Outside my window:: Chances are, we will have a brown Christmas in Minnesota, and actually, that's ok with me.
I am hearing:: The little ones playing inside and the big kids outside.
I am wearing:: My old glasses. Guess who got his little hands on my current pair and twisted them beyond repair?
I am thankful for:: My husband, my family, and for all the wonderful Christmas cards from family and friends. I am so thankful for people who include a little notes that say things like, "Enjoyed your Christmas card - you have darling children who are all so happy and accomplished." Because - you know how it is with family newsletters - you want to share the joys of raising a family without bragging and it's nice to know that some people really do appreciate what you are doing and how hard it can be to raise a good family.
I Miss:: The share feature on google reader that instantly listed links to great posts on my left side bar. I am not sure if any readers miss this, but I sure miss the fun of sharing good posts I read.
I am Thinking:: How are we ever going to get back to a full school routine when it takes all day just to practice music, do some math, read aloud, and keep up with housework?
I am Pondering:: Unschooling the rest of the year. Just kidding.
I am Praying for:: Our family and what the future holds. Will we ever be able to move back to the metro? Will we still want to by the time we can? Is it better in some ways to be away from city life even if we miss out on so many educational opportunities?
Books on my Nightstand:: My Name is Mary Sutter - historical fiction about a midwife/nurse on the Northern front of the Civil War.
Taking Care of Myself:: So very disappointed that the Wheat Belly diet has not turned me into the incredible shrinking woman that I had rightfully hoped after reading the book, but I am feeling worlds better on a wheat-free, sugar-free, low-carb diet along with some extra vitamin D. If I do cheat and have something with wheat, milk, and sugar (like, perhaps, Coldstone's mint chocolate chip ice cream with brownie bits) I pay for it with a massively painful headache the next day. If you are losing weight on this diet, please don't tell me about it or I will be insanely jealous.
From the Kitchen:: Meat and veggies, grapefruit, clementines and pomegranates. Three kinds of Christmas cookies: traditional, egg-free, and almond flour/truvia versions for Joe and me. Good thing the hunger pangs and carb cravings go away on a grain-free diet.
Around the House:: Busy!
Repairs & Replacements - replaced the bottom oven fan that finally quit working after months of rattling. While we had Kenmore on the brain we also ordered replacements for the broken veggie drawer in the fridge, broken ice bin in the freezer, and crusted-over drip tray under the water dispenser.
Updating - Joe decided it was time to replace our old tube tellies with re-certified HD Vizios that he found at a great price. Now I have to learn how to use them, but at least the baby no longer has access to the power button.
Deep Cleaning - cleaned the inside of the fridge with the help of two kids. Wow, was that yucky! We also spent a morning cleaning underneath, between and behind the washer and dryer. Even yuckier!
I am Creating:: The kids and I are sewing these super-cute ornament kits for Christmas presents. Don't look if you are on our gift list!
Good Flicks:: Nothing lately, other than reviewing Masterpiece Theater's Downton Abbey before Season 2 airs in January.
The Children:: They are so excited that Christmas is almost here they have butterflies in their stomachs. We have enjoyed several local events the last week - the ballet academy's Nutcracker, the figure skating club's Christmas show and skate with Santa, and a Hanukkah party for homeschoolers. They learned how to play the dreidel game and love it.
The Little Prince:: Still not talking, still into everything, and constantly removing his favorite felt gingerbread boy ornaments from the Christmas tree. We really have to be careful where we lay down our sewing projects. Good thing he's so incredibly cute and well-loved.
The Little Princess:: She and Choir Boy assembled the annual gingerbread house with Grandma this year while the girls and I were at violin. Precious times!
She says all sorts of funny things like:
"Aren't you going to say Goodness Golly'?" when I am exasperated.
Onion = yun-yon
Step Stool = step-o-stool
Choking Hazards = choking haz-rits
If we are actually on time for Mass, "What? Why aren't we late?"
A Few of My Favorite Things:: A new pillow, afternoon tea, staying up until midnight wrapping presents, sewing by the Christmas tree in the quiet evenings after the kids go to bed, birth announcements, peppermint mochas, the strong winter sun through the south facing windows at lunchtime, everytime we eat lunch and Sunshine notices that the time is 12:34, my baby's hugs and kisses.
A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week:: Bake, sew, decorate, read, pray, prepare, and celebrate the birth of our savior.
