Xenia Kathryn

Outside my window... An less-than-exhilirating view of our covered driveway and storage shed. A pile of wood, a few dozen strollers, a rubbermaid trash can full of cans and bottles to be recycled. The view from our "office" isn't all that great :D

I am thinking... of hitting the hay pretty soon. My body is so tired, but for some reason I have this anxious energy and I feel like I need to "do" something, even though I've been going non-stop all day. Oh... could it have been that mocha I drank at 5:00 pm? Ooops.

From the learning rooms... V. has been fascinated with 'The Magic School Bus", particularly the book about the human body. Imagine my delight when my dad recently asked V. "What's in here?" (while pointing to her stomach) and she replied "My small intestine". Hahahaha! It's fun to watch her learn, she is a bookworm and I'm thrilled. What am I learning? Patience. Endurance. The increasingly painful reminder that all things fade away... asking God to help me re-prioritize that which is eternal.

I am thankful for... My grandma's life, and the example she set as a woman of faith, a wife and a mother of six.

From the kitchen... Not a whole lot, I must admit. This week has been a whirlwind of family gatherings and restaurant visits. Tonight I made macaroni and cheese with some gussied-up canned salmon. Sugar peas from our "garden" (ha!) were also consumed, at least by me.

I am wearing... a knee length skirt (sky blue), a striped t and a navy blue cardigan.

I am reading... Slowly, but surely, Nicholas and Alexandra. Fascinating book; although I'm looking forward to reading additional accounts from an Orthodox-fortified perspective. Also browsing Home Grown Kids.

I am hoping... the kitten we get on Wednesday will be a good fit for our family. Yikes! Here we go, into the world of cat ownership. Also, I'm hoping to visit my sister Christy this summer! I'm also hoping to make it to church on time tomorrow.

I am creating... a tidy backyard that doesn't make my eyes bleed each time I look at it! Oy! I can't wait for our new lawnmower to arrive. I usually have some kind of art/sewing project in the works, but these days my "art" is lawn care maintenance and all that other fun home ownership stuff. And keeping my house is some livable order. That's always nice too. Although if you'd like to see last week's creation, just scroll down...

I am praying... for peace of soul and firm conviction that God's will governs all.

Around the house... I spent the day cleaning inside and outside, while Job took the kids down the street to Grandma's house. And YET... I still have things to tidy up. At least it's quiet and the children are nestled soundly.

One of my favorite things.. Free samples at Trader Joe's.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Go to church tomorrow. Spend time with some friends after church, looking forward to getting to know them better! Finish the backyard chaos and mow the lawn(s). Get a kitten-- eek! Maybe, oh maybe, get out the watercolors again. Visit the fabric store for some light-blocking drape fabric. A visit to see Thomas the Tank Engine on Mt. Hood (with kids, naturally). Typical summer busy-ness.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Have a blessed Sunday! ("priest" sock doll I made for my saintly little nephew, who turned 2 last week and who LOVES all things Liturgical)