Thursday, December 29, 2011

Thankful Thursday:December 29th


  1. As I write this: Christmas lights twinkling in the dusk
  2. The chance to introduce my littles to sledding and their laughter during
  3. Another year of marital love and partnership
  4. The baby born in Bethlehem 
  5. Friendships: new and old
  6. Love enduring and grace everlasting
Please visit our host Rebecca at The Road Home and share what you are thankful for

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Happy 9th!

Thru all the ups and downs ~ sickness & health, richer, poorer and everything in between ~ I love you and being loved by you!




 Happy Anniversary!!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!!

,
From our family to yours!!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Thankful Thursday: December 22nd



  1. Friends like family to celebrate the Anticipation of Christmas with
  2. Happy little ones ~ snuggly when not
  3. Shopping & wrapping nearly done
  4. Cards from afar found in the mailbox
  5. A loving partner to A-frame through the worry and stress with 
Please visit The Road Home and share what you are thankful for:

Sunday, December 18, 2011

An Advent Favorite


In honor of the fourth Sunday of Advent ~ a favorite Advent hymn by a favorite artist:




Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: Photo Card

Three Wise Kings Religious
Unique party invitations and announcements by Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Ten on Tuesday: December 13th



1. How do you eat your eggs?
         Lots of ways, love them hard boiled, poached, over-easy and my favorite ~ Benedict

2. Do you volunteer?
           Not much currently, I'm still a 'Big Sister', and help with some programs at my church

3. What’s your favorite brand of jeans?
         Levi's

4. What was your child’s first word? Or what was your first word?
           Not sure what mine was, but Lisbeth's was Dada and Liam's was Yeth (yes)

5. Can you french braid?
               Yes!

6. Do you prefer wide rule, college rule, or blank paper?
                College rule for journaling, blank paper for stationary.

7. Is there a specific treat do you always make during the holidays?
              Cookies!!  


8. Do you have a KitchenAid mixer? Do you want one?
              Recently got handed-down one from my mother-in-law; haven't really done much with it yet

9. What kind of computer do you use?
                  Mac

10. Favorite Christmas movie?
                  It's a Wonderful Life, and The Gathering


Thanks again to our host Chelsea of Roots and Rings!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Gaudete Sunday

A repost from Advent '10
   

  
As a child I loved to try and count how often I would hear my name or a variation of it during mass, I always lost count somewhere along the way, usually during the homily.
Now as an adult I have an even greater appreciation. It feels so right and fitting during this season of reflection and prayerful anticipation to focus on the happier aspects of this time of year. When preparing for a big test; it takes hard work and study ~ but ideally it includes taking a break from the intense focus and having some fun ~ more importantly remembering why I'm studying so hard.

Focusing on improving the place within our homes and hearts where we invite Christ to live is a good and worthy goal, but for today let us lighten the purple with some Christmas white and rejoice in the idea of the gift long ago given and that he desires with be with us wherever we are on the journey if we but invite him.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Thankful Thursday: 400th post edition


This post marks my 400th and I'm giving thanks!

  1. My husband who encourages me
  2. My children who manage to not do permanent damage to themselves or the house while Mommy gets out a quick post
  3. My readers/commenters ~ who help me to believe I have something to say worth writing down and sending out into the blog-o-sphere.
  4. Other bloggers ~ who teach, inspire and entertain me so well
  5. Friendships begun on-line, deepening over time, blessed by the occasional meet-ups!

Please visit The Road Home and our host ~ Rebecca and share what you are thankful for!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Wondering Wednesday: First Dance


During Advent one of my favorite things to listen to in the car is We Come Dancing; which include such Advent favorites as Cherry Tree Carol and O Come, O Come Emmanuel
and Covenant Hymn which was the song we selected for our first dance at our wedding.
It speaks of the promises we were making to each other as inspired by those made by Christ to her church.
(We had the DJ stop after the third verse ~ we are both introverts so 3 minutes of dancing with everyone watching us was enough, plus we wondered if the death verse might freak out some people).





What was your First Dance song??

Wondering Wednesday inspired by Maggie of From the Heart

Friday, December 2, 2011

Quick Takes #97


  1. Happy December! Happy Advent!  There is so much to do, gifts, cards, and cleaning but I can't help loving this time of year.  At 3 years old I'm hoping that Lisbeth can begin to take hold of the special meaning of this time of year.
  2. Liam gives hugs ~ and big wide open kisses!
  3. When someone asked Lisbeth this week what she had for Thanksgiving; she recounted "Chicken, oranges, apples, and marshmallows" ~ in other words her thanksgiving feast at nursery school.  Clearly the one she shared with us was not as memorable.
  4. Liam is now starting to stand independently and betting has begun on if he will be walking by Christmas/New Year.  Given his interesting personality of being very laid-back and stubborn at the same time ~ I'm in the 'no' group!
  5. Am enjoying rereading the Advent book I review at a more pensive pace.  Now just some time to check out the wonderful suggestions in these children-focused books I picked up for the kids.
  6. Really did enjoy unseasonably warm Thanksgiving, made all the raking and kid chasing more pleasant.  That said, am also very pleased that there is a nip in the air and need to bundle up as we head out on our early evening walks to see whose has lights up. 
  7. Key plan for the weekend ~ clearing off dining room table for Advent Wreath! Have a good one!
Please head to Conversion Diary hosted by Jen and enjoy the rest of this week's Quick Takes

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

No Pony November: Wrap-up!


With just a few hours left in the month and feeling confident that I will survive the day without a pony tail; I thought I would share a few thoughts.

Firstly ~ my thanks to Elizabeth for sponsoring this challenge, it was a funny way to remember and make an effort with myself and my appearance.

Overall no major new styles, having discovered I'm just not coordinated enough for the multiple bobby pin up-styles especially in the time I normally have before little ones are pulling at my hands.  But did pick-up a couple new fabric headbands which will hopefully make a more regular appearance.   This challenge was also a great incentive to get back in the habit of braiding my hair, which only really only takes a minute or two longer than the traditional pony tail.

So while the simple pony tail will likely make its appearance again, hopefully far less often.
My thanks again to Elizabeth of That Married Couple.

So how did your month go?

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Rediscover Advent: A book review



Rediscover Advent
Matthew Kelly
St. Anthony Messenger Press













     Rediscover Advent, the devotional by Matthew Kelly, provides a multi layered approach to the readings of Advent. With reflections taken largely from his earlier book Rediscover Catholicism each day have the citations for the readings of the day,  a reflection, a meditation with guiding questions and a prayer ~ while the reflection and meditation change daily the prayer is the same for the week providing a nice continuity. Theme for Week 1. is Hope, Week 2. Peace, Week 3. Joy, and finally Week 4. Love.

    While the readings for each day are provided and you are encouraged to read them, a pertinent quote for each day is provided from the readings if you don't have the time.  The readings and reflections would likely take one 10 - 20 minutes a day depending on whether you read the readings or not.  One area of puzzlement of the book is that while the citations for the readings of all three cycles are given for the Sunday readings, only one set of citations is provided for the daily readings and I believe there are two cycles.

      
For purposes of this review I read the book quickly ( several reflections at a time), but thinks the daily format would work very well for an individual or a family seeking a structured approach to prayer this advent which include the readings.  I like the weekly themes and the possible connection with the Advent liturgies; for example week three's theme of joy starting on Gaudete Sunday. I found the reflections interesting and very appropriate which is a little surprising coming from another book, and good food for thought in the meditation questions.  I definitely plan on rereading the book this Advent at a more pensive pace.




Was provided a complementary copy by Tiber River for my honest review, if interested please go to Aquinas & More for this and other books and movies.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Gratitude and Freedoms



"Freedom from Fear" (left) and "Freedom from Want" are two of Norman Rockwell's "The Four Freedoms" series inspired by FDR's rousing wartime State of the Union address in 1941. Reproduced in four consecutive issues of The Saturday Evening Post in 1943, the original paintings by America's favorite illustrator toured the United States, raising over $130 million for the war effort. (Norman Rockwell Museum photos


So often the modern Thanksgiving is depicted with Norman Rockwell's picture "Freedom from Want", and while I am certainly very grateful for all the wonderful food I get to enjoy and that adequate food and water is not a worry in my life or my families; as I think about all that I am thankful for it is the other freedoms which speak even louder to me.


The Freedom to Worship publicly and without fear of recrimination.  While everyone may not agree with me and some may be rude about it,  I go to Mass without worrying that someone might see me, and I can purchase books about my beliefs, even blog about them.


Freedom from Fear: While fear is not completely absent from my life (don't really think that is possible), as I tuck my children in at night I don't worry about bombs falling, that the water I cook and feed my family with might be contaminated, or any of the other worries of those who live in war zones live with.


So as I count my blessings this week I seek to also remember the freedoms I enjoy!


Over at Virtuous Planet  check Sarah Babbs wonderful series on works of mercy

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Thankful Thursday; November 17th


  1. Making new friends
  2. Good health, Happy Half-Birthday to Me!
  3. My wonderful wacky family








Please visit The Road Home and share what you are thankful for!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Blogger Meet-up!


    A month ago I had the great and wonderful pleasure of meeting Rebecca of The Road Home, she very graciously stayed in the area for dinner with my family after her conference ended.  I unfortunately forgot my camera, though luckily Rebecca did have hers.

     However she has now experienced the frustration of misplacing her memory card reader and the worse luck of having her car burglarized and camera stolen ~ but we are undaunted by whatever force does not want evidence of blogger meet-ups shown.  Forgive the quality of my  phone camera pictures and please take my word for the fact that Rebecca is gorgeous and Liam was very happy to meet/play with her.  






"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Matthew 18:20

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Thankful Thursday: November 10th



  1. Lovely warmish autumn weather ~ which allowed for a fun trip to a local garden to play in treehouses and explore a water castle.
  2. Crock pot dinners filling my house with yummy scents.
  3. The leading number being a 6 today on the clock as we started our day: aka Lisbeth finally showing signs of adjusting to the time change!
  4. Our lovely host ~ Rebecca of The Road Home

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Why I love My Husband: Vol 5


  1. He brings me chocolate when he returns from business trips
  2. His faces absolutely lights up when the kids run/crawl to him at the end of the day
  3. His commitment to our church home/family

Inspired by Kaitlin of More like Mary ~ More like Me

Friday, November 4, 2011

Quick Take 96: Week in Review



1. Halloween was a fun and festive time, both monkeys went trick-or-treating with the older delivering her lines beautifully and at about half the houses remembering without prompting to say thank you, and the younger tolerating not only wearing a costume but being strolled around the neighborhood wearing it.


2. Don't even want to discuss snow in October other than to hope all those still without power ~ have it restored very soon.  Joking aside, the half inch we got simply proved fun for the 3 yo, bemusing for the 1 yo, and useful reminder to their mom that snow boots needed to be ordered.

3.  We enjoyed lovely weather more representing Autumn the rest of the week and so on a couple afternoons indulged in the highly traditional activity of raking the falling leaves into a large pile and than jumping into said pile before relocating into leaf bags.



4. After her time in front of the camera, Lisbeth insisted on some time behind the camera ~ fair enough, fair enough.  


5. As you can maybe tell from the above picture; so far so'kay with the No Pony Challenge hosted by That Married Couple.  Four days in and so far I have not gotten really creative yet but am excited to try out some styling and check out some of the many ideas offered in this post.

6. Given the general craziness of early morning and that she had attended Mass the day before for All Saints I opted not to go with C. when he went before work on All Souls ~ right decision, but I'm glad he was able to go and look forward to a time when attending a daily mass won't be quite so challenging.

7. Was not able to attend my 20th high school reunion, but through the FB page organizing that a former friend is now a priest ~ so 'friended' on FB and am now enjoying his pictures from the Holy Land.  Sometime life is so random and so fun.

Have a good weekend and please head over to Conversion Diary to enjoy other Quick Takes

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Thankful Thursday:November 3rd



  1. Confirmation that Liam can hear, and a plan in place to help him hear better
  2. Friends and family stayed safe during the recent storm despite falling branches
  3. Sunny, crisp afternoons to rake, jump and walk amidst the falling leaves
  4. The Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins,....
My thanks to our host Rebecca of The Road Home

Friday, October 28, 2011

Quick takes 95: Style edition




  1. Having enjoyed the wonderful posts on personal style by Elizabeth of That Married Couple and Lauren of Magnify the Lord ~ and being a happy follower of Betty Beguiles for many months ~ I thought it was time I took a look at my closet.
  2. Given that in the past four years there has been pregnancies, nursing time, and the loss of about thirty pounds this inventory is long overdue ~ and so inspired by those who have inspired me (like my logic) I promise to get rid of what does not fit or does not flatter.  As 'me time' is limited this will  most likely take a couple of weeks but I figured the change of seasons will help as I will be looking at much of what I own in the semi-annual wardrobe shift.
  3. Also given that 'me time' is elusive there is not a lot of time in the morning for outfit selection so paring down and building a closet of pieces that work for me and work together really appeals ~ and while definitely still an evolving concept I have, thanks to my reading, a sense of the image as full-time mom, part-time nursing instructor, and all the time me; I want to convey to the world. 
  4. Footwear: I have of late definitely settled into a uniform of ease and functionality as a mom with a nursling and an active toddler but one area where I've enjoyed having some fun is footwear. I had great luck this summer finding a couple pairs of cute flats ~ and am now hoping to replicate that same style boost from two new pairs of boots ~ one from the lovely Sarah of Fumbling toward Grace, and one I picked up this week.



5. Skirts: One day earlier this summer I suggested a dress to Lisbeth and she declined pointing out that  we were not going to church ~ and I explained that we could wear skirts and dresses even on non-church days, but also know that if I wanted her to really believe me I would have to model that ~ and besides I love skirts and have picked up a couple heavier weight ones for autumn and winter.




6. Reality: I'm terrible at purging and most days you will most likely find me in jeans and my black clogs (and maybe even a hoodie) but I am so excited and inspired about all that I'm learning about developing a personal style

7. Yup that's me ~ a mom with a bit of style!









Please visit Conversion Diary to enjoy the rest of this weeks Quick Takes

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Thankful Thursday: October 20th


  1. A non-leaking roof
  2. A warm down comforter on the bed
  3. Pumpkin scones
  4. Wide open spaces to visit and explore
  5. Friendships begun online, deepening in person: Pictures soon
  6. Grace abundant and love everlasting
Please visit The Road Home and share what you're thankful for

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Ten on Tuesday: October 18th



1. You’re packing for a week long vacation, do you pack ahead of time or wait until the last possible minute to pack?
    Usually the night before, not the last minute but kinda

2. Are you a light or heavy packer?
      Heavy getting lighter all the time now that I also have to pack for kids

3. What are your favorite road trip snacks?
       Trail Mix of the chocolate and fruit variety


4. Do you take any reading material along?
        Always!!


5. Do you prefer to drive or fly to your vacation destination?
       If we are going to be there for more than a couple days ~ drive so I can get around otherwise fly so that I don't use vacation time just getting there and back.

6. What is your favorite time of the year to take your vacation?
        Anytime!!  Seriously I love travel!

7. Where is your favorite place to vacation?
       With family at the beach

8. You are vacationing in the mountains, what is your favorite thing to do while there?
       Hike

9. You are at the beach for your vacation,  do you like to take it easy on the beach or play all day in the water?
       Wave jumping at the edge
10. While your on vacation do you prefer to eat out every night or cook some of your own meal
          Both, trying out local places some nights and others hanging out at 'home'


Please head to Roots and Rings to enjoy others take on these Ten on Tuesday questions

Friday, October 14, 2011

Quick Takes #94

--- 1 ---

Blogger meet-up tonight!! Rebecca of The Road Home is in my neck of the woods attending a conference and I get to have dinner with her tonight!!

--- 2 ---

I think we have made the move totally to table food with Liam, I offered purred stuff twice this week (trying to finish it up) and he would take two bites at best. Current faves include: eggs, noodles, cucumbers and of course frites

--- 3 ---

I tried a 'roasted' chicken recipe this week in the crock pot, and it worked well. I see fried rice and quesadillas in our future!!

--- 4 ---

CD1 ~ I can't truthfully say I missed you, but you do make charting easier!

--- 5 ---

The saving grace of Liam still being up once a night to eat was that he never stayed up, he would just eat and go back to sleep . Until this week, yes I know he is teething and getting over a cold ~ but man am I draggin

--- 6 ---

Am hoping for some good weather this weekend to get some plants and bulbs in the ground, challenge being remembering back to last spring and where l felt fresh bulbs were in order.

--- 7 ---

Weekend plans also include a trip to a local orchard for a hayride and some apple picking! What does your weekend hold?

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Honeymoon Memories

Betty Beguiles is collecting honeymoon stories ~ and here's mine:
    

    We married at the end of December, and my future husband not fond of tropical heat pushed for us to go somewhere 'wintery' ~ I agreed with two caveats that when we came in from the cold it would be to a fireplace and hot tub.  After working on finding a place for awhile he came back to say that it was going to have to be an either/or choice ~ I chose the fireplace knowing we would enjoy that more.

      And so on January 1st having visited my father and his grandmother (both unable to attend the wedding due to health issues) and spending New Year's Eve with his family we headed out to drive across Maine and New Brunswick to our ultimate destination: Prince Edward's Island

     My new husband had actually done a wonderful job choosing our lodgings; it was a charming older hotel at the edge of Charlottetown (the capital) which allowed us easy walking to the shops and eateries of the old part of town and easy access to get out of town by car and explore the rest of the island.  Unfortunately nine years ago most of the more touristy places closed in the winter so we were unable to visit the home of L.M Montgomery now a museum celebrating her and her most famous character Anne of Green Gable but we were able to go to Cavendish beach and walk some of the dunes whose descriptions I had read and re-read so often since discovering the series at 12.

      On the one or two more snowy days we stayed in town walking, window shopping, and enjoying yummy seafood ~ as it should be ~ to date the BEST PEI mussels I have ever had was on PEI!!
Over all it was a wonderful 5 days together exploring and/or doing nothing.  BTW the fireplace turned out to be more comedy than romance: it being the fakest looking gas fireplace we had (or have) ever seen!!


               

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Blessed John Henry Newman ~ Feast Day

        
         As I have written previously being involved at my university's Newman Center had a great and wonderful impact on my life and faith journey (not the least of which ~ it is where I met my husband) up to and including this weekend when C.and I presented at a Pre-Cana Day hosted at the Center. The following quote was on a plaque given me at graduation:


“God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.
He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work.
 I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place,
while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments.
Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.”
― John Henry Newman



And the following is an excerpt from Pope Benedict's Homily at the beatification this past year ~And indeed, what better goal could teachers of religion set themselves than Blessed John Henry’s famous appeal for an intelligent, well-instructed laity: “I want a laity, not arrogant, not rash in speech, not disputatious, but men who know their religion, who enter into it, who know just where they stand, who know what they hold and what they do not, who know their creed so well that they can give an account of it, who know so much of history that they can defend it” (The Present Position of Catholics in England, ix, 390). On this day when the author of those words is raised to the altars, I pray that, through his intercession and example, all who are engaged in the task of teaching and catechesis will be inspired to greater effort by the vision he so clearly sets before us.


Blessed John Henry Newman pray for us
"Cor ad cor loquitur"

Friday, October 7, 2011

Quick Takes # 93: Rain Drops on Roses version


  1. I'm sick, not bad sick just annoying head cold sick so please allow as find some positives to focus on.
  2. I am now consistently only changing dirty diapers for one little person in the house.  There is still the occasional wet pull-up after naps and nights, but solid wonderful progress
  3. 'Mama' is being heard more often and increasingly selectively aimed at me!!
  4. Lisbeth is really enjoying her school, and I'm enjoying the evening concerts of new songs learned.
  5. Happy Midwifery Week! 
  6. Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai
  7. Prayer request: Pre-Cana this weekend ~ Please pray that the couples listen with an open heart and mind ~ and that I don't lose my voice.
Please head over to Conversion Diary and enjoy the rest of this week's Quick Takes

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Thankful Thursday: October 6th



Giving Thanks this Thursday for:
  1. Standing in warm sunlight
  2. Sharing a happy meal
  3. Pumpkin muffins and lattes
  4. Listening to Lisbeth's songs
  5. Hot de-congesting showers
  6. Time to learn, laugh and love
  7. Hope renewed each morning
For what are you giving thanks ~ Head over to The Road Home hosted by Rebecca and join in

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Ten on Tuesday: October 4th




1. How do you take your coffee?
With some chocolate or perhaps seasonal flavor (pumpkin, anyone)
2. Do you prefer soft or crispy chocolate chip cookies?
Warm, soft and chewy!
3. Do you wear a belt everyday?
Not everyday, usually part of dressing up
4. What is your favorite color combination?
   Casual; Blue/Tan Formal: Cranbery-ish Red/BLack

5. Do you like sour candy?

Have to be in the right mood ~ then yes: worms, gum drops, etc

6. How often do you do laundry?

   2-3x a week

7. Did you ever wear braces?

Nope

8. Are you good at Roman Numerals?

I do okay,  better with the basics

9. What is your favorite form of social media?

?Facebook?

10. How do you feel about chin dimples?

I don't bother them (except babies),  they don't bother me


Congratulations to Chelsea of Roots and Rings on the 100th Ten on Tuesday

Monday, October 3, 2011

Where I'm From


I am from metal swing sets, from Tupperware cups and Kool-aid to drink.
I am from the best driveway to roller skate down, watching for deers out the back window, European elegance and American Craftsmanship.
I am from the Christmas cactus growing inside, and  tomatoes and lily of the valley growing outside
I am from leaving my shoe out for St. Nicholas and talking at the table after dinner, from Milou  and Pierre, Roland and Hazel.
I am from bring a stack of books home from the library, pancakes on the weekend and jumping into the leave pile.
From get your hair out of your face and "What are We Men!".
I am from Amazing Grace, One Bread One Body, from sacraments of grace, and men of good will seeking tolerance and understanding
I’m from Providence, Galilee Beach, and Loon Mountain by way of Belgium, from lobsters, clam cakes, and fighting for the piece of chocolate with the elephant.
From the Bon Papa who wanted grandchildren, the Apple Girl, and the URI graduate.
I am from many, many albums kept in the dresser, color pictures under clear plastic covers and black & white held by the corners. from slide shows late at night, from stories told and re-told, cherished and honored.


Thanks Sara for the inspiration!

Friday, September 30, 2011

Summer Prayer Buddy Reveal

I had the pleasure of praying for M of A Maiden's Tale during the Summer session of Prayer Buddies.  It was a honor to prayer for her and her family.

I prayed for M.'s intention during my morning and evening offerings.  I also prayed before the Blessed Sacrament that she would know Christ's love and peace deep within her heart.

I was not able to view her blog (it's private), and at first it was a little disconcerting but I came to see the opportunity ~ to focus on the hidden crosses in peoples lives.  That in a sense anyone I meet could be struggling with health or financial worries; the grumpy person in the grocery store, the unsmiling clerk at the bank.  I hope M. felt some blessing or grace from my prayers ~ I know my heart was changed.

My thanks to Marie of Joy Beyond the Cross and Mrs Henderson of Still Standing for arranging this wonderful opportunity!

Quick Takes #92: September Memories!


--- 1 ---
Watching a certain 1 year old destroying his 'Elmo' cupcake. Overall I think his birthday celebrations went well, it was low-key, fun and in no way freaked out our somewhat timid little one.
--- 2 ---
Lisbeth's first day of nursery school, slightly bumpy start as Daddy was out of town and her favorite backpack was a no go due to school rules ~ but she pulled it together and had a great day.
--- 3 ---
A visit from G-ma usually means a visit from her wonderful dog and this visit was no difference. The adults got to keep their reflexes in shape trying to keep Liam out of the dog's bowl of water.
--- 4 ---
Began a Water Babies class with Liam; he loves it and I'm loving hold and splashing around with him.
--- 5 ---
Lisbeth is currently really into puzzles. So much fun to sit with her and do a puzzle ~ and over the course of the month watch her come to understand the concept of finding the corner pieces, which pieces go on the outside, etc.
--- 6 ---
Last weekend we went to a Creperie for dinner with friends and while I was ordering Lisbeth's crepe I asked for 'light' chocolate in the hopes of minimizing the mess as she is very definite about feeding herself. Overhearing me, she proclaimed "But I like dark chocolate!" I assured her that the crepe would contain dark chocolate and all was well.
--- 7 ---
Have of late found amusing, (as I observe their feast days) to imagine a conversion between Saint Jerome (today) and St. Therese de Liseaux (tomorrow).
For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

A moment of silence ~ and Michaelmas


While we are taking a moment in this corner of the blog-o-sphere I did want to let you know about the wonderful post by Sara of Fumbling towards Grace about the upcoming feasts ~ and that Thankful Thursday is being hosted by Rebecca over at The Road Home.





Friday, September 23, 2011

Quick Takes #91: Quick Links



Seven posts which have warmed my heart and filled my tank in the last week:

1. Having left the altar: Prayer
2. Michelle of Endless Strength: Working
3. Sara on VirtuousPlanet : Vocation

4. Almost Not Catholic: Mary
5. Little Catholic Bubble: Eucharist

6. Elizabeth of That Married Couple: Community
7. Kaitlin of More like Mary, More Like Me: Celebrating Life

Please visit Conversion Diary hosted by Jen for more of this week's Quick Takes

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Thankful Thursday: September 22nd


1. The roof does not currently seem to be leaking
2. Lisbeth had a good first day of nursery school
3. Pumpkin: muffins, lattes, candles
4. Pockets of time this week to think and pray
5. Many happy memories of my Dad
6. The love of my Heavenly Father

My thanks again to Rebecca of The Road Home for hosting


Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Ten on Tuesday: September 20th





Hosted by Chelsea of Roots and Rings
Not actually 10 questions, this will be the only time we break the 10 question format. This is a good All About You questionnaire.
A. Age: 38
B. Bed Size: Queen
C. Chore that you hate: Dishes 
D. Dogs: None now, but 3 while growing up
E. Essential start to your day: OJ, and a hug
F. Favorite Color: purple
G. Gold or Silver: Depends
H. Height: 5 feet 4 inches
I. Instruments you play: None currently, viola as a child, learning guitar
J. Job Title: SAHM
K. Kids: Yes 2, Lisbeth & Liam
L. Live: in Pennsylvania
M. Mother’s Name: Mireille
N. Nicknames: Joyful
O. Overnight hospital stays: 3-4
P. Pet peeve: Holding a grudge, nit-picking
Q. Quote from a movie:  "Have fun storming the castle!!" 
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: 3 ~ 2 sisters, 1 half-brother
T. Time you wake up: kid-dependent
U. Underwear: Yes
V. Vegetable you hate: Waxed beans
W. What makes you run late: family craziness 
X. X-Rays you’ve had: teeth, hand, ??
Y. Yummy food that you make: Spinach quiche
Z. Zoo Animal: Zebra, giraffe