Daybook: Hot Enough For You?

Outside My Window

The heat index is 115 degrees. 

I am Listening to

A huge crowd of children from 2-16 playing a Wii dance game. Indoor exercise. Lots of giggling. Rather loud, really.

I am Wearing

Shoes. I have received two new pairs of shoes in the last couple of weeks. After Katie was born, my first time up after the c-section and epidural, I felt a shooting electrical pain down my left leg and around my arch. The anesthesioligist swore he had nothing to do with it. It hurt more or less, off and on, for about three years. In that time, I learned to love shoes with excellent arch support.  And I never went shoeless. "Barefoot and pregnant," cute as it sounds, is not a good idea. Lately though, I've gotten a little lazy. Shoeless or flip flops or even a cute pair of dress shoes.--none of them good ideas.

My shin swelled in a weird way. My foot hurt. My knee hurt. I whined a lot. My child with a Nike connection presented me with these one fine morning. In bright pink. He was so dear and so proud of himself for listening carefully to my whining. So sure he'd solve my foot problems. And, oh yes, these shoes are awesome. Really, really good!

But they look a little weird with skirts and such. So, another package arrived with these. Aren't they darling? And they do everything they promise for arches and ouches. Because my husband is awesome, too.

So, there you go. I'm wearing shoes. All. the. time. (I was going to take a picture, but my pedicure looks like it was painted on by a two-year-old. Because it was.)

I am so Grateful for

air conditioning.

I'm Pondering

 "Wait the kids set the table at your house? You mean like in the movies?" 

~spoken by a dinner guest of Katie's at our house one night last week. And she has me thinking, really thinking, about what the kids "get" to do around here.

I am Reading

10 Habits of Happy Mothers. Good stuff here. Really good stuff.   Actually, I am re-reading.  Thursdays, here on this blog, we are digging deep and getting to know this book, these habits, and each other.  We've started talking here .

My current, fun, treat-after-massive-housecleaning book is Signature Styles: Twenty Crafters Stitch their Look. I don't really--ahem--have a style. It's pretty much a look in the closet and wear what fits kind of thing. There's no budget for it and for so many years I've been pregnant or postpartum or nursing that complete utility has dictated what I wear. Furthermore, it's hard for me to spend money on my own clothes for some reason. I always head out to buy myself something and end up at a kids' clothing store. Since what fits right now is often eight years old or older,  I'm guessing I'm dated. But I'm going to work on it and this book is lots of fun!

And I'm carefully reading Stitch by Stitch and hoping that when I figure out a style, I'll actually be able to make the vision come to life. We shall see...

I am Thinking

about whether Sarah meant forever when she told me she was "all done with nunnies" last night. Actually, I'm trying not to think about it. Guess I'll know tonight. Yeah. Trying not to think about it. It's nearly bedtime, though. So we shall see. 

I am Creating

knitting:

just finished a sweater for Karoline (details on Ravelry)

sewing:

a reversible tote bag

or two (Mary Beth)

or three (Katie)

On my iPod

Pinterest.  There's an app for that! I may never read Facebook again. I've got Pinterest on my iPod for filling boring moments during which I otherwise would be mindlessly clicking through Facebook. Instead of random status updates, I go to Pinterest and get a visual fix. Pinterest is highly addictive. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Towards a Real Education

Christian all registered. Patrick all registered. Everyone else all planned and purchased for the fall term. Feeling rather relaxed about the whole thing. Fancy that. 

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

Michael has a new real life job. He's working the overnight desk at USAToday. That means he leaves for work at 6PM and arrives home around 4AM. Moms have trouble getting to sleep until all the chicks are in the nest. Trust me, I'm working hard to overcome instinct in this case. 

To Live the Liturgy...

We'll celebrate St. Anne 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. 

 for all the people who have written me recently to ask for prayers.

 In the Garden

I dearly hope that when this heat breaks we will be able to breathe life into the garden once again. Poor, wilted lovelies.

Around the House

Now that I know who will be home for the fall (everybody), it's time to draw up a new housekeeping list.

From the Kitchen 

Peaches. Peaches. Peaches. Can't get enough of them. Can't keep them stocked in the fridge.

One of My Favorite Things

Homecomings. Oh, I know I've said it before, countless times. And I know I said he wasn't going to travel any more. But travel he does and so homecomings are still one of my favorite things. 

A Few Plans for the Week

St. Anne

various doctor and dentist appointments

knitting, sewing

heavy duty yardwork as soon as the heat breaks

Picture thoughts:

 

Daybook on a Fine Morning in July

Outside My Window

PIles and piles of trash and recycling, awaiting pick up. We have conquered the cleaning and clutter in this place. Hooray!

I am Listening to

Sportscenter.

I am Wearing

A pink polo shirt and capris.

I am so Grateful for

the opportunity to be home with my children. So grateful.

I'm Pondering

The second problem I see is overscheduling. Most mothers I see allow their kids' schedules to get completely out of control. Evenings and weekends are spent racing from one music or athletic event to another. I know because I made the same mistake when my kids were young. If this is a struggle for you, simplify life for everyone by adopting the "One Rule." Tell each child he may choose one after-school activity per grading period. This sounds outrageous to some parents who want their kids to excel in many different areas and who most certainly don't want to deprive opportunities. But remember one thing: Whenever your child is on the soccer field, he's deprived of time with you and the family. And which does he really need more time with in order to grow up emotionally and mentally sound?

Cutting activities from a child's schedule seems heretical for a modern-day parent. Let's face it, we are competitive with the parents in our child's class and it's hard to be home watching the other kids' parents pulling out of the driveway on their way to ski practice while you and your kids are sitting down at the kitchen table to tuna noodle casserole. But whenever you neighbor takes off with a car full of kids at dinnertime, remember that you and your kids are the real winners. You aren't doing nothing with them; you are building stronger relationships with them. And kids need better relationships more than they need more practice at any sport or extracurricular activity. They will never regret time at home

 10 Habits of Happy Mothers

Really taking this to heart as I look at the season ahead. We generally adhere to the One Rule, but it's nice to see it in print.

I am Reading

10 Habits of Happy Mothers. Good stuff here. Really good stuff.  I'm listening to the Audible version on Kindle.  Actually, I just finished.  I'm planning to do a book study here, beginning next week. Join us? Get the book and meet me back here on Thursday.

My current, fun, treat-after-massive-housecleaning book is Signature Styles: Twenty Crafters Stitch their Look. I don't really--ahem--have a style. It's pretty much a look in the closet and wear what fits kind of thing. There's no budget for it and for so many years I've been pregnant or postpartum or nursing that complete utility has dictated what I wear. Furthermore, it's hard for me to spend money on my own clothes for some reason. I always head out to buy myself something and end up at a kids' clothing store. Since what fits right now is often eight years old or older,  I'm guessing I'm dated. But I'm going to work on it and this book is lots of fun!

I am Thinking

This post. I remember when I was just beginning my first post-cancer year. I'm listening carefully to what Libby is thinking these days. For me, they are refresher courses. And she is so in my thoughts and prayers. Click over. It's one of those posts that might just change your life.

I am Creating

~ a new cap sleeved sweater. All the pattern links appear to be dead ends. Maybe there's some editing happening?

~embroidered appliques on some old denim capris. I'm so inspired by this embroidery tutorial. What a generous sharing of such great information!

On my iPod

Craftsanity podcasts. So far, this one is my favorite.

Towards a Real Education

We have begun to plan. News forthcoming. 

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

Clean and uncluttered really has its own beauty, doesn't it? 

And now, we've lived here ten years. I think it might be time to make some curtains. But I'm not going to rush it.

To Live the Liturgy...

Look for a post soon on preparing to celebrate the feast of St. Joachim and Anne.

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 a friend for whom life has been exceptionally difficult and lonely

for Libby Ryder and family

 In the Garden

Those tomatoes aren't looking very healthy. I do hope that we have some tomatoes from our garden. I am consoled however, that a tomato you-pick place is about a mile from my house. If all else fails, we'll pick there.

Around the House

My house is so happy! My kids are so proud of themselves! We did it, all the way down to the innermost crevices of the basement. I feel like I can take on the world--at least the domestic arts world:-)

From the Kitchen 

Raw honey. Did you know that raw honey is an excellent balm imeediately after a kitchen burn? It really lessens the sting and is nearly miraculous in reducing healing time to a matter of minutes.

One of My Favorite Things

Road trips down 29 to my favorite college town.

A Few Plans for the Week

We're heading to Charlottesville for a couple of days of spoiling and theater and lakeside fun.

Picture thoughts:

 

How I've solved my tension problem. In more ways than one;-) Machine here. Iced coffee here.

Summer Simplicity

Outside My Window

Four little girls have been happily playing all day long, despite ridiculous heat and pesky big brothers.

I am Listening to

Nothing right now, but I've been listening to a book on Kindle all day long.

I am Wearing

A simple t-shirt and seersucker capris.

I am so Grateful for

the kind words about this post. Your comments on Facebook and your emails are treasures. I'm privileged, particularly, to hear your stories of grace.

I'm Pondering

"Providing the right stuff--opportunities, shoes, private schools, skating lessons, etc.--has become the gold standard for many parents when it comes to excellent parenting. Since each of us longs to be the best mother possible, we quickly ride the same train in order to be better. The problem is, we are duped. Rarely do kids describe their mothers as being fabulous moms for the material things they provide. When I ask adult children about their parents, they talk about their mothers' greatness in terms of their kindness, affections, and caring. (Yes, and they even describe their favorite foods their mothers made.)  Young kids talk to me about their moms' moods, how fun they are or whether they are crabby. They don't boast about their shoes, their schools, or the sports they play when talking about their mothers. They talk about their moms, not what their moms give them. 10 Habits of Happy Mothers

I am Reading

10 Habits of Happy Mothers. Good stuff here. Really good stuff.  I'm listening on Kindle. This book is so packed with great wisdom. Together with Simplicity Parenting, I think these are the best of parenting books. 10 Habits isn't a parenting book as such, but if mothers employ these 10 habits, they will be excellent mothers. And happy ones, too. So good I'm seriously considering a book study.

I am Thinking

about asking some small businesses and Etsy crafters if they'd like to sponsor this blog. Let me know if the thought appeals to you. I'm shooting for the beginning of July...

I am Creating

~A Baby Surprise Jacket Ginny came and helped me sew the seams together. Still working on button options.

~To Eyre shawl. Oh, I so love, love, love the process of knitting this one. The yarn, the pattern, it's all good. And nearly finsihed

~These skirts. Four, so far, as we made Gracie's this morning, in time for a midmorning tea party. There is another one cut and ready for Katie to sew later today.

On my iPod

Not much new. I'm listening to my Kindle these days and really impressed with the audio. I kept it with me while I sewed and  then, all afternoon, as I've decluttered in the bedrooms with a vengeance, I've listened. The sound quality is very good. 

*Just to clarify: I'm listening to the Audio Book version from Audible on my Kindle. I'm not listening to the Kindle text-to-voice version.

Towards a Real Education

I suppose I should put down the knitting and the sewing and start writing lesson plans. Next week. Definitely.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

I am in love with summer rhythm. In love. The morning rhythm is good. The bedtime rhythm is peaceful and happy. I'm so in love with this rhythm that I might write a whole post about it.

To Live the Liturgy...

The rosary on tape is part of my little girls' bedtime routine. We use an ancient cassette tape of a children's rosary produced by Lion Communications. I've searched high and low for these online and never found them. Anyone know? These rosary tapes are my very favorite and those songs are etched into the fond memories of all my children. One of those songs was even my "labor song" when Mary Beth was born.

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 a friend for whom life has been exceptionally difficult and lonely

 In the Garden

We have enough basil for our first batch of pasta pesto tonight. Good thing, too because I forgot to defrost anything else.

Around the House

Much decluttering. Everywhere. New calendar season, new season of life. Time to clear the clutter.

From the Kitchen 

With the demise of our spare refrigerator, there has been a drastic shift in shopping and planning routines. I can't shop in the quantities I need to for the week because we don't have the storage space. There are 11 people eating here, three meals a day. So, we're shopping every three days and re-thinking things a bit.

One of My Favorite Things

The smell of the room when I'm steaming cotton lawn.

A Few Plans for the Week

more clutter conquering

more crafting

that's about it...

Picture thoughts:

  

{These is Gracie this morning. She wasn't here yesterday so she didn't get in on that photo shoot. We made her skirt this morning.)

First Daybook in a Long While

Outside My Window

It's one of those days that can't decide if it wants to rain. At least it's not unbearably hot. I don't really mind the clouds.

I am Listening to

Some sort of jazz mix at Starbuck's. When working in the neighborhood, I much prefer Panera to Starbuck's, but it's mighty crowded at Panera at lunchtime. Need to re-think this time/location thing.

I am Wearing

Poplin shirt, khaki capris. Summer uniform:-)

I am so Grateful for

my husband.

 

I'm Pondering

from Small Steps, June 7~

Think: Just as He gives the gardener the skill to tend rare and delicate plants while fertilizing them Himself, so He wishes to use others in His cultivation of souls.~ St. Therese 

Pray: You are the Master Gardener. Help me to be diligent. Teach me to prune and to weed so that my soul bears abundant fruit for you!

Act: Begin a summer art journal with your children. The night before, set the breakfast table with colored pencils, markers, and watercolors. Surprise each child a new, spiral bound sketchbook. Start by sketching plants in your yard or your newly-planted garden. Set aside time to update your garden journal once a week. Make art journaling part of your your shared experience. You do it too! Vary the media: try collages, doodle-fests, vegetable printing. 

I plan to do this tomorrow morning. I have a half dozen posts on Gentleness, the June Small Steps virtue, all hanging out in my drafts folder. I'm finding it difficult to write about gentleness without sinning against gentleness. I've long considered myself pretty gentle--and I think I am, with children--but my struggle to write on this month's virtue has me re-examining my own lack of mastery. Anyway, that's what I'm pondering, for what it's worth....

I am Reading

Seams to Me. Again. This time, I'm reading every.single.word. I'm taking notes and I'm making lists and I'm seriously considering a new sewing machine. 

10 Habits of Happy Mothers. Good stuff here. Really good stuff. I love to talk about books like this with my friend Linda, in particular. I'm reading this one and she's currently reading The Blessing of a B Minus. She's pretty sure I need the B- book. I'm pretty sure she needs the Meg Meeker book. No doubt we'll trade before the summer's finished.

I am Thinking

about asking some small businesses and Etsy crafters if they'd like to sponsor this blog. Let me know if the thought appeals to you. I'm shooting for the beginning of July...

I am Creating

~A Baby Surprise Jacket (All the knitting is finished and I even went and purchased buttons. But they're not right. If you know good online buttons sources, please do leave a link in the comments.)

~To Eyre shawl. Oh, I so love, love, love the process of knitting this one. The yarn, the pattern, it's all good.

~Some very concrete sewing plans that are the making of a major summer surprise. It all began quite innocently. Sarah announced to the world that she intends to learn to sew. And then she told the world how ridiculously hard that is. I could totally relate. 

I love Sarah. (In real life, as my children are so fond of saying.)

 So, I tried to talk her out of it. I told her I'd teach her to knit. Knitting is better;-). She persuaded me that sewing really did have its merits. In talking it out, I heard myself discovering how truly important it might be to one daughter in particular that I learn to sew with her. And, truth be told, I do agree that sewing rocks. But I've never managed to learn how to sew. So we agreed that we'd learn to knit and to sew. Because we're like that: if doing one is hard, doing two must somehow be easier. 

To that end...

~I'm beginning to create a craft nook. Katie and I have spent significant time looking at craft rooms, sewing rooms, studios and such online. When we moved into this house, we designated a room in the basement as the craft room. And it might one day still be one. But it's got some stirkes against it right now. (Shh, don't tell anyone, but Mike's home office would be just perfect. And, well, he hasn't worked from home for nearly five years now.) Do you have a favorite online dream studio? One like Heather Bailey's? Leave me a link. Katie and I love fodder for dreams.

 

On my iPod

Brad Paisley's new album. And Keith Urban's, too. It's summertime. 

Towards a Real Education

Patrick's report card arrived. Remember how worried I was last fall, when he was suddenly a student at a boarding school, with four days' notice and nothing but homeschooling behind him? He did us proud. I don't remember the exact number, but his GPA was over a 4.0 and his lowest grade was in soccer...

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

The rhythm of this summer reflects my ever-increasing awareness that

: I need time alone.

: my children need enforced times of quiet.

: we all need room and time and materials with which to create.

: summer doesn't mean we take a break from math every day.

: that life is short and every day is to be treasured and lived intentionslly and prayerfully.

To Live the Liturgy...

Back to the liturgy of the hours every day. During Lent, I focused on daily audio Bible. All. the. time. I'm still loving my morning Bible and knitting time, but the rest of the day has found its way back to the cadence of the Church.

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 my teenagers. Growing up is such hard work.  

for my dear friend Becca as she prepares to bring a new baby into the world. Becca brings a whole new dimension to the word "labor." This is going to be work, no doubt, but she will labor at this most important task with the same grace and dignity and faith as she does every small task of ordinary days. She's just like that. Won't you pray a wee prayer for Becca and that baby girl? Grace. Begging grace.

 In the Garden

Our spring peas were taking over our small garden when it was time to plant tomatoes and basil. I whined a bit aloud, lamenting my lack of raised bed organic space. The Farmer's Wife suggested I stop complaining and plant in pots. I put the tomatoes in the garden and the basil in pots. The basil is thriving. Of course it is. She's a wise one, that Farmer's Wife.

Around the House

The laundry is all caught up. If you have more than three children, you will recognize this event for the rare miracle it is. Go bathing suits!

From the Kitchen 

Big hits lately:

Baked Asparagus Risotto (H/T Elizabeth DeHority) to accompany Chicken Piccata (Patrick is back in the kitchen and cooking delicious meals while cleaning up as he goes. Got to love that about a kid.)

and Father's Day brunch:

Belgian Waffles with fresh blueberries and strawberries. We tried Bisquick's Gluten Free baking mix and found it to be a keeper. Hooray for waffles!

Spinach Frittata. I made this one up as I went along and didn't make notes. Will have to re-create soon.

Grilled Sausages and Grilled Bacon. The meat-eaters in the house declared it all good.

Orange Juice with Pellegrino (known in this house as "Ballerina Juice" because the curly one heard "ballerina" when first we told her about Pellegrino)

One of My Favorite Things

quiet mornings.

A Few Plans for the Week

~the summer revolving door begins to turn. Patrick is bound for Dallas and Mary Beth to the beach with a buddy.

~Farmer's Market on Wednesday to do a photo shoot for the summer issue of Faith and Family.

~art journals

~My Fair Lady on video to get ready for the stage version in July

~swimming with basketball buddies at the pool Christian manages.

Picture thoughts:

  
 

{These are a bit dated. Over Memorial Day weekend, we had soccer in three states. Michael and Nicky headed south to NC with our friend Luke and his dad, Ron. Luke's brother, Jack,  plays with Stephen, so he and his mom and his twin sister spent the weekend in beautiful Poolesville, Maryland with Stephen, our girls, and me. And Mike and Patrick went to NJ. The girls (and Jack and Stephen) managed to have all sorts of fun. We even squeezed in some strawberry picking between games. Strawberry picture from my friend Mindy's iPhone. Soccer stud is Stephen on the farm fields I really love so much.)

New Season Daybook

Outside My Window

The yard is neat and tidy and the front beds are newly planted and mulched. The big hope is that when Mike steps outside our door to leave for work (for the first time in a really long time), there will be no little details that cause him to say, "Please tell {insert boy name here} to {insert yard chore here}."

I am Listening to

Ann's blog. I'm sitting at Panera early on a Sautrday morning, trying to get some posts written and ready for the week. Ann's blog, coming through headphones, is blocking the Panera noises and shielding me from the sounds of all the people ordering breakfast. It smells heavenly in here and there is absolutely nothing I can eat. Note to self: write to Panera about offering just  couple gluten freen options at breakfast time.

I am Wearing

Jeans, a pink printed corduroy shirt, black flats, glasses that fit, headphones.

 
 
 

I am so Grateful for

A yarn swift and ball winder. They were a Mother's Day gift from Michael. I appreciate the sentiment behind the gift. I know he really doesn't have the funds for such extravagance. I appreciate that he is thoughtfully encouraging a hobby he knows is bringing me joy. Most of all, though, I appreciate the whole idea that he risked anaphylactic shock just going into our local yarn shop and staying long enough to acquire an education in swifts and winders and purchase them. Michael has the worst wool allergy I've ever witnessed. In appreciation for the gift, I promise him a sweater worthy of the Connecticut winters in his future. Made of something other than wool:-)

I'm Pondering

 How beautiful it is to behold a person destitute of all attachment, ready for any act of virtue or charity, gentle to all, indifferent as to any employment, serene in consolations and tribulations, and wholly content if only the will of God be done. -- St. Francis De Sales

I am Reading

Review copies, upon review copies! If you sent me something to review, please trust me that I am indeed reading your book or magazine. And if you like to read reviews, stay tuned. There are several in process:-)

I am Thinking

quite a bit about how life is going to work around here in the very near future. Mike has been gone all but 4 nights or so in the last 7 weeks. Really, it's been almost a year of absolutley intense work travel and long, local hours. On Monday morning, all that changes. At least I think it does. We made a decision to jump off the barrelling train and change direction a bit. I recognize that there are several people in my household (myself included?) for whom change is difficult. Even good change. And the next few weeks will see all kinds of change. Patrick will come home? For how long? I have no idea. Truly. Michael will leave. Or will he? I have no idea. And Mike. Mike will be here on the weekends. How strange is it that I honestly cannot imagine what that will look like? To have another adult in the house on Saturday morning? To not be solely resonsible for Saturday home and yard maintenance? To not be the only one waiting up and wondering if it was a good idea to grant permission to that teenager for whatever has him out of the house?  To not be solely responsible for getting everyone to church and soccer and dance and whatever social things crop up? Social things. ... There's a concept. I wonder if now we will have date nights? If I will go to gatherings with other couples? Yes, thinking. I'm thinking.

I am Creating

A Baby Surprise Jacket

and I'm promising myself time this week to sit with the user's manual of my sewing machine and figure out why the tension always messes up and I never get going with sewing. If you have words of wisdom to offer, I'm all ears. Except. Don't say "Bernina." I have to make peace with my Brother.

I will say this, though. My recent experience with knitting has taught me how much difference the right materials and a steady, patient teacher make. If I'm ever to sew, I'm guessing I need the same for sewing.

First to figure out the tension thing.

On my iPod

Knitting Yarns and Spinning Tales

 

Towards a Real Education

Have I mentioned that Patrick is coming home? I wonder how that is going to work? A teenaged boy who was still quite young when he left. He has spent nearly a year away, managed his own business, been highly disciplined, stuck to a very strict schedule, and attended a prep school. He's gotten much bigger and we all recognize that his time away and the experiences he's had have matured him beyond imagination. Now he's coming home to the same unschooly home-ness that he left. Wonder how that's going to work. Stay tuned.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

I think I might just be a little nervous about what this job change means to my rhythm.

To Live the Liturgy...

Playing this song over and over these days.

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. We've begun a novena to Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity for her intentions. You can find the text at the top of the Prayers and Devotions page. Click the hyperlink or click on the tab at the top of this blog. That tab is always there; please pray early and often.

for the soul of Ty Lewis and for his family and for the countless soccer families who grieve his loss.

for Sarah and her family as they grieve the tragic loss of her sister-in-law.

for Michael upon his graduation; Joseph on his Bar Mitzvah; Brian on his first communion; my mother on her 70th birthday; Paddy as he travels homeward. We have quite a weekend ahead.

 

 In the Garden

We planted the front bed with salvia, and tiny petunias and some buttony blue plant whose name evades me right now. I found the kind man at Cox Farms to be really really helpful. And it was fun to be there to see the alpacas and the llama and some baby goats that were just hours old.

I'm holding off on the veggies until Patrick is home to plant with me.

Around the House

I'm sort of uninspired. We need new furniture. Truly need it. usually, when we need new furniture, someone in my extended family moves or redecorates. We inherit furniture when they buy new furniture. My whole house is furnished that way. Everything has a history. I am truly in need of couches with histories:-)

From the Kitchen

Strawberries, not yet local but so truly amazing that I will relent on the local thing and just be grateful for trucks that bring me deliciousness from California

One of My Favorite Things

Matthew 6

[28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin;
[29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
[30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith?
[31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?'
[32] For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
[33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well

~friend who has the perfect little black dress hanging in her closet

~sister who is sad because her "little" girl is graduating, so she shops for my little girls and sends a box of pink amazingness

A Few Plans for the Week

~graduation. Michael graduated in December, but the official ceremony is this weekend.

~Brian, our nephew, receives our Lord in Holy Communion for the first time.

~Joseph, also our nephew, has his Bar Mitzvah (has it? not sure how to phrase that ).

~70th birthday party for my mom.

Lots of dressing up. Lots of fancy parties. Lots of celebrating.

~Patrick might be in Philadelphia to play. I'd really love, love, love to see him play before this residency year is over, so if we can squish that in around the above, you better believe we'll make a road trip. No dressing up required.

Picture thoughts: