Battling Burnout, Lighting a Candle

I'm cleaning like a crazy woman today. I have a lot on my mind and an urgent prayer intention driving my mania. I've decided that I'm definitely an active prayer warrior. I might even be hyperactive. My mail has been interesting lately. I've had letters from people taking me to task for posting the nesting list and chiding me for making people feel badly and perhaps even contributing to the burnout of homeschool moms. And then, I've had letters from women who identify with my need to stay busy and keep moving in order to bring peace to my life. I think perhaps the disparity is one of temperament. I'm me and I've lived with me long enough to know what I need at this stage of pregnancy. And believe me, it's not to sit still and let my imagination have free reign over my life. It's to keep active and to do what I can to fulfill my corporal duties, offering it all in active prayer. I battle burnout, literally, by lighting my prayer candle and then working in my home. I find that the sleep it induces at the end of the day is a restful one.

I've also read several emails from moms who are burned out. or just plain exhausted. This is sort of unusual this time of year. I found this post to be a wonderful synopsis of what works for me when I'm approaching burnout. Clearly, the contradictory mail indicates that it's not every woman's solution. But certainly, Sarah offers a suggestion or two that will suit everyone.  Take some time to think about what she offers. I can't sit still a moment longer, but I'll be back later with just few more items to add to Sarah's list.

Worth reading...

and pondering: Piux X on Marital Chastity and Public Aid.

This Just Tickled Me

I spent seven hours at the dentist with five kids today. I'm probably a bit punch drunk. The TV was tuned to the Olympics all day long. Or is that all long day? Whatever. This is a very ESPN family and so it's probably not the best thing to promote NBC football, but this promo was the high point of my day.

It just speaks to the mom-of-boys I am.

It's a Two-Fer!

We're introducing the letters U and V today on Serendipity. Two letters in the same lesson...It's not going to be long before we reach the end of the Alphabet Path.  What a grand finale we have planned with the Z Fairy! For now though, find out why the fairies gave Michael a golden bow.

While you are visiting, check out a new music lesson and a new poetry lesson and a new art lesson!

My Heart's at Home Daybook~August 12

I've really enjoyed The Simple Woman's Daybook--be sure to visit Peggy for the latest entries.

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Outside My Window ...the weather promises to be absolutely beautiful all week long--in the high seventies and low eighties with low humidity. This is not at all what August in Virginia is usually like. I am hereby scuttling plans to begin lessons this week.

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Towards a daily rhythm ... we haven't got much rhythm right now. Karoline's been sick since last Friday and I'm so sleep deprived that I can't even really tell time, never mind dance to it.

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I am thankful for ...the community of saints to keep me company in the dark of night .

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From the kitchen ...
for breakfast:
hashed brown potatoes and poached eggs 
Lunch:
leftover steak and asparagus from Michael's "Last Night Home Dinner"
and for dinner:
something from Saving Dinner the Low Carb Way--we're cooking straight from the book this week.

 Still no refrigerator repair.

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To live the liturgy...
Maximilian Kolbe's feast is August 14 and Friday is the Solemnity of the Assumption.
      
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I am wearing ... denim capris, Mike's polo shirt, big hair clip, crocs. 

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I am creating ...hmmm...I'm trying to revitalize my nature study blog so that my kids can use it for narrations once again. I guess that's creative:-).

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I am going to breathe deeply ...Mike and I have been walking in the evening. I don't go very far but it's nice and cool and it sure is good to get out.
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Bringing beauty to my home ...The trim painting continues (still). We'll complete the bedroom switching this week and hopefully all my plans for order will crystallize at last.We're using every square inch of this house.

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I am reading ... Little Men and Jo's Boys--getting my annual fill of Plumfield inspiration before the school year begins.

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I am hoping ...to get a good night's sleep sometime soon. Very soon. I also hope to catch up on a giant backlog of email.

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Around the house ... my friend Molly came to help me tackle some items on the nesting list. We've made great progress. Now, of course, it's time to really work on maintenance and diligent adherence to the chore chart.

One of my favorite things ...family dinners. We're going to struggle the next few nights. Despite our competing schedules, we eat dinner as a family the vast majority of evenings. When Mike first took his current job two years ago, I started feeding the children ahead of him because he got home so late. I really noticed the toll it took on our family life. So now, we eat dinner at all odd hours, but we eat it together. Karoline and Nicky especially are sensitve to everyone being present and in his or her particular seat. Michael won't be here tonight--or any night until Thanksgiving. This is not going to go over well.

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A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Michael leaves for school today. Six kids go to the dentist tomorrow. More PT for Patrick. Did I mention Karoline is sick?

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Here is a picture thought I am sharing~

   

We went back to the orchard last week to pick peaches. They were truly the most amazing peaches I've ever eaten! I haven't uploaded those pictures yet. Look for them later on the nature study  blog.