First Day ~ Last Day 2015-16

This week marked the last school day for both Caitlin:

First Day ~ September 2015

Last Day ~ June 2016

 and Liam.

First Day ~ September 2015

Last Day ~ June 2016

And as of June 17th, Elisabeth's 

First Day ~ September 2015

Last Day ~ June 2016

Quick Takes #209: Getting ready for finals and other stuff

1. Happy June!! While fun in it's own way May was also quite tough especially towards the end and so I am happy to turn the page both literally and metaphorically.
2. School days are wrapping up here. Next week is Liam's last week and having watched him last weekend spontaneously write the whole alphabet on the sidewalk in front of our house I'm thrilled with the progress he made this year.  Caitlin will also finish up next week; and also had a good year learning about shapes, animals and some of her letters.
3. On the agenda for the weekend is helping Elisabeth review for her final exams next week. Having looked at the review packet she brought home it is largely a broad overview of information covered this year and so I'm guessing the language is to prepare them for later years when 'finals' will be a bigger deal.
4. The question of 10 favorite books flows around Facebook every so often and I loved Haley's answer and even better she wrote a whole post on it!!
5. Am about halfway through the 21 day challenge I've joined and overall it is going well. I've been to the gym for the first time in several months and I'm getting into (I hope) good habits for upping my water consumption.  Diet choices have not been the best but that gives me something to work on next week.
6. Potty training is off to a good start; if she is not wearing any bottoms no accidents ~ if she is wearing ANYTHING be it pull-up or underwear almost no successes.  Suggestions welcome as at some point I would like her to both wear underwear and use the toilet.
7. Have a good weekend and if you are in the areas flooding ~ be safe!!

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

Open Book: June Edition

Linking up for another month of Open Book

Currently reading As You Wish by Cary Elwes; I'm truly only a couple chapters in but am really enjoying it. He and his co-writer Joe Layden have a nice easy prose which makes it a lovely light read while sharing a ton of information about the making of one of my favorite movies. Elwes and Reiner (the movie's director) share about reading and loving the book on which the movie is based; reminding me I've been meaning for awhile to read it!

And with the release of Modern Mrs Darcy's Summer Reading Lists am pulling together my plans for the summer. Find the full one here, and the minimalist here.

Now please head over to Carolyn's for more Open Book.

The day my daughter taught me detachment

   A year ago January Elisabeth came home from school with a permission form for a hair donation drive girls in an upper grade (I believe 6th) was organizing.  I got a ruler to make sure she understood what 6-7 inches looked like but then signed the permission slip and was very excited and proud of her; I had donated myself in the past and plight of those battling cancer is close to my heart what with being married to a pediatric oncologist and all.

  However a week ago when Lisbeth brought home a similar form I was much more reluctant.  It had only been about 15 months since the previous donation and while her hair grows well it was definitely shorter then the first time.  I encouraged her to wait till next year and really worried that her hair would be too short; but she persisted and by doing so reminded me of the good that is done when we are generous with what we are given and worry less about what will be left.

Great definition of detachment in catholic spirituality found here

Quick Takes #208

1. 1. The Birthdays were fun and tasty; carrot cake cupcakes for his and cheesecake for mine. Two actually due to a communication miss!!
   2. The Penn Newman Center released a video which brought back so many memories and made me so proud to have been a part of this wonderful place both as a student and now an alumni.
   3. The sun decided to shine and we seize the moment with walks and bike rides; allowing me to try out the bike trailer I received for my birthday!
   4. Really appreciated this post from Anne the Modern Mrs Darcy. As I switch out clothes for the change of seasons I'm trying to purge and learning more about what works for me is always helpful.
   5. Having heard that this was Grey's last season (not true by the way) after not watching for awhile have started up again and overall liked the finale ~ aside from my usual rant that it seems like TV shows can never just let a woman give birth!!
   6. Crowd sourcing: I'm not a good water drinker and aside from just getting over it and drinking the water ~ what are your best tips for getting in your water consumption?
   7. Have a wonderful weekend!!
   
   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

Open Book ~ May 2016

O Pioneers by Willa Cather was my pick for the category "a book I should I have read in high school"  in this year's Modern Mrs Darcy reading challenge ~ and I'm so glad I did.

Cather's story of a Swedish family seeking to make a go of homesteading on the Nebraska prairies led by the level headed daughter after their father's death is lovely; filled with successes and failures, of people being kind to each other and people not. The writing is compelling and draws you in but doesn't overwhelm you as the various characters make their revelations slowly and with due deliberation.

While currently my TBR list is long I am now curious about this author's other works and will no doubt be back before too long.

Please now head over to Carolyn's for more Open Book!