Outside my window: is a beautiful morning! I could really get used to fall being here! The boys and I have lived outside this week and we are all happier because of it!
I'm pondering: the 10th anniversary of 9/11...where I was and what I was doing and what a crucial turning point this was in Jacob and I's relationship. I was blundering about only a few weeks into my freshman year at Baylor. Not really sure what a terrorist was and hoping and praying that maybe it was all just a flight pattern mistake (denial much?!)? I wanted nothing more than to be back at home with my parents that morning. I thought of my best friend from high school who was to be sworn into the Air Force on that very morning. I thought what in the world should I do on this historical day? So I sat in my room and cried and thought about my family and my friends and prayed no one I knew would be the next target. I'm not sure a single unselfish thought had yet entered my mind. In swoops my knight in shinning armor, as always Jacob was there with a clear mind. We (the large group of friends Jacob picked up and asked to join him) stood in a line around the Waco red cross waiting to give blood that day. I will never forget the way I looked at Jacob that day and realized what an outstanding MAN he was and always had been. I was so thankful that he took me out of my own selfish thoughts and focused me back on the bigger picture and how I could help. This was the first of millions of instances where my dear husband has saved me. I am so blessed!
I'm listening to: quiet...what a rare treat in a house of rambunctious boys!
I'm wearing: My PJ's its still pretty early and we have been up for awhile already :)
I'm thankful for: all of our service men and women. For the courageous people that put their life on the line everyday to assure another 9/11 never happens. For their heroic service to America. I am so thankful there are people SO much braver than myself who didn't retreat to selfish thoughts that day and ran right into that collapsing building.
From the kitchen: Lots of delicious meals this week. I made a new asian inspired salad and chicken dish this week. Its rare that I add a new menu item around here but I think the spicy peanut chicken is here to stay!
I'm thinking: About my come back to racing tonight. I am eager to get out there and RUN! I can't help but feel a bit nervous about the day. I have quite a few phone calls to make when I am done with my race, lots of friends and family casually threw in comments like "make sure you give me a call when your done...just to make sure your okay" The accident is still pretty fresh in my mind too. Its going to be a great day of physical and mental recovery. I am so looking forward to the thrill of a race!
Towards education: We had a great week of school around here. Lots of Seaton math, hooked on phonics K, hand writting without tears, Seaton Science...it was FUN! I need to throw in some calendar work next week and tweak the hooked on phonics a bit but over all it went really well.
Towards Rhythm and Beauty: same as last week...working on a schedule that is flexible enough yet structured enough to keep us all accountable. Working on some beauty around here today too. Doing some re-arranging in preparation for our boys to get their bunk beds installed!
To live the liturgy: Friday morning mass was a real challenge this week. It means too much to me to give up going with my boys and I am so thankful we have made this a staple in our week. BUT...sometimes I think the graces I get from mass are directly cancelled by the sins I wrack up loosing my patience with a wiggly and screaming little monkey in the cry room!
I am hoping and praying:
For Jessica on her one year anniversary of her blood clot. Praising God shes here to tell the tale!
A safe and fun race tonight
Patience and diligence as we are homeschooling newbies
For Lily on her birthday week, our first birthday to not be with her....oh how we miss you all!!
For the horrendous forest fires raging all around us this week
For so many little friends that started school for the first time this week
Around the house: Things are looking good around here. I find that since we aren't here much I have gotten much more efficient with my cleaning time. This place was whipped into shape pretty quickly this week. Curtis is helping out a lot these days and that has been wonderful as well!
One of my favorite things: Looking at pictures of this day last year. Curtis and I were talking about my race today and he couldn't remember all the details. We pulled up the pictures on our computer and relished in the sweet chubbiness of Nicholas's cheeks. I hope Curtis has as much fun this year as he did last year!
A few plans for the rest of the week: School and hopefully lots of it! Zoo date with Kristy and Dan on Monday. SOOO looking foward to seeing the Schwartz clan! Ein Karim on Tuesday, Pastoral Council Tuesday night, Dinner date with friends Wednesday, and Baylor football next weekend!!!
A picture thought worth sharing:
