Outside my window… The leaves in the yard are just starting to turn
and fall and the sun is shining brightly after a miserably rainy cold weekend.
I am thinking. . . about new closets. We have people coming today to
install closet systems in our master bedroom and my big girl’s room. This is to
help use the space well and facilitate a large room shift we need to do. Kevin
is unhappy being alone in his room since Ryan is gone. L
I am thankful for. . . the continuing loving care provided by our
friends and family here.
From the schoolroom. . . We have instituted a few new things this
year. Workboxes are working well for us and I am doing “morning basket” a la Jen. I manage to do morning basket a few times a week and
that’s enough for us. I’ll post more about it soon.
From the kitchen. . . I would like to make some
pumpkin bread and chocolate chip cookies today. We’ve been moving toward a less
packaged food more organic existence here.
I am wearing. . . denim skirt, salmon colored t-shirt, brown tights,
brown clogs, peachy colored zip hoodie thing. I went shopping with Chris this past weekend and
decided I need to be shopping in stores that carry clothes for women who are
not trying to look like 12 year olds. We went to Coldwater
Creek and J Jill. These stores
cater to a more mature consumer. I didn’t actually buy anything at JJill because
I like to make the bank happy and pay the mortgage every month but I did love
the clothes. I did purchase a new skirt, blouse and two t-shirts at Coldwater.
I am going. . . flute lessons later, no
where else.
I am reading. . . pre reading an Eva Ibbotson book for Katie. Well I’m
supposed to be. I haven’t actually started it yet.
I am hoping. . . that I can soon go one whole day without crying.
Doesn’t seem likely but it’s a goal.
I am hearing. . . Erin and Kelli whispering as they sketch,
Sean and Brendan clapping.
Around the house. . . the closet guys showed up and are banging
away. It's going to be something like this, but
not quite.
We had a fire in our fireplace yesterday, it was a
perfect day for it and the children were thrilled. I also had Dave build one
for the homeschool moms who come and camp out at my house during the children’s
chorus practice on Friday. A lady in my town teaches chorus so the ladies drop
off the kids and come here to chit chat and eat bagels. Friday was cold and wet so I had a roaring
fire for them. The little children all gathered around the fire and played
there. I am so glad we had the fireplace built as an extra in our construction.
One of my favorite things. . . Cool fall days and warm
sweaters.
A few plans for the rest of the week. . . Finish up the closet
switch and get ready for some very anticipated house guests who are coming this
weekend. My two cousins from New Hampshire. Kelly is bringing her beautiful
daughter and Maureen is coming along for the ride. We are all so looking forward to the visit.
Here is picture thought I am sharing. .
Fall mantle. That is an image of Our Lady of the Smiles. Given to us by our Friday night rosary group as well as a few other friends, in memory of our Ryan's smile .
I just thought I’d let you know that JJill has an outlet store on their website. I have managed to find some spectacular deals there in the past (skirts that were originally $79 for $10).
Just lovely, Mary Ellen. I look forward to reading about how the morning basket works for your family! Prayers for you today!
Beautiful mantle, Mary Ellen! Glad you got a little retail therapy in. Shopping for the kids just isn’t the same! 🙂 (I love Coldwater Creek!)
It’s great to hear from you, Mary Ellen. We’re keeping your family in prayer — and my little Peach remembers Ryan in her prayers every single night. Thanks for the tips on the morning basket. Lovely idea.
What a beautiful mantle! It is so good to “hear” from you Mary Ellen. We love you. We pray daily.
Your mantle is soooo warm and cozy!
I continue to keep you in my prayers…God love you!
OH, I love Our Lady of the Smile…praying for her continued care for you all.
I’m so glad to see something on your blog. I’ve missed you, my friend. Prayers still coming your way. BTW, I don’t think I could ever go one whole day without crying, if I were ever in your shoes. You are a beautiful inspiration for living in God’s will and with a cross that would (and has) totally destroyed many a family. Hugs for you.
So glad that you are back posting on your blog. You were missed. Sending prayers for strength.
Hugs to you from miles away. We think of you and your family and send prayers every day.
Have been watching your site and saying a prayer for your family. God bless.
I think, Mary Ellen, that it is okay to cry at least once a day…as long as you are laughing too.
I am offering up my day for you, sweet friend. I, too, have missed your writing.
Mary Ellen,
I only know you from your beautiful blog, but wanted to leave a note for you. You inspire me with your gentle spirit and grace. I am so sorry for the loss of your angel and will keep you in my prayers.
Many blessings.
So good to hear from you Mary Ellen! God bless you!!
peace,
amy
I love your mantle, Mary Ellen. I think about you all the time. You are in my prayers.
Nice to see you blogging again. You and your family are often in my thoughts.
I wonder, you said you were pre-reading a book for your daughter. I have two daughters age 9 and 10 1/2 and am always looking for something good for them to read. This book sounds good to me! Do you recommend this author?
Mary Ellen,
I love the mantle! It is so beautiful…There will be a day that you will not cry. When it happened to me, I was concerned that I had forgotten my daughter, but she is always in my heart and God’s special gift to me! Tears are healing, and I still cry now and then. Blessings to you and your family
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