February Daybook

From The Simple Woman
FOR TODAY ~ Monday

Outside my window...clearing skies with puffy whipped cream clouds,a damp backyard that is slowly drying out.

I am thinking...I need a plan for the day. What to do?

I am thankful for...Clean Week last week. The first week of Lent is very rigorous and my dear husband fasted so well, with grace, and without complaining. The kids gave up movies and we not once opened up the tv. I went computer-less for the week, which showed me that the internet world can really suck me in and cause so much idleness. As I prayed the
prayer of St. Ephraim the words SLOTH and IDLENESS really pierced my soul. I can get so much more done when I am not distracted by reading the latest on facebook, or preoccupied by the most lovely blogs that are so full of beauty and very well worth reading - but I've got my own life to live, and should probably keep my eyes on my own paper. I need to figure out how to scale back on my internet time, and if I need to give myself some rules. Oh, and I think I was more present for my kids too. So, it was a very good week.

From the learning rooms...Admittedly, I've been a little "relaxed" on lesson plans and such, but here's the thing: Hannah has learned to read, and in those "What your Kindergartner needs to know" guides, she's got K done. Except maybe she wouldn't know what to do if the the bell were to ring. So, we're living life, reading tons of books, doing chores, helping with little brothers, having play dates, doing experiments in the backyard. It's been nice. Sometimes she complains of boredom, but she usually finds something to do, that is creative. Right now her and James are "washing their studio" which I'm not sure what that means, but they do! Imaginations are at work! Alas, we'll be back to more regiment soon. I'd like to start first grade in the summer when it's too hot to go outside and play. Plans for charter school are in the works.

From the kitchen...Big batches of Lenten food to cut down on preparing and to stock up on praying. Pasta with veggie ragu, chopped and fried cumin potatoes and refried beans, pumpkin muffins, veggie pizza. And that's about it.

I am wearing...brown pants, brown tank top, green t-shirt, a red zip-up hoody, and my favorite brown maryjanes. It's all about layering this time of year.

I am creating...A less cluttered house as I purge drawers and pantry.

I am going...Possibly to the library today. Maybe.

I am reading...Middlemarch and The Omnivore's Dilemma, and the daily scripture readings for church, all of which are fascinating. Middlemarch is getting more and more interesting as I read, though much of it is over my head and I find myself having to read portions slowly, and others quickly and just be OK with not grasping everything. The Omnivores Dilemma is surprisingly easy to read, and I really like the author. It's so much more than a "Look at how disgusting the food industry is" book. I appreciate the balanced, non-alarmist, but at the same time taking an honest look - approach Pollan takes.

This time of year, the Church has us reading from the Old Testament. The readings are so appropriate for the time to repent, to make an honest assessment of our sins, and to look with expectation for our Savior and his glorious Pascha (Passover) and Resurrection that gives everlasting life.

I am pondering..."For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit; he who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men." Romans 14:17 I've got so much work to do, to get my eyes off food and drink, and other passions so I can focus on the kingdom of God which lasts forever.

I am hoping...to sell our house soon!

I am hearing...kids playing together, rather nicely for the moment, thank God!

Around the house...A tidy kitchen and living room, but a not so tidy kids room. Ants in the bathroom that will not go away.

One of my favorite things...Coffee and a muffin.

A few plans for the rest of the week: God willing, a park day, a visit to my granny, some church services, and keeping home.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...


My One Year Old Phillip - the day after his birthday on the steps of the Church at the Monastery of the Theotokos, Lifegiving Spring. The kids and I went on a very special birthday trip for him with some dear friends.

A Birth Story

Is posted HERE.

It's been hanging out in February 2009 just waiting to be posted. So if you're into these things, here you go!

Oh, and my Phillip walked for us last night!

This Big Baby Boy...

Turns One this month.

We all pretty much think he's the cutest, funniest, chubbiest little guy in the world.

And I'm pretty sure he gets a kick out of us to.

In honor of his birthday month, I have finished his birth story. I need a gentle nudge to post it though. His was hard for me to process. It was a good birth but a hard one. A tiring one. But I think women need to read natural birth stories so they can know that they can overcome pain, and know that normal births are a far cry from what conventional media portrays. I found reading dozens of birth stories while pregnant very helpful and even encouraging, and made my births much less scary. So, allow me to work up the nerve and I'll post soon after I re-read it for the 9oth time.

If you are my FB friend, you know that I got out of the house on a Friday night. It was a fast-free week, my parents were willing to watch the kiddos, we found the perfect place to go, some friends to hang with - the stars were aligned! And it was so much fun. My kind of fun that gets me home before ten, with a full belly. It was the first time I've ever left Phillip for longer than an hour or two long shopping trip. And he did great!

However, as I was enjoying this lovely beer my little Phillip thought it would be a fine time to take his first steps. Without me. Without a camera. He has yet to repeat it.

Oh well. Lucky grandparents! I was happy for them!