BLESS THE LORD (the days gone by)


  • 7221- patriotism at its best
  • 7220- she's planning what we should fix for next weeks gathering, since we signed up for hospitality
  • 7219- bunnies and guinea pigs and a trampoline too, girl heaven
  • 7218- mother daughter series begins as we enter the tweens and suddenly she is happy to be a princess
  • 7217- leaping puppy - this dog loves to fly with exhuberance
  • 7216- running late these days - just wanting to slow down, so I am
  • 7215- she's waiting up so I can tuck her in
  • 7214- the things I carry in my shoulder
  • 7213- prayers for joaquin, diana; chelsa, diana, lisa,diana fay, lee...
  • 7212- special needs support gathering a special and much needed grace
  • 7211- she'd a fun day at camp
  • 7210- betty's grace shared
  • 7209- back to work and the day flew by
  • 7208- mostly self-taught, he is a whiz
  • 7207- michaels affectionate ways
  • 7206- wellsprings visualized
  • 7205- slow day, recovering from our holiday - funny how holidays can require a rest
  • 7204- the griefs that come to parents, small and large
  • 7203- his mind and heart is otherwise occupied
  • 7202- back in the saddle again
  • 7201- she does love her pup
  • 7200- bad traffic home and her lack of complaint
  • 7199- dinner and a play
  • 7198- perfect timing
  • 7197- fun to reconnect
  • 7196- thankful her heel is improved so
  • 7195- the actress emerges
  • 7194- walking alone, and buying myself an ice cream cone
  • 7193- how things can change so quickly
  • 7192- peruvian angel and tears flow, my heart full of Sharon
  • 7191- windmills and memories
  • 7190- seeing the century route and amazed at his perseverence
  • 7189- fresh picked apples
  • 7188- how Jack tosses his own toys to play
  • 7187- arturo sells his wine
  • 7186- time for ourselves, and glad for it
  • 7185- the surprise hug as we departed, holding on
  • 7184- these hills, another country
  • 7183- someone playing the radio loud, an old version calling through the air "I can't help falling in love with you..."
  • 7182- places of conversion
  • 7181- Lord, impress your love upon my heart
  • 7180- the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love
  • 7179- loading her things we've been storing until she could move, he says it will be like Christmas for the kids
  • 7178- I like it, says I, it doesn't look new (and his expression is priceless)
  • 7177- sunlight wakes me, and I've slept in an hour over my usual time (must be summer,ahhhh)
  • 7176- another step closer
  • 7175- she has me peer through the window, watch what she's learned to do on the bars, and beams back at me beautifully proud of her improvement
  • 7174- telling him about it, I tear up again
  • 7173- a good meeting
  • 7172- ice cream cones
  • 7171- we are of that age, losing friends to the great mystery
  • 7170- Patrick, may he rest in peace
  • 7169- she tells a string of bad news and we are laughing away in the telling
  • 7168- old greyed pewter
  • 7167- just a little kindness
  • 7166- singing the divine mercy in my car
  • 7165- oh for the things I have failed to do
  • 7164- heart stop as the truck in front of me turns right into her, and miraculously stops inches from disaster
  • 7163- girl on her bicycle, a happy birthday balloon tied to her handle bars
  • 7162- sore core muscles
  • 7160- a cherished friendship
  • 7159- a table of plenty spread, we enjoy good food in such graced company
  • 7158- their shy love
  • 7157- how joy lights her face
  • 7156- that dog of ours smiles!
  • 7155- grateful for those who get technology and their patient help
  • 7154- a word, and I am off to see her daughter at hospital, glad to report good news
  • 7153- dropping her off, she tells me she loves me FABULOUSLY!
  • 7152- so many little touches, and she loves them all
  • 7151- how we love planning a secret surprise
  • 7150- ripe strawberries and pink juicy fingers from slicing them, air sweet
  • 7149- the pokey beard is gone and kissing is back
  • 7148- watching her present herself via her first steps in social media is an interesting study and I like what I see
  • 7147- kyla's words to her dad on fathers day
  • 7146- love dreaming of our 'new' rooms
  • 7145- quick chats
  • 7144- looking forward to our time away
  • 7143- boating and salty splashes
  • 7142- happy fathers day
  • 7141- big bags, groceries, then beach gear
  • 7140- last day of school, tbtg
  • 7139- prayers while our son backpacks in the wilderness alone (except God is with him)
  • 7138- easy peasy
  • 7137- baby pictures
  • 7136- jessicas lovely lemon linen cloths, wonderful gift
  • 7135- cleaning up a big spill
  • 7134- intimate moments that just are there, in just this moment
  • 7133- what a gift
  • 7132- pilgrimage party
  • 7131- needing new eyeglasses, all my friends are in soft focus, strangers too for that matter
  • 7130- still, divine mercy for their loss, knowing it;s only beginning
  • 7129- acoustic guitar
  • 7128- crying mad as I cross the bridge, listening to the news from india, where 1 in 2 persons has no toilet facilities, and women risk their lives for this most basic human need...I pray
  • 7127- flowers, he gave me flowers
  • 7126- sometimes I can be so impatient
  • 7125- severs disease, and thank the lord she'll outgrow it, recover easily with rest
  • 7124- she dances with tears, a hurt heal
  • 7123- school is almost over!
  • 7122- meeting Sr Mary
  • 7121- jack happy and groomed
  • 7120- scheming for his birthday/fathers day
  • 7119- makes me think the walls we put up hold a lot more stuff than we are aware, until they come down.
  • 7118- but the dumpster is so big, said I, and then we filled it with debris
  • 7117- tearing down of walls again, final phase
  • 7116- mopping the old wood floors
  • 7115- found bless the lord notes while I was away from the computer
  • 7114- a beginning step for this new partnership and we have a margarita to toast the day
  • 7113- he gives me his enthusiastic support...go for it
  • 7112- betty's sharing
  • 7111- candy dish ministry
  • 7110- kates success and now to a new home
  • 7109- she's a fan - her first starstruck experience
  • 7108- donations to simplify home and help another
  • 7107- the gift of a girlfriend
  • 7106- mussels, wine, crispy bread
  • 7105- I do not have a good sense of $ and I need to
  • 7104- hot water shower, cold water to drink
  • 7103- this joy of the gospel group that so blesses me
  • 7102- we have the oddest conversations, so fun
  • 7101- birthday dinner at C&L's
  • 7100- oh the piles on my desk
  • 7099- pancakes
  • 7098- morning giggles and a whispered 'thanks mom'
  • 7097- we lie close, talking as I tuck her in, her tears wet my cheek, a rough day unburdened
  • 7096- his heavy footfall in the hall
  • 7095- peeled orange slices
  • 7094- conor home from his canoe trip, and calls whilst they sleep to thank but really to make sure she's gonna be ok
  • 7093- kyla, my trooper and sidekick
  • 7092- they should not be apart, something always happens when one is away :)
  • 7091- all is well, thanks be to god, though painful and not easy
  • 7090- emergency rooms, where you hurry to wait, hoping all will be well
  • 7089- Leslies tender voice asking for help
  • 7088- pentecost at the parish - confirmation - joy
  • 7087- 10 year old has discovered her fashion sense
  • 7086- she writes about peer pressure
  • 7085- kyla's little constant chats with jack the puppy
  • 7084- calendar day at the parish and its a full year ahead
  • 7083- change in the weather and the firefighters catch a break
  • 7082- dust is so insistent
  • 7081- grateful for that kitchen window ac unit
  • 7080- hot windy days
  • 7079- fire storms everywhere - praying
  • 7078- fr sheahans good words and the holy spirit
  • 7077- discussing women and the church, our struggles and the grace of this group, this place
  • 7076- poolside before the drive home
  • 7075- snapping photos of all the moms there, spending 'their day' doing what moms do
  • 7074- Happy Mothers Day
  • 7073- feising mothers day
  • 7072- 32 minutes
  • 7071- the bridge alert to pray on the way home turns out to be the son of a friend, Lord console them all
  • 7070- me and mary murphy - ha dancing with sacred heart
  • 7069- still using an old photo from 20 years ago
  • 7068- met a young man today that has me weeping still, prayers and feeling blessed
  • 7067- dmv today
  • 7066- clearing things out for a bit of remodeling
  • 7065- yes, i've lost my wallet and have to admit it, make the calls
  • 7064- little puppy can jump on the bed, not so little eh
  • 7063- jack causing her sweet delight
  • 7062- light through blue weave
  • 7061- examining my reluctance in late night thought
  • 7060- betty's words
  • 7059- summer camps - check
  • 7058- children singing their praise to God
  • 7057- good news and I am proud of her
  • 7056- car drives, long chats, long quiet
  • 7055- eager in faith, this Monday group
  • 7054- rain on windshields, the brightness water brings to things
  • 7053- our time
  • 7052- girl on a roller coaster with her hands high in the air
  • 7051- oh henry
  • 7050- max and lee and the tears
  • 7049- jack sliding across the room to greet whoever comes through the door, eager and enthusiastic is an understatement
  • 7048- the tenderness in their remembering sharon, and missing her in the family pic last week
  • 7047- looking up, I see in the gothic beams the cross and the women, with the words nostra jesu
  • 7046- the bells just before the wedding
  • 7045- san francisco here we come
  • 7044- karla at our table, sharing supper
  • 7043- the tensions that homework can bring
  • 7042- all the old friends gathered for her
  • 7041- The heart is the toughest part of the body. Tenderness is in the hands.Carolyn Forché
  • 7040- for a bit of time, only mary magdalene knew He Rose
  • 7039- it takes me all day, with only 2 pans, and I love the slow down
  • 7038- a quiet day and I bake brownies for 80 to celebrate Pat's 90th!
  • 7037- missing Conor, praying for healing
  • 7036- love this family...happy Easter
  • 7035- the panic I feel, more introvert than anyone seems to guess
  • 7034- small (or not so very) mercies
  • 7033- a package from jess
  • 7032- bunnies and faeries and wee gifts that thrill her
  • 7031- tinsel sparkling sunshine in the fruit trees to chase the birds away
  • 7030- easter exchange with kate that makes me proud
  • 7029- fr mikes emphatic message of jesus' mercy
  • 7028- hanging eggs on the tree
  • 7027- sheila's lingering late
  • 7026- fresh lime margaritas for the gals
  • 7025- long phone homiletics
  • 7024- what makes this Friday good, and the evidence is everywhere
  • 7023- we're blowing out eggs and making a mess of it
  • 7022- yelping pup knows I'm home...let me in
  • 7021- cottage cheese and melon
  • 7020- how she spins in delight, a pretty dress just right for a pretty girl
  • 7019- a (grand)mother and child reunion
  • 7018- a long reprieve
  • 7017- jesus breathed on them, receive the holy spirit, and blew them away
  • 7016- today, leaving the market I hear the Lone Ranger theme and look to see a boy riding a mechanical horse I'd never noticed before, and his papa beaming
  • 7015- love this girls laugh, as she bursts out in joy and throws her arms around my neck
  • 7014- dog bath, complete with the shake it off fun after
  • 7013- kindnesses everywhere
  • 7012- the girl who shall not be named
  • 7011- ned, funny
  • 7010- friendships that have stood the time
  • 7009- sticky honey spots everywhere she went
  • 7008- she's leaving them food
  • 7007- building a fairy house together, kyla and me
  • 7006- she said red head, i heard butt head
  • 7005- daughter squeels at seeing little michael, the cutie
  • 7004- she's on the farm
  • 7003- Gods care seen anew
  • 7002- glad gatherings
  • 7001- rr at his best
  • 7000- spirit groans in ways too deep for words
  • 6999- light come into wrongful ways
  • 6998- giving away gods love has never been simpler or more urgently known
  • 6997- he gets good news at work, brings his girls wine and roses
  • 6996- the marvelous moon
  • 6995- bunnies nibbling the grass
  • 6994- gladness on his face, if only passing, still a wonder to see
  • 6993- sympatico
  • 6992- how they look alike
  • 6991- singing
  • 6990- her ancient heart stirring with the love of God like never before
  • 6989- her lovely teenage grandaughter, alone on the swings after the funeral
  • 6986- a big rolling burp
  • 6985- david whyte does it again, speaks my heart
  • 6984- watching the boys flock around her
  • 6983- it's always been outdoors that soothes her
  • 6982- first month is a milestone
  • 6981- her joy at the opening door
  • 6980- realizing I have placed an undue burden on him
  • 6979- perhaps, maybe, you never know
  • 6978- the parade program has JFK on the cover (irish love)
  • 6977- my bridesmaid and best friend in grade school died suddenly from illness. lord welcome joanie to your embrace
  • 6976- Jack with a haircut and we can see his eyes
  • 6975- sharing my image of holding the tension and I see it connecting
  • 6974- The Field to cap off the weekend of Irish dancing and joined by a longstanding Irish friend and the craic was good
  • 6973- she's come back to the scene of the crime, says he
  • 6972- Celtic mass and Tim Foley's music
  • 6971- she's practicing her irish, thanks Fr Nick
  • 6970- coming home a bit early and on the way the school calls, our girl isn't feeling well
  • 6969- a moments rest on a blanket in the shade with a warm breeze blowing
  • 6968- prep for joy of the gospel class and the pope is working straight from Galatians and it's powerful
  • 6967- escaping to the movies for a rest in between the dance shoes
  • 6966- kyla dancing on the float
  • 6965- met a leprechaun and his pot o' gold
  • 6964- an irish breakfast, firehouse style
  • 6963- a good laugh
  • 6962- an early start and not a bother on her
  • 6961- Reunions everywhere at the Religious Ed Congress
  • 6960- no cancer for K
  • 6959- J.M. has gone to God, lord rest her
  • 6958- she proclaims herself a pool girl
  • 6957- a bucket of seashells - broken bits we gather as we walk along
  • 6956- our girl is sick, and nothing tastes good
  • 6955- How do I love thee...
  • 6954- package from ireland and kyla is only delighted
  • 6953- funny out so
  • 6952- walking
  • 6951- chatting the afternoon away...so easy for us to do
  • 6950- michael comes to visit and a grand time had by all
  • 6949- sitting in the back yard, content
  • 6948- morning breakfast meeting so full of joy
  • 6947- the waitress who comes up behind me, gives me a hug
  • 6946- holding the tension, leaning toward the Lord
  • 6945- oh the gospel challenge
  • 6944- cooking from scratch, we trade recipes
  • 6943- giggling in her sleep
  • 6942- what day is it (a plate too full)
  • 6941- discovering a forgotten planter, back in full bloom
  • 6940- drive-in movie
  • 6939- two new babies nursing and their mama's (sisters) bright faces so full of joy
  • 6938- praying for michael i miss him
  • 6937- touching stone
  • 6936- papa and son riding the century (100 miles) today and fine weather greets them
  • 6935- alone in the bed made to share
  • 6934- tablecloth
  • 6933- st patrick's festivities begin, an irish dancing marathon
  • 6932- families crowd in and we lean toward the words, common ground
  • 6931- when poverty comes in an instant, full force
  • 6930- slant of morning light through the window
  • 6929- jessica's note
  • 6928- the countless ways encouragement comes to us
  • 6927- the guys come in to speak with me, their pastoral hearts on their sleeve
  • 6926- wind chimes announce a breezy morning
  • 6925- washing my face
  • 6924- sharing our day over dinner
  • 6923- fragrance of mock orange fills the night air
  • 6922- i followed a spirit prompt today and glad so
  • 6921- garden wall
  • 6920- no jumping jack
  • 6919- find love, and give it all away
  • 6918- sharing the love with Conor and his sweet words to me
  • 6917- scent of basil on my hands
  • 6916- the petals that have fallen
  • 6915- oh dust I must
  • 6914- i hear her fear and listen, pray
  • 6913- reading in bed
  • 6912- talk of love and marriage at the lunch table
  • 6911- i got you babe
  • 6910- walking the dog in the dark, I am surprised by the sound of my own laughter
  • 6909- lift up, give up, take up...it's the take up this time round that beckons
  • 6908- reminded of the countless things that have shaped my faith
  • 6907- lents rigors
  • 6906- he makes a list and it speaks volumes
  • 6905- waffles instead of pancakes and asking for another minute because there is more gratitude that we could get down
  • 6904- waiting I am moved from irritation to prayer and insight
  • 6903- prefer nothing to the love of christ
  • 6902- tie a string around my finger to remember
  • 6901- morning mist
  • 6900- stars
  • 6899- baby showers and bridal showers, life and love
  • 6898- i confess my humanity and he laughs at the good of it
  • 6897- the same daily view as I cross the bridge, daily different
  • 6896- getting my passport renewed for the holy land
  • 6895- why do you want to do this, she asks
  • 6894- what is it about dogs and shoes
  • 6893- I lie between a snoring husband and on the floor nearby, a snoring pup
  • 6892- she calls, needing mama TLC and is instantly happy with the news that spaghetti and meatballs await her arrival home
  • 6891- spirit got my tongue :)
  • 6890- not identifying someone by a label
  • 6889- joy of the gospel class and our ripening together
  • 6888- light play thru blue gauze curtains
  • 6887- Fill our hearts with your beauty and bounty, that we might freely confess and gladly repent of the ways we contradict the gospel—with our thoughts, words and deeds
  • 6886- they didn't recognize him with the beard
  • 6885- morning coffee and mass last night means a slow morning...ahhh
  • 6884- i'm complaining, hear the tired in my voice, grateful for their tolerance, how I receive mercy here every day
  • 6883- wet, happy pup
  • 6882- she's not coming, claims the privilege of age
  • 6881- meeting marybeth at tacos and talk
  • 6880- its not quite so simple, father (says he to me)
  • 6879- forgetting my keys
  • 6878- sleeping to the sound of rain
  • 6877- annie lamotts description of how the church welcomed her - like a pie in the window, the scent of grace
  • 6876- an italian dinner, a glass of wine, and a great speaker-evening out with my friend
  • 6875- clapping baby boy
  • 6874- grace bats last
  • 6873- night walk in the rain
  • 6872- hanna sees me, drops what she's carrying at her mammas feet and runs, open armed and beaming up the stairs
  • 6871- lashing rain, thunder, high winds, huge waves, flash floods, speeding clouds and blue skies peek through...all in a day
  • 6870- where's my girl, down at the creek of course
  • 6869- baby shower and that mama is smiling like we've never seen, so good
  • 6868- jack is 2 in dog years...explains a lot
  • 6867- bangs cut, and she's feeling like a whole new girl
  • 6866- kyla comes with me for the evening, driving home we are talking about the carrots and she tells me "Jesus doesn't 'hide' in you...he shows" I am praying fierce the rest of the way home, begging mercy and grace to make it so
  • 6865- first eucharist classes get 'the carrot talk', and then it's the parents turn and I love their 'getting it' in such simplicity
  • 6864- spaghetti dinner and they sing "when the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amore" and Kyla thinks I taught them that song
  • 6863- the pleasure of pulling weeds, pruning
  • 6862- fresh sheets on the bed, breeze through the window, sleep
  • 6861- a woman crumpled in my arms and I can still feel her, weep for her, pray
  • 6860- the sacred heart vicki gave me, daily touchstone of prayer as I work
  • 6859- almonds
  • 6858- sad news today of a child's untimely death
  • 6857- I see I repeated my numbers, and think of all these blessings that have their own repeats, daily ordinary graces abound not because I am 'blessed' but because God is so generous in BLESSING.
  • 6856- 6856- kids climbing trees
  • 6855- warm sun on my back
  • 6854- we're at the parish, so walk over to her favorite spot for lunch, and she reaches for my hand to pray before digging in (reached all the way to my heart, that girl)
  • 6853- "Often it is better simply to slow down, to put aside our eagerness in order to see and listen to others, to stop rushing from one thing to another and to remain with someone who has faltered along the way." Thank you Papa Francesco!
  • 6852- I am going to the holy land and my pilgrimage has begun here in my 'homeland'
  • 6851- the deacon's kind words that so encourage me
  • 6850- an easy rapport
  • 6849- lavender flowers holding their own, bowing with age so gracefully in my old pewter cup
  • 6848- the gift of forgetting that I have been graced with
  • 6847- isn't it the humanity of the other that we love
  • 6846- words that make me weep with joy and a deep knowing conviction
  • 6845- husband's beard suddenly grown soft, ahhh
  • 6844- to see that gladness has again found her
  • 6843- Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment. Rumi
  • 6842- those moments when God gives me an amen
  • 6842- leftovers scrumptious
  • 6841- working on prayer of the faithful and...hey, she says, why don't you write family prayers, like bedtime and meals
  • 6840- just what she wanted
  • 6839- how she clears the floor to practice her dance
  • 6838- a cup of 'snow' to delight
  • 6837- homemade whipped cream and his one wee finger dipping in...again
  • 6836- giggling girl and tail-wagging pup
  • 6835- a little change can make a big difference
  • 6834- lucas moaning his culinary satisfaction with every bite
  • 6833- purple and white tulips, lavender starbursts in old pewter vessels to set the table outdoors in Leslie's honor
  • 6832- let your yes mean yes and your no mean no
  • 6831- baking a birthday cake
  • 6830- peer pressure got her, thank God for bedtime chats
  • 6829- jack attack (of the loving excited playful kind)
  • 6828- cold milk
  • 6827- should be a simple question, but for me, it is not
  • 6826- love
  • 6825- frozen waves and winter storms, while we have drought but enjoy the 'summer' weather
  • 6824- traffic for hours, and glad I don't face that in my ordinary days
  • 6823- i comment that God has some imagination, and she aks "or is it artistic vision'?
  • 6822- moonrise through clouds
  • 6821- the blessing of possibility
  • 6820- she got word...she's in come tuesday
  • 6819- happy birthday eddie
  • 6818- rainbows and sunbeams
  • 6817- movie date
  • 6816- my cousin will wed today
  • 6815- wanting to do something special for her
  • 6814- the question was what do you find beautiful in the world, and I speak of the change, constant in nature, the moon, the landscape, and in us, in ages and stages, deepening grace
  • 6813- bake a potato, easy supper
  • 6812- rushing by habit (never a good sign)
  • 6811- opera chat, and she sings an aria from la boheme
  • 6810- a yo-yo day that delights in it's array of events
  • 6809- google earth brings us to the sidewalks of Jerusalem
  • 6808- heartbreak and hope
  • 6807- praying for her endurance
  • 6806- jack in a red cowboy hat
  • 6805- white beard is back
  • 6804- wow, there's space in our garage
  • 6803- old wood beauty
  • 6802- drop-leaf table bargain, and she helps me carry it in
  • 6801- projects fill the table
  • 6801- disneyland beckons
  • 6800- she finds her friend is pretending to be older, tells me fully expecting me to 'be the parent' and take action (which I do)
  • 6799- How our very lives should sing the presence of God, so that others “might receive without perceiving it the benefit of the words – [the Word]”
  • 6798- he quotes st basil, chokes up, and i join him
  • 6797- happy chaos
  • 6796- she puts her child's hands on my cheeks, looks me in the eye, and thanks me
  • 6795- slyly puppy carries out one of 5 pairs of shoes while I shower, his secret stash in the middle of the livingroom, thankfully not chewed
  • 6794- i can hear his delight when i call
  • 6793- a little extra sleep today
  • 6792- walking
  • 6791- friends and partners now
  • 6790- i dream of neptune
  • 6789- friendship bracelets, now with rubberbands, macrame in my day
  • 6788- taking the day
  • 6787- she asks and asks and asks some more
  • 6786- taking photos
  • 6785- editing scripture references for our pilgrimage, I am sunk in these places that once held my lord
  • 6784- open my heart lord
  • 6783- May love, that is God in us, live in, with and through you to our world
  • 6782- the bell rings for benediction and so glad for this graced prayer in the middle of my day
  • 6781- monday class is a dynamo of faith, love this group
  • 6780- sniffling girl and it's driving me crazy
  • 6779- she walks the neighbors dog 'for free' seeing he's just home from surgery
  • 6778- tossing the salad, slicing the melon
  • 6777- kylas cooking more and more
  • 6776- her rosy cheeks after walking the dog
  • 6775- final phase of fixing up the house begins
  • 6774- our garage has room
  • 6773- putting this body to work, we move the cherry planks and it feels good
  • 6772- working together again
  • 6771- reading in bed
  • 6770- kind words that encourage me so
  • 6769- she drops by, lays down her heart right there
  • 6768- the stones look so brilliant in the rain
  • 6767- puppy is jumpy with these new sounds...wind and rain
  • 6766- rain, not a lot, but glorious still
  • 6765- the gift of a trusted friend
  • 6764- i told her our dreams/thoughts and now the wheels are spinning
  • 6763- ah the walking is good
  • 6762- salad suppers
  • 6761- a grown up movie and a relaxing evening at home, just the two of us
  • 6760- cornbread and butter
  • 6759- like having a baby again, we laugh, remembering so
  • 6758- my old slipper = dog heaven
  • 6757- we feel so lucky with Jack, such a good pup
  • 6756- cold fog hiding the island as I cross the bridge
  • 6755- prepping for theology of the body
  • 6754- holy land excitement
  • 6753- it's my neck bearing the brunt
  • 6752- there's no sleeping in in this house
  • 6751- missed seeing the 'kids' this weekend
  • 6750- challenged to keep god's love at the fore
  • 6749- oh my goodness, we laughed til we cried
  • 6748- if you can't feel ordinary love, if you can't deal with ordinary love - U2
  • 6747- bloody noses in this dryness and I am reminded of mom
  • 6746- kids coming over, yay
  • 6745- we have an idea...now the question is what would God have us do with it
  • 6744- the deepening of this one prayer
  • 6743- so much joy in the room
  • 6742- his spontaneous reflection on intimacy, wow
  • 6741- her tender-heartedness
  • 6740- 3 occasions and the story told from 3 perspectives, wonderful to hear
  • 6739- nervous habits
  • 6738- nights out walking the puppy and stargazing
  • 6737- taking fears to prayer
  • 6736- my eyes are straining - time for a new prescription and glad to live in such a world where that is possible
  • 6735- the newly discovered bond of puppyhood
  • 6734- hugs and kisses at the door before she leaves for school - i love this girl so
  • 6733- pass thru the breezeway at church and there is Fr Gnall kneeling before the tabernacle in quiet prayer
  • 6732- lighting a candle for her
  • 6731- sometimes the simplest things can get so complicated
  • 6730- not to mention 'thou shall not lie' says she to her friend
  • 6729- chatting in the hallway, giggling
  • 6728- she confesses she likes Harry in Ireland
  • 6727- we are getting older, he and I
  • 6726- 8th grade goliaths
  • 6725- retreat ahhhh
  • 6724- 3 cookies for us
  • 6723- I want to spend the day with him, but it's not working out
  • 6722- night walks around the neighborhood with Jack
  • 6721- she is more in love with the idea of 'growing up' than the responsibilities it might entail, example: first 'babysitting'
  • 6720- time is too short, and isn't that wonderful
  • 6719- the gift of grandparents
  • 6718- surprising my dad
  • 6717- huge orange moon-rising and I am awestruck
  • 6716- she goes from one direction to segovia to lullaby and is now fast asleep beside me as we travel thru desert darkness
  • 6715- the desert drive
  • 6714- puppy waiting at the window after she leaves for school, pining away
  • 6713- carousel ride with hanna
  • 6712- girl on her way - making a go of it
  • 6711- I give her a call, and she laughs and laughs, so good for my soul
  • 6710- catching up
  • 6709- warm crusty bread
  • 6708- the mystery of love
  • 6707- retreat prep on Mother Teresa
  • 6706- remembering mother teresa pulling my earlobes after she blessed me
  • 6705- the birds are chattering away outside my window...enjoying the fountain
  • 6704- too much laundry to fold on a friday-tired night
  • 6703- standing up for herself and others, good for her
  • 6702- bathtime for the pup and kyla is laughing so hard
  • 6701- crossing the bridge this morning, the water looks like mercury
  • 6700- having put away christmas days ago, I just noticed the garland still up on the hutch, snowy pinecones
  • 6699- snoring pup hilarity
  • 6698- how she pushes through to complete the thought, amidst distraction
  • 6697- brown bread
  • 6696- i am lost in mathematics
  • 6695- when we lose sight of what matters most
  • 6694- i want to be so tangled up with god
  • 6693- love feels like this
  • 6692- good words call forth goodness
  • 6691- I'm sunk, says she
  • 6690- emptying the dishwasher and trying to do so quietly in early morning hush of house asleep
  • 6689- freaky she says and giggles at the surprise of it
  • 6688- computer mystery of the disappearing yellow box
  • 6687- simple prayer is answered on the spot, oh my
  • 6686- lunch full of light
  • 6685- what can a mother do, she asks
  • 6684- writing her teacher a letter to share her concern
  • 6683- her mouth sore from braces adjustment, egg salad lunch
  • 6682- jack asleep at his feet
  • 6681- his heartbreak unfolding before me
  • 6680- good news that msgr is on the mend, out of hospital
  • 6679- when you connect, just like that
  • 6678- dreamt I was braiding my grandmothers hair
  • 6677- just saw the time and gotta dash - yikes
  • 6676- msgr. fred in hospital far away from home, prayers flowing
  • 6675- stumble upon a video and there he is, singing irish tunes among family and friends
  • 6674- enjoying garrison keeler on the radio
  • 6673- girl with a twisted ankle hobbles in
  • 6672- dust I must and everything looks so much better
  • 6671- lights flickering on the hill
  • 6670- forced bulbs bloom, fragrant tender reeds
  • 6669- husband leaves in quiet darkness, but tells me first I am a good mama
  • 6668- encouragement that comes in my humble work
  • 6667- new faces as we begin the joy of the gospel
  • 6666- school kids all flock around her, puppy magnet
  • 6665- puppy snores and daughter too; they wore each other out
  • 6664- having a conversation with our 2 1/2 yr old grandson lucas
  • 6663- my husband is such a hard worker, and what he does is beautiful, I am amzed
  • 6662- haven't made chicken pot pie in decades, but it was good
  • 6661- now I know why they call it puppylove
  • 6660- meeting Jack the morkiepoo
  • 6659- the pup we thought we could not get is ours (that email friendship forged) and Kyla is beside herself with joy
  • 6658- everything brings us to Jesus
  • 6657- the joy when the talk connects, Christ is shared
  • 6656- Sharon Ann, the tenderness and vulnerability so simply presented
  • 6655- back to the old mission on epiphany - spent many an epiphany weekend there with 'the Mertonians' on retreat
  • 6654- here the sun shines bright while others are hit by severe snow storms - a young man comments "it's God crying cause heaven isn't as nice as california!"
  • 6653- i do not want to put Christmas away
  • 6652- trading emails with a stranger and we somehow connect...all this over a possible puppy for our girl
  • 6651- early morning cuppa and missing my mom here to share it
  • 6650- tying knots, woven things
  • 6649- joy of the gospel - wow
  • 6648- christmas lights in early morning darkness
  • 6647- met a nice young musician from texas
  • 6646- cracking heels:vaseline and socks remedy
  • 6645- she pats the cushion next to her, come and sit by my side
  • 6644- a good pen and the words flowing
  • 6643- reminds me of Conors wonderful videos
  • 6642- max and jaclyn's romantic save the date
  • 6641- clearing the counters
  • 6640- quirky movie date with walter mitty
  • 6639- a drive to the mountains and home by another route, beautiful day
  • 6638- her first sleepover
  • 6637- it is so so easy to fall in love with a pup
  • 6636- puppy love and loss, twice now and she's feeling the heartbreak
  • 6635- we explore the adoption section with ease, but the pound section, so sad
  • 6634- puppy search is on
  • 6633- hot december days
  • 6632- birthday conspiracy fails for Steph, but we have a glad night out and the pic shows it on our faces
  • 6631- too soon, the airport takes her home, but I run and catch one last kiss
  • 6630- fillippis pizza dreams for mom fulfilled, and a fun night of it
  • 6629- sending a prayer on high winds
  • 6628- day after, doing nothing, together
  • 6627- savoring the day
  • 6626- tying on my old apron
  • 6625- twinkle lights
  • 6624- mmm,mmm,good
  • 6623- the grams, sitting in a corner chatting away
  • 6622- everyone missing jess and henry
  • 6621- love my own cooking (a dangerous thing)
  • 6620- a quick dash through the shower and the folks all arrive
  • 6619- jeanne catching me bathrobe clad in the kitchen
  • 6618- time to prepare the feast and I am loving it
  • 6617- crisp hot turnovers
  • 6616- christmas morning, sharing a cuppa with mom
  • 6615- best christmas ever as she discovers the secret in the burlap bag, a doggie bed...what???and she squeels her delight with joy and stunned surprise
  • 6614- quietly we wait for grandma to wake, play with new legos and savor the morning
  • 6613- a girls surprise on christmas morning
  • 6612- group photo hilarity, a first for us all, and fun
  • 6611- family gift exchange - the laughter, the surprises, the paper piled high, children all
  • 6610- she thanks me and I am full of thanks
  • 6609- Leslie's lovely touches
  • 6608- making friends in the pew, sharing the joy of this night
  • 6607- kyla distributing shepherds staffs and angel wings
  • 6606- happy chaos of christmas eve family mass and the wee one who crawled right into Fr Mikes lap
  • 6605- tucking in my mom and our girl, sweet dreams
  • 6604- husband trimming the back of my hair nervously
  • 6603- kids over for Sunday supper, with mom at the table, feeling so blessed
  • 6602- she grins, points to me
  • 6601- quick tidy and off to the airport for mom
  • 6600- sitting in the backyard, soaking up sun and I hear the buzz of wings, turn my head to see a hummingbird at the fountain
  • 6599- the pen flying on the page
  • 6598- love sharing ideas with him
  • 6597- a day to ourselves, thanks Jess
  • 6596- we settle on the couch - watch jig in a quiet house, ignoring the chores
  • 6595- girls in pink shirts read: BEST DAY EVER
  • 6594- lovely to have a night out, and jess hosting a sleepover
  • 6593- ciappino with gallagher, and the names from days long past recollected, memories shared
  • 6592- 'he comes and the soul felt its worth'
  • 6591- prayers answered, and a tearful, joyous woman-child calls me to share her good news
  • 6590- preparations for mom who is coming for christmas
  • 6589- turns out these elfs are like the child they are minding, so she tells me; and hers is adventurous, funny, and loves Jesus
  • 6588- spot her a mile away - she's the one dancing
  • 6587- walking to hear her sing
  • 6586- teacher is a foodie
  • 6585- working with the best of folks
  • 6584- boats on the harbor, a beautiful day
  • 6583- shaking the tablecloth, crumbs fly in the backyard, and suddenly, birds on the grass
  • 6582- the secret thoughts he shares with me over the kitchen table
  • 6581- putting the words together, together
  • 6580- empty church singing to me
  • 6579- holy spirit coming via frank's heart
  • 6578- I jump out to the hall, throw open my arms, tell her we love pope francis, and she comes right into those wide arms...grateful
  • 6577- a season of lists and I keep losing them
  • 6576- advice given me long ago - what a parent hears amplifies their fears
  • 6575- words need to be gentle
  • 6574- that glow
  • 6573- Jenny Pixler and Robert Taron - the power of song
  • 6572- advent womens eve with Leslie and Lee (tho I missed sharing with Stephanie there)
  • 6571- love disneyland at christmas
  • 6570- girl with a giant trophy, she wins and is surprised, delighted
  • 6569- the two of them, papa and his girl, risking life and limb to light the way
  • 6568- miracle of a calm preparation for feis competition and he enters, laughing at the sounds coming from the other rooms hurrying their dancers along, frustrations evident through the walls
  • 6567- i did too much of the tree myself, and I see her disappointment (the things you want to undo and make right)
  • 6566- she's stringing lights
  • 6565- olive trees
  • 6564- using our 'date' glasses
  • 6563- our sweet girl is shining today
  • 6562- let down that guard and see what God can do
  • 6561- clean house ahhhhh
  • 6560- mom chats, always good to connect
  • 6559- hello sweetheart
  • 6558- her eyes tell me she understands, and so our words are few, our bond strong
  • 6557- tending hope
  • 6556- truly, it's not things she wants, just us
  • 6555- funny elf
  • 6554- last of the leftovers tonight
  • 6553- paint
  • 6552- apparently I am hogging the bed, poor man
  • 6551- friends to the rescue and I am so lucky
  • 6550- girly girls
  • 6549- long ride after and all I want is the silence of the car, and my thoughts lifted to the heart of God
  • 6548- kate, looking good, sounding good
  • 6547- grandbabies
  • 6546- a long drive and there they are
  • 6545- asking for their prayers
  • 6544- an hour off but we make up for it
  • 6543- she's as good as her word, and i am grateful
  • 6542- early morning encouragement
  • 6541- preparing for them, I am prepared for Him
  • 6540- last year the shepherd, this year the sheep; michaels baptism birthday approaches
  • 6539- my eye catches a single strand of hair blown free, catching the light and dancing
  • 6538- the house aglow, lights shining, light of christ upon this house and all who enter
  • 6537- out of sorts today and gently he sees it, only treats me kindly
  • 6536- home team takes the cup and he calls to share the excitement
  • 6535- sitting down after all the going and ahhhhh
  • 6534- she's singing TRADITION from fiddler at the top of her lungs in the back yard...the papa...tradition...the mama...tradition
  • 6533- this girl of ours and her christmas list
  • 6532- they carry in a heavy garden statue of st therese, sharon's bequeath to me, and i take her, tears flowing from a conversation shared long ago
  • 6531- where's dad, she asks as she rises. love having him home these days
  • 6530- leftover lobster, yum
  • 6529- papa and kyla hanging the christmas lights
  • 6528- stephanies kind words
  • 6527- the household sleeping in
  • 6526- shelter
  • 6525- the special bond between sheila and roger
  • 6524- conor telling jess what fun it is to spend the entire day with sweet lucas, papa heart on his sleeve
  • 6523- to the movies we go
  • 6522- a quiet day at last, and we do enjoy it with it's soft rain
  • 6521- home to her henry
  • 6520- her love language is service, and she did the dishes all day long, corralled the kids, and yes, Jessica, I saw the love
  • 6519- long lingering fireside at days end
  • 6518- how I love having everyone over, cooking up a feast, the house crowded with loved ones
  • 6517- side by side in the kitchen, me and my girls
  • 6516- home and we sit together, tired out, recall the days events, talk of Sharon and family, it's enough
  • 6515- seeing bob and chris and realizing we are seeing our friends more at funerals than anywhere else
  • 6514- jessica's tender words, rogers heart, and quinns tribute to his grandma stand out amongst the sharing
  • 6513- unexpected delight when we find ourselves in 'the saints' room, and it all decked out for Christmas, Sharon's favorite (and this the day before thanksgiving!)
  • 6512- even in death, 'living' in community under Mary's mantle
  • 6511- golf cart get-aways, but we chase them down
  • 6510- rogers cool head - this is not a box
  • 6509- the old mission cemetery, pavers long worn, sacredness of place
  • 6508- seeing the guys; larry, gallagher, nick, so grateful
  • 6507- jessica on the couch sound asleep
  • 6506- early morning groceries before Sharon's funeral and I have to wait in the car for the store to open, morning darkness giving me time for prayer that I had skipped 'to get things done'
  • 6505- after the long road home, we stop first to get the lobster for our thanksgiving feast puerto nuevo style, resurrecting the family tradition
  • 6504- morning mist in the meadow
  • 6503- fireside comforts
  • 6502- hiking, and we're getting older so
  • 6501- stag in the woods and he comes right up to her...deer whisperer that she is, recalling the grand canyon when she sang out the car window to the deer that she was their friend and she loved them, when an entire herd came right up to her along the road, magical moment
  • 6500- scraping ice, cold
  • 6499- entering yosemite valley, only gorgeous
  • 6498- giggling celebration
  • 6497- we never knew what we were getting into, hah
  • 6496- love these girls and how they support one another
  • 6495- watching wee olivia win and discover in that a new motivation - carries her through the next day brilliantly and the team takes 10th
  • 6494- sacramento beats chicago today for the windy city
  • 6493- snapping photos for them all
  • 6492- she gets a recall, wins 6th in her traditional set, and thrills
  • 6491- early out and flyin' til we hit LA and a big accident, big delay, pray and wait
  • 6490- new dose of medicine and we hit the road for sacramento, oireachtas madness
  • 6489- amazingly, roger didn't get this, tbtG
  • 6488- our girl goes back to bed, we sleep our days away in the grip of this
  • 6487- sick, really sick
  • 6486- long long beach drive but she did so well
  • 6485- ceili and soon we're off for Oireachtas
  • 6484- puerto nuevo inspired
  • 6483- glorious sunset
  • 6482- long chat and strong hands of a friend
  • 6481- family plans
  • 6480- grout in the stones and the fireplace is just as we dreamed
  • 6479- Fr Larry is a good soul
  • 6478- holding on and letting go
  • 6477- love, it ain't always easy
  • 6476- adley looking like an old story teller, talking away, telling me all about it
  • 6475- hanna talking to me on the phone, sweet girl
  • 6474- my husband who talks to people, makes the call, hates emails on anything that matters
  • 6473- oireachtas rehearsals take over
  • 6472- laughter is good medicine
  • 6471- old bonds that resurface in time of need
  • 6470- pope quotes that daily inspire me
  • 6469- jotting my notes of gratitude, but ignoring this page for awhile, overtaken by events
  • 6468- husband grief on the phone, his sister gone to God
  • 6467- seeing him caught by the immediacy of conclusion
  • 6466- Sharon chuckles, and I recall how her emotions, whether laughter or tears, always seemed to catch her off guard, and I join her, tears falling
  • 6465- failure, layers of lessons
  • 6464- glad for the time, but too too fast
  • 6463- grief and affection tangled in memory and tender bonds
  • 6462- encounters with Christ come so daily my heart is bursting
  • 6461- everyone needs to know someone cares
  • 6460- lucas love
  • 6459- lost on the road, and my phone comes to the rescue
  • 6458- home
  • 6457- she tells me some kids don't have a good mom, like her
  • 6456- how a certain look can feel like a kiss
  • 6455- chapstick on dry lips
  • 6454- Conor calling, so excited
  • 6453- cleared the desk, felt good until I couldn't find things
  • 6452- Christmas catalog avalanche
  • 6451- accompanied by the hum and swash of the dishwasher and it is a surprisingly consoling sound
  • 6450- kumbaya lord, bring her home
  • 6449- surrender
  • 6448- taco Tuesday lunch with my coworkers in the vineyard
  • 6447- darkness falling so soon and my bedtime clock is way way off
  • 6446- the simplest things inform us, form us
  • 6445- jack who shared at his school how he got to share at his church about how his autism makes him special
  • 6444- nature is a mighty minister
  • 6443- she tells me I am so square I am a rectangle!
  • 6442- how he says no and then comes around
  • 6441- that girl is in pumpkin pie heaven
  • 6440- me yelling at her to stop yelling, thank god for swift and humorous conversions
  • 6439- how Jesus doesn't wait for zacchaeus to repent before he offers to dine at his house; love people now, not just after they repent!
  • 6438- vina sunset
  • 6437- how Kyla gives me ideas for teaching our religion class, love sharing this with her
  • 6436- hearts broken wide open
  • 6435- Donald and his parents
  • 6434- awed, inspired, humbled and so grateful it keeps spilling out
  • 6433- gift of friendship
  • 6432- ability awareness faire today and I am grateful for the 'extra' hour
  • 6431- home alone and savoring it
  • 6430- all saints and the little one who asked me to tie her shoe please...and as I bent down I thought to myself "I am tying the shoe of a saint"
  • 6429- a puerto nuevo thanksgiving at our house
  • 6428- homemade bread, butter and jam
  • 6427- she glanced back, just so, and I saw a glimpse of the teenage girl she is becoming
  • 6426- michael the 5 year old fireman so concerned about our little bonfire
  • 6425- harvest festival fun
  • 6424- seeing her come to join us on Monday morning
  • 6423- St Peter's good folks
  • 6422- low lakes and huge sky
  • 6421- driving through farm country to give a retreat
  • 6420- how she wept, its not too late, and booked her flight after seeing him give the eucharist, a drop of wine brought on his finger to a girls lip
  • 6419- spaghetti squash feast
  • 6418- love outdoor chapels
  • 6417- witness to grace
  • 6416- prayer, just one word in my hand, lifted up
  • 6415- today it is hard to accept what I cannot do
  • 6414- god has god's plans, trusting
  • 6413- walking the beach with her
  • 6412- love a good meal shared
  • 6411- how we sipped the wine, shared our hearts, stood side by side at sunset
  • 6410- holy spirit prayer of st therese at work in me
  • 6409- apple days
  • 6408- grace in the unexpected and why so
  • 6407- papa pride and dedication, watching his son in early morning
  • 6406- kyla tells me her favorite wedding of all time was Jessica's
  • 6405- margarita, yes please
  • 6404- chelsa the beautiful bride
  • 6403- i do...the words truth still deepening and so grateful
  • 6402- thank you Conor and Leslie
  • 6401- a weekend away, first in 8 years, and yes, it was wonderful
  • 6400- lucas praying 6 times during supper, just to hold hands, say amen
  • 6399- we stand so far apart and so close...
  • 6398- jessica's eyes of experience
  • 6397- his tears every time he calls, and his gratitude and affection
  • 6396- his sisters sudden discovery of illness that has brought her to heaven's door
  • 6395- he washed the screen, what a difference
  • 6394- the simplest things
  • 6393- how their arms lifted in prayer, standing there in the sun
  • 6392- school days that hold childhoods freedom
  • 6391- a good ballad
  • 6390- stephanies heart...long lingering chats that stop only by duties call
  • 6389- she wants a bunny, cat, dog,chickens, pigs, a horse and a llama
  • 6388- kyla's st francis devotional garden, complete with a pond
  • 6387- a field of pumpkins
  • 6386- trains whistle as they chug swiftly past
  • 6385- all creation is shouting for joy here in these mountains
  • 6384- blue sky, blue water
  • 6383- Sr Olive, tour guide
  • 6382- she's been dusting the floor with her socked feet
  • 6381- my snappy tongue, bitten
  • 6380- those moments when the soul sings
  • 6379- she wants chili, cornbread; and tells me as we eat it's as good as the first time she ever had it
  • 6378- playing hookey
  • 6377- kisses sweeter than wine
  • 6376- she can't believe I didn't know that (she still thinks I know everything)
  • 6375- how it is the personal story that connects - life analogies always the best
  • 6374- he's in the middle of the bed, snoring away
  • 6373- she's finishing her report, feet flying the Irish steps under the table all the while
  • 6372- evening darkness, oh winter fast approaches
  • 6371- Yosemite plans
  • 6370- lord loosen my Spanish tongue
  • 6369- happy anniversary Jessica and Henry
  • 6368- the project of cranking her braces, and papa's up to the challenge
  • 6367- questions questions if you could be...if you could have...yep, she's 10
  • 6366- you must fall in love with yourself in a healthy way, says he. It will be the love affair of a lifetime.
  • 6365- three young father's all lost this week in tragedy
  • 6364- house plumbing issues thankfully resolved, but bathroom redo is gaining rank
  • 6363- water taxi's
  • 6362- she presents to her class 'the lord of the dance'
  • 6361- scattering a bit of fall decor around the house
  • 6360- little morning heater welcomed back in the crisp of the early morning
  • 6359- punch balloons
  • 6358- how the loss of activity in injury is actually so much more
  • 6357- how she thumps around in the morning announcing she's up and at it
  • 6356- the son, gray haired himself, walking his aged father down the sidewalk, bent and slow - he has his arm around his shoulder
  • 6355- how sadness covered me like a blanket this afternoon, the weight of grief
  • 6354- thank you for your friendship
  • 6353- himself doctoring my toe
  • 6352- we work on school projects and clean the house
  • 6351- folded clothes stacked high on the bed
  • 6350- Sunday supper and no clean up
  • 6349- chips and salsa
  • 6348- reading to Lucas, curled together in a cozy corner, the weight of him leaning into me, so precious
  • 6347- so sorry for their troubles at a time that should be all joy
  • 6346- kissing to help him loosen those lips for the trombone
  • 6345- waiting, we play at the conga drum, strum a guitar, tap the cymbal
  • 6344- two trombones; a father daughter duo (either that or there are elephants in my back yard)
  • 6343- men's prayer breakfast and their hearts are touched, their minds engaged, and their humor rolling out the door to our ears
  • 6342- giggling as we walk to school (love this happy girl)
  • 6341- she imagines a car powered by air
  • 6340- her first day in her advanced class and she's only thrilled
  • 6339- Irish dancers delighting in Kyla's clown noses and cotton candy treats
  • 6338- tears of joy and excitement, humility and pure gift as Fr Mike asks me to co-lead the pilgrimage to the holy land
  • 6337- family all caught up in the news of our sister, mother, daughter, grandmother, aunt Sharon's illness
  • 6336- prayers for Sharon
  • 6335- spirit prompts attended to, TBTG
  • 6334- our new bishop and his sharing from his heart and life experience
  • 6333- happy birthday Kyla cutie
  • 6332- what a roller coaster day
  • 6331- who am I to judge
  • 6330- how she tells her story, hardly catching her breath until it all spills out
  • 6329- fr. donnie catches us in the doorway, stay and join in the blessing, so we three extend our hands, bless the young man and his cross...that's himself, always sharing the graces
  • 6328- he just wants to be called fr., leave off the msgr. will you
  • 6327- dancing and having a time of it, right so
  • 6326- evening light has that autumn glow about it, even here
  • 6325- bible study round the table
  • 6324- she stands up for what is right - courageous girl
  • 6323- opening the window in late afternoon and the moon is there to greet me - eager disciple
  • 6322- reunions every where I turn
  • 6321- she is grace and prudence, tender hearted and firm
  • 6320- a wee one visits my office, and when I hand her the stuffed bunny she nestles right into Mary's shoulder...cuddle power lighting Mary's face with joy
  • 6319- she wants to play the trombone like her papa - says it will be a father daughter thing
  • 6318- reminds me of
  • 6317- hard work
  • 6316- love having us all in the kitchen
  • 6315- first day, stay in class with me; second day; wait in line with me; third day, walk me to the ramp; fourth day; mid-way through the field she stops, hugs and heads off on her own; and today it's bye love at the gate
  • 6314- meeting Chelsea
  • 6313- how we work together
  • 6312- homemade spaghetti and the three of us chatting away thru dinner about our days and I am so grateful for this
  • 6311- how we at the same time draw lines and make allowances
  • 6310- descending the stairs, their eyes full of tears
  • 6309- how her eyes met mine
  • 6308- hearts moved leading to action
  • 6307- tight shoulders that bring me to prayer, what I hadn't realized I was carrying
  • 6306- a bit of a lingering lunch with my friend, too brief but such a treat
  • 6305- the 'boys' flying rc helicopters
  • 6304- imagination on our morning walk
  • 6303- things (like phone numbers) unknown with technological convenience that we really should know
  • 6302- clouds hover around the local hills, just the tops breaking through
  • 6301- quick is not in her vocabulary
  • 6300- peace pope
  • 6299- sharing thoughts on the gospel
  • 6298- strong healing hands
  • 6297- a morning of moms with hearts full of worry for their teens, one right after the other
  • 6296- glad to be among the good folks at the parish
  • 6295- ice cream cone on a hot day
  • 6294- dad, she asks, again and again
  • 6293- Lucas moaning his appreciation with every bite of every meal
  • 6292- she knows them all by name
  • 6291- free guitar lessons after school
  • 6290- the sweet surprise and gratitude when I'd done her chores for her
  • 6289- praising Sebastian for his keen eye as I pull into the drive, him waiting on his bike
  • 6288- meeting the new neighbor mom with her wee son, and he's quite the handsome baby, that one
  • 6287- how we all like to put our feet up
  • 6286- one strong beam of morning sunshine heads straight into my sleepy bed
  • 6285- hippie camper van painted with flowers
  • 6284- drawing on her back, something from our day, leaving her to sleep with sweet memories
  • 6283- cat n mouse, cat won
  • 6282- evening walk and we discover our porch cat 'shadow' is actually 'muffy' and hales from the next block
  • 6281- seeing my brothers note of good counsel
  • 6280- how he talks to himself playing chess
  • 6279- first sip of morning cuppa...god is good
  • 6278- may we know the consequences of peace
  • 6277- morning light through the window sends the dust shimmering like silver, but sadly I also know I must get cleaning...it's not silver settled about the room :) still one can dream...
  • 6276- such luxuries, cool air on a hot day, ice, a car to get us where we are going, home and it's comforts
  • 6275- how blessed to be able to pray
  • 6274- his phone glows through his pocket in the dark as he leaves
  • 6273- beautiful, people
  • 6272- the arrow imagery shared
  • 6271- that stack of discarded clothes finally addressed
  • 6270- washing the kitchen counters, clearing things away
  • 6269- thanking the lord for his plans that have led me here
  • 6268- he is atlas bearing the weight of the world
  • 6267- did you have fun, I ask her...yes, she has a cat and a dog and a bearded dragon (our animal lover is over the moon)
  • 6266- i love these school masses
  • 6265- double rainbows in the sky
  • 6264- unspoken hope that fills the air between us
  • 6263- potluck feast and lemon tart too
  • 6262- a mother holding joy and grief brought on by the same circumstance
  • 6261- how she always has a tissue handy for her tears flow easily
  • 6260- the children in church singing, their voices drifting in my window
  • 6259- so happy for a friend, but grieving her going from us
  • 6258- deacon kevin whistling in the hallway will you come and follow me
  • 6257- the stones making their way up the fireplace
  • 6256- a bit of quiet evening together, just us
  • 6255- how she hooks her arm in mine
  • 6254- happy birthday Michael love
  • 6253- he's funny just like papa
  • 6252- suffering succotash
  • 6251- wine and conversation with our grown up kids
  • 6250- i'm so proud of our girl
  • 6249- a bag of books
  • 6248- neighborly mornings
  • 6247- supper out to celebrate and she knows just what she wants too
  • 6246- she's a happy girl
  • 6245- how God provides
  • 6244- all that was unsettled is brought to calm in one wondrous morning
  • 6243- a day of change and she's glad for it
  • 6242- Lucas and Kyla sweeping up after supper, cornbread crumbs turn into fun
  • 6241- a full day at the feis, and a milkshake at days end
  • 6240- the urgency of prayer, when the times come, and come they do
  • 6239- enjoying a nice bottle of Temecula wine from C & L
  • 6238- walking to school is so nice
  • 6237- new school orientation and a friend who teaches there makes confidence high for her
  • 6236- flower girl dress arrives, so pretty
  • 6235- oireachtas; it begins
  • 6234- Venus is out tonight
  • 6233- gorgeous pink sky
  • 6232- hot and muggy, not our usual weather
  • 6231- the devil knows your name but calls you by your sin...God knows your sin but calls you by your name
  • 6230- happy anniversary, 38 years, and he laughs as he heads to work, saying that we met when we were 9! (we were actually 15 but definitely just a couple of kids)
  • 6229- choosing that first day of school outfit
  • 6228- i want to turn the playhouse into an art studio
  • 6227- an offhand comment that gets me thinking
  • 6226- the pleasure of eating with a spoon
  • 6225- ice water
  • 6224- so grateful for that ac in my kitchen window, thanks babe
  • 6223- imaginary baby oil coating for a mother of teen boys, gotta let a lot slide right off
  • 6222- 9 year old tells me she hopes her kids don't have 'those troubles', I say amen to that, and she tells me, 'oh yeah, I am praying for them already!' love this girl
  • 6221- her analogy: if a clock is 5 minutes off, no worries, but if it's 6 hours off, you're gonna get that clock fixed
  • 6220- why does our family fart so much, she asks...we believe if something's stinky, let it go
  • 6219- overhearing her cancel plans to go dance 'with a world champ' and the delight in anticipation clear in her voice
  • 6218- twinkle toes
  • 6217- lovely Leslie and Kyla having a girls day out
  • 6216- lunch with a friend
  • 6215- watering the back yard
  • 6214- giggling with our girl
  • 6213- hot muggy days, storm clouds withholding the shower I'd welcome
  • 6212- how this community unites in prayer
  • 6211- prayers for dad
  • 6210- jelly belly
  • 6209- praying and preparation on the beach
  • 6208- girls on the beach, dig a big hole near the shore, sit, soak, chat away the afternoon
  • 6207- parents tender hearts the touchstone
  • 6206- those 100 folks praying it forward for our kids
  • 6205- she's in the parish kitchen, helping
  • 6204- sharing faith at staff
  • 6203- Ana's gift
  • 6202- weeding is so gratifying when it's done
  • 6201- relaxing the weekend away, we let the chores go for a bit
  • 6200- a quick stop for basics
  • 6199- fuzzy curls in the hair - beach does that
  • 6198- retreat in the lovely Mary Magdalene church
  • 6197- welcomes home
  • 6196- we walk, get lost along the way in a tangle of streets, lovely
  • 6195- cold cup of water to quench a big thirst
  • 6194- father carrying his daughter down to the beach mass, can't take her power wheelchair there, tenderly and tiredly puts her down into a chair...later during mass Fr Mike dips a bit from the cup to give her communion
  • 6193- mass on the beach
  • 6192- we see the old table and agree it's just our style, how she knows us
  • 6191- new mattress
  • 6190- she's off with friends for the day and has the time of her life
  • 6189- liberation comes in many forms
  • 6188- she's made her move, courage
  • 6187- husband kind, generous
  • 6186- blue tractors
  • 6185- how siri pronounces LEGOLAND
  • 6184- we go out on the night she has dance class and she wishes she went with us, so tonight we waited, shared a late supper together and she was only delighted, weren't we all
  • 6183- watching the sunset at glider port
  • 6182- rosary of love, god is our circumstance
  • 6181- the sight of him, carrying those 2 brooms into St Vincent de Paul Village
  • 6180- retreat with the staff and the mix of fun and faith we share
  • 6179- our girl is so young
  • 6178- i hear the train whistle as it passes, so close I hear the clank of steel on the rails, Irish music drifting out on the evening as they practice
  • 6177- how they tell me Lucas shouts yeah! when they pull in the driveway, and my bursting grandma heart
  • 6176- they brought a piñata to Sunday supper
  • 6175- a friend's trouble and the common road we walk
  • 6174- Stephanie's blessing on my head
  • 6173- Michael running out the door to hug me - calling out our love you's
  • 6172- Eucharist
  • 6171- and don't we all talk to ourselves...when do we stop doing it out loud...
  • 6170- she may be an architect, she loves drawing rooms, buildings, spaces
  • 6169- the words that land on us
  • 6168- gospel of the rich young man - what possessed you
  • 6167- how she claims the leftovers for herself
  • 6166- a tree full of kids
  • 6165- lobster fest
  • 6164- proud mama wearing her heart on her sleeve
  • 6163- empty cup and my wanting one more sip from my morning cuppa
  • 6162- he is a tender, good man through whom I am immeasurably blessed
  • 6161- love how that girl sings in the shower
  • 6160- a word of encouragement can make all the difference
  • 6159- poetry prayer
  • 6158- retreat prep for st martins comes to fruition and i feel the privilege of my work again
  • 6157- friend to the rescue
  • 6156- dance intensives for 2 weeks and she's only delighted (and a little sore)
  • 6155- summer growth spurt and the tight zip of her solo dress
  • 6154- Kyla proclaims puberty has him, she knows by his 'angry face'
  • 6153- summer plans for next year in the works - the wilderness beckons
  • 6152- a new way of connecting has us sharing the landscape of our hearts
  • 6151- notes on scraps
  • 6150- the man in line shares his discount card with me - saving me $14 as I buy supplies for rogers mom, nods me a knowing smile
  • 6149- talking with mom on the phone, 9 brothers gone, and she's next in age and feeling the moment deeply
  • 6148- uncle Wes gone to god
  • 6147- she shifts closer - skin to skin on the couch, our cuddle girl
  • 6146- on the bike again
  • 6145- evening walks
  • 6144- purple flowers
  • 6143- i just love to cook
  • 6142- laughing until we cry
  • 6141- photos from Ireland and the farm
  • 6140- they ask me to pray a blessing on the bride, i love when god makes a visit just like that
  • 6139- Kyla seeing the 70's dune buggy and thinks it's Scooby-Doos, poses for a pic
  • 6138- graced
  • 6137- faces still familiar
  • 6136- running embraces, squeals like young girls
  • 6135- across the room I see my 'long-lost' godmama
  • 6134- 40th OGHS reunion gathering and time falls away
  • 6133- a blast from the past, her voice the same
  • 6132- dust bunnies having babies
  • 6131- marine layer blowing in, cool and damp
  • 6130- how she wants different things for her life, this...or this...or this; the possibility and promise of a young girl
  • 6129- chai the smiling horse
  • 6128- when you are glad you didn't go
  • 6127- how I do love to capture moments with my camera
  • 6126- all the little touches at Chelsa's shower
  • 6125- happy birthday Katie
  • 6124- summer garden nearly spent
  • 6123- these are such good days
  • 6122- proud of how well she's managing her massive braces
  • 6121- she doesn't waver or second guess herself
  • 6120- grab a sweater, cooler weather brief but hinting at fall
  • 6119- it is what it is and she follows her heart
  • 6118- snap 'penpal' in Ireland
  • 6117- it must really hurt...he's going to the doctor
  • 6116- his side job is finished, free at last
  • 6115- when a good book ends well
  • 6114- there's something about Harry, that's all I'm saying
  • 6113- bobble headed silliness, she's 9
  • 6112- tomorrow
  • 6111- i must clean the house, i must, i must
  • 6110- i keep seeing these back2school signs - taunting us
  • 6109- seed pods looking like giant vanilla beans
  • 6108- she's sure she'll be taller than papa - as she measures herself this year at 9, compared to him, then raises her hand incrementally for the next and next (imagining she'll double in size by 18)
  • 6107- the things I learn again and again
  • 6106- wine and the feet lifted
  • 6105- tired out so
  • 6104- to have a friend
  • 6103- They think faith is a big electric blanket, when of course it is the cross. ~ Flannery O’Connor
  • 6102- the cat that has adopted us despite our disinterest
  • 6101- chirp......chirp......chirp, the lone bird that perched on the porch
  • 6100- deep sleep of home
  • 6099- back to work for me and camp for the kiddo
  • 6098- ahhh home
  • 6097- stinky mouse house gets a quick cleaning
  • 6096- throwing open the windows
  • 6095- the pleasure of watering the plants
  • 6094- home before him, we make a welcome ready
  • 6093- Michael chatting in the backseat to one tired out girl
  • 6092- he works so hard
  • 6091- homeward bound
  • 6090- from front row to last, giving our seats up for another in need and the lesson in kindness that graced us
  • 6089- smooth sailing
  • 6088- sending out love 'in advance' - birthday greetings to our girls
  • 6087- happy birthday beautiful Jessica
  • 6086- kindness of strangers glad to be of help, drawn in
  • 6085- a moments silence says it all
  • 6084- Danny
  • 6083- the surprise of tears
  • 6082- just to hear his voice
  • 6081- how time falls away when you see someone you love
  • 6080- happily snapping away at family portraits, mamarazzi welcome
  • 6079- our little one is 'the big girl' to them, so cute
  • 6078- the memories that stick (will have to write about this)
  • 6077- moving the cushions to sleep on the floor beside her
  • 6076- sore from grinning :)
  • 6075- warm welcomes
  • 6074- mom holding my hand
  • 6073- fun lovin' family
  • 6072- Mexican, it's always a fiesta!
  • 6071- the threads of family so easily recognized here
  • 6070- meeting Lori and feeling so familiar
  • 6069- the beauty of a barn
  • 6068- old wood carved fishing lures
  • 6067- deer beside the road, downtown valpo
  • 6066- green flows into green, no fences here
  • 6065- mom's smile
  • 6064- we decide to surprise them, and discover they are on the road right behind us, hey little brother
  • 6063- water everywhere as we travel east
  • 6062- the quiet carriage ride completes the night
  • 6061- lights on the river, and she asks me why I like it so...
  • 6060- cornfields
  • 6059- Michael and Eleanor, home turf
  • 6058- a million options for the afternoon, we stay at the hotel and play
  • 6057- the giggles that escape her along the way
  • 6056- all that, and she gets the doggies, animal lover thru and thru
  • 6055- mother daughter American girl extravaganza
  • 6054- girls with umbrellas
  • 6053- how she hooks her arm in mine
  • 6052- on the lake, with the river beside us
  • 6051- 9 year old co-pilot supremo
  • 6050- touring side streets of old chicago, south side where gram grew up
  • 6049- above the clouds, sunshine
  • 6048- what a bag of peanuts can do for a kiddo on the plane
  • 6047- we hold hands and pray before take-off, and after I catch a glimpse of the person next to us make the sign of the cross
  • 6046- i married a good guy
  • 6045- Jackie telling me her story - one of the 70's boat people from Vietnam
  • 6044- she's got a bit of girly girl in her and likes being 'spoiled'
  • 6043- packing for Indiana
  • 6042- she asks if I want to know something pretty amazing..." everyone I have met in Irish dancing is nice!" yay!
  • 6041- 9pm-she leads us out to light the paper lanterns and spread a blanket, lay out in the backyard and look up at the stars, the big dipper is right overhead, pouring out grace and giggles upon us, cuddled close against the evenings cool
  • 6040- she tells him he put the victor in victory
  • 6039- so glad for the connect
  • 6038- watching him play tennis, and win
  • 6037- Pat dancing in our backyard
  • 6036- our girl the party planner
  • 6035- how she dropped the dish, ran to catch her tumbling boy, now safe in her arms
  • 6034- poetry
  • 6033- summer storm passing through
  • 6032- pope francis urges the necessary attitudes of hopefulness, openness to being surprised by God, and living in joy
  • 6031- watching the pope, so "in persona christi" very moving
  • 6030- fresh garden tomatoes
  • 6029- compliments from the chef, with a request for the recipe
  • 6028- i throw together an appetizer, they love it, i am thrilled, and husband laughs at my competitive side showing itself
  • 6027- our little tree has become a shade tree we can sit under
  • 6026- out of the mouths of babes, michael cracks me up
  • 6025- friends stopping by
  • 6024- leftovers and a fried egg brunch, yum
  • 6023- sweet girl of mine cleaning the kitchen to surprise me whilst i shower
  • 6022- i like the me i see through her eyes
  • 6021- we lay at opposite ends of the sofa, reading
  • 6020- remember multiplication tables
  • 6019- the power of voice
  • 6018- palest yellow
  • 6017- the best of young women as mentors
  • 6016- she's moving up in her classes, well done girl
  • 6015- kyla channeling st francis
  • 6014- wash the car, drive a dirt road
  • 6013- a row of country mailboxes
  • 6012- she spills out her day in details to papa, horses and flower girls
  • 6011- how we share our lives
  • 6010- a day for water play
  • 6009- tree full of yellow bloom, miracle grow indeed
  • 6008- she comes out carrying her new clock that tics too loud to sleep...this better go in my play house, says she
  • 6007- frozen yogurt for supper on a hot evening
  • 6006- cricket song in the night
  • 6005- tissue paper scattered, she's making herself a crown
  • 6004- a good walk, and brisk too, so my calves tell me
  • 6003- those heart to heart hugs so full of feeling
  • 6002- feeding carrots to the horses
  • 6001- riding, she's so at ease, well-seated, they say
  • 6000- where our children take us
  • 5999- she loves horses
  • 5998- a day in the country at my good friend's home
  • 5997- reading a book and listening to the trains going by while I wait for our dancer inside, taking her lessons
  • 5996- yes, I can take her to dance
  • 5995- the dishes I never quite get put away before using again
  • 5994- her wedding hanky on my desk
  • 5993- joy's smile unabashed
  • 5992- pinterest, money saving retail therapy
  • 5991- gethsemani mug; ora et labora, and the monks living martha and mary
  • 5990- memories heartstrings
  • 5989- for the love of hashbrowns I can win her heart
  • 5988- greek coins found from my adventure years past
  • 5987- she just wants a friend to play with
  • 5986- morning sunshine
  • 5985- his high tolerance for pain (I'd be useless, one finger would take out my whole self, at least for a while)
  • 5984- husband hammered his finger - which never happens - ohhh the pain I can feel just looking at it
  • 5983- pulling out the overgrowth on the garden wall
  • 5982- the sky is sprinkling...a little
  • 5981- butter and honey
  • 5980- homemade scones, and she shapes it into a giant heart
  • 5979- younger selves seen in old photos
  • 5978- he makes it look like just a walk in the park
  • 5977- little bird hopping among the flowers outside our window
  • 5976- soul string tugs
  • 5975- sharing 'pins' with jess
  • 5974- silver candlesticks and burlap
  • 5973- roasting chile lime corn on the cob and it reminds me of the corn fields of indiana i am soon to see
  • 5972- do you love me, that was the question
  • 5971- absolutely not - hah
  • 5970- floors mopped, voila
  • 5969- arms full of baby love; hanna and adley
  • 5968- lemonade rinds down the disposal and the scent is so lovely
  • 5967- rinsing the soap down the drain and the shining sink revealed
  • 5966- lovely annecy
  • 5965- backyard hideout of tablecloths, the girls giggling with board games
  • 5964- "Älsken Hvarandra Barn, TyKärleken Är Allt", love each other, children, for love is everything
  • 5963- when the meal you ate just sits in your stomach - bad
  • 5962- i start to tell him about the film I'd begun, but instead I just cry
  • 5961- empathy
  • 5960- grocery list forgotten, we abandon ourselves to our hungers
  • 5959- look up and give god the ok!
  • 5958- michael's slipnsliding pizazz
  • 5957- the neighborhood turning out at her lemonade and cookie stand, lingering chatter among the moms while the children play
  • 5956- girls making a gypsy tent in the backyard
  • 5955- old aluminum kitchenware
  • 5954- cows along the fence
  • 5953- attic room become doll house big enough for a girl to play in too
  • 5952- the countless things that remind me of you, stirring gratitude
  • 5951- the things we hold uniquely and in common at the same time
  • 5950- familiar morning cuppa comfort
  • 5949- husband sweet, puts in the window AC just for me
  • 5948- creak of the fan as it turns
  • 5947- catching that glimpse of leslie's beauty
  • 5946- lucas love
  • 5945- hot evening, cool antipasti, crisp wine, love around the table
  • 5944- the story that continues to unfold as she grows
  • 5943- walking (reconnecting) with my dear friend
  • 5942- the three mousekateers survived our absence and this mama is relieved
  • 5941- my uncle tony has gone to god
  • 5940- her dedication recognized, affirmed, and propelling her onward
  • 5939- grumpy tired, we are treating each other with extra care, avoiding the pitfalls of weariness
  • 5938- tired out, enjoying the comforts of home
  • 5937- how husband's suitcase is empty save for bags of dirty laundry and little memoirs
  • 5936- she is wishing for another frozen banana
  • 5935- driving home and our son calls, telling of the mishaps while we were away, his little lad taking a tumble requiring stitches and himself tumbling too days later, off the mountain bike, and breaking his arm...oh my
  • 5934- having the perfect disneyland day and knowing it, feeling the love as we ride the shuttle bus back to our hotel
  • 5933- she overcomes her fear - and rides the roller coaster; first Mickey's, then the matterhorn, and finishes with space mountain, proud as punch
  • 5932- she still likes the simple things, rope climbing, exploring treasure island/pirates lair/the petting corral
  • 5931- radiator springs reminds us of our childhood and CARS is terrific!
  • 5930- we are such good traveling companions
  • 5929- nibbling our way through farmers market
  • 5928- welcome to the world Adley Owen
  • 5927- holding hands, grace at every meal along the way, a blessing in itself
  • 5926- travel anywhere and you will get an education
  • 5925- the 9 germans riding harleys on their annual roadtrip, hit the pool. one of them in his 70's lacks a suit, so strips to his skivvies and heads in, all while kyla watches wide eyed and grinning, shaking her head
  • 5924- a childhood memory revisited; he swims til late in the night with kyla, under the desert heat
  • 5923- cows, windmills, open fields, groves of almonds and cherries
  • 5922- he drives thru McDonald's while we hop out to the produce stand for some fresh fruit; the tiny mexican lady urging us to fill our bags fuller
  • 5921- she devours all the apricots straight away
  • 5920- we pull into a gas station and a tractor is filling up in the other stall
  • 5919- farm country
  • 5918- I do love lighthouses
  • 5917- thank the lord for rogers sense of direction
  • 5916- wild raspberries along the path reminding me of Indiana
  • 5915- Stow Lake paddle boating
  • 5914- revolving doors
  • 5913- cable cars and she hangs off with papa, the thrill of it all
  • 5912- exploring the back country
  • 5911- the coldest I have ever been was the summer I spent in San Francisco
  • 5910- st francis chapel
  • 5909- how he watches out for me at every street crossing in the city
  • 5908- waking up all together in hotel rooms
  • 5907- sharing a platter of mussels, kyla and I
  • 5906- we return to union square for a dance show and it's the last thing he expected - lbgt international square dancers
  • 5905- cowboy breakfast
  • 5904- the adventurous journey to creativity explored
  • 5903- finding Cesarios and a dinner sweetened with memory
  • 5902- our hikes prepared us for these san francisco hills
  • 5901- another kind of 'luxury'
  • 5900- the craziness of entering San Francisco centre city
  • 5899- the mingling of salt and forest air
  • 5898- feeding birds off the balcony, tempting them to thievery with crisps along the railing
  • 5897- hikers greetings, some young and strong, some winded, all friendly
  • 5896- the absence of electronics, ahhh
  • 5895- that hideaway beach, rugged beauty, rough surf
  • 5894- royal jays at nepenthe
  • 5893- seeing them, all smiles, walking toward me; wet hair and towels over their shoulders
  • 5892- shamrocks on the forest floor
  • 5891- the redwoods sighing sound
  • 5890- the hard climb to the falls...so worth it
  • 5889- this trip the same route as our honeymoon 39 years ago
  • 5888- husband and all the kids playing shark in the pool, which is surrounded by redwoods
  • 5887- lodge cabin with the forest at our door
  • 5886- California coastline to Big Sur
  • 5885- posting photos for Henry's mom
  • 5884- stations of the cross on paddle bike
  • 5883- the cooks garden and sampling the strawberries
  • 5882- softly rounded hills, open landscape
  • 5881- mazel tov, mazel tov she sings as we stroll about town
  • 5880- outdoor theater; fiddler on the roof and it's wonderful
  • 5879- jessica sighted and my heart leaps to see her again
  • 5878- first windmill sighted - I do love solvang
  • 5877- the conversations that only happen 'on the road'
  • 5876- loading up the car for a road trip
  • 5875- one last visit before departure
  • 5874- betty's hugs
  • 5873- work desk organized for vacation and a peaceful return
  • 5872- funny out so
  • 5871- lemonade
  • 5870- msgr. gallagher's retirement tributes
  • 5869- we stop by quickly to pick up some camping gear and all the way home talk about the sweetness of lucas
  • 5868- sorting through drawers
  • 5867- vacation fast approaching
  • 5866- the joy of being loved
  • 5865- tenderness of sunburn
  • 5864- girls and hand games
  • 5863- we're off to the ballgame for a big night out
  • 5862- all morning long, thank you's everywhere
  • 5861- lanyards at summer camp
  • 5860- oh lord, you are the center of my life
  • 5859- mass shared among the coworkers in the vineyard, celebrating Fr Mike's 30 years of priestly ministry
  • 5858- going to watch the match, cheer papa on
  • 5857- she's baking cookies
  • 5856- today everything is met with 'just a second', and I wait; remembering mother teresa's words
  • 5855- sand and suncreen, towels drying on the porch - a good day
  • 5854- evening walk with a gem of a girl
  • 5853- she's tucked in her cozy corner, reading her AG book about feelings
  • 5852- a girl and an ice cream cone (lost in her own world)
  • 5851- the surprise gift from fr nick tucked in her jacket pocket, and she is thrilled and amazed
  • 5850- husband seeded first in the tournament, and holding his own
  • 5849- hot sand on bare feet- hold onto your hats
  • 5848- summer solstice moon
  • 5847- so you'd be a california girl...can't wait to tell the lads at home, says he. And she retorts, yes I am...we are in california you know (as in duh!) may she stay forever young
  • 5846- celtic knots
  • 5845- ourselves gathered around the fire
  • 5844- the good irish who drank my bad cup o tea
  • 5843- an evening of child chatter with her newfound irish friends, s'mores & fun
  • 5842- showing them Billy's cross
  • 5841- the surprise of lunch and meeting the gang on the beach
  • 5840- getting out the snorkel and fins - surf camp tomorrow
  • 5839- grade b maple syrup granola - oh my goodness it's good
  • 5838- settling into a book
  • 5837- kyla cooking away, side by side in the kitchen, little chef
  • 5836- tissue paper party hats
  • 5835- the gifts we receive, some to be opened, some to recognize
  • 5834- cooking up a feast for fathers day
  • 5833- watching him hobble out of bed, poor man
  • 5832- Buíochas le Dia! Thanks be to God!
  • 5831- shopping for papa
  • 5830- she's 'at home' with all these irish, and glad for it, tells me it's 'good for her'
  • 5829- she's a fan of harry on the tin whistle
  • 5828- our girl dancing for Fr Nick's 40th
  • 5827- darkness and birdsong
  • 5826- there I go, criticizing something and then doing it myself, lord have mercy
  • 5825- last day of school and we skip it, take the day slow
  • 5824- we oil the decks, no more fine splinters for little lucas
  • 5823- bringing by the bodhrán and as quick as that there's a beat to fill the air - it's a good one, says he
  • 5822- the homeless woman who, with a bold delight, chose all her favorites from the candy jar in my office
  • 5821- he's out 'with the boys' and has a grand night of it
  • 5820- baking papa's apple pie and she puts a little flag in the middle 'the land of rog'
  • 5819- happy birthday babe
  • 5818- remembering billy, the rare ould times
  • 5817- that reminds me of the time...
  • 5816- those times when you turn around and wonder where the times gone
  • 5815- sitting out under the night sky with friends old and new, and the gift of music filling the air, filling the heart
  • 5814- jesus didn't say count my sheep, he said feed my sheep
  • 5813- italian is flowing and a feast is spread
  • 5812- fr richard 'back in italy' over lunch at Sapori's
  • 5811- the hall full of good and generous ones that shine with God's light
  • 5810- Sometimes we behave as though there was something more important than life. But what?
  • 5809- i love taking photos, a gift, a prayer, a delight, capturing the moments
  • 5808- a sit in the porch swing together
  • 5807- seeing in a social setting what a sweetheart she is, this proud mama is grateful
  • 5806- lunch with pat and her daughters
  • 5805- how folks assume if we have gram in tow it must be a 'special occasion'
  • 5804- renewing our vows at an outdoor mass with other married couples from the parish
  • 5803- studying our wedding photo...Kyla: how old do you have to be to get married? Papa: 25 and having graduated college. Kyla: how old were you? Papa: 19. Kyla: you are probably why they changed that law
  • 5802- folding 'cootie catchers'
  • 5801- finally my tired out husband gets a long needed sleep in
  • 5800- chats in the sacristy on prayer
  • 5799- how joy and prayer work so well together
  • 5798- parish school 8th grade grads SO excited
  • 5797- la familia
  • 5796- first formal blessing given (in an Irish Pub)
  • 5795- first drink of a cold pint of guinness
  • 5794- litany of saints as Chris lies prostrate in prayer with us
  • 5793- ooey gooey cookie baby kiss and he's growing so fast
  • 5792- to turn and see my friend
  • 5791- the overflowing joy in this family, love freely expressed, and it stands out
  • 5790- getting my mother-in-law ready for the big day as her son is being ordained to the diaconate, we laugh, we cry, we pack tissues in her walker
  • 5789- ordination day for Chris, TBTG
  • 5788- lovely lingering over italian antipasto for lunch
  • 5787- she did it, all the reading to earn a pizza lunch, and she's so proud of herself
  • 5786- how i look forward to the family gathered
  • 5785- choosing the irish tunes for her dances to celebrate her uncles diaconal ordination
  • 5784- you know you're too busy when you get excited about cancelled plans
  • 5783- our days are jam-packed of late and I just added something else...am I losing my mind
  • 5782- things left behind found and the kind woman who sent them home to us
  • 5781- towels warm from the dryer
  • 5780- my chatty dentist with his million ideas that have him excited and me with my mouth full trying to talk with my eyes
  • 5779- She announces a last minute need for cookies at school and voila I surprise with cookie dough ready to go...where's my cape
  • 5778- hoping the good will outweigh the bad, yes, trusting in God's grace
  • 5777- happy birthday mom - I love you
  • 5776- how control (even over a little daily occurence) can rob you of the joy all around you
  • 5775- coming across lucas' photo again, will share it this time
  • 5774- my pathetic tomato plant need some tlc
  • 5773- the ripple of the wood planks catching the light
  • 5772- summer is easing in and oh so welcome
  • 5771- packing a surprise in her school lunch
  • 5770- morning tummy trouble and I assure her this will pass, tho she denies it...later tells me I was right and HOW DID I KNOW
  • 5769- dappled shimmering light through leaves
  • 5768- widening the circle
  • 5767- he speaks spanish with an irish accent
  • 5766- oh my goodness
  • 5765- all the gals at lunch sharing their memories of Michaels visits and sweet spirit after I mention his entering K and the 'visits' coming to an end
  • 5764- as Michael leaves today I realize this may be his last Monday morning visit before kindergarten and I miss him already
  • 5763- the shadow (msgr Ecker) singing happy birthday to me on my VM
  • 5762- sweet peas blooming
  • 5761- we stop in Gila Bend for our traditional DQ and discover it's their last day of business - and she's thrilled 'we made it'
  • 5760- the sun in my window, waking me to this new day
  • 5759- how much god loves us
  • 5758- reading the book that brought him to tears, and hitting the same spot, and the same surprise of tears
  • 5757- pedicure pampering just for me
  • 5756- we three tired out on the sofa together
  • 5755- a church full of 8th graders 'at the gate' and ready to go
  • 5754- her honest words
  • 5753- saying i'm sorry
  • 5752- pool time, just us girls splashing about
  • 5751- the irish musicians filling the air with joy and good fun
  • 5750- prepubescence rubs off on me - lord be with us all in these growing years
  • 5749- the doves coo, the clock tics, the fountains splashy echo are my silence
  • 5748- standing up for her
  • 5747- mom remembering the day, and in it her own youth
  • 5746- early morning friend at my door
  • 5745- a glad lunch out with the girls from work, and whose in the corner but fr mike who joins us after his own
  • 5744- my clever girl and her playful birthday notes
  • 5743- avalanche of love in the messages and calls today
  • 5742- happy birthday to me
  • 5741- my little brother
  • 5740- siena's joy - she's engaged, the hug, that prayer that followed
  • 5739- eloquence and sublety of gray clouds
  • 5738- pulling weeds and those crazy vines whose persistence I admire and admonish
  • 5737- unmade bed taunting for my return
  • 5736- world's fastest staff mtg
  • 5735- smell of roses, jasmine mingle as I walk by
  • 5734- so can't wait for the school year and morning rush to end and summer sacrament to begin
  • 5733- mommy, she calls...gotta go
  • 5732- booked flight for family reunion and a mother daughter adventure
  • 5731- grumpy grumbling
  • 5730- he takes a rare day off, truly, and we are only delighted to breakfast together, linger
  • 5729- pat somehow ends up with an old photo of my husband and johnny on a job site - a hairy pair of skinny guys, let me tell you
  • 5728- moms treatment done...and now we wait...she is my hero
  • 5727- missing you
  • 5726- 9 year old asking if everyone in our family farts like we do
  • 5725- she has my tendency to rearrange rooms
  • 5724- off to the movies
  • 5723- bridgets generosity to kyla
  • 5722- rigid religiosity on display at a dear friends funeral, aaargh, and then the pope speaks to the same, alleluia
  • 5721- thank you God for friendship like this
  • 5720- long lingering, bread breaking, cozy corner girl chat
  • 5719- newlyweds
  • 5718- new hard shoes that once were Ryans and she feels lucky
  • 5717- waiting for lessons to finish
  • 5716- girls night planned with my best friend for my birthday
  • 5715- neighborhood cat mewing at our window
  • 5714- she does love her mice
  • 5713- mmmm, good kisses welcome me home (9 year old is playing at the neighbors)
  • 5712- cutting flowers for the vase
  • 5711- swabbing the decks to oil them for lucas - no more tiny splinters in little hands
  • 5710- roar of an airplane overhead, long lingering sound
  • 5709- those that would pretend their expertise
  • 5708- fr sheahan loves to teach, eager for it, enthusiastic
  • 5707- a friends note of thanks and praise for a coworker retiring
  • 5706- working from home and I get a lot accomplished
  • 5705- realizing our weekly visits soon come to an end as he starts kindergarten
  • 5705- sweet nutty smell of one flower from my godson michael filling my senses after they leave, dropped casually on my desk
  • 5704-family businesses
  • 5703- my dentist, the mad professor
  • 5702- the difference between boys and girls idea of fun evidenced in the jumpy
  • 5701- balloon animals line of eager kids with patience hard won
  • 5700- fr mike and I with our cameras
  • 5699- she got the biggest stuffed animal at the festival-a huge neon colored dodo bird
  • 5698- pentecost parties
  • 5697- free prints
  • 5696- everything green out my window
  • 5695- sweeping a space clear on the table to write
  • 5694- the constancy of memory, when S described my work as giving God away
  • 5693- loose long dresses
  • 5692- seeing my friends gathered around the tables at reteat
  • 5691- visual prayer
  • 5690- 4 holy priests sharing their lives with us in joy and good friendship
  • 5689- his most familiar short prayer - oh crap, and we all love him for his humanity
  • 5688- "you have to remember I am only 9...I'm tall, but I am just a kid" says she
  • 5687- yes, i need reminding
  • 5686- shucking corn
  • 5685- rich hues, spring
  • 5684- so you think you can dance
  • 5683- gentleness
  • 5682- husband admiring my new le creuset pan, after washing up the dishes, calls it festive (as was the occasion)
  • 5681- showing up on the wrong day
  • 5680- where in the world are you going
  • 5679- i think i've got an idea
  • 5678- fun number runs
  • 5677- lucas gives her a lingering hug goodbye
  • 5676- slow day
  • 5675- she bakes her first tarts, and she eats them all
  • 5674- monkey and woody on the floor, and grateful bending again
  • 5673- hummingbirds in the fountain and a brief flapping whir on the wire
  • 5672- fresh whipped cream, and after they leave, he takes spoonfuls with chocolate chips
  • 5671- my window is all reflection in the light
  • 5670- flamingo colored clouds at sunrise
  • 5669- an afternoon gathering at Celestina's and I find so many friends there
  • 5668- he dashes out, quick goodbye, he's late
  • 5667- lovely lavender
  • 5666- gosh st paul was right...for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate
  • 5665- curling in beside her, back rub and soft talk
  • 5664- mermaids
  • 5663- plans that change
  • 5662- I close my eyes and He is right there with me
  • 5661- envelope propped in the kitchen that just reads...Mom
  • 5660- it's hot, out comes the fan
  • 5659- love letter gospel
  • 5658- summation
  • 5657- babies steal the show and she who was once baby feels the loss of being 'just a kid'
  • 5656- owl hoots
  • 5655- haagen daz vanilla bean gelato has Conor asking for seconds
  • 5654- lucas' first measurement on the wall, and his papa adds his own too!
  • 5653- that feeling when a child 'settles' into you
  • 5652- all the girls in the kitchen, cleaning mussels and chatting away as we prepare the feast
  • 5651- inflatable world and easy delight
  • 5650- to just sit and enjoy the backyard, read a little, but mostly, just sit
  • 5649- happy mothers day
  • 5648- this girl can draw some good healthy boundaries
  • 5647- I am so proud of how she stands for herself, for what she believes
  • 5646- kylas good dance rhythm, rockin in the car
  • 5645- so grateful for my good pastor and boss
  • 5644- working together to tidy the house
  • 5643- keeping it real
  • 5642- prayed in, the talk goes well and god is indeed glorified
  • 5641- the money just fell through my hands
  • 5640- he puts the face on dog-tired, coming in from too many days working
  • 5639- the pope telling us not to be sourpusses, love it
  • 5638- I am so proud of how she stands for herself, for what she believes
  • 5637- how very much I love you
  • 5636- package from jessica, that is so 'us'
  • 5635- she points out that I AM older than the other moms
  • 5634- stretching, dancing, fun
  • 5633- tangle of morning hair swept off my face
  • 5632- the laughter of a friend
  • 5631- how michael hands me flowers at bible study
  • 5630- taking pictures
  • 5629- cutting flowers for our table
  • 5628- finding her a horse camp
  • 5627- his hand reaching for mine
  • 5626- irish humor, rare mix
  • 5625- thanking diana again for her amazing help that brought so much healing all those years ago now
  • 5624- white winged flash of the owls swooping by
  • 5623- early morning hello and goodbye
  • 5622- lemon poppy bundt cake quick disappearing act with those 3 at the table, and I love it
  • 5621- tears and fears in her young heart, working out the tangle of friends, self acceptance and all that tumultuous road holds
  • 5620- water falling
  • 5619- island beauty
  • 5618- retreat gathering is a glad reunion
  • 5617- broken gifts
  • 5616- a grandmother pours her heart out while i listen
  • 5615- i just want to play hookey with him
  • 5614- praying together with hands clasped to one another
  • 5613- outdoors
  • 5612- how tired raises voices, immobilizes
  • 5611- grace recognized upon reflection
  • 5610- give it away
  • 5609- weeding together
  • 5608- fresh flowers
  • 5607- accidents happen
  • 5606- notes passed
  • 5605- not to miss the moments
  • 5604- clarabella
  • 5603- disappointment in the tone of one 'celebration' and rejoicing over the second
  • 5602- father and son working together
  • 5601- lamp light
  • 5600- we measure our bare feet, sole to sole, and she's nearly my size
  • 5599- she's nine and feeling stressed over homework...i hate it
  • 5598- the breeze carries the scent of flowers
  • 5597- i decide to walk early...and it rains
  • 5596- morning cuppa with my dad
  • 5595- kindness
  • 5594- i sleep on the sofa, he's on the floor
  • 5593- table crowded with family
  • 5592- front door pile up as we greet one another
  • 5591- cooking from scratch
  • 5590- quick text and next thing you know there's a party going on
  • 5589- surprise visits
  • 5588- how she laughs, telling her story of adventure
  • 5587- the feel of pulling your hair up into a knot that holds only briefly but is like clearing away the cobwebs in some strange way
  • 5586- the light behind me
  • 5585- we are a family that does things together, love how everyone pitches in
  • 5584- swimsuit from big sis and she's only delighted
  • 5583- a morning with Fr Larry, so good
  • 5582- marine layer mornings, sunny afternoons
  • 5581- lunch with two of my dearest friends, so good
  • 5580- the man waiting for the bus every day as we leave, so today we wave and he breaks into a face full of sunshine, waves back his delight
  • 5579- girls giggling on the floor in hysterics as the pet mice crawl up their legs
  • 5578- we're all pitching in on the homework tonight (I'm typing up an essay-he's helping her with fractions)
  • 5577- grandma's iris blooms in the backyard
  • 5576- piles of tissue - spring has sprung upon me
  • 5575- that weary edge to my voice that I need to tear away so that it doesn't seem I am weary of those I love - the subtlety of poor communication
  • 5574- a day without the computer and I am sorting through books and finding so much memory there
  • 5573- rearranging my office and it's good
  • 5572- making those key moments good-the morning send off, the welcome home...the daily routine graces
  • 5571- evening light along the lake
  • 5570- shaking out the tablecloth in the backyard, I stop and feel the sun's warmth...soak it in
  • 5569- what must heaven be like, when this world is so magnificent?
  • 5568- her long blonde hair leaves singular strands everywhere and I know one day I will miss these golden threads
  • 5567- afterward, thinking how I should have responded, and yes, repenting, ready to try again
  • 5566- macaroons with a drizzle of dark chocolate
  • 5565- straw hat
  • 5564- those little familial interactions of push and tug as they grow
  • 5563- he takes my hand as we walk the lake
  • 5562- prayers for Boston, and relief as I call my friend whose daughter runs every year and learn she is not there
  • 5561- pellegrino; agua con gas
  • 5560- math homework
  • 5559- my sons video creation of lucas' second year
  • 5558- wedding photos that bring back the moments
  • 5557- I overhear her speaking and realize she is talking 'confidentially' to her mouse
  • 5556- watching kyla looking up to her cousin bridget
  • 5555- to the theater to see Damian, so good
  • 5554- rummaging
  • 5553- bible study blessings
  • 5552- pickle sandwiches
  • 5551- the whole crowd with heads of white hair, yes, we're there
  • 5550- mom, what can I eat? I'm a little hungry - growing girl appetite
  • 5549- my freckle-faced girl on my lap
  • 5548- I'm messy and I know it
  • 5547- making apple fritters for Sunday breakfast
  • 5546- parachute fun for all
  • 5545- grandpa at play
  • 5544- guitar man
  • 5543- lucas dipping his finger into his birthday banana cream pie and sharing licks with me
  • 5542- morning glory takeover has begun
  • 5541- japanese maple purple leaves unfurling
  • 5540- when you wish you could close the distance
  • 5539- my brother calls me back and I start balling right in the middle of target while he quietly reassures me
  • 5538- my mom is tough, my mom is tender
  • 5537- he'll take her to the feis on his own, road trip adventure on the horizon
  • 5536- papas new mouse house is just the ticket and the little critters are quite happy in their new digs
  • 5535- lingering quiet talk with mom before she begins radiation again, please pray
  • 5534- the promise of a key of her own that thrills her
  • 5533- watching the clock so we can all dive on the sofa to watch the singing show
  • 5532- flow of tears
  • 5531- i see them walking, holding hands...I think of you
  • 5530- a few flowers from the garden, in an old swedish pewter cup
  • 5529- soft reflection of light off the wood floor
  • 5528- this evenings score; mice 6-homework 1! but she does get it done...
  • 5527- dinner ready as they come home famished, and they sit down eagerly
  • 5526- happy birthday lucas, we love you!
  • 5525- a new morning and the birds never fail to sing a new song
  • 5524- photographs
  • 5523- opossum puppet delights and frights, those boys will have a time of it
  • 5522- do you love me - that is the question, isn't it
  • 5521- turns out cornbread is his weakness
  • 5520- twinkles aka roberta should in fact be named houdini
  • 5519- pajama day for kyla-watching oklahoma! on the couch
  • 5518- got a tick on my wooded walk but tbtg my husband got it out...ewwww
  • 5517- saving grace
  • 5516- my doctor is retiring and I am so happy for her, so bummed for me
  • 5515- bidding my girl goodbye in the early morning after a lovely visit
  • 5514- white linen embroidered shirt from oaxacha, yeah
  • 5513- an afternoon on my own
  • 5512- her brave capture of the missing mouse, hurray
  • 5511- old town celebration with la familia
  • 5510- big sis, little sis late chat on the couch
  • 5509- bringing home wild lilacs... sweet scented beauties
  • 5508- wooded walks and waterfalls
  • 5507- papa breaking her geode and the white sparkle insides spill out to oohs and ahhs
  • 5506- 3 girls to the movies, 'from up on poppy hill'
  • 5505- tulips wide open
  • 5504- wandering the pioneer cemetery
  • 5503- french bakery delights
  • 5502- driving to the mountains
  • 5501- weather blowing in and the chimes are raucous
  • 5500- jovial sweet parting in the driveway
  • 5499- white tulips in the old green bowl
  • 5498- the gift of this place called home
  • 5497- songbirds wake us, and we linger before the house wakes
  • 5496- food so good I am still savoring it all
  • 5495- lucas finding a hidden egg and I am as proud of him as he is himself
  • 5494- such a wonderful day with family, full of ease and grace and delight
  • 5493- preparing for the feast and the house is abuzz
  • 5492- mass so full of life and love
  • 5491- papa and kyla's easter morning jig
  • 5490- mother daughter time
  • 5489- my grandmother's collander (one I found just like it) and the memories stirred there
  • 5488- he's off to the championships, my tennis ace
  • 5487- relaxing in the back yard with friends
  • 5486- michaels delight at opening his easter gift, small tokens of affection celebrated with child-wonder
  • 5485- settling in to a new rhythm, slowing down and the sun warm on my back
  • 5484- fingers colored as well as eggs
  • 5483- boiling eggs for coloring
  • 5482- papa says ok to getting pet mice, and she stays calm and quietly thankful until she hangs up the phone, and then jumps and jigs and giggles that spill over all the way to the pet store...and home with chloe and twinkles and one over-the-moon girl
  • 5481- she puts the dishes away, to surprise me
  • 5480- all her shoes have holes in the tops - irish dancer toes
  • 5479- my anam cara, soul friend
  • 5478- shade trees
  • 5477- a guitar leans in the corner, a good sign
  • 5476- old lady giggling with tears streaming
  • 5475- the folly of the cross 1 Cor. 18-31
  • 5474- a relic of the cross and I have never been so close, clutching it to my heart
  • 5473- bonne marche he calls out to me, to have a good walk, but it's used as 'a good deal ie bargain' and I think he's right on both counts
  • 5472- I want to walk in the woods, by a babbling stream
  • 5471- moss, damp and soft
  • 5470- spring blossoms on branches
  • 5469- barking dog toy that won't turn off
  • 5468- she compares her life to a book she's read-literary imagination alights
  • 5467- she is 100% says she
  • 5466- our girl falls in love with a mouse
  • 5465- Christ knocking from inside and wanting out! (pope francis imagery)
  • 5464- washing feet or washing dishes, the call is the same
  • 5463- all that holy week holds, compounded in my own flesh and spirit
  • 5462- how one can stand in love, whether in union or in opposition or somewhere in-between
  • 5461- boxes of stone we lift together
  • 5460- meeting in the park, we walk and talk
  • 5459- her little hand in mine
  • 5458- drawing on my fine command of the language, I said nothing
  • 5457- how she lays a path to surprise
  • 5456- he left me a message in a hushed tone and I think it is because the hour is late but I feel the hush of intimacy, wishing the distance away
  • 5455- turning out the lights, walking through our home
  • 5454- lyrical deep gravelly voices
  • 5453- my donation may only be a 'drop in the bucket' but that is exactly what is needed
  • 5452- praying my 'water moments' on world water day and I cannot fathom how terrible a thing so many suffer in the lack of clean water, my heart breaking every time I wash my hands, fill my glass
  • 5451- washing the window and the shine of clean light
  • 5450- passion sunday, the days are upon us
  • 5449- how my son, now father, tells me about his son's sickness, including the poop details; only a child of one's own can do that to anyone
  • 5448- giggling girl with a milkshake
  • 5447- lovely blue paint on the wall
  • 5446- the moment when the stone wall becomes a window
  • 5445- his loyalty - a man who values friendship
  • 5444- we have a pope 'from galilee'
  • 5443- how her hair gets curlier as we walk
  • 5442- a box of costume jewelry-girls delight
  • 5441- the daily morning drive, singing the divine mercy and it working on/in me
  • 5440- tucking her in
  • 5439- planning to surprise
  • 5438- a good walk
  • 5437- the quiet of a friday eve, each settled in to their own occupations of the evening
  • 5436- it's no small thing...
  • 5435- parking lot chats at school
  • 5434- the children reciting in union, yes, we love jesus
  • 5433- lunch out - italian feast
  • 5432- ease of home
  • 5431- evening walk with my friend
  • 5430- the bearded iris blooms in the monastery garden, fragrant of licorice
  • 5429- tin cup of cold milk
  • 5428- michael giving me a wink
  • 5427- he asks which dancer is mine, and I point her out; she's good, and a beauty too, says he. I love good folks who give away kind words, gentle-men and women too
  • 5426- a place for everything and nothing in it's place; overcome by events
  • 5425- child dreams of a hamster in a hammock on her ceiling
  • 5424- early morning prayer before I head to the carmelites to offer a little reflection there
  • 5423- my husband, the good sport
  • 5422- leslie, new scarf wrapped around her neck
  • 5421- warm washcloth on my face at the end of the day
  • 5420- this smiling friendly pope
  • 5419- hospitality that welcomes us at table
  • 5418- papa feeding lucas chips...the ties that bind
  • 5417- softening the sharp tongue
  • 5416- baloons and airplanes in the same sky
  • 5415- the sun warming my back
  • 5414- waiting in a long line for the bumper cars, that break down right at our turn
  • 5413- fr nick, the grand marshall
  • 5412- parades that still feel smalll town-st patrick's day
  • 5411- happy birthday Chris
  • 5410- looking up at the stars
  • 5409- rinsed bowl, and the cool water flowing over its surface and my hands
  • 5408- how she still nestles in my lap happily
  • 5407- Simply do the next thing in love
  • 5406- wisteria blooms
  • 5405- waiting for the beard to soften
  • 5404- a morning of honesty, grace, healing at the parish
  • 5403- little girls breaking each others hearts
  • 5402- the loud thud, and then 'it's ok...i'm alright' says she
  • 5401- tarte tatin delights
  • 5400- simplest fare
  • 5399- When you dwell in the past, it's regrets, when you dwell on the future, it's anxiety
  • 5398- papa rog laughing on the phone as our son tells of his success
  • 5397- a small potted daffodil, bent down, preparing to bloom, this morning has her head raised in readiness
  • 5396- presto pesto for a hungry girl
  • 5395- constancy
  • 5394- quiet and rest
  • 5393- innocence
  • 5392- how she answers the phonecall from Conor, wanders into her room to chat with her big brother
  • 5391- crazy traffic day, so many accidents, lord have mercy
  • 5390- happy birthday Alan aka grandpa
  • 5389- she comes in to thank me for the difference I have made
  • 5388- dilated eyes, and the 'shades' make me look like one of the incredibles
  • 5387- sharing poetry with my eye doctor
  • 5386- pope francis I, bowing and asking for our blessing, so moving as we all stood silent and prayed - how that was happening all over the world
  • 5385- all of us huddled together in the office, watching and waiting for the news
  • 5384- how we've all got our computers live-streaming the Vatican chimney
  • 5383- ripe pineapple juicy good
  • 5382- heading out in the dark to purchase milk for the morning
  • 5381- hands on the piano keys, a young man making light of his gift, plays casually and out the door he goes while I stand, still, savoring the last resounding notes still vibrating along my own skin
  • 5380- a single dove cooing in the dark that fills the quiet and calls forth the dawn, just like that
  • 5379- things need to be done, but we are all too done in to do them, so we just sit together, chat a bit, elbows on the table holding up our weary heads
  • 5378- something different in his voice, it is the sound of happy
  • 5377- new eyeglasses and seeing clearly
  • 5376- hardshoes tapping out their steps, warming up in the hallway
  • 5375- lost in thought at my desk
  • 5374- our godson michael showing me his muscles
  • 5373- my own mom doing so well after surgery
  • 5372- mom...mom...mom...mom
  • 5371- making god's eyes with the 4th grade
  • 5370- girls night out to the pizza parlor
  • 5369- bible discussion at staff
  • 5368- girl shopping and she's too young for these teen styles, but it doesn't bother her, she imagines she'll be this size soon, in a week or two
  • 55367- I answer her question, then she goes and asks dad, and coming back in, offers me, by way of explanation, this 'I wanna be sure, you know'
  • 5366- vip tickets from a friend, the glad gift unforeseen that puts me and 2 girls front row for the American Girl Fashion Show/fundraiser for UCSD NICU
  • 5365- the old man resting on the side steps of the church in his rainbow hat
  • 5364- touching another
  • 5363- always learning, eh
  • 5362- turning up the radio, love this song
  • 5361- soaking wet soil, old clay pots, moss and small pots of flowers, there I stand, completely graced
  • 5360- spring forward
  • 5359- preparations for the Carmelites retreat I am giving on St Patricks Day-pray
  • 5358- rain glistened world
  • 5357- the holy spirit is my forcefield
  • 5356- forming my neuro grooves while I still can
  • 5355- a friends call to share good news from the doctor, TBTG
  • 5354- garden nursery on a rainy day
  • 5353- fell asleep on the sofa and woke there in the morning
  • 5352- how he turns to face me, listening
  • 5351- the subtle disguise of pre-conceived notions
  • 5350- while he stretches his back on the floor, she's stroking his new beard and chatting away- filling his ear
  • 5349- storytelling so good I had him believing it
  • 5348- picking her up at school, she avoids my kiss, then quick change of heart and kisses come with a bear hug too
  • 5347- laughter in the office
  • 5346- bright sun and cold wind
  • 5345- violets bloom, daffodils too
  • 5344- dreaming of disneyland
  • 5343- how she wishes I led choir...but I can't sing, I say, so, she says, you'd bring in singers and we'd have fun, singing should make you smile
  • 5342- betty's hugs
  • 5341- gulping gurgling nursing baby sounds...and then the burp
  • 5340- jessica's voice on the phone
  • 5339- the blue weave of the curtain
  • 5338- birdsong in the dark
  • 5337- tidying up after dinner, I put on some music and we are suddenly dancing in the kitchen
  • 5336- tears to laughter, all in a days work
  • 5335- clearing the clutter (always feels so good)
  • 5334- Fr Just admiring the artwork in my office
  • 5333- hospitality is powerful preaching
  • 5332- late night drive, she sleeps in the seat beside me
  • 5331- she shines, takes four 1st places, and she jumps and squeels her delight, hugging me close (remember this always-I tell my heart)
  • 5330- early drive to pick up her new solo dress on the way to the feis and she laughs that we are meeting at a roadside McDonalds (unlikely place to get an irish dress) but when we get it everything else falls away and the moment is only great!
  • 5329- easy sharing with one who gets you
  • 5328- the funny little 'knowing' chats between a husband and wife
  • 5327- filled the candy dish in my office and all the grownups coming in to sneak a piece (their words) which seems to add to their delight
  • 5326- girlfriend chat in the car
  • 5325- sharing the mystery
  • 5324- old friends and new at Guardian Angels
  • 5323- husband working so hard he falls into bed, asleep before he hits the pillow
  • 5322- 4th grade girl, from giggling joy to crumbling tears; praying my way in to her puberty
  • 5321- newspaper dress up
  • 5320- a table of girls going gaga over an american girl catalog
  • 5319- air guitar
  • 5318- dr. chu, the bright young opthamologist laughing at how badly I need these new glasses, and I tell her of God's kindness that as we age everything takes on a soft glow-no more hard edges; and she tells me of her 3 month old (don't they have the same effect)
  • 5317- 4th grade retreat; so fun, so exhausting
  • 5316- first communion parents
  • 5315- I send her tulips, and as they come thru the hospital room door she says 'those are from my daughter'; she tells me this when I call, delighted
  • 5314- mom had surgery, and my brothers quick call to let me know all is well TBTG
  • 5313- kyla proclaims it cool, asks if she can have it when she can drive-that girl likes to think ahead, a real planner
  • 5312- the young man so like my son, and a pleasure to work with, making the whole car process fun (yep-fun)
  • 5311- trading in the lease and getting a prius and feeling good about it too-lucky me
  • 5310- my best friends laugh
  • 5309- I do find the word so exciting
  • 5308- pajama day for me and my girl
  • 5307- cool fog moistening my face as I walk to the parish
  • 5306- bible study and the congress spills over into the morning
  • 5305- Fr Sheahans enthusiasm to share the experience once home
  • 5304- some voices you could listen to all day
  • 5303- wisdom born of experience
  • 5302- a good sleep
  • 5301- the lives I've witnessed over the years, the folks I knew 'back when' now in full bloom
  • 5300- 4 nuns in full habit licking their ice cream cones, not a word, but bright smiles shared
  • 5299- preachers and poets
  • 5298- Bishop Morneau reciting poetry, and as easy as he weaves the talk he has been woven into my life over the years-good teacher there
  • 5297- 40,000 catholics; diverse but united; the resounding 'one voice' at liturgy
  • 5296- a hotel full of young children jumping for joy; off to Disneyland, and recalling the many memories of this place we've shared
  • 5295- meeting long-time friends and walking off together to grab a bite of dinner
  • 5294- LA religious ed congress-here I come
  • 5293- happy birthday lovely leslie
  • 5292- looking forward to inspiration at congress
  • 5291- I am frustrated by her persistent arguing and he saddles up after, says she'll likely be a lawyer...she is good at this!
  • 5290- a parents heart
  • 5289- 4th grade retreat planning and Carol's good lead
  • 5288- miss me kiss me farewell for a couple of days
  • 5287- 5am and standing at the kitchen window, noticing a bright light outside, peer thru and see it's the moon, low slung and bright, like I could grab a pull-chain and switch it off right there
  • 5286- found-a terrific vintage photo, glimpsing another side of my mom and dad
  • 5285- a community (no, the body of Christ) carrying the grief of a family suffering in the midst
  • 5284- everything outside blown clean, washed bright in morning light
  • 5283- all this wind and I am thinking of the holy spirit and retreat talks are stirring...remember the reading "and the spirit drove Jesus into the desert" and her wide eyed remark..."He had a car!*?"
  • 5282- a friend whose facing down death before our eyes, and we too, with him, silenced by it's approach
  • 5281- friendly corrections and so glad you 'have my back' in things large and small
  • 5280- blustery day
  • 5279- raging wind chimes that must be quieted in the night, and the air and light and wind captvate me in my 3am mission to hush this clanging
  • 5278- feel the cool of the coming storm on the air
  • 5277- red red wine
  • 5276- papa and kyla playful greeting (and how he can play at the end of a long day)
  • 5275- we reach over, hold hands
  • 5274- my phone changes chuck e cheese to church e cheese (spellcheck has had a conversion!)
  • 5273- child's afternoon doldrums overcome by making chocolate bananas
  • 5272- fresh sheets on the bed
  • 5271- lovely salmon & japanese rice
  • 5270- fog rolling in
  • 5269- sometimes mass is a test in itself with 9 year old completely not wanting to be there
  • 5268- seeing lorraine at mass in nazareth house
  • 5267- just sitting and reading
  • 5266- cell phones
  • 5265- hungry home from a day of hard going, he's looking for a quick snack, ripe avocado=guacamole + cerveza = a little bit of heaven to soothe the weary soul
  • 5264- dancer hand-me-downs from her buddy Keelin and she's only thrilled
  • 5263- husband to the rescue, he's off to put his mother's glass eye back in place (oh the things you never dreamed you'd do)
  • 5262- 3 day weekend and no plans, woohoo
  • 5261- baby animals (piglets, hedgehogs etc on the animal planet)
  • 5260- mopped the wood floors and they shine
  • 5259- mother daughter house cleaning adventure - let's do it together as in side by side and we start in one corner, her technique to guide
  • 5258- laughing til the tears roll
  • 5257- measuring for her solo dress, and so excited she is to be here in this moment
  • 5256- beautiful day
  • 5255- funny phone rings
  • 5254- walking at the ferry landing
  • 5253- laughter as we talk of the cross
  • 5252- hands that help
  • 5251- Table sharing on retreat
  • 5250- happy birthday eddie
  • 5249- sore throat helping me keep the silence
  • 5248- red head to toe, she skips out with the lunch she made for a friend
  • 5247- mushroom quesadillas
  • 5246- yesterday we fasted, today we had chocolate strawberries for breakfast
  • 5245- happy valentines day
  • 5244- the smell of sawdust is back in our lives
  • 5243- how I surprise her, child of mine, that I know a thing or two
  • 5242- how the day fills us with joy
  • 5241- ashes reminder, placed upon my forehead by a hand long-serving Christ
  • 5240- morning missa and the priest, deacon and servers are all tapping one foot, eyes closed, as they sing the psalm
  • 5239- on the day of celebration before the fast, a long prayerful journey is answered at last
  • 5238- the lump that has arrived in the middle of the bed
  • 5237- staying up late - chopped champions
  • 5236- movie time, we watch tinkerbell and she can't believe papa is missing this, drags him in near the end, for the big finish
  • 5235- the gratitude game (one-minute race to list all you are thankful for) and papa wins, we girls tie for 2nd til she asks for a tie-breaker and she wins, satisfied at last
  • 5234- strawberries tasting bright with spring
  • 5233- waffles in place of pancakes
  • 5232- happy shrove tuesday
  • 5231- emily and the pope-both retiring
  • 5230- the day flew by
  • 5229- faith lessons from squirrels
  • 5228- pope benedict announcing his stepping down and the ripples run through the catholic community
  • 5227- first I listen, God speaks, then I speak, God listens, but first I must listen...
  • 5226- splurging on a scoop of cherry vanilla homemade ice cream, and every bite hums yum
  • 5225- book club banter
  • 5224- coming home late, quiet to not wake him, til i settle gently in the bed and he surprises me, startles the begeebies outta me
  • 5223- babies, baths and bedtime; such sweet graces found there
  • 5222- sharing a burrito with lucas, who enthusiastically dives in for each bite
  • 5221- willing hands that help so much
  • 5220- how he stashes away the grape lollies just for himself
  • 5219- michael knowing he's my favorite, because he loves me, says he
  • 5218- easy hospitality of our monday morning gatherings
  • 5217- she asks me to paint her nails, tells me she is growing up (and don't I know it, see it, welcome and resist it)
  • 5216- her big sighs as she waits for me to finish
  • 5215- looking forward to seeing lucas tonight
  • 5214- last sip of coffee from the mug
  • 5213- kids show - nurse writes a student (who is attempting to lie his way out of class) an "I D ten T" form=IDIOT
  • 5212- mis-directed anger
  • 5211- home baked breads and butter to spread, every woman smiling as she helps herself to such a treat, comes back for more
  • 5210- fireplace blazing, come in from the cold
  • 5209- first, listen
  • 5208- soulful questions
  • 5207- mother teresa's 'doesn't matter' and the only thing that does, christ, faith working through love
  • 5206- leading a retreat at St Johns and recollecting my encounter of grace at Old St Johns that directed so profoundly my life in Christ
  • 5205- savoring the rare times alone together
  • 5204- nations dance show and the Irish rock the house
  • 5203- how every day he makes me laugh, makes my face break into a smile (which is such a strange expression, eh)
  • 5202- quick connects on the phone
  • 5201- if I were with you I would kiss you
  • 5200-lunch with co-workers and a short drive by the beautiful stormy sea where we work but too seldom visit
  • 5199- a day cloudy and dark, sunny and bright, rainy and cold, windy and crisp, warm and blue-ah southern california winter
  • 5198- leftovers to satisfy all
  • 5197- technology that mystifies and frustrates
  • 5196- holding you in prayer every day
  • 5195- wind chimes resonance
  • 5194- the rush of cold morning air as the front door opens and we say goodbye at the start of the day
  • 5193- siblings taunting one another as their mom chats on, doing her best to nevermind until that 'last straw'
  • 5192- sharing insights from the sunday readings, he covers the placemat in notes
  • 5191- watching as a young man brings back the extra $20 that was overpaid, and it is given to him for his honesty
  • 5190- cheeks blushed rosy
  • 5189- girl with a thousand questions
  • 5188- when the day holds something you are especially looking forward to
  • 5187- lucas' block that rolled under the shelf, and remembering him sitting with kyla in the midst of them all, her building and him happily knocking down
  • 5186- even self-closing drawers need a nudge
  • 5185- how many times can one fall in love with the same man, I don't know, but I am enjoying the discovery
  • 5184- Fr R R kindness in remembering my talk from years ago
  • 5183- not going to the meeting, listening to 'tired, needing home and rest'
  • 5182- trimming her long blonde locks
  • 5181- god made a farmer
  • 5180- god-helpers
  • 5179- playful nicknames
  • 5178- the rattle of the door that tells me she is coming...hello mommy that I've been calling, says she
  • 5177- low-slung moon
  • 5176- the power of listening, the gift of being heard
  • 5175- shoulder squeezes
  • 5174- catching up among friends
  • 5173- smör och kärlek, butter and love; a good swedish recipe
  • 5172- everybody loves a bargain
  • 5171- meeting the neighbors and they all want a peak into the house
  • 5170- mid day summer and afternoon cool
  • 5169- she scoots over til we are connected
  • 5168- drop in friend, anytime
  • 5167- feeling the urge to paint something
  • 5166- cleaning house, and the ahhh of it clean, no other way to get there
  • 5165- forgetting our plans in the midst of it all
  • 5164- clearing the clutter
  • 5163- shyster invoking god
  • 5162- loving the mattress on the floor
  • 5161- giving away the shoes I do not wear
  • 5160- i love you
  • 5159- shopping under pressure to find, aaargh
  • 5158- pics of her whale watching adventure
  • 5157- morning darkness, with the waning moon soft glow and a dash of white cloud streak below, looks like a japanese parinting in the heavens
  • 5156- how she walks up to where he is sitting at table, slings her arm around his shoulder and drops her head down upon him just so
  • 5155- reminder to let my face show my heart
  • 5154- wanted to visit but the folks were lining up at my door, and oh the gifts they left there, burdens laid down
  • 5153- push ups, crunches and planks, oh my
  • 5152- 9 year old tummy trouble cured by home huddles under a blanket shared against the cold and hugs whose tangle lingers while we watch frankenweenie together, all better now
  • 5151- one step forward, one step back-not disaster, just the cha cha
  • 5150- relief at hearing the news lucas is feeling better
  • 5149- baby has a fever and i hear his worry and tender sympathy, as he asks my advice
  • 5148- sunlight sparkle in windshield drops falling slowly, captivating
  • 5147- beautiful broken humanity
  • 5146- she does the skedaddle
  • 5145- brought in the trash cans and how he notices straight away, and thanks me
  • 5144- watching the irish movie together and easing into the brogue
  • 5143- good salsa verde
  • 5142- new dish towels (how do they all end up rags in whatever project is currently going on?)
  • 5141- post its
  • 5140- being mom today meant (among other things) being a shoulder to cry on, the head (reason) having nothing to do with it
  • 5139- a little re-do in her room, now that she's getting 'older', all of 9
  • 5139- happy birthday dad
  • 5138- missing my girls
  • 5137- congress tickets in hand and I am so looking forward to it
  • 5136- receptivity, said JPII, I am still unpacking it's lessons
  • 5135- countless pauses to recollect as I sort through it all
  • 5134- kindness and good words
  • 5133- solo dress approved woohoo
  • 5132- baking a pie
  • 5131- tropical rain making everything fresh and shining
  • 5130- re-arranging the furniture
  • 5129- happy birthday Lee and Sandy
  • 5128- mother-in-law doing well post surgery tbtg
  • 5127- that impatient tone that comes when I am tired out...I want to tear it from my mouth
  • 5126- trains, lots of trains, long freight trains with double engines
  • 5125- walking with dad to get a morning cuppa, and him doing so well
  • 5124- home, and getting ready for 'back at it' first thing in the morning
  • 5123- we stop and get a snack (cheddar popcorn) and he tells her how we discovered it the first time years and years ago
  • 5122- dad's hand in mine
  • 5121- the generous souls who let others shine, and those that cannot do so
  • 5120- it's her lucky day - she wins the raffle basket for disneyland
  • 5119- the power of affirmation, she savors the moment the whole 5 hours we drive home
  • 5118- she dances well, and places too, but when they are calling the names for the trophy slip jig special, she waits (holding her breath) they call name after name and by the time they announce second place she turns to me and says quietly "I didn't make it" even as they announce competitor 296 and call her name for first place. She bounds up with a thrill in her voice that filled my own heart. They loaded her arms with double trophys, the sash of the champion placed on her shoulder, and she beemed her joy as the girls congratulated her. Then she flew back into our arms, hugs and kisses, arms tangled around each other as we shared the moment
  • 5117- her grandparents there to watch her dance, and she's delighted, smiling all the while
  • 5116- supper together on the garden patio, we linger and catch up on family
  • 5115- finally arrive and a lovely reunion with my dad and mary
  • 5114- handpainted sign: fry bread with stuff - stirs the memory
  • 5113- i get us lost misreading the map and he tells me this way is better...repeats the kindness as we head home too
  • 5112- passing sand dunes and the crisp blue line of the canal
  • 5111- that rocky passageway to the desert
  • 5110- forgetting something for the trip but being only a block away so we can turn around
  • 5109- early morning research/preparation
  • 5108- sitting bedside at hospital and the importance of connection in our lives
  • 5107- feeling you are actually helping
  • 5106- just hearing her laugh
  • 5105- waiting
  • 5104- those times i need to write and nothing is there that 'works'
  • 5103- the good priests that are (and have been) a part of my life
  • 5102- finding 'one more thing' to toss in the washer, in time to do so
  • 5101- my husband's humorous note that makes me laugh out loud
  • 5100- folks who are so glad to be helping
  • 5099- unintended consequences
  • 5098- when someone speaks their heart to me
  • 5097- horrified by the dust under the bed, thick as a blanket
  • 5096- waiting in the lobby at Mercy, I keep meeting folks I know coming thru the door, so much so that the guard asks who I am, smiling at the number of little reunions and hugs she'd observed
  • 5095- making the call to the folks in ireland with good news, their tears of joy and relief not held back
  • 5094- too much homework
  • 5093- she tells us of a riddle a boy at school made up, using the word gay. i asked her what it meant...like happy? No, it means something else too, she says, but I don't know how to explain it. I can show you (as my husband and I trade glances) and she stands up and does a kind of hip-hop swagger. the innocence of children and what we too often presume they know just because they speak a word heard.
  • 5092- bright blue of a sky and COLD
  • 5091- just how much a 9 year old heart and head can hold...and I only know the half of it
  • 5090- the avalanche of mothers who are walking a similar road with me
  • 5089- a fortuitous lunch
  • 5088- he is gracious, generous, good-humored and good looking if I do say so myself
  • 5087- sharing a cold beer on a cold day as we finish the work outside
  • 5086- my old button jar becomes a treasure trove of creative adornments for her as she sews her doll a dress by hand
  • 5085- how in the middle of a retreat where I am speaking of Mary's pondering, I am given something to ponder
  • 5084- those who remember your name
  • 5083- not entering the fray
  • 5082- on the feast of the baptism of Jesus, remembering my baptism with pat, she keeps wanting to see the photo again. it's like we can't believe it, all those years ago, and here we are, knit together by god's grace
  • 5081- he tells me I must pull in, not push out, grouting lessons for life
  • 5080- grouting the tiles, he uses the tools and I have my hands all in this dark mud, we are funny working partners so
  • 5079- the handmade tiles of laird plumleigh I place in the frame my husband built
  • 5078- laying stones to the fireplace
  • 5077- took sister's seat, unbeknownst, and her "it's allright dear"
  • 5076- mass at nazareth house sitting with kyla on my left and pat on my right, each holding my hand
  • 5075- crawling under the blanket/tent with her to see
  • 5074- the tent she made over her bed, and sleeps under each night, with it's static electricity stars shooting behind her whirling hand
  • 5073- groceries delivered to our door
  • 5072- sweeping the house, wondering where does all this dust come from, and the thought that I am slowly shedding the stuff myself, letting the dust fall (dust to dust) and in the process discover how everything shines
  • 5071- those who see the heart
  • 5070- watching the old disney movies
  • 5069- good mentors and good stories to share
  • 5068- talent show tryouts have her excited
  • 5067- hannas smiling moon face
  • 5066- what is that color the sky glows just before dawn
  • 5065- lovely cross of stone, given to me quite unexpectedly
  • 5064- cool mist rolling in as we walk to lunch
  • 5063- i rarely answer the phone at night but at husband urging (I drive him crazy with this) I answer and it is an old friend and I am so grateful for the reconnecting, so good to hear his voice
  • 5062- the wounded hearts god sent my way today
  • 5061- dad calls son and he's in new york and I hear papa-proud in his telling
  • 5060- how sweetly she leaves a message on the phone and we smile, overhearing her
  • 5059- Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.Rumi
  • 5058- daffodils breaking ground
  • 5057- the things i miss
  • 5056- new toothbrush
  • 5055- sorbet to soothe
  • 5054- tea bags healing
  • 5053- giggles on the ride home as an old lady rides a scooter across the street while a masked 3 year old flies past her the other way
  • 5052- a child's courage
  • 5051- the love he shows me every day
  • 5050- praying for her in this david & goliath day
  • 5049- tiles long waiting in a box under the bed and now we're setting them for the fireplace
  • 5048- a good rain coming down
  • 5047- wet stones hue and saturation
  • 5046- paths well worn
  • 5045- a day spent in play
  • 5044- she splits her time, snuggles close to papa for a bit, then shifts and snuggles in to me
  • 5043- expanse of space
  • 5042- good books
  • 5041- waiting for her, the car warm and quiet, i lower the seat and doze...jump with a start that i might have missed her, and wander in, just a minute before she's finished, dazed and relieved
  • 5040- the stores have traded their carols and lights for hearts and chocolates, i wander through, my mind subversively humming the beatles 'can't buy me love'
  • 5039- wiping the sill and glancing out the window at the patch of green, the stone wall, water splash and a few fall leaves refusing to live by their name
  • 5038- red vase against the pale wall
  • 5037- the dust i sweep and sweep again, glitter and green castoffs of the feast
  • 5036- small paintbrush in hand and i remember how i love doing this
  • 5035- middle of the night and the bunnies are out everywhere
  • 5034- sleepover fun...until she misses home too much and we walk her in the cold late night back to her house down the street
  • 5033- working side by side
  • 5032- she gets to pick, and so chuck e cheese it is, and they have a blast
  • 5031- the lessons in winning and losing
  • 5030- the glow of christmas lights still welcome here
  • 5029- standing in the cold night air by a hot bright fire
  • 5028- spanish guitar so lovely
  • 5027- best girlfriend, corner booth, hours of conversation...so good
  • 5026- the boom of the old furnace on this cold morning
  • 5025- we fell in love when we were 8, says he
  • 5024- kindle game sounds and her occasional YES!
  • 5023- playfulness
  • 5022- “A man knows when he has found his vocation when he stops thinking about how to live and begins to live.” –Thomas Merton
  • 5021- finding just what she needed
  • 5020- french toast
  • 5019- lucas closes his eyes when he gives his sweet boy kisses
  • 5018- how quickly christmas is stripped away, and so glad we hold on for the full stretch of the season and a world lit in wonder
  • 5017- home projects resume
  • 5016- papa worry as darkness grows and she's not home (but it's earlier than the darkness makes it seem)
  • 5015- an afternoon free, just the two of us
  • 5014- chris's enthusiasm sharing his experience (and pics) of our lady of guadalupe festivities
  • 5013- the surprise of shyness overtaking her
  • 5012- holy mary mother of god, pray for us-good to start the year under her mantle
  • 5011- a good pint of guiness...ok 2
  • 5010- how he asked them to sing 'A Song for Ireland' knowing I love it
  • 5009- 9 year old asking for her next birthday at the local irish pub with mikey and kaitlin dancing
  • 5008- dropping by for a visit
  • 5007- the harbor at dusk
  • 5006- irish you a happy new year!
  • 5005- singing along to the old songs at the field
  • 5004- the last day of the year
  • 5003- keeping Christmas
  • 5002- how the christmas lights prism through my eyeglasses if I glance sideways at them
  • 5001- a grateful child, unsolicited
  • 5000- thunders' roar
  • 4999- omelets for brunch on a rainy day
  • 4998- a twist of burlap ribbon
  • 4997- courage to walk away, to protect what you let your eyes and mind drink in
  • 4996-happy birthday Stephanie
  • 4995- laying out the stones for the fireplace
  • 4994- wine, olives, a slice of cheese...and thou
  • 4993- seeing her kindness
  • 4992- giving her my old embroidered bag from days long passed and she is delighted to have it, didn't know I had anything from 'back then'
  • 4991- the things she left behind
  • 4990- scrubbing the skillet clean
  • 4989- slow days
  • 4988- leftovers and fresh out of the oven baguettes, yum
  • 4987- thoughts of the ones not here and how absence is a kind of presence
  • 4986- raising our glasses in a toast, such a glad gesture
  • 4985- shamrock lights that she can't wait to string up
  • 4984- the surprise gift left on my doorstep (3 little birds sign,,,every little thing is gonna be alright...thanks Gina. I hung it straight away, in my little nook for prayer/work/quiet
  • 4983- the daily vigil of brothers/sons with their mom sick in hospital, seeing her through, and home again thanks be to god. and the remembering of my own brother and I walking a similar road a couple of Christmas's ago
  • 4982- after hosting the feast, he heads to the hospital
  • 4981- 3 grown men, dad and sons, flipping that giant salmon on the grill
  • 4980- sharing good news, and their happiness at hearing it
  • 4979- a beautiful clear day for Christmas and family gatherings in the back yard
  • 4978- teepee time with lucas, his little face peering out with grinning eyes
  • 4977- jessica clipping flowers from my garden for the table, so pretty and perfect
  • 4976- carrot stubs on the porch, the reindeer have been here
  • 4975- word she had to go to hospital Christmas morning of all days, and so it goes
  • 4974- us girls in the kitchen, pajama clad chefs preparing the feast together, so fun
  • 4973- Henry's gift of a watercolor he did, beautiful
  • 4972- Henry's landscape now hangs on our wall
  • 4971- childhood wonder at what Santa brought for her, how did he know
  • 4970- vanishing lemon tarts have vanished
  • 4969- the late night work of christmas
  • 4968- oh, she says, we forgot to read the night before christmas, and so we read it, nestled in bed
  • 4967- an evening of delight
  • 4966- lucas raising his itsy spider from grandma marge for all to see again and again
  • 4965- kyla's blue eyes in a blue dress
  • 4964- how they keep the family tradition
  • 4963- conor and leslie in the kitchen, cooking up a feast
  • 4962- seems the entire island is at mass, o holy night
  • 4961- rog and kyla pitch in - a family affair always
  • 4960- prompting mary and joseph, angels and shepherds at christmas eve mass
  • 4959- slipping on my favorite apron and forgetting to ever take it off
  • 4958- restaurant depot...like a kid in a candy shop
  • 4957- cel with a knife
  • 4956- early morning outing to the fishmongers for Christmas dinner
  • 4955- putting out the old chalkware nativity
  • 4954- early morning chat, cozy on the couch
  • 4953- welcoming travelers
  • 4952- last word every night after tucking her in, spoken from the door 'love you' and as I draw it closed, she says 'love you too'
  • 4951- spontaneous dancing in the hallway
  • 4950- untying knotted shoelaces full of playground grime
  • 4949- she loans me a book on prayer, says its like flowers, and she's never seen them arranged this way, beautiful
  • 4948- handing out christmas gifts to the school children...it is so fun to give
  • 4947- luminarias
  • 4946- msgr gallagher at the parish today - hadn't seen him in ages, his sorrow evident for JJ's passing, life drawing to it's conclusions, not your usual 'run in'
  • 4945- perfectly ripe avocado, salt & pepper, and a spoon
  • 4944- watching Miracle on 34th Street together, believers all
  • 4943- blackberries perfect burst in my mouth
  • 4942- mailing photos to my mom
  • 4941- picture of my husband with a full head of dark hair
  • 4940- papas chapstick to soothe her sore lips from fever and cold
  • 4939- frozen yogurt that soothes the throat
  • 4938- sitting in the darkness before dawn
  • 4937- grandma's christmas box arrives to Kyla's delight
  • 4936- hate cleaning the stovetop, love it clean
  • 4935- sleeping the day away
  • 4934- huddled sick on the couch together, a yuck of a bug
  • 4933- christmas cards in the mail
  • 4932- made eggsalad for her lunch tomorrow, but we've eaten it all by days end, the goodness of the simplest fare
  • 4931- hearing husband in the other room shout out his victory after winning a tough game of chess online
  • 4930- the confidences we share, long time lovers and friends
  • 4929- the constancy of surprise in the world
  • 4928- he takes me in the back room, shares his good news
  • 4927- i lay on the bed with my girl as she weeps out her struggles with friends at school, hold her close, to listen and comfort, and i am so grateful for this moment even as I struggle with the emotional growing pains children (we) inflict on one another
  • 4926- making chocolate reindeer cookies and the licking of sticky fingers that drives her back to the sink to wash again and again - but i just can't help it, she says, with chocolate on her nose
  • 4925- shattered hearts and families held in prayer in our own hearts broken by their loss
  • 4924- my playlist closed and missing 3 little birds
  • 4923- remembering together the french families camping on the costa brava in such style
  • 4922- suddenly its privacy she seeks, growing girl before us
  • 4921- the tug and tangle of love
  • 4920- sitting on the floor with joan, sharing joy-filled memories from early fall
  • 4919- waiting for a decision that will shape our future we find ourselves open and at peace 'either way'
  • 4918- the search is on for her solo dress, well earned
  • 4917- praying at sunrise for those poor families in their grief
  • 4916- sparkly snowflakes hung in the window
  • 4915- wrapping gifts for those i love
  • 4914- husband avoiding us with our stuffy heads, trying to keep well in the midst
  • 4913- the gift of prayer, a place to turn that is sure
  • 4912- weeping with those who mourn
  • 4911- rain and blue skies interplay
  • 4910- my daughters kind words that touch ny heart
  • 4909- blushing cheeks
  • 4908- little one sick and the tissues piled high as evidence of her suffering
  • 4907- fresh baked cookies to surprise her
  • 4906- how I stretch out, hog the couch, and he gives me room, rubs my foot, kindness in his nature
  • 4905- those that help us
  • 4904- little visit with michael on his baptism day, so dear to me
  • 4903- oatmeal with nuts and fruit
  • 4902- jenny coming to sing for us, and it such a prayerful moment
  • 4901- long drive to the desert to give a retreat and I am enjoying the scenery
  • 4900- he walks me out to the car, and we enjoy a late night, sleepy mom chat which I savor all the way home
  • 4899- baby bedtime, so sweet
  • 4898- lucas giving kyla kisses...and kisses...and kisses
  • 4897- babysitting lucas, we all join in for the fun
  • 4896- pina colada poolside, december in the desert
  • 4895- a scramble to get her ready and just as we finish she's called on stage for her 4th place trophy, after having made it to prizewinner in the reel, jig and hornpipe woohoo
  • 4894- good humor under duress, such a gift
  • 4893- his cool head as I lost the keys, found eventually in the trunk (unlocked thanks to auto insurance) inside the irish wig in the bag in the bucket, and how he found them only God knows
  • 4892- sure he'll not join us after a lot of tennis and defeat besides, he drives out to our delight
  • 4891- the waiter that gives her pointers for her competition - forget everything around you - be confident and do what you know
  • 4890- mother daughter 'girl talk' at dinner (yes...that talk)
  • 4889- off to claddagh feile nollaig feis
  • 4888- grand prix and he plays well, happy to have won
  • 4887- good salsa
  • 4886- backrubs
  • 4885- decorating the tree together
  • 4884- christmas lights in morning darkness
  • 4883- fresh tablecloth
  • 4882- braces off for a while as teeth come in and she keeps licking her teeth, so smooth
  • 4881- happy st nicholas day
  • 4880- seeing her walk up to her friend and place her arm around her, lean into her, no words...just friendship there
  • 4879- work night becomes a free night and it is so nice
  • 4878- holding hands around the table with little lucas' in mine
  • 4877- watching her traditional set steps over and over and over
  • 4876- sitting in the backyard and having a chat
  • 4875- honey off the spoon
  • 4874- fr nick's encouragement following the retreat day
  • 4873- her morning rush to the house to see the day's surprise...christ (mas) is coming
  • 4872- she comes home from the old mission having made her own dung adobe tile
  • 4871- advent house preparations
  • 4870- little italy delis and men walking past, greeting each other, buongiorno
  • 4869- Einstein wrote that anyone who's not lost in rapturous awe at the power and glory of the mind behind the universe is as good as a burnt-out candle
  • 4868- those phone calls you don't want to end
  • 4867- before his goodnight kiss, he drills her in her multiplication tables
  • 4866- the brightness of moonlight at midnight
  • 4865- wet wood on the deck gleaming
  • 4864- how we both paused, and saw the same thing
  • 4863- youth retreat planning and it all comes back- thanks Fr Charlie and Rog for SEARCH, you gave me Jesus there, changed the course of my life
  • 4862- watching an old video with our 9 year old, in it, she must be 3 and she's doing her princess dance, and we are both loving this wee one we watch, and she slips her arm around my shoulder
  • 4861- the jokes on me and i can hear god laughing
  • 4860- thinking i'm late i dash out to discover as i head over the bridge that the clock where I had been was way fast and i had plenty of time and in that moment feel the relief and thank the good lord for ease, for turning my stressing to blessing
  • 4859- a husband whose thank you's come so easy
  • 4858- good strong words that say what they mean
  • 4857- happy birthday henry
  • 4856- husband ends his email 'ytb', you too babe? I ask...you're the best, he replies - how he loves to use these little shortcuts, puzzling me
  • 4855- a young womans generosity in the midst of her own suffering, to bring the joy of table fellowship and feasting to others
  • 4854- the easy accommodating flow among my coworkers
  • 4853- seeing him heavy laden, a rare glimspe of the cross he bears
  • 4852- love wins out, and she gladly shows the ring to prove it, her face shining he loves me
  • 4851- it's cold, we all agree, arms wrapped tight, glad for the change in weather (tho it's really not cold at all by any standards but our own)
  • 4850- ice skating in socks across the wood floor
  • 4849- piano tuner with his lovely accent (I'm a sucker for accents)
  • 4848- women's tears everywhere I turn this morning, binding up wounds with Jesus
  • 4847- at dinner she says, I have a question...what exactly is the f-word? papa and I look at each other (here it is, another moment when the world breaks in to disrupt the innocence so dear to us) ...its a way of saying a bad word without saying it...she thinks a moment, then ahh, she speaks in hushed voice...I know what it is...and whispers fart
  • 4846- we both oversleep, make the mad dash to school, hair still wet but oh so glad for the rest
  • 4845- taking the hands of the one you love
  • 4844- taking my husband's 88 yr old mom shopping for an easy-lift chair and watching her turn playful with the salesman, still a lot of spunk there
  • 4843- want some wine he asks...oh yes
  • 4842- the christmas lights are up, one of my favorite things about christmas, letting the lights shine out their glad news
  • 4841- clean windows; thanks babe
  • 4840- unwrapping christmas treasures full of fond memory
  • 4839- sr carmel chance meeting after years that instantly vanish
  • 4838- girls crafting in the playhouse, backyard fireplace roaring, fountain flowing, and our sons gift of a soundsystem playing some mellow tunes...this is the life, we say, cozy together
  • 4837- backyard fire and s'mores and we are pronounced 'cool'
  • 4836- quiet
  • 4835- papas who gobble up the tasty morsels left on their child's plate
  • 4834- some playful soul put rolly eyes on the recycle bin and gave it personality-see kyla's page
  • 4833- the beauty of a gray afternoon at the beach, dark water, big clouds with breaking light, crashing waves
  • 4832- i gained 5 lbs eating humble pie, and lost the weight in his laugh
  • 4831- lights twinkling in trees
  • 4830- advent joy meets grumpy girl
  • 4829- walking along the river thanksgiving day
  • 4819- raspberry turnovers hot from the oven
  • 4818- papa pulling down the spent vines while we plant new blooms at the foot of st francis
  • 4817- run after God with all your heart. then follow your heart
  • 4816- preparing the flower bed for new planting and the musky scent of soil
  • 4815- blue curtains ready to hang
  • 4814- my ears finally opening after the flight
  • 4813- msgr gallagher, god bless him
  • 4812- happy baptism feastday kyla, the day you were sunk deeply in the trinity
  • 4811- my familiar morning cuppa, so good I thank the lord doubly
  • 4810- lead with your heart, I'd told her, and have fun. I hear her teaching her friend a step or two, and then herself, echoing my words encouragingly
  • 4809- she wakes, dancing still, refining herself
  • 4808- walking through the house, turning out the lights as we go to bed
  • 4807- girls looking in the mirror and seeing their own beauty unfolding
  • 4806- raindrops on windows
  • 4805- ears plugged from the plane, I can't hear a thing. I am like an old woman, 'what's that you say?' Lord deliver us
  • 4804- the red glitter is out - must be christmas coming soon
  • 4803- sleeping in our own beds, like stones, and rising late, and slowly too, into the day
  • 4802- how she still loves to play with the dough at filippis
  • 4801- home, and papa love to greet us
  • 4800- airport alarms that have me removing more and more (oh my) until finally they realize its my hair clip
  • 4799- letting the hard moments go as quickly as they come, and lingering over the good - thanks Conor
  • 4798- his calls in the midst of this happy chaos
  • 4797- spoons on noses
  • 4796- someone hands me holy water, and I pray the Lord's blessing upon their ghillied feet before they compete
  • 4795- girls playful at table while we moms enjoy the quiet (no reels playing here, except in our heads) with a glass of good red wine, ahhhh
  • 4794- giving away god's love
  • 4793- the 'camps' set up everywhere along the hallways, and everyone leaving their things without a worry, knowing the crowd we're in are a family of sorts, bound by the dance
  • 4792- watching her lead with her heart, stand tall and confident, while I know she's quieting her own nervous storm within
  • 4791- exploring Seattle in the rain, she proclaims this the best best best BEST day of her life
  • 4790- mother daughter time just for us
  • 4789- jumping rain puddles and giggling as we dash in
  • 4788- the irish take over downtown simply with the dance (and the wigs!)
  • 4787- the irish dramas, set to dance, so fun
  • 4786- watching the bird under wing FLY across the stage and shine
  • 4785- nervous, she reaches over and takes my hand
  • 4784- how travel really is such a grand adventure
  • 4783- Oireachtas-here we come
  • 4782- his heart to soothe and protect his girl
  • 4781- cold, I tuck the blankets snug around her and she sighs her comfort, kisses me goodnight cozy
  • 4780- on the phone we talk about how everyone has a phone in their pocket but nobody wants to make a call...hmmm
  • 4779- leading with the heart, dance lessons for life
  • 4778- It began in mystery and it will end in mystery, but what a rare and beautiful country lies in between
  • 4777- hearing the refrain of lessons shared
  • 4776- happy birthday conor
  • 4775- my mystery bruise and his worry
  • 4774- what is it about chips and salsa that makes a fiesta of friends
  • 4773- my husband sharing encouraging news for us
  • 4772- down time
  • 4771- I tell her I've a gift better than candy-give her a wooden cross to wear and she shines, deacon frank blesses it, and the blessings spill over on us
  • 4770- such an easy grace at the staff mtg
  • 4769- leaving the market I am greeted with the sound of a dad and 2 toddlers, giggling away
  • 4768- kyla discovers poetry and loves the reading aloud of it
  • 4767- hot shower and plenty of it washing over me
  • 4766- watching her swell with confidence
  • 4765- an instructor's encouragement and good help
  • 4764- the thunder foot of dance lessons echoing through the room
  • 4763- frost sparkling in morning light
  • 4762- how he writes me out a map so I won't feel lost
  • 4761- a screen dusty from neglect, dear laptop, I did not miss you
  • 4760- falling asleep like a stone, his hand holding mine
  • 4759- looking forward to my own bed
  • 4758- birthday party surprise thrills her & gives us an evening alone
  • 4757- how his laughter makes me glad
  • 4756- the photo of my baptism and perusing my bible together
  • 4755- holy spirit and galilee times
  • 4754- how much Rogers faith has shaped my own and encouraged me
  • 4753- sitting at the kitchen table, sharing and recollecting
  • 4752- arriving home at the same time
  • 4751- woman to woman, the grace of our common sisterhood
  • 4750- conversation fireside
  • 4749- to dance
  • 4748- cherokee prayer in the meadow
  • 4747- solitude enjoyed in a rocking chair on these cold starry nights
  • 4746- Jenny Pixler, sacred silence which she practised in our midst
  • 4745- beautiful women of God
  • 4744- enormous snowflakes falling like grace
  • 4743- the temperature dropping as I ascend the mountain, chilly and dark
  • 4742- a gorgeous drive to the mountains
  • 4741- chasing fear away
  • 4740- the complicated stories of love
  • 4739- the quiet thanks received as they depart
  • 4738- love and loss
  • 4737- time to linger cozy
  • 4736- sick child home and a quiet day
  • 4735- my husbands encouragement
  • 4734- toddler hugs
  • 4733- fall color
  • 4732- those praying for me as I prepare
  • 4731- msgr's heart like Gods own
  • 4730- how gaining an hour just means I'm up extra early
  • 4729- teaching her how to negotiate thru life with gratitude and generosity
  • 4728- oireachtas team shirt stenciled and ready to go
  • 4727- when leadership is so obviously needed
  • 4726- triplets over to play and it's a girlquake
  • 4725- papa and superman
  • 4724- retreat preparations spilling out
  • 4723- a friend's heartache that spills out as we cross the street
  • 4722- she hugs me and won't let go and I remember
  • 4721- mermaid braids
  • 4720- trick or treating with two giggling bumblebees
  • 4719- sloooooow down
  • 4718- heart to heart chats
  • 4717- seeing another credited with 'my idea' I am instantly reminded of St Therese, little flower who got upset when the sisters took her idea as their own and then realized it belonged to the holy spirit and to think it belonged to her would be to become like the donkey carrying the saintly relics along the road and thinking all the fanfare was meant for it...moral, don't be an ass...and yes, I smiled at the good of it, felt good too, having her guidance
  • 4716- when 'what to do' isn't an easy discernment
  • 4715- the fun we have, just the two of us
  • 4714- sharing lunch
  • 4713- father and son, mirror images
  • 4712- oireachtas final preparations begin
  • 4711- how my arms ache to hold her
  • 4710- how she gets herself ready now, tall girl capable of so much
  • 4709- husband eavesdropping, then singing; brought into the conversation
  • 4708- encouragers
  • 4707- team meetings on skype
  • 4706- frustration trying to communicate
  • 4705- that photo of jessica shining in the days glow
  • 4704- sitting close
  • 4703- wet grass
  • 4702- driving to work on a gorgeous morning reminding me of what others woke to this day
  • 4701- praying for Peter and all in the storms path
  • 4700- halloween decorating
  • 4699- crispy good that we both like
  • 4698- the male and female perspective
  • 4697- this house which is an act of faith itself
  • 4696- how the house smells clean
  • 4695- mopping the floors
  • 4694- under a shady tree we stop and pray
  • 4693- he wants to play the piano again
  • 4692- bed, at the end of a long day
  • 4691- paper boxes, child gifts for teacher
  • 4690- pondering what homemade gifts we might make this year
  • 4689- girls and frosting and sprinkles and giggles and nibbles sweet
  • 4688- pumpkin cookies
  • 4687- pen to paper
  • 4686- my 9 year old fashion consultant
  • 4685- how his heart holds his family
  • 4684- silence
  • 4683- long freight trains
  • 4682- back road detour by the dirt farms
  • 4681- driving to the desert
  • 4680- orange harvest moon
  • 4679- laughter is the best medicine
  • 4678- how we all sit, heads down, reflecting on the questions posed
  • 4677- stirring faith
  • 4676- returning to the place where anger ran deep to find that well is just a hole in the ground
  • 4675- a day spent cleaning and sorting her room, now everything old is new again
  • 4674- he makes my tired self smile-big
  • 4673- talking about learning to drive and the images of dad in the driveway, washing and waxing the car, happy, that fill my head
  • 4672- light and shadows
  • 4671- how quickly childhood endearments vanish (missing Michaels nickname for me)
  • 4670- my mom laughing on the phone, hard to hang-up
  • 4669- crowding in her room together, the bed a makeshift table, strewn with pizza boxes
  • 4668- three rainbows in the morning sky
  • 4667- jack-o-lanterns glow
  • 4666- losing myself in thought
  • 4665- a slow morning
  • 4664- just being a kid
  • 4663- lucas clapping
  • 4662- my son the filmmaker and his lovely editor
  • 4661- warm egg salad
  • 4660- a person at ease with themselves
  • 4659- Rodriguez
  • 4658- a great night carving pumpkins with C & L
  • 4657- working all day and coming home tired; the struggle, as my husband put it long ago, when they get the best of you and home gets the rest of you
  • 4656- bible study group so eager for His grace
  • 4655- the common ground of their hearts
  • 4654- tears of joy shared, laughing crying good
  • 4653- the silence before the morning wakes
  • 4652- novel ideas
  • 4651- evening mass and dinner at her favorite spot on the island
  • 4650- herself explaining she's older now and maybe we could do a little scary on the porch - she picks a big spider and declares it perfect, whooooo
  • 4649- fidgety folk
  • 4648- listening to the rhythm of the falling rain
  • 4647- cloudy fall days and a cool wind blows
  • 4646- soothing sound of the fountain outside, delicate breeze stirring the chimes
  • 4645- a good and gifted teacher
  • 4644- the conversation that deepens as we clean up after the meeting
  • 4643- everyone needs a little appreciation, eh
  • 4642- date night at dance class - we ask for a waitress we like but do not know by name, but the hostess is sure she knows and seats us accordingly. Our waitress (not the one we were looking for) is delighted that we have requested her (if not a little confused) and her glad service keeps us smiling all evening
  • 4641- too much to do so I clear the unessentials and ahhh relief is instant
  • 4640- the kind-hearted
  • 4639- following the distraction in prayer, as good ignatius instructs, brings me to the very place where God wanted to heal me, tbtg
  • 4638- the Friend of God has these three qualities: a generosity like that of the ocean, a compassion like that of the sun, and a humility like that of the earth
  • 4637- the clouds are pink, the sky is blue, good morning glory
  • 4636- buying groceries for the prayer workshop becomes a moment of shared faith
  • 4635- reading the glass castle
  • 4634- the small world of irish dancers
  • 4633- chinese take-away
  • 4632- susan in her maiden's crown of flowers
  • 4631- lighthearted banter at home
  • 4630- voice
  • 4629- between dark and dawn, my reflection ghostly in the window, and then I smile and watch as the light fills me til I fade from view
  • 4628- hearing his worry, trying to lighten his load
  • 4627- a kiss on the cheek
  • 4626- mini-pumpkin bunnies that keep the girls giggling their fun
  • 4625- ooey gooey handprints on the door that kyla points out, charming lucas memory
  • 4624- sunday family dinners
  • 4623- margarita mamas
  • 4622- leslies pumpkin pie to top the evening meal
  • 4621- bible study photo, thanks stephanie
  • 4620- how easily attitude begets attitude, the good, the bad, the ugly
  • 4619- affirmations
  • 4618- crossing the bridge, fog below and blue skies above, like driving over the clouds
  • 4617- Take care of yourself — you never know when the world will need you
  • 4616- i can still feel her arm around my waist as we walked along together, such a graced moment
  • 4615- the little touches she thought about so carefully
  • 4614- the discipline parenting takes (on the grown-ups that is)
  • 4613- conversations that you don't want to end
  • 4612- a ball and a sheet and suddenly there's a friendly ghost hovering on our porch
  • 4611- the priests 'telling tales' and laughing at the good of it together, and us all feeling in on the jokes
  • 4610- fr mikes prayer insights
  • 4609- she chooses a bumblebee costume for halloween and she's only thrilled
  • 4608- how we have befriended the 'grumpy' store owner
  • 4607- girl with the giggles
  • 4606- the spot
  • 4605- how she can't believe we went there on dates
  • 4604- champagne taste on a beer budget
  • 4603- holding hands all
  • 4602- tides in and the crashing waves are magnificent
  • 4601- kyla and dad tossing the frisbee
  • 4600- walking along the cove at sunset
  • 4599- slippers on tired feet
  • 4598- taking the time together
  • 4597- gratefulness expressed
  • 4596- the chieftans
  • 4595- enthusiasm, can't be beat
  • 4594- prayers for a friend who is not doing well
  • 4593- laughing on retreat, alot
  • 4592- fr larry's latin lesson
  • 4591- bookclub gathering and peggy turns 92
  • 4590- much to do, and i am doing nothing
  • 4589- hanna and the goat
  • 4588- memories shared in family banter
  • 4587- the dust under the sofa, thick enough to write in
  • 4586- loving my work
  • 4585- a little patch of green grass out our back door
  • 4584- scooters cast aside as they run in to play
  • 4583- clouds in the sky, bright and dark, the light in constant play
  • 4582- jackets tossed on the back of the chair
  • 4581- ribbons blowing in the wind
  • 4580- the ahh of sticking my hair up on a hot afternoon
  • 4579- ducks on the pond
  • 4578- how kids love to kick up dust, not a bother about the fact that it is dust and it's getting everywhere
  • 4577- a soft wrap against the cool of the evening
  • 4576- kyla big enough to help watch lucas
  • 4575- roger ever the host
  • 4574- a family bible
  • 4573- tall pines and filtered light
  • 4572-wave, conor says, and we all do, wide grinning bunch
  • 4571- walking into the room and all I see is how shining she looks
  • 4570- foggy early morning, and we're all there working together
  • 4569- the treat of lunch together
  • 4568- an evening walk
  • 4567- old black and white photos
  • 4566- sunny afternoon poolside
  • 4565- the feel of his hands on my shoulder
  • 4564- an old classic suitcase
  • 4563- the fantastic fun of us girls sweeping through the store and finding treasures fit for the occasion
  • 4562- seeing lisa again after so many years
  • 4561- oireachtas has set a fire on those feet
  • 4560- being called sweetheart
  • 4559- jimmy's slice
  • 4558- how i love the questions when i teach
  • 4557- finding the perfect gift for one you love
  • 4556- a phone call that connects our hearts
  • 4555- swedish linen cloth
  • 4554- sunlight radiant on leslies red hair
  • 4553- rituals, experience that speaks what the heart cannot express
  • 4552- the women of st agnes parish
  • 4551- watching her dreams take shape and being smitten all over again
  • 4550- spilling the coffee that thankfully misses my outfit and the rug, an easy wipe up
  • 4549- father daughter tailgating at the game
  • 4548- pots and pans, drawers shutting, I can hear the neighbor's early morning tidy up through our open windows
  • 4547- sometimes someone just needs another who will listen
  • 4546- karla smitten with a 4 year old (ok, me too)
  • 4545- stephanie's laughter
  • 4544- bible study group so engaged, so desiring of Christ
  • 4543- pulling easy weeds in the garden, and the dying tomato plant that came back as a volunteer and gave us lovely fruit all summer
  • 4542- still laughing at the good of the sorting hat that knew each one, and the look on their faces
  • 4541- a sabbath full of rest, exhausted we were, all 3
  • 4540- the nicest group of girls, and we are thankful for her catholic school and irish dance, such good friends there
  • 4539- lingering after the party with C&L, recalling the days fun
  • 4538- fierce quidditch match
  • 4537- a girl with her newly-dear pom-pom owl on her arm, sweet smile that lights her face
  • 4536- childhood innocence, such a gift
  • 4535- a gaggle of giggling girls, let the fun begin
  • 4534- watching joy and playfulness on my husband's face
  • 4533- best party ever
  • 4532- plans afoot
  • 4531- beautiful daughter on the phone, laughing
  • 4530- spirit prompts
  • 4529- i am grumpy with the heat, have to catch myself
  • 4528- coming home to a green patch of grass, the backyard is transformed, while they stand, father and daughter, tired, dirty, and proud
  • 4527- tying fishline to candlewicks for a harry potter birthday party because she has read the first book, well done
  • 4526- they bring her out a candle lit dessert, and it's her favorite, cheesecake
  • 4525- birthday dinner, just us, happy birthday Kyla
  • 4524- his dream of sailing renewed
  • 4523- walking along the harbor, salt air, easy chats and ice cream
  • 4522- hottest day and lucky girl has a pool party
  • 4521- how every waking moment is occupied with her pending birthday, almost 9 year old
  • 4520- kids coming over and looking forward
  • 4519- a bowl of just right ripe avocados
  • 4518- watching the group dynamics when there is disagreement
  • 4517- godson kisses
  • 4516- the smiling face of a friend
  • 4515- long lingering lunch with a common sense of grace and gratitude
  • 4514- the renewing power of an expanse of space to fill the senses
  • 4513- good bread, good cheese and thou
  • 4512- northern california coastline's rugged beauty
  • 4511- sharing faith
  • 4510- walking on the deeply cushioned forest floor, I am brought to tears, so beautiful a place, a cathedral worthy
  • 4509- the drive through the redwoods
  • 4508- easy companionship
  • 4507- visiting the vineyards and my hands smell of the grapes
  • 4506- a welcome home
  • 4505- flags inland along the highway marking safe zones with water to save the lives of immigrants crossing the desert to the states, done by volunteers and honored by border patrol
  • 4504- why are you dressed up, she asks. I am going to see the bishop today. Later she asks why I am going to see the pope...not the pope, the bishop...Is he a saint she asks, maybe I say...like you, she answers and smiles
  • 4503- laying down on the green grass, blue sky and white clouds cover me
  • 4502- prayers and her husband and her son make it home from deployment
  • 4501- walking again with my girlfriend and the hour flies by
  • 4499- bright faces of the ones you love, the ones who love you
  • 4498- the two of them tired and proud to show me how hard they worked and what they'd accomplished
  • 4497- a priest friend whose questions go right to the heart, quick, tell me, when is the last time you lost your joy...how deep did you dig to find it or did someone hand it back to you?
  • 4496- kyla invited to compete in Oireachtas (regional championships) and she leaps, dances her joy
  • 4495- irish caramels
  • 4494- reunions
  • 4493- how our stories tell who we are
  • 4492- stopping in the desert to see the crucufixion thorn trees that grow only there and in jerusalem
  • 4491- driving into the sunrise
  • 4490- friday tired we ignore the disarray around us til the cool of the morning
  • 4489- mothers and babies on blankets spread in the shade
  • 4488- sr adrian sharing her experience of Christ's love, sharing her heart as we scoot our chairs close in conversation
  • 4487- Every act of love is a work of peace no matter how small. B Mother Teresa
  • 4486- kylas delight that her new teacher has a red sofa in the classroom for reading cozy
  • 4485- orchid blooms morning surprise
  • 4484- how they searched everywhere for her dance shoes and i went right to them, in the bag, it's a mom thing
  • 4483- happy anniversary babe
  • 4482- how we can't wait to see each other
  • 4481- brilliant sunset that stops us in our tracks
  • 4480- walking and laughing with a friend
  • 4479- parents praying in the hallways at school
  • 4478- back to school, she sees Camila and starts to run even as her friend sees her and they embrace with wild gladness
  • 4477- “A girl is Innocence playing in the mud, Beauty standing on its head, and Motherhood dragging a doll by the foot.” – Alan M. Beck
  • 4476- the woman sitting in her car, door flung open, feet perched on the open window ledge, on the phone, and we can hear the delight in her voice as we walk by...calls that are true connections
  • 4475- coming round the corner with a pair of shoes in my hand and she is holding the exact same pair
  • 4474- chat with an irishman who exclaims 'what an eejit I was!'
  • 4473- marine layer mornings
  • 4472- she laughs out loud and they all want to know why
  • 4471- an evening walk and it feels good
  • 4470- the quick call from our son that all is well, lovely leslie home and resting, thanks me for the prayers
  • 4469- the yellow balls of bloom fall petal by petal from the tree as 2 buttery butterflies play incognito
  • 4468- glow in the dark rubberbands for braces, so she has to smile A LOT to let the light in
  • 4467- still apron clad from the kitchen, a man 'on break' sits at the baby grand in the University lobby and plays several beautiful pieces
  • 4466- a cardboard box, duct tape and scissors and she's crafting away
  • 4465- given quick opportunity for remembering how to say I am sorry
  • 4464- waiting for the turnovers to bake, she moans she's starving and flops on the sofa, weak for the taste of raspberries and crispy crust
  • 4463- watching the video of Jess singing in gaelic
  • 4462- back on campus and the memories stirred
  • 4461- licking the honey off my fingertip
  • 4460- forgiveness is as radical as resurrection
  • 4459- she joins me in the garage wearing papas shoes and a nightshirt, grinning her good morning surprise
  • 4458- green tomatoes ripening on the sill
  • 4457- a glance at the books on the handy shelf; one thousand gifts, benedictus, anam cara, falling upward, I believe in love, provocations, wishful thinking, my life with the saints, rilke and mary oliver, nouwen and blake, they watch over me
  • 4456- numinosity
  • 4455- unburdening at the kitchen table
  • 4454- laughter of children drifts in my window
  • 4453- place prompting prayer for a loved one
  • 4452- how our pondering daughter asks her questions
  • 4451- its a funny thing, puberty, she says
  • 4450- climbing rocks on the bay with my godson
  • 4449- turning all those socks right side out
  • 4448- making flower crowns together
  • 4447- walking down the sidewalk, how she takes my arm in hers
  • 4446- dining in the back yard
  • 4445- watching out for each other
  • 4444- tree in the front yard that looks like it is throwing a party, full of yellow balls of bloom
  • 4443- her handprint left behind on the screen
  • 4442- The Odd Life of Timothy Green
  • 4441- today's reading...giving thanks always and for everything
  • 4440- ripe avocados = guacamole feast
  • 4439- hot day, cold margarita and big dreams
  • 4438- just the two of us, thanks C & L
  • 4437- hands that smell of tomato vines after picking 2 huge beauties
  • 4436- seeing a blind child putting his hands on the guitar of a street musician as he played on, smiling
  • 4435- an old friend dropping by my office
  • 4434- you are a good listener, he tells me
  • 4433- beach towels draped over chairs on the porch to dry
  • 4432- a surprise gift from bozier that delights her
  • 4431- everyone asleep but me, dark house quiet
  • 4430- all she can think of is food
  • 4429- smiles that break forth and shine
  • 4428- she rides with me in the night to return the movie. She tells me she's never gone out so late in her whole life (it's almost 9pm and a dark night) and I remember the feeling myself from childhood, roll down the windows and we laugh out loud in our wild adventure, look up at the stars as we head back into the house
  • 4427- how that 3 little birds song blesses my soul again and again
  • 4426- transparency and how glass can be a mirror in the right light
  • 4425- i close the door and pray
  • 4424- how even in the heat, she sits close
  • 4423- the fringed edge of the towel
  • 4422- holding on and letting go
  • 4421- her arms full of dolls as she heads out to play
  • 4420- a friend who hears the tomtom beat of my heart
  • 4419- backyard bbq's with family
  • 4418- we pack the leftover quiche for our mother,daughter lunches
  • 4417- perfect little swedish package arrives in the mail
  • 4416- heatwave and all the gals at work with our hair pinned up
  • 4415- staying up to see one direction in the olympic closing ceremonies, she's singing along, star struck
  • 4414- how thrilled she is that dad praised her singing
  • 4413- the gift of leslie in our lives
  • 4412- girls hovering around lucas and he content as the center of attention
  • 4411- at the other end of the line, his voice makes me smile
  • 4410- realizing the expression 'on the line, or the other end of the line' is so outdated
  • 4409- sometimes unanticipated, that familiar deep sorrow rises to the surface and I sit with it
  • 4408- 'you know how at spas they put pickles on your eyes?'
  • 4407- kyla sharing her thrill at petting a seal while snorkeling which prompts chris to tell the story of he and brian playing with the sea lions while scuba diving in mexico, and his joy in the experience spilling out
  • 4406- little white clouds that dot the dawning sky
  • 4405- happy birthday katie
  • 4404- lovely old photos perused together
  • 4403- expressing herself as she selects new school supplies; dolphins, mickey mouse, and math jokes;'dear math, I am not a psychiatrist...solve your own problems!'
  • 4402- shells hollowed out by time and sea so their spiral insides show
  • 4401- cleaning the house together
  • 4400- finally get to that dusting and on the tv discover two perfect lucas handprints which makes me smile so I do not clean them away
  • 4399- fresh mown lawn smell and himself sweaty, reminding me of younger days, coming home mid-afternoon from carpentry...how smells are such powerful memory keepers
  • 4398- same light passing through a little stand up celtic cross,casting a perfect shadow over the photo of my son and family like a blessing
  • 4397- dust in morning light that i can no longer ignore
  • 4396- a day that was so full of prayer prompts for the ones that 'crossed my path'
  • 4395- assuring the woman needing to see a priest but nervous that Msgr. S was a lovely priest, and kind...and seeing her anxiety instantly fade, that power again of kindness
  • 4395- egg salad on fresh croissants
  • 4394- morning lights long reach
  • 4393- lingering conversation over the now empty pizza box as we listen to her adventurous day
  • 4392- kyla learns to stand-up paddleboard and can't wait to try it with conor (the instructor so reminded her of him)
  • 4391- a friend's encouragement that means so much
  • 4390- cool of a fan on a hot day
  • 4389- two slices of lemon cake in her lunch and she's happy happy
  • 4388- how he sits with me at the dinner table, but really wants to see the movie that is on and so keeps peering around my head
  • 4387- lights out and the darkness seems so absolute, but waking in the night I can see my way around just fine by moonglow
  • 4386- cool breeze in the back yard as we sit together, reading and chatting, husband and wife at the dimming of the day
  • 4385- cricket song
  • 4384- the flower duet
  • 4383- dust everywhere and knowing i need a good bit of time dedicated to cleaning
  • 4382- peeling eggs and the shells coming off easy
  • 4381- hair salt-water stiff and sun blonde
  • 4380- oh, and then...she says again and again; happiness as limitless as the sand, and the pleasure we share chatting about her day as we hose off her gear for tomorrow's snorkeling
  • 4379- happy birthday max, godson extraordinaire
  • 4378- those car chats that are really spirit lessons
  • 4377- an invitation in the mail that reflects the person I love so much I have to call straight away
  • 4376- carrying the wooden christ laden with prayers on my hip as 'we' return to the parish and the smiles the sight spread
  • 4375- back to work is a glad reunion
  • 4374- heading down the hill, we see a man in a harness laboring to pull a heavy weight up the hill. Kyla comments he has either been watching too much of the olympics or he is preparing for a MAN-a-thon!!!!
  • 4373- lost in fascination, she slowly pulls every tissue out of the box, one following on the other so prettily, like a slow dance
  • 4372- child mercies
  • 4371- a list of calls I need to make
  • 4370- the things we want to be, do, become, feel, taste, see
  • 4369- how she wants to be a high diver, watching the olympics (but doesn't like heights)
  • 4368- cooking for my family and the simple pleasure of food at table
  • 4367- expressive eyebrows
  • 4366- Words are windows, or they're walls, They sentence us, or set us free. When I speak and when I hear, Let the love light shine through me. rb
  • 4365- scarf on a hook
  • 4364- i am such a slow learner, but i am learning to be quick to seek god's help
  • 4363- meanness in words I instantly regret, and the gift in the humble work of reconciliation
  • 4362- windows, especially open ones
  • 4361- happy birthday Jessica
  • 4360- conors glad voice to start the day
  • 4359- kids mending friendships
  • 4358- come sit here, he says, look how the light makes the table glow as if its lit up from inside
  • 4357- braid down her back
  • 4356- fudge samples, twice
  • 4355- imagining roger
  • 4354- violino virtuoso
  • 4353- old wooden wheelbarrow I'd turn into a kitchen table and he shakes his head, yes; you would and laughs
  • 4352- morning rustling of the covers as we awake
  • 4351- glancing over and seeing his ear to ear grin
  • 4350- first play at solvang outdoor theater for youngest, and the tradition continued with glad hearts
  • 4349- the crooked path sign
  • 4348- remembering greece and the fish that crossed the street
  • 4347- dining al fresco in the rain
  • 4346- moonlight on the beach as we drive home at the end of a magical day
  • 4345- feet in seafoam tickles
  • 4344- rolling hills of solvang
  • 4343- he takes the pretty way there
  • 4342- a friend named fleur
  • 4341- tunnels through mountains
  • 4340- big long yawns
  • 4339- white tablecloths just right found in the antique store
  • 4339- child sleeping in the car
  • 4338- an old farmers wife, head tied in a scarf
  • 4337- the three of us spooned in the bed watching a show in the hotelroom
  • 4336- closing my eyes to listen to the crashing waves and seagull shouts
  • 4335- weird sights that get us all giggling
  • 4334- sunset before us and a full moon rising behind
  • 4333- gathering seashore treasures as we go
  • 4332- beach walk
  • 4331- driving into coastal fog
  • 4330- a friends prayers for my brother, mid-air, as she flies over the place where he lives
  • 4329- great long chat with my mother-in-law and the years fall by
  • 4328- feis and we arrive as her first competition is ending, when they let her go ahead, and I am amazed at her composure (and she took 1st place)
  • 4327- curling up, head in his lap and I nap
  • 4326- heading to the beach
  • 4325- clothes grown short and tight for growing girl, enough to fill a donations bag
  • 4324- a tangle of blonde hair blowing as she turns to my voice
  • 4323- morning light on the wood floor and climbing the wall, it will soon reach me, things constant like the morning
  • 4322- my quick notes surround me
  • 4321- finishing the final pages of '100 years of happiness'
  • 4320- an art project that draws her in for hours
  • 4319- imprint of the pillow on my face after having a good sleep, like a stone
  • 4318- my phone chimes its call for the examen, so at her prompting, we hold hands and do our prayer together in the car, how lucky am I, to pray this way with my daughter on this day
  • 4317- kyla gliding thru the water, passes the swim test, piece of cake the lifeguard says to her, are you on swim team? and she beams, calls dad to share
  • 4316- spent flowers in the mason jar
  • 4315- 8 year old watching a movie, snuggled with fluffy on the sofa, summer lazy afternoon
  • 4314- been walking the road together, and sharing the load when it comes, for a long time
  • 4313- pop-out windows in old VW's
  • 4312- watching the turtles (in lieu of that snake that tbtg had found a home) she says she'd name him Henry and his friend Jack
  • 4311- sometimes our need is all we have to wear
  • 4310- working the clay together
  • 4309- aggravated by child interruptions that would be treated much kinder with a stranger, I turn again for grace
  • 4308- a slow day, she never bothers with getting dressed (and I don't bother either until late afternoon), we are too busy just being together, mother daughter comfort of home
  • 4307- started in the dark, and suddenly morning light on the window sill as i pray
  • 4306- running into an old friend at the market, as though no time had ever passed
  • 4305- after fr. lawrence's 'bed sheets' story of faith, I show roger the note in my bible margin and we remember our own miracle story together - jessica
  • 4304- laughing with tears streaming down our faces
  • 4303- baking brownies and she licks the spoon, ooey gooey all over her face
  • 4302- no, i won't buy you a snake but yes i will go look at it
  • 4301- both waking too early, we chat quiet in the dark, catching up
  • 4300- birds bathing in the backyard fountain
  • 4299- a 4 hour laugh-a-thon with girlfriends, you are the best- thanks4299- a 4 hour laugh-a-thon with girlfriends, you are the best- thanks
  • 4298- zelda fitzgerald wore a flesh colored swimsuit so folks would think she was swimming in the nude
  • 4297- Lucas in Papa's arms, playful and easy, snapshot for the heart
  • 4296- staying up late savoring the sharing of grace
  • 4295- daughter whispering to me how she missed my tucking her in at night
  • 4294- home to family, we ease into the backyard for a summer meal, gypsy kings and segovia fill the air, we munch on homemade tortilla chips and guacamole, sip wine with our grown children and all feel the grace of this evening
  • 4293- stopping by to send him off home with a blessing shared
  • 4292- making the bed for the next retreatant
  • 4291- the handprint he made for his mother, a mans hand
  • 4290- heart to hands bodywork and the song they chose ministering gods healing
  • 4289- reciprocity of grace among us
  • 4288- the beauty I see in their faces
  • 4287- its not until I actually walk into the old center that I am struck to be back in the place my journey, in many ways, really began
  • 4286- dreading friday traffic, it flows along so my drive to the abbey is easy
  • 4285- spirit stirrings and the prayer flows into pen, retreat notes before I head out
  • 4284- rising early
  • 4283- hearing the neighbor play with his son
  • 4282- hummingbirds visiting the blooming cactus and we hear the hum of their wings before they arrive
  • 4281- kyla watching lord of the dance over and over, dancing with it through the house
  • 4280- how I impressed the girls so by untangling their slinky, amazing feat
  • 4279- sharing the chores, we treat ourselves to a shared banana split
  • 4278- kids play
  • 4277- how his tongue goes out when he colors
  • 4276- the play of shimmering color in the pond
  • 4275- feeding koi in the japanese friendship garden
  • 4274- making waffles on the old gridiron and she asks why it's so big...I smile and tell her it used to feed Conor...enough said cause they are both smiling now
  • 4273- sorting through mail
  • 4272- a friend's welcome smile, like seeing the face of God
  • 4271- that good feeling of arriving home
  • 4270- one perfect bite of her ice cream sundae
  • 4269- quiet afternoon, somewhere a radio plays and the fan whirs rhythmically, evoking memory and solitude simultaneously
  • 4268- given time, my creativity awakens and starts grumbling to be fed
  • 4267- how my car carries food and clothing, his carries floats and pool toys, his bike and tennis gear
  • 4266- the heartaches we all carry with us
  • 4265- moonrise and desert stars
  • 4264- middle of the night ideas that spark a new direction of thought, holy spirit prompt
  • 4263- red-breasted birds daily outside the window like old friends
  • 4262- fun-loving days
  • 4261- BRAVE (the movie) and us all crying
  • 4260- afternoon movies to beat the heat
  • 4259- that moment the cool water hits your ribs in the pool and catches your breath
  • 4258- morning swims instead of showers
  • 4257- conversations on the road
  • 4256- retreat themes that never fail to tug me deeper into mystery
  • 4255- floating in the pool, hat over my face, ahhh
  • 4254- desert songbirds
  • 4253- how i can hear his smile on the phone
  • 4252- hearing jims story about the japanese dog tag finding its way home
  • 4251- tostada's easy peasy delight
  • 4250- temporary tattoos of puppies on their tummy's
  • 4249- play dates for the girls and us
  • 4248- clothes folded in stacks on the bed
  • 4247- relaxing by the outdoor fire at days end
  • 4246- watching a gal all decked out like a WWII sailor pinup delighting in all the attention she garnered
  • 4245- kyla's shyness
  • 4244- how, because I am nervous about where we parked, he goes back and leaves a note
  • 4243- huddled on a soft morning, slightly damp and chilly, but glad to be there, be together
  • 4242- patriotism on display at the parade (happy 4th!)
  • 4241- love poems
  • 4240- a husband who, on rare occasion, tenders gentle correction
  • 4239- dad makes her a target and daughter shoots her bow and arrow in the backyard - bullseye
  • 4238- mischief and giggles
  • 4237- leaning into the one you love
  • 4236- she makes a fort in her room, sleeps in it 2 nights in a row
  • 4235- kids who love dog movies
  • 4234- dozing in the afternoon
  • 4233- wondering why i ever bothered to pack some things, and putting them in the donations bag
  • 4232- unpacking long boxed dishes, washing and putting them away
  • 4231- hearing them talking, all business, at the kitchen table
  • 4230- father son ping pong match in the backyard
  • 4229- mom, i figured it out by myself, she shouts, proud as punch
  • 4228- pestering impatience of child-want, and deep sigh that follows in her struggle to wait
  • 4227- the flutter of wings as the dove flies off outside my window
  • 4226- colored pencils in a cup
  • 4225- wishful thinking
  • 4224- shirley's gift of the million dollar quartet; elvis, carl perkins, jerry lee and johnny cash
  • 4223- everything is 'super cute' to 8 year old
  • 4222- we pull the same shirt off the rack at the same time and she shouts 'we can be twins' and i can't resist the moment, matching red shirts for the 4th of july (knowing it may be the only time time she wants to look just like me)
  • 4221- girls shopping
  • 4220- how he likes the glass table and I can't wait to put the tablecloth on
  • 4219- mad dash to tidy up
  • 4218- spilled glitter
  • 4217- kyla's ear to ear grin at witnessing it all
  • 4216- visiting with walt so gladly still here among the living (he and shirley) and doing so well, holding hands
  • 4215- loud farts and giggles
  • 4214- i am on vacation, hurray
  • 4213- vbs in the park and the crowd the kids draw with their glad songs
  • 4212- summer afternoon at the bay with michael and kyla happily at play, stephanie and I happily taking it all in
  • 4211- herself jumping rope to 1920's Avalon redux by Natalie Cole and Dad snapping his fingers in time, swing baby!
  • 4210- sand between toes
  • 4209- she sits in my lap, and stays
  • 4208- folding towels
  • 4207- cream cheese frosting on the tip of my finger (but not for long-yum)
  • 4206- strolling with the tourists and window shopping
  • 4205- the neighborhood girls at summer play
  • 4204- reading time declared, and we quietly settle in while kyla holds her book and chats away, with no inclination to open it
  • 4203- the sunshine that woke me
  • 4202- sharing the porch swing and an ice cream
  • 4201- in the quiet, yes, the whispering winds in the trees
  • 4200- mass in the grotto
  • 4199- daughter falling asleep mid sentence on the car drive home, after a day at family camp
  • 4198- 2 girls on the swing, new friends easy laughter
  • 4197- bringing home apple pie for dad from our mountain trip
  • 4196- husband wins a tough match and is actually smiling as he battles it out, how he loves tennis
  • 4195- her dads beaming face when I told him
  • 4194- hearing her say 100 times 'I can't believe my Dad made this!' not so subtley bragging about the treehouse at camp
  • 4193- betty
  • 4192- olives on fingertips nibbled off one by one
  • 4191- a mother bearing her daughter's pain
  • 4190- looking forward to bay day
  • 4189- gualters spa for old computers
  • 4188- great chat with my dad
  • 4187- new library cards
  • 4186- reel mystery solved
  • 4185- the power and beauty of dance
  • 4184- princess unbecoming
  • 4183- a lunch full of irish talk and remembering that makes me eager to go again
  • 4182- salad bar lunch and a bargain at $3.00
  • 4181- the jingle of keys as she hurries about
  • 4180- jamba juice stop and the two of us sucking happily on the straws
  • 4179- when words are like the camera and capture it just so
  • 4178- recognizing the climate before a storm is full blown
  • 4177- Pray with eyes on Christ and not on the crisis
  • 4176- how I want to sleep in when I cannot and how I cannot sleep in when at last I have the opportunity
  • 4175- the rest at days end, each occupied in the quiet pleasure of solitude together; a good book, an art project, idle thoughts stretched out on the couch
  • 4174- suncreen and salt air
  • 4173- hearing jessica laugh over the phone
  • 4172- shoes cast off in a tumble of comfort, like puppies piled in sleep, full bellied and warm
  • 4171- slower mornings and I am feeling the blessing of summer's pace seep into my spirit
  • 4170- how he knows india draws me
  • 4169- beautiful cinematography in Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
  • 4168- watching young sailors nearly capsizing in the wind, while the training boat watches close at hand
  • 4167- herself after having a grand day at camp
  • 4166- evenings relaxation in the hot tub
  • 4165- feeling ourselves on holiday in lovely coronado, ahhhhhh
  • 4164- we are talking in the car and he says only one word and we are both spilling tears, how can you explain long love
  • 4163- sitting in the park on the harbor, breeze in our hair, lover's on the bench beside us a 40 year flashback
  • 4162- taking a slow day together, husband and wife
  • 4161- summer camp on the bay
  • 4160- seeing her confidence shine, tbtg
  • 4159- our daughter exclaiming 'it is so beauuuutiful' as we cross the bridge
  • 4158- happy fathers day
  • 4157- she puts the finishing touches on her dance bucket
  • 4156- sunshine in the eyes to make them water
  • 4155- dreaming, I am in ireland
  • 4154- birdsong
  • 4153- sensory overload
  • 4152- true blue sky in the morning, no june gloom
  • 4151- wishing my son a happy fathers day
  • 4150- lucas' stand off at the playground
  • 4149- at the orthodontist and a handsome teenage boy gets his braces off, flashes his smile and nearly skips out so happy, complete with balloons, it is a moment worthy of balloons and we all smile with him as I see her glance at me in anticipation of her own glorious day
  • 4148- school's out for summer, oh yeah
  • 4147- happily distracted, the kettle boils almost dry
  • 4146- we're both on the phone, doing laundry; girlfriends
  • 4145- try and not scratch that bug bite
  • 4144- jai ho and we're dancing away-tally ho
  • 4143- tending the team spirit
  • 4142- worn bricks' beauty
  • 4141- preparations in the back seat for feis at the faire
  • 4140- husband disappears and is found outside pondering his handiwork, gorgeous if I do say so myself
  • 4139- on the dust under the bed could build a bunny full size
  • 4138- a friend's computer genius to the rescue
  • 4137- shaved ice
  • 4136- moms huddled close in the cold while kids run hot at play
  • 4135- herself counting the coin jar and declaring us rich; $4.32
  • 4134- she wins the contests but can't eat the prizes with her braces so gives them all away, and the smiles of the receivers make her feel she's won again
  • 4133- lucas holding our hands
  • 4132- God is love, she repeats from the back seat - who do I sound like? Fr Dan! God Bless you Fr Dan!
  • 4131- mom sending rog such a thoughtful card
  • 4130- apple pie's quick disappearing act
  • 4129- wanting more of a good thing
  • 4128- shoulders eased by friendship
  • 4127- she holds her baby and I hold mine (all 81/2 years of her)
  • 4126- summer suppers, no cooking required
  • 4125- lucas giggles as we play
  • 4124- losing track of time
  • 4123- Conor setting Dad up with pandora tunes in the backyard
  • 4122- sometimes watching God work is easy and I just step back in wonder
  • 4121- MLK Jr- You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love
  • 4120- pink flowers
  • 4119- the power of place
  • 4118- cleaning closets
  • 4117- C & L's eyes brimming with parental pride
  • 4116- our girls' tender heart
  • 4115- holding on and letting go
  • 4114- olive bread
  • 4113- reach for a last sip and the cup is empty but for a drop
  • 4112- peters constant blush
  • 4111- mom laughing on her birthday
  • 4110- 8th graders all giggles and excitement
  • 4109- he's off to work in shorts today, and I see him looking like the boy I first knew
  • 4108- those persistent tasks of parenting
  • 4107- godson taking my hand and leading me away to himself, wondering if I have any treats in my car
  • 4106- how big is a small word of encouragement
  • 4105- good counsel
  • 4104- a wink and a nod
  • 4103- table discussions with faith at the center
  • 4102- reunions
  • 4101- the church laughing
  • 4100- the irish voice soft and lyrical
  • 4099- good folks gathered to bid farewell to Msgr. Murray
  • 4098- ahhh, she says, that ocean air
  • 4097- beautiful blue sea
  • 4096- youngest wishing half-days at school were reversed and gave you a slow morning, then off you'd go to class
  • 4095- the challenge of a new project
  • 4094- thinking i'd lost this and finding it still here, whew
  • 4093- as he's talking he's pointing with the banana he holds in his hand for breakfast, heading off to work
  • 4092- a good pen
  • 4091- planning the retreat day and the spirits flowing
  • 4090- love covers a multitude of sins -1peter 4:8
  • 4089- pink petunias in a pot
  • 4088- how the skin on his shoulder has softened over the years, warm as we touch our early morning love
  • 4087- carlene and sandy -support group day away
  • 4086- corner table, long lingering feast of food, friendship, faith
  • 4085- the new friends around the table as my work treats me to a birthday lunch
  • 4084- fresh mown lawn
  • 4083- how a little tray table can make someone feel so at home
  • 4082- dad's weakness on the phone and wanting to be there
  • 4081- the witness of a long life of loving that meets with the hard realities of conclusion
  • 4080- a long drive and all along the way, memories
  • 4079- in for a penny, in for a pound
  • 4078- she dances her special and the audience bursts into applause
  • 4077- riding the cable cars
  • 4076- crossing the golden gate bridge
  • 4075- to encourage another
  • 4074- riding the rapids with kyla, laughing wildly and getting soaked, and how he loved watching us
  • 4073- fr mike and I naming old songs to match the events of the day as it passes
  • 4072- mikey and his love for irish dance, his joy and good humor
  • 4071- she sneaks in to the frig for a snack - and comes out with a handful of feta
  • 4070- tulips on the table
  • 4069- watching the son entertain his mother, gets her to laugh which makes his own eyes dance with delight
  • 4068- stephanies curls
  • 4067- those that 'pitch in'
  • 4066- laughter in the halls at work
  • 4065- perspicacity
  • 4064- anointing of the sick and its graces seen in walter and ryan, tbtgod
  • 4063- watching her ride and you can see how big she feels
  • 4062- beach cruiser from the church sale and the wild ride home with it sticking out of our trunk
  • 4061- a new step learned, watched over and over by her biggest fans
  • 4060- kyla gets her official school dress for dance, and a feis anticipated with even greater enthusiasm
  • 4059- plans for a visit
  • 4058- jessica's mothers day post for me
  • 4057- she starts with tears, ends in laughter
  • 4056- bright blue sky glimpsed through the gray clouds
  • 4055- rainbow in the sky
  • 4054- fresh asparagus, grilled just right
  • 4053- friendships forged by time, to be so known by another, pure grace
  • 4052- the surprise of tears
  • 4051- entertaining angels...sometimes not unawares
  • 4050- when prayer feels like presence
  • 4049- how I love that man of mine
  • 4048- jasmine frangrance that overwhelms with memory
  • 4047- turning the crank, she hold the light so dad can see
  • 4046- washing behind her ears
  • 4045- ping-pong battles between father and son, now father and youngest daughter take it on
  • 4044- stacking the plates out of the dishwasher
  • 4043- her blue tree watercolor
  • 4042- painting in the playhouse together
  • 4041- leslie and lucas playing
  • 4040- sitting in the cool fog
  • 4039- green post-its displayed on the side of my desk, michaels 'notes' and how they remain there...make me smile
  • 4038- in this together and how that makes all the difference
  • 4037- retreat in the midst of it all
  • 4036- joni mitchell in my head...tears and fears and feeling proud, to say i love you right out loud
  • 4035- she makes me a towering crown and a pennant - wave that banner high for mother love
  • 4034- blue hues4033- ghillies cast off under the table on the rug
  • 4032- mom and i laughing on the phone
  • 4031- watching my husband be the son
  • 4030- the look in his eyes
  • 4029- friendship
  • 4028- loss and gain
  • 4027- true life, more unbelievable than fiction
  • 4026- prayers for my dad
  • 4025- clearing away the construction site of a backyard, ready to savor summer
  • 4024- morning light shines on the wood floors
  • 4023- stacks on the desk, papers, books, pens, pictues kyla has drawn for me, homework and messages, an empty cup
  • 4022- measuring to see how far she has to go to be taller than me
  • 4021- sometimes there is just a truckload to carry
  • 4020- maureen o'hara moments
  • 4019- how she claims him her own, calls him dad and beams
  • 4018- dad winning her a prize at the carnival
  • 4017- our girl who is NOT for thrill rides
  • 4016- backyard fire and roasting marshmallows
  • 4015- she wears the pom pom pink headband from Jessica and gets rave reviews every time, so much fun
  • 4014- father and daughter as they head off to a day at the track meet
  • 4013- new shoelaces on old shoes
  • 4012- milk mustache
  • 4011- dear walt & shirley
  • 4010- early morning calls to reconnect
  • 4009- an early pick up from school and we treat ourselves to a movie
  • 4008- field trip to the ballpark and she's dressed early, complete with cap on her head
  • 4007- our son, the protective papa nearly bursts my heart with the glimspe of what his holds
  • 4006- back and forth we carry the wood, clear the decks
  • 4005- when a good thing happens not once but twice in a day
  • 4004- a piece of hair ribbon falls in a beautiful twist to the floor as she walks on unawares, our beautiful girl
  • 4003- Fr. Henry's timely drop-in
  • 4002- those broken halleluias
  • 4001- fresh plump blueberries
  • 4000- reading that mother ducks pick feathers from their chests to line their nests and I feel the pluck
  • 3999- inside jokes
  • 3998- sitting back and watching the family gathered and loving what I see
  • 3997- a friend's listening ear
  • 3996- spending an afternoon together
  • 3995- the gift of a wedding ring quilt handmade by grandma on our bed and the promising kyla it's hers the day she weds
  • 3994- the welcome home
  • 3993- anam cara
  • 3992- on the porch in his pj's
  • 3991- dad on the mend
  • 3990- comfort of prayers and friends
  • 3989- morning there reveals prairie dogs, quail and roadrunners - I am in the desert all right
  • 3988- the things mary creates, so whimsical, comforting
  • 3987- how medicine is still mostly mystery
  • 3986- purple cactus
  • 3985- walking under the desert stars with my brother
  • 3984- the sacrifice of husband so easily laid down to send me on my way
  • 3983- life simplified
  • 3982- the faces of those you love with concern and affection in their eyes
  • 3981- the passage through those boulder clad mountians
  • 3980- a drive through the desert to be bedside at hospital with Dad
  • 3979- face dewy damp as I walk my lunchhour in the fog
  • 3978- japanese maple's new purple leaves unfolding
  • 3976- the partridge family lives on as she belts out 'i think i love you'
  • 3975- how she likes to cuddle
  • 3974- the things we lose and what we gain
  • 3973- cleaning out the garage
  • 3972- sharing a laugh
  • 3971- a great chat with pat
  • 3970- proud of my husband
  • 3969- the lump in my throat so big I cannot speak
  • 3968- leslie and kyla whipping cream in the kitchen
  • 3967- lucas laughing as leslie runs and kyla chases back and forth
  • 3966- our son cooking dinner for us all, and the long easy lingering in good company
  • 3965- lucas is one, and the party was 'just right', full of joy and happiness, surrounded by love
  • 3964- a perfect sunday afternoon with family
  • 3963- soft light of a foggy morning
  • 3962- the slight damp cloth to wipe things down
  • 3961- fr ecker's words, disposition, love of life in christ
  • 3960- a week when we are both attending to our mothers
  • 3959- seeing him stand tall with the wee bit of praise
  • 3958- power of shared prayer
  • 3957- homecomings
  • 3956- her hands working the long braids
  • 3955- the long song of the big trains passing through town
  • 3954- tucking daughter in for the night and hearing the hushed voices in the room below
  • 3953- doing dishes
  • 3952- painters alley
  • 3951- the gathering of generations
  • 3950- mom cracking up at something I said
  • 3949- old town strolling through the shops together
  • 3948- playing at the park
  • 3947- a walk around the ponds
  • 3946- tulips and daffodils blooming everywhere
  • 3945- homemade waffles
  • 3944- instantly 'at home'
  • 3943- there's eddie, and we're off to grandma's house
  • 3942- airplane adventure
  • 3941- excitemennt of packing to go see grandma
  • 3940- the gift of irish dance bursting with joy
  • 3939- peter and max leading us in singing the lord of the dance - thanks guys
  • 3938- family gathering at the field and the craic was good
  • 3937- egg hunt in jammies on wet grass
  • 3936- easter basket poured out on the floor
  • 3935- easter vigil at home
  • 3934- bunny tracks on the floor
  • 3933- i love you dad in her throaty shrek voice
  • 3932- bbq fills the air on the day we fast and abstain
  • 3931- a party next door, lively with laughter
  • 3930- he comes home friday tired
  • 3929- a new faerie garden
  • 3928- roaming the nursery together for spring planting
  • 3927- what did the math book say to the pencil...I have a lot of problems
  • 3926- we spend good friday, just the 2 of us, gardening and doing easter preparations...she keeps saying we are having such a good day, and stops to hug me repeatedly, kisses too...says "it really is good friday"
  • 3952- her absolute confidence that the Easter Bunny lives under our porch
  • 3951- holy thursday preparations
  • 3950- how in less than a minute a girl can overtake the table, the sofa, the doorway in an endless trail of things all necessary in her eyes
  • 3949- but darlin' most of all...i love how you love me
  • 3948- falling asleep reading and husband sweet tucks me in, lights out
  • 3947- dusting with the sleeve of my robe and tossing it in the laundry later
  • 3946- wisteria spilling over everywhere
  • 3945- chats sitting in the car
  • 3944- goggles in the tub
  • 3943- toasted cheese
  • 3942- the sky sprinkling soft
  • 3941- pan soaking in the sink
  • 3940- a bouquet of roses
  • 3939- making lunches
  • 3938- watching 'the blind side' together on the couch
  • 3937- laughing...a lot
  • 3936- a stack of books beckoning
  • 3935- seeing clear enough to know it was a long holding she needed and how it changed everything
  • 3934- date nights lingering conversations
  • 3933- he talks on the phone and I wait, enjoying just being there with nothing to do, tip back the car seat and relax
  • 3932- student palm processions, complete with 5 year old Jesus on a donkey wagon
  • 3931- notes for the easter bunny
  • 3930- fr ecker's good insights
  • 3929- tightening the budget, deciding what we need to give up
  • 3928- hearing lucas' little voice over the phone
  • 3927- affirmations that bless and inspire
  • 3926- toasted soda bread and berry jam
  • 3925- knowing the load he carries with such generosity
  • 3924- rahan cd and our daughter tells me her toes are wigglin' in her shoes as we smile BIG to the tunes
  • 3923- young mother's and their fresh beauty
  • 3922- the journeying through the lessons of mother teresa with such good folks
  • 3921- an avalanche of grace, says he
  • 3920- the hard knowings
  • 3919- religious ed congress - a time like no other
  • 3918- flowers from Michael (a good trade for a lolli)
  • 3917- anne's joyful assistance
  • 3916- reminded of Billy's good counsel (complete with irish mischief), whatever you say, say nothing
  • 3915- watching him bend...washing feet
  • 3914- the most gorgeous clouds blowing by...fast
  • 3913- tired out child tears
  • 3912- trading prayer apps with the deacon
  • 3911- girls at play, lost in their own world
  • 3910- the neighbors come in from the cold and sigh hmmm...smells good
  • 3909- jessica's good words and insights
  • 3908- lucas in green checks to honor the day
  • 3907- smells from the kitchen whet our appetities
  • 3906- the buzz in the back room where the irish dancers wait to come onstage
  • 3905- apple pie baking in the oven fills the house with warmth and fragrance
  • 3904- sheets tied everywhere, fort building on a rainy day
  • 3903- good word, says he, with his irish brogue
  • 3902- not eating until i am hungry, and grateful that when i am hungry i can eat
  • 3901- hail and the girls running out to taste it
  • 3900- raindrops on windows
  • 3899- in a tennis interview'he didn't wait for it...he went for it'
  • 3898- the gift of a bottle of good wine from a friend on a friday afternoon
  • 3897- hi-pitched howls in the night, coyotes? pups?
  • 3896- rich color of wet stone walls
  • 3895- conversations in the car, a modern solitude of place
  • 3894- the many meanings of march madness
  • 3893- first day of mini tour and we go out to celebrate her special day
  • 3892- a rainy day and we clean the house together
  • 3891- rolling her long blonde hair for those irish curls
  • 3890- Rahan Comhaltas'
  • 3889- my friend's sense of humor...and her 'really' that even written i can HEAR and smile
  • 3888- praying in a parishioners 'upper room' with the sea before us
  • 3887- husband's little rascals greeting
  • 3886- kyla's 'luck of the irish' drawings and how she loves to make our home a place of celebration
  • 3885- chat with the cobbler's son and his direct question
  • 3884- lent (my life) reminding me why i so need a savior
  • 3883- common affections
  • 3882- humility gathered around the table at our staff meeting
  • 3881- trading stories
  • 3880- spring forward daze
  • 3879- after bath pj's and smelling of soap, sweet girl
  • 3878- prayer chains
  • 3877- ladybugs
  • 3876- how 8 year olds LOVE to sharpen pencils
  • 3875- handwashed the blouse, hang it to dry
  • 3874- left-handed girl with her constant smear
  • 3873- quiet activities in the house
  • 3872- feet tapping out her dance moves under the table while above she does her homework
  • 3871- oh mommy (for the gazillionth time) yes love...
  • 3870- i read our daughter's note and see happy which makes me so
  • 3869- serendipitous events
  • 3868- beginning today...
  • 3867- family get-togethers
  • 3866- annie oakley school project and I read of her remarkable life
  • 3865- gorgeous day; blue water and blue sky that holds us
  • 3864- headaches relief the moment I pull free the clip in my hair
  • 3863- candy jar ministry
  • 3862- sleeping like a stone, peaceful and long
  • 3861- kyla singing her heart out
  • 3860- cel's feast
  • 3859- quick calls, encouraging words
  • 3858- time 'lost' in prayer
  • 3857- loving that the mission finished with all our eyes fixed on christ, benediction
  • 3856- birthday celebrations that linger over a life well lived
  • 3855- how daily i drink from the mug jessica gave me, and so hold her too
  • 3854- james weldon johnson's CREATION shared to end the day {I'll post it for your good pleasure)
  • 3853- friday tired, the whole office falls quiet
  • 3852- the chaos my misunderstanding caused, and their quick forgiveness
  • 3851- rattling dishes on the shelf, dancer's consequence
  • 3850- her stomping feet as she dances out her preparations
  • 3849- pushing swings in the park
  • 3848- starbucks reunion with friends, so glad for these gals
  • 3847- fr. ecker's tender heart and sharing of his grandmother's faith
  • 3846- as she plays in her room she talks aloud, having an imaginary conversation with papa who is at work
  • 3845- seeing God's spirit work
  • 3844- off to market and fixing the dinner they are hankering for...and we gladly enjoy
  • 3843- good hugs
  • 3842- a chocolate kiss mid afternoon and how my mouth waters it's delight
  • 3841- the things I get so wrong; distraction
  • 3840- the prayers of others that sustain me
  • 3839- Mother Teresa's 'doesn't matter'; love in action is the living reality of the presence of christ
  • 3838- good husband who is such good friend
  • 3837- the somehow comforting beauty of that frayed corner of the dishtowel falling over the edge of the counter
  • 3836- sizzle of the skillet
  • 3835- drawing grasshoppers
  • 3834- irish dance music that fills our home, all the more with good St Patrick's day approaching and herself dancing everywhere
  • 3833- out of milk, and i know he'll make the morning run, not a bother
  • 3832- our daughters creativity in post-poning bedtime
  • 3831- dreaming of yosemite in winter
  • 3830- grilled cheese sandwiches that she eats the center out of, the big crusty smile remains
  • 3829- long walk with long-faithful friend
  • 3828- papa hero who bungee ties bins full of dolls to scooters so his sweet girl can take them out for a walk
  • 3827- recognizing the voice of grief speaking through a kind of anger that pushes away
  • 3826- the toddler who kept running back to the holy water font, reaching in on tiptoe; blessing himself again and again with a broad smile
  • 3825- my optimistic husband packs his tennis gear as the rain comes down
  • 3824- sitting near the heat, my right side toasty, one stray hair tickling my cheek
  • 3823- who can explain
  • 3822- how one small moment plants a memory that shapes me well into this once future, now present, that has spread through my living like the vines on our garden wall, gone for a season, now reaching and budding into bloom
  • 3821- how we (all of us) are so strong, so fragile
  • 3820- the birds are silent in this chill air, puffed up and wings tight, waiting for daybreak's promise
  • 3819- the photo of lucas swinging makes the Picturing God post; full trust…peace…knowing we are held secure in love
  • 3818- filling the tortillas as we please, eating with our hands, everyone talking in this glad moment
  • 3817- my head full of images, i can say nothing
  • 3816- watching the lightning in a darkened house
  • 3815- hail, and i am the only one up, step outside to hear it's thunder, and only hear, after it stops, the car alarms letting loose their shouts
  • 3814- i walk in the door and irish music is filling the space between us
  • 3813- savoring yummy browned bits left in the pan
  • 3812- lollipop visitors to my office
  • 3811- the day gone in a blink
  • 3810- notes for the tooth fairy to go with the tooth
  • 3809- new little (old) lamp plugged in at last behind the desk and perfect
  • 3808- our son, so handsome and grown
  • 3807- the pleasure of Conor's company for dinner, a drop in visit
  • 3806- fr mikes smiling pop-in and the laughter that drew him there
  • 3805- rain on the roof
  • 3804- how our little one loved the old church...how she shares that with us
  • 3803- how at mass I am a cloak for her to wrap in
  • 3802- she asks to go to mass at the old mission, i remind her how she likes the childrens liturgy at the parish closer to home- she tells me they didn't go to the little chapel but to where they have the donuts and that it didn't feel like church, reminding me of the power of place
  • 3801- japanese iris blooms by the fountain
  • 3800- misty fog descending
  • 3799- doing everything but what i must, that pile of papers demanding my attending
  • 3798- how simple a thing, to make a call...how necessary and precious the sound of a voice; her voice, or his...the one's by whom we are known and loved
  • 3797- fr ecker's smiling thumbs up
  • 3796- listening to mary's music on the way home that lifts my spirit doubly, first for it's own gift of song and mostly for picturing her watching her teenage son singing to these holy words and how it blessed her
  • 3795- karla's help, and more, her openness to god's grace as it comes
  • 3794- grateful for husband strength, for loads we carry together but i know he is the stronger, bears the greater weight for us all
  • 3793- the splatter of paint, red and blue dots on her face to compliment her wide grin
  • 3792- girls putting paint and glitter on shells, creating and laughing and surprising us with handprints to seal their friendship
  • 3791- i escape for a bit of time to myself while...
  • 3790- lizard wizard at a party delights our daughter who holds the boas head, wraps snakes around her, and greets the insects and turtles with equal enthusiasm
  • 3789- pasta and clam sauce feast
  • 3788- A compliment is something like a kiss through a veil. so said victor hugo; no wonder i blush shy3787- sure, he says, i'll have pancakes too, and grins
  • 3786- homemade birthday card for her cousin she confides the goodness of being 8
  • 3785- she wakes and 'starving' asks for pancakes please and i smile, hug her, and mix the batter, heat the skillet, simple pleasure that fills the air with home
  • 3784- talking with our hands
  • 3783- how dust gets everywhere...even on the inside of the hutch
  • 3782- drawing her love on papers everywhere
  • 3781- a bouncing birthday party
  • 3780- the groan of chairs as we stand to pray
  • 3779- how joy finds expression sun or rain, in tears or laughter, silence and words shared
  • 3778- mother teresa's lessons...joy
  • 3777- how god provides
  • 3776- the nightly gathering up of things scattered about, armsful of child-trail that bless me
  • 3775- ringing the bell to call us to prayer and feeling so monkish (smiling at the good of it)
  • 3774- cottage cheese for lunch and remembering a friend of mine who is a nun herself, telling of how the sisters always had cottage cheese for lunch on fridays when she was a girl in school, and how it made her feel generous toward god's life in her, making that little sacrifice with them
  • 3773- the happiness that spills over in kyla (singing it out in the shower) to bless us unawares
  • 3772- sitting at table with a community divided, torn
  • 3771- the crisp sound of the paper cutter as I put Christ's words on little strips of paper, and i am reminded 'For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart'
  • 3770- a friend and co-worker wanting Christ's words in lieu of candy
  • 3769- karla's laugh quietly carrying itself down the hall to my ears
  • 3768- everyone wishing one another a happy lent, a good lent
  • 3767- miserere nobis sung by a child
  • 3766- the cross of christ, in ashes on my forehead
  • 3765- how good it feels to have someone brush your hair
  • 3764- happy shrove (or fat) tuesday...fondly remembering pancake feasts past and planning to continue the tradition tonight
  • 3763- lucas' first haircut and oh he's a heart throb
  • 3762- girls on holiday watch the princess bride with their dolls lined up for 'a day at the movies'
  • 3761- timely assurance from the gospel that God is with us in the desert
  • 3760- how baby Lucas reaching for me makes me feel
  • 3759- a comfy sofa that we all so easily nestle in together
  • 3758- class masses in the chapel
  • 3757- my car keys left in the door pocket of his car and the desperate call which gladdens me that they are found and doubly so when he tells me there's a spare
  • 3756- walking to lunch together, the gals from work and good to get out in the crisp clear air
  • 3755- the encouragement of friends in the crowd
  • 3754- after a kind note she signs it 'honestly' requiring me to receive her words
  • 3753- meeting papa and his girl on their 'date night' at fosters
  • 3752- goggles in the bathtub and where her imagination takes her
  • 3751- homemade birdhouse
  • 3750- msgr. ecker regaling us around the table
  • 3749- moms giddy gladness at our planned visit
  • 3748- shoes kicked off under the table
  • 3747- how he loves how much she loves the sound of music
  • 3746- rolling sleepy awake into the warm crook of his arm
  • 3745- dinner out with stephanie, the ease of friendship shared
  • 3744- party in the car
  • 3743- happy birthday eddie (my little brother) and how glad I am to be able to say it to you, tbtg
  • 3742- hula hoop conquered and she beams
  • 3741- the tender witness of a marriage as my good friend (and I mean she is good) walked with her husband through the deep valley of illness all the way to heaven's gate, so that he knew love all the way to LOVE
  • 3740- the felt heart she made for me to wear; happy valentines day mommy
  • 3739- the graceful sway of palm trees in the wind, their rustle sounding like waves on the shore
  • 3738- listening to that old song again on youtube and thinking who are those old guys...still 'huggin a tree when you get near it' makes me smile
  • 3737- the ability to call when stuck in traffic and let them know I'll be late
  • 3736- pigtails and curly ribbon
  • 3735- how today we had fog and rain and gray and wind and blue and billowy and clear and sunshine and warm and wind and cooler and dark and stars then clouds and tomorrow they say thunderstorms
  • 3734- ice cream cups for the kids who can't eat candy anymore, even on valentines day...braces claiming them one by one
  • 3733- she makes valentines for the priests because friendship is like love, says she
  • 3732- chocolate covered strawberries
  • 3731- birthday parties galore and she shopping for each friend differently, just for them
  • 3730- a loss after a battle hard fought and a win in the doubles, and how he takes them both in stride and loves the game
  • 3729- victory is his, against a strong opponent of high ranking and he is thrilled
  • 3728- the pain he goes through to play tennis, moaning out his stretches on the floor
  • 3727- japanese couple chatting away in native tongue, enthusiastic over their discovery
  • 3726- meandering through the antique mall while waiting for irish dancer to finish class
  • 3725- classroom valentines she chooses special for each
  • 3724- lucas laughing
  • 3723- her head in my lap, stroking her hair
  • 3722- a moment alone, he smiles and i walk into his kiss
  • 3721- papa and daughter eating cereal and watching saturday cartoons together, laughing and chatting away
  • 3720- my husband's sharing that keeps me steady
  • 3719- how she can wear out her shoelaces so fast
  • 3718- always a bicycle or two parked outside the parish
  • 3717- running into an old friend who was 'just stopping by to pray'
  • 3716- a long lunch lively in the grip of the gospel (Mark 1:40-45)
  • 3715- how we don't bother with slicing, but leave the spoon in the pie and slowly (not so much) devour it's goodness
  • 3714- laundry all washed but piled high and neglected all week, today calls for folding and putting away
  • 3713- i fall asleep reading and wake to feel him crawl into bed late... ease back to sleep in his warm nearness
  • 3712- Hakuna Matata she sings, and tells me, remember how she danced to it 'when she was little' being all of 8 now
  • 3711- butter melted on warm toast
  • 3710- how something i didn't want to do was such fun after all
  • 3709- daffodils bloom
  • 3708- poor kid with a mouth so full of orthodontia she can hardly swallow or speak...and how quickly she adjusts
  • 3707- mom and doctor glad for 5 pounds gained and we laughing at who'd of thought weight gain would be such good news
  • 3706- walking in the dark with him, cold and crisp
  • 3705- dark sky, bright moon, and tiny white clouds surrounding
  • 3704- airplane flies overhead and I think of lucas who loves them; little lad in a big, beautiful world
  • 3703- a slow morning for us girls before the orthodontist appointment
  • 3702- a letter comes addressed to her, (THRILL) and seeing the name in the corner (her cousin whose last name is Bishop) took a look at it and said rather seriously, “I got a letter from the Bishop!?”
  • 3701- valentine package in the mail from grandma marge and how she loves the envelope...covered with stickers, such love evidenced there
  • 3700- a finger swipe of hot sticky apple pie 'juice' - yum
  • 3699- strengthening her inner compass against peer pressure
  • 3698- how a childhood lie (i thought you said...to explain why she comes home late) was tried and how she is visibly relieved for the parenting discipline and the air cleared straight away
  • 3697- a friend's later than expected text - all ok- and i say pray text in return -tbtg
  • 3696- earphones on, listening to julia joseph and catching her smile
  • 3695- herself pleading for pie, so i bake one, but needing to cool, she'll have to wait til morning for a slice; then in morning darkness when papa heads off to work he whispers 'tell kyla to save me a piece' and smiles
  • 3694- breakfast for dinner
  • 3693- 2 young lads walking home from the beach, towels thrown over their heads, surfboards tucked close as they hurry, laughing in the rain
  • 3692- wrestling with God
  • 3691- for lunch, hot soup and laughter
  • 3690- raindrops on windows
  • 3689- the sound of rain
  • 3688- the promise of rain
  • 3687- sweeping the porch
  • 3686- how prayer mustn't always be silent and hidden
  • 3685- trust
  • 3684- a busy monday bursting with blessings
  • 3683- the blue sea turned gray and choppy, a storm brewing beneath the surface
  • 3682- how sweet baby boy keeps his eye on them, loves them close
  • 3681- son's long chat with my mom, cloistered in our bedroom on the phone
  • 3680- so glad seeing 'the kids' arrive early
  • 3679- birdsong blessing in the morning
  • 3678- sweet girl of mine sharing 'secret' kisses (as we hide them with our hands)and the feel of her hand on my cheek, the stretch of lips to reach, and the giggles that follow
  • 3677- how she likes me to draw on her back at bedtime, and return the favor too
  • 3676- his hand in mine, strong and sure
  • 3675- having some fun
  • 3674- how many lifetimes are lived in a marriage
  • 3673- bright sunlight
  • 3672- tying hundreds of ghillies, she does it herself now, mostly...
  • 3671- narcissus spent and how the frangrance turns
  • 3670- picking up those piles -3663- and the stories they tell
  • 3669- sink, freshly scrubbed and shining
  • 3668- kyla in traditional swedish dress, ja
  • 3667- print of my mom and siblings from childhood
  • 3666- phonecall 'visits'
  • 3665- major mom day brought to tender conclusion
  • 3664- that great swinging thurible - botafumeiro - and it's evocative prompts in prayer
  • 3663- the piles that accumulate by week's end, more this week than usual, it seems
  • 3662- long lingering conversations that bless
  • 3661- milestone day for our girl - braces - and herself so happy to have them
  • 3660- crisp, sweet, buttery, hot, raspberry turnovers fresh out of the oven good
  • 3659- warm day quick drop to cold night
  • 3658- papa telling how they each got godson hugs from michael
  • 3657- seeing her friend at the orthodontist, she claims it looked 'not too bad at all' and is ready to go
  • 3656- oops apologies
  • 3655- happy report card hidden in the freezer for a ramona-esque twist
  • 3654- sewing snaps on school skirts
  • 3653- in mark's gospel they bring the sick and the possessed to jesus for healing; next line, the whole town was gathered at the door
  • 3652- looking through the window at the belly of a bug
  • 3651- prayer and it's consolations
  • 3650- lively discussion
  • 3649- how she loves to sing edelweiss and i am sixteen
  • 3648- sometimes life just silences me
  • 3647- branches blowing in the wind
  • 3646- the words he shares from his heart, on the long road together
  • 3645- lucas at the park, sweet smile
  • 3644- everyone squeezing in to be a part of the moment
  • 3643- laughter around the table
  • 3642- the struggle between loving to feast and shall we say too much of a good thing
  • 3641- spring days in winter
  • 3640- silly songs...my momma is a monkey and I'm a flying squirrel wheeeeee
  • 3639- how i do love to teach...love to see that light dawn
  • 3638- fr bills hug as he came down the aisle for mass
  • 3637- 3 girls playing...saying mass; first communion for her friends and their dolls
  • 3636- helping each other as the days chores get done
  • 3635- a wooden bowl
  • 3634- dolls in strollers out for a walk
  • 3633- the fun of getting ready on 50's attire and herself so tickled that we were there when...later we win the best costume as a family (because she is our best accessory!)
  • 3632- garage sale find
  • 3631- sneaking out for a moment's quiet
  • 3630- too tired tears at the end of her day
  • 3629- sock hop fun
  • 3628- how a day just flew by
  • 3627- laughter is the shortest distance between people
  • 3626- good brown bread
  • 3625- laughing hysterically at the pie in THE HELP
  • 3624- pulling off the road for a good chat
  • 3623- testing 'gongs' in church
  • 3622- sniffling, snuffling girl
  • 3621- how paper whites lean toward the light
  • 3620- attending to intuitive prompts
  • 3619- chris getting good news on his treatment
  • 3618- she sings, she dances, she sharpens pencils, anything but homework
  • 3617- lost at night in the rain, I call home and get directions
  • 3616- irish nuns singing our lady of knock
  • 3615- a son's tribute to his mam, god rest her
  • 3614- faith-sharing that continues long after the meeting
  • 3613- clouds blowing by fast outside my window
  • 3612- discovering several of us hail from Indiana, with talk of relatives and fireflies
  • 3611- lighting jessica's luminaria
  • 3610- cold noses
  • 3609- keys in the door
  • 3608- umbrellas
  • 3607- godson's chocolate smile
  • 3606- child bravery
  • 3605- a kiss on the forehead
  • 3604- warm slippers to cold feet
  • 3603-after the rain
  • 3602- sharp scissors
  • 3601- counting the rings in a tree stump freshly cut
  • 3600- anniversaries that we carry, the body remembering
  • 3599- quick dash to a store and the owner ends up telling me of his childhood burn trauma
  • 3598- movies that move me to tears
  • 3597-how the dead tree we are cutting down has been hollowed out
  • 3596- eggshells for roses
  • 3595- honey
  • 3594- pools of water from the rain reflecting the trees and light breaking through the clouds
  • 3593- the sounds only babies can make
  • 3592- 'smarty pants' remarks
  • 3591- big sigh and she plops on the couch
  • 3590- smell of fireplaces burning to warm a cold day
  • 3589- fishing stories
  • 3588- she asks who I am talking to as I head out on retreat...guardian angels i say, and for a moment she thinks I am actually going to talk with the angels...it gives her pause, and then we share a smile broad
  • 3587- a travel film of slovania - breathtaking beauty
  • 3586- i get a traffic ticket in the mail, running a red light i have no recollection of, and husband only grateful i made it without harm, at least until the fine arrives
  • 3585- celebrating with our son his project complete and awesome
  • 3584- a full cookie jar and not for long
  • 3583- hot soup (made by the monks) on a rainy day
  • 3582- how she shares the struggle; part of her that knows god loves her and that other voice telling her she must earn it somehow
  • 3581- i bring husband a shirt and we remember together, he'll wear it with pride, says he
  • 3580- the memories evoked at prince of peace abbey, search talks and searching talks with fr. charlie, now abbot charles
  • 3579- shades of gray-ce...out my window with it's gray screen to a gray sky and the gray of the wood fence and the gray wires with the gray bird perched below the gray clouds
  • 3578- a 'box' of simple beauty
  • 3577- dinner out, just the two of us, and we feast on conversation that will long satisfy
  • 3576- scorsese's prologue to silence - I'll have to post it
  • 3575- hearing the father praise the work of the son
  • 3574- she shouts out her i love you's through the house to us, waiting, knowing we will echo back to her and we do so in one voice, smiling in our conspiracy of love
  • 3573- i stretch out tired on the couch and himself crowded at the end doesn't complain (though he's tired out too) but rubs my feet in his quiet way
  • 3572- a priest generous still in his fresh grief
  • 3571- my window at the parish is open to the sunshine and pat from minnesota whom i have never met but it doesn't feel that way tells me over the phone of the cold snow falling outside hers
  • 3570- car wash clean
  • 3569- how we blow a little air on the embers and they spark to life
  • 3568- pierre mon frere habits returning to name the good
  • 3567- the hard waiting
  • 3566- last of the tomatoes ripening on the sill
  • 3565- banana split shared
  • 3564- crescent moon through the window
  • 3563- recognizing those runners as I turn toward home, papa and daughter talking encouragement as they go
  • 3562- god wearing his heart on his sleeve at sunrise
  • 3561- the ring of the bell calling us to prayer
  • 3560- benediction
  • 3559- paper whites ready to bloom
  • 3558- daffodil bulbs
  • 3557- buds appearing in the garden
  • 3556- a girl on a bike, hair blowing back, strong and free
  • 3555- football and nachos
  • 3554- baking brownies together
  • 3553- dimestore readers
  • 3552- little hands tugging on my ears and I love it
  • 3551- how she wants to get her teeth fixed and studies her doctors every word, and once home wants papa in on it all
  • 3550- cheerfulness and the extra effort to put her at ease
  • 3549- health
  • 3548- beautiful simplicity in our son's design as their father/son project nears completion
  • 3547- quiet rainy day
  • 3546- a child's courage
  • 3545- how leslie twirls her hair in her hand and I glimpse the girl
  • 3544- happily lost in a good book
  • 3543- i lean over the couch and kiss the back of his ear and his head gently leans toward me
  • 3542- sleeping in
  • 3541- wanting to make sense of things impossible to explain
  • 3540- finding things jessica made for us in pottery class years ago, yes, unwrapping treasures (dancing couple luminaria)
  • 3539- something bellowing in the distance sounding like a fog horn
  • 3538- on the mend, I can feel it
  • 3537- heirloom roses in the mail to plant
  • 3536- summer in january
  • 3535- looking in jessicas wedding box
  • 3534- greek yogurt
  • 3533- clearing away the clutter hidden behind doors
  • 3532- anam cara
  • 3531- window sills
  • 3530- calling my friend, never mind the cough, so good to hear that voice
  • 3529- pink morning sky
  • 3528- the shoes lined up at the door
  • 3527- year old birthday plans already in the works
  • 3526- waking up and breathing in without coughing
  • 3525- how hard she is working at her homework
  • 3524- found bookshelf goes home with me and is just the perfect size
  • 3523- a man standing in a doorway with a bunch of flowers in his hand...wondering where he is headed
  • 3522- still missing kissing
  • 3521- bandaid tlc
  • 3520- wiping an eyelash off her soft cheek
  • 3519- sitting in a far corner of the doctors office and knowing the others wish it was farther still when they hear me cough
  • 3518- hot soup
  • 3517- fresh clean sheets
  • 3516- spray angels in the surf, thanks stephanie
  • 3515- father and daughter go out for their first run together
  • 3514- staying home and doing nothing
  • 3513- antibiotics and my good doctor
  • 3512- medicine that quells a cough
  • 3511- kindle gift timely as I rest and heal - thank you C & L
  • 3510- missing kissing
  • 3509- the patience of my family toward this noisy coughing patient
  • 3508- sleeping...and sleeping...and sleeping
  • 3507- sickness that stops me in my tracks
  • 3506- husband and daughter appreciating that mom can cook again
  • 3505- three girls ooing over baby boy and he delighted in the middle of it
  • 3504- i love these potatoes, says she
  • 3503- playing cards together
  • 3502- admiring husband's handiwork
  • 3501- his hand in mine
  • 3500- how lucas lights up for his papa, and vice-versa
  • 3499- cherrywood's oiled beauty
  • 3498- chinese jumprope
  • 3497- pulling up the spent plants from garden beds
  • 3496- studying herself in the mirror
  • 3495- little one planning her day, making a list just like her papa
  • 3494- time on our hands before the movies (our new years day celebration), we go out for dinner, and a lovely time together, us three
  • 3493- the momentary losing of my mind, ah now I remember
  • 3492- sick baby blues
  • 3491- a friends call, sharing loss
  • 3490- pausing to appreciate
  • 3489- surprise visits, bearing gifts like the magi
  • 3488- songbird in the dark, wakening the dawn
  • 3487- slow baked goodness
  • 3486- a note from her, all single letters, which miraculously I am able to decipher, love notes in code
  • 3485- she tells me she and clarissa are bff's, mte (more than ever)
  • 3484- she shares her secret handshake with me
  • 3483- finishing a good book
  • 3482- missing jessica
  • 3481- surprising papa with her new bike riding skills
  • 3480- music loud and dancing in the living room
  • 3479- cooking in the kitchen!
  • 3478- a few things added to the jessica and henry boxes they stored here
  • 3477- the generosity of leslies gladness in the moment
  • 3476- kyla says bye and shuts the door and baby lucas bursts into tears...and she bursts back in, consoling and obviously feeling the love
  • 3475- how husband shakes his head and says (with a tender smile) what are we going to do with him and its a statement of pride and appreciation in his grown son
  • 3474- our sons generosity and his fathers heart touched
  • 3473- how she had to get a helmet before she would try riding without those training wheels, our cautious one
  • 3472- her little neighbor friends' shared enthusiasm as she exclaims with congratulatory claps 'you got your training wheels off'!
  • 3471- training wheels off (she has been a reluctant cycler) and we practice until she is suddenly wheeling by and laughing out loud in pure delight 'I'm doing it!!!" as I cheer her on with equal thrill
  • 3470- lovely stone countertops now in use
  • 3469- grandma and auntie eagerness to watch baby lucas today
  • 3468- my husbands brother appreciating the remodel that he couldn't vision now take shape, complete with wide eyes and broad smiles
  • 3467- lingering adult conversation (too long without) and how smitten I am with this man by my side..buen camino
  • 3466- how we both want to walk the camino santiago and speak of plans
  • 3465- the way - great movie
  • 3464- an evening out with good friends
  • 3463- heirs to what our abba god has 'passed down' to us
  • 3462- heirloom roses
  • 3461- last of the christmas leftovers savored
  • 3460- dolls lined up for the night, tucked under the chair, after a day skiing on a rug draped over the piano bench
  • 3459- folding blankets newly washed after the 'kids' staying here for christmas
  • 3458- kitchen post full of smiling friends christmas greetings
  • 3457- still fun, with a skip
  • 3456- how that number was fun to type, childsplay
  • 3455- last tomatoes off the vine
  • 3454- morning songbirds
  • 3453- happy birthday stephanie
  • 3452- making my morning cup in the kitchen on a working stove and a part of me missing the 'camp' routine, so while it perks I press my face to the glass to see the stars...cold and I am glad to be in this warm dream become reality
  • 3451- himself emerging from under the house shaking off the dust like pig-pen and beaming, the job done
  • 3450- finding an old photo of myself at 19, in a bikini
  • 3449- christmas towels
  • 3448- lucas 'kisses'
  • 3447- family scattered around the room and the 'newly remodeled' space is blessed indeed
  • 3446- the family's laughter
  • 3445- christmas feasts
  • 3444- awwwwww, endearment or complaint
  • 3443- sound of music with us all gathered round, Jessica's favorite
  • 3442- how many times a child can watch the same movie
  • 3441- brilliant blues
  • 3440- coffee on campstove by lantern light, the fountain might as easily be a babbling brook somewhere
  • 3439- slow baked beans
  • 3438- miguels good work
  • 3437- chatting with my oldest daughter and laughing at our quirks
  • 3436- eating the gingerbread house
  • 3435- youngest happily playing with christmas gifts all the day long
  • 3434- a slow day
  • 3433- countertops installed
  • 3432- filling boxes with donations
  • 3431- coloring
  • 3430- how she understands when another gets the part she was standing in for, and happy to now be 'in charge' of the set-up
  • 3429- pull-down pantry stairs that lead to anywhere her child's imagination can take her
  • 3428- our sweet girl sleeping in the nook of the 'secret' (attic) room, wondering if she'll see st. nick through the window, she's up so high
  • 3427- daughter sees a lemon tart and wants to buy it but i say we can make them at home and so we do, wee tart cups shaped of tin foil for the pastry (baking pans still packed til the kitchen is finished), lovely lemon curd, and she is amazed and delighted at the outcome
  • 3426- making snowman cakes together, ooey gooey fun
  • 3425- we laughed 45 times, says she
  • 3424- how his mom sent a home-baked gift
  • 3423- kyla getting her room all ready for them
  • 3422- the hushed welcome as family arrives late to a sleeping house, so good to see them
  • 3421- nativity rehearsal and daughter 'stands in' for Mary
  • 3420- mother daughter outing to the hotel del christmas tree and hot cocoa
  • 3419- we gotta go BIG she says, so papa comes home with more lights and WOW
  • 3418- sharing with her the meaning behind the tree, the lights, stars or angels on top
  • 3417- our daughter re-arranging the nativity and hiding baby jesus (where she'll know to find him) for christmas morning
  • 3416- maybe, countertops for christmas
  • 3415- how he remembers and leaves me a little cash on my desk
  • 3414- driving around our neighborhood looking at the lights and the one house with none except a lit up pig on a patch of snow in the lawn...some pig...and how we laughed all the way home
  • 3413- the parade so close you can talk to them on deck
  • 3412- 'pirate ship' whose sails have become christmas trees
  • 3411- bay parade of lights and how my husband wants to be in it on his own boat
  • 3410- my uncle tony turning 90
  • 3409- a dishwasher
  • 3408- new shoes that help a sore foot
  • 3407- husband in new tennies off to play
  • 3406- sharing crafts together, snowmen treats
  • 3405- hours they play, 3 happy girls
  • 3404- glad I kept the red dishes (at husband's urging-he knows me so well) as I get them out for christmas
  • 3403- she wakes early (christmas morn practice perhaps) so off I go to join her in quiet tree-lit darkness
  • 3402- I turn to look out my morning window and blue sky dawning with ethereal dark gray clouds rimmed in golden light
  • 3401- the stories kyla writes
  • 3400- how the floor creaks loudest when I try to be quiet
  • 3399- from Carol, advice for christmas giving; something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read
  • 3398- school skit; the attitude of Jesus which I film (a first) for papa
  • 3397- how the christmas lights reflect on the wood floors, warm and soft
  • 3396- my son walking me to the car in the dark
  • 3395- soothing sleepy boy, tender moments
  • 3384- grandma babysitting time, yeah!
  • 3383- lucas laughing
  • 3382- cracker pizzas she makes herself
  • 3381- Papa and his little helper putting up the lights
  • 3380- school's out for christmas
  • 3379- our son on a long chat with grandma Pat newly arrived in Idaho, sitting cross-legged on the floor (might as well settle in)
  • 3378- mom mantra...clean your room
  • 3377- how he does for everyone else, self-giving man that he is
  • 3376- husband christmas shopping and he finds something too fun (and funny) to pass up
  • 3375- nativity silly bands
  • 3374- the warm welcome of an eager wave and a broad smile from a little one in class I have been meeting with to prepare for baptism
  • 3373- christmas gift exchanges and what does father bring...an irish house blessing of course
  • 3372- another box of books unpacked
  • 3371- nutcracker plans to see a friend dance
  • 3370- suspicious of a croissant, she takes a bite and then devours the whole thing
  • 3369- advent house treats that delight
  • 3368- dark house lit by the tree in the window
  • 3367- a dangerous moment that turns out ok but reminds me how quickly everything can change
  • 3366- how the gospel silences us, and the sharing that came later over lunch
  • 3365- the irritations that arise in family life
  • 3364- easy fixes
  • 3363- husbands good and hard work appreciated by another who knows
  • 3362- munching ice in the car
  • 3361- twenty minutes of centering prayer concludes with twenty more of laughter shared
  • 3360- mistakes easily forgiven
  • 3359- young fresh faces with rosy cheeks from the cold
  • 3358- a young girl full of tears for anothers grief and suffering
  • 3357- hot chocolate and whipped cream
  • 3356- disappointed I cannot babysit my grandson
  • 3355- christmas lights along the road home
  • 3354- over the phone, she tells me the snow is falling and I can imagine it, so peaceful and beautiful
  • 3353- Mary's daily christmas decorations
  • 3352- laughter that draws a crowd
  • 3351- sleeping child in the back seat
  • 3350- riding in the front
  • 3349- thunder
  • 3348- dark clouds and brilliant light reflecting golden hues
  • 3347- waiting
  • 3346- reindeer who come as we call out their names
  • 3345- her favorite thing in disneyland is seeing the real santa
  • 3344- moms merriment
  • 3343- suitcases promise
  • 3342- how irish dancing is so like reindeer prancing
  • 3341- imagining how i would do a christmas feis
  • 3340- desert mountains
  • 3339- an unexpected encounter that is balm for the soul
  • 3338- lucas' whispy red hair
  • 3337- toasty welcome indoors
  • 3336- crisp air
  • 3335- how the process of writing prayers works on me
  • 3334- everywhere I turned today, folks were pitching in
  • 3333- oh mommy, guess what
  • 3332- juggling our schedules to make it work...together
  • 3331- enough to cheer you
  • 3330- wrapping gifts at work during lunch, everyone pitching in to help, complete with christmas songs on Stephanies phone
  • 3329- immaculate conception...what Mary is by nature we are by grace
  • 3328- newly discovered planet so like our own 600 light years away
  • 3327- mercury glass
  • 3326- gifts in the mail for giving
  • 3325- a quick and thoughtful call from my son
  • 3324- toilets, good plumbing
  • 3323- sick girl and a day spent in quiet tending by her side
  • 3322- I want to hear the crunch of leaves so off I go, the crunch and the soft earth beneath blessing me
  • 3321- neighbors fiery red tree I'd enjoyed all week now a pile of leaves on the grass
  • 3320- leaves blowing in the wind
  • 3319- early morning husband hug
  • 3318- inside out socks
  • 3317- the trail an 8 year old leaves in her wake
  • 3316- hearing Jake pray 'my symphony'
  • 3315- hugs between old friends
  • 3314- the power of listening, the gift of being heard
  • 3313- a very all-business type ordering a tiger tail and a chocolate milk and sounding like he's 12, and how it makes me smile all the way to work
  • 3312- little gifts that bring such easy joy
  • 3311- Fr Mikes Ginger Rogers story and the 'youngsters' who haven't a clue who she is
  • 3310- sharing lunches
  • 3309- clam chowder on a cold night
  • 3308- quick questions that last an hour
  • 3307- my favorite picture falls but does not break
  • 3306- how I can hear her voice rising above the rest in the christmas pageant
  • 3305- godson michaels somersaults
  • 3304- gather round and look, she shouts
  • 3303- St Nicholas treats filling the shoes
  • 3302- youngest daughter pointing out that Luke and Hanna are both in the bible and that means both our grandchildren are holy
  • 3301- a saved seat to welcome me
  • 3300- opportunity seized and the day saved thanks to my good friend
  • 3299- bouncing braids
  • 3298- warm socks on cold floor
  • 3297- Emily's sharing
  • 3296- my longstanding circle of friends annual christmas gathering today
  • 3295- baking a quiche again and how they eagerly await (mouths watering)as the smell fills the house
  • 3294- tissues
  • 3293- how I hide what I am writing until it or I am ready
  • 3292- morning goodbyes in the dark as the day begins
  • 3291- a sense of accomplishment
  • 3290- how my husband shares a moment's gratifying gift; the house becoming just as we imagined...when we tore down the walls
  • 3289- the scent of fresh pine (even though it makes me sneeze)
  • 3288- glitter
  • 3287- 5 top toys of all time; stick, cardboard box, string, paper tubes, dirt...I'd add pots and pans or good old tupperware, a sheet, a cupboard or a closet
  • 3286- how much noise girls can make
  • 3285- recognized marker - daughter growing up - how scary isn't any more
  • 3284- O come O come emmanuel in the shower
  • 3283- how Caitlyn brings her friends over to play and takes them on a tour
  • 3282- secret room (playroom in the attic) alive with the sounds of play, she and her friends loving this special place as we dreamed they would
  • 3281- a great chat on the phone with my son
  • 3280- falling asleep on the couch
  • 3279- mary's yes in the middle of mystery
  • 3278- knowing my memories and hers are so woven together
  • 3277- jessica's shire
  • 3276- how he is pushing, working so hard to get the kitchen working by christmas
  • 3275- the fine work of my husband continues to astonish me
  • 3274- fox box project and getting it done, she feels wonderful
  • 3273- how the entire sofa is empty except for the one foot at the end where papa and girl snuggle as they watch a movie
  • 3272- the glow of christmas lights
  • 3271- four girls decorating cookies, and nibbling on colored sparkles, balls, red hots, and marshmallow cream as they happily create the good saint
  • 3270- baking St Nicholas cookies
  • 3269- so glad to have an oven again
  • 3268- decorating the tree together
  • 3267- she places the baby Jesus on the tree
  • 3266- how unwrapping each ornament is a new discovery in delight
  • 3265- wrapping a gift that I am eager to give
  • 3264- my friends voice and courage to speak
  • 3263- morning advent house wonder afresh in her eyes
  • 3262- a class of second graders cross the street in lovely disarray while the teacher shouts back ladies on the left, gentlemen on the right
  • 3261- how my co-worker claps her hands when she is happy
  • 3260- Mary sharing how one little event shaped a whole consequence of grace...holy spirit working and she just sitting back and taking it in
  • 3259- my daughter moving toward a simpler and more rural life and how glad I am for her joy
  • 3258- the shine on the clean floor
  • 3257- lunchtime stories shared
  • 3256- the city lights as I cross the bridge for home in the dark now
  • 3255- the house grown quiet
  • 3254- hearing our daughter laughing in her sleep
  • 3253- Conor working in the backyard in the hot sun, needs a wide-brim hat so I give him my beach hat, 6'5" manly man topped off with feminine flair and I see our little boy standing there, even as I hold his own son on my hip
  • 3252- sharing family traditions at school, she tells us a friends tradition is that her grandma gives them candy befor dinner
  • 3251- noticing the christmas lights already up in the neighborhood, our little one anticipates the tree decorating and our 'family tradition', putting the baby Jesus in the tree, first thing
  • 3250- last minute we dash to the beach to catch the sunset, herself scootering along the boardwalk
  • 3249- in my old bathrobe, arms full of dirty laundry, he catches me in the hall in all my morning glory, looks me in the eye and whispers with a smile, I love you
  • 3248- walking the neighbor girl home after dark, we carry the lantern and walk slow, chatting in the dark with a low crescent moon before us
  • 3247- comforts of home
  • 3246- how she points out to me that we sit the same way, mother and daughter
  • 3245- snapping family photos for Conor, Leslie and Lucas
  • 3244- I look over (it's grown quiet)and she's dozing on the couch
  • 3243- phone call with Jessica and how she delights in Henry and her new 'little bit of heaven'
  • 3242- repairing a favorite old lithograph
  • 3241- I crawl into her bed for morning snuggle and papa finds us horizontal, resisting vertical
  • 3240- she cleans her room so well I 'faint' and she beams
  • 3239- father and daughter curl up on the couch to watch a movie
  • 3238- husband's ready thank you
  • 3237- friends dropping by
  • 3236- having a table again, we practice table manners
  • 3235- the generosity of a company that does shrinkwrap advertising and offers free cool wraps for babies needing helmets
  • 3234- preparing the advent house and showing Leslie the boxes there from Conor's boyhood (big bear santa claus)
  • 3233- playing 'would you rather' and her questions of such moral gravity - we ask, would you rather swim with dolphins or swing with monkeys...she asks if you were homeless would you rather have food or shelter
  • 3232- father and son projects in the back yard
  • 3231- how her words reveal the burden her mama's heart had been carrying
  • 3230- Kyla and Lucas playing on the rug
  • 3229- how she loves her special shelf in her room, which she changes with each season
  • 3228- opening the christmas boxes, my daughter and I pull out each one, sharing memories as we decorate in this new space
  • 3227- how she shared what we had meant in their life, little did we know then the import of words well spoken and glad for God's grace
  • 3226- that unshakeable ground of friendship
  • 3225- Ceili pics and herself flying through the air
  • 3224- how I love this season
  • 3223- living room rug full of dolls and hours of quiet play in her own world
  • 3222- how Kyla still loves being picked up, while we groan and count one, two, three, jump
  • 3221- making it feel like home
  • 3220- walking into the 'new' house in early morning quiet
  • 3219- wishbone wishes
  • 3218- Thanksgiving change of plans that makes for a cozy at home day
  • 3217- writing in the dark
  • 3216- watching her 'try on' a bit of independence
  • 3215- cornbread and milk for breakfast
  • 3214- Fr. Sheahan's tip o' the hat
  • 3213- 3 women in silent prayer, peace and comfort shared there
  • 3212- she talks to herself while she works, just like her Papa
  • 3211- barefoot morning on new floors smoothness
  • 3210- the huge dry leaf she holds
  • 3209- girls with rosy cheeks
  • 3208- how my daughter sings in the shower for hours, then sings herself to sleep
  • 3207- giving away what I don't use and the smile on the one who gladly takes it
  • 3206- lasagna feast at work
  • 3205- Isaiah's call to mindfulness
  • 3204- how writing the petitions for mass has broadened my own
  • 3203- from across the street, I watch my friend pushing my daughter on the swing
  • 3202- a car that takes us wherever we need to go in comfort and confidence
  • 3201- scraped elbows and bandaids
  • 3200- imagining Papa God videotaping his-this family
  • 3199- easy friendships of children at play
  • 3198- how pies prompt a sharing of childhood memories
  • 3197- lasting marriages gathered around the table, a silent tribute to committed love
  • 3196- bob, the wine swine
  • 3195- 7 hours the kids jumped on that trampoline
  • 3194- dinner with friends from grade school, a reunion brought together by friendships when illness strikes among us
  • 3193- karla's kind note...an encouraging word
  • 3192- child's play with scissors, string and imagination spread across the livingroom rug
  • 3191- she finds faerie cups outside the parish door, thrilled at her discovery
  • 3190- slow day in pj's
  • 3189- husband's kind smile at my expensive mistake
  • 3188- cold day, hot chili and the family gathered round the table
  • 3187- Lucas' first trip to the attic playroom
  • 3186- morning prayer overflowing with gratitude for those common folks in my life who 'do good' to me without an inkling of the grace they bestow
  • 3185- Christ the King, and we hear of a shepherds care and how the way we treat others is the way we treat Christ, on that our life will be found worthy...and how those who 'did good' didn't know they had done so
  • 3184- how John Wayne always recited the 23rd psalm graveside in all those old westerns...the lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want
  • 3183- the generosity of my friend, keeping me 'in the loop'
  • 3182- new hutch, old photos
  • 3181- how all my pen cups end up with a paintbrush there
  • 3180- youngest daughter singing through the morning an irish ditty-'paper of pins'...will you marry me
  • 3179- donations on the curb and order in the house (well...more orderly than before)
  • 3178- how the dark morning sky seems to suddenly glow pink over my shoulder, though I know it wasn't sudden at all, but a gradual seeping in... how her light instructs my heart
  • 3177- husband emerging from under the house looking like pig-pen from a peanuts cartoon
  • 3176- hanna
  • 3175- my son's 31st birthday, and he, with his own son now, thanking me
  • 3174- picturing my daughter walking in her new neighborhood and the delight of fresh perspective in her artist eye and expansive heart
  • 3173- the smell of coffee and crisp morning air
  • 3172- trusting in my own broken way that God is doing something new and - as usual- I haven't a clue what that something is...
  • 3171- the loss I am feeling knowing this Sunday is the last I will hear the mass as I have always known it, the comfort of familiar words, faith's intimacy
  • 3170- standing under that big pepper tree at the parish, waiting to pick up my daughter after school, with all the usual suspects so familiar, ordinary grace
  • 3169- my voice coming and going...urging me to speak less, say more
  • 3168- the drive to the desert, blue skies, black mountains, a bit of fall color and open space
  • 3167- how I can hear the burden lifted in her voice
  • 3166- neighbors curious to see the work that's been done stop by for a peek, husband proudly humble to show his handiwork
  • 3165- homework and how we hate it's consumption of every evening
  • 3164- and how we are all the more grateful for 'free fridays'
  • 3163- piling on the couch, watching Nanny McPhee Returns
  • 3162- how our catholic faith is so saturated in her irish dance academy
  • 3161- a potluck dinner and girls dancing the night away together, not a bother in the world
  • 3160- cold day and a kettle of chili
  • 3159- ceili lessons through the living room, round the table and the post
  • 3158- irish dance moms and margaritas
  • 3157- how the pipes roar when the water is turned on
  • 3156- 8 year old circling the World Vision animals we'll give this year, and the tender conversation of faith shared
  • 3155- letter to Santa already written, she's taking no chances, oh my
  • 3154- how all her pants are (seemingly suddenly) 'flood height'
  • 3153- fresh baguette with butter and jam
  • 3152- wicker picnic baskets
  • 3151- new desk and hutch set up by my old prayer window
  • 3150- sleepy girl in new pj's, a tangle of wild hair and warmth
  • 3149- how easily a small shift can redeem a day
  • 3148- found my needlepoint pillow in a box (worried it had been accidentally left in a drawer at the yard sale)
  • 3147- soft rain
  • 3146- mountians of sawdust as the cherry wood is planed
  • 3145- hearing husband read aloud to her with such creativity and enthusiasm
  • 3144- 8 year old telling papa we spent the day in a rural area (school lessons learned)
  • 3143- how they would have fed chickens for HOURS and the contentment found in simplicity and space
  • 3142- hot cider and free fudge
  • 3141- the allure of a chicken coup and a bag of corn kernels
  • 3140- Bates Nut Farm adventure
  • 3139- a friend's fall from a roof, and how quickly life changes and just as quickly the praying community of friends responds
  • 3138- lucas' pixie-whisp of red hair
  • 3137- wedding photo newly displayed in an old favorite copper frame
  • 3136- the smell of cinnamon
  • 3135- planting a vineyard of joy
  • 3134- so daily in need of God's grace
  • 3133- why did I say that - regretting an unkind comment and seeing it's hurt
  • 3132- how often he mutters under his breath, sorting things out
  • 3131- unpacking some of my dishes and getting to use them again
  • 3130- the comfort of things, comfort of home
  • 3129- home again
  • 3128- turns out Guinness is medicinal too
  • 3127- time's passage and the losses along the way that become,in one recognized moment, now a memory
  • 3126- watching the age difference in her favorite cousin shift the friendship
  • 3125- family celebration at the Field
  • 3124- the hard swallow of the cup at mass, fear and trust stinging the throat
  • 3123- a new life in the world
  • 3122- no voice, not all bad
  • 3121- how hard it is to keep my distance from baby lucas while I am sick
  • 3120- a grown son's strong help
  • 3119- moving back into the house
  • 3118- misty full moon
  • 3117- God is at work on me
  • 3116- a new bible study, and so it begins
  • 3115- pushing Michael in the swing
  • 3114- happy explorations through the antique mall and how 8 year old delights in discovery - everything old is new again...
  • 3113- hiccups and how we try to stop them
  • 3112- a burst of tears that leads to an afternoon with nothing to do but spend it together and share the love between a mother and her girl
  • 3111- a tree along my walk whose aged strength seems to shelter my soul
  • 3110- puttting up decorations in a house under construction; childhood waits for no one
  • 3109- enjoying a person with the courage to ask her questions
  • 3108- a friends story of grace
  • 3107- long lost things found that are as a new discovery
  • 3106- that morning chirping bird (squeeky wheel) has returned
  • 3105- sharing jokes and laughing ourselves to tears
  • 3104- my son's happy voice on the phone
  • 3103- pink day to honor Sr Damien (god rest her), and 8 year old wears her pom-pom headband too, knowing sister would LOVE IT!
  • 3102- electric lights (working now in the kitchen)
  • 3101- the generous dusting of morning stars so close I could almost touch them (while brewing my morning cuppa in the dark, on the campstove in the backyard)
  • 3100- taking a walk after the rainstorm and the flowers dripping glisten in the sun
  • 3099- cookies in the cookie jar...and in my hand, sweet treat
  • 3098- lighting a candle, and its gift of glow, instantly transforming
  • 3097- I can walk to the beach from work, and did
  • 3096- talking in the drop-off line at school and forgetting (oops) to get a move on, coach shakes his head shouting, LADIES?!
  • 3095- how she just lays her worries on the table for me
  • 3094- making 8 year old a 'papa' sandwich for her lunchbag, trimming the crusts the way she likes it
  • 3093- three hummingbirds at the fountain, taking turns
  • 3092- working well past dark, weary and worn husband walks in at last...all smiles to be home
  • 3091- kitchen table scattered with diarama school project and the evening of creative companionship it brings
  • 3090- my friends laughter from a morning call echoes through my thoughts til we meet for lunch, then ah, there it is again, live and full and free, big smile, wild curls, just us girls
  • 3089- felipe's smiling face popping up from between the pews where he is working
  • 3088- catching my mom in the middle of juicing the grapes from her arbor, she spills purple stain everywhere, and it's not a bother
  • 3087- how a line in a book can reach places we didn't know existed
  • 3086- laughter in hallways
  • 3085- keeping one's sense of humor
  • 3084- in the quiet of the morning, we hear, clear as a bell, our neighbor Dad sing "Baby, baby, baby, oh" and we erupt in hushed giggles
  • 3083- a perfect fall day
  • 3082- blankets spread on the grass
  • 3081- birthday parties in the park
  • 3080- sitting in the evening there, and on the sofa opposite, piled side by side, I am looking straight into faces I love; and they do not know how they have completely overtaken me there in that moment as I sip the wine and thank the Lord
  • 3079- tired out baby smiles
  • 3078- a new home for our son and his little family, and the men - some of whom were recently 'the boys' - pitching in to move them
  • 3077- plans change and papa can be there with us - yeah
  • 3076- when 8 year old gives way to sleep in the early morning hours and sleeps in a good long while, saving the day that caused such eager anticipation, making for the restless night
  • 3075- freckles on her nose
  • 3074- more folks let go at husband's work, rough days and I see his heartache
  • 3073- walking down the street to the parish and all the neighbors shouting their goodmornings to me
  • 3072- picket fences
  • 3071- catching up with family, and the loads each are carrying
  • 3070- home haircuts
  • 3069- bagpiper posts on youtube and 8 year old proclaims me now famous
  • 3068- trading books to read
  • 3067- hardshoe steps that never stop, her feet dancing as she does her homework, eats supper, hops out of the shower and dances down the hall
  • 3066- the gift of evenings free to be fully present at home, and the evenings here full enough
  • 3065- childhood lessons as she writes an apology
  • 3064- a month of lunches, blessing me with friendship affirmed
  • 3063- a lovely night out for her birthday, an evening happy and loving, it's a charmed night; multiplied then when Jess and Henry arrive and make it a party; their gift delighting (oodles of fun hair ties and headbands), the gift of themselves all the more so
  • 3062- home-made birthday party invitations
  • 3061- tv breaks and we're not missing it a bit
  • 3060- realizing I stopped my conversation mid-stream as I saw our grandson arrive...smitten as I am
  • 3059- feeding Luke as he lays in complete peace in my arms, the full weight of trust
  • 3058- praying as moms begins, and the whole day children practice, class after class, in the church outside my open window "Glory to God"!
  • 3057- examen honored and proving its worth
  • 3056- days full of things to do, punctuated with laughter and easy graces
  • 3055- the aroma of paella filling the air at a family gathering
  • 3054- food handlers class (could make you stop eating out)
  • 3053- side by side, looking in the same direction; those wonderful conversations that occur in the car, or lying on our backs looking to the sky or the beautiful ceiling husband made
  • 3052- lunch in the park
  • 3051- bagpiper surprise brings us all out for a thrill
  • 3050- sweaters instant comfort
  • 3049- foggy, misty mornings
  • 3048- 8 year old dreams that bring grace and opportunity
  • 3047- gina's morning hugs
  • 3046- husband's dedication to good work in sharp contrast to having had some poor work done for hire, deepening my appreciation of his gifts and the gift of himself
  • 3045- my drive to work provides a great chat with my friend that neither of us want to end, knowing we could go on for days
  • 3044- how halfway thru the movie, she always lifts the theater seat arm and snuggles in
  • 3043- fun email exchanges with Jess
  • 3042- our godson graduating from John Paul University
  • 3041- hard shoes mighty racket of pure joy
  • 3040- hot glue guns quick work
  • 3039- walking to mass
  • 3038- kids lemonade stand on the corner
  • 3037- working along side my husband and son
  • 3036- a girls afternoon out, me and almost 8
  • 3035- went to see jig, and now, hours later husband tells me I've been talkin' irish since home
  • 3034- stacks of laundry folded, the kitchen table is buried but the bottom of the basket makes me smile
  • 3033- the gift of his voice is all it takes, and I am home
  • 3032- night blooming jasmine
  • 3031- miguel hanging my pictures and our little chats about each one
  • 3030- 8 year old proclaims a 'bad day' has been made 'good' by the power going out and the fun it created
  • 3029- candlelight and quesadillas
  • 3028- power outage and we are fine, camp stove already in use and lantern at the ready-hidden blessing of remodeling
  • 3027- husband as nit-picker
  • 3026- the case of head lice that has me cleaning everything, repeatedly and thoroughly
  • 3025- how just seeing the ocean is respite
  • 3024- meeting so many friendly helpers and remembering Ginny and her 'godhelpers' story
  • 3023- morning light breaking through clouds dark grey at the core, but brilliant white at the edges...gorgeous
  • 3022- the old lights cleaned up nicely and are back in service over the new sink
  • 3021- watching husband's championship match today and us eager to cheer him on who cheers us on daily
  • 3020- after the rain, when the world sits still
  • 3019- Happy 3rd birthday Michael!
  • 3018- missing our godson's birthday party...and missing it
  • 3017- dinner out to celebrate thanks to a friends giftcard, and 8 year olds comments on the pleasure of 'real food' after living without a kitchen these past few weeks
  • 3016- fun at the feis, 2 medals and a promotion to hard shoe; a great day, says she
  • 3015- the irish spikes worked, curls lasting all the day
  • 3014- in the middle of the night...a drippy faucet...a dance step...a downpour of rain
  • 3013- lovely chat with an irish priest recollecting days gone by and folks we've known
  • 3012- enjoying the 20 minute ride to and fro, solitude where you find it
  • 3011- broke my favorite cup and how it sits on the counter, not in the trash...my love for certain objects still a mystery to myself
  • 3010- herself selling magazines to the painters for her school
  • 3009- bedroom curtain breathing in...then out...then in; the spirit at my window
  • 3008- hard shoe echoing through the house
  • 3007- dancing all the day in preparation
  • 3006- rolling curls in 'irish spikes' for tomorrow's feis
  • 3005- fixing the professional's paint job - aaargh!
  • 3004- old photo of my husband as an altar server at his brothers first communion, the two of them so precious
  • 3003- frozen yogurt treats the kids so we can have a good chat
  • 3002- praying it forward
  • 3001- my opus from Carol
  • 3000- fragrance of roses
  • 2999- still feeling the blessing upon my head
  • 2998- old maritime ships in the harbor
  • 2997- feeling so easily at home there, god is good
  • 2996- little visitations 'getting to know you..."
  • 2995- moving boxes to a new office
  • 2994- the circle of dear friends that God has kept close
  • 2993- a surprise send-off that was like my heart turned inside out, all those it holds there before me
  • 2992- an afternoon just the two of us, thanks C&L
  • 2991- making lunches
  • 2990- that running late, hurry in the car scramble of school mornings
  • 2989- walking...holding hands
  • 2988- how the heat always arrives when school starts
  • 2987- mistaking squeeky fan for husband snoring
  • 2986- an anticipated 'hard conversation' proves easy
  • 2985- get to see that grandbaby today
  • 2984- african violet blooms at last
  • 2983- just sitting and watching as they play in the clay, snapping pics of my friend and her little guys
  • 2982- not working on anything all weekend
  • 2981- husband home, tanned and sweaty, tennis match won and on to the next round
  • 2980- licking the spoon
  • 2979- how mothers hold close and fathers lift high
  • 2978- how she shouts 'love you' as she dashes out to play
  • 2977- paint getting on the walls at last
  • 2976- drive-thru car wash chats with 8 year old
  • 2975- words of affection and appreciation
  • 2974- long lingering chat with my oldest in the garden
  • 2973- fresh egg salad, still warm, that we share on a chunk of bread while I savor a memory of the same feast shared in love
  • 2972- lone cricket keeping company in early darkness of my morning prayers
  • 2971- all the prep work done for painting
  • 2970- 8 year old and all the neighboring little ones clamoring for her attention as their parents sit on the wall and enjoy an evening's respite thanks to 'mommy's little helper'
  • 2969- How I keep checking in that God has a hand on me as I struggle with change
  • 2968- difficult goodbyes, and grateful for all I have been given that makes it difficult
  • 2967- crossing bridges
  • 2966- hearing my dad enjoying retirement (living in a motor home having sold their house) care free and glad
  • 2965- lying in bed together with child of mine and talking long and easy in the quiet before sleep
  • 2964- consolation
  • 2963- talking with Msgr. Fred...always good
  • 2962- how husband talks to himself as he plays chess on the computer
  • 2961- praying for a longtime friend with cancer and all of us in his circle of friendship who now find ourselves undeniably at 'that stage in life'
  • 2960- really really really good friends
  • 2959- watching 8 year old with little ones, full of encouraging words and gentle ways
  • 2958- cool of the evening and later than we thought
  • 2957- a day of blood, sweat, and tears
  • 2956- a full day on our knees but the floor is done
  • 2955- God's ways
  • 2954- a child's quick recovery
  • 2953- Dr Tontz's follow-up calls
  • 2952- putting groceries away while snacking on fresh blueberries
  • 2951- sleeping in after a restless night
  • 2950- a husband's encouragement
  • 2949- blooming shamrock
  • 2948- possibility
  • 2947- girls playing dress-up
  • 2946- fresh baklava
  • 2945- dining on the porch
  • 2944- jump rope tricks
  • 2943- its in their eyes...each of them there that night...love
  • 2942- the perfect gift
  • 2941- old town celebration of our daughters birthday and engagement; happy life
  • 2940- expressing the heart that encourages the heart of another
  • 2939- a pint of guinness with family as our godson turns 21, and the girls dancing at The Field
  • 2938- talking with a 2 year old
  • 2937- the kids gentle care of the sea life they discover
  • 2936- sand in my toes and the relaxed tiredness of a coastal afternoon
  • 2935- an afternoon at the bay with my friend
  • 2934- 4 month old picture of baby Luke
  • 2933- with pinking shears & old colorful socks I make a doll wardrobe to delight 3 little girls the whole day long
  • 2932- he laughs and tells me he likes how he pays and I take the change
  • 2931- marine layer mornings
  • 2930- listening as husband recalls his week and newly grateful for all he carries
  • 2929- re- doing the floors, she sleeps in the attic (aka secret room) feeling big and small at the same time
  • 2928- husband and wife reunion
  • 2927- leaving the restaurant, how she takes papa's hand
  • 2926- how almost 8 rushes to see her friend first thing when we get home; reminding me of the treasure and import of good friends
  • 2925- 'baby' michael's exclamations for airplanes, boats, and trash trucks
  • 2924- my friends smile to greet us
  • 2923- birds eye view of the grand canyon
  • 2922- my brothers tears, really his heart
  • 2921- mom smiling as she is watching almost 8 play in the yard as we do laundry and final packing to leave
  • 2920-running home together in a thunderstorm and laughing all the way
  • 2919- how she writes her name girly-fancy now
  • 2918- the tumble of the clothes dryer
  • 2917- engagement news and plans to celebrate
  • 2916- packing up for home and eager to see papa
  • 2915- lovely butterfly and she exclaims 'monarch'
  • 2914- crossing a bridge on foot, stream gurgling beneath us
  • 2913- she's skipping a hoola hoop and the sounds of summer afternoons drift in mingling with her winded laughter
  • 2912- old puzzles with pieces missing undiscovered until the end
  • 2911- sharing a bathroom
  • 2910- fear and longing
  • 2909- cooking up breakfast for all
  • 2908- my moms things
  • 2907- the cool of a fan on a muggy hot day
  • 2906- almost 8 and I walking downtown to browse used books and enjoy a hot cocoa again
  • 2905- thunder showers
  • 2904- wild mushroom grove at a tree stump and we look for the faeries
  • 2903- my brother, looking so good
  • 2902- phone calls home
  • 2901- gentle, serious conversations
  • 2900- shoebox and candy box become beds on the stairs for her animals
  • 2899- shopping for Jessica as her birthday draws near
  • 2898- back porch lingering
  • 2897- train whistles and the breeze rustling through the trees
  • 2896- almost 8 'dream days' piling up, and what makes them so...getting to pet a new dog
  • 2895- walking along the lakes
  • 2894- lazy afternoons working puzzles together
  • 2893- squeezing in at the table
  • 2892- grandpa showing almost 8 his "tinker" shop
  • 2891- mom
  • 2890- a long car ride that catches me up with family
  • 2889- waiting
  • 2888- searching the crowd for a familiar face and the broad smiles in finding it
  • 2887- curbside goodbyes at the airport
  • 2886- someone cooking bacon for breakfast and I suddenly feel myself camping, the kids small, and I don't exactly know why I am crying so
  • 2885- my favorite shoes worn out and the cobbler no longer able to save them, telling me to enjoy them to the last and let them go
  • 2884- packing for a visit to my moms
  • 2883- girls on scooters til last light
  • 2882- the layers of letting go; to infinity and beyond
  • 2881- obstacles become bridges
  • 2880- holy spirit sharings with Joan
  • 2879- the things I miss baking
  • 2878- singing in the shower
  • 2877- almost 8's enthusiasm for an evening 'out' with papa - to home depot and rubios
  • 2876- my laptop surrounded by orchids and shamrocks, violets too as we make room to finish the floors
  • 2875- missing baby luke and the daily visit of his mommy and daddy too
  • 2874- knobs on cabinets
  • 2873- almost 8 skipping rope hours on end
  • 2872- seeing them carrying their pooh and eeyore, holding hands and skipping in to see the new Pooh movie
  • 2871- the mothers gathered on a summer evening as the children play
  • 2870- my heart full for Luke's mama missing him as she goes back to work
  • 2869- tons of laundry - done!
  • 2868- the look and feel of a freshly watered garden, hosed off decks and stones
  • 2867- he stops for a bowl of cereal at our table as he drops off his own son for the day with grandma
  • 2866- savoring this time with baby lucas, we play and chat and gaze at one another
  • 2865- the fun of getting wet on a hot day without a bother
  • 2864- giant bubbles and a quiet respite under the shade of the tree now in glorious golden bloom
  • 2863- twirling girls dizzy delight
  • 2862- kids who think it is so fun grilling cheese sandwiches outdoors
  • 2861- mexican food & margaritas
  • 2860- hushing all while baby sleeps
  • 2859- pile of debris gone, and what a difference
  • 2858- watching le tour de france and recognizing favorite spots
  • 2857- hardwood laid, we now have a wide open dance floor for jigs and reels
  • 2856- how she confidently can lace her own gillies now
  • 2855- yellow and black caterpillar
  • 2854- husband and wife flirtations while working to lay the floor
  • 2853- frozen yogurts and how she nestles into my side to share the moment
  • 2852- overheard "it's just like any other day...only it's not"
  • 2851- grief shared in play between neighbors as one lost her mother to leukemia this morning; god rest her
  • 2850- almost 8 listening to baby Luke sounds and saying it is the sweetest voice she'll never forget
  • 2849- husband scouring the pantry for a bit of chocolate anywhere
  • 2848- how we pitch in for each other
  • 2847- how simply listening to another's wounds helps to heal
  • 2846- a good pen
  • 2845- watching almost 8 gently tending the little ones
  • 2844- 'conversations' with baby Lucas, play too...and sleeping sweetly
  • 2843- steam rising from a hot cup
  • 2842- brewing my morning cuppa on the camp stove in the back yard
  • 2841- waking up on a slow sunday morning
  • 2840- finding the good
  • 2839- when plans go all wrong and laugh at the mess we've made
  • 2838- how a friendly call can make all the difference
  • 2837- frozen vegetable ice pack for a twisted ankle as she was irish dancing the walk home
  • 2836- a cold beer on a hot day after hard going
  • 2835- my husband's moaning as he rises from laying the hardwood
  • 2834- the gift of an hour 'between classes' that almost 8 and I share
  • 2833- an old story from the little prince (taming the fox) is offered for its lessons along with this Sunday's gospel (the wheat and the weeds)
  • 2832- hearing her door in the morning and footsteps and warm hugs
  • 2831- scent of lemons
  • 2830- a freshly cleaned surface
  • 2829- brothers bone marrow good, tbtG!
  • 2828- plans to visit my mom and brother, and almost 8's anticipation of airplane rides and grandma's
  • 2827- today we lay the hardwood
  • 2826- almost 8 playing beauty shop on papa and I, hair-do's right out of Dr. Seuss
  • 2825- how for some, rules provide freedom, and for others, restraint
  • 2824- the faeries have been at play again, and she's sure she heard eeyore talking just before she woke
  • 2823- how in the middle of a big project, husband stops everything to help almost 8 make something of the lumber scraps
  • 2822- a new young family moves in next door, and their music reminds us of our son
  • 2821- missing mailman Greg, prayers for healing and health
  • 2820- the pleasure of an evening out with friends
  • 2819- irish figures and feis preparations - our wood floors are resounding with dance
  • 2818- frozen yogurt after tennis on a hot day easily becomes ritual
  • 2817- crowded into one room as we work on the house and loving the huddled togetherness
  • 2816- an unknown future and how we fool ourselves into thinking that is not always the case
  • 2815- chips, salsa, and my best girlfriend
  • 2814- old school crank sharpeners
  • 2813- husband letting someone else do the work and the relief of a job quickly done, and well
  • 2812- almost 8 and neighbor playing with dolls for hours
  • 2811- daddyland coupons unused from fathers day laying on his desk get an urging from almost 8, "use em or lose em"
  • 2810- freshly planted, earthy, wet and soul-satisfying
  • 2809- side yard ready for whiling away an afternoon
  • 2808- summer harvests in handfuls
  • 2807- swim lessons and wrapping her in a towel, my how she's grown from that first lesson
  • 2806- licking the chocolate milk spoon after stirring
  • 2805- top-heavy video I'll have to post, yes its baby luke
  • 2804- my son's power-pruning, an act of quick generosity
  • 2803- hard lessons and deep grief
  • 2802- a kind & good-natured husband
  • 2801- the things we cannot fix
  • 2800- new kitchen walls and the dream takes shape
  • 2799- camp stove kitchen
  • 2798- the comfort of our own bed
  • 2797- almost 8 and papa heading to the park
  • 2796- we babysit and they have a grand night out while we have a grand night in (win-win)
  • 2795- how almost 8 so tenderly loves baby
  • 2794- these desert mountains in evening light
  • 2793- baby Luke is here and he brought his mama and daddy too
  • 2792- recounting the big event and savoring the moments
  • 2791- lingering long
  • 2790- missing papa, and here he comes
  • 2789- playing the day away
  • 2788- this time alone with almost 8...just right
  • 2787- inflatable dolphins and guiseppe's
  • 2786- 4th step in my morning prayer...into the pool
  • 2785- mother/daughter headng to the desert and both ahhhing in unison when we see the windmills and know we're nearly there
  • 2784- overcome by gratitude
  • 2783- that moment when the weight of preparation gives way to the joy of celebration
  • 2782- the grace of such affection shown
  • 2781- seeing the crowds arrive, which was nothing compared to hearing them in unison respond to Msgr.'s greeting 'The Lord Be With You'
  • 2780- packing for a quick get-away to the desert
  • 2779- tearful encounters ending in laughter with my 'el papa' as the day draws near for his retirement
  • 2778- arms full as I 'pick up' the house
  • 2777- gently teaching children at play the importance of their words
  • 2776- leftover hedgehog fixin's become a pig in a blanket in her hands
  • 2775- baby Luke's 2 month old photo
  • 2774- last day of school
  • 2773- how husband thinks out loud as he loads the tools he'll need
  • 2772- clean wrinkled from the bath toes of 7 year old as I clip them
  • 2771- msgr.'s old photos and seeing old friends from days gone by in its pages
  • 2770- the worn pages of my bible and the memories they hold
  • 2769- familiar friends in suits for a group photo
  • 2768- a woman joining the rcia for 'date nights' with God
  • 2767- a soft day
  • 2766- mama bird nesting snug
  • 2765- early morning quiet, refrigerator hum, a floorboard creaks, breeze through the window, crickets pre-dawn song
  • 2764- classroom parties...ah the last week of school, full of expectation as summer looms promising on the horizon
  • 2763- writing thank you cards
  • 2762- sharing a tangerine together
  • 2761- talking with a toddler about the rain
  • 2760- the gift of an antique marian medal that we tie to her little shrine post
  • 2759- I can see her feeling pretty
  • 2758-a bag of avocados from a friend
  • 2757- holding on
  • 2756- tender hearted crumbling of 7 year old at days end
  • 2755- that time and rocking and lullabyes and listening and a sympathetic hug can soothe the childs heart that breaks over a meanly spoken word by another child, which she carried all evening until it's bedtime outpouring
  • 2754- the quiet blessing of an appreciative word
  • 2753- fresh strawberry milkshakes
  • 2752- baby Michael's hugs
  • 2751- braiding her hair
  • 2750- new carpet and a change of arrangement makes everything seems new and fresh, reinvigorating all that takes place in that sacred place
  • 2749- 7 year old learning to laugh at herself
  • 2748- how a long marriage holds so much in a bond only we know
  • 2747- hedgehogs for dinner (see Eyes of a Child page)
  • 2746- pulling weeds, picking tomatoes
  • 2745- rinsing dirty feet with the garden hose
  • 2744- childhoods new friendships
  • 2743- how she still loves the zip line adventure the best, riding it for hours
  • 2742- learning always to listen deeper
  • 2741- 4 longtime friends counting our blessings of a happy marriage all
  • 2740- a gathering of old friends and memories, and how they lifted me
  • 2739- how we change our routine to not disturb these mama's on their nests
  • 2738- nesting hummingbird in the apricot tree
  • 2737- nesting dove in the flowerpot on the potting shed shelf
  • 2736- the familiar comforts, same mug, same dinner talk, same routine that eases the days cares
  • 2735- healing husband
  • 2734- paint brushes
  • 2733- love gathered and filling the spaces with peace
  • 2732- visiting the dying
  • 2731- honesty brings deepening graces at bible study
  • 2730- I visit, he sleeps, and I am so happy just to hold him all the while
  • 2729- baby Luke is smiling, time for a grandma visit
  • 2728- a mischevious Eeyore
  • 2727- Disneyland getaway
  • 2726- 7 yr old singing opera
  • 2725- savoring the moments
  • 2724- my friends insistence complete with 'the mommy look' that none would dare dispute and how funny it is to see it
  • 2723- how in the midst of it all I am displaced for the sake of improvement
  • 2722- school masses
  • 2721- my friends quick and ready help
  • 2720- fresh paint that brightens
  • 2719- the wizard of oz and now she wants to be a munchkin for halloween
  • 2718- explaining half-truths to 7 year old
  • 2717- really good questions
  • 2716- flash and flare of a match as it is struck
  • 2715- simple solutions
  • 2714- an unexpected but much needed night off
  • 2713- she sings the afternoon away
  • 2712- loving correction
  • 2711- everyone beaming on this happy occasion
  • 2710- the fun of a last minute run, out with 7 year old, girl-shopping
  • 2709- how my son and daughter both wrote lengthy and meaningful cards and how it runs in the family, this speaking from the heart!
  • 2708- a precious word with Msgr. following the mass and how it touched me
  • 2707- 7 year old's joy (having spent the nervous energy til it was gone last night) and in the moment; an easy confidence as she reads the gospel and receives Jesus (having told me not to worry, he is already inside of her)...amen I say and alleluia
  • 2706- nervous energy that wiggles and giggles out
  • 2705- messing about
  • 2704- children's prayers
  • 2703- how he knows just the spot that aches when I am carrying a hidden heavy load
  • 2702- tired out and little one tucked in bed, we settle in to watch a show and glancing over I see husband is grinning ear to ear at the good of it
  • 2701- a husband's love
  • 2700- a quick kiss and off she runs
  • 2699- cheerful helpers
  • 2698- mother and daughter moment as we put together her first communion veil in early morning
  • 2697- childhood 'campouts' on her bedroom floor
  • 2696- a favorite piece of blue Indian cloth newly draped on my bedside table
  • 2695- the exhuberance of childhood running down the street to play with a new friend (and her dog)
  • 2694- my 'prayer corner' shifts to a different place (remodel is moving along) and I find the morning sun still streaming in here in this new window; its company constant but newly generous and beckoning, familiar but changed...Ho!
  • 2693- ease of home in eveningtime this day, a bonus day 'off ' and we did take full advantage
  • 2692- when I think I've laid it down and shoulder ache prompts a deeper prayer as his spirit gently unpries the hands of my will
  • 2691- fields of yellow along the roadside
  • 2690- awestruck by the octopus whom 7 year old thinks looks like a princess, gown flowing, so graceful
  • 2689- the fresh beauty of their young faces
  • 2688- my husband, holding the son of our son
  • 2687- seeing my oldest daughters beaming smile reflected in the glass as she holds up the antique lace dress she bought years ago for her wedding day
  • 2686- and a little child will lead them (Is. 11:6) and so the Teacher instructs a Mother's heart
  • 2685- how I am still becoming, so much learning, repenting a harshly spoken word, forgetting the deeper listening so necessary, and then a moment later grace unfolding again as hearts are opened in a quiet trust on the step outside and moments mended in the bond we share
  • 2684- 7 year old, love that she is, with a big love between them already
  • 2683- Lukes first visit to grandma's house (ok, our house)
  • 2682- flower bunches tied in hankies, my daughters loving touch
  • 2681- nibbling samples at Costco
  • 2680- the strength of young men as they help so easily
  • 2679- brand new mama to celebrate alongside this mama with a lot more miles on her - Happy Mother's Day - hold on, it's a wild and wonderful ride
  • 2678- the sound of 7 year old bouncing the ball outside
  • 2677- plants on the kitchen windowsill
  • 2676- kind affirmations that God is at work in me
  • 2675- signposts along the highway that bring me fond recollections as I travel north
  • 2674- sea air
  • 2673- Carlsbad flower fields in early morning
  • 2672- the balm of memories shared with the family I had never met that brought laughter and knowing nods ... and the son that knows he looks (but does he know he laughs) just like his father
  • 2671- husband and 7 year old tearing down walls together and having a time at it too
  • 2670- Seeing a father/friend carry his sleeping toddler and his own grief as he leaves the funeral mass
  • 2669- camp stove cooking
  • 2668- that intimate circle of women friends who are truly, generously there for you
  • 2667- listening to a recording and what I hear that is so dear is my good friend laughing heartily and the shutter-click of her camera
  • 2666- 7 year old asks "Don't you wish every time you paid for something you got change back? Then no one would be poor!"
  • 2665- Ignatius's life-flow lessons
  • 2664- how summer heat inspires a 'lazy' pace
  • 2663- split pea soup from easter ham for supper
  • 2662- husband pouring us a glass of wine as he chats on the phone with his mom
  • 2661- baby luke in sunglasses, beach baby most adorable
  • 2660- making strawberry pie with 7 year old
  • 2659- that broken hearts still work
  • 2658- the surprise gift of purple tulips reminding me of mom
  • 2657- how I am seeing butterflies everywhere
  • 2656- dishes stacked to dry on the new kitchen cabinet
  • 2655- parking lot traffic jam and a bad temper flaring causes those stuck in it to gently laugh and let it go
  • 2654- parents sending their 6th graders off to camp and the nervous energy of this milestone
  • 2653- a contagious smile
  • 2652- watering the plants and the pleasure it brings
  • 2651- how he is generous with his time
  • 2650- the fairy candy shop papa and 7 year old built together
  • 2649- she has discovered my shoes fit her (in a manner of speaking), and parades in them while I suddenly grow in esteem before her eyes
  • 2648- 7 year old reminds me there are 2 women in this house and she needs her own hair dryer for when I go away with mine
  • 2647- praying husband through the day as he returns to work, not quite recovered but needing to go
  • 2646- looking at the stars together
  • 2645- running in the sprinklers
  • 2644- the pile of debris that once was our kitchen
  • 2643- wide open spaces
  • 2642- seeing the long kind hand of time and friendship and faith as it is recalled with Msgr. Mark
  • 2641- how husband wants to hear everything, and cries so easily as we share...and how our own retreat experiences spill forward through time to this moment and again grace us
  • 2640- feeling spent but oh so grateful
  • 2639- pulling up to home, 7 year old runs to greet me
  • 2638- girlfriend chats late into the night reminiscent of high school
  • 2637- birds soaring in a bright blue sky
  • 2636- a chat sitting on the steps
  • 2635- Ho!
  • 2634- her artist hands reminding me of my daughter and the surge of affection it called forth
  • 2633- the company of women, hearts on our sleeves
  • 2632- transformations
  • 2631- how the sun of the son enveloped me
  • 2630- I'll fly away sung in acapella harmony
  • 2629- Lettys gift
  • 2628- how she grows taller with the compliment
  • 2627- sitting by the creek as it sings to me of joy and abundance
  • 2626- wild lavendar blooms against the gray burnt tree bones
  • 2625- climbing the treehouse my husband and son built at camp
  • 2624- thorned weeds with huge white blooms
  • 2623- how staying up late together thrills a child
  • 2622- mopping the kitchen floor
  • 2621- watching the trees blow in the wind
  • 2620- 7 year old singing in praise of her own talents
  • 2619- baby birds in the nest
  • 2618- wrestling together with difficult family issues
  • 2617- old cabinet doors and lumber scraps become a fairy house in her hands
  • 2616- how he suffers in silence (mostly)- a man of little complaint
  • 2615- that nagging feeling there's something more
  • 2614- good bread and good wine and good company of friends in Christ
  • 2613- agape sharing so full of life
  • 2612- the cross strapped onto the roof of my car; retreat ready
  • 2611- sweet recounting of the day spent with her god-brother Michael
  • 2610- visiting Luke and his mama
  • 2609- how he sleeps just right in 7 year olds criss-cross lap
  • 2608- how light fills the space
  • 2607- the wall is down
  • 2606- digging out quarters - a vending machine treat for little girls at play
  • 2605- how she 'pins' me with post-its proclaiming I LOVE YOU
  • 2604- rain in the night
  • 2603- a big kiss for love
  • 2602- park bench in the sunshine as 7 year old and friend play
  • 2601- preparations to tear down another wall
  • 2600- fingers intertwined
  • 2599- the comfort of friends
  • 2598- watching her eating the ears off her chocolate bunny
  • 2597- skype with mom and brother, both well and so good to see
  • 2596- Easter with himself recovering becomes a pajama day to child's delight
  • 2595- a trail of string thru the house and leisurely winding it up
  • 2594- 7 year olds stuffed animal petting zoo
  • 2593- Easter feasting
  • 2592- missing baby Luke
  • 2591- Jessica’s heart and best colored eggs ever
  • 2590- perspective
  • 2589- Easter reconciliations
  • 2588- bunny paw prints all over the place
  • 2587- 7 year old’s thrill Easter morning
  • 2586- a child’s belief
  • 2585- late night mom duties
  • 2584- the burst of fresh strawberries in my mouth that brings tears to my eyes this holy night
  • 2583- celebrations and a knowing hug
  • 2582- the laying on of hands
  • 2581- the prayer before the vigil with a joy so tangible
  • 2580- glad I wore my comfortable shoes
  • 2579- how she made an Easter hat for each of us...and the bunny, and how we wear them all afternoon
  • 2578- an empty church all prepared for Easter and the sounds of the fountain echoing in the silence
  • 2577- stained glass window’s beautiful light
  • 2576- the easy way between Msgr and I at the vigil and how I know I will miss this night as he retires
  • 2575- Good Friday full of brokenness
  • 2574- relief as husband is ok following surgery
  • 2573- his playful ways to lighten my worry
  • 2572- my work left for a day into others capable hands
  • 2571- that moment when me and 'the guys' meet, laughing under the arches following a great holy thursday celebration
  • 2570- I think he's on the computer but he's folding all the laundry, sweet surprise
  • 2569- shared loads
  • 2568- holy week’s unfolding...
  • 2567- tooth powder we love is no longer made...so it’s extinct? she says
  • 2566- seeing the results of his days work; he is so good at what he does
  • 2565- packing up the kitchen as the wall is coming down
  • 2564- how they slept with his blanket that my husband's sister had knit and then wrapped him in their love
  • 2563- after school art classes
  • 2562- how he washes the car before we trade for a day
  • 2561- my husbands level head
  • 2560- leaving a message for my daughter, so full of gratitude for her happiness and health, her coming home
  • 2559- adult first confessions, and the joy that followed, complete with leaps and clapping
  • 2558- sleeping in a bit
  • 2557- forgetting the time, and dashing out
  • 2556- 7 year old and I sharing the camera
  • 2555- field trip to the zoo and she holds my hand, stays close
  • 2554- Mr. Smiles
  • 2553- good kind affirming priests, real men of God
  • 2552- holding Michael as the bible study class shares faith
  • 2551- how a day unfolds, and how it ends drifting off to sleep with last thoughts fading
  • 2550- how everything else falls away and only love remains, only this moment matters
  • 2549- word that my brothers leukemia is in full remission, good news urging my prayer
  • 2548- how my heart aches as they head home and must leave their little guy at hospital
  • 2547- seeing Sr and my secretary high five while working together on the computer
  • 2546- 2nd grade class shouting out answers to the questions that are asked on a film as though it were live
  • 2545- lingering lunch with my daughter
  • 2544- sweet photo in his first outfit, sent to encourage
  • 2543- text updates with good news
  • 2542- every breath a prayer
  • 2541- knowing they are forever changed through this, in the deep mystery of love laid down
  • 2540- the compassion and good care at the NICU
  • 2539- worry shared in the bonds of friendship
  • 2538- the comfort of prayer as baby Luke and our new mama and papa struggle with health concerns
  • 2537- missing my husband
  • 2536- my brother's 'grandma' teasing
  • 2535- calling family with such happy news
  • 2534- how my son reaches out to safeguard his son, papa instinct strong
  • 2533- the weight of his new life in my arms
  • 2532- smell of new baby
  • 2531- joyful tears
  • 2530- being grandma
  • 2529- seeing him bear this day, boy to man to husband to holding baby boy
  • 2528- hope,prayers,fears shared
  • 2527- talking tom cat app that provides hours of giggles as we wait
  • 2526- seeing their heart for one another
  • 2525- a strangers story of gratitude in hospital corridors
  • 2524- the joy of new life
  • 2523- a mothers worries
  • 2532- whiling away the day with 7 year old in hospital waiting room, praying and playing and pacing
  • 2531- how just being there is everything
  • 2530- rain puddles mirroring the heavens
  • 2529- they are at hospital - I wrap them in love as I pray - layer it over their own stronghold - and yes, I feel the expansive embrace of the One who is love holding us all
  • 2528- rain blowing in the car window
  • 2527- reading in bed
  • 2526- the knowledge of others
  • 2525- a lunch full of laughter
  • 2524- stars
  • 2523- husbands tender chuckles at my singularity of thought, yes it is baby Luke's arrival, there is nothing that supersedes this grand event and my prayers for this new family within our family
  • 2522- 7 year old is with me on this - sure he will be sooooo cuuuuute; love how she says it, all gushed up with love
  • 2521- she says her fingers hurt from wanting to touch him and she sounds just like our oldest when we brought home baby Conor
  • 2520- how the sounds of the day slowly build and fill the pre-dawn silence that isn't silent either
  • 2519- katie in pink sitting on the arm of the sofa smiling, relaxed, radiant and my heart skips a beat, my breath holds back a moment in wonder and gratitude as I smile and go to her, our arms wide open
  • 2518- morning prayers '3 steps' as I see him off and the days breath still cool on my face
  • 2517- black sky hinting blue at early sunrise
  • 2516- sliding my cold feet into morning slippers
  • 2515- the floorboards groaning in sympathy with my husbands morning aches
  • 2514- cuddled on the couch-she likes to be close
  • 2513- snaily's baby found, with personality to match her first love, so she keeps him another day and names him peewee
  • 2512- my son the domestic warrior
  • 2511- 7 year old 'sidekick' helping me at baptisms and lovin' the babies
  • 2510- running to the phone with baby due...unabashed eagerness
  • 2509- shells worn smooth
  • 2508- a slow day
  • 2507- funny bunny find
  • 2506- 3am bird that sounds like a squeaky rocker...and is persistent
  • 2505- fingers intertwined with one I love
  • 2504- my moms great news; no chemotherapy, just go live your life and enjoy it
  • 2503- papa with 7 year old in his lap doing
  • 2502- a handful of violets from the garden
  • 2501- frozen yogurt treat
  • 2500- bright red geraniums in the window box
  • 2499- cleaning out 7 year old belly-button fuzz
  • 2498- afternoon chat with Lovely Leslie (my daughter-in-law ready to deliver any minute) and when I sign off with an I love you she says she loves me too
  • 2497- early morning call from my Dad, so we sip the coffee together, thousands of miles apart
  • 2496- windows open, the evening sounds that trickle in
  • 2495- freeway traffic and thankful that's not an everyday experience
  • 2494- sitting with my face to the sun
  • 2493- fresh corn, butter, salt
  • 2492- 7 year old thinks she can't go to the party because then she would miss baby Luke who is coming that day and explaining 'due dates'...she thinks he should come when his parents expect him, that would be good, and then we giggle in eagerness to meet him
  • 2491- gumption
  • 2490- the beautiful things made by my husband's hands
  • lost these somehow but as Dan Berrigan says"There many beautiful days cannot be lived again but they are compounded in my own flesh and spirit and I take them in full measure toward whatever lies ahead"
  • 2477- 7 year old thrilled I can drive for the zoo trip, touched with gladness that she so wants me there
  • 2476- lingering, the three of us, at the dinner table
  • 2475- the freedom of two year olds
  • 2474- me in the dark and cricket serenades
  • 2473- how I was visited today unexpectedly by God in a man seeking to do something for his father and a woman full of tears and another full of fond memories; and a man sorrowing beyond words who could only sit and choke back tears and a child looking for lollipops and a stranger looking for directions, a man full of complaint and a mother boasting of her grown sons newspaper article, a nun practicing her english with a handout I had on the titles of Jesus and a woman grateful for a ripe banana offered to appease an afternoons hunger, a young woman who showed me her scars and a mother who'd spilled her lunch on her bright white blouse
  • 2472- lazy lay on the couch afternoon
  • 2471- crisp cool air and a hot cuppa shared
  • 2470- snow cones on rainy days
  • 2469- the saving grace of rubber gloves
  • 2468- the pleasure of helping my husband as he builds the cabinets
  • 2467- anticipating with every ring of the phone the news of baby Luke's imminent arrival
  • 2466- a happy bunch of daffodils
  • 2465- horseback riding lessons and how his heart is so for his family
  • 2464- forgetting my phone and not missing it for a minute
  • 2463- window reflections to see yourself...and see beyond yourself
  • 2462- discovering lizards at play in the leaves
  • 2461- pleased as punch, she lights up with self accomplishment
  • 2460- the chiming computer as 7 year old practices her math
  • 2459- whispering in the back rows
  • 2458- imagining the site as I walk the friar out to his car in the dark lashing rain under a huge rainbow umbrella, my camera eye not missing the shot
  • 2457- turtle doves 'necking' on the fence
  • 2456- how my husband likes my cooking and speaks his appreciation so easily
  • 2455- how a positive take on a negative behavior (and a star chart) can rather easily lead a child in the way they should go, and the parents too
  • 2454- the homeless man who has frequented our church. I asked him today his name...it's Joseph
  • 2453- the variety of passions in peoples lives
  • 2452- 7 year old delight at snatching a sweetroll off the hospitality table before school
  • 2451- the morning mission sessions that so gently and clearly urge us deeper into Christ's life of service
  • 2450- an old vietnamese woodcarver's smile and skill
  • 2449- crispy onion strings
  • 2448- the essential virtue...a sense of humor, which is perspective, humility, grace
  • 2447- watching my husband comb out 7 year olds hair as they chat above the noise of the hairdryer
  • 2446- sudden downpours of rain and grace
  • 2445- living so close to my parish/work; the quick dash so easy
  • 2444- the gift of encouragement
  • 2443- following the urge of prayer
  • 2442- one more in a long line of folks needing Msgr for something and his face lighting up at my query...what kind of pie would you like with lunch
  • 2441- those who love me
  • 2440- gentleness
  • 2439- a lovely dinner savored
  • 2438- rain on the roof
  • 2437- on a spiritual 'high' I stumble still, and so soon
  • 2436- a quiet mass together
  • 2435- 7 year old helps me set up the church so generously and with such care
  • 2434- coming home and himself hurrying to tidy up for me
  • 2433- 7 year old in adoration chapel
  • 2432- relaxed conversations that meander
  • 2431- lingering and perusing books
  • 2430- time alone
  • 2429- good news shared and grateful for it
  • 2428- goosebumps as man-tears
  • 2427- connecting with old friends, making new ones
  • 2426- congress inspirations
  • 2425- a slow mornning to myself
  • 2424- todays yellows; complimentary to a friends dark curls, casting its golden hue at twilight, calling to mind the tender scent and warmth of a baby in my arms
  • 2423- conversations in late night stillness
  • 2422- heel pads for stone bruises, but 7 year old prefers to use a cane, milking it for all its worth, poor suffering lass
  • 2421- husbands handiwork; the oiled cherrywood's beauty and his own as he shows it to me
  • 2420- small celebrations of accomplishments with co-workers
  • 2419- parenting
  • 2418- finally sitting back and feeling the relief of a day chock full, in the moment let go
  • 2417- how the holy spirit, through a common shared prayer (or word) touches each hearer differently
  • 2416- pickles
  •  2415- teens who love Christ and share their love in service
  •  2414- parent chats in the parking lot
•2413- lenten soup suppers
• 2412- elusive cricket in our livingroom
• 2411- 7 year old silliness
• 2410- seeing old friends at an annual gathering
• 2409- tying a child's shoelaces
• 2408- grapefruit from a friends tree
• 2407- needing a respite and taking it
• 2406- cabinet making and dinner amidst plans and catalogs
• 2405- my friend the super-mom
• 2404- the daily grind of family life hits a classic pinnacle and he laughs, shakes his head, and says 'we are blessed'
• 2403- how he lays out his man-sized rubber gloves, pleased as I am at the surprise of his doing the dishes I had let pile up
• 2402- so much joy in one room
• 2401- late cuppa with my oldest, at cleared tables following the celebration, what a treat
• 2400- husband over in the corner chatting it up with 4 priests, bringing up the hard stuff and encouraged by their response
• 2399- to be a friend of God
• 2398- my gorgeous girls sitting behind me at the Rite of Election
• 2397- how mass can be so ho-hum on the surface but full of grace in the heart turned to Christ in gratutude or in need, or in my case, both
• 2396- husband who takes my book and glasses gently to not wake me and saves my neck literally
• 2395- spring forward and setting the clocks
• 2394- letting the dishes (and the laundry to put away) slide for a day
• 2393- those who help me
• 2392- a celebratory ice cream cone (2 scoops) and conversation between licks
• 2391- the clanging chime of track medals bouncing around their necks as we walk to the car and herself first sad her 'only one' can't chime, then rethinking it right there, she decides she is glad she ran hard and got this one BIG one, grateful for a good relay team, especially Lydia who handed her the baton
• 2390- fathers and daughters
• 2389- a clay-sculpted rhinoceros (with a heart-drying in the sun) discovered on the way out that makes her want to go to this school
• 2388- trying to be quiet in early morning and I am banging into everything
• 2387- 3 of us in the jacuzzi under the stars;a ringed moon wish and foot rubs
• 2386- the things we carry within us
• 2385- the big days this season brings in my work
• 2384- comments left
• 2383- nervous energy that spills in tears and moments later giggles
• 2382- a happy first reconciliation day, so good
• 2381- how she colors the two of us, the same but different
• 2380- seeing 7 year old curled in papas arms, heads together watching a cooking show
• 2379- table talk
• 2378- cooking dinner
• 2377- spills and cleanups without a fuss
• 2376- honoring anothers work and wisdom
• 2375- thumbs up from 7 year old at the end of my class visit
• 2374- quick calls to stay in touch
• 2373- to do lists
• 2372- OMAK becomes laugh-mak when we laugh at the same time...and trade sweet giggly kisses
• 2371- a run of sneezing gets a run of God Bless Yous until she crumbles laughing on the floor
• 2370- pet store visits with 7 year old
• 2369- 50 questions that a 7 year old can come up with before sleep
• 2368- close-knit moments of family
• 2367- glue repairs
• 2366- easy rapport
• 2365- Fr Johns lessons in class are taken to heart
• 2364- moms group blessings
• 2363- oldest missed, but her recollection from childhood brings a happy grace
• 2362- tender care of family
• 2361- my cluttered kitchen windowsill of sweet reminders
• 2360- American Idol singers so talented
• 2359- white bearded husband and careful prickly kisses
• 2358- brothers blood count improving
• 2357- husband's surgery success
• 2356- Carol's humor and friendship
• 2355- former students now returning as parents
• 2354- little ones going straight to the font, ready for Jesus in those baptismal waters
• 2353- encouraging a discouraged little one
• 2352- little visits
• 2351- 24 hr chapel code reminding me to remember our firemen to our triune god
• 2350- pink roses welcome comeback, faithful at the office door
• 2349- stone walls and wild growth
• 2348- holes in my socks
• 2347- dove cooing on the corner of the roof
• 2346- Sr Janets enthusiasm
• 2345- Bob the lizard
• 2344- new scissors clean cut and swish sound
• 2343- the students standing greeting and 7 year olds response
• 2342- butterscotch candy surprise
• 2341- bookstore wanderings
• 2340- a mountain of sawdust as he planes the wood, fruit of his labors
• 2339- sleepy head
• 2338- shared stories of awe
• 2337- 7 year olds lenten promises
• 2336- time together
• 2335- bread and soup
• 2334- headphones on but not fully plugged in, I am listening loudly in early morning thinking they are working...ooops
• 2333- agua con gas
• 2332- how me, 7 year old and grown son share the same aesthetic, loving the gnarled piece with the knot right through
• 2331- the wood beetles trail in cherrywood, fascinating
• 2330- surgery goes well and husband mending
• 2329- seeing our home through anothers eyes
• 2328- he crunches ice just like his sisters
• 2327- friends who help with such generosity
• 2326- a quiet church as I set up for Ash Wednesday
• 2325- preparing the reading for Sunday
• 2324- a new blouse
• 2323- making fruit salad and the lovely scent as the garbage disposal grinds up those pieces
• 2322- sitting with sadness
• 2321- questions as opportunity, listening
• 2320- folding laundry all afternoon
• 2319- poetry again and again
• 2318- John ODonahue, God rest him
• 2317- irish phrases that touch me deeply
• 2316- miles of memories
• 2316- Fat Tuesday pancakes and games
• 2315- old fashioned aluminum cups
• 2314- beginning again, and again, and again...lent must be coming
• 2313- the tiresome work of parenting
• 2312- 7 year old blessing papa's forehead
• 2311- all of us talking and smiling at God's grace, heads nodding, laughter flowing
• 2310- Fr Dan from Kenya sharing bits of his story
• 2309- a favorite tea cups gentle fading
• 2308- kindness and courage
• 2307- trust, and honoring it
• 2306- youngest and I dancing in the kitchen, twirling, not a care in the world
• 2305- the power of music
• 2304- ringtones matched to friends & family
• 2303- the gift of forgetting
• 2302- how BIG simple things are, and how small some of the BIG STUFF that takes our time and energy
• 2301- explaining TBTG to folks
• 2300- ignoring the phone
• 2299- myself, as seen through other eyes
• 2298- child wisdom lessons
• 2297- morning bird song
• 2296- Slow Sunday afternoons
• 2295- bubbles
• 2294- who does 7 year old want to meet with in her first communion interview...'Cameron's Dad' (Fr. Bill, Cameron is his dog!)
• 2293- dashing, whichever way you take it
• 2292- walking to the school office midday and the surprise of 7 year old running across the lot, arms wide, twirling hug and I love you's...FREE LOVE
• 2291- moved to prayers
• 2290- class out early and team stays late
• 2289- brother improving
• 2288- watching rain clouds blowing in
• 2287- tucking her in and falling asleep alongside her
• 2286- Conor's project wins 2nd place - woohoo
• 2285- hindsight
• 2284- packages in the mail
• 2283- husband's playfulness with our son captured in a photo
• 2282- faerie garden blooms
• 2281- geranium still on my hand
• 2280- dawn, dark clouds tinged pink in first light
• 2279- tile is done
• 2278- sharpened pencils, new erasers
• 2277- prize money buys a new doll and they spend the evening playing together and chatting away, just a girl and her doll
• 2276- how she flings her new lunchbox over her shoulder, pleased as punch
• 2275- what does your life encourage?
• 2274- a child's hand written note
• 2273- a long awaited prize for 7 year old success finally arrives and she is thrilled
• 2272- school days
• 2271- singing happy birthday into the phone with 7 year olds special lyrics
• 2270- the generosity in friendship
• 2269- how 10 minutes in nature says more than I ever could
• 2268- working late in the night to finish a project
• 2267- husband's hilarity
• 2266- how people tell you what they need, if you just pay attention
• 2265- play day, a park bench and sunshine on our faces
• 2264- sharing her journal with me, sacred trust between mother and child
• 2263- 7 year old loves labeling
• 2262- how much my son and I are alike
• 2261- moving things into the new pantry
• 2260- parents concerns
• 2259- peach pie
• 2258- homework frustrations pay off in confidence
• 2257- bedtime chats with 7 year old
• 2256- sharing of first 'boy band' crushes among the ladies-hilarious
• 2255- dinner celebration in anticipation of Conors winning project really celebrating how much we are 'for him'
• 2254- beiber fever - as she sings along with abandon at the movie, and together with her friend singing still, so caught up in the moment as they walk through the mall after, unaware of the knowing smiles of strangers
• 2253- how the photo of the smiling baby on his dresser that could just barely sit up was the girl singing 'baby baby' in front of the mirror
• 2252- 7 year old throws her first pot on the wheel
• 2251- one daffodil bloom
• 2250- planting flowers, anticipating spring
• 2249- a quick cuppa with a friend
• 2248- how I love to teach and am blessed to do so
• 2247- Q & A brings deep questions to the fore
• 2246- dinner conversation
• 2245- Sr. Eva's 'namaste'
• 2244- the interior life
• 2243- regretting my impatience, grateful for how easily it is forgiven
• 2242- his hand on my neck
• 2241- emailing for votes on my son's bamboo project and the fun responses from friends
• 2240- feeling baby Luke kick
• 2239- how starting a diet always brings on the parties
• 2238- birthdays everywhere
• 2237- fragility accepted, honored, strengthened in community
• 2236- seeing the ah-ha moments as we journey together in prayer and friendship
• 2235- people are funny
• 2234- prayers through tears for a dear friend with a truckload of family illness
• 2232- happy ditties of 7 year old
• 2231- how a kind word can make a person walk away taller, straighter, brighter
• 2230- a great priest and friend tells me he is retiring and I am caught offguard by how his life's generosity wells up in me
• 2229- laughing so hard you cry
• 2228- brother home and knowing the special comfort found only there
• 2227-valentimes, she says and I greedily want more times like these
• 2226- kate on the court, smiles as we cheer her on
• 2225- creativity
• 2224- Sunday morning pancakes
• 2223- coming home to a clean house
• 2222- foggy morning (outside)
• 2221- a curl right in the middle of his forehead
• 2220- baby clothes on the line
• 2219- all the big guys there
• 2218- grandparents chat
• 2217- watching C&L play "change that baby"
• 2216- crunch time-working together with my girls to get the party started
• 2215- hmmm
• 2214- the 'second' half of life
• 2213- irish brogues
• 2212- toot and puddles
• 2211- crunchy cereal
• 2210- freckled noses
• 2209- loved 'as you are'
• 2208- towel drying a dripping child
• 2207- bandaids
• 2206- husband finishing the pantry painting as I burned my hand
• 2205- the gift of enduring relationships
• 2204- how sometimes you connect-just like that
• 2203- sharing the moment
• 2202- moms huddled in morning chill
• 2201- 7 year old dog dreams, planning ahead
• 2200- 7 year old morning chatter
• 2199- toothless grins
• 2198- planting flowers for spring
• 2197- berries that husband so enjoys
• 2196- toilets, yes, aren't they wonderful, truly
• 2195- a small boy who leaps from his daddy's arms and hops over the pew to scurry to the bathroom
• 2194- loss that breaks open a heart, revealing loves deeper gift
• 2193- daughter in college makes the President's list
• 2192- a family determined to grow in relationship with honesty and hope
• 2191- tears of 7 year old in the struggles of schoolmates & friendships
• 2190- billowing curtains in the moonlight
• 2189- casual staff lunches and laughter
• 2188- looking forward to REcongress and its special gifts
• 2187- the beauty of her Irish dress outshined by her own glow
• 2186- 7 year olds favorite thing about talent show - godson's 2 year old kisses
• 2185- the red string ball of the holy spirit leading us to Gods love
• 2184- if God is BIG, as big as the universe, and if God lives in me, shouldn't he stick out somewhere
• 2183- a chance breakfast with a friend that encourages
• 2182- prayers as my brother is diagnosed with Leukemia while still battling pneumonia
• 2181- folks who pitch in, never a bother
• 2180- proud parents silently singing along
• 2179- 7 year old waiting to go on stage for her talent show, so self-possessed
• 2178- my brother in hospital but getting care just in time, TBTG
• 2177- taking something out of the box and not being able to put it back in
• 2176- kids, if you read this, I am so proud of each of you, filling my Dad in about your lives today
• 2175- us girls shopping for first communion dress
• 2174- 7 year old and friend playing make-believe upstairs in the 'secret room'
• 2173- stretching out on the couch
• 2172- egg salad on buttered toast & a nice glass of wine
• 2171- 7 year old asking if earth is in space, why do we have to fly into space, aren't we already there?
• 2170- working in the garden to 7 year olds delight (fairy garden plantings) and husbands kindly frustrations as we are encroaching on his outdoor woodshop
• 2169- how a quick call can lift the spirits
• 2168- future plans delight
• 2167- reminiscing
• 2166- birthday call to Dad full of laughter
• 2165- the call as a dear friend loses her mother
• 2164- husbands keen eye for design
• 2163- kitchen cabinet #1 actually sitting in its place
• 2162- stealing away to see the kings speech (it was good)
• 2161- write it down so you can check it off, he says
• 2160- my husband the tennis player
• 2159- homecomings
• 2158- sleeping in
• 2157- the question posed for prayerful insight...which of the divine persons do I feel closest to...God the father, God the son, or God the holy spirit...why
• 2156- splitting a meatball sandwich, half with cheese, half without
• 2155- dish towels crisp countenance when dried on the oven handle
• 2154- coming home in the dark to a lawn full of rabbits, 7 year old delights
• 2153- best laid plans may not be
• 2152- as my friend says so often...it is what it is
• 2151- watering the garden together, a mother daughter affair of the heart
• 2150- the fragility of souls
• 2149- bringing happiness to another
• 2148- enthusiasm
• 2147- reciprocity
• 2146- not watching tv for days
• 2145- tiptoeing to not wake the household and the creak and crack of old wood floors refusing to take it in silence
• 2144- making 7 year old's favorite school lunch in early morning
• 2143- wishing to be with the one you love
• 2142- our girl's time with papa away and the blessings it has held
• 2141- a violin's power to evoke prayer of the heart
• 2140- sister sara of the trinitarians who spoke so joyously and intimately to us last night
• 2139- dreams
• 2138- naps
• 2137- hearts on sleeves
• 2136- the electrical fire in my office, caught 'just in time'
• 2135- electricians, and bright new lights
• 2134- quick conversions and apologies that mend the moment
• 2133- bandaids
• 2132- unexpected thanks
• 2131- hands (& heart) full of blessing
• 2130- Jessica-watching her shine
• 2129- a phone call full of life-shared
• 2128- morning pink clouds, and purple too
• 2127- seeing God's movement in the hearts of our small group
• 2126- spelling words
• 2125- holding on tight
• 2124- clean windows
• 2123- oldest and youngest performing in all their glory
• 2122- 7 year old's song for me - Oh Mama
• 2121- smiling eyes
• 2120- generosity of words affirming and kind
• 2119- colored pens
• 2118- preparations that instruct my heart and the opportunities to practice
• 2117- humorous bedtime stories
• 2116- 7 year old who does not like it when I go away, and lets me know it, and then spills out with glad sharing everything that happened in my absence
• 2115- a home made ready for love
• 2114- my sons pulling out the baby clothes to show me in anticipation of little Luke
• 2113- quiet joys
• 2112- hurt, without intent, that still hurts, bringing me to my knees before the One who alone knows the human heart
• 2111- how a group of 'strangers' are anything but...
• 2110- the pleasure of my camera in hand
• 2109- a funny experience of being on the outside that brings to mind deeper isolations and their impact
• 2108- notes, preparations, and still I forget something, and make the trek back
• 2107- lively engagement
• 2106- stars through Mission arches
• 2105- walking the halls at the old mission so trampled in grace
• 2104- the laugh of the one you love
• 2103- long drives and long conversations
• 2102- last minute scrambles
• 2101- looking forward to time with a dear friend and co-worker
• 2100- kitchen table covered in retreat preparations
• 2099- the pleasure of meaningful conversation
• 2098- how broken bits make a new mosaic
• 2097- turning on the light, such ease of life truly
• 2096- no homework today
• 2095- chipmunk voices
• 2095- mommy...mommy... morning call to cuddle
• 2094- keen awareness of something new happening, of which I am, in complete mystery, walking
• 2093- door knobs and all you can hang on them
• 2092- 7 year olds trust
• 2091- early early rising
• 2090- love's self-donation & sometimes painful generosity
• 2089- a new lane opening at the checkout calling me NEXT
• 2088- free refills as lunch conversation lingers
• 2087- a handful of fresh blackberries
• 2086- drawings of dog families everywhere, named after her cousins (David, Bridget) and friends (Caitlyn & Katlyn) and her own current fav - 'CUPCAKE'
• 2085- 7 year old circling baby clothes for Little Luke's arrival and asking when he will be able to play
• 2084- full moon out in the afternoon and I love its eager arrival
• 2083- bedtime blessings
• 2082- open hands
• 2081- the loss of Deacon Leo and the smile as I picture him so glad before the Lord, whom he loved without reservation
• 2080- my mom's laughter over the phone
• 2079- in-between times
• 2078- having missed the moment, 7 year old brings it again, pure gift
• 2077- walking the stairs for health and seeing the view to the sea
• 2076- old ticket stubs, fresh memory
• 2075- how my thank you to a stranger made a friend
• 2074- encouraging another
• 2073- bible study group tentatively stepping in a new direction and how I love their willing hearts
• 2072- how I need to clear the decks when it is my heart/mind that is cluttered
• 2071- and how my family tolerates me kindly, knowing my needs
• 2070- listening, really hearing
• 2069- how twinkly the stars were this early morning - and sharing that with my husband
• 2068- prayers from my mothers heart in the night
• 2067- resolving, again, to change my ways
• 2066- that moment, just when you think everybody is on the same page
• 2065- a friends courage
• 2064- a lot of work to do
• 2063- the two of us whispering in early morning light, sitting close on the couch as 7 year old sleeps in
• 2062- stack of dishes cleared has re-appeared
• 2061- slippers
• 2060- how the last drop of coffee is sweeter than the rest
• 2059- 7 year old and grown son playing with his childhood Legos, and before I know it he will be doing so with his own son
• 2058- Henry's pottery owl keeping things handy
• 2057- generosity blessing the one who gives and the one who receives
• 2056- flipping pages of a catalog, dreaming
• 2055- frustrations voiced and shared, that lighten the weight of it all
• 2054- bells
• 2053- wow-what a good organist can do
• 2052- discovering Vivian Maier
• 2051- perspective - again
• 2050- fluffed pillows
• 2049- the door creaks open and footsteps that used to be much younger make their way to me for a warm morning hug
• 2048- socks on cold feet and on fluffy the polar bear too
• 2047- old fashioned respect from young voices, yes ma'am
• 2046- a new dress and a floppy hat for 7 year old to wear to the baby shower
• 2045- toothless smiles
• 2044- shafts of morning light in the kitchen
• 2043- wooden bowls
• 2042- how oven warmth and fresh baked cookies fill the house
• 2041- failed to book yosemite but the early joint effort among all the family was worth it
• 2040- bills paid
• 2039- husband sneaking M&M peanuts
• 2038- off she skips to bed, pony tail bouncing
• 2037- mom home and doing just grand, so happy
• 2036- 7 year old writing valentines
• 2035- playful wilson-the dog next door
• 2034- another coat of paint
• 2033- watering, just to be outside on a gorgeous day
• 2032- husband's glad smile
• 2031- OMAK's with 7 year old
• 2030- spending the afternoon working beside my son
• 2029- the grove of palm trees on the way to dance class, standing tall against a bright blue sky
• 2028- girls night out for me and my girl
• 2027- easy companionship
• 2026- fresh-made egg salad and warm crisp bread
• 2025- my husband's good nature
• 2024- morning hurry and scurry
• 2023- watching Julie and Julia and loving it all over again
• 2022- walking the lake
• 2021- the comforts of marriage
• 2020- dishes piled high on the counter to dry - done
• 2019- parents eager to help with a project for their kids
• 2018- singing 'hey baby' with 7 year old
• 2017- laying out the tiles with 7 year old
• 2016- overcome by Gods goodness
• 2015- mary's encouragement
• 2014- 7 year old bringing home cookbooks from library
• 2013- the thrill of school lunch trades to 7 year old
• 2012- the silence after the hedge trimmer is turned off outside my office door
• 2011- being here, right here, right now
• 2010- and how it flew by
• 2009- 7 year old note to self 'DO NOT TURN AROUND' for her desk at school
• 2008- cold water splashed upon my forehead as I mark myself with the sign of the cross
• 2007- the poem my brothers grand-daughter wrote about my mom
• 2006- the year our remodel began
• 2005- feeling her heartbeat as 7 year old leans into me
• 2004- reading "every day held God...I don't think I knew that"
• 2003- holding hands
• 2002- tears that catch us by surprise as we share how God is at work in us
• 2001- seeing the child in the adult
• 2000- the bond among my women friends
• 1999- making up acronyms at dinner for our names
• 1998- hands too full and dropping this and that
• 1997- bookclub conversation and me sitting quietly and savoring it all
• 1996- sharing Carol's joy over her daughters taking the grand prize at legoland
• 1995- the smell of clay and my longing for the potters wheel
• 1994- 7 year old 'working' in my office
• 1993- exchanging galaxy photos and mary olivers poems
• 1992- visiting priest eating all the butterfinger bars from the candy dish
• 1991- and how the thrill expands sharing it with my husband
• 1990- an artists compliment that thrills my heart
• 1989- the artists studio
• 1988- husband surfaces, having finished the entire harry potter series
• 1987- moving all the furniture to make room for dance
• 1986- sunshine songs
• 1985- coming home late at night and the welcome of lights on inside
• 1984- 7 year olds thank you letter
• 1983- a pancake and syrup good morning hug that sends us both off to wash, giggling
• 1982- the heart of a grieving priest
• 1981- hearing my sons voice in the background as I speak with lovely Leslie
• 1980- HOT chocolate
• 1979- running into someone dear 'we were just talking about'
• 1978- her stopping me to 'feel how soft this is' in the home depot
• 1977- an evening out together
• 1976- preparation that brings me to my knees
• 1975- the faces and stories of those whom God has knit into his body here in this place
• 1974- good liturgy
• 1973- my passenger seat filled with dolls waiting for 7 year old to get out of school
• 1972- 7 year olds 'free store' plans
• 1971- sharing the love
• 1970- oh how I remember the 70's
• 1969- my daughters joy-filled party ideas
• 1968- the relentless demands of parenting intentionally
• 1967- helping a concerned parent, having 'been there' more than she knows
• 1966- a like minded friend
• 1965- piggy backs for 7 year old
• 1964- my husband doing the sanding for me on the new pantry shelves
• 1963- getting the 'last available' that I had so wanted
• 1962- irritations laid down, stepped over, shaken off or offered up

 • 1961-and irritations forgiven when I falter

• 1960- repeated opportunities that instruct the heart through practice
• 1959- chips and salsa
• 1958- the demands of charity
• 1957- my red bird vase that greets me each morning from the kitchen window sill
• 1956- the wind in the willows
• 1955- strange funny dreams
• 1954- licking an ice cream cone greedily
• 1953- how sunshine warms the car interior and it feels so good after the cold wind's chill
• 1952- sharing good news
• 1951- prayer answered
• 1950- riddles
• 1949- all of us reading, cozy on the couch
• 1948- how 7 year old nestles into me whenever the mood strikes
• 1947- a wet braid down her back
• 1946- cold fingers on warm tummy
• 1945- recycle bins
• 1944- porch lights
• 1943- darkness
• 1942- dishtowel over 7 year old shoulder just the way I do it as she helps in the kitchen
• 1941- sharing lunch
• 1940- reunions in the school parking lot
• 1939- pie birds
• 1938- a scatter of faeries across the rug
• 1937- lemon oil
• 1936- a good sleep
• 1935- new calendar, new year
• 1934- uncluttered space
• 1933- pantry organized - better at least
• 1932- finishing off the cheesecake-yum
• 1931- hungry husband as he walks in the door
• 1930- lovely children's magazine
• 1929- back to school
• 1928- so delicious, eating blackberries with my godson who says so dewishious
• 1927- leftover santa cookie devoured by a thrilled 7 year old
• 1926- jesus - his love
• 1925- watching grown siblings helping each other
• 1924- thoughtful gifts
• 1923- guess who remade with family photos and the fun we had
• 1922- the challenge and creativity of a little pizza dough
• 1921- sending cheesecake recipe/pans home with daughter to make one for her team
• 1920- beautiful Leslie and how Lucas Grey has grown
• 1919- the family all standing in the kitchen, eating and chatting away
• 1918- a husband who cleans my paintbrushes
• 1917- sleeping in (sort of)
• 1916- and 7 year old pleasure at wrestling it free to finish it off
• 1915- spoon frozen in leftover ice cream put back in the freezer
• 1914- white socks whose bottoms chastise me to mop the floor until I discover she wore them to quickly dash outside
• 1913- loosey goosey, noivous joivous, and oopsey daisy too
• 1912- the year in review through 7 year old eyes
• 1911- 7 year old looking ahead by what holiday comes next
• 1910- 7 year olds note and picture for grandma
• 1909- calling my brother and getting to talk to mom
• 1908- sharing something with my husband and he feeling the same way
• 1907- the stationary bike is my friend
• 1906- being reminded that kids hear everything
• 1905- how everything she hears comes out in a song
• 1904- the sun's trickery - its still cold outside
• 1903- husband's disappointment that Christmas is ending so soon
• 1902- hearing the garbage truck and smiling at the thought of our godson who loves 'garbage truck'
• 1901- imagining Luke with eager anticipation
• 1900- laughing at waddling baby with droopy drawers
• 1899- yosemite plans
• 1898- ah that magical summer we shared
• 1897- french champagne that we'll share to welcome the new year Paris time
• 1896- play date for her, quiet for me
• 1895- hair ribbons
• 1894- the stories this table could tell
• 1893- a good scratch of the head
• 1892- skin
• 1891- cricket in the house
• 1890- 'broken' latch that was not, easy fixes
• 1889- turning on christmas lights in early morning darkness
• 1888- coming home
• 1887- after the rain, bright morning
• 1886- mom feeling better
• 1885- orange juice full of pulp
• 1884- spent objects beauty
• 1883- seed pods bursting wide
• 1882- why can't you do it and other good questions of childhood
• 1881- treasured gifts passed on
• 1880- winning and losing
• 1879- an evening of board games, 7 year old and me
• 1878- easy graces
• 1877- hearing my own frustrations take the opportunity toward misdirection and stopping it (this time at least) in its tracks
• 1876- painting
• 1875- working on my knees
• 1874- the grain of wood
• 1873- a camera's spiritual guidance
• 1872- going through my recipe box and cherishing the writing in my mothers' hand
• 1871- 7 year old's dark haired angel
• 1870- purple stars
• 1869- cold hands come in from the cold
• 1868- 7 year old sharing a discovery there with papa on the phone
• 1867- exploring the garden in morning light
• 1866- the sizzle of pancake batter on a hot skillet
• 1865- winter garden wall a tangle of vine branches
• 1864- leaf grasshoppers
• 1863- sharing a chocolate
• 1862- reading in a cozy corner of the couch
• 1861- my husband's lunchtime calls "just to tell you I love you"
• 1860- how wet brings out color; gorgeous
• 1859- 7 year old singing in the shower until the hot water runs out
• 1858- gradeschool math problems
• 1857- pulling on warm-from-the-dryer sweatpants
• 1856- folding laundry together
• 1855- making moms cheesecake
• 1854- chewable vitamin C
• 1853- more coins for holy childhood
• 1852- rain washed world outside my door
• 1851- a long chat over a birthday dinner with my friend
• 1850- mommy, can you come here and see....as soon as I sit down
• 1849- the comfort of prayer
• 1848- quiet companionship of mother and daughter
• 1847- a sudden downpour so loud we come to the back door to watch together
• 1846- rainbow umbrella shared
• 1845- tulips stretching toward light still
• 1844- pans well seasoned
• 1843- the kindness of a woman I called
• 1842- clouds blowing by fast
• 1841- 7 year old cleaning out her desk drawers on her own
• 1840- grocery list making
• 1839- prayers as mom is back in ICU
• 1838- mobile phones when needed
• 1837- space heaters
• 1836- playing dolls all morning together
• 1835- pajama days
• 1834- watching Katie play basketball and her shining smile after the game
• 1833- the sound of the rain as myself and 7 year old sit in the car and enjoy
• 1832- a sink full of dishes
• 1831- making homemade ice cream
• 1830- laundry stain removal
• 1829- 7 year old doesn't just eat - she experiences her food
• 1828- and her covered with chocolate specs at movies end
• 1827- splurge of chocolate toffee almonds and his sharing generously with 7 year old
• 1826- Sunday afternoon at the movies
• 1825- brilliant sunshine breaking in
• 1824- phone call to encourage mom on the rough road to recovery
• 1823- his sentimental streak
• 1822- watching Its a Wonderful Life
• 1821- a slow morning, and glad for the time off
• 1820- 7 year old playing mama with her babydoll, so tenderly...then dropping it on the floor to dance to the song that just came on
• 1819- foot rubs comfort
• 1818- thinking about the kids flying home
• 1817- carrots ready for transplanting
• 1816- stepping out of the car and hearing the ocean waves
• 1815- loading photos to share with family
• 1814- fresh fluffed pillows
• 1813- the pleasure of tidying up the happy chaos of christmas morning
• 1812- biscuits and honey
• 1811- 7 year old takes picture of us kissing and makes us wait long, hold it, snaps and laughs at her cunning
• 1810- pleeeease, she begs, and I say yes
• 1809- kitchen talk
• 1808- a hot shower to ease a husbands back, waking the body is getting to be more of a project these days
• 1807- new doll tucked in to a box made bed and cozied under her bedside table for the night
• 1806- waking in the night and realizing a light is on in the living room - it is the light in the manger and I leave it on
• 1805- belching contest between papa and 7 year old to end hiccups
• 1804- she plays quietly all morning with new toys and endless imagination
• 1803- the heater clicks on with bangs and booms following and I love this old house
• 1802- going to the movies
• 1801- a stack of new books
• 1800- mommy, can I have another turnover? and like that, her child's 'rollover' is gone and it is just the morning after Christmas(1783)
• 1799- thrift store light up reindeer, a $3.00 delight for 7 year old who adores decorating
• 1798- the rebel jesus, that I might follow him
• 1797- my ecclectic christmas mix that catches their ear
• 1796- the gift for my oldest daughter that comes with a secret, an 'ordinary' experience ripe with a shared recognition of our shared heart
• 1795- who knew Henry loves Dickens
• 1794- daughter loaded down with movies for a perfect end to the day
• 1793- friends dropping off a package that thrills 28 year old
• 1792- an empty room, a cozy couch and a fire; brief solitude so good
• 1791- cousins playing and talking, laughter and footsteps running out the door
• 1790- my sons early morning christmas text from the east coast
• 1789- hot pans from oven to car to family celebrations and my husbands slow turns on the way there
• 1788- the quiet pleasure of cooking on christmas day
• 1787- my mother's voice singing love into my memory
• 1786- a daughter restored to our family
• 1785- a christmas full of grace
• 1784- watching my husband collect the wrappings; the easy roles of husband and wife become tradition over decades of christmas's shared
• 1783- hot turnovers for christmas breakfast and 7 year old asking for another 'rollover'
• 1782- 7 year old delight that the good saint had gotten her letter
• 1781- Santa "heard" at 3:43 am and had in fact come
• 1780- cozy on the sofa for The Night before Christmas and off to bed all
• 1779- a family whole for Christmas
• 1778- the sound of easy laughter and delight, torn wrappings and watchful happy eyes
• 1777- an exuberant Merry Christmas as greeting, toast, thanksgiving, and farewell
• 1776- Msgr.'s "when I was a boy"
• 1775- tablecloth clad shepherds and tinsel crowned angels to tell the story of Christ's birth
• 1774- pony tails and aprons
• 1773- cousins
• 1772- at least ten pictures drawn each day to express 7 year old love overflowing
• 1771- a day in the kitchen
• 1770- blue skies
• 1769- game boards
• 1768- amvets donations
• 1767- laundry stacks
• 1766- washing vegetables
• 1765- 7 year old in double booties - why choose one when you can wear both
• 1764- a neighbors home baked gift
• 1763- a rush to take the trash out and make the truck
• 1762- gift wrap and bows
• 1761- 7 year olds last minute letter to santa
• 1760- treasure hunting
• 1759- tree lights in morning darkness
• 1758- breaking eggs in the skillet
• 1757- a cold night and bright stars
• 1756- music
• 1755- old friends seen with fresh eyes
• 1754- the old christmas specials
• 1753- on this day, everyone loves hot cocoa
• 1752- 7 year old hot cocoa stand for holy childhood collection
• 1751- msgr.'s welcome home and delight in good news of mom
• 1750- poinsettias to fill the church
• 1749- aprons
• 1748- grocery shopping for special meals
• 1747- counting the days
• 1746- my own bed
• 1745- reading my husband's eyes
• 1744- 2 weeks worth of 7 year old life spilling out to share
• 1743- long hugs
• 1742- seeing the sunset above the clouds and rainy darkness below
• 1741- the surprise of tears
• 1740- coming in for the landing - home
• 1739- being one of them
• 1738- a dozen strangers pacing, on the phone to their loved ones, in the waiting room full of tears and tentative rejoicing
• 1737- opening the blinds & letting the sun shine in
• 1736- introducing mom to the doctor who saved her life
• 1735- washing my mothers face
• 1734- comfort of a hot cup
• 1733- ice chips that thrill
• 1732- dancing in hospital corridors
• 1731- a doctor's enjoying the wow factor of medical practice
• 1730- nurse eileen's calm urgent care and familial manner
• 1729- nurse diane's maternal practicality and gentle concern
• 1728- nurse amanda's tenderness
• 1727- nurse kevin's story
• 1726- doctors surprise
• 1725- a strangers embrace
• 1724- small victories
• 1723- pacing...walking prayer
• 1722- my brothers heart
• 1721- the relief of laughter
• 1720- the gift of touch between mother and daughter
• 1719- a gentle nurses touch
• 1718- 7 year old singing in the background as I call home and my heart lifted
• 1717- many prayers of friends and family
• 1716- set backs and trusting lessons
• 1715- catharsis of laughter
• 1714- mom sounding like ET
• 1713- tube out and she's breathing on her own
• 1712- snow on the rockies out the window
• 1711- early morning bagels for medical staff and their smiles
• 1710- good humored nurses
• 1709- hushed chats & tears with my brother in ICU
• 1708- medical wonders
• 1707- the gift of time with her
• 1706- mom makes it thru surgery
• 1705- family that jumps 'to the rescue'
• 1704- an emergency call and a quick flight out
• 1703- missing summer days longer light
• 1702- funny love note from 7 year old
• 1701- a good doctors care
• 1700- refills
• 1699- finding that gift I had tucked away for safe keeping
• 1698- the pleasure seen on the face as a simple favor offered is done
• 1697- twilight
• 1696- 7 year old shyness at choirs caroling
• 1695- mittens and caps
• 1694- godson's smiles and blown kisses
• 1693- good news on one of moms biopsies
• 1692- hearing 7 year old practice her singing
• 1691- pumpkin bread
• 1690- how everything belongs
• 1689- 7 year old making wishes as she blows out the candles
• 1688- advent wreath prayers around our table
• 1687- cold sheets, slowly warm
• 1686- chat with my eldest daughter
• 1685- missing the stillness of the snow while sharing its memory
• 1684- pinecones
• 1683- generosity in a child's heart
• 1682- cookies for breakfast
• 1681- a good dance beat you can't resist, and why would you
• 1680- 7 year old delight in my baking instruction - you have to eat your mistakes
• 1679- a day of cookie making for St Nicholas
• 1678- giving away things
• 1677- pink morning sky
• 1676- the gift of a goat
• 1675- chocolate coins - and she is wealthy
• 1674- celebrating the differences as 7 year old points out
• 1673- day old whiskers-my husbands weekend break
• 1672- pizza crusts and butter
• 1671- feast days and friends
• 1670- chatting with parents during Sunday classes
• 1659- 7 year old shoebox manger
• 1658- late calls and laughter
• 1657- st nicholas shoes filled
• 1656- home, in the glow of christmas light
• 1655- falling asleep on the couch...and husbands teasing when I wake
• 1654- the scent of peeled oranges lingering on my hands
• 1653- cold hands in warm pockets
• 1652- christmas reds
• 1651- dreams in the daytime
• 1650- how many more days...it begins
• 1649- 7 year olds delight in cursive
• 1648- train whistles evocative call
• 1647- carrots sprouting, lettuce too
• 1646- hand made cards from a child
• 1645- notes of gratitude and affection
• 1644- remembering all are to be welcomed as Christ, and himself helping me to do so
• 1643- glow in the dark fun
• 1642- a hug in the parking lot between Sr. & 7 year old
• 1641- winter spices that fill the air and hold so many memories
• 1640- you want me to do that NOW
• 1639- not everyone enjoys long road trips
• 1638- happy chaos
• 1637- a friends laughter that always makes me smile
• 1636- luminarias
• 1635- early morning cozy
• 1634- margaritas & moms
• 1633- geese flying in formation
• 1632- glitter
• 1631- she tucks her pencil over her ear...just like me
• 1630- wind up ice skaters, 7 year olds delight
• 1629- john denver christmas songs
• 1628- barry manilow laughs among girlfriends
• 1627- those who are caring for my mom and all the sick
• 1626- the crazy mix we call family
• 1625- calls to let family know we have arrived home safe, and renewed laughs as memories are shared
• 1624- advent house preparations
• 1623- old cookie sheets
• 1622- familiar bed, open window
• 1621- tired out and at home ahhhhh
• 1620- stacks of catalogs to peruse
• 1619- a friend to the rescue
• 1618- godson hugs and explorations
• 1617- insanity and insight
• 1616- french onion soup
• 1615- child sleeping in the car, feet in my lap
• 1614- stopping for photos
• 1613- spelling laph...and we did
• 1612- poetry readings...yeah
• 1611- milkshakes
• 1610- old family photos
• 1609- a good read
• 1608- vulnerability
• 1607- Henry's pub outing
• 1606- dry corn fields
• 1605- peach orchards in winter
• 1604- unplugging
• 1603- bargain bag of trolls
• 1602- family talent show surprises
• 1601- the quiet of snowfall
• 1600- hotel room, pillows and staying up 'late' with 7 year old cozy beside me
• 1599- illness imposing a fast before the feast
• 1598- distant cousins and instant friends
• 1597- holding hands
• 1596- winter light
• 1595- 7 year old pushing the wheelchair and grandma's laugh as they bump into things
• 1594- thrift shop finds and our similarities discovered
• 1593- merchant voyage and the woman whose vision so delighted us
• 1592- morning coffee and a chat with mom
• 1591- a walk in the snow, the woods, the wintry town aglow with lights
• 1590- two of my 'girls' giggling in the back seat
• 1589- wishing on the blue moon with my brother
• 1588- fireside with a glass of wine
• 1587- Warm greetings & chilly air
• 1586- christmas carols
• 1585- Snow falling in moonlight as morning slowly seeps in
• 1584- bunking down at my Moms with burrowing 7 year old
• 1583- laughing with my brother
• 1582- snow falling
• 1581- road trips
• 1580- how light glorifies dust
• 1579- playing with water
• 1578- a young mans passion for Christ
• 1577- choosing another way
• 1576- farmers almanac
• 1575- glittered ornaments
• 1574- red
• 1573- new socks
• 1572- tapping the leg that has fallen asleep
• 1571- advent ruminations
• 1570- when it is 2020 she will be 17 she says with amazement
• 1569- 7 year old love note on my pillow
• 1568- morning fog to match my own
• 1567- the hugs of kids at school
• 1566- and his comment that his wife will love it
• 1565- son's delight in the small pine from the garden in a bright green pot...bonsai ready
• 1564- tile artwork
• 1563- contagious happiness
• 1562- oversleeping and a dash to the train station
• 1561- a husband who put away the laundry
• 1560- perfectly ripe avocado
• 1559- of all the things I love to cook, my mother-in-laws request for Thanksgiving...my coleslaw
• 1558- 3 big blackbirds on my doorstep - no kidding
• 1557- the endearing 'crazy' ones
• 1556- packing for trip and first thing out is snow gear with the enthusiasm of ones who only see it once a year
• 1555- what only mom can do when a child (no matter her age) is sick
• 1554- cupcake offering at bible study, and me not able to eat
• 1553- a friend 'in the wings'
• 1552- dropping by old friends
• 1551- lawn mower rumbles to quiet
• 1550- a short meeting that typically is anything but
• 1549- sleeping house quiet
• 1548- crisp cold air in the night
• 1547- illness requiring me to 'step away' from duties to mend
• 1546- watching our oldest daughter blessing her 'baby' sister
• 1545- hot food and a table crowded with love
• 1544- the two young men at table connecting over a discussion of sound waves and science, art and nature
• 1543- Henry's laugh
• 1542- a mans heart for his marriage
• 1541- the gift of offering it up revisited and surprisingly beneficial
• 1540- doctors who call me and one another over my mystery ailment and treat me with good humor as they try all their tricks
• 1539- little Luke
• 1538- how my son kisses the top of my head
• 1537- my sons face when he turned to see us as the speakers burst into fabulous sound
• 1536- the family, whole, around the table
• 1535- the lilt of their laughter and the kindness in their eyes
• 1534- girls family outing to see Peter's play
• 1533- father and son building bamboo speakers together for his 30th birthday
• 1532- weeding with my daughter and a cleared winter garden
• 1531- 7 year old shower conversations with herself
• 1530- a long phonecall with mom
• 1529- reunion of friends
• 1528- A facilitator's skill no book could teach
• 1527- the hesitant arrival of participants in the grief retreat
• 1526- the unexpected free time it gifts to me
• 1525- a day off mid week and a spontaneous birthday party
• 1524- teacher conferences
• 1523- party clothes
• 1522- power drill and I got it done
• 1521- kids in pj's
• 1520- images of baby Luke on my son's blog, and laughing out loud joy
• 1519- how a small word can make a big difference
• 1518- flowers fading in the vase
• 1517- meeting the sponsors and seeing their joy at companioning a dear friend or relative on the way
• 1516- japanese maple in shadow on my wall
• 1515- my brother helping mom make egg noodles as she recovers
• 1514- 7 year old wrapping a gift in her inimitable style
• 1513- scouring the sink back to bright
• 1512- the quick connection between friends
• 1511- open window and a gorgeous breeze
• 1510- a gift given in secret
• 1509- dashing out to the garage, cold air feels good and alive, wintry grace
• 1508- warm air on cold toes
• 1507- browsing catalogs
• 1506- found an old swedish print whose image fills me with comfort
• 1505- a fresh picked bouquet from the yard
• 1504- a surprise hug
• 1503- bible study group so closely knit together
• 1502- godsons kisses and hugs
• 1501- Stephanies generous words
• 1500- how the house hums
• 1499- my moms laughter echoing in my mind all the day
• 1498- the imperfect picture that captures the memory and so it's joy is revisited time and again
• 1497- the goodness of friends
• 1496- the generosity of spouses
• 1495- a long hot shower, not rushing through
• 1494- which brings to mind kisses...all kinds of kisses
• 1493- touch
• 1492- email from a retreatant
• 1491- Fr Boyle's ministry and Lees invitation extended, both honor the heart
• 1490- hearing daughters delight in total acceptance
• 1489- sweet 'all-in' baby hugs
• 1488- flowers on the sill
• 1487- a child's love note on my bed
• 1486- note to self, do NOT put fish emulsion in old dish soap bottles, at least not when it is kept under the sink...you guessed it, poor man
• 1485- coming home to the dishes done
• 1484- sun breaking through my window pane
• 1483- a soft day, rain and rest
• 1482- potluck lucky
• 1481- dancing in joy
• 1480- stuffed with pizza and stuffed animal parades, the stuff of life so dear
• 1479- love's shelter
• 1478- being trusted as 7 year old's confidant...sharing a secret
• 1477- welcoming a woman home
• 1476- banana cream pie, 7 year old laughs, and shakes her head
• 1475- living in the presence of the lord
• 1474- rolling with laughter
• 1473- a family that pitches in together
• 1472- hearing stories of their days in my absence
• 1471- 7 year old piled cozy under blankets, dressed up bear snug in her arms, quiet
• 1470- the homemade pastry surprise yesterday, and wishing I had another this morning
• 1469- space heaters and their quick warm up
• 1468- after all depart and little one is tucked in, lying down on the couch and feeling the rest of home blanket  my weariness
• 1467- the hug from the sister in the kitchen that blessed me so
• 1466- Mom home from the hospital
• 1465- everyone playing with such good natured fun and hilarity
• 1464- the good companionship of friendship
• 1463- the golden light through fall vineyards as I left the vina
• 1462- coming home to everyone there gathered round the table
• 1460- sharing the heart to hands prayer with Conor and Leslie
• 1459- the wholly holy playfulness and tears in the women i met on this weekend
• 1458- and katies delight at hearing them
• 1457- 7 year old basketball musical suggestions
• 1456- will I stay to kiss her as she goes to class...yes
• 1455- religious art and the ponderings it prompts
• 1454- pages marked in the cookbook of all 7 year old wants to make
• 1453- tinfoil
• 1452- a quick and cheerful call
• 1451- having the key when someone needed it
• 1450- sorting laundry and packing
• 1449- everyone pitching in to help while I am away
• 1448- daughters generous offer
• 1447- encouraging mom as day 2 is harder than day one in hospital
• 1446- she felt the baby move
• 1445- heading to the beach
• 1444- how 7 year old leaves every door and drawer open in her wake
• 1443- baby shower planning
• 1442- the knots in wood
• 1441- leftovers
• 1440- cousins on a road trip and I hear them laughing over the phone
• 1439- old poems
• 1438- being told by 7 year old I am getting grandma hair
• 1437- crinkly smiles
• 1436- staying home
• 1435- sustaining prayers
• 1434- mom making it through surgery
• 1433- my brothers voice
• 1432- the silence and space allowed
• 1431- flowing water, tears, streams, kitchen faucets
• 1430- the brightness of the stars last night
• 1429- summer in November and talk of our 'snow trip'
• 1428- headphones
• 1427- post-its in my bible
• 1426- torn pages from a notebook
• 1425- the open feel with halloween decor put away
• 1424- dew drops on the spiders web
• 1423- 3 way conversations at dinner
• 1422- tucking her in and dozing cozy beside her
• 1421- buttoning school uniform shirts for her
• 1420- the rumbling giant departs (1412), the silence in it's wake
• 1419- dreaming, planning, imagining the family gathered when the kitchen is done
• 1418- mommy! the call of the wild
• 1417- briefly, the house to myself
• 1416- hearing
• 1415- false expectations
• 1414- work that satisfies
• 1413- prayers for my mom (surgery tomorrow)
• 1412- neighbor's truck as it warms up, feeling it's rumble like a sleeping giant waking
• 1411- hushed goodbyes in early morning darkness
• 1410- our own tired bones creaking
• 1409- laughter and friendship on the front porch
• 1408- oompa loompa toddler trick or treating at our door
• 1407- eager 7 year old ready to go hours before dark, and quickly back to hand out the treats herself
• 1406- Sunday donut after mass; ever the reward for childhood's tolerance
• 1405- the fun spirit of our catholic school
• 1404- waiting with the child waiting for his parents
• 1403- the steady clomp of irish dance practice
• 1402- rainy day = time to play
• 1401- 10 minutes at the park as darkness falls
• 1400- watching 7 year old and papa do "the dance"
• 1399- slapstick humor perfect for 7 year old giggles
• 1398- spooky fun
• 1397- holding hands
• 1396- moms
• 1395- morning moon thru the clouds
• 1394- singing lullaby to soothe her
• 1393- doorbell chimes
• 1392- the age of 'bathroom humor'
• 1391- early dawn quiet
• 1390- seeing my swedish birds on the window ledge daily, and thanking God for the giver
• 1389- strong and vigorous, our kids lend a hand
• 1388- burnt muffins
• 1387- recuperative sleep
• 1386- tea and toast
• 1385- rechargeable batteries & camera's ready
• 1384- teaching prep that comes together easily
• 1383- booties
• 1382- her clay halloween figures in the window
• 1381- the simple act of tucking in 7 year old
• 1380- rainbow out my window
• 1379- husband's appreciation
• 1378- a house hushed all day in consideration
• 1377- cool cloth comforting the sick
• 1376- hearing the door open and sleepy footsteps to start the day
• 1375- turnip baby
• 1374- Sarah Mcloughlin's St Francis prayer
• 1373- prayers never wasted
• 1372- trodding lightly on this fragile path
• 1371- overhearing my kids laugh and talk
• 1370- a fall day spent in the kitchen
• 1369- jack-o-lanterns
• 1368- the rhythm of the rain
• 1367- an old song on the radio and what it brings to mind
• 1366- deja vu moments
• 1365- being completely amazed at the stone slabs variety and names
• 1364- husband sneaking halloween candy
• 1363- squeeky shoes
• 1362- stopping to share a laugh with the neighbor
• 1361- sewing on the machine
• 1360- the comfort of a warm steaming mug
• 1359- temporary reprieve
• 1358- Party invitation in the mail
• 1357- seeing Bjorn Borg 35 years later - are we that old
• 1356- cold water when I am parched
• 1355- how the years show on our wood floors
• 1354- clearing the kitchen counters
• 1353- warm covers and cool breeze blowing in the window
• 1352- that sad face when I come to pick her up from a friends - too soon!
• 1351- cozy on the couch together
• 1350- a surprise lunch and the ideas it inspires
• 1349- a handful of just picked tomatoes and the smell of garden on the hands
• 1348- inside jokes
• 1347- 7 year old delight of filling the bowl with candy - ah anticipation
• 1346- don't let the bed bugs bite shouted out to me each night
• 1345- fall flowers and hot fresh bread
• 1344- having everyone home on a weekday morning
• 1343- hiccups
• 1342- lit pumpkins
• 1341- irish finger dancing on 7 year olds back at bedtime
• 1340- a friend to the rescue
• 1339- perusing granite slabs together
• 1338- in the car, alone, with the rain pouring down and not a bother
• 1337- the irony of me leading song
• 1336- fall leaves, wet earth
• 1335- the many faces of love
• 1334- heat on a cold morning
• 1333- borrowing the truck
• 1332- insights of our bible study group
• 1331- candlelight, candlescent, candleglow of faces
• 1330- thrill of a box arriving for her
• 1329- making a ghost for our porch with 7 year old
• 1328- pumpkin drawing on my kitchen wall
• 1327- the blessing of my work
• 1326- Mother Theresa's lessons for me
• 1325- a slow morning
• 1324- a husband's courage which is full of heart
• 1323- daughters connecting
• 1322- baby is now an avocado
• 1321- class baby pics
• 1320- brilliant colors
• 1319- the miracle at play in the middle of my driveway
• 1318- Msgr's CHINA
• 1317- keeping a calendar and seeing a life
• 1316- a man's tender tears
• 1315- how our bodies heal, and help when they do not
• 1314- Robs improvement
• 1313- reconnecting with my childhood idol, my cousin Jill
• 1312- a gift sent over to my office, with hugs and kisses delivered too
• 1311- meeting a 7 year old charmer of a lad
• 1310- human frailty
• 1309- a memory shared, a marriage lived
• 1308- tin cup
• 1307- a lamp in the neighbor's window
• 1306- 2am electrical storm
• 1305- watching a suffering servant of God receive love
• 1304- family haircuts
• 1303- naming the experience without judgement
• 1302- My son's hug that puts me right at his heart
• 1301- Leslie rocking away
• 1300- pumpkin pie and rainy days; the warmth of oven, of home
• 1299- baby powder
• 1298- scratching an itch
• 1297- the childlike joy of the folks who enjoy the chocolates we keep in a bowl at the office
• 1296- the view at the top of the stairs
• 1295- hot bowl of chili
• 1294- a tough exterior that shelters a fragile soul
• 1293- toddler splashing in the grotto
• 1292- lengthening shadows of a late afternoon
• 1291- homemade cupcakes as we celebrate a friends 90th birthday
• 1290- talking with my hands
• 1289- the restorative power of a shower
• 1288- pencils with worn down erasers
• 1287- my husbands seeming endless ability to build,fix,create,figure out
• 1286- tears
• 1285- son paints his baby's room - the color of his own childhood room - does he know that?
• 1284- foggy morning air
• 1283- eyeglasses everywhere
• 1282- a quiet church and a lone pianist playing to my soul unawares
• 1281- papa and kyla Sunday morning giggles
• 1280- work
• 1279- medicine to mend bones
• 1278- a new book
• 1277- ravioli, crusty bread, the family table
• 1276- the quiet of the grotto
• 1275- The humor in ministry
• 1274- husband's plan for tulips - his gift to me
• 1273- unpacking the new stove at last - I think I heard the angels sing - I know I saw my husband beaming!
• 1272- ladybugs in the house
• 1271- anothers talent for creating beauty
• 1270- post its on the mirror from little one
• 1269- the children at church asking 'where's Kyla?' My claim to fame!
• 1268- holding a newborn and in an instant overcome with the felt anticipation of our own grandchild soon to be in my arms
• 1267- glad for Sr Damiens passing from pain to paradise
• 1266- time with my best 'girl' friend - so good
• 1265- disappointing news gets a laugh
• 1264- money taking a back seat to family plans and the 'somehow it will all work out' confidence of my husband
• 1263- grocery shopping with a ravenous child
• 1262- space and light
• 1261- pig races
• 1260- sharing how I love the sound of rain...and overhearing 7 year old then make the same comment to her schoolmates
• 1259- rain
• 1258- teaching preparations that instruct my own heart
• 1257- 7 year old comments "THAT was awkward!"
• 1256- hearing her sing and play the morning away so content
• 1255- working by my husband's side tearing down the walls - and laughing at the metaphor in our own lives (the house the same age as ourselves)
• 1254- writing the prayers for Sr. Damiens passing and praying them as I go
• 1253- the blessing of good teachers
• 1252- the happy surprise of our 2 year old godson running into my arms at church
• 1251- how family does take precedence
• 1250- late night car talks after RCIA
• 1249- penciled in hearts on every saturday of my month - 7 year old celebrating "our day"
• 1248- Bringing Wilson to school for a pet blessing
• 1247- How the 'kids' took care of each other
• 1246- comfort of our own bed
• 1245- home
• 1244- counting the rabbits on the way
• 1243- water slides
• 1242- worry held between us; then relieved by such ordinary circumstance
• 1241- cloud bursts and their soothing rhythm
• 1240- electrical storms over the mountains
• 1239- fresh and bright, sunscreen and shampoo scented girl
• 1238- instant friends, a childhood grace
• 1237- all 3 on the bed watching a movie
• 1236- morning too soon after a rough night and my grumpiness met with their kindness
• 1235- desert night, a quiet balcony, and the pleasure of our own company
• 1234- a pool in the desert
• 1233- how many times a 7 year old can request another stop at McDonalds
• 1232- quiet early morning on the road
• 1231- driving in the early morning on sunrise highway - heading away for a few days
• 1230- me and 7 year old sunrise gazing at an electric pink sky full of glowing dolphin clouds heading to the moon still out and waiting their arrival at her shores
• 1229- the saw blade and hammering that announces progress
• 1228- baby lizard caught for a night, and 7 year old fascination and admiration
• 1227- husband's frustration at realizing the mess is not right yet and then, his kindness and good humor
• 1226- doing a great job of messing things up, thinking I am fixing them
• 1225- Jessica's thoughtfulness & generosity
• 1224- finding a bargain, a really good bargain on a little thing I love
• 1223- packing for a get-away
• 1222- 7 year old exclaims 'it is a girl's dream come true!'
• 1221- vitamin C and rest
• 1220- giving him the St Joseph that hung in his baby room, and his expression receiving it
• 1219- baby is a bump!
• 1218- my son's drop in visit and 'borrowing' 7 year old for some beach time
• 1217- the scatterings of 7 year old at play
• 1216- flashlights
• 1215- power outage and the candlelight conversation it provided
• 1214- moved hearts as we 'pray it forward'
• 1213- kids throwing their arms up-eager to answer
• 1212- tooth fairy visits
• 1211- laughing and learning
• 1210- new glasses
• 1209- mom with my brother on one line and me on the other
• 1208- fireman's thank you for the prayers
• 1207- purple flowers dropped and scattered on green clover
• 1206- bees in the garden
• 1205- a day at the park
• 1204- living in a neighborhood
• 1203- hot water
• 1202 - and discovering she even decorated the pantry Papa is building
• 1201- putting up halloween decor early because of 7 year old enthusiasm
• 1200- learning to let go
• 1199- my husbands generous words
• 1198- a mad dash (across the parking lot - TBTG) to bring ice cream to school
• 1197- how christ visited me today
• 1196- little blueberry is now a lime
• 1195- neighbor girls questions of faith and 7 year olds answers
• 1194- tucking her doll into the linen closet 'bedroom' she made...and doing it just like we tuck her in
• 1193- simple pleasure abundant
• 1192- hula hooping family
• 1191- colors bright and cheery
• 1190- his good humor and gentle teasing at leaving in the dark to save a picnic spot for the birthday girl
• 1198- sincerity
• 1197- comfort of sweats
• 1196- a cleared desk
• 1195- sr janets heart
• 1194- pantry shelves finished beautifully
• 1193- tears as good news is shared
• 1192- eagerness and delight
• 1191- ice cream celebration
• 1190- Fall colors showing up
• 1189- the evocative scent of honeysuckle and jasmine
• 1188- my husband's laugh at my doctors 'scolding'
• 1187- and the husband who straightens me out!
• 1186- ice packs (after falling asleep reading and waking stiff-necked)
• 1185- morning laugh with Sr. Janet
• 1184- beginnings
• 1183- play date at the neighbors and us with a quiet house and a good chat
• 1182- Kate making the team - her voice full of joy overflowing
• 1181- 7 year old singing in the shower "Happy Birthday to Kyla"
• 1180- why we do it
• 1179- how a mother repeats the same lines over and over
• 1178- tiny baby lizard caught in my office and helping it out the door
• 1177- papa and 7 year old off to the lake
• 1176- watching him calculate, cut, nail, build this home
• 1175- courage, real courage
• 1174- all who work for peace
• 1173- all who suffer in war
• 1172- my nephew losing only his foot, tbtg
• 1172- considering the things I have lost
• 1171- unlocking doors
• 1170- 7 year old waiting for the phone to ring, her friend to play
• 1169- Sunday school classes & the fresh faces of little ones
• 1168- 7 year old jokes/humor
• 1167- funny fish kisses
• 1166- kitchen lights working after long being in the dark
• 1165- early book discussion
• 1164- husband sniffles & plentiful kleenex
• 1163- 7 year old confidence that I can fix anything
• 1162- little explorers
• 1161- pillows
• 1160- discipline of a teacher
• 1159- detangler for 7 year old's long locks
• 1158- reading in bed
• 1157- accepting the confusion
• 1156- Grace's surprise and joy
• 1155- crumb top apple pie (a late night bite)
• 1154- a good day
• 1153- holding my brothers grief and worry in my heart/prayers
• 1152- reconnecting
• 1151- a clean house, semblance of order
• 1150- 7 year old boasting of her medals won
• 1149- cricket vespers
• 1148- a starry sky to ponder
• 1147- babies napping
• 1146- willing hands
• 1145- squeeky tennies
• 1144- growling tummies & food to satisfy
• 1143- this day
• 1142- curls
• 1141- the feet that took the family hiking today
• 1140- grief shared, and hope too
• 1139- a phone call to pray
• 1138- medics in the field
• 1137- sock glue
• 1136- 7 year old so happy Papa is coming to watch - and I happy to see the bond they share
• 1135- a morning shout from the shower - I love you mommy!
• 1134- wet footprints thru the hall
• 1133- praying in the night
• 1132- looking forward to Sunday mass with Kate
• 1131- she decides on strawberry shortcake & deviled eggs
• 1130- shopping the party store with 7 year old - SO enthused!
• 1129- watching Bridget compete and learning the ropes with family, who would have dreamt it
• 1128- practicing her feis steps in the driveway, reels and jigs blaring
• 1127- encouragement
• 1126- the good people of our parish, so dear to me
• 1125- children
• 1124- how my heart is smitten already
• 1123- little spaceman photo
• 1122- giant spider moved into the apricot tree overnight, creating quite an amazing web
• 1121- forgetting my phone and enjoying its absence
• 1120- skipping
• 1119- having friends to miss
• 1118- a stain on that favorite shirt came out
• 1117- sadness borne as a friends lifelong pet dies
• 1116- finding the plaque that hung in my son's baby room - to give now to him for their own sweet baby
• 1115- stumbling upon a baby picture of my oldest and the happy tears it evoked
• 1114- first feis draws near...pointed toes everywhere she goes, leaping and dancing
• 1113- farmers tans
• 1112- days are so much longer in 2nd grade she says
• 1111- anniversary date - thanks C & L
• 1110- the funny stuff that does go on in parish life
• 1109- seeing my daughter healthy and happy
• 1108- 7 year old explaining to me with delight,"You are going to be a Grandma!!!"
• 1107- tomatoes on the vine starting to ripen
• 1106- son's excited sharing of first baby pic/sonogram
• 1105- comfortable shoes
• 1104- new room looking so lived in
• 1103- fresh sheets on the bed
• 1102- drawing in the details for the kitchen
• 1101- just the sound of his voice
• 1100- good news shared by an old friend
• 1099- the 'right' light and it's thriving
• 1098- sweeping the kitchen
• 1097- the brave face of disappointment on 7 year old
• 1096- technical support
• 1095- family conspiracy to surprise
• 1094- a good book's captivation
• 1093- miracles big and small
• 1092- making quiche with 7 year old
• 1091- a parade of yellow butterflies dancing on the wind
• 1090- the good company I have in my family
• 1089- holding hands with my 2 year old godson at the pool
• 1088- little girl giggles as they run to greet one another - meeting halfway between our homes
• 1087- fresh bouquet from the garden
• 1086- how this remodel 'feeds' my propensity to re-arrange
• 1085- cleaning out as the walls come down
• 1084- really bad acting
• 1083- laughing with Kate
• 1082- Julian apple pie
• 1081- carpenter and his 7 year old sidekick hammering away destructively and with gusto
• 1080- staycation pace - ahhhhhh
• 1079- falling plaster as the kitchen remodel begins
• 1078- folding laundry and listening to music while they play outside & dinner simmers
• 1077- papa & 7 year old ping pong tradition begins, playing until darkness falls
• 1076- their 'little blueberry'
• 1075- 7 year old can snap her fingers
• 1074- a good book's escape
• 1073- smell of sand and sunscreen
• 1072- sandcastles that fill with rising tide
• 1071- cranky tired moods- family style
• 1070- old childhood photos of Mona Lisa
• 1069- happiness
• 1068- starbucks and a chat
• 1067- lazy days by the water
• 1066- she's brushing my hair and exclaims "Mommy, you have a birds nest in your hair" and pulls out an imaginary egg
• 1065- bookstore wanderings
• 1064- spider in the cupboard and the call it causes; 7 year old and babysitter/cousin DO NOT LIKE SPIDERS
• 1063- 7 year old I love you's proclaimed, exclaimed, whispered and squeezed
• 1062- diligence
• 1061- 7 year old realization that school is starting FAST
• 1060- reconnecting with parents while getting school uniforms
• 1059- calling mom
• 1058- a day at the pool
• 1057- clown children
• 1056- date night
• 1055- imaginary play with 7 year old - animals become family members and yes, it's hilarious!
• 1054- trash trucks loud arrival
• 1053- I just can't move it, try as I might
• 1052- sandy beach towels
• 1051- apples rolling all over the kitchen as 7 year old chooses a snack
• 1050- running errands that seem to always take longer than I thought
• 1049- mother-daughter(s) outing
• 1048 - frustration ending in a pile of giggles
• 1047- funny birthday songs
• 1046- 7 year old kissing my owie
• 1045- sunbathing lizards on the wall
• 1044- a too early wakeup - crawling in to get her back to sleep - both drifting off
• 1043- try it, you'll like it, and she does
• 1042- long awaited package arrives
• 1041- wile e. coyote serendipitous insight
• 1040- when you think they were not listening and later see they were
• 1039- trying to give my son directions on a road trip and feeling happily incompetent...loving how husband always plans the route
• 1038- I can roll my tongue, she can cross her toes
• 1037- pulling weeds
• 1036- chalkboard doodles
• 1035- doing the painting for 'he who hates painting'
• 1034- free morning movies and giggles
• 1033- lifting one project from his shoulders
• 1032- salt and pepper pistachios
• 1031- the grace of leisure
• 1030- long years and long love
• 1029- gym smell back in the house
• 1028- new jumprope and breaking it in
• 1027- 7 year old is catching the waves
• 1026- melon cold crisp and sweet; on the beach
• 1025- growth spurts (in children and adults)
• 1024- watching her watching her 7 year old self in the mirror
• 1023- parentings constant demands
• 1022- cousins viewed through screen doors
• 1021- a quiet afternoon, the sound of the fan a chord that brings me all the way back to my childhood
• 1020- happy circumstance
• 1019- an unexpected volunteer
• 1018- mailman whistling as he comes up the step
• 1017- summer days at last
• 1016- boys who have become men
• 1015- slow Sunday mornings
• 1014- family feasts, friendship and frivolity
• 1013- 7 year old admiration for her cousin Bridget
• 1012- 3 'big kids' blowing out birthday candles
• 1011- my ipod playlist and what each song brings to mind
• 1010- 7 year olds 'birthday princess' poster
• 1009- making lists
• 1008- organizing...one cupboard at a time
• 1007- a stack of crusts, remains of 7 year old breakfast
• 1006- talking things out
• 1005- laundry stacked and folded while watching a movie
• 1004- dashing out in nightgown for morning kiss
• 1003- for all the things that comfort me
• 1002- licking the spoon after stirring my morning cuppa
• 1001- how nothing beats human touch
• 1000- that my cup so overflows
• 999- baloons that sing
• 998- Overheard, oldest daughter telling her 'seniors' I love you
• 997- familiarity / family
• 996- asteroid collisions and inter-gallactic travels
• 995- wonder
• 994- making sack lunches
• 993- the heart & soul baring conversations with my husband as night falls
• 992- sharing a movie (the neverending story) with 7 year old and hearing the memory of its charm from 28 year old
• 991- 7 year old and friend playing in the fountain
• 990- remembering our commonplace is others 'perfect holiday get-away' and counting my blessings
• 989- squeezing in the crowd to see the magician, no, to see the faces of 7 year old and friend amazed at the magician
• 988- early morning encounter that brings giggles and surprise
• 987- a bucket of earth and a hand shovel
• 986- the smell of the garden
• 985- Kate's frozen strawberry pie
• 984- loving family 'as they are' and them doing me the same kindness
• 983- hearing a husband and wife working together
• 982- plans for an outing with friends
• 981- Car wash and ice cream cones
• 980- 7 year old's good deeds chain completed Twice! in one day!
• 979- quiet, she's in bed, ahhhh
• 978- crickets, refrigerator, fan, and piano all humming along to a happy tune
• 977- 7 year old photo shoot
• 976- how the 4 year old rolled her eyes at Msgr. while minding the flame of her Christ candle at baptism
• 975- 'Kids' back in town
• 974- Coach's response and the excitement it elicits
• 973- the embrace between my daughter and our doctor
• 972- leftovers
• 971- moms shoulder-rub line-up
• 970- electric twilight sky, pink clouds shining
• 969- showers
• 969- 7 year old bellowing 'girls just wanna have fun'
• 968- dress up fun
• 967- grandaddy long legs
• 966- clean playroom invites new discoveries
• 965- doves on the car roof
• 964- dancing on the furry rug together, mother/daughter dance like the wedding says 7 year old
• 963- husband's big shoes trying to quietly cross the creaking floorboards, kindness in motion
• 962- planning a fall get-away
• 961- 7 year old little lips planting a kiss upon my forehead
• 960- pnut butter and honey
• 959- grumpiness of 7 year old with a summer cold
• 958- bees at his workbench and husband armed with his tennis racket
• 957- shop-vac
• 956- box of crayons spill and helping pick them up
• 955- baking chocolate cookies and 7 year old delighted that I cannot eat them
• 954- husband snags a bite!
• 953- Tom's tomatoes, my basil, a caprese feast
• 952- seeing the old 'dad' picture that looks like the young son...exactly!
• 951- hospitality and friendship
• 950- a relaxing afternoon with friends and kids happily entertained in the pool
• 949- a friends computer skill and my life easier
• 948- missing grown kids who are at a family gathering without us
• 947- 3 sunflowers peeking over the fence
• 946- a neighbors argument ending in laughter
• 945- he works so hard to finish this project
• 944- the tears that came as a young woman voiced her hunger for God
• 943- morning dishes drying on the counter
• 942- seeing miracles at every turn, TBTG
• 941- and laughing at the obstacles that frustrate me
• 940- fly in the window buzzing it's frustration
• 939- lost keys found
• 938- doing chores together - teaching responsibility
• 937- kind words
• 936- sunshine through sheer curtains and sudden warmth on my shoulders sitting at the window
• 935- a laughing parrot
• 934- home haircuts
• 933- love love LOVE
• 932- blueberries and cream
• 931- 7 year old list of dog names (planning ahead...way ahead)
• 930- 7 year old licking the cream cheese off the crackers...then crunch
• 929- awh's at cute puppy
• 928- playing with the hose
• 927- sharing exhaustion and joy
• 926- how his hands know the exact spot where my shoulders need relief
• 925- dishwashing gloves & hot water
• 924- sun breaking through the marine layer
• 923- bursting into dance whenever it strikes her
• 922- folding sheets together and parachuting
• 921- deciding NOT to go into the office
• 920- morning chat with my firstborn
• 919- cassoulet for lunch - yum
• 918- making her smile
• 917- mother daughter giggles go wild
• 916- new school backpack
• 915- disney magic still
• 914- juicy sweet strawberries with red runs down to her elbows
• 913- open arms
• 912- a family party in the works
• 911- fresh basil from the garden
• 910- wanting her guardian angel painting hung in her new room because it is the 'real one' she had since she was little
• 909- a clean house
• 908- strawberries and creme fraiche
• 907- morning lingering chat with 7 year old under the sheets
• 906- a walk to the park
• 905- book store wanderings with 7 year old
• 904- a quick tidy up
• 903- watching husband ride off on his bike
• 902- a friends eagerness to connect
• 901- tiny specs of light shimmering through thick leaves - day stars in green
• 900- hearing wisdom
• 899- just a sweet day
• 898- quiet house - all to myself
• 897- the phone rings, I see it's her and cannot wait to pick it up.
• 896- Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
• 895- seeing Papa and 7 year old cuddle on the couch
• 894- a knowing glance between friends to share the miracle at hand
• 893- the happiest of news shared today
• 892- stay-cation plans
• 891- movies in the dark & 7 year old giggles @ Ratatouille
• 890- hungry for more
• 889- Sharing Mass together
• 888- a slow morning that stretches into afternoon
• 887- watering the butterfly garden full of blooms
• 886- re--organized workspace
• 885- stuffed animals in tissue boxes flying to the moon
• 884- Sunday morning French toast & le Tour
• 883- how generous love adorned the day
• 882- big yawns and cuddles
• 881- a long anticipated moment now a photo held in my hand
• 880- the little things that mean everything
• 879- hearts with pockets full of love, carried in God's pocket-heart
• 878- house blessing blessing more than walls
• 877- My son's words to me while walking
• 876- light-heartedness
• 875- basically, it was a good day, says 7 year old
• 874- 100's of us in the mirror; infinity actually, says she!
• 873- everyone belongs
• 872- ooga booga fun
• 871- graciousness to one another
• 870- seeing her beautiful
• 869- cracking up together
• 868- walking under the trees today with all my family there - peace
• 867- happy anticipation
• 866- whipped cream
• 865- memories in the making
• 864- hands wiped on pants while her napkin rests cleanly nearby
• 863- slurping melon sounds
• 862- sighs across the office giving voice to a day hard at it
• 861- a friend gone to God
• 860- giggles and ice cream
• 859- Chris's letter to K
• 858- rush of memories with Jess
• 857- whimsy
• 856- piano practice begins
• 855- night blooming jasmine filling the air
• 854- a son who is working for his father
• 853- doorbell rings
• 852- a letter filled with future plans and hope, mercy and anticipation
• 851- thumping beat of irish steps on wood floors
• 850- so many friends in the parish making their way to heaven
• 849- a long chat in the parking lot
• 848- light through stained glass windows
• 847- easy collegiality
• 846- yogurt pretzels
• 845- husband's flirtatious ways
• 844- willing hands
• 843- worn in dishtowels
• 842- owl whooing outside my window
• 841- curry rice
• 840- sick dolls in hospital (in the wardrobe)
• 839- tucking in, in her new room
• 838- joy of parents anticipating their baby's baptism
• 837- a find
• 836- Sea World Camp
• 835- waiting, taking a number and waiting
• 834- the delight captured in a photo of a wedding kiss
• 833- a slightly squeeky fan, sounds like a sweet little critter is hiding out somewhere close by
• 832- clean windows
• 831- coming to my senses, ego aside, so another can SHINE
• 830- home
• 829- L quietly teaching goodness
• 828- 7 year old day away with C
• 827- old toys, unpacked, new delights
• 826- giggles that goggles on her build-a-bear bring to us all
• 825- How I clean and organize something when I can't get my thoughts organized
• 824- How when I’m thinking really hard about something I totally zone out. I lose my hearing. I leave the planet
• 823- finishing 7 year old's room and hearing her exclaim, "It's just the way I dreamed it!"
• 822- tucked away chat on the sofa at starbucks
• 821- ripe cheese, a saltine, and a bit of orange marmalade
• 820- "Lets take a walk and find some new friends"
• 819- crickets gone wild tonight
• 818- baseboards finishing touch caught me by -happy- surprise
• 817- enough
• 816- checking things off the list
• 815- parenting, so relentless
• 814- unabashed singing in the car on the ride home
• 813- bayside with some great friends
• 812- overheard 7 year old explanation of complicated situation
• 811- heat wave and a cold drink
• 810- waxing the floor in our socks
• 809- strawberry shortcake bandaid on papa's cut finger
• 808- making home simply beautiful
• 807- mertonian conversations
• 806- a gallon of milk and a bottle of wine
• 805- heart-shaped cherries, a bowl full of love
• 804- singing lessons
• 803- summer reading
• 802- drawing hearts, sharing love
• 801- rubberband balls
• 800- kissing owies
• 799- disarray
• 798- the story an old calendar tells
• 797- Walt and Shirley
• 796- sleeping on the floor in her new room
• 795- mother daughter hugs
• 794- new shoes
• 793- family arguments
• 792- goodness
• 791- thanking a stranger and a friend for their generous gift and having them say "hey, we are family, Gods family"
• 790- snuggling 7 year old
• 789- too short conversation with one I love
• 788- blessing my 7 year old at mass, and sharing Christ with my husband
• 787- tired out but he still mows the lawn
• 786- Singing priest with guitar - 70's flashback and it was good!
• 785- YOU are the salt of the earth
• 784- little girls gathered around wedding cake
• 783- paper airplanes
• 782- going barefoot
• 781- 'have a good day' kisses; one cheek, then the other
• 780- new books in the mail
• 759- awesome surf show and gorgeous filming
• 758- after power-sanding floors all day, blessed quiet
• 757- breakfast for dinner
• 756- trip to the ice cream parlor for baseball nut
• 755- how 7 year old is smitten with her instructor who is just like her uncle...cool!
• 754- overheard conversation between her swim instructor and his mom that made me laugh
• 753- Msgr. home and looking good! When does that happen, when we go from being told we are good looking to hearing folks say we are looking good!?* I don't know but I am there!
• 752- clearing away clutter
• 751- kitchen catch-all is (at least for the moment) organized
• 750- 7 year old internal conflict: the llittle girl who wants to be big and the big girl who wants to be my baby
• 749- the pink chandelier is hung and glowing in her room
• 748- cloudy cool days...in July
• 747- dinner with friends
• 746- household chores and a house to hold them
• 745- spending the day together
• 744- crazy laughing as Papa and 7 year old watch WIPEOUT!
• 743- cartwheels
• 742- playing ponies
• 741- shared news that is good
• 740- a concern relieved
• 739- crab legs & corn on the cob
• 738- the power of the written word
• 737- she skips in circles thru the house
• 736- making a summer fun list together
• 735- her room nears completion
• 734- J who is always willing to lend a strong helping hand
• 733- a cardboard box & a child's imagination
• 732- a call that makes me proud of our church
• 731- dot dogs
• 730- blooms everywhere
• 729- how painting makes things new
• 728- bearded iris blooms
• 727- vegetable garden dreams
• 726- we could be friends, you know
• 725- door #3
• 724- she wants to walk with 'the girls'
• 723- call from the airport
• 722- the boom and echo of fireworks
• 721- secret childhood handshakes
• 720- unlocking church doors
• 719- peering through curtains
• 718- bagpipes and pints, lots of laughs
• 717- book store meandering and new books
• 716- uninhibited singing at mass
• 715- the sense of homey comfort when a room grows dark and no one turns on a light
• 714- hand-me-down treasures
• 713- stacks of dirty laundry sorted in the hallway, we have so much to be thankful for
• 712- new neighbor kindness at KT's
• 711- a $2.00 feast
• 710- thinking its Sunday and it's only Saturday - yeah
• 709- the organizational mind of my friend
• 708- tour d'france begins - awash in great memories
• 707- smell of fresh popcorn & it's popping promise of YUM!
• 706- how a drum beat can be felt
• 705- trick birthday candles; so like long love
• 704- rising bright sun and rainbows in sprinklers
• 703- manners that matter
• 702- planting seeds
• 701- clean swept stones; a little zen gardening
• 700- in Jim's generosity Joseph's heart unveiled
• 699- good hair day and nowhere to go
• 698- stumbling in the dark, trying not to wake the house
• 697- clear blue eyes that shine
• 696- beautiful souls
• 695- watching a crow take a stroll
• 694- grapefruit juice
• 693- how our story is theirs too; how God builds His body
• 692- an unhurried hug
• 691- God provides - through you
• 690- credit where its due
• 689- yellow butterfly greeting as we come home
• 688- meeting new young neighbors
• 687- sharing a funny story about my son and my friends laughter
• 686- walking and talking with my friend
• 685- my husband's support of my evening walks
• 684- the gorgeous scenery of China in Karate kid
• 683- matinee
• 682- a new born baby's cry
• 681- little wet ones with quivering lips
• 680- the sun shafts through the pool house roof
• 679- sitting on the bench together, a quiet moment before swim lessons
• 678- new uniforms for school
• 677- my family's bond; tried and true
• 676- both and
• 675- scraping the last flavorful bits off the cobbler pan
• 674- hearing my husband turn out the lights
• 673- sitting on the stone wall sharing memories
• 672 - playing school
• 671- "7" year old energy bouncing off the walls
• 670- bird perched on top of a cage...and off it goes
• 669- curiosity
• 668- fresh blackberry cobbler baking away
• 667- smiling
• 666- hair that frizzes in the morning mist
• 665- "7" year old freckled nose
• 664- my husbands eloquent humility
• 663- better as soon as we chat
• 662- a tangle of tied string across the livingroom furniture, box elevators for dolls
• 661- dancing the barnyard boogie
• 660- fruit bowl filled; delicious temptation
• 659- 6 year old claiming 7 in anticipation
• 658- playing footsies at dinner with 6 year old
• 657- C&L watching dad's match
• 656- early morning chat in the dark
• 655- spray paint make-overs
• 654- soothing saltines
• 653- grocery shopping together
• 652- a friend's dropping by & bearing gifts for homecoming
• 651- mass
• 650- the way she squeezes in beside me
• 649- dragonfly
• 648- faerie garden blooming
• 647- sofa covered in dolls
• 646- communion in rainbow
• 645- a very slow day, true sabbath rest
• 644- sorting through the stacks
• 643- my husband's tennis victories
• 642- it's raining chairs and toasters
• 641- waiting
• 640- laughing at the continuing truth of childhoods lessons
• 639- a long chat with my long love
• 638- Fifty 6 year old kisses on my cheek
• 637- the hearts and prayers that hold me
• 636- 6 year old waking with a song to sing
• 635- that it is in God's hands
• 634- quiet generosity
• 633- a fresh washed window
• 632- jalapeno bagels - who knew?
• 631- good scissors
• 630- holding hands
• 629- encountering the cross and looking for the new life; eyes wide open
• 628- encouragement all around
• 627- talk preparations that change me
• 626- a broken cup
• 625- longing for the potters wheel
• 624- quilts as art
• 623- reconnecting with a friend I hadn't seen for too long
• 622- homemade cookies and the smell of baked goodness
• 621- nature shows
• 620- mini-marshmallows
• 619- contagious courage
• 618- connecting around the table
• 617- how mommy alone can soothe
• 616- gravity
• 615- pillow talks; the tradition is re-born
• 614- munchies
• 613- explaining expressions of speech to 6 year old
• 612- funny dog names
• 611- curtains blowing in the breeze
• 610- and a child shall lead them...
• 609- slip-n-slide fun
• 608- 6 year old plans; free-time, play, swim, ice cream
• 607- growth spurts
• 606- wet swimsuits and towels
• 605- opening a new book
• 604- bedtime prayers and lullaby rockings still
• 603- the sign of the cross
• 602- benedictine wisdom; prayer & work
• 601- new directions
• 600- shopping for her homecoming
• 599- perfect love casts out fear
• 598- lessons only fear can teach
• 597- today's call with Jess and the good of her heart
• 596- gymnastics camp full of fun
• 595- cherries shared
• 594- Papa and 6 year old rehearsing dance routine to "Do you love me"
• 593- Buzz Lightyear in spanish mode
• 592- carpool lanes
• 591- talking to the tv show
• 590- reading aloud in the car
• 589- choosing to be herself - confidence blooming
• 588- 6 year old remembering when she was "little"
• 587- birds chirp, engines start, coffee perks, breakfast made - Good morning start to the day
• 586- closing the gap with a kiss
• 585- watching world cup match during the day
• 584- unexpected dinner with my brother & family from colorado
• 583- comfortable clothes
• 582- but not really, once you leap, just the opposite
• 581- living grace - so much harder than talking grace
• 580- friends who speak truth and are kind about it
• 579- string games
• 578- getting the apartment for her
• 577- father/son long conversations
• 576- broadening the span of god-helpers in RRR's story
• 575- apologizing and husband kindness
• 574- duped by love
• 573- 6 year old organization style
• 572- pig-tails
• 571- cooking dinner for 'kids' coming over
• 570- tooth-brushing lessons for 6 year old, complete with rinse, spit and giggle
• 569- family's generous offer
• 568- carrying on the conversation throughout the day; parental brainstorming
• 567- sharing 6 year old writers journal
• 566- Lakers pull it off
• 565- game night family gathering
• 564- sand in the tub, remnant of the day
• 563- the hidden value of "boredom"
• 562- how she loves to care for little ones
• 561- times furious flight and lingering graces
• 560- driving the old neighborhood
• 559- a puppy's playful bark as they walk by
• 558- what a child remembers
• 557- aluminum cups
• 556- hilarity; laughing at ourselves
• 555- 6 year old sleeps in - TBtG
• 554- man tears
• 553- good man, huge catholic heart
• 552- could this be the one - praying
• 551- So you think you can dance
• 550- clap,snap,tap,slap,and tongue clicks
• 549- laying on her belly, 6 year old feet clapping in the air
• 548- practicing her jigs & reels
• 547- an easily cleared floor for room to dance and play
• 546- praying for Saturdays meeting
• 545- beach beckoning
• 544- a cup of paintbrushes calling me
• 543- bluejay visit
• 542- good shepherding
• 541- true loves kiss
• 540- anticipation
• 539- matinees
• 538- couches are for bouncing (beds too)
• 537- A friends humor and quick wit
• 536- making the bed late in the day
• 535- my husband's laugh
• 534- long distance calls that bring us close
• 533- fresh peaches
• 532- discovery channel
• 531- honey and warm biscuits
• 530- how a clean house becomes instantly untidy with 6 year old flair
• 529- doesn't she sing like she wrote the song herself - she knows it by heart
• 528- the pleasure of one anothers company
• 527- strong legs
• 526- suncatchers
• 525- how God answers our prayers
• 524- 6 year old wrapped gifts
• 523- dancing to "3 little birds"
• 522- little voices raised in song
• 521- making his favorite seafood pasta
• 520- adventures in grocery shopping
• 519- listening to lovely Leslies CD for a 6 year old
• 518- playing
• 517- roller skatings lightness and speed
• 516- cold beer and warm family
• 515- with "nothing to do" he looks for "something to do" industrious husband and father
• 514- tape measures
• 513- automatic sprinklers
• 512- fidelity
• 511- lived-in spaces
• 510- hair-wrecking wind
• 509- an evening walk
• 508- close-ups
• 507- making a store for faeries
• 506- pajama day for us all
• 505- fervor
• 504- letters from friends that touch my heart
• 503- pistachios
• 502- the scriptures consolation
• 501- dying to self
• 500- my good-natured husband, so true
• 499- hilarious Henry
• 498- a picnic full of promise
• 497- when the student is ready, the teacher arrives
• 496- big eyed guinea pig
• 494- 6 year olds comment "THAT was weird"
• 493- the safety of home to be authentically ourselves
• 492- my sons wife, lovely Leslie who is "our own"
• 491- a headache going away
• 490- ladybug girl
• 489- beach sand in her hair
• 488- an evening of laughter and surprises
• 487- she wants her own blog
• 486- painting a room with a 6 year old
• 485- neck rubs
• 484- hot apple pie-his favorite
• 483- early morning excitement for Papas birthday
• 482- slow stretch to wake ...stretch again
• 481- Waking Ned Divine moment
• 480- a basket of folded laundry
 • 479- slippers
• 478- Sr Barbara
• 477- honor
• 476- birthday plans afoot for hubby.papa.dad.rog
• 475- the sacrifices he is willing to make
• 474- a quick run to market
• 473- the demands of family life
• 472- we need a chair big enough for all three of us
• 471- mid-life crisis pants are back!
• 470- curling up on the couch with a good book
• 469- cleaning out the school desk for summer
• 468- GODISNOWHERE
• 467- taking turns and finding it so hard to wait
• 466- 6 year old playing dress up
• 465- hummingbird that keeps coming back for more
• 464- strong women
• 463- best part of having a "secret room" - sharing it with a little friend
• 462- homemade happy meals
• 461- barnacles
• 460- be a tree; http://www.panhala.net/Archive/Willow.html
• 459- two friends caught with the same thought
• 458- trust
• 457- hearing my daughter's smile glisten over the phone, and her beauty which surprised her (but not her dad and I)
• 456- how holding the morning cup is itself a prayer
• 455- constructive rebellion
• 454- old familiar books that re-inspire just by lifting them off the shelf and opening a page full of promise
• 453- wake up giggles and childhood anticipation
• 452- relentless daily words from the Teacher, Follow Me
• 451- God is a showoff
• 450- holy spirit spectacles
• 449- taking photos of friends in love
• 448- early morning fog
• 447- the craic was good last night
• 446- the trees God has planted in my life
• 445- my secretary's greeting and my grateful relief that she is here
• 444- copy machine hard at it
• 443- open hands
• 442- tucking into bed
• 441- animals in her cheerios
• 440- how the scent of lemons freshly picked remains on my hands
• 439- I do not stand alone
• 438- her teachers radiant smile as each child embraces her for a photo
• 437- mac n cheese
• 436- childhood friends who still want him to come out and play
• 435- lamplight late at night
• 434- how he loves malted milk balls, smacking his lips in childish sweetness
• 433- sleepwalking her way to the bathroom and getting all turned around
• 432- Daniel in the lions den
• 431- being called Bona Fide! Makes me think of "Oh Brother, where art thou?!"
• 430- pastilles
• 429- waving goodbye from windows
• 428- 6 year old writing journal; the year in review it revealed
• 427- a young mans leaving here to return home and care for his mother
• 426- long chat with my dad
• 425- asking for forgiveness
• 424- strawberries and chocolate fountains
• 423- class parties at school years' end
• 422- "Do you like daisies?" I asked, thinking of a new bedspread. "YES," she answered, "yesterday I saw a whole flock of them on the grass field"
• 421- Notre Dame Fight Song to start the funeral
• 420- god love you (sympathetic assurance from my irish friend)
• 419- lump in my throat as I read
• 418- cha-cha-cha
• 417- step stools
• 416- the scoop and scrape of final plastering as he works late
• 415- papa, papa, papa, nevermind, mommy?
• 414- the wet towel booty dance
• 413- 6 year old bravery as a splinter is pulled out
• 412- if mommy brings her wallet she can buy ANYTHING
• 411- a full mailbox
• 410- great scores on my daughters exams=earlier homecoming
• 409- he saved my irish dishtowel from accidental rag use
• 408- mailman greg's smile
• 407- a good joke
• 406- friendships grace when trust is extended
• 405- new neighbors to welcome
• 404- kindness
• 403- the playful spirit of my husband
• 402- leftovers
• 401- made up happy songs
• 400- jumping rope at days end
• 399- Watching Old Yeller...and crying
• 398- kinky waves in her hair after a wet braid falls loose.
• 397- re-arranging pictures and seeing them with fresh eyes in new spaces
• 396- paint by number kits
• 395- pinching off beautiful blooms so that there can be an abundance
• 394- a days work done
• 393- seeing the wheels turn in her eyes
• 392- my husband's wisdom & clarity
• 391- cool evening breezes
• 390- quarters adding up
• 389- calling my mom on her birthday and hearing her laugh
• 388- liking home
• 387- learning cursive
• 386- freckles
• 385- old paint clothes; new brush
• 384- crown molding
• 383- polka dots
• 382- nervous girl gaining confidence
• 381- a ride home from a birthday party
• 380- memories brought into new light - thanks Jess
• 379- trust
• 378- how she leans back into me
• 377- chance to chat; husband and wife
• 376- an uplifting phonecall
• 375- shades of blue
• 374- re-arranged grocery store
• 373- gum wakes up our dry mouths
• 372- attention & intention
• 371- taking photos for strangers and making friends
• 370- cooking for a friend in need and eating the extras - yum
• 369- the grotto
• 368- The guys "carrying on" next door
• 367- whispering in the dark
• 366- I love you, yes...YOU
• 365- lights out
• 364- an easy pace
• 363- graduations and parents hearts are on their sleeves
• 362- Leonard Cohen lyrics (& his voice)
• 361- sleepy beauty
• 360- doors that stick and announce who's up and about
• 359- raspberry kisses
• 358- the surprise of her decorating sense
• 357- spaghetti and meatballs and fresh bread too
• 356- Sharon's cozy afghan in the evening
• 355- dolls and dresses
• 354- nail clippers
• 353- singing in the bathtub-a universe all her own
• 352- irish dancing in the kitchen, music in her head
• 351- 6 year old excitement at a friends invitation to come over and play
• 350- kneeling bedside prayers
• 349- taking out the trash
• 348- insistent chirping outside my window until I finally look - red breast flying off and I swear I saw it smile!
• 347- how good a haircut feels
• 346- living the liturgy
• 345- Would you like carry-out help? YES!
• 344- tennies
• 343- licking the spoon
• 342- Jorge Regula jorge regula
• 341- wooden bowls
• 340- painting today
• 339- I can hear him 'waking up' in the shower
• 338- three rabbits on the porch this morning
• 337- first taste of morning cuppa on some days- ahhhh
• 336- seeing pottery gifts from Jess and recalling 6 year old descriptions; this looks like a dog, this one is fire, this one is church, and this one I just don't know
• 335- rumble of my neighbors truck in the morning and the fading away sound as he heads off
• 334- the magnet of Gods love
• 333- good solid teaching that calls and affirms
• 332- leftover pasta
• 331- the household asleep
• 330- helping hands
• 329- wine and chocolates with a dear friend
• 328- the hearts intent on God's love
• 327- the support of family
• 326- the circle of friendship in faith
• 325- and his joy in returning to ministry
• 324- Msgr.'s return to health
• 323- how a phrase can capture a moment perfectly
• 322- a big day ahead and knowing tomorrow it will be behind
• 321- the cat walking on the top of our fence
• 320- my husband's early morning grin-intriguing
• 319- morning prayer in quiet fog
• 318- a clean floor
• 317- how wood floors groan waking up
• 316- how the hum of the refrigerator is comforting
• 315- deep-down blessings of ministry
• 314- frozen yogurt
• 313- how play speaks vietnamese
• 312- a husband/father and young woman/daughter holding wife/mother in the middle as they walk along
• 311- the tickle of wind-blown hair
• 310- french toast
• 309- and how he tears up easily, tender hearted man
• 308- how my husband is still 19
• 307- new love in old folks
• 306- a dirty, sticky, happy child
• 305- afternoons made for swinging at the park
• 304- the dance of sunlight through swaying tree branches
• 303- lambopotomus!
• 302- father/son chess game
• 301- baking fresh made lemon scones together
• 300- that I am here already
• 299- the shower after working all day
• 298- being shooed away by a 6 year old
• 297- how the afternoon light changes the color of everything
• 296- a friends homemade birthday card
• 295- chocolate covered raisins
• 294- how he loves tennis
• 293- working with my husband and the thread of conversation it affords
• 292- "Big Love" portrait for me
• 291- picking sweet peas with my sweet pea
• 290- oven mitts
• 289- homemade rosemary bread - thanks C & L
• 288- skipping across the street to play
• 287- watching moose play in a sprinkler www.wimp.com/babymoose/
• 286- seeing the pieces come together
• 285- the sound of licking fingers good!
• 284- the morning greeting I longed for
• 283- butter, real butter
• 282- expressing affections before it's too late
• 281- cooking for friends
• 280- old ladies walking- arms entwined
• 279- funny sounding sneezes
• 278- life's possibilities
• 277- planning a road trip for fall
• 276- more birthday surprises
• 275- glimpses into the future
• 274- he finished the ceiling
• 273- David & Anne's wedding
• 272- perusing catalogs
• 271- home squeezed orange juice
• 271- visiting neighbors
• 270- and the restorative power of a good cry in moms arms
• 269- "sibling" jealousy of sorts
• 268- long chat with my oldest daughter
• 267- loved ones to photograph
• 266- a new camera lens
• 265- peonies
• 264- lightest lavender
• 263- Jesus to Peter MYOB
• 262- made the swim lesson-forgot the towel!
• 261- kleenex by the bed
• 260- my husband's stocking feet
• 259- looking forward
• 258- credit card rescues daughter with car trouble
• 258- all kinds of difficult here (cycling commentator overheard)
• 257- comfort of an old chair
• 256- crunch of beach pebbles underfoot
• 255- watering plants late in the day
• 254- red dish cloths
• 253- babysitter/cousin tomorrow
• 252- a phone call of many things but hearing only love
• 251- agua con gas memories
• 250- secret surprises going on behind closed doors
• 249- Looking forward to birthday visits tomorrow
• 248- Fr. Bill's tears
• 247- a fathers touching words at his babies funeral to be a better man
• 246- a baseball victory, a proud mama shared
• 245- table lessons
• 244- turning my face to the sun
• 243- my husbands feedback
• 242- little girl thrill of staying up late
• 241- sandals and warm days
• 240- someone singing in the adoration chapel
• 239- perfectly ripe banana
• 238- a "field trip" with girlfriends
• 237- inside jokes with 6 year olds
• 236- MOMMY!!!! Again
• 235- birthday call from dad
• 234- an unexpected gift and the dinner out it offers
• 233- six year old slurping watermelon for dessert
• 232- belly laughs at lunch
• 231- making bookmarks
• 230- BABIES film trailer- check it out
• 229- his admiration for God's dreaming up the "nut" as he picks out all the cashews
• 228- giro d' italia views
• 227- doves splashing-happy too
• 226- the sound of running water I love
• 225- fountain flowing again, hurray for husband's handiwork again
• 224- kiss hello and coming back for more
• 223 - lemon square birthday surprise
• 222- overhearing a mother cooing to her baby
• 221- smell of fresh washed hair
• 220- a child's "perfect gift", money no object
• 219- birthday parties
• 218- she longs for pumpkin pie; how long until fall is back?
• 217- footfalls on the porch-he's home
• 216- happy compromises
• 215- the "mexican moms" and their great hearts
• 214- stretching under covers, and NOT getting up!
• 213 - kneeling beside the bed to pray
• 212- singing the rosary with her
• 211- the deep well of sorrow at a baby's death, and the comfort amazingly shared
• 210- breath mints in the car
• 209- he rises day after day in the dark to work selflessly for our sake
• 208- the recognition anew of the goodness of my husband's love
• 207- the surprise of praise, and the thrill that God is indeed pleased
• 206- a kind priest who sees in me a gift and names it
• 205- trusting the long road
• 204- big exams wrapped in prayer
• 203- fast asleep
• 202- dancing curtain in the morning breeze
• 201- hum of a mower
• 200- Being asked to stay for an extra morning kiss as her class goes in
• 199- moms voices muted but full of life & friendship
• 198- a quiet house
• 197- smell of oatmeal and cinnamon
• 196- the lawyerly ways of a 6 year old arguing her case
• 195- my warm sleepy man who opens his arm for my coming near
• 194- chinese take-away
• 193- letting worry go (again)
• 192- bridges crossed
• 191- lamplight in half-darkness
• 190- early happy risings
• 189- didn't she wake up a giant this morning having grown 6 inches in the night
• 188- contradictions to laugh at the good of it
• 187- brushing hair & quick ponytails
• 186- falling asleep on the sofa
• 185- a "windy" pentecost
• 184- a dictionary
• 183- cameras
• 182- packing for a father/daughter day at the track meet
• 181- merry go rounds
• 180- Peanut butter and jelly
• 179- conversations that matter
• 178- barefoot prints on the wall
• 177- la jolla shores at sunset, with a dear friend and margaritas
• 176- being called cinderella
• 175- a sons help tomorrow
• 174- seeing my husband calculate in construction
• 173- the way her mind works
• 172- reaching the age of modesty in the pool shower room
• 171- swimming lessons
• 170- greek takeout
• 169- the magic of tracing paper to a 6 year old
• 168- saying grace
• 167- people of FAITH
• 166- when champions rise for the cause
• 165- my husband looking like a white racoon after sanding the plaster
• 164- late afternoon sun
• 163- red-faced child-after running and running and running-and feeling terrific!
• 162- show-stopping belches
• 161- Sr. Damiens hug
• 160- cut roses from the parish garden
• 159- laughter while sharing pain
• 158- crisp white linen
• 157- the power of listening
• 156- hot oatmeal & cinnamon
• 155- Trinitarians song that blesses the space between us
• 154- the desk cleared
• 153- holding Cameron
• 152- a girls night out!
• 151- mexican food and moms
• 150- long friendships that time and space do not diminish
• 149- dreams insights
• 148- my mother-in-law who draws no in-law lines
• 147- my education and teachers
• 146- healthy rebellion with a laugh
• 145- a stick become a magic wand (and I am the best mom ever)
• 144- sweet crisp watermelon
• 143- Fr Bills grieved heart for a dying baby and her family
• 142- letter from firecamp, words of life
• 141- cut out scraps and stickers from bananas become a love note in her hands
• 140- bathroom dash as life is too engaging to pull away
• 139- little one recounting all the gifts God has given her
• 138- an unkempt neighbors yard; now a bright mass of dandelions
• 137- new mown lawn
• 136- light and shadowed leaves dancing on the wall as I write
• 135- easing another's pain by simply listening
• 134- an affirming phonecall
• 133- that man of mine
• 132- irish dancing
• 131- and the lingering smell of steam and hot cotton
• 130- the rescue of a quick press
• 129- reading glasses
• 128- when can we bake another pie? she asks
• 127- distraction
• 126- hugs
• 125- singing out with our eyes closed
• 124- blue hued chalk underfoot
• 123- being intentional
• 122- packing her lunch
• 121- a morning cup in quiet
• 120- a good night's sleep
• 119- a morning glimpse into the blessings of my work
• 118- the casual affection of friends
• 117- anticipation
• 116- forgotten school items-and no panic on the phone-just a chuckle
• 115- the limitless dreams of a child
• 114- swaying to the music
• 113- hearing Janet sing
• 112- an evening out
• 111- love "letters" from herself
• 110- japanese maple in full leaf
• 109- my husbands constancy and kindness
• 108- his simple now question and my big project answer
• 107- track practice and the energy it will spend
• 106- fresh made beds
• 105- a slow morning
• 104- saying Little Italy 3 times fast
• 103- the fork scraping the last of the good juicyness off the plate
• 102- almost bedtime, ahhhhh
• 101- dish towel over my shoulder
• 100- my husband reading at days end
• 99- volunteer sweet peas first bloom
• 98- pulling weeds and wild things
• 97- after bath soapy clean smell
• 96- windows trim is up
 • 95- warm tortillas, ripe avocados
• 94- A son's computer help
• 93- power of a smile
• 92- standing firm and letting go
• 91- First Holy Communion; a sea of white hope
• 90- cold water
• 89- too much of a good thing
• 88- the surprise of going home early
• 87- routine and its comforts
• 86- examples of who I don't want to be
• 85- laying down a load
• 84- warm clothes out of the dryer
• 83- the house to myself
• 82- wearing my 'booties' to drop her off at school
• 81- a neighbors morning greeting
• 80- tell me again why you call me the kylanator :) giggles follow
• 79- Going back to sleep
• 78- 4am alarm so he can fit in a time to play (madness or dedication?)
• 77- measuring hands to see if she is almost as big as me
• 76- she is reading me bedtime stories now
• 75- rubbing noses
• 74- Papa! Papa! You have such a giant head! But its skinny!
• 73- the man with no arms who can do just about anything, and shares his life with humor and generosity
• 72- wowing the child with home-made french fries; she proclaimed mine the best!
• 71- The eloquence of Jessica that always, always touches my heart
• 70- he gets home first and tidies up - thank you jesus!
• 69- colored pens for a new appointment book
• 68- time to speak up and be heard
• 67- stealing away for lunch together
• 66- My husband's encouragement
• 65- and the child's sigh of relief (and Mother's too) at getting it all done!
• 64- the aggravation of homework left til morning
• 63- a perfectly bright spring day
• 62- a glass of wine
• 61- 6 year old singing "like nobody's listening"
• 60- the support of co-workers
• 59- my husband's generous spirit
• 58- how a new eraser can thrill a child to no end
• 57- italian cooking filling the air
• 56- lint rollers (after buying a furry rug)
• 55- conflict resolved
• 54- a slow paced day
• 53- sharing inspirations with my husband
• 52- kind comments from my grown kids reading this
• 51- coloring together
• 50- breakfast prepared by our 6 year old
• 49- close your eyes and the morning cuppa perking sounds like a herd of horses running in the dust
• 48- toasted bagels and legos
• 47- blog banter at dinner, too funny
• 46- Papa's "furry" chest, the bed an early morning playground for a bright eyed 6 yr. old!
• 45- early morning phone call from Katie
• 44- churros and ice cream
• 43- child lullabyes in the back seat as we ride home
• 42- love multiplied
• 41- the boy so visible in the man-son
• 40- handmade gifts of love; the best!
• 39- hand me downs
• 38- another lesson to praise those closest to you
• 37- being "in tune"
• 36- seeing the rebel in him
• 35- washing dishes
• 34- plaster almost done
• 33- sun and water drenched cuddle wrapped in a towel
• 32- vacuum cleaners
• 31- little girls chatter
• 30- old photos
• 29- Mother's Day surprise - chocolate covered strawberries
• 28- early morning pink clouds
• 27- may crowning
• 26- a new basketball
• 25- Overheard explanation: She's a mommy priest
• 24- the sound of Papa working - so selfless is that man
• 23- tortilla soup simmering
• 22- tired out stillness of a 6 year old
• 21- the 17th "How do you spell...?"
• 20- Pat's new eye - no more pirate gram!
• 19- blackberries perfectly ripe
• 18- shoes off
• 17- grumpy faces crumbling in laughter
• 16- Kyla's singing her way everywhere!
• 15- the quiet good deed of my parish priest
• 14- jessica's laugh over the phone
• 13- a daughters hope
• 12- surprises in the mail
• 11- my husbands spoken need; an invitation to grow
• 10- a 6 year olds enthusiasm for reading & writing her own stories
• 9- breakfast with my cousin
• 8- chips and salsa
• 7- a struggle shared
• 6- extra kisses before school
• 5- a faith-full friend
• 4- the last of Leslie's yummy muffins
• 3- my husbands calls just to say I love you
• 2- crayons scattered in the joy of creating
• 1- birds on the windowsill






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