Daybook-August Waning

Outside My Window

A summer day. A yard that needs mowing again because we actually had real rain this week. Gathering clouds…

I am Listening to

Karoline singing the ABC song, interspersed with Do-Re-Mi…

I am Wearing

A t-shirt, shorts and a heating pad. My neck and shoulders are so tight I can’t turn my head.

I am so Grateful for

~Jen, Julie, and Mary Chris—who made Wednesday much better than Tuesday. Thanks for calling, for coming by, for laughing with me. Gosh, I needed to laugh! (And, Julie, thanks for loaning us Bailey.)

~A lot of time at Starbucks this last week to write and people watch and collect my thoughts. I wouldn't want to live that way all the time, but for that week, it was a good thing.

~Mike's perspective and patience.

I'm Pondering

These words, quoted by one of my favorite priests this morning and sent to me by an old friend. I pray it’s so!

He drew a circle that shut me out,
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win,
We drew a circle that took him in.

~Edward Markham

I am Reading
Safe People.

I am Thinking

About this scenario and that scenario and the other scenario, and wishing I’d just know WHICH scenario already so I could get on with it!

I am Creating

New chore charts.  I still don’t know if Patrick will be here or not, but I expect to have that final piece of the puzzle soon. In the meantime, I’ve been working on “training” some small people for slightly larger jobs.

On my iPod

Also sent by my friend Karen this morning.Once upon a time, Karen and I were pregnant together, awaiting spring babies and sharing faith on a college campus. Those boys are 18 years old now.  I am proud to report that I did not cry when I watched this video. Instead, I watched and was very grateful for all the seasons that lie ahead. That’s serious progress, ladies:-)

Towards a Real Education

I polished up the Middle Ages Reading List for everyone from Karoline to Christian.  I finished (for now;-) logging it all in on the CM Organizer. I completely cleaned and organized the sunroom for our learning purposes. We’re good to go! Tomorrow.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

Yesterday, the little boys’ practice schedules were finalized. I fought the urge to curl up in ball and put my hands over my head (which is where we left off at the end of last season). Instead, I gridded it all into iCal and then I planned menus around it and then I talked with my bigger kids and we planned who was going where when. I feel sort of better. A little. Maybe.

Until Paddy arrives and things get thrown again.

Until Ballet registration and I learn something I hadn’t previously known.

Until Katie starts swimming.

Until the inevitable unplanned….

To Live the Liturgy

Still focusing on St. Monica.

I am Hoping and Praying

~For my father, who is scheduled for knee surgery tomorrow.

~For Patrick who will have some big  decisions to make any minute.

~For my niece, Catie Lea, who begins her college adventure on Tuesday –and for her mama, Michele.

In the Garden

Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes.

Around the House

We’re going to paint this week. My friend Julie (who is the only reason my husband is trusting me with a paintbrush) says she’ll help with the bathroom painting. I know me: When you give a mom a paintbrush…

From the Kitchen

I’m kicking into the fall menu earlier than I’d like. The schedule is going to require some stewy, slow-cooked things. Personally, I’m not eating any of it. I’m existing on tea, green smoothies, an occasional soy latte, and sushi every now and then. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

One of My Favorite Things

Text messages from my boys—not really, but I’ll take what I can get.

Sarah Annie this week

I think she needs to go in to be weighed and measured. I’ve been looking at pictures of other ‘babies’ born when she was and she seems really tiny in comparison. I saw recent pictures of my cousin’s little girl, who was born a couple of months before Sarah and I had to stop and check to be sure that she was born before Sarah and not Karoline. I’m not really worried because she’s thriving and seems very well, but I have a hunch she’s teeny-tiny.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

Soccer Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and  a tournament on Saturday and Sunday. Paddy comes home Monday night—I expect our schedule this week will be affected somewhat by whether or not he’s going to return to Florida for the full-year residency program.

We are going to begin our lessons as planned.

And we are going to squeeze those last few weeks out of the neighborhood pool.

Picture thoughts:

 
Me: Kari, that outfit doesn't match.

Kari: Of course it does. Grandma gave me the shirt. Grandma gave me the pants. Both from Grandma, so they match each other. Perfect! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Daybook: Soccer Camp Week

Outside My Window

“Downtown” McLean, Virginia. I’ve set up at a Starbucks this morning and I'll be back here again this afternoon. Mary Beth and I decided that it was really silly to drag everybody to soccer camp this week. They’re happier at home. So, I’m here alone for two hours this morning and again this afternoon. I’m thinking this could be an exceptionally productive computer week.

I am Listening to

It’s noisy here! People talking, background music, traffic noise, and the espresso machine and blenders.

I am Wearing

A pale green embellished t-shirt, khaki skimmers, flip flops, and silver and pearl drop earrings.

I am so Grateful for

~the hope of new beginnings.

~the dear friend who called me between the Romaine lettuce and the avocados at Costco. Somehow, she knew I was thinking “Paddy can make one more Caesar salad before he goes, but these avocados won’t be ripe in time for him to make guacamole.” And so, the rest of my shopping trip was blessed with understanding, good advice, and the wisdom of the Church Fathers.

~ Homecomings. Not sure I’ve ever been so glad to have Mike home as I was yesterday.

I'm Pondering

"The child breathes the atmosphere emanating from his parents; that of the ideas which rule their own lives” (Charlotte Mason, Vol. 2, p. 247).

I am Reading

Safe People: How to find relationships that are good for you and avoid those that aren’t

It’s an excellent, insightful book. My friend Linda gave it to me in August of 2003. I wish I had read it then. It’s all about healthy relationships and how to both choose good friends and be a good friend. I think it’s a good read for late teenagers and twenty-somethings, too.

I am Thinking

Truth be told, I’m thinking incessantly about Paddy and the opportunities and the discerning that lies ahead of him. But for the next week, I’m going to do my pondering in my heart.

I am Creating

Blog posts, this week, I think. I’m trying to put a positive spin on Soccer Camp Week and maybe blog ahead a bit, knowing that things will be very busy in the weeks to come and that I’ve not been able to find much blogging time in the last few months. We’ll see what four hours a day for five days does for me. Of course, I’m also still being called by the addictive compulsion to keep creating plans at the CM Organizer, so that will share time with the blog.

On my iPod

Redwall from Audible.com! Yippee! This is Redwall read by Brain Jacques, who really wrote this book for radio. It’s a wonderful literary experience, even for those of us who usually  have trouble with talking rodents. I can’t say enough about these books. They launched Michael into a literary world when he was ten—he went from being a tentative reader to being a voracious reader and from being a terrible speller and barely-writer to being prolific and eloquent.

Towards a Real Education

Each of the little boys is getting an hour and a half of read aloud time, listening to Redwall back and forth from soccer camp. That counts.

Of course it does.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

This is the week we all learn if my checklists in the home management notebook will really work on their own. My children are home with the lists. I’m here with a grande soy latte. Wonder how the house is running? 

To Live the Liturgy

I so wish this weren’t the week Fr. Taylor was going to be gone all week. I so wish it…

Big week.

I am Hoping and Praying

For Patrick Hart and his family. Patrick and Michael were little boys together. His mother Kathy is a kindred spirit and has long been one of the most amazing examples of grace and strength in the face of tragedy I’ve ever known. Patrick has recently been diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease and is fighting for his life. Please, please pray with me! They need a miracle. Another miracle. But Kathy Believes in Miracles.

In the Garden

Some volunteer Morning Glories popped up out of nowhere while we were at the beach. I love these flowers—they speak my language. I can so relate to sweet, simple blossoms that bloom bright and early with all sorts of hope and beauty and delight in the day and then start to fade by early afternoon and go to sleep very early. Karoline loves them, too, and tells us that they are how God says, “Good Morning!”

Around the House

I wonder why I thought it necessary to clean before 6 college soccer players camped in my house? Now, my house looks exactly like 8 teenaged and early twenty boys were there, along with the 6 other children…

From the Kitchen

I did some big cooking this weekend (along with my B&B duties) so that I have freezer meals good-to-go this week. It reminded me of back when I did once-a-month cooking. It might just be time to revisit that this fall.

One of My Favorite Things

Ann Voskamp’s blog. She reads my  heart. Yes, my friend. We’re focusing on beginnings. Thank you for the beautiful reminder.

Sarah Annie this week

She is my sweet Morning Glory. Up early, she loves her quiet nursing time and then breakfast with me, followed by sitting on the porch and watching the birds eat breakfast, followed by breakfast with Daddy. What joy she brings to the day’s beginning.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

Michael left for pre-season camp yesterday.

The little boys have camp all week.

Patrick takes summer soccer camp to unprecedented heights. Please pray for him. Thy will be done!

Picture thoughts:

 
  

Daybook

Outside My Window

A Rainbow.This was a few days ago, but still…

I am Listening to

Quiet baby breathing (don’t you dare tell me she isn’t a baby any more!)

I am Wearing

A George Mason soccer t-shirt and yoga pants—summer pajamas at their best.

I am so Grateful for

~A happy big boy off to Texas for a quick trip and then on to start his last semester of college.

~Silk creamer in cinnamon tea

~Tomato plants gone wild

~A teenaged boy tenderly caring for “his” roses and worrying what may become of them if they are left in my care for an extended period of time.

~Beach memories

I'm Pondering

What is your will for me, O God?

I await your plan.

I want to live only for you

and be guided by you always.

Grant that your holy will be done in me.

~St. Jane de Chantal

I am Reading

I’m previewing Middle Ages books and gathering and organizing literature choices for all ages these days. I admit to having done significant tinkering to my plan when two brown-eyed boys told me that they really wanted to study the Middle Ages AND have a book club with the boys across the street. Seriously, how often do you have 9 and 11 year-olds begging for a booklist? And how often do you happen to have homeschooling friends right across the street? Not very. I’m learning to seize the day.

I am Thinking

Way. too. much.

I am Creating

New chore charts. Right now, they are just in my brain. I’m waiting to see what happens with Paddy before committing anything to paper. But no matter what, I won’t have Mary Beth or Paddy at home in the evenings and Paddy will be gone at least three days a week. We need to do some serious overhauling of the distribution of labor.

On my iPod

Downloading so very much from www.myaudioschool.com. We’re going to be doing quite a bit of listening to literature in the car this year.

Towards a Real Education

I was going to start “school” this week, but we’re expecting five GMU soccer players to come in on Wednesday and Thursday and stay until move-in on Sunday. Michael and Mike will be in Dallas early this week. Christian has to work. Then, next week, Nicky has soccer camp from 10:30 – 12:30 and Stephen has it from 4-6. Kind of hard to find that rhythm. We’ll start a few things, if for no other reason than I really want to play with the CM organizer in action;-).

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

Still really working on clearing out clutter. The aforementioned houseguests are inspiring cleaning of the dreaded basement.

To Live the Liturgy

This is a very lively and lovely liturgical week.

Monday the 9th: St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein) who is much quoted in Real Learning.

Tuesday the 10th: St. Lawrence (this was my parish in high school and the church where I was married)

Wednesday the 11th: St. Clare

Thursday the 12th: St. Jane de Chantal who is much quoted in Small Steps.

Saturday the 14th: St. Maximilian Kolbe

Sunday the 15th: Solemnity of the Assumption

Big week.

I am Hoping and Praying

For my mother who has eye surgery tomorrow and for my father-in-law who has heart surgery on Friday and my father, who is scheduled for knee surgery.

For Michael, who has some big things on his calendar this week.

In the Garden

Patrick did some major pruning and lots of weeding. The roses continue to boom and the tomatoes are quite profuse.

Around the House

Someone please tell my why it’s so much easier to keep house at the beach. I cooked (every single meal), I cleaned, I did laundry.Why is it so much moreat home? So much more…

From the Kitchen

Watermelon, lots of watermelon. And we’re going to pick peaches and raspberries and corn this week. It’s going to taste like summer right up until the very end if I have anything to say about itJ

One of My Favorite Things

Weekends when Mike gets to stay home the whole weekend and  none of the kids “have to” do anything.

Sarah Annie this week

Chatter-pie, she is. Talk, talk, talking, all the time. She’s going through a definite “mommy, mommy” stage, where she won’t let me make any sudden moves away from her. Mostly, I’m good with it. I have definitely learned how short these stages are. There will be plenty of time away – later.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

Michael wraps up his internship tomorrow with some interviews, and then,

Well, there’s the soccer B&B thing and Mike and Michael jetting to Dallas to have all sorts of fun with my-friends-first without me.

And all those feast days.

And peach picking.

And more time with the CM organizer (I think I'm an addict).

And a total revamp of menu plans to reflect the fact that no one will be home to cook at least three days a week this fall…

Picture thoughts:

Daybook: At the Sea before my World Rocks Again

Outside My Window

Is the beach. We’re in Bethany Beach, Delaware for a few days. I’m writing, even though I have no internet access, because, well, I need to do a brain dump. I’ll post when I get home (or to a Starbucks;-).

I am Listening to

Six of my children singing Do-Re-Mi. They’re working on harmonies.

I am so Grateful for

All the things that conspired on July 30^th, to find Mike, Paddy, and me alone in the car, late in the afternoon. Patrick’s cell phone rang.  It was a number he didn’t recognize, something he usually ignores. He called out the first few digits. “Say, hello,” I said, “I think I know.”  We had heard this might be coming.

Then Mike and were privileged to listen in on Paddy’s end of “the call of his life.”

“Yes, this is Patrick.”

“Yes, Patrick Foss.”

“Hello.”

“Yes, I would like that. I’d like that very much!”

There was not a dry eye in the car at that point. Paddy had just been offered the opportunity to travel to Florida to train with the U17 National Team. If he plays well and decides to he wants to stay, they will invite him stay on for the year and train to play in the U17 World Cup next fall.

And so I’m grateful.

I’m grateful I got to share that moment with Mike and Paddy. I’m grateful to all the people who have worked so hard on Paddy’s behalf. I’m grateful to our Lord for the blessing of talent.

Grateful.

I’m trying desperately to focus on grateful.

I'm Pondering

Education is an Atmosphere, a Discipline, and a Life. ~Charlotte Mason

I am Reading

Charlotte Mason in the original. She’s my no-nonsense mentor telling me to stay the course, though this is not exactly the way I saw it playing out when Charlotte and I were introduced 13 years ago.

I am Thinking

About how quickly time passes and how precious moments are. They say that when you are the mother of little ones, the hours are long and the years are short.

They just get shorter. And all those endless hours of driving to practice and sitting on sidelines? Paddy’s not likely to need me to do that any more. Just like that. I went from being overwhelmed by what was required of me by him to being bereft at the thought of not having those things to do. He’s off on the adventure of a lifetime.

I’m home.

Praying.

I am Creating

This year, I am committing my lesson plans to the CM Organizer. I spent hours the past two weeks working on plans for everyone. The Cm Organizer and the Real Learning booklist are a match made in heaven. It was such a pleasure to introduce the two and see living plans spring to life. What this means is that, unlike in years past, when my plans were Word documents, I have no real plans to share plans this year. It’s nice to focus only on my own children and their needs and not wonder how something will be received. Serendipity will remain as a resource, but there won’t be any new content in the near future. Of course, there will always be the spilling over of our life onto these virtual pages, just not tidy forethought in PDF plans.

On my iPod

Sonya Shafer Laying Down the Rails (and every other audio/video production she offers, now playing in my computer). Sonya Shafer amazes me! She really, really knows her stuff and even now—sixteen years into this homeschooling venture—she inspires and encourages me. Sonya is bright and articulate, warm and compassionate. I've heard zillions of homeschooling speakers over the last 20 years and it takes someone special for me to sit up, take notes, and (frankly) order more. There's really nothing new for me here, but there is calm, friendly assurance that this method is best above all others. Sonya acknowledges that mothers can bring their own book selections and should tailor to suit each child individually (but she also offers a full curriculum if you'd rather have someone else plan it for you--Catholics will have to add a bit). She doesn't make it complicated, doesn't act like you have to be a Charlotte Mason expert to do it well. Instead, she makes it incredibly accessible and utterly

SIMPLE.

Towards a Real Education

I’m nearly finished with our plans. I had planned to put the final touches on things this week, while I am away at the beach. But I’ve got no online access, so those last few things will have to wait.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

It’s the rhythm of the ocean, right now. And we are surrounded by utter beauty in my friend Jen’s house. The last few days have brought such crashing waves of emotion for us. We are thrilled for Patrick of course, but we shore ourselves up, knowing that some big decisions and life changes lay ahead. Even the littlest among us is affected by this change in family dynamic. Paddy is a born leader, even (especially) amongst his siblings. It’s hard to imagine that in only a week he could be gone for a year, or more. You think you have forever, autumn after autumn, one new school year after another, to start fresh and promise God and everybody you will get it right this time. And then, all of a sudden, it comes to pass that time just might be up. It’s a big world out there. We need every single minute to get them ready to go.

Who am I kidding? We need every single minute to get us ready for them to go.

To Live the Liturgy

Don’t tell anyone, but Fr. T. actually did a little jump for joy upon hearing Paddy’s news. Paddy’s got his number programmed into his cell phone. He knows, really knows, he can call any time.

Grateful, grateful, grateful for God’s  timely providence.

I’m grateful.

I am Hoping and Praying

That we know His will and do it with great joy.

In the Garden

No clue what’s happening in my garden but Bethany’s in full bloom.

Around the House

I left my house clean. And I’m keeping Jen’s house clean. It’s easier here somehow. Not as much stuff, I guess?

From the Kitchen

Simple, simple meals. And way too much snacking.

One of My Favorite Things

Teenagers with toddlers on their hips. This is one of those moments I want to hold forever in my heart. (Of course, shortly after this a wave knocked Mary Beth over and she and Karoline tumbled. Karoline is convinced she drowned and refuses to speak to Mary Beth, even now. The moment was nice, though).

Sarah Annie this week

She sings Do-Re-Mi. Cutest thing I ever heard. Ever.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

We’re here until late Wednesday, then back home. Paddy has an intense sports physical scheduled and we have some unexpected dorm shopping to do.

Picture thoughts:

Lots to think about as he scans the sea.

Daybook upon the Return Home from Away

Outside My Window

It’s 95 degrees but it “feels like” 100. I’m not a big fan of hot. Not at all. I wilt, droop, sag...

I am Listening to

The songs from the Sound of Music sung as only my darling little girls can sing them. We went to see an absolutely fabulous live performance while in Charlottesville and the girls have been singing ever since. They are also often found to be singing and dancing on furniture (we’re hoping that particular part of this phase will be short-lived). The show has finished its run, but I'm betting the rest of the season is well worth seeing if you're in the neighborhood (Barefoot in the park? Hmm, might need to plan a trip). And yes, we brought all the kids. The boys enjoyed themselves, despite themselves and even the little girls made it to the very end.

I am Wearing

Denim capris, a pink oxford cloth shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow, and new Once Upon a Shine lipgloss in Sheer Blossom. Isn’t lipgloss grand? Instant pick-me-up, not terribly costly and  one size fits all.

I am so Grateful for

Restorative time away with people I love in a place I cherish.

I'm Pondering

concepts create idols; only wonder grasps anything. ~ Gregory of Nyssa 

I am Reading

From this list. I tend to binge.

I am Thinking

That meeting Katherine Malone outside of Anthropologie on Saturday morning was very much an answer to prayer. Bless you, dear lady, for having the courage to introduce yourself and for sharing so generously from your heart. I am very, very grateful.

I am Creating

Nothing at the moment, but I have a notion to call a friend and see if maybe this is the summer to really learn to knit.

On my iPod

This song, sent to me by my friend Donna, early one morning, while I was away. Donna has a knack for sending just exactly the right words at the right time, so that there is absolutely no doubt she was inspired by the Holy Spirit. She sure did this week. Click and close your eyes for just a few minutes.

Towards a Real Education

Big deep breath in this department. I’m buckling down to plan in a big way this week. We’re talking utter simplicity here.  Tell you one thing’s for sure, I already have a booklist and I mean to use it extensively this year.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

Well, we’ve done quite a bit of work on rhythm lately. One thing not on my list but often suggested is a nap. I’m going to try to get one in every day this week. I’m still not feeling totally well and I think the extra sleep will be key to recovery. I also plan to get back on that bike.

To Live the Liturgy

I want to get back into my daily Mass habit now that I have some big kids around to help me dash out for a quick midday encounter with Christ.

I am Hoping and Praying

That I will protect and ponder the treasure gained from my time away  from the internet and from the heart-to-heart conversations of the past week.

In the Garden

My poor plants are hanging in there, despite the overwhelming heat and absence of rain. The garden is struggling along but I’m not giving up hope for a comeback if the only the rain would fall freely.

Around the House

I had this little daydream going while I was away (with everyone under 16). I dreamt that those left at home would think to themselves, “Gee, wouldn’t it be really cool if we cleaned the whole house top to bottom while Mom is gone so that she would be greeted by utter loveliness and grace when she got home?” Then I realized how ridiculous that was and just hoped they might clean their own rooms. In the end, I was touched by the thoughtfulness of a nicely made bed.

We’re –ahem—cleaning this week; house looks like I left college students alone too long.

From the Kitchen

Leftovers from the party for World Cup final. Well, it wasn’t really a party, just us and a couple of Paddy’s friends I’d never met before. And after Mass this morning, Nicky invited Fr. T to come by for the game and he was able to make it. Nicky was tickled and we were delighted to have his company.

One of My Favorite Things

Walking the Lawn with my littlest in a frontpack and my three-year-old in a stroller. I walked that walk so many, many times. I could never have imagined being so richly blessed twenty years later.

Sarah Annie this week

She had a grand time at my dad’s house.  She stayed awake for the entire production of The Sound of Music. The next day, she was quite the trooper as we walked and window-shopped and lunched with a friend. She’s also very fond of frozen custard, the chocolate-vanilla twist, daily, if you please. Pretty sure I gained back every ounce I lost. Someone had to keep that custard from dripping.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

Ummm…I don’t know. I have very few plans for this week. There’s that housework thing calling my name and I see soccer is back on the schedule at least twice this week.

I have a big stack of books to mail (Thank you! For your overwhelming interestJ.

And we really need to research and make some dance decisions…Then there’s Gracie’s summer to-do list; gotta get to some of those things.

Picture thoughts:

 
 

  morning quiet, home away from home