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FOR TODAY

Outside my window...A sunny but chilly day, and a backyard that was happy to be played in, if backyards could think, anyway.

I am thinking...How could I be hungry after a lunch of macaroni and cheese, grapes, half a snickerdoodle, and a bowl of ice cream? Oh I know. I'm pregnant! 21 weeks. :)

I am thankful for...For my dear Jason who took James to his follow up doctor appointment (pneumonia) so I could go to church yesterday, then read the liturgy to James when they got back, cleaned the house, did a load of laundry, and even did the grocery run for us later that day. Love him. What a guy. :)

Also thankful for - health insurance, doctors even when I sometimes talk smack about them, and my R.N. mom, and hot running water, antibiotics, probiotics in the form of kefir and yogurt, and a cute little boy who's pretty much back to normal today. I asked him, "James, why are you so handsome?" His reply, "Because I wuv you." Works for me. :)

From the learning rooms...Back to our regular schedule of homeschooling this week. Hannah's charter takes a three week break. I thought about plugging away but naaaah. It was a nice break and I noticed much more play between the siblings which is always heart-warming. So today was a big fat math review. We've got one more of those tomorrow and then we start a unit on shapes. Also, today was an intro to verbs.

In the Church...Still celebrating Theophany. Drinking the sweet Theophany water daily, and singing the Feast's hymns at prayers and meals.

Troparion of the Theophany of Christ

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptised in the Jordan,

worship of the Trinity was made manifest;

the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee,

calling Thee his beloved Son.

And the Spirit in the likeness of a dove

confirmed the truth of His word.

O Christ our God,

Who hath appeared and enlightened the world,

glory to Thee.

From the kitchen...Well you know about my awesome, healthy lunch, but for dinner I've got a whole chicken with veggies and lots of garlic and real butter seasoned in a roasting pan in the fridge, just waiting for the moment to enter a nice, hot oven. I think I'll whip up some cheddar mashed potatoes just for Jason (because I wuv him) to go along. Tomorrow the leftovers will make some nice chicken and rice soup.

I am wearing...old faithful maternity jeans (if you think you'll wear maternity pants more than once in your lifetime I highly recommend the Gap), a white and blue striped v-neck tee, and a red cardigan (sound familiar Maria?) ;)

I am creating...dinner. a baby. a happy home.

I am going...No where. The shopping is done and I just want everyone to be well.

I am reading...The Meaning of Suffering and Strife and Reconciliation by Archmandrite Seraphim Aleksiev. A little passage:

"Now, when God sends to us sorrows for our good, the devil seeks to destroy that good as well, so that we will get from it not benefit but harm for our soul. How does he work to achieve this? Sly and refined are the intrigues of the evil one. When God sends us suffering to correct us, to turn us to Himself and take us away from the evil one, the devil teaches us to grumble against God." Lord have mercy on me and help me to stop my grumbling.

I am hoping...Against hope. There's some hurtful and unnecessary extended familial strife and suffering in my midst. If you know you know. If you don't, be glad. Prayers are appreciated.

I am hearing...Pandora radio playing Piano Song by Meiko and kids playing dress up.

Around the house...A few little messes here and there, a dishwasher to empty, a lit lampada before the icons.

One of my favorite things...the sweet taste of Holy water and how it reminds me of my baptism and of tears and of hope. A little bit of heaven here on earth.

"As many of you as have been baptised into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia."

A few plans for the rest of the week: Lessons, a return to routine, keeping up on laundry and dishes.

Phillip Henry today...I'm trying to figure out a sleep routine for him. And then a way to kick him out of my bed. :( I love my snuggle buggle but last night was the first good night we've had in a week. He didn't have a nap yesterday and I made sure his belly was full before bed, so I think those two things are key. We've got to ditch the nap. Bummer dude. Otherwise he's so much fun and trouble these days. He's been full of affectionate kisses on our cheeks, bear hugs, and he's starting to enjoy books more. He wants to be doing whatever his older siblings are doing and has a weakness for electronic gadgets. He's got a mean temper too. I have to just walk away from him sometimes so he can finish up his tantrum. I refuse to take his abuse! ;)

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Brrrr! It's too cold for those of us who dwell in a Mediterranean climate.

the original simple woman