My Heart's At Home Daybook

Outside my window...
Blue skies and sun. A cold front blew in last night and whisked the clouds away. Highs in the mid 50's today, with the promise of a big warm up by the weekend. Makes me happy.

I am listening to...
The kids settle down to school after early morning dentist appt's for 4 of them.

To live the liturgy...
Trying to do nightly prayer time and continue with our catechism classes. The kids already know that Lent is around the corner, and are dreading it. I need to do some research on how to make it somewhat appealing. Wish I could say that my example will be beneficial.

To breathe deeply...
I've been craving exercise. And it's harder to get out and do something... more so now than ever before. Not sure why. But my mind and body need it. I've been keeping up with my morning stretches and back strengthening exercises. But my torso and legs need more.

Towards rhythm and beauty...
The house is still clean from our impromptu get together last night, and my hope is to continue the deep clean in preparation for our dinner guests on Saturday. Clean spaces are a thing of beauty for me.

I am thankful for...
The sun. And my health. I realize more and more how fickle my moods can be, and how ungrateful and assuming I have become towards these two amazing gifts.

From the kitchen...
Not sure. But I have a freezer full of meat, and a pantry stocked full. I am extremely grateful for this, as well.

I am wearing...
A black sweater, jeans and black shoes, my pearl earrings, and favorite scent.

I am creating...
Plans for a formal dinner party this Saturday evening. My perfectionist self is freaking. out. My sensible self is breathing deeply and keeping the planning simple and delicious.

On my ipod (mp3)...
New stuff from DH. And Carbon Leaf for me.

Towards a real education...
The kids have settled down from their post-Christmas high. The warmer days beckon them outside more and more, and so we find ourselves doing school at the "outdoor" home school table. :) I don't mind at all. This program is rigorous, but allows much leeway in the planning. Right now, Action Man is enjoying some living history books on the Civil War to supplement his textbook requirements, while getting the help he needs for his dysgraphia and dyscalcula. There have been quite a few modifications to this curriculum, but I've seen many improvements in my children overall.

Bringing beauty to my home...
My mom sparked my decorator's bug during her last visit, with the purchase of pillows and a hearth candelabra for my front living room. I finally accessorized the main bathroom, and have added a few touches here and there. The result is pleasing, and leaves me hungering for more. For now, though, finances dictate the need to just de-clutter and keep things tidy.

I am reading...
About to read The Shack. Yes, I know. Scandalous. It's for my IRL bookclub, which is filled with brilliant women who will decimate this book and leave us all the ability to speak intelligently and charitably about it. Next up is All the King's Men.

I am hoping...
To keep my cool today, to give focused attention, and maintain some cheerfullness.

Around the house...
Have I mentioned the word "de-clutter" enough? :)

One of my favorite things...
Sunny days, outside sports, and worthwhile activities. The boys are signed up for roller hockey, while the girls are taking Irish step-dancing. I love that my kids are so active.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Time for adoration for the parents, with the boys taking turns joining us. Feeling the need for more focused prayer time... not just my exasperated exclamations.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...















DH and the kids during an outing to Fort Worth last month. We took the train from our hometown and rode into the downtown area. We wandered through the beautiful side streets and stopped for a bite to eat. Our waiter told us about the Water Gardens, and we all had a blast exploring. Although, my Mama's heart skipped a few beats when I saw the kids descending this:















This was on the way back up. Much scarier when looking down. My boys and Little Boo thought it was awesome.

:)