Outside my window...gray, gray, gray. The snow is melting. Madeline is hoping for a quick thaw so we can get on with spring. I don't think we're quite to that point, but it's a nice wish, don't you think?
I am thankful for...a freshly washed and vacuumed minivan, courtesy of a thoughtful husband. I don't know how he gets the carpets so clean, but I love the fact he put forth the effort, and the results.
I am reading...lots. Divine Intimacy, The Handbook for Catholic Moms by Lisa Hendey and Dancing with My Father by Sally Clarkson. I have decided to change my daybook entries to reflect what I'm learning therein. It's time to take their messages to heart.
I am nurturing my heart...Rich and I are spending time each evening reading material related to a special intention we have for our family. It's a long-term project, so this entry may be repeated for a while.
I am nurturing my mind...(repeat entry) by taking this month to consider my past creative outlets -- scrapbooking, photography -- and possible new ones -- knitting and any others. Can I find the time to scrapbook? There are more options now through Creative Memories; should I avail myself of the new options? This is an area I have let fall dormant in my life. Is this the season to give it more attention, or am I setting myself up to fail? Update: deferred until swim team is over. We have meets every weekend until mid-March. There's simply no time. I'm listening to The Life of Teresa of Jesus as time permits instead.I am nurturing my body...a constant struggle. I updated Sparkpeople quite faithfully last week. I plug away.
I am nurturing my soul...by taking part in the Women of Grace study and praying the Divine Office podcast.
I dance with my Father...Ann says, "If God makes a list of my laments, I will make a list of God's love.
If God has a list of my pain, I will make a list of my praise. If God
writes a list of my tears, I will write a list of my thanks...keeping the list of His love, keeps me in joy." I will continue follow her example.
I am holding in prayer...the
boy, that this difficult swim team season will bear good fruit in the end. My hubby, as busy season continues. My brother
and seestar een law, as they prepare for their move. For homeschoolers, in this most challenging
of months.
We are learning...Madeline started her Art Fundamentals for Homeschoolers class this week. It's a five week course in art fundamentals (imagine!). We delegate art. And music. Because...well if you know me at all, you know why.
Around the house...Forty Bags in Forty Days status:
Eight bags filled. Mind you, these aren't garbage bags, but every little bit counts.
Thirty-two to go.


From the kitchen...Rigatoni and Italian sausage tonight. Wednesday: Butterflied roast chicken, rubbed with Martha's All Purpose Rub. Thursday: Pepper-Corn Chowder (a BH&G tear-out recipe). Friday: Confetti-stuffed burritos (using up those sweet potatoes). Saturday: we'll be out at a baseball fundraiser. Sunday: Hubby's choice.
Activities for the rest of the week...swimming, swimming, swimming. Ballet on Thursday. Meet on Saturday. Previously mentioned baseball fundraiser Saturday evening. Swim team banquet on Sunday. The season is almost over!
A picture thought to share...my snowshoes ride again!