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.
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.
posted by Lauren S. at
8:35 AM
4 Comments:
Way to go on Hannah reading!
I hear ya on the distractions/ internet. Sometimes I get so absorbed in blogs, even GREAT and encouraging blogs that revolve around Orthodoxy and homemaking and motherhood, etc... but even then, I still have to disconnect and live my own life and act. Lord have mercy!
A blessed Lent to you and your family, Lauren! I think I'll go read to my kids... and get off the internet :) Thanks for the inspiration!
love the picture!
wishing God's blessing on the house selling!!
Look at sweet Philly! What a handsome thing!
Congratulations on the good things brewing! I love your reflections on Clean Week, which I do not keep that rigorously.
Where are you moving?
And, I'm so glad you are reading along in Middlemarch - I agree, while I was interested in the first Book, the second and third have been roaring along splendidly. I enjoyed your thoughts on the first section greatly.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home