A Saturday Morning Chuckle

Go check out Rob's post over at Sardonic Catholic Dad...sure to put a smile on your face!

Seven Quick Takes~1/30/09

1. Ryan is taking Ray on a field trip to the National Cryptologic Museum on Friday (field trip with homeschool co-op), AND taking Ray tubing at Ski Liberty on Saturday (week from) with his middle school group Blaze. Lucky!

2. I can't remember the last time I left the house...maybe Sunday? The kids played in the snow on Tuesday, and I think Ray went out to the store with Ryan yesterday, but other than that...

3. I'm enjoying reading my new issue of Mater et Magistra.

4. I am really enjoying our blog. I think my favorite part, besides sharing bits of our life with our friends and family, is the fact that it is not just me contributing to it. Ryan likes to post videos and photos and the older kids are learning the basics as well.

5. Facebook is weird. I feel like I know more than I would usually like to about people who were just "acquaintances". I also know more about my old friends from high school and my cousins. I feel like sometimes when I'm on there, I'm on information overload. I wouldn't have joined up, except that my sister suggested it. And, well, I always have to do what she says. I'm also always trying to think of something witty to put as my "status". This is really hard. I think for the youngers, they just put anything and they can LOL and ROTFLMAO and <3. But for me personally, and I think for 30-somethings on up, there is a real pressure to "say" something smart, funny, witty, and dry. KWIM? LOL. For instance, what do I do throughout the day? Hmmm, typical Mom and Wife duties. It's quite boring, to others. I'm always searching my head for something brilliant to put as my status, and I'm probably making it bigger than it should be, but I also have a lot on my shoulders. I was Class Clown 1994 Howard High School, ya know. Big pressure to be funny. And I am just not funny anymore, except to my 6 little mini-me's. And that's all that matters...right?

6. I'm hoping I can go on a week-end Catholic women's retreat next month.

7. Amy is making chicken noodle soup. Amy is wiping somebody's hine. Amy is holding a baby. Amy is checking schoolwork. Amy is teaching. Amy is making oatmeal raisin cookies. Amy is gagging on slimfast. Amy is not exercising. Amy is... Amy is... Amy is...Me.

Happy National Snack-Food Month!

Ray and Josie were debating what the #1 snack food in America was. Josie says it is Goldfish crackers. Ray says it is potato chips. We decided to google it to settle it once and for all, and we came across this interesting article. Potato chips are the #1 snack food for males ages 18-34. Seniors like snack nuts, and children prefer cheese puffs. The article goes on to say that Super Bowl week-end kicks off National Snack-Food Month. So, what's your favorite snack?

Small Successes~1/29/09

1. Said a family rosary with my children all week.

2. Worked out twice this week.

3. Made lunch and dinner at home all week.

Go me? Go check out more small successes at Faith & Family Live!

Check out http://www.lifehq.org/join.php

I just learned about this site. Go check it out!

The Cure for Cabin Fever!

The Daily Show's take on the Inauguration

Stick around to the end, it is the funniest part...

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Changefest '09 - Obama's Inauguration

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Hi Hon.

I just wanted you to know that I had fun on your "staycation". I love you and I miss you!!!

Anyone?

Bosu?

Nancy Drew's Guide To Life

Oddly enough, Ryan, Ray, Josie, and I are thoroughly enjoying this little gem of a book that I threw into our cart at "Five Below" yesterday. Written by Jennifer Worick, the book is chock-full of life's lessons, Nancy Drew-style. Although I personally don't remember reading Nancy Drew as a child, I remember my sister had the whole collection, and I would thumb through the pages every once in a while. You don't even have to be a fan of Nancy Drew to like this book. Ryan and even Ray, our oldest son, is enjoying these little tid-bits of fun, oozing of old-fashioned-ness:

Chapter 1~Survival Strategies


If the ceiling collapses, breathe through a handkerchief to avoid inhaling dust. ~The Hidden Staircase

Moxie and a good sense of balance are essential when crawling on a roof. ~The Hidden Staircase

When your ride is mired in mud, placing heavy burlap in front of the rear wheels and rocking the car back and forth can get you back on the road. ~The Secret of Red Gate Farm

I'll be sure to share some more later !

Seven Quick Takes~1/23/09

1. We went to Cumberland to visit my Dad Tuesday-Thursday. We geocached all the way there, and on Wednesday and Thursday. It was a fun trip.

2. Everyone is feeling pretty good, except for Ryan. What are the chances I get spared? Evan's teeth pain has ceased for the moment.

3. I was glad we were out of town on Tuesday and in the car. We did catch the tail end of President Obama's Inaugural speech in the car. I felt like the whole experience of listening to the speech was old-fashioned, in a good way. We missed all of the hoopla on t.v., thank goodness. We did catch a couple of the funnier moments on Jon Stewart (Daily Show) at the hotel, though, and we said a prayer for our new President around noon that day.

4. You know the day after you come home from a trip? Doesn't that day sizuck? It really wasn't a BAD day, persay. We did our usual stuff, Ryan was home, which was really nice. I got a little pouty, though, in the afternoon, went and laid down, and fell asleep, which was weird.

5. Ryan took the kids outside this afternoon for a little while. I stayed inside with Bennett.

6. We pulled out the old exersaucer/walker/whatever the heck it is out of the attic today for Bennett and he loved it. He looked at us like "Thank God! I can stretch my legs finally!" We did clean off the old Evan barf that had dried up on it. EWWWWWWWWW!

7. Who has S.A.D.??? Raise your hand!!! MEEE!!!

Go check out more at Conversion Diary!

Small Successes

Let's do this, shall we? This is an idea from Danielle over at Faith & Family Live! I personally like this idea. Danielle says:

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So let’s do that.

So here's my three:

1. I drove my family of 8 safely almost 500 miles over the past 3 days.

2. I exercised with my family (hiking on a trail) yesterday almost 3/4 mile. It wasn't far, but it was for little legs.

3. My family of 8 survived 2 nights in a hotel with 2 queen sized beds.

Now go check out Faith & Family Live!

Something to Think About

H/T: Faith & Family Live!

The Simple Woman's Daybook~1/19/09

FOR TODAY 1/19/09...

Outside my window...
Night. 25 degrees. Brrrr!

I am thinking...
Now I hope Brady feels better! And how Evan's teeth will hurry up already and come through! He is the worst teether we've ever had!

I am thankful for...
K & J who watched our kids last night :)

From the learning rooms...
Still much of the same from my last daybook :)

From the kitchen...
unfortunately, not much going on in the kitchen. I can't focus on the kitchen right now for some reason.

I am wearing...
t-shirt and sweatpants...hawt.

I am creating...
plans for us to visit my Dad in Cumberland tomorrow :)

I am going...
to Cumberland if Brady is feeling better tomorrow or the next day.

I am reading...
The Faith Explained by Fr. Leo J. Trese and Guiding Your Catholic Preschooler by Kathy Pierce and Lori Rowland

I am hoping...
Brady feels better.

I am hearing...
Evan is crying once again. God, please take away his pain!

Around the house...
We need to do a major cleaning to get this SICK out of the house!

One of my favorite things...
a date night with my husband :)

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Hopefully tomorrow-Thursday we will be in Cumberland.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Go check out The Simple Woman's Daybook!

Do you wanna win this?

Then go check out I Never Grew Up!

One Wild and Crazy Gal

This is Brady's wacky dance/walk. It reminds Ryan of the Dan Akroyd and Steve Martin skit from SNL.





(Skip to 00:34 for the walk)

Seven Quick Takes~1/16/09

1. Evan is sick now.

2. Tonight is our homeschool co-op planning meeting. Once again, I have offered to stay in the nursery, considering I have 3 children in there. I am looking forward to what the other moms will be teaching to my oldest 3, though!

3. I finally got myself some hot rollers. It only took 32 years.

4. Ryan and Ray went to the Conquest meeting on Wednesday. They have been talking and may consider joining up. I have been listening and have left it up to them. I keep hearing words such as "weird but good".

5. Josie has the best friends! And so do I! One mom from co-op who has 3 girls has taken Josie home with them to play and they even went ice-skating yesterday. She even offers to pick her up and drop her off! M~you are a Blessing!

6. Brady keeps doing this funny dance. It is cracking ALL of us up. I will have to get it on video (Done!). She reminds me of someone, I just can't put my finger on it...

7. Ryan fixed the oven! I am so proud of him :)

Go check out more Seven Quick Takes at Conversion Diary!

Josie on Ice

Egg on his Face

Literally.

Jumping Jacks (and Jills)

The Simple Woman's Daybook~1/13/09

FOR TODAY 1/13/09...

Outside my window...
Dusk. 36 degrees and mostly cloudy.

I am thinking...
I am happy our homeschool review is behind us! Everything went well!

I am thankful for...
God and the Blessings he has given our family.

From the learning rooms...
We got our new books today! Brady and Sean wanted to start right away, but I was able to hold them off until tomorrow :)

From the kitchen...
Ryan went to the store to get ingredients for dinner. I am surprised he picked a vegetarian dish.

I am wearing...
my uniform, jeans and a t-shirt.

I am creating...
ideas for lessons! We primarily use CHC's well, curriculum. Down to the lesson plans and everything, although, I will be doing second grade reading with Brady. Also, I am going to incorporate the Alphabet Path thanks to Serendipity, for Sean to go along with learning his letters.

I am going...
we are sticking around here this week. Bennett is getting over his sinus infection, but is on the mend.

I am reading...
I started picking up and browsing through Catholic Homeschool Companion by Maureen Wittmann and Rachel Mackson again.

I am hoping...
Ryan and I have fun this week-end! We are going to the CHA Benefit Gala on Sunday.

I am hearing...
Bennett drinking his ba and I am also hearing the t.v. Ray is watching PBS.

Around the house...
There are books everywhere!

One of my favorite things...
pink meddy.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Ryan and Ray are going to a Conquest meeting tomorrow, and the 2 bigs have CCD tomorrow night. Ray will be going to Our Daily Bread Sunday morning with his middle school group Blaze, and Ryan and I are going to the Gala on Sunday evening.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Go check out The Simple Woman's Daybook!

We Love Our Cousins!

Fellow Life Supporters-

I was handed a piece of paper at our last co-op meeting by a fellow homeschooling mom who fights for Life. She suggested we all pray a Novena starting Jan. 11. I wrote it on my calendar "Start Pro-Life Novena" on Jan. 11. Then I tucked it away on our home altar. At dinner, I pulled the lone piece of paper out, deciding to pray during/after dinner. I then realized it would take a little longer then expected, so I decided to wait until after the kids went to bed. It was worth every bit of time it took. Here is what the paper says:

Fellow Life Supporters-

Please join in a novena to begin January 11, 2009. Let's use the power of prayer to bring about a change to this nation, and help the President-elect see the preciousness of all life, from conception to natural death. Let's use the power of prayer to fight the powers of darkness that are rejoicing at the President-elect's first major act- FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act).
A ten year old girl had this idea. Let's remember we need the heart of a child to seek God's kingdom. Please feel free to spread this.

Prayers
to the
Holy Trinity, The Blessed Virgin Mary,
All the Angels and Saints

O Heavenly Father, Creator and Giver of all life, Author of Justice, Source of love and mercy: Although it is deserving of your anger and punishment, look with mercy on our nation which has offended you by condoning the killing of millions of innocent children, Thy precious sons and daughters, who, like all of us, were created in your image and likeness, and whose only offense was their very existence. Amen.

O Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer, whose inestimable gift of self-sacrificing love provided the means of Salvation for all mankind through the shedding of your innocent blood: grant that all may come to know you, serve you and love you, and thus may know the meaning of true freedom and true liberty which never destroys, but always serves and protects life. Amen.

O Holy Spirit, source of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, fortitude, piety and holy fear: inspire us with these gifts. Fill the hearts of the leaders of this nation, especially those who have the temporal power and the grave responsibility to make and interpret and execute laws, with the desire to do God's Will, to restore justice and to establish laws which govern the people of this land in conformity with the Divine Law--laws which will preserve, protect and defend the lives of all sons and daughters of God, from their earliest beginnings until death. Amen.

O Mary, Mother of Jesus, entrusted to be the mother of God's only-begotten Son, Our Savior, through thine obedient consent to God's Will, and who thus became for all people and all time the model of faith and of the self-giving love and devotion of Motherhood: take into your motherly arms all the babies who are victims of abortion that they may receive eternally the comfort of a mother's love. May your example and intercession open the hearts of all who reject God and His holy laws, comfort all those who suffer remorse because of abortion, and restore to hope in Christ those mothers and fathers who grieve and repent the killing of their children. Amen.

All Angels and Saints: may your guidance and example show fallen humanity the way to perfect joy and freedom and peace found only in unity with God in obedience to His Will through Salvation in Christ Jesus; and may your constant prayers be joined by those of all the little children--the "slaughtered innocents"--as a "cloud of witnesses" interceding for sinful man. Amen.

--o--
Novena: Day 1
Psalm 139
Gloria Patri (Glory be)
Above Prayers
Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries
Magnificat: Luke 1:46-55
Novena: Days 2-9
Our Father...
Above Prayers
Gloria Patri (Glory be)
Three 'Hail Marys'
Gloria Patri (Glory be)

Bath time fun for Bennett

Our Reckless Three Year Old

Sean did a faceplant yesterday on an asphalt trail while Geocaching, but that didn't stop him from climbing the newly organized (by Amy and Josie) bookshelf today.

Ornithophobia, Shmornithophobia

Seven Quick Takes

As you may have guessed, we don't have a lot of time to write...well, to write anything. We do like to post pictures, and movies of our darling children doing their day-to-day fun-ness. We've even been seriously lacking doing that as well. By the time dinner is done, we don't have a lot of energy. I am usually done. Although, I do like to read to the children at night to whoever will listen. Ryan just wrote me an email and at the end he wrote, "Sorry I was such a crank last night." Anyway, it just goes to show that, even though we are happy MOST of the time and we try to document those happy times, we are human and Ryan and I are continually learning every single day. I am very proud of Ryan, especially for all of his accomplishments concerning work. He has just come so far, and I still see glimpses of 18 year old Ryan, but I really have to look harder now. Sorry this has turned into gobbledy-gook, but my point WAS, a theme is good to have, like the Simple Woman's Daybook, because I make a point to write something on here, and now I am going to do the Seven Quick Takes on Fridays. This is from an idea by Jennifer over at Conversion Diary. She starts out by saying

"A friend and blog reader suggested the other day that I occasionally do more casual posts with quick thoughts off the top of my head."

So here goes Seven Quick Takes.

1. I am glad my littlest buddy is feeling better! Thank you all for your prayers. Right now, Josie is holding him on the couch, humming him a lullaby. Really!

2. I thank you, C, F, and J, for the Scholastic movies you got the kids. They have been enjoying them so, so much. Plus the best part is...they are books! Well, it is like they are being read a book?

3. Evan just handed me a box of Fruity Cheerios, so I have to be quicker...

4. I am glad our other activities did not start back up this week. We liked the fact that we didn't have to go anywhere.

5. I have ordered Josie 4th grade books, Brady 1st grade books, and Sean some pre-school books.

6. We had so much fun yesterday meeting my family for lunch to celebrate my cousin's birthday. Unfortunately, it was too short...

7. We will be posting some more pictures and movies that we took last week-end...as soon as Ryan can get to it :)

See more Seven Quick Takes over at Conversion Diary!

Ocean City Snow

St Raymond of Peñafort

He was born near Barcelona somewhere between 1175 and 1180. He was educated at the University of Barcelona, where he taught canon law for fifteen years. After a spell at the University of Bologna he returned to Barcelona in 1222 and became a Dominican. At the command of Pope Gregory IX he organised, codified and edited canon law, which, when he started, was nothing better than a chaotic accumulation of isolated decrees. He was elected to be General of the Dominicans and gave it an excellent set of regulations for its better governance. He died in 1275. Among his works, the Summa casuum is noteworthy. This gives guidance as to how the sacrament of Penance may be administered justly and with benefit to the penitent. See the articles in the Catholic Encyclopaedia and Wikipedia.

h/t Universalis and wikipedia

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 1/7/09

FOR TODAY 1/7/09...

Outside my window...
Night. 33 degrees. Light rain.

I am thinking...
I hope my littlest buddy feels better.

I am thankful for...
my children.

From the learning rooms...
Ray's attitude has changed...he wants to be done, too!

From the kitchen...
We celebrated the Epiphany tonight. Ryan made Imperial Salmon with Cheesy Squash straight out of Grace Before Meals by Fr. Leo E. Patalinghug.

I am wearing...
I might just take this question out.

I am creating...
a "portfolio" for our homeschool review next week.

I am going...
I am staying put. My buddy doesn't feel well.

I am reading...
I've picked up Real Learning by Elizabeth Foss again.

I am hoping...
Bennett feels better.

I am hearing...
baby noises~squeaks, burps, yawns, sucking on a fist...

Around the house...
Why does Ordinary sound so ordinary?

One of my favorite things...
new books.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
No, thank you.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Go check out The Simple Woman's Daybook!

Happy 5th Birthday B-Rad!

You are truly one of a kind. You either have us laughing or crying. You are our baby girl. We love you!!!