A month gone by---

Wow! I can't believe!!!! it has been almost a month! In that month, we have moved, (STRESS!!), we have celebrated my BEAUTIFUL daughter's first Birthday!!, my husband turned 30! I went on one date, with another one on Friday(yay, cuban food). And we have endured a two week long run of sickness that has circled through the house! SO glad there is light at the end of the tunnel on that one!!

Currently, I am making my Thanksgiving Dinner food list. I am cooking this year for about 16 people. You know what, it is my first year in my new home(1st month actually, but you get the point), and I want to make the dinner. One of my in-law's is pregnant and sick, (and she happens to be my next door(well 2 doors down) neighbor, and she and her family are coming. My MIL will be living with us, my other SIL and her family are coming, and adding our 6, makes 16!. What I decided is this... I am cooking, so I get to decide WHAT I am cooking. Now, if you have ever cooked a holiday meal(one that is STEEPED in tradition) for anyone, you know that there will be alot of "Where's the....insert common holiday food?" Well, I won't change everything up, but you know what??? I don't like Green bean casserole...I am not going to make it. I will make creamed spinach, and possibly roasted asparagus. IF someone needs to have a bowl of green beans with disgusting canned mushroom soup and fried onions on it, then, by all means, make it and bring it with you!! That is all I have to say! I also grew up having the BEST Thanksgiving dinner ever!! There were NO mashed potatoes--*GASP*. THere were however, the best darned sweet potatoes with marshmallowy goodness, ever, and well, friends, that is what we are having! See note about green bean casserole if you want mashed potatoes! I will also be having Waldorf Salad, another Tonini Tradition. It is yummy. I like it. I also want to have a little creative freedom, and by golly, I will have it! I am cooking and I think I can do it pretty well, so I will take liberties where I see fit. I am not cooking the stuffing in the bird this year, really because my turkey will cook faster and more evenly, but more importantly, my SIL is pregnant, and want to keep all potential bacteria at bay! And my other SIL will be stuffing a 2nd bird, so all palletes will be pleased! She is a great cook too!  There will of course be yummy yeasty rolls, Sage stuffing(hey I may throw a chopped up apple in there...who knows!), the aforementioned Sweet potatoes(this will be an all out carb fest people). I am also making(I think) a pecan pie, and A pumpkin Cheesecake...sounds so good, I may practice this week! Oh, and homemade cranberry sauce...a request of my dear husband...who, bless his heart, likes the idea that I like to change things up a bit(as long as I don't mess with the sweet potatoes!) Yes, my dear MIL, there will be that "thwap" of canned jellied cranberry sauce so that you can eat it to your heart's content! Ohhhhh....how could I forget, the corn pudding!! It may sound gross, but it is oh so yummy...if--I can get my Mayme's recipe for it...mmmmm. Okay, so that is all! Have a grand day!

Memories

I just found my old blog archives. It is sooo funny reading them. I am totally laughing at myself and the way I thought about everything. I especially find it funny, how all the wiles of TWO children overwhelmed me. Heheh. I am sure after another 4 years, I will laugh at all the things that I have written here. It has made me thankful that I kept those otherwise "lost" daily memories. It is fun to take a peek at what life was like. It is NOT that way anymore. Unfortunately, (or not depending on which way you look at it) I don't have time to notice some of the little things, or keep track of them now. I was telling my oldest of some of the things I had written about, and she was getting such a kick out of them. So glad I took notice of those things. I am trying to figure out a way to save them into my own computer. So I can keep em forever.

In light of my recent find, I guess I should write something seemingly meaningful from today....

HMMMM....now I feel put on the spot for something. 

Okay, here goes. Aidan woke very early this morning so we dove into his FIRST day of FIRST GRADE LEVEL reading!!!! Yay for him!!! He is such an eager learner! He loves his reading lessons, he would sit and do his math work for hours, and even asks to do multiple pages in handwriting. I am so pleased to have such an eager student. My oldest is not quite as excited. She doesn't MIND it, but certainly is not jumping out of her chair for extra math and phonics. We are continuing the slow move to the new house. While Wild Child was at preschool, we finished up homeschooling, and unpacked a few bathroom boxes, and I put away some rarely used spices. Speaking of that...should I really be filling my precious cabinet space with things I only once in a blue moon need? Anyway, back to the day. Anna wants to have a pre-move sleep over in the new house. With sleeping bags etc. I am definitely not doing it, but maybe Brian will take her and Aidan and do it. If I were a betting woman, I would bet he won't but we'll see. 

Yesterday, my oldest brought me a handwritten note that said "Can I have a pet. Circle the "wan" you want me to hav...yes or no?" How funny. She, like every other 7 year old wants a dog, a cat, anything she can hold, I guess. I CLEARLY will NOT be getting a pet. I mean, our poor fish, Stick(see blog archives on that one) is lucky to have food and clean water(meaning, he doesn't get either often or on a regular basis). I have enough of God's creatures to take care of. Six in fact(including myself of course). 

Although, get this, my husband, was working over at the new house, and he turned around and there were five, yes FIVE, cats in our garage. Our house is across the street from a quite lovely little farm. (our property used to be a cow grazing area actually--according to the nice farm lady I met today). She informed me to NOT feed the cats unless we wanted to keep em. She doesn't know how many there are, and that they are NOT tame. So...

In good husband news...As I ran over to the house to grab the school crate( I left it there earlier), oh, and also to grab some DELICIOUS peach cobbler from this local market that has SUCH a great bakery, my husband apparently cleaned all the dinner dishes, and had the kitchen cleaned up when I walked in. Yay for me, and yay for him. Now, I need to go eat some cobbler!!!

Oh, one more thing, I made crockpot applesauce yesterday with some lovely apples my niece brought me from picking. I took all these pictures, and then forgot to take one of it all yummy and done. Boo. Oh well, there is always next time.

My Daybook: October 12, 2009

OCTOBER 12th

FOR TODAY...October 12th 

Outside my window... Dark and Chilly--there is even a nip in the air...just tells me winter will indeed come...and probably before I want it to.
I am thinking... about ALL the stuff I need to do before the move.

I am thankful for...the two hour nap I got today...and also for the reason I needed it...we visited with friends from college, renewing old friendships and making new ones.

I am wearing...Pajama pants, long sleeve t-shirt,

 and cozy slippers

I am remembering... great times from college, and our semester in Europe.
I am going... to buy a house this week!
I am reading...Anna Karenina, but I have been on a major lag...it is just kind of dragging... I am also reading Baby Island to the kids for literature time.

I am hoping... To enter more deeply into prayer...starting today!

On my mind... Been thinking about getting rid of cable. We don't watch a ton of tv, but I am sure there is other stuff we could do with our time...just praying about it and throwing the idea around right now.

Thankful For...Seeing an old friend unexpectedly this weekend. 

From the learning rooms... slow day today, we had dentist appointments, and we ALL needed naps. We did some poetry and math...but other than that, it was a slow one.  Wild Child has preschool pictures tomorrow, trying to tame her mane so she looks pulled together. :)

Noticing that... the weather is definitely changing...my hands are getting that dried out chafed feeling...need to moisturize!!

Pondering these words... 

 ²¹Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

 ²²When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

 ²³Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

There was a great homily on this at Mass. We were in Front Royal VA for the weekend, and the priest there hit the nail on the head. Been thinking that now is the time to rid ourselves of all of our extra "stuff". Don't want to be tied to this world by materialism, don't want to be owned by my possessions. Lord help me to detach!

From the kitchen... Baked Macaroni and Cheese with stewed tomatoes. Tis the season of Comfort food!
Around the house... Laundry, what else! We have so many baskets of clean clothes that need to be put away...this is my challenge. I also should be PACKED! (but alas, am not packed)

One of my favorite things... warm apple dumplings with vanilla ice cream. (I said it was comfort food season...if only I had that tonight!)
From my picture journal...

If only I could share the beautiful sunset from our friend's house this weekend. It was gorgeous. And then, to wake up and see a breathtaking scene from one of the most comfortable beds I ever slept in! But, I didn't take a picture of either of those....so how about this....

One Week and Counting...

Well, one week and that's it! Our dream of building our own house will become a reality! We go to settlement next Thursday. The house is sooo beautiful. I am truly grateful for the wonderful blessing it is. I know our family will know many a wonderful memory there. My mother in law will also be moving into her "inlaw" suite. It is a lovely space with a kitchenette, living area, Master Bed room, walk-in closet, full bath, and laundry. I hope she will be very happy there. I know my children have been waiting very excitedly for her to move in! It will be fun to own our own home once again. Although our foray into rentals has been a mere 5.5 months, it definitely feels like it is time to have our own place again. 

My sister in law and her family moved into a house touching our "new" backyard just about 2 weeks ago. So, we are looking forward to having WONDERFUL neighbors. My niece actually gave my daughter a walkie-talkie so they could talk from their rooms. Cute stuff. Anyway, here is a shot of my future kitchen! Obviously the place where I will spend most of my time!!

and Here is one of the front of the house.(you cant see the inlaw suite which comes off the other side)

Check out how BLUE the sky is! I am coming to realize, there is nothing like an October sky!

Today, we decided to spend our school day outdoors. We still did the reading, phonics, math, etc. But we did it at a cute park. There were BEAUTIFUL walking trails, where we gathered many fallen leaves. We did a few leaf rubbings right then and there, but brought most of them home-pressed in my dear daughter's math book--so we could make a pretty Leaf Banner and look them up online to identify them. Homeschooling is such a nice flexible way of life. I really do love it. (Of course, there are those days where I feel the "burn" but for the most part, I love it). All I need to do now is find a lovely apple orchard, go apple picking, and make tons of apple treats. (Anyone have a great recipe for an apple cake--Jewish Apple cake, or any kind??) If someone gives me one, and I make it, i will post pics, okay?? :o)

Okay, hope everyone has a great day!

My Daybook

For Today...

September 28, 2009

Outside my window...

A beautiful, sunny, Fall day.

I am thinking...

Of the fact that I would like to rid my life of the "extra" stuff. How does a sentimental fool go about it?

I am thankful for...

a mirale--my friend's  husband was able to move his left arm after his 3 strokes, something he was completely unable to do.

From the learning rooms...

We learned about St. Zita today, and I would like to carry our fall theme into the kitchen...

From the kitchen...

I would love to make a yummy apple crisp tonight...To eat right after our pulled pork from the crockpot.

I am wearing...

Jeans and a FUS T-shirt and bare feet

I am creating...

TUTUS!! I am up to my ears in tulle. I made my first no-sew tutu last night. I am SOO anxious to give it to my little wild child, that I don't know if I will be able to wait until Christmas!

I am going...

To KY at the end of the week to meet my newest nephew, Bryson!

I am reading...

Milly, Molly, Mandy Stories to the kids. (And trying to find "How to Make an Apple Pie and see the World")

I am hoping...

a GOOD night's sleep tonight. Although, sleepless nights, remind me that my children are here with me and give me opportunities to grow in virtue and holiness.

I am hearing...

The sump-pump in action, and blocks falling on the floor as my children attempt to tidy.

Around the house...

Cluttered counters need to be decluttered, and clothes need to be put away.

One of my favorite things...

Dark chocolate...oh how I have missed you.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Making a few more tutus, doubling up on the homeschooling(so we don't miss out because I am leaving), visiting the new house, cleaning out and switching clothes that don't fit or are out of season.

Here is picture I am sharing...

on the move during diaper change.

My first Daybook...

I have admired many a simple woman blogger who posts these beautiful peeks into their lives...here is mine.

The idea comes from The Simple Woman's Daybook.

FOR TODAY

September 22, 2009

Outside my window...

The dark of night. While driving today, I happily, yet surprisingly, noticed the first of the trees showing its golden and orange hues. I love Fall.

I am thinking...

Of a dear friend whose husband is on the road to recovery from 3 strokes

I am thankful for...

the sweet hugs of my 10 month old

From the learning rooms...

Planning an autumn paint time for tomorrow. Making Fall trees with tempera paint and tissue paper

From the kitchen...

Another night of leftovers. Day 2 of 3 of no cooking/traveling husband.

I am wearing...

Pale green pajamas

I am creating...

a schedule that will make our daily life run more smoothly

I am going...

TO SEE U2 Tommorow

I am reading...

Anna Karinina

I am hoping...

for a full recovery for my friend

I am hearing...

Dancing with the Stars on the TV

Around the house...

Doing Laundry, unpacking from vacation

One of my favorite things...

Coffee...glad tomorrow will bring a fresh cup

A few plans for the rest of the week:

U2, Homeschooling, Seeing my kitchen be installed in the new house, helping with my niece and nephews as my SIL and BIL move into their new house, One more night of Hubby traveling.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My Beautiful Daughter celebrating her 7th Birthday at her surprise Tea party.

A Gift..

So, my 10.5 month old started hugging today. I mean, she really lays her precious sweet head on my chest or neck and just hugs. It is such a treasured moment. She proceeded later, to give big brother a looong huggie right before bed. They have such a sweet relationship. It makes a momma's heart happy. I love that little one. I am blessed by four wonderful gifts. How can people look at my joy and say with disgust that "you have your hands full?" Now, I understand, that some people say such things for lack of other things to say, very benignly. But, most, yes most, say it with a haughty "I know better than you attitude." Well, they have missed out. Their children have missed out. I am sad for them. Yes, my days don't always go down smoothly, they are not "scream free" (working on that), I lose my patience, and NEED to get out of the house sometimes. But, really, who doesnt? One child, no child, 10 children. It doesn't matter, everyone needs space sometimes. But I would NEVER EVER EVER have it any other way. I love my life. I love my children! I love my husband! Oky Doky.

Now, since I came into the post wanting to share my little lovie's hugs, not what just came out, I will move on :o). What can I say, sometimes a girl just needs to let it out. 

On to more stories about baby girl...She is talking. Yes that seems unrealistic, but I assure you, I am not one of those moms who swears their child is the next Mozart. I think I am pretty realistic. I don't usually say they do things before they do. But she is definitely talking...well...communicating. She says Mum(for more) she says Hi Anna(fairly clearly too), she says muma(Momma), she says dad, and she raises her arms for up. I am a proud momma. I am sorry, especially if whoever is reading this could care less. But I care, and so I write. 

PLEASE JOIN ME IN PRAYER!

A close friend of ours, my husband actually grew up with him, is in desperate need of prayer right now. Bob, only 31, and the husband to Kate, and father of 5, with the youngest being 3 months old, suffered two strokes on Sept 16. He suffered a third either Friday or Saturday Morning. The doctors still do not know what is causing the strokes. You can visit www.prayfortheb.com to learn more, and visit www.righteousb.com and dirtyvagabond.blogspot.com and also here to see what kind of man Bob is and the beautiful ministry he has with Inner city kids. Please pray!

Lost post: Posted

Warning: Some of this post was written a month ago. So, I came back and saw I never posted it. oh, also, it is unfinished...but I figured my dear readers want to know what is happening NOW, not then, so there. See below for the newest news.





Well, Yesterday I celebrated my 8 year wedding Anniversary. And I say I, because my poor husband was out of town, working hard to provide for our little family. And poor me, I was oh-so-lonesome on my anniversary. (not to mention him, I am sure it was no picnic for him either). Well at least I had a DELICIOUS meal, that is if you consider and egg and cheese sandwich delicious. LOL. Not really complaining, as there is a smile on my face. And I am truly blessed in my life to have my needs and wants provided for. My husband is a wonderful man, loving husband, and great daddy. I am so so so so blessed that the Lord gave him to me. 

We actually were never planning on doing anything to big for our Anniversary because we planned our party to fall right near it. (It so happens, that it falls right between our Birthdays). 

I am sure EVERYONE is waiting for pictures, so let me treat you to some right now. 

OKAY---HERE IS THE NEW PART.

I am sitting on a couch in Ocean City NJ for a late summer vacation. We are praying for some warm sunny weather so we can play on the beach. It started out with a gloomy rainy day yesterday, so we'll see. I have to hand it to families who live in small/tight quarters. I am thinking of one of my best friend's from college, specifically, but it is

 TOUGH! One night and I am ready to throw in the towel! Yikes. We are in a cute 2 bedroom beach condo. It is nice, just small for our 6 bodies. And, why I forgot, I don't know, but we didnt bring any toys. Who has 4 kids and doesn't bring anything for us to do if we are stuck inside? Well, me apparantly. Sleep alluded me MOST definitely last night too. Not for lack of comfort because we are in a lovely King sized bed, hmmm, maybe I will upgrade after the move(news coming on that). Anyway, it was just the baby kept waking, Wild Child Maddie, kept waking, and I just tossed and turned. 

So, pour out the grace today Lord! I need it! It certainly doesnt help ANYBODY that my monthly visitor should be coming soon-feeling sorry for the hubs. 

Well, onto news about our house. Last I left it, our builder was out of business, right? Well, they "restructured" and the banks decided they were going to kick off everything with our home...yippee. It ends up, that we are in a somewhat protected situation. Better off than many of our soon to be neighbors actually. So we are feeling very blessed. It has been great seeing the house go up from the ground up. I mean, really surreal. The drywall went in last week, and it was so wierd. So house-y. I have this feeling like, we are moving to the next stage, or era with the house. I keep thinking that, God-willing, this will be our home till I die, or at least for a long time, and we saw it be built. I am not doing my feeling justice with these words. It is just a funny sense of sentimentalism, and a "sadness" almost that this dream that I had, is almost done being realized. It is strange. I am so grateful though. It is 

awesome. Here are a few pics: 

Note: Pay no attention to the fact that me and my husband appear to be "matchy matchy." Purely a coincidence I assure you. ;o)

In my offspring news: My little 10 month old is crawling! It may not seem like a big feat to those parents who have 5 month olds who walk, but to me, this is HUGE. She started crawling at about 9.5 months. I mean real forward crawling. on all fours. My kids usually take FOREVER to  move, but not her. Here is a picture of my little lovie...

So I keep having this recurring dream, well, for those of you who knew me when I was a student, it is really quite a nightmare. But anyway, what happens is this...

I am in school, sometimes, it is high school, sometimes College, or a "dream-like" combination of the two. I am frantically going about my schedule, and school like business, but I have this overwhelming feeling that I am missing a class somewhere. I either can't find the room it is offered in, or I just can't seem to

 remember it, and I have no way to get a class schedule. Last night, the missed class was art. It goes on a whole semester, and I just KNOW that my grade is a big fat F. I cant even get in touch with the teacher to explain. I can't seem to find the office to "drop" the missed class. It all seems so stupid, but I feel so burdened and oppressed in my dream about it. For some reason it feels like my life is falling apart in the dream. I was so sure it was real last night. I was so relieved to wake up. 

What does all this mean? I don't know, probably some leftover obsession from trying to get perfect grades in school, but more than that, I think it speaks to my somewhat subconscious insecurities on not having it all together.

I desperately cling to routine in my home, and when it is out of whack, ahem....SUMMER...I feel all discombobulated. I need to start with a fresh slate and get my family on a good schedule, especially as the "start" of our homeschooling year looms ever clos

er. I know we have an impending move coming, sometime early to mid-fall. So, I really need the routine to be our saving grace.  I NEED this routine, which not only includes the day to day, but MENU PLANNING!! I have gotten a good menu plan this week, which doesn't just include random meals, it involved some good planning, with quick, different and yummy meals. It has made me happy.

On to other things...

I have been a laundry machine for a week straight! We had a lice scare. Yes, I said it, LICE!!!! If that is not a 4 letter word to moms, I don't know what is! We had a little birthday party for my little 3 y.o. princess

, and a mom called the next day to let me know that they were infested. AHHHHHH. Boy, oh, boy!! You did  NOT want to see the freak out session that ensued after that. I know it is not her fault, and really I didn't blame her, but seriously??? AHHHHHHHHHH. Every thing that could go into the washer, did. Every kid has had their hair checked like 3000 times. My husband is SOOO sick of me asking him to check me. I admit, it is totally gross and humbling to ask, but to my relief he never found any. I used homeopathic stuff on my daughters head, who to my utter HORROR, told me that little friend had done her hair with her "infested" hair things!! OH GROSS. Anyway, she was all shower capped and being "treated" before we went to bed that night-for 4 hours. "just in case" you know? Then she had to be meticulously combed for another hour. She has rather thick and long hair. For good measure, I doused my head with Olive Oil, a very messy process, I assure you. I didn't want chemicals on me do to breastfeeding the babe. I was also shower capped for about 3 hours. Well, I felt better after that, but every once in a while I get obsessed again. 

Okay, now that I have shared that with the world....

So, we are having a big 30th Birthday Bash this weekend. My Hubs and I are both turning 30 this year(i really don't need to re-hash the fact that I already turned 30 do I?), and instead of having 2 different parties, we decided on a funky 70's style (our decade of birth of course) Party. We, or shall I say, I, have been obsessed with planning. Hmmmm...there seems to be a theme of obsession today. I will have to ignore that, no need to go poking around in my psyche.

 Anyhoo...everyone is dressing up in 70s clothes. It will be funny to see what everyone comes in. We are having prizes for best costume, and Brian and I have some fun ones picked out...actually, they are vintage, both of them. I think it will be fun. I got goody bags of 70s candy, so I hope that goes over well, and I am making good ole fashioned "mix cds". That is right. Mix cds. So, more on this later. 

Back to the Menu Plan

Well, I did in fact make Eggplant Parm yesterday for Father's day, so this is a day late, but really who cares? I have to make soooo many easy crockpot meals over the next few weeks because my 3rd is going to be having swim lessons daily at 5pm. Hopefully this will not lead to a lot of take out or crappy meals. But hopefully, the crockpot will help with that.

So anyway...

Sunday--Eggplant Parm

Monday--slow roasted pork

Tuesday--Corned Beef in crockpot

Wednesday--Chili

Thursday--leftovers

Friday--Chicken Terryaki with Shredded lettuce

Saturday--

Hello again friends!

It has been awhile. These last few weeks have brought much change to our family. We have since seen the big ole' moving van come and go, said good-bye to our first home, and moved into our "new" but temporary one. My son 'graduated" from preschool, we made a week long trip to Kentucky to see family, and my son turned 5! (oh yeah, and--I turned 30). 

Okay so turning 30 wasn't that bad. I mean, 30 is the new 20 as they say. Lol. But seriously, it was a wonderful day(or week!). My WONDERFUL husband, being the fabulous love that he is, took me to this GREAT fine-dining Mexican restaurant in the city(as my brother says, an oxy moron. hehe). EVERYTHING we put in our mouths was to "die for". I could seriously eat Mexican food (fine dining or not) 7 days a week. I love it. I mean REALLY love it, like maybe my roots are not as Irish - Italian as they would have me believe... The next day after my birthday, my husband had set up a SURPRISE tea party at a tea house for me. Most of my sister in laws and local friends were there. It was sooooo wonderful. I will have to post some of the lovely "hat" pictures we took. If only I would have had a nice outfit and make up on. Oh well, it helps with humility I guess. 

Two days after the big shindig, my son graduated from preschool. It sure is hard to believe he is in K now. I guess homeschooling has the benefit of not needing a break in there. Although, for sanity reasons, we certainly will be having one. 

The next weekend, 2 days later that is, we, as the gluttons for punishment we apparently are, set out on a week long trip to KY. It ended up being a 13.5 hour trip including stops. Not so bad actually, what, with the purchase of our dual screen dvd players. It went quite smoothly, and I felt very thrifty indeed, when we pulled up to the travel plaza, pulled out my Trader Joe's Cooler bag, and made my family PB and Js, apples, and string cheese. It was quite nice not to drive all day on a stomach full of Roy Rogers(GAG ME). Anyway, this particular trip to KY was very fun. My mom, being cute like she is, set up a cupcake party for Aidan and his two KY cousins(and his siblings of course). 

We attended this affair after a wonderful morning at this awesome YMCA water park. 

Who knew?? I mean, our Ys offer nothing of the sort!! So after this we had the cupcake party. The next day, Aidan's actual Bday...we headed to breakfast with my dad, which was oh so yummy. Where of course I met my secret love. And really, lets be honest, it is not secret at all. I am undoubtedly a coffee addict. I love it, and it loves me. So there. By the way, that is really my coffee too. That's right, people, I took a picture of it. So. Anywho....we headed to the zoo later with my mom. We rode the tram, and the merry go round and the train(which actually derailed a week later....sooo scary. That kid was definitely flying around the track. He hurt several people, I am thankful it wasn't us!) It was my kids first trip to the REAL zoo. They had been to a small zoo near us, but never to the real one. They saw the tigers, lions, zebras, elephants, etc. Of course my nearly 3 year old had a facination with the animals "butts." I know, what kind of mother am I?? But I will say, those animals must be trained to stick their rear in your face...seriously.This one was just funny.

So after a long day at the zoo, my sister and mom surprised me with  a great time at, you guessed it, a mexican place. 

My whole family was there, including grandma's and cousins. It was such a treat.

                      

                                                                         Me with my 2 Grandmas.

My mom and I also got to spend the day together Friday. What a special day. Not only did I get to spend the whold day with my mom, I got the whole day off of mom duty too! We had coffee...first thing...obviously!(sleep was quite elusive all week!)

Then we went to lunch at this cool cafe...darn it, my mom had her camera, and we didn't take any pictures. All for the better I guess since my makeup bag disappeared mid week. Then we went to Louisville Stoneware, because I like that stuff. and I decided I want a whole set of it(mismatched actually). The only thing is, I am going to have a rob a bank to get it! It is OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive! Oh well. Then we went shopping and got a pedicure. We ended the day at the Melting Pot with my sister. There is something about cheese and chocolate---could be a girl's best friend!! Well, it is good anyway. Silly us, we didnt take ANY pictures of our girls day or night. Oh well.  I guess we have the memories.

Sunday we headed home at the crack of dawn. We were all exhausted by the fun week we had. And as sad as it was to leave, it sure was good to get home. 

Mother's Day!

I have been blessed with FOUR wonderful children, and a sweet and loving husband. My life could not be more full! Here are some pictures of the blessings bestowed on me today.

 

If you must know...

My 30th Birthday is coming up in 10 days. I prefer not to talk about it. BUT I love changing up the look and feel of my blog so there.

Decisions...

Well, we made a decision. And as soon as the decision was made, I felt a peace. Thank you Lord! We decided to go with the single. It was nice thinking of all those "ammenities" (clearly I cannot spell that word), but, alas, we went with what makes the most financial sense, the single, with plenty of storage space. Side note, I feel like I am on House Hunters on HGTV. Haha. My husband and I love that show, it is a go-to for us at 10pm if we are still up for a little TV. They always say things like: "Will it be the 3br with a lot of ammenities, or the 4BR with the extra storage?" Then there is the "Well, although they were all nice, we HAAAD to make a decision...EXAGGERATED PUASE...and we decided on...EXAGGERATED PAUSE 2...The 4br with the extra storage!!" Cut to happy family living in the new house.  Haha.  Anyway, It will be nice. Now that we have decided I am looking fwd to "settling in."  And by that, I mean living out of boxes for up to 6 months! 

As for the actual house hunting to begin...bring it on. Say a prayer though...we are going to need to use Wisdom and Prudence this week. The "builder" of aforementioned "dream home" is going to be contacting us this week to talk to us about the possibility of finishing the home. We need to make sure all things are in place for our own security and such. I am secretly (or not so secretly) hoping that it will work out. But I really truly only want what is best for our family. So, say a prayer if you will! Thanks.  

Oh, and check out this article my friend wrote. It is a good one!

What to do...

So, as an update to the seemingly never ending saga that is my life in the last few weeks...here goes.

I can't remember if I said that we were in the "market" for a short term rental or not, and quite frankly, I am WAAAYY too exhausted to click over to my last post, so I will repeat(or not) that we are currently looking for a short term rental that a)will fit my family of 6, b)will fit a houseful of stuff(furniture, clothing, toys, etc.)so that we do NOT have to pay the astronomical fees of storing with the movers, c)has an office or study area, that my hubby can work from home, d)will ACCEPT a short term lease for a price that doesn't require the selling of aforementioned children, e)in a family friendly neighborhood, f)all to be vacated, cleaned and available in 12, yes 12, days. You may be saying, "wow, that seems like a lot to ask." Well, it probably is, but it is what it is. As I like to say. We really need to find a place that meets these needs. We did not plan on having to rent a place like this. We were hoping that our new home would be ready for us in a timely fashion. But for now, it is uncertain if we will ever occupy that "dream" home that we designed. The builder will apparently be "contacting" us, the buyers, in the coming week(or so). So, here is the thing, what do we do? Do we rejoice because maybe possible said "dream house" will be built? Or do we run as fast as we can the other way, and in the meantime get to dreaming up a new dream? So, we are praying and trusting that either way, God will guide us in this decision. 

As for the rentals...we have 2 options. Both more expensive than we originally wanted to spend. One is a single home with a garage and basement, so not only would we have plenty of space to store everything, meaning we would no longer be paying for our self-storage place, but we would have enough space to store any furniture that doesn't have a spot in this temporary house. It has 4 bedrooms and a community playground right next to it. It is $75 less per month than the next place but remember, no more self storage--savings, BUT we do have to pay for trash pick up and lawn care(we do not have a mower--another story--so we either have to pay to have it cut or get a mower). The other option is a townhome in a really nice rental community. It has a pool and fitness center (with, get this, a TODDLER room with movies and such--that is awesome!!) 6 playgrounds around the area. It has only 3 bedrooms, but has a super nice family room and study in the basement. Additional storage down there too, but not enough for our other storage to come over. No dedicated parking, which can be a pain. Oh yeah, the kitchen is fantastic in this one. That is a biggie for me. But it is further away. WHAT TO DO!?!? 

I think we are realistically leaning toward the single, which is not as "nice" and doesnt have the nice ammenities. Hmmm... what would you do if it were you?

Crazy times!

First and foremost, I need to request prayers from all you readers. My Aunt and Uncle and Cousin just lost their house to a fire last night(along with their possessions) and did not have insurance(as they are renting between homes). They really need prayers right now. 

In other crazy news, we are moving in UNDER 3 weeks. AHHH. Unfortunately, we are not packed yet, and my husband will be unavailable this weekend. (Okay, Lord, I know you have a plan here...please let me pack well!!) I also have other super crazy news. Well, our housing plan WAS to move into our new home when it was finished being built, BUT....our builder "went under" and all construction has been suspended. This was, of course, a shocker, considering we had 3.5 weeks till our house has to vacated. So, monday we were told by our realtor, that our house was not going to be built and that we QUICKLY needed to find some other thing to do. I, in true "me" style, freaked out a tad bit. It was all very overwhelming. Although, I do indeed, know that God has a good plan for us. We decided to find a rental so that we have some time to consider what we want to do long term. We are hoping to save some money over the next few months(although with 2 moves in the plan, we may not). But we really need a place that will "fit" our things so we dont have to store items. There are several options right now. We saw one place yesterday that was size-wise perfect. The paint job left ALOT to be desired. WOW! But I can deal. The other one I am going to see this morning, is also nice, (online at least) but is about 10 minutes further out than the other. The first was like 2 second from our Parish. But either way, we will still be pretty much "local" to what we are used to. And close to my one sister-in-law who we are close to now. AND, this second one is vacant right now. That is a plus too!! ANyway, I am currently asking for St. Jude to intercede. I really want to be open to God's plan. It was disappointing to find out about our "dream" house, but easy come easy go. right? I mean, in light of the sufferings of so many, it is a very small thing. 

Woody the Woodpecker

Well we've had a tiny visitor over the past week and a half. An unwelcome one at that. At apprx. 8:10am(yes, I know this is late, but I am able to sleep in because baby is up ALL night, so, anyway) about every other morning, sometimes 2 in a row, it is lovely to be woken up by a JACK HAMMER of a sound. After the 2nd or 3rd day of it, my husband I are maddeningly running around the house trying to figure out what the ANNOYING sound is. It seriously sounds (and feels, yes it vibrates my room) like a jackhammer is going off on my roof. "What is that freaking noise??" I am throwing open my curtains to check out my neighbors, thinking, "seriously Bill? Are you really jack hammering at 8am?" (poor neighbor Bill, he wasn't jackhammering). Frustrated beyond belief on day #5(remember, I am being woken out of my wonderful hour of sleep-in time), I move to the dining room, still desperately trying to figure out what the noise is. I run into my equally baffled husband, who is also like what the .&*^%.. is that. (DISCLAIMER: No curse words were actually used in the real life situation.) 

Me: "It sounds like someone is drilling but I can't see anybody."

Him: "Yeah, but I don't see anybody either. I have checked the house for the noise but can't find it."

Me: "It isnt coming out of the side window, but it is out of the back. Do you think it could be the sump pump in the garage?"

Him: "I will go check. But doesnt sound like a woodpecker?"

Me: "Yeah, did you check the deck"(Made sense, it IS wood.)

Him: "I'll Check"

He was making breakfast, so I decided to keep searching out WHERE the sound was coming from. Well, well, well, don't you know, I opened that back window on a chilly Holy Saturday morning, angle my head, and look up, and what do I see??? A really CONFUSED woodpecker pecking the CRAP out of our gutter, RIGHT above where our bed is. I yell, OH MY GOSH IT IS A STINKIN' WOODPECKER!!! My daughter says let me see...she sees its tail feathers as it continues to peck the CRAP out of the gutter. When my hubby comes, it flies away. 

So, what is the moral of the LONG story, well, none probably, but I started thinking.. Why is little Woody coming back to visit on such a frequent basis? Why is the stupid bird pecking a metal gutter? Maybe the Lord wants me to be up by this time every morning, so he is sending my own very LOUD alarm clock. Maybe it is like my own little suburban rooster. I don't know. But he visited again today(He took Easter to be with his family I think. Plus I was up by dawn "hunting" Easter baskets with the kids anyway of course, I didnt need the wake-up call). Brian thought, maybe it meant we had termites, but we have had inspections done VERY recently with no problems, so I dont think that is the case. Brian Climbed out our window to make sure there were no "holes" or nests, or anything up there. And everything was fine. So, we figure that little bugger will come back and back again. I dont know. But this is random, we were laying in bed right before we went to sleep the other night, and were saying...."Doesn't it seem like woodpeckers are one of those elusive, maybe-pretend, animals? You know, kind of like a unicorn(except, we know a woodpecker is real, and a unicorn is not, so no comments please :)) I can count the number of times I can remember seeing a real live woodpecker, it is 2. (I only count our friend as once because we know it is just Woody). We just dont think you see these creatures that often. When you hear one(pecking on a good 'ole tree, that is), it is sort of a haunting sound. Not really haunting, but I always stop, hold my breath, knowing I am in the presence of something "rare-ish". ANYway. That is my story. Oh and a BLESSED EASTER TO ALL! 

Menu Plan Monday

So I am posting this a day early because I will not be online this week...and it is for my benefit. Still doing a spring clean of the freezer, I will be using up the beef ribs, and a lb. of ground beef from the freezer, also the bean burritos. Let's face it, I most likely have a couple chicken breasts floating around in there too. The freezer isn't empty yet, but, between using already bought frozen meats and re-purposing leftovers, it is sure saving me money on groceries!!

Check out orgjunkie.com for other menu plans or to participate yourselves.

Monday: Homemade Pizza and salad

Tuesday: Beef Ribs

Wednesday: Tacos

Thursday: Mac and Cheese and Stewed Tomatoes

Friday: GOOD FRIDAY--no planned meal

Saturday: Chicken Fettucini Alfredo with Asparagus

(Make Ressurection Cookies with Kids, and Monkey Bread for Easter Morning)

Sunday: EASTER HAM!! ALLELUIA!!!! HE IS RISEN!! 

yeast rolls, Scalloped Potatoes, Spring Salad with Pine nuts, goat cheese, dried cranberries, and balsalmic vinagarette

**BRING A DESSERT TO TERRI's House** Maybe Fruit Pizza

Lunch: 

Monday: Bean Burritos(didn't eat them last week) and carrots

Tuesday: PBJ and apples

Wednesday: Sedar Meal at LB...Bring cookies and Parsley

Thursday: Taco leftovers--salad, or quesedillas

Friday: Mac and Cheese Leftovers

Saturday:

Sunday:

Holy Week

So, as I was doing my Women of Grace Study this week...we were looking to see if there were any areas where we might struggle with inordinate attachment.  As I was reflecting and praying, I felt that maybe I needed to "give up" my internet time especially this week for Holy Week to allow myself to more fully enter into our Lord's Passion and Death. I felt it would also allow me to grow in the "virtue" of attentiveness to my family and familial needs. I am praying for the grace to grow in that area. I know we only have TODAY to live, not yesterday, and not tomorrow, but today, the present moment. And if I dont embrace that to its fullest, I am missing out on the life God wants for me, and all the blessings. I pray that each of you may grow closer to Jesus this week and know his boundless love for you. That you may give your hearts fully to him, so to be filled with his joy. God bless you this Holy Week. 

Baby wearing Giveaway!

Go to the Coco Cafe and enter this giveaway to win a pouch sling from DrewBabyDesigns. Good Luck!

Kindergarten Graduation!

Well my dear daughter had her "unofficial official" Kindergarten Graduation today. Because we homeschool, and I started early with school, she is finished. I am still planning on having her read daily, and review math...any suggestions in the math review area are WELCOME...but for all intensive purposes, WE ARE DONE!! WOO HOO. She finished her math book today, and is WELL ahead in reading(like 2nd grade level) and we have just been doing our own choice poetry for months now. Her handwriting has vastly improved as well. This is great because this will free up time to stay current with the liturgical year and do lots of Holy Week crafts, stories, etc. Not that we wouldn't have done these anyway, but I won't feel like I am skipping stuff. Now we can feel free to do tons of story time, and outside time, spring picnics, and imaginary play. Not to mention. WE ARE MOVING IN less than 45 DAYS!!!! So we'll need to start packing and getting ready at some point. I think I am pretending it is  not happening...the packing fairies will be here any day, right?!?

Anyway. A big congratulations to my firstborn today. We had cookies, took pictures, and marched around and sang many songs to commemorate this occasion!! 

Menu Plan Monday!

This week we are doing a "spring clean of the freezer". I need to start using/getting rid of all our frozen stuff. We are moving in just over a month. I havent started packing yet...shhh.  I thought I would go easy on the food budget, and use all the stuff we have on hand. So, other than our produce and milk, bread and other dairy...we should be pretty well set. Right now I have chicken left over from last night's Rotisserie Style Chicken- BTW...this was FANTASTIC!!, I have some rice and asparagus too. I'm also defrosting some sweet italian sausage and some home-made meatballs from the freezer. I will probably take out a flank steak I have too. Okay, so here goes. . . I need to get my mind working as to how I am going to use these foods this week. 

Monday: Chicken Wraps with Roasted Peppers, Feta Cheese and Asparagus in it. Interesting, we'll see how that goes over.

Tuesday: Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black beans(maybe I'll throw the rice in too). I am liking this one...we love Tortilla soup around here.

Wednesday: Sweet Sausage, and meatballs with Pasta and salad

Thursday: Leftover something--DH not home for dinner, plus it will help use up our meat leftovers before tomorrow.

Friday: Tortellini in a Pink Vodka Sauce(in my fridge--I love easy dinner nights)

Saturday: Free night...I will pull something together

Sunday: Flank Steak(probably something Rachel Ray does...i love her cookbooks!) with Baked Potatoes and salad.

Monday lunch: PBJ, apple "shake-ups" finish off the veggie straws

Tuesday lunch: Baked Potatoes and Cantaloupe

Wednesday lunch: Pack lunch for co-op...string cheese, raisins, Peanut butter or Tuna, carrots and dip with water

Thursday lunch: Frozen Bean Burritos, my kids love 'em. And it is only once in awhile.

Friday lunch: Pack for co-op: Yogurt tubes or yogurt drinks, cheese cubes, and crackers(yes, it is a lot of dairy, but we go peanut free today) oranges.

Saturday lunch: family birthday party

Sunday lunch: leftover Tortellini

If you want to see more great menu plans or participate in this on your blog go to orgjunkie.com, or click on the picture above.

Menu Menu Menu

Menu Plan Monday : Lots of Carryover meals this week as we had tons of Leftover days. Yay for leftovers. Anyway, here is the plan. I need to go back to doing a complete plan, B, L, and D. But this is it for now.

Monday: Pork Tenderloin with Brocolli.

Tuesday: Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches and Green Beans

Wednesday: Chili--carryover

Thursday: Leftovers--ie..eat up any meat that we can't have tomorrow

Friday: Crab Soup--but maybe not---Kid's at their 1/2 Slumber Party

Saturday: Triese's Birthday Dinner

Sunday: Rotisserie-Style Chicken Roasted potatoes, Asparagus or salad.

Check out Orgjunkie.com by clicking on the picture for more menu plans.

At the request of Tara, from MCM, here are the pictures of the crafts my son did at the co-op. Warning: THESE ARE NOT FANCY!! But simple and to the point. I don't know why St. Joseph is sideways, it is not this way in my computer. So sorry about that. The kids just took a picture of St. Joseph and "framed" it with the popsicle sticks. I guess they were "pretending" to be carpenters. Also, they colored a hammer and nails.

Women of Prayer

Today (yesterday, wednesday)at the homeschooling Co-Op we belong to, we held a "visitation" with a mom that is very nearly ready to give birth to twins...who will be the 4th and 5th children in their very young family. (there will be 5, 5 and under!!). For this "visitation" all the moms who were in the nursery at the time gathered around the mother, we prayed the 2nd Mystery of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, The Visitation, and then we laid hands on her and prayed for all the special intentions pertinent to the next few weeks and months for her. It was beautiful. She was filled with peace about all she has to go through over the next few weeks and months, and I was moved nearly to tears. 

Since I began this post--pre-publishing, I found out that she has gone to the hospital to most likely have the babies. Since all her children were born early...30, 32, and 35 weeks, she is ready for them. Please keep her in your prayers.

As for today, I made a change in my menu. I decided on Pork Fried Rice. I had the left over pork from the ribs(they were alright, but I really loved the John McCain Ribs from the other week way more!) and always have rice on hand. I feel like it is a free meal. It helps the monthly food budget alot. It is leftovers, without being "leftovers". I used brown rice, I made it this morning, and I also used peas. So, we'll see how it turns out. 

I am making a carrot cake to celebrate St. Joseph's feast day. He really came through for us(when does he not though??) in praying for us to sell the house. You know how people say "so and so is the Jack of all trades" Well, that is what St. Joseph is, the patron saint for "everything". For selling houses, for men, for dad's, for work, to find a job, for carpenters, for chastity, the grace of a happy death. I mean, he is the man. Isn't that a beautiful depiction of St. Joseph teaching our Lord? I love it. In fact, at our co-op yesterday, Aidan made a craft with this depiction of St. Joseph in his pre-school class. 

St. Joseph, Pray for us.

Menu Plan Monday!

It is that time of the week again. Surprisingly enough, I have NO carry over meals. That is good.

Here is the plan for this week.

Monday: Korean Ribs in the Crockpot with Rice and green beans

Tuesday: Corned Beef and Cabbage--what else, it IS St. Patricks Day

Wednesday: Leftovers(Corned beef sandwiches or ribs)

Thursday:Crockpot Chili

Friday:Ricotta Pasta with Caprese Salad

Saturday: Chicken Strip Salad

Sunday:Bean Tostadas

SOLD!!

Well, we did it! We sold the house. Everything has been pending for a few weeks with the inspection and appraiser, etc. But we finally signed off on everything and we are done! Now, we need to start packing up and gear up for the 1st of probably 2 moves. Yes, I have come to accept that it is highly unrealistic, short of a miracle that is, that our new home will be ready for us come May 15. So, I am mentally (and emotionally) preparing for 2 moves. I figure, if I do that, I will not be upset when it happens. The good news is, that they started digging the basement. It is about a week past due, considering the basement was to be poured by the 10th, but it is a welcome start. I am so happy they started. The kids and I have driven by several times over the last week, and finally today, there was digging! Yay!
I will be posting a picture as soon as I get around to downloading the pics.

I have been enjoying the spiritual exercises I have chosen for this lent. As I mentioned in earlier posts, I am doing the Love Dare as well as Women of Grace. I have found, that I am more aware of my own reactions to undesirable things--you know, no sleep, exhaustion, anything whatsoever annoying to me...which is almost everything when I am tired. But, the Lord has been working with me in this area. I find myself waking up, strike that, leaving my bed after a night with no sleep, and saying to the Lord "so, this is what you are asking of me today?" And he answers, "Yes" and I find myself filled with the grace I need to get through the day. I am grateful...I truly do feel as though, "My cup overflows" Psalm 23.  Am I still tired, yes. Am I extremely grumpy before my "talk" with God, yes. Does he help me anyway...YES!! He is GOOD!!

We are off to dinner at my neighbor's house tonight. They are Indian, and vegetarian, so we will have no issues with today's abstinence from meat. I am looking forward to it.

New Giveaway at Modern Catholic Mom

Here it is. A giveaway of Holy Baby DVDs
I have never seen these dvds, but I assume they can only be good. And yes, Tara, you are probably the only person who will see this. haha. But I do love a good giveaway!!

I won a GIVEAWAY!! YAY!

It is my first giveaway to win. I was just notified today that I won. Here is what was up for grabs:
A copy of Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster.
$10 Starbucks Gift Card
$10 Gymboree Gift Card

My thought when I entered...nothing better than reading and coffee...and cute clothes are great too!!

Here is who I won from...The Young and the Relentless!

Inspiring Quote for today

Here is a quote I found moving today: "Between women and God is often arranged the eternal salvation of husbands and sons. But for this she must be valiant. Strong to uphold purity of life. Strong to keep inviolate the treasure of faith. Strong in every battle of life. Great-souled in the face of calamity, persecution and death. And remember, sorrow is the training ground of strong souls." St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

I also just came upon a truly beautiful reflection. Please read it here.