Darling Giveaway

Marie Madeline is having a lovely giveaway today for two very sweet twin-sized quilts. You definitely have to check this out!! I have a link in my sidebar or just click above. They also have wonderful sales going on today.

And we're back!

We spent the entire week with my in-laws in South Florida and had a lovely time. They had a blast with Pearl and she loved every minute of it. They have a little play kitchen all set up and she had the most fun playing shopping and setting the table. This week she finally mastered getting off the couch the right way and not walking off the edge. She also figured out blowing kisses and uses the word "up." We are definitely hearing more definitive babble at this point. Lots more variety in her intonation and many sounds.



She has been calling my mother-in-law "Um-Um" for Grandma and had been saying "Um-Pa" for Grandpa. However, this week she started saying "Dad's-Daddy" really fast when she wants my father-in-law. Too cute.



We accomplished many projects during this past week with the guys working on the cars, putting together a desk unit, fixing the water heater for their hot tub, and making a secret Christmas present for my mom. I was able to pick up a few more Christmas presents as well and ran errands with my MIL.

We had a Thanksgiving brunch with my DH's grandfather and his friend, Ms. Ann. They had already planned on having dinner with Ms. Ann's daughter, so we had a brunch and then a later dinner. It was a lot of fun and Pearl had a great time with Great-Grandpa Al.



Between the Macy's Parade and football in the afternoon, there was a lot of TV watching. I don't think they minded:)



We had a safe trip back this afternoon and now after dinner, Pearl is winding down in her crib and DH and I are planning to watch the Steeler's game. With two quarterbacks out, this could be an interesting game.

Away...

We've only got one laptop right now and being that DH works from home...on it...he gets first dibs:)

So I can check things occasionally, but no taking the time for posts.

I'm taking this opportunity to take a blog fast for a week.

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

Candle Conundrum

I haven't been able to find any Advent Candles!

Checked Target and Michaels thus far. I think I got them last year at Michael's. So I've got JoAnn's left before ordering them online.

Have you gotten yours, and if so where?

Candle Conundrum

Wordless Wednesday:

The Simple Woman's Daybook--Tuesday

Outside My Window ...a cool morning but still in the 80s by noon.

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I am listening to...silence. Just got up for Pearl's early nursing and then put her back down. Hopefully she'll sleep for a little while longer.

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To Live the Liturgy...I'm starting to think about Advent approaching. I need to start gathering my materials and projects. I'm also pretty sure I need new Advent candles. Looking forward to the Feast of the Presentation later this week. Thinking of ideas to celebrate the Feast as well as it's Pearl's conception anniversary. Is it odd that I celebrate that?

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To be Fit and Happy...We were hoping to hit up the park this week, but still don't think it's a good idea. We're still buckled down and trying to heal from my sinus bug and Pearl's HFMD.

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I am thankful for...the grace to embrace each moment.

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From the kitchen ...Haven't been as up to speed as I would like due to illness. Tonight is a busy night since we are helping with the Campus Ministry Meal. Later in the week we are also doing the Men's Group Meal for CCM and DH is taking some of the boys camping over the weekend. So we are doing several meals outside the home.


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I am wearing...in my pj's and relishing it. I need to find my moccasins though. Floor is a bit chilly.

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I am creating ...Christmas Lists. So far, I have finished about half of what I hope to do. A few more presents to put together and then I need to start our Christmas letter. We did a picture this year so the letter will be tucked in with that.

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I am reading...Nothing at the moment; too many other projects.

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I am hoping for...relief for Pearl and the teething this week. This week is showing to be extremely tough on her (and us). One molar is all the way through. This on top of the HFMD.

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On Keeping Home ... Disinfecting surfaces and washing all Pearl's toys so she doesn't re-infect herself.

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One of my favorite things ... A tidy home. I'm working on it today. I'm not liking the clutter accumulation.

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A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Making meals for others, getting our home back in working order after illness, help DH prepare for weekend camping trip, start to prepare for Thanksgiving travels.

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A Picture Thought I'm Sharing:
Our cousins last year for All Saints Day


Do they remind you of anybody?

Another Option

So after Pearl's fever on Thursday, we were much relieved. Saturday, however, she awoke with blisters appearing on her feet, hands and mouth. They do not seem to be itchy or bothersome but very peculiar.

We decided to go ahead and attend our friends' wedding since they are such dear friends. I chalked up the rash to heat rash.

While at the wedding another friend commented that she thought it looked like "Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease." She didn't sound too alarmed about it and we looked it up on DH's phone. She said it was going around her classroom and no real treatment or precautions, just to be vigilant about washing hands and surfaces. Indeed, the Internet said we have to let it run its course.

I will be calling the doctor tomorrow to let them know. Ironic that we went in on Tuesday, Pearl was fine. Two days later Pearl shows classic signs of HFMD. Maybe playing and LICKING the toys at the DR's office did it...Hmm? Stinker!

Sooo, probably no outings this week. Le sigh.

Here is us with our friends, the newly married Dan and Regina!!

Another one down

I thought someone woke up on the wrong side of her crib. However, when I kissed Pearl on her forehead she felt a little warm. After doing a quick temp. reading, she is indeed running a low grade fever. She doesn't seem to be have congestion or drippyness , so this could be continued teething as I can see one of her molars is erupting today. I'm really hoping it's just teething and nothing more. We definitely don't want to be getting sick before this weekend.

Words of Encouragement

I've been having a talk with myself. A long talk that started this morning and is still going. A pep talk kind of talk. A talk because I'm fighting a sinus cold and have been dragging all day. A talk because I couldn't seem to get meals put together, the deals I was hoping to do at Walgreens fell through, I can't find the hot glue gun I need, I'm worrying about so many things, I wasn't a very good mama with Pearl today, and I'd rather throw myself a pity party.

I'm telling myself that it's okay to take one day (or more, if needed) and rest and put things on the back burner. Things like vacuuming, meal planning, going to the park, going to the store, laundry, picking up around the house. Everything can wait till I really have the energy. I just need to ask DH to help with what's the most important--that would be just the meals.

So I'm going to read some spiritual reading, use the neti pot, make myself a hot cup of tea, and watch a little of the country music awards before I REST!