Daybook ~ Fall 2020

 

Thinking about:  

       Getting ready for Thanksgiving and Advent. We will be staying home for Thanksgiving this year so planning for the menu is a key component.  Have already bought my Advent devotional and considering getting a different one for us to work on as a family with my kids getting older.
    

Excited For:
    Elisabeth's Confirmation the weekend after Thanksgiving.  Given Covid it will be a quieter occasion than expected but still excited to watch her grow in faith and wisdom.  Have ordered our Christmas cards, and am beginning to think about gifts.

   
Wearing:
   Mostly jeans and clogs or wedges; I know for most fall means breaking out the boots (and I have a new pair that will get so wear) but for me, fall means my favorite wedges and wearing clogs again.  It has stayed warm this year well into fall so coats are still mainly windbreakers.

In the Yard:

    The trees have dropped about half of their leaves so a lot of raking to go and then onto the pruning.  Planted some mums, though could not find asters this year.  

Watching and Listening to:
    Enjoying the return of This is Us and recently binge-watched Poldark (Loved It!).  Together we are watching Hart of Dixie and The Good Place.  Looking forward to the return of The Crown.

The Kids: 

Elisabeth is thriving in 7th grade; enjoying changing classes, Advanced Math still her favorite.  Continues to excel at her gymnastics class, currently working on her back and front handspring.  The end of the day finds her in her loft bed reading, listening to music, and playing Minecraft.

Liam has settled well into 4th grade; and while he enjoyed virtual learning last spring is very happy to be back in the classroom.  Choose not to play soccer this fall, but is currently a Webelo Scout. Pokemon is still a favorite and he continues to astonish us with his almost encyclopedic knowledge of their different strengths and fighting types.  

Caitlin is loving 2nd Grade and doing really well; becoming more independent with reading I'm now enjoying the times when she reads to me.  She is again doing gymnastics and is at the same gym as Lisbeth.  She was definitely the child that struggled the most with the lack of playing with friends during the spring and so is very happy to be back in the classroom this fall.

Fall Daybook ~ 2019

Thinking about:  
       Getting ready for Advent and Christmas; have ordered cards and the kids have started working on their lists.  Gathering ideas and suggestions on what to get other people.  
    
Excited For:
    Thanksgiving ~ one of my favorite holidays, and we are headed down to celebrate with my mom and sisters.  Advent ~ I have my devotional and candles for the Advent wreath.
   

Wearing:
   Mostly jeans and clogs or wedges; I know for most fall means breaking out the boots (and I have a pair that gets some wear) but for me fall means my favorite wedges and wearing clogs again.  Also my navy pea-coat which helps me feel pulled together when I'm heading out into the world.

In the Yard:

    The trees have dropped most of their leaves so lots of raking to go but the end is in sight and then onto the pruning.  Planted some winter pansies, curious to see how they far this winter.  


Watching and Listening to:
    Enjoying the return of This is Us and Madame Secretary's last season, also The Crown on Netflix. Recently finished back seasons of The Good Place and have yet to find our next comedy to binge watch.
     
The Kids: 

Elisabeth is thriving in 6th grade; enjoying changing classes, Advanced Math and preparing for the Science Fair.  Continues to excel at her gymnastics class, currently working on her back and front handspring.  The end of the day finds her in her loft bed reading, listening to music and playing Minecraft.

Liam has settled well into 3rd grade; reading better and better all the time.  Enjoyed playing soccer this fall and is currently a Bear Scout. Pokemon is still tops and he continuous to astonish us with his almost encyclopedic knowledge of their different strengths and fighting types.

Caitlin is loving 1st Grade and doing really well; becoming more independent with reading I'm now enjoying the times when she reads to me.  Has been enjoying her beginners ballet/tap class though that is currently on hold while she recovers from a sprained ankle.  

Quick Takes #283: How is it already late October?

1. Happy Fall; the mums and asters are planted and Football is again a fixture.  Decided not to plant any bulbs but did plant some winter pansies.  After hearing many dire predictions that fall colors would likely be very dull due to lack of rain, have been enjoying what color there is.
2. School life is continuing a pace; everyone is settling in after a few bumps.  Elisabeth and Liam saw a jump in the homework required but are meeting the challenges with a minimum of complaint.  Caitlin is liking the 1st grade and slowly building independence with reading.
3. Out side of school life we are busy with sports and Scouts. After a bit hunting we found a wonderful gymnastics class for Lisbeth and she is loving it and happily making up for lost time.  Liam is on a great soccer team with a wonderful coach who is doing an amazing job of teaching strategies while keeping the focus on fun.   
4. Caitlin had requested to try ballet this fall and thanks to a tip from the mom of a friend of her's I found a fun beginners ballet and tap class. Unfortunately earlier this month Caitie sprained her ankle on a neighbors trampoline and so she needed to miss a few classes but she is getting back into the routine and having fun.
5. At the beginning of the month Dr Daddy and I had some fun, dressed up and attended the Penn Newman Anniversary Gala.  The Newman Center at the University of Pennsylvania was founded over 125 years ago becoming the first in the nation. Being long-timers we both remember the 100th Anniversary and was so happy to join in the festivity's for this anniversary.
6. Because in life sometimes everything happens at once the same weekend as the anniversary events was also the baptism of the daughter of friends of ours. So after returning home from the gala we loaded up the kids in their pj's and headed out into the night to NY.  We arrived in the early hours at a quaint hotel founded in the 1790's by a relative of John Adams and grabbed some sleep. The baptism was lovely, the reception fun, and aside from the rain the trip home went smoothly.
7. On the docket for the weekend; a soccer match, some home and house work, and getting pumpkins for carving.  Whatever yours hold ~ have a good weekend!

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Thankful Thursday: November 2018

After a lovely Thanksgiving and before the Advent/Christmas season begins want to pause and give thanks for the blessings of these days.

1. Charlie; an amazing & loving companion on this great adventure
2. A home that shelters my family well;  keeping warm in the winter and cool in the summer
3. My children who love me and teach me to be kind and brave!
4. The right to vote and participate in choosing those who will govern.
5. The chance to study, question and never stop learning and discovering the world around me.
6. Electricity 
7. A foundation of faith given to me by my mom and strengthen by teachers along the way.
8. Good books and the time to read them.
9. Watching my kids excited about new books and absorbed in their favorites.
10. Clean Water
11. Reliable Transportation 
12. Abundant food including pie!
13. My family of origin whose warm love and shared laughter sustains me
14. Sunshine
15. My 'married' family: warm, funny and hard-working
16. Family and friends across the miles who stay in touch and stay true.
17. The ease with which technology helps me to keep in touch with family & friends across the miles and overseas.
18. This amazing blogging community that share of their time and talent so gracefully.
19. The ocean and time spent there.
20. The beauty around me as leaves change colors and falls.
21. Quiet evenings when Charlie & I share a bowl of ice cream and binge watch a series.
22. Weekend mornings when we drink Chai and everyone 'piles in' together.
23. Sunday dinners with family and friends.
24. My husband's tech skills for when things go sideways
25. My children's laughter!
26. Warm drinks on a cold and dreary day!
27. God's everlasting love!
28. Hope renewed each morning.
29. My life with all its struggles and blessings!

Daybook: Fall'18

Thinking about:
    Raking all the leaves that have fallen. Nearly done with the front yard and then onto the back.  Thanksgiving; we are local this year as Dr Daddy has to work.  Ordering Christmas cards and getting the kids to nail down their lists.

Excited For:
   Thanksgiving; it will be small but nice to celebrate at home just us, plus out-town friends are coming to town for weekend.  Advent and Christmas!! An addition we have been planning in theory moving soon into the actual!

Wearing:
   Mostly jeans and clogs or wedges; I know for most fall means breaking out the boots (and I have a pair that gets some wear) but for me fall means my favorite wedges and wearing clogs again.  Also found a couple of great tops to update and perk up the daily uniform.

In the Yard:

   
 The trees have dropped most of their leaves so lots of raking to go but the end is in sight and then onto the pruning.  Didn't plant any bulbs 



Watching and Listening to:
    Enjoying the return of This is Us and have started watching Magnum P.I. off the DVR and Madame Secretary off Netflix. And thanks to the kids Narwhal Eating A Bagel has become part of the soundtrack of my day.
     
The Kids: 

Elisabeth is thriving in 5th grade; enjoying changing classes and taking good care of her school issued Chrome book. Continues to excel at her gymnastics class, currently working on her back walkover and front handspring.  The end of the day finds her in her loft bed reading Wings of Fire; a fantasy book series that she has been obsessed with since the spring.

Liam has settled well into 2nd grade; reading better and better all the time (handwriting is another issue).  Enjoyed playing soccer this fall and is currently a Wolf Scout. Pokemon is still tops and with help from his big sister is becoming proficient at Mindcraft.  Always a great eater he is currently all about the Cobb salad, requesting one several times a week.

Caitlin is loving Kindergarten and doing really well; making friends and learning to write words and add numbers.  She loves being read to; and I'm so excited to watch over the next year as she begins to learn to read to us.  She has joined Lisbeth in doing gymnastics; loves tumbling ~ the beam not so much.

Quick Takes #270: October fun

1. Autumn has arrived at last and we have been making the best of it; and hoping that fall colors are soon to follow.
2. The kids school's Octoberfest was great fun! Lisbeth danced and had fun with friends. Caitlin mourned the absences of the carousel but found enough other rides to enjoy especially the giant slide.  Liam and I checked-out the Cliff Hanger and it was so amazing we went back for seconds. Capped the night with funnel cakes and called it all a great success!!
3. Last weekend we headed out to a local orchard for a fun afternoon of apple picking.  Unfortunately the types of apples we wanted were towards the back of the orchard which included a solid hike especially for 5 year old legs but once we found the section everyone got into the fun of picking.  Later that evening we got to enjoy Dr Daddy's apple pie and Lisbeth's apple turnovers.
4. Also in the last couple weeks Liam after being so close for almost a month Liam finally threw caution to the wind and conquered bike riding san training wheels!!
5. For those of you on Instagram (who haven't already seen) check out the #postcardsformacron thread. Asked and answered Mr President!
6. & 7; Enjoy some pictures and have a wonderful weekend.

Please head over to Kelly's for more 7QT's 

Quick Takes #250: Challenges and giving thanks

1. How is November treating you so far?  Here is some of what's been happening around the Baileys.
2. I have now experienced my first tire blow-out! And adding to the experience I had all three kids with me so my language had a stay clean and my attitude can-do despite the rain.  Blessedly in addition to Liam  someone else offered to help me put the spare on the car ~ and the next day at the tire store the warranty was honored without an argument. 
3. I'm so glad that despite the crazy warm weather in October the leaves are actually changing colors before falling.  I find the experience of raking so much more pleasing when the leaves are not all brown. And I'm told by the jumpers in the house that colored leaves are softer to leap into!!
4. Will be celebrating Saint Elisabeth of Hungary's feast today with cupcakes for everyone and roses for Lisbeth. I'm liking this approach for acknowledging feast days ~ just need to figure out what the 'flower' equivalent is for Liam?
5. I'm hoping to at some point give this take it's own post but in the meantime... I completed the MMD reading challenge earlier this month. Yay!!! Having now done a reading challenge the last couple of years I can honestly say reading books and stretching myself to attempt long and otherwise challenging books has done so much for my mental health and overall attitude.
6. While still somewhat in shock that Thanksgiving is next week; plans are coming together.  One of my favorite holidays and am so excited to get in some quality family time. 
7. While I'm giving thanks I definitely want to give thanks for you my lovely readers! Thank you for coming, reading and commenting!!

Please head over to Kelly's for more 7QT's

Quick Takes #237: Life and Liam

1. Liam enjoyed his busy, fun weekend; having a blast at his party at Charles Edward Cheese and then running well in his first cross country meet.  As I looked back at my 'just turned 6 post' for him I realized all of those things still largely hold true.  His favorite shows include Ben 10 and Voltron in addition to Teen Titan Go; and he has moved to first readers...but mostly he is still my running foodie who thinks Dad hung the moon and I'm pretty cool too.
2. He also did well on his first spelling test; only missing one.  This was a tough back to reality school week with homework every night and several quizzes to study for.  More after school activities has me to trying to figure when/how to schedule homework time so that the kids get some down time but we are not rushing to finish up at bedtime.
3. We have been back up in the 80's all week but posts like Rosie's have me thinking about go-to outfits when the weather cools down for good.
4. All of the kids have picked what they want to be for Halloween which has me excited to get organized early ~ and really hoping no one changes their mind
5. My dad would have been 90 today!! While it breaks my heart a bit to be reminded that my kids will never know him in this life; I'm enjoying their recent interest and questions as it lets me share some of my favorite memories and make real for them the grandfather they never met.
6. Praying for the people of Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Virgin Island ~ and really hoping that Mother Nature calm way down!
7. Photo Dump:  
   
   
   
   
   
   
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Quick Takes #218: Reasons to give thanks

Focusing on giving thanks and seeing the good amidst the ugliness that seems to fill my airwaves.

1. I'm thankful for Dr Daddy taking the lead on pumpkin carving!  One thing off my plate and they turned out amazing!!
2. Kids had a good Halloween; really enjoyed their school parades and had fun trick-or-treating. As I wrote earlier their costumes were completely their choice and I'm so glad I went with it. In retrospect Liam and Lisbeth's different take on ninja teaches me much about their personalities; samurai versus stealth.
3. Getting estimates and dealing with contractors are among my least favorite things to do but I pushed myself to some long standing jobs done and have been rewarded by finding landscapers and mechanics who were honest and helpful. 
4. Elisabeth has recently been reaching her nightly book chapter to 3-4 and while getting her going in the morning is a struggle I am so happy that she has found a series of books she loves reading so much.
5. Dr Daddy finding work he enjoys and deems important, and being recognized for his contributions.  His hours are crazy long and that doesn't look to be getting any better anytime soon but am so happy to see him getting the recognition he deserves!
6. Caitlin's preschool offered lunch and soccer one day a week this past month which she really enjoyed and I got a chance to breath and reboot as there was time to linger over a cup of coffee and read a whole chapter and even did some scrapbooking.
7. The weather has been treading sunny and warm which makes the less the lovely tasks of raking all the leaves more pleasant as does watching Caitie's joy as she leaps into the piles of leaves I've raked.

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Quick Takes #217: Favorite Links of late

1. Life at the end of October here has finally decided to be fall-like temperature wise. After a very strange week a couple weeks back when we were considering turning the a/c back on at the beginning of the week and the heat by the end.  Raking has seriously begun and likely mowing is done.
2. I've never felt artistic enough for bullet journaling but keeping a book journal is an idea I like and really enjoy Bobbi's take on how to adapt this journal from MMD.
3. No politics except to say I'm considering giving up TV till after the election to avoid the ads which are everywhere all the time!!
4. With All Saints Day coming up and kids who are definitely into the Disney Princesses I loved this post from Meg ~ and for once do enjoy the comments!
5. Halloween parades later today; this year the costume choses are is all them but thank you Zulily for helping me make it happen.
6. 900th blog post: surreal but nice! Name the movie!
7. Happy Weekend!!

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October '16 ~ Daybook

Linking up with Bobbi of Revolution of Love for Weekly Writing this October

Thinking about:
    Upcoming family visits and Halloween, making sure we have everything we need for costumes, trick-or-treating and trying to not let the stress of it all overwhelm me.

Excited For:
   Parades which the kids love and the ongoing changing of the leaves which I do. And while definitely not rushing things; Thanksgiving which is one of my most favorite holidays.

Wearing:
   Mostly jeans and clogs or wedges; I know for most fall means breaking out the boots (and I have a pair that gets some wear) but for me fall means my favorite wedges and wearing clogs again.

Planting:
   Chrysanthemum and asters; and weeding the mint bed gone wild.   
    
My View: 

Reading:  Why Lie? my sister's newest release, and The Life You Save by Paul Elie.  I've read it before but did not finished. I'm enjoying the reread but finding it hard to keep everyone's story straight when I'm only reading a page or two at a time. 

Watching: This is Us which I really like, Timeless which I'm getting into, Blindspot which may be winning me back, and Designated Survivor which I'm about to give up on.  After falling into a habit of watching HGTV and the Food Channel all the time. We made an effort of trying to watch some of the new shows and I'm glad though my DVR is bit overwhelmed.  

Cooking: Pot Roast and Chili; and looking forward to Charlie's annual Stuffed Squash. 

The Kids:

Elisabeth is meeting the challenges of the increase workload 3rd grade brings with her usual intensity but actually is doing really well and improving by leaps and bounds at her gymnastics class (pun not intended).  She continues to have an amazing imagination and a real knack at making things come to life through clay or legos.  Reading for fun will likely find her in the Magic Treehouse with Jack and Annie.

Liam after a few minor bumps has settled well into the Kindergarten routine and is doing well with his sight words and starting to get the hang of sounding words out.  He is also in the same gymnastics class but mostly loves running.  Pokemon and all things ninja are still tops in his world

Caitlin is loving preschool and delights in making up games for us to play while the bigs are at school. Playing family is her favorite!  She has already informed me that she wants a Shimmer and Shine party for her birthday in January!

Please head over to Bobbi's for more Weekly Writing

Quick Takes # 216: Life these days

1. Pardon a snapshot post of life these days. Amidst all the craziness there are a few things I want to remember and Mommy fatigue means I don't remember much I don't write down.
2. Currently Liam's breakfasts consist of frozen Uncrustables -still frozen.  I'm honestly very curious and a little afraid of what he will be eating as a teenager.
3. Caitie loves playing house; she is the parent and you are the 'dear'.  Beyond this it varies greatly; sometimes we are going somewhere, sometimes she is preparing food for us to eat at a picnic but I find the consistency of the title charming.
4. Liam received roller skates for his birthday and so last weekend when we finally got a break in the rain all of the kids got out tried out their skates. Unfortunately at some point while waiting to fit Caitlin the skates which were originally Elisabeth lost an important strap but she was still quite the trooper and gave them a go.
5. Had a little fun earlier this week and while all the kids were at school I headed into the city and was able to go the one of the coffee shops transformed into Luke's Diner of Gilmore Girl fame for the day.  The to-do list is constant and I'm coming to understand that you need to seize these opportunities to recharge and be a bit silly when they come up.  The wait was doable, the atmosphere fun, the mocha delicious and by a crazy accident the parking free!!  Next step figuring out how to see the new episodes since we don't have Netflix.
6. After a week of rain this week's weather has been amazing; cool enough for jeans and clogs but warm enough to read or play outside.  Leaves starting to change color but not enough have fallen that I feel like I should be raking. 
7. Prayers for all those in the Path of Hurricane Matthew!!

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Wordless Wednesday: Apple Picking

Daybook ~ Late November

Thinking about:
    Getting serious about Christmas shopping so as not to leave it all for the last minute. What additions I might make to how kid-wise we observe Advent.

Excited For:
   Thanksgiving and getting together with family and watching the kids play with their cousins. An Outer Banks trip my sisters and I are starting to plan for next summer. Haven't been in almost five years!

Wearing: Mostly jeans and clogs or skirts and boots; still in the 60's most days so have not really had to break into the sweaters much but as of this weekend that is about to change.

Planting:
   Bulbs are all planted. Most of the leaves from nearby trees are down so hopefully coming down the homestretch on raking/bagging.  Have already done a bit of pruning but want to do some more once all the leaves are down.
   
My View:

Reading:  All fall Charlie and I have been reading or rereading parts of the Vorkosian saga by Lois McMaster Bujold. A friend started us on the series a few years ago towards the end but enjoying it Charlie has since bought all the books and so having reread everything I have read before I thought I would read one I haven't yet.

Watching: Blindspot, and the North&South mini-series. I read the book earlier this year and recently borrowed the DVDs from my sister. I really enjoyed it; felt like it was well acted, faithful to the book and so fun to see Brendan Coyle in another role.

Cooking: Spinach Quiche and otherwise trying to eat down the freezer ahead of the holiday.

The Kids: Elisabeth is still crazy about dinosaurs! Becoming a stronger reader all the time, is going to find some chapter books featuring her favorite Fancy Nancy under the tree.

Liam continues to enjoy Pre-K and all that he is learning about letters and numbers.  He is by far the smallest in his group at gymnastics but seems content to keep trying despite a weekly bump or bruise.

Caitlin is as much if not more of a talker than Lisbeth was. Favorite show is currently Max and Ruby.
Still enjoys drawing everywhere but is slowly learning to resist the temptation walls provide.

Quick Takes #193 ~ Link-oberfest Fun!

1. Celebrating along with Kelli and Jen the anniversary of Quick Takes. I started posting Quick Takes January of 2009. Almost 200 posts later I continue to be so grateful for the format and community.
2. The week has been a treat with Dr Daddy gone for much of it and the kids schedule filling with dentist appointments, book fairs, and school carnivals. "Sufficient onto the day'' was my largely successful mantra.
3. Went apple picking last weekend with friends and it was wonderful. A bit chilly but the kids all had fun picking, Charlie found this favorite kind of apple for pie and we all got together for dinner Sunday and had a dessert buffet featuring apple raisin cookies, apple cake, a tart and a pie. Delish!! 
4. If you would like to follow along I'm posting some of my favorite old movies all month this month.
5. Prayers for the victims of the shootings and the flooding!
6. Charlie and I are presenting at Pre-Cana this weekend. Would appreciate prayers that we are articulate and that the couples are interested and receptive. Thanks!!
7. And answering the Link-toberfest question of the week; this is my 193 Quick Take post!

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five faves: fall reads

Linking up with Jenna and inspired by this reading list I thought I would share some of my 

favorite fall reads

1. Anne of Green Gables series: While I love to read and almost always have a book with me in college I was reluctant to start anything new until I had a sense of what the required reading of various classes would be and so every fall I would reread the series. It would be impossible for me to pick of favorite among the eight but for the purposes of this list Anne of the Island (#3) and Anne of Windy Poplar (#4) are especially fun to read in the fall.
2. September by Rosamund Pilcher; nothing like being swept away to Scotland, London and Ibiza with interesting people as they go about their daily lives, heal old wounds and prepare for a big birthday bash.  I truly enjoy how Pilcher juggles many characters and plot lines bringing it all to a very satisfying conclusion.
3. Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris; a memoir of her time as artist in residence at a monastery where she is a Benedictine oblate and then transitioning back to the everyday at home is a wonderful read at anytime but as it begins in the fall I enjoy starting it then too.
4. Madeleine L'Engle's Crosswick Journal four book collection is a wonderful read and while the first two Circle of Quiet and Summer of the Great-grandmother belongs to the summer; Two-part Invention belongs to the fall. A memoir of her husbands battle with cancer is also a lovely remembrance of a long marriage well lived.
5. Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold; a great space opera turn later in life romance between two people who thought they had their lives all figured out and then life with its many plot twists intervenes.

What do you love to read in the fall?