My Heart's at Home Daybook - 13th January

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Outside My Window ...
it's very frosty. We've had no snow to speak of yet this winter, but we've had temperatures swinging wildly from one extreme to another. Truly, I'm ready for a big snow!
 
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I am listening to...
Hail Mary, Gentle Woman. Ever since it came up on this thread (and this and this), I've been listening every morning, in order to get the song stuck in my head for the rest of the day, and so to inspire gentleness in myself.
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Towards rhythm and beauty ...
inspired by some friends, I'm working on some new chore routines. I'm also sensing that we're in for a relaxed homeschooling season--I have a few children who have their own projects they want to pursue. We'll run with that for a time.
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I am thankful for ...
the opportunity to talk and pray with this friend
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From the kitchen ...
I"m re-stocking the pantry and the freezer. I'm also going to spend the weekend making care packages. Michael will go back to school on Sunday. On Monday, Mike is going to have to spend the night in his office since he won't be able to get back into town Tuesday morning (Inauguration Day). The entire cast and crew of Pardon the Interruption and Around the Horn will be having a giant slumber party. Sounds like a call for caramel popcorn and morning granola to me.

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I am wearing ...
a long sleeved black T-shirt with flowers embroidered down the sleeves, khaki pants, ponytail, lipgloss, and a sweet baby in a Moby Wrap.
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I am creating ...
lesson plans for Serendipity. I promise.
Oh, I AM sorry! Of the five women working on Serendipity, two have newborns (both of whom were born prematurely) and the other three are pregnant and dealing with health challenges. Hmmm...what is the message in that? We have booklists to work with right now. We're trusting Providence to grant us time for anything else, all according to His plan.
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  On my iPod
for my birthday, Michael loaded a new iPod for me!  Along with Ben Folds, he loaded Praying the Rosary with Mother Teresa and Praying the Rosary with St. Faustina, two new CDs much like the one I told you about here.
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Towards a real education ...
We are working through the aforementioned booklist and we're also reading up on the presidents in advance of the inauguration. Stephen, especially, is becoming quite the presidential trivia buff.
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Bringing beauty to my home ...
Inspired by Mary, we're going to craft this week.
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I am reading  ...
a sneak preview of an absolutely delightful new book. Much more on that later.

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I am hoping ...
a friend's baby is well soon.
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Around the house ...
I am determined we will keep up with the chores. I am more determined not to sin while keeping with the chores!
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One of my favorite things ...
warm, cozy, lightweight sweaters that are easily washed and dried after the inevitable spit up. 
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A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
To cheerfully persevere in all faithfulness. In other words, I just plan to be a GOOD MOM.
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Here is a picture thought I am sharing~
   DSC_0413
 


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.