Reading Twaddle

To go along with my earlier post, I always have these grand plans of the genre of books I should be reading particularly spiritual books and classics. But who am I kidding I have a weakness for popular fiction, especially popular mystery series. I go through spurts where I read them and then I find that I should be reading books that will be more spiritually and intellectual enlightening. I justify my reading popular fiction by my reduction in television watching. There a few shows here and there I like to watch but I try and stear clear from it. Like anything else I do have my momentary lapses with it though. Does anyone else have a weakness to the reading of twaddle?

Fresh Start

I have been in a bit of a funk the past couple months. Since becoming a stay at home mom earlier this year, I have gone through many highs and lows. Most recently I have been stuck in a bit of a slump. I get caught up in comparing myself to others and sadly try to be like others (i.e. cleaning routines, homeschooling, etc.) and bring myself and family down.

With the start of the new year, I am declaring it a fresh start. Most importantly I am going to try and stay patient and positive. It has taken me a while to realize I am who I am. I have flaws like anyone else. In 2011 I will pray that I am able to work on improving these flaws and be grateful for what I do provide my family with. I am able to maintain a positive attitude and be optimistic with my extended family and friends. Now its time to bring that to my immediate family and myself.

Season of Colds

It seems to me that the past two months we have been cycling through one cold after another.  It starts with one kiddo and travels to the others and keeps going in this vicious cycle. I am not sure how to stop it other than keeping the kiddos in a bubble, but they keep popping out. :)

We celebrated hubby's birthday yesterday it was a nice evening of fun. I made him a fast friendly cake although the icing was a bit thin it came out surprisingly well.

I think we finally settled on what we are doing regarding Pic Pic's schooling next year. We will be going with an online public school while implementing Orthodoxy and other resources. Some of the ones I am considering are language lessons, apologia and five in a row.

Our plans for the rest of the week will be celebrating the feast day of St. Nicholas.  After liturgy we will enjoy decorating the house. In the past we would decorate the weekend of Thanksgiving; this year we decided to start a new tradition and decorate on St. Nicholas day. I also must finish sending out Christmas cards.

For next week, massive amounts of baking. I am planning on giving baked goods as gifts this year.  We still have a few people to get gifts for and I need to start wrapping. We will be traveling next weekend to spend our extended family's Christmas with them. Not to mention the house and van need major cleaning and I have to pack for three kids. Add to the mix that hubby has a 15 page paper due on the 25th and Grandma will not be here this coming week. Lord have mercy!

Reading...

I have run across this book list a couple of times over the past week. Sad to say but I haven't read very many books on this list. I love to read but have found that I don't have much time for it any more. Or I should rephrase that, I haven't made much time for it. I used to make the time when I was reading popular fiction but found that many of the titles I was reading had a liberal tone to them. I have tried to read the classics but I have been reading The Brother's Karamazov for the past 6 months and it has been my second attempt at reading it. Its hard for me to focus all my attention on a book, which I need to do when I am reading the classics.  My goal is to try and read as many of these as I can in the next year. I have read some of them but don't remember much about them so I will try and re-read all of them, with the exception of Harry Potter. I read the set about seven years ago so I remember the stories more vividly. I will post my progress as I go but first I must finish The Brother's Karamazov.

Daybook 12/2/10

Outside my window... sunny 74 degrees. What a difference from earlier this week.

I am thinking... how do help others when we are orthodox and they are not. Who I am and am striving to be centers around the orthodox church. How do I give advice to someone that has different beliefs than my own?

I am thankful for ... a husband who sacrifices for his loved ones and for healthy babies.

From the learning room ... we are reading through the Nativity readings found here. We are also working on activities based off the letter B.

From the kitchen ... using a simple menu through this fast period.  I am starting to plan on a few big cooking projects, fast friendly pierogies, tamales, and chocolate cake.

I am wearing ...  linen pants and a red blouse. Bear Down Arizona!

I am creating ...a simplified home management notebook. I have condensed it down to about as big as it used to be. I can feel the weight being lifted off.

I am going ... no where. We went to the pediatrician earlier today for well appointments. All is well.

I am reading ... honestly haven't had much time for reading other than books for the children. I started the Brothers Karamazov and would like to return to it.

I am hoping ... to ger back to some sore of daily routine. November was a busy month for us. My mom (who lives with us) wen tou of town, we had two rounds of colds for the household, and guests in the home. Hopefully we can get back or should get in some order to our days.

I am hearing ...Mozart from Little Einsteins.  I don't know who enjoys it more, the kids or me.  Probably me because there are so many different reasons why I enjoy it. :)

Around the house ... need to condense and simplify.

One of my favorite things ... a loving husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week ... shopping with my mom and the kids tommorrow. Addressing Christmas cards. The Entry of the Theotokos. 

Picture thoughts to share ...