Daybook: Spring Hopes

 Outside My Window

The sun has just come up on what promises to be an truly beautiful day. I can hear birds singing outside the window. Spring promises. And I believe her.

{Nicky has just joined me in the front room. He sees a bluebird. We stop and watch together. Spring. Good, good spring.}

I am Listening to

those aforementioned birds. Sweet music.

I am Wearing

pajamas. Just rolled out of bed and want to use the quiet this morning to gather my thoughts. Then, I plan to click the computer closed until I get a bit of a writing session in a cafe later today.

I am so Grateful for

a husband who trusts. We've made some tough decisions the last few months. He's been steadfast in the trust department.

I'm Pondering

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." ~Marcel Proust

Someone sent me note cards with that quote on them. Isn't that charmingly perfect for a new gardening season where the focus is on gratitude?

I am Reading

on my Kindle: You Can Understand the Bible by Peter Kreeft. I dearly love Peter Kreeft.

on audio while knitting: One Thousand Gifts (yes, this is the third time through--the audio version is my favorite) and  Truth and Life Audio Bible New Testament. Both of these books are available on audio for free if you are new to Audible and sign of for a 30 day free trial. I had been listening to a different audio Bible but this one is endorsed by the Vatican with an imprimatur  and oh. my. goodness! it's exceedingly well done.

in book form: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. Someone wrote to tell me yesterday that the audio version of this is really good, too.

I do love audio books. I like to tuck my iPod into an aprom pocket and listen while I clean. It helps to keep me on task. I'm much less tempted to wander off and check my email or get distracted by a catalog or otherwise stop working. As long as I'm working, I can keep listening and I do like to listen.

I am Thinking

That sometimes a little humor makes a serious point very well. The world is full of legalists and pharisees. Jesus spent an awful lot of time addressing them. He must have known we'd struggle with legalism, fueled by envy, until the day He comes again.

I am Creating

washcloths. Lots of them. I'm also helping Katie with her mittens and Mary Beth with her hat. And I'm about to launch into some serious Becky Higgins retro-scrapbooking with a big box of photos in the basement and the three nearly grown boys whose childhoods are held there.

This is exactly what I wrote last week. Still at it. Mary Beth has finished her hat. Patrick has requested a knitted hat. Why he needs a knitted hat in Florida in the spring and summer is somewhat unclear. He mumbled something about needing it to wear to breakfast...

Bedhead? Isn't that why baseball caps were invented?

 

On my iPod

Joel Clarkson. I'm working on a way to share this music on my blog. But for now, take my word for it: well done.

Towards a Real Education

Looking into high school co-ops for next year. There are several well-established homeschool co-ops or small schools that allow part-time homeschooler involvement. Several of the girls in Mary Beth's dance school attend them. Unfortunately, most have very exclusive statements of faith--that is they exclude Catholics. It's hard to see her grapple with exclusion.

A followup from last week: a couple people wrote to tell me about "statements of understanding." Apparently, some co-op will allow you to sign something that says you understand the statement of faith and won't argue or debate it. So, there's that possiblity. Also, I had a long conversation with a tutor at Classical Conversations who said she'd be welcome there. I'm not sure we want that level of intesity (nor am I sure it's in the budget), but she is going to shadow there next week. One thing is certain, homeschooling high school without a peer group for her and for me is not a good idea. She's my fourth. I know what has worked and what has not and I am determined to find some sort of group. 

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

We are doing "pre-Lent" in a big way this year. Patrick is home this week, but he won't be home next week, so I'm spending focused time with all my children discussing their plans for Lent and their walks with God. It's a good thing, one that I think will become a tradition.

We're having a Kind Conversation about

My sincere apologies to the good folks at Kind Conversation. I promise to check in soon. Gosh. Today, I promise.

To Live the Liturgy...

There are so many, many Lent ideas out there. I'm not reading them this year. One thing I'm doing to get ready for Lent is winnowing my time online to very little. So, reading Lent ideas isn't going to work for me. I'm looking forward to springtime quiet. And I'm so grateful that God has graced me with happy optimism about this spring. Happy, happy.

I am Hoping and Praying

for Elizabeth deHority. She is constantly on my heart and in my prayers. She needs you now. Please, please pray with me.

for these two darling boys who will be baptized this weekend.

 In the Garden

Patrick and Karoline worked hard to get everything ready for spring planting and blooming.

Around the House

all the windows are open!

From the Kitchen

chicken fajitas last night

grilled pork tenderloin tonight

pasta tomorrow night (soccer tournament and basketball finals--carbo loading)

steak and potatoes per Patrick's request before he goes back

lots of super fresh eggs from some very happy spring chickens

One of My Favorite Things

the smell of spring

Sarah Annie this week

her favorite pasttime is pulling a chair up to the pantry and opening the door. There, she finds shelves of  alphabetized spices mounted on the inside of the door. She likes moving them around. And now, she likes opening them, too. And dumping them. I have never--in nine kids--had kidproof latches. I'm seriously considering it.

And my vacuum smells awesome.

A Few Plans for the Week

Girls Club at the mission church tomorrow

Mary Beth and Nicholas both play in basketbal League Championship games Saturday. And Katie has her last game (which she is persuading everyone is a championship).

Stephen plays his first soccer tournament of the season

Paddy goes back to Florida on Sunday.

Nothing real notable for next week; we didn't get terribly behind on schoolwork this week, despite Patrick's presence, but we will work extra hard next week to make up for anything not done this week. 

Picture thoughts:

Daybook at February's End

 Outside My Window

Is the busy main street of downtown McLean on a weekday afternoon. Michael is in Florida this week, so I'm back in my soccer driving and Starbuck's writing groove.

I am Listening to

a sweet girl at the table next to mine, trying to impress the socks off an Ivy League alum at a college interivew. They do these interviews at this Starbucks all the time. Very enlightening.

I am Wearing

Jeans, a cotton turtleneck sweater, and Elizabeth deHority cashmere socks in blue.

I am so Grateful for

an amazing week just passed.

I'm Pondering

One more thought on Simplicity: Contemplative simplicity isn't a matter of circumstances; it's a matter of focus.~Ann Voskamp 

{Next week, we take Small Steps, pondering sacrifice.}

I am Reading

through this list of "Best Homeschool Blogs." I've found several new ones there. Good reading.

I am Thinking

so many, many thoughts! My head is awhirl. It's been a week of inspiration and I'm processing. I think that God is mighty and His plans are perfect. I pray that I can walk in His will and truly take to heart the lessons He's allowed in my life in the last year.

I am Creating

washcloths. Lots of them. I'm also helping Katie with her mittens and Mary Beth with her hat. And I'm about to launch into some serious Becky Higgins retro-scrapbooking with a big box of photos in the basement and the three nearly grown boys whose childhoods are held there.

On my iPod

I am listening to Ann's book, One Thousand Gifts, read aloud to me, by her, as I knit. Follow this link to learn how to get a free 14 day trial and one book at Audible.com. If you are new to Audible.com, you can download and listen to Ann's book for free.

Towards a Real Education

Looking into high school co-ops for next year. There are several well-established homeschool co-ops or small schools that allow part-time homeschooler involvement. Several of the girls in Mary Beth's dance school attend them. Unfortunately, most have very exclusive statements of faith--that is they exclude Catholics. It's hard to see her grapple with exclusion.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

I'm ready for the rhythm of Lent. It's so late this year. Feels strange to mark these late February days in Ordinary Time.

We're having a Kind Conversation about

My sincere apologies to the good folks at Kind Conversation. I promise to check in soon. 

To Live the Liturgy...

pray the Hours. Go to Mass. Amen;-).

I am Hoping and Praying

for Elizabeth deHority. She is constantly on my heart and in my prayers. She needs you now. Please, please pray with me.

Around the House

My big kids did an admirable job of keeping the house from dissolving into disarray while I was away much of last week. We're in a pretty good groove. I really, really, really want to paint. Really. Oh, and the laundry? All caught up. Seriously.

From the Kitchen

It won't be long now: asparagus, strawberries, artichokes. I love to craft spring menus.

I've been really good about being gluten free in the last month and I do see and feel a huge difference. It will only get easier as the weather warms and everything can become a salad.

One of My Favorite Things

Learning to knit. Yes, indeed. Way too much fun. And highly addictive.

Sarah Annie this week

She refuses to answer to Annie any more. Or even Sarah Annie. This could be problematic very soon, because...

A Few Plans for the Week

Patrick comes home on Saturday! He's never, ever called her anything but Annie. Could be a showdown.

Lots of basketball--it's playoff week. We're going to be going and going and going and going.

Lots of work in the rose garden.

Did I mention that Patrick comes home Saturday? Can Hardly Wait!

Picture thoughts:

Who took my little boy and replaced him with a man who has tree trunks for legs?

In this game, the US played Major League Soccer's New England Revolution.

Daybook just before February

Outside My Window

There is a blanket of snow everywhere. A quick check of the weather tells me that there may be more snow in the immediate future followed by lots of cold rain midweek. Not much good to say about cold rain...

I am Listening to

quiet

I am Wearing

Yoga pants and a sweathsirt. I slept in these. I do plan to dress for the day.

I am so Grateful for

~a safe trip home for Mike (only three hours) on a snowy night when many people spent up to ten hours in their cars. 

~a safe flight out early the next morning so that my sweet Mary Beth could surprise Patrick with a real life visit--meet his friends, see his school, take him some Valentine dots in person. My husband is a travel genius and we are blessed by his expertise.

~a warm gym on a bitter Saturday morning.

~making a quick exit from said gym before my two-year-old threw up. Getting outside was a huge blessing. to a lot of people, no doubt.

~a trip for Mary Beth and Mike to see Patrick in Florida

~black tea with mint and coconut milk

~long talks with Linda about all things theological

~Mary Chris' knitting lesson when every other plan for fun last week failed

~Katie's enthusiastic love of all things yarn

~a hot pink lighted Kindle case

~hours in bed on Sunday recovering and reading

~snow

~a new deacon at the mission

~bedtime talks with Mike

~a good night's sleep

~cashmere socks

~hair bows

~newly organized school baskets

~the Charlotte Mason organizer

~Latin DVDs

~a solid school plan for the term

~a good dentist (if I can just drum up the courage to call her)

Mary Beth in the airport on the way home (note the sunburn--sign of fun in the sun)

I'm Pondering

“If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, however suddenly jolted.”
~ Amy Carmichael H/T Ann Voskamp 

I am Reading

One Thousand Gifts on Kindle

Catholic Controversies: Understanding Church Events and Teaching in History. I'm reading this one with Christian. He's a huge fan of National Geographic and the History Channel, but is driven crazy by occasional anti-Catholic. This book is very helpful in sorting fact from fiction. Edited by Stephen Gabriel, different topics are written by different authors, all experts in their fields who share their knowledge in this one comprehensive volume. All of the authors are well-respected writers, editors, historians, scientists, or theologians and they bring their strengths to the project, making it an exceptionally credible resource. The resulting collection is both impressive and exceedingly useful. Complex and commonly misunderstood doctrines and historical events of the Catholic Church including evolution, Galileo, the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Reformation, the role of women, natural law,  and contraception are addressed in solid, readable essays. I think this go-to guide is going to be ready at my fingertips as one teenager after another asks tough questions in this household over the next couple of decades.

I am Thinking

about how grateful I am for the sacrament of marriage. There's a lot of grace there.

I am Creating

endless knitting projects. In my head. Because really, I'm no at all sure I can sit still long enough to bring any of them to fruition.

 

Patrick's dorm

On my iPod

same old, same old. But I did install the Divine Office Mac app on my computer. Bliss. Really, it's amazing. I love it. It's clean and beautiful and I love that it's its own button on my toolbar and not dependent on browser. Love.

St. Stephen's, where Paddy goes to school

Towards a Real Education

We cleaned out all the individual school baskets and got all caught up on CM Organizer. Ordered a few new things for children who have whipped through previously planned curriculum. Nicky and Katie have blasted through math this year. Kindle has been such a blessing to Mary Beth, who is still struggling with an eye injury from last spring. We're getting there, though. making steady progress.

Karoline loves the geography studies especially and she's becoming our resident map expert. She was teaching Sarah all the countries in South America last night. Too cute for words. "This is Bolivia, but you can call it Olivia if you want betuz that's what I called it when I was little and I didn't know better." Like last week?

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

Time to get back to the "put the computer away" rhythm. I've gotten sucked in to having it open all day and then I get sidetracked. I wish there were an iPod app for the CM Organizer. Then, I wouldn't need to be online with my laptop. It's too tedious to just acces the Organizer online for iPod--it's just not configured for that small screen. Perhaps a little self discipline is in order, yes? Anyway, I need to finish up here this morning and close all window but the Organizer. And focus.

We're having a Kind Conversation about

gosh, I don't know. I haven't been there in several days. Must check in today. 

dorm room

To Live the Liturgy

 Candlemas is this week.

Today's the Feast of St. John Bosco.

I am Hoping and Praying

for Elizabeth deHority. She is constantly on my heart and in my prayers. She needs you now. Please, please pray with me.

Around the House

It appears that I'm going to have to do a clothing switch in the middle of winter. Sarah has suddenly decided to grow. She had been wearing last winter's clothing (the 6-12  months size), but all of a sudden, she needs something bigger. Down to the storage room today, to unearth the clothing Karoline wore the winter she was two. I think those might be too big. And then, I'll be stuck because a quick look around Target the other day let me know that bathing suits are already ready and available for purchase. Ironic, since I was there to look for snow pants.

headquarters of US Soccer Men's U17 National Team, where team meetings happen

From the Kitchen

I'm inspired by Andrea's post. I tend to make dietary changes for me, but hesitate to make them for all of us. At least, I haven't really put my foot down in the kitchen in a long, long time. I remember when Paddy had surgery on his hand on his second birthday and we stopped at Dunkin Donuts on the way home. He didn't even know what a donut was. My current two-year-old would happily live on chocolate chips, unless of course, M & Ms were available. We've loosened my formerly militant dietary rules way too much. It's time to clean up around here.

One of My Favorite Things

Snow days. I'm learning to embrace cold rain days this winter. Not so much.

Sarah Annie this week

She's sporting a new haircut. More on that later.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

Need to schedule a visit to the dentist.

Lots of basketball

Senior night for Christian. How is that possible? I always cry at Senior Nights...This one will be particularly tough. I wish so much for this child and life knocks him around more than a little.

Stephen's birthday

Candlemas

Tomorrow begins our Small Steps Together study of Simplicity.

Picture thoughts:

 

after the match on Saturday

Paddy and Mary Beth after his match on Saturday

 
These pictures are from Mike's and Mary Beth's recent trip to visit Patrick at the U17 US Soccer Men's National Team Residency program in Bradenton Florida. They were taken on Mike's Blackberry.    

Winter Daybook

Outside My Window

It was 8 degrees outside when I got up this morning. Brrr.

I am Listening to

Karoline discussing plans for a Princess Bluebell Tea Party...

I am Wearing

Yoga pants, two sweatshirts, ski socks and slippers. Crazy cold.

I am so Grateful for

Good friends for my teenaged daughter.

I'm Pondering

See everything. Overlook a great deal. Correct a little ~Bl. Pope John XXIII 

I am Reading

One Thousand Gifts on Kindle

The Story of the Trapp Family Singers I actually read this one a couple of weeks ago. I read parts of the first few chapters aloud to Karoline, but she was totally frustrated. "Obviously, the person who wrote this book didn't pay very good attention to the movie. She got all the names wrong!" It's such a wonderful story of faith and family that I love to read it again and again.

That one got us on a little roll. We watched another movie that, while delightful, really deemphasizes the devoutness of the family in the screen version. My kids loved this movie--19 kids and yet another seafaring Dad! And then, I read the real story. It's a shame this book is not readily available. It's a wonderful read, well worth combing local libraries to find.

I am Thinking

About all your emails last week, following the first Stepping Together post. Your insights are valuable and they never fail to help me grow and to understand. God is amazing!

I am Creating

Karoline have done some early morning art surfing and resolved to get to these projects this week:

Town of Van Snow

Snowman Collage

Picasso's Rose Period Hearts

I'm finding Emily's posts on creativity really inspiring.

On my iPod

This new rosary app: Rosary Miracle Prayer App

Towards a Real Education

Random snippets:

I love the way the year is unfolding in harmony with the seasons: we should finish up the High Middle Ages and head into the Renaissance just in time for spring. Spring here tends to dissolve into nature and art and Shakespeare. This year, it will look like I planned it that way;-).

For as long as he has the time, Michael is taking two kids at a time downtown once a week to visit art galleries and museums. Katie and Nicky went last week. Once again, Nick's eyes filled with tears when it was time to head home. I don't think I'll ever tire of watching how much he loves to be in an art museum.

I talked education with several retired teachers and administrators at my father's birthday brunch yesterday. I was a little surprised by how open and supportive they were about homeschooling. Of course, it's entirely possible that they are just gracious and polite. Well, they were definitely gracious and polite, but they might just be good at pretending too. Still, it was very fun to talk kindergarten with someone who loves it as much as I do! When I have no kindergarteners left here at home, I wonder if I can persuade someone to send me theirs a few days a week, just so I can get my fix.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

It appears that Karoline's new morning involves rising between 5 and 6 and having dozens of picture books read other before anyone else awakens. It's a lovely time.

Now to figure out when I will exercise and have my own quiet time...

We're having a Kind Conversation about

Getting healthy in 2011

To Live the Liturgy

I am so organized and ready for Candlemas. The link is to an old blog fair with posts on Candlemas. Lots of good reading there. I've been setting aside candles for several weeks now and I have a series of three posts all queued up and ready to go this week.

I am Hoping and Praying

for Elizabeth deHority. She is constantly on my heart and in my prayers. She needs you now. Please, please pray with me.

Around the House

The older my baby, the cleaner my house. I hope I never, ever forget this fact. I hate didactic admonitions all about how if you just get your act together, your house can look like Pottery Barn. The reality is that if I really am tuned into my baby and I really have my priorities straight, the house will be a little "in process" most of the time. And the rest of the time? It will be a mess.

But now, it's rarely a mess. And it's often quite clean. But I don't want to pat myself on the back and have any illusions that it's because I've at last mastered all those housekeeping details. The reality is that my kids are older. Period.

From the Kitchen

This week, Sarah has done my menu planning and I am so grateful!

One of My Favorite Things

Monastery Creamed Honey from the monks in Berryville. My stepmother offered it to me for tea on Saturday night. Then, I added it to my coffee yesterday.  Best cup of coffee ever. I'm not kidding.

I really want to get out to that monastery with the kids, soon.

Sarah Annie this week

She comes to me heavily laden, two small baskets in one hand, a third basket in the other, a blanket over her shoulders.

"You hold this?" she asks, handing me the first basket.

"You hold this?" she continues, with the second basket.

"And you hold this?" I take the third basket.

"You hold my blanket?" But of course.

She reaches both hand up, arms outstretched to me, as I shift her treasures in my hands. "You hold me, too?"

I'd like nothing better.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

Due to extreme carsicknesses on the way back from Charlottesville yesterday, today's car trip to Fredericksburg to visit Beatrix and Larkspur has been postponed. I'm definitely bummed. Everyone whose age is double digits will be at the March for Life today. We've had some extra teenagers here and there last weekend--now everyone is off to DC to make a statement and effect a change.

The rest off the week is up in the air -- or not. Depending on Paddy's schedule, we may or may not be taking a quick trip to Florida...

Picture thoughts:

 
    

 

Birthday Daybook

Outside My Window

Cold, cold, cold with a wintry mix in the forecast. Yay!

I am Listening to

Katie and Karoline playing in the bathtub.

I am Wearing

Pajamas, two pairs of socks, and sweatshirt with the hood up. No one else is cold. But I am. That thyroid thing.

I am so Grateful for

~Little girl with curls, all buckled in to go to the grocery store with Daddy. Two dolls buckled into the seats next to her. Double doll stroller in the trunk.

~Daddy who came in to get me before they set out on their errand, just because he wanted to share the cuteness with me.

~Just the thought of all the people in Costco who stopped to ask Karoline about the "babies" in her stroller.

~Laughing with Mike across the court at the entertaining second grade girls who played their first-ever basketball game this weekend. Laughing. So. Hard.

~Big brothers who can't decide whether to laugh or cry as the coach calls "Foss" in an increasingly exasperated tone throughout the game. They're seriously worried about the family's basketball reputation in this town.

~Winter from the top of a swing.

~Icy nature walks.

~Husband who suggests he make a big Chinese feast for dinner the night before my birthday and he makes enough for two nights, so now, we have dinner made and no pots and pans to clean tomorrow night.

~Hot baths with essential oils of eucalyptus and lavender. Herbal tea to sip in the tub. Warm within and without.

~A brand new doctor whom I really like and the hope that I will be feeling much better soon.

~Fondue night again this weekend with wonderful company and lots of laughter.

~Magic hairbrushes from England

~a Big Game to watch in bed on my birthday. War Eagle. (That was for you, Jan;-)

I'm Pondering

I learned long ago, not to pay attention to what I call, “Job’s friends.” (Those people who are free to give an opinion about your life and what you are doing wrong, and about not following all the “rules”,  when all along, God is at work in great ways.”) Sally Clarkson 

I am Reading

One Thousand Gifts on Kindle

Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Grace in hardback (but there is a Kindle version of that one, too).

I am Thinking

about this comment Aimee made on her Facebook page. This topic is very much on my mind lately and Aimee's comments really captured much of what I'm thinking. I'm going to leave it here for you to ponder. Do let me know what you think in the combox.

 When someone asks me what I wished I could do all over again during my college/early married years, it would be to really invest in learning the "domestic arts"...I spent years struggling and trying to learn things with babies under my feet :) I wish I had realized that my life would be my home and investing in the people in it and would take seriously that "job" and learn the skills involved!! Seriously! Any new job always has a big learning curve and it can take a professional years to really find their sweet spot in their job...I think the same is true when working at home. It's an investment of time and energy to become proficient in cooking, organizing, cleaning, managing, creating, decorating, serving, entertaining...but it's SO worth it and I have been blessed far beyond what I could have asked for or imagined. This life is a good and beautiful life. Didn't mean to turn this response into a mini-sermon....LOL!!!! Just wanted to encourage you to have fun serving your husband and your home now! :) Aimee Kollmansberger

I am Creating

I am going to learn to knit.

I am.

And I am so blessed to know that my teacher is both a gifted craftswoman and a beautiful friend. I am so looking forward to this.

On my iPod

Bob Books. I now seem to use my iPod for the Divine Office, trading off throughout the day with Karoline, who claims it for frequent visits with Bob.

Towards a Real Education

I'm on a happy picture book binge part with my four-year-old. Pure bliss. She loves stories as much and the way I love stories. It's very much a dream come true.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

Candles. I'm thinking candles. As we move towards the time to pack Christmas away, I want to keep the candles. I've loved the light of this season, the way candles can light the rhythms, warm the transitions, bring a glow to the traditions of even ordinary days. More on that thought later, I think. Look for a small series of posts on candlelight very soon.

We're having a Kind Conversation about

Variations on classical education in high school.

To Live the Liturgy

It's a happy little fact that I was born on the first anniversary of Mike's baptism. That thought pleases me to no end...

I am Hoping and Praying

for Elizabeth deHority. She is constantly on my heart and in my prayers. She needs you now. Please, please pray with me.

Around the House

The tree came down today. I nearly cried. Poor Sarah Annie stood there as Mary Beth and I prepped boxes and cut bubble wrap. She knew what we were about. Her chin quivered and her eyes filled. "I love my Christmas tree," said she, over and over again. We explained that ballet begins again tomorrow and we really do need the space. No words could console. Daddy came along and swept her away on an adventure in the car. We hustled to get it all packed away while she was gone. As soon as she came back, she noted its absence and hurled dirty looks and plaintive wails at Michael, despite his best efforts to distract her with chili con queso and chips. Poor baby.

From the Kitchen

I've promised Mary Chris to get into a soup and salad habit with her. Well, actually, she invented this habit; I'm just trying to copy her.

One of My Favorite Things

Sunday Night Football. And Monday Night Football. Actually, I really just like football in general and football at night, even better. And I am going to miss it. Tomorrow night, though? Good football. War Eagle. (Again, for you, Jan. Smile and wave at the camera. I'll look for you.)

Sarah Annie this week

She's pretty much given up naps. This has me re-thinking our afternoons a bit, making a shift from baby mode to quiet afternoon little girl activities.

Oh, and Sarah Anne insists that we all live the Sound of Music. We've all been assigned a role and she insists we address each other by our "Sound of Music names." Bursting into song is to be expected. I'm living my favorite musical. How cool is that?

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

Tomorrow's my birthday. And we begin ballet again, so I get to visit with dear friends again. There's that winter storm predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday. I've promised my kids that as soon as we have a real snow day we'll make homemade marshmallows for hot chocolate.

Picture thoughts:

 
   

 
 
comments are open.