Marching Toward Spring And A Little Lenten Thought

The days keep ticking and another week begins before I'm even aware of it. I guess this is March and we keep marching along. 

A few things from around home, just to catch up with randomness.

Here's the new printable I have in the kitchen window for this month. I'm finding that this simple monthly act changes up things at the sink, but also keeps me enjoying the seasons/holidays. 

It's a creative and yet inexpensive way to decorate.

After smelling nearly 50 scents at the local Walmart, I decided this one was springy fresh 

and bought it. Thankfully, it was just as lovely when it melted in my plug in warmer. 

The month started out with this view outside my window.

 It made me eager to do some cleaning and I began by taking down a bunch of curtains to launder. 

I also started the task of washing the inside of the windows and the wood work, etc around them. Mission complete! 

This week we've had a couple days off of school for a little break. It's allowed me to catch up on a few things, but also work on a little spring cleaning. 

We're hosting Easter this year, so I better keep on cleaning!

Earlier in the month we were pretty cold outside, so the kids all kept busy indoors.

Which led to more disasters messes than I'd care to count.

A few projects have gotten checked off the list and a couple are getting started. The major project is the basement bathroom.  

No photos just yet. 

The basement has slowly been getting finished, but now with two bedrooms and a school area down there we wanted the bathroom finished. 

It will be a slow work in progress since Reed will be doing a good portion of the work (aside from the plumbing which is not his favorite thing).  Not that he's slow, the time is just limited to focus on it. 

Last weekend was a busy one at church, but after basking in the glorious sun I did get another indoor project complete.

I repainted our main upstairs bathroom back in January a gray color. I wanted to change the sheer curtain that had been in there, but was undecided on fabric. 

Last week I scoured the local JoAnns and found a fabric I liked for 40% off. 

With such a small window I only needed to grab one yard and spent maybe $5 on it.

Less than an hour worth of work and I had my new half curtain. I only wanted enough of the window covered for privacy (even if it is just facing the backyard and is on the second floor), but allowing plenty of light in. 

We also celebrated Pi Day last Saturday because I actually remembered the day before and made a note of it. That happens nearly never. 

Reed took the time to whip up an apple pie for us to enjoy. Yum.

Lastly, we come to the latest project on my to-do list that came to fruition on Sunday. 

Our diocesan newspaper has a Lenten Pay It Forward project that provides 'seed money' to three projects each Lent. They ask for submissions for worthwhile projects that anyone across the diocese can participate in. 

Thanks to a little nudging, a friend of mine at the diocese suggested in January that we submit a project. Feeling like I was quite inadequate to take on a charitable project, I almost passed it up. 

Upon further thought and prayer, along with conversation with my husband we decided to go for it.

I felt so out of my league. This really wasn't a 'normal' thing I'd do and put myself out there in front of other people like this. Well, God's hand was in it and our submission was chosen as one of the three projects for Lent.

I had decided to submit the idea of a Baby Shower that would benefit the local crisis pregnancy center. There they do pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and pregnancy counseling. Moms and dads can go through an educational program and clients can get the help, support, and baby/toddler items their children need.

With the help of a few other women, we began planning the baby shower and moving forward.

We had just under 20 women join us on Sunday for a baby shower complete with food, games and prizes. It was so fun! 

The outcome was this:

THAT adds up to just over $1000 worth of gifts!!

In addition, we also received cash donations. Our parish hosts an annual Lenten Fish Dinner with a freewill offering. It was decided beforehand that half those proceeds would also go toward our project. Those donations ended up being around $1000 in cash that the pregnancy resource center can use for their needs!

I share this not to toot my own horn. I share it because this project became a hidden Lenten lesson for me. All the preparations and work from our handful of ladies turned into several handfuls of generous ladies. That generosity turned into a mountain of tangible gifts.

The faith of a mustard seed. 

Something small that turned into a really big thing.

That kind of seems like what this Lent is about. Maybe not the big successes or triumphs, but the small ways that I have been stretched. The ways that God still proves how amazingly He provides for me and helps me to grow in a liturgical season that lasts just six weeks.

Summer Days Slipping Away

I've noticed that the blogosphere is quieted during summer. Which makes sense because our lives away from the computer are hectic and scattered. For those of us plagued with the long, dreaded winters, summertime is the season to take advantage of the outdoors. 

I am no different. 

Therefore, updates here are sporadic and random.

Sometimes there are just some things I can't help but post, even if they will only become reminiscent posts for myself one day.

Our newest additions at our household came just over two weeks ago.

They arrived in a small box with holes and made a chirping noise.

We are now 'farmers' or 'officially' REAL home schoolers because we have chickens. Our first 19 chicks arrived and the kids are enjoying watching them grow. They are also learning that sometimes animals don't all survive, even at a young age. So far, we've only had one casualty. Eighteen is an even number, so it all works out in the end.

Last week we took an afternoon outing with my parents. We went to check out a small grocery store not too far away that is ran by the Mennonites. It was a major score and such a quiet and clean place. We'll definitely be returning.

While in town, we visited this beautiful church and ran into the priest whom my parents know, so we had a nice visit too. 

An outdoor grotto just perfect for angelic little girls. You see they are folding their hands and implying they have never given their mama any trouble? 

In the swing of summer and the gardens are abundant! I've got to get a garden update posted soon. 

This year I planted cut flowers and I'm reaping the rewards of fresh flowers in vases in my home. I think I'll have to keep on doing this every summer to enjoy my gardens indoors, as well as from my windows. 

The yellow and green beans are also producing. I've already picked several buckets of them and I'm grateful they are doing so well. I was starting the inevitable rationing of last year's beans, but now I don't need to worry quite so much.

The highlight of this week was company coming for supper on Monday. We were blessed with our pastor, the diocesan Vocations Director and a transitional Deacon (he'll be ordained to the priesthood next June) all under one roof. My parents also came to spend a couple of days so they were here, along with another seminarian as well.

To say we had a blast would be an understatement.

As always, the kids were especially fond of the fun that can be had when priests and Deacon visit.

Of course, the little girls are easily entertained when anyone plays with them and does puzzles.

Priceless moment right here.

I insisted offered to take a photo to remember the fun and blog it too.

We also helped out with Vocations Camp: Men of Virtue day camp here this week. You can read more about some of the past years here, here, and here. Due to the small numbers, it was decided that we'd just do the one day camp rather than the overnight. It turned out to be a good decision and the young men who joined us were a great crew. 

My parents helped me cook the meals and entertain my kids so that we could volunteer again with the camp. In the end, as with every year, we enjoyed it and are so glad that we did it.

3 priests, 1 seminarian and 6 young men, just after our supper and before the end of camp.

Now with Vocations Camp behind us, we are looking ahead to the County Fair and sports camp for Jonah next week. 

Keep on enjoying your summer days. 

I know I am because winter will come whether I want it too or not.

 I've got to soak up this sun and beautiful weather while I can. 

7 Quick Takes

Hopping right in with all the Friday fun with 7 random Takes from the home front.

1.

From the Gianna files:

"Are we going to get Margaret's potty train?"

"No, you can help me POTTY TRAIN her so she will go potty on the toilet and wear big girl undies like you."

Then, quizzically, "But when are we going to go get her potty train?"


So I guess the idea that the almost 3 yo toddler would help me with the almost 2 yo toddler potty training is just too confusing.

2.

It's always exciting to have a new little family member, isn't it? I enjoy watching other women's bellies round and form little people as we all anticipate little one's arrival. I became auntie again for the 12th time yesterday. Miss Alice arrived yesterday, overdue by a week. I'm betting my little girls are gonna have a blast traumatizing playing when she comes to visit!

3.

Another one from Gianna:

While picking out the day's underwear she says to daddy,

" I have My Little Pony underwear, stars ones and picnic underwear!"

What?!

 The 'picnic' underwear are a pink and white plaid pair. What original thinking, my dear.

4.

Not to be outdone by the female population, Jonah has had some interesting things on his mind lately. Like the other night after bath.

"Will I ever get cancer?"

"Well, I can't say for sure, but most people don't. I hope not."

" Oh good. I don't think I would look very good bald."

"I'm sorry, but have you seen the men on your dad's side of the family? They are mostly lacking hair on their heads. Unless you got my amazing hair genes, that may be your future hair as well."

Downcast. "Well, is there some kind of spray or something that I can put on my hair to make sure I don't go bald?"

"Sure, but most men are stubborn and choose not to use it (like your dad)."

He moves on, still thinking.

"It's just that I don't think I'll be very attractive if I am bald."

Oh man, where does this stuff come from?

5.

Lily and I decided to start a new hobby in 2014. After Patty posted about her daughter making a hat, I was impressed and inspired. Thanks to some guidance from Patty, I started searching knitting and loom knitting. It turns out loom knitting is like the bees knees and a bit easier to learn (mommy brain likes easy). I spent a little extra Christmas money on two round loom sets, a flower loom and yarn to get us started. It's so much fun! We finished the girls' hats first and then Lily worked on hers and finished in a day, just picking it up at leisure. I'm almost finished with one for baby Alice and then we have a couple requests for a couple more. A yarn shopping spree is in order for this weekend. Yeah, we're just a little addicted.

6.

Here's a goodie from Pope Francis, you know, cuz that man has always got something good to say. I only wish I could remember 1/4 of what His Awesomeness says. I blame Mommy Brain.

Here's what he said on World Communication Day this week:

'In a world like this, media can help us to feel closer to one another, creating a sense of the unity of the human family which can in turn inspire solidarity and serious efforts to ensure a more dignified life for all. Good communication helps us to grow closer, to know one another better, and ultimately, to grow in unity.'

You can read more here.

As someone who took a hiatus from blogging for a few months I can definitely attest to this solidarity of which he speaks. Modern communications can definitely be a very good thing when used for good and to build up and encourage the Body of Christ.

7.

You've seen the Sheenazing Award nominees, right?

My goodness, there are some excellent blogs out there! There are a good number of my buddies to vote for and so many new friends to meet.

If you haven't already seen Bonnie's amazing list or voted, what are you waiting for?

Go vote now!

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends! As for us, we are planning to head to my hometown for 'Winter Worship'-Mass with a ton of people, a couple of our favorite priests and our new Bishop! Along with a visit to my parents as well.

(What? I didn't tell you about our new Bishop and how I got to meet him?  Well, I've got a pic or two to share. You'll have to wait until next week when I hope to do a catch up post for you all.)

Secrets To A Great Weekend

As summer days die down, we're squeezing the most into them and fondly holding on.

Weekend simplicity can still be found with just the right mixture of ingredients:

Work & Play

Start off with a Friday afternoon dip in the lake to cool you off. It helps beat the heat when the 90 degree weather decides to make an unexpected return.

Saturday morning goes best when you ease into the weekend with some playtime while still in your pj's.

There's always plenty to do around home and work can be turned into a Fun Family Activity, at least as long as all of the hooligans can cooperate and help.

A huge storage tote full of delicious apples will easily turn into either an excellent penance or a project of productivity.

We'll be glad come winter when we have applesauce and apple pie filling to retrieve off the shelves.

A long worked on project will get finished and the months of long labor, planning and coordination will finally come to fruition. Final touches will be made and move in day will arrive. After five years together, brother and sister will be separated and each will find a new way to live separately.

Bittersweet moments are the perfect addition to the weekend.

Top off Sunday afternoon with another little dip in the water and boat ride. In Minnesota you never know when it just might be the last of the season.

You can see more great weekend moments in Cari's Sunday Snapshots.

Fever? We've Got It!

In more ways than one.

Miss Gianna still has proven not to be 100% just yet. She's been sick since last Monday evening and although she has been up and around like normal, she has yet to get complete health.

She keeps running a low grade temp off and on most days and with spikes here and there when least expected. Her highest temp came Wednesday evening just before bed at 104.5. This is all very scary stuff for this mama whose kids are generally very healthy.

We're trying to keep her comfortable with Pedialyte when she isn't eating/snacking, Desitin for her very sore bottom and tag-teaming Ibuprofen and Tylenol.

Anyone else with Olympic fever?


Ok, so it's not exactly FEVER that we have, but we are watching. Well, the big kids and I are watching here and there. We aren't huge sports fans, but I am doing my best to catch Michael Phelps when I can.

And my kids are catching on. I guess you could say we have Michael Phelps fever.

But did you see him Saturday night after the 400 individual medley? The interview was heart-breaking afterward. After not even making it to medal, this reporter is asking what his emotions are...blah, blah, blah....and all I see is 'deer in the headlights' as Michael hasn't a clue how to respond. I could barely watch.

I know that I've heard about Michael having drama out of the pool in the last four years since Beijing, but I still kinda like the guy.

It's starting to look like American swimmer, Ryan Lochte, may find his time at London and rack up the medals this time around.

Maybe we'll catch the Lochte fever.

Thanks to the user-friendly NBC Olympic website, we're making notes in our days ahead so we don't miss either one.

I think the Phelps or Lochte fever would be MUCH better than the icky fevers Jonah and Gianna had this past week. Here's to hoping a healthier week is ahead!

Oodles Of Firsts

Who knew that when we worked on our Summer Bucket List that so many other things would easily make the list? Unexpected and fun things. Sometimes just ordinary, summer things.

But this week, it has been a number of 'Firsts' that made the list.

First haircuts for BOTH little girls on the same day!

Gianna, before:

After, looking all grown up:

Margaret's cut was just a little snip of some long ends in the back, so it's hardly noticeable. However, it's still her very first cut.

First organized run (1K) for my big kids:

They ran their first run in my hometown last Saturday, despite the already humid and hot conditions. I may have some runners on my hands, especially Jonah. They had a blast running it with their cousins.

First parade for Margaret:

She enjoyed it and was happy just hanging out in the stroller while it all passed by.

 

First cereal:

Additionally, Miss Margaret's first tooth has broke through. It's not evident enough yet to get a photo.

With all of these strides my family is making this summer, it's hard to keep up. Growing, growing, growing and not much time for a whole lot of other things.

How's your summer going?