Friday, January 10, 2014

Picture-palooza Day - Also Known as 7 Quick Takes Friday


Happy Friday, everyone!! Does anyone else out there have spring fever, or is it just me?? Our entire household has had their turn enduring colds and sore throats over the past week.  Between that and the cold dreary days, spring cannot get here soon enough!!

Now a picture-palooza peek at this weeks totally normally crazy life...

/1./ WRESTLING:
{Andrew holding Mr. Pink Socks in the very uncomfortable cradle position.}
If you're new here, you might have some catching up to do when it comes to my emotional stats toward this sport.  In a nutshell: I told my husband that wrestling was the one sport our boys would NEVER do. I meant it when I said it.  I meant it so much that we are now in our fourth year of this glorified game of Twister, and I love it.  Although George decided to try his hand at basketball this year, Andrew is sticking to what he knows and loves.
Last weekend was his first tournament, a small local one, a warm-up, if you will, and he took first. We'll be up and at 'em early tomorrow, snacks packed, camera charged, deodorant twice applied for another round of excitement!

/2./  BASKETBALL
Benedict is no stranger to the game, and is having a really fun season playing for his school (more highlights to come!), but for George, everything is new to him.
I miss watching him wrestle, but I love the way he puts his heart and soul into every single game, and he's having fun along the way, which is most important at his age.

/3./  WORLD TREASURES MUSEUM
Okay, we didn't exactly take this field trip this week, but I wanted to include our adventure to the World Treasures Museum in the blog.  During the holiday vacation mommy we were in need of an outing (translation: the walls, the carpet and the furniture area beat to hell and they cannot be fixed with beer or wine), and since it was up to me where we should go, I was of course going to choose something educational! (Yay! Applause!)
Every boy (except Charlie, he was busy sneaking off) participated in the treasure hunt, where they are each given a list of questions that can only be answered through careful observations and reading throughout the exhibit. They did a great job answering all of the questions!
Henry mission was to basically find all of the artillery in the entire museum and ask me to take his picture beside it all.
Because I forgot to bring a stroller (I'm so new at this kid thing), and there was nothing to strap the squirmer into, we lost Charlie twice.  Thank goodness there were only 4 people in the entire place since it was a blizzard outside.
I hope you don't need to know a lot about dinosaurs to get into some reputable college, because I have zero interest in prehistoric anything, so making that a part of our homeschool curriculum is never. going. to. happen. I'm praying (fingers crossed) that the kids' 3.4 minute zip through this section of the museum will stick with them forever.
 "Okay George, pretend you're about to be eaten by a t-rex." 
Wow, just call this kid Hollywood.
Say, "I love it when my mom makes me go on educational field trips over Christmas break!" Or, you can just say "cheese" because that's what we are.

/4./ PRAYERS FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS
Tomorrow, will mark the 18th week of our little one's life.  I feel very blessed to be sharing this journey with so many other amazing bloggers out there who are also expecting.  It's funny how we've crossed cyber paths, and once we realize another "friend" is expecting, shared joy and the promise of prayers is always shared in the comments. We have been blessed to have carried every single one of our babies to term.  Yet, I know, that there are many moms out there who pray, every day, to see their child to full term.  Dwija at House Unseen, Life Unscripted shared Maria's story with us this week, and I hope that you will add her to your prayer intentions, as she and her husband live an extraordinary faith, hoping that their sweet little angel will reach full term.

/5./ RUN A-CROSS AMERICA
Speaking of babies!! Did you know that there is a pro-life runner's league out there? I didn't until last spring, when a family friend introduced me to Life Runners.  I have FULL intention of starting a chapter in our area this summer, and am excited about all the possibilities that venture holds.  Many Life Runner members are currently participating in the A-Cross America Relay, where volunteers sign up to run a leg(s) of the distance from coast to coast all the way across U.S. These people are amazing!! They run in all conditions, and seeing their smiling faces as the trek through the rain, cold and snow is truly inspiring!! If you're a runner, and are interested in joining a chapter, you can find more information here.

/6./  BROTHERS
Having a household full of sick kids means that everything and everyone has to slow down.  Initially, when the boys are sick, they ask if they can watch a movie, it's a very temporary comfort for them. But, television gets old quickly, and they always end up playing games, reading or taking an interest in each others' toys together.  I love to watch our boys play together, to listen to their conversations, to enjoy their interactions and to see their creativity bloom.  This week, they've been all about building Lego vehicles.

/7./ MOTIVATE ME MONDAY
I'm venturing out and trying my hand at writing a new series of posts focused called "Motivate Me Monday."  This is the time where I'll share little tips and ideas that I have found, or ones that others have shared with me, over the years on the topic of healthy living.  I hope you'll join me!



Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Kings Crowns and Treasure Seeking


"Hey, Daddy?? Can you get me some d-nuts, pwease?? Pa-wease, daddy??"

Last fall we developed a bit of a {bad} habit of swinging by the local gas station after Mass on Sundays for donuts.  I blame Charlie for this dietary fall out.  Who can say no to a two year old who's all dressed up, hair combed, cheeks rosy, grin adorable perched in his little ol' car seat, rockin' the charm and pleading for a donut?? We can't. We can't. We can't. We can't!

Last Sunday was like no other, two seconds after being buckled in, Charlie's request came forth. The brothers rallied behind him with their unwavering chants of support. Have you seen the first Hobbit movie? The scene where the Hobbits overtake Bilbo's kitchen?? (No?? See clip blow!) That's our boys when someone mentions donuts (or Chipotle or Dairy Queen). They morph into hungry Hobbits.

Anyhoo... just as we were about to make the famous turn toward the quick shop, Andrew spoke up and reminded us that there's really no need for donuts today because tomorrow is Epiphany, and Mom always makes homemade donuts - better known as "Kings Crowns" - on Epiphany.
My heart is secretly happy when the boys remember, without prompting, the little details of our family traditions, ones that honor particular feast days on the liturgical calendar.  Sometimes I feel like there's really an unspoken let down after the Christmas season passes, the weather is cold and dreary and the next major holiday to look forward to is Valentine's Day (which seems forever away).  But, Epiphany, being the finale to Christmas, offers us a little glimpse of goodness, one that reminds us to carry our joy for Jesus into the new year and beyond.
When we celebrate any feast day with treats, the boys NEVER let me forget exactly what to make. I've been sick for the past few days, so thankfully, George volunteered to assemble the donut ingredients for me. He did a great job! 
While I went on a hunt for my camera so that I might photograph the donuts, one of the boys thought it would be funny to put the three wise men around the plate "adoring" the treats.  Gotta love it!!

On Monday, the day we celebrated Epiphany, Ben's school was cancelled due to the weather.  We all had a little bit of cabin fever and wanted to escape the fort, even if just for a little while. Coming up with special hands-on lessons outside of the house to reinforce a particular teaching is one of my favorite aspects of homeschooling.
On a whim, I had an idea that I thought might really bring the lessons surrounding Ephiphany to life. With the boys bundled up, we braved the cold and ventured out to a large antique mall just a few miles from our home. On the way there, we talked with anticipation about what treasures we might find.
When we arrived, each one of us was overwhelmed by the amount of nostalgia layered all around us on shelves and in special display cases.  I'm always immediately drawn to the vintage dishes, books and furniture, but the boys were absolutely enamored with the old historic guns, knives, swords and tools.  

{Hello! This is 2014, may I help you??}
I was thrilled to follow them around, watching the wonder in their expressions as they discovered new old treasures, discussing their findings with one another in detail.
Our adventure to the antique mall was the perfect way to set up a little chat about the deeper meaning of Epiphany.  Once home, over hot cocoa and donuts, we chatted about our favorite discoveries of the day.  Everyone took their turn sharing about the things that were most interesting to them. They recalled an impressive list of valuables, everything from Civil War memorabilia to old model cars. Then, came the most important series of questions....

How old do you think the oldest antique was in the store today??
What makes some of the items in the store more valuable than others??
Will those items last forever, longer than you and me??
Since they will outlast our family on this earth, are they more valuable than we are??
Why not??
{This is where you hope that one child will say that people are more valuable than any material treasure because people have an eternal soul.}
Were the Wise Men treasure-seekers?
Yes!
They were seeking the greatest treasure ever to dwell on the earth, Jesus Christ.  We are called to be treasure-seekers, too, just like the Wise Men.  Every single day.  We honor Him through the offering of the gift of ourselves, our praise, our prayers, our talents, our struggles, our successes, our failures. And, we receive, in Him, the treasure of His graces, His love, His mercy, His blessings.

Our "day off" from school turned into one of the best "educational" days we've had in a long time. One simple field trip offered us a look into history, science, mathematics, and religion....with a sweet reward at the end, for both the tummy and the heart.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21

Outtakes:
Hobbits in the kitchen.  
Our boys strike a remarkable resemblance....Just say donut!





































Monday, January 6, 2014

It's Time to Speak Your Mind, Let me Hear Your Voice! And, a New Post Series!


Happy Monday, ya'll!!

That sounds a lot more cheerful than I feel. I wish I loved waking up to Arctic-like temperatures, but alas, I have no Eskimo in my ancestry, so I'm 100% wimp when the temps dip.  Coaxing the boys out of their state of hibernation this morning with an enticing announcement that the supreme gift of education awaits was also an epic fail.  For a moment I contemplated running outside to scoop up a bucket of snow to see what kind of effects that might have on their life of cozy comfort.  But, Charlie was there to save me from wind burn and frost bite, "Don't go out there, Mommy, it's DAY-n-gerous!" My two year old is a wise beyond his years.

Speaking of motivation....

I took a few days off from the blog over the holidays, and during that time I gave some serious thought as to how to continue writing here at this little cyber spot.  Part of me wanted to just keep it simple, and go back to writing only about our family life, and another part of me couldn't resist the thought of venturing out and trying my hand at writing a serious of posts focused on a particular topic.  I know, this is a mayor importanté decisión.

After about 4 minutes of uninterrupted thought (thanks to my supremely stealth closet hiding skills), I came to the conclusion that:
1.  I NEED you 
It's time to speak your mind, people! Tell me what you want to know! What should I write about?? What should I not write about (I can't promise I won't, but feel free to speak your mind, anyway-way).  PLEASE, drop me an e-mail, pour forth your ideas in the comments, or shout it out on Facebook. I'm here, and I'm ready to write for YOU!!

2.  I NEED to be inspired!  
To keep running, that is.  17 weeks into pregnancy #6 and, well, let's just say that running feels a bit like doing Dance Party 2 in a bowl of Jello-O (that was not meant to sound kinky).  It feels awkward, it always does.  So, starting in February, I'll be hosting a weekend link-up called, "Heart & Sole" Saturdays, where running bloggers can link up anything and everything about running. I'm hoping their stories will keep me inspired to keep going until June and beyond! Stay tuned!

3.  I NEED to share!
Finally, (are you still here?? need more coffee??) beginning next week, I'll begin sharing a series of posts called Motivate Me Monday.  I've really been inspired and motivated by many bloggers over the past few years to do everything from cook with coconut oil and paint my living room a different color, to pray more for my husband and embrace precious time being silly with my kids. It's the small things done over and over that eventually stick and become habit.  Good habits, I think, make us happier, healthier people.  I promise that MMM posts will NOT include the following:
1. How to replace your daily/weekly brew (or, insert beverage of choice) with healthier green drinks, because I'm not interested in cruel, unusual and untested (not to mention unreasonable) ideas.

2.  How to scale back your shoe collection.  NO hypocrisy allowed here. That's a rule.

3.  How to de-stress your life with yoga.  Um, hello, please see #1.  I promise to offend you with my crazy belief Jesus as the ultimate source of peace before I throw up some video tutorial on the downward dog (it's the only pose name I can ever remember, so there ya go).

With that little three-point disclaimer, I hope you'll meet me here every Monday for something big or something small, and walk away feeling a little more motivated, a little more inspired to take steps toward a life of happy health.

Well, that's about as close to a blogging infomercial as I can get, minus the annoying music.  I still haven't figured out how to greet you some tunes when you get here, which might be a nice touch, no? Ann Voskamp's melody has me crying before I even read her posts.  But, I don't want to make you cry. Today's soundtrack here would be "Ice, Ice Baby."

I'm off to play professor....

Have a lovely day (stay warm)!!





Sunday, January 5, 2014

Sweet Little Sympathy Cravings & A Maternity Edition of WIWS


Happy Sunday!!  I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend! The temperatures took a hard dip this weekend, so we're all hibernating from the cold, curled up cozy today for food, football and naps (glorious!).

Speaking of food, is it just my children, or are yours in a 24/7 relationship with the kitchen too?? It seems that no matter how much I cook, I can't reach the top of their hungry little tanks!  Is it the weather? Are they all going through a monumental growth spurt? Or, are they simply having sympathetic pregnancy cravings (is that possible)?? When the boys shuffle into the Catina and casually ask for chicken fried steak and kale chips in the middle of the afternoon, I have to wonder what's up! They shamelessly pour forth their requests as if being affirmed is even a remote possibility.  Then, they see the when hell freezes over look on my face, and resort to dog piling in the pantry to see who can come up with the last box of raisins or the remains of a stale box of Cheerios.

Charlie's by far the cutest player in this game. He's on an enchilada kick. Every morning for breakfast this week, he's pushed away the pancakes with a grin and a very polite "No fank you" and asked for "chinch-iladas" instead.  What can I do but relish for a moment in his sweetness....then push the plate of pancakes back under his nose??!!

I hope that someone is craving donuts tomorrow, because traditionally we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany with "kings crowns" a.k.a homemade cake donuts dunked in frosting and topped with jewels (sprinkles). Mmmmmm!!!

It's been a while since I've linked up with the wonderful ladies at Fine Linen and Purple for What I Wore Sunday. Now that I've survived the first trimester (17 weeks, yippee!!) of nausea and exhaustion, and am feeling a bit more human, I'm a little less camera shy.  Baby is growing, and peeking out at the world, so I've packed up most of my pre-pregnancy clothing and made room for my maternity wardrobe.  Here's what I assembled today:
CARDIGAN: The Buckle
TANK: Target
SKIRT:  Old Navy
BOOTIES:  Shoe Carnival
JEWELRY: Stella & Dot, Premier, Francesca's







Wednesday, January 1, 2014

13 Photos of 2013


At the end of every year, I always enjoy sitting down with the boys and scrolling through some of our family highlights on the blog from the past twelve months.  We're always surprised at how much we've accomplished and how much we've all grown (especially the boys!).  
Today I'm linking up with Dwija at House Unseen, Life Unscripted for her 13 Photos of 2013 event.  
Happy New Year, Everyone!!
 5. Beginning the homeschool year in our new home, in a new town.
4. Letting go - Benedict's first day at St. Joseph Ost Catholic School
1. Our growing family! Getting ready to welcome #6 in June!

- AND - 

The Most Popular Post of the Year:
 Mama's thoughts on raising a crew of boys

Most Requested/Pinned Recipe:

 Top Health/Fitness Post

Most Popular Faith/Homeschool Post
The Power of Words - A Lesson from Proverbs for Kids