My Daybook - All Souls Day 2009

For Today... Monday, November 2, 2009, All Souls Day

Outside my window... it is dark and chilly. I am really looking forward to the biannual adjustment to the time change -- such a joy with children, especially babies!

I am thinking... about the connection between joy and gratitude and trying to be more grateful for the everyday blessings in my life. There are so many. Our God is so good!

I am thankful for... the pre-weekend getaway with my husband. I am grateful for our marriage and the blessing of our love and the growth we have experienced in our first ten years together. I am grateful for my in-laws, who stayed at our house and watched the three older kids. My DH planned the nicest surprise (and, for once, I didn't figure it out!). We went to Red Wing to celebrate, and stayed one night at the historic Saint James Hotel (and another at an AmericInn). Our package at the Saint James included dinner, drinks, breakfast, and a bottle of champagne. The room was lovely and had a huge jacuzzi tub.

at dinner

The Baby on the windowsill at the bar

and enjoying the fire

The weather didn't cooperate with our hiking and picnicking plans, but we enjoyed walking through some antique shops and pottery places. We ate some wonderful meals (that neither of us had to cook!) and did a little Christmas shopping for the kids (without having planned on it -- it's always nice to find a good gift when you're not looking for it). We lounged around the hotel rooms and reveled in being a little lazy for a change. It was nice just to really enjoy one another's company.

I am also grateful for the evening we spent with my uncle and aunt, who live in Red Wing. We don't get to spend much time with them and really enjoyed the warmth of their home and the good food (and the fact that we could put The Baby to bed, which we couldn't do at a restaurant). Thanks again, Jim and Diane!


From the school room... It's the final week of the quarter. We'll be finishing up some projects and taking exams.

From the kitchen... soft tacos for dinner. And I still have those darn pumpkin seeds in the refrigerator.

I am wearing... my jammies still -- flannel polka dotted pants and a T-shirt -- and my robe and slippers -- it's still early.

I am creating ... a home. We finally decided to hang a few things on the walls of this rental house to make it feel more homey. Yesterday, in honor of All Saints Day, we hung our saints (from St. Andrew's Abbey) in the stairwell.

We also hung our crucifix -- a dear friend of the family, who recently passed away, carved it for me when I was in college and I brought it to Rome and had it blessed by John Paul the Great of happy memory.


And, finally, we hung this picture in the dining room. It was a Christmas gift from my Gramma -- she has one, as do my mom and some aunts.


I am going... to unpack from the weekend of fun -- after returning from our getaway Saturday morning, we spent the evening at my dad and mom's at their annual Halloween party. They set a new record for the number of trick-or-treaters that visited their house -- 950!

Laura Ingalls the Older

Laura Ingalls the Younger

My Cowboy

My Posse with Three of My Cousins

Baby Pumpkin By Day (Can you see my two new toothers?)

Baby Elephant By Night

Sunday we attended an All Saints Day Party at our parish and then watched the Vikings win (again!) at my in-laws.

Saint Joseph the Worker, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, and Saint Christina

I am reading... Pippi Longstocking still, and looking through catalogs for Christmas ideas. I am hoping to start family geocaching and am looking for a good GPS for this purpose -- any suggestions?

I am hoping... that November doesn't fly by as quickly as it looks like it will. Every weekend is booked already with a wedding, company for dinner, an early Thanksgiving, and a trip to Columbus!

I am hearing... nothing but my fingers on the keyboard -- everyone is still asleep.

Around the house... it's time to put the Halloween decorations away, but I will leave the pumpkins and leaves and other fall-ish things for a few more weeks.

One of my favorite things... being spoiled. Thanks, Mom (and Dad), for the great birthday gift!

(the first five Harry Potter movies, Bath and Body works shower gel, anti-bacterial soap, and body cream in Coconut Lime Verbena and Cucumber Melon, eight single serving bottles of red wine, three items from my kitchen gadget wish list: an egg slicer (slices three different ways), a garlic press (six cloves at a time), and a pastry blender, plus a very nice card in this beautifully decorated basket)

A few plans for the rest of the week: In addition to the regular schedule of dance and music lessons, Little Flowers club and errands, my brother and his wife will be coming into town from San Diego on Thursday. My parents and all four siblings and families are gathering at my sister's for dinner Thursday night. Friday we will all drive down to the Quad Cities for a family wedding. Sunday there is a party at my parents after we return. Monday we'll have a nice dinner out. They'll fly back to California on Tuesday. It should be a whirlwind of a week.

I think I've shared enough picture-thoughts this week, but this one's for you Father B.!


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