Daybook

A Picture Thought to Share . . . I don’t get many pictures of “me” these days – on the blog or otherwise; I’m normally the one wielding the camera.  So when both boys wanted to snuggle after lunch at the air show this past weekend, I handed the camera to T. and asked him to shoot away!  This is the best one.

Outside my Window… There is a crispness in the air and I love it!  I’m browsing autumnal jackets (love it in green!) and thinking about getting my sweaters out of storage over the long weekend . . .

I am thinking… about what to wear for my date night with T. tonight!  Very excited . . . we’re going to go wine-tasting and appetizer-ing at a local wine store before heading to our favorite sushi place.  Can’t wait!  Just bought some trouser-jeans this week and think they might be just the thing with a cute shirt and heels.  Or flats.  Depending on how the day goes.

I am wearing . . . said trouser jeans and a black sweater.

From the learning room… We’ve been enjoying reading nursery and fairy tales from this book lately and just picked up How to Behave and Why which I’m sort of in love with.  In other news, we decided to enroll Lloyd in gymnastics once a week and yesterday was his first class.  He LOVED it!  Perfect for him to get a bit of socializing in, listening to instructions (from someone other than me) and a chance to get his energy out while learning how to control it and his body.  He even got a new backpack for the occasion (and to use as his carry-on on an upcoming plane trip.  Yep.  I’m making him carry his own stuff from now on!)  He loves it.  As you can clearly see!

I am thankful… for a three-day weekend with my family, starting with a date night with my husband.  We need to reconnect as it’s been a trying and very busy summer!

From the kitchen… Not much this week as I’ve been not feeling too well.  I’ve been subsisting on sourdough toast, peanut butter and cheese while a huge quantity of leftover chili sits in the fridge.  Feeling better though and I’m thinking about brining and grilling some pork chops for the weekend, along with some freshly baked cookies!

And in our garden . . . baby shoots from all the winter garden seeds I planted are popping up all over the place!  Snow peas, lettuces, bok choy, spinach and kale.  Waiting a few more weeks to harvest my winter squash (Sugar Pie Pumpkins, Spaghetti Squash and Buttercup squash) and dried beans and planning on planting garlic in the next few weeks.  Thinking about doing some garden re-design so want to make sure I know where they’re going first . . . I’ve been truly inspired by this book on kitchen garden design from the library!

I am creating… Our local JoAnn’s is moving locations and has quite a bit in their current location on sale and clearance . . . went and bought a few yards of various colored linens for summer skirts for next summer and some gorgeous fabrics to make some pillows for our family room which is in dire need of some color (Brown wood floors.  Brown leather couch.  Brown loveseat.  Tan walls.  Black picture frames.  Need I say more?)  I haven’t yet figured out where to set up my sewing nook, but thinking it might have a trial run in the guest bedroom this weekend.

I am reading…. I have begun my autumn reading list!  I read (in two days this week! I couldn’t put it down!) The Physick Book of Deliverence Dane and am working my way through Prayers for Sale (I like the story, but there are some parts where I roll my eyes.  Finishing it, though, because I want to see how it turns out!) before I begin Her Fearful Symmetry, hopefully this weekend sometime!  It’s honestly kind of been a brain vacation reading fiction lately as I’ve just enjoyed getting swept up in the story rather than reading for “knowledge.”  Does that make sense?  But, of course, I can’t forget my cookbooks and am looking forward to cracking Bread : A Baker’s Book of Techniques and Recipes in the near future.  It waits on my counter, looking enticing.

I am hearing. . . The boys playing in the other room.  And listening to recordings of Archbishop Fulton Sheen.  My favorite “podcast” of late as I’m working in the kitchen.  I admit, I’m kind of an apologetics nerd.

Around the house… I’m debating making another batch of garlic pepper jelly, or just putting away the mason jars and funnels for a while.  I’m kind of “canned” out.

One of my favorite things…My beautiful 3-year-old, Lloyd, who has become the most loving boy.  Giving hugs and kisses and “squeezes” to all those in need.  He’s such a sweetheart.

A Few Plans and Prayer Intentions For The Rest Of The Week …

• Pray for guidance, patience and grace as a mama of two.
• My first MOPS meeting next week – I was invited by a new friend and hoping to meet more local Mama’s!
• Some time at the park this weekend, I’m sure!

Thank you to Peggy for hosting! Please go visit other daybooks here . . .