Because this is delivered to my door several times a week by a friend who owns a local bakery.

We’re truly thankful!

photo credit to my Mom

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window. . .blue skies, a light breeze and the familiar Monday morning sound of rumbling trash trucks.  I can also hear Kevin watering.

I am thinking. . .that someone smells like they need a diaper change. Sorry for the TMI but that’s what I am thinking.

I am thankful for. . .an attentive daughter who asks if I “need anything” –what a sweetheart!

From the kitchen. . .scrambled eggs with green peppers –thanks Kev!

I am creating. . . Dresses!.  Bridesmaids, flower girls, mother of the groom.  The wedding is a little over a month away and we are in full swing here.

I am going. . . to the post office as usual and then to the fabric store (’cause I don’t have enough already!

I am wearing. . . tennis skirt, white tee top and leather sandals.

I am reading. . . the latest issues of This Rock magazine and Threads magazine.  My two favorite subjects — Catholicism and Sewing.

I am hoping. . .to be able to maintain stamina for all the things I have going.  Please God!

I am hearing. . .the theme song for Thomas and friends.

Around the house. . . we’re making a list and checking it twice.  We’re in home fix up mode here! Painting, wallpapering, laying new carpet.

One of my favorite things. . .coffee with cream and icy cold iced tea.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week. . . paperwork, orders, sewing, and home stuff.  So much to do, so little time.  Such is the story of my life.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you. . .

found on the memory card

they are SO not allowed to do this!

“The Apostle of the Gentiles, who was particularly committed to bringing the Good News to all people, gave everything he had for unity and harmony among all Christians. May he guide and protect us in this bimillennium celebration, helping us to go forward in the humble and sincere search for full unity between all the members of the mystical body of Christ.” –Pope Benedict XVI

The Papal Basilica St. Paul Outside-the-Walls has a website with Pauline Year resources at: http://www.annopaolino.org/index.asp?lang=eng

I also created a sidebar icon from an image on their site.

You are welcome to display it in your own sidebar but please don’t hotlink.

I have had many people tell me they are praying for us.  I can say for certain that I have tangibly felt those prayers the last week and we are doing much better.  Maggie’s number are more stabilized and I am finally getting some sleep.

I have also received a good bit of advice lately and while I do appreciate it, it can be a bit overwhelming at times.  As much as I would like to be able to pursue every path and possibility to a cure for my daughter, I also have to be practical, prudent and discerning.  At this point the best I can do is to keep up with Maggie’s care and the care of the rest of the family.  I trust that whatever else God wants us to do He will make possible and right now this is it.

Thank you.

St. John the Baptist is the Lord’s immediate precursor or forerunner, sent to prepare his way. “Prophet of the Most High”, John surpasses all the prophets, of whom he is the last.

He inaugurates the Gospel, already from his mother’s womb welcomes the coming of Christ, and rejoices in being “the friend of the bridegroom”, whom he points out as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”.

Going before Jesus “in the spirit and power of Elijah”, John bears witness to Christ in his preaching, by his Baptism of conversion, and through his martyrdom.

When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming.

By celebrating the precursor’s birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”                                                  CCC 523-524

Happy half-Christmas!

FYI, only 183 more shopping days until Christmas!

Outside my window. . .birds are chirping and the trash trucks are running.

I am thinking. . .that I could have used more sleep and that today is street sweeping on the south side —need to move the car.

I am thankful for. . .a new day, a new perspective.  Peace in my heart where I have been feeling sorrow.  The prayers and thoughts of many friends.

From the kitchen. . .iced tea and toasted Italian bread slices.  Oatmeal is cooking.

I am creating. . . an atmosphere of love and peace.  I set the tone, I know that, I’m trying to make it a good one.

I am going. . .to the printers to pick up an order and drop one off.  Maybe to the pool if the weather holds.

I am wearing. . . navy blue top, grey shorts.  Only half way dressed so far.  Hair and make-up –forget it!

I am reading. . . The New Glucose Revolution for Diabetes and blogs in my Google reader

I am hoping. . . to have a good day.  No, a good week.

I am hearing. . . only the birds at the moment. Whoops there’s Maria!

Around the house. . . I need to do a deep clean.  If only I could just snap my fingers. . .(that’s what growing up watching Bewitched does to you)

One of my favorite things. . .hearing Maria call me “Mommy”.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week. . .work on the girl’s dresses for the wedding, fill orders, lesson plan.  Homeschool eval stuff.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you. . .

Please stop by Peggy’s for all the links entered in this week’s Simple Woman’s Daybook

Nights are difficult for me.  I barely sleep, sometimes I cry.  Usually around 2AM I slip in to check on Maggie, giving her a gentle shake to ask if she feels alright, checking her blood glucose if she says she feels shaky (which is about 90% of the time). Then I lay in bed and toss and turn.  I try to pray but most of the time I can only manage to clutch my rosary.  I kiss the crucifix and try mightily to join my suffering to His.  Words don’t come but I know He knows what I need.  He understands.

Mornings are better.  I can do something. I can manage this “thing” that has taken hold of my child.  I can try at least.  Sometimes I nap, because I am exhausted . . . and because there are other people awake to keep an eye on Maggie.

I am grieving —at least that’s what everyone tells me.  It feels so selfish.  What right do I have to be sad?  To worry?  Is not God in control?  I know He is but still I ache.

I don’t know what it is about the morning, but I am grateful for the peace it brings.  Even if only until the night.