Americans are so weird. Americans are so awesome.

Outside my window … More snow. A new blanket of white — a fresh clean start to a fresh clean year.

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?

I hope you and your family have happy plans for New Year’s Eve and the Solemnity of Mary this weekend.

I’m busy with cookie baking and rum cake making and family visiting, but I didn’t want to miss pointing out some end-of-year happenings at Faith & Family Live this week:

Lisa Hendey shares her picks for 10 Most Fascinating Catholics of 2009. Check out her list and add your own nominations!

Share your end of year accomplishments in our weekly Small Successes round-up.

Take Rachel Balducci’s advice for simplifying your New Year resolutions: One word to rule them all!

I share 10 questions to facilitate end-of-year reflections at all your New Year celebrations and gatherings this year.

Wishing you blessings in 2010!

The Nativity Prayer of St Bernard of Clairvaux

Let Your goodness Lord appear to us, that we
made in your image, conform ourselves to it.
In our own strength
we cannot imitate Your majesty, power, and wonder
nor is it fitting for us to try.
But Your mercy reaches from the heavens
through the clouds to the earth below.
You have come to us as a small child,
but you have brought us the greatest of all gifts,
the gift of eternal love
Caress us with Your tiny hands,
embrace us with Your tiny arms
and pierce our hearts with Your soft, sweet cries.

HT: Catholic Key Blog

Breathe.

Whether the cookies get baked or the laundry gets done, He will come.

Whether the wreath gets hung or the stockings get stuffed, He will come.

Whether the in-laws are late or show up way too early, He will come.



Whether we’re “ready” or not, He will come.

Because more than gifts and gadgets, more than candles and cookies, He knows that we need Him.

If you only prepare one thing, let it be your heart for Him, starting right now.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

(Harry Belafonte)



Blessed Christmas to you!