Journal: possibly the most boring update ever

TODAY

Out my window: Sunny and cool. Good looking forecast though.  A bit of a dip mid-next week, but 60s and 70s otherwise.  Spring?

Around the house: Gemma has started helping with the dishes, and by helping I mean like real actual help that is helpful.  It is awesome.  I told her she has graduated from trash cans.  The boys can do those now, she is on dish duty.  I foresee both big kids helping with dishes more over the Summer.  I would love to have them unload regularly, but I vary so much with when I run the dishwasher that it doesn't always work to wait and let the dishes sit until they can get to them. 

 

The kiddos: Clem has been a bit of a grump lately.  It's like he's three or something.  Oh wait... Last night he woke up three times, once he yelled that Gemma had come in and torn his paper heart (I am still not sure to what paper heart he was referring), once he was mad because he wanted the dominoes.  Like seriously, I had to get the box of dominoes out at 2-friggin-30 AM and he was back to sleep as soon as he grabbed them from me and snuggled up with them, and another time and I don't remember the circumstances of that waking but at least it wasn't going to the backyard to cast his fishing line and reel it in. #yesthatreallyhappenedonce.  He also came in gurmpily at about 6am (dominoes in tow) and asked if it was "morming time yet" (he does this frequently, sometimes as early as 8PM, HA!).  I told him almost and he scowlingly asked why I called him then. Huh?  Aaron said, "go back to bed, Samuel." That kid.

In the kitchen: This week we had Dijon chicken with rice and steamed veggies; crispy chicken salads; chili; grilled pork chops with boiled potatoes and steamed okra (the kids still can't understand how we eat that stuff); and fish muffins tonight.  Up next week: chicken parm with pasta and steamed baby carrots; hot dog night!!!; meatloaf with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans; probably more salads and something meatless on Friday. 

Learning:  Gemma is working on three-digit addition and subtraction at school, and "Rocket Math"  (time tests) which she gleefully recreates for Kolbe, lettered-worksheets and all, at home.  One day she had me time her as part of her homework, so I set my phone for two minutes (or so I thought), and she had been working awhile and I said, "wow, this is like the longest two minutes ever, I can't believe how far you've gotten."  I had set the phone for two hours.  Yeah.  Mom for the win.  Her reader at school has some really fun stories, this week it was How the Guinea Fowl got her Spots.  I added it to our Africa list.  Clem is learning about letter Tt this week.

Reading: Back to The Moffat Museum with all the kids.  Gemma and I finished The Latsch Valley Farm series the other night and it was hard to put that one down.  Or rather, it is always hard to pick something else up after reading something so good.  Sigh.  I think one of my favorite things about this series was how it dealt with weightier-ish topics such as sibling relationships, disobedience, death and even drunkenness very matter-of-factly and age-appropriately (and just appropriately in general).  There's so much junk out there, this series was just plain good, without coming across as trite or proselytizing.  Highly recommend.  I think we're going to go with Caddie Woodlawn next. We also started The Good Shepherd and His Little Lambs as a lead-up to First Communion.  It is going to be wonderful. I picked up an eight pack of Dr. Seuss bookmarks in the dollar bin at Target to give the kids on his birthday (3/2).  We all get a huge kick out of bookmarks around here.  Speaking of Seuss, our pastoral vicar read Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are at the school's annual read-night, and would you believe in all my Suess-lovin' book-lovin' years, I had never run across that one?!  It is really cute, we had to check it out ourselves after hearing it there.  And speaking of birthdays, I think we may read the Ralph Mouse books after finishing Moffats in honor of Beverly Cleary's 100th birthday this Spring.  One of our favorite Tt books this week has been The Tub People.  

 I am still making my way steadily through Fire Within.  Rich rich rich.  I also got The Name of God is Mercy from the library and am hoping to power through it in two-weeks because it's a new release and I can't renew it. I do have a three-day grace period though since we are nerds gold members.  Looks like it should be a pretty easy read, I made it through the intro last night.

Watching: meh.

Bringing me joy: Grace. Springlike weather. The kids. Holy Mass.  New tennies.

Thinking about: Oh! Oh! Oh!  I have two things this week!  First off, why don't they make workout pants that are not skin-tight anymore?  Like, I don't need a gunny-sack or anything, but I don't want my legs and butt to look (and feel) like sausages either.  Where is the happy medium lately??  I have a pair from Target.com ordered.  Review forthcoming...

And politics.  Wow.  I try to keep this blog pretty happy and light and nerdy and not get all bogged down in the heavy stuff, and I really am not planning on doing that, but just wow.  The Republican debate last night was a freaking five-ring circus. Really??  This is what we have to choose from?  There are some candidates I like a little (very little) bit better, and some not so much, and I'm not going to go into that here now (or ever), but wow.  Sigh.

Oh, and I suppose a third, this article on Seder/Passover celebrations was really informative I thought.

And his would be why I always leave the "thinking about" section blank....  

Pictures to share:  
Since I hardly talked about Kolbe above, I have a sweet picture of him.  He is wearing the good-deed beads they got at school as part of their Lenten practices.  He told me this week how sad he is that he can't marry me when he grows up because I'm the best mommy ever.  Goodness I love that kid.

Living liturgically: morning prayers

Recently I read this post on Living Liturgically as a family, and it got me reflecting on the things that our family does to live liturgically throughout the year in our little domestic Church.  I think my favorite part of this article was the very first point she made: it takes YEARS to build up traditions and become familiar with the liturgical year.  True. That.  I remember being a young(er) mama with a toddler and a baby and feeling so.overwhelmed. at all the different things that we could be doing but weren't doing.  But slowly over the years we have added this, tried that, quit doing something else because no one would cooperate, etc. etc. etc.  And now, what may seem like a lot for someone from the outside looking in, is simply the rhythm that our family lives throughout the seasons of the Church year.  Do we have it all figured out?  Nope.  We're still adding and molding and forming, and I am amazed how traditions evolve through the years as the kids get older.  I may have gotten a little teary last year when there was really no reason to sing our little "Jesus is Coming" toddler-song around the Advent wreath.  But I think that's the key to traditions, letting them evolve and take the shape they need to for your family wherever you're at, and realizing that traditions can change (or go away) over the years as children grow, and that's OK.  

I also liked her point #2: living liturgically happens year round.  I noticed this year, profoundly, that it didn't seem like we were doing much for Advent...and then I realized we were doing all our "regular things" but since the liturgical year has become such a natural part of our lives year round, Advent was more-or-less a bit of a change-up in the regular things we do daily instead of the "radical switching of gears" she mentioned.  

The rest of her points are good too.  Seriously, check out the article.  But I'll stop now and get on to the point of this post, which was supposed to be family Morning Prayers.

One of my favorite liturgical-living traditions that our family has added recently (past 6-8 months or so) is using the Prayer found at the end of Morning Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours (I use the one volume version, Christian Prayer) at the end of our family morning prayers.  Our morning prayers typically consist of the Bless us, oh Lord prayer (since we pray them before breakfast), the traditional Morning Offering, stating the Holy Father's monthly intentions and also praying for a specific priest or seminarian from our diocese each day.  We also add any family member/friend who may have a birthday or anniversary (or something else going on) that day.  We pray a simple prayer that goes along with whatever the month's theme is (did you know that each month has a particular devotion in the Catholic Church?  See here for more on that...) for instance, a Hail Mary in October or the Act of Contrition or Act of Love during Lent (this is also a great opportunity to help the kids memorize their rote prayers).  Then I say the Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours (which takes all of 10 seconds) and we're done.  I love adding this Prayer because it is such a simple way to focus on what is happening liturgically on that specific day, be it a Church season like Lent or Advent, or a feast day or memorial, such as the Transfiguration or the Feast of St. Luke.  And full disclosure: my oldest still grumbles most days that I had the audacity to change our regular morning prayers by adding this (apparently excruciating) ten seconds of recited prayer.  But I'm sticking with this one.  ;-)

God is good...all the time.  May he continue to bless us, everyone, as we live His love throughout the year.

Journal: Clement's birthday

TODAY

Out my window:  Hot.  Sunny.  Windy.  It is Summer in the midwest.  Although I must say by recent standards (past 5 years or so) I really can't complain.  And last week the highs were in the seventies!  We had a good friend over for dinner last Thursday and we all spent the evening (after dinner) sitting outside and watching the kids play.  It was remarkable for mid-July and he stayed late enough that after he left Aaron took the big kids on a firefly walk.  Clement had crashed on daddy's lap some time prior to that.  

Around the house: Hmmmmm, not much of note?  No wardrobe switches looming, no major home renovations or reorganizations.  I still have one bag of children's clothing to find a home for, and a few odds and ends I will probably put out for the DAV truck next week, otherwise everything seems to be running pretty smoothly (cue expensive disastrous mishap). 

 

The kiddos:

Clement insists that he is no longer three because, "it's NOT my birfbay AMYmore.  I two again."  The kid has a point.  I spent weeks coaching him to say he would be three ON HIS BIRTHDAY.  Well duh, if it's not his birthday anymore then he's not three anymore.  Perfect three-year-old logic.

Gemma got to see the priest who baptized her this morning (as part of our area Church visits), so that was exciting for her.  

I am getting anxious to see how Kolbe will do with school.  He is due for a change.  I am hoping he likes school and that the routine brings some motivation to his life (or at least his mornings).  Mornings have been...difficult.  He has his lists of simple chores (pray, eat b-fast, get dressed, make bed, etc) and lately carrying out this routine has been about as pleasant as a root canal, unless he has something to motivate him.  Here's hoping...  I know part of it is just middle-kid syndrome, and he is looking for some extra attention.  And I get that, I do.  But it is still frustrating especially when I have 17 other things I am trying to do. 

In the kitchen: This past week we had baked ziti with steamed broccoli, crispy chicken salads (those, or some sort of protein with salad have been a weekly staple of late), white chicken chili and tonight baked cod and I am still working on coming up with some slam dunk side dishes. Which means canned green beans and simple pasta or rice it is. Does anyone have any simple/healthy/tasty/easy side dish recipes they would like to share? Sometimes I feel like I get in a rut with my cooking.

I have been really enjoying these ancient grain hummus chips we get from Aldi. They are tasty! Speaking of Aldi, last week I went to the store in the evening by myself instead of during the day with the kids. That, folks, was a little slice of heaven (and I may or may not have asked my hubby if I can do the same thing this week).  I am looking forward to grocery stores with ONE once the school year starts. 

Next week's menu includes cornbread and bacon stuffed pork chops with asparagus, more salads, honey sriracha chicken, beef stew and baked Atlantic salmon with more amazing side dishes. 

Learning:  School registration is week after next and then we will be in full throttle getting ready for school mode. Summer has been nice, but I think I will be ready for the change in routine here in about a month. Last week we picked up another booster for Gemma since she and Kolbe will both be riding to school with Aaron. Oh car seats. Have I really purchased seven of you?  Gemma has Bible School next week and then all three kids (crossing my fingers that Clement likes it) will have a two-week session of swimming lessons.  And then it will pretty much be school time.  ACK!

Reading: I finished Happy Are You Poor and will probably be unpacking it for the rest of my life. Up next from Dubay I am going to read Deep Conversion, Deep Prayer and I recently started Theology for Beginners.  I also have my eyes on this book of saints, and am debating Butler's as well.  I am wanting something that gives a little more info on the life of a saint than what's in the Liturgy of the Hours, but something that takes a little less mental commitment than a 300 page biography. Suggestions? Click here for what I have been reading aloud with the kids.

Watching: First it was Shark Week and then it was Space Week. I find I am becoming less and less enamored with the television. I would really like to ditch cable but that would leave us (Aaron) with no way of watching MLB, and I do really enjoy watching baseball with him after the kids are in bed. Sigh.  #firstworldproblems

Bringing me joy: Confession. Grace. Family. Out recent dinner guests have just been delightful! Three separate guests in just over a week for these introverts, can you believe?!!  Cooking.  The times when our kids get along and play well together.  Catching up with some cousins and watching our kids play together.

Thinking about: The whole Planned Parenthood scandal of late. It sickens me, almost more than the Supreme Court decision of several weeks past. Maybe not more, but differently. However, that aside, it bothers me that the information came about essentially by someone else's lying.  Ends do not justify means.  The Catholic Church is very clear about that.  And I realize that this gets incredibly complex, being stuck in the mire of modern day society and all the problems we've created.  Even so...  To that note, I found this article on lying very interesting...and it made me want to study morality. 

Pictures to share:  

Happy Birthday Clement Paul!!  He had strawberry shortcake for breakfast, his request. He was a little grumpy upon waking.  As usual.  But he was so happy his favorite blue shirt was clean.

PRESENTS!  Gemma had a whole party planned and decorated for in her bedroom.  It was very sweet (although she was just a leeeeeetle controlling about the whole thing....)  Clement got some toy farm animals and play food for his birthday.  And a few books.  And Gemma and Kolbe made (and this took them a LOT of time) him a big birthday cake and a few other things from their Perler beads.  He was so excited when he opened their gift.  It was very sweet.

Read aloud Thursday - inaugural post

As I was browsing the Read Aloud Revival FB page I came across a blogger doing Read Aloud Thursday posts, and then I saw this post about picture books and thought, "what a fun way to keep track of what we've been reading!"  So here goes!!  I may not be weekly about this, but will try to at least be regular.  ;-)  Without further ado...

Chapter books

Our current family chapter book is The Moffats.  We are only about two and a half chapters in, but this book has a fun feel to it.  Gemma and I read The Hundred Dresses (same author) a few months ago, but this book almost reminds me of The Children of Noisy Village (which I am dying to read again, maybe when Kolbe is just a little older).  There appear to be numerous other books about the Moffats, so I need to figure out the series order and decide if we'd like to read more.  Anyone else read these?

I am also finishing up the Samantha American Girl books with Gemma at bedtime.  I remember loooooving the American Girl books as a tween, but reading them aloud as an adult they seem to have lost a bit of their magic.  I don't dislike them, but I think I wish I would have waited and just let Gemma read them on her own.  She is still not reading chapter books independently and I don't want to force it, but I'm hoping once we finish Samantha I can draw her attention elsewhere (at least when it comes to read alouds).  I picked up a copy of The Courage of Sarah Noble from the library and am thinking about that.  Any other recommendations?

From the library:

Mushroom in the Rain was fun for the boys, especially since we've had so much rain here of late.

Yoko's Paper Cranes made its way back here for no less than the half-dozenth time over the past several years.  I like this book so much, we may have to add it to our "list".  I love books that give insight into other cultures, and this one did a beautiful job of portraying some of the intricacies of the Japanese family and traditions.

Bearymore. With some authors it's just hard to go wrong.

The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane is one I picked up after reading about it I don't even remember where, but it looks really cool so we will hopefully get to it soon.  We read a lot at random times during the day, but I try to be sure we read one picture book all together at the breakfast table. 
Molly and the Tornado was an interesting, true story with a semi-local flare.  A good one to read and discuss during severe-weather season.

I have a handful of books about the United States, and some specific ones about the midwest in hopes of doing a unit over the summer on the states and particularly Kansas.  I will update once we jump in on that.

From the bookshelf:

Clement has rediscovered our small but wonderful collection of Little Golden Books.  I may have to get him a few for his upcoming birthday.  For now his favorites have been Scuffy the Tugboat, The Little Red Caboose, The Poky Little Puppy and The Poky Little Puppy Follows His Nose Home.  The former two I love (although I never understand how the man with the polka-dot tie manages to show up just in time to rescue the tugboat from a life doomed to the endless ocean), the latter drive me a bit crazy but the nostalgia factor keeps me from hiding them.  What are your favorite Golden Books?

We also got daddy a copy of Hurty Feelings for his birthday, because his ability to read this one aloud rivals anyone's I dare say.  Fun times!

Little Pea has had its share of read aloud time lately, but I will say once I realized there were other books by the same author with different characters and essentially the same plot, I liked it a little less.  

A Fish Out of Water made its way out evening before last (I simply do not tire of reading this one), and I have found myself wishing more than once of late that we had more Sweet Pickles books than our two beloved copies (Very Worried Walrus and Me Too Iguana).

I suppose that wraps it up for this week.  Happy reading, friends!!

Journal: Hello March

TODAY

Out my window:  Snow.  About 4 inches of it.  Hello, March.  Did you not get the memo?  It is March.  That should mean Spring.  Stat.

Clothing myself in: Jeans, tank, sweatshirt thing, double socks.  And my trusty apron, because I am working on some food prep.

Around the house: Gemma got to spend the night with my parents on Friday, so it was just me and the boys Saturday.  Since I don't do a lot of chores or cooking on Saturdays, I decided to sit down with Shutterfly and hammer out our 2014 photo book.  Whew!  I worked for probably 4+ hours (on and off) but it is finished and ordered!  Can't wait to get it!!  I did a month per two page spread (mainly) and wrote a paragraph of simple captions for each month.  Much more manageable than doing quarterly photo books (which was my original plan).  Now, if I am really on the ball I can start the 2015 one now and just do a spread a month. We'll see...

 

The baby/toddler: He says the "L" sound for every "R" when he speaks.  For instance, today he is wearing his GLEEN shirt.  It is really funny listening to him talk.  He is very articulate for 2.5 (IMHO) and I love conversing with him. 

 

The kiddos:  Well, Gemma woke up and puked during the night and now she has a fever today.  Bleh, I thought we were done with this.  Just kind of waiting for the other shoe to fall with the boys now.  Clem slept late (7am) this morning, and then laid around on his bed for like an hour around 10, but now he is acting normal, so who knows.

Kolbe, oh my it is good to have him back after his little whatever that was back in January.  He is so stinkin' sweet.  He tells me, "I love you," and "I am having the best day ever," and "I am so glad that you are my mommy," dozens of times a day.  It is incredibly endearing.  I got him new underwear this past week and I think he has thanked me for them no less than 37 times.  He has started writing me letters, where whatever he wants to say he just writes the first letter.  Like, for "I love mom," he will write "I L mom."  I remember Gemma doing this (although I think it was when she was four).  So sweet.  He is progressing, even if he is a little behind where she was. 

In the kitchen: Last week we had a pot of chili to share with my in-laws while watching basketball; a leftover night (and the Fathers had some shredded Mexican chicken); beef roast with potatoes and veggies and some homemade Honey Oatmeal Wheat bread; Nantucket baked cod (yummo) with roasted brussel sprouts (us) and roasted asparagus (Fathers) -- see picture...hey! I've got to take a break and do some quality control once in awhile).  This week I'm currently in the prep stages for two big pans of lasagna (one for us, one for the Fathers), roasted broccoli and cauliflower and some focaccia bread on the side; some salads, maybe with crispy chicken; Dijon chicken with wild rice, green beans, and whatever fresh fruit is a good price this week; veggie tortellini soup (thanks Mlada!) with some hummus with chips and baby carrots.  I tell you, springing for the double oven when we redid the kitchen has proven to be a good call.

Crafting: I have decided cooking counts as crafting.  So there.  See above.  And to add to that, I made my first French Silk Pie week before last.

Learning:  Working a little more on handwriting with Kolbe.  I chatted with the OT at the school where he attends Speech regarding his abysmal pencil grip, and after looking at some samples of his handwriting, she has assured me to just let it go while encouraging activities that will build arm/hand strength and encourage a proper grip.  This was relieving.  He writes very nicely, and every time I try to correct his grip it ends in frustration. 

Reading: The usuals, Theology, Philosophy, Confessions.  I am enjoying the Philosophy sooooo much.  It really makes me think, I usually have to re-read every few paragraphs to really wrap my mind around it.  I wish I could take a class, but I feel like I am absorbing enough with the reading to make it worthwhile.  This particular book is incredibly accessible to someone without much prior philosophical knowledge, so that helps.

Watching: Sneaking up on the end of the Gold Rush season, and we saw where there is going to be a season 7 of River Monsters.  Yeah.  We are TV super-nerds.  

Bringing me joy: Kolbe.  Morning Prayer, especially when I can drag my lazy-bones out of bed before everyone else is up.   Coffee.  An evening spent catching up with good friends.  Listening to good music on my phone with my new speaker.  Looking forward to this CD!!

Thinking about: The interior life.  Sin and flaws/vices.  Cooking.  Spring.  I have decided to not think about new-season wardrobes this year, they will just work themselves out.  Really.

Pictures to share:  

Kolbe has been really into dominoes lately.  This is his domino rendering of a robot.

My uncle texted me this the other day and I thought it was funny.

Seven Quick Takes: summer reads, ponies and plastic surgery

Seven Quick Takes is being hosted this week over at Team Whitaker.

1. Good books abound lately, we've all been doing lots of reading, myself included.  I read in such spurts it is ridiculous.  It's like 5 books at once or nothin' with me.  But I am enjoying this reading spurt I'm in and making the most of it.  Heck, maybe this time it will last.  When I was a teenager, and even a young unmarried adult I constantly had my nose in a book.  Not always the most practical thing anymore, but I do enjoy it when I can.  Currently on my end-table are The Book Thief (just started, the writing style is odd but I'm intrigued enough to keep reading); Siblings Without Rivalry (much as I loved How to Talk, this one just isn't quite resonating as much, so we'll see if I finish it); and The Hidden Power of Kindness (I really am liking this.  Reading a few paragraphs a day, just enough to munch on and mull over as I go about my day).  Some faves with the kids lately: The Hoppameleon, Thunder Cake and a few others by Patricia Polacco, and we're working on Caleb's Story (of Sarah Plain and Tall) and By the Shores of Silver Lake.
2. The kids, and even I, have been enjoying time by the (kiddie) pool on the deck.  It's just nice to be outside, even on the hot days.  Is it just me, or do other people's kids fight/spat less when they are outdoors?  I don't know what it is, but there is so much less drama when we 'take it outdoors'.
3. We are finally settling into a summer groove, the first part of June was packed with Art Camp, VBS and a family reunion, and now we pretty much have nothing, haha.  I love the more relaxed pace of our mornings and evenings, but honestly kind of miss the routine/structure that school brings during the day.  See aforementioned spatting.  ;-)  It's all good though.  Some days (like this morning) are great!  Playgroup, time at the library, everyone is relatively pleasant to each other for the most part.  And then some days (yesterday) I am ready to purchase the next ticket to anywhere but here.  OH life.
4. I saw this article about The Sign of the Cross on Facebook and it was so interesting and informative.  If you've ever wondered why some people make The Sign of the Cross "backwards", check this out.
5. Wow.  Only five?  Man, there is just not much going on.  How about pictures of the big kids riding the miniature pony at my sister's?  Gemma's legs were almost too long, haha.
    
6.  Every time I drive past the local Catholic hospital and see their marquis advertising cosmetic plastic surgery I am like, really?  Is that truly in line with your mission so much so that you promote it in big flashing letters for all to see?  For real??  So my hubby said I should look up their Mission Statement (see above link).  I am dubious.  Am I the only one who thinks about these things?
7. Clem has been showing some semi-serious interest in the potty.  Not enough to potty-learn, but enough so that I switched him from the pre-fold/snappi combo to Flip and a folded Econobum since it's a little easier and faster on and off.  He had been telling me he had to poop like 2-3 times an hour and I couldn't figure out what the deal was until I realized he was telling me when he was pottying.  So we're just kind of being chill about it.  Kolbe did the same thing when he was about this age but then didn't really potty-learn until around 3, so I have no high expectations.  Helping a child learn to use the potty is both exciting (no more diapers!!!) and exhausting (you have to go again???).

OK, that was seven.  I made it!  Not without talking about the weather and the toilet, but hey! what can I say?!  Happy June everyone, stay cool!

Journal: Summer is here

TODAY

Out my window:  Sunny and warm.  We got about 2.5 inches of rain last weekend, which was hugely great.  If we got another large-ish rain the ponds and such around here would be back where they should.  It was a pretty isolated thing though, so pretty grateful for what we did get.  Forecast is pretty moderate for this time of year, barely breaking 90 in the seven-day.  We've been spending a lot of afternoons at the park.

Clothing myself in:  Jean shorts and a college t-shirt.

Around the house: We bought a new vacuum.  Our old one had been smelling and acting a little funny so Aaron had it looked at and they pronounced the motor.  We got a Riccar (we'd had a Sears Kenmore previously).  Anyone else have one?  It seems like it should be a good vacuum.  There are a few features that I miss from my old vacuum, but a few more on that I like that the old one didn't have.  People shouldn't analyze vacuums so much though.  I think I have a problem...  Getting our basement ready for overnight guests this week.  Laundered a bunch of sheets and towels and did some cleaning down there.  It will be a busy upcoming week with VBS, our guests and a family reunion!!

 

The baby/toddler: He is a handful these days, but what two-year-old boy isn't?!!  He has learned the word "no".  He loves to throw rocks in the lake (much to the dismay of the HOA.  We try to limit him, really, there's just not much reasoning with a two-year-old ;-D)   

 

The kiddos:  Gemma has been doing lots of biking.  Our neighborhood park is at the corner of our lake, and the path around the lake is about 1/3 a mile and is almost entirely visible from the park, so she can ride around while the rest of us are at the park.  It really is a great setup.  Her reading continues to improve...her expression tickles me and I LOVE it when she reads to her brothers.  Gemma likes to spell words to me instead of just talking.  Her phonetic spellings are sometimes quite amusing.  She and Kolbe just finished their May Saturday swim lessons.  They both had a bunch of fun, and they both went down the big outdoor slide (with their teacher) today.  This iwas very brave for them, and they loved it!!

Kolbe would fish all day every day were it up to him.  Most of the time we are at the park he spends down by the pond poking around rocks and bugs and such (if he's not fishing).  Our neighbor made him a quilt (she is making them for the other kids, but his was done first) and it is so wonderful.  Dump Trucks, and a little road and bright blue and yellow and green and so many little details in the stitching!  He has slept with it every night.  What a keepsake.

In the kitchen: French Dips, sour dough and green beans, Baked Ziti, some salads...we've had a lot of salad lately (usually with chicken or fish on the top/side), and Breakfast Casserole and probably waffles for guests are on my menu at home this week, plus some out-of-the-house reunion eating. 

Crafting: Ack.  No way.  I think I'll piggy-back on the neighbor's quilting prowess, haha. 

Learning:  VBS this coming week for both big kids and Gemma has Art Camp the following week.  We made up a "homework chart" for Gemma to loosely follow.  We've only been at it for a week so I'm not going to say "success" or "failure" just yet, but it seems to be a good guide and I am trying to not be a big stickler about having to do things every day.  AHHHHH balance.  I started Kolbe's handwriting book with him and think it's going to be just what he needs to help him practice good pencil grip. 

Reading: Finished Unbroken.  It was very good.  About 1/3 through Something Other Than God.  Liking it a lot.  Also read If I Stay this week.  It was kind of dark, but a good easy fiction.  All of a Kind Family Uptown and Stuart Little plus tons of picture books from the library with the kids.  I love how the Summer Reading Program always seems to rejuvenate us around here.  Speaking of, this was a great article. 

Watching:  Meh, not much of anything exciting.  I can't seem to keep my eyes open after about 9:15, so that kind of limits my options, haha.

Bringing me joy: The relaxed-pace of our Summer mornings.  Praying Morning Prayer before anyone else is up.  The land (park, pond, paths) around our house.  Even though we live in the 'burbs, I'm grateful our kids are able to get a relatively authentic outdoor experience (for Kansas anyways, heh heh).  Celebrating my hubby's 35th, just the quiet, simple traditions that our kids get so excited about.

Thinking about: Night-weaning Clem.  He had made some good strides sleeping longer stretches in his own room at night, and then went through a rougher patch here the past several weeks, but now is back to sleeping a *little* better on his own (and nursing less when he is in with us).  I am debating about actively night-weaning around his birthday, but still not entirely sure...

Pictures to share: 
Gemma on her (second to) last day of school and Kolbe on his last day of Speech with his gifts for his teacher.