7 Quick Takes February 20, 2015

1.

Hi there!  Welcome to me.  This is my first time here at Kelly's!  I guess it has been a long time since I've participated in 7QT.  Let's see what we can muster up for our first time here, heh?

2.

As I type this, my kids are sitting at the desk next to me listening to Spotify.  More specifically, they're listening to the "Veggie Tales Sing the 80s" station.  "Walk Like an Egyptian" to be even more specific.  If you don't like the 80s, they have "Veggie Tales Sing the 70s", too.  Trust me, you have to look this up and get your kids hooked on it.  "Gourds Just Wanna Have Fun" sung by Jimmy and Jerry.  I mean, really, can it get any better than this????!!!

3. 

Lent.   What am I doing with it?  It usually takes awhile for the whole thing to settle in for me.  Right now I'm working on getting our Lenten meal plan written down.  We always pick six meals and eat the same meal on the same night of the week for six weeks (Sundays are our free meal day).  This year, though, since we've been kind of slacking on the Trim Healthy Mama plan since, ummm, about Thanksgiving, everything we eat for Lent will be on plan.  No crossovers, no cheats.  Discipline.  Detachment from food.  That is the goal here.  ("Funkytown" is playing now).

4.  

("Locamotion" sung by Junior Asparagus.  I'm tellin' ya', you have to check this out.)  Hubby and I were supposed to be in Nashville this weekend, but due to the entire city being covered in ice, with snow and rain expected this weekend, we decided to back out.  Fortunately we were able to get our money back on tickets we purchased and switch our arrangements around.  The fact that I am perfectly okay with NOT going out of town during the month of February is nothing short of miraculous.  

5.  

It's kind of funny, but whenever my husband I try to do something, we usually end up doing it with people of the older generation.  Not on purpose, mind you, but it just kind of happens that way.  So we were supposed to go to the Opry while we were in Nashville, where the headliners this weekend are none other than Crystal Gale and Lori Morgan.  Great country stars, but really, we were kind of hoping for someone more our age.  Well, it looks like our new plans might put us right in the path of none other than Trace Adkins!  He just happens to be one of my hubby's favorites!  God is good.

6.

(Oh my goodness...The Veggies are singing "Proud Mary".) Tomorrow starts the St. Louis de Montfort Consecration to Mary which will end on the feast of the Annunciation.  We've done this in our family at this time of year for about the past 10 years.  It's a good thing for me to do during Lent because it takes a lot of discipline to do it during the day and not wait until right before bed when I'm nodding off and not fully paying attention.  When we get to the day after the  Consecration, I always feel like I've gained a whole lot of time in my day :).  Don't let that scare you, though, it is a beautiful and, I believe, necessary devotion to Our Lady.  And, by the way, the song playing and the topic for this QT was purely coincidental!

7.

 

 I'll leave you with this image. It is Ms 11 yo.  I'll leave it up to you to figure out what she was doing in the woods like that.  Have a great weekend.  "Everybody have fun tonight.  Everybody Wang Chung tonight."

God Bless!

  

7 Quick Takes about eating, school and more eating by big fat green things

--- 1 ---

Week three of school under our belts.  Week three of Trim Healthy Mama under our belts.  Woohooo!  I have to say that both are getting easier as we fall into more of a routine.  This week was a bit crazier, however, because we started a science class for Mr 14 yo, a writing class for Ms 16 yo and Mr 14 yo and the first theater workshop for the four youngest.  More driving, more homework, more time out of the house always makes for more adjusting and tweaking of the schedule.

--- 2 ---

So with this Trim Healthy Mama plan we're eating a bit different than we used to.  I'm glad it wasn't a total overhaul, but it has required some adjusting nonetheless.  Here's dd Ms 18 yo heading out to work for the evening.  She had just gotten home from school and wasn't hungry but knew she had to eat something so she thought she'd make a protein smoothie to take with. 

  

There was so much of it and it was so thick that she had to put it in a bowl and eat it with a spoon. As she was walking out the door she said, "I've turned into one of those weird food people, haven't I?"
  

--- 3 ---

 

Here is one of the reasons why she chose to make a smoothie - my new birthday gift.  I went and got it today from Kohl's because I had a 30% off coupon and a $10 off card for my birthday month so I got it for a good price - which makes it even better.  Looking forward to processing the heck out of my food :)

 

--- 4 ---

Yesterday we were sitting in the school room doing school and I looked out the window at my failing plants when I noticed that the green pepper plants had been stripped of all their leaves.  They weren't that great to begin with but now they looked horrible.

Mr. 9 yo went out and found this bad boy on the plant.  He was nice and fat after having eaten all those leaves. 

 
Ugh! I hate gardening.  I think it would be much more enjoyable to go to a Farmer's Market next year!

--- 5 ---

I found this beautiful prayer on the internet the other day and I just have to share it:

 The Prayer of St. Francis de Sales

Be at Peace
Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life;
rather look to them with full hope as they arise.
God, whose very own you are,
will deliver you from out of them.
He has kept you hitherto,
and He will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it,
God will bury you in his arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same everlasting Father who cares for you today
will take care of you then and everyday.
He will either shield you from suffering,
or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace,
and put aside all anxious thoughts and imagination.

St. Francis de Sales 1567-1622

--- 6 ---

I will not turn on the heat.  I will not turn on the heat.  I will not turn on the heat because it is only the 12th of September.  Who cares if it will be in the 40s for the next couple of nights!  One day it's warm and humid, the next day we're digging out the jackets.   On the brighter side, they've been working on the interstate that is a few miles south of us and have closed a portion of it down for the past three nights, thus re-routing ALL of the traffic down the state highway right past our house.  Therefore, I am thankful that we've had our windows shut as it is quite loud with all that traffic going by all night long.
 

--- 7 ---

We're in the throws of Saturday sports here so that's what is on deck for our weekend...soccer and flag football, followed by the annual Blue Knights campout where dads and boys come together to either sit by the fire (dads) or run around with flashlights (boys) and then crash in tents.  A good time is always had!  Have a great weekend.

God Bless! 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes on school, busyness and food (what else??)

--- 1 ---

Well I haven't blogged all week, so why not do a quick takes to give you a run down on what's been going on; that is, if you've been wondering what's been going on.  Hopefully you have and that is why you are here.  Welcome and happy Friday.

--- 2 ---

After rushing through school on Monday so that I could go back to bed and sleep off my cold, I woke up Tuesday feeling much better.  It is still taking us some time to get into the groove once we get home from Mass in the morning, but we did manage to get most of the work done before the four kids went off to a friend's house for a meeting the boys were having for their video club.  One of the dads arranged for them to go to a town hall meeting and work with the young man doing the video recording so that was a cool, impromptu field trip that I didn't have to do anything for except drop them off.  Those are the best!
 

--- 3 ---

Wednesday, after getting through our work, was physical prep time for the big panel discussion I was holding at my house later that day.  We had six moms presenting how they've homeschooled through high school, and we had over 30 parents attend.  Overall, I think the main message we tried to convey was:  1. You CAN do this 2. Trust and pray  3.  God will fill in the gaps  4.  God will not abandon your children once they graduate - He will guide them and direct them if they let Him.  Everyone who attended said they felt much better and were glad they weren't going to have to have any more panic attacks (at least for the time being).
 

--- 4 ---

If I was successful in my endeavors, I recorded all 6 of the mom's talks so that I can somehow convince my daughter to edit and convert them for me so that I can make them available on my website so that others can listen to them.  That's a lot to accomplish when I don't really know the first thing about any of it so hopefully Ms 22 yo will have time in between classes and work to do this before too much time passes by.
 

--- 5 ---

Thursday I was just so tired after the couple of days we had that we got through school and I didn't really do much of anything.  Oh...except meal plan, which took hours because I'm still trying to figure out how to feed everyone the right way on the Trim Healthy Mama plan.  This really does deserve a post of its own and hopefully some day it will get one, but I have high hopes for this new way of eating.
 

--- 6 ---

Except for the fact that I've figured out that I am allergic to Stevia and most other sugar substitutes (like anything ending in -ol).  Kind of frustrating when everything sweet in this plan depends on Stevia and Erythritol.  I'm trying to figure out how to work around this.  Any ideas?
 

--- 7 ---

It's a 3 day weekend and that is exciting.  We have dinner plans, around the yard plans and swimming plans.  Unfortunately, the weather service is predicting two days of rain.  Hopefully they will be wrong.  Hope you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

God Bless!

7 Quick Takes about bikes and a lot of water

--- 1 ---

Well I've been meaning to write a post all week and here it is, Friday already.  We were on a stay/vacation (a little bit of stay and a little bit of away) last week and this week has been all about catching up and moving onward.  Anyhow, here's some pics from last week.
 

--- 2 ---

 

The first day we went on a family bike ride (it was a bit chilly which is why we're all kind of scrunchy here).  We had 2 1/2 hours to ride 16 miles so that Ms 18 yo could still make it to work on time.  It went well until the last 1/4 of the trip.  That part of the trail went through a rather scary unattractive part of town then down a gravel path past the smelly canal and ended up on the side of a busy road where we had to cross multiple on and off ramp entrances for the highway!  Unbelievable.  I just kept praying the entire time that no one would get hit by a truck.  Next time we'll just do the nice, pretty west 1/2 of the trail and turn around and come back instead of making the entire loop.  Thankfully she was only 10 minutes late for work :)

--- 3 ---

I tried water skiing again last week.  I figured it had been 17 years since I'd skied.  The first day I went for broke and tried to get up on one ski like I used to.  That didn't work, so I added another ski and this is as far as I got.  By then I was sore and tired.  The next day, my husband suggested I try a set of skis about as big as surf boards.  He assured me I'd have no problem with those.  

Guess what?  He was right.  Got right up and didn't even get my hair wet.  

No one was in the boat with a camera, so this is the only proof I have

I decided to take it conservatively and just went around for a bit and then let go.  Not bad after a 17 year break.  Next summer...slalom!

--- 4 ---

 It's always exciting when you can see your children do something that you enjoy so much.  It took him a few tries, but he was successful and happy. 

--- 5 ---

Ms 15 yo was the photographer at this point.  This one cracks me up.
 

--- 6 ---

 These two pictures crack me up, too.  Mr 9 yo (in the middle) wanted to go tubing but didn't want to go alone so his brother and sister said they'd go with him.  The top picture is when they were getting ready to go.  The bottom picture is approximately 5 seconds later, when he decided he really didn't want to go tubing.

.

--- 7 ---

Since then it's been back to real life.  I've made a list of all the things I still want/need to accomplish before school starts and am trying to pick my way through it.  School.  Ugh.  The older girls start in two weeks and I'm just not ready for that again.  The rest of us are aiming to start the week after that.  Oh glorious summer (and it truly has been a good one!), I shall miss thee.

Have a great weekend!
God Bless!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes about a boy, a girl and a homeschooling conference

--- 1 ---

I'm off with my load of books to the used book sale at the IHM conference this weekend.  I decided to weed through my books and get rid of books that are from the "early years" or books we haven't ever looked at.  I'm hoping to score some good books at the sale, too.  You know, now that I have room on my shelves.
 

--- 2 ---

This young man is always asking me if he can concoct something in the kitchen.  Problem is, he's never really sure what he wants to do.  Today's creation was milk and ice cream mixed with the hand blender.  I don't know, there's something about letting a 9 year old loose in my kitchen that is just hard for me to do!  This adventure, thankfully, was short and sweet and didn't taste that bad.
 

--- 3 ---

9 yo boy vs mosquito:  I think the mosquito won!  (we think it must have been in his bedroom because this is how he woke up!!)
 

--- 4 ---

A rare day at home for Ms 22 yo.  Crafting, coffee, Batman and ice cream - this girl has her priorities straight!
 

--- 5 ---

I have a plan for our upcoming school year and I'm excited about it.  The two high schoolers will be doing their high school stuff, but the two littlest (4th and 6th) will still be working with me.  I've come up with a looping schedule for some subjects and I'll detail it out for y'all in the coming weeks.

--- 6 ---

I've said it before and I'll say it again, "Math, you are the bane of my existence!"  I'm off to the conference to check out Teaching Textbooks - Algebra for the two in high school.  Ms 15 yo doesn't do well with Fred and Mr 13 yo did Beginning Algebra but isn't quite ready to move on so I'm hoping this program will work for the both of them.  If anyone would like to let me know what they think of TT (good or bad) that would be great!
 

--- 7 ---

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous.  The temps are perfect, the humidity is non-existent (if that's possible!) and it really does energize me!  Here's to a beautiful summer after such a long and trying winter.  Have a great weekend everyone.  Hope there's sunshine where you are.

God Bless! 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes The How to Save Money and Get Organized Edition!

--- 1 ---

It's here!!!  The first day of my "A Plan for Joy" sale.  Head on over to save yourself some money on either of the formats:  hard copy or downloadable.  Then, go and spread the word to other homeschool moms that you think need to bring some joy back into their lives by organizing their day!
 

--- 2 ---

I'm giving a talk on organizing your day on Saturday to a local homeschool group.  It's always a bit scary when I don't know anyone in the room, but I guess it helps that I can give this talk in my sleep.  If you can spare a prayer, I'd sure appreciate it.  I always hope that something I say in my 45 minute time slot will help at least one person!
 

--- 3 ---

Today (Friday) is the end of theater camp for four of the kids.  They are performing a simplified version of "The Prince and the Pauper" and from what I hear it will be quite hilarious.  Mr 13 yo is the Prince and since he was the Beast/Prince in last year's summer performance, we might have to keep an eye on his ego.
 

--- 4 ---

One of the joys of renting a home (and there are a few), is that when an appliance needs to be replaced, you get to have the fun of picking it out without the not-fun of paying for it.  Finally, our 1970's refrigerator is getting replaced!  I can't wait to get rid of the yellow and welcome in the white.  Also, I won't miss having to mop out the bottom every couple of weeks from all the water that accumulates there. 
 

--- 5 ---

Tonight (Friday again) is the Miles Christi Evening of Recollection in Lemont for anyone who is reading this who 1. lives locally  2. is reading this before 6:00 and 3. has nothing else planned and can jump in their car and head over for a beautiful Mass, Adoration, confession, two great spiritual talks and some awesome snacks.  If you're reading this after 6:00 pm CST on Friday, then just forget it.
 

--- 6 ---

Please continue to pray for my niece, who is doing great btw, that she can grow strong in body and immune system and kick this asthma.  If you still feel like prayin' add Anna and Courtney and Baby Chiara to your list.  They are all also in need of some prayers.  Thanks.
 

--- 7 ---

Semi-busy weekend ahead.  Multiple things on Friday as well as Saturday, but (ssshhhhh) Sunday looks quiet.  Hope you have a great weekend! 

Oh, and don't forget to go check out the sale over at "A Plan for Joy in the Home"!!!!

God Bless! 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes on Mexican fiestas, dancing and graduation

--- 1 ---

Photography season is upon us...or at least upon me!  This week I had the honor of photographing a beautiful young lady in preparation for her Quinceanera.  What a lot of fun and beauty and pageantry; and OH MY, what a lot of work has gone into this event!!  How can you handle a wedding after this??  Well, anyhow, she is beautiful and, in my opinion, looks like royalty.

 

--- 2 ---

We took these pictures at a mansion near our home.  It has been converted into a place where you can have weddings and parties and such.  Can I just say that it is gorgeous and would be an awesome place for a wedding reception?  Unfortunately, the price...  We figured if you went middle of the road on food and had 200 people (which would be in the ballpark if we were to ever have a wedding), it would cost a mere $11,000 JUST FOR FOOD - that doesn't include drinks.  Not in the budget, that's for sure, but it still was a dream place.
 

--- 3 ---

After that it was a quick bite to eat and then off to photograph a local Mexican dance group.  Their costumes are very authentic and have such bright colors.  I also love how they do their makeup and the big eyelashes they wear - tre chic :)

 

--- 4 ---

Remember back at the end of April when I was lamenting about having to make this dress for Ms 15 yo?  Well, that's her on the left in the dress, however, I didn't make it.  I threw in the towel after a few days and called in a professional.  I didn't care how much it cost, this dress was giving me a headache.  It turned out great, it didn't cost that much and everyone (by that I mean Ms 15 yo and I) were happy.  As a side note, my friend made the dress that her daughter is wearing in this picture.  It blows me away, the talent that some people have!!
 

--- 5 ---

Next week is graduation for our homeschool group and this time around I only have one graduate. Mr 13 yo is graduating from 8th grade.  8th grade?  When did that happen?  So that's why he is growing out of his clothes faster than we can buy them!  I asked him if he had a shirt to wear that still fit him and he said yes he did, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tuesday morning we discover that it is too small!  The kid is growing like a weed!
 

--- 6 ---

After Tuesday our summer vacation starts.  I am not one to homeschool year round, more for my sanity than the kids'.  I will, again, be trying to keep up with minor stuff over the summer.  I say that every year and we get about a week into it and then don't think of it again till the end of August, but this year I'm hoping for something better!  It does not appear that we will have the crazy summer we had last year, so I figure there is hope.  We'll see...
 

--- 7 ---

Have a great weekend!  The weather around here looks like it will be nice and we'll be partying it up Mexican style so everything looks to be good!

God Bless!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes - The Outdoor Version

--- 1 ---

This has been a long time in coming - school on the patio.  What a glorious morning to sit outside and study our Classically Catholic Memory.  (In looking at this photo again, I just want to assure you that the Blessed Mother does not have red ears sticking out of her head.  It is our very worn and feeble crown of fake red roses.  I really do need to replace that one of these years.)  

Oh, and outside is also a great place to read your copy of "Something Other Than God", by Jen :)  (Come on banana suit!!  see Jen's QTs)

--- 2 ---

Since it was such a nice day today, I decided to take a stroll around and check out the various fruit trees.  Well, in reality, it all started when I looked up at our locust trees and realized there are hardly any buds open and it is already into May.

Maybe they're afraid winter isn't really gone for good?

--- 3 ---

Then I got to thinking about the incredible apple and pear crop we had last year and wondered how the wonderful weather of this past winter is going to effect them.  There's a few blossoms on the apple trees, but not too many yet.

--- 4 ---

Next we move on to one of our pear trees.  This particular tree had some awesome tasting pears last year so I'm really hoping for a bumper crop again.  

 

--- 5 ---

I don't know the first thing about grapes and their vines, so it excites me every year that they just keep coming back.  These grapes are awesome and make some pretty delicious grape jelly.

--- 6 ---

We sure do know how to grow us some dandy-lions, too!  Now if only I found them a delicacy.  Also notice the brown on the front of the bushes.  All of our bushes suffered this fate due to our harsh winter.  Hopefully we don't lose anymore of the plants than what is already dead.  Time will tell, I suppose.
 

--- 7 ---

 And out last stop on the outdoor tour is a plant that Ms 22 yo brought home from an event they had a few weeks ago at school.  It was mighty pretty when she brought it home so I stuck it outside, near the house in case it got cold.  After a few days I set it out in the sun and then it started to die.  I had looked for one of those handy-dandy little tags that stick in the dirt to tell you what kind of plant it is and whether it likes sun or shade, but I didn't see one.  In an attempt to revive it, I moved it to another part of the yard, still in full sun.  

Yesterday, Ms 10 yo (my budding gardener) said, "Oh I see that plant likes shade."   "How do you know that?" I asked.  "It says so right on the side of the pot."  Seems I missed those big white letters that told me exactly how to take care of it.  Well I'm happy to report that some of the blooms are reviving.  All is not lost.

So anyway, have a wonderful weekend and may God shower all you mothers with abundant blessings, good time with family and a beautiful day.

God Bless! 

affiliate links included 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes Remember the Giveaway!

--- 1 ---

Welcome!  This is a great week to visit here because you have the outstanding opportunity to bring some joy to your senses; specifically your ears and your skin.  I'm holding a giveaway of a CD of beautiful music and a great smelling bar of all-natural soap, so take a second to leave a comment here and then come back.  It's okay, I'll still be here when you get back :)
 

--- 2 ---

Aren't you excited?  I think you'll LOVE both the CD and the soap.  My personal favorite is the Banana Berry Almond.  I love almond and the smell in this soap is subtle and wonderful!  As for the music, well, it is very soothing so I suppose you could pair the two together, if you have music playing abilities in your bathroom, and be soothed in two ways while you shower!  
 

--- 3 ---

We are rapidly approaching our first performance this year of "The Seven Last Words of Christ".  It has been an interesting ride, as it always is.  A few weeks ago we did a photo shoot of some of the actresses.  We've blown up some of the photos into poster sizes and use them at the ticket selling tables at the various churches.  Here is one of my favorites:

 

--- 4 ---

It is supposed to be 60 here on Sunday.  Did you hear that?  60!!!!  We might all go out and sunbathe.  It will be a veritable heat wave.  Of course then we drop right back down into the 40s but we'll take what we can get.
 

--- 5 ---

Lent.  It never is what I think it is going to be.  I was really going to try to do some spiritual reading but I just can't get into the mood to do it.  I've got quite a few books lined up but just can't seem to get started on any of them.  Actually, it seems to be more often than not that I can't read a book.  I really love reading, but for some reason I have long stretches of time where I just can't do it.  Anyone else ever have this problem?  What do you do to get out of it?  Do you just let it run its course or do you force the issue and read anyhow, even if it is only a page or two?
 

--- 6 ---

We began discussing summertime around here last night.  I know I don't want it to be like last summer where we were going from one weekly event to another, but the kids all seem to have their own desires about which camp and activity they would like to attend.  Also, with four people gainfully employed, picking a week off together is looking like an impossibility.  Really?  A family vacation without the entire family?  I know it has to happen sooner or later but I'm voting for later!
 

--- 7 ---

This weekend is the calm before the storm.  Next week is three days of dress rehearsals and a performance so that means busy, busy, busy.  Please, if you would, say a prayer that all goes well with this performance?  Thanks, and have a great weekend!

God Bless!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes Where we discuss what Mark Twain said

--- 1 ---

Ms 21 yo bought a book this week called "Under the Covers and Between the Sheets".  With a name like that, and young children around, I had to check the book out :)  Turns out its "The inside story behind classic characters, authors, unforgettable phrases and unexpected endings".  On the back is a quote from Mark Twain that left me in tears.  He once wrote of Jane Austen, "Every time I read Pride and Prejudice I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone."  I don't know about you, but the thought of a great writer writing that about another great writer just cracked me up.  I think I'll be borrowing that book sometime!

--- 2 ---

I'm gearing up for my annual silent retreat, but since I need a post for tomorrow, you'll just have to wait till then to find out about it!
 

--- 3 ---

It's time to bring out some new spring fragrances for our soap.  The weather might not be cooperating, but maybe with some great new smells we can coax it along.  Go to our shop and check out our Banana Berry Almond, Grapefruit Margarita, Lavender Oatmeal and Midnight Jasmine, as well as all of our other great smelling soaps.
 

--- 4 ---

This will hopefully bring a smile to your face.  The theater troupe my kids belong to does a weekly youtube series called "Hope's Cafe".  The retro episodes highlight some of the kids as the "mini-me" of the adult actors.  This one is cute.

 

--- 5 ---

Here's the episode with Lola and Nicki as adults.  I think those kids did a good job, don't you?

 

--- 6 ---

I realized last week that my iPod is sorely lacking in weight lifting music.  Usually my husband puts on some 80s rock from Pandora, but once in awhile we like to mix it up a bit.  I started looking to my iPod and realized that country music love songs aren't that motivating when you're trying to lift weights.  I happened upon "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark" by the Fall Out Boy which is a great song to dead lift to.  If anyone has any other great work out songs, I'd love to hear your favorites.
 

--- 7 ---

I've heard rumors of more snow this weekend.  Rumors ranging from a light dusting to 14 inches by the time Sunday is over.  We have a 1 1/2 hour drive home on Sunday so I'm hoping the dusting prediction is the correct one.  I hope your weekend is full of sunshine and warm weather and NO white stuff falling from the sky.

God Bless! 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Affiliate links are included.  Any time you purchase something using an affiliate link, I receive a small amount back and I appreciate it immensely!
 

7 Quick Takes where we discuss the good, the bad and the ugly

--- 1 ---

What a week it has been around here; full of ups and downs; well, a bunch of downs but one big up to make up for it!  We started our week off with another round of snow.  We had nothing but 5 females and 3 shovels to clear it up and ended the day with one car buried in it.  Here is what various parts of our driveway looked like. 

This car isn't stuck. I chose to park it before I got it stuck!

Stuck car

 

--- 2 ---

Now fast forward to the end of the week:  a skid loader to clear the driveway (finally) and a day of rain and thunder to clear it even more.  

same spot where car was stuck!

Look closely to see the "river"

Unbelievable what a difference a day can make.  We haven't seen the blacktop on our driveway for months.  Unfortunately this warm up has caused quite a bit of flooding.  Extremes - who needs em?  Why can't there be moderation??
 

--- 3 ---

Oh, another up for the week:  Ms 18 yo got her driver's license!  I am quite excited about this because I think it might just be my ticket to less shuttle bus driving.  I've been really struggling lately with the amount of time I spend driving (and no, it can't all be done away with).  By the time I get home and take care of what needs to be taken care of, there's not much time left to do things that I'd like to do; like blogging!
 

--- 4 ---

Another plus this week is that, in preparation for all of this water that is flowing, and given how our house is prone to flooding, we picked up all the garbage in the basement.  Now I have the motivation I need to go down there and shovel out all of the non-essentials and put it back neatly.  Guess I just have to find the time :)
 

--- 5 ---

Can I say that I'm looking forward to this being the end of basketball season this weekend?  Ms 10 yo's team lost by two points again last week in the last 5 seconds of the game, leaving them only tomorrow to post their first win for the season.  Mr 13 yo won last Friday, so at least this year they can brag on two wins!  I guess the frustrating thing is that people just don't play by the rules.  Our coach does, but it is so maddening to play against a team whose coach doesn't.  Maybe I'm not cut out to be a sports mom, after all.
 

--- 6 ---

I think part of my problem is that I can be so darned competitive.  This past Wednesday we got to go to basketball practice with the kids and play parents against the kids.  There were two other moms and two dads who played along with me on the team.  I thought it was good that the dad's were so laid back about it because myself and one of the other moms were out for blood.  Those 8, 9 and 10 year olds didn't know what hit them.  Well, truth be told, we were all huffing and puffing by the time the game was nearing the end.  Thanks to the dads, the girls won and I hope it gave them some confidence for their big game this morning.
 

--- 7 ---

Going out to dinner this weekend with my hubby and I can't wait!  We're also having a family pot luck for a club our girls are in.  Lots to do, as usual.  I'm also contemplating participating in the "7 Posts in 7 Days" with Jen, so hope to see you back here next week!  Have a great weekend!

God Bless! 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes - A Myriad of Photos Edition

--- 1 ---

We celebrated Ms 18 yo's birthday on Wednesday.  She was my first baby after my reversion back to the Catholic faith, appropriately born on the 22nd of January, thus beginning our journey into the pro-life world.  
 

--- 2 ---

 This was the dessert she picked out:  Red Velvet Bundt Cake.  It was as delicious and chocolatey as it looks.  She tried some Pintrest version of chocolate curls and unfortunately it didn't work like they said it would, but they still tasted yummy.

--- 3 ---

What I really want to know is this:  Who thinks of this clip when they hear the words "bundt cake"?  

We even pulled it up last night and watched it before diving in.  Love that movie!

--- 4 ---

I have been wanting to take pictures during a good snowfall and I got my chance this past Wednesday.  Unfortunately for Ms 18 yo it was also very cold out, but it was her idea to go out there so I acquiesced to her request.  At least I got to keep my jacket on.  I love how the snow flakes are in varying degrees of focus. 

--- 5 ---

I may have mentioned here before that Ms 10 yo is now playing basketball.  Her team is following in her big brother's footsteps by not winning a game yet, but it's early so there is still hope.  The Friday night before her first Saturday game, we were watching a bunch of older girls play and they all had on these funky socks so I told her she should get some for her game.  She showed up on Saturday with these socks on and, you guessed it, was the only one from either team that had funky socks.  Oh well, maybe she'll start a trend with the younger crowd.

--- 6 ---

The Chicago Bulls had Michael Jordan and his tongue...The Upward Sports Bulls have Mr 13yo and his cheeks.  He does this all the time :)
 

--- 7 ---

We're hoping for two more of these wins this weekend.  He was the Home team and this is the first time in 1 1/2 seasons we've seen his team with a win.  Hoping they can both pull it off.  Also hoping to tackle the bathroom de-molding project this weekend.  The walls need to be washed down and then painted with a mold/mildew resistant paint.  We then need to seriously consider finding a house without a mold/mildew problem!  Have a great weekend.

God Bless!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!