Daybook :: 2.2.16

i am listening to ;: the quiet of both littles napping. and this.

i am thankful for :: my calendar. it keeps me together.

i am pondering :: another extended family member from my mother's family died suddenly and tragically this week. That makes about 14 unnatural deaths in that side of the family alone within about the span of my lifetime. It unsettles me. Why do some families only know the grief of grandparents who die after long, full lives. And other families know tragedy after tragedy after tragedy. I may never understand.

i am remembering :: that I used to *think* I was busy when we moved here - I had 3 kids, ages 0, 1 and 3 and David was gone much of the time to Chicago. If I only knew....

i am looking forward to/dreaming of :: a big, deep, fluffy snow!! and snow days. and snow men. and sledding. and forts. I'm mad at that stupid groundhog and I'm just sure he's wrong.

i am reading :: The House That Cleans Itself. I hate the title. It sounds like a fairy tale. Really, it's not. It's a book with some incredible insights about setting up a house to fit a family. This is my 2nd time reading it - reading the revised version this time.

i am cooking :: Just worked on my February menu plan. Trying to eat out of the freezer and cabinets this month. Then I plan to begin emeals again.

i am thinking :: that this day has been productive so far, but not in the way I expected.

i am creating :: an amazing command wall for my desk hallway. I found a major element it needed yesterday. will start putting it all together soon!

i am hoping and praying :: about some staffing positions we need to fill at the school. So thankful that God knows the right decision...

outside my window :: not too long ago, it was a big hailstorm! loud and long. marble sized.

towards rhythm and beauty :: i spent some time updating my calendar and organizing my brain today. I love my organizing times. They make me feel ready.

to live the life :: i have had to apologize to the kids a couple of times lately. I am aware that the older they get, the more delicate our interaction becomes. It requires a grownup to raise kids. : )

in the garden :: front yard is cleaned out and good to go for the rest of winter. The backyard needs some tidying. I discovered that branches cut from our evergreen trees in the back will stay very nicely if poked down in to winter pots of dirt!

around the house :: slowly catching up from the new baby fog, Christmas chaos and sickness slump. Feeling on top of things again.

of my favorite things :: my new sonos speakers. I knew in my heart they would make our home more homey. I was right.

the kids ::
Kayla is absolutely ecstatic about some of the book series she's been reading. She is doing a great job at her new job in our dog business. It has taken a huge amount of daily pressure off of me so that I can focus my energies elsewhere.

Karissa has done some really cool DIY projects. My favorite of her recent projects is what she did to one of the old broken school chairs. She took it apart, painted it silver/chalkboard, and recovered the upholstry with black and white polka dot cloth. It's adorable. (and yes...my daughter does duck-lip selfies. I pick my battles...)

Caiden is in a reprieve from OCD episodes. I'm so thankful. He is just starting his basketball season and is totally pumped.

Corin seems to be needing more sleep, in general. He is getting to play a little with Caiden's team. Here is a message he wrote on our kitchen chalkboard. *love* (God loves you. you are in his image. You are spesel to God.)

Christian has discovered big-boy legos. I love to watch him build things. He is also doing well with potty training. He frequently sings to himself while he is playing - everything from hymns to contemporary worship to Christmas songs.

Carson is rolling over, has 2 teeth, and is absolutely delightful. He's an easy baby and how thankful I am.

Annie is our new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She is about 10 weeks old now. (I'm losing track of time). We love her to pieces. She got stepped on and has a broken leg with a cast. It's pretty pathetic looking, but she manages very well.

the man ::
He is enjoying teaching a GBS online class. He was re-elected as pastor here on Sunday. I love watching him respond in quick obedience as God chips away and grows him.

this week :: every day is full. my to-do list is overflowing. life is good.

this quote ::

Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built. ~ James Allen

this picture :: Just found this little cluster of old black and whites in my photo history...kinda makes my heart hurt.

Gift of joy...