FOR TODAY February 28, 2011

Outside my window…

The day started with heavy fog but the sun won out and is shining overhead now leaving patches of mist in the valleys. 

I am thinking…

About time passing and children who are no longer children.  And that makes me so very happy, and of course also so sad.  This fills our late night whisperings. 

I am thankful for… 

every breath I take.  Seriously.  

For challenges met. 

Smiling faces. 

Fresh flowers.

From the kitchen…

Apfelschorle and lots of it.  It is essentially carbonated apple juice and was pricey in the States.  Here it can be had for pennies per liter. 

I am wearing…

Clogs – daily.  My feet are getting ever more demanding and few other shoes make the grade these days.  Getting a little concerned.  Can you get along indefinitely in clogs, boots, and sandals depending upon the season?  I am testing the hypothesis.

I am creating… 

Portraits.  I just can't get enough of my children's faces right now, especially as they change with each passing day.  Portraiture is a celebration of  this moment for me. 

There is also a tiny brown corduroy skirt awaiting it's hem. 

From the learning rooms…

Leading by example. Dh and I are both taking classes and our evenings are filled with study side by side in the dining room, he with his leadership course and I with piles of photography texts, both with our German books. 

Abbie Rose has learned to count to ten and entertains us by naming the color of everything she sees.  Apparently she has absorbed an enormous amount of the kinder-cd material while sitting behind her sister. Amazing. 

I am going…

Back and forth : )   To Asher's job and back.  To dance studio and back.  To the library and back.  To the market and back (these daily shoppers truly do not 'get' multiple carts full in their lines) To the gym and back. To the education center and back….  

well, you get the idea ; D

I am reading… 

Chapter upon chapter of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  And loving. every. minute. This is how we end our days around here.  Oodles of read alouds while piled on the boys' beds. 

Tell you what, I am musing greatly over Charles and Caroline this time through.

"For seldom is heard….a discouraging word…"

I have decided that a careful read through of this series would equip most young couples for marriage should they truly endeavor to embody the teamwork, respect, self control, and cheerful optimism in face of great trials that are modeled here. Prudence, discretion, responsibility, faith. These speak to me so loudly and clearly in their example. A perfect example of 'simple, not easy.'

Pondering these words…

"Everyone argues in favor of the virtue he practices easily, and exaggerates the difficulties of the virtues which are contrary to it."

-St Francis de Sales

I am listening to….

The Swell Season, again.  This was one of Asher's favorite duos and he got me hooked.  A few years later I am still drawn to the haunting harmonies. 

This is coupled with the sound of our own piano ringing out once more.  We have secured a new piano instructor and couldn't be more pleased. She is a concert pianist from Albania, if I heard that right, and the girls are astounded at her expertise and effortless playing. Inspiring!

Around the house…

Tucking in new (old) pieces from recent thrifting excursions.  I have resolved that if it is at all possible to serve the same purpose with a vintage item that I will find that versus buying retail. Just lends so much more character and warmth to our surroundings. 

One of my favorite things…

Delft

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Single parenting (read: driving!) while dh is gone.  Taking notes for him in class. Lots of long distance calls.  Feis this weekend for the dancers. 

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

more Daybooks at Peggy's