I came across an image of a vintage transferware mug that really caught my eye.   I couldn't save a picture so do follow the links and see how wonderful it is. On it was imprinted a sentiment that appears to come from Franklin.  Sometimes listed as Flowers that Never Fade, it reads:

Good humor is the greatest charm

That children can possess,

It makes them happy and what's more,

It gives them power to bless. 

The Blue China Book gives a little background.  It is "an expression of one of Franklin's favorite theories, one which he himself was in the habit of practicing – that good humor is one of Nature's flowers of character most powerful in its influence upon men."  

Outside: The snow still blankets the yard and has formed high walls along the driveway as tall as I.  Temperatures have been low but Abbie and her neighbor friend especially have been undaunted and still get outside for a while daily. 

Listening to:  The Beatles today.  One son said he had downloaded a couple songs and, did I ever listen to the Beatles.  Um yes.  Me and most of the rest of the western world.  "Were they like, your band?"  After explaining I wasn't actually BORN when the Beatles burst onto the music scene I made them listen to all my favorites on youtube.  That took a while, especially since I had to sing my favorite parts.  For him that was Hey Jude.  For me that included Ob-La-Di, Penny Lane, Yellow Submarine. What say you? 

Around the house:  I should be showing you the newly remodeled school room and family room but the weather earlier in the month wreaked havoc on part of the area.  We are back to square one.  Stayed tuned.  It's going to be wonderful.  It WAS wonderful for ever so brief a moment.  It will be wonderful again.  Hopefully soon.  

Creating: We just finished some flower girl accessories.  Working feverishly to complete all our ideas for Moira's wedding. 

Reading: Mama's Bank Account together.  I remember loving it as a child and picked up a copy to read to the younger three.  We are really enjoying it.  One teen finished Animal Farm and is reading St Catherine of Siena now.  Another reading Scarlet Pimpernel.  Tess is working through the Little House books and Abbie is working through Beverly Cleary's Ramona titles

From the learning room: pastels and watercolors and snowmen have prevailed in art this winter.  This was a favorite we learned from Pinterest, my happy place.  Our craft project ideas here. 

From the liturgical calendar: Today is the feast of St John Bosco. He has always been one of my heavenly heroes.  I was given a relic a few years ago by my dear friend Rebecca and it hangs where I see it every morning.  For parenting inspiration I recommend this which could be summed up with this thought below: 

Of course this applies to much more than correction of children.  So much more.  In fact Psalm 141:3 is every on my lips daily right now given our contentious climate.  

From the kitchen: printing recipes when I see promising things on Tasty etc.  Using the instant pot a great deal.  Here are some spaghetti squash boats from the other day.  Spaghetti squash cooks in FIVE minutes in the IP.  Amazing and so good. 

Towards fitness:  I subscribed to the digital Walk at Home membership before Christmas and love it.  Have started incorporating Fitness Blender into my week again as well.  I most love that when it's done.