Thursday, June 24, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Father's Day
As you can tell from the photos posted below, we celebrated Father's Day rather casually. For those of you that don't know Bruce has been extremely busy with work the past few weeks. This past week alone he put in somewhere around 70 hours. Yes, SEVENTY! Infact, he had to leave the house Saturday morning at 2:30AM to make it to work (not his usual location) by 4:00AM for a 'particular project'. (Those of you that are aware of Bruce's work, probably know that specifics can't always--or shouldn't always--be mentioned.) Needless to say, by the end of Saturday we were all looking forward to spending Sunday doing a whole lot of nothing. I think the most work we did all day was when we prepared dinner that evening--Bruce grilled steaks and I made mashed potatoes and steamed carrots. Despite our lack of activity, here are a few pictures from that day that I took to share with you.
~Silly Girl~
She was playing peek-a-boo with me while I was trying to take pictures.
Snuggling with a 'blankie'.
Bruce re-cooperating from the previous day.
To all the Dads out there, I hope you were each blessed with a wonderful Father's Day. If you work anywhere nearly as hard as my husband, you certainly deserve a day to relax and call your own.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Daybook: The Beginning of June
Outside My Window: ...its night-time now. Brinley and Bruce are in their beds. Hopefully I'll be there soon...
I Am Listening To: ...the ticking of the kitchen clock and the sound of my fingers tapping away at the keyboard.
I Am Wearing: ...pajama pants and a tee.
I Am Thankful For: ...friends that were gracious enough to spend their Saturday afternoon with us. We love you Alan and Jess...and of course your sweet little ones!
I Am Pondering: "Children's talent to endure stems from their ignorance of alternatives." Maya Angelou
I Am Reading: ...The Discipline Book by the Sears, Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski and Don't Let Me Count To Three by Ginger Plowman.
To Be Fit And Happy: This afternoon, after Bruce, Brinley and I arrived back home from running a few errands in town together, Brinley decided that she needed to stretch her legs. Immediately after I took her out of her carseat, she wandered down the driveway and started taking walking down our street. (Of course, as soon as I saw she was headed for the street, I was right behind her.) I figured she would just walk to the end of the street, be tired and want to be carried back. Nope! We got to the end of the street and she just kept going. She ended up walking around nearly the entire block all by herself. I picked her up for a short stretch on the street that is north of our house. Other than that, she walked entirely on her own. What a lot of exercise for such a little girl!
I Am Thinking: ...that laundry should be able to launder itself. :-D
I Am Creating: ... a less cluttered home--which amazingly enough seems to help create a less cluttered mind and a less cluttered heart.
On My iPod: I've been a bit on a Daughtry kick lately.
Towards A Real Education: Haven't given this a thought at all this week.
Towards Rhythm and Beauty: Whenever our friends Alan, Jess and their kids come over to hang out, I can't help but be intrigued by their little ones-. (No Jess, I promise it is not because I think they act like a couple of little monkeys.) You see, their eldest is almost a year older than Brinley while their youngest is almost exactly a year younger than Brinley. So, as I watch their eldest I think about where Brinley might be in a year or so, and when I look at their youngest, it just brings back sweet memories of when Brinley was that age.
To Live The Liturgy: "No one can live continually in sin and continue to say the Rosary: either they give up sin or they give up the Rosary." Bishop Hugh Doyle
I Am Hoping And Praying: ...that the sun will continue to shine.
In The Garden: While we stopped off at Lowe's this afternoon, I picked up a new plant to re-pot and put on the front porch. Apparently the plant that I had bought early in the spring didn't care much for the hot, afternoon sun that our front porch gets.
Around The House: The three of us went furniture shopping again today. After taking a few weekends off from that whole scenario, we stopped in at Haverty's and took a second look at some pieces that we had seen on their website that interested us. I think after today, we have just about decided on each piece of furniture for the living room. We decided not to order anything immediately. We both felt better about coming home to work on the floor plan that we have created on the computer with the dimensions of each piece of furniture. The last time we went looking, we ended up falling in love with a particular furniture collection only to come home and find out the pieces wouldn't all fit in our living room (gasp!).
On Keeping Home: I love my house the day after we've had company over because it doesn't look a hurricane has blown through it....yet. ;-)
I Am Listening To: ...the ticking of the kitchen clock and the sound of my fingers tapping away at the keyboard.
I Am Wearing: ...pajama pants and a tee.
I Am Thankful For: ...friends that were gracious enough to spend their Saturday afternoon with us. We love you Alan and Jess...and of course your sweet little ones!
I Am Pondering: "Children's talent to endure stems from their ignorance of alternatives." Maya Angelou
I Am Reading: ...The Discipline Book by the Sears, Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski and Don't Let Me Count To Three by Ginger Plowman.
To Be Fit And Happy: This afternoon, after Bruce, Brinley and I arrived back home from running a few errands in town together, Brinley decided that she needed to stretch her legs. Immediately after I took her out of her carseat, she wandered down the driveway and started taking walking down our street. (Of course, as soon as I saw she was headed for the street, I was right behind her.) I figured she would just walk to the end of the street, be tired and want to be carried back. Nope! We got to the end of the street and she just kept going. She ended up walking around nearly the entire block all by herself. I picked her up for a short stretch on the street that is north of our house. Other than that, she walked entirely on her own. What a lot of exercise for such a little girl!
From The Kitchen: Honestly, not much to brag about.
I Am Thinking: ...that laundry should be able to launder itself. :-D
I Am Creating: ... a less cluttered home--which amazingly enough seems to help create a less cluttered mind and a less cluttered heart.
On My iPod: I've been a bit on a Daughtry kick lately.
Towards A Real Education: Haven't given this a thought at all this week.
Towards Rhythm and Beauty: Whenever our friends Alan, Jess and their kids come over to hang out, I can't help but be intrigued by their little ones-. (No Jess, I promise it is not because I think they act like a couple of little monkeys.) You see, their eldest is almost a year older than Brinley while their youngest is almost exactly a year younger than Brinley. So, as I watch their eldest I think about where Brinley might be in a year or so, and when I look at their youngest, it just brings back sweet memories of when Brinley was that age.
To Live The Liturgy: "No one can live continually in sin and continue to say the Rosary: either they give up sin or they give up the Rosary." Bishop Hugh Doyle
I Am Hoping And Praying: ...that the sun will continue to shine.
In The Garden: While we stopped off at Lowe's this afternoon, I picked up a new plant to re-pot and put on the front porch. Apparently the plant that I had bought early in the spring didn't care much for the hot, afternoon sun that our front porch gets.
Around The House: The three of us went furniture shopping again today. After taking a few weekends off from that whole scenario, we stopped in at Haverty's and took a second look at some pieces that we had seen on their website that interested us. I think after today, we have just about decided on each piece of furniture for the living room. We decided not to order anything immediately. We both felt better about coming home to work on the floor plan that we have created on the computer with the dimensions of each piece of furniture. The last time we went looking, we ended up falling in love with a particular furniture collection only to come home and find out the pieces wouldn't all fit in our living room (gasp!).
On Keeping Home: I love my house the day after we've had company over because it doesn't look a hurricane has blown through it....yet. ;-)
One Of My Favorite Things: ... walking in Brinley's room in the morning and hearing her say "Mommy!". That just melts my heart.
Brinley Anne This Week: ...has had a minor obsession with ice cream cones. There were actually a few mornings this past week that she asked for one for breakfast. Of course she didn't get it until after dinner. We're learning that desserts are eaten after dinner...not for breakfast.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Not many plans this week for Brinley and I. Unfortunately, Bruce had a blow-out on his way home from work last Thursday. Thankfully he is fine. We are just waiting on new tires to be delivered to a shop and put on the Sunfire so we can go back to being a two-car family. Until then, Bruce will be taking the Grand Prix to work and Brinley and I will be stuck at home. No big deal. I'm just thankful that Bruce made it home safely--a little flustered by having to change a tire on the side of I-10 at 10 o'clock at night--but otherwise safe.
Brinley Anne This Week: ...has had a minor obsession with ice cream cones. There were actually a few mornings this past week that she asked for one for breakfast. Of course she didn't get it until after dinner. We're learning that desserts are eaten after dinner...not for breakfast.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Not many plans this week for Brinley and I. Unfortunately, Bruce had a blow-out on his way home from work last Thursday. Thankfully he is fine. We are just waiting on new tires to be delivered to a shop and put on the Sunfire so we can go back to being a two-car family. Until then, Bruce will be taking the Grand Prix to work and Brinley and I will be stuck at home. No big deal. I'm just thankful that Bruce made it home safely--a little flustered by having to change a tire on the side of I-10 at 10 o'clock at night--but otherwise safe.
A Picture I'm Sharing: Sorry. Not this week. It just didn't happen!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Daybook: End of May
I can't believe it has been so long since I have written a post. I guess time flies when you are having fun. Here is a daybook post that I wrote up on Sunday, but didn't get posted until now. Enjoy!
I Am Thankful For: ...kisses from the sweetest little girl in the world.
I Am Pondering:... what a friend wrote about accepting and having peace about areas of our lives that are under construction. So many times we have the final goal in mind and become quickly disappointed when that picture-perfect goal doesn't happen soon enough for us. Its okay to have a blue-print or a prototype of something. Like my friend said, "You don't start out with the perfect pair of shoes. Often, they have to be lived in and allowed to mold to your own feet. Only then do they become your comfy, go-to pair of shoes."
I Am Reading: ...The Discipline Book by the Sears, Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski and Don't Let Me Count To Three by Ginger Plowman. Maybe I'll be able to get at least one of these books finished this week...maybe?
To Be Fit And Happy: Brinley and I have taken a couple of walks around the neighborhood this past week. I also recently set up her pool that has a small slide as well as a sprinkler whichshe had a blast in. We've spent a little time over the past couple of weeks doing yard work as well as time just kicking the soccer ball back and forth.
From The Kitchen: Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies
I Am Thinking: ... that it should be impossible for an individual to have a headache for more than 24 hours straight. Actually, it would be nice if headaches didn't exist at all.
I Am Creating: ... a less cluttered home--which amazingly enough seems to help create a less cluttered mind and a less cluttered heart. :-D
On My iPod: Breathing: the Master Key to Self Healing by Dr. Andrew Weil. (For those of you that are unfamiliar with Dr. Weil, he is a very renowned expert on natural health and wellness.) Although I began doing breathing exercises several months ago (and they do help tremendously!), this audiobook has wonderful reviews and I'm ready to add a little something different to my current repertoire. I figure if a $10 audiobook helps me to feel more relaxed and focused, sleep better, and feel less fatigued then it will be well worth the money.
Towards A Real Education: Starting to look into lesson planning for this fall.
Towards Rhythm and Beauty: I love this time of the year. Its warm enough to find many ways to have a good time outside, yet its not hot enough that it feels as though your body is actually cooking. The nights are still cool and very comfortable. The flowers are blooming, birds are singing and squirrels are....well, they're being squirrels.
To Live The Liturgy: As the end of May is upon us, so is the celebration of the Queenship of our Blessed Mother.
I Am Hoping And Praying: ...for those that are directly being affected by this terrible oil spill disaster in the Gulf right now.
In The Garden: Last weekend, we all worked out in the yard. Bruce mowed the lawn and Brinley and I trimmed up the flower beds.
Around The House: Brinley's nursery is coming back together. Her crib was recalled a few weeks ago because the mattress support had been known to bend or break which could have caused the mattress to collapse and a little one to become trapped. We immediately broke her crib down and she slept in her playyard until we were able to get a new crib. Since Babies 'R Us fully refunded us for the recalled crib, we ordered a new crib and matching a dresser/changer combo since the dresser we had been using was a hand-me-down from Mom and Dad. We set up her new crib immediately, but we've been so busy the past several days that we didn't get the dressers changed out until last weekend. I had no idea that was going to be an all day ordeal either. By the time I moved the old dresser out of her room, vacuumed the carpet and baseboards, had Bruce help me carry the new dresser in, unpack the new dresser, put together the railing for it, moved everything from Brinley's old dresser to her new one and cleaned crayon off the wall I was exhausted.
On Keeping Home: Did I just mention I had to clean crayon off the wall? I'm sure y'all have a pretty good idea of who put it there in the first place, but I'll fill in the details for you. While Brinley was 'helping' move all her belongings from her old dresser to her new dresser she apparently decided that the wall that her dresser had been on was too plain and needed some decorating. The sad part is, I was in the room when all this took place. While I was putting things into her new dresser--obviously my back is turned while I'm digging in drawers--I hear a noise on the wall, but my first thought was that Brinley was just running her hand across the wall. Then, when I heard her say "OVAL" something clicked, and yes folks, she had drawn an oval...and much more. She and I had a little discussion about how crayons are ONLY for paper--not for walls--and then I asked her to help Mommy clean the mess she had made. Thankfully, I live in the 21st century where there is this awesome invention called a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Most of y'all know that I try to stay away from mainstream cleaners because of their toxicity and the effects that they have on us humans and our environment. However, every blue moon, I pull out my trusty Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and quickly 'erase' what Brinley would call a 'whoops'.
One Of My Favorite Things: ...cool evenings that just beg for me to keep the window by my bed cracked so the fresh breeze can mingle with a lavender sachet that I have sitting on the window sill. My bedroom smells absolutely heavenly.
Brinley Anne This Week: ...has been a load of fun. The girl is always on the go. Bruce and I think that is how the girl stays so thin, yet can eat so much--she rarely slows down!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: In all honesty, with this headache that I've had the past two days, I haven't even thought of any plans for this week muchless made any.
A Picture I'm Sharing:
Outside My Window: ...it has been a gorgeous late-spring day full of warm sunshine, gentle breezes and an occasional rain shower.
I Am Listening To: ...whatever Bruce has left on the television now that he's retired for the night and I'm up blogging, as well as, the rumbling sound of thunder in the distance.
I Am Wearing: ...a pink, short-sleeved nightgown. Actually, it is the same pink nightgown that I wore in the hospital after having Brinley. As ugly as it is--remember, I had to find something with convenient openings for breastfeeding--I don't think I'll ever be getting rid of this nightgown. After all, Brinley and I took some of our first pictures together in this pink nightgown.
I Am Listening To: ...whatever Bruce has left on the television now that he's retired for the night and I'm up blogging, as well as, the rumbling sound of thunder in the distance.
I Am Wearing: ...a pink, short-sleeved nightgown. Actually, it is the same pink nightgown that I wore in the hospital after having Brinley. As ugly as it is--remember, I had to find something with convenient openings for breastfeeding--I don't think I'll ever be getting rid of this nightgown. After all, Brinley and I took some of our first pictures together in this pink nightgown.
Brand-new Brinley and the infamous ugly (but comfy!) pink nightgown.
I Am Thankful For: ...kisses from the sweetest little girl in the world.
I Am Pondering:... what a friend wrote about accepting and having peace about areas of our lives that are under construction. So many times we have the final goal in mind and become quickly disappointed when that picture-perfect goal doesn't happen soon enough for us. Its okay to have a blue-print or a prototype of something. Like my friend said, "You don't start out with the perfect pair of shoes. Often, they have to be lived in and allowed to mold to your own feet. Only then do they become your comfy, go-to pair of shoes."
I Am Reading: ...The Discipline Book by the Sears, Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski and Don't Let Me Count To Three by Ginger Plowman. Maybe I'll be able to get at least one of these books finished this week...maybe?
To Be Fit And Happy: Brinley and I have taken a couple of walks around the neighborhood this past week. I also recently set up her pool that has a small slide as well as a sprinkler whichshe had a blast in. We've spent a little time over the past couple of weeks doing yard work as well as time just kicking the soccer ball back and forth.
From The Kitchen: Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies
I Am Thinking: ... that it should be impossible for an individual to have a headache for more than 24 hours straight. Actually, it would be nice if headaches didn't exist at all.
I Am Creating: ... a less cluttered home--which amazingly enough seems to help create a less cluttered mind and a less cluttered heart. :-D
On My iPod: Breathing: the Master Key to Self Healing by Dr. Andrew Weil. (For those of you that are unfamiliar with Dr. Weil, he is a very renowned expert on natural health and wellness.) Although I began doing breathing exercises several months ago (and they do help tremendously!), this audiobook has wonderful reviews and I'm ready to add a little something different to my current repertoire. I figure if a $10 audiobook helps me to feel more relaxed and focused, sleep better, and feel less fatigued then it will be well worth the money.
Towards A Real Education: Starting to look into lesson planning for this fall.
Towards Rhythm and Beauty: I love this time of the year. Its warm enough to find many ways to have a good time outside, yet its not hot enough that it feels as though your body is actually cooking. The nights are still cool and very comfortable. The flowers are blooming, birds are singing and squirrels are....well, they're being squirrels.
To Live The Liturgy: As the end of May is upon us, so is the celebration of the Queenship of our Blessed Mother.
I Am Hoping And Praying: ...for those that are directly being affected by this terrible oil spill disaster in the Gulf right now.
In The Garden: Last weekend, we all worked out in the yard. Bruce mowed the lawn and Brinley and I trimmed up the flower beds.
Around The House: Brinley's nursery is coming back together. Her crib was recalled a few weeks ago because the mattress support had been known to bend or break which could have caused the mattress to collapse and a little one to become trapped. We immediately broke her crib down and she slept in her playyard until we were able to get a new crib. Since Babies 'R Us fully refunded us for the recalled crib, we ordered a new crib and matching a dresser/changer combo since the dresser we had been using was a hand-me-down from Mom and Dad. We set up her new crib immediately, but we've been so busy the past several days that we didn't get the dressers changed out until last weekend. I had no idea that was going to be an all day ordeal either. By the time I moved the old dresser out of her room, vacuumed the carpet and baseboards, had Bruce help me carry the new dresser in, unpack the new dresser, put together the railing for it, moved everything from Brinley's old dresser to her new one and cleaned crayon off the wall I was exhausted.
On Keeping Home: Did I just mention I had to clean crayon off the wall? I'm sure y'all have a pretty good idea of who put it there in the first place, but I'll fill in the details for you. While Brinley was 'helping' move all her belongings from her old dresser to her new dresser she apparently decided that the wall that her dresser had been on was too plain and needed some decorating. The sad part is, I was in the room when all this took place. While I was putting things into her new dresser--obviously my back is turned while I'm digging in drawers--I hear a noise on the wall, but my first thought was that Brinley was just running her hand across the wall. Then, when I heard her say "OVAL" something clicked, and yes folks, she had drawn an oval...and much more. She and I had a little discussion about how crayons are ONLY for paper--not for walls--and then I asked her to help Mommy clean the mess she had made. Thankfully, I live in the 21st century where there is this awesome invention called a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Most of y'all know that I try to stay away from mainstream cleaners because of their toxicity and the effects that they have on us humans and our environment. However, every blue moon, I pull out my trusty Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and quickly 'erase' what Brinley would call a 'whoops'.
One Of My Favorite Things: ...cool evenings that just beg for me to keep the window by my bed cracked so the fresh breeze can mingle with a lavender sachet that I have sitting on the window sill. My bedroom smells absolutely heavenly.
Brinley Anne This Week: ...has been a load of fun. The girl is always on the go. Bruce and I think that is how the girl stays so thin, yet can eat so much--she rarely slows down!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: In all honesty, with this headache that I've had the past two days, I haven't even thought of any plans for this week muchless made any.
A Picture I'm Sharing:
If you look closely above the electrical and cable outlets you may be able to see hint of orange crayon that my little artist decided to decorate her wall with.
...and this is the kind of help I get when I ask her to clean the wall with me. Silly girl!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Brinley-isms
"nellephent" ~translates to~ elephent
"cancakes" ~translates to~ pancakes
"yam" ~translates to~ lamb
"kiki" ~translates to~ cookie
"sapes" ~translates to~ shapes
"nanee" ~translates to~ banana
"hep" ~translates to~ help
"tat" ~translates to~ cat
"jamas" ~translates to~ pajamas
"yewwo" ~translates to~ yellow
"teek a boo" ~translates to~ peek-a-boo
"buh-buh-ooo" ~translates to~ double-u (W)
"jaff" ~translates to~ giraffe
"in-ments" ~translates to~ instruments
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Daybook: First Weekend of May
Outside My Window: ...is a dreary Sunday evening.
I Am Listening To: ...Bruce snoring on the couch and Brinley putting together her 'Shapes' puzzle in the floor.
I Am Wearing: ...a white cami and blue and white toile-printed pajama pants.
I Am Thankful For: ...God's gifts--most especially the peace, comfort, strength and motivation that he has so mercifully been providing to me.
I Am Pondering: "Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself." ~St Francis de Sales
I Am Reading: ...The Discipline Book by the Sears, Womanly Dominion by by Mark Chanski and Don't Let Me Count To Three by Ginger Plowman. Although I am still working on those, does it count that I did complete the new Beverly Lewis series that I started last week? Over the past few days, I've read through both The Missing and The Telling.
To Be Fit And Happy: This past week has been full of dreariness. We may have had one sunny day in the mix, but to be honest with you I couldn't tell you which one it was. Otherwise, its been dark, humid, cloudy and windy which in turn has not made for a very active week outside of the house. After the rain gets out of the picture early part of this next week, its supposed to be much prettier and we will definately be spending more time in the good ol' outdoors.
From The Kitchen: Friday evening, I surprised Bruce with Chicken Fried Steak, Steamed Rice, Homemade Brown Gravy and sauteed Green Beans. I try not to cook a lot of fried foods and gear our menu towards baked, stewed or sauteed meats so this was a real treat for us.
I Am Thinking: ... about the coming week.
I Am Creating: ... more peace and tranquility for our home, my family and myself. God has been so good at providing different means for me to accomodate this, whether it be from other's ideas or suggestions, books I'm reading, blogs I keep up with, etc. It is so amazing how God provides just what you need, when you need it.
On My iPod: Again, nothing new this week. However, I am still loving my KSBJ app. Brinley and I listen to it at some point everyday.
Towards A Real Education: On a Catholic mom's forum that I am a part of, we have started discussing different homeschooling programs that are available-- Catholic Heritage Curricula, Kolbe Academy, Seton Home, etc. Meeting moms that have 20+ years experience with homeschooling has definately been a blessing since we are just beginning our journey.
Towards Rhythm and Beauty: Another sign of spring has made its way upon us--power outages. Since living in Mississippi and now Alabama, I've learned that power outages are especially common in the spring with the high winds and rainy weather. Nothing like being without electricity when its a good 85 degrees with 95% humidity...
To Live The Liturgy: I've been trying to think of ways over the past few days of how I can incorporate more prayer, more quiet, more meditation and more peace into my life whether that be through a daily Rosary, daily scripture reading, or maybe from Elizabeth and Danielle's new book that just came out. As much as I would like to do all three, I'm just not sure how feasible that would be right now where I am in my life. Praying for some discernment in this area.
I Am Hoping And Praying: ...for those that are directly being affected by this terrible oil spill disaster in the Gulf right now.
In The Garden: One blessing that this regular rain has given us is the lack of a need to water the lawn and flower beds.
Around The House: Bruce, Brinley and I went to a few furniture stores on Saturday to get some ideas on what styles of living room furniture that we favor. Since most every piece of furniture in our living room now is a hand-me-down from our college days, we are REALLY looking foward to having pieces that reflect our style and taste AND actually coordinate with each other. :-D We did find a collection that we really liked, but unfortunately after we spent some time looking at the measurements of the room and the deminsions of furniture, the pieces are just too oversized for our living room. Back to the drawing board we go...
On Keeping Home: I've still been bagging up things to be taken to Goodwill...and thinking about what ways I'll be able to rearrange things with all this new found space I'll have. :-D We also need to decide what cabinetry we're going to order for the garage so that I can start organizing a few more nooks and crannies in this house.
One Of My Favorite Things:... Ben & Jerry's Americone Dream. As the official description states, it is "vanilla ice cream with fudge-covered waffle cone pieces and a caramel swirl." Yum!
Brinley Anne This Week: ...has not been sleeping well. Almost every night over the past week she has woken up at least once, if not more. As soon as Bruce or I go in there to tell her its time to night-night, that we love her and we'll see her in the morning, she limmediately ays back down and goes to sleep. Not sure if its reflux, bad dreams, or what, but we're hoping that whatever it is will go away and she'll go back to her sleeping through the night routine.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I am hoping once the dreary weather clears out of the area, Brinley and I can spend some time at one of the local parks a day or two this week. I know we need to take advantage of the mild weather before the temperatures soar and it will be too hot to do anything!
A Picture I'm Sharing:
I Am Listening To: ...Bruce snoring on the couch and Brinley putting together her 'Shapes' puzzle in the floor.
I Am Wearing: ...a white cami and blue and white toile-printed pajama pants.
I Am Thankful For: ...God's gifts--most especially the peace, comfort, strength and motivation that he has so mercifully been providing to me.
I Am Pondering: "Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself." ~St Francis de Sales
I Am Reading: ...The Discipline Book by the Sears, Womanly Dominion by by Mark Chanski and Don't Let Me Count To Three by Ginger Plowman. Although I am still working on those, does it count that I did complete the new Beverly Lewis series that I started last week? Over the past few days, I've read through both The Missing and The Telling.
To Be Fit And Happy: This past week has been full of dreariness. We may have had one sunny day in the mix, but to be honest with you I couldn't tell you which one it was. Otherwise, its been dark, humid, cloudy and windy which in turn has not made for a very active week outside of the house. After the rain gets out of the picture early part of this next week, its supposed to be much prettier and we will definately be spending more time in the good ol' outdoors.
From The Kitchen: Friday evening, I surprised Bruce with Chicken Fried Steak, Steamed Rice, Homemade Brown Gravy and sauteed Green Beans. I try not to cook a lot of fried foods and gear our menu towards baked, stewed or sauteed meats so this was a real treat for us.
I Am Thinking: ... about the coming week.
I Am Creating: ... more peace and tranquility for our home, my family and myself. God has been so good at providing different means for me to accomodate this, whether it be from other's ideas or suggestions, books I'm reading, blogs I keep up with, etc. It is so amazing how God provides just what you need, when you need it.
On My iPod: Again, nothing new this week. However, I am still loving my KSBJ app. Brinley and I listen to it at some point everyday.
Towards A Real Education: On a Catholic mom's forum that I am a part of, we have started discussing different homeschooling programs that are available-- Catholic Heritage Curricula, Kolbe Academy, Seton Home, etc. Meeting moms that have 20+ years experience with homeschooling has definately been a blessing since we are just beginning our journey.
Towards Rhythm and Beauty: Another sign of spring has made its way upon us--power outages. Since living in Mississippi and now Alabama, I've learned that power outages are especially common in the spring with the high winds and rainy weather. Nothing like being without electricity when its a good 85 degrees with 95% humidity...
To Live The Liturgy: I've been trying to think of ways over the past few days of how I can incorporate more prayer, more quiet, more meditation and more peace into my life whether that be through a daily Rosary, daily scripture reading, or maybe from Elizabeth and Danielle's new book that just came out. As much as I would like to do all three, I'm just not sure how feasible that would be right now where I am in my life. Praying for some discernment in this area.
I Am Hoping And Praying: ...for those that are directly being affected by this terrible oil spill disaster in the Gulf right now.
In The Garden: One blessing that this regular rain has given us is the lack of a need to water the lawn and flower beds.
Around The House: Bruce, Brinley and I went to a few furniture stores on Saturday to get some ideas on what styles of living room furniture that we favor. Since most every piece of furniture in our living room now is a hand-me-down from our college days, we are REALLY looking foward to having pieces that reflect our style and taste AND actually coordinate with each other. :-D We did find a collection that we really liked, but unfortunately after we spent some time looking at the measurements of the room and the deminsions of furniture, the pieces are just too oversized for our living room. Back to the drawing board we go...
On Keeping Home: I've still been bagging up things to be taken to Goodwill...and thinking about what ways I'll be able to rearrange things with all this new found space I'll have. :-D We also need to decide what cabinetry we're going to order for the garage so that I can start organizing a few more nooks and crannies in this house.
One Of My Favorite Things:... Ben & Jerry's Americone Dream. As the official description states, it is "vanilla ice cream with fudge-covered waffle cone pieces and a caramel swirl." Yum!
Brinley Anne This Week: ...has not been sleeping well. Almost every night over the past week she has woken up at least once, if not more. As soon as Bruce or I go in there to tell her its time to night-night, that we love her and we'll see her in the morning, she limmediately ays back down and goes to sleep. Not sure if its reflux, bad dreams, or what, but we're hoping that whatever it is will go away and she'll go back to her sleeping through the night routine.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I am hoping once the dreary weather clears out of the area, Brinley and I can spend some time at one of the local parks a day or two this week. I know we need to take advantage of the mild weather before the temperatures soar and it will be too hot to do anything!
A Picture I'm Sharing:
More of my lovely azaelas--a sight I definately missed during the winter months.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Daybook: Post-62 Bags of Mulch
Outside My Window: The yard is almost completely green, flowers are blooming everywhere, and the squirrels have been using our backyard as their personal playground. I have never seen so many squirrels at once...as many as four at a time!
Beautiful, white azalea blossoms from my flower bed.
I Am Listening To: the television. Bruce and I are watching The Bourne Ultimatum while I'm blogging.
I Am Wearing: ...black yoga pants and a lavender tee.
I Am Thankful For: ...friends. Especially those more experienced Mommas that I've meet through the internet and helped me along my journey one way or another.
I Am Pondering: this wonderful article that I found over at Faith & Family.
I Am Reading: ...the same books as the previous weeks, but I've also added a couple others to the mix-- The Discipline Book by the Sears and The Missing by Beverly Lewis.
To Be Fit And Happy: During the past few weeks, we have spent a lot of time out in the yard. In fact, Bruce and I raked and bagged up all the old pine bark mulch that the previous owners had laid in the front flower beds, and then laid 62 (yes, 62!) bags of new, black, shredded mulch. The first few days following, I felt muscles that had apparently gone into hibernation during the cold, winter months.
Lovely, lilac flowers (that I honestly don't remember the name of) in my flower beds.
From The Kitchen: Last weekend, I tried a new recipe that consisted of diced red potatoes and chicken thighs seasoned in a rosemary-garlic marinade and then baked. I'm not big on rosemary, but this recipe was pretty tasty. I definitely would not have wanted the rosemary any stronger, and I told Bruce that I might cut back on it just a bit next time I make it. Along side the chicken and potatoes, we had some fresh green beans that I sautéed in olive oil. Definately not something I would want every week, but probably something I could see myself making once a month or so.
I Am Thinking: ... about the coming week.
I Am Creating: ...more peace and order for my home and our lives in general.
On My iPod: Again, nothing new this week. However, I am still loving my KSBJ app. Brinley and I listen to it at some point everyday.
Towards A Real Education:Brinley has become a pro at counting from 1-20 (and can do 1-30 at times) and Bruce and I were just talking this evening about how quickly she has grasped that. She is also starting to put more words together. Instead of just saying a single word like, "dogs" she might say "five black dogs". I imagine within the next few months she'll be talking in complete sentences, and life as we know it will never be the same...
Towards Rhythm and Beauty: Spring his fully here! Over the past few days, we have been having the 'April showers'. I'm hoping they'll just bring more 'May flowers'.
To Live The Liturgy: A little hard to believe that it is already the fourth Sunday of Easter. Before we know it, Pentecost Sunday will be upon us.
I Am Hoping And Praying: ...for those that I know that have had surgery or babies in the past couple of weeks...which seems to be a LOT at once!
In The Garden: Like I've mentioned, Bruce and I replaced all the mulch in the flower beds and added plants/flowers where it was needed. I've gotta say that all those trips to Lowe's and Home Depot lately have given us more ideas for the yard and house. This could be good...or this could be dangerous. ;-)
Vibrant, pink Azaleas growing in my flower bed. I particularly like these two because it looks as though they are growing in the shape of a heart.
Around The House: Well, after spending a lot of our time working in yard, the house looked like a tornado ran through it. So, we've been putting it back into a reasonable state over the past few days. Last weekend,Bruce also added a shade to the semi-circle window that is in the spare bedroom to help keep the summer sun out and hopefully the temperature down. Although it is only April, that bedroom was beginning to get terribly warm in the afternoons. Also, he added a privacy film to the window above the garden tub in our master bathroom. Even though it would have been nearly impossible for someone to get a view of the inside of our bathroom (or who's in it!) from the outside, I still feel better that it is now completely impossible. Bruce did such a great job on both projects. He's turning into such the handy-man! ;-) This weekend he took the time to mow the lawn, wash both cars and put together new shelving for Brinley toys and books. How did I become so blessed?!?
On Keeping Home: Like I just mentioned, since we were busy outside in the yard last weekend, we've been concentrating on the inside this past week. Laundry is no longer over-flowing from the hampers, the kitchen has been swept and mopped (thanks babe!) and over all the house is looking presentable.
One Of My Favorite Things:...is a good book combined with a few, small pieces of good chocolate. Those two things combined make for a good evening for this Momma.
Brinley Anne This Week: ...has been enjoying this beautiful weather that we've been blessed with over the past several weeks. Between the ball pit, sidewalk chalk, her 'bike', 'playing soccer' with Daddy, and 'gardening' with Mommy I think the child would just about be happy outside 24/7.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Since working in the flower beds took up a little more time than Bruce or I expected, I hoping to finish cleaning out our closets so I can take some donations to Goodwill and get the clutter out of my house. I also would like to clean off the back patio one day--it's amazing how quickly it needs that. I can't believe I am admitting this to the world, but I also HAVE to remember to clean out the fridge this week. I'm sure there are a couple of leftovers that have been shoved to the back and could now pass as science experiments of some sorts. Other than grocery shopping and possibly a quick trip to Lowe's, I really can't think of anything else for this week. Brinley and I may have to make our way to the park a day or two this week and enjoy the beautiful weather that we are being blessed with.
A Picture I'm Sharing:
Brinley getting buckled-up by Daddy so that she can ride her 'bike'.
Beautiful, white azalea blossoms from my flower bed.
I Am Listening To: the television. Bruce and I are watching The Bourne Ultimatum while I'm blogging.
I Am Wearing: ...black yoga pants and a lavender tee.
I Am Thankful For: ...friends. Especially those more experienced Mommas that I've meet through the internet and helped me along my journey one way or another.
I Am Pondering: this wonderful article that I found over at Faith & Family.
I Am Reading: ...the same books as the previous weeks, but I've also added a couple others to the mix-- The Discipline Book by the Sears and The Missing by Beverly Lewis.
To Be Fit And Happy: During the past few weeks, we have spent a lot of time out in the yard. In fact, Bruce and I raked and bagged up all the old pine bark mulch that the previous owners had laid in the front flower beds, and then laid 62 (yes, 62!) bags of new, black, shredded mulch. The first few days following, I felt muscles that had apparently gone into hibernation during the cold, winter months.
Lovely, lilac flowers (that I honestly don't remember the name of) in my flower beds.
From The Kitchen: Last weekend, I tried a new recipe that consisted of diced red potatoes and chicken thighs seasoned in a rosemary-garlic marinade and then baked. I'm not big on rosemary, but this recipe was pretty tasty. I definitely would not have wanted the rosemary any stronger, and I told Bruce that I might cut back on it just a bit next time I make it. Along side the chicken and potatoes, we had some fresh green beans that I sautéed in olive oil. Definately not something I would want every week, but probably something I could see myself making once a month or so.
I Am Thinking: ... about the coming week.
I Am Creating: ...more peace and order for my home and our lives in general.
On My iPod: Again, nothing new this week. However, I am still loving my KSBJ app. Brinley and I listen to it at some point everyday.
Towards A Real Education:Brinley has become a pro at counting from 1-20 (and can do 1-30 at times) and Bruce and I were just talking this evening about how quickly she has grasped that. She is also starting to put more words together. Instead of just saying a single word like, "dogs" she might say "five black dogs". I imagine within the next few months she'll be talking in complete sentences, and life as we know it will never be the same...
Towards Rhythm and Beauty: Spring his fully here! Over the past few days, we have been having the 'April showers'. I'm hoping they'll just bring more 'May flowers'.
To Live The Liturgy: A little hard to believe that it is already the fourth Sunday of Easter. Before we know it, Pentecost Sunday will be upon us.
I Am Hoping And Praying: ...for those that I know that have had surgery or babies in the past couple of weeks...which seems to be a LOT at once!
In The Garden: Like I've mentioned, Bruce and I replaced all the mulch in the flower beds and added plants/flowers where it was needed. I've gotta say that all those trips to Lowe's and Home Depot lately have given us more ideas for the yard and house. This could be good...or this could be dangerous. ;-)
Vibrant, pink Azaleas growing in my flower bed. I particularly like these two because it looks as though they are growing in the shape of a heart.
Around The House: Well, after spending a lot of our time working in yard, the house looked like a tornado ran through it. So, we've been putting it back into a reasonable state over the past few days. Last weekend,Bruce also added a shade to the semi-circle window that is in the spare bedroom to help keep the summer sun out and hopefully the temperature down. Although it is only April, that bedroom was beginning to get terribly warm in the afternoons. Also, he added a privacy film to the window above the garden tub in our master bathroom. Even though it would have been nearly impossible for someone to get a view of the inside of our bathroom (or who's in it!) from the outside, I still feel better that it is now completely impossible. Bruce did such a great job on both projects. He's turning into such the handy-man! ;-) This weekend he took the time to mow the lawn, wash both cars and put together new shelving for Brinley toys and books. How did I become so blessed?!?
On Keeping Home: Like I just mentioned, since we were busy outside in the yard last weekend, we've been concentrating on the inside this past week. Laundry is no longer over-flowing from the hampers, the kitchen has been swept and mopped (thanks babe!) and over all the house is looking presentable.
One Of My Favorite Things:...is a good book combined with a few, small pieces of good chocolate. Those two things combined make for a good evening for this Momma.
Brinley Anne This Week: ...has been enjoying this beautiful weather that we've been blessed with over the past several weeks. Between the ball pit, sidewalk chalk, her 'bike', 'playing soccer' with Daddy, and 'gardening' with Mommy I think the child would just about be happy outside 24/7.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Since working in the flower beds took up a little more time than Bruce or I expected, I hoping to finish cleaning out our closets so I can take some donations to Goodwill and get the clutter out of my house. I also would like to clean off the back patio one day--it's amazing how quickly it needs that. I can't believe I am admitting this to the world, but I also HAVE to remember to clean out the fridge this week. I'm sure there are a couple of leftovers that have been shoved to the back and could now pass as science experiments of some sorts. Other than grocery shopping and possibly a quick trip to Lowe's, I really can't think of anything else for this week. Brinley and I may have to make our way to the park a day or two this week and enjoy the beautiful weather that we are being blessed with.
A Picture I'm Sharing:
Brinley getting buckled-up by Daddy so that she can ride her 'bike'.
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