7 Quick Takes: March 19, 2010 (Vol. 34)

~ 1 ~

I decided on Sunday that I was going to go to reconciliation (confession) on Wednesday evening.  I then spent a ton of time during those days dreading going to confession.  I dreaded it more than I have since the first time I went (on Palm Sunday in 2007).

When I went though, it was wonderful.  It was probably one of my best times in the confessional ever.  It was exactly what I needed.  The advice was wonderful and just what I needed to hear.  Now I'm just praying hard for the strength to do the things that I need to do.

~ 2 ~

Daylight savings time has been kicking my hiney this week.  I have been staying up too late and have had a really difficult time getting out of bed in the morning.  I've begun to think that I might never readjust to the time. 

When you throw in my natural sleep issues (delayed sleep phase syndrome, which I have self-diagnosed due to my extensive medical training -- years of things like ER and Grey's Anatomy), it has been a little, well, tiring this week.s

~ 3 ~

Holy Moly!  I got to try the new Almond Joy Pieces candy the other day and I couldn't stop eating them.  Thankfully, they belonged to my Mom, so I couldn't really eat them all.  Otherwise, I think I would have eaten them all. 

If you like Almond Joy candy bars and don't want to eat a ton of the Almond Joy Pieces, just don't try them, okay?  Trust me on that one.

~ 4 ~

It's been a long time since I talked about our weight loss journey.  We aren't making fast progress, but since January 1st, I have lost around 11 pounds and Eric has lost around 15 pounds. 

We both could have lost a lot more, but we haven't made a crazy amount of changes in our eating (though we have made quite a few, and are taking the time to count calories and watch fat content) and we have sometimes forgotten about exercising.  So, all that considered, I feel like it's going really well.

Then again, if I could kick it into higher gear, that would probably be a really great thing.

~ 5 ~

Speaking of kicking things into high gear, I am proud to say that on Tuesday, I managed to have whole grains at every meal!  Who knows if that will ever happen again, but I can hope.

For breakfast, I had a 100% whole wheat English muffin with a couple of teaspoons of peanut butter.  For lunch, I had a sandwich on 100% whole wheat bread while we were busy driving around to some appointments.  For dinner, we had homemade pizza.  I made the crust with -- yeah, you guessed it -- whole wheat flour. 

~ 6 ~

As a follow up to our visit from Seamus the Leprechaun, I must share that I told our priest friend that my kids were sure that Seamus had come to give me "payback" (as they said" for having toilet papered his (our priest friend's) office. 

Imagine my kids' delight when we got a message back from the priest.  He let the kids know that, indeed, he had met Seamus at his new parish (after he was transferred from ours) which is named...wait for it...St. Patrick's (yep -- it's true!), and knew that Seamus loved pulling pranks.  So, he had given Seamus the names of some families to "visit."

The kids went insane after this message.  They were laughing and carrying on.  They were also pleased to finally understand one thing that had bothered them all day -- Why had this been our first visit from a leprechaun.  Now they knew it was because Seamus had never been told to visit us.

While the kids plotted their own payback, I thanked God for all of the wonderful priests that we know. 

~ 7 ~

While discussing leprechauns this week, Molly at one point was excitedly talking about when the "Decepticon" had come and pulled pranks in our house.

"Leprechaun," she had to be reminded.  Although I had to wonder what kinds of pranks a Transformer might decide to pull on St. Patrick's Day.











 This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday and Weekly Wrap Up.

photos by:  confessional - elmada / sleeping doll - :: Hello Mizu ::

7 Quick Takes: March 12, 2010 (Vol. 33)

~ 1 ~

I got to have the loveliest experience this week.  I sat for two hours in the waiting room of an occupational therapy/physical therapy clinic while Jack had two different appointments.

That may sound like I'm being sarcastic, but, the beauty in it was that Eric had taken the afternoon off of work.  So, it was just me and my iPod.  I listened to some of my playlists while I did things like cutting out little books for my preschool co-op class and making felt cookies (and text messaging Eric from time to time).

It was just the kind of break I needed.  Not just from the kids, but from the computer too.  It was nice to just be.

~ 2 ~

This week, we had not only our first thunderstorm of the year, but also the first time that we ate at a restaurant and sat outside too.  I keep thinking that it's going to suddenly snow again, because this just seems too good to be true.  It's been an awfully long winter.

What are some of your signs of Spring?

~ 3 ~

I am already in the mood for the chocolate molten lava cakes again.  That is not such a good choice for working on eating better and losing weight.  I think I just need to wait until we have my parents over for dinner again, that way there is less of them to go around.

~ 4 ~

On Saturday, we went to Home Depot for their monthly kids workshop.  We made rain gauges, and they are so cool! (This was more fun than the time we went and they ran out of the project, so we had to make a project with paint stirring sticks.)

It was so fun to see the kids working on projects.  And, even more fun was watching Eric show them how to do it.  I love that man.

If you have kids in the target age for Home Depot's kids workshops, they are the first Saturday of each month from 9 am until noon.  You don't have to register -- just show up!  (And it's free!)

April's project will be a butterfly house and May's project will be a picket fence planter.

~ 5 ~

After we whipped up some rain gauges, we went to a furniture store that we have never been to before.  They have a lot of discounted new furniture, as well as used furniture.  It was just about the coolest thing ever!

One of my favorite parts was that they give a discount for cash.  And, I'm not talking about a tiny discount either.  It made me absolutely giddy for some reason.

We left with a child size desk (Molly sized) that has five drawers, is made of real wood, and was too cute.  It looks like it has been painted at least five times -- so it has obviously seen a lot of use.  It was $45.  Or, for cash, it was $30.  That little girl has been using it constantly.  That is best $30 I have spent in quite a while.

~ 6 ~

While we were at the furniture store, we also saved about $40 by paying cash for a (new in box) bunk bed!  It was one of their most expensive bunk beds they had, but it was still far below what bunk beds cost elsewhere.

Do you know my favorite part?

No, you're wrong -- it wasn't the $40 cash discount.  It's stairs.  This bunk bed doesn't have a ladder -- it has stairs!  And the stairs each have a drawer in them.  So cool!

~ 7 ~

If you're Catholic, you absolutely must go check out one of my new favorite sites -- Catholic Icing.  Not only does it feature the coolest Catholic projects and crafts, but Lacy (the gal that runs it) is super sweet.




The only thing I don't like about Catholic Icing is that I get hungry every time I go visit the blog.  Be warned, you might get hungry too.







This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes and Weekly Wrap Up.

Language of God Grammar Series from Catholic Heritage Curricula

Language arts covers such a dizzying array of subjects — from spelling to composition, from grammar to vocabulary, just to name a few.  While, for whatever reason, we have gone primarily with secular sources for much of our language arts materials, we happily use Language of God for Little Folks from Catholic Heritage Curricula for grammar instruction.

(You can read the rest of my review at Curriculum Choice)

Where I Officially Revise My Lenten Sacrifice

Oh yeah -- this is me.  I'm on the computer and this was going to be my day to shun the computer from when I woke up this morning until I wake up tomorrow morning.  But, still, here I am -- on the computer.

Did I give up and already break what I thought was going to be a really difficult Lenten sacrifice?

Surprisingly, no, I didn't give up.  It was actually shockingly much easier to skip out on the computer today than I thought.  (Although, it was softened a little bit by a few back and forth texts with Brenda.)  The only difficult moment was when I actually had a reason that I had to open my email account today and then saw emails from friends that I really wanted to read.  But, knowing the sacrifice I made, I didn't open them but just looked for the thing I had been on for.  That was my only computer today.

So, if it was so darn easy -- why am I sitting here now, you might ask.

I realized that I had to revise my plan.  I realized that one of the biggest benefits to my sacrifice was that I would be more present to my family and to the tasks I need to do around the house.  And, it was hugely successful for that today.  I didn't feel the urge to pop over to the computer to check "for just a second" that would turn into much more than just a second.  I was present today.

But, if I would suddenly be able to use the computer tomorrow morning, I knew what would happen.  School would start late.  I would be distracted trying to catch up on what I missed from a day away from the online world.  So, after talking to Eric tonight, we decided that it would be better for everyone if I turned off my computer from waking until after everyone except for myself went to bed (that includes after Eric goes to bed, not just the kids) on two days a week throughout Lent.  But, after everyone went to sleep, then I would be able to check up on the day's happenings in my email and online.

While I initially felt like this would be cheating, Eric pointed out that the revised sacrifice was really going to be much better for everyone, and would actually involve more time away from the computer.  And, when he put it that way, it was hard to argue.







Photo by daviddumas

7 Quick Takes: February 19, 2010 (Vol. 30)

~ 1 ~

The biggest event of the week around our house has been sickness.  Lots and lots of coughing and stuff noses.  Quite frankly, with three of the five of us on antibiotics, I'm getting really tired of it.  

As I mused on Facebook the other night, "I think my lungs are trying to stage a mutiny.  Don't they know they need me to survive?"  I'm just praying that we'll be a lot healthier by next week's Quick Takes.

~ 2 ~

So now, with being sick, I have found that I am considerably less enamored with the snow.  Eric and I talked about how at the beginning of the winter, we loved the big snows that were coming in.  But, now we're cringing as they talk about things like "significant snow" next week.  I told him that it reminded me of the first two verses of the song "In Like a Lion (Always Winter)" by Relient K.

It's always nice to look out the window

And see those very first few flakes of snow

And later on we can go outside

And create the impression of an angel

That just fell from the sky

When February rolls around I'll roll my eyes

Turn a cold shoulder to these even colder skies

And by the fire, my heart, it heaves a sigh

For the green grass waitin' on the other side

~ 3 ~

I have decided on something to give up for Lent that already makes me nervous to think about.  That must mean it's a big sacrifice if it makes me nervous when I haven't even done it yet, huh?

I decided that starting with the first full week of Lent, I will be giving up the computer for one day each week.  It won't always be the same day each week (not always Mondays, for instance), but it will definitely be one full day each week.  Although I would have loved to have counted from midnight to 11:59 pm as a day, I know that for me (and my crazy sleep habits), I had to say that a "day" will be from when I wake up until I go to sleep for the night.  

I'm hoping that this will allow me at least one day a week to really focus on non-computer things.  Who knows -- maybe I'll keep it up past Easter.  (Somehow, I doubt that.)

~ 4 ~

I was struck by two things this week while at Ash Wednesday Mass.  They are the same two things that strike me each year.

The first is one that I can't even seem to put into words.  There's just something about seeing the parade of people walking by after having been freshly marked with ashes (and told "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return").  There are babies and there are elderly people.  Rich people and poor.  Our mortality is something that nobody can hide from.  But, there is also a sense of unity in seeing it too.  

The second, on a lighter side, is that at some point while waiting for our turn to go up front, I always have to turn to Eric and say something along the lines of, "Is this church a clown car?  Seriously -- where does this endless line of people keep coming from?"

~ 5 ~

Speaking of faith related items, it's coming up on First Communion time soon.  If you're working on First Communion banners this year, you might want to check out some of my popular past posts about this topic:

How To Make a First Communion Banner

More Than 40 First Communion Banner Examples

First Communion Banner Examples

I can't quite believe it, but it's the first time in three years that we don't have a First Communion in our family.  Granted, it was very different for us, but Eric and I both had our First Communion in 2007, then Noah in 2008, and then Jack in 2009.  It seems a little odd to us that we aren't busy with it this year. 

~ 6 ~

I can't believe that I almost forgot one cool thing from this week -- Brenda and I launched a free toolbar for Catholic families/homeschoolers.  I'm really excited at the kind words that people have been saying about the toolbar.  I can't wait to watch as the resource grows.  (If you know of great sites that should be added, please pass them along.  We already have a list of more sites to add, but the Internet is so big that it's impossible to be aware of all the gems out there.)

~ 7 ~

Do you ever feel like you just can't keep up?  I would love to say that it's the illness talking, but I know that's not it.  (The strong cough medicine probably doesn't help either.  So, if this has all rambled, please blame that, as I took it right before writing this post.)  

Every so often I just feel like the things that I think are my priorities are a little out of whack, and like I need to do some things to bring things back to how they should be.  I know where some of the issues are, but I guess I just need to figure out what to do about it.

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday.

photos by:  snowflake - circulating  /  keyboard - julian-

Catholic Resource for Families

Guest Post by Brenda from The Tie That Binds Us.

Angie and I have been working together to create a resource for Catholic Homeschoolers like none other. It is a toolbar that sits at the top of your computer and guides you to some of the best Catholic sites and blogs available to Catholic families.

The toolbar itself has many components that are geared towards families, but it also has a huge homeschooling emphasis.

Take a look at all that you get when you download this resource:

• Family planning sites
• Sites on the sacraments and saints
• Web pages about the holidays and feasts
• Links to crafts for Catholic children
• Forums that you can join to meet other Catholic families
• A drop down menu dedicated to homeschooling - encouragement, curriculum reviews, email lists, suppliers, and magazines
• 50 Catholic blogs, plus more on the way!
• RSS feeds to daily readings, Catholic Icing, The Homeschool Classroom and more
• Email notification for all your email accounts
• A radio player that features Catholic radio stations plus your local ones too
• Weather updates

We are still adding sites daily to this free resource. If you download it and you would like to suggest an addition please email us @ hslifemedia@gmail.com

Did I mention that this resource is free?

To download this toolbar visit the page: http://catholichomeschoolingmoms.ourtoolbar.com/

Wait! There is a give-away!

Remember that pretty rosary that was at the top of this post? For your chance to win it you may leave a comment that you have downloaded the toolbar for a chance to win this beautiful rosary hand made by Angie. You may leave one comment (on the original post about The Catholic Family Toolbar at The Homeschool Classroom, comments on this post here at Catholic Mothers Online are closed) if you do any of the following:

• download the toolbar for one entry
• twitter about the toolbar for another entry
• blog about the toolbar for another entry
• leave 5 or more Catholic sites that are not included that should be on the toolbar for one entry

Entries will be closed on February 23rd.

Brenda can be found writing at The Tie That Binds Us.  She is also the founder of Curriculum Choice and Joyful Holidays, and co-founder of Homeschool Lifestyle Media.

7 Quick Takes: February 12, 2010 (Vol. 29)

~ 1 ~

I still haven't gotten caught up from Blissdom 2010.  I promise that it is my intention to write about it very, very soon.  But, here is a sneak peek of my Blissdom experience (one of the few pictures I got)...

 

That's me, George Duran (formerly of Food Network's Ham on the Street and now on TLC with Ultimate Cake Off), and Holly from Saving For Eight (who is super sweet and was a pleasure to meet).

~ 2 ~

In my quest to get caught up on life after Blissdom, I was almost relieved to have not one but two snow days this week.  I have a strong stance on taking snow days in our homeschool, although by the second day, I did ask the kids if they wanted to go ahead and do school anyway.  I was not surprised to get an immediate, "No," from them.

~ 3 ~

In all the busyness of getting ready to go out of town, being out of town, and then trying to get caught back up, I have over 800 entries waiting to be read in my Google Reader.  *gulp*

Have any great tips for working through it more quickly (short of just hitting "mark all as read")?

~ 4 ~

I have a confession to make.  I am 33 years old, and I bought my first pair of high heel shoes about two weeks ago, per Eric's request, after we went through and got rid of about 1/3 of the clothes in my closet.  They are about 2.5 inch heels, and that allows me to wear them and be a lot closer to looking Eric right in the eye.  Very fun. 

And then, after wearing them to church one evening, along with a dark pair of flaired jeans, a black blazer, and a red top, I got several compliments (including someone who noticed that I had lost some weight).  This was definitely a sign that we were right in trying to cull some of the things out of my closet and find better choices of what to wear.

~ 5 ~

Are you a Catholic homeschooler or Catholic Mom of children who are still at home?  Would you be willing to check out a cool resource that we've been working on?  If so, drop me an email.

~ 6 ~

I'll never be one of those women that can go to the grocery store and get $400 worth of groceries for $1.85.  It's just not going to happen.  But, I was thrilled this week to go to Kroger and get $300 worth of groceries for $200.  WooHoo!

Between some great coupons, Kroger plus card sales, and then a deal they were having where you got $5 off for every 10 items you bought from a certain list of items, I saved us $94 on our grocery bill. 

But, don't feel bad if you're not a great grocery shopper -- I'll spend way too much money next time I go, I'm sure.  So, it will all even out in the end.

~ 7 ~

A tiny little Blissdom take away message that really spoke to me (about why people come to your blog)...

They come to hear your voice.

 

 

 

 

 

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes and Weekly Wrap Up.

photos by: shoes mania  /  piggly wiggly supermarket

7 Quick Takes: January 29, 2010 (Vol. 28)

~ 1 ~

I have been totally digging being able to read all of the results that have been coming in from the Many Little Blessings Reader Survey.  If you are a reader, you can still take the survey (and get entered into a drawing).  I promise to share some of the results later.  Fun stuff.

If you are a blogger and you haven't done a reader survey yet, I would recommend it.  I'm learning all kinds of things about the people who read the blog.

~ 2 ~

I started using Simple Mom's Daily Docket this week.  I really love it!  It's a free download, so go check it out!  (She actually has several free downloads that might be of interest.) Maybe the daily docket won't be what you are looking for, but it has really helped me to prioritize what I want to get done each day.

~ 3 ~

This week, I made (for the first time) Double Fudge Coca Cola Cake.  Yes, it does taste as good as it sounds like it would.  My Mom makes it, but I never had.  I'm pleased to say that it came out just as tasty as I remembered.  (I'll post the recipe in the next week or two.) 

Here's the thing -- I had a Hanukkah Miracle (or maybe Loaves of Bread and Fishes), of sorts, with this recipe.  I saw that the recipe called for three tablespoons of cocoa powder.  I freaked out when I opened the familiar chocolate brown Hershey's container because, at best, there were two tablespoons worth.  Luckily, I just squeaked by with enough.

Then, I went to make the frosting (which has to be put on the cake when it's still warm) and saw that it also needed three tablespoons of cocoa powder.  When it's 1 a.m. and your cake is coming out in about 20 minutes, this is not a good thing.

It was trivial, I know it was, but I prayed, "Please God, Please.  Just let me come close to three tablespoons."  Well, wouldn't you know it that out of what looked like nothing, I managed to get three tablespoons and still had some to spare!

~ 4 ~

Speaking of stressful things, I was so disappointed when I found out that Harry Connick Jr. will be playing at the Super Bowl (since the Saints, his hometown team, made it in).  Why is this?  Well, it meant that even though he was supposed to play at Blissdom on Saturday night, now he would be doing it on Friday night - at exactly the same time as the Savvy Blogging Round Table Discussion and Dinner.  Boo!

It was time for a tough choice, and I was none too happy to have to make it.  So, sadly, next time I see Harry will be on the TV during the Super Bowl.  I just couldn't pass up attending such a wonderful event (Savvy Blogging).   Maybe next time, Harry.

~ 5 ~

Because of number 4, I already want the Colts to win, but now this will give me a little more gusto with my cheering them on.

~ 6 ~

It is almost three o'clock in the afternoon, and I'm still wearing pajamas.  (But, I need to pick up the pace and get a couple of things done post haste, so I'll skip out on pictures for my post this week.  Sorry!)

~ 7 ~

I can't believe next week at this time, I'll be at Blissdom.  Let's just hope that I manage to actually pass out the cute business cards I put together and also manage not to do anything that will make everyone tweet, "Did you see what Angie from Many Little Blessings did?  *GASP*" 

 




 

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes and Weekly Wrap Up.

7 Quick Takes: December 4, 2009 (Volume 23)

~ 1 ~

I. must. clean.

In just a few days, I will be hosting a baby shower for my sister-in-law at my home.  Nothing like a party to force you into really a nice deep cleaning around the house, I suppose.  I actually have a bunch of things to do before the shower, but it should be a nice afternoon.

~ 2 ~

We are gearing up for St. Nicholas Day this weekend.  My kids are very excited, just like I always was when I was a kid.  Although we only do one small gift (between the three kids, the gifts averaged at right about $5/kiddo), they are eager to see what will await them.

On the topic of small gifts though, what are some of your favorite stocking stuffers for kids?

~ 3 ~

We just got our paperwork for Eric's health insurance for next year.  We have just a few days to make decisions and get it all turned back in.  I'm not sure why it has to be that way every year, but it is.

More importantly, I don't understand why we have to pay more for our monthly premiums each year, yet we also get an increase in our copays and introducing this year -- a deductible as well.  Oh well, I guess I can understand the increase in price, because they are cutting some of what they cover and making us financially responsible for more of it.

Yeah, it makes perfect sense.

~ 4 ~

I know that a lot of people around the U.S. right now are probably at the point where they are tired of coming up with creative ways to use leftover turkey.  But do you know what?  I only got to have turkey on Thanksgiving and then a few rolls with some turkey on them on the drive home the next day (from my grandparents house).  So, darn it -- I'm in the mood for turkey.

Good thing I went to Aldi's for the first time ever and picked up a Butterball turkey at a great price.  I have to decide when to make it (so I know when to start thawing it), but then I'm all psyched to have some turkey at home.

In preparation for when we get tired of turkey though, anyone have any great leftover turkey ideas?

~ 5 ~

I was excited to get to change my ringback tone on my cell phone to "Carol of the Bells" by Straight No Chaser just after Thanksgiving.  It was apparently a whole family event, because the kids had to call my phone and then so did my Mom.  Then the kids made me play the song on my iPod several times.  I didn't know it, but it is apparently Noah's favorite Christmas song.

~ 6 ~

I recently searched around town and the Internet for this Pastry Chef set from Step 2 for Molly for Christmas.  I just thought it looked so cute after reading about it in the most recent issue of Family Fun Magazine.

Much to my displeasure, what I thought was going to be a single click on Amazon.com actually ended up being an all-out search.  I have not linked you to Amazon, as a matter of fact, because they are out and there are third party sellers trying to get almost $60 for the set right now (which should be around $25).

I was thrilled to then find that Step 2 sells them on their website!  But, the catch is that they only sell a two pack of this toy on their site.  Get this though -- it was on sale for $29.99 for the two pack!  (Right now, it's up to $49.98 for the set of two, but that is what retail price would be for two.)

So, not only did I manage to get a toy that I wanted, but now we have another gift just waiting to be given to someone else!  WooHoo!

~ 7 ~

I recently heard this passage from Matthew's Gospel (when my friend Amanda put it on a mixed media painting) and I realized that I need to think of it a lot more often than I do:

Learn from the wildflowers in the field, and behold the birds in the sky.  Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will wear.  Your Heavenly Father knows what you need before you even ask Him.

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday.

Photos by: cleaning by The Shopping Sherpa / turkey by Another Pint Please... / flowers by Martin_Heigan

7 Quick Takes Friday: October 2, 2009 (Vol. 17)

~ 1 ~

We're studying early American history this year with the boys using Winter Promise's American Story I.  While we were reading on of our books (I believe it was The New Americans: Colonial Times: 1620-1689), there were some hints toward the idea of the Revolutionary War.

Jack said, "I hope the Americans win."

And, being the wonderful bad Mom that I am, I couldn't help but burst into laughter.  Of course, I didn't feel so bad, because I saw that little flicker in his eye that suggested that he really knew the answer and was saying it to be funny.

But, then he continued, "What?"

"Jack -- who do you think won the Revolutionary War?"

"I don't know."

"Are we British or are we American?"

"Ummmm...American?" in that way of asking a question that kids do sometimes when they really do know the answer.

"Okay, so who do you think won?"

"The Americans?"

"Well, there ya go," I said with a smirk.

~ 2 ~

During the same time of reading during our schooling, we were reading a few pages from Children's Encyclopedia of American History.  There was a little snippet about Benjamin Franklin on one page that we read.  (Don't worry -- we're reading more than just a snippet about him in other books.)

In telling about him, one of the things is said was that he had "made key discoveries about electricity..." (the emphasis on the word key is mine, not the book's).

Eric heard us from the other room and he and I laughed so hard!  The kids needed to be clued in to why that sentence was horribly funny.  I told Eric, "Whoever wrote that was probably laughing his butt off about it."

~ 3 ~

On the good deal alert front, I just noticed that the Wii has dropped by $50, taking it down to $200, plus Amazon has a $25 gift card if you buy the Wii through them.  We love our Wii!

The other good deal that I just heard about is that at Motivated Moms, they have the 2009 Planner marked down to just $2.  They are normally $8 for a whole year, but with having just released the 2010 edition, they marked down the previously marked down 2009 edition to $2.  This is a great way to be able to inexpensively try it out to see if you like it enough to buy it for the new year!

~ 4 ~

Isn't it funny how you can make friends with someone so deeply in a seemingly short amount of time?  I first met my friend Amanda only about a year and a half ago.  It was a bit longer ago than that, but that's the first time we really talked at all.  (Ironically, we actually went to high school together, though I didn't know her, and I was in a class with her husband.)

And, now, I feel like all the time when I am talking I say things like, "Well, do you know what my friend Amanda does?" or "My friend Amanda said...".  People probably get tired of hearing about "my friend Amanda."

I have thought many times about how God has blessed my life by bringing Amanda and her family into it.  I especially thought of it last night.  I had been having a hard time, and probably wasn't the best of friends of the phone when we had a problem come up that Amanda and I had to deal with for our homeschool group.  I later text messaged her to say that it had been a hard day for our family (because of news about a close family member who is having a very difficult time right now), and that I was sorry for being "a sucky friend and a whiner." She texted me that she adored me.

And, even better, when I saw her later in the evening, without saying a word, she just came up and hugged me.  It was a long, firm hug.  And, I couldn't help but have to fight back tears.

I suppose it's a sign of a true friend when no words are needed, isn't it?

~ 5 ~

It seems appropriate for number five to say that Molly has been counting down the "sleeps" until her fifth birthday.  It's pretty darn soon!

How do they get so old so fast?

~ 6 ~

Speaking of little girls, we were excited to find out that my sister-in-law (Eric's sister), who is pregnant, is expecting a baby girl!

In a very odd twist, they (Eric's sister and her husband) had sent Molly a gift card for her birthday and she went out on Tuesday and bought a doll that she named Elizabeth.  Well, imagine our surprise to get a call (and email) confirming that their baby is a girl, and they will be naming her (yeah, say it with me) -- Elizabeth.  Funny, huh?

~ 7 ~

 It's been a week of some real ups and downs.  When I was feeling particularly down, I saw that Amanda (from Encouragement Along the Way, not the Amanda from #4) posted on Facebook the following as her status, and it was really exactly what I needed:


His mercies are new each morning!

 




This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday.

photo credits: flag by Angie @ Many Little Blessings, except: keys by Bohman, sisterhood by  patries71, pink booties by debcll

Choosing Beauty: A 30 Day Spiritual Makeover for Women (Book Review)

In my latest review for the The Catholic Company reviewer program, I read Choosing Beauty: A 30-Day Spiritual Makeover for Women by Gina Loehr.

I was really excited about this book, and liked the idea of it being broken into small sections, which is great for busy Moms.  I was thrilled when the book arrived, and I dove right in.

But, then, unfortunately, it just took me a long time to get through it.  For whatever reason, I just couldn't get into it.  Every so often, I thought I would stop reading it, but then I would get interested in a section, and thought that I was into it.  But, then I would again start to drag through it.  I'm just not sure why.  I think it seems like a fine book, it just wasn't for me, apparently.

Now, that being said, I think I might have enjoyed the book if I had been able to read it as part of a study group.  While the book is set up to be read individually, I think it would really be best as a study group book, even providing discussion questions throughout.  I would love to have been able to dialogue with other women while reading it.

So, grab some friends, grab Choosing Beauty, and make a spiritual journey together.

7 Quick Takes: September 11th (Vol. 15)

~ 1 ~

I have never played Rock Band (or Guitar Hero, for that matter), but I have a strong urge to buy the Beatles Rock Band game.

Mind you, I have decided that it is definitely not something we need. And, quite frankly, not even something I actually want to spend the money on. But, I would like it, all the same.

As an alternative, I did dance around the kitchen this evening while I loudly played Beatles music on my iPod (through speakers). Not really the same, but at least they could then drown out my horrible singing.

~ 2 ~

I am so psyched. I have been collecting books to use for Winter Promise's American Story 2 for next school year. I have been primarily doing it through Paperback Swap, and have picked up tons of them already. I ordered almost all of the ones they had "in stock," and then put the rest on my wishlist (several I have already been able to order of those on my wishlist too).

Yeah for trading books instead of buying brand new!

~ 3 ~

Now, before I sound too thrifty though, I must admit that the kids and I went to an actual book store after Jack's violin lesson last week. I offered that I would buy each of the kids two books. (And, then I was thrilled when Noah wanted to use allowance money to buy extra books.) I even got a couple of books for myself.

I knew that I could have purchased all of those books cheaper on Amazon.com. But, there was just something so nice about touching the books, looking through them, and being able to instantly buy them and walk out the door. Totally not frugal, but really fun to watch the kids look through books while trying to pick their perfect purchases.

~ 4 ~

The other day, things were just crazy. (When aren't they though?) We had been working on school for several hours, and then school related things longer (lessons and such). Still, we had things left to do.

Then, as I was driving us home from some gym time to just go work on my school work (before we had another activity to go to later), I realized, "This is enough." Not everything needs to get done, even if it is on the schedule.

Granted, this didn't buy us a ton of free time, since our day had already been packed full, but it was still freeing. It gave us just a tiny bit of down time, but it was great.

(This should probably be a sign to me that I need to adjust our schedule. I am, apparently, not reading that sign.)

~ 5 ~

I cannot stop eating these pickles.

They are tasty. They are sweet. They are plentiful in my refrigerator. They make me want sandwiches at just about every meal.

I haven't eaten any since Tuesday, and quite frankly, I might be going through withdrawal. Do they have a 12 step program for pickle addiction?

~ 6 ~

I was so excited to see this week that The Homeschool Classroom (the group blog that I started last summer) has just gone over the 1000 subscribers mark. (Wouldn't you know that Feedburner would have a glitch on our site just after I said that? Several days over 1000, and then in the 800's after I said it. Thanks, Feedburner.)

It's been exciting to watch the blog grow over the past year. It is nice that most of the original writers are still writing with us. I learn so much from all of the writers. What a great group of women they are!

~ 7 ~

There are some subjects where there is so much to say, but just not enough words to ever express the emotion that exists about that subject.

Today is one of those subjects.

Nothing I try to write seems quite right, or quite enough. (Believe me, I have tried over and over.)

And so, I'll stop trying to write something. Instead, I'll just pray.

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes.

Photo Credits: book store by MyEyeSees, beatles by Colony of Gamers, pickles and flag by Angie @ Many Little Blessings.

7 Quick Takes: August 28 (Vol. 13)

~ 1 ~

This week, we took our first official field trip of the school year. We were thrilled to drive about an hour and a half to visit a priest who used to be at our parish (who we had really become friends with), but who was recently transferred.

Not only did we get a chance to catch up with him, but he also gave us what he called the "nickel tour" of his new parish, but it was certainly worth much more than that. He talked about all of statues, as well as many stained glass windows. He also kept the kids interested by quizzing them throughout. And, of course, it didn't hurt when he took us on a "secret" passageway from the sacristy to behind the high altar.

Not only was it a great educational experience, but going to grab frozen custard and french fries afterward was pretty darn sweet as well.

And, one exchange reminded me of why I like this priest. I told him that the Mom of another family that had become close to him and myself, as well as the nine kids between us would come visit in the fall. And, after a sarcastic, "Oh yeah!" he followed it with a, "No, really, that sounds fun."

~ 2 ~

I love to shop on Amazon.com. It's probably a sign that my kids will talk about something they want, and immediately follow it up with, "We should look it up on Amazon.com."

One thing that I enjoy doing is to visit blogs that I enjoy that have Amazon.com affiliate buttons (like I have on my sidebar, by the way) and I click through on them when I am about to buy something. That way, I spend what I'm going to spend anyway, but they also benefit from it. Win-win!

~ 3 ~

I can not get caught up on my laundry.

Seriously, I don't know what my problem is, but I have been hopelessly behind for a couple of weeks now. Then again, "saying" that out loud made me realize that we started school a few weeks ago. Maybe that's it!

Anyway, if I can't keep up with my "economic stimulus" high efficiency front loading washer, then there would have been no hope for me with a washboard.

~ 4 ~

We started WorkBoxes officially today!

It was about time, considering that I actually spoke on "Organizing Your Homeschool" at our homeschool group's meeting earlier this week, and actually spoke about WorkBoxes.

The kids loved it! I haven't gotten to see it in action, as my wonderful saintly mother actually did a couple of hours of school with them this morning for me. But, she reported that it went very well.

My boys did have one worry about it though. "Did we only do this because Grandma was here? Does that mean we don't get to use them again?" I figured that was as good as a thumbs up, even before they told me how much they liked it.

~ 5 ~

Jack has started violin lessons. He really likes it so far.

As if getting a free piano wasn't a blessing enough (though we've sunk about $200 into the "free" piano thus far -- wait for a post about that next week), our violin teacher had a 1/2 size violin that we can borrow (for free). So, until Jack needs the next size up, we'll be using this one. What a blessing!

~ 6 ~

Speaking of lessons, Molly has continued with her ballet lessons this week. She loves it even more than she did last week!

Oh, and it was even cuter this week! That probably has to do with either the fact that she was listening to her teacher more (and watching me less) or maybe it was the ballet shoes and outfit that we picked up for her.

Size 11 Children's Pink Ballet shoes: $16.99

Two Ballet Outfits (both with cutie skirts) -- one in purple, one in pink: $10.00 (at Once Upon a Child)

Watching a Four at Ballet Class: Mind-blowingly Priceless

(You know, or $67.50, which is how much I wrote on the check a few weeks ago -- it's all relative)

~ 7 ~

Speaking of things that are too cute and cool, I have pre-ordered one of these 2010 Planners. I cannot wait to get it. I'm super psyched!

(Now, is that a "two thousand ten planner" or a "twenty ten planner?")

Be sure to check out 7 Quick Takes Friday at Conversion Diary!

photos by TheAlieness GiselaGiardino²³ (violin), Just B Cuz (laundry lady), Angie @ Many Little Blessings (stained glass window)

In Tears About My Faith and Church

This week, I have had a few different opportunities to be with people from my church, as well as to be with my homeschooling group (which is a Catholic homeschooling group). Apparently it was just exactly what I needed.

How do I know that?

Well, last night, I was thinking about my church (both my own parish and the larger Church) and all of the people who have come into our lives since we began our conversion process in 2006. While I thought about it, I was flooded with emotion. It literally felt like my whole body filled with an emotion that was taking up every inch of my insides.

And then, I cried.

I cried because I think the emotion all had to go somewhere. While I cried, I couldn't help but say out loud, "Thank you, God."

It's hard to believe that only a few years ago, we made up excuses on Sunday mornings not to go to church, because we felt such a disconnect that we couldn't bring ourselves to go. And then here we are now, with me crying because I love our faith so much.

It's kind of crazy and amazing all at the same time. And, as far as I'm concerned, it's about the best finer thing out there.