Snowy Daybook

in , by sarahmfry, November 19, 2014
November 19, 2014

::Outside My Window::
The snow has melted a bit today and the brown leaves and grass are poking through.

::I am Listening to ::
 The sounds of Kayla's cello coming from the library downstairs.

::I am Thankful For ::
 A 10-year-old who loves to distract her fussy baby brother with piggy back rides while momma works (Thanks, Karissa!)

::I am Pondering ::
Whether I am less productive than I used to be, in my earlier years of mothering.  How in the world does normal upkeep take up so much time?!

:: I am Remembering ::
1.  That it is okay to take some down time in this non-stop job of homekeeping.
2.  That just because I am not doing things according to my beloved routine, work is work and it's okay.  That doesn't make me bad.  

:: I am looking forward to/Dreaming of ::
Getting a few big projects done around the house. 

:: Some of what I've been reading::
 Slowly making my way through "Say Goodbye to Survival Mode"
It is good, but mostly repeat/reminders so far.

::From the Kitchen::
 My friend Lucy brought the most wonderful savory winter squash soup today for our lunch together.  I'm using Emeals right now for meal planning and I love it!

::I am Thinking::
How happy I am that we finally got an appointment with the Indiana lead risk assessor.  Christian had a very high lead level, and we are having the house tested for risk areas.  They say it is almost inevitable that a house this old will have lead paint somewhere.

::I am Creating::
A fabulous Christmas open house for our church.  Many of them helped us work on the house but have not seen it since we moved in and got settled. Plans are happening. : )
:: Towards raising hungry learners::
 Working on a project for family devotions.

::Towards Rhythm and Beauty::
 This week, beauty trumped rhythm!  We're talking some serious Christmas trees around here!  We went a little crazy this year. Loving all the sparkle and warmth they bring to all the rooms.

::To Live the Life ::
Was reminded last night in a very tangible way that God is in control of my life.  He's got the details...big and small. 

::I am Hoping and Praying::
 For some miracles....

 :: In the Garden::
 I love winter because I dont' have to feel guilty about the frozen, snow-covered garden.  Yay for less guilt!

 ::Around the House::
 Been burning lots of candles.  Hoping to get the Christmas and Thanksgiving tubs carried back downstairs soon.

 ::One of My Favorite Things::
Seeing the huge sparkly Christmas tree through the French doors of the library.

::The Kids::

Kayla:  Rises promptly at 6:30. Dresses, eats breakfast and is practicing piano before 7.  She does things so effortlessly.  It is a mercy for this busy mom.  lol
Karissa:  Bubbling over with life, love and other mysteries. 
Caiden:  Managing his anxiety attacks very well.  He had a couple while we were in Canada but was able to recover very quickly.  Conscientious, with a strong heart for God.  
Corin:  Homeschooling kindergarten until after Thanksgiving.  I love having him at home with me!!
Christian:  Has had 3 weeks of speach therapy.  He has added new words and is getting a little braver at trying new sounds.  Sometimes he does great, sometimes what he tries to say sounds far from the actual word.  But he is getting more comfortable with trying.  Making progress!  And we love his speach therapist.

:: The Man of the House ::
He is a Dr. now!  Turns in the final revisions for his dissertation next week.  Graduates December 18.  He is in San Diego this week for a theological conference.  Lucky him.

::A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week::
 Wednesday:  housework, kids klub, financial peace university
Thursday:  Teaching all day
Friday:  projects & pick David up at the airport

:: Love this Quote! ::
 "God never wastes anything"  (In reference to difficult things in life).  ~ Heidi Wetherald

:: A Picture from our world::
It's puppy time!  Not gonna lie - I did my breeder jobs today with a less-than-joyful spirit in this freezing/melting/snow/mud today.  Gotta work on that attitude.  Don't let their cute, clean faces fool you.  They are evil when covered with mud.