Quick Takes #150

1. Hello from our part of the polar blast ~ hope everyone is doing ok. We are surviving with the help of warm blankets and mugs of hot cocoa.
2. As I posted earlier this week, this little blog of mine is 5 years old. So yay me for sticking with it and mostly thank you to all my readers and friends who have kept coming back and encouraging me in this fun little endeavor of mine.
3. Like for example nominating me for Most Unappreciated Blog at the 2014 Sheenazing Awards. Vote Now!!! And thank you, thank you!!
4. The two big kids had a lot of fun with their 2 snow days this week and as the temps are still well below freezing I expect the snow will be around all weekend to enjoy.  Caitlin is a good sport and will come outside and watch so that I can play when asked by L1 and L2 though since she can't really move around much I worry about how quickly she gets cold.
5. Am still undecided about the direction Downton Abbey is going this season but I am feeling better after last Sundays episode and I love Rachel's review!!
6. And now I'm going encourage you to head over to Mama needs Coffee and read up on her Wellness Project which I think is a wonderful idea even if I haven't managed to do something most days.  Snow days + sick spouse= tough week.
7. My week in pictures. Have a good weekend and don't forget to vote!!

And please head over to Conversion Diary for the rest of this weeks Quick Takes!!

Thankful Thursday: January 26th

1. This amazing blogging community that I've gotten be a part of for the past three years
2. Snowstorms which drop just enough snow for snowball fights and snow angels, but aren't that difficult to shovel out or clean up from.
3. Students enthusiastic to learn and floor nurses eager to teach!
4. Found moments of grace and prayer

What are you thankful for today, please visit The Road Home and share.

Quick Takes Vol. #69 ~Happy New Year!

1. Happy New Year: one week in so far so good, reading more ~ letting my anger simmer over every little thing less. Now to continue on this good start...
2. Sending up a prayer for our host Jen who is pregnant and also has a clotting disorder and is being evaluated currently for ongoing pain in her legs
3. It's snowing!!
4. During our Christmas break ~ Lisbeth enjoyed for the first time many of the snowy pleasures available including making her first snowman, sledding, building snow castles and a couple of snowball fights
5. Pronoun Problems: Currently when you tell her Thank you, she responds Your pleasure; which I think is You're Welcome and My Pleasure gotten slightly mixed-up.
6. Got for Liam, who is holding up his head like a champ, a Bumbo seat this week. Loves it, and so does his sister who occasionally insists it is her turn.
7. Plans for the weekend: Continuing to put the house back into order ~ and perhaps some fun in the snow! Have a good weekend!

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

Quick Takes Vol #46: Blessings after the storm!

Choosing to count my blessings rather than rant about the ridiculousness of this weather

1. We never lost power!!
2. After three cancelled flights, Charlie did make it safely home before the second storm hit
3. Neither of the two trees that came down hit our house or our cars
4. Throughout the storms and their aftermath I had a cheerful, happy assistant with all the shoveling.
5. There was always a warm, cozy house to retreat to and watch the snow come down.
6. Snow can be quite beautiful (when not covering your car and every pathway).
7. Plans for the weekend, Staying warm and cozy when not outside playing in the snow.

Please visit Conversion Diary to enjoy the rest of the Quick Take round-up.

Small Successes: Blizzard 2010

1. With the help of my favorite toddler managed to weather the first part of the storm this past weekend and had us mostly dug out by the time Charlie got home.
2. Despite two large snow storms managed to plan a birthday dinner for my 'little sister'.
3. Remembered to breath and pray at times of greatest stress during the storms.

This Thursday I give thanks that:

we never lost power

neither of the two trees which came down in the storm hit the house

amazing cheerful attitude of my favorite toddler

my husbands ultimate safe return after three cancelled flights

abundant hot chocolate supplies

To celebrate more small successes please visit Faith and Family Live.

Quick Takes Vol #45

1. Am currently soloing as C is attending a conference in CA, yesterday went well but unfortunately it sounds as if the coming storm is going to delay his return. Praying for safe travel and a delays totaling less than a day.
2. Speaking of which, it is a very odd year when my family in Virginia are enjoying/contending with more snow then us in PA, wondering if the coming storm will help increase my total or set me further behind.
3. Searching today for a pint size shovel, E loves to help, just lacks the proper equipment.
4. Cute phrase of the week; at Mass this week following the psalm, "Good Job, Daddy!"
5. This week marked E's transition to the 2 yr old room at her school, it happened that this was a three day work week for me, which in the short run meant another teary drop-off but hopefully in the long was helpful to transitioning.
6. Have selected my devotional for Lent, (just need to order it). Have not yet nailed done the rest of my plans but am very excited about my book choice. More later...
7. Plans for the weekend: Praying for 'Daddy's' safe return, watching the snow fall, shoveling and watching the SuperBowl with whatever friends manage to dig out.

Please visit Conversion Diary and enjoy our host Jen's and others Quick Takes.

Small Successes:Happy New Year!!

1. Lovely Christmas spent in VA with my family
2. Have now successfully made the drive north in anticipation of a wonderful new year celebration.
3. Have started and posted to this blog all year (thank you readers)

Today I give thanks for:

snow falling outside, warm family inside

safe trips with a cheerful toddler

the promise of a brand new year

friends old and new

grace abounding and love expanding

....all this and heaven too!!

Happy New Year!!

Wordless Wednesday:Welcome Winter!