Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real {Just....Life}

~ Pretty ~

I adore this beautiful stained glass blue butterfly. It belonged to my Grammie and Grandpa Olenick and hung in their front picture window... I am so very glad that it now graces my kitchen window. It overlooks the bird feeders and garden (another love of my grandparents).

~ Happy ~My sis sent us a silly song this morning and Max loved it. He watched the video and would giggle at parts of the song. This kid loves LOVES music. Thanks Aunt Ra-Ra! We love you.

~ Funny ~This picture almost made it into the "Real" category as well. Several years ago, after multiple attempts to have my darling husband and son clean-out-your-pockets-or-you-will-break-the-machine, I realized that if I had to eventually clean out the pockets anyway, I may as well be paid for it. So this jar was born (Mom's Laundry Profits) and has bought more than one cup of java at Starbucks. Thanks boys.

~ Real ~Ah yes. Max's corner of the room. He does love to read books, and for that I am grateful. However, the books, toys, and shoes add up to a persistent clutter that drives me a little mad. I go back and forth between crazily cleaning it up and just...well....giving in to the fun of it. 

Visit here to see other views of the world:

Daybook ~ {Early Fall}

Outside my window...

the sun is attempting to peek through clouds as the squirrels toss down empty walnut hulls. Birds are chattering, and in the distance, there is still the sound of chainsaws from the cleanup of Hurricane Irene. (I also notice that our dogwood tree is showing the slightest traces of red around the edges of the leaves. There are also berries. Joe and I need to do our nature study soon!)

I am thinking...

that I shouldn’t always think so much and that I have a wicked tendency to overthink. A lot. I also think that I need to get back to listening to my heart a little more. (I am blaming this on the beginning of the school year. That morning rush has me exhausted by 9 a.m. no matter how much I prepare the night before……)

I am thankful for...

such understanding, loving, Christ-centered teachers for Joe. They truly do love him. And I am especially thankful for my husband, Tom, who just GETS me. He knows my heart, and loves me even when I am wrestling with emotions and decisions and all the mess of the world. With a single look, I am again reminded  that he is my partner in life and love, my rock.

I am wearing...

a long-sleeved turquoise comfy shirt, capri’s, and my crazy hair  held back by my sunglasses. The humidity here makes it confusing as to what to wear….

From the kitchen...

possibly some oatmeal-raisin cookies, and a Mexican-inspired chicken cornbread casserole. I have a lot of leftover cornbread, so I may freeze some, too…

In the garden…

I just cut some beautiful red zinnia’s. Not sure how much longer they will be around, but I love their cheery faces. I also need to pull up some of the tired tomato and pepper plants and then replant the box with some spinach.

I am creating...

a small mess. Because I am STILL de-cluttering. (Where does all this paper COME from??) However, I am also aware that in the process, I am attempting to creating a loving, grace-filled space for my family to call home.  I recognize that this is not an easy task, and that it takes time. And patience. Neither of which seem to be in abundance lately.

I am reading...

two new books for my “Weaving Women” book club at church. And oh. Wow. Some powerful, thought-provoking, heart-wrenching stuff here:

I am listening to...

the sweet chattering of birds and Mozart from Max’s room.

Around the house...

still de-cluttering. Every day I have taken a drawer or a stack or a pile and gone through it. And truthfully, I am frustrated because somehow, it never actually seems to get DONE. Also attempting to pack up baby clothes to give to a cousin or a nephew.  The best thing, though, is lighting candles that smell like Fall is here….You know, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and “Home Sweet Home”.

I am praying for:

…..continued guidance….

and for the healing and comfort of:

Jackie

Mike

Fr. Mike

One of my favorite things...

Cleo and Sasha snuggled up


Gratefully linking in here: Simple Woman's Daybook