I am thinking … that Gabby might be right. “I can see why you wanted to be a mother,” she told me this morning after I was thoroughly spoiled with Mother’s Day surprises. “For the presents.” She’s got me there. I might just be in this gig for the gifts.

I am thankful for … Stephen’s confetti. When I got out of bed and walked down the stairs this morning, I was showered with small bits of paper — each with a scrawled picture of a heart — from up above. I looked up to see a grinning Stephen, and I felt like a queen.

I am hoping … that those who have lost their mothers and those who long to be mothers will find a special peace and joy in their hearts on this day that honors the sanctity of motherhood and the unique value of all feminine nurturing.

On my mind … preparations for the upcoming creative and delicious Dessert With Danielle. And also the informative and inspiring Dayton Catholic Homeschool Conference. I hope that I will see some of you in Ohio!

Noticing that … my moods and attitudes are greatly influenced by the people I talk to and the things I read. This is no great revelation, I suppose, but I have been struck recently by how my optimism, pessimism, or anything in between, can be readily attributed to the most recent information or conversation I have allowed to occupy my brain cells. A very good reason to be choosy.

A few plans for the week … Baseball, some basics for schoolwork, a quick trip to Connecticut for work, more baseball, and … did I mention softball?

From the kitchen … Waffles with my brand new Mother’s Day waffle maker for a special brunch today. With mimosas, of course. A great start to the day.

Around the house … ummm … nothing? I am thrilled — thrilled, I tell you – when the laundry is caught up these days. Baseball changes your perspective on such things.

Toward fitness and health … I am getting back into my Lenten habit of eating a salad a day. It’s a simple way to 1) get my fiber and veggies and 2) replace what might otherwise be high calorie, mindless eating. I do like salad, but it can be an effort to put together. Any suggestions for keeping ready-to-go ingredients fresh in the fridge?

One of my favorite things … the heavy scent of lilies. My house is filled with it since Dan brought some home for me last night. With every breath today, I feel loved.

A picture I am sharing …



Happy Mother’s Day!

I am thinking … that I should mop more often. When I wake up to clean floors, I’m pretty sure nothing can possibly go wrong in my day … right?

I am thankful for … Jesus. There is so much turmoil in our Church. I keep reminding myself that even if all else falls apart, Jesus is Jesus. His Church is His Church.

I am hoping … to get back into an exercise routine. It’s the dumbest thing. I need a new pair of sneakers. Until I finally make the effort to get to the store to buy a pair, I have put my regular work outs on hold. But I don’t seem to be making it a priority to get to the store. Must … end … stupid … cycle …

On my mind … the Faith & Family Mom’s Day Away (sponsored by the generous folks at BibleToys.com). We’ve had a great response to the announcement of this first-ever LIVE and in-person Faith & Family event. I hope I’ll get to meet you there too!

Noticing that … if I avoid reading/watching the news for a few days, small important things take the place of “ugliness” in my head. Like Daniel’s monster truck collection that he arranges, sorts, and line up just-so on the wood floors. Like Gabby’s “school” that she sets up — complete with desks, chalk, and stuffed animal pupils — in the living room. Like big kids who are growing, changing, and trying out new “opinions” daily. Sweet things. Good things. Peace.

A few plans for the week(end) … Friends are visiting! Thank you, God, for good girl friends.

From the kitchen … I might have a little plan for making brownie sundaes and having a girls-only showing of Pride and Prejudice … or something scandalous like that.

Around the house … there is one closet that hangs heavy in my mind. It’s an overstuffed one, filled with clothing we could probably part with and books we have no shelf space for … Soon!

One of my favorite things … Daniel’s 3-year-old faith. Last night, he got out of bed and asked Dan if he could “keep God by his bed.” It took a bit of questioning, but we finally determined that he meant he wanted a crucifix hung near his pillow. We could do that. When I checked on him sleeping before I went to bed myself, there he lay, sleeping peacefully, with Jesus by his head. This, I thought, is the childlike faith Christ tells us to have. Just keep Him close and trust that everything else will fall into place. We should all have such sweet, firm faith as that.

A picture I am sharing … a springtime self-portrait by Juliette, who takes more pictures than I do these days.

I am thinking … that it’s awfully hard to stay on track with Lenten resolutions right about now. It’s tempting to fast-forward to Easter, but we’re not quite there yet, are we?

I am thankful for … Playmobil. It’s been inspiring the very best kinds of quiet, imaginative play around here lately. Take that, rain!

I am hoping … to find some very cool Easter hats for not too much money for the girls. I was thinking of browsing eBay, where I have had luck in past years. It’s not every day a 15 year old tells her mother that yes, she would like to wear an Easter bonnet this year. I need to take advantage.

On my mind … Finishing up the school year. It’s early, I know, but I need a plan in place and goals in mind to keep me on track this time of year. Otherwise, I might just chuck the whole thing. Just kidding … Sort of.

Noticing that … I need Mary. When I remember to turn to her in all the little moments of my day, not everything always goes smoothly, but I am much better at handling the bumps along the way. I like the Memorare. It soothes my soul.

A few plans for the week … Baseball begins! Big boy indoor practices commence in earnest. Do you hear that faint whimpering coming from the corner? Yes, that is me. I am crying for joy. Because I never needed a silly little life of my own anyway.

From the kitchen … I might bake some bread later this week. Ambrose enjoyed some bakery bread earlier today and through large mouthfuls asked, “How come you stopped baking bread?” Message received.

Around the house … Still making an effort to stick with 40 Bags in 40 Days. Most of my bags have been small, though. I wish outdoor bags could count because Dan put some kids to work over the weekend and they gathered up quite a pile in the yard. Where does this stuff come from?

One of my favorite things … the way 3-year-old Daniel calls me when he needs some help in the bathroom. “Danny Bean, on the potty!” I hear at random times throughout the day. Danny Bean. Lest I confuse him with some other Danny who requires toilet assistance …

A picture I am sharing …

Danny Bean, “spying” on his big brothers:

I am thinking … exhausted kids are good kids. Thank you, front yard mud pie factory.

I am thankful for … a husband who forces me to put work aside and have some good old fashioned fun. Often.

I am hoping … to make the family Rosary a more regular occurrence this week. We’re between basketball and baseball seasons at the moment, so this should be easy, right?

On my mind … Plans for the Faith & Family Mom’s Day Away! Plan to be there October 30 and check out Faith & Family Live this week for registration details.

Noticing that … outdoor muddy days bring more laundry, more sweeping, and more baths, but I don’t mind a bit.

A few plans for the week … preparing for my big girl’s birthday celebration (she’s 15 on Friday!), an overdue library run, getting back into an exercise routine, and re-committing to Lenten progress.

From the kitchen … baked ziti, homemade bread (I am determined to master the 5 minutes a day method), and cupcakes (No Lent today!)

Around the house … 40 Bags in 40 Days continues … I think I “owe” Lent about 5 bags right now. No problem. We’re going through the bedroom closets.

One of my favorite things … My clothesline! I washed 4 loads today and only ran the dryer about 20 minutes for some socks and undies. I don’t know if it’s the simplicity of working with my hands or the thrill of reducing our electric bill, but that silly clothesline brings me inordinate joy.

A picture I am sharing …

Sweet little bird nest, one of the many treasures we found in the woods today.

I am thinking … of ways to combat the February BLAHs. Important warning to all mothers: Make no major decisions during the month of February. You are not in your right mind, I tell you! Blog posts forthcoming!

I am thankful for … my faithful old van. She started beautifully for basketball early Saturday morning, despite the sub-zero temperatures. She did the same early Sunday morning for Mass too. I should be so loyal, hard-working, and uncomplaining.

I am hoping … to convince my strong-willed, easily bored, just-a-little-too capable first grader that neat, thorough work matters. Even if it’s boring.

On my mind … When I make spending time with my husband a priority, everything else falls into place. I keep saying it, but I need to remind myself more often: My marriage is the foundation of my family life which is the foundation of … everything else I do.

Noticing that … it’s 11:30 am and the 4 year old is still wearing his Sponge Bob pajamas. Time to hit “publish” and do something about that.

A few plans for the week … Basketball. Watching Lost! A Girls’ Day Out with my three daughters.

From the kitchen … I have been searching for an apple chicken recipe. When Dan and I went out to dinner recently, I had the apple chicken and it was so deliciously awesome. Walnut-crusted with a cider glaze, anyone? I’d love to be able to make it for Valentine’s Day. *** UPDATE: Found it!

Around the house … Just when I de-cluttered my bedroom, Dan decided he needs to replace our bedroom closet doors. As he works there in his random free moments day by day, I am trying to be patient with the mess. After all this time, I have grown quite accustomed to “construction zone” as our signature decorating style, anyway.

One of my favorite things … Danny’s fresh haircut. I used the clippers on him last night and immediately wondered why I waited so long to clean him up. Love my handsome boy!

A picture I am sharing …

Juliette’s weekend creation — Cherry Cheesecake. I am beginning to think that I might be able to retire from dessert-baking altogether.

I am thinking … that I love the holiday season, but I love ordinary time too.

I am thankful for … the love and fun and support of my family. I am blessed with an abundance of grace and love.

I am hoping … to get caught up on laundry today. I am only not hopelessly behind because my sister forced me to fold and put away 4 loads (that I was tempted to let sit) when she arrived here on Wednesday night. But by yesterday afternoon, even she was feeling lax about laundry. It’s been a lovely few days of visiting, and I think both our families are exhausted enough to prove it.

On my mind … looming deadlines. The summer issue of Faith & Family, believe it or not. Nothing keeps you thinking a season (or two!) ahead quite like magazine publishing.

Noticing that … there are many people bidding “Good Riddance!” to 2009 this year. I find it sad that so many seem so unhappy with the year that just passed. While I am not in love with everything that happened in 2009, I wouldn’t wish a bit of it away. All of it, even the messy parts, brought me right here where I am right now. And, thanks be to God, this is a lovely place to be.

A few plans for the week … Dan goes back to work on Tuesday and we … go … back … to school? (ouch)

From the kitchen … gingerbread cookies, rum cake, pancakes, sausage, coffee, peanut butter fudge, and leftover Chinese food, chicken dinner, and steak & cheese sandwiches. I will not be cooking today.

Around the house … Dan recently re-did the boys’ dresser drawers, installing new ones in their closet. They did their best to fill them and organize them, but I think there might be a need for some mom-intervention up there. This week, I hope.

One of my favorite things … naps with my littlest boy, made all the cozier by the bittersweet knowledge that he won’t consent to these forever. But for now, he snuggles, he pats, he sleeps.

A picture I am sharing …

How about a few?

Outside my window … SNOW! Only about 3 inches. Dan is already complaining and I am trying to hide the fact that I like it.

I am thinking … that I cannot do everything. I cannot have a clean house and shop for gifts and make regular meals for 10 people and keep up with laundry and do Advent baking and … and … and … all the rest of it. I need to be okay with leaving some things undone each day.

I am thankful for … my Keurig coffee maker. The level of attachment I have to this object borders on sin.

I am reading … hmmm … the articles I have been editing? That’s about it these days.

I am hoping … to complete my book project with Elizabeth within the week. We are putting the final pieces together, but with Advent and our combined households of 21 people, it has become increasingly difficult for the two of us to find uninterrupted time to talk and write. We’re almost there, though, and I cannot wait to share this book with you all in the spring!

On my mind … This week’s Faith & Family Days. Are you participating? It’s easy to do and there are some great prizes to win. Check out today’s giveaway, for example.

Noticing that … as we switch over to “indoor” play for the better part of the day, my nerves fray easily. Time to get creative in thinking up new ways of playing inside, burning off excess energy (especially the boys), and making sure we get outdoors for at least an hour each day.

A few plans for the week … Mass at noon today. And Dan is going to be home for the next few weeks. This is going to affect our daily routines this Advent — I’m hoping in a good way!

From the kitchen … freshly baked gingerbread babies, thanks to a sweet gift from a friend.

Around the house … just trying to keep my head above water these days, but some things are sliding. If the laundry is washed, dried, folded, and put away by the end of each day, I figure I’m doing alright.

One of my favorite things … the sound of Gabby belting out Show Me the Way by Sarah Bauer. Grandpa gave us an old guitar he found in his basement, and it has been inspiring all kinds of amateur musicians around here.

A picture I am sharing …

Here it is.

It’s been a long road getting here, but the Christmas issue of Faith & Family is now available.



(Lots more Simple Woman’s Daybooks here!)

I am thinking … that it matters what we allow ourselves to think. If we let ourselves mope, complain, judge or criticize — even if only in our own heads — that attitude translates into our words and actions. Even if we don’t mean for it to.

I am thankful for … a date night with Dan on Saturday. We’re not so old after all. We went to a bar with live music where I had the Bison Burger and it was more fun than I thought it would be.

I am reading … Chosen by Donna Steichen. Inspiring stuff!

I am hoping … to be done with Christmas shopping by this time next week. I am an eternal optimist.

On my mind … potty training. I see it on the other side of Christmas. And it will only take 3 days. Yes, yes, that’s what I see.

Noticing that … as I make out lists for Christmas shopping, there is nothing on my own. I don’t want anything. I am a spoiled and happy person.

A few plans for the week … Basketball practices, H1N1 shots for Dan and me (I found some!), and organizing the Christmas decorations. We don’t do that much decorating and we won’t put them up until we get a tree later in December, but if we need new white lights, I want to figure that out now. Not when we’re putting up the tree and there’s a raging snowstorm outside. Not that that‘s ever happened.

From the kitchen … meatball subs — my new favorite easy meal that everyone loves. Frozen meatballs heated in jarred tomato sauce and served on rolls with mozzarella cheese.

Around the house … I was just assigned the task of organizing our medical bills. So pressing has this task become, I was even offered a day off from homeschooling in which to accomplish it. I cringe every time I think of it.

One of my favorite things … watching my three oldest boys serve at Mass. Don’t tell Stephen, but when I see him in that little cassock with the tassels, I want to smooch him up. They’re still pretty new at it, but Ambrose did the incense this past weekend — incense! I wonder if I’ll ever get so used to seeing them up there at the altar I will actually not cry through the Mass?

A picture I am sharing …

Ambrose contemplates the last bite of pie …



And then dives right in.



(Lots more Simple Woman’s Daybooks here!)

I am thinking … about my birthday girl. Sweet Juliette is turning 10 today. 10! If I can kick her out of the kitchen long enough, I’ll make her favorite caramel cheesecake this morning.

I am thankful for … an abbreviated school week. We’ve been working hard and a break is in order. Just two “official” days of school this week.

I am reading … Lisa Hendey’s new book, The Handbook for Catholic Moms. I find myself going back and leafing through again and again. Lisa is so good at sharing her wisdom in a natural, helpful, encouraging way. She’s also great at bringing lots of good ideas together in one place — what a wonderful resource!

I am hoping … for a light snowfall on Thanksgiving. I’m a romantic that way.

On my mind … my book project with Elizabeth. We’re nearly through and I can’t wait to share the results with you (coming in Spring 2010!).

We’re learning … about Squanto and the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving, of course. It’s review for many of us, but stories like these just don’t get old. I’m thinking of using some “vintage” recipes in our Thanksgiving this year too. I’ll let you know how that goes.

Noticing that … although I’m not a natural “planner” I do feel a lot better about my life when I make a plan and do my best to stick to it. Meal plans can be sketchy, but they should be plans. Work plans can be just lists jotted down at the end of each day for looking at the next morning, but they should be in writing. School schedules … well, those are already typed, laminated, and posted to my fridge. We’re pretty good on those. I guess that tells you what area of my life requires the most externally imposed discipline, doesn’t it?

Pondering these words … “God knows I am here. This is his will for me.” — Saint Jose Isabel Flores Varela This is a simple reminder that I need often. God knows I am here. This is not a mistake — it’s where I am meant to be.

From the kitchen … Pies, breads, turkey, potatoes, squash, and stuffing. I’ll share recipes at Faith & Family this week and hope others will be sharing too. I love this time of year!

Around the house … I am de-cluttering kids’ rooms and toy areas in anticipation of December. We need to make room for the “stuff” that comes with Christmas and having cleaner spaces during Advent is very appropriate, I think.

One of my favorite things … Daniel, fresh from a bath and in his blue fuzzy pajamas. He is my snuggly little bear.

A picture I am sharing …

Frosty Morning

(Lots more Simple Woman’s Daybooks here!)

I make no promises about being faithful or consistent in writing these, but after reading other bloggers’ daybooks for so long now, it has finally occurred to me that this might be a useful weekly exercise for me too. Writing down thoughts and goals at the beginning of a new week seems like a very good way to not only share some small details but also to keep myself on track. So here goes:

Outside my window … we had a beautiful unseasonably warm November day. Hours of running in the sunshine and puddles this afternoon led to two exhausted little boys who fell asleep together on the couch before bedtime.

I am thinking … about the importance of letting our big kids know, especially as they take on more and more responsibility in the world outside of our family, that we love them unconditionally. We’ve got their backs and we’re on their side.

I am thankful for … my sweetie of a husband who cleaned the classroom this weekend while I got to go to a baby shower and gab with women I love.

I am reading … a galley copy of an amazing book about the Divine Mercy. It will be released on Divine Mercy Sunday 2010 and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Jesus definitely put this book in my path this week.

I am hoping … that Troy Polamalu’s knee injury is not season-ending serious. Not sure I could handle the melancholy around here if that turned out to be the case.

On my mind … Christmas. I would love to be the mom who gets all her shopping done before Advent this year. I think we should all get to be that mom at least once, don’t you?

We’re learning … Fractions, parallel structure, the Holy Trinity, the Revolutionary War, subordinate clauses, and how to roll out pie dough. What else do you want to know?

Noticing that … I’ve fallen out of an exercise routine. Need to fix that.

Pondering these words … “I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.” — Blessed Mother Teresa I love knowing that she felt that way sometimes too.

From the kitchen … Chicken Chili, sausage sandwiches, and apple crisp. I’m also planning Pâté Chinois later this week. And let’s throw some salad in there to balance out all the comfort foods of fall.

Around the house … We have septic trouble. Again. I love our artesian well. We can drink straight from the tap and we never get a water bill, but we are often painfully aware of our septic tank.

One of my favorite things … The coziness of woodstove heat and the menfolk who keep it burning for me.

A picture I am sharing …

I say Ew, they say Awesome: