Lest I Forget

We are supposed to be camping right now. Two kids are camping, sort of. They are camped out on the couch with fevers. I am trying to stay positive (I am positive I am disappointed!) and count my blessings on this day before Thanksgiving. Thankful: - that my husband braved the grocery store so I could stay home and nurse sick little people. - for Advil, since fevers over 103 scare me. - for beautiful fall colors outside the window. - that we are not trying to care for sick kiddos in a camper far from the comforts of home. - that I got some pretty photos of the kids this weekend - for family and friends - for a roof over our heads, food for our bodies, and clothing for us all - for a God who loves me, even at my worst I pray for quick healing for my kids and all those who are sick on this day. I pray that all of you may have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day tomorrow.

Though it is most likely that my baby days are past, I still love knitting (or crocheting) baby items. And so, when someone I know tells me their happy news, I start thinking about what to make. This blanket has proved to be a bit of a pickle. The pattern has many mistakes and for a while it looked as if I would have to abandon the project. However, a friend helped me figure out how to correct the pattern, for which I am most grateful, and now I can continue. On the reading front, I am still following the reading list of "The Well-Read Mom", though I moved to a new city that does not have a local group. How I would love to hop back to my old group for the discussion and companionship! I just finished Tolkien's short story "Leaf by Niggle". This morning I searched for discussions on the story and hopefully I can delve in while the older kids are at their Shakespeare class this afternoon. Joining in for the first time in a long time to Ginny's yarn ...

Today was one of those beautiful fall days. No clouds, crisp air, and the smell of fallen leaves filled the air. After Mass, we ate a quick lunch and made our way to Chester State Park. For those of you counting, that makes 8 out of 47 parks in SC. Chester is small, but it has won its way into my heart. Possibly even my favorite so far. We must take our camper there, for the small campground overlooks the lake and a lovely gathering place, complete with a firepit and many, many cozy swings. Depositing the kids who "didn't want to go" at the playground, Tony and I ventured out on the short 1.3 mile trail around the lake. I felt the frustrations of the week leave and I could breathe the calm of the outdoors. So many doubts and fears lately, and they peeled off as the afternoon breeze hit me. I know what and how I want to bring up these children of mine, but the constraints of our life keep getting in the way. Jobs, theatre, obligations. They make it so hard to get out of...