On Monday Morning

I find myself:

::noticing God's glory

It's cold. It's finally feeling a bit like winter. I love the look of frost on the ground while I'm inside under a quilt sipping something hot.

::listening to 

L'Angelus O Night Divine. I love, love, love this music. What a great family, great ministry and truly great music.

::clothing myself in 

Jeans and a sweater, but not a Christmas sweater. I pulled some old Christmas sweaters out of the storage room yesterday. Mary Beth was supposed to wear a tacky Christmas sweater to a party. They don't have sequins or bells or anything on them, but they're decidedly Christmas sweaters. She said they weren't tacky; they were just old lady sweaters. Either way, we'll not be wearing those again.

::giving thanks for

a good night's sleep. It's been awhile, but last night was solid and I'm grateful.

::pondering prayerfully

Listen: First ,have peace in thy own breast, then thou wilt be qualified to restore peace to others. Peacefulness is a more useful acquisition than learning. 
-- Thomas a Kempis (The Imitation of Christ) 

Pray: Jesus, you had such a heart for the littlest child. Help me to remember today that the frenzy preceding Christmas can be stressful for a small child. Open my heart to your grace and your peace so that I can bring that peace to my children. 

Act: Take your time with the bedtime wind-down tonight. Before you even begin, pray for your own peace of heart. Then, take time with baths and bedtime stories and prayers and pillow talk. If your children are all older, share a cup of something hot and give them your undivided attention before bedtime. Bring peacefulness into their dreams--and yours. 

from Small Steps, December 10. I love it when I talk to myself and say just what I needed to hear;-)

::clicking around these links

Here are some of the places I've visited recently:

some lovely reminiscing about growing up in a large family

13 ornaments to sew

Little lights for dark days (simple, beautiful craft with children)

Danielle and Rachel bubbling over with excitement about their new TV show

Important thoughts on the peril of too many toys.

::turning the pages of this book

Grace for the Good Girl by Emily Freeman. Still. Again. What can I say? I've got a lot of reprogramming to do. It doesn't come on the first read.

::thinking thoughts as I go about my daily round

I struggle between wanting to throw open my doors and welcome people in anytime and the very deliberately taught notion that my house must be perfect for visitors.  I  struggle between fully embracing the lifestyle that comes with openness to life and hating the inevitable messes that ensue. I struggle between being embarrassed by mismatched dining room chairs and not enough storage space for anything and wanting to angrily explain to people who are clearly critical that they have no idea the sacrifice that daily goes into the order and beauty we do have. I struggle with the whole Good Girl thing and I have long held that having nine children will either cure me of it (because, really, it's impossible to wear those masks when you live with so many people) or kill me (because, really, it's impossible to wear those masks when you live with so many people). I'd rather be cured.

::creating by hand

Finish the quilt or make nightgowns for the girls? I can't decide.

::learning lessons in

I'm learning lots of lessons, but I can't write about them just yet. 

 

::encouraging learning 

The troops have been informed that Christmas vacation doesn't begin until December 21st. Noses to grindstones. Seriously.

::carefully cultivating rhythm

I am determined to take those words of Thomas a Kempis to heart and let my spirit be at peace. With Jesus, where it wants to be.

 

::begging prayers

Gosh, would y'all just whisper a real quick prayer for real big deal I can't write about right now? I promise to fill you in later. Promise. Still asking prayers for this one (actually it's two, but God already knew that). December looks to be very exciting this year.

::keeping house

I have told my children that not one new thing is going to be brought into this house unless all messes of old things are completely obliterated. We'll see how that goes.

::crafting in the kitchen 

Today, for dinner, we'll have a Mexican feast to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe. Oh, and we've begun to talk a bit about some points raised in the comments of this post. While feasting is certainly an integral part to rhythm of the liturgical year, Advent isn't really a season of feasting and celebration; it's a season of preparation. So often, we come away from Advent blogs with the idea the it's all a huge sugar-fest. Actually, it's not supposed to be. The Eastern Catholics (in communion with Rome) observe this season this way: 

The pre-Nativity fast is often called "Phillip's Fast" because it begins on the day after the feast of St. Phillip.  The fast was introduced to prepare the Church for a worthy celebration of the great and holy day of the Birth of Christ. The regulations for the fast were far more lenient than the Great Fast before Pascha.  Only Monday, Wednesday, and Friday were days of strict fasting without meat, dairy products or oil (in Slavic countries).  On Sundays fish was permitted.  Laymen were at first permitted to eat fish on other days, too, until the monastic rigoristic influence prevailed.  It is interesting to observe that the famous 12th century Byzantine canonist Balsamon expressed the opinion that it would be enough if laymen fasted only one week before Christmas.  In 1958 a modern Greek author, Christos M. Enislides, welcomes Balsamon's suggestion and believes that the best solution would be for the Church at large to abstain from meat and dairy products for 33 days.  During the last seven days of the fast everybody should observe the strict fast.

To worthily meet our Lord and Savior, we should sanctify this pre-Nativity season of the Phillipian Fast.  Sanctifying means spending our time in faith and in the service of God and in kindness towards our neighbor, especially those who are in need of our assistance.  And we should think of what we would have been had Christ not come to our lowliness and poverty.  Together with the whole of the Byzantine Church we should try to meet Christ as he deserves to be met and as it will, in His mercy, best serve our spiritual benefit! (Read more here)

In the Roman Catholic tradition, we need to guard not to lose sight of these days as a time for spiritual preparation and strengthening. Perhaps we have fallen prey to our own bit of religion-sprinkled secularism when we outdo ourselves with festive baking and crafting and present advent to cyberspace as one feast day after another. It's true; there are lots of meaningful December feasts, but in the words of my five-year-old "It's a purple season, Mama." How can we best ensure that the season does indeed remain purple?

  

::loving the moments

when he says, "I'm here. Don't worry. It's going to be fine." And I believe him. 

::living the liturgy

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (tacos for dinner)

Tomorrow, it's St. Lucy's day (cinnamon rolls in the morning and a drive around to look at lights in the evening). Great bread recipe here, but I cheat and do it this way.

The O Antiphons begin on December 17th

::planning for the week ahead

Tomorrow, after cinnamon rolls and before we drive around and look at lights, I'm taking four children for their initial braces appointments. Did I mention that I was looking for ways to focus on the penitential?

There are basketball and soccer this weekend.

Pretty sure we're going to Charlottesville some time this week, but I also know Mike is traveling to Florida this week. And I'm sort of waiting for someone to tell me the plan. 

So, I guess I can't really speak intelligently at all about planning for the week ahead.

::capturing the images of my days

On Monday Morning

I find myself:

::noticing God's glory

I planted sweet blue pansies a few weeks ago and they look at me--all cheerful little faces turned to the sun-- and promise me that they are hardy fellows and will do just fine when the weather isn't so kind. Some people are roses; I think it would be fine to be a pansy.

::listening to 

Crazy Girl by the Eli Young Band. I'm pretty sure that if this song were required listening for marriage prep and every guy understood its message, the length of the average married argument would be cut by more than half. (But I don't like the video at all. I hate it when a video nearly ruins a song.)

::clothing myself in 

three quarter length sleeves. I like my sweaters to have three-quarter length sleeves. They don't get in the way of frequent washing up or cooking or paints or such.

::giving thanks for

a very quiet weekend past, particularly when I look to the very not-quiet weekend ahead.

::pondering prayerfully

November 3:
Think: "When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude." ~Chesterton 

Pray:
God, remind me (gently?) not to take anything for granted. Give to me the gift of sensitivity. Make me ever aware of the many blessings you have bestowed for which I am truly grateful.

Act: 
People who are survivors--who have survived accidents or illnesses--are often graced with an enhanced appreciation for life. They have learned, through pain and suffering, not to take a moment for granted. They know the fear that comes with having life threatened and so they have an acute awareness of the hope and joy that comes with having the threat subside. They might awaken in the morning after the crisis has passed with the sense that with the sun dawns a new life. And, despite the lingering pain, they feel the joy that comes with knowing that they will live to do His work. All the simple things that "regular" people take for granted are so sweet to the survivor that they bring tears to her eyes. That is the gift, the great reward on earth, that comes with suffering. The gift is there for each and every one of us. Unwrap the gift in all its wonder. Enjoy your time, your life. Don't take a moment for granted. Take them all with gratitude.

From Small Steps 

::clicking around these links

Here are some of the places I've visited recently:

Thoughts on how hurried we are and how being like a child means slowing down.

A wonderful anecdotal post from Kimberlee, who fosters creativity so beautifully in the heart of her home.

Andy Rooney on Women over Forty (wise man, that one).

The heart of the Penn State tragedy

Beautiful thoughts as a daughter comes of age.

And this one brings tears to my eyes every time I re-read it.

::turning the pages of this book

Grace for the Good Girl by Emily Freeman. So, that's what you call the demon I've been fighting all my life. Good to name it. God bless Emily, for giving voice.

 

::thinking thoughts as I go about my daily round

I have so very much to do between now and January first. My mind is spinning.

::creating by hand

A new quilt! I have four squares finished now and I'm just so very pleased. I love, love, love this art.. 

::learning lessons in

quilting. I can't get enough of this ecourse at Whipstitch. I'm so glad I jumped in.

::encouraging learning 

Despite herself, I think Mary Beth is finally seeing the merits of her anatomy class. I got quite the lecture the other day on how we're all woefully calcium deficient. And she's probably right.

::carefully cultivating rhythm

Ugh. We've been without our big van for a couple of weeks now. And then Mike's car broke down. Oh, and Mike has been in France for a week. And mary Beth has had dance rehearsals that don't follow the class scheudle at all. When the driving routine gets rocked, rhythm is seriously disrupted and it makes me a little crazy. He's home now and I think we'll get the car thing solved immediately. All will be well.

It's the morning after a homecoming; I always feel like all will be well on the morning after a homecoming.

::begging prayers

for two people very close to me who had big medical deals last week and will learn results this week. Praying for stength and grace and courage for all of us. 

::keeping house

I had so hoped to have painted and finished a few dozen of my renovation tasks before decorating for Christmas, but details got ensnared and we delayed beginning. Now, I'm thinking we'll just wait until January? I don't know...

::crafting in the kitchen 

with pomegranates. I love them and my kids know they are special and share a short season with peppermint shakes at Chick-Fil-A. Did you know that pomegranates have long been held to be a fertility fruit? I have six babies born nine months after pomegranate season. I'm a believer in that there myth.

::loving the moments

 when the big boys' girlfriends play with my little girls. A big family bonus, for sure.

::planning for the week ahead

lots of car details today.

Patrick plays in Columbus tomorrow. He had a pretty amazing game last week. Every day is an adventure with that child.

a very intense week of rehearsals.

Kingdom of Sweets and Holiday Rhythms on Saturday and Sunday.

Patrick has two soccer games this weekend.

Nicky has at least three games and Stephen has at least four. 

I will spend the week making sure we're ready for the weekend:-)

::capturing the images of my days

 

Monday Musings

In the world outside my front door

We've had several hard frosts and it's time to pull out the frost-bitten plants and admit that summer has, indeed completely slipped away.

I am Listening to

a soccer game on television and an enthusiastic gang of teenagers downstairs (I'm starting this post Sunday night, knowing full well it will be Monday before I post).

I am Wearing

a sweatshirt and jeans and warm socks and three blankets. I cannot retain heat. At all.

I am so Grateful for

As I pondered and prayed about this post (for months, maybe years), I knew that it would take a leap of faith, a stretch of courage to publish it and my dearest hope was that it would bless. Thank you for your warm response. Even more, though, thank you for your honesty and your courage in the comments.

I'm Pondering

God has been very good to me, for I never dwell upon anything wrong which a person has done, so as to remember it afterwards. If I do remember it, I always see some other virtue in that person.

 ~St. Teresa of Avila

I am Reading

Not Google Reader. Prior to the "new, improved Google Reader," I was probably Reader's best fan and most frequent visitor. I had hundreds of blogs organized there. I had a reading schedule. I shared my reading and my notes. Not any more. I can't even scroll through a single blog to read a post now because the whole thing doesn't fit on my screen and when I scroll only part of the print scrolls with me. In its infinite wisdom and eagerness to drive everyone to Google +, they've eliminated the Share feature, thereby shooting a near fatal hole in the blogging community they helped to create and nurture. I'm on Google +, but I very rarely check in there. It would take me hours now to organize myself over there and frankly, those hours aren't going to happen because my kids are on Facebook and Twitter. And therein is the entire social media philosophy in this household. If the kids are there, so am I. Friendfeed.com has allowed me to continue to share interesting reads with sidebar links. Not quite the same, but I do hope you'll keep clicking there--it's nice to be able to pass things along. Facebook and Twitter buttons (and an RSS feed to take you to your Reader of choice) are still up there at the top of the sidebar. 

I am Thinking

that sometimes the only thing we know for sure is that we don't know. And it's very liberating to just admit it.

I am Creating

A new quilt! One square finished. I'm resisting perfectionistic urges to do the whole thing again. Actually, that's not true. I would TOTALLY do the whole thing again if I could, but the fabric would not survive that kind of seam ripping and I don't have enough new fabric to indulge my perfectionism. So, either I'm going to learn to get over myself or quilting is going to kill me. We shall see. 

I am learning

what a gift genuine friends are.

To live the liturgy:

It occurred to me today that I can count on one hand the number of times I'm likely to hear Mass said the only way I've ever known it. Soon--very, very soon--it will be different.  

Towards a Real Education

We're all about weighing college options and making big decisions with Patrick. 

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

I definitely love to Fall Back. I enoyed the extra hour yesterday. All my little ones were snug and sound asleep early. By the time they get here, I honestly enjoy embracing the shorter days. Nestle in; it's all good.

I am Hoping and Praying

for two people very close to me who have big medical deals today. Praying for stength and grace and courage for all of us. 

Around the House

In an unexpected twist, this post has me thinking that I need to freshen up the household oganizer. When we talk about the long journey that motherhood is and how homemaking is intertwined, I recognize that just as our diligence and perseverance with our children is not only about the children's growth in the Lord, but as much about ours, I see that homemaking isn't only about serving our families, but about our own growth in faithfulness and industriousness and genuine stewardship. As we work to cooperate with the Creator and mirror His order and beauty in our own small corner of the universe, we bless our families and we grow closer to God personally. I'm looking at my house with fresh eyes.

From the Kitchen 

a meal plan. I'll share it later, along with some recipes as the week unfolds.

On my iPod:

the Divine Office. As Mike prepares to fly overseas and as I talk with a dear friend about the new life she's about to embark in a missionary land, I am renewed in my appreciation that these prayers are prayed all over the world, every day, at every hour--praying without ceasing. And I'm comforted by knowing that no matter how far away they are, we share a faith. And God goes with us.

One of My Favorite Things

children--big and small- who know they can throw themselves on my bed and have my full attention. One of the things I missed most when Patrick was with the National Team was the way he'd hurl himself at my bed and then just tell me everyitng inside his head. They all do that in some form or fashion. Karoline does it in the middle of the night and talks to us in her sleep. I could probably go for a reschedule with her.

On the Calendar for the Week

A tense day today, awaiting news.

Shortened soccer practices, as even soccer bows to the forces of nature and the loss of daylight.

Long ballet days, as the Nutcracker performance times draw near.

Girls' Club on Friday.

We absolutely have to buy a new-to-us vehicle this week. Our great big van sighed its last sigh, after nearly eleven years of carrying precious cargo everywhere. I admit to being sort of sad. I hated driving that van. It was definitely not designed with petite women in mind. But it was a gift from Mike, all those years ago, just after our sixth baby was born. It was a tangible gesture from him that expressed even better than words that this big family lifestyle was what we were about and that he intended to provide for it well. Good van, that one.

Worth a Thousand Words

On Saturday morning, just after I dropped Mary Beth at ballet, I opened the door to find Bobby Convey standing there. He was in for the weekend and decided to drop by and surprise me. Mike and the kids were all in on it and everyone was pretty tickled to see me genuinely delighted by my breakfast guest. The boys all sat and watch English soccer on TV while Bobby offered advice on everything from professional soccer to college choices to high school dating (hilarious since none of them, including Bobby, has gone to high school) to marriage. I couldn't get a camera in this house to work for me, so this picture is the best (and only) I have. Still, I'm glad to have it.

Rosy

Outside My Window

there is a flat of pansies and a bag of bulbs still waiting to go in the ground. It's happening this morning. Definitely.

I am Listening to

the sound of the shower upstairs. All else is still quiet.

 

I am Wearing

a smile, despite the fact that I'm pretty much stressed to my limit. I'm trying really hard to be a big girl. And not fooling anyone over nine.

I am so Grateful for

a really nice pediatrician. He's a good doctor, but it's the niceness I'm thankful for this week.

I'm Pondering

I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues. ~Duke Ellington.

I pouted a whole lot last week. This week, I'm going to force myself to create something good instead.

I am Reading

this pattern, over and over. I cannot figure out how to pick up those wrapped stitches. Somebody help? Please? This is my portable project and I really need it for waiting rooms and car rides and such.

I am Thinking

about nightmares. Does anybody know a cure for chronic nightmares?

I am Creating

Lots. Well, not yet, but I'm going to start very soon. I really need to buckle down in the sewing room this week. Sarah wants a birthday crown and I need to finish the quilt for the NICU before her birthday and I have curtains cut but not finished and... I'm going to start a new project:

 I am learning

to quilt! Deborah Moebes, who is teaching me to sew via her fabulous book, Stitch by Stitch, is teaching an e-course on quilting. And even though I'm super worried about time being at a premium, I'm in! Look for very frequent blog updates as we go. Update: Deborah says that registration will remain open until Friday if you'd like to join us!

 

To live the liturgy:

I have rededicated myself to praying the Hours again, so grateful for worldwide community who prays with me.

Towards a Real Education

Marisa and I have been tweaking a Family Bible Study for over a year now. I think we've finally got it right. 

 

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

I'm recording my rhythm in this beautiful planner this year. And I have to say that just the sight of it makes me smile.

I am Hoping and Praying

for my birthday girl. 

 

Around the House

Leaf dipping is going to happen tomorrow. The leaves are not as pretty this year but Mary Beth was noticing yesterday that some pockets of the neighborhood have enough for us to scoop up. So we will.

From the Kitchen 

I metnioned these awesome cookie bars on Saturday. I'm happy to report that they have skyrocketed to the top of everyone's favorite cookie list. That's pretty high praise, as there are ten cookie experts in this house and it's rare they can all agree on anything, never mind a food thing. Go make some; your whole family will love you for it. But, um, rename them, as that name as it would not be a good idea to tell your husband you thought of him when you read the recipe. Becuase it's totally the chocolate and caramel that made you think of him and not the name. 

I'm pretty sure I'm making more for Bible Study today.

 

On my iPod:

My alarm clock, which is set to sound like church bells, as opposed to Mike's alarm clock which sounds like the soundtrack to the chase scene in an action movie.

One of My Favorite Things

boys who collectively give their sister the perfect birthday gift.

 

On the Calendar for the Week

 An early doctor's appointment this morning and then some focused sewing for the rest of the week. That quilting class starts today and I'm going to try not to become instantly obsessed. At the end of the week, we're going to Charlottesville. After spending the fall touring college campuses, Patrick has his last visit down at UVa this weekend.

Worth a Thousand Words

 

 Michael's girlfriend, Kristin, came to teach some eager Cake Bosses to make fondant roses while Mary Beth was at ballet last week. I think they made her a beautiful cake!

Slice of Life this Monday Morning

Outside My Window

I picked up Mike at the airport in the dark and snuggled with him as the sun rose. Outside my window, it dawned a beautiful day.

I am Listening to

Silence. Very active weekend has left our children sound asleep this Monday morning. I'm grateful that I don't have to hustle them off to school.

I am Wearing

Jeans, floral poplin shirt, cotton cardigan and these shoes. The autumn uniform.

I am so Grateful for

God's lessons. Sometimes it's hard to learn the things He intends us to learn, but I'm always grateful for the lessons.

I'm Pondering

  "Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair." -G.K. Chesterton 

I am Reading

Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl I want to tell you more about this book. Hopefully, I can do a proper book post soon.

I am Thinking

about how sad it is that the body of Christ is splintered. We have so much to offer one another and division only and always inflicts pain.

I am Creating

I'm told that a certain birthday girl wants a crown of her very own. Pink. Of course. She says she's going to be a "Birthday Princess" for Halloween and since that is, indeed, true, and she only gets to turn three on Halloween once in her lifetime, I suppose I'm going to bow to her ever-changing costume whims for as long as possible.

To live the liturgy:

The Holy Father's intention for this month: That the terminally ill may be supported by their faith in God and the love of their brothers and sisters. 

We have lived this well this month, up close and personal. And we continue to walk with the sorrowing.

Towards a Real Education

Katie and Karoline have a delightful new bedtime routine. Since Mary Beth is at dance until well past nine every night, I've been working on getting the three little girls settled all together, without Mary Beth's assistance. So, after the bath routine, Katie and Karoline choose ten picture books each. While I snuggle Sarah to sleep (and she might just nurse a little--don't judge), Katie reads to Karoline. If they're still awake once Sarah's asleep, I take over the reading. That's a whole bunch of reading!

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

{We hit a rhythm last week and I'm going to cling to it for all its worth. We are far more creative, productive, and happy once the rhythm has been worked out and life--however busy--is more predictable.}

I wrote that last Monday. Rachael's dad died Tuesday morning. Last week's rhythm was not "routine," but there still was rhythm. I think that's a sign of an underlying structure that's going to work over the long haul. At least, I hopes so.

I am Hoping and Praying

for Rachael, her father, and their family and friends. I was blessed to be present at the most amazing funeral ever last Friday. And we were sent forth with quite a mission for prayer. We also all left that church wanting to live for Christ and in Christ; I can't think of a greater tribute to Greg Davenport's life.

 I am learning

to make a little quilted playmat. When Sarah Annie was discharged from the NICU, we were invited to choose from a large collection of beautiful handmade blankets for her to bring home. I was so touched by the gesture that, as a family, we've resolved to donate a handmade blanket every year on Sarah's birthday. Nicky and I have a really good one going here, thanks to this tutorial.

Around the House

We've got some picking up to do before Bible Study this afternoon. Katie and Karoline got into the autumn decorating box and happily sprinkled seasonal cheer here and there. I am hoping to dip leaves this week. I think they might actually be dry enough at last.

From the Kitchen 

A big pot of chili today.

On my iPod:

Amy Grant older and newer. I've promised my kids Scotty McCreery, but I'm reserving it to use as a bribe motivation to clean.

One of My Favorite Things

new fabric and the promise of an old friend to help me make something of it.

On the Calendar for the Week

I'm just a little torn between insisting on a week of solid school days with no interruptions and the call of the beautiful days to go out and play. Skyline Drive, maybe? 

Worth a Thousand Words

 
 
{tickle party}

It's a little fuzzy but the memory still makes me giggle.

My heartfelt prayers for you all this week.