Daybook: Dollar Store Decorating

I am watching -  remnants of what looked like the first frost.  The red maple on my front yard is flecked with red and yellow leaves.  I have already planned for how many leaf bags we'll need this year.

I am thinking - of the ebb and flow of life and the generosity of a God who makes the rain fall on the just and the unjust.  I no longer envy the just or those whom I perceive(d) to be unjust because, honestly, I have been both in the eyes of God.

I am thankful - for an eleven year-old boy who, on his own accord, made his Total Consecration yesterday as I renewed mine. We prepared for 33 days together, he, using Fr. Michael Gaitley's book which I thought was more age appropriate for him as I used the one by Mancipia Press.

I am excited about - projects!  And being ahead of the game this year.  My planner is bursting at the seams with (simple and do-able) projects.  Mostly geared towards homeschooling and the simplifying of our life.  I'm de-cluttering, organizing, planning, scrubbing, painting and just getting intentionally immersed in this vocation.

I am reading - decorating/home design blogs.  My Google Reader subscriptions are mostly religious/inspirational but every Fall I get this itch to read about decorating ideas and beautifying the nest.  As a stay-at-home/schooling mom, beauty and order within these four walls keeps me sane.

I am listening - to lots of praise of music around here.  Praise to foil the enemy, as Scripture says.

I am teaching - this week we're reading about Church History in 400 year increments (the first 400 today).  We are also reading about Napoleon that would nicely tie into Church History. We've got the usual reading, writing, 'rithmetic for the rest.

I am cooking - lots of (egg-less) baking around here this time of the year.  We can't keep our aprons clean and we love it!  The girl is becoming more adventurous and advanced in her baking endeavors that there are days when the only thing I do is take hot baked goodies out of the oven for her.  My mother would be so proud.

I am planning - to have friends over every week, since we have a four day school week.  I've been contemplating this idea for so long but had the usual excuse of being too busy. Well, the excuse no longer flies so yes, I'm ready to be the hostess with the mostest this year :-)   This is actually my master plan to keep my house tidy and organized.

I am decorating -thank you dollar store

tools of the trade - candle holder, candle in a jar, popcorn

a mini-hurricane lamp

my so-80's chandelier that I've been meaning to spray paint

decorated mantle for the Mantled Lady