Journal: Summer is coming

TODAY

Out my window: Hot.  This weather is just all over the place.  Highs in the mid-nineties (for real) all this week, but then it looks like it should be a little more moderate come next weekend/early the following week.  The kids are begging to play out in the pool.

Clothing myself in:  Jean shorts I got on a FB resale group ($5 well spent!) and a t-shirt.

Around the house: Took a few more bags of stuff to Goodwill this week.  I am finding that getting rid of stuff has kind of a snowball effect.  The more you get rid of, the more you realize you don't really need.  I have a few items (wedding gifts we've still never used) I'd like to try to consign. 

 

The baby/toddler: New words this week: ready, sissy, bubby, choo-choo, ball, go (which he likes to proclaim loudly at the end of every song during Mass).  He has an opinion about everything, including his wardrobe.  He is always heartbroken if "choo choo" or "ball-ball" shirts are dirty.  His belly-button is doing this funny thing.  I noticed he had been messing with it and it has, like, popped all the way out.  It's a little bizarre.  He didn't have an outie before, now he has a back-and-forthie.  Weirdness.  I never took him in at 18 months because that was smack in the middle of cold/flu season and the doctor's office is not my fave place that time of year, so I'm thinking of taking him in for a combined 18 month/2 yr well-child visit and make sure everything is OK with it.  Aaron says he figures he'll just say to keep an eye on it for now.  Anyone ever seen this?

 

The kiddos:  Started swim lesson this past Saturday.  First Gemma was super excited and Kolbe didn't want to go.  Then Kolbe was super-excited (so much so that Friday night he hollered at us from bed at 8:45 PM, still awake, to ask if it was time to get up yet) and Gemma was trepidatious.  They both ended up having a blast!  We go every Saturday in May, and we'll see about a 2wk session later in the summer.

They are obsessed with talking about underpants and poop.  Really?

They are getting to be so good at fishing, they can pretty much fish by themselves, including taking the fish off the hook and tossing them back in.  They do hit snags here and there, but for the most part I am amazed at their skills.  I am so happy for them.  When I "fished" as a kid it was a stick with a piece of yarn tied to it while I sat on top of our dog house.  True story.

In the kitchen: Sushi last night, leftovers (sushi and some stuff from the grill) today.  Spaghetti, crispy chicken salads with homemade vinaigrette, chicken picadillo, chicken fajitas, baked fish... lettuce salads and steamed veggies for sides.  Maybe a broccoli salad with the fish.  Lots of fresh fruits: straberries, watermelon and cantaloupe have been frequent faves of late.  I have a new drying rack and one-quart stainless-steel saucepan thanks to an unfortunate mishap last week.

Crafting: Who are we kidding?  I should probably remove this before I get accused of being some sort of crafting imposter.  I'm not even sure why it's here in the first place...

Learning: Gonna buckle down and finish up this school year!!  Looking forward to the change in pace summer will bring.  Thinking about Kolbe's needs next year which -- aside from his speech classes -- mainly include lots of time to play and be a little boy, reading books and doing some simple "school" stuff together.  I'd like to work some on handwriting/fine motor activities with him, just so we can hopefully get his pencil grip looking a little better before kdg.  He knows his numbers really well (much better than Gemma did at this age) and his letters less well (not quite as well as Gemma did at this age).  He spends much less time coloring/drawing/writing which I'd guess is gender-related.  We may try library story-time regularly next Fall.  He went a few times last year, and then a little boy apparently hit him (I wasn't in there with him :-( and he has never wanted to go again so I haven't forced the issue.  

Reading: Started Sarah, Plain and Tall with Gemma.  Got the Children's Book of Virtues from the library (maybe some mealtime reading?)  Reading Unbroken myself (Erika have you read this?  I think you'd like it...) and have a handful of teen-fiction on the hold-list at the library.  I go through spells with personal reading, I am in a reading-spell currently.  Probably need something religious to round-out my book-stack.  Still working through The Joy of the Gospel here and there.

Watching:  River Monsters finale is tonight.  We've been watching Outrageous Acts of Science and it's pretty cool.  Cosmos should be wrapping up I think??  It's been so thought-provoking.

Bringing me joy: We have a Bishop!!  Watching his Ordination on television was the next best thing to being there...actually, considering the fact that I have three young children, it was probably better than being there.  Time outdoors with the kids.  Having a good friend with whom to hang out during swim lessons.  Walking with Clem.  All Clem's new words.  My older kids' love for the outdoors.  Chatting with my hubby.  A tasty bottle of wine. 

Thinking about: I wonder if I have seasonal affective disorder.  I am always so much happier this time of year, and have trouble wrapping my mind around just how I survive winter every year...  I am hoping summer vacation is not too much a shock for Gemma.  I think she likes school more than she lets on, and she seems to thrive on predictability.  I have tried not to talk too much about school being out as I don't want to stress her out.  We'll see what the next few weeks bring, I know they are going flyyyyyyyyy.

Pictures to share: 

A couple weeks old...the Lenten Cross was so great this year.  Looking forward to it again next Lent.

Journal: breath of fresh air

TODAY

Out my window:  Dark.  Thunder rumbles in the distance and some rain coming down.  The weather has been nice lately and the trees are juuuuuuust about blooming.  

Clothing myself in:  Jammies.

Around the house: Got the front windows and blinds cleaned, that leaves only one "big", deep-cleaning Spring chore left, wiping down the kitchen cabinets with Murphy's Oil Soap and then lemon-oiling them.  Fun times.  We moved a bookshelf that wasn't really being used up to the kids' closet, and it is great for toy storage.  I am finding rather than having all the toys in one place, it is nice to store various ones in various places, and to store them in the place they will be used.  Example: we now store most of the toy cars that live upstairs in a kitchen cabinet that the kids have access to, because they play with cars in the kitchen.  Duh.  It took me 6 years to figure this out why?  Oh nevermind.

 

The baby/toddler:  Sleeping on the floor in his room.  Skipping his nap some days (really child?  really??)  Still not sleeping thru the night, maybe he will be amenable to night-weaning after his last two teeth come through.  Not crossing my fingers though.  He's had a great appetite lately.  Growth spurt?  He loves his "kitten" oh so much, it is very cute.

 

The kiddos:  Kolbe is going to start going to speech twice a week now, for the rest of this year and then next year (sounds like we will skip summer unless we want to get a tutor, still mulling that over).  I am glad, I think he will benefit from the additional time.  Apparently part of his problem is actually poor muscle control/tone in his mouth.  Who knew?  So glad there are people to help him!

Gemma has been really pleasant lately.  I'm not sure what all to attribute it to (I probably shouldn't over-analyze or give myself too much credit, haha) but it's been nice. 

In the kitchen: This week we've had honey chicken with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans; a leftovers night; and tonight was salmon, rice and broccoli salad.  Tacos tomorrow and tuna salad on Friday if I can decide on a recipe.

Crafting: I used the sewing machine this week, but "craft" would probably be a stretch, as it involved modifying some t-shirts to fit better.  Since I am so classy and everything.

Learning:  usual.  Trying to be more deliberate about reading to the kids.  Lots of basement play with the boys in the morning.  And puzzles.  We have been very into puzzles lately.  Ordered a handwriting workbook for Gemma for summer and a preschool one (same series) for Kolbe.  I also plan to do the Handwriting Without Tears PK book with him as well.  At some point when he seems ready.  His pencil grip is abysmal, any tips?

Reading: I think I'm going to read Stuart Little to the kids, hoping for more time for read-aloud chapter books over the summer.  About 3/4 the way through How to Talk... myself.  This has been a really good breath of fresh air for my interpersonal communication skills, especially with my children.

Watching:  We've been watching the Cosmos series.  It's been good, decidedly devoid of God or any faith, but the science part is interesting and if you are able to realize that at some point one is no longer able to reason and know and faith takes over, then it is easy enough to look past the lack of religiosity (if that makes sense).  It has been very thought-provoking.

Bringing me joy: A new swim suit...that FITS...AND I LIKE IT!!!!!  Top.  Bottom.  Thrilled.  Spring.  My kids and spending time with them.  Remembering to breathe.  Our friend who has cancer was able to surprise her family and come back for the week (she is a days'+ drive away in/in and out of the hospital indefinitely), I am joyful for her to get this time with her dear ones.

Thinking about: Parenting.  Summer schedule.  This is starting to sound like last week's "thought box".  I am lame, the end.  Peace out!!

Pictures to share:  

"Homework time"

He's so ornery.

Seven Quick Takes - First Edition

I feel like I'm in a rut with the Journal posts so I decided to shake things up a bit and give Seven Quick Takes a try.  And maybe it will actually be quick!  Here goes.

1. We moved Clement to a big-boy (floor) bed now that the dog has moved out of his room (I built the bed/pallet in the corner where the dog's box was).  We actually jokingly called it the dog's room because he (dog) spent more time in the room than Clem did this past winter.  Night one I was up with him to resettle three times, rather than bringing him to bed with us.  I think he nursed less not being right next to me.  We'll see how this goes, it will probably depend on my will-power more than anything. 
2. Spring/Summer wardrobes for the kids are almost complete.  I picked up sandals for the big kids today and some polos for the boys for Easter that match Gemma's bold, multi-colored dress.  I am dubious as to whether Kolbe's sandals will actually fit him all season. Sigh.  And on that note, I now own little boys' clothing in every season of every size from size NB to 5/6.  Yay me.
3. I found my copy of By Love Refined: Letters to a Young Bride the other day and was all set to give it to a young friend who is getting married late this Spring (yes, you Chelsea), when I started thumbing through it.  Even though I'm not really not at all a "young bride" anymore, I found it to be so applicable, not only for my relationship with my husband but just relationships in general.  Chelsea, I don't think I'll be passing it on now, but I would highly recommend picking up a copy in the next year or so.
4. Spring Break has been nice, but I would be a liar to say it has been wonderful having Gemma around all the time.  And now I feel like a jerk and a huge parenting failure for saying that.  The routine that school brings and the time away is very healthy for both of us.  It makes me sad, in a way, to even say that, but oh my do we have our troubles.  Her impulsive behavior, strong will and lack of remorse for the oft inappropriateness in expressing said will are enough to literally push me over the edge some most every day.  That said, she and Kolbe are sitting and very nicely playing multiple games of Connect 4 together and, well, there we go, I was going to say there hadn't been any fighting, but alas...  Sigh. 
5. I am working on revamping the education table for our parish Respect Life Committee.  I've gotten a lot of good materials from our Diocesan Respect Life Office and state pro-life organization.  I also found some brochure display thingies.  I need to go up to church sometime and get everything organized and ready, our quarterly weekend for setup is coming up soon.
6. I really need to get an Adoration hour.  Like, really.  My indecisive/analytical nature, a hubby who works long(er) hours and not liking to get out after the kids are in bed or during the night (because I am completely spent and would just fall asleep) are keeping me from signing up for a regular one, but without a regular one it's hard to have the discipline to go every week.  But oh, I know how much I would benefit from it. 
7. I am really enjoying this CD from the Benedictines of Mary during Lent.

OK, that's it!  Visit Jen over at Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

Journal: and then it was Spring

TODAY

Out my window:  Sunny!  Warm!!  Spring is in the air for sure, you can just feel it now, even when it's cool out.  The forecast for tomorrow is a little cooler, but then moderate all next week.  For Spring break!!  YAY!!!!!!!

Clothing myself in: Jeans and a t-shirt, so exciting.

Around the house: Ordered a new vinyl seat-cover for our highchair.  Clem still sits in the highchair, and as love/hate as my relationship is with our highchair, if we ditch it for a booster we have to extend the kitchen table and that is really going to make the dining area feel tight, so I am going to stretch his time in the highchair as long as I possibly can.  This will really breathe some new life into it. 

In the middle of getting Spring wardrobes ready for the kids.  Everything is out now, and more-or-less in closets/drawers.  I've taken inventory, the kids and I went shopping yesterday afternoon to pick up some more stuff they needed (got some C.U.T.E. dresses/skirts for Gemma), I've packed away some of the real cold-weather stuff like fleece footie-jammies and sweats and stuff.  Getting there.  The kids still all need summer sandals, but they can do no-show socks and tennies for the foreseeable future.  I'll psyche myself up to get back out and find them shoes soon enough.  We'll probably go with Nike sandals again, but I still need to size them.  Bluuurrrgggghhh.  And speaking of sizes, their clothing sizes are completely schizophrenic this year.  Gemma is anywhere from a 5 to a 7/8 with some 6/6x tossed in as well.  Kolbe has a few 4's some 5T stuff and some 5/6's, and it's looking like the 18mos stuff may work for Clem for a little while, but then after that we really don't have much 24 month 2T.  But that size is huge on him now so I am not really inclined to buy much yet even though I know the 18 month stuff won't last him all summer...  Good. Grief. 

And I had to come back and add...a word to savvy shoppers, never shop at a Carter's store.  Their prices, oh my word.  I actually did buy a pair of shorts for Kolbe there, but they are currently sitting in my basement with the receipt because I still cannot believe I paid what I did for them and I am seriously considering just returning them.  Seriously, they had "clearance" jammies for $19.99.  For real??  I'll choose the leftover VBS t-shirt and $4 cotton shorts from Target please.  That said, we went to Children's Place too (I had never shopped there, but we've been given clothes from there before and I've always been impressed by their quality) and their prices were decent.  I'll go back.

 

The baby/toddler: Started saying "more" (instead of signing it) the other day when we were feeding him strawberries.  It reminded me of the first time Kolbe said "more" and I remembered videoing it because it was so cute.  I figured he was probably about the same age so I pulled up the video and would you believe he and Clem were the same age, to the day (five days shy of 20 months, since I'm sure you care) when they said "more" for the first time.  How weird is that?   

He has also become one opinionated little dude the past couple weeks.  Like, oh my goodness.  He ended up sleeping shirtless the other night because I tried to put short sleeves on him instead of his footie jammies.  He got so mad that his sleeves were short that I took the shirt off to put on some long sleeves, but then in his anger he wouldn't let me put anything else on him.  I even tried to give him a shirt in the middle of the night when he woke up and he grunted at me and shoved it away.  Oy.

The kiddos: Have been enjoying playing at the park and in the backyard on these warmer days.  Gemma has the bike-riding thing aaalllllllmoooooost down, I really am amazed how quickly she has caught on.  The other day she rode from in front of the house three houses down from us down the street and up our driveway all on her own, I wasn't even standing by her.

In the kitchen: Last week we had meatloaf, rice and leftover veggies, Loaded Baked Potato and Chicken Casserole, a fish fry, family dinner and some fried meat and veggie burritos.  Next week I'm making spaghetti (Gemma's favorite!!) and maybe Chicken Picadillo (although the kids really don't like it a whole lot, I am thinking of leaving the raisins out of theirs and putting it in tacos though and maybe it will be more 'edible' to them??), baked fish and some other stuff.  We have fresh asparagus and brussel sprouts in the fridge to be used as sides as well.

Crafting: I renovated the pony house for Gemma, adding a roof, parapets, floor, and bunk beds made of cut apart toilet paper tubes.  Seriously, give me some cardboard and my trusty glue-gun and I can make just about anything.

Learning:  We'll try to keep up with some school-type activities this week and there will definitely be a trip to the library some afternoon.  I've been timing Gemma with her addition worksheet and sight-word flashcards lately, she seems to like the challenge and keeping track from day-to-day.  I suppose I should add another dimension and have her chart her times...  The older two have been really creative with the pattern blocks lately too.  The other day while I was cooking I let Clem play with some chunky beads, he had fun pouring them and trying to string them on a pipe-cleaner.  I have our letter Ss week stuff ready to go and will probably pull some of it out this week and then spread it over the next couple weeks.  Planning on seed-planting in a couple weeks with our little preschool co-op.  Anyone have any cute ideas for decorating little planters?

Reading:  We have some good Spring books from the library, check out And Then it Was Spring if you haven't.  It's wonderful.  In keeping with my better-late-than-never New Year's resolution to order at least one hardcover book a month this year to add to our collection, I ordered a used copy of Gemma and the Baby Chick to give Gemma on her name-day next month.

Watching:  Gold Rush finale was last night, always a little sad when one of our shows is over.  Will be interesting to see what next season brings.  Aaron has his hypotheses and he also thinks there's probably only one season left of this show.  Especially if gold prices continue to go down.  Time will tell. 

I also finally let the kids watch Wallykazam!.  They have seen previews for it at the beginning of another show they watch and have been begging, and I finally relented.  I should have given in sooner, it is adorable.

Bringing me joy: Shopping with the kids, even if it was crazy and I felt like crying in desperation more than once, we really had a nice time together.  And time at the zoo this morning with the kids...there was no desperation and we got to watch them shear sheep!  It was our second year to do this, so fun!!  This year's weather was muuuuuuuch nicer.  Last year I think it was low-40's, cloudy and drizzly.

Thinking about:  Lent, sacrificing, the Church, letting go and letting Christ fill me up.  I have so much to learn and so much progress to make in this life, in my vocation, sometimes it just overwhelms me.  I am a driver, I want to get things done, see outcomes, etc.  Sometimes it is hard for me to just wait and let Christ work.  

I've also been thinking about looking for a new carrier for Clem on my back.  It is kind of ridiculous, I have a mei tai and an ergo and a couple slings, but I mainly just use the mei tai for the first couple months when you can still frog a baby's legs, and the slings are only nice for short in-and-outs.  The ergo is OK, I really want to like it but I wish I had researched more before I got it.  It says up to 45 lbs, but I do not like how he fits in it at all, and he's only 22 lbs.  OH well. Looking at Boba and Kinderpack but not really serious about buying anything too soon unless I come upon a really good deal...  Definitely mulling it over though.

Oh and this article, Seven Steps to a Holier Life.  Such a wonderful reminder.

Pictures to share:  

Enjoying a Spring fishing trip...they were both successful!  Gemma even cast, caught and reeled in a few all by herself.  She needed a bit of help getting them off the hook.

Clem got his first "big-boy" haircut (IE, first time to have any hair taken off the top).  He was not too fond of this procedure, as you can see.  He looks so handsome though (as you cannot see, as I didn't think to take an "after" picture.  Yeah.)  On that note, Happy Spring, everyone!!

Journal: winter winter winter

TODAY

Out my window:  Cold.  Cloudy.  Blah.  There is a flock (seriously) of robins in the maple tree out back, I think they are mocking me.  First robin of Spring my tush.  

Clothing myself in:  Jeans, cami, Old Navy sweatshirt.

Around the house: We took the aforementioned (last week?) items to charity!!  It actually went really well with the kids and toys, I was very, very proud of them.  We talked about it prior to going through the pile, and said a little prayer, and they only ended up wanting to keep two items out of the whole pile.  WIN!  I got the sunflowers back out yesterday, I just couldn't stand the poinsettias any longer.  Aaron laughed at me.  I also had Aaron hang a calendar for the kids in the kitchen.  I had been making one in excel each month and this will be simpler. I do still intend to try and do pictures/stickers etc. for bdays, Feast days etc., which is a good thing as Gemma about freaked out when she saw the empty January (since there were only 2 days left when he hung the calendar).  And spring/summer wardrobes are starting to creep into my mind.  Much as I hate winter, I'm not super excited about updating everyone's wardrobes.  Again.  It just never ends.

 

The baby/toddler: He is starting to repeat some more sounds and syllables.  No words really though, he mainly speaks a grunt/squeal type language that we actually understand pretty well.  He has a handful of signs too, including "please" and he always says something that sounds like "boooofffff" when he signs please.  I find it amusing. 

 

The kiddos:  Kolbe got a foam robot building set from his aunt/godmother for his birthday and he is in. love. with it.  OH my.  If I had a dime for every time he has told me, "I am so glad I got my new robot thing, this is JUST what I WANTED for Christmas and my birthday."  He is one grateful little dude.  I have had to pick up some size 5/6 clothes for him recently, as he has grown out of most of the 4's (especially pants) that were too big for him in September.  Slow down, kid!  Maybe the new clothes will fit him again next Fall?  Maybe??

It was Catholic Schools Week for Gemma, so she had some fun activities for that, and then has the day off today for inservice, so we've all enjoyed that!  Tuesday was Family Read Night so the kids and I went and ate hotdogs and listened to stories and played some games.  It was fun.  Clem looked like such a big boy sitting at the lunch-table...ridiculous! 

The big kids also got to celebrate their birthdays with my side of the family this week.

In the kitchen: "Fish Muffins" (salmon/tuna melts with Swiss cheese on WW English muffins) tonight.  Next week I've got homemade pizza, tacos, honey chicken and chile rellenos on the menu.  Some brussel sprouts in the fridge for a side at some point, probably some steamed veggies and maybe some lettuce salads with leftover lettuce from the tacos as well.  I have been inspired to try kale on the pizza so we'll see how that turns out. 

Crafting: Oh my, I'm trying really hard here.  Does something I did with the kids count?

Learning: "O" week this week.  We had some fun owl books that Kolbe liked.  I need to make some plans and copies for the next few weeks, I keep dragging my feet, but I do have a good pile of library books ready to go for P, Q and Valentines.  I've also started thinking about Lent plans, though I haven't really "done" anything per se.  I've also started thinking about Summer and some of the educational things I'd like to have available for the kids.  

Reading: Still working on The Joy of the Gospel.

Watching:  We have so many Pawn Stars and Alaska: The Last Frontier on our DVR, we need to catch up.  I'd like to watch another episode of Catholicism.  We've caught parts of this show on Oak Island a couple weeks in a row now, and that is quite intriguing.  And of course it is a new season of Duck Dynasty!

Bringing me joy: The slower morning pace when Gemma is off school.  Going to Read Night with the kids.  A really good Monday.  Evenings with Aaron after the kids are in bed.  Tasty hot tea, a glass of wine, cream cheese frosting (not all at the same time...typically).  Clem, he is oh so cute! 

Thinking about: This earth isn't our home.  Suffering, sadness, and frustration are a part of life, and there is something much, much better to come.  Sometimes I think if I try hard enough I can make things "perfect" here, and I lose sight of the fact that that is just not the case.  Even the "good days" here are nothing compared to eternity.  Trying to stay focused on what is truly important.

Pictures to share:  

(Winter) Baptism Anniversaries 2014.

Journal: a rainy afternoon

The big kids are watching Clifford and the baby is napping on the loveseat (don't judge), so I think I will journal.

TODAY

Out my window:  It is rainy and cool outside, very late Fall looking and feeling.  I like it.  But I still dread winter.

Clothing myself in:  Jeans, tank, Old Navy sweatshirt.  Debating about some socks, it's getting chillier as the day goes on.

Around the house: Kitchen renovation is COMPLETE (aside from sealing the travertine backsplash which needs to be done towards the end of the week when the grout is done curing).  It took about 72 hours from start to finish, and while we didn't do any of the work ourselves Aaron did a great job playing contractor.  Everything went off without a hitch until the very end when Aaron and our tile guy were installing the over-mount microwave (those things are tricky) and one of the brackets fell into the inside of the microwave.  Thankfully Lowe's had another microwave in stock and let Aaron come and switch it out.  Other than that, everything went so very smoothly!  We are grateful and enjoying our "new" space immensely.  We are also enjoying homecooked meals again.  72 hours of carry-out left us with some hung.over. guts.  Oh my goodness...

 

The baby: Is sleeping.  By himself.  I don't care if it is on the couch.  He is NAPPING!  Of course, now he probably won't go to bed so easily or early.  He is a busy boy and likes to keep up with the big kids (a little too much probably). 

 

The kiddos:  

GEMMA has recently turned a corner, and many of the things that were huge struggles with her seem to have ironed themselves out more or less.  I'm not saying she doesn't still have her issues, but oh my we have taken many steps forward in the past month or so it seems.  It is refreshing.  She is really growing up.  I cannot believe she will be six in a couple months.

KOLBE has also turned a corner, but he seems to have turned the wrong way down a one-way street.  OH my has he been trying lately.  And by "trying", I do not mean trying to be good.  More like "trying" every ounce of patience that I have, and then borrowing from there.  Spitting, aggressiveness, not listening, throwing toys, not listening.  He keeps me on my toes (understatement of the century).  Guess he feels like he has to step it up now that things are going better with Gemma??  I don't know.  I am grateful that he is at least temporarily quiet and calm on the couch right now.  Thank you, Clifford.  Other than that I am just surviving each day, attempting to be peaceful and patient and loving, and trying to savor the times that he is my lovey, snuggly little guy (usually at bedtime). 

In the kitchen:  REAL FOOD!  WW spaghetti with beef/Italian sausage and lots of spinach and mushrooms last night, flounder tonight with some sort of side dishes TBD.  Not sure what Aaron is cooking on Thursday.  Salmon, fried rice and steamed broccoli.  Family dinner.  I should probably make more muffins now that we're up and running again, the kids love muffins. 

Crafting: Kolbe's space rocket costume last week!  I also performed surgery on a bra to remove the underwire.  That counts, right?  NO comments from the peanut gallery please (yes I'm talking to you U.J.). 

Learning:  Gemma has been practicing her November sight words and color words and I think will test on them soon.  Kolbe also has flashcards to do each day for speech, so I made the kids each sticker charts for the fridge and they put a sticker on each day when they've done their cards.  This seems to help everyone (me included) remember to do these important things each day! 

Reading: Prayer for Beginners (ILL, so I need to hurry) and The Faith Understood.  Trying to read a saint story each morning at breakfast with the kids for the month of November.

Watching:  Finished episodes I and II of Catholicism.  Enjoying the new season of Gold Rush!! and have a number of Pawn Stars on our DVR to catch up on.    

Bringing me joy:  A fun Halloween with the hubby and munchkins.  A new kitchen.  Kind people.  Rainy Tuesdays.  Autumn leaves.  A quiet afternoon with the baby (thanks mom!) when the kids were going nuts (another understatement) with workers in the house.  People who are uplifting and kind when my kids (ahemKOLBEahem) make Mass, um, challenging. 

Thinking about: Prayer.  And Low-flow toilets.  Does it really save water when you have to flush it three times?

Pictures to share: 

Matching brothers.

Food-for-Thought round-up: July 26

Emotional Security - This was just a good reminder.  Nothing earth-shattering, but I'm glad I read it.

Some thoughts on Humanae Vitae and NFP - I don't really want to start a big debate about this, I've witnessed enough Facebook threads on this topic of late to make my head spin.  SO many strong (and often misinformed) opinions, whew.  But this article (and I actually didn't read the whole thing) did provide some good information I thought.  And if you have never read Humanae Vitae, two words...read it.

Mercy and Confession - I am so grateful for the opportunity for regular confession and Spiritual Direction.  This article had some good, concise nuggets of wisdom about the Sacramental Grace we receive from Reconciliation.

Sexy Little Girls - Sigh.  I hate this trend.  I can hear my daughter telling me "we don't say 'hate' mommy," but this is an instance where I will unashamedly say it.  I got a Penney's ad in the mail the other day and I seriously couldn't tell what age the kids were in the ads because the style of clothing made them look so much older than they probably were.  It was just weird.  And I'm not even talking modesty strictly.  I mean, yes, modesty is an issue, but some articles of clothing, even if they are modest, are not intended for a five year old girl to wear.  I didn't completely identify with everything the author said (perchance it was her atheist perspective??)  but she made some good points.  

In the parenting category:

• Going Against a Toddler's Will - I liked this, especially the distinction between "soft" and "hard" rules.  So many parenting methods are so big on "consistency" no matter what, and that has always bugged me, as I do believe different things carry different weights, and also that you have to pick your battles sometimes depending on things like tiredness, hunger, etc. This was a good read.
• Truths About Consequences -  Some of the "consequence based" parenting styles I've seen and read about just seem so arbitrary to me.  This summed up my disdain for that approach to discipline quite succinctly.  I thought some of her model conversations were a little wordy and/or forced, and not exactly what I'd say, but I agree that consequences are often simply a euphemism for punishments, and that we teach our children much more effectively through our own example and secure relationships with them than through rewards and consequences.
• The Sweet Spot - I'm not there yet.  Not really even close.  But I liked this article a lot and thought maybe some of you out there could relate and appreciate it now.  Maybe I'll come back and read it here in 5-7 years....

Journal (11th edition)

TODAY

Out my window: Feels like late Fall.  A bit chilly but lovely really.  I am mourning the loss of the leaves from the trees until next Spring. Just not a huge fan of winter, for multitudinous reasons.  But alas, it is upon us.

Clothing myself in: Black sweats, one of these cami/tanks that are oh so comfy and great for nursing, and a college sweatshirt.  Comfy.

Around the house:  Thinking about Feast of St. Nicholas and Christmas gifts and have done a bit of shopping (online and in stores).  Keeping things very simple (especially with our children) this year.  Along that vein, anyone have any recommendations for a good wooden block set, preferably colored?  I'm looking at a few but wondered if anyone had a set they liked that they could recommend?

Started decorating for Christmas.  It seems so early, this early Thanksgiving really threw me for a loop.  On the brighter side, this gives us more time to enjoy our decorations.  I figure if I'm going to put forth the effort, then I want to be able to enjoy them for more than a week or two.

 

The baby: Has started sucking his thumb.  I am still unsure how I feel about this.  I had purposely not introduced a binkie with him.  Gemma and Kolbe both took binkies and getting rid of them was definitely a process.  Although probably easier than getting rid of a thumb.  But he will soothe himself with it sometimes which is super cool.  Like I said, I am not sure how to feel about a thumb-sucker.  I am trying not to encourage or discourage it, but have found myself doing both.  Mixed messages much?

 

The kiddos:  Recent conversations with the kids:

Gemma: Kolbe, what's your favorite animal?

Kolbe: BLUUUUUUUUE!!!!!

Gemma: NO! I said, animal!!

Kolbe: (in his typical monotone inflection) Oh. A'mal tatters. (animal crackers)

When we were talking about what we were thankful for I had to explain a little more to Kolbe just exactly what 'being thankful' meant, so I said, "thankful is something we are really glad that we have at our house...so Kolbe, that are you thankful for?"  To which he responded, "Oh. Ha'ween tandy." (Halloween Candy, for those of you who don't speak 'Kolbe')

He's a man of few words, but man does he crack me up sometimes.  ;-D

In the kitchen:  Chicken Alfredo; Meatloaf with Quinoa and Kale Salad; (extended) family birthday dinner.

Crafting:  I finished a HUGE amount of photo organization last weekend, namely getting all our albums caught up, labeled, organized etc., and also made up a book on Shutterfly that I will order in December when I have five years of monthly pictures.

Got some sports-ball print fleece at Joanns on Black Friday for a super good deal and am going to "make" a blanket for Kolbe's bed for him for Christmas.  And by "make", I believe I will wash it, cut it to the right length (I purposely bought too much, not wanting to have not enough) and call it good.  I am a little iffy about sewing on fleece as it stretches funny (in  my experience), and I don't want to do a tied one.  Since fleece doesn't fray I figure I'm good taking the lazy way out.  Any advice?

Working a lot lately on our Advent plans.  Hoping to blog about them soon.

Learning: We had fun with this handprint turkey craft this week.  Lots of cutting, and messy (but washable) paint.  But fun for sure.  Have I mentioned I am a sucker for handprint art?

Bringing me joy: Listening to Handel's "Messiah". Thanksgiving and time with family.  My hubby having some time off work.  The huge kick my kids get out of seeing Christmas lights, especially our neighbor's across the street.  Just the coming holiday season in general...seeing things through the joyous eyes of my children helps me stop and appreciate the simple things.  A working wash machine.  Preparing for Advent...hands-down my favorite liturgical season.  A sweet (professional) picture of our three. 

Thinking about: Christmas gifts.  Advent.  See above.

And our Christmas letter.  Anyone want to write it for me??

Pictures to share: 

My sister took a nice "up and down" photo of us on Thanksgiving, and then I said, "OK let's take one the other way," meaning landscape instead of portrait.  Aaron thought I meant he and I should switch places.  Hence the over-the-top cheesy weirdly posed picture.  Think I should frame it (haha)?  See the side bar for the "real" one.

Twins!

One day Gemma and I ended up dressing alike and we didn't even do it on purpose.  Honestly, I am amazed how often this happens with one or the other kid (wearing the same color, etc.)  I guess it must be me, since I'm the one who picks out their clothing (well, Gemma helps with hers sometimes), but it really is uncanny the number of times I unintentionally end up dressing more than one of us in the same color of top or pants or both.  And on a related note...I remember when I was working outside the home (before children), there were days I'd show up to work and there would be three or four or five of us dressed alike/in the same colors.  It occurred often enough that we joked about taking a picture each time it happened and making an album to keep in the office.   Really, is it something in the air or what?  Someone should do a study on it.  Please tell me this has happened to you as well...

The first swim of 2011

The kids had their first swim in our deck pool a couple weeks ago.  It was a balmy 63 degrees outside.  Gemma beegggggggged to go "swooming"  (as she calls it) so I finally gave in (thinking that she would learn her lesson).  Would you believe they played in the water for the better part of an hour?!  Crazy kids!

Here they are in their suits.  I found them at Target, and I totally love them.  (The suits not the kids.  I mean, I love my kids too, but I didn't get them at Target...)  Anyways, I like these suits because they are more modest than anything I've been able to find up to this point, plus they require about 1/4 the sunscreen they would need if wearing a "regular" suit.  CUTIES!

What we're up to

I feel like I've been terrible at updating on the kids lately, and I know that's why most of you keep coming back ;-D so here you go.

Gosh, where to start.  We've really been enjoying the days that are warmer and nicer outside.  We've been taking more trips to the park (our neighborhood one and another area park we like to frequent), blowing bubbles, chalking (as Gemma calls our sidewalk chalk adventures) and just soaking up the good 'ole vitamin D that finally returns every year around this time. YAY!  My MIL brought us some pretty pansies and we have them in a pot on the deck.  They make me absurdly happy and anxious for spring every time I see them.

picked out her own outfit

extremely rare piggytails

Gemma is getting very independent, in some senses. She dresses herself most days and has even washed her own hair a few times lately (with limited assistance).  She has figured out how to open the curtains and blinds on the window in her bedroom and has become quite possessive of that task.  She's really been enjoying coloring lately and is beginning to understand the concept of staying inside the lines.  Oh I am looking forward to doing some preschool activities with her in the coming year!  I think we'll have lots of fun.  It is definitely giving me a whole new perspective on homeschooling, which I really thought I'd never have any interest in.  Catholic schools are still the "plan" but I'm open to whatever God has in mind for us...just need to figure that out here in the next few years.  ;-D  We will definitely "homeschool" (if you can call it that) preschool though.  I don't think either she or I would be ready for the separation preschool would bring.  Speaking of, she's been going through some major separation anxiety lately.  And I don't leave her much, the main time is that either my mom or MIL come over to play with the kids while I teach 2-3 piano lessons a week (so only 1-1.5 hours).  Well, we'll talk about it all day, about the fun things she will do with grandma, and she will seem fine with it until grandma comes and I go down to the basement to teach.  She flips out.  She has spent the past month or so of lessons sitting in her little rocking chair beside the piano while I teach.  She's really very good, either sits by me or plays quietly on her own, so I really don't care that she's down there.  I'm just not sure what has caused this sudden change, she's previously always done fine when I've left her with grandma.  She's even starting getting upset the day I have a lesson and daddy is home.  It's crazy. Hmmm....

Hey, where'd the apple crisp go?

Kolbe, oh my Kolbe boy.  He is alllllll boy.  Have I mentioned that?  He loves to throw things.  Namely balls but he will really throw anything he can get his hands on, so watch out.  Still not walking but he'll pull up to standing on things and cruise along the furniture a bit.  He crawls fast.  He loves to crawl over to the TV and turn it on.  Grrrrrrr.  He likes to sign and uses "more", "milk" and "all done" very well to communicate with us.  I can tell he understands a lot even though he doesn't say much.  He loves to play peek-a-boo and if you ask him what Max (our dog) says he'll say "oof".  Doesn't talk nearly as much as Gemma did at this age, I'm still amazed when I look back at old posts how early she talked, but they each develop at their own rate and he's doing great.  He is very active and definitely keeps me on my toes, probably more so than Gemma ever did.

sharing icecream with daddy

Aaron is gearing up for spring yard projects (champing at the bit, really) and has prepped one wall of the garage for painting (it is currently sheet-rocked and partially taped and mudded).  I've been keeping busy with the kids and some political work I've been doing.  I'm working with a group that's in the process of trying to change our state's current vaccine mandates.  Vaccines are a hot topic, I know, and I really don't intend to start a big debate over it here on the blog (if you'd like more info, feel free to leave your email in the comments or private message me on Facebook). We're simply working towards giving parents back the right to make informed vaccine choices for their children in our state.  It has been consuming a lot of my time of late but it is good, rewarding work, I'm learning so much about the political process and I've been blest with an amazing group of women with whom I'm working.  God is good.

Thanks for checking in with us!  Happy (almost) spring and don't forget to set those clocks ahead this weekend.  BLESSINGS!

Gemma, 3yrs 2 months.; Kolbe, 14 months