  The pants have peace symbols and winking smiley faces on them.  They would suit Skylar very well. 

Doesn't matter to me what's on them.  All I know is they are a soft, warm fleece and I never want to take them off. 

 Ever. 

 It has a matching solid purple top that is cotton, with a plunging neckline I could do without.  But the pants are delish. 

 And I'm wearing some purple and pink striped fluffy slippers.

I am hearing:

Evan's peaceful breathing and the white noise of the sound machine.

I am hoping:

Evan gets over his stomach virus quickly and that no one else gets it.  Part of what makes Winter such a crappy season is the abundance of illnesses.

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I am also hoping that my kids enjoyed their Advent season and that I didn't wreck some wonderful moments with my "stressing tantrums".

Grownups can be such babies sometimes!

(yes, I am refering to me)

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Our simplest traditions are always a hit.

Evan gets so excited when I bring out our Christmas picture books and Children's Nativity sets.  We have the Little People Set and the Playmobil Nativity.

The kids always enjoy baking.  I know they would prefer we bake from scratch
(simply because it tends to be messier and messier = funner around here). 

And we do, on occasion, but I'm ok with using ready-to-go-dough. 

I know this disqualifies me as a contender for "Mom of the Year", but I've made my peace with that.

The Christmas parade was exciting.  We haven't seen it since Taylor and Skylar were really little, so we were all looking forward to it.

.

 We had fun during most of the parade and it was a beautiful, chilly day.

Taylor invited a friend to go to the parade with us, but unfortunately she got sick partway through and her mom had to come and pick her up.  Poor thing.  Not the best experience for your first time at a parade, which is what it was for her. 
We need to take her with us next year so she can have a much more pleasant parade experience.

 The parade was so cheery and festive.......
............and long,
 so Evan didn't quite make it to the end.

I'm lovin' the shoes.  They must share my affinity for Elf Culture.  ;)

Thankful for:

Meaningful Advent Traditions

A local Catholic high school hosts a St. Nicholas Day Carnival of Saints every year.
We've attended for the last 6 years or so, and they look forward to it each Advent.

Our Saint Nicholas Day Celebrations here at home are a tradition I started with my kids a few years ago.  They awaken to find a few small gifts and treats in their shoes.  This year, though, they found their treats in cozy, new slippers.

We own The Miracle of Saint Nicholas, but the other two are from the library.  Evan's favorite is The Baker's Dozen.

This is supposed to be a the Mitre of Saint Nicholas.  Before you go all "cookie critic" on me, you must realize I cut them "freehand" and it was a last minute idea for the treat for Evan's K Group which I was hosting that day.  It got cancelled due to many ill children, so we enjoyed them at home as part of our own celebration.  Poor sick K Group....
but very fortunate older siblings in our house.  ;)

This year we participated in our home school groups Advent Retreat for Children.
The children were divided into two age groups.
There are some amazing ladies who volunteered to organize and run this and it was a pleasure to see them in action with the kids.  Skylar and Alexa were in the older group, and I stayed to help out a little with Evan's group.
My mom was still in town from her Thanksgiving visit, so she assisted with me.
It was a great morning focusing on the real meaning of Christmas with the children.
I have pictures from this event, but don't want to post them without the permission of the wonderful mom-in-charge of our group. 

Our Advent Wreath is always special and important. 
Unfortunately, I was not so good at remembering to light it at mealtime this year.  It did sit there, in the middle of our dinner table, reminding us of this important season of waiting.  But I just kept forgetting to light it.
As Sky would say, "Epic Fail, Mom".
Well, at least I can get another year out of those candles. 
(I'm a glass half full kinda girl)

Guess I should have cropped out the paper plates and water bottle first.  Oopsie.

Next year I hope to majorly simplify my plans.

But it's going to be hard to decide what to remove.

It will take some serious thinking about what wasn't necessary this year, and what just didn't go over well.  There are certain things the kids would really miss.

Some of their fave's have nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas, but they don't take away from it, either.

If I tried to skip these traditions, my children would at best, stop speaking to me and at worst, probably tie all my shoelaces together and stick bleach in my shampoo bottle.

So for starters, I think we'll keep decorating those gingerbread houses.

My kids couldn't imagine December without them.

Praying for:

My dad's wife, my sister n laws mom, John's sisters, a local family that lost their young mother, another local family that lost their 15 yr. old daughter shortly before Christmas.....

From the kitchen: 

 in December it was fudge, cookies, and sweets and treats of all kinds.  The regular meals were rushed quite a bit some days, so usually not the healthiest.

But we are gettiing back on track, so our diets need to be brought back to the real food groups. 

Not the ones in Elf (candy, candy canes, candy corn, sugar and syrup).

Looking back:

to Skylar's 13th birthday!  My children are growing up so fast!   I have two teenagers now?! 

What?! 

How?!

Looking ahead:

Some birthday parties that my girls are invited to, Evan's K group getting back in session, Girls Club, karate, dance, Taylor getting her permit, Taylor turning 16!, Taylor's trip to NY, some exciting field triips for the younger kids, a Valentine's Day party for the younger kids.....

In my heart:

Cherishing moments we spent with family on our trip to Pittsburgh.

(so many photos in the post already...will save those for another day)

Right now:

hittin the post button on this sucker and hittin' the sheets!

This week:

is practically over, but we do need to clean tomorrow and take down the tree....and Sky has a Christmas party to attend, and Alexa has dance....and Tay hopes to go out with a friend.

Well, this took forever to write.  I know there were a ton of pics and  a lot of focus on this past Advent, but I wanted to reflect on it a little before moving on.

Sorry if it was boring, but I like to have it recorded her for myself, too.

Well, have a great weekend!

TTFN

~Tina



~~~~The Simple Woman's Daybook~~~~

For Today:  Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

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I am hearing.....

the heat kicking on.  I am not a fan of putting the heat on too early in the Fall as it seems to lead to dry skin, static everywhere, chapped lips, etc., but it was feeling really cold in this house last night.  My numb feet could attest to this.

I am wearing......

light blue long sleeved jammie tee, and light blue striped jammie pants.  I also have my sage green throw over my shoulders.  With the heat on, I am still chilly. I would love to move to Florida....if my entire family would come with us.  Guess I better adapt to the cold.

Outside my window......

seems cloudy so far.  And it's only about 46 degrees.....brrrrrr.

(I miss summer!)

I am thinking.......

I miss summer!....and I hope we can get through these cold viruses soon, so we can start enjoying some of the fun outdoor events of Fall.

Thankful for..............

a positive attitude yesterday.  Even though we couldn't make it to the Fall Festival like we usually do (because of Evan and I being sick), Alexa came up with the idea of decorating for Halloween.  And so that, along with watching some fun Halloween movies, eating popcorn, ordering pizza, putting on a Halloween CD and jamming with Glow Sticks to Monster Mash and other "Scary" tunes, saved the day from being a total bummer.  My kids were rockin' out in the dark with glowing rings all over their bodies.  They used the glow sticks as drum sticks, and had a blast.

I am reading...........

Caddie Woodlawn.  I am working my way through all the books on our shelves.  I need to get some grown up reads, I really do, but in the meantime, I read what's available.  I am really enjoying books....more than I have in years!

In my prayers...........

my mom and aunt who are on retreat.....for their safe return home.  For my dad, whose health always concerns me.  I'm so glad I got to talk to him last night.  It was a short conversation because I have laryngitis, but at least he knows I was thinking of him, as always.  For all unborn babies everywhere.  That they will be welcomed into the world by their loving mothers and fathers and seen as the true gift they are.

I was hoping.....

to participate in the prolife chain that reaches across our town today.  We always try to participate in the prayer chain, showing our support for an end to the tragedy of abortion.  But being sick this year means we'll have to miss. 

I am hoping......

The 40 Days for Life recently began, so I hope to be a physical part of that sometime over the next few weeks.  The innocent victims of abortion are always in our prayers, but I would like to more fully participate, once we are well, by praying outside the local abortion clinic.

From the kitchen..........

bbq chicken pizza, pulled bbq chicken sandwiches, salsa chicken, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, green pepper casserole etc.  Back to the warm-your-house-and-tummy recipes of the cold weather months.

As for education.......

(prepare yourself for some bragging)  my oldest attends public high school.  She did so well last school year that her GPA earned her an award at her school.  There were only 60 in the school of 2000!  We are proud of her hard work and dedication. 

Skylar is taking classes at a nearby church and she is enjoying herself (and learning) a lot.  The classroom environment is fairly new to her (other than CCD and VBS) and she's handling it well.  She's made a few friends, too. 

And Alexa is working hard on her schoolwork.  She's a bright girl and works well independantly, for the many of her subjects.

  Evan hasn't had "school" for the past week due to illness.  Colds...go away!  Right now!

please?

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The liturgical year.....

Feast of The Guardian Angels:

Angel of God, My Guardian Dear,

To whom God's love commits me here,

Ever this day, be at my side,

To light and guard

To rule and guide

Amen.

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For more Daybook Entries, stop by Peggy's. :)

I hope your weekend is/was cozy and enjoyable!  Make every day count!

TTFN

~Tina

Back to the Daybooks

For Today, Sunday, August 14, 2011

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Outside my window.... it's a dreary, rainy Sunday morning. The perfect day to sleep in, especially since we go to the 11:30 Mass. But can someone please tell that to Evan? He was up at 6:45. :/

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I am wearing..... light blue striped pajama pants, and light blue T, ankle socks and my hair is up in a messy pony tail.

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I am hearing......the faint sound of Pink Panther on TV in the other room. Evan is watching it. I told him if he wanted to wake up that early, he would have to sit downstairs and watch a show so as to not wake everyone else. I am beginning to hear some stirring upstairs in the girls room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am thinking.....about this coming school year, and what clubs the kids will be in, and what classes they'll be taking. I need to work on some sort of schedule. But it's tough when I'm so desperately trying to hold onto what's left of summer. Summer......don't leave me!!!!!!!! I thought you were my friend!!!

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I am hoping..... we get some nice weather over these upcoming last weeks of summer. We still need to hit the fair, Splashdown, and we have a family reunion to get to.

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Plans for today.....Mass at 1130, continuation of writing out school plans for the first nine weeks, I should start thinking what to make for dinner, too. Since it's supposed to be raining all day, I think we'll probably stay in, other than John's trip to Costco and the kids and I heading to Mass.

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Later this week.....it looks like rain, or a chance of rain almost every day this week. There is one rain-free day midweek, so I hope we can get to the fair that day. We might take Alexa's friend bowling with us on one of the many rainy days. And the dollar movie's are on Tuesday and Wednesday. We also have a doctor appt. for Taylor and Sky has karate. I would like to have one of Sky's friends over this week, too and I'm sure my oldest will get together with her boyfriend a few times.

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School prep...... most of the curriculum is ordered or already here. I stuck with the same old same old for most subjects (if it ain't broke, don't fix it), but Alexa and Sky are going to be working with me 3 days a week on American History. We are using From Sea to Shining Sea from CHC. Looking over it last night, it looks pretty good. We'll also add real stories/books to it. And I hope to take some field trips as the History lessons get into more recent history. I think they'll remember it more that way. Evan is Kindergarten level and I'm still trying to decide on his Phonics program. Everything else is set for him.

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I am thankful for......this wonderful summer we have had, vacation in PA with our family, the health of those I love, especially my children and parents. Also for the rain, since everything that grows outside was beginning to look dead. Our grass looks like straw. I'm thankful for the VRE and this city we live in.

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From the kitchen.....pasta, steaks and hot dogs on the grill (if we get a break in the rain, because I am not standing out there on the deck, over the grill with an umbrella again.....yeah I did that last week), veggie pizza, not sure what else. I'm not ready for Fall, but I am ready for the change that Fall brings to our menu.....Stuffed Pepper Casserole, Salsa Chicken, BBQ Pulled Chicken...

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Reflecting on last week.....Alexa had her dance camp and loved it! I have a video of the dance show but can't find a way to upload it because the file is too big. John mentioned something about "zipping" it, but the only thing I zip are my jeans, so he'll have to school me on that one. I'll keep you posted.

Our 19th Wedding Anniversary was last week, too. He bought me dark pink roses and I bought him an engraved pen. We went out to dinner.

I did a little Christmas shopping last week....just a few things. And bought some supplies at Joann Fabrics to make a few gifts.

I organized the bookshelves and decided on which ones to give away/sell. Last week was not too exciting for the kids, except Alexa.

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A picture to share....

Greeting each other after our trip to PA without Daddy. Evan sure missed him!

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For other Daybook Entries, stop by here.

Have a great day! And make it special!
TTFN

~Tina

Another Spring Daybook

For today: May 23rd, 2011

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I am wearing: soft stretchy yoga-type pants in navy blue and an orange T. Not that I worked out our anything, don't be silly. That stretchy, soft material is super-comfy for sleeping in, too, and I just haven't gotten dressed yet.

Outside my window: sunny and warm at the moment. Going to be in the 80s all week, but every day brings the chance of a thunderstorm. I'm ok with that. It's still beautiful most of the day.

Our front yard looks great! This past weekend, John mowed, Sky and Evan pulled weeds with me, and Evan and I freshened up the landscaping. We trimmed bushes, picked up sticks that fell during the winter and layed mulch.

It looks like somebody actually lives here now. :)

I am hearing: WowWow Wubbzy on the TV in the other room. And some chatter of young girls upstairs. I think they are trying to avoid the inevitable start to their school day. But they'll get hungry and have to come down at some point.

I am thinking: about upcoming birthdays, planting our container vegetable gardens, CVBS at our church, making a trip to my dad's at some point, testing for the girls, curriculum choices for next school year, trip to PA this summer to do loads of fun stuff with family and possibly see a friend or two, John at his new job, and Taylor not feeling so great last night. Lots on my mind...

From the kitchen: I need to get to the store. But this week I plan on making BBQ chicken pizzas, grilled chicken salads, tilapia/rice. I look forward to getting my grill up and running again, too. This weekend we'll probably have burgers and turkey dogs, a veggie tray, s'mores and hopefully loads of fruit from the farmer's market.

I am praying for: the health of my parents, John's sister, my sister-in-laws mom in FL, people all over the world and in this country suffering from natural disasters....and many other things.

Our Memorial Day plans: We had plans for Sunday to meet up with my siblings at my dad's. We were really looking forward to it, but that got messed up and it's very disappointing. We'll make the best of it and have the whole weekend here.

I plan on grilling burgers and turkey dogs and making up a fruit tray and possibly veggies, too. We are trying to eat much healthier lately, (especially minimizing sugar and fat intake). We might go to a pool or have some sort of water battle in the yard with squirt guns and water balloons. We'll see.

I am hoping: to get all of the girls' testing done this week so we can get on with SUMMER!

Plans for the week: finish testing girls, get our container gardens started, grocery shopping, cleaning the grill and cleaning off the deck in preparation for this weekend, bathing suit shopping for girls?, and work on Father's Day gifts. Oh and I need a haircut and the van needs an oil change. Evan has his final preK group meeting Thursday morning. It will be an end of year party! Sky has karate, too.

From the schoolroom: testing! and wrapping things up for this school year. We might do math every other week this summer, but somehow, the kids aren't too fond of that plan. Go figure...

Planning our summer: CVBS, Alexa and Evan's birthday parties, dance camp for Alexa (maybe), trip to my dad's and to the lake near his house, trip to PA (Kennywood, nephew BD party and U2 concert with my sister!~ oh yeah!), organizing school room, planning and ordering curriculum, trips into DC on VRE, etc....

I am reading: some books I purchased from the festival at our church. The one I'm reading now is a biography about Blessed Pope John Paul II, but I can't remember what it's called at the moment.

Some recent happenings: Evan's preschool group had an exciting visit from the fire dept. last week. The 4 firefighters were very good with the kids taught them about fire safety. They also took them outside to see their fire truck. so fun!

Taylor teched for a play at her school last week, which means she was extremely busy, tired and having fun with her friends.

I celebrated my birthday last week (same day as Bl. Pope JP II~he was born exactly 50 years before me!) at Red Robin with John and the kids. It was a blast!

John started his new job. He's taking the train and metro to get there, which is much less stressful than driving around here. He likes it so far!

Pictures to share:

(the kids and I at Red Robin for my little birthday dinner last week~John took the photo)

(Evan lovin' Taylor's new gorilla friend)

Enjoy your week! Make it special!

For more Daybook Entries, go to:

Peggy's!

TTFN

~Tina

An Optimistic Daybook :)

For Today: Monday, April 4, 2011

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I am hearing:

The coffee maker making me some wake-me-up goodness. And Curious George on TV in the other room.

I am wearing:

Jeans, black stripey socks, and a brown long-sleeved T. I'll probably be changing the shirt, though. Supposed to get pretty warm today!

I am feeling:

Happy about today's weather and a very full week ahead. Also tired, from not getting enough sleep last night.

I am thinking:

I wish we had creamer. I'm not a fan of coffee without it. :( I do have deeper thoughts rolling around in my head, but this is at the front of my brain right now.

I am smelling:

Evan's cinnamon toast waffles, my blueberry oatmeal and coffee. Oh yeah.

Plans for today:

Today is nature club for all and Evan's first soccer practice is this evening (SO CUTE!) and usually Sky's karate, but we have to skip it to see how long soccer practice is. The timing might not work out and don't want to leave either child stranded.

Later this week:

an appt. for the younger girls, a meeting for me, more soccer practice, karate, preschool group for Evan, girls club for Alexa and Sky, a birthday party and also Stations of the Cross on Friday night. Saturday we want to go see HOP! and then Sunday the girls have their last CCD classes for the year so there's a party (note to self...buy ccd teacher gifts this week). Then next Monday the girls have a Lent Retreat after morning Mass.

The liturgical year:

Sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, the girls upcoming Lent retreat, might go to confession this Saturday instead of waiting for the Penance Service.

I am hoping:

to get to my dads.....finally. thinking next Tuesday but have to wait on the weather to see for sure.

I am reading:

Not much. Does reading to Evan count? I'm just reading my lenten devotional, but I'm ordering some books from Amazon sooooooon. There are a couple in my shopping cart that I'm anxious to get!

Shopping:

grocery store for food for us. Also need to get end of year teacher gifts and a birthday gift for Skylar's friend. At some point soon I'll need to get our gardening stuff so we can plant veggies in big pots on the deck. Can't wait for that! And I should start thinking of what everyone will need to wear for Easter Mass, too. Too much to think about.....my brain hurts.

From the kitchen:

well, not sure. Grocery store tomorrow, so I better think fast!

Picture to share:

Evan made this tunnel for his train. He was very proud of it.....as he should be. It was awesome!For more Daybook entries, stop by Peggy's.

Have a great week, everyone!

TTFN

~Tina

A (somewhat grumpy) Daybook

For Today (or tonight): March 28, 2011

Outside my window: dark and cold. It's Spring but really feels like winter. It's annoying.

I am wearing: big, baggy, comfy flannel PJs. "Why would I wear flannel in Spring", you ask? See above.....and it's still annoying.

I am feeling: that's easy....annoyed....... with the weather. And tired, and concerned for my sick children and frustrated with not being able to get up to my dad's house like we planned 2 months ago. So as to not make this the most depressing Daybook ever, I should also state that I'm feeling blessed in many ways too. (maybe this wasn't the best time to do a Daybook)

From the kitchen: Nothing special because I can't get to the store at the moment. ummmm.....let's see..... Tonight we all had Lean Cuisine that John picked up at Costco yesterday. I am blessed that he went there and that he purchased those frozen dinners. They were a lifesaver tonight. The rest of the week's dinners are "your guess is as good as mine". There's stuff in there, so don't fret for my children. I just don't have a "plan".

From the schoolroom: The basics are still coming along nicely, but Sky didn't do school today, because of her throat. I still think we'll be done by Memorial Day. YES!

Liturgical year plans and celebrations: We've been going to Stations of the Cross every Friday so far. That helps me keep on track with my focus this lent. The girls have some Lent retreats coming up, if they are well enough to go. No teatimes lately.

From the yard: Spring "looks" like it's begun, but doesn't feel like it. It's beautiful....the blooms, the buds, the birds and small animals all around the yard. Can't wait to start our container gardens and flower boxes!

I am thinking: I need to go to bed. No deep thoughts flowing tonight.

I am hearing: The sound machine, the heater, Evan breathing heavily.....and my conscience telling me to go to bed.

I am planning: .....you guessed it....on going to bed. Beyond that we have doctor appt. tomorrow and I've started looking into some summer fun activities. Summer makes me smile.....a really big smile.

I am reading: a Lent devotional. Can't remember the name of it. It's small and purple. That's all I remember. Oh....I think it's in the Amazon spinny wheel thing in my sidebar. Check there if you're interested. It's a good little book.

Praying for: my children to get well, a trip to my dad's to finally pan out, and Spring to come once and for all. Many more intentions, of course.

A picture thought I am sharing:......not this time....too tired.

Good night.

And for more Daybook entries, stop by Peggy's. :)

Have a great week!

***Simple Woman's Daybook***

For Today: March 6th, 2011

Outside my window..... cold, dark, windy and veeerrryyy rainy. It's just been pouring down a cold, cold rain all day. Unfortunately we were in and out all day. It's good to finally be all snug in the house for the night.

I am hearing..... the heater running, clothes dryer was running but the buzzer just buzzed telling me the load is finished (that's gonna hafta sit till tomorrow), and the wind howling outside once in a while....

I am wearing.... plaid flannel jammie pants, and a green long sleeved T, my hair is up in a ponytail and I took my contacts out so I'm wearing my glasses

I am thinking..... that we will do a Mardi Gras Teatime this Tuesday. Just something low key with mask-making and music and maybe even some dancing. And of course eating some junk food before Lent begins the next day. I love Hostess Ding Dongs!

I am hoping.....to get up to see my dad and his wife soon. Been trying to make this happen for a couple of weeks now, but illnesses and weather keep getting in the way.

From the kitchen..... the usual.......And Ding Dongs for Mardi Gras!

The liturgical year..... Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, so we will go to Mass in the morning and begin our sacrifices. Everyone has been really thinking about these for the past week or two. I think we've all made up our minds. I am really looking forward to Lent. The kids think I'm nuts. I'll try to explain why I feel this way in another post. I'm sure I'm not alone in this.

Later this week.....Taylor's birthday is Saturday! My baby will be 15! What?! And she is planning a sweet little party that I'll have to explain later. It's very thoughtful.

Also, we have karate for Sky, Girls Club for Sky and Alexa and PreSchool Group for Evan

Looking forward to.....Lent, Taylor's Birthday, seeing my dad and his wife, Spring....

From the schoolroom..... need to order tests. We are moving right along and beginning to see the end in sight. Some books have already been finished for the year. Alexa's Tour A Country is coming along nicely.

The Month of March..... Lent begins, Taylor's Birthday, Saint Patrick's Day, our "legal" wedding anniversary (long story), Sky has to help with Lenten soup supper at church, (and she volunteered to be a reader at Stations of the cross this week!), Spring begins!,

A picture thought I am sharing....

(Daddy and Evan played a little "Go Fish" tonight. Evan won fair and square.)

Hope you have a wonderful week ahead! We started seeing the robins in our yard last week, and many buds on trees and plants breaking through the ground. Spring is coming!

TTFN

~Tina

Daybook at Night

For Today: February 21, 2011

I am thinking: about the weather and wondering what we will find when we wake up in the morning. They are calling for two or three inches of snow, but we'll just have to wait and see what we actually get right here.

Outside my window: very cold and very dark. Snow is falling as this February night reminds us it is still Winter.

I am wearing: cornflower blue flannel PJs with an offwhite floral print. I'm also wearing a brown long sleeved T and high black socks. No matchy matchy at the moment....it's all about comfort tonight.

I am hearing: the sound of Evan breathing, then steady hum of the sound machine and my own clicky clack typing on this keyboard. I was hearing some nasty frozen something or other falling from the sky, but I think it has turned to a silent snowfall now.

I am praying for: my oldest daughter, still suffering from a virus that is causing terrible pain in her throat along with congestion and it's majorly wiping her out. I'm beginning to see a doctor visit in the not-so-distant future.....like tomorrow, if the weather cooperates. Also for my sister-in-law who was in a car accident, but thankfully she's okay. And John's sister who is so strong, but battling so much on a daily basis. And for my dad, of course, whose health always concerns me. There are others, too, in need of prayers, like my sister-in-law in FL whose mom has Alzheimers....... such a horrible disease.

I am remembering: Having some fun with the kids at the Cabaret this weekend. It was put on by our church and Taylor worked "behind the scenes" as an assistant stage manager. So the other three kids and I enjoyed popcorn and candy as we saw musical numbers, skits and the very funny improv group. We were surprised to see Skylar's best friend's dad was one of the improv comedians! We talked to him before and after the show. We also ran into other friends there. It was a really nice time. We would have loved for John to join us, but he had lots of studying to do and with us all out, he was left with a quiet house and a great environment for focus and concentration. :)

I am planning: some Lent activities, lessons, stories, teatimes, meals etc.

I want to remember: John making the effort to come to Mass this weekend....and the wonderfully kind thing he did while we were there. Unfortunately we were there without Taylor. :( We prayed for her during Mass, of course.

Looking forward to: seeing my dad and his wife AND my grandma soon.....road trip!

So thankful for: my dad's health. We had a bit of a scare recently. Immensely thankful that he is okay. Thankful for good health for all my family....and hoping Taylor is well soon.

From the kitchen: Went to SuperTarget today AND John went to Costco......rarely does that happen on the same day. So we are fully stocked for food (and meds). This week we'll have.....homemade pizzas, pulled bbq chicken in the crock pot, soup, chicken tenders and fries, pasta and sauce, stuffed pepper casserole. all yummy stuff

I am hoping: Taylor gets well soon and that they cancel her school for tomorrow so she doesn't have to officially miss another day. Missing school bothers her a lot as she doesn't want to get too far behind in her work. But she's smart and consciencious so I think she just needs to focus on getting better.
A picture thought I am sharing.......

My sweet, sweet little boy

For more daybook entries, stop by Peggy's.

TTFN

~Tina

***A Winter Daybook***

FOR TODAY: January 10, 2011

Outside my window: Cloudy and very, very cold.

I am wearing: flannel jammies, socks, and my big heavy robe. It feels so cold in this house...especially downstairs.

I am hearing: Evan playing with his toys on the floor. John is off to work, Taylor to school, but the other girls are still in bed. (or perhaps they are reading up there and trying to delay the start to their school day....hmmmm)

I am thinking: that it's time (once the kids are well) to head to the chapel at our church for some adoration. Even if we do it in little short spirts to get them (especially Evan) used to it. We drove by the back of the church last night, and you could see right in the chapel. It felt as though I was being "drawn" towards it.

Thankful for: this warm house, our new church, John's job, winter stories, hot drinks, cozy blankets, etc. etc. etc. I could go on all day.

I am planning: school lessons for Evan. Last week's theme was Winter, this week it will continue, but we'll be branching off a bit (mittens, animals in winter, polar animals, etc.)

Today: planning a little Teatime for The Baptism of the Lord. We made cookies for it last week. Skylar, Alexa and Evan all have colds, so we'll be staying home today, hopefully. It is so bitter cold outside.

Later this week: until I know how healthy everyone is feeling, this will be hard to plan. Sky normally has karate, and Evan has pre K group and Alexa has PE (which she has not been to in a while), but no one that is feeling sick is going any of these places. Might be a week spent mostly at home. We'll see, day by day. We are supposed to get some snow tomorrow. Not too much, though. And with the kids being sick, I don't want them out playing in it anyway. I'm such a party pooper.

I am reading: Before I Go, by Peter Kreeft

From the kitchen: salsa chicken and rice, green pepper casserole (yummy), probably a lame dinner of nuggets some night, soup and rolls or crackers, and possibly mini pizzas ( but I need a quick run to the store for english muffins). I want to make some home made hot chocolate, but I need to find a simple recipe for that.

The liturgical year: celebrating the Baptism of the Lord today. Kinda sad that Christmas is over. We really enjoyed Adven and Christmas this year, and there's not a person in this house that wants it to end.

I am remembering: how cute Evan is when he prays the rosary with us. He's been joining us lately for a decade or two. I'm not even telling him to, he just comes in and joins us. It's amazing how many prayers children learn, just from hearing them said over and over. He knows the whole Hail Mary and I never "officially" taught him! He knows parts of the Our Father, too. Love to hear his little voice praying with us!

I am hoping: to go to my dad's for a visit for his birthday in February. We are overdue for a trip to his place. And as an added bonus, we get to see my grandma!

A picture thought....

Evan received this building set for Christmas and it's so much fun. We play with these together, making robots and helicopters and cars and boats. He laughs when we have little "battles" and I make silly voices as my robots fall apart. I love to hear him giggle.
For more Daybook Entries, stop by
Peggy's !

Have a great day, everyone!

TTFN

~Tina

~~~Daybook for a New Year~~~

For Today: January 3, 2011

First Daybook of 2011

I am wearing:

blue and green striped jammie pants and a green long sleeved T. I also have a soft green apghan over my shoulders because my cozy favorite-robe-in-the-world is in the dryer. And I have on two pairs of socks. I need to get some sort of slippers because these floors are freezing and winter is not ending anytime soon.

I am hearing:

the heater running

I am thinking:

how much I love my family....near and far. And how much I miss them when they are far.

I am remembering:

how much fun the kids and I had on our Christmas visit to see my family. I have not laughed that hard in a long time. It rejuvenates the soul to laugh like that and be surrounded by people that love you as much as you love them.

I am planning:

wintertime school. I want to embrace the seasons and try to make every season fun in a variety of ways. It just takes more effort when I'm at the beginning of my least favorite season of all. It's hard to think "fun" when you are freezing. ;)

I am reading:

Mostly been reading stories to the younger children, but I have 2 books I want to read. The Five Love Languages of Teenagers by Gary Chapman and Before I Go by Peter Kreeft. Maybe having some cozy moments with these books will help me to enjoy Winter just a bit more.

I am praying for:

the unborn and their mothers. For anyone suffering from sadness, lonliness, fear. For anyone without a family.

I want to remember:

how Evan has been so "into" Rudolph this year. He loves the movie and the story and talks about Rudolph and Clarice pretty often, like they are friends of his. It's so cute. He loves it when Clarice sings "There's always tomorrow, for dreams to come true....". He's my baby and he's 4 1/2 so moments like these are like sand falling through my fingers. I want to hold on to them, but they are slipping away. So thankful for memories.....and photos for when my memory fails. :)

I am hoping:

to get back into a good, solid groove, with fun thrown in. Coming off of the festive Advent and Christmas seasons can knock you down and make you feel at a "low" after such a long celebratory "high". But this year, I'm trying to just keep riding that "high" and using it to help me keep motivated through the long winter weeks ahead.

The rest of the week:

Sky and Evan are sick. They've each had fevers and sore throats and headaches. They seem to be getting better, but Evan still seems congested. So I'm not sure what this week will hold. Normally it would be karate for Sky and Pre K Group for Evan but we'll have to see. Taylor has play practice all week and Alexa and Sky might have Girls' Club. Not sure. I really haven't gotten out a calendar to even look at this week. I need to do that.

From the kitchen:

soup, pasta, mini pizzas....not sure what else. I haven't been to the store since we got back in town. John went for us yesterday, but he just usually does very general shopping....not the nitty gritty ingredients that my recipes call for. I'll have to make a run by the end of the week, I'm sure.

We are learning:

Alexa will start back on her "trip around the world" with CHC. I need to get Sky going on some good Science lessons. Evan will do some Winter Fun School soon. I need to get moving on lots of plans, I see.

Liturgical year plans:

Today is the feast of The Most Holy Name of Jesus. After the rosary this morning, we shall recite this prayer. Tomorrow is Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. I'll have to see if I have a book about her on my shelf. I'm sure there's a story of her in one of our many

saint books. Sunday is The Baptism of the Lord....might do a Teatime for that.

A picture thought:

my camera is upstairs where Evan is sleeping, so this will have to wait.

For more Daybook Entries, stop by Peggy's.

TTFN

~Tina