Leap Day 2016

 I've seen suggested in a couple places the idea of a time capsule put away now with the idea that you dig it up at the next leap day which will be in 2020!! While that is not my thing I did like the idea of documenting a few things about us now to look back on the next time February 29th rolls around.

  Lisbeth is days away from being 8; crazy about dinosaurs and says that she wants to be a palentologists when she grows up. Legos and calico critters are her favorite things to play with. Gymnastics and basketball are her favorite sports; and Math her favorite subject.

Liam is 5 1/2; a foodie who loves superheros, Transformers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Thriving in PreK he is moving from letter recognition to writing simple words and asking about reading.  No consistent plans for a future career.

Caitie is 3; speaks in crazy complex sentences and loves telling stories and being read to. Still in diapers but we have big plans for the spring. Content to sleep in her crib provided she has Amber & Sophia to cuddle and her seahorse to lull her to sleep.  Goes to Mother's Day Out two mornings a week and asks every morning if this is a school day.

We have been in this house for a little over a year and a half and ~ despite the fact that Liam and Lisbeth occasionally make special requests for the next time we move ~ are loving it.


Happy Leap Day 2016!!

Quick Takes #203

1. Life is crazy fun right now; the kids are growing and changing. And it is one of those rare moments when while I would love to freeze them right now (well maybe once Caitie is potty trained) I am also really enjoying the ride and watching them discover new things and meet new challenges.
2. The very cold weather and the fact that she is showing no interest what-so-ever has halted my plan to get Caitie out of diapers. Will keep offering and see if the idea takes hold soon. Suggestions welcome.
3.  If you are not a Downton fan feel free to skip this one. I'm loving this season; from Gwen's visit to Mosley's new career. This past week's episode resolved so much but also left me so curious about Edith's future, Tom's and Isobel's that I was annoyed that the finale is not until March 6th. But now I'm glad that there is a little more time until there is no more Downton.
4. Lisbeth's school has a 40 book challenge ~ last year she completed it at the end of May and that took a lot of nudging and cajoling. Currently she has read 37 books and has agreed to a challenge from us to go for 50!! What a difference a year makes!  As someone who LOVES to read I can't fully express how happy I am to see her discover the fun of reading.
5. Liam is actually asking about learning to read. We are starting slow but I have big plans for the summer!! We started with BOB books with Lisbeth and will likely do the same with him ~ but am very open to ideas if anyone has found something they love for working with a laid-back but surprisingly stubborn little boy.
6. Pennsylvania always seems to like to throw winter weather at us randomly through March but I can't help but start to watch for signs of Spring as February winds down and March begins.
7. Weekend plans include a couple big projects ~ fingers crossed!

Please head over to Kelly's for more 7QT's

Quick Takes #202: Lent and life these days

  

1. Snow on and off all week have made for pretty views but no loss of school and not too bad clean-up wise.  Temperature wise winter is definitely settling back in this weekend.  
2. Lent plans are coming together; alms wise I'm hoping to complete 40 bags in 40 days again and will be staying open to other giving opportunities. Prayer-wise I'm using the devotional journal offered by Blessed is She.  
3. Ana of Times Flies offers this wonderful post on motherhood during this season; so in shorthand I'm going to giving up being annoyed at the interruptions which comes with loving and living with littles.
4. Nancy of Do Small Things post offers a wonderful list of different ideas for Lent. Hoping to focus on one from each category ~ maybe picking a new one each week.
5. I'm also participating again with #holylens on Instagram hosted by Abbey of Surviving Our Blessings.
6. Lisbeth and Liam both came home from school with a checklist of ideas for during Lent ~ so beyond completing the pathway from Catholic Icing and meatless Fridays I'm currently hanging back and letting them decide how they want to approach Lent.
7. Charlie and I are presenting at a Pre-Cana tomorrow; I've come to really appreciate these chances to meet with young people and discuss ideas and goals for how to build a strong marriage.

Please head over to Kelli's for more 7QT's

Quick Takes #201: Hallo February!

1. The sickies have come to visit; mostly with Liam who got the persistent sore throat ~ spiking the occasional fevers version, while Lisbeth the persistent cough version. So far Caitlin is doing well as are the grown-ups.  Hoping for better things next week.
2. Candlemas was subdued but nice. We went out with friends for crepes on Sunday since Lisbeth had a school function on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday she helped me put the window candles away.
3. Catholic School week has been fun if a bit crazed as they are at two different schools this year ~ each having different activities all week. But the kids had fun and hopefully felt like their schools got celebrated.
4. I don't often do politics here but please go read this and this!!
5. Our play dough somehow disappeared in the move and I have been NO RUSH to replace it but sadly 18 months later Play dough is again in the house ~ and I am again picking up tiny scraps and explaining that if they don't put it away it will dry out!!!!
6. As of today Caitlin is registered for Preschool and Liam is registered for Kindergarten!! Lisbeth had a great kindergarten teacher and year; really praying history repeats itself for Liam.
7. Planning mostly a recovery weekend; Lisbeth has a Presidents Project to work on and we have friends coming over for the Superbowl.  Have a good one!!

Please head over to Kelli's for more 7QT's

What is saving my life right now

Linking up with the Modern Mrs Darcy and sharing 

what is saving my life right now

Winter while wonderful does certainly wear on me after awhile and while not as seriously as Seasonal Affected Disorder I have learned to guard against the "winter blues".

Current favorite remedies:

•  making sure to be outside if sunny and take a walk if possible
• weekly trips to Starbucks or Dunkin
• making myself a cup of tea before tackling/overseeing homework and starting dinner
• crocking something large on the weekend ~ gifting myself a night or two of leftovers
• making or buying scones for 'tea-time'
• pleasuring reading
• Watching Downton Abbey
• keeping a gratitude journal and aiming for 3 entries each day

What is saving your life these days?