Daybook

Outside my window…it’s clearing up. Yesterday it was cold and rainy. I really didn’t want to leave the house today. So I didn’t. Lucky me.

I am remembering…the pure joy on this kid’s face when he volunteered at the Renaissance Faire.

I am listening…Katie stacking and restacking little cups. Knocking them over. Putting them on her head. Then doing it all over again.

I am wondering…why my sewing machine consistently outsmarts me. Sat down to make dilly pillows with the kids the other day…just a quick seam here and a quick seam there turned into an entire afternoon devoted to figuring out what the issue was. (No need to examine my stitches…I am a self-proclaimed un-perfectionist when it comes to sewing…I’m just impressed when I actually manage to sew something!)

I am going…to start the drudgery of doing our taxes. 1099s to get ready. Reports to print. My brain wants to be excited…I like the way the numbers all line up and it all makes sense, but I just can’t quite get there…there are just too many other things rattling around in my brain, vying for attention.

I am pondering…St. Teresa Benedicta’s words…”When night comes, and retrospect shows that everything was patchwork and much that one had planned left undone, when so many things rouse shame and regret, then take all as is, lay it in God’s hands, and offer it up to Him. In this way we will be able to rest in Him, actually to rest and to begin the new day like a new life.”

I am thankful…that these little guys (and gal!) all get to grow up together. Their lives are defined, not just by their own experiences, but by the experiences they share together. Lots of beautiful moments shared together. The fact that they’re all cousins is just the cherry on top.

In the schoolroom…we’re back in the swing of things. Lots of history and science (as well as science fair projects). Herbal studies are taking center stage for our nature studies and the kids’ reading goals are ready and posted on the wall.

In the refrigerator…homemade elderberry syrup. Ooh, our herbal studies are well underway, but they deserve a post all of their own.

I am wearing…black pants and a pink t-shirt, covered by a coral zip-up hoodie.

We are preparing for…the Tournament of Scholars. Joseph will be participating in the Spelling Bee and Science Fair. William will be participating in the Science Fair.

Someday I am going to miss...the whole inside out shirt thing. Not really sure what the fascination is with wearing them inside out, but every one of mine has gone through a phase of it. Last time I wore my shirt incorrectly was when I attended the 7:30 am Mass and got dressed in the dark…I didn’t discover that my shirt was on backwards until I got home. Personally, wearing my clothes incorrectly was rather embarrassing…not fascinating.

I am reading…I have declared this to be a year of intentional reading. I have an entire list (part of which is inspired by Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Reading Challenge) ready to go. Right now I’m knee deep in All the Light We Cannot See, High Five, The Church of Mercy, and Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs. Lots of reading. Lots of intention.