Revolution of Love

Revolution of Love

Do small things with great love.

Catholic Woman’s Almanac (11/26/12) – Vol 5

Hosted by Jenny at Suscipio.

Moments of Gratitude…

  • A wonderful trip visiting my family in So Cal.
  • A safe drive.
  • The joy of having our own little home to come back to.
  • The smells of Christmas.
  • Having 1/2 of my Christmas shopping done. (For my procrastinating self, that is great.)

 

 

Beauty in the Ordinary…

I love hearing the kids giggle as they are playing with one another.

 

From the Kitchen…
I’ve got a few items that need to be eaten this week so my weekly menu will take advantage of that.

  • Mon – Brian is home and I’ll be running errands all afternoon so it’s Take Out night – Chipotles
  • Tues – (Ricotta cheese) Lasagna & Salad
  • Wed – (Charizo & Tortillas) Tosatadas
  • Thurs – Chef Salad & homemade bread (does a bread machine count as homemade?)
  • Fri – Tuna Melts & Veggies
  • Sat – Pizza & Salad
  • Sun – Dinner at my in-laws.

 

Praying…

 

  • For my sis on her birthday today! (and for my little niece or nephew that she is growing. šŸ™‚ )
  • For our friend sick with cancer. It has moved quickly and the prognosis is not good unless God grants a miracle.
  • For all those who are alone, in need or depressed this Christmas season.
  • For a number of special intentions, including for M., J., & A.

 

Pondering…

My need to make the most of the upcoming Advent season to prepare my heart for Christ and not get caught up in the busyness of it all.

 

Reading…
The Hobbit (It has been years since I last read it and I wanted to refresh my memory before I see the movie.)

 

Around the House…

Suitcases that need to be unpacked, laundry that needs to be washed and toys from Disneyland that need to be put away.

 

Listening to…

That little voice in my head that is saying I should get off the computer and clean up all the stuff around the house. (I, in return, keep saying…just 5 more minutes.)

 

Working on…
Tomorrow’s blog post for Making It Count Tuesday Link Up. Share any recipes, projects, crafts or lessons you’ve been working on!

 

Posts I’ve Starred in Google Reader…

  • What Co-Creation Really Feels Like by Betty Duffy (I can relate since I had a hard time accepting my last pregnancy when it happened, but now I wouldn’t trade my happy little guy for anything in the world.)

 

Items I’ve Pinned…

 

What I’ve Been Watching

I haven’t had a chance to sit down and watch anything, which is why my DVR is at 95%. It’s deleting time.

 

Plans for the Week…

  • Order a few things the kids need before Cyber Monday is over, including a DVD of Nicholas, the Boy Who Became Santa. Luckily, Jenny just posted a link for it.
  • Work on my Advent calendar.
  • Contact the guy who hosts my blog and get the move to WordPress completed now that I’m back from our vacation.

 

Captured…

My parents live in the High Dessert (hot in summer/snow in winter) and Matthew was ecstatic about his play time in the dirt.


The only thing that topped it off was being able to throw rocks into a puddle of water, Pure boy heaven.

 


Have a great day!


7 Quick Takes (11/16/12): A Blogging Vacation Edition


Hosted by Jen at Conversion Diary.

~~ 1 ~~

I’ll be taking a blogging break for a week or so as we go to So Cal to visit family (and Disneyland) over our Thanksgiving vacation. I won’t be posting on the blog but I will be posting updates and photos on the RoL Facebook page so we can keep in touch there. šŸ™‚

~~ 2 ~~

On Monday, I said that I was hoping I’d have my packing all done (or close to it) by today. Did I accomplish it? Wait for it…

~~ 3 ~~

I washed all the laundry and picked out clothes for the six of us for seven days…

~~ 4 ~~

I packed a separated suitcase with food and snacks for the hotel/Disneyland portion of our trip…

~~ 5 ~~

I even filled the car with gas, paid the bills and arranged for someone to pick up our paper and mail…

~~ 6 ~~

…She sayeth never.
Sigh.
I guess I better get to work.

~~ 7 ~~

In the meantime, I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving!! Lots of love to you and yours!

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{pretty, happy, funny, real} – vol 52: The Dry, Frizzy Hair Edition

 

I have been enjoying watching fellow bloggers link up with Fine Linen and Purple’s What I Wore Sunday. They have embraced their femininity (the skirt/dress wearing puts me to shame) without sacrificing their cuteness and individuality. Then yesterday I read Dwija’s post Why I Stopped Not Caring and Started Wearing Concealer. Both struck a chord with me because I have had many of the same thoughts. (Even though I still haven’t bought any much needed concealer or started wearing skirts…yet.) What I have done, however, is get a rein on my crazy hair.
The other day a friend was complimenting my hair. She didn’t believe me when I told her that before I discovered hair product, I had an unwanted fro. (I have the 8th grade photos to prove it but you’ll never see those here!) She wanted to know what I used, which made me think that there might be other fellow curly haired gals that want to know. So this week’s {pretty, happy, funny, real} is the Dry, Frizzy Hair Edition.

{funny}

About a year ago I was complaining to my sister that I hated my Christmas tree hair do. “Huh?” you say. You know, pointed on top and then it flairs out like a triangle. I felt like Gilda Radner and that character she played on SNL.

{real}

My sis BC told me I had to get a real haircut and stop just chopping off the bottom of my hair with dull scissors twice a year. With a heavy sigh, I searched for a hairdresser that knew how to handle curly hair. God answered my pleas and sent sweet Joyce into my life. She gave me a good cut with long layers and new hair products that took me from this….

(The bright flash highlights the dried mess. My hair is actually much darker.)

 

{pretty}

 

TO THIS…

(Don’t you love photos that make you look 10 years younger than you look in real life? šŸ˜‰

 

Although I am more likely to wear my hair pulled up, I like that I can wear it down without being embarrassed!

 

{happy}

Even with a good cut, I must wear product. Every curly head is different but these are the ones that make my hair the happiest.


Infusium 23 Repair & Renew Leave In Treatment

This stuff has been in our thick haired family for years. I use it for day to day leave-in conditioning.
On extra special days I’ll use a pricier leave-in treatment that replenishes my hair. It is a thicker oil so a little goes a long way and it smells nice.

Sexy Hair Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Styling Treatment
Which ever treatment I use, I also have to use this…

TIGI Catwalk Curl Collection Curlesque Curls Rock Amplifier

This works well for me because it is not so stiff that I have rock sold hair but it is strong enough to give me hold for a day or two. I just make sure to NEVER brush out my hair (refer to the {real} photo). I only use my fingers.

(If you have super long hair and need to brush after a shower, get a wide toothed nylon bristle brush like this. Comb it once when you get out of the shower, put on product with your fingers and don’t comb again.

You can air dry but I find blow drying with a diffuser on medium heat gives me the best results if I plan to wear my hair down. When your hair starts getting frizzy, or if you’ve slept on it, you should be able to just wet your hand a little and gently run it through your hair or add just a touch more of your hair product.

Well, that is what worked for me. If you have other products that have worked well for you, please share them!

Have a great day!


30 Days of Thanks Link Up


I saw this link up at Call Her Happy and I was excited to participate in it. We get so busy in life that is wonderful to have a reminder to stop, smell the roses, and thank God for all the numerous blessings He’s given us in life.

Here are my 30 things I am especially thankful for this month.

1. For life and that “God knew me in my mother’s womb.” Seriously, that gives me goosebumps.
2. For God’s mercy, second chances, and do-overs. I have had many.
3. For a husband who loves me and who can still make my heart skip a beat.
4. For Bella and her sweet smiles and for being such a “mama’s little helper.”
5. For Andrew and his kind heart and for moments when he still wants to hold my hand.
6. For John-Paul and his playful spirit and when he whispers to me “I love you, mama” before going to sleep.
7. For Matthew and his contagious giggles and sweet kisses.
8. For the gift of motherhood, even when it’s tough.
9. For my mom and dad for their gifts of faith, love and laughter.
10. For my brothers and sisters who were my first best friends.
11. For the ability to travel and visit my family.
12. For Brian’s family loving me like one of their own.
13. For blogging. I love having an outlet to have fun and put things in perspective at the same time.
14. For social media making far away loved ones feel a little closer.
15. For Brian’s job, hard work and sacrifices that allows me to stay home with the kids.
16. For our cozy home and food on our table.
17. For the conveniences in life that we take for granted – running water, hot showers, washing machines, heaters etc.
18. For cameras that let you capture a happy moment forever and for Instagram for transforming mundane and maddening occasions into funny remembrances.
19. For the holidays, especially the family gathering at Thanksgiving and for a more loving humanity during the season of Christmas.

(Note: I stopped here to put in a load of laundry and Matthew ran to my desk to finish my list. This is what he is grateful for…

M nn btrrrt;lhr23356p5kllp./;;”bvg 2030me ,Khgrert 5Y6T5 SE2 vf t c b
*-1`+-
21000020????????????????????????????????????03
1P[ NSSKMDSASNBGFDSAxcvc I l3\

Here is a photo of him typing. Refer to #18.

20. For the beauty of the ocean, the hills and the forest that surrounds me.
21. For apple pie and almost every form of chocolate.
22. For my health (although less of #21 would help.)
23. For the occasional old fashioned card or letter in the mailbox and for brown paper packages on the doorstep.
24. For cold rainy days when I have no need to leave the house.
25. For old movies (or Christmas movies) watched while snuggled up on the couch.
26. For the prayers of family, friends and the communion of saints, especially when you need it most.
27. For acts of kindness and when people aren’t rude.
28. For all green lights when I am running late. (I’ve relied on this way too often. šŸ˜‰
29. For our hostesses Jenna, Mandi, Jenna, Holly, Helen for doing this ink up.
30. And lastly, I am thankful for you…for taking the time to read this. xoxo

Now it’s your turn! What are you thankful for?

If you have a blog, make your own post and follow the rules below. If you don’t have a blog, feel free to post some of the things you are thankful for in the comment box. Have fun!

Rules – Not Mandatory but Please:

1. Follow these party hosts:
Jenna at It’s just called Spicy
Mandi at Catholic Newlywed & Beyond
Jenna at Call Her Happy
Holly at Sunshine & Grey
Helen at Eat. Enjoy, Live
2. Comment on at least 3 other posts that have linked up!
3. Spread the news about the party via Facebook, Twitter, or sharing the button on your page somewhere.
This party will be open until November 30 at midnight!

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Catholic Woman’s Almanac (11/12/12) – Vol 4

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Hosted by Jenny at Suscipio.



Moments of Gratitude…
~ For all the sacrifices made by our veterans, the military and their families.
~ For mornings with no alarm clocks.
~ For snuggles and kisses from your babies.
~ For seven short days until I can see my mom, dad and siblings again! (Except for you EL, I miss you!)
Beauty in the Ordinary…
It may be a little early but a beautiful Christmas carol can stir your heart with love of God and neighbor. Who couldn’t use more of that??
From the Kitchen…
I have been craving something pumpkin – so either cookies or muffins.
Praying…
~ For all the souls of veterans, especially those most forgotten.
~ For our military and their families, especially our friends and loved ones.
~ For a friend who just discovered she has liver cancer.
Pondering…
Nothing profound, rather, I am wondering why I am making a post when I should be packing for our trip to So Cal next week. (This time next week we’ll be in Disneyland!)
Reading…
The Christmas issue of Real Simple magazine.
The Story of A Soul by St. Therese
Around the House…
I woke up this morning and I am still smitten with happiness over the new corner of my bedroom. The more I try to clean, declutter and organize, the more I understand what already organized people say – in the long run it will make your life
easier and happier! LOL.
Listening to…
The sounds of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and the kids exclaiming, I wish we could have popcorn and jellybeans for Thanksgiving!
Working on…
I am moving the blog over to WordPress but I still have bugs and many pages to clean up. It should be up and running in a few weeks.
Oh, and I just remembered that tomorrow is Making It Count Tuesday. I’ve got to get my post and the link-up done to post tonight! Be sure to share any recipes, projects, crafts or lessons you’ve been working on!
Posts I’ve Starred in Google Reader…
Being Thankful [Free Printable Thankful Cards]
Advent and the Year of Faith from CatholicMom.com.
2012 Printable Advent Chain from CatholicMom.com
Items I’ve Pinned…
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Great for cold season.
Slow Cooker Pizza Soup Never heard of that before but looks tasty.
Hot Cocoa Cookies Can you say YUM!!
Trader Joe’s Paper Bag Gift Wrap Love!
Arripidae dress from Shabby Apple I couldn’t pull this off but what a cute Christmas or New Years dress this would be!
What I’ve Been Watching
This weekend I wanted to catch up on my DVR-ed Calling the Midwife but I realized the final episode didn’t get recorded. Grr. I just finished watching the episode with the brother that died and Chummy with the pig. I think this was my least favorite episode so far. The brother and sister storyline, well, I couldn’t really wrap my head around that. I felt like I was being emotionally manipulated to think it was okay. And Chummy…I love the girl but she drove me crazy with that darn pig. She couldn’t take a moment to change her flippin dress?! But her boyfriend, what a sweetheart. I’ll have to see if I can find the show online. I am dying to see how it goes when Chummy meets her boyfriend’s mother.
Plans for the Week…
~ Pack!! (Preferably not at the last minute.)
Captured…
From my walk the other day…

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They’ve been doing construction on the Mission’s roof to make everything earthquake safe.



Have a great day!

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