Revolution of Love

Revolution of Love

Do small things with great love.

Online Daybook (1/18/16), 7QT and Theme Thursday: Focal Point

Last week was super busy with a sick kiddo and hubby but now that they are back to normal I am hoping this week will run smoother. I didn’t have time to post so I’m doing a triple play today and tomorrow I’ll post the my Downton recap. I’ve got my biweekly Monday Daybook plus I’m linking with Micaela for Theme Thursday (Scroll down to Take #7) and Kelly for 7 Quick Takes.Β  Here is a recap of what’s been going on lately.

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Grateful for…

  • Spending time with my dad, mom and brother, even if it was short visit.
  • A relaxing afternoon with a movie and popcorn with the kids.
  • An extra long weekend.
  • The grace of forgiveness.

Praying for..

  • Brian’s routine cancer screening test this afternoon.
  • The intentions of many friends.
  • Those who are struggling or suffering with heavy crosses.
  • The conversion of hearts back to God.
  • All pregnant moms (especially family members), those trying to get pregnant, those who have lost their babies and for moms contemplating an abortion.
  • The souls in purgatory, especially family, friend and those most forgotten.

 

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Around the House…

As I mentioned in my last goals post, I am participating inΒ  A Bowl Full of Lemon’s 2016 Home Organization 101 Challenge.

However, I doubt I’ll be able to follow the schedule since busy family life keeps me from having all the spare time I need to finish. But I’ll do the best I can and if I finish a little later than the rest, that’s okay. Last week was the kitchen and this week is the pantry. I am still working on the kitchen but maybe I can catch up.Β  I’ll post some before and afters eventually. πŸ˜‰

Family Chit Chat…

This afternoon Brian is going for his routine bloodwork for cancer. There have been so many people who have died from cancer recently that I am trying not to think about “what if it’s back…” so instead I am distracting myself with other happy news.

(UPDATE: Brian called while I was finishing this post. His said his blood count looked good but the doc has to check the rest of the bloodwork. If he sees anything amiss he’ll let us know.)

* * *

I talk a lot about my three little guys on the blog and less about Bella, but only to give her more privacy as she grows older. However, this week I have to share in her accomplishments and ask for your help in voting!

Bella and 5 classmates entered the Verizon Innovative App Challenge and came up with an idea for “FITA” – Foreign Immigration to America, an app which helps immigrants in the transition to living in America. Out of 1200 entries from around the state, her team won to represent California! The team members received tablets and her school was awarded a $5,000 grant!

RevolutionofLove.com - brm_10_2016_textOriginal Photograph of Bella by HeidiBorgiaPhotography.com.

We just found out that they have now won the Regional competition for the best in the western states. Now they are in the NATIONAL competition. There will be the chosen winner and the popular vote winner. Please help Bella and her team win by texting FITA2 to 22333. Then ask your family and friends to vote. (Voting open until Jan 31.) THANK YOU!!!

UPDATE: Please say a prayer for Bella and her team. They have a video conference with the judges on Thursday, Jan 21. I am sure they are excited but nervous!

 

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revolution of love blog - od_logo_kitchenIn the Kitchen…

Sunday – Tuna sandwiches and minestrone soup.

Monday – Turkey burgers and Southwest black been and corn salad.

Tuesday – Taco salad.

Wednesday – Italian chicken sausage, pasta with spinach and kale, salad.

Thursday – Breakfast dinner.

Friday – Homemade veggie pizza and Greek salad.

Saturday – Leftovers.

 

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Watching…

Back in October I recorded PBS Masterpiece’s Home Fires on our DVR but we haven’t had a chance to watch it until recently. We are on Episode 4 of 6 and I am really enjoying it! The show it set at the beginning of England’s involvement in WWII and focuses on the women in a rural Cheshire community as their husbands and sons are leaving to fight in the war while they battle their one wars at home. It is addicting and we’ve watched an episode every evening. (Parent note: Although there is nothing graphic, there are adult story lines such as spousal abuse, premarital sex, same sex attraction and the death of loved ones.)

 

Listening to …

When I am alone I listen to the alternative (or whatever it’s called these days) radio station but when the kids are in the car I play the local Christian Air 1 station. There are a few songs I enjoy but the other day I heard Jordan Feliz’ River and I was immediately drawn to it. It has now become a family favorite being played over and over in the car and the kitchen while cooking. πŸ˜‰ Even though the song evokes baptism, I can’t help but think about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the healing grace of God. Now when we leave to go to confession I say it’s time to go down to the river. πŸ™‚

And even though Jordan’s new album Beloved is not the kind of music I would normally listen to, I am addicted to it! The lyrics to the title track Beloved are beautiful!

 

Reading…

As I mention in my goals post, I am trying to read at least 12 books this year.

My January book is Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay. I read a couple pages last year but was reading too many books at once and put it aside. However, now that I picked it up again, I couldn’t put it down! It is the story of two estranged sisters who drifted apart after their mom died of cancer. Years later the eldest sister Jane is married with two kids and diagnosed with cancer. The younger sister Elizabeth is a talented chef in New York who is has lost the magic in her cooking. She decides to take some time off and visit her sister. Together they attempt the arduous task of healing physically and emotionally in a way that was just absorbing. I found myself caring about the various characters and was transported into their world – from the discussions of food in classic novels to the feelings of their raw emotions. Towards the end, I had to stop reading the book during the day and wait until the kids were asleep because they would wonder why I was crying. There is also a touch of God and the lesson that He can bring good out of even terrible situations but it is in no way heavy handed or overbearing. I finished the book last night and although I wanted a little more closure in the romantic storyline, the family healing was beautiful and moving. I definitely recommend the book.

 

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January started out with a huge bang! Then kinda fizzled out as life got busier. πŸ˜‰

 

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In the blogosphere…

Some posts I’ve recently enjoyed:

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We close off with Micaela and Theme Thursday. I missed last week’s Rule of Thirds so I am combining it with the current Using a Focal Point.

RevolutionofLove.com // cwa_tt_red_flIt was raining this morning but the clouds are clearing up and the sun peeking through. I am a sucker for water droplets so I took a photo of some flowers on our deck.Β 

RevolutionofLove.com // cwa_tt_mvx_1_16_My previously ill Matthew was back to his giggly normal self.

RevolutionofLove.com // cwa_tt_jphairMeanwhile, Matthew’s brother and bunk mate was resting on the couch so he may have the bug next. I snapped a quick photo of his luscious wavy hair.

I noticed that my focal points in all three photos were towards the right side so next time I’ll catch something on the left. πŸ˜‰

 

So that’s what I’ve been up to lately! What about you? What’s currently happening in your life? Do share.

Have a great 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, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, πŸ˜‰

PPS – Disclaimer: “Revolution of Love.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.”

In other words, if you click on my affiliated links and make a purchase, I get a small compensation that goes towards keeping the blog online. Big hugs to those who click and help support the blog! xoxo πŸ™‚


Theme Thursday: #holylens (Weeks 3-4)

Happy Christmas Eve! I thought I wouldn’t have time for Theme Thursday but the kids are in bed but not asleep. They are filled with Christmas anticipation so who knows how long I’ll have to wait. Since this Santa’s helper can’t get to work until they are asleep, I thought I’d make a quick post. Here are the latest #holylens photos and other Instagrams of the last two weeks.

RevolutionofLove.com // IG_Collage_12-24-151. The TREE looked a lot smaller in the big tree lot! (Just don’t mention to Brian how heavy it was to carry!) On the plus side, it fit 16 yrs of ornaments! #holylens

2. I’m feeling nostalgic, thinking about the first Christmas with my DAUGHTER fourteen years ago. #holylens

3. I could feel guilty that we are so behind on our Jesse Tree but instead I’m to going to REJOICE that the boys are quietly coloring the symbols while I read them bible stories. (The fact that they’re quiet is a miracle in itself! #holylens

4. A STAR from our Christmas tree. #holylens

5. I like to CHANGE our front porch according to the season. #holylens

6. After weeks of family sickness (including my bronchial infection), yesterday’s cancer testing (so far Brian is doing ok!) and general holiday/ family stress, I am ready to start a new, better day on this very chilly but gorgeous morning

7. It’s pajama day, class Christmas party and last day of school for 2015. It was officially declared best day ever! (Until mom made them take this photo. Lol)

8. Attending three class parties at once wasn’t easy but I did it! Now it’s two weeks of vacation. Woohoo!

9. Every time I watch White Christmas I can’t help but think of my sisters. I love and miss you BYM, EML, & JDC!

RevolutionofLove.com // IIG_Collage_12-24-15B10. I love that my bullet journal lets me plan and CREATE at the same time. #holylens

11. It’s an early anniversary date with my hubby to see the saga that continues to thrill GENERATIONS. Next week we take the older kiddos to experience the magic. #holylens

12. For the third year in a row our awesome babysitter made a gingerbread house with the kids while Brian and I went out for the afternoon.

13. Happy fourth Sunday of #advent!

14. Long before I was married I dreamed of having a little girl named Isabella. Today I know Bella’s NAME is perfect because she’s beautiful inside and out. πŸ’• #holylens #mamalove

15. Shall I SPEAK about one of my fave Christmas traditions – sending out Christmas cards? (I’m trying a NEW font.) The only thing more exciting is getting a card in the mail. My heart makes a little LEAP.
#tripleplaytoday #holylens

16. Even though life gets a little hectic, every day these four help me realize that I’m BLESSED. #holylens

17. I feel like a MESSENGER that’s gotta ask – Do you feel like it’s been an #adventfail? I did… until now. A quick message on the blog. #holylens

18. After a beautiful Christmas Eve mass at the mission, it’s time to PREPARE for Jesus’ party. Santa can choose the cookies or carrots. #holylens

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, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, πŸ˜‰


Online Daybook (12/11/15) & Theme Thursday & 7 Quick Takes

You know, I don’t post nearly as often as I’d like but when I do post, I try squeeze into as many link-ups as I can! πŸ˜‰ Today I am linking up with Micaela for Theme Thursday (Scroll down to Take #7) and Annabelle at Written by the Finger of God, who is temporarily hosting 7 Quick Takes for Kelly.Β  (Was that too confusing?) Here is a recap of what’s been going on lately.

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Grateful for…

  • A peaceful moment to myself after a busy day.
  • The love of family and friends.
  • The joy of the season.
  • Having the necessities of life.

Praying for..

  • The intentions of many friends.
  • Those who are struggling or suffering through this holiday season.
  • Victims of abuse, violence and war.
  • The conversion of hearts back to God.
  • All pregnant moms, those trying to get pregnant, those who have lost their babies and for moms contemplating an abortion.
  • The souls in purgatory, especially family, friend and those most forgotten.

Pondering…

Earlier this week. I got upset with Brian about something. No need to go into details but it was something that has bothered me before and that I have already brought to his attention. I fumed quietly for awhile then told him why I was upset. He apologized and said it was not his intention to hurt me and deep down I knew it was true but I was still mad. I didn’t want to let go of the anger. Instead I fell into the trap of a passive aggressive “okay, fine” attitude. But it was not fine. That little voice in my head kept egging me on with things like, “How long have we been married? Why does he still not understand these things? If he really loved me he would just know. Why is it that I am always doing x-y-z and he isn’t?”

Well, those kind of thoughts can eat you alive if you let them. I had to learn to let it go and see things from his point of view. I forced myself to give him the benefit of the doubt, to realize that he really didn’t mean to hurt me. Instead I turned my eyes to all the ways he shows me that he loves me, even when I am acting very unlovable. Then I thought about all the times that God has forgiven me for the countless things I have done wrong. Suddenly, Brian’s transgression looked very minor. (I couldn’t help but think about that marriage post I wrote earlier this year.) Thankfully, with God’s grace, when he came into the kitchen to give me hug I was able to accept it whole heatedly, ready to let go of any residue of anger left. Blessed be God.

 

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Around the House…

Advent is in full swing here! Our Jesse Tree is going well, although instead of daily we only pin up symbols 2-3x a week at best!Β  I’m not concerned since we can only do so much.

I know there are some who do not put up Christmas decorations or listen to Christmas carols until Christmas in order to highlight Advent and I think that’s great! We’re just not one of those families. Yesterday we celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas by decorating the house and putting up our tree. The kids filled out their Letters to Baby Jesus. It was sweet to read what they promised to do for Jesus and who they chose to pray for during Advent. Their wish list wasn’t much of a surprise – Legos, Minecraft, books and for Matthew, all things football right down to a Green Bay Packer uniform. You know I’ll be posting a shot of that one! πŸ˜‰

Family Chit Chat…

Everyone is doing well, except for a few of us (myself included) that have colds/coughs. Nothing serious just really annoying. I think the change in weather from Disneyland (in the 90’s) to my parents (in the 40’s) and all the traveling and stress of road trips just wore us down. But it was all worth it since we had so much fun!

RevolutionofLove.com - cwa_12_2015_DLHere are some pics from Disneyland.

  1. This year is the 60th Anniversary of Disneyland. I went to DL often as a child and first took Bella to DL during the 50th. Ten years and four kids later, we are still celebrating at the Magic Kingdom. πŸ˜‰
  2. The Ferris wheel at California Adventure.
  3. It’s A Small World, Christmas Edition.
  4. Me with my sweet Bella.
  5. I was bummed that my dad couldn’t make the trip this year (he had a big job to finish) but my mom was there! We’ve had some rocky years in my youth ( particularly when I was going through my “being an idiot”) stage but thankfully we are best friends now. πŸ™‚
  6. Brian, John-Paul Bella and my sis Jacinta. (We were so excited she could join us this year!)
  7. My crazy boys. Life would be dull without them!
  8. My super hero sweetie. Swoon.
  9. On the carousel.
  10. The Star Wars exhibit was really cool…
  11. …as was the Marvel super hero exhibit!
  12. Santa was spotted wearing his SoCal winter clothes. πŸ˜‰
  13. Mack was a favorite at the new light parade.
  14. The Christmas tree is HUGE.
  15. The fireworks were amazing! (Unless you are trying to sleep in the hotel at 9:30 PM, then it sounds like you are being bombed!)
  16. Hand in hand with their Auntie Jacinta. As Matty would say, this was the best trip EVAH!

RevolutionofLove.com - cwa_road_11_26_15aAfter Disneyland we headed to my parents’ home to celebrate Thanksgiving.

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Thanksgiving celebration, movie time with the kids, date time with my sweetie and cousin love!

There was a lot of celebrating and sharing our love and gratitude! Our Gratitude Tree made it’s appearance for the third time in a row. Next year we will have to make a second tree since our family is growing with the blessings of new spouses and children! It truly was a special Thanksgiving and a HUGE THANK YOU to my awesome mom who has made our feast year after year. I wouldn’t be able to handle that kind of stress but she tackles it like a boss! (Love you, mom!)

 

~Β  3 ~

revolution of love blog - od_logo_kitchenIn the Kitchen…

Sunday – Whole wheat pasta, turkey meatballs and salad.

Monday – Taco Salad

Tuesday – Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans

WednesdayWon Ton Soup (I’ve never made this before but want to give it a try!)

Thursday – Breakfast Dinner

Friday – Date Night!! (woohoo!)

Saturday – Leftovers

 

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Watching…

Non-stop Hallmark Christmas movies. I know, I know but I’m addicted. πŸ˜‰

 

Listening to …

It’s pretty much Christmas music 24/7 at our house, although we have to take turns.

Bella and I love the crooning of Michael Buble…

But the little boys found my old Relient K Christmas CD (remember CD’s??) and they are loving the punkier sounds of Christmas.

Reading…

book_something _other

I am finally on the last pages of Jennifer’s book Something Other Than God. (The chapter I’m on now has me in tears…)

 

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I haven’t posted a Daybook in over a month! So here are the last month’s posts.

For all you planners out there, tomorrow I’ll have my “Tips for Choosing A New Planner” post and on Monday “How I Use My Bullet Journal” post.

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In the blogosphere…

I haven’t had much time for blog reading (grr!) but I do have these saved to read this weekend!

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We close off with Micaela and Theme Thursday, which is following the “holylens prompts from Abbey at Surviving Our Blessings.com. (I love when bloggers team up with their projects!!) Since I never posted last week, here at the prompts from week 1 & 2.

RevolutionofLove.com - #holylens // holylens_collage_11. The “O Antiphon” banners were on display at the Mission. That is a sure SIGN that Advent is here.

2. During Advent I’m doing the Waiting in His Word: A Mother’s Advent Journey scripture study. I am really trying to start each morning in meditative prayer then putting WORDS to paper. I’m hoping it will help me keep my eyes on Jesus instead of holiday stress!

3. The love of money may be the ROOT of all evil but Timothy tells us what a man of God should pursue. I made a quick scribble to hang on the fridge as a reminder – “Pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience & gentleness.”

4. I’ve been using my Blessed Is She journal for my night exams and gratitude list. What I’m most grateful for tonight is the rosary club that started at the kids’ school. My heart was so SATISFIED to unite in prayer with fellow moms.

RevolutionofLove.com - #holylens //holylens_collage_21. The storm clouds are rolling in and it reminds me of today’s Gospel – “The rain fell, the floods came and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it has been set solidly on ROCK.” May God always be our rock and our salvation.

2. I love when I SEE the colors of the liturgical season in nature.

3. We are searching through the HARVEST of this year’s trees trying to find the perfect one to bring home.

4. Last night, after a long day, I was ready to crash on the couch. Thankfully I REMEMBERED that St. Nick had shoes to fill!

RevolutionofLove.com - #holylens //holylens_collage_31. Looking towards the ROOF of the Mission, this is what I saw – organ pipes and St. Serra.

2. The kids love looking at the “Baby’s 1st Christmas” ornaments and figuring out who is who. Not to be left out, our little ANGEL ornament represents our two baby saints waiting for us in heaven

3. After a couple of busy days with hurried prayer, it was nice to REST in the Lord this morning. (You can tell the change in our room decor.) πŸ™‚

4. (This one chokes me up.) Opa would always kiss the kids on top of the head when we visited him. Now the kids HELP him out by bowing down so he can still kiss them while visiting him in the nursing home. #holylens #worksofmercy #yearofmercy2016

So that’s what I’ve been up to lately! What about you? What’s currently happening in your life? Do share.

Have a great 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, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, πŸ˜‰

PPS – Disclaimer: “Revolution of Love.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.”

In other words, if you click on my affiliated links and make a purchase, I get a small compensation that goes towards keeping the blog online. Big hugs to those who click and help support the blog! xoxo πŸ™‚


Theme Thursday – Portraits: Close-ups

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I missed yesterday’s Theme Thursday photo challenge so I am posting it here today. This week’s theme is Portraits: Close-ups. Since I am always posting pics of the boys (mostly my camera loving Matthew) I thought I’d ask Bella to let me take a photo. My sweet girl agreed.

I was gone all day and the sun was setting so I snapped a few quick photos in the backyard. I let Bella pick the one she liked best.

RevolutionofLove.com - Theme Thursday: Portraits tt_portrait_brm_1bThis was the winner.

RevolutionofLove.com - Theme Thursday: Portraits tt_portrait_brm_1aΒ I used PicMonkey to also make a black and white version since I love the timeless look of B&W.

RevolutionofLove.com - Theme Thursday: Portraits tt_portrait_brm_1dLastly, a quick shot of my oldest holding hands with my youngest. The pilled sweater is bugging me but I am learning to let go of my idea of perfection and embrace the beauty despite the imperfections. πŸ˜‰

Have a great Friday evening!

xoxo,

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, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, πŸ˜‰

PPS – This post contains affiliate links.


31 Days of Gratitude 2015 (Day 29) & Theme Thursday

RevolutionofLove.com - 31 Days of Gratitude 2015logo_31_days15_B_500The 31 Day of Writing Challenge continues. It’s Day 29 of my 31 Days of Gratitude 2015.

I’m linking up with Micaela for Theme Thursday: Silhouette.

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Two days ago I woke up to find that there was no electricity, for the second time is just over a week. If you happen to send your children to a traditional school, you know how crazy the mornings can be to get everyone up, fed,Β  lunches made, kids dressed and backpacks packed. It’s tough on a normal day, let alone one with no elecricity. I was freaking out a little as I scrambled with a flashlight and made breakfast without opening the fridge – peanut butter sandwiches and apple slices, kids.

As we ate breakfast, we waited for the sun to rise and give us a little light.

Andrew called me over to look at the pink sky. We all ran out on the deck in our pj’s and I grabbed my camera to take a few shots. Despite the chill of the morning, there was a calming warmth as the light spread and you felt like no matter how dark it may seem, God’s light will always penetrate and break the darkness. We went back into the house and a few minutes later, power was restored. Hooray! We quickly got ready and made it out the door in record time.

For that moment of seeing God’s beauty, for the reminder to trust in God’s light to illuminate the darkness, for the blessing of electricity, I am truly thankful!

RevolutionofLove.com - Theme Thursday - sillhouette_1The photo I took that day was perfect for this week’s Theme Thursday. Since it was still dark there was a natural silhouette as the sun was rising. I opened up the photo in PicMonkey (the paid subscription) because it is fast and easy but I didn’t think it needed much editing. I just cropping out a tiny bit of a neighbors roof. I also moved the shadow levels two notches to the left so the trees would be a bit darker but other than that, this is pretty much how it came out.

A big thanks to Micaela for hosting! πŸ™‚

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, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, πŸ˜‰