Tuesday, September 30, 2008

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Relinquishment is always a part of the process of maturing. When Christian parents have done all that can be done to shape their children for God, the time comes when the hands must let go. The child, now a responsible adult , must be released. For any parent this is painful, even when the child is moving in the direction the parents prayed for.
The child's continued development, and the spiritual health of the parents as well, depend on the willingness to accept this next stage of the cycle-hands off, ready to part without a struggle, giving up authority and control, entrusting that child to God.

Elisabeth Elliot
A Path Through Suffering





O Lord, whose way is perfect, help us we pray, always to trust in Your goodness, that walking with You and following You in all simplicity, we may possess quiet and contented minds and may cast all our care on You, who cares for us. Grant this, O Lord, for You dear Son's sake, Jesus Christ.

Christina Rossetti






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This little one. Firmly in my greedy paws.
Still shaping and enjoying on a daily basis.

God was so good to me. He knew just what would give me joy....
in my advanced maternal age.



Learning acceptance,
Donna

P.S. I forgot to mention DWTS.
I can't stand the Rumba. Can't quite see the dance in it.
I liked Lance and Lacy...although I HATE that song.
And Warren. He was fab. The man floated across the floor!!

Monday, September 29, 2008





About four months ago, I accidentally picked out the regular salt instead of the iodized salt.

I noticed when I arrived home and started putting things away.

And the worry began.

You know, I have used iodized salt for my whole life and have successfully kept The Gout away.

Thank heavens.

But I wasn't about to take it back or buy a new carton. (Although it costs under fifty cents! It's silly that I didn't.)

I was going to risk it. Surely, I can go four months without iodine. I think. I hope.

As my container came to it's end I was happy that no one had The Gout.
No giant lumps in the throat like they show you in school.

We dodged the bullet.

And then. Last week, I was reading in my Cooks Illustrated magazine...

The test kitchen prefers plain salt to iodized salt.
They have tested it and plain salt tastes better

And

"It's worth noting that nowadays most people get sufficient iodine from baked goods and dairy products
(iodine is in dairy cow feed and is used to wash their udders before milking).


Ah! I was safe all along!

From now on I will be a plain salt gal.

And now that I know cow's udders are washed with iodine before milking....

I haven't a worry or a care.




******

SNEAK PEEK!

What a dream to photograph little boys with blue eyes!


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I have never seen such a color!


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He really was happy to show me his truck.

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Thank goodness the water nozzles weren't hooked up to hoses :o)

I would have been very wet!

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Gorgeous even before editing :o)


******


The new Sunday Night fall shows premiered last night.

Patrick and I were especially happy to watch The Amazing Race!

Do you have any favorites on Sunday Night?

Aren't you happy to learn that your Gout Worries are over?




Encourage one another,
Donna

Saturday, September 27, 2008

They say it's your birthday.....

Well, it's my birthday too,

Yeah.







The emails and facebook wishes are coming in at a frenetic pace....

I had better get this post up or you will all be worn out before you get to my comment box!

It's my birthday and I am thankful to be here.

So thankful to get to look into the faces of the ones I love.

Thankful to have the time to learn and experience more.

Thankful to just enjoy the breeze and the leaves and the laughter and the view.


I find it's a wonderful life as long as I am thankful for the things that matter most to me.

There is so much suffering. And I don't like it one bit.

But on my birthday....I choose be thankful.

I'll complain about the wrinkles and oldness tomorrow.

Today we CELEBRATE LIFE!!!


Party time!!! Donna's blog.

Bring your thankful hearts and cheer!



So you see, old age is really not so bad. May you come to know the condition.
Cicero



Encourage one another,
Donna

Friday, September 26, 2008

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I have been seeing these fuzzy grasses around town this year.
They are so pretty! And so touchable.

I bet you couldn't walk by one of these and not give it a smooth stroke.
Like petting a cats tail.

But the pinkness is a surprise, isn't it?


*******


I'm sorry this post is so late.

Another day where I have been on the go since I woke up.

Real life is giving my lazy bones a real kick in the seat.


I know the things I am doing are good things.

it's just taking me a little while to adjust to all of these good things.

For the last year I have been without a car most days. So I ventured out of the house but once a day to run to the grocery store or the library.

I feel a bit like a baby who has been pushed into the bright, unusual world.

I loved my cozy, quiet, simple days.

Perhaps I coveted them more than I realized.

Perhaps I am much lazier than I ever want to admit.

I will find the balance and energy soon.

Who knew having all the children out of the house would be so tough?




I listen to this song over and over....it helps me drive the speed limit.

It's called One Fine Wire.


Love you!


Encourage one another,
Donna

Thursday, September 25, 2008

hungerwalk

I worked so hard on this...and there I see two messed up squares.
Boo.

The walk went wonderfully.
The Primary raised $ 11,000.00

Katie walked 10 laps.
One boy broke the record and ran 18 laps.

They did so great. It was so fun to see all of the cute children.
Over and over and over as they circled the school!

They were not given any homework so they were delighted about that!

Each time Katie passed me she was holding someone elses hand (girls) or racing along with a new friend.

It was very sweet.


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Here is my new friend Katie's daughter.
Katie is a photographer, too.

They are both super nice!

Here is Katie's niece.

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How about those eyes???

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A bigger look at some happy 3 rd grade girls.
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The Hunger March is this morning.
Katie is very excited.
I will be there helping, so I will come back later with thrilling action photos, I'm sure :o)

I can remember wanting to do a march to raise money when I was in junior high or high school.

My mom would not let me. I think she thought it was too radical.

Even if it was for charity.

My how things have changed. I wonder what she would think of Katie marching for hunger?


******


Two disappointing eliminations on reality television last night.

Sweet, cute Ted was the second to go on DWTS. He just didn't have the fan base. Poor guy.
He was good and looked so sad.


So sorry Ted. It wasn't your dancing. It was the fact that the older ladies who think you're cute....
don't vote.


And the wrong person was sent home on Project Runway.
The 50's girl was rude to Tim and designed a horrible outfit and the judges roundly hated it.
But she stayed.

Hummm????

Could it be a ratings ploy?

I really wanted her gone!


*****


Okay. I'll be back!

Happy Thursday all!

Encourage one another,
Donna

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Literary Quotes



Autumn


It was, as I have said, a fine autumnal day; the sky was clear and serene, and nature wore that rich and golden livery which we always associate with the idea of abundance. The forests had put on their sober brown and yellow, while some trees of the tenderer kind had been nipped by the frosts into brilliant dyes of orange, purple, and scarlet.
~Washington Irving


He lowered the window, and looked out at the rising sun. There was a ridge of ploughed land, with a plough upon it where it had been left last night when the horses were unyoked; beyond, a quiet coppice-wood, in which many leaves of burning red and golden yellow still remained upon the trees. Though the earth was cold and wet, the sky was clear, and the sun rose bright, placid, and beautiful.
~Charles Dickens




DSC_9575warm



The World


"In this world you've just got to hope for the best and prepare for the worst and take whatever God sends."
LM Montgomery

"If you would have your son to walk honourably through the world, you must not attempt to clear the stones from his path, but teach him to walk firmly over them - not insist upon leading him by the hand, but let him learn to go alone."
~Anne Bronte


On Age


"One should never trust a woman who tells one her real age. A woman who would tell one that, would tell one anything."
~Oscar Wilde



Oh! Oscar. How well you know me.



Encourage one another,
Donna

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Never in a gazillion years did I think I would choose Warren Sapp as my favorite new Star on
Dancing with the Stars. But I do. I will. I choose him.





Other dancers who I think have a chance...

Brooke Burke
Lance Bass
Maurice the runner


First to go

The "comedian"
La Lucci
Rocco (Not because he is terrible, I have a feeling people don't know him. He's cute tho.)

Kinda boring:

Kim K
Misty
Cody


I'm on a first name basis because I can't spell well and am forgetful.


I would love to hear your opinions!!


******


Miss Katie is walking in a Hunger March at her school on Thursday.

She visited our neighbors to gather pledges and is ready to go.

The Primary students walk around the school block for one hour and earn money for each lap.

In the past they earned $12,000. This money is dispersed locally and internationally.

I love that all of these wonderful opportunities are in place and all we have to do is volunteer.

As a homeschooler for 14 years, any time you wanted to do anything like this...you had to reinvent the wheel and do all of it yourself. It was super hard. (Maybe not hard for others, but hard for me. I am not a big picture organizer sort of person.)

So as far as extra curricular and charity work....I am loving the Blessed Sacrament "machine" :o)

The Middle Child that I am is all about following the leader.


Tell me.

Do you prefer to organize or be the helping hands?
What is your birth order?



Encourage one another,
Donna

Monday, September 22, 2008

The Emmy were on last night.

They were rather lackluster....and a little boring when you don't have the pay-cable and most of the winners and nominees are from pay cable stations. But....it was a lot more interesting than the stinky Packer game that was also on last night.


emmydress

Here is one of the desperate housewives. She is wearing my favorite designer. Elie Saab.

I personally would have preferred this dress in seafoam or pink...but that's just me.


Emmy Awards Arrivals

Julia looked stunning in this wonderful dress and color.

She really does have incredible style.


Emmy Awards Arrivals

Sandra Oh was there with her parents. She is so much sweeter and lovelier in real life then she is on Grey's Anatomy.

You would like her.

emmy2

Here is House's boss. I love this look. She is fresh and pretty and I think the shorter length works.





This dress was not on the show. But I love it. The model is rather grumpy, isn't she?



Favre-2

Here is Brett. This picture happened to be in the same file as the Emmy fashions.

Me and Matthew miss him.

A lot.



***

So which dress do you like best?

What show are you looking forward to watching this season?


I can't wait for Pushing Daisies!



Encourage one another,
Donna

Sunday, September 21, 2008

soccer

Once upon a time, two little homeschool girls played high school soccer together.
They played on a co-ed team. They often played all boys teams.

These two little homeschool girls were tough, sturdy and skilled.

They were an asset to their team and they loved playing and being a part of the homeschool
soccer team.

As it happens, one of the girls graduated and went far away to college.

The younger gal followed behind two years later.

This fall they both find themselves at Moody Bible Institute in city with big shoulders.

Where they again play soccer together.

They are still tough, sturdy, and skilled.

So when their club team played a Varsity team for their one and only game of the year....

It was a special delight that those two little homeschooled girls scored the only goal for their college team.

Corner kick by the little red head to the little blondie.

Score.

And their momma's cheered...just like old times.


Serendipity.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

We are off to watch Emma play in a soccer game today....

I have only a second.

As today it was sleep and shower or blog.

Sorry guys.

I shall just show you the anatomy of a photo today.

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Last night before the sun went down, I grabbed Katie and got my little photography fix for the day.

I actually feel strange if I don't take a picture a day.


Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 800


Hey! Why do I have my ISO on 800?
That is a mistake.
Ah well.

Check your ISO before you start shooting.

This would usually resulted in a grainy picture.

HuH?

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Then came the crop and some Actions.

I am in love with Sesame Ellis Actions. She is a photographer who moved to Australia this year and had twins.
Remember her twin belly shot!!!

Anyway....I highly recommend these actions!!

Sesame Ellis Actions


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Then I tried my new SE action Memory-Tone on it. This is the same one I used on the beautiful beauties the other day.

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Then we went to the forest primeval and I took this picture.

Not.

This is a Lightroom Preset.

I let my inner drama queen come out on this one.

Love what this Preset did to Katie's eyes.


Happy happy week-ending. (I love how MFS says that)

Enjoy!!!!



Encourage one another,

Donna

Friday, September 19, 2008

Friday Five



1.Of television programs that aired before you were born, what’s your favorite?

2.What person of historical significance was from your neighborhood or city?

3.What’s a story that’s often been told about someone in your family in the years before you came along?

4.Which of previous generations’ dumb mistakes (in deed or thought) baffles you the most?

5.What aspect of life in the good old days would you love to see a return to?



Courtesy of Friday5.org
These are questions from Aug. But I liked them. Should be fun reading today :o)




In which Katie explains the words to a song to me

Ever since seeing this dance on So You Think You Can Dance, I have liked hearing this song.




But my problem is...I don't understand the words and it's weird hearing Katie's little voice singing 'keep bleeding, keep, keep bleeding"....and then I say to her....I don't like these words, what is she talking about??


" She says, keep bleeding LOVE." With complete understanding of what that means...to an eight year old.

Which is the love is flowing out. It's bleeding out.

Simple as that. Well. Okay. I can accept that explanation.

Do you find it strange that my eight year old can understand lyrics better than i do?

I do.

And if you watch the video. I love the stomping @ 1:45.



The final word on my Jury Duty experience



I wrote in the comments what happened with Jury Duty on Monday, but I fear some of you didn't catch it.
Well, I'll share here and add to the story.

It has a sweet ending :o)

Monday I went to Jury Duty selection.

All of the scary new things worked out. Finding the building. Parking. Having enough change.
Going thru security. Signing in.

All without a hitch.

We watched a video about the importance of serving and waited for our number to be called.

I visited with the woman next to me and was called in the third group.

We followed the bailiff to a court room.

Our group (of about 40) entered, swore to be truthful and sat down.

Then the judge called off 23 names.

The twenty three people went and sat in the 'jury box'.

I was NOT among the 23 people.

These 23 people were questioned by the judge and both attorneys.

The accused was sitting at the desk with their attorney.

After all the questions were asked the attorney's get to each strike 5 names from the list of 23.

Which leaves 13. A jury of 12 and an alternate.


When this was over the unselected went back to the main waiting area.

We waited and then were called to go back to the courtroom for another selection process.

Again the 23 were chosen and I again was not chosen.

My duty was finished for the week. However, I was scheduled to return the following Monday
for more jury selections.

That would be this coming Monday.

But now I have a new set of problems.

Patrick will be on a business trip for part of the week and I will not have any help with Katie.

So. I followed the instructions on the jury pamphlet and wrote to the Clerk and requested a postponement.

I wrote a very nice letter and said I would be happy to serve, but just on another week.
I thanked her (the clerk) for all of her hard work.

(You know...the ole honey/vinegar routine.)

And Wed. I received a phone call excusing me from next week and saying my jury duty service is complete.

Hip hip hooray!!!

I love when big scary problems just work themselves out....so beautifully!!!

*deep sigh*

I know jury duty is not big and scary, really. It's just that dealing with the unknown
freaks me out a little.



Don't forget your answers! I sure like those questions!


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Encourage one another,
Donna

Thursday, September 18, 2008





Where is the world is Pioneer Woman?

If you follow Twitter, you will already know that PW and her hunky hubby are off on a getaway.
I have determined that it is the anniversary. (Reading past blogs)
Ree says there are driving 18 hours.
They live somewhere in Oklahoma.

Being a totally lame and over curious blogger that I am, I have figured that New York and LA are too far.
(I really thought New York on book business was it....but then that was too far AND it's their anniversary.)

Phoenix and DC might be in the running.

But my guess is.....Wyoming.

Just a big fat guess.

Any guesses from you?

You don't have anythings better to do, right?

And if you don't want to join in the obsessing,

Where would you like to go on a road trip?


Me. New York. I have never been there and it is calling my name.



********


When I got in the car this morning the gas light was on.

Uh Oh!

Then Katie ran back into the house because she forgot to brush her hair and her teeth.

Oops.

This situation was riddled with potential angst.

But, you will be happy to know, that even with a quick stop for gasoline,
Katie got to school before the bell and I maintained my gentle spirit.

We did some stress reducing breathing on the way.

Thank you Gee. :o)

"Breath in the love, Breath out the stress."

I'm not sure it worked, but it sure made Katie laugh.


*******

I had a photo shoot with my favorite gals!

Jen owns a beautiful Aveda beauty salon here in our town.
Heather cuts and colors my hair.

They are my biggest encourager's and source of referrals.

I love them for it.

Here is phone number for Essentials in Verona (608-848-8999

Yesterday, Jen needed a few more head shots for her website as she didn't have
pictures of Vanessa yet!

I tell you, they were so much fun and easy to shoot.

And I also want to say that I love my Nikkor 17-55 2.8.

It really is a dream lens. I am so grateful to have it.

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Here's Jen. She is so pretty and fun!


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And a little bit nutty.

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This is my hair stylist, Heather.

She is camera shy. But after an hour, her inner Tyra Banks shows up.

I happen to love the colors in this lovely, yet cheesy shot.

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I am holding the camera above my head.

Thank you Auto Focus. You are my best friend.

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Here is Vanessa. She is a natural beauty, too.

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This picture really captures their personalities, I think.

What do you think of this color-age?

I ran a new action on this picture.

Do you like it?




Okay.

I'm off the enjoy this beautiful September day!!!

Encourage one another,
Donna

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Steph's baby is here!

Greetings!

It is my honor to report that at 2:41 this afternoon, ____ ______
________ _________ was born. 7 lbs. 11oz. "and is perfect" were the
words of his dad on the phone a few minutes ago.

Mom and baby are both doing well. I'm sure more details and photos
will be forthcoming.

Thanks be to God!



The happiest days are when babies are born!

Sending love and blessings to the whole family!!!


I am holding back on the name. Sorry.
I want Steph to be able to announce that if she chooses.

You know a little bit of privacy is desired by some :o)

Feel free to send your congratulations in the comments.

Donna
I went to Mass this morning with Katie.

Parents are welcome and Katie wished I would be there.

So I gladly went.

It is a bit awkward for us as we are not Catholic and do not take communion,
so we hang back and feel odd, usually.

My husband is Catholic and is journeying back to the Catholic church after many years
of, um, apathy. I think that is the right word. It just didn't matter to him where I went or if
he went to church. But in the last four years he has expressed the interest in going and I gladly
go with him.

I prayed for many years that my husband would be the spiritual head of the home.
And that he would lead in this aspect of our lives.

And now he is.

God answered that prayer.

I now go to the Catholic church with thanks and praise and listen to the wonderful Priests at
Blessed Sacrament. I know I am where I should be, beside my husband, watching him grow back
into the faith of his youth.

And I am learning and growing too. I am fed with the word of God and the songs and the
saying of the Lords Prayer and the Creeds. Even tho I am not fed during communion.
I am starting to really love it.

And to be honest, it is because I love being in a place where Jesus is honored.
And in this place, with all of it's differences from what I have experienced up until now at churches
around the globe ;o), Christ is glorified and worshipped at Blessed Sacrament,
and I am so thankful that God led me there.



****

No word from Steph. I will update as soon as I hear the news.


Encourage one another,
Donna

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

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"No offense, but...I never think of you when I'm at school...

except during Mass."


~Katie


Bwahahahahaha

~Me
Around here....



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The cheery cherry tomatoes are ready to go.



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Our bratty cat hissed at a baby the other day.
Cutest, quietest, sleeping baby.

Hisssssss.

Oh my!

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We are wearing jackets.

And I am still adjusting to my 50mm 1.4

On the day I took the picture above, I made Katie come outside with me four times.

I took at least 60 pictures of her.

So many of them blurry.

I'm still not sure if it is the lens, me or the camera.

I will press on until I figure it out.



***

Steph (from the comments) is having a baby tomorrow.



I would love for you to send your well wishes and encouraging words today.

No horror stories allowed.

Just the good parts version.

You know. ' Remember to relax.' "Take your own pillow', ...that sort of advice.

I think she would appreciate it. We have another expecting momma named Rosa who is, shall we say, 'on deck' and Courtney is right behind her :o)



The end of pregnancy is so stressful and tiring and hard....these gals need our best encouragement...

So encourage away!


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My sister Nancy expecting baby Ashley in 1978 (?)
Picture taken with my Minolta film camera.

I have always liked this picture.

Ashley weighed over 10 lbs.

My sisters have big babies.



Encourage one another,
Donna

Monday, September 15, 2008

I'm off to jury duty.



Here is one of the new Bill and Jerry commercials.
Microsoft has only released the long version to youtube.

I liked the short one a little better.

I think Bill Gates has a future in television.

He is a better actor than Jerry Seinfeld,
which is not hard to do :o)

This one is called New Family.





Update on the walkers and runner!

They all finished their race!

This was a more amazing feat when you consider that they walked in torrential
rains!!!

They did it, nonetheless!!!

Hurricane Ike make it super challenging....

but they will never forget it and feel accomplished and proud!!!

Woot!!!


****

Ree is giving away three photoshop CS3 editing software.

It is a wonderful, generous prize and if you have always wanted to own Photoshop....today is your chance!


Before
IMG_2465


After
IMG_2465-3


It's magic!



Pioneer Woman Contest!


The contest ends at noon and all you have to do is leave a comment. That's all.

Go forth and win!!!



Have a wonderful day!

Hopefully I will return with good news or at least a story or two....and get out early enough to pick up Katie from school!
Sheesh.



Encourage one another,
Donna

Saturday, September 13, 2008

boyerdoor2

My sister's Cindy and Sue are walking in the Lewis and Clark Marathon and Half-Marathon tomorrow!!!

I am so excited and proud of them. They have been training for months and are ready to go!

That's Cindy in the picture up above. She teaches kindergarten.
Her fellow teachers are showing her some big love and support!!!

Too sweet! Isn't she a doll?

Sue is sweet and a doll too....she just didn't send a photo :o)

GO SUE!
GO CINDY!

Oh gosh! I forgot to mention that Cindy's son Brandon is running in the marathon!!!

GO BRANDON!!!







******


And while they are walking,

I will be eating pudding.

Real pudding. Well, maybe not Martha Stewart real.

But the real cooked kind from the box.

I think there is a huge difference between instant pudding and cook and serve pudding and if you haven't tried the old fashioned stuff in a while maybe you can try this out soon.

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Cook and Serve Chocolate Pudding.....

With a little milk on top.

And those cute little bowls.

Mallo-Ware

Ebay.

Love them.

(The second picture was edited with Ree's Soft and Faded Action.)


Non-cooks think it's silly to invest two hours' work in two minutes' enjoyment; but if cooking is evanescent, so is the ballet.
~ Julia Child




Here's to a relaxing and refreshing weekend!!!


Encourage one another,

Donna

Friday, September 12, 2008

Friday Five



What was the last song that stuck in your head?
According to the cliche, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but what’s the way to yours?
What’s something that should have been put away but hasn’t been?
When did you last weigh yourself?
When was the last time you wore something orange?



Questions gathered here Friday Five





20080912_8612


Patrick has been traveling quite a bit this year.
A few months ago he came home with a huge t-shirt for Katie from the Cincinnati airport.

I teased him about it.

Last week he came home with this adorable outfit for his Katie.

He is an excellent shopper. Now he needs to learn to look at the price tags!


***********

I went to Back to School night last night.
I can not tell you how thankful I am that we chose Blessed Sacrament for Katie.

"And most of all, we want the children to see Christ in others."
Father Pat

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me
.





************





I got THE LETTER.

I made THE CALL.

I am on the short list.

Can you guess what I have to do on Monday morning?





Encourage one another,
Donna

Thursday, September 11, 2008

20080909_8515-2

Seems all of the girls in our family are having some difficulty adjusting.


I got a phone call yesterday afternoon from Katie's teacher. Mrs. S. said she wanted to let me know that Katie's math teacher told her that Katie has been teary in math class.

Oh dear. Poor sweet little one.

I know that feeling very very well.

A new math book, with all new jargon.
New rhythms and new pressures.


When I asked her about it she was not able to articulate just what was making her cry.
And then she confessed that she burst out in tears at lunch.

"For no reason."

That sounds like a tired, overwhelmed girl to me.


I am so thankful that the teacher called. Katie and I were able to have a nice talk about those feeling.
On the way to school today she got a great big pep talk.

I am sure it is just a time of adjustment and she will learn to work faster and be more gentle with herself.

So much to learn. So many feelings.


And I can't help but think being tired adds to the stress.

I am tired waking up to the alarm and being on the go.

I feel anxious about little things and long for the slower pace.

But this is my new season and I will get the hang of this routine soon.

I will find the peace and quiet in my day.....I will make the peace and quiet in my day.


For some reason, I have always been good at this. Let's call it self preservation.

I parented alone for many, many years and I survived by making a time of rest for myself.

I didn't feel guilty about it. I put the children to bed early and watched tv and quilted and read.


This routine gave me the rest I needed to manage on my own. To feel rested.

I may need more rest than others, and I actually think I do, but for those of you out there
that are feeling overwhelmed and teary, give this some thought.


It is okay to rest.
It is important to rest.

God planned it into our week. He set an example for us.

He knew it was important to rest and reflect on what is good.

It's good for your soul and for your mental health.


So go find a prayer closet or duck under your apron or take a walk around the block.

It does a body good ;o)




Encourage one another,
Donna

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

spinningkatie


On Wednesdays the children at Katie's school attend Mass.
Little skirts and dresses are in order.

I needed to order a few more skirts/dresses for Katie after I learned this little rule.

I visited a new favorite clothing store online called Mini Boden.

Have you heard of it?


Mini Boden

This skirt screamed.....SPIN!



*******


Want to take a little ride with me?


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Bright and early Katie and I head north to Madison. This is my favorite part of the drive. I stay on back roads as long as possible.

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I know I am almost to school when I drive past two large cemeteries. They are pretty and line both sides of the street.

They remind me of the huge cemeteries on the south side of Chicago. Down by Oak Lawn.
You know the ones.



Back home we have a very new, big and thrilling store.


No. It's not a Nordstroms.


Nope. Not a Barnes and Noble.


Naw. Not a Neiman Marcus.....






The newest thing in our town.

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Get your snowblowers and generators here!

(And by the way, The Farmer's Almanac says were are in for a COLD and really snowy winter. Rats.)



The weirdest thing in our town.

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Does this remind any one else of My Big Fat Greek Wedding?


I know you can't see from this picture, but those white cupid statues have blue sparkly capes on them.

This is an attorney's office in our town.

It baffles me.


Gus Portokalos: There are two kinds of people - Greeks, and everyone else who wish they was Greek.



Happy Wednesday!!


Just added:


The cutest Public Service Announcement I have ever seen!!!






Encourage one another,
Donna