Small Successes~9

1

Danielle Bean and I just signed a new contract with Pauline Books.

The book we’re writing together offers daily support and inspiration for Catholic moms — to help them balance their spiritual lives and “real world” duties. We’re very excited about it and can’t wait to share it with you all!

   
2
I gave the learning room a thorough purging and cleaning. I gained fresh perspective on the spring semester in the process. Process is really important, you know?

3
I called the washer/dryer guy and he fixed both machines. All of these clothes have been washed and dried in the last twenty-four hours. And now, we will put them away. My children think that this is no "small" success.

What are your successes this week? This is a great exercise in holding ourselves accountable and patting ourselves on the back. Mothering and homemaking don't have built in performance reviews and bonuses. The  internet can be a source of support and encouragement. Let's encourage one another in our small successes. Share them at Faith and Family Live!

Shhh...I NEED twenty minutes alone!

Brackets are due at noon. I need to research and fill this thing in. But first, I have to find my reading glasses, because (gulp) I can't read the fine print.
I watched Barack Obama fill in his brackets on ESPN yesterday.They're blogging about it at the White House Blog. I agreed with him more during those ten minutes than in the last eighteen months. Here are the President's picks.  We have the same Final Four. Madness, I tell you. March madness.
First game's at 12:30 ET. Have you filled in your brackets?

Lent Day 20

Fast:We’re half way through. Compare yourself now only to yourself when Lent began. Tweak the plan.

Pray: Insist on quiet from all your children during naptime today. Pray the Divine Mercy chaplet.

Give: Reach out to a local friend today. Reconnect.

Paddy's St. Patrick's Day Tradition

Every year for the past several years, the weekend on or around St. Patrick's Day is the weekend of the Jefferson Cup Tournament. This is a BIG DEAL tournament. This year, the second part of the tournament was suspended due to rain. However, Paddy points out that they were the only team which was undefeated when the tournament was called, and they had the largest goal differential by far. So, he has decided they won and since it's his weekend, that works for us. Here are pictures of Paddy doing what Paddy loves to do most.

(Many, many thanks to our team photographer.)
  

Lent Day 19

Fast: Don’t forget that the only pedestal you need ever stand on, is the one your husband and children build for you.

Pray: Persevere. “He who does not give up prayer cannot possibly continue to offend God habitually. Either he will give up prayer, or he will give up sinning.” – St. Alphonsus Liguori

Give: Focus on your home today. The world can find another volunteer, but your husband and children have only you.