Thankful Thursday: March 29th

Giving thanks this week for:

1. Tulips!
2. Long, lovely walk in a nearby garden.
3. Many hands making light some furniture construction.
4. Coupons in the mail for a free ice coffee! 

Please head over to The Road Home and share what you are thankful for.

Milkshake and Memories: Updated

Originally posted on March 27, 2010

In the plans for today is getting a milkshake (ideally a frappe, but those are hard to come by outside of New England), preferably coffee. You see my dad passed away March 27, 2004 and when the first anniversary came I was not sure what to do, I did not exactly want to celebrate, but marking the date was definitely in order.

So I got a coffee shake because my dad loved them, and he taught me to also. It felt right and so now every year on his birthday in September and on this day in March I get a milkshake, remember, and raise my glass to my dad.

My dad who loved to read, the ocean, and mountain climbing especially the White's in New Hampshire.  Who preferred classical music but also introduced me to The Weavers, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Beyond the Fringe.

So probably I can convince Elisabeth to join me in a milkshake and someday when she is older I will tell her why we are having one on this day and who her grandfather was.

Update: In the last year Lisbeth has begun to learn about grandparents and how that works; that Bonne Mamy is my mom and Grandma is Daddy's.  So this year it begins, as we share our milkshakes, telling her  (and Liam) about their frappe loving grandfather.

Our Song!

Katie at NFP and Me asked: What song did you first dance to as husband and wife?

What's your song? Share a video if there is one?


Covenant Hymn by Rory Cooney and Gary Daigle





Did you always have a song or did you have to find one?
   A song we liked for awhile but became 'our song' for the wedding.

Why did you pick this song?

     Thought it said what we meant in our vows ~ and receiving the Sacrament of Marriage. And was     danceable for us who are dance-challenged!

What does it mean to you?

      Loving someone for a lifetime is hard but very worthywhile.

Won't you share a picture of you two dancing? (Doesn't have to be a wedding picture!)

    (Not dancing to Convent Hymn obviously)

Peace in Prayer: A Review

Part of the Classic Wisdom series published by Pauline Press Peace in Prayer features the writings of Teresa of Avila.

Taken from her letters and writings, this books offers twenty-two small reflections on prayer in the daily life.  Really enjoyed this book, the chance to read her writings from different perspectives, personal reflections, letters to friends, advice to her sister Carmelites.  A wonderful collection of thoughtful, practical advice of how to persevere in prayer,  in word and in action.  The format also allows the reader to open the book to any reflection at anytime like a seeker going to elder in the tradition of the Desert Fathers & Mothers and asking 'for a word'.  Will definitely be returning to this book and am planning to seek out others from the Classic Wisdom series.

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 Peace in prayer: Wisdom from Teresa of Avila. They are also a great source for a baptism gifts or first communion gifts.

Quick Takes #104: Blessings Edition

1. The appearance of spring flowers

2. I've finished all my grading and evaluations

3. These books and movie showed up in my mailbox this week!!

4. Her wonderful smile and zest for life!

5. Days he naps well and I get to glimpse.

 6. A chance to blog ~ better late than never!

7. A lovely weekend to look forward to.

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

Thankful Thursday: March 8th

1. A mother of faith ~ who shared that faith with me.
2. A father who tried hard to stay open to other possibilities.
3. A husband whose faith and committed to service has impressed and inspired me since I first met him so many years ago.
4. So many friends and kindred spirits who have been wonderous 'companions on the journey'
5. The chance to share the graces and blessings I have known with two of the greatest blessings in my life. 

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

Wordless Wednesday: A 'New' Bathroom!

Ten on Tuesday: Chore List

1. What are your designated chores in your home?
       Childcare and general cleaning and upkeep ~ pretty much everything. LOL!

2. What is your least favorite chore to do around the house?
      Cleaning the tub.

3. What was your designated chore growing up?
     Keeping bedroom clean, vacumning, dusting, helping with clearing & dishes.

4. Did you get paid to do chores or was your allowance connected to you completing your chores?
      Paid to do extra stuff but not the usually weekly stuff.

5. If you had a bit of extra money, would you hire a cleaning person or would you save the money for something else?
       Hard call, might splurge for a deep cleaning once a year or so.

6. What chores will you make your kids do around the house?
       Cleaning their rooms, clearing dishes, helping with laundry, maybe vacumning.

7. How frequently do you do laundry? Wash your sheets? Dust?
       Laundry is kind of constant, sheets every 2 weeks, dust ~ aiming for monthly.

8. Do you have a designated “chore day” during the week?
        Not yet, but have been gathering information on different schedule plans.

9. What is your favorite chore–if such a thing exists?
        Dusting & polishing ~ does not happen often but so happy when it does!

10. Do you do anything to help pass the time while doing chores (music, TV, etc.)?
        Music usually!


Please visit Roots and Rings and share your take on these ten questions.

Birthday Girl!

Four pictures in celebration of my new four year old!

We love you now and always!!

Quick Takes #103

1. Workmen are nearly done, which in a sense means our work is about to begin putting everything back in order ~ spring cleaning with an extra twist (or is that catch)!
2. 98% blog hop: If you have not yet please hop over and read some of the wonderful stories collected by Rebecca and Michelle
3. Still the strong silent type, my little fellow is consistently favoring me with "mama" thought his version has much in common with A Streetcar Named Desire's take on Stella.
4. Tomorrow I will officially be living with a four year old ~ how did that happen?
5. Cake pops & pancakes were both made by me this week in our house ~ as anyone who knows me knows; I don't cook/bake, but for my children I'm willing to learn.
6. Lenten practices ~ my almsgiving practices has been given wonderful direction thanks to Leila of the Little Catholic Bubble; every week she profiles a child seeking adoption from Reeces Rainbow a wonderful site that helps special needs children raise funds towards their adoption cost.  Go check it out!!
7. Pre-Cana this weekend; please pray for the couples attending and us presenters.  May the Holy Spirit inspire our words and open their heart and minds for the receiving. 

Please visit Conversion Diary for the rest of this week's Quick Takes

Thankful Thursday: March 1st

1. Real progress in the bathroom repairs, and for the hope of a getting a working bathroom back soon.
2. Time spent with my wonderful students
3. The great nurses who helped me teach and were so kind to my students
4. Tulips!

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