Moments of Gratitude…
~ For my morning walk alone on the beach. (I only get the chance to do this on Mondays and Fridays.)
~ For a home with running water and electricity.
~ For blocks, puzzles and Pocoyo that kept the little boys quiet while my hubby and I had an in-house morning date.
Beauty in the Ordinary…
This may be TMI, so be forewarned, I am touched when God’s grace is poured out during Phase 2 (fertile stage) of NFP and instead of being resentful of what we “can’t” do, my hubby and I are able to really connect and have fun together despite the challenges of being faithful to God at times.
From the Kitchen…
I have carrots, zucchini and celery that I need to use up so I think I’ll make a pot of minestrone soup. My sister gave me a recipe about a year ago and it is soooo good. I’ll post later if I remember.
Praying…
~~ For all the souls in purgatory, especially for family members, friends and those who are most forgotten.
~~ For a baby boy named Jason who is very sick and in the hospital.
~~ For all our pregnant friends and for those who are trying to conceive or who have suffered a miscarriage.
~~ for the poor, the sick, the lonely and those suffering from addiction.
Pondering…
As I was walking on the beach this morning, I could see numerous sets of footprints in the sand but there was one set that was apart from the rest. It reminded me of the poem/ story Footprints in the Sand. I thought of how often God has carried and lifted me in my life, whether it was something serious or the mere daily grind of motherhood. He is always there and always patient with me as I am trying to learn the lessons He is teaching me. I pray for the grace to practice that with my own children… to be instructive, patient, and to know when to let them walk on their own and when to carry them in my arms.
Reading…
The same as last week.
The Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen.
Small Steps for Catholic Moms by Danielle Bean and Elizabeth Foss (Currently out of print but hopefully will be reprinted soon.)
The Imitation of Christ.
Around the House…
You’ll find Matthew climbing every piece of furniture in sight. It annoys and amazes me at the same time.
Listening to…
The bubble machine and the boys giggling as they are trying to pop them.
Working on…
Updating my blogging binder. Notes include – “Make posts with a little more “meat” and less photos of the kids and the beach.”
Posts I’ve Starred in Google Reader…
The Morning Offering at The Holy Cloak – Brian (my hubby) started his own blog on the spiritual life. His posts are infrequent but I do love what he rights. (Although I may be a bit biased. 😉
I’m Going to Try at In the Heart of My Home – Elizabeth shares an honest and heartfelt post about her study on The Mission of Motherhood.
A Challenge! Make *Your* Bedroom Beautiful and Useful at Like Mother, Like Daughter. Leila gave a challenge for this week’s {pretty, happy, funny, real}. I’ll be participating!
Items I’ve Pinned…
~~ On my “Catholic Love” board – This saint and souls altar. I’m updating our prayer altar for the month of Nov to do the same.
~~ On my “What’s Cooking in the Slow Cooker?” board – Balsamic chicken. Looks so tasty!
~~ On my “What’s Baking” board – Turkey Cupcakes Cute!!
Plans for the Week…
~~ Finish the Christmas school project we are working on for underprivileged children.
~~ Finish the prayer altar.
~~ Work on cleaning the bedroom.
Captured…
From my walk this morning…

I know you are probably tired of seeing photos of the Pacific Ocean but the weather in Cali has been unseasonable warm this weekend and when I went to walk this morning I skipped the usual trail above the beach. I had to walk on the sand. My iPhone didn’t quite capture the breathtaking beauty of God’s creation but you get the idea. Only problem is that I was so busy snapping, I didn’t allow enough time to escape a big wave and my walking shoes and part of my pants were drenched. Oh well. 🙂

Have a wonderful evening!