Daybook - Pumpkins Everywhere

"Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer" - Romans 12:12

Outside My Window - cloudy, trees outside are beginning to turn colors, my neighbor's maple turns a bright red while ours a vibrant yellow. I can't wait until the color peaks.

I'm Listening To - someone outside is mowing their lawn.  Ours haven't seen a mover in a while with the drought and weather change slowing the growth of grass as the weeds take over.

The Week Ahead- it's too early to think about the week ahead.  But think and plan, I must.  Preparing one boy for the altar server test this weekend.  Picking up more miles to prepare for Hot Chocolate. Closing out our group registration once everyone has registered and paid.  I'm sure my to-do for the week is bigger on paper than on my head. And figuring out what my two youngest will be for Halloween. They are thinking of a homemade costume, we'll see! Speaking of costume, I should purge and share the ones that no longer fit. Oh and apples, we have yet to pick apples.  Not even sure the orchards still have any left to pick.  And pumpkins.... from the store because I don't think we'll even make it to the patch. It's unusual for us not to have done all these fall things already but real life doesn't care about my ideal plans.

What's Cooking - it's the season of stews and soups and things that simmer the whole day.  The crockpot will be on everyday this week. My kids have been craving a Filipino-style beef stew that's a bit sweet and somewhat spicy. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Homeschool Is Cool - with only two at home this year and many years of schooling under my belt, it feels as if I actually, finally know what I'm doing! Our focus this year is Math and Writing mastery. My two love their Math so I feel as if we can turn it up a notch. I don't necessarily mean they are masters at it but they, at least, do not weep and wail over numbers.  And I can't begin to tell you what a relief it has been to have no one crying over Math! 

Prayers - I'm praying the St. Jude Novena along with praymorenovenas.com for a personal intention and a petition for another.  I found myself praying more than the usual amount of novenas this year. So much to pray for especially on a year where a child is discerning college and another prepares for Confirmation.  

What I'm Reading - during the CCD year I go through so much reading material to prep for my classes.  I just finished teaching on the Anointing of the Sick.  To balance devotionals and teaching materials, I'm re-reading Pride and Prejudice. It is not unusual to hear me cackle in the middle of the night at the antics of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. 

I'm Thankful For - routine.  

Picture Perfect - pumpkins!