daybook :: first day of spring

FOR TODAY {21 March 2011}
{more daybooks here}

Outside my window...very springlike, beautiful breezy, sunny days.  My favorite Texas season has arrived.  Though there have already been a few days warm enough to prompt everyone into their swimsuits and out into the sprinkler and, today, a couple of the girls started longing for popsicles!
I am thinking about spring wardrobes, Easter dresses, and preparing my children for their first real Holy Week experience.

I am pondering "Nothing [is] so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task." --William James
I am thankful that I have no fewer chidren than God has given me.  They each teach me so many lessons.
From the learning rooms...newly tweaked schedules which include gardening, more home care (aka, chores), more music and art.  So excited!  Also, I am marvelling to watch yet another of my litte scholars embrace reading skills.  Little Queen is really starting to take off and often sneaks in a little extra time with her reader during her leisure time.  Love it!
From the kitchen...Seasonal meal plans are amazing.  I am still finishing up the last details of the Lenten meal plans.  Planning by season rather than by month is new to me and, wow, wow, wow, why didn't I do this sooner?!  (This week's suprise hits were Sloppy Joes and Estofado!)  And the best part?  I am filing away the menus, the grocery lists, and the recipes for next year!

I am wearing still stylin' that black maternity skirt.  It is just so comfy.  Pyjamas very soon.
I am creating...meal plans, beaded jewelry with Sunshine, Easter baskets.

I am going to the dentist this week.  Well, actually, taking four children to the dentist.  Too bad I am not a knitter, it would be a productive day.  Also, first baseball game of the season.  I always look forward to baseball season;  so very much fun!
I am reading...The Story of the Trapp Family to the children.  It is a beautiful and timely story that we are all enjoying.  Privately, I am reading St. Francis de Sales Sermons for Lent;  also beautiful and timely.
I am praying...for peace.  Peace in the world in a time of so much unrest and peace of soul.

I am hearing...crickets chirping and clanging chimes.
Around the house... I am embracing order, holding everyone to their routines, pushing through the pain of new standards and expectations.
One of my favorite things...shoe shopping with my girls.  They just get so giddy, it makes me smile!
A few plans for the rest of the week...dentist, baseball games, shoe shopping, bead work, gardening, and maybe, by the grace of God, a little time with the sewing machine.