Quick Takes #210 Summer Start

1. Summer is off to a decent start; weather is hot but with a breeze.  We've managed playground time most days and camp started this week too.
2. Swimming lessons are off to a good start too; Caitie was a bit nervous to not have me in the water with her but is now doing great. Elisabeth still needs convincing to get her face consistently in the water but I'm hopeful this summer she will to develop a stoke and Liam become a stronger swimmer without any floatation aids.
3. Finally managed a family bike ride; which got off to a rough start (one of Liam's training wheels kept moving out of alignment and he would tip-over going around corners) but ultimately went better than I had hoped and am hopefully for many more.
4. AND while I acknowledge and am very grateful for all of the above: OMG ~ the fighting!! What with Caitie in full force toddlerhood and giving up her nap and the other two relearning how to be around each other all day I'm losing my mind a bit over here. Here's hoping camp every morning helps a bit!
5. Congrats to Ana, Sheena, and Lisa!! Welcome to all the babies!!
6.  Fans of Harry Potter and the Communion of Saints head here and enjoy!!
7. Weekend plans include a bit of weeding, hopefully some biking and happily sharing the sibling negotiation duties someone else!

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

Quick Takes #207

1. Mother's Day was lovely ~ filled with hand-made crafts made at school, breakfast in bed, gifts cards for coffee breaks and culminated with watching a Red Sox win!
2. While the weather is definitely tending grey and rainy but with the few good days this week I managed to get the lawn mowed and some seedlings planted.  
3. Going to play fangirl for a moment and tell you that if you are not reading California to Korea ~ you must check it out. In addition to being the new host of Theme Thursday Micaela writes about issues of faith and parenting with such humor and sensitivity it's a must read!
4. Kids are overall dealing with the lousy weather well and definitely getting excited for summer. Many a cushion fort has been built and they are already discussing what to pack for the different trips planned.
5. Am excited about the proposed commission regarding the role of women deacons if for no other reason than to learn more about roles women played in the early church.
6. Speaking of women's history; I recently picked up a copy of Capital Dames. I have read and enjoyed (the first more than the second) Roberts prior two books and look forward to jumping into this one soon.
7. The weekend will involve a bunch of yard work if the weather holds and as much reading as I can manage if it doesn't. Have a good one!!

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

Quick Takes #204: Parties and Prayers

 

1.  Lisbeth's party went well with the kids having a blast first playing in gym and then climbing all over the 'fun factory' which essentially is a ballpit/maze/giant slide structure.  Our local bakery out did themselves proud and gave us a wonderful cake for our dinosaur loving princess!
2. The other highlight of the past weekend was the Downton Finale which I thought was wonderful! Yes they were reaching a bit to tie-up most of the strings but I felt it was a most fitting far-well. 
3. Dr Daddy and I are presenting at Pre-Cana this weekend and I really wish I could copy Rachel's post and pass it far and wide!
4. Important prayer request from Dwijia and name announced. As did Ana!!
5. Colleen has graciously pulled together a prayer list for anyone seeking pregnancy related prayers or wishing to pray that intention.  
6. The weather this week has been amazing ~ and while it may not be here to stay it has been a nice hint that spring is indeed on it's way. 
7. Prayers for those in the path of the flooding in the South and happy weekend all!

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

Quick Takes #196: Advent Happenings

1. After a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family where good food was shared and the kids had a great time with their cousins; we headed home and are jumping on the Advent train.
2. Actually started letting the kids open windows on their calendar on Sunday when we lit the first candle on the Advent wreath.  We always forget a night here and there ~ and now we are already ahead a night or two.
3. We are again using the prayers from Welcome Baby Jesus by Sarah Reinhard when we light the Advent wreath candles. Except this year Lisbeth is reading the prayers!!!
4. Check these excellent posts on Advent observances in these 'in the trench' days: 
5. Have started the two books in the last two categories I need to read to complete the Modern Mrs Darcy reading challenge. Am not sure that I will be able to finish both this month but am proud of myself with sticking with and meeting the challenge. 
6. Liam is a camel in his school's Christmas Play; I'm a bit disappointed it not a lobster. Name the movie :)
7. Plans for the weekend includes a bit more decorating and getting together with friends and perhaps the first fire of the season.

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

Quick Takes #192: Popes and links

 Sharing some of the wonderful posts I've enjoyed during this Papal Visit and WMOF week.

1. Firstly Julia Walsh of These Walls as graciously lent her site as a launching site for posts from the many bloggers of the CWBN of the Mid-Atlantic. Go and enjoy A Walk in Words With Pope Francis.
2. Kelly writing about the World Meeting of Families
3. Rachel writing about celebrating from home
4. Abigail sharing her experience of the Papal Parade with her family.
5. Mary about the Communion of Saints and grieving.
6. I've enjoyed watching the coverage thus far and sharing with my kids. Upon watching the Pope's arrival at Andrews Base; Liam asked when he was coming to our house. I explained that he was coming to our city and we were hoping to see him at a celebration there.  He allowed that going to a festival might be as fun as a playdate here.
7. Any great links that I missed??

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

Quick Takes #182 ~ of the quick variety

1. Last Weekend Summary; lots of fun for the kids in the slip&slide and paddling pool. The grown-ups took down the dead since we moved in tree and found Dr Daddy a bike!!
2. Great post by Michele of My Domestic Monastery on raising daughters.
3. Gymnastics Expo this weekend; Dr Daddy is on-call so I will be kid-wrangling but am hopeful  I will be able to watch Lisbeth show off her amazing progress this year. Mostly I'm glad she is having fun and making friends.
4. Speaking of being the mom of daughters was so excited to see this announcement from Meg of a Princess Saint book she is working on!
5. Thoughts and prayers to all those who lost love ones and effected by the storms in Houston.  We were living there at the time of Hurricane Allison and recent pictures look very similar.
6. So excited for the Outlander finale tomorrow; have overall been impressed with how faithful to the book they have been and where they have deviated.
7. Happy Weekend All!!

Now please head over to Kelly's for more 7QT's

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Quick Takes #180: Lots of links

Sharing with you some of my favorite reads cause I like to share and maybe you are having the same kind-of sick, grumpy, toddler testing week I'm having.

1. Still bummed I missed the conference ~ love the recaps: Rosie, Abby
2. Today I got to attend Muffins with Mom at Liam's school. Songs and food; it was a lovely program and so nice to spend some one on one time with Liam.
3. Totally agree with Ana's take on Mother and Sons
4. One night last week Dr Daddy went into the hospital to be with a family as they said those important good-byes. Hugs and prayers to all of those missing their mom or child this weekend.
5. Mary's post on staying present while remembering.
6. Sarah's piece about missing a mom.
7. Happy Weekend!

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

Quick Takes #173 Lent and a case of the sickies

1. TGIF: What a crazy week: School holiday, Snow day, Ash Wednesday, etc
2. Both the big kids were sick this past weekend and then Lisbeth unfortunately kept relapsing all week; fine Monday, lousy Tuesday, managed a school day Wednesday, sick through the night and so stayed home yesterday. Currently at school and has hopefully kicked it to the curb.
3. Lenten plans coming together with using the Blessed is She journal for myself and the Lenten Path of Catholic Icing and Bringing Lent to Life by Kathleen Basi with the kids. 
4. Also planning on doing 40 bags/40 days along with Kelly of Familiar Joy
5. Great posts I've read recently: Mary of Let Love be Sincere on Pope Francis
6. And Jenny of Mama Needs Coffee on NFP
7. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy weekend!!

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

Quick Takes #172 of the quickish, linkish fashion

1. Life this week is good; we are all mostly healthy and giving thanks for a warm home, praying for those out in the cold.
2. This week Lisbeth's class celebrated a hundred days of class and part of the celebration was a sort of bucket list. Here's what Lisbeth would like to accomplish before she is hundred: Find a husband, get a job, have kids, shop for food, be happy. Decent List!
3. Largely have my plans for Lent in place, just waiting for my journal from Blessed is She to arrive!!
4. Speaking of Lent; Lisbeth's birthday is in early March and so always falls during Lent. Given that she is hitting the age to understand and truly observe Lent I really appreciate Kendra of Catholic All Year explanation and take on celebrating birthdays in Lent.
5. Both kids had Valentine Parties in their class this week. I think watching your young kid have to write their name twenty or so times is an excellent definition of frustrated cuteness!
6. Downton Abbey!! Are you watching? Are you reading Rachel's summaries!!
7. Have a good weekend and head over to Kelly's for more 7QTs

Five Faves: October 22nd

Linking up with Jenna of Call Her Happy the new hostess for Five Faves!!

1. Liam (the little guy pictured above): loving being four, consistently and completely using the toilet since early this summer, fully energy, very affectionate though saves most of it for his two favorite people Daddy and Caitlin.  Such a fun age! Such the cool dude!
2. Stella and Sam:A Canadian series that we can find on Sprout about a big sister and her little brother and their many adventures. Beautifully illustrated stories of make-believe adventures and sibling comradery that strike the perfect balance for me as my kids sit quietly to watch and then often with their imagination inspired go off and have similar adventures.
3. Pumpkin Chai Mix from Trader Joe's (which I did blog about before): a wonderful balance of sweet and tart and just pumpkin-y enough to meet the season.
4. My current TV obsession is Fixer Upper a HGTV show featuring a married couple from Waco, TX who together as Designer/General Contractor helps families get into sort-for neighborhoods by buying 'the fixer-upper'. Their love for restoring homes, helping families all while raising their own four kids makes this such a fun watch. Happily anticipating Season 2 this January and catching re-runs whenever I can.
5. October: Amazing Feast Days (St Therese du Liseaux, Our Lady of the Rosary, St John XXIII, and today Saint John-Paul), the leaves turning colors but still largely still on the trees, Pumpkin Scones & Muffins.

Quick Takes #163

1. I'm a long time Patriots fan and so I was happy but not surprised by their show of support for an opponent's daughter's cancer battle. Was also glad that Cyndi Lauper/Sara Bareilles video got played during the game.
2. If you are not already a follower of Passionate Perseverance please head over and perhaps become a prayer warrior for this amazing family.
3. Overheard in the car ~ Liam: Catie what is your favorite color? Catie: Orange, Blue.  The fact that at 21 months she understood the question and answered appropriately makes me so happy and sad at the exact same time.
4. Great weather recently; we been getting outside having some fun while still can.
5. Little Flower Walk is coming up. Hoping for good weather and a fun walk with my littles.
6. I realize it is a holiday weekend and all!! However what with both school's Fall Festivals and Pre-Cana this weekend ~ I may very well declare Monday a day of rest.
7. Happy Weekend!!

Please head over to Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes.

31 days to write and read.

Happy October!

Happy Feast of the Guardian Angels!!

   The last two years I have joined the challenge hosted by the nester to write for 31 days during October and really enjoyed it both times. This year however I have other goals for the month like Finally getting a certain house on the market and making real progress on a certain 4!! year old's baby book.

But I did want to share a couple links for those who want to write and read along.

The main site

Jenny at Mama needs Coffee is writing on Church teachings.

Sara of Fumbling Toward Grace is sharing poetry.

Have Fun!!

Quick Takes #162 Things around here and around the web

1. Last weekend I attended part of the annual conference for AABC; it was great to step back into my midwifery shoes for a day and catch-up with friends.
2. Edel'15 has been announced!! A planned family reunion will likely prevent me from attending the conference but I'm so happy to know that it's happening.
3. A couple wonderful posts that really spoke to my heart and mind during these 'in the mothering trenches' days: first this one from Sole Searching Mama.
4. The other wonderful post was by Dwija of House Unseen
5. My autumn reading list is all set for quite awhile thanks to Anne the Modern Mrs Darcy!!
6.  Cyndi Lauper, Sara Bareilles & Hoda Kotb collaborated on an amazing video featuring kids from the Cancer Center where Dr. Daddy works.  I love how these kids amazing spirit and bravery is celebrated
7. Have a wonderful weekend!

Please head over to Conversion Diary for more 7 Quick Takes

Book Clubs Shout-outs

After a crazy, crazy summer of packing, moving, unpacking and settling into our new space ~ not to mention the normal energy and antics of three little kids I am so ready to carve out a corner of quiet and peace.

And so I was so excited to learn of these two upcoming book clubs and want to spread the word in case either or both of these would be what any of you are looking for.

Michaela of California to Korea and back is a hosting a book club Stella Maris whose first book selection is My Sister the Saints, which I have not read and am excited to start.

Lisa Jo Baker and her besties are hosting the Back to School Book Club - for Moms starting with her book Surprised by Motherhood which I have read and blogged about here.

And as long as I'm doing book shout-outs my sister earlier this week released
being Neighborly a novella spin-off from her book Sawyer Says!

Quick Takes #159: the many link edition

1. Wishing everyone headed to Edel this weekend safe travel and a wonderful time. Truly wants this conference to be a fabulous success ~ in small part so that there will be another that perhaps I get  to go to.
2. Please head over to Lisa Jo's for a big announcement re: 5 minute friday
3. Another excellent post by Laura about pulling together a stylish summer uniform.
4. Moving has had the interesting effect of having me rediscovering some summer stuff I haven't seen in years and a few of my planned core pieces have yet to resurface 3 weeks in. 
5. As NFP Awareness Week wraps up here are a couple of my favorite posts by Kendra and Rosie
6. Free one
7. This week's link-up hosted by Carolyn Svellerella ~ please head on over.

Have a good weekend!

Quick Takes #156 ~ Links and Kindergarten Graduates

1. Happy June! I may at some point write up how I did on my May Goals but short summary is good not great: still not great about making a Morning Offering but have found doing an Examen at night really useful. Need to do better about remembering to put on the SPF now that the days are more often summer sunny.
2. On the 70th Anniversary of D-Day I offer my thanks to all of those who served and sacrifice during those critical days and battles.
3. If you aren't already please hop over and enjoy Kendra's recap posts of her family's recent trip to France including Normandy.  
4. Didn't get any comments on my "What would you like to see more of here?" post. Hoping that means you don't mind if it goes quiet around here during the move as oppose to quiet around here in general.
5. Today is Elisabeth's last day of Kindergarten.  We are headed out later to her Completion Ceremony!! She had such a great year! I'm really hoping that the approach of setting expectations high and then cheering hard for the student is general to the school and not just this teacher because Lisbeth just thrived under it.
6. Really excited to see my youngest sister this weekend when Indies Invade Philly!!
7. Otherwise a weekend of packing and sorting.  Have a good one!

Little first day ~ last day comparison

Please head over to Conversion Diary where despite being in the middle of her book tour Jen is hosting all things Quick and Wonderful.

Quick Takes #154

1. My book pile overfloweth happily Surprised by Motherhood and Something Other than God stacked there and my sister's newest Sawyer Says waiting on my Kindle. What do you think the chances are that my Mother's Day present is hours and hours to read in peace.
2. May goals are going well overall; I'm not neccessarily remembering everything everyday but am getting back into some good daily habits and am feeling better in general come the end of the day.
3. Chaperoned my first field trip yesterday as Lisbeth's class visited Longwood Garden.  Liam and Caitlin were able to come also and a great time was had by all. The weather started a little yucky but improved quickly ~ the kids had a blast in the tree houses and the flowers were gorgeous.
4. Definitely not her main approach to movement yet but Caitlin was officially encouraged/cheered into taking her first independent steps a few times this week.  At almost exactly the same age as her brother ~ 16 months +/- a day.
5. Serious-ing up the list for a moment; the names of 180 of the reported 276 Nigerian girls who were kidnapped are know and this site listed them and encouraged readers to pick one and pray for her safe return by name. I'm praying for Magret Shettima.
6. Wonderful mom posts this week: Kendra's, Lisa Jo's and Bonnie's
7. Photo Dump:

Happy new stepper

Learning how different plants thrive in different climates

Field trips are exhausting!

Please head over to Conversion Diary for more of this week's Quick Takes

Quick Takes #152

Have been joining the fun this week with the 7 posts in 7 day challenge, reading as well as writing and these are some of the posts I've been enjoying.

1. This great one on Monday by Kate of The Rhodes Log that convinced me to kick the funk and join the challenge.
2. On Tuesday I got to join a virtual birthday celebration of Colleen of Martin Family Moments and learned a whole bunch about one of my favorite bloggers.
3. Wednesday brought another great give-away from Grace of Camp Patton. Bonus while looking around White Plum I scored a great sweater on clearance.
4. The challenge provided the motivation I needed to again join one of my favorite link-up ~ Theme Thursday hosted by Cari of Clan Donaldson.
5. Of course the Friday spots has to go to our link-up hostess Jen of Conversion Diary and this Day in the Life post proves that she is a multi-tasking juggler extraordinary.
6. Another great blessing of this challenge is reconnecting with a IRL friend from graduate school who also joined the challenge. And now I'm catching up on her kids and get to be so jealous - I mean so happy that she is headed to the Edel Gathering this summer.
7. So now 5 posts in ~ with no idea what I'll post this weekend I want thank all my fellow bloggers who joined the challenge and provided such wonderful reading this week.

Please head over to Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes