Aprons Against Peanut-butter-fingers.

No matter how hard I try, the peanut butter fingers always get me. My two year old daughter, who is now VERY two, always gets herself covered in sticky goo (typical). After any event involving food, or glue, or anything sticky, I naturally approach her with a wet washcloth. But without fail she always manages to leave at least one smudge right around my knees and usually on the back of my skirt where I don't notice it until the day is through.

I have an apron but it is the typical chef style apron and it does little good when it comes to small children at knee to hip level. What I need is something with more coverage. Latetly I have found a lot of material about the apron on various blogs . I think that it is wonderful that women have found the courage to say that they actually like their aprons. It is a very practical item to have but it should also be something you love, something beautiful that makes you feel good when you wear it. It should be a joy to put it on in the morning, it should be a pleasure to look at, so that we are always an example of beauty and grace to our families. It should also give us some satisfaction at the end of the day to take off all the mommy grime and remember that we are still individuals.

If I had to choose a pattern I would choose one like the one in this picture. The pattern is available at this site. Because I always wear dresses and I have three daughters under the age of five I like this style. It looks feminine and it has enough coverage to protect against the unavoidable peanut butter fingers. If you know of any other beautiful, and easy, patterns that I might be able to use, let me know. When I get around to making one of these, I'll let you know how it turns out. If you have discovered the benefits of a great apron please comment!

The day sparkled

Jam lucis orto sidere,
Deum precemur supplices,
Ut in diurnis actibus Nos servet a nocentibus
...Ut cum dies abscesserit, Noctemque sors reduxerit, Mundi per abstinentiam, Ipsi canamus gloriam.

Now that the star of light has risen, Let us to God most humbly pray, To save us from all hurtful things In all our actions of the day ... That, when the day has sped away,And He again the night shall bring, We may, through holy abstinence, With purity His glory sing.
(From a Brev. Hymn- St. Ambrose)

It is so wonderful to start the day with morning prayer. When I consecrate my day to God I see things differently. Suddenly life at home takes on a glow, almost a sparkle. That is not to say that every day I pray I am full of energy and the house is sunny, but in my mind everything that I do shimmers with a purpose...glorifying God. Like a silver lining.

As a mother I think I have a pretty clear idea of what I can do to grow in sanctity. Every day I am faced with opportunities to do works of mercy and even heroic acts of charity. My three little sweeties make sure I have a constant supply of sacrifices. At least I hope that all those dirty diapers and late night feedings have taken a little bit of purgatory time off. If I start my day off right at the beginning with the intention of doing all the mundane things I must get done for the glory of God then I am conscious that each of these tasks is a gift...A GIFT! Suddenly I lose my excuse to grumble and I am inspired to do my best.

Why "Through the Valley"?

Marys Peak sunset
Originally uploaded by Tideswimmer.

I have titled my blog "Through the Valley" because it was the most appropriate metaphor I could think of for life. This blog is my place to reflect, contemplate, and discuss the many aspects of life as a Catholic, a wife, a mother, and an artist.

The journey we take in life has long been likened to a walk through a valley: The valley of the shadow of death (Psalms 22:4), the valley of tears , etc. It is a valley of tears. But we encounter here both bitterness and sweetness, cold and warmth, shadow and light. We can move through it afraid and unsure, oppressed by the shadows of the mountains around us and overwhelmed by the path before us. Or we can walk confidently through with the hope of a glorious view from above. The latter is what we are called to do by Christ. And with confidence in the aid of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, I hope to navigate this valley appreciating all its bittersweet beauty with my sights set ultimately on the peaks above.

As an Oregonian I have always had a fond love for the Willamette Valley. The beauty there is something that I carry in my heart always, no matter how far away I am. When I think of the "valley of life," Oregon's lush, complex ,and exceedingly beautiful valleys instantly remind me that life is full and good.

I am sure this blog will gradually take a more directed focus. For now I will begin adding my favorite links. I plan to post about how I have chosen to live and ways that I have found to make my home and my family a reflection of goodness and beauty. Topics will range from home management to art; from homeschooling to living green. If you have read this far, I hope the next time you visit, you will find yourself encouraged and inspired to enjoy The Valley.