Leaping Lizards!

Last Leap Day I had watched my due date for Lisbeth come and go ~ 

what a difference four years make.

(showing off the Valentine Heart Cookie she made with Daddy)

Quick Takes #102: Lent and life

1. Lent is off to a good start; so far (2 whole days) I like the devotional I've chosen.  The book I got for Lisbeth is I think beyond her.  I have a recommendation for another which I will check out or I might keep it informal this year and see where the spirit leads me.
2. Planning on doing a variation on 40 bags/40 days ~ will update as the plan comes together.
3. The one part of our bathroom that we didn't think needed repair ~ does in fact.  When the workmen removed the toliet they discovered that the floor was rotten underneath.  A frustrating delay and unexpected expense ~ but at least happening at a time when we were already planning the bathroom to be out of comission for a while.
4. Attended my first parent/teacher conference today; may they all goes as well during her life as a student!
5. Did you know that this Sunday is Oscar night? I didn't until I saw an ad, I barely know who/what has been nominated ~ but hosted by Billy Crystal, yup I'll be watching!!
6. Went to the ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor last week, apparently Liam's eardrums don't move even if there is no fluid in his middle ear, this is a bit of mystery for us and the doctor.  In the meantime he is using the 2-3 words he has more and more: Mama, Yeth, and Hi are getting quite the workout!
7. Warm welcome back to our host ~ Jennifer!! Congratulations on completing her book!!

Please visit Conversion Diary to read the rest of this week's Quick Takes.

Blessed Lent!

Giving up, giving back and giving in;

Now let the journey begin ~ Blessed Lent!

Thankful Thursday: February 16th

1. My kids regardless of how well they hear or listen
2. That when we stumble both my husband and I are able to find our way back into step; and the marriage dance continues!
3. Sun after the rain.

Please visit The Road Home and give thanks today!

Quick Takes #101

1. Wonderful week for links: Emerging Mommy hosted a Practices of Parenting Carnival; with over a hundred entries I've bookmarked with plans to return whenever I need inspiration or encouragement.
2. As a former gymnast I have MEGA thighs and calves and so have been ignoring the skinny jeans trend but encouraged by this post at Modern Mrs Darcy I headed to Old. Nav.y and am now the proud owner of a pair of skinny jeans.  
3. Last weekend I attended the Sweet Sixteen of my 'little sister' and her twin.  She was ten when I first met her and began spending time, and have enjoyed beyond words watching her grow and mature.  We have flexed with each other as babies have come into my life and teen activities have busied hers; but I am so glad we have mantain the connection and am curious to see what the college search brings.    
4. Was able to have Liam and myself receive the throat blessing of St Blaise last weekend after mass; always a nice thing in winter!!
5. Two other post from this week ~ one wonderful from Colleen as she writes of her adventures with NFP and their search for just reasons.
6. And one not so: Why must the answer be breastfeed less?
7. The snow has returned with more called for this weekend, hope my bulbs are getting too confused!

Have a good weekend, and don't forget to head over to Conversion Diary and the rest of the Quick Takes!

Thankful Thursday: February 9th

In honor of National Marrriage Week; things about Dr. Daddy for which I'm thankful

1. his strength of character
2. his cooking, especially his baking
3. his wisdom 
4. his wonderful sense of fun
5. his commitment to caring for others
6. the way he can smile at me after a very long day ~ and amazingly I find the energy for 'one more' book, snuggle, etc

Please visit The Road Home, hosted by the wonderful Rebecca and sharing what you are thankful for:

Wordless Wednesday: Sweet Sixteen!

Quick Takes #100

1. This is my hundredth time participating in Quick Takes Friday, and as I have a little over 400 posts that means 1 in 4 have been Quick Takes!
2. Not surprising as it has been a wonderful format to share ideas that I did not know how to focus a full post around but wanted to set down.
3. Also to 'journal' everyday events or experience in our daily lives that I wanted to remember in the busyness of life.  Like the expression "Your pleasure" of Lisbeth's that until I reread this post from last year I had truly forgotten she used to say despite it only being a year ago.
4. HHS: Still not sure how to express my feelings so I'm glad for the wonderful words of others
5. Susan G Komen's decision: Go them!! Planned Parenthood is under investigation for hugely under-reporting child rape.  Regardless of ones feelings about abortion can we agree that child rape is wrong!
6. Superbowl: Patriots - Giants!! Fun to have a game where either I will be thrilled or mildly disappointed and happy for my other half. (if it a good game ~ and everyone plays/refs as they should).
7. A couple friends asked if they should come as a buffer zone between us; I said No, but they were welcome to entertain our kids so we could focus on the game!!

A hundred post later: My thanks as always to Jen of Conversion Diary for hosting!!

Thankful Thursday: February 2nd

• Playground warm days
• Longer days allowing again for walks after nap time
• NAP TIME!
• Fellowship with friends after a long work day
• Sharing a 'joke' with my littles

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