Back-to-Blogging Daybook

Looking out my window... I see the fresh snow that fell overnight. 

This winter has been so incredibly lame in the precipitation department 

that I am inordinately thrilled by this blanket of whiteness 

and the quiet that seems to accompany a heavy snowfall.

I am thinking... about my oldest daughter.
She left for Haiti yesterday and will be incommunicado until Saturday.
It is her first time serving on a mission trip, her first time in another country without me.
I am so excited for her. But, the mom in the me, can't help but worry a bit.
Keep her in your prayers?

I am thankful... for quiet Sunday afternoons together.
My dear husband is sitting next to me on the couch reading a novel.
The Musician is one chair over, agonizing over the lyrics for a song he's writing.
The Artist and The Bookworm are crafting at the dining room table behind me.

from a similar Sunday a few weeks ago

One of my favorite things... is my bird feeder.
When we moved to this house two years ago, I lost my ability to watch the birds
from my windows because the yard where the feeder was is below the deck.
Just before Christmas this year, my husband surprised me 
with a new deck-mounter feeder!
I have since enjoyed daily visits from the house finches and chickadees.
And this past week, I had my first cardinal visitor!
(Those who know me understand my obsession with cardinals 
and will know the significance of this visitor.)

The Musician, keeping his mother happy (barefooted and all!), by making sure the feeder is full!

I am creating... updates to this blog.

(It's been a LONG time.)

I just finished reading... The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander.

(If you're looking for a new spiritual work, I highly recommend it.)

I am hoping for... the predicted new snow accumulation of five more inches tomorrow
(and that the hubby's work calls a snow day BEFORE he ventures out)!

I am learning... to enjoy every single moment with these two!
Senior year is bittersweet. (More on this later ...!)

In my kitchen... The Musician has given up on his song lyrics
and is hand-washing the remaining brunch dishes. (Lucky me!)

In our homeschool... everyone is busy.
(This category really needs a whole post of its own! But here are some highlights....)
The Bookworm is reading The Hobbit and devouring her biology lessons.
The Musician has added piano and voice lessons to his spring semester schedule.
The Seniors are finishing their study of the U.S. Constitution.

Post Script
My obsession with cardinals has something to do with this wonderful lady.

(Check out her sweatshirt!)
(Also, check out the mug in the picture above.)

Shared Quote

In the degree of the truth of our conception of Him, our minds grow broader, deeper, and warmer; our hearts grow wiser and kinder; our humour deeper and more tender; we become more aware of the wonder of life; our senses become more sensitive; our sympathies stronger; our capacity for giving and for receiving greater; our minds are more radiant with a burning light, and the light is the light of Christ. Caryll Houselander, The Reed of God

A Moment from My Week: Friday Night with My Hubby

(I can't bear to get rid of a perfectly fine tree! Or the coziness of the lights!)

Closing Notes
The Artist started a blog of her own! Check it out.

And for other January daybooks ... go here.