It seems as if all I ever do around here lately is play catch-up. I have ideas and the desire to write, but no time. When I finally have a bit of time, the ideas and the desire have gone into hiding. Towards the end of last summer I was feeling the urge to pull back but didn't. Now I pull back because time seems to escape me, and I've been okay with that. I love to write here, but I also am enjoying being busy with the physical stuff around here lately, too.
It always amazes me how I can be busy from morning till night just keeping up with things. Projects? Forget 'em. Big things that really need to be done? Nope; they just keep getting pushed farther down the calendar. For example, we really need to repaint this one bathroom because we are having some mold issues. Top priority, I say. Unfortunately time and schedules have dictated otherwise and I keep moving it on my calendar from one weekend to the next. The funny thing is, it really wouldn't take that long to do, we just need to get started.
All that to say that we've been moving through our days here at a steady pace, keeping busy going from one task or event to the next. Basketball has a spot on our weekend calendar that we all look forward to - one day they actually will win a game and we'll be there to cheer them on.
This week we're in full swing as college classes have started in addition to our full school schedule returning and Performing Arts classes going on. The fun in this week is that we only have one car to do it all with. I refuse to think about this ahead of time because all I will do is fret, so instead I'm not thinking of the next day till the night before and then praying it will all work out.
There is a nice rhythm so far to all of this. Ideas will continue to bounce around in my head and I will try to remember to write them down so that when time and motivation meet up, I will be here to wow you with them :). In the meantime, I'm off to the next thing on my list.
God Bless!
Monday, January 13, 2014
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
What a Way to Celebrate
My husband, like many husbands, works very hard each and every day to provide for his family. We are so grateful for all that he does for us and that's what makes it doubly sad that his birthday had to be spent as a series of unfortunate events.
For example, I had to call him numerous times yesterday, and not just to say "I love you"! The first time was because our washing machine wouldn't work. We weren't sure if it was a frozen water line or not, so we tried heating up the room with a space heater to see if that would help. Since it wasn't working, I thought it must be the washer so I called out a repair man. Well, repair man determined that it was, in fact, a frozen water line. Good bye $70.
The next series of phone calls was about our one working car. I had to take Ms 19 yo to work so that I could have the car and, after letting it warm up for 30 minutes, I backed it up and saw this:
Not sure what it was from, we determined that I shouldn't drive it, just in case, and that he would check it out when he got home. Fortunately, since Ms 21 yo is still stuck in Rhode Island, we had her car to fall back on.
Well, dh gets home, takes care of the repair man, tries to look at the car but the hood won't open because it is so cold out, and then has to face this:
Fortunately, the plumber came right over (during his birthday dinner, of course, which meant he had to eat it luke warm) and patched it up for the time being so that we could turn the water back on.
Back to dinner, a few phone calls to the daughters not at home to sing with us and we finally get to have dessert. (Poor guy, I didn't even have the right candles to put on his pie!)
After cleaning up dinner, cleaning up the left-over water in the laundry room and praying our rosary, the day finally came to an end. What a way to spend a birthday. It is such a blessing that there are men out there who know that sometimes they have to put themselves behind the things that need to get done. God bless my husband, and all men, who work so hard to provide for their families.
God Bless!
For example, I had to call him numerous times yesterday, and not just to say "I love you"! The first time was because our washing machine wouldn't work. We weren't sure if it was a frozen water line or not, so we tried heating up the room with a space heater to see if that would help. Since it wasn't working, I thought it must be the washer so I called out a repair man. Well, repair man determined that it was, in fact, a frozen water line. Good bye $70.
The next series of phone calls was about our one working car. I had to take Ms 19 yo to work so that I could have the car and, after letting it warm up for 30 minutes, I backed it up and saw this:
Not sure what it was from, we determined that I shouldn't drive it, just in case, and that he would check it out when he got home. Fortunately, since Ms 21 yo is still stuck in Rhode Island, we had her car to fall back on.
Well, dh gets home, takes care of the repair man, tries to look at the car but the hood won't open because it is so cold out, and then has to face this:
Back to dinner, a few phone calls to the daughters not at home to sing with us and we finally get to have dessert. (Poor guy, I didn't even have the right candles to put on his pie!)
After cleaning up dinner, cleaning up the left-over water in the laundry room and praying our rosary, the day finally came to an end. What a way to spend a birthday. It is such a blessing that there are men out there who know that sometimes they have to put themselves behind the things that need to get done. God bless my husband, and all men, who work so hard to provide for their families.
God Bless!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Surprises, Cold and Water Everywhere
Oh what an interesting couple of days it has been since last we met. If you happen to be in one of the warm areas of the country (though there are few of those), consider yourself lucky. That's the thing with making plans in January, you cannot be attached to them because they are most likely going to change in one way or another due to the weather.
Ms 19 yo and Ms 15 yo had been planning a surprise birthday party for the soon to be Ms 18 yo. They had been planning it for months and then the day was here and so was the snowstorm. All day we kept an eye on the weather channel, hoping against hope that the snow would not ruin all of our plans. I have a problem with failed parties that goes way back to the time when I was little and my parents had a New Year's Eve party and everyone just sat around depressed because one of the guest's sisters was contemplating suicide. I felt so bad for everyone and it has stuck with me ever since.
So anyhow. The funny thing about how it all turned out was that all of the girls that drove themselves showed up and it was only some of the ones being driven by their parents that cancelled.
Smart parents because it was nasty going home. Fortunately every one made it home safely and they all had a nice time - even though Ms almost 18 yo wasn't terribly surprised :)
This pose is such a rarity for these two that I had to put it out there as proof that they do, indeed, sometimes like each other.
Everyone needs a 13 year old boy at their party, don't they?
On Sunday morning we awoke to a lot of snow, some blowing and drifting, and a not fun commute to the nearest church.
See, our van is in the shop right now and that meant we needed to take two cars, which means that I had to drive one of them and I don't like to drive in snow, so we opted for the closest church so that we could get there and back in the fewest miles possible.
Then the beginning of this week brought the arctic freeze that covered a large portion of the country. Knowing your area is colder than Anchorage and Siberia is a little daunting. We've pretty much stayed put the last two days, which meant that we had nothing to do but start school - so start school we did.
This week begins our Performing Arts classes and next week the college kids start their classes again, so we'll be back in full swing - except that it will be much more difficult because we're still down two cars. Oh well, God knows our struggles and will see fit to work out the details.
And just now a pipe burst in our wall, so I guess I have to go :)
God Bless!
Ms 19 yo and Ms 15 yo had been planning a surprise birthday party for the soon to be Ms 18 yo. They had been planning it for months and then the day was here and so was the snowstorm. All day we kept an eye on the weather channel, hoping against hope that the snow would not ruin all of our plans. I have a problem with failed parties that goes way back to the time when I was little and my parents had a New Year's Eve party and everyone just sat around depressed because one of the guest's sisters was contemplating suicide. I felt so bad for everyone and it has stuck with me ever since.
Smart parents because it was nasty going home. Fortunately every one made it home safely and they all had a nice time - even though Ms almost 18 yo wasn't terribly surprised :)
This pose is such a rarity for these two that I had to put it out there as proof that they do, indeed, sometimes like each other.
Everyone needs a 13 year old boy at their party, don't they?
See, our van is in the shop right now and that meant we needed to take two cars, which means that I had to drive one of them and I don't like to drive in snow, so we opted for the closest church so that we could get there and back in the fewest miles possible.
Then the beginning of this week brought the arctic freeze that covered a large portion of the country. Knowing your area is colder than Anchorage and Siberia is a little daunting. We've pretty much stayed put the last two days, which meant that we had nothing to do but start school - so start school we did.
This week begins our Performing Arts classes and next week the college kids start their classes again, so we'll be back in full swing - except that it will be much more difficult because we're still down two cars. Oh well, God knows our struggles and will see fit to work out the details.
And just now a pipe burst in our wall, so I guess I have to go :)
God Bless!
Friday, January 3, 2014
7 Quick Takes January 3 2014
Anyhow, I had a chance on Thursday to have breakfast, that almost turned into lunch, with some girlfriends. We met for Mass and then went back to our friend's house to eat. It's been awhile since we've done this, and times like this make me realize that us adults need some serious socialization time,too, just like our kids. Make it a point this year to get out and spend some time with friends! Alone! Without the kids (if possible, of course)!
This is Mr 13 yo on Christmas Eve. His sisters and I all think he looks like David Tennant or maybe Clark Kent. What do you think? Dr Who fans, weigh in!
I know this sounds morbid, but since my father-in-law passed away and with all the holidays, every time I took a picture of some relative, I kept thinking that I was glad I captured it because it will be nice to have at their wake. I know, morbid. I warned you up front.
We've been taking our time off (when we aren't celebrating at some party or dinner or sleeping) to catch up on "Once Upon a Time". Only two more episodes of that and we'll be up to date. Then, of course, the new episode of "Sherlock" just came out and so we have to watch that. AND....*squeal* "Downton Abbey" starts this Sunday. Even though they left us in such a horrible spot last season, I'm eager to see where they will go with it.
Since I haven't shared any Christmas photos, except the one in #3, here are some shots - none of which I had morbid thoughts about. My five fun-filled daughters above and my two goofy sons below.
And this one is a picture of my cousin's daughter's son. Don't know what that makes him to me, but boy is he cute :)
Basketball starts this weekend. Mr 13 yo plays on Friday nights and Ms 10 yo plays on Saturdays. At least it is close to our house! We also get to celebrate our nephew's college graduation this weekend. Only two more parties to go until we are done for awhile. I can honestly say that I can't wait till we're done with all of this eating!
God Bless!
For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Naming the Year
It's January 2nd, which means I'm not too late to participate in the name your year link up over at Sucipio! At first I wasn't going to do it because I really couldn't come up with one word that I wanted to work on throughout 2014. I mean "TRUST" is always on my plate, as I think it has been for the past number of years. Outside of that, nothing came to mind.
That is, not until I actually prayed about it. Last night while doing my night-time prayers, a word jumped out at me. It is something I realized a few months ago I needed to work on so it seems the perfect thing to focus on for the new year:
Positive, not in the sense that I am going to be optimistic about everything, as I truly believe that I am a realist and not capable of being an optimist (although that was sort of a pessimist statement, wasn't it?). Posistive in the sense that I am working towards having my first reaction to people, situations and information be positive.
You see, my knee-jerk reaction is to think the negative. Oh the kids did this (or didn't do it) because they're lazy. My neighbor said this because she doesn't like me. The world is in chaos because people are horrible. This coffee is bad because it's just the way my life is. This kind of immediate negative reaction can be so poisonous. It also is VERY hard to get rid of; you actually have to stop and think before reacting. Can I say that I'm not very good at that? My brain, and sometimes my mouth, often engage before I can even think to stop them. Slowing down enough to think and really look at a situation before forming a judgement is a very difficult, but prudent habit to develop.
I think this type of positive thinking goes hand-in-hand with gratitude. If we can develop a grateful heart, then that means we are looking for the good in all things. If we can take the time to reflect back and see the good, then can you imagine how enjoyable life would be if we saw the good while it was happening? Sometimes searching for the good in that moment can change everything; even shape the near future by having things go in a different direction than if we had seen the negative instead.
I've even been working on how to form questions in a more positive light. Instead of asking, "How come these dishes haven't been washed yet?" in that irritated, motherly tone, maybe something like, "Calling all dishwashers to the kitchen. Dishwashers take your stations" might get more attention...and action!
This will take a lot of effort and grace, I am sure. I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit brought this to my attention and now that I have publicly proclaimed it, I am held accountable to it. May God give us all the grace we need to each work on our "word" for the year.
God Bless!
That is, not until I actually prayed about it. Last night while doing my night-time prayers, a word jumped out at me. It is something I realized a few months ago I needed to work on so it seems the perfect thing to focus on for the new year:
Positive, not in the sense that I am going to be optimistic about everything, as I truly believe that I am a realist and not capable of being an optimist (although that was sort of a pessimist statement, wasn't it?). Posistive in the sense that I am working towards having my first reaction to people, situations and information be positive.
You see, my knee-jerk reaction is to think the negative. Oh the kids did this (or didn't do it) because they're lazy. My neighbor said this because she doesn't like me. The world is in chaos because people are horrible. This coffee is bad because it's just the way my life is. This kind of immediate negative reaction can be so poisonous. It also is VERY hard to get rid of; you actually have to stop and think before reacting. Can I say that I'm not very good at that? My brain, and sometimes my mouth, often engage before I can even think to stop them. Slowing down enough to think and really look at a situation before forming a judgement is a very difficult, but prudent habit to develop.
I think this type of positive thinking goes hand-in-hand with gratitude. If we can develop a grateful heart, then that means we are looking for the good in all things. If we can take the time to reflect back and see the good, then can you imagine how enjoyable life would be if we saw the good while it was happening? Sometimes searching for the good in that moment can change everything; even shape the near future by having things go in a different direction than if we had seen the negative instead.
I've even been working on how to form questions in a more positive light. Instead of asking, "How come these dishes haven't been washed yet?" in that irritated, motherly tone, maybe something like, "Calling all dishwashers to the kitchen. Dishwashers take your stations" might get more attention...and action!
This will take a lot of effort and grace, I am sure. I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit brought this to my attention and now that I have publicly proclaimed it, I am held accountable to it. May God give us all the grace we need to each work on our "word" for the year.
God Bless!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
13 for 13
We've been busy celebrating the 12 days of Christmas around here by going from party to party and then sleeping and cleaning in between. Instead of trying to catch up on all of the awesomeness that our Christmas has been (with the exception of the sad moments of not having my father-in-law with us for the first time), I decided to join in with Pam over at Everyday Snapshots and do 13 photos for 2013 to recap the whole year.
January - Our first foray into the sporting world.
February - A wonderful French dinner made and served by the St. Faustina Club that our daughter is in.
April - one of those "100 year floods" that seem to be happening more often than every 100 years :)
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May - Mr 8 yo's First Holy Communion
June - Two graduates and a confirmation, but I can only put up one picture per month :)
July - A wonderful family vacation to Northern Wisconsin - with a side trip to the U.P.
August - more sports!
September - a trip to Michigan. At that time we didn't know it was to be the last one with my father-in-law.
October - Tim and I took a trip to Milwaukee for our anniversary. I love being near water, can't you tell?
November - This picture is meant to represent the birthdays of all of my children this past year, it's just that November was a low picture month so I picked this one from Ms 15 yo's birthday.
December - Our participation in the wonderful production of "The Conversion of Scrooge".
Bonus shot - our 25th Wedding Anniversary - the highlight of our year!
I wish you all a very blessed and happy 2014!
God Bless!
January - Our first foray into the sporting world.
February - A wonderful French dinner made and served by the St. Faustina Club that our daughter is in.
March - a chilly outing to Brookfield Zoo with Ms 21 yo's boyfriend along for the fun.
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May - Mr 8 yo's First Holy Communion
June - Two graduates and a confirmation, but I can only put up one picture per month :)
July - A wonderful family vacation to Northern Wisconsin - with a side trip to the U.P.
August - more sports!
September - a trip to Michigan. At that time we didn't know it was to be the last one with my father-in-law.
November - This picture is meant to represent the birthdays of all of my children this past year, it's just that November was a low picture month so I picked this one from Ms 15 yo's birthday.
December - Our participation in the wonderful production of "The Conversion of Scrooge".
Bonus shot - our 25th Wedding Anniversary - the highlight of our year!
I wish you all a very blessed and happy 2014!
God Bless!
Monday, December 23, 2013
Advent Daybook Days 21, 22 and 23
Body:
We had a relaxing weekend, partially due to the fact that my hubby came down with a cold and when that happens all he does is sleep. Therefore we were not able to do some of the things we had on our to-do list, which isn't always a bad thing.
Sunday was decorate the tree and house day and as usual everyone had a good time. The house looks nice and the tree is a welcome sight. Seeing the tree up always increases the anticipation. I enjoy waiting until right close to Christmas to decorate because then I know that Christmas is right around the corner.
Today finds me in my new Blessed Mother apron that a friend made me for my birthday baking all kinds of treats for the next two days. Quick breads, fudge, cookies....yum!
Mind:
It always makes me sad when I think of the amount of dysfunction that exists in families these days; it seems to be everywhere! Especially around the holidays it would be so wonderful to be able to happily celebrate with all of your relatives. Come Lord Jesus and give us the grace to get along :)
Spirit:
Two things are lifting my spirit (not that it was down, mind you). The first was at Mass this morning when Father gave us a few minutes to pray for our hearts to be opened to receive the Lord over the next two days. The second happens tonight when I will go to our annual homeschool mom's cookie exchange. Everyone gathers, bringing 6 dozen cookies if they so desire, and we pray the rosary together and then chat for awhile. It is always a peaceful and blessed time.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Hard to believe that Advent is already over. May Christ find a very special place in your heart during this special time.
God Bless!
We had a relaxing weekend, partially due to the fact that my hubby came down with a cold and when that happens all he does is sleep. Therefore we were not able to do some of the things we had on our to-do list, which isn't always a bad thing.
Sunday was decorate the tree and house day and as usual everyone had a good time. The house looks nice and the tree is a welcome sight. Seeing the tree up always increases the anticipation. I enjoy waiting until right close to Christmas to decorate because then I know that Christmas is right around the corner.
Today finds me in my new Blessed Mother apron that a friend made me for my birthday baking all kinds of treats for the next two days. Quick breads, fudge, cookies....yum!
Mind:
It always makes me sad when I think of the amount of dysfunction that exists in families these days; it seems to be everywhere! Especially around the holidays it would be so wonderful to be able to happily celebrate with all of your relatives. Come Lord Jesus and give us the grace to get along :)
Spirit:
Two things are lifting my spirit (not that it was down, mind you). The first was at Mass this morning when Father gave us a few minutes to pray for our hearts to be opened to receive the Lord over the next two days. The second happens tonight when I will go to our annual homeschool mom's cookie exchange. Everyone gathers, bringing 6 dozen cookies if they so desire, and we pray the rosary together and then chat for awhile. It is always a peaceful and blessed time.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Hard to believe that Advent is already over. May Christ find a very special place in your heart during this special time.
God Bless!
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