Inspiration?

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Short person with 30-50 pounds to lose?

Can it be done even if you're not still in your twenties? Even if you've had a few babies?

Some people make it sound like it can't be done.

 But she did it.

And her whole archives of the journey is a sensible compilation of notes and essays on a healthy (and holy) lifestyle. She did it eating a balanced diet and being physically active—makes it sound like a no-brainer really.

But she thought about it a lot and so she gives us

Much to think about.

And pray about.

Seven Quick Takes

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1
It is not "laying down your life for your child" when you skip meals, skip sleep, skip exercise, skip showers, and skip private time for prayer. It's suicide.You have to put on your oxygen mask before you can help them with theirs. Took me nine babies to learn that.

2
There is almost no bad day that isn't made better with a cup of tea, some lip gloss, and a little Amy Grant.

3
Who thought it was a good idea to have three girls in a row and call them
Katie
Kari/ Kara
&
Sarah
Seriously, I'm so confused it will be a miracle if the baby ever learns her real name.

4
How to make winter orange smoothies:
juice two or three big carrots,
 peel a big orange,
add a handful of frozen peaches,
and about a cup of plain or vanilla yogurt
TBS of coconut oil
Blend it all until it's smooth. Whey powder works, too, for a protein punch, and honey sweetens it nicely. It's ok to add frozen pineapple and that will taste good but it does wreck the "orange" theme and will cause consternation for the child who watches such things. Makes 2 generous servings.

5
Someone wrote me recently and asked if I have help. I'm assuming she means household help. And I do. They all look rather alike and they all "live in." My children are my household help, for better or worse (and we have both). We have had cleaning ladies come in once a week or every other week for different seasons in our lives. With one exception, they were really more work than help. It was always so stressful to get the house clean enough to suit the cleaning lady before she began. Made me feel perpetually guilty, even as I was writing a large check.

6
There is nothing sweeter than falling asleep just after the nursing baby does. I lie there next to her and watch as she completely relaxes at last. Her mouth falls open slightly, forming a perfect "0" and a little puddle of milk collects there. She shudders a bit and then sighs. And so do I. Slumber comes.

7
This one is good:
Take care not to meddle in things which do not concern you, nor even allow them to pass through your mind; for perhaps you will not then be able to fulfill your own task.-- St. John of the Cross

Visit Jen today for more quick takes.

So, what about the Serendipity history trail?

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We're still on it! We're just not writing about it -- no time just yet. Let's keep this real. For the next two weeks or so, my children will be working their way through these two lists. They read, discuss, and narrate. And as they do, Colleen and I will be hard at work fleshing out  eight more weeks (at least) of plans for the Westward Movement and Pioneers. If you have thoughts or ideas about these reading lists or any in the past or the future, be sure to stop by and visit the Serendipity Forum and share.

And now, back to the baby...

ALAMO:

Geography:

L is for Lone Star

Legend of the Bluebonnets

 
Faith:

The Lady in the Blue Cloak

 
Picture Books:

A Picture Book of Davy Crockett
Susanna of the Alamo
Sam Houston: Standing Firm

Middle Readers:

Voices of the Alamo
Battle of the Alamo: You Are There 
Make Way for Sam Houston

 
Older Readers:

The Boy in the Alamo
Davy Crockett: Young Rifleman

 
Read-Alouds:

I Remember the Alamo

After the Nativity

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Kissing-the-face-of-god During the Christmas season, it's so easy to imagine Jesus as a baby. From there, we can imagine Mary, a young mother who assented to God's holy will and held the baby so tenderly in the stable cave. Then, almost suddenly, the liturgy brings us to Jesus as a grown man being baptized by His cousin John. This year, with a new baby of my own, I've been considering those "hidden years," the years when Jesus was physically the center of Mary's life and during which theirs was the closest possible relationship.

Read the rest here.

art:Kissing the Face of God by Morgan Weistling

My Heart's at Home Daybook - January 6th

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Outside My Window ...
it's still night time. I couldn't sleep in the wee hours this morning. I had a dream that Sarah smiled a big, huge smile. I was so bummed when I woke to find 'twas a dream. Sarah smiled just before Christmas but she hasn't blessed us again since. I'm told this is normal for a baby whose corrected age is barely 4 weeks old.
 
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I am listening to...
Rachel Coleman singing in my head: Sarah will do what Sarah will do when Sarah is ready to do it (Shine). She's followed by Rachel- the- neonatal- specialist saying, "Tincture of time; all she needs is a tincture of time." The baby we didn't have to wait for is teaching me patience.
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Towards rhythm and beauty ...
I'm looking forward to fully embracing the ordinariness of Ordinary Time.
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I am thankful for ...
conversations with old friends.
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From the kitchen ...
it's time for the winter orange smoothies in the VitaMix: carrot juice,oranges, frozen peaches, yogurt and coconut oil.

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To live the liturgy...
today we'll celebrate Epiphany. Wonder what "Wii Three Kings" might bring? (Come back here later and I'll have a link;-)
the link
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I am wearing ...
a George Mason Soccer T-shirt and yoga pants.
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I am creating ...
lesson plans for Serendipity. I promise.
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To be fit and happy:-)
I scrapped the Fat Flush Plan . I've come up with my what-works-for-me-and-my-baby plan. Still looking towards total detachment. Still eliminating those food categories that I know are problematic for me personally. Still inspired by Jen's Saint Diet. I'm loving T-Tapp and Wii Fit every day.T-Tapp is a very efficient 15 minutes--you've got to love that in a workout. And Wii Fit? Let me sing the praises of anything that gets the entire family moving, laughing, and enjoying both exercise and each other in the middle of the winter!
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Towards a real education ...
We settled into a good pattern yesterday. I'm so relieved to be back at it! The children seemed glad for the rhythm and structure too.
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Bringing beauty to my home ...
I feel a visit to the craft store coming on.
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I am hoping ...
that every day this week is as peaceful as yesterday.
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Around the house ...
The laundry is nearly all caught up!
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One of my favorite things ...
time for prayer. 
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A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
The re-boot of the soccer, basketball, and ballet schedule. Epiphany today. Doctor for Sarah and midwife for me. My birthday is this weekend.
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Here is a picture thought I am sharing~
   
 Paddysoccer

Paddy came back from Florida with a concussion.This isn't a picture of a concussion in action--it's just a random picture of Paddy's head and a soccer ball.