Westward Ho! A Booklist
/Here on Serendipity. Sorry I didn't get it to you sooner.
Truth is, we're nearly finished with it. I'll try to get the next list or two up in the coming week.
Beginning Lent: My Heart's at Home Daybook
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Outside My Window ...
It's bright and beautiful but very cold.
It's bright and beautiful but very cold.
***
I am listening to...
Mike and Karoline watching Little Einsteins and eating breakfast in bed. Somebody will have to break it to them soon that it's Monday.
***
Mike and Karoline watching Little Einsteins and eating breakfast in bed. Somebody will have to break it to them soon that it's Monday.
***
To Live the Liturgy...
Big week! We'll celebrate Shrove Tuesday with waffles and lots of whipped cream for dinner and King Cake for tea time. Tomorrow will be devoted to some serious reflection on Lent and what it holds for us. Ash Wednesday is for Mass and ashes. I'm certain my children will tune into Around the Horn at 5 eastern time on ESPN--they love to see that Tony Reali, the host, wears his ashes on the air. On Wednesday, we'll hide the "Alleluia" mantel letters and make firm our Lenten resolutions. We'll also begin our new prayer routine (more on that tomorrow if Sarah Anne allows me time).
***
To Breathe Deeply...
Several people asked about my workout. I've been doing the T-Tapp Basic workout, which was just perfect coming off bedrest and a c-section. This week, I'm planning on alternating the Basic Workout with the Walking Workout.
Big week! We'll celebrate Shrove Tuesday with waffles and lots of whipped cream for dinner and King Cake for tea time. Tomorrow will be devoted to some serious reflection on Lent and what it holds for us. Ash Wednesday is for Mass and ashes. I'm certain my children will tune into Around the Horn at 5 eastern time on ESPN--they love to see that Tony Reali, the host, wears his ashes on the air. On Wednesday, we'll hide the "Alleluia" mantel letters and make firm our Lenten resolutions. We'll also begin our new prayer routine (more on that tomorrow if Sarah Anne allows me time).
***
To Breathe Deeply...
Several people asked about my workout. I've been doing the T-Tapp Basic workout, which was just perfect coming off bedrest and a c-section. This week, I'm planning on alternating the Basic Workout with the Walking Workout.
Towards rhythm and beauty ...
Lent has a rhythm of its own and there is beauty in the sobriety of the season.
***
I am thankful for ...
"normal" Sundays--the kind where Dad is home and not traveling for work or soccer. We had one of those rare treats yesterday. It felt like a vacation (and I worked here at home all day).
***
"normal" Sundays--the kind where Dad is home and not traveling for work or soccer. We had one of those rare treats yesterday. It felt like a vacation (and I worked here at home all day).
***
From the kitchen ...
The Lenten menu plan is up at Kitchen Comforts. I'll link to recipes today (or I'll get Mary Beth to work on it. I'll update here when I've finished--thanks for all your interest. It's fun to brainstorm and share with all of you!)
The Lenten menu plan is up at Kitchen Comforts. I'll link to recipes today (or I'll get Mary Beth to work on it. I'll update here when I've finished--thanks for all your interest. It's fun to brainstorm and share with all of you!)
***
I am wearing ...
black knit pants, a white tee shirt with a pink cardigan, pink pearl earrings and my St. Anne medal necklace. Well, actually, not yet--but I will be after I workout.
black knit pants, a white tee shirt with a pink cardigan, pink pearl earrings and my St. Anne medal necklace. Well, actually, not yet--but I will be after I workout.
***
I am creating ...
a Lenten prayer corner.
a Lenten prayer corner.
***
On my iPod...
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.
***
Towards a real education ...
I do apologize! I went to link to the Westward Expansion booklist and realized I never published it. Check back on that later today (blushing furiously and claiming baby brain. We've been using it all along--I just forgot to hit "publish."
***
On my iPod...
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.
***
Towards a real education ...
I do apologize! I went to link to the Westward Expansion booklist and realized I never published it. Check back on that later today (blushing furiously and claiming baby brain. We've been using it all along--I just forgot to hit "publish."
***
Bringing beauty to my home ...
I am always inspired to deep clean and ce-clutter during Lent. It never fails. This year will be a bit challenging, I think, becaue this baby truly wants me to hold her 24/7--but I'll mddle through as best I can and let you know if I discover anything interesting or inspiring along the way.
I am always inspired to deep clean and ce-clutter during Lent. It never fails. This year will be a bit challenging, I think, becaue this baby truly wants me to hold her 24/7--but I'll mddle through as best I can and let you know if I discover anything interesting or inspiring along the way.
***
I am reading ...
For Lent
~~~~
With Christian:
Before I Go: Letters to My Children About What Really Matters
For Lent
~~~~
With Christian:
Before I Go: Letters to My Children About What Really Matters
With Patrick:
Because God is Real
With the others:
St. Patrick's Summer
For me:
The Gift of Faith,
recommended on Faith and Family Live! This book very well may be the
best book on faith I've ever read (I'm not finished yet).It's written
simply enough to be readable even in translation. It incorporates
Scripture,sacrament, Tradition, and the wisdom of the saints to offer a
fresh perspective on the spiritual life. I started it during Advent and then lost the book. It "just appeared" on the theology shelf in my library closet yesterday when I was looking for something else. perfect timing for Lent!
***
I am hoping ...
for a peaceful productive week that will set the tone for the entire Lenten season
for a peaceful productive week that will set the tone for the entire Lenten season
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Around the house ...
the goal is to maintain our newly found sense of peace and order (still). This is the intention I bring to St.Anne every morning. She is such a faithful intercessor.
***
One of my favorite things ...
a content baby. Oh! I so love a content baby!
the goal is to maintain our newly found sense of peace and order (still). This is the intention I bring to St.Anne every morning. She is such a faithful intercessor.
***
One of my favorite things ...
a content baby. Oh! I so love a content baby!
***
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
The plan for this week is to stick to the plan: the meal plan, the lesson plan, the housekeeping plan, the workout plan. In order to do that, I plan to stick closely to the prayer plan.
The plan for this week is to stick to the plan: the meal plan, the lesson plan, the housekeeping plan, the workout plan. In order to do that, I plan to stick closely to the prayer plan.
***
She looks right at me and she smiles. "Sarah will so what Sarah will do when Sarah is ready to do it. And She'll Do It--in her own time." Thanks for your prayers.
New Menu Plan for Lent
/I'm on a roll! There's a new menu plan for Lent at Kitchen Comforts. Now I have the foundation for a grocery list. I'll link recipes when I get a few minutes (or I can get Mary Beth to do it).
Did I mention that the lesson plans are ready for the week? Makes a big difference to have Mike home on a weekend day. I'll take it.:-)
Barbara Curtis Thanks You!
/So many of you responded with graciousness and generosity when I posted about Barbara Curtis and the challenges her family was facing late last year. Barbara sent me this note weeks ago and it got lost in my hopelessly disorganized email. My apologies to you and to Barbara!
To Elizabeth and your readers -
Thank you so much for makingthis the richest Advent/Christmas season of our lives. As new Catholics, Tripp and I rejoiced in your boxes and gifts which helped us learn to celebrate with our children the feasts and remembrances which will now have a special place in our hearts.
It has been an incredible experience to receive such spiritual riches from members of the Body of Christ - humbling and terrifying, perhaps the way Peter felt when Jesus knelt to wash his feet. So unworthy, yet with no choice but to accept.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. May God bless you and your families for blessing others this way,
Love,
Barbara Curtis
Small Successes~Volume 5
/
1
I took five kids to the dentist last Friday. No cavities! (That's really their success and not mine). The dentist told me that every time she sees me, she wants to have another baby. That was my small success. It's no secret that waiting rooms can be scary places for mothers of many and that we go out into the world hoping that we'll be a good witness for this lifestyle. Truly, nothing makes my heart sing like hearing that someone wants another baby!
2
I started a prayer campaign for Elizabeth DeHority. This was a very small effort on my part and it actually doesn't count as a small success either, because I know what happens when people start praying and it's never small. I just thought I'd stick it in here in case you hadn't gotten the word. Grab the button from the sidebar and put it on your blog. We're all going to pray her through this--God has great plans for big successes from our small, individual prayer efforts.
3
I zipped a pair of jeans the next size down. I could still breathe. I'm not going to keep them because I don't really love them, but still. I've been faithful to that workout every day for a month and I even ordered the longer one. I still look like I just had a baby. I DID just have a baby. Have you seen her? She can see herself and she smiles. So do we. Premature babies catch you by surprise when they are born too soon. And then, they make you wait for everything and teach you Patience.
~
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!
