Daybook - A Few Of My Favorite Things

Outside My Window - back to the usual Winter Monday, cold and cloudy. The freezing rain last night made for an "exciting" drive this morning. More wintry weather on the way. As much as I would like to complain about the weather, there's something comforting about days like these. Hiding under warm blankets and books and podcasts and dreams that only a day at home can bring.

I'm Wearing - ocean blue moto leggings, black tunic length hoodie, birkenstocks, silver and rose gold earrings

I'm Listening To - my boys quizzing each other on their spelling words and laughing at the intentional misspellings and mispronunciations

I'm Reading - I've had so many books thrown my way this week. All good, devotionals and meditation books. That's what my current state of mind and spirit needs right now.

I'm Looking Forward To - reading and praying through abovementioned books with my bro moms. Our kids call themselves the bro squad so we are naturally called bro moms. We're doing a St. Joseph consecration and Lent prep together. It will probably be mostly on Zoom or Marco Polo. At the height of pandemic last year, Marco Polo saved our sanities.  How do you stay in touch with your friends?

I'm Pondering - I'm all pondered out and it's only Monday. Today is ora et labora day. I try not to overthink the ora part too much. The Lord moves where He wishes and my heart is open. It's a good day to just listen.

I'm Praying - for the usual suspects hahaha. A few added intentions from prayer requests received last week. 

What's Cooking - probably leftovers because we have enough that need to be consumed. I haven't made the much needed grocery trip so add "meal planning" to my chores today.

Homeschool Is Cool - fractions and polygons and the ensuing laughter at our inability to draw anything past pentagon. All crooked lines and miscounted segments. We are math failures today.

Mom Treat - I've been binging on Asian (martial arts) movies and I have yet to find something that does not end in tragedy so I need a different treat! Maybe I should revisit old Jet Li or Jackie Chan movies.

A Few Of My Favorite Things In Photos - if you have known me for awhile you know my history of posting seasonal favorites. I've let that go by the wayside but today is a good day for a comeback. So, here we go: 

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Primer - I've worn different primers courtesy of my Ipsy subscription. This one is currently my number one favorite. I've had a Marc Jacobs on my wish list for awhile but I just erased it after using this one. The formula is light with the correct amount of tint, it's non-drying and perfect when I'm on the go and need just a hint of luminous coverage. It works really well with my favorite Pur foundation.

Ijoy Logo - Good budget bluetooth headphones, and its rose gold! One of my kids asked for this on their birthday and after borrowing it, I knew I need one for me. It's comfortable to both head and ears, good sound quality, long-lasting charge. I've been enjoying listening to music and podcasts while I'm doing chores.

OGX Teatree Mint Shampoo - Winter is hard not just on my skin but on my scalp. My daughter is an OGX brand fan and wanted to try a new scent. This shampoo is soooo good, it's non-drying, does not weight the hair down and that tingly mint feeling on the scalp is everything! My scalp is no longer itchy and dry. I have yet to try the matching conditioner but my daughter approves so I assume it is good.

Etsy Disc Necklace - if you are looking for an affordable present for yourself or somebody else, I highly recommend these customizable initial necklaces. I bought one with my husband's and my initials and I couldn't be happier with the quality. Delivery was also lightning fast. The Etsy shop is here - https://www.etsy.com/shop/QQ47

 

Ohio Stamped Bracelet - Also from Etsy, I first saw this worn by a  Color Street stylist and I knew I had to get one. Ohio's been my home now for over 20 years so I have to represent! Etsy store here - https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarettaCoastCo

 

Daybook - The Trespassing Friend

 "Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23-24

Outside My Window - what is this bright orb that illumines this day?! I can't remember the last time I saw the sun but here it is. It melted the light dusting of snow on the ground and highlights the fact that windows need to be washed and dust bunnies need banishing. 

I'm Wearing - a bright pink/orange fleece pullover, sherbet-like almost, that is blinding to the eyes but excellent for summoning a good mood. If I had known the sun would show up I would have worn something less retina-burning. But my brain is happy. Wool pants and birkenstocks, and the most beautiful glass-like nail art ever created with dry nail polish. I told you I'm in a happy mood.

I'm Listening To - central heating. My boys are outside slaying whatever imaginary foes lurk in the backyard. I haven't heard any screaming or fighting so I will assume all is bliss.

I'm Reading - still working on the Victoria Arlen book I mentioned at last week's daybook. 

I'm Pondering - anger (see above Scripture quote). I cannot tell you how many angry posts I have read on social media just this last week. It saddens me to see that people are prepared to lose bonds of friendship over politics. I cannot imagine telling someone in the face that we can no longer be friends because of who they voted for. Do we really have the courage to tell people to their faces that they are no longer our friend because of their political affiliation?  Can we go knock on their door, look them in the eye and tell them in person instead of spewing our indignance on our keyboards and screens? I don't know. It is all too much. I reserve real anger for evil and I can honestly say I do not know anyone who is evil enough to say we can no longer be friends. After all, I would be lying if I carry this hatred in my heart yet plead for the Father everyday to forgive my trespasses if I cannot forgive another for the perceived trespasses they have inflicted on me, political or otherwise.

I'm Praying - for forgiveness. Because we all need it. For my friend and her family who lost her husband to covid. It's not my loss to write about so I won't write any more only to ask that if you are the praying kind please pray for my friend Tiffany and her five children.

The Week Ahead - laundry and purging clothes and toys that no longer serve us. I find no emotional connection to things and toys that are past their prime so it's easier to purge with a sense of detachment. 

What's Cooking - a slow roast in the oven. I always enjoy the kind of cooking that involves little prep and attention but with a promise of great flavor. Asian cooking tends to be very labor intensive so I save those for days that I'm not running around. Maybe this weekend.

Homeschool Is Cool - back to the usual grind but I have to look back at old notes for some fun artsy and also science-y things to do. Winter is the right time to do these exciting things.

Mom Treat - Holy Hour Adoration date with mom friends. If that is not the ultimate mom treat, I don't know what is.

Life Snaps - how is it that I haven't taken a lot of photos? Here's the lone one worth posting here

Daybook - A Day Late

Outside My Window - Oh hey, it's another Winter day that's gloomy and cloudy and cold as heck! 

I'm Wearing - a black thermal tunic and fleece-lined leggings in a crazy print that I absolutely love. One of these days my chronological age will catch up with my brain age. For now, crazy print it is to keep me feeling alive and youthful.

I'm Listening To - my boys discussing swords and hammers. Boy stuff in a mostly boy household. The swish of a dishwasher that my husband just loaded and ran. 

I'm Reading - I'm about to crack open a new book I picked up after the author spoke at Color Street's kickoff conference. The book is Locked In: The Will To Survive and the Resolve To Live by Victoria Arlen. I was really moved by her story having been locked in a body in a seemingly vegetative state but a mind that is fully aware. I may have shed a few tears at a dry nail polish conference! Here's another link that details some of her life story -https://aleteia.org/2018/09/18/while-seemingly-locked-in-a-vegetative-state-espns-victoria-arlen-relied-on-prayer-to-survive

I'm Pondering - all that's happened around me shortly after the New Year. The tragedy of a friend losing her husband suddenly to covid, the events and unrest at the capital, more people around me getting sick with the virus, pleas for prayers from friends who are suffering distress for one reason or another. I don't think it's coincidence that we are reading through the Book of Job at Bible In A Year. A book that did not have a tidy, happy ending, answering all the mysterious ways of God. As emotionally and mentally exhausting our world has become and feeling it even more as I read through the emotionally and mentally exhausting book of Job, I'm also finding myself getting deeper into the meaning of "surrender". A surrender to God's plan, a more courageous resolve to cooperate with His work in my life, and an intense desire to live as the saints lived. 

I'm Praying - "Lord, make me a saint!" For now, that's the only prayer that matters in my life.

The Week Ahead - putting away ALL Christmas decoration. Our live Christmas tree and outdoor decorations were were taken down last week but we still have the fake one up. Lots of tidying, organizing, and purging in the next few days as we move a child to college campus. 

What's Cooking - ribs for dinner at the request of moving child. 

Homeschool Is Cool -paring down our topic for composition. One child is an eager writer, the other not so much. I've always had a mix of reluctant and eager students in this household, it's nothing new so I should probably get used to it.

Mom Treat - I have to think about this for the week. It's been rough with unexpected car repairs, and other real life things that's dampening an already sour mood. Maybe if I can scoot over to Holy Hour, it could be my treat for the week.

Life Snaps - 

covid-19 testing before campus arrival

despite the heartbreaking loss to Alabama my nails were on point

one last disc golf family match before dropping off this dude to be an adult

Daybook - New Year, New Tears

Outside My Window - it's a Monday in Winter, so it goes to follow that it's cloudy and cold. Will next week's daybook be sunny? A girl can dream. I don't mind it so much if I feel well but on a day like today when I'm a bit under the weather and can't go for a walk it is not helpful.

I'm Wearing - wool blend pants, black cardigan and a hole-y shirt under. Didn't realize the holes until I took off my cardigan so the remedy was just put it back on lol. I love my Loft tees, hole-y or not. A grey knit cap because it's cold in Ohio.

I'm Listening To - the steady hum of our old desktop computer. It's probably on its last leg but with all our laptops, phones, and tablets I don't foresee replacing it.

I'm Reading - the Bible In A Year. So technically speaking it's a podcast but I do read along with the chapters for the day. It's packed and informative and I'm learning new things and re-learning things that I've forgotten. 

I'm Pondering - that passage on Genesis 3:21, The LORD God made for the man and his wife garments of skin, with which he clothed them. Not gonna lie, I ugly cried A LOT on this chapter having recognized myself in some of the more intricate drama of this chapter. The Father's love replacing the fig leaves with animal skin (an animal, of whom Adam and Eve was originally stewards of, was sacrificed) before banishing them from the garden. There's just so many layers in this deep chapter that pierced my heart with the gravity not just of sin but of God's love. To ponder both, in my case, was to shed so many tears.

What's Cooking - spaghetti for dinner because it's National Spaghetti Day!

The Week Ahead - preparing to move our oldest in to college campus after a semester of virtual studies. Will I cry over that too? Probably!

Homeschool Is Cool - we bought the boys new story books as Christmas gifts so we are excited to crack those open. We didn't go back to school today as I haven't been feeling well. We should be good to go tomorrow.

Mom Treat - a dark roast Tim Horton's coffee. Because it's Monday and Mondays need a strong jolt of caffeine.

Prayers - I feel like covid is closing in on us with so many we personally know who have tested positive, most symptomatic. So we are praying for the end of this pandemic, friends who have asked for intercessory prayers, and of course, to a better year ahead.

Life Snaps- 

coffee 

more coffee lol

chatting with the fam in Canada and Asia on New Year's Eve

out and about on a beautiful December day

my confused fashion sense at home, let's call this Winter Tropical fusion

this won't be a daybook if I don't post my mani from the previous week