The (What I Wore) Sunday Sprint & Why My Sons Rode Their Scooters To Mass

Did ya'll know that the place we normally call home is 30 minutes from everything??? Groceries, library, movies, and church.  All 30 minutes away.  You may have pregnancy cravings for Ben & Jerry's and something fried on the farm, but that doesn't mean that anyone is going to do a dang thing about it.  I'm not announcing anything (I think). I just thought that little example of livin' little-house-on-the-prairie style out the middle of no where might create a nice visual for ya'll, or at least garner some sympathy.  No? If I scream, no one will hear me.  Still no??

Well, the whole point of all of that first part was to say that Sundays on the farm usually involve mom waking up first, making coffee, finding 5 pairs of khaki's and some new-enough looking stain-free shirts, 5 pairs of shoes that are mostly the same size, and trying not to lose my Sunday (ultra pious) cool by yelling above the wrestling and cartoons the Sunday morning countdown: "You have 11 minutes.  11 minutes, people!!" This all happens while daddy sips coffee and reads his favorite blog. I don't have the heart to yank him out of his little utopia, knowing that Sunday is the only morning of the week when he doesn't have to punch a clock.  

I punch it for him.  With both fists.  And, I sweat a lot, which results in a warm Sunday morning glow.

Now, you would think that while we're working away from the farm, and our little B & B is RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET from church, I would really enjoy not having to run around all headless chicken-like to get the crew ready for the usual 30 minute drive to see Jesus on Sunday mornings.  

Wrong.  

What happens in the delusional region of my cranium is that I tell myself I can actually sit on the porch swing, sip the coffee and read for a while before starting the "getting ready" for Mass process since we're only a skip away from Jesus. Well, a porch swing is a big fat lazy time warp, in case you didn't know that.  

This running late without a reason business is ____________ . (You fill in the blank. My adjectives are inappropriate.)  It's like being told you can use your notes on a test but you don't use your notes, and you fail the test.  Hmmmm??

Long story short, after I snapped out of it, 7 of us assembled ourselves in 18 minutes and 4 seconds this morning.  We were in such a sprint to beat the bells, the boys rode their scooters across the street. Just visualize 3 boys, sporting polos and khakis, two wheelin' it past the late-comers all the way up to the front steps of the church, while mom and dad juggle baby and straggle in behind.  We live across the street and we still can't get to Mass early.  Well, we can, but we don't.  Lord, help us!

Alas, this is what came together for me today, minus a hair-do, I did manage to match.

It's a stellar back drop, I know.  

The old pick-up truck driving out of my neck is especially creative.

 Photos with a motor home backdrop happen when a 12 year old is your photographer.

Shirt: Gap

Tank: Target

Skirt: Maurices

Sandals: Born

Bracelets & Belt: Francescas 
Earrings: Alter Ego

I must be looking at my husband, clean and shaved, thus my dreamy expression.

Or, I could be imagining how fun it's going to be to dunk the boys at the pool today.

Probably both. Yes, both.

Happy Sunday, Everyone!!

 More lovelies here!

WIWS - Father's Day & Brunch Undies

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. 

- Henry Ward Beecher

Since the boys are out golfing with daddy and grandpa on this glorious 101 degree day, I figured it's a perfect time for me to park it with a cold ice tea and whip out a lil' post for Fine Linen and Purple's What I Wore Sunday while the babe slumbers.  Here's how this Father's Day Sunday is shakin' down....

Life is very intense on the farm right now.  Steve works incredibly long hours, sometimes until late at night, while I do my best to keep the house from burning down.  We were supposed to go out of town to a wedding this weekend, and see my parents as well, but Steve couldn't break away from the demands of the farm. In light of the very long days and super short nights, we decided to go to mass Saturday evening so that everyone could sleep in today and have an honest day of rest and relaxation.

You would think that given the fact that our eyes are blistered red with exhaustion we would have hit the hay at a reasonable time last night, but oh no! Why not find the biggest bag of pretzels known to man and chase it down with that un-opened bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed and some coke over a mindless movie?? Genius. We are genius. Out of that Rare Breed came a rare idea, which I had to share with my lover (talking during boring movies is totally allowed), "Babe, you sleep in tomorrow, and I'm going to make a monster brunch for you and the boys, okay farmer boy??"

So, when the alarm went off at 7 a.m. (I can't believe I had enough pulse at 1:30 a.m. to set the thing), I was like, "Frozen waffles are going to jam this Father's Day!" Roll it over.  Back to sleep. Mmm, Yes! But, then, I peeled one eye open and saw my sweet love snoring softly, drooling slightly, finely wrinkled around the eyes, and hair disheveled.  My farm boy.  I love how you love me. 

When the heart beats with love and admiration, you know you can't let Eggo's be the brunch fantastique you had promised the night before.  Out of the comfort I rolled, and with swollen feet and sticky eyes I miraculously shuffled my way to the coffee maker (consuming a bucket of salt before bed does frightening things to the flesh. I don't recommend it.).  Then, I shuffled back to the bathroom to make myself presentable to the team...nothing impressive, mind you, I just thought I'd shock everyone with some non-running attire and an up-do (also known as a ponytail).  Make-up is for overachievers.  The only thing missing was a box big enough for me to jump out of.  Surprise!!

PANTS:  Tarjay. Old. 4 kids ago old. Pre-baby, post-baby, elastic, linen-y comfort.  
(I will seriously have them forevah.)

T-SHIRT:  Wild Olive Tees (you must have one of these, they are righteous!)

FLIP-FLOPS:  Clarks 

APRON:  Catholic Cuisine - a sweet gift from my sister-in-law!

ACCESSORIES: Sur-La-Table
ATTITUDE: Czech with a dash of German

The stitching on the apron is really lovely.  I love Blessed Mother Teresa's wisdom.  Here's some unwisdom:

Do great big things, because you have to, because you offered to, in a Wild Turkey moment.  

Me and my sweet ingredient, Charlie.

Old Indian Proverb: She who cooks with baby, cooks one handed (and makes big mess).

Here's the front of the tee.  (Photo courtesy of Wild Olive Tees website.)

This is the back of the tee, and yes, that's me, because it has the focus of an eight year old chewing on bacon while snapping the snazz.  Hebrew 12:1-2, my favorite lines from scripture (after: "Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish." Proverbs 31:6).  Just kidding.  Mostly kidding.

I love to see my boys eat.  The love might be borderline co-dependant in nature.

Hello, I love you, let me feed you, because it makes me happy.

Every year each of the boys picks out a funny card for dad.  And, then they laugh hysterically, each one wanting theirs to be the funniest one.

Then, it's gift time.  Golf was the main theme this year, but Henry and George strayed from the norm and found the following treasures at Target: 

1 bag of Oreos 

1 package of breath spray

1 pair of bacon and eggs undies

Maybe they should have a gift basket business.  Or not.

Boys in blue, heading out to golf with grandpa.  Seriously, I'm not sure how this happend.  Our ability to match our own clothing, let alone others is about as strong as our Latin skills. Andrew and Henry, who are missing from the shot, opted to stay home and perfect their water-balloon throwing form instead of tagging along with the rest of the crew.

Last night, on a whim, I typed up these little Father's Day letter pages for the boys to share with Steve.  I thought I would share our oldest son, Benedict's loving expressions:

A FATHER IS....

Courageous and brave.  He makes me laugh, teaches me, is smart, cool and fun.  He teaches me to be a man and teaches me about my faith, is encouraging, kind but firm, good at sports, is a hard worker, tough, trustworthy, generous, talkative and strong.

Thank you, Dad, for teaching me all about my faith and how to be a man.  I don't think there are very many fathers who do that.  I love you and hope you have a Happy Father's Day!

Love Your Son,

Ben

More fashion awesomeness here!!

What I Wore Sunday: Mother-Daughter Edition

HAPPY FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI!!

Let us ask our Lord then to make us souls devoted to the blessed Eucharist, so that our relationship with him brings forth joy and serenity and a desire for justice. In this way we will make it easier for others to recognize Christ; we will put Christ at the centre of all human activities. And Jesus’ promise will be fulfilled: I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. (Jn 12:32) 

St. Josemaria Escriva ~ Christ Is Passing By, 156

Since my beloved husband has been on retreat in NYC since Thursday, I decided to pack up the wagon and head north with my tribe of outlaws to visit my parents for the weekend.  Because my mom has always been such a classy lady, a savvy shopper, and a stylish wife, mother and grandmother, I had to talk her into joining me for this week's What I Wore Sunday, hosted by Fine Linen and Purple, and Sunday Best hosted by Camp Patton .

Friends, meet Karen. Mama, meet my friends!!

Dress: Talbots (her favorite sale spot!)

Black Pumps: Talbots

Jewelry: mix & match

Some of the essential lessons my mom taught me when I first began shopping for my own clothes were:

* Look for quality - check to see if the garment is lined, if it is finished nicely, if the plaids match, etc., etc.

* Don't be afraid to spend a little extra to get great quality staple pieces such as black trousers, a blazer or a neutral colored pencil skirt and a great pair of heels.

*  Keep trendy pieces at a minimum.

*  Change up tired outfits with accessories or alterations to get as much mileage as possible out of your wardrobe (a great budget-friendly trick!).

I think of her tips every time I go shopping, and it's a good thing, otherwise my closet would probably be completely filled with trendy pieces, and nothing would match!

When I look back at photos of my mom from her days as a newlywed up until now, she has always dressed beautifully.  My mom was raised on a farm as the oldest of 8, and despite their economic struggles, she and her siblings (along with their parents) always looked sharp on Sundays.  My grandmother and my mother both embrace the truth that clothing is not just a fashion statement, but an expression of our personal sense of dignity and femininity.  It truly is possible to look "lady-like" no matter what your budget is, my mom has proven this to me time and time again!

While I was being my dorky self (I was practicing a curtsy), Ben was still snapping pics and I didn't know it until I uploaded the shots.  Normally, the delete key would be in full force, but today I sayz to myselfs why not spice thangs up 'round here??

 Dress:  A gift from my husband from Anthropologie
*When he travels he misses my homecookin' and kisses so much, the remedy for his lovesickness is to buy me stuff I don't need.  I love that man!!*

Scarf:  He chose the scarf to go with the dress! (Also Anthropologie)

Shoes:  Kork Ease 

Jewelry:  Bling (a local boutique)

As I'm getting older, my feet just can't handle cheap shoes with any sort of a heel - they're just killers!  So, I've been trying to watch for sales/discounts on quality brands that I really love.  Kork Ease shoes are incredibly comfortable, suportive and cute! Yes, I'm standing in mulch, right in the middle of my parent's landscaping.  Gives 'em an earthy/rustic/pastoral vibe, eh?? A pretty pedi would have totally thrown off the whole vibe.

Have a blessed week, everyone!!

He is a man among men, who by good fortune has received the faith and the divine commission to act so that he renews the message of our Lord on earth. We are not without defects; we make mistakes and commit sins. But God is with us and we must make ourselves ready to be used by him, so that he can continue to walk among men. 

St. Josemaria Escriva ~ Christ Is Passing By, 156 

Catch more great link-ups here.

Memories for George of Your First Holy Communion

From the Eucharist comes the strength to live the Christian 

life and the zeal to share that life with others.

~Blessed Pope John Paul II

Dear George,

Today was an extraordinary day.  A day that I have thought about countless times and looked forward to since the day you were born.  The very moment I held you into my arms, gazed into your eyes and felt your breath on my cheek, I embraced not just your soft, fragile body, but your pure and glorious soul as well.  In that moment, I was keenly aware that you had just come from God, and that you were beginning your journey back to Him.  A journey on which, for a precious amount of time, I would get to be your guide.  What an unfathomable privelege for your father and me!!

The journey towards the Father, thus far, has been rich and fruitful, filled with wonderful experiences of God in truth, goodness and beauty.  But, today was particularly monumental, because to receive your first Holy Communion is to receive not only a gift of Love, but a gift of Life!  It is true, as St. Ireneaeus has said, "The glory of God is man fully alive."  Today, in the reception of our Lord, your soul is more fully alive than ever!!  

As you continue to grow into becoming the young man that God intends for you to be, I can only pray that your heart will be stretched with the desire to know Him, to love Him and to serve him with the graces that you receive each time you are able to partake in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.  The mysteries of the Eucharist are often times very difficult to fathom, but for what we cannot understand as children, or as adults, we can entrust to the Lord in faith, and recieve with humility.

I am not sure what you will remember about this blessed day on our journey together, but if I could help you to treasure just one thing about this milestone in your spiritual life it is this: Jesus longs to be close to you, to share in a profound and life-giving love with you.  He reaches out to you, calling to your heart in many ways, but the greatest way is through Holy Communion.  I pray that you will have the courage and the wisdom to meet him with the joyful expectation to be loved by Him and to love Him more deeply each day in return every time you  are blessed to receive Him in the Holy Eucharist.

All My Love,

Mom

P.S.  Here are a few highlights to help you remember your special day!! 

Benedict and Andrew helped you get dressed and shared their words of wisdom with you, including, "Be sure to give thanks after you receive communion" and "Remember, sip, don't gulp."  What would you do without big brothers??

When you and Dillon are grown up, I hope that you will remember this day, and this photo, and spur each other on to the higher callings of the Christian life! You two may look like future politicians, but beneath those snazzy striped ties are big hearts, ready to be warriors for truth!

Remember our friend, Joel?? He took this photo of our family, and when we look at it, we can remember to pray for him as he enters the seminary this fall.  Glory to God!!

All I can say is that this pic is real, honest, funny and true.  Jesus is all of those things.  Remember that.  No one understands the "realness" of life better than our Lord.  You can trust Him with everything.

Do you see Henry in the background?? In two years he will be preparing for his first communion, and will look to you and your older brothers to be an example to him of virtue and holiness.  Your mission begins now!!

Grandma and Grandpa Splichal, Granny and Grandpa Husband and Great Granny Wehkamp came for your celebratory lunch after mass.

  We had a big feast, and you got to sit at the head of the table! The celebration continued with cake, ice cream, stories and memories of grandparents' first communions, then the opening of gifts.

You did not want me to order a special cake from Dillons for you.  You wanted me to make one, and although I was nervous about taking on the task, I knew that it would make you very happy if I said yes.  You chose this design, and helped me with some of the decorating, always ready to "advise." We made a great team! {*Cake instructions below*}

Opening the gifts was a great joy for you.  

I really admired the way that you took your time, slowly reading every card, studying each gift and showing loving appreciation to everyone who brought you a treasure.

You didn't know that Sara and Johannes and your cousins had sent you a gift all the way from Switzerland!  It was the first thing you packed in your backpack for the trip to Denver.  We are going to have many great talks about the stories that you read!

Your Godfather, Mr. Heap, sent you a copy of Jesus of Nazareth with a bookmark from St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York.  He also included a very special letter, one which you will read again and again with your own father, inspiring hours of "man talk."

Your father and I couldn't wait to give you your gift.  We had so much fun picking it out, and knew that you would love it very much.

The story of St. George is one of your favorites.  His example of courage and sacrifice is a model for all boys and all men, an example that you take very seriously.  I believe that your name is a gift from the Lord, and that with the prayers of your Grandpa George and the example of St. George, you too will be able to conquer all of the big dragons in life.

A PRAYER TO ST. GEORGE

{Link to prayer source}

Faithful servant of God and invincible martyr, St. George; favored by God with the gift of faith, and inflamed with an ardent love of Christ, thou didst fight valiantly against the dragon of pride, falsehood, and deceit.  Neither pain nor torture, sword nor death could part thee from the love of Christ.  I fervently implore thee for the sake of this love to help me by thy intercession to overcome the temptations that surround me, and to bear bravely the trials that oppress me, so that I may patiently carry the cross which is placed upon me; and let neither distress nor difficulties separate me from the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Valiant champion of the Faith, assist me in the combat against evil, that I may win the crown promised to them that persevere unto the end.  ~ Amen

* For the cake, I simply used two box cake mixes, subbing melted butter for the oil, milk for the water and adding one extra egg.  Those simple changes make the cake more moist and also add density which makes the cake easier to handle and frost.  Divide the mix between one large loaf pan (for the center of the chalice) one 9" round cake pan (divided to make the top and bottom of chalice) and one small round cake pan (for the Eucharist). 

I frosted the cake using this recipe, but used half butter, half shortening.  For tinting the frosting, the gel tints are easier to blend and control than the liquid food coloring, just choose your favorite colors and use a very little bit at a time when mixing. The chalice frosting was piped on, and white fondant (purchase at Wal-Mart or any major craft store) was used to cover the eucharist.  A little hot glue secured the leaves and wheat to the silver cake board  (also purchased at Wal-Mart).  It really was a surprisingly easy cake to make - you can do it!!

HAPPY EASTER!!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away.  Behold, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Easter Triduum is my FAY-VORITE time of year on the Christian calendar.  Hope is resurrected in our hearts, in our homes and upon the earth as life begins to bloom once again after sleeping through a dark and cold winter.  And, chocolate once again resumes it's place as a dietary staple in my life.

While we always try our best to dress nicely for Mass, Easter (and Christmas) is the one time of year where I plan, prepare and really get excited to dress everyone for church. After digging out hand-me-downs, I try to put together something "new" for each child without having to buy every piece.  After laying out 5 incomplete outfits, I start shopping.  Usually after everyone is asleep, I grab a cup of tea and begin scouring the internet for coupons and deep discount items.  Somehow it always comes together! What fun it would be to be able to buy a dress for a little one (pa-lease, Lord!)! Although I'd like to add some ruffles and lace to the shopping list, I am very happy to report that the boys did not shirk the pastel colors I picked out for them.  My oldest, Ben, even volunteer to wear pink!!

The boys actually look forward to abandoning their farm/athletic duds for a day and putting on something sharp.  It's funny to listen to them chat while the get dressed.  We hear things like, "You look awesome, brother!" and "This is a sweet tie!"  and "We look just like Dad!"

The resurrection really IS such phenomenal and beautiful celebration, and so it is fitting to dress for the party, for the honoring, for the adoration and thanksgiving due to our King and our Savior, Jesus Christ!!  Here's a little description of our ensemble:

 Papa: Chaps suit, shirt and tie from Kohls

Mama: Ralph Lauren dress from Dillards, DSW clearance shoes

Boys:  All vest and pants sets found through Sears.com ($21.99 for each set with coupon code!), shirts, ties and shoes were recycled from our tie stash (except for Ben's, which I purchased from Kohls).  They will wear the khaki pants all summer with polo shirts, so the sets were a sweet deal!

HAPPY EASTER!!

{Easter Outfit link-up brought to you by Camp Patton.}