Daybook...St. Valentine's Day

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 Outside my window... 

...melting snow and sunshine all weekend, but clouds this morning. Highs expected in the low 40s, so hopefully more ice melting. We always have a nice thaw in mid to late February, but I know winter is not over yet.

I am thinking...

...about Valentine's Day and all the people I have to love.

I am thankful for...

...a Sunday homily on a tough subject and a priest who is strong enough to deliver.

From the lesson plans...

...a light day today and Friday off. I know it will be difficult to get these two to focus, but we can't blow off the whole week.

...Noah is doing very well in math. I have found that allowing him one free problem for every one done correctly is incredible motivation for correct computation. I also told him he doesn't have to do the odd-numbered tests as long as he does well on the even-numbered ones. Pushing, pushing through the year.

...Faith is loving Timez Attack (thanks Jennie!). I think I'm going to have to invest in the full game, however, because she grew bored pretty quickly with the same scene. Money well spent. We are ready Little House in the Big Woods, which I am thoroughly enjoying, but my daughter does not have the same love of reading. "Can I be done now?"

From the kitchen...

...Grilled rib-eyes for my sweethearts for dinner, Twice Baked Potatoes, House Salad, a loaf of French bread, and a Flourless Chocolate Cake. I will set the dining room table for an intimate dinner for two, not for my beloved, but for my son and his sweetheart. The rest of the family will eat in the kitchen. After spending $40 of my money (!!!) on gifts for her, I told him I think they can eat dinner in.

I am wearing...

...an ivory flannel nightgown and an old cotton sweater and white cotton socks -- very glam. ;-)  I'm feeling a little dizzy this morning and trying to move slowly so as to avoid an all-out episode of vertigo (not today, please!).

I am creating...

...I finished Kit's sweater last night, which is not perfect by any stretch but was a good practice for top-down one-piece sweater. Faith has asked me to knit her a sweater and I bought this pattern and this yarn. It should be interesting. I didn't want to invest in expensive yarn lest it is a complete flop! I have some rosary parts on order and will work on them when the parts arrive.

I am reading...

...I am about halfway through Everything is Grace by Joseph Schmidt, FSC, which I read in the early morning. I am also about one-third of the way through The Rite and I want to finish it before I see the movie because I think there are fairly significant changes. I also have some knitting books from the library.

I am hoping...

...for a peaceful love day. Yesterday we had some squabbles among the younger two, but I am hoping that an easy day of school and some Valentine's Day treats will bring out their sweetness.

I am hearing...

...the wind blowing the chimes on the deck -- it's been very windy for the last few days.

Around the house...

...laundry catch-up and cooking. Doug and I attended the hospital foundation's black tie event on Saturday and between grocery shopping in the morning and a hair appointment in the afternoon, not much laundry got done.

I am going...

...to deliver flowers and chocolates to my mother, and Valentine goodies to my oldest sweetheart on campus. I also have a wee little dental appointment to even out my bite which will hopefully relieve the terrible sensitivity I am experiencing, but we're not going to talk about dental appointments.

One of my favorite things...

...a feast day that every celebrates.

I am praying for...

...my children, my husband, my niece, several priests and soldiers, all of the babies whose mothers are contemplating abortion today. My niece ended up in the ER over the weekend, but it was just a really bad case of tonsillitis and she was home resting on antibiotics.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

...a birthday on Thursday (someone is turning nine!), school, and all of our normal obligations.

Thought for the day...

...from Mother Teresa...

"Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting."

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