Outside my window: The sky is turning lighter shades of gray, though I think the day’s going to stay gray. No amazing light from the east falling on my barn and filling my western-facing kitchen window today. Maybe tomorrow.

Around the house: I’m the only one awake. I hear the ticking of the clock above the kitchen sink and the soft clicking of my keyboard as I type. This won’t last much longer, but I’m drinking it in while it does.

In my kitchen: That’s where I am: in my kitchen. As I look around, I realize, once again, just how happy this room makes me. Even though it’s often the coldest room in the house on winter mornings, I have spent most of them here. I pray here, I cook here. I also often do my work here, at the kitchen table. Right now, the baby is sleeping in his little seat on the floor at my feet.

In my thoughts: I’m thinking about Lent. I’m also thinking about exciting news about my upcoming book. And…I really need to do something about exercise and fitness. (Siiigh.)

In my plans: Today is wide open. We haven’t had one of these Sundays in a while, and though I know we’ll have basketball in our day (can you say March Madness?), I am also looking forward to the snuggling and reading that’s going to be a part of the day too.

In thanksgiving: For big sisters who love babies. For nieces who love babies. For a sister-in-law whose joy in babies is infectious. For the Eucharist and the healing I feel each week at Mass. For the downy feel of a three-year-old’s hair on my arm during Mass. For morning texts. For laughter. For coffee.

Nose inserted: I just started Unplanned, by Abby Johnson. I also received a review copy of Lisa Hendey‘s upcoming book (oh! my! goodness! Folks, this is going to be a must-have for every single Catholic mom I know!). It’s all I can do to get anything done with these two books taunting me. Good thing it’s Sunday! 🙂 I have also been making a more concentrated effort to read through the Catechism. I started it, oh, last year. I’m glad I’m reading it slowly, though.

Recent reads: Viper, by John Desjarlais: can you say AWESOME! (You know that little kid in The Incredibles, the one on the trike who lives across the street? I feel pretty much about this book how he reacts at the end of the movie.)

A favorite thing: Man socks. That’s what my baby-obsessed sister-in-law calls them. And…well, I love em. I don’t think I’ll be able to give them away. They’re just so stinkin’ cute! (And so much of little boy stuff just isn’t cute the same way as it is for girls. My husband, hearing this, has informed me, “It’s not supposed to be cute!” Well. Sir. I disagree!)

Food for thought: “At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for join but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit for righteousness to those who are trained by it.” -Hebrews 12:11