Friday, February 27, 2009

Seven Quick Takes~2/27/09

1. Geema is taking R and J to "the Wolf" tomorrow and we are meeting up with them on Sunday afternoon.

2. Sean just told us that "E.T. and Jesus made the world together". Ryan says there's probably a religion based on that theory.

3. My wonderful husband just directed me to this blog.

4. Bennett is so funny. He just wants to get down and go. He wiggles himself while I'm holding him like he wants to get down. So I lay him down on his little playmat, now what? He doesn't know what to do! He does roll from his front to back :)

5. For those of you who have seen J's arm: we took her to the dr. this past week for it, and it is dermatitis. Poor thing, we were way off. They gave us 2 prescriptions for it, and within days it is barely visible.

6. We are having a troubling geocaching episode in our area. Someone has been stealing ours and our friends geocaches. It saddens me that somebody is ruining all of the hard work that we and our fellow geocachers have put into the ideas, kid-friendly items, and containers. We have told the Maryland Geocaching Society and they are trying to figure out how to handle this rare situation.

7. Anyone else looking forward to watching Jesus Of Nazareth? ( I know you are, Dad!)

Check out more Seven Quick Takes over at Conversion Diary!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Small Successes~2/26/09

1. I made homemade chicken noodle soup!

2. Went to weekday Mass!

3. I've stayed away from facebook the past 2 days :)

Go check out more Small Successes at Faith & Family Live!

Welcome Home, Troops!

Can you find 3 minutes?

Loyola Press 3-Minute Retreat

Not now? Maybe later!

(This site came recommended by a very special person, we Love you!)

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Mary Moments Carnival: Lent/Easter Edition!

I am looking forward to reading through the posts of the Mary Moments Carnival over at Behold Your Mother. Won't you join me?

Ray's Extras

The Lenten Prayer



O Lord and Ruler of Life, take from me the spirit of idleness, despair, cupidity, and empty talking. Yea, O Lord grant that I may see my own sins and not judge my brother. For thou art blessed forever and ever. Amen.

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook~2/23/09

FOR TODAY 2/23/09...

Outside my window...
Night. 27 degrees.

I am thinking...
I hope Josie feels better. She got sick tonight. I am also thinking about how my mind is racing. I am full!

I am thankful for...
family and my Blessings

From the learning rooms...
Today was a transition day from being gone all week-end.

From the kitchen...
taco night!

I am creating...
I hope to create a Lenten plan. For now, we've come up with our fasts for this season. No soda for me.

I am going...
We'll stay home tomorrow.

I am reading...
Preparation for Total Consecration according to Saint Louis Marie de Montfort

I am hoping...
What Josie has isn't too serious.

I am hearing...
Quiet!

Around the house...
There are still hearts!

One of my favorite things...
learning and growing in my faith, prayers of thanksgiving for all of my Blessings, and coming home to the same Blessings after being gone for the week-end. Kissing their cheeks, and smelling their heads and giving them hugs, from little to big.


A few plans for the rest of the week:
Ray begins his writing class this Wednesday afternoon. We will also be going to Mass on Wed. Thursday Ryan and Ray will be going with Blaze to BWI to greet the troops! Friday is our homeschool co-op. We are also going to Great Wolf Lodge on Sunday for the night.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Go check out The Simple Woman's Daybook!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Small Successes~2/19/09

1. Went to weekday Mass!

2. Scrubbed 2 bathrooms top to bottom! (EW!)

3. I made an apple cake today :)

Go check out more Small Successes at Faith & Family Live!

The Rejects

Ray is taking a photography class through our homeschool co-op. His teacher e-mailed him his assignment, which was to
Take a photo of everyday life in your family. Be sure to utilize the tips we discussed in class: take lots of photos of the same subject, move around and get your subject from different points of view, get in close, get in focus, watch background and foreground clutter.
He has since picked out his favorites and turned them in. These are his rejects!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Monday, February 16, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook~2/16/09

FOR TODAY 2/16/09...

Outside my window...
Night. 30 degrees.

I am thinking...
About the retreat I am going to this week-end. I haven't had much time to think about it, but I think that's a good thing! Every time I do think about it, I get nervous.

I am thankful for...
my husband who listens to my silliness and then gives good advice! I am also thankful for the wonderful day we had Sunday with Bennett :)

From the learning rooms...
Well, we took the day off for President's Day ;)

From the kitchen...
lots of leftovers.


I am creating...
more plans for Ray with his Blaze group from Church.

I am going...
away this week-end! I feel Blessed, but also guilt and sadness.

I am reading...
The Purpose Driven Life and A Catholic Perspective on The Purpose Driven Life.

I am hoping...
I am able to sacrifice and pray!

I am hearing...
Baltimore news.

Around the house...
There are still signs of Valentine's Day! Hearts and Flowers!

One of my favorite things...
Laughing :D

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Sacrificing! Praying! Weekday Mass and CCD on Wednesday, and Homeschool Co-op on Friday. The retreat is Friday-Sunday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Go check out The Simple Woman's Daybook!

Happy President's Day!

Here's a funny video about kittens! (Thanks, M!)

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Seven Quick Takes~2/14/09


1. Happy Valentine's Day!

2. Brady and I had fun at Mary's pc party she hosted last night, visiting our family. I love the fact that we live so close.

3. And on that note, we were able to help out my bro on Wednesday by watching his 3 girls while he went to school. Another perk of having family nearby.

4. I'd like to hear what other's plans for Valentine's Day is, considering we don't have any! I did get a nice card from my Valentine, though.

5. We had our first day of homeschool co-op yesterday. My friend over at Half a Dozen Productions has written a nice post about the subjects that all of the kids are learning. Go check it out!

6. We are looking forward to the long week-end!

7. Every day we pray for God to lead us to a "new" slightly bigger home for our growing family. We know He has the plan for our family.

Go check out more Seven Quick Takes over at Conversion Diary!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

We Love Crafts

We've been having so much fun doing crafts! There are so many great ideas from so many REAL crafty moms. I just use their ideas! But I have to give credit where credit is due. I got the letter painting idea from Elizabeth over at In the Heart of my Home. Then she guided me over to Kimberlee over at Pondered In My Heart for the Valentine's ideas. Thank you to those moms who post their ideas, it makes my "job" so much easier, and my kids are much happier.

Small Successes~2/12/09

1. We made Valentine's today!

2. I have a cooked chicken in the crockpot for some sort of meal!

3. We went to weekday Mass yesterday!

Check out more Small Successes at Faith & Family Live!

And the TOADY goes to. . .


...Mattel's Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Barbie.

More than 6,000 votes were cast in CCFC's inaugural competition for the TOADY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children) Award for the worst toy of the year. With 40% of the vote, Barbie sailed to victory over the Power Wheels Cadillac Escalade (21%), the Smart Cycle by Fisher Price (19%) Baby Alive Goes Potty (10%) and The Lego Batman Video Game (10%). The people have spoken.


H/T

www.commercialfreechildhood.org

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Our Lady of Lourdes



In 1858 the immaculate Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, near Lourdes in France, in the cavern called “de Massabielle.” Through this poor, fourteen-year-old girl, Mary calls on sinners to change their lives. She has inspired in the Church a great love of prayer and good works, especially in the service of the poor and the sick. See the articles in the Catholic Encyclopaedia and Wikipedia.
H/T Universalis

FOCA-by-Stealth -- Ask Congress to Defend Pro-Life Riders

The top priority for Planned Parenthood and their pro-abortion allies is to repeal the laws that prohibit federal funding of abortion. Often called pro-life "riders," the pro-abortion forces want House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to eliminate them and start using our tax dollars to pay for abortion-on-demand . . . nationwide.

Thankfully, a bi-partisan group of Members of Congress are standing up to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Cecile Richards of Planned Parenthood (who used to work for Speaker Pelosi). A letter to Speaker Pelosi written by Republican Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio and Democrat Congressman Heath Schuler of North Carolina is being circulated for signatures by Members of Congress.

Please ask your member of Congress to sign the Jordan/Schuler letter.

Just click this link.

The deadline is this Friday, February 13.


H/T

Charmaine Yoest, Ph.D.
President & CEO
AUL Action The Legislative Arm of Americans United for Life
FightFOCA.com
FightFOCA@FightFOCA.com

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Bennett Squawks

For a while he was the quiet one around here.

Good Friends Keep in Touch

We got the loveliest letter from our good pals George and Laura.

It's so nice of them to think of us during this transitional time.

St Scholastica



She was born in Nursia in about 480, the twin sister of St Benedict. She was dedicated to God from an early age and followed her brother to Cassino, where she died in about 547. See the article in Wikipedia.
H/T Universalis and StJohn-Catholic.org

Monday, February 9, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook~2/9/09

FOR TODAY 2/9/09...

Outside my window...
Night. 39 degrees.

I am thinking...
Where's Ryan and Brady? They went to get a geocache 2 and a half hours ago!

I am thankful for...
Everything and everyone in my life! Specifically, I am thankful that I am well.

From the learning rooms...
Chug-chugging along. I was hoping to get outside today, but Bennett made it an inside day today because of his long nap! No complaints here!

From the kitchen...
I made homemade chicken pot pie today!


I am creating...
visions of Valentine's in my head :)

I am going...
to text Ryan :)

I am reading...
The Purpose Driven Life

I am hoping...
Ray, Josie, Ryan and Sean feel better. They have stomachaches.

I am hearing...
about the woman who had octuplets. Enough already!!!

Around the house...
we need to add some hearts around here!

One of my favorite things...
being married: I watched the Bachelor tonight :(

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Weekday Mass and CCD Wednesday and a Pampered Chef party at Aunt M's on Friday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Just Can't Pass Up...

these beautiful days!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

'Twas a Beautiful Day...

...for fun and Faith...

Seven Quick Takes~2/7/09

1. Ryan and Ray went tubing today!

2. Geema is coming over!

3. I enjoyed the Tastefully Simple party I went to last week-end hosted by my friends from Church. My Auntie is having a Pampered Chef party next week-end, which I am also planning on going to. I remember when I was in my 20's how much I despised these parties, I thought they were so lame. Now I find myself enjoying them. I guess I'm getting old.

4. I didn't sleep well last night due to sleeping next to a wiggling-all-night 3 year old.

5. I hope my Dad is OK. He was getting some medical tests done yesterday. We said plares!!! (prayers)

6. Ryan and I watched Burn After Reading last night. I laughed a lot.

7. The kids (especially Brady) have been listening to a cute CD we had gotten them called Sing Bible Prayer Songs. It's really sweet to hear them singing the songs (Hail Mary, Apostles Creed, Thank You God, etc.) when the CD isn't on.

Check out more Seven Quick Takes over at Conversion Diary!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

The New Magic Word

At dinner:

Sean: Give me the sour cream!

Me: What's the magic word?

Sean: Buttpaste?

Small Successes~2/5/09

1. Had my brother and 3 nieces (ages 4, 3, and 1) over today! 9 kids total over here!

2. Took all of my kids on a field trip to a science center yesterday!

3. Took all of my kids geocaching on Monday!

Check out more Small Successes at Faith & Family Live!

St Agatha



She was martyred at Catania in Sicily, probably during the persecution of Decius (250-253). Devotion to her was widespread in the Church in the earliest times and she is mentioned in the Roman Canon of the Mass. See the articles in the Catholic Encyclopaedia and Wikipedia.
H/T Universalis and Saints.SQPN.com

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

St Blaise



He was bishop of Sebaste and was martyred, probably early in the fourth century. Devotion to him spread throughout the Church during the Middle Ages. He is particularly invoked for disorders of the throat. See the articles in the Catholic Encyclopaedia and Wikipedia.
H/T Universalis and Wikipedia

Vote Now for the Worst Toy of the Year!

On February 15, the Toy Industry Association will present their annual TOTY (Toy Of The Year) Awards. On February 12, in recognition of the industry that has led the way in commercializing childhood, CCFC will offer its first annual TOADY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children) Award for the worst toy of the year. Who will win the dreaded TOADY? Click here to cast your ballot.

Personally, I voted for the
Power Wheels Cadillac Escalade by Fisher-Price.




Power Wheels Cadillac Escalade by Fisher-Price
Retails for: $349.99
Recommended Age: 36 months - 5 years


Who needs to pedal? Now your three-year-old can drive their own icon of excess at speeds up to five miles per hour! With its $349.99 price tag, you can prove to your neighbors that you aren't affected by the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. And who cares about the environment, either? Teach your children to love their gas guzzlers; a real life Escalade gets all of fourteen miles per gallon!

Our Favorite Super Bowl Commercial

Although we missed the first half, we did manage to see some of the commercials, this one being our favorite, by far. The kids, especially Sean, liked the koala part :)

Monday, February 2, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook~2/2/09


FOR TODAY 2/2/09...

Outside my window...
36 degrees, dark.

I am thinking...
As I'm off to bed after this, I sure hope Evan doesn't thrash about in the night again as he did last night.

I am thankful for...
a beautiful day! The kids and I had a great day today :)

From the learning rooms...
We decided to take advantage of the "warm" day and hit the geocaching road! We got one (FTF!) and then picked up our "prize" geocoin in Largo. When Ryan got home, we picked up 2 more caches in the Patuxent River Park: great trails!

From the kitchen...
I had thrown some sausage and spaghetti sauce in the crockpot this morning.

I am wearing...
pj's. Good-night!

I am creating...
a balance between outdoor exploration and indoor lessons.

I am going...
staying put.

I am reading...
I read Follow the Drinking Gourd to the kids tonight to prepare them for their field trip to the Planetarium on Wednesday.

I am hoping...
Everybody, everywhere! sleeps peacefully tonight.

I am hearing...
Silence?

Around the house...
Happy Candlemas! We didn't get to celebrate the way I wanted to today, but that's OK. Next year?

One of my favorite things...
Seeing Ryan when he gets home from work :)

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Wednesday, Owens Science Center with homeschool co-op. Wednesday night, CCD. Friday, Ray and Ryan go to the National Cryptologic Museum with homeschool co-op. Saturday they will go tubing at Ski Liberty with our parish middle school group, Blaze. Afterwards they will be visiting the Grotto at Mt. St. Mary's.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Be sure to check out The Simple Woman's Daybook!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

A little bit of This!

Here are some recent pictures that we want to share. I really like the pictures of Ray and Bennett hanging out. Bennett actually ended up falling asleep there in Ray's arms. I also like the pictures of the kids on the couch. The ones of us outside were from Saturday. We were hiding a geocache at Piney Orchard Nature Preserve. We were also enjoying the outdoors. There's nothing like a hike in a big open space, with plenty of fresh air, blue skies, and imagination. I kept thinking why it was so empty there. Then I thought of all of the poor kids that had to go play basketball in a sweaty stinky gym on a beautiful Saturday. The last pictures were of us caching today. The mossy boot was something Ryan found while finding a cache. We found our last Maryland Municipal League cache today in Havre de Grace that we needed to finish up the Geotrail. All we need to do is hand in our passport to receive our prize, a new geocoin!

Please Pray

Please pray for Fr. Kevin (our pastor at CHA) and his family. His father, Joseph Mueller, passed away last evening.

Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he and all the faithful departed rest in peace.