2017 in 12 pictures

I love end-of-year recaps and so am again linking up with a photo year in review, this year hosted again by Bobbi of Revolution of Love. 

In January she turned 4 and Shimmer and Shine  helped celebrate!

In March we set about building a loft bed!

In April she started rocking these glasses!!

Saying goodbye after a great Kindergarten year!

We acquired a couple new porch rockers and I found a favorite reading spot!

In August I gathered with family to celebrate the life of a beloved aunt,

and back in Maine we watched the eclipse, and 

introduced Caitlin to s'mores.

In September Liam turned 7

October found us being batty and having a lot of fun!!

November found Liam wrapping up a great cross country season!!

In December Saint Nicholas was good enough to pay us a visit.

Happy New Year ~ May 2018 treat you great!!

How we met ~ repost

In honor of our 15th anniversary and as welcome to new readers I thought I would repost how my wonderful life with my Mr Bailey began.

Some backstory to Our Backstory: Someone or something was clearly leading me to PENN. Despite moving to the Mid-Atlantic (MD & VA) when I was five I have always considered myself a New Englander; I love the food, the geography, the spirit ~ everything! So 80% of the colleges I was planning on applying to were up there, a couple in VA where I was living and PENN. Which is Ivy League and in the city and everything I thought I didn't want ~ and one of the top nursing programs in the country.  I then as I do now often underestimate myself but some small part of me was curious and did not want to ten years later be curious if I could have gotten in if I had but tried. 

    Given the cost it was recommended to me that I apply Early Decision ~ and I did and it was the only school I ultimately applied to because they accepted me.  So I went to PENN where in the Spring of my freshman year I met Charlie.

    Having come from a wonderful parish with a great Youth Group one of the things I did at PENN was find the Newman Center (Catholic Student Center) and joined in; I became an Extra-ordinary Minister of the Eucharist, joined the Adoration Schedule, etc and in the Spring found out that I had been nominated to the Student Council as head of the Liturgy Committee.  I pointed out that as a freshman I thought I was too young to the then President, he told me to run anyway since I might not win ~ turns out I was running unopposed and won.  So that March after a joint council meeting (outgoing and incoming) up walks this nice guy (Charlie) who simultaneously tells me it will be fine because there was a structure in place, (I must have looked in shock) and then threw me for a loop by asking when I wanted to schedule our first meeting. (Charlie claims we had met before but I have no memory of this and am the one writing this so there.)

   So I took a deep breath, scheduled a committee meeting and discovered exactly how over my head I was when at the meeting I learned that the committee was rising Sophomore me and 4 PhD students. Eep!

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Quick Takes #251 Advent and etc

1. Hello ~ how's your Advent going? We are doing well here and finding a good rhythm I think.  The kids rotate lighting the candles, reading the prayer and then blowing out the candles.  Caitlin repeats after me but Liam is becoming more and more independent in his reading which is so exciting to watch.
2. We had our first snowfall of the year last weekend of which an inch or so has stuck around which definitely gives the neighborhood that holiday feel; as does getting our Christmas tree.  No ornaments were broken in the trimming and I only had to bite my lips or sit on my hands a bit.  AKA you never realize how much of a control freak you can be until you have to let your young kids trim the tree.
3. We left our shoes out for Saint Nicholas and ate chili on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadeloupe. Next week both schools have Christmas programs.  Such a busy time but hopefully finding a good balance.
4. As I finish up my last couple books for the year and start to think about what is topping my 'want to read' list for the new year I was excited to see Modern Mrs Darcy post her challenge list for 2018.  I'm still leaning towards 'off roading' next year but will definitely keep track of the different categories in case I get in a rut.
5. The Crown; watched and really enjoyed the new season.  Which makes the knowledge that many of the principle actors are done rather bittersweet.  I understand and even like the idea of recasting every two seasons rather than continuing to age the actors but am sad to see Claire Foy and Matt Smith go.
6. I have nearly half of our Christmas cards mailed and so feel like I can enjoy those we are receiving. I didn't write a letter this year but was tempted to include the kids ages on the photo card though with Caitlin having a January birthday wasn't sure what age to put. 
7. Have a wonderful weekend!

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

Open Book: December '17

The Summer before the War by Helen Simonson is wonderful and her characters were so fully developed that plot twists stayed with me for weeks after I'd finished the book.  This story captures beautifully a family, and town in the English countryside in their final moments of summer warmth and innocence and as the chill of war begins to be felt.  

Call the Nurse; Memoir of the Scotish Highlands by Mary MacLeod was a fun read where MacLeod found a good balance between sharing her cases as a Visiting Nurse and the everyday life experiences of living in the Hiberian isles.  Early in the 1970's MacLeod and her husband moved with their two youngest to the top and Scotland and sought a different life with what appears to be great success. There is a sequel which I will seek out at some point in the future.


Please head over to Carolyn's for more Open Book.

Quick Takes #250: Challenges and giving thanks

1. How is November treating you so far?  Here is some of what's been happening around the Baileys.
2. I have now experienced my first tire blow-out! And adding to the experience I had all three kids with me so my language had a stay clean and my attitude can-do despite the rain.  Blessedly in addition to Liam  someone else offered to help me put the spare on the car ~ and the next day at the tire store the warranty was honored without an argument. 
3. I'm so glad that despite the crazy warm weather in October the leaves are actually changing colors before falling.  I find the experience of raking so much more pleasing when the leaves are not all brown. And I'm told by the jumpers in the house that colored leaves are softer to leap into!!
4. Will be celebrating Saint Elisabeth of Hungary's feast today with cupcakes for everyone and roses for Lisbeth. I'm liking this approach for acknowledging feast days ~ just need to figure out what the 'flower' equivalent is for Liam?
5. I'm hoping to at some point give this take it's own post but in the meantime... I completed the MMD reading challenge earlier this month. Yay!!! Having now done a reading challenge the last couple of years I can honestly say reading books and stretching myself to attempt long and otherwise challenging books has done so much for my mental health and overall attitude.
6. While still somewhat in shock that Thanksgiving is next week; plans are coming together.  One of my favorite holidays and am so excited to get in some quality family time. 
7. While I'm giving thanks I definitely want to give thanks for you my lovely readers! Thank you for coming, reading and commenting!!

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

Quick Takes #249: Happy November!

1. It was a busy, but fun week with such much to celebrate and enjoy.  I think this October will go down in the books as one of crazy swings in weather but overall a good month.
2. Halloween went well with me pulling off the great parenting feat of attending nearly simultaneous costume parades at my kids two schools. The weather was chilly but the costumes were great and everyone had a good time. Trick or treating had Elisabeth heading off with friends for the first time and Liam & Caitlin working well together reaping a decent candy haul.
3. All Saints Day was largely a recovery day. We attended Mass, and Liam enjoyed a birthday lunch with G-ma but otherwise a nice down day after the business of Halloween.  Feast of All Souls had the kids back in school and us for the first time speaking more explicitly with the big 2 about praying for deceased family members.
4. We had fun watching the World Series this week despite the late night's especially since my MIL was visiting.  We lived in Houston during Charlie's residency and have many friends who still lived there so were thrilled with the ultimate champions but also the series of great games getting there.
5. Given the bad weather last weekend Liam's Cross Country Champ meet was moved to this coming weekend. Hoping for good weather and wrapping up this season with a good race!
6. This weekend will also include a hike with Liam's cub scout pack. 
7. Photo Feature;
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Please head over to Kelly's for more 7QT's

Quick Takes #238: Late October Life

1. So how was your October? Good here; but feeling like having found a good rhythm with school got leveled up with scouts starting for the big kids and other fall activities.
2. Elisabeth is headed to her first Halloween party tonight. We were browsing a costume store and she announced that she wanted to be an archer (Robin Hood not Merida) and we had a lot fun putting all the pieces together.  Liam is Charizard which is not his favorite Pokemon but he thought the costume was fun ~ and I thought he would easily be warm enough.  Caitlin is dressing as Minnie Mouse this year; which I'm happy for memory sake since of the kids she has definitely been the bigger Mickey/Minnie fan.
3. Reason #228 why I love my kids school: having to been trying for a family rosary all month this week I got to attend as their school organized a living rosary. Elisabeth as a member of the children's choir performed the opening and closing hymn and all the 7th graders acted as the individual beads.
4. Am really excited for the return of Fixer Upper and The Crown in about a month. In the meantime favorite new show of the season The Brave.  Any other new shows I should check out?
5. Liam's Cross Country season ends this weekend.  He did not enjoy it as much as I thought he would but did say he would like to join the team again next fall ~ and could he please try Karate now!
6. After temps all over the map for most of the month it seems like fall is settling in. Hope the crazy weather doesn't curtail leaves changing colors too much.
7. Pumpkin picking and Liam's last cross country race this weekend. Whatever your's holds ~ have a good one!!

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

The 40 Book Bookcase

So I read this book which began with the idea of reading only from the books the author already owned for a year and ended with her making a list of perfect bookcase containing 40 books ~ and so I thought I'd make mine too; so in no particular order except #1 on her list gets top billing on mine too.

1. The Bible
2. Amazing Grace by K. Norris
3. Cloister Walk by K. Norris
4. Look to the Mountain by L. Cannon
5. Pride and Prejudice by J. Austen
6. Persuasion by J. Austen
7. Memory by L.M. Bujold
8. A Civil Campaign by L.M. Bujold
9. Paladin of Souls by L.M. Bujold
10. A Civil Contract by G. Heyer
11. These Old Shades by G. Heyer
12. The Grand Sophy by G. Heyer
13. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
14. Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery
15. The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
16. The Little Prince by A. Saint-Exupery
17. To the Lighthouse by V. Woolf
18. Mrs Dalloway by V. Woolf
19. Interior Castle by Saint Theresa Avila
20. Circle of Quiet by M. L'Engle
21. Two Part Invention by M. L'Engle
22. Wrinkle in Time by M. L'Engle
23. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
24. The Wind in the Willows by K. Grahame
25. Younger than Springtime by A. Greeley
26. A Christmas Wedding by A. Greeley
27. Star Bright by A. Greeley
28. September by R. Pilcher
29. Winter Solstice by R. Pilcher 
30. Leaves of Grass by W. Whitman
31. Ragamuffin Gospel by B. Manning
32. Innocents Abroad by M. Twain
33. A Room with a View by E.M Forester
34. Only Love by E Lowell
35. Jade Island by E. Lowell
36. We Two by Gillian Gill
37. The Wives of Henry VIII by A. Fraser
38. Woman Warrior by M. Kingston
39. God is An Englishman by R.F. Delderfield
40. In Search of Our Mother's Gardens by A. Walker

What would be on yours?
Linking up with Bobbi of Revolution of Love for Weekly Writing in October.

Open Book ~ October '17

In the past month I finished Poems and read

 In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden which is a lovely story about a group of Benedictine nuns living in the English countryside.  The story begins as Philippa Talbot a successful businesswoman leaves her London life and enters the cloister.  While she is how we gain entrance to the community the book is really the story of House and varied rhythms of the liturgical year and the many gains and losses of the women who live in community
  It is a long read but one I really enjoyed; there are enough characters to keep me interested but not so many that I felt lost.  While there is not really a plot, the changes and growths in the various characters are well explored and fun to follow.

Next up The Summer before the War.

Please head over to Carolyn's for more Open Book.

Where I'm From

Have noticed a few new followers (welcome) and thought I would repost this piece from 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.

Quick Takes #237: Life and Liam

1. Liam enjoyed his busy, fun weekend; having a blast at his party at Charles Edward Cheese and then running well in his first cross country meet.  As I looked back at my 'just turned 6 post' for him I realized all of those things still largely hold true.  His favorite shows include Ben 10 and Voltron in addition to Teen Titan Go; and he has moved to first readers...but mostly he is still my running foodie who thinks Dad hung the moon and I'm pretty cool too.
2. He also did well on his first spelling test; only missing one.  This was a tough back to reality school week with homework every night and several quizzes to study for.  More after school activities has me to trying to figure when/how to schedule homework time so that the kids get some down time but we are not rushing to finish up at bedtime.
3. We have been back up in the 80's all week but posts like Rosie's have me thinking about go-to outfits when the weather cools down for good.
4. All of the kids have picked what they want to be for Halloween which has me excited to get organized early ~ and really hoping no one changes their mind
5. My dad would have been 90 today!! While it breaks my heart a bit to be reminded that my kids will never know him in this life; I'm enjoying their recent interest and questions as it lets me share some of my favorite memories and make real for them the grandfather they never met.
6. Praying for the people of Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Virgin Island ~ and really hoping that Mother Nature calm way down!
7. Photo Dump:  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Please head over to Kelly's for more 7QT's.

First Days and First Impressions ~ September 2017

  Yesterday Caitlin started her Pre-Kindergarten year and with that everyone is off and running.

Caitlin had a good first day and was very excited about her Shimmer & Shine lunchbox and found it funny that there was nap time at school.

Early thoughts from Liam on first grade; "There is a lot more sitting at your desk than in Kindergarten!"








Elisabeth is a big fan of her teacher's beach/wave theme and is optimistic ~ which in turn makes me so happy and excited for all of them!

Open Book: September 2017

War and Turpentine a novel written by Stefan Hertmans based on his grandfather's journals and war memories.  While finding the transitions a bit clunky as the author switches from the grandson's memories to the first person voice as 'the grandfather' recounts his experience in WW1 I overall really enjoyed this book.  The grandfather lived from 1891 till 1981 and the author does a good job conveying how much change the grandfather witnesses in his life.  I originally was drawn to this book because it was about Belgium and would let me fulfill another MMD category but given all the WW1 centennials being observed I'm so glad I spent some time getting an eye witness of what it was to be in Flander Fields even if it was a fictionalized based on a soldier's war journals one.

Poems by C.S. Lewis; I am a little over halfway through and am intentionally taking my time reading only 3-4 poems a day so as to let them each have their moment before I move on.  I don't read enough poetry to speak critically about them but I really enjoying the book. Lewis writes on a wide variety of topics and his sarcasm and wit shines through.

As an aside I recently meet Jessica Ptomey at the annual CWBN (Catholic Women Blogger Network) Mid-Atlantic chapter meeting and was excited to discover she hosts a Catholic Book Challenge on her blog.  A book by C.S. Lewis is one of the categories so at least I made a showing this year and even better she plans to host another one next year!


Please head over to Carolyn's for more Open Book.

Quick Takes #236: Summers Wraps-up and I get a day away!

1. Happy September! I can't believe how fast the summer went but I suppose that speaks to time flying while we were having fun.  School starts next week for the older two and Caitlin visits her classroom next Friday.
2. Have been trying to strike the right balance this week of letting the kids enjoy the end of summer vacation but we have also been getting backpacks and school supplies ready.  The other reason to let screen limits slide a bit is Dr Daddy is on a rough rotation and everyone is feeling his absence.
3. Last weekend I was able to attend the annual meeting of the CWBN (Catholic Women Blogger Network) Mid-Atlantic chapter and it was wonderful! Ana who hosted and and the other organizers did a great job. The speakers Kelly, Elizabeth, and Mary were amazing and provided so much food for thought that while I'm still digesting everything they shared I already feel my blogging muscles strengthen.
4. Other and better recaps were posted by Ana and Lisa.
5. We signed Liam up for the Cross Country Team and while school starts next week, practices started this week. So far he likes it but he is still learning that when you are aiming to run close to mile you don't start out at full speed.  He has earned his nickname of "Running Boy" so really hoping this proves to be a good fit.
6. I'm so grateful that Harvey has moved on from Houston and the Gulf Coast, and that those who I know who live there are well.  That being said my heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones and homes.  Having lived there in the aftermath of Allison and realizing how much more catastrophic this storm was, urge everyone to help in whatever way you can.
7. Wishing everyone a good weekend and all those kiddo's a great start to the school year!

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

Vacation Thoughts ~ 2017

   As I sit down to write another vacation recap I am again very grateful that we were this year again blessed with largely good weather and am remembering all the delicious food I got to eat (Scoop Deck ice cream x 4) but am also wanting to reflect on what was new and distinct about this year's vacation.

    The most obvious difference being this year began with me heading over to New Hampshire to remember with my family and her friends my aunt's wonderful life and legacy. My uncle and cousins had intended it to be a celebration of a life well lived and they succeeded! While the day's events had that 'empty seat at the table' sense, it was overall a wonderful day of sharing stories and memories.  The day also gave me the chance to catch-up in person with my older brother and cousins from California.


 Of the week+ in Maine the memories I will most cherish are:

• Elisabeth and my niece boogie boarding with great enthusiasm and improving skill.
• Liam appearing to be impervious to the cold and he rushed in time and again to the ocean.
• Caitlin's first time staying up late to make s'mores.
• Everyone working hard despite the rain to build a rock wall border.
• Shared Minecraft worlds for the BFFC's
• Caitlin wanting me nearby but NOT holding her hand while she jumped waves.
• Liam and Caitlin's first time playing mini-golf. BTW 18 holes is about 10 too many with a four year old.
• The maturity Lisbeth showed when despite coming down with a painful ear inflection she rested on a bench and let the rest of us outlet shop for a bit.
• Putting Moana on for the kids to watch and having the teenagers appear and stay.
• Massive splash fights in pool between Dr Daddy and the big girls.
• The kids setting up the yard for an eclipse watching party and then each drifting back into the house during until it was only the grown-ups watching.

  Familiar places and vacation traditions lend the structure but the kids changing interest and growing abilities gives each year it's distinct moments and memories.

S'more sampling

Eclipse Watching