Revolution of Love

Revolution of Love

Do small things with great love.

Moments of Grace Online Daybook (2/17/14) & Project Snapshot Mondays Vol 1

This is my first Daybook (formerly Catholic Woman’s Almanac) of 2014. Our host Jenny has a beautiful new blog and logo. I’m happy to be linking up with her this morning.

I am also linking up with sweet Pam for my first Project Snapshot Mondays. Scroll down to the bottom for that one.

AND


Moments of Gratitude…

Today I am especially thankful for

  • Warm sunshine and a gentle spring breeze. (I cannot imagine what real winter weather must be like.)
  • That Brian is getting stronger and recovering from his surgery.
  • That my mom will be visiting us again next week. A huge treat!
  • For a really enjoyable 4 day weekend. Usually it goes by too fast but not this time. I feel like we were able to really relish the time off together.
  • For a hubby that insists that I get out of the house once in a awhile and sends me to the movies after the kids are asleep. (He wants me to go tonight. What should I see??)

 

Beauty in the Ordinary…

When the usual noise and mayhem quiet down and one of the littles comes over and hugs me for no reason. This makes everything else worth it.

 

In the Kitchen…

M – Lasagna that my mother-in-law made us.

T – Moroccan Style Chickpea Chili (But this time I am going to add a little ginger to it.)

W – Garden Salad topped with BBQ Chicken

Th – Breakfast Dinner – Eggs, (no nitrate) ham, country potatoes & tomato slices.

F – Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Kale & Grilled Cheese

S – Leftovers.

S – Enchiladas & Homemade Beans

 

Praying…

  • For Brian’s continued recovery from cancer and for the chemo treatments that will most likely start next month. (He has outpatient surgery on Tuesday to begin the process.)
  • For all those suffering with cancer and other illnesses.
  • For those suffering the cross of infertility.
  • For those who have lost a child in miscarriage, especially for a dear friend of mine.
  • For our military, especially those having a hard time being away from their loved ones.
  • For some special intentions.

 

Pondering…

On Thursday I shared about the struggle I was having with Brian’s cancer and this whole situation. Itย  just seemed like everywhere I turned people were dealing with heavy crosses. Then on Friday I found out that a close friend lost her first child in miscarriage. It was a long awaited baby and after the “safer” 8 weeks time and she was devastated. It was the straw that broke this camel’s back. I just lost it. My utter sadness for her turned to anger. I cried out to God asking why He would do this. When it was time to say our family prayers I told Brian to pray with the kids without me because I wasn’t feeling well. Instead I went into my bedroom and told God that I could not pray because I was was too mad and couldn’t talk to Him right now.

Someone may think that is a bit blasphemous but the thing is, I could be honest wit God like that because He knows my heart completely. He knows that deep down I am upset with the situation, not Him. It’s like when I am really upset and Brian tries to talk to me. I tell him, don’t say a word to me because I am too mad to talk right now. He understands me and knows that I just need to blow off some steam and let myself cool down. Before long I am back in his arms crying and telling him I’m sorry for getting so upset. It is the same with God. Thankfully, it is rare that I reach that point but it just seemed like everything was hitting me at once and I couldn’t get my head above water. Once I calmed down and thought things over I was able to run back into His arms and pour my heart out in prayer once again. I was able to tell Him that I love Him and trust Him, even when nothing makes sense to me. It is amazing how patient God is with us, me in particular.

Maybe one day I’ll be able to reach the trust point without having a tantrum first but for now, it’s baby steps.

 

Around the house…

Much needed spring cleaning. With my mom coming next week I’ll really get a kick start!

 

Reading…

I haven’t had much time for reading lately. I did finish reading Divergent by Veronica Roth. I wanted to finish it before I saw the movie next month. (If you haven’t guessed, I love going to the movies!)

 

Listening to…

I first heard about the band Bastille from Carolyn and then Hallie mentioned them. I have been listening to their album Bad Blood on Spotify and finally just downloaded it to my itunes. I’m addicted to the whole thing. Different times of my life always have a certain “soundtrack” of songs that I would listen to a lot. Right now this album is my soundtrack.

 

On my DVR…

Sherlock is over. Boo! But we still have one more episode of Downton Abbey. I’ve been posting my DA comments here.

The other night Brian and I caught an episode of BBC’s Fr. Brown, based on the stories of GK Chesterton. Fr. Brown is a Catholic priest has a knack for solving mysteries in his English village. We’ve only seen two episodes so far but for a simple TV series they are well done. The Season 1, Episode 3 that we saw had a bizarre love triangle (husband, wife and zany mistress living in one house) but in the end Fr. Brown spoke beautifully to a main character about the love and mercy of God. It was not what I was expecting from a non-religious show. You can catch Fr. Brown on BBC One on Friday nights. (I’m not sure if they are available on Netflix or Hulu yet.)

 

On the blog…

I’ve been posting a lot more lately. My laptop had been a godsend to get some late night blogging done on the couch while the kids sleep. At the end of a stressful day I have found blogging to be my happy place. ๐Ÿ™‚

 

Posts Iโ€™ve Liked on my Bloglovin

I’m behind on my blog reading so instead of telling you what I liked, here is a list of my blogroll on Bloglovin.

 

Pinned…

 

Plans for the Week…

Perhaps the movies tonight. Back to school routine tomorrow. School fundraising work. My mom’s arrival on Sunday. woohoo!

 

Captured…

(I am linking up this photo with Pam for Project Snapshot Mondays.

After what I was saying in “Pondering” about being stressed and overwhelmed with negative things, I went out for a walk the following day. I was thankful that God understands our frailty and His mercy always comes when we need it most. No matter how dark it gets, there is a moment when light shines through and your heart (even if it is temporary) is alleviatedย  from the pain and you feel refreshed again. It can come from a loved ones hug or a kind word from a friend or a moment of grace after prayer or even a glorious scene of nature after a night of storm clouds.

That is what happened here. It rained the night before so everything was freshly washed, bright and sparkling. The ocean before me was such a vivid blue it was like the scene from Wizard of Oz when it goes from black and white to technicolor. It was a reflection of the beauty and majesty and power of God. It was as if he was whispering, “Everything is in my control, little one. Stop worrying and just keep following me.” Blessed be God.

The Pacific Ocean near Monterey, CA. Shot with my iphone. No filters used. It’s not as good as in person, but close enough. ๐Ÿ™‚

Thanks to Jen and Pam for hosting! ๐Ÿ™‚

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads or Instagram. ๐Ÿ˜‰


Catholic Woman’s Almanac (12/29/13): Sunday Night Edition

Hosted by Jen at PlainGrace.com (Formerly Suscipio)

 

Moments of Gratitude…

Today I am especially thankful for

  • The joy of the Christmas season.
  • 14 years of marriage to my Sweetie.
  • A date night to watch The Hobbit.
  • Another week of vacation with staying up late and (relatively) sleeping in.
  • Hugs and kisses from my littles.
  • The Packers winning today’s’ game. I have one happy hubby (who almost had a heart attack.)

 

Beauty in the Ordinary…

When a hubby doesn’t care about your physical flaws and says you are still the most beautiful woman in his eyes. (Love is blind. ๐Ÿ˜‰ )

 

In the Kitchen…

M – Leftover ham, broccoli and homemade Mac and cheese (made with low fat smoked Dutch cheese. Yum)

T – Pizza and salad.

W – (New Years Day) Party buffet – fave appetizers, cold cuts, etc

Th – Breakfast Dinner – Eggs, turkey breakfast links, country potatoes & tomato slices.

F – Tune Melts & Trader Joe’s Red Pepper and Tomato soup. Yum!

S – Leftovers.

S – Epiphany Party – Taco Salad Buffet.

 

Praying…

  • For those who are not enjoying the joys of the season and are dealing with loneliness or depression.
  • For those who have lost loved ones, especially recently.
  • For those suffering the cross of infertility.
  • For our military, especially those having a hard time being away from their loved ones during the holidays.
  • For some special intentions.

 

Pondering…

I’ve been thinking about the new year. For the last two years I’ve had a “theme” or word that I’ve worked on during that time. I am thinking about what this year’s them will be. (I’llย  hopefully post about it in the week.)

 

Around the house…

The after Christmas mess was insane. I have pockets of it cleared out but there are far more areas that are still crazy messy. It will be a very busy week cleaning, decluttering and purging.

 

Reading…

Past Suspicion by Therese Heckenkamp I started this book some time ago and lost interest. I finally picked it back up and finished it. It was okay and had some great “I can’t wait to see what happens” moments but overall it was not a favorite. To be fair, I think she wrote this book when she was 18…so for an 18 year old, it was good. ๐Ÿ˜‰ There is talent there so I am looking forward to seeing how her writing has developed. I’veย  added her second book onto my list – Frozen Footsteps.

But for now, the next piece of fiction on my list is Divergent by Veronica Roth. (I don’t want to see the upcoming movie until I read the book first. ๐Ÿ˜‰ )

 

Listening to…

The snores of the kids and the clicking of my typing on my laptop as I watch Christmas in Connecticut.

 

On my DVR…

We finally replaced our old broken DVR and boy, does this new one hold a lot more! I’ve got countless Christmas movies including all the new Hallmark movies and so far my faves are A Very Merry Mix Up andย Finding Christmas. Currently, Brian and I are finally getting around to watching the PBS Masterpiece show The Paradise. We just finished watching the last episode tonight. Wow. I especially appreciated that there was romance without bed hopping. I am looking forward to Season 2. The storyline takes place a year after Season 1 ended. Here’s the trailer.

And who else is pumped for the start of Downton Abbey next Sunday?? Yeah, baby! ๐Ÿ™‚

 

On the blog…

There are some great End of the Year link-ups coming up this week.

Monday I am linking up with Sarah of Amongst Lovely Things for “Most” Posts of 2013.

Tuesdayย  I am linking up with Pam from Everyday Snapshots for 13 for 13 and Dwija for 2013 in 13. (Your favorite photos of 2013.)

Wednesday I will hopefully link up with Jen at Plain Grace for Naming the New Year.

 

Posts Iโ€™ve Liked on my Bloglovin

I’m behind on my blog reading but here are a couple…

 

 

Pinned…

 

Plans for the Week…

A quiet New Year’s Eve, a family New Years Day get together, and an Epiphany party with some local Catholic families/friends. It’s the first party we’ve hosted in a long, long time. Wish me luck. ๐Ÿ™‚

 

Captured…

Since Brian and I celebrated our 14th Anniversary on Dec 28, I thought it would be fun to post then and now pics. ๐Ÿ™‚

Click on over to PlainGrace.com to read more almanacs/journals.

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads or Instagram. ๐Ÿ˜‰


Catholic Woman’s Almanac (9/2/13) & Bible Verse Photography Challenge

Hosted by Suscipio

Moments of Gratitude…

Today I am especially thankful for

  • The extra long holiday weekend that doesn’t seem to be going too fast (like it usually does.)
  • At home date nights.
  • A pen pal letter in the mailbox. (Remember those??)
  • A cool breeze to counteract the humidity.
  • When a certain tween comes up and hugs me for no particular reason.

 

Beauty in the Ordinary…

A smile to a stranger that is reciprocated.

 

In the Kitchen…

M – Italian turkey patty, broccoli and homemade Mac and cheese (made with low fat smoked Dutch cheese. Yum)

T – Slow cooker BBQ chicken, baked potato, veggies & salad. (I use my high tech recipe – Place chicken in slow cooker. Pour your fave BBQ sauce over it. Cook until done. Viola. ;-))

W – Grilled ham & cheese and homemade minestrone soup.

Th – Chef salad topped left leftover BBQ chicken.

F – Leftovers

S – Pizza night with Greek salad. (Note to self – post the recipe to fave Greek dressing next week.)

S – (My mother-in-law’s birthday dinner) Enchilada Lasagna, homemade refried beans, green beans and salad.

 

Praying…

  • That my stuffy head clears up and that I’m not getting sick.
  • For our new pastor and our previous pastor that they are both blessed in their new parishes.
  • For my kids and their new teachers and all their classmates.
  • For those suffering from heart ache, depression or addiction.
  • For some special intentions.

 

Pondering…

For me, January 1st has never been my New Year’s resolution day. It’s September 1st. After three months of summer play and lax schedules it’s nice to get back into a regular routine. After the kids go back to school I always go into “nesting” mode and want to clean up the clutter and get back on track with organizing and cleaning. I have a renewed fervor in the kitchen, trying different recipes and working hard to balance the budget. I have to seize those feelings and make the most of them while they are still strong!

 

Around the house…

This weekend I tackled my desk. This is a never ending chore because it collects clutter like crazy. Plus it also serves as my work space for small crafts so I had to get a handle on all the pens, craft scissors, washi tape etc. I rearranged and used a different organizing bin and things are so much nicer. Funny how a little order can bring inner peace. (Physically and spiritually!) I’ll blog about the updated desk soon. ๐Ÿ™‚

 

Reading…

Past Suspicion by Therese Heckenkamp

Living Life Abundantly: Stories of People Who Encountered God by Johnnette Benkovic

 

Listening to…

Sweet quiet, except for few twittering birds. (I’m alone at the moment.)

 

On my DVR…

The Great Food Truck Race, Masterpiece’s Silk, Duck Dynasty, Season 3 of Big Bang Theory, 1950’s Father of the Bride with Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy and 1943’s Shadow of A Doubt with Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright. (One of my top 5 Hitchcock movies.)

 

On the blog…

I’m just trying to finish this post before I worry about beyond today. ๐Ÿ˜‰

 

Posts Iโ€™ve Liked on my Bloglovin

I’m behind on my blog reading but I had to fave Jen’s post –

  • I also loved the article on Catholic Mom.com called The Duty of the Moment. I loved the opening quote: โ€œDoing the duty of the moment means focusing our whole person โ€“ heart, soul, body, emotions, intellect, memory, imagination โ€“ on the job at hand!ย  The duty of the moment done for God is glamorous, exciting, wondrousโ€ฆ..โ€ Catherine Doherty, Grace In Every Season.

Changing stinky diapers and washing loads of laundry it anything but glamorous but it is beautiful that each of us – whether we are single, have a house full of little ones or are sending our kids to college – are all called to perform our duties of the moment for love of God and love of those we are serving.

 

Pinned…

As you can see, I was on Pinterest this afternoon. Lots of pins today. The first three pins were taken directly from A Bowl Full of Lemon’s Meal Plan. They all looked delicious.

 

Plans for the Week…

A few school meetings, appointments, a birthday dinner for my mother-in-law, possible Catholic moms’ meeting and maybe a real date out with Brian if our sitter is available. ๐Ÿ™‚

 

Captured…

I’m linking this photo with Ute at Flowers Round the Cross. Once a month she posts a scripture verse then asks bloggers to post a photo that captured that Scripture. Here is this month’s verse.

For thus the LORD said to me: “I will quietly look from my dwelling like clear heat in sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.” Isiah 18:4

We’ve been having really weird weather. It will be warm and humid one day then grey and foggy the next. Last week after an unusual hot spell, a day finally came when the fog was so thick it was drizzling and covered everything in a blanket of water. The first thing I sought out were the cobwebs in the front yard because the water droplets look amazing on them. So although I already posted a photo similar to this one some time ago, I couldn’t help taking another.

Click on over to suscipio4women.com to read more almanacs/journals.

Click over to flowersroundthecross.blogspot.com for the Bible Verse Photography Challenge.

Have a blessed week!

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads or Instagram. ๐Ÿ˜‰


Catholic Woman’s Almanac (7/29/13)

Hosted by Suscipio

Moments of Gratitude…

Today I am especially thankful for

  • The blue sky after so many days of gray.
  • A roof over our heads.
  • Food in the cupboard.
  • Loved ones.
  • Stolen kisses.
  • Family fun days.

 

Beauty in the Ordinary…

I love when we plan a last minute trip with the kids to just get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air and each others company. Somehow the regular kid craziness gets a little tamed in the big outdoors.

 

In the Kitchen…

  • M โ€“ Tri-tip sandwiches and salad
  • T โ€“ Breakfast Dinner
  • W โ€“ BBQ chicken, baked potato & broccoli
  • TH โ€“ Spaghetti & Salad
  • F โ€“ Chicken quesadillas with fresh salsa & guac
  • S โ€“ Leftovers
  • S โ€“ Dinner at in-laws

 

Praying…

  • For engaged couples, especially my sis
  • For those praying to find their spouse, especially those having a difficult time waiting
  • For those in abusive relationships
  • For those suffering from addiction
  • For the souls in purgatory, especially family, friends and those most forgotten
  • And for a number of special intentions

 

Pondering…

I’m thinking about a special Mass our Bishop is holding on Wednesday morning at the Mission. It is a Mass of Consecration praying for an end to the attacks on life, marriage, and family, as well as an end to the crime in our area. We will also pray for police, firefighters, civil servants and the military for the help and protection they need. I was going to skip it because we have swimming lessons followed by speech therapy that morning but I feel strongly that God wants me to be there so I canceled our lessons and rearranged our schedule. I hardly ever go to Mass alone with the kids but I think this will be an exception. Please join your prayers with ours on Wednesday morning (7/31) at 9:30 AM (PT).

 

Around the house…

Laundry, laundry and more laundry. (I couldn’t start this post until I folded and put away all the clean laundry waiting in 2 baskets. Now I’m waiting for the next load. I also have countless bags of clothes and toys etc to give to charity. (Note to self: Call St. Vincent de Paul about a pick up.)

 

Reading…

Mysterious Albion (Vatican Vampire Hunters) (Volume 1) by Paul Leone

Ginny’s Gems: Home Management Essentials e-book by Ginny Seuffert

 

Listening to…

The wind rustling through the trees. (One of my favorite sounds after ocean waves crashing and falling rain. :-))

 

On my DVR…

The Next Food Network Star, Wuthering Heights (1939 version withย  Merle Oberon andย  Laurence Olivier), Masterpiece Mystery and The Killing.

 

On the blog…

I already had our How We Met Story posted on the blog but I finally posted the first two parts of that story.

 

Posts Iโ€™ve Liked on my Bloglovin

 

Pinned…

 

Plans for the Week…

Enjoying our last month of summer vacation!

 

Captured…

I’m linking this photo with Ute at Flowers Round the Cross. Once a month she posts a scripture verse then asks bloggers to post a photo that captured that Scripture. Here is this month’s verse.

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O LORD. Psalm 36:5-6

And my photo, taken at Point Lobos, CA.

Click on over to suscipio4women.com to read more almanacs/journals.

Click over to flowersroundthecross.blogspot.com for the Bible Verse Photography Challenge.

Have a blessed week!

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads or Instagram (bobbi_rol). ๐Ÿ˜‰

 


Catholic Woman’s Almanac (5/20/13)

Hosted by Suscipio

Moments of Gratitude…

Today I am especially thankful for

  • My Big Sweetie
  • My little sweeties
  • Finding a great babysitter I trust
  • Long overdue date nights
  • Mom friends
  • Fresh flowers
  • God’s grace

 

Beauty in the Ordinary…

I love that when I am walking next to Brian without the kids he’ll still reach over and grab my hand to hold it. It makes me feel like a school girl walking with her long time crush. LOL

 

In the Kitchen…

  • M โ€“ Italian sausage, mac & cheese & broccoli
  • T โ€“ Taco salad with fresh guac & salsa
  • W โ€“ BBQ chicken sandwiches and salad
  • TH โ€“ Turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes & green beans
  • F โ€“ Tuna melts, chips & veggie sticks
  • S โ€“ Leftovers
  • S โ€“ Dinner at in-laws

 

Praying…

It’s been on my heart so it’s the same as last week.

  • For all moms
  • For nuns/spiritual moms
  • For all women who love and nurture God’s children
  • For moms dealing with an unwanted pregnancy
  • For women suffering from infertility & the ache of longing for a child
  • For moms who have lost a child
  • For those whose moms have died
  • And for a number of special intentions

 

Pondering…

I am thinking that it is funny that as soon as I said I was going to take a blogging break and removed the pressure of feeling like I need to post something, I have days like today when I just need to type a little and share. Between the website and the blog I have been online for ten years now! When I started I was a young wife with only one child. The online Catholic moms community was much, much smaller than it is today. I felt like I could share my experiences and things I’ve learned with others and vice versa. But these days I feel like I hardly have time to write ‘”real” posts anymore. It is always quick day journals, photography or a glimpse at a homemaking project. Sometimes I think it isn’t worth it since there are so many other amazing moms that actually feed the soul out there. On the other hand, days like today I enjoy just getting my thoughts down even if my mom and my sisters are the only ones who may actually read it through. So I don’t know. I guess I’ll just forget the blogging schedule and just pop in when the need arises.

 

Around the house…

I’ve got 7 minutes left to finish this post then I have to finish the laundry, go through a huge pile of mail, pay bills and clear off the cluttered dining room table that daily collects everyone’s junk.

 

Reading…

My Bible

A Message of Hope: Confessions of an Ex-Satanist by Deborah Lipsky

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (That’s a re-read.)

The Night Sky: A Journey From Dachau to Denver and Back by Maria Sutton. I just got this in the mail as a thank you for a CatholicMom.com fundraiser and I am sucked into the story of a woman trying to find the truth about her birth parents – her father was a Polish officer during WWII and her mom was an enigmatic displaced refugee.

 

Listening to…

The sounds of Despicable Me and the boys laughter.

 

On my DVR…

Since many of our shows are over for the season we’ve been catching up on netflix movies like Star Trek 1 (to refresh our memories for the new one), Skyfall, The Vow (I’ve only saw half last night) and some old B&W’s like Stage Door and Little Women.

 

On the blog…

I have nothing planned, except for next Tuesday. It is the 4th Tues of the month so time for a Pinterest Party. I think I’ll post about the pineapple and mango salsa I tried last week.ย  ๐Ÿ™‚

 

Posts Iโ€™ve Liked on my Bloglovin

  • My Budget Wedding by cheapandnatural.com (My friend Amy had an amazing wedding but kept it in her budget. She shares her tips.)

 

Pinned…

 

Plans for the Week…

Brian is working today (usually he is off on Mon) but he gets Sat off instead, which will give us a 3 day weekend together. A beach trip or hike and picnic is in order!

 

Captured…

This was a shot of me yesterday in my new top and favorite necklace to go on a movie date with my honey. The last time Brian and I went on a movie together was in Dec 2011 when we watched Sherlock Holmes. We were long overdue! LOL. Thankfully we found a great babysitter (our first non-family member) to watch the kids. ๐Ÿ™‚

I already posted many photos from our hike at Point Lobos last week but this was an extra that didn’t make the cut. But I still love looking at it. ๐Ÿ™‚

Click on over to suscipio4women.com to read more almanacs/journals. ๐Ÿ™‚ Have a blessed week!

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