My Simple Daybook vol. IV

 

For Today 3.7.25

~Daybook Template taken from The Simple Woman's blog~

Looking out my window...

It's dark outside.  I always seem to get the creative bug in the evenings.  Maybe it's the relaxed mood, maybe it's a cup of tea, or maybe it's just the itch to avoid sleep that sparks the need to *do* something. 🙈

I am thinking...

I dearly miss blogging.  The creative and passionate outlet has been teaching as of late, but it doesn't quite allow for the same creativity.  I miss sharing and processing my thoughts in posts.  Not that my words are of any real consequence.  It's just nice being able to jot them down and share them with a few friends who share similar feelings.

I am thankful...

for the little joys.  I mean the tiny joys.  Stepping out my front door to get in my car in the morning.  The fresh air hits you in the face, the birds are chirping, and you feel as though a new adventure is about to sweep you away, just for that split second.  It has been rainy here for the last couple of days as well.  The sound and smell of the rain is really unbeatable.  Even a cup of tea without any cream or sugar first thing in the morning at work or last thing before you go to bed is a comfort.  I'm so thankful for the tiny joys God gives.

One of my favorite things...

One of my students gave me this gorgeous Mary vase.  She said she was supposed to put flowers in it but insisted I use it for my pens.   She's so beautiful and I love her so much!  She's perfect! 😍

I am creating...

baby items for my sister.  That's right!!  My sister is expecting her first baby and I couldn't be more excited.  Of course I'm knitting for the baby!  Just don't tell her.  I want it to be a surprise.  I did mention I'm knitting the baby a washcloth but I didn't tell her what the design will be.  You'll all just have to wait and find out with her. 😊

I am wearing...

All the fun teacher-y outfits.  Well, I suppose they're not your standard or trendy teacher outfits, but they're my own version.  Some days, I take inspiration from Anne, while on other days, I feel more like Ms. Frizzle.  I'm probably more in the realm of Jo March, if I'm being honest.  I wear what makes me feel comfortable while keeping an adventurous and untamed spirit.

I am reading...

Divine Intimacy and The Courage to be Afraid.  The first is a book of meditations by a Carmelite priest, Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalene.  The second is a book by a French priest, Fr. Marie-Dominique Molinié.  This book goes deeper than trusting in God's providence.  It leads you to recognize His loving care as a father.  We say "Our Father" all the time, but how often do we stop to think about what that means?  I know not everyone has a good relationship with their father, and that makes me even more humbled and grateful that I do, but regardless of that fact, each and every one of us has God as our father, and He is the perfect one.  His fatherhood is not far off, subjecting and cold.  He loves with a very personal and intimate love.  He watches over you and wants to guide you every step of the way.  Ultimately, He wants to bring you, His dear child, to be with Him eternally.  The Courage to be Afraid was originally published in 1975 but started as retreats the author gave to Dominican nuns in 1953.

 I am watching...

All these years later, I'm still watching When Calls the Heart.  Can you believe it?!  It's just my comfort show.  I've caught myself up to the current season, Season 12, and it still has that Hope Valley charm.  Sure, it can be *very* cheesy at times and I don't always know about the modernization, but overall, it has kept its wholesome goodness.

This ship has sunk my heart.  🫠💖

 I am listening to...

Now that it's March, you know what that means... Folk Music Season! 😄 (Yes, I made that up, but you might try it.)  Here is my Spotify playlist full of great Irish folk music that is getting me in the mood for St. Patrick's Day! 🍀

I am learning...

how to teach.  Constantly.  I've been teaching for a year and a half and I learn something new every day whether it be a classroom management skill or how to teach superlative adjectives.  There is so so much to learn about teaching.  I feel as though I've not even scratched the surface.  I am always eager to learn more of this noble and multifaceted profession.  

In my kitchen...

Well, it's officially Lent so I'm not making too many exciting things.  (Who am I kidding?!  I don't often make exciting things anyhow. 😅)  Soups and casseroles are my good old standards.  Tomorrow I'm planning on making this crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa! 😋

Board Room

My Pinterest is a mix of classroom resources, outfit inspiration, and Saint quotes right now.  Got to love it. 🥰  I also created a mood board for 2025 and I have to say I'm pretty proud of it.  

My 2025 Pinterest Board

Shared Quote

Closing Notes

Thank you ever so much, dear reader, if you have made it this far.  It's such an honor that you even clicked on this little blog link to begin with.  I really do hope to be able to post more frequently again here.  I've missed it and I've missed you all.  There's already one post that is taking shape in my mind inspired by my first Stations of the Cross of the season.  I hope you are having a very blessed start to Lent.  Remember God loves you deeply and desires your eternal happiness with Him!  

God love you!

In the hearts of Jesus and Mary,

My Simple Daybook vol. III

 

For Today 6.26.23

~Daybook Template taken from The Simple Woman's blog~

Looking out my window...

Well, today there was a stray cat sitting outside our back door, so that was fun!   But I didn't get a picture.  However, I have been enjoying both the early morning sun and the evening golden hour rays that peek through my window.  My window faces north so I don't get a lot of direct sunlight but the little rays that slip in are always delightful.

I am thinking...

...Of all the upcoming plans that are taking shape for summer and fall!  When it rains it pours!  I've spent so many years thinking about life, jobs, and vocations, and now things are starting to move.  God is opening doors that I worried over for so long.  This leads into my next section...

I am thankful...

...For God's perfect timing.  Life decisions are a fine balancing act between trusting God's timing and guidance and acting for ourselves.  We cannot just sit around waiting for God to show us our future with a flash of light but we also can't be frustrated when our well-laid plans are not fulfilled.  Act and trust in God.  These were more thoughts, I suppose, but I'm just so thankful to God for opening doors and taking care of my future!

One of my favorite things...

Wow, I can't think of a favorite thing right now.  Probably family time.  It's so important.  My sister is away for quite a while right now.  Family time is precious; don't miss it.  Take advantage of every family trip, every brunch, every car ride, and every grocery store trip together.  Someday, we won't have that precious time together.  Friends will always come and go.  Your family, however, is with you all the time until they aren't.  We truly don't appreciate what we have until it's gone.

I am creating...

I'm actually reeeeeallllyyyyy excited about this one. 😁  I'm just starting this project with a gauge swatch but I purchased all the yarn and printed the pattern so I'm gearing up to create...

Photo credit to Melanie Landsittel

🎉🎉 The School Teacher Cardigan by Melanie Landsittel on Ravelry 🎉🎉

Isn't this such a cute design?!  It's classic and practical, yet is feminine and has an intriguing texture.  I'm super excited to cast on but first I need to read over the pattern thoroughly, take all my measurements, and do the math because this is a customizable pattern!  I'm really hoping it will be pretty straightforward though.

I am wearing...

What have I been wearing?  I can't even think of something that's really been shining through my wardrobe.  I think the most important thing to me recently has been longer skirts.  I was a camp counselor for a traditional Catholic girls' camp (I'll be blogging about that soon!) and I wanted to be able to dress casually and coolly while also staying modest and feminine in accordance with the dress guidelines.  I've been having fun in longer skits that are swishy and yet cool!

I am reading...

...A couple of really good books!  Firstly, I wanted a light-hearted, light on the sappy, beautiful novel to read while I was dog-sitting.  Well, thanks to my dear friend Cecilia and the Immaculata Bookstore, I finally determined to find and read The Awakening of Miss Prim.  I borrowed a copy from the local library and am so happy I finally read this gem!!

I'm still processing how good it was.  I wrote a very rambly review over on Goodreads so if you've already read the book or know the outcome, go ahead and read it to know some of my initial thoughts.  But I've had a lot more thoughts over the past couple of days since reading it.  It's come to my mind while discussing courtship with friends after church and literature with my mom over tea and coffee in the morning.  This book is really on to something; actually, a lot of somethings.  I'm seriously thinking of changing my review from 4.5 stars to 5.  I hope this book opens many eyes to the necessity and beauty of a traditional life.  I also hope people discover and cherish truly good literature; not just the serial works that are a dime a dozen.

Also pictured above is a lovely cross-stitch bookmark my dear friend, Emma, sent me.  Her grandma stitched it!!  Isn't it just precious?!  And it went with the book soooo well!  😍  The little knitting project you see started there is coming along nicely.  It's a dishcloth for my mom because she loved the color when I used it for a hot pad.

The other book I'm really enjoying right now is Mary Magdalene: In the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich.  This book is absolutely beautiful and a surprisingly easy read.  I'm loving the short excerpts from the Blessed's visions and the intimate way it allows us to see Our Lord, Mary Magdalene, and the other Biblical figures.  Sometimes this book even goes on the monthly $5 TAN Book sale, so keep an eye out for it there!  (I earn a small commission for purchases made through these links!)

 I am watching...

... All Creatures Great and Small season 3!!!  Eeee!  (Look at their faces, the darlings. 😂)  We've only watched the first two episodes but it is already so so good.  I absolutely positively love this series.  This post is long enough already so I'll spare you my fangirl-y ranting. 🙈

I'm also working through When Calls the Heart season 7.  I know I'm behind but I'm catching up!  I just have to say, seasons 6 and 7 have been bringing my mom and I to. Tears. 😭  I had no idea WCTH was still capable of this.  I've missed you, Hope Valley.

 I am listening to...

...These vintage summer music playlists!  They're so fun.  I love the artwork paired with them as well.  Definitely takes you back in time and helps you to relish every moment of summer!

I am hoping...

...To get some new stickers to put on my water bottle!  I had to get a new one before the girls' summer camp because my dear old hydro flask was compromised with a crack in the bottom of the outside lining.  I've been using it for quite some time in that condition because it wouldn't leak, but I really need my water to stay cold so I had to splurge on a new one!  Now it is a beautiful blank canvas just waiting for some awesome stickers.  I'll hopefully be able to share my final decisions soon! 

I am learning...

...Always to conquer my own will and surrender to God's most Holy and Perfect Will!  It can be very hard to be resigned, even when things are going your way.  But we must always be resigned whether things go well or badly for us.  

In my kitchen...

I made these delicious deserts in the not-too-distant past!  (I haven't made much noteworthy, as of late, unfortunately.)  The fruit pizza on the left was for friends of ours from church when they were having their home enthroned to the Sacred Heart of Jesus!  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to complete it in time for the party so I brought it to Mass the following day.   Here is the recipe I followed from Catholic Cuisine!

The dessert on the right is an absolutely delicious White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake from The Pioneer Woman!  I definitely recommend letting it set up overnight for the flavors to marry and the filling to hold up best.  It's not too sweet and is the perfect amount of cream cheesy! 😋

My sister also made this stunning version of the Sacred and Immaculate Heart fruit pizza for our own home enthronement!

Board room

Alright, well, I just binged-pinned a bunch of ACGAS and WCTH.  🙈  But I also have lots of beautiful, summery pins accumulating!

(You can view my entire Pinterest here!)

Shared Quote

A moment from my day

I've been writing quite a few pen-pal letters after camp and just generally catching up!  It's been so fun to put things together and send off snail-mail across the country in lots of different directions. 

Closing Notes

Thank you all so much for taking some time out of your day to see what I've been about!  This summer is really shaping up to be a very relaxing yet busy time. 😂  I can't wait to share more with you soon!  What have you been up to?  Have you watched the shows I mentioned or read the books?  Have a wonderful day!!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

My Simple Daybook Vol. 2: November Edition

For Today: November 2nd & 15th, 2022

~Daybook template from The Simple Woman Blog~

Looking out my window...

The sky is cloudy but the sun is coming out!  It was very windy yesterday and today so I'm assuming the clouds blew in and they'll blow out just as quickly.  That's kind of sad because I do really like cloudy weather.  We don't get much of it here.  But there is a chance of rain tomorrow so maybe it'll stick around for a little bit!

Ps.  I've been working on the post over the course of a couple of weeks so we actually did have nearly a full day of rain and it was glorious!!  I was babysitting in the morning so it was so fun to show the baby the rain. 😊

I am thinking...

...Of all the upcoming plans I have!  I teach Latin class on Thursday (more on that in a later post probably,) have some upcoming babysitting jobs, my aunt and Granny are coming into town for Thanksgiving, I'm planning what Christmas gifts I'm making, and therefore knitting all the time!!  So much to do, so little time!

I am thankful...

...For all the dear Saints in Heaven who intercede for us, especially my patron Saints, especially on All Saints Day at the beginning of this month!

One of my favorite things...

I have a few favorite things right now!  

*cuethesoundofmusic*

First off, my new junk journal (it feels wrong to call it that because it's so beautiful!!) made by my dear friend, Cecilia!  She put so much time, effort, care, and thought into it!

Also, (story time...) I've had the same brown boots for probably 12 years (at least 11 because that's the earliest I could find a picture of them.)  I've been wearing them for probably 11 or maybe 10 years because when my mom bought them for me on clearance at the outlet, they were too big. 😂  But since my shoe size hasn't really changed since I was 13 or so, I've been wearing the same boots all these years.

The first photographic sighting is of my sister wearing the boots in May 2011, me wearing them in April 2012, the first sighting of them being worn regularly in December 2012, and the last photographed sighting of them in November 2021.

So you see, I've been wearing them for quite a long time.  So long in fact that the sole of my right boot has cracked clear through!  My sock is visible from the outside!  (I do believe that is due to all the genuflecting I've done at church.  I wore these a ton to Eucharistic Adoration.)  It was high time for a new pair.  (I may end up getting them re-soled in the future, who knows!  They're such dear shoes. )

But in the meantime, I've been looking for a nice pair of brown leather boots to be a staple in my wardrobe.  Well, I finally found these on Poshmark!  They're the same brand as my children's boots and just as comfortable!  I got them brand new but the price was decent!

And finally, I saved the best in this list for last... I found my very special Friend at a thrift store of all places for just $30 and there was a discount as well!!  Isn't He just adorably perfect?!?!  I love my Little King.

I am creating...

... all the knitted things!!!  I just finished knitting the "The Classic Tee" by Darling Jadore.  It's currently being blocked and soon I'll be weaving in the ends!  (Look out for a post all about the knitting process!)

I also just finished my first pair of knit socks!!  🎉  (Slip Stitch Socks by Yarnspirations.)

Oh!  I almost forgot!  I also knit my first pumpkin in about 3 days!  😍

Also working on knitting Christmas gifts! (sshhhh!)

I am wearing...

The aforementioned brown leather boots all the time as well as cardigans, fall colors, and the scarf and hat I knit last year!!  So glad this fall/winter is colder than last year.  (and by cold I mean lows in the high 30's low 40's. 😅  I hear that's balmy for some people.)

I am reading...

"The Story of a Soul" by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, my patron Saint!  I believe this is either my 3rd or 4th (probably 3rd) time reading it in my life but I am sooooo incredibly excited to say it's as if I'm reading it for the very first time!!  If you've read a book more than once, you know the feeling of rereading it doesn't usually compare to the feelings you have when you read an instant favorite for the first time.  It's indescribable but for some incredible reason, I'm experiencing it again during this reading.  Thanks be to God!!  He is so good!  I'd love to do a whole blog post after I'm finished reading this and I'll rave explain more then.

 I am watching...

...plenty of different things from black & white movies, to YouTube vlogs, to a Hallmark movie or two, but the thing that our family keeps coming back to is a YouTube channel called "The Veggie Boys!"  It's such a fun show following a family farm in Pennsylvania!  I highly recommend checking them out!  They also have another show about their horse boarding called "A Stable Life."

 I am listening to...

It's that time of year again!!!  (No, not Christmas music time yet.)  I mean the time of year I listen to Autumn playlists!  Of course, I'm always gravitating toward my own curated list but I also discovered this other playlist of instrumental music that is just so cozy! 

I am hoping...

To make a trip to the yarn store.  I've been plenty of times to Hobby Lobby and Michaels but I have yet to venture to an actual yarn store.  I'm a little nervous to do so but I'm hoping my sister will go with me and help me pick out some yarn for gifts!  

I am learning...

How to knit cables and I am LOVING it!!  I want to cast on a cable knit sweater immediately! 😍

In my kitchen...

I'm just surviving really.  Leftovers all the time.  I help my mom make the meals for the most part.  Last night we got creative and made a pretty great chili mac 'n' cheese.  😛  It was really rich though and I'm really hoping to start eating healthy again before the Christmas season.  Of course, there will be Thanksgiving but other than that I'm going all in health nut! 😅  Forget about waiting for the new year!  

Some other highlights of the kitchen recently have been fall french toast!!  😍  For my mom's birthday in October we made pumpkin french toast which was delish and then this last Sunday we made Trader Joe's Maple Streusel Bread into french toast and that was absolutely dreamy!! 🤤  If your local TJ's still has the bread, I highly recommend making it into french toast!  Sooo good!!

(I know this post is really documenting early to mid-November and I'm sorry for the delay, but I guess I can include my Thanksgiving make as well.)  I made two green bean casseroles this year; one for our young adult Friendsgiving meal and one for our family dinner on Thanksgiving at my cousins' house.  Other than that I actually haven't done any Thanksgiving cooking!  But I've definitely been enjoying the food! 😜

Board room

Ok, my Pinterest is just such a cozy spot full of autumnal aesthetics so instead of choosing just one pin, here is a little sampler.

Post Script

This section is to share a favorite link or account.  Well, today I'd love to share Ravelry.  It's an incredible database of knitting and crochet patterns, yarn, and more!  There are tons of free patterns and great features that allow you to organize your knitting like nobody's business.  (This is not an ad although it sure does sound like one.  😂)  If you'd like some knitting inspiration, here's my list of favorites over on Ravelry.  It's really like Pinterest for yarn art! 😍

Shared Quote

"To dedicate oneself as a Victim of Love is not to be dedicated to sweetness and consolations; it is to offer oneself to all that is painful and bitter, because Love lives only by sacrifice and the more we would surrender ourselves to Love, the more we must surrender ourselves to suffering."

~St. Thérèse of Lisieux

A moment from my day

Three things...

Praying at the cemetery for the Octave of All Souls.

Saturday morning coffee and breakfast with some beautiful young women after Adoration!

Organizing my yarn stash before the Christmas gift yarn run!  Isn't it scrumptious?

Closing Notes

Thank you so much for sticking with me to the end of this post if indeed you did!  I hope you enjoyed it.  I really like this daybook format.  Please let me know if you do too in the comments below!  (If not, that's ok too.  You'll just have to let me know what other kinds of posts you'd like to see! 😉)

God bless you and keep you, friends!  I hope you have a wonderful rest of the month of November!! 🧡

My Simple Daybook vol. I

Hello dears!  I have decided to try and keep a daybook on here, even if only once in a while.  Sometimes I think of little things throughout my day that I would like to share with y'all here but they're usually small and random.  A daybook seemed like a very good option to catalog these happenings and inspirations.  I found this outline on a very sweet-looking blog, the simple woman.  I think this is going to be delightful!  

For Today  2.9.22

Looking out my window...

The sun is shining, a bird is chirping in the big old pine tree out front, and it feels a bit like spring.  Of course, this is just a warm desert winter day.

I am thinking...

...Of my friends in Texas.  My sister just bought herself some cowgirl boots which made me think of my borrowed boots in Texas.  One of my little friends there also messaged me today which was a sweet surprise!  Now I'm looking for a nice pair of used boots for myself online! 😄

I am thankful...

... For peace of soul and sunshine in spirit.  When you have had a dreary winter of the heart, you forget how wonderful it is to be contented and joyful in your day-to-day life.  I am most thankful for God's grace and healing that has brought some simple peace into my spirit.

One of my favorite things...

KNITTING!!!

I am creating...

...A birthday gift for my best friend.  I'll share more about that later...

I am wearing...

...My new favorite sweater from Ross that is blush with the cutest little bobbles and puffed sleeves, a black and white striped top from DownEast, a thrifted jean skirt, and the comfiest leggings I've EVER had.😍  Thank you for those, Granny!  Oh!  Don't forget my combat boots which my dad found for me at Ross!  He has such great taste!

I am reading...

..."These Women Walked With God" by Rev. M Raymond, O.C.S.O. which I borrowed from our parish lending library.  I just started it but the forward was already so inspiring and I am hooked!

 I am watching...

...All Creatures Great and Small Season 2!  My whole family loves this show.  We haven't been able to watch many shows as they premiere in real-time so this is a wonderful treat to sit down and watch a brand new episode each week.  This show is just so wholesome and beautiful and we can't get enough of it!!

 I am listening to...

...Classical music on YouTube.  Our family likes to put videos like this on when we're cooking or doing the dishes.

I am hoping...

...To find a job.  I almost had an interview, but I decided that job wouldn't be the right fit for me.  I'll keep looking!

I am learning...

...To knit.  I've got the basics down but knitting is always a learning journey.  I don't know exactly what I'll be learning next but I'm so excited for the possibilities! 

In my kitchen...

I made banana bread!!  It is the yummiest recepie! (Find the recipe here!)

Board room...

Isn't this painting just lovely?!

View my new Catholic Pinterest board, here!


Post Script...

This is the section in which you can pass along a favorite link!  Today I'd like to share with you my sister's brand new Etsy shop, Le Papillon Art Studio!  Please visit her storefront and peruse her beautiful artwork for yourself!  She paints these by hand and is so talented.

Shared Quote...

"Celebrate the feast of Christmas every day, even every moment in the interior temple of your spirit, remaining like a baby in the bosom of the heavenly Father, where you will be reborn each moment in the Divine Word, Jesus Christ."

-St. Paul of the Cross

A moment from my day...

Well, this is technically a moment from my sister's day but it was my dinner too. 😄  She made a yummy creamy chicken pasta dish from an Instagram reel video.

Closing Notes

Thank you so much for following along with my day!  😁  This was fun post to do although I don't know how one is supposed to write and share this kind of post all in the same day.  Did you like this daybook format?  If so, please let me know in a comment below!  I definitely want to hear what kind of posts you would like to see here!  I pray you have a wonderful day, friend!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah