For today:: April 11, 2014

Outside my window:: the sun is shining, it’s a great day and the damn dog is barking.

I’m praying for:: several souls, a friend who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, my brother who needs surgery and some personal family intentions.

Grateful:: for a mom who not only took care of my kids while we were gone, but managed to get them to all their games this weekend.  My dad came and helped, but she had some solo games.  And she took them to church and even endured a jackass who refused to shake my children’s hands during peace.

I’m currently listening to:: Wilco.  A friend sent me a text mentioning he had listened to Wilco all day.  It sounded like a pretty good idea.

Trying to organize:: the rest of this year.  I can’t believe we have six weeks of school left.  But THANK YOU GOD!  That said, there is so much to finish before the end of the school year.

One of my favorite things:: old friends.  Friends that remember your uncle from college and listen to details about his death.  Friends that you stay up late talking with about ridiculous things.  Friends who don’t disappoint.   That said, I have some pretty amazing new friends who hold me up in the day to day.

Trying to plan:: our summer vacation.  I’m pretty sure of the destination.  My dad told me to list my top three with pros and cons, but I think most people are leaning towards a specific city, unfortunately, it’s not Chicago.  But that’s okay, one day my kids will go there.  The city that is everyone’s top choice is great, and I love it,  but I think of it as an adult city.  Let’s see how I do with kids.

On the menu:: Planned a menu and stuck to it.  And it was actually pretty damn good.  Tomorrow is the last fish fry of the season.  I have no interest, but BH loves fish fry.  Might take him to the last one as a surprise.

Around the house:: the list is growing long.   In desperate need of a handyman.  Thought I had found one until my friend said the guys had to come back for faulty work.  I really want my walls painted.

I am reading:: Consoling the Heart of Jesus.  It’s slow going, but it’s really good and helpful.  Getting ready to start Devil in the White City.

Loving the moments:: when five out of seven in this family go to Confession. What a great night we had at the church.  Though I would have loved to have been on the listening end!  🙂  Seriously, how amazing is it that we all went and nobody complained and Sunshine and Snax wanted to know when they could go.

A few plans for the week:: well, the weeks almost over, but it’s been good.  We’ve had swim lessons, went to Discovery Green with friends, storytime with Miss Natalie, had a First Communion interview for BH, lunch with the boys and today we have a play date with a friend we haven’t seen in forever.  The weekend consists of nonstop baseball and my run.  Sounds pretty good to me.

Living the liturgy:: Lent is almost done.  It’s been ok.  Which overall means not great.  Lent shouldn’t be okay, it should take us to new levels.  Turns out my personal sacrifice hasn’t been so difficult.  The spiritual reading?  A bit harder to do on a consistent basis.   But we’ve prayed together a lot, fasted and grown a little.  We’ve been to confession twice so far, me more, and plan to go on Good Friday.  I’m so excited for Holy Week~the best week in the church.  Time for long masses full of meaning and outdoor stations.  Then the celebration for 50 days.

Towards fitness and health:: I think if I can run 10 miles after drinking pretty much nonstop from 9:15 until 2:15, I’m okay this Sunday.  Now my time?  Not sure, I have personal goals, but no clue if I will reach them.  Next week, back to spinning twice a week and no more runs over 8 for a while.  And that’s just fine with me.  Until the next 1/2.

A photo to share::

Loving the moments…