Mother's Daybook Entry (modified)

Outside my window

My windows are open as I prepare the house for sleep...it really is a beautiful night, I have no complaints.  Earlier today, I WAS complaining that it was too warm to be December weather - so I do hope the days cool back down the way they were a week ago !  

I am thankful

For all of my family and friends who supported me on my quest to run my first half marathon !  I did it - full race report to follow !  

From the kitchen

We are smack in the middle of the Nativity Fast - so there is nothing extravagant going on in the kitchen right now.  I will say that breakfast is sometimes a challenge for my husband, since he often has to be able to eat something that can be eaten on the go and that does not really require any preparation. So during the Fasts, I usually try to prepare some kind of breakfast bar, smoothie, or muffin that he can take.  The problem is that the muffins I make in the typical cupcake pan are not filling enough and he takes about 4 of them !  I decided to go to Michael's armed with a 50% off coupon and get a larger muffin pan.  They had two big choices - KING and JUMBO.  I went with the biggest !  

Needless to say, these are gigantic !  They are MORE than a meal...they are more like a mini-cake !  I DARE him to say these did not fill him up.  I didn't even have anything to store them in so I had to use my soup containers that I use when I make broth !  One for each muffin !  I have to admit that I went back to the store and bought the jumbo size yesterday....I think they might work out a little better !  I just thought I would share a bit of kitchen  humor !!! 

I am thinking

I am eagerly awaiting this upcoming weekend when I will be so blessed to baptize a little boy, Gabriel !  What an honor.  I cannot wait for this weekend...post to follow (with pics of course) !  

I am wearing

BOOTS !  I am wearing boots !  I don't actually NEED to be wearing boots, but I am.  I am wearing them because it is December and one should not be wearing flip-flops or sandals in December.  I just can't bring myself to do it anymore.  I decided I could forego the tights right now, but the boots have come out of the storage boxes !  

We are creating

The kids are always busy creating something.  Although I am truly the least crafty woman I know, I can google with the best of them !  I may not come up with the good ideas, but I can certainly follow directions !  The kids wanted to make a craft to bring to Yiayia and Popou's house for Thanksgiving, so we made these place card settings.  

A few plans for the rest of the week

Tomorrow we celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas.  My children and I will attend Church services and then we are going to continue to make it a special day.  We plan to meet some friends and go to the Children's Museum !  It will be our first time there and we are really excited !  Of course, there are a lot of special activities going on right now during the Christmas season - so we are busy every single day !  As a matter of fact, sometimes we are so busy we fall asleep in the weirdest of places !  

on my iPod

Well, that thing went DEAD at the 10 mile mark of a 13.1 mile race....I was NOT a happy camper.  I am quite sure I charged it fully...you would think it would last 2 hours !  (hmm, perhaps I could justify a few minutes off of my final time if it had kept working)!  

Beauty in the home/Around the house

The home is decorated for Christmas. We put our tree and decorations up the day after Thanksgiving. The kids were so excited !  Usually we wait to decorate a little later in the season because with toddlers it can be a disaster...BUT we took a chance now that Demetri is 3 and so far he has only destroyed one ornament ! 

Sophia

My little girl is really enjoying school.  She loves her gymnastics.  She can't wait for Church every week.  She wishes she had Greek dance every night.  She is just really loving and enjoying life right now and that makes for a very happy Mama !  Of course, she is five.  We have our arguments about clothes, hair, ice cream, cleaning her room. She whines, never wants to sleep, throws her clothes all over the floor constantly.  But to me, she is the BEST little girl in the world and I cannot imagine even a MINUTE without her in my life !  I just look at her smile and she lights up my whole day !  I am so thankful for the little Blessing that I am honored to call my daughter !  

Demetrios

I have a 3 year old who loves to watch the sun come up.  Literally.  He gets excited when he wakes up and it is still dark out because he anticipates the sun coming up.  He asks "is it morning yet"?  And if I tell him it is not, he will go back to sleep.  If I tell him "it is, but it is very early"....he asks me to open the blinds and watch the sun !  I love that.  I love that he even notices !  

He still loves riding his bike(s).  He now has two. He has his balance bike which Yiayia and Popou gave him last year for his birthday.  He also has a new "pedal bike" (as he calls it) which they got him this year.  He didn't actually NEED a new bike really, but they thought he was jealous that his big sister had a bike like that now.  He loves to ride the pedal bike in the street, the driveway etc.  BUT when it comes to all terrain riding, going up the bumpy hills in the yard, splashing through puddles - he still grabs his balance bike and off he goes !  He is my little adventurous one !  It is so much fun to watch him.  

(as a side note:  I don't know why my pictures are not uploading correctly to the blog.  Most of them have a weird hue, or lines going through them.  If anyone knows why this is, or how to fix it...feel free to leave me a note).  

Mother's Daybook

Outside my window

It is cloudy, windy and warm.  While I am thankful that it appears we are being spared the wrath of Hurricane Irene, I am praying for those that are evacuating, preparing and planning for the storm. 

Currently reading

RE-reading The Spiritual Life - and How to be Attuned to It. (St. Theophan the Recluse).  Also, lots of children's books !  

I am thankful


I am so Blessed that the Lord has blessed our marriage and our family.  As we celebrated 7 years this past week, I was reflecting on our spiritual journey...and through it's ups, and especially downs, how God gives us such opportunities to seek His Grace.  

From the kitchen


Nothing out of the ordinary.  Having just finished the Fast, we stocked up on some chicken breasts and a steak this week - just in time to feast for our wedding anniversary !  

I am thinking

It has been 2 months today since my sweet uncle fell asleep in the Lord.  As with any loss, it was so painful for our family, my mother, his wife, his daughter.  But I continue to think about the effect he had on so many people.  The night we were at the funeral home for the viewing, it was extremely emotional for everyone.  As family, we were sitting up front and were being greeted by all who entered.  At one point, I turned to the back of the room and noticed there were a line of people waiting to approach the casket.  A little while later, I needed to go on the porch for some air..and I will never forget the overwhelming feeling I had as I exited the room.  I cried...but smiled so big inside.  There was a line of people extending outside of the funeral home into the parking lot.  People were parking blocks away to come to pay their respects to my dear Uncle and his family.  I had never seen anything like it and I I felt so much love right then.  I thought about how much love he had given to all of these people and that they had those same sentiments for him.   His memory would live on in all of them.  May his memory be eternal !  

A few plans for the rest of the week

Apparently, I need to start sitting down to write these Daybook entries earlier in the week if this is going to be a topic.  As I sit here tonight typing, I am thinking of NO PLANS !  One more day of this week and then NO PLANS !  But over the weekend and earlier in the week, I am PLANNING to "make a plan" !  HA !  No, really I am.  I need to re-visit our daily routines now that Sophia has started spending a few hours at school.  This week, I have really just kept most things out of the routine so that we can get adjusted to things and see how it all fits together.  We usually spend a little time in the morning doing our own homeschool stuff.  We do some reading lessons, writing, workbooks, crafts...and spiritual reading and lessons.  We say our morning prayers together, breakfast/cleanup, wash/dress, and we usually go to the YMCA a few mornings per week.  I've never actually set any kind of "schedule", so to speak, but I am feeling a little unorganized as of late and I think I need a little structure for the kids.  Lately, it seems that if given too much "free" time, things turn to chaos real quick !  Maybe just a little more routine will calm the waters.  Any experienced moms out there feel like chiming in ??? 

on my iPod


New behind-the-neck earphones for running !  Thanks Mom and Dad !  

Toward a living education

For my birthday, my sweet sister and her family took all of us camping !  We went to St. Augustine and it was our first time there.  We decided to go up a day early so that we could enjoy the town a bit before we started to rough it.  Our children are a little young to understand the history of the place, but did enjoy the trip immensely.  For us, there was so much history there and I am so glad that we got to spend a little time walking around and learning a bit too.  Of course, our favorite stop was the St. Photios Greek Orthodox Shrine.  What a blessing to be able to see it !  

Beauty in the home/Around the house


This is definitely NOT the week to write about this.  With the challenges of a new schedule, very tired and cranky kids, tired Mama....I have barely been able to keep up with the basic house chores.  Right now, folded laundry is beautiful - because it's not all clumped in a basket.  We need to lower our standards every once in a while !  

The Domestic Church


Focused this week on more examples of how we call upon God in prayer during our daily lives..particularly with Sophia starting school.  Little reminders to pray before starting school, during school when she feels anxious (i.e.. during afternoon storms), praying for a classmate who is misbehaving.  As mothers we are never sure how much they can grasp at each stage, especially our first time around, but it continues to be our duty to teach them each step they take.  

I am hoping/I am praying


I am praying for the people in the Northeast who are preparing for the Hurricane to hit this weekend.  

In the garden

Peppers !  I think they may have been the only productive thing we planted this summer.  It's ok by me, I LOVE peppers - and we have a lot of them.  I planted 3 different varieties and they are all doing well.  I think the garlic and carrots are something we need to try again in the Fall.  I think it was just too hot for them here.  The beans did somewhat ok, but didn't produce enough to actually incorporate into a meal.  My kids mainly enjoyed running out and picking them off of the vine and eating them raw.  The tomatoes never made a big comeback after the leaf miner episode. The plants themselves grew very tall and flowered but never really fruited much.  We are looking forward to cleaning out the boxes and trying some new things for Fall.  

One of my favorite things


A really great workout !  Love feeling physically exhausted when I hit that pillow at night !  

Sophia

Started her first year at Pre-K this week.  So far, it is going well.  I can't lie - it is very bittersweet for me.  It's only a few hours a day, but feels like forever.  We chose the afternoon session because we felt it fit better into our schedule.  We would be able to continue our normal morning routine, attend church services, go to the Y, etc.  It also seems to have worked out for the best because the afternoon class is much smaller, which is a little less overwhelming for our shy little girl.  She says she likes it. It is odd to see my very bubbly energetic little girl CRASHING at the end of the day !  She has also still been going to her gymnastics class 2 nights a week and that has really added to her exhaustion.  

Demetrios

The poor little man.  He is NOT happy about Sophia leaving for school.  He has cried every day on the way home after dropping her off.  He says things (between the sobs) like "I am sad", "my bear is sad", "I don't want to leave Sophia at school", "I miss Sophia".  It is heart-wrenching ..but cute in a way.  I am glad that they have such a bond.  Plus, it is adorable to see them run to each other and hug when we pick her up in the afternoon.  

Picture though to share

Daybook Entry

Outside my window

Thunderstorms !  I love a good thunderstorm.  My little ones, however, have a different feeling about them. The minute Sophia sees the storm clouds she starts asking if we can "just stay inside the house for the rest of the day". 

Currently reading

Gosh, I'm not actually reading anything.....

I am thankful

 for my membership at the Y.  This week I was really thinking about how integral that is to our week.  It's part of our daily routine most days.  I love giving my kids a good example of health and fitness. They love playing with their friends in kidzone.  When I am able to exercise I am much more relaxed and I know I am a better mother and wife.  It's a great thing !  

From the kitchen

Being in the middle of the Apostles Fast, we are doing lots of veggie dishes and fruit smoothies.  A trip to a local organic farm this week provided us with LOTS of blackberries for our smoothies and snacking !  

I am thinking 

about my Uncle who is in the hospital tonight with several infections, pneumonia and a failing mitral valve.  Lord have mercy.  

I am wearing

Lately, it has been so humid that I search for the lightest things in my closet.  Thankfully, I have a few very light, airy summer skirts that are my favorite !

A few plans for the rest of the weekend

Barbeque get-together with some friends, Church, yardwork...and some good quality time with the family. 

on my iPod

I got a new iPod !  So sweet...I didn't actually NEED a new one, but my children (via my mother-in-law) got me an iPod Touch for Mother's day - engraved and all !  I love it.  Great for "all things iPod" of course, but I"ve also been keeping it with me in my purse on our regular everyday outings to serve as a camera/video camera to capture my kids doing their ordinary cute things !  It's my new personal traveling photo album too, since I've synced it to my computer and put on lots of fun pictures !  

Beauty in the home/Around the house

Last week my husband made a beautiful edging around our large flower bed in the front of the house.  We had been wanting to do that for a while, but after we priced out some ideas we decided it wasn't in our budget and we would wait. THEN he remembered that we had a large pile of brick pavers in the backyard.  He had piled them up in hope of using them to build a brick barbeque (which hasn't happened) so he used it for the front yard.  It looks great.  I should take a picture. 

The Domestic Church

We have taken a small break from our daily lessons in the morning )....but continue to pray with the children in the morning - where they are starting to take the lead role more often :)  They also say the mealtime prayers (Pater Imon/Our Father) for us.  Although we are formally not doing any daily reading lessons (mental note: need more books!), I still try to keep them in the rhythm of the cycle of the Church - talking to them briefly about the Saints celebrated on certain days, attending weekday Liturgies, etc.  

I am hoping/I am praying

My sister was recently rushed to the hospital from her doctor's office due to an abnormally high heart rate, blood pressure, etc.  She has been having some symptoms for the past few weeks and was trying to follow up.  She was stabilized and sent home the following day for follow up testing. She is having tons of testing, both cardiac and non-cardiac, so we hope that by next week we will know what is causing all of this.  I am hoping and praying that it is something that can be easily and quickly treated and does not affect her active lifestyle or quality of life.  

In the garden

The garden is finally showing some signs of growth !  I actually considered NOT doing it this season, there just seemed to be SO much going on...but Sophia really insisted and loves to watch it all grow !  How could I resist?  We planted tomatoes (plum, grape and big boy), Bell peppers (4 different varieties), fairytale eggplant, garlic, purple majesty "green" beans, carrots and cucumbers.  Not long after planting, the LEAFMINERS hit !  I had NO idea what was going on with my plants, so I took pictures and posted them on Facebook, of course !  By the end of the day, I had my answer.  We are trying to deal with the situation and it looks like health has been restored to most of the plants, with the exception of the cucumber.  Looks like we will be harvesting our first Sweet Pinot Noir peppers this week !  

One of my favorite things

is hearing Demetrios in his little voice saying "Sophia, I love you" !  I just want to bottle that up and save it !  

Sophia

Our little mermaid finished her swimming class at the Y a few weeks ago ! She did great.  She is not a GREAT swimmer yet, but I just love the confidence she has when she gets in the pool !  

Demetrios

He continues to "play altar" all the time.  He is mimicking services more and more.  He insists on using several of my head scarves as "vestments" and is very sensitive if I don't put them on "correctly".  He has a box in his room (well, usually it's all over the house) that is full of items that he uses in his "services". Gospel books, chalice, spoon, service book, censor, etc.  

He is also very much into cars, trucks and buses.  Actually, buses, trucks and cars - in THAT order.  He carries a little lunchbag full of his little car collection and when he sees a truck, etc...he holds up that particular one.  So, when he is in the jogger and we pass a school bus, he rips the school bus out of the bag and holds it up so proudly.  He thinks they see him.  He will stand on the lanai at 6:30 in the morning to hold up that garbage truck as they come by !  He's having fun !

Picture though to share

Daybook Entry (my short version)

Outside my window  

It is dark and quiet.  I had to take the children for a little walk tonight in an attempt to calm them down a bit before bedtime - so we walked until the sun went down and it was beautiful !

Currently reading

Crazy John by Dionysios A. Makris  What an awesome book.   I just finished it last night and I already want to read it again.    Perfect book to finish off my Lenten reading !   

I am thankful

for my darling nieces, who took an entire day to spend it with my children at their very first big "park" !  They gave 7 selfless hours and played in the kiddie area with them, riding the rides, climbing the ropes, going through the mazes, etc.  They never once asked to go on a "real " ride or watch a show.  They are amazing - and my sister is an amazing mom for raising them they way she did !

From the kitchen

This week is so crazy busy that there are NO big plans for the kitchen.  I am thankful to have frozen a few meals and soups to be able to send with my husband for lunch...so light and fast dinners are the tallest order I have to deal with - until the big Feast on Sunday !  We will be having leg of lamb with roasted potatoes, vegetables, pastisio, avgolemeno soup,  traditional Easter bread, Greek salad and plenty of sweets !  Feast of Feasts !

A few plans for the rest of the week

We are in the midst of Holy Week - which as many of you know, is a non-stop beautiful week !  We will be spending our time at some of the most lovely Church services every day and sometimes more than once a day.  Amidst all of that, we try to maintain a little bit of a normal rhythm here in the house; learning time, exercise time, cleaning time, etc.  But really, who am I kidding ! ?  Church services, coloring eggs, Holy Week lessons for kids and shopping for our Paschal meal with the family...I"m lucky if all that gets done.  

Toward a living education

We bought the kids a little "critter catcher" set.  An adorable lunchbox-looking thing with netting on the sides, a plastic tweezer and magnifying glass.  They are always trying to get a closer look at the bugs and creatures outside and now they will be able to do that.  (and then let them go of course)!  

Beauty in the home/Around the house

I have been trying very hard to somehow redecorate our 2 lanais/porches without spending a lot of money.  My first choice was to buy one of those lovely outdoor sets with the fluffy pillows - a loveseat, two chairs and tables.  Alas, that is not really in my lanai-decorating budget.  I am starting small ( meaning the smaller one in the front of the house).  I have reassigned the large wicker rocker and side table from the "nursery" to the porch.  Ditched all the artificial plants and "junk", stopped storing my double-jogger there, purchased a few houseplants, a comfy pillow, door mat  and a wall plaque.  Wa-La - $40 and I have  a pretty peaceful retreat to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning (or at least 3 sips before the kids get up)!  The back lanai will be much more challenging....but I'm working on it !  Hopefully, some pictures to follow !

The Domestic Church
I have really been trying to emphasize Holy Week and the importance of each day and service with the kids.  Sophia, particularly, is much more interested this year in learning and is asking a lot of questions !  We are also using the Holy Week coloring book that I purchased from Potamitis Publishing...which I cannot recommend enough !  Instead of learning a new hymn from the Liturgy this week we have been chanting the hymns from each of the beautiful services.  I benefit from this as well because I am sometimes called upon to read and/or chant the English versions during the services.  

I am praying

for my sweet Uncle, who continues to be a warrior against bone marrow cancer.  They were unable to perform the transplant because of a heart condition and mostly because his liver is in such bad shape at this point.  They are going through 2 more rounds of chemo and will reassess the situation.  Praying for some change in this scenario so that he can receive this life-giving transplant that he so desparately needs. 

In the garden

Oh, we are very far behind.  I don't know what has happened to our time or our plan !  But my little square foot gardening box is just BEGGING Me to fill it !  After Easter, that's when we will do it.  Sophia is so anxiously awaiting our first fruits !

Picture though to share

Daybook Entry

Outside my window

Dark and cool.  I am enjoying some quiet time all to myself.  

Currently reading

Gosh !  Lots of library books for Sophia.  That's the first thing that came to my mind !  She has me carrying armloads of books home from the public library this week.  She is really enjoying having me read the stories to her...and is showing such a great interest in them (and in learning to read too)!
Me?  I've really got to carve some time out to read more.  I was always an avid reader.  A bookworm of sorts.  One of my favorite places to go was the bookstore.  I don't get there often and when I do, I usually spend my time replacing all of the books that my son takes off of the shelves (which is what I do at the library too, come to think of it).  Having kids greatly changes things.  But I do wish I could find the time to read more.  I have even thought of getting a Kindle; maybe something  "new and different" that would sort of spark and force me to find the time to read.
I recently picked up the book by Fr. John of Kronstadt again...as "life" interrupted me the first time I tried to read it.  

I am thankful

for a wonderful and faithful friend....who had enough LOVE for me to challenge my COMPLETE FAITH in GOD in most difficult aspects of my life.  

From the kitchen

Well, "kinda" from my kitchen...but really from my Mac - is a new recipe program/app.  YUMMYSOUP!  I have really been struggling to find a convenient way to organize most of my recipes. Books, papers, cards, bookmarked websites, etc...just a mess.  I decided to give it a try since it was 50% off when the Mac App store opened up.  I love it !  It is so easy to use (aren't all things Mac?) and pleasing to the eye as well.  I am still migrating everything over in my "spare" time.  

I am thinking
about my Uncle who is in need of a bone marrow transplant. 

I am listening to

my husband rip the coupons out of the paper....grocery shopping day is tomorrow !  

I am creating

fun, accessible, playful rooms for my children.  It's funny because when they were "smaller", everything in their room was OUT OF REACH.  Cute little knick-knacks, glass frames, all sorts of senseless decor...beautifully placed out of reach.  More for the adults to look at really.  Now, I am constantly moving things around or adding things to make their room more "child-friendly".  They both have little desks/tables to draw (and plenty of washable crayons for Demetri), little reading nooks, play kitchens, mirrors at their height.  I am sure I will get used to it, but everytime I walked through their rooms today I would catch a glimpse of only my KNEES in the mirrors !  Fun stuff !  

A few plans for the rest of the week

Plans !  ha !  I'm not sure why I bother but we do have some sketchy plans laid out.  Playtime with a friend, storytime at the library, exercise and play at the Y, gymnastics class, Liturgy, pitching lesson appointments....and preparing for a little roadtrip. We depart Friday morning.  So, no plans - but a very busy week of course !

Beauty in the home/Around the house
I am not sure it is noticeable yet, but i have been attempting to de-clutter some more around the house.  My father has installed shelves in our hall/coat closet so that I can use it for storage instead of coats !   It is working out great and now I am moving on to other areas of the house to organize and utilize my new space.  On a daily basis, I have been trying to have the kids help me straighten the living area and kitchen so that at least ONE part of the house feels peaceful upon entering.  I'm sure there is nothing worse for my husband than walking through the front door after work and seeing a chaotic mess.  I remember my own mother would say that if the kitchen was neat and orderly than it gave a certain peace to the home.  She was right.  Our kitchen when I was growing up was large and the center of our house, so if it was a mess then the whole place seemed disorderly.  

The Domestic Church
The children are participating more and more in our morning prayers and it is becoming a nice time of our day.  It started out were I would just have them in the room while I prayed, as long as they were quiet they could sit on the bed or read a book, etc.  I don't really even think I noticed as things changed, it just seamlessly started to all come together.  They "read" their own prayers and chant, ask me to pray for certain people, venerate the icons, etc.  I try to keep the time we are together there relatively short, as they are only 4 and 2...but sometimes I don't realize it and they are still with me and I have finished an entire Akathist to the Mother of God in addition to our morning prayers.  (Don't get me wrong, there are many times I am chasing them into the kitchen to bring them back in my room...but we need to celebrate the positive, right?)  We have also provided them with icons that are hung on the wall at THEIR  height in our room.  I really think this has helped them participate more.  Even at non-specific times during the day I can find one of them in there doing metanoia and venerating the Icons.  What a blessing. Glory to God for all things.  

In the garden
Sophia and I have been talking about what we are going to plant this year...she has her own ideas, of course.  I plan to keep it simple again, very similar to last year.  It was a great experience for all of us - but I am not sure we are ready to expand anytime soon.  We also do not have any more areas that get enough sun for a full garden.  We will need to clean out our gardening box and get the necessary items.  

One of my favorite things
I love sitting on the couch with the children at night, reading them stories.  

Sophia
The little lady has been going to gymnasics for a few months now and just loves it.  I am so glad that she has found something that she really enjoys.  She goes to her class once per week and starts asking me "how many more days?" the very next morning after class.  

Demetrios
My little man is getting "so big".  He is now in a toddler bed, as we have decided to get rid of his crib.  It has been almost a month and it is going fairly well.  He has to be returned to his room a few times per night...but it's getting better. Well, last night WASN'T better - but I am going to chalk that up to the fact that he just wasn't tired enough to sleep.  I think he came out of his room 85 times in a 3 hour time period.  I couldn't even keep my eyes open anymore so eventually he just slept with me anyway.  

Picture though to share

Mother's Daybook

Outside my window

It is dark, quiet and rainy.  I like it like that....then I can pretend it is a "cool" night - which it is NOT.  But I have hopes that the Autumn season is around the corner.

I am thinking

that although I have been hesitating on this decision, that it is probably time to get my son a bed and move him out of his crib.  In one way, I am excited about this (milestone, sure...but honestly can't wait to get rid of that crib in there).  On the other hand, he is such a good sleeper (and very contained in that crib) that I worry what kind of trouble and excitement we will be dealing with when he realizes he doesn't have to STAY in bed anymore !  He is figuring out how to climb a bit and also the other night awoke with a blood-curdling scream because his leg was STUCK between the rails.  I ran in to find his poor body all twisted and trying to get his leg out.  I am SO happy that we don't let our children cry or scream alone...he could have really been hurt.  

Currently reading

Spiritual Counsels - Select passages from My Life in Christ -by Father John of Kronstadt

I am thankful

for being blessed with the most generous friends who have made it possible for us to be driving our family in a new-to-us minivan !  The extra room is amazing...and being able to actually fit a passenger with us is a luxury we have not had in a very long time !  Glory to God for all things. 

I am wearing

some new running shoes ! Nike Lunarglides+ 2 to be exact !  Thank you dad !!!  Can't wait to try my first long run in them ! 

I am listening to 

the sound of my son chanting "Ayiooooos Theoooooos" from his crib as he tries to put himself to sleep.  

A few plans for the rest of the week

We are enjoying somewhat of a routine these days...nothing rigid, but something that gives a flexible form to our day.  As I write this, we are at the end of our very busy week...looking forward to a great weekend filled with family time.  

Around the house

some MAJOR accomplishments in the decluttering area this past week or so !  Completely reorganized our bedroom closet ! Purchased some plastic bins and put all out-of-season clothing in the ATTIC, got rid of a ton of clothes and recycled some drawers to our kitchen area.  We can ALWAYS use more storage in our kitchen.  Soooo, that meant we had to re-do the kitchen cabinets and pantry too !  What fun !  While we were at it, we took out all the "baby" stuff from Demetri's nursery (except crib)...so he is left with only the crib and the toy storage.  Next, furnishing the little guys room !  

Sophia

is really enjoying the whole aspect of "learning".  Even though we have just started this whole process, she is asking to do more and more everyday.  I am not as organized with the plans as I would like to be, or with the materials...but we are taking it slowly and I am trying to be patient with myself. 

Poor little lady is still struggling so much with her sleeping at night.  God was merciful in making sure my son is a good sleeper because I don't know what I would do if I had 2 sleepers like her !  At this point, she will go to sleep in her room MOST of the time (with us sitting next to her bed)...but once she gets up a few hours later she is back in our room...it's a constant journey.  

Demetrios

is just into EVERYTHING at this point.  He is climbing on all the furniture, using everything he finds as a step-stool, experimenting with everything he can get his hands on !  He is a VERY active little boy !  He continues to chant constantly throughout the day, walks around with his icons in his hands, always looking for his cross.  He amazes me sometimes.  In the morning, I will often say "ok, come inside and let's say some prayers together".  He comes running with such excitement ! It is so cute to me !  

The domestic Church

Really enjoying the time spent reading with Sophia about the Saints, the Saint of the week, etc.  Establishing more of a regular routine with the children to include them in the morning prayers before they start their day and it is going well thus far.  

On my iPod

more of the same....I don't make many changes on that - probably going to delete this part of the daybook next time. 

From the kitchen

Tried out my belgian waffle maker tonight...breakfast for dinner.  It was fun and they came out pretty good. I am sure there are a lot of different recipes out there to try...I just tried a basic one I found and it was "ok".  

From the garden

I haven't posted much about it lately.  Our cucumber plant that was taking over our entire garden is gone.  It had started growing a LOT of cucs too...so I was actually sad to see it go.  We had an enormous amount of rain in short periods of time and our area doesn't get a lot of sun to begin with...I think they got waterlogged. They all went to mush, the leaves all looked rotted....we had to pull the whole plant.   We are starting to get a decent amount of peppers, enjoyed 1 eggplant so far and are getting some sweet potatoes too !  The herbs are doing well.  The tomatoes never got a good start (thanks to the cucs) because I don't think they ever got enough sun...we need to get rid of those too and start fresh I suppose. Probably have to move them to somewhere where they at least get a LITTLE more sun.  

A picture thought to share

Daybook Entry

Outside my window 

It is dark and quiet...and I'm pretending it's a cool night out there !  It  has been so unbelievably hot lately!

I am thinking

about how long it has been since I had a minute to sit down and read a blog, add an entry to mine, etc.  The last few weeks have just been so chock-full of activity that it has left very little time for sitting down at the computer.  A good thing in most ways !

Currently reading

I finally had the opportunity to finish the Gurus, the Young Man and Elder Paisios !  I am on to find my next reading adventure ASAP.

I am thankful

for my sweet husband.  Today is my mother's birthday...and although I wasn't feeling well, we still had my parents over and he cooked the entire dinner, cleaned the dishes and made very light work for me tonight.

I am wearing

a few new dresses this week....gotta love the sale racks !!

I am listening to

the birds chirping...coming from Sophia's bedroom (from her sound machine). Both my kids have small sound machines to block out some noise since our home is small...and they are light sleepers.

A few plans for the rest of the week

Nothing out of the ordinary this week (says the mother with two toddlers)!  Some classes at the Y, swimming lessons, playtime.  The Fast for the Dormition begins so we will be attending the Paraklesis nightly, as possible...
Preparing for a little family road trip coming up soon.  A much-needed vacation for all of us ! We might even have a "new-to-us" car for the trip too !!

Around the house

Boxes...and stuff.  I am desperately trying to clean out the kids closets and garage and get rid of more "stuff" we don't need.  I have given myself a deadline (which I won't commit to in writing)!  Let's hope it works out and everyone cooperates !

Sophia

Sophia attended Vacation Church School last week !  It was her first time and she had so much fun.  The theme was Joseph's Journey..which was good since it's a story she is familiar with.  She has made me read it over and over in her Children's Bible Reader.  She was actually a little young to attend, but it really worked out and I"m so glad she went.  The teachers were wonderful and very patient and understanding.  My koumbara's daughter was one of the volunteers and was the main reason she made it through the week.  Sophia is so comfortable with her and felt very safe when I left her there.  She doesn't attend public preschool so this was really the FIRST time I "dropped her off" anywhere for any length of time !  She did great !  On the last day, the group baked prosforo and she was delighted !!

Demetrios

Our little man gave us a rough week prior to the Church school.  He came down with Strep and was really not feeling well.  He recovered well and just in time...right before Mama was ready to pull her hair out !!!

The domestic Church

As I have posted previously, Demetri really enjoys watching everything Father does during the services. He imitates him from the pews.  He has always "chanted" on his own, even at home.  He doesn't pass an icon without asking to be picked up to venerate, has to touch every cross in the house.  But lately, he has really taken to "censing" the whole house...and chanting...and loudly !  I have taken a few short videos of this and really should post them.  He combines the English and Greek Version of Ayios O Theos and Holy God...making his own little hymn.  But the funny part of the story is that he used to use my chomboskini (prayer rope) to do this...but lately he has found a new favorite "censor".  (I really hesitate to admit this).  He uses the toilet bowl brush...he holds his fingers through the hole in the handle and swings it back and forth while walking around the house chanting.  It is quite a sight to see.

On my iPod

Well, nothing new on my iPod. Sophia, however, did score a new pair of "children's" earphones a few weeks ago.  She was always so irritated the cheap earphones I gave her kept falling off and she could barely hear the stories/podcasts because they didn't sit right on her ears !  I was a little hesitant that these kids ones would work, since they all seem to say for ages 6+, but they fit perfect, they are pink, and she loves them !

From the kitchen

Well, we are preparing for the Fast (for the Dormition of the Theotokos) to begin tomorrow...so that always means a change in the weekly grocery list and meals for the week.  I think I'm somewhat prepared.

On a different note, but food-related:  As I previously mentioned in this space..I love the idea of muffin-tin lunches.  Originally, I saw the idea on my friend's website....and while I didn't pay much attention to her next "step" in this type of lunch-making, it came to me a few weeks ago.  My kids (like her kids) love the fun presentation of the muffin tins, and I like the variety of foods they eat when I make them.  However, now that we are busier and find ourselves "out and about" more often, there are a lot of times the kids get hungry and need a good snack or even a small lunch.  I was getting into the habit of bringing a pbj sandwich, or crackers and cheese, or even (gasp) a pop-tart !  The kids were getting in a rut with lunch and starting to ONLY ask for pbj and macaroni for lunch.  That's not really them, since they have always had a pretty good variety of foods.   I immediatly thought of the healthy lunch idea I saw on her website...which was sort of a transition from the muffin tin idea. BENTO BOXES !!!!  If you don't know what they are, I will have to post some pictures when we get ours.  We placed our first order for our first Bentos last night !  Sophia is thrilled. I let her pick out hers and Demetri's !  Now, of course, I will have to get some accessories to make the lunches cute !  The theory behind the portion size, the variety of food and the fun packaging is just what the kids need to keep their interest in eating healthy and colorful foods !  Can't wait to start packing them.  Might even have to get one for myself !


In the Garden

The cucumbers are taking over.  Well, I shouldn't say "the cucumbers", I should say the "cucumber plant".  I don't have any cucumbers just yet.   The plant is out of control.  The leaves are so big that they are shading the adjacent tomatoes...and they are taking over the trellis and strangling the green bean plants Sophia planted !  I don't want to cut them back or anything just yet, because I want CUCUMBERS !  I will however, plant them differently next time.

On the positive side, everything in the garden is growing and looks healthy.   The kids LOVE going out to check on it and water it every day.  We had our first green pepper in a salad this afternoon and it was delicious !  There are a few more coming on that plant, a red pepper about halfway there, a tomato on the way and the eggplant plant is producing flowers and is gigantic !  I do need to post updated pictures.  I can't wait to expand the garden.  It's been so much fun and very little work, relatively speaking.  The look on Sophia's face when we brought in that first pepper was priceless...made it all worth it !   We've also made some great pesto with the basil too !

AND we found THIS guy in there too....I think he was one of the culprits eating my leaves (at least according to my facebook friends).  He is in my neighbors yard now :)

A picture thought to share