(more daybooks at Peggy's )

FOR TODAY Oct. 7, 2010

Outside my window… Heavy fog.  The days usually start with some fog but the forecast assures me it will be sunny and clear by soccer.  I have now seen this transformation enough times to believe it. Though, at this point it is far foggier than the sample below.

I am thinking… about this line:

"When we receive all things as being sent by Providence, and when we live in a state of entire abandonment to all that this adorable Providence wills, we never meet with any vexations." - Rev Hamon  

Never is a big word, but necessarily the only result of truly believing God is in charge.  The girls and I were talking in the car about an old Mother Angelica quote – essentially that you are not responsible for your first thought but you are 100% culpable for those that follow.   How many thoughts does it take for our fiat to finally emerge?  I am letting this be my current personal challenge.  Every time.  God has graciously contributed LOTS of opportunities for practice. I don't say that sarcastically.

I am thankful for…  creative friends, the view out my back window, evenings with my husband, and that pinkeye is thus far contained to one child.

From the learning rooms…   Lots. of. work.  If you are using a certain large, well known, Catholic correspondence program and think you are working darned hard – you are. This is hands-down the most schoolwork we have ever attempted and heaven knows we have run the gamut of the other curricula available. It is nothing if not thorough and packed with information however and they are learning a great deal.

From the kitchen… we switched up the alfredo sauce last night.  I have discovered once again that my family does not like 'switching up' their food.  I am making a two week menu for their handful of favorites and shopping list for our new local stores and calling it good.  Simple works best here. 

I admit that the biggest hit this week was Duncan Hines brownies.  Husband and sons maintained they were the best brownies they ever had.  Yes, the box. They all survived. : ) 

I am wearing… black denim boot cut trousers, blue and charcoal button down blouse and black clogs. 

I am creating… up-cycled outfits for the little girls from places like this. I am on a tear now <g>  Nothing in the give away bag has escaped my scissors lol. Pics to follow. 

I am going… on a little adventure this weekend. 

I am reading… Jumping Ship   It definitely gives a much fuller and more balanced picture of the Pearl's parenting ideals which are less about discipline and more about rooting out personal hypocrisy. If you think you know who the authors are and what they believe about children and parenting based upon an overt campaign against their first book by Amazon commenters I encourage you to read the rest of the story.  It is refreshing to discover their motto is the same one I have been reiterating to myself (if not perfecting…) for many years - 

Be what you'd like them to be.  

It would be hard to put this book into action and have hearts remain unchanged – yours and theirs.

I am hoping… for peace and clear direction as our young adults make some monumental choices this week. 

I am hearing… Brendan humming, breakfast noises. 

Around the house… there is still artwork to hang downstairs. 

One of my favorite things… iron cleaner. Everything gets very hot here. Sister Jean-Marie told us this would be the case due to voltage or something.  Perhaps our water mineral content combined with this makes for gunky iron surface. I wish I had found this cleaner years ago!

Here are pictures for thought I am sharing…

 out the kitchen window.  Can you see the deer past the top of the feeder?