Quick Takes vol #27

1. The first week of the semester went reasonably well.  Charlie said Elisabeth was very sad to see him go at yesterdays drop-off.  Hopefully she will quickly adjust to the idea that yes we are leaving for the day, but we will always come back.  
2. Additionally at only two days a week I'm also hoping that they come to mean 'playing with other kids days' rather than no mommy.  Oh well, a girl can dream.
3. The first day with students went very well with a couple getting to see a delivery and another student largely getting over her fear of newborns.  I actually really admire her attitude, she asked to be assigned to the nursery first because that was the aspect of Maternity which frightened her most and she wanted to face her fear right away.  Not always my approach but certainly a laudable one.
4. Getting new patio doors today.  We have been in our house five years, and have been doing a lot of home projects this summer.  Making me wonder if this is the norm: you do the critical stuff when you first move then you live in the house for a few years and decide what else really needs doing.  Not counting of course the things that fall-over on their own accord and not according to your schedule.
5. R.I.P Edward Kennedy and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, may God grant you lasting peace and grant comfort to those left behind.  Having volunteered at Special Olympics and had family in MA my whole life my thoughts and feelings are still a jumble and may become a coherent post later.  Two things I believe in: the forgiveness of sins and living your life so as to give back with the gifts given to you are good things.
6. New phrase this week: 'Yes, pees'.  New favorite show: 'Fifi and the Flowertots', personally I'd  rather watch 'Top Chef' but know how to share the remote.
7. Yummy Shepard's Pie this week, planning a chili for next: Thank heavens for leftovers!

Thanks for visiting, please enjoy the host round-up at Conversion Diary hosted by Jen

Wordless Wednesday: Back to School

Quick Takes vol #26

1. A tough week is ending on an upswing, looking forward to a lovely dinner with my 'little sister and hearing all about her high school orientation
2. Today I am taking Elisabeth visit her daycare to drop off stuff and spend some time in her room,  and meet her teacher in the hopes of making Monday's drop-off smoother.  She is very social and generally has great fun at play-dates but the unknown is how she will separate from me.
3. The extreme humidity has greatly reduced our playground time but early morning walks seem to be filling the void okay.  She wants to be outside but does not complain about coming back after 10-15 minutes.
4. The vocabulary continues to grow and grow: current new phrases 'der it is',  'all done'  and a meow sound for cats, and moo for cows.
5. Good news: new french doors are in and can be installed.  Bad (or frustrating) news: my semester starts next week so scheduling installation just got so much more complicated.
6. With my return to teaching comes I hope a return to meal planning.  I think if I can be diligent about this on the weekends our stress level during the week will be much better.
7. Plans for the weekend: Enjoying C. being off service and getting ready for the start of the semester.

Enjoy the more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary hosted by Jen

Small Successes:August 20th

1. Submitted my second review for the Catholic company.
2. Completed a continuing education module for my certification

Which nearly completes what I had hoped to get done before the semester begun and I resume my teaching responsibilities.

 

    3.Mantained goal weight for a month which included a vacation, and hot humid weather which does not inspire one to exercise.

Today I am so thankful: 

for friends who listen, respond and motivate

central A/C 

that Charlie's two weeks of working round-the-clock are nearly over

ice coffee

that I am loved and forgiven and welcome at my Heavenly Father's feet

new words spoken with glee from E.

Have a blessed day and remember to celebrate that good that is you.

Meet John XXIII: A Review

Born in the early seventies, I have worshiped my entire life in the post-Vatican-II Church, and have heard the story of the papacy which was to be a quiet transition, and in fact called the worldwide Church to council.  So when given the chance to read more about Pope John XXIII I leapt at it, and am now very happy I did.

This biography by Patricia Treece is a wonderful balance of Pope John XXIII's (or Angelo Roncalli, as he was known for much of his life) public and private life.  Personal stories from friends and entries from his journal are put in context against world events, as Angelo serves during WWI as a soldier and chaplain, and during WWII as apostolic delegate in Turkey and Greece.  The chapters on his papacy discuss his ongoing work towards Christian unity, begun during his assignments in heavily Orthodox regions of the world, and his attempts at diplomacy with Soviet-bloc leader Khrushchev to improve the lot of priests behind the Iron Curtain.  It was an enjoyable read; I came away feeling as if I not only knew the facts of this amazing life but some of what motivated, inspired, and drove his life journey in faith.  Examples of his generous, cheerful spirit anchored in a simple, solid mission of charity and service to the Cross filled the pages.  Treece is not presenting a perfect person – some of his faults are discussed – but rather how a commitment to strive for holiness guides him throughout his life's challenges.

While I did not come away from the book with a better understanding of why the council was called – his motives are not discussed – I did come away grateful for the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary man, to read some of his writing, and to hear what those who knew and worked with him thought and felt about “The Good Pope”.  

This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Meet John XXIII - Joyful Pope and Father to All .

Quick Takes vol #25

1. Home again after a wonderful week at my MIL in Maine.  There is a definite advantage to going to the same place time and again.  The place can act as a yard stick to measure against.  As I watched Elisabeth devour her own hot dog and ice cream at a favorite local spot I remembered the infant I introduced to cereal last year, and as I watched Charlie teach her to jump waves (or more accurately stomp them) I wondered what amazing skills will she have acquired by the time our next vacation rolls around.
2. Unfortunately his schedule demanded that Charlie leap right back in to long hours and busy days.  Luckily E. is doing well at bedtime with just me (usually their special time) and I see the benefit in keeping in practice the ability to be close and reconnect in a few minutes.  To communicate love and support for the day in a sleepy smile and quiet touch.
3. My work is about to begin again with the fall semester starting and this year my usual excitement/anxiousness about new students, new curriculm and preparing lesson plans also includes questions about transitioning E. to daycare.  It is the same place she was last fall but a new room.  Do I pack a lunch, or is food provided?  Do all the kids nap at the same time, and should I start adapting E.'s schedule now?   We are going to drop-off stuff next week.  Hopefully I will come away with some answers, and a bit more excitement.
4. Saw Slumdog Millionaire while on vacation.  While I did not completely understand what all the hype was about, I did appreciate the plot question of how the answers in life come to us.  
5. One of Elisabeth's newly acquired words is "Amen" and it gives a certain charm to Mass to watch her stop whatever she is doing and echo whenever she hears it said.  It is also her response when I say "Bless you" after a sneeze.  I almost wished she sneezed more often.
6. Perfect memory: Sharing lobster rolls while sitting on the seawall watching E. waved "Hi" to every seagull that flew by.  My heart took a picture.
7. Plans for the weekend: Continue to put the house back in order while enjoying family time.

Find the rest of this weeks Quick Takes at Conversion Diary hosted by Jen

The "Maine" Event

Vacation

• Lobster, clams and fish&chips
• Yummy ice cream and peach cobbler
• Pool time with cousins
• Picnics on the seawall
• Wave-jumping
• Kite flying
• Castles building
• Outlet shopping
• Wagon rides
• Kick back family time

Need I say more:

• I didn"t think so! 

Small Successes:August 6th

1. Managed on our trip north to have dinner with an aunt, uncle and cousins of mine.  Scheduled worked and the members of my little family were open to the detour and delay in arriving at our ultimate vacation spot.  Important to me because with my dad gone, his brother is my closest link to him for Elisabeth.  
2. The yummy peaches picked last week were turned into an equally delicious cobbler.
3. We have been to the beach twice (including some preliminary wave jumping) and the pool once.  

Today I am so thankful:

             for sunny days and cool evenings

             the opportunity to watch toddlers discover the ocean

             fun times in the pool with family

             "Scoop Deck"

             delicious meals prepared together

Read and celebrate more small successess at Faith and Family Live

Odds and Ends

• Have safely made it to Maine, Miss E. did well in the car and has been to ocean on a foggy evening.  Early report: Waves are very interesting to watch and listen to, not so sure yet about water rushing over her feet.  More research awaits.
• Fellow mom and blogger Holly has a new graphic design site built around the fun and yummy idea of coffee treats.  Go check it out Coffee: Freshly Roasted Design

Happy August!