Thanksgiving Daybook

Outside My Window

It is dark and cool. It's nighttime and that makes this a rare blog entry. I rarely write at night. MIke has gone to watch Mary Beth's first Nutcracker performance. He took Karoline with him. Sarah Anne fell into a nap-deprived sleep very early. The boys are at basketball with Christian and I'm writing mostly to stay awake long enough to welcome them home.

I am Listening to

the dog snore.

I am Wearing

Jeans and a white t-shirt and a black, zipped hoodie, trimmed in red. It says ESPN America on it. Today, I think it was a conscious comfort choice, inside and out. It's soft and familiar.

I am so Grateful for

This week's list is exceedingly long and I will make it a post of its own. Right now, though I'm grateful for home. Just that--home and all I'm learning that it means to me.

I'm Pondering

"When I look into the future, I am frightened,
but why plunge into the future?
Only the present moment is precious to me,
As the future may never enter my soul at all.

It is no longer in my power,
To change, correct or add to the past;
For neither sages nor prophets could do that.
And so, what the past has embraced I must entrust to God.

O present moment, you belong to me, whole and entire.
I desire to use you as best I can.
And although I am weak and small,
You grant me the grace of your omnipotence.

And so, trusting in Your mercy,
I walk through life like a little child,
Offering You each day this heart
Burning with love for Your greater glory." ~ From the Diary of St. Faustina (H/T Ruthie)

I am Reading

Walking Together: Discovering the Catholic Tradition of Spiritual Friendship

The funniest thing happened on Thursday. Well, maybe not the funniest, but definitely worth smiling about. Linda, one of my dearest, closest friends in the whole world called to tell me that she was reading this awesome book that just reminded her of us and she wanted me to read it with her. Had I ever heard of Walking Together?

Um, yep. A little;-). Blogged about it last week and talked to the author on podcast that very day.

Linda doesn't read my blog:-)

I love her any way.

I am Thinking

Oh, so very many things. Can't turn my brain off. We are discerning a move. And I'm trying to stop thinking and just pray more. I'm trying to listen. But when I am still, I see real estate sites and homeschooling laws. I see Google maps between possible office locations and possible home locations. I see lists of things to do in this house and lists of things to look for in the next. I see cost comparison spread sheets. I see dear faces who will be so very far away. What I want to see is the face of God and what I want to see is the image of Himself He created me to be. Where is that person? How and where does she live?

I am Creating

Christmas cards. This week. Definitely. On my Mac, I think.

On my iPod

All of Amy Grant's Christmas albums. I loaded the CDs.

Towards a Real Education

My friends at the Sushi restaurant want me to teach them English. I didn't really know how go about that since I don't speak Chinese. Now I wonder if they can't come and learn along when I tutor writing with my children. And then we'll just talk.

They could come at lunchtime. And bring sushi. Nah, they're busy at lunchtime. They could come first thing in the morning. And bring sushi.

Unless we move.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

I'm looking so forward to this week. I love the golden glow Thanksgiving casts on home. Patrick comes home Tuesday night and he's bringing a friend. Michael comes home Tuesday, also. This house will be filled to overflowing (note to Mary Beth: you're on the airbed in the little girls' room). Overflowing. I like it that way. The rhythm is beating of our hearts together and the beauty is a family at home.

We're having a Kind Conversation about

Those sweet ladies are holding our discernment intentions in their prayers. It's nice to know someone's on her knees for me.

To Live the Liturgy

I love Mass on Thanksgiving Day. It seems so perfect to celebrate the Eucharist. The word Eucharist comes from the Greek eukaristos, which means "grateful" and is now usually translated "thanksgiving." Perfect. 

I am Hoping and Praying

For Michael, who had an emergency root canal yesterday. He was in intense pain early in the morning when I went to pick him up. All the way home, he was pale and sweating and on the verge of throwing up. Me, too. There is nothing like watching your baby suffer. He's better today.

For my husband, as he makes some big decisions.

Around the House

 I keep looking at the house as if we were moving. When I do that, I see all the things I'd need to do to get it ready to sell and all the things I'd need to do to move what's in it. But I also see what I would miss. I see it through appreciative eyes, noticing the ordinary and the everyday and bringing gratitude to focus the vision.

From the Kitchen 

I'm going to cook with Paddy this week. I have no idea what I'm going to cook. Still waiting for his menus and grocery lists.

One of My Favorite Things

 Waking up after a good night's sleep.

Sarah Annie this week

Someone loves lipgloss as much as her mama does. Only she calls it "yip-gups." Mike has forbidden anyone to call it by its proper name ever again. Yip-gups it is.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

Tomorrow Mary Beth dances again. It's going to be a gathering of grandparents, aunts, cousins, brothers, sisters and friends. A giant group of adoring fans. And afterwards, I think I might like to introduce my dad to the sushi restaurant. Carry-out back at my house.

Tomorrow is also the 24th anniversary of the day we got engaged. Fun to remember.

Crazy cleaning and the ballet co-op on Monday.

A happy airport run on Tuesday.

Wednesday in DC: Padddy's buddy is from Japan and he's going to get the grand tour. Then it's back to Mike's office. Every year, the set of PTI holds a huge Thanksgiving spread. When the show is finished taping, my big boys are happy to take the "props" home and eat them. It's quite a feast and lots of fun!

Thanksgiving is at Mike's sister's house. Every year. Mike's brother and his uncle come in from Michigan.

Then, a weekend of hanging at home and Christmas preparations--the first Sunday of Advent is November 28th. Time to prepare!

Speaking of November 28th, Mike and his sister share a birthday that day. Good thing, too; we were beginning to go through birthday cake withdrawal.

Picture thoughts:

 

Late October Daybook

Outside My Window

Frost! Not a hard freeze, yet, thankfully, because I still haven't done that autumn gardening, but definitely a nip in the air. I love autumn.

I am Listening to

Nothing. And liking it.

I am Wearing

A cordoruy shirt and jeans. And this awful haircut that is beginning to grow out. I just need it to get long enough for someone competent to fix it. When I had cancer, I promised myself I'd never complain about bad hair days and birthdays. For twenty years, I stuck to that. This haircut is definitely trying my soul.

I am so Grateful for

Beautiful Sunday afternoons.

OK, I'm going to say I'm grateful for athletic trainers. I need to cultivate an attitude of gratefulness for them. Truly, I'm annoyed as all get out. They need to not diagnose. They need to consult parents when we're talking about children. They need to consult doctors because, well, they need to not diagnose. But, I'm grateful they are there on the scene and that they do have my boys' best interests at heart.

Husbands who are also on the scene and can calm the panic created by the athletic trainer.

Whole Foods Market with my little girls on Satruday mornings.

A ballet studio that has brought the sparkle back to my big girl's eyes and the spring into her step.

Peeled and cubed butternut squash at Costco.

I'm Pondering

The reason that we are not fully at ease in heart and soul is because we seek rest in these things that are so little and have no rest within them, and pay no attention to our God, who is Almighty, All-wise, All-good, and the only real rest. ~Blessed Julian of Norwich

I'm thinking about that quote a lot lately (again) as I look towards Sarah's birthday.

I need to be reminded to seek rest in the only real source of rest.

I am Reading

Church Fathers and Teachers. This is the volume that fits nicely with our Middle Ages Studies.

I am Thinking

That Sarah Annie probably should be transistioning to her own bed in her own room. I'm not sure her Daddy is ready for that, though. I am wondering what I'm going to do with that alcove in my bedroom that has long held the rocker and the baby's dresser.

I am Creating

Beeswax leaves. Have you seen Ginny's? Gorgeous! And I've already dedicated my Little Dipper crockpot to beeswax. I use it for salves. So, we're all set, if only the weather cooperates.

On my iPod

Isn't today the day the new Taylor Swift album becomes available? Or something like that? Seems like someone has been talking about it incessantly.

Towards a Real Education

Settling nicely back into our CM Organizer rhythm. I've been pummeling myself quite a bit the last couple of weeks. I recognize that I've been too easily swayed by someone else's good idea. That's not my usual me. And I've been beating myself up for not being more prudent and giving in way too easily to my impulses (which is really not me at all). Back to the Julian of Norwich quote and the hard learned lessons on the value of silence.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

The rhythm will rock at the end of this week and I'm postiviely gleeful about it. Daylight Savings Time will bring soccer practices to an end, except for the one under the lights, once a week. It will make it easier to settle little ones at night to establish a new bedtime routine for my youngest girls. It will mean mama will be home much, much more and that can only be a very good thing for hearth and home.

We're having a Kind Conversation about

Making learning a Passionate pursuit

I have neglected Kind Conversation since its founding last spring. In my eagerness to redeem the time and reclaim what was lost, I was justifiably leery of message boards. It has proven itself to be a very nice place, quite in keeping with all the principles of its founding. It's not very busy there at all, but what is written there is written with every good intention for the support and benefit of the women who read it. I think I might just hang out there a little more often.

To Live the Liturgy

We're preparing for All Saints Day. This litany is lovely. After clicking through everything Youtube had to offer, we settled on this one. There are a few others there that might suit you also. Thanks to Donna, for starting us on this rabbit trail.

I am Hoping and Praying

For Katie and Sam and Isaac and all the people who love them. A miracle, please. Please, God! We really are begging for a miracle!

For Michael--a hamstring injury may mean his competitive playing days are over. Please, God, let him clearly see your hand in this turn of events.

For Patrick, who has likely broken his nose. A doctor, today , would be a good thing and then peace of heart for all of us as we again learn to parent from afar.

In the Garden

Mike is talking about taking a day off this week. Perhaps we will get to that garden after all.

Around the House

We've added touches of autumn here and there, a stuffed scarecrow in the foyer that Sarah Anne waves to with every passing is my new favorite (even though he's quite old). Looking at him through her eyes and hearing her call him "my guy" has shed a different light on the tattered chap. 

My absolute biggest news in a long time in the housekeeping department is this (trumpets please): Someone in this house now folds clothes even better than I do! It is a well established fact that I am particular about the way clothes are folded. Over time, to my credit, I have loosened the standards a bit, but only because no one has ever seemed to "get it." They just don't see what I see or seem to understand that I want it all crisp with all the seams lined up. Until last week. Christian got a job at American Eagle Outfitters. The first day on the job was an all-nighter. They changed out the entire floor. He folded clothes for seven hours straight under the watchful eye of a designer/supervisor. And he rocks at it! He is one awesome folder. I'm telling you, now, when I see my laundry all stacked and folded, I am giddy with delight!

From the Kitchen 

A menu. It's all shopped and everything awaits faithful stewardship over the kitchen. I can't tell you how necessary this was. It's mostly vegetarian. Christian is grumbling about this in a big way, so I'm thinking simple broiled "sides" of meat for men who think they're wasting away?

Spicy Mexican Squash Stew (I think this is in Moosewood Cooks at Home?)

Pumpkin Muffins (Cooking for Isaiah-these are gluten free and really good)

Golden Rice Pie (p126 Vegetable Heaven)

Spicy Green Beans

Good Shepherd’s Pie (Laurel's Kitchen 268)

Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese sandwiches

Green Potatoes (Laurel's Kitchen) 

Caesar salad

Cranberry  squash (Laurel's Kitchen)

Butternut risotto

Salad

Rustic chicken

One of My Favorite Things

The chance to chat with Marisa, in person, an hour a week, while our girls dance and our boys play flag football.

Sarah Annie this week

This is the last week before she turns two. One of the many endearing things about Sarah Anne is that she is an effusive user of the phrase "thank you." She thanks me for everything: a diaper change, a cup of juice, the chance to nurse, new clothes, bubbles in the bathtub. You name it; I am thanked for it. It's really darling. And what a beautiful habit! As I'm temtped to be sad to leave this phase of my life, and as I tear up at the thought of our home without a baby in it, I'm taking my cues from my Annie-girl. I'm just saying "thank you" every time I turn around.

It's way better than the alternative.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

Last week of soccer "as usual."

Need to find/make/beg/borrow something for the little boys to wear for Halloween.

Pansy planting.

Basement cleaning.

Garage cleaning too?

Hopefully, an in-real-life visit with a friend who lives so far away I wouldn't have thought it possible.

Picture thoughts:

 

October Daybook

Outside My Window

The sun is rising. But will it be setting before I cobble together enough time to finish this daybook?

I am Listening to

Laundry noises from the first loads of the day.

I am Wearing

Skimmer shorts and a pink and white striped shirt. It’s going to be hot today.

I am so Grateful for

The clarity of God’s answers.

I'm Pondering

Let nothing affright thee,
Nothing dismay thee.
All is passing,
God ever remains.
Patience obtains all.
Whoever possesses God
Cannot lack anything
God alone suffices.

~St. Teresa of Avila

 

I am Reading

Church Fathers and Teachers. This is the volume that fits nicely with our Middle Ages Studies.

I am Thinking

That there are only four days left until Paddy comes home for a couple days! And if that ever happens to slip my mind, Karoline reminds me.

I am Creating

A clean room where Patrick left a messy room. No one wants to come home to a messy room.

On my iPod

The Last Viking. We listened to this on the way to and from soccer last week and the boys didin’t want to get out of the car until the end. Very well done and Stephen is quite taken with St. Magnus. Since Mike is a "perfect" blend of Norwegian and Scottish, this seems a quite appropriate saint to add to our family favorites. .

Towards a Real Education

This week, we explore Byzantium and the Eastern Orthodox Church. We’ll try our hand at iconography. Our scientific studies have us birdwatching. We begun our studies of Latin (yet again); this time we’re teaming up with the family across the street. The kids had a blast chanting together last week.

And I suspect we’ll spend the end of the week helping Paddy get caught up. He’s missing this week of school as he hangs out in Seattle and plays some soccer.

Sigh. It’s beautiful outside. I don’t know if I can stay inside on task all week. Our nature mornings could be a little longer, I think.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

I wrote a big, long post last week about how graciously St. Anne has heard my pleas and interceded for my benefit where rhythm is concerned. Upon further thought, I decided to hold it until the end of soccer season since it probably gives too many details about where we are and when my house stands empty. So, for now, I’m just really grateful for a rhythm of blessing I could never have imagined and I am very certain St. orchestrated it.

To Live the Liturgy

We celebrate St.Teresa of Avila, one of my favorites.

I am Hoping and Praying

For God’s mercy and grace to be very evident to some dear firends.

In the Garden

What a mess! All the rain has given the weeds quite a boost. We need to get out there and do some bigtime work!

Around the House

Have I mentioned how badly I want to paint?

From the Kitchen 

Awaiting a list from Patrick of all the things he wants to cook and eat while he’s home.

One of My Favorite Things

The smell of autumn. Evergreen Mills Road as the leaves start to turn. White’s Ferry in the early morning on Columbus Day Weekend. An afternoon at Cox Farms (after all the preschool groups have left). Sipping Toffee Mocha at a very early morning soccer game. The “old” section of South Riding as turns crimson and gold. The walk to the first Mass on Sunday when there is a definite nip in the air. I’m not cheating; it all adds up…

ONE of my favorite things: Loudoun County, Virginia in October. Wouldn’t miss it for the world (OK, that’s not exactly true; I missed the whole month two years ago on bedrest with Sarah Annie. The tree outside my window was just lovely though.)

Sarah Annie this week

I have a sure sense that two weeks remain where there is a baby in this house.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

Things will be pretty quiet from here until the weekend. Michael has a game tomorrow night. I think Christian has one Thursday, but that looks like a rain day, so I’m not sure what that will mean. The weekend will be full and happy!

Picture thoughts:

I missed posting my “This Moment” last week. This is Karoline’s “perfect” birthday cake. It was so her! Funny thing is she was very particular in every detail and then she didn’t even eat a bite. She told us she only liked decorating and blowing out the candles.

Daybook, a wee bit late

Outside My Window

Stephen is practicing soccer. He’s a little guy on this team. A little guy with a big heart and a crazy amount of skill. His team entered the travel soccer rotation for this club the year Michael’s team had just graduated. So,Stephen's team inherited the team name. And now, Stephen has Michael’s former coach. Little guy. Big heart. Same field. Same name. Same coach. Déjà vu..

I am Listening to

Shouts and whistles. And traffic outside Tyson’s Corner.

I am Wearing

Jeans and a sweater. I’m inside the car and I am COLD. Really.

I am so Grateful for

Where do I begin? I went to see Patrick last weekend.

~Sarah Annie was a doll baby on the plane, just perfect in every way.

~After agonizing through the first day and night there, Mike recovered from the stomach virus that gripped our family the week between Williamsburg and the Florida trip in time to enjoy two days with Patrick and to fully participate in Parent’s Weekend activities.

~my boy is in good hands. US Soccer is an institution America can be proud of .

~it was so good to see him and to hug him and to feed him.

~his school is nice.Nice people. Beautiful building. Ahem. I am no longer worried that home education was inadequate.

~I am even more committed to an essentially classical curriculum with a Charlotte Mason twist. And I’ve very grateful for the resources available to make it happen. Twaddle free, my friends. Twaddle free.

~Siesta Key is a beautiful place. I wish I could share pictures, but we took them with Paddy’s camera and then I took his cord home with me.

~some very good people took good care of my kids at home, despite a ridiculous number of unforeseen catastrophes.

~it only took me a day to restore order to my house.

there’s more, but that’ll work for now.

I'm Pondering

This video. Patrick's biology teacher shared it with us and told us it summed up perfectly what the class was all about. She also mentioned that the boys didn't understand why they need the class. I'm still pondering it. Because, I think I'm missing the meaning, too.

I am Reading

The teacher’s notes from Tapestry of Grace Year 2Tapestry of Grace Year 2; I bit a very big bullet and bought this curriculum guide. Shortly after we returned home from Williamsburg, everyone started throwing up and I thought, “You know what? Someone else, smarter than me, has figured all this school stuff out. I’m going to let her help me and I’m going to go wash sheets and towels and hold sweaty heads.”

There are schedules and assignments for the children, but honestly, I bought this mostly for my own education. I want to know this subject matter very, very well and to teach this subject matter well and these are the tools to do it. So I ordered (and I admit I was extremely sleep-deprived when I did so.)

Then, everyone was mostly better and I left for Florida. I was pretty sure I'd have buyer's remorse. When I got home, we pulled it all out of shrink wrap and got to work. So far, so good. I’m subbing my booklist into the framework. And, I’ve already re-worked the “reformation” weeks, too. It's not a Catholic curriculum. History is subjective and so is literature, so I offer my experience, sure that you already know that you have to adapt any curriculum to meet the needs of your family. This one is so complete and so thoughtful and so darn smart that I’m not doing that much tweaking. Mostly, I’m just working my books in and some of their suggestions out.

I am Thinking

That it sure was nice to get away with my husband and we sure did enjoy having Sarah Annie all to ourselves. A bit spoiled that last one is;-).

I am Creating

A color scheme for my house. I really, really want to paint the walls before Thanksgiving. Ironically, I loved the color scheme at Paddy's school and it was all I could do not to ask them if they had swatches.

On my iPod

Pop Quiz. Genius idea.  A little homework for Dad, keeps him totally in the loop, and I've listened, too and learned a lot already!

Towards a Real Education

I am so very happy to have a “regular” week this week. Please God, no illnesses or unforeseen injuries. And next week would be good, too. I am quite ready to settle into a nice pattern of ordinary days.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

This week we will begin to bring touches of autumn inside. The nature table begs for a change of season. And I just want to keep filling the house with the smell of apples and spice. Need to figure out a way to feed Patrick better. Word is he doesn’t eat fruit or vegetables. He does at home. But the vegetables in that cafeteria don’t look like anything he’s ever wanted to eat.

To Live the Liturgy

Thursday is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

I am Hoping and Praying

For some dear friends on the brink of something new. Clinging to the sure knowledge that all things work together for good for those who love God.

In the Garden

Just as soon as it stops raining, there are so many weeds to pull and then we need to plant pansies and to put the beds to sleep for the winter. ‘Tis truly fall.

Around the House

The last of the summer clothes get put away tomorrow and then we inventory winter coats and hats.

From the Kitchen

It's been about six weeks since Patrick left. He's gained eight pounds. And I've lost eight pounds. His coach says he doesn't eat enough vegetables. (In his defense, he's always been a great eater of all things good for you, but the vegetables there are not really worth eating.) On the other hand, I've not eaten meat since he left. And I've eaten fruit and/or vegetables at every single meal. It's been nearly thirteen years since I gave up vegetarianism. I got rather fat in those years. I thought it was age. Now, I'm thinking my body really does run better on green fuel.

One of My Favorite Things

safe landings. Sarah Annie absolutely loved the the deceleration after touching down. She said, "Whoa....!!" And then, "Do again?

Sarah Annie this week

Oh my goodness, so many things! She insisted on a blue car in the rental car parking lot. And Mike accomodated her. That meant that we lovingly referred to the blue car all weekend long and we miss the blue car today. She was a little shy with Patrick's teammates, but warmed up after awhile and did charm them. I thought his coach was going to adopt her--and I definitely tightened my grip. He's already got one of my children; he can't have another;-). She loves the beach as much as Karoline hates it and was happy to check out the west cloast of Florida and report that there is no oil to be seen anywhere. Quite the happy traveler, she's ready to go again soon.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

Lots of time at home during the school week. My mom comes down at the end of the week. It's a four way split for soccer this weekend. Nicky is in Virginia Beach. Stephen is in Maryland. Michael plays in Fairfax. And Patrick is playing at Red Bull Arena in New York (I think; that roster isn't firm until Thursday.)

Picture thoughts:

Big birthday smiles.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Daybook: Birthday week begins

Outside My Window

Stink bugs. These are tomorrow’s nature study subject. They are as obnoxious as they are ubiquitous. Ugh. Nasty. They dive bomb from out of no where and they are so ugly. Yuck.

I am Listening to

The postgame show for the DC United match. I’m think  Mike is producing it, which is the only reason I’m watching it.

I am Wearing

pajamas.

I am so Grateful for

~some time away with the children. We so enjoyed Williamsburg.

~the homeschooling moms at Colonial Williamsburg who recognized me (or my children) from this blog and stopped to chat. It was genuinely nice to connect. It was a really beautiful day and we enjoyed CW like never before. I think it was the happy homeschooling atmosphere that added an extra dimension.

-early bedtime tonight for my wee ones.

I'm Pondering

 the quote on the home page of Susan Wise Bauer.

I am Reading

The Complete Writer: Writing with Ease Instructor Text. I highly, highly recommend it and the workbooks that go with it: one, two, three & four. Highly recommend. Highly. (I just wish I'd thought to check Amazon before I invested in the whole shooting match.)

I am Thinking

I’m really, really tired. I’m only writing here because I’m forcing myself to stay awake until Mike gets home. I pretty much haven’t seen him in two weeks. Which is probably part of why I’m so tired. I’m also thinking that I do miss having time to blog. Seems like I can never cobble together enough time for a whole post lately. Forgot to link to this column this week, too.

I am Creating

Yet another packing list...

On my iPod

Where is my iPod and who keeps taking it???

Towards a Real Education

Last week, we listened to history in the van all the way down to Williamsburg and back and did some math and writing on Friday. We spent an entire day living history in Colonial Williamsburg. This week, it’s back to the sunroom table and business as usual.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

This week will challenge my efforts at routines. It always does. We have four birthdays in six days and four feast days to celebrate. And this year, we’ve decided to throw in a huge surprise.

To Live the Liturgy

The Feast of the Archangels, St. Therese, the Guardian Angels and St. Francis.

I am Hoping and Praying

~for my birthday babies: Michael on the 29^th, Katie on the 30^th and Patrick on October 2^nd.

~for Mike. Big, big week at work this week. Would you whisper a prayer to St. Joseph on his behalf, please?

~for safe travels.

In the Garden

The mums are blooming and I think it’s time to pull the petunias and think about some pansies...Last year’s fall pansies got totally trampled by the wood guys during winter. This year, we’re going all in for some color now and even more color in early spring.

Around the House

The house is in good shape. We’ve hauled out at least two bags of “stuff” every week for the last month. And we’ve made considerable progress in the basement. One thing that made a huge difference very quickly was pulling all the DVDs out of their cases and putting them in these.

From the Kitchen

Saturday

Quinoa Waldorf salad with apples, grapes, blue cheese, almonds

Sunday

Chicken salad sandwiches

Monday

Chili w/sweet potatoes

Tuesday

Green chile corn pudding  and hoppin' john

Wednesday

Curried chicken soup

Thursday

Steak, potatoes, salad

One of My Favorite Things

EO Hand Sanitizer. This stuff is ridiculously expensive. I'm playing with adding lavender oil to cheap hand sanitizer to get the same effect--which is hand sanitizer with a beautiful, natural scent. It's not the same, but still...

Sarah Annie this week

I love it when she calls out to her brothers and sisters: “Wait for me, guys!” They always do.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week

Birthdays and Feast Days. Big celebrations!

Picture thoughts: