15), 7QT & Answer Me This: Entertainment Edition

By bobbi
July 13, 2015
2 Comments

Happy Monday! If you attended the Edel15 conference or the ComicCon then I was really jealous of you this weekend! However, I held no grudges and did hope you were having a fun time as I kept myself busy stalking you. 😉 Now that it’s over I am linking up with Bonnie for 7 Quick Takes and Kendra for Answer Me This.

~ 1 ~

Grateful…

A moment of unusual calm that lets me type here with a minimum amount of yelling from the kiddos playing outside.
For the beauty of the earth.
For the lazy mornings that let me sleep in a little later than usual.
For stolen kisses from the man I love.
For glimpses of hope and light when all seems grey.

Praying for..

Those who are being persecuted for their faith.
Those who are hurting, depressed and have lost their faith.
The attendees of Edel, that their spirits are refreshed and friendships deepened as sisters in Christ.
For those who couldn’t attend Edel, that they find joy and peace in their circumstances and feel united to the sisterhood of Christ.
Those who are ill, especially for those fighting cancer, and that Brian remains cancer-free.
All pregnant moms, those trying to get pregnant, those who have lost their babies (especially my sis) and for moms contemplating an abortion.
The souls in purgatory, especially family, friend and those most forgotten.
Some special intentions.

UPDATE: A very special intention today. Please keep my brother Rob in your prayers as he is having surgery today. May he recover quickly and get back to his wife and two little boys!

Pondering…

I was listening to a fave Christian podcast Relevant the other day while I was taking my walk. As you know, I love walking on the Monterrey Peninsula. The beauty of the ocean waves, the trees, the mountains, the wildflowers…they turn my eyes and heart to God as I marvel at his majesty. I was reminded of this when Relevant featured a live performance from Gungor. Their song Vapor carried me away and moved me to tears as I humbly witnessed the holiness of God in nature. With all the negativity and turmoil than can trouble my heart, I truly needed that moment to gaze at nothing more than the goodness of God and to remember that He is bigger than any problem or difficulty we may have. Blessed be God!

Here is the video of Gungor playing in studio.

Or watch the visually beautiful music video here.

Vapor Lyrics:

Oh the vapor of it all — It’s a chasing of the wind — The powers of the earth so pale and thin — We will set our hearts on you again

Heaven taunts the hearts of men — We can feel it from within — The beauty of it all — The mystery — The swelling of a voice — A rising sea

Holy — You oh God are Holy — Trees clap their hands for you — Oceans they dance for you — You are holy

Oh the mystery of it all — I can never peer within — I’ll never find the words or understand — The fullness of a God — Become a man

Holy — You oh God are Holy — Trees clap their hands for you — Oceans they dance for you

You are holy — Infinite and holy — A billion suns rise for you — Clouds paint the skies for you — Mountains stand tall for you — Valleys bow down to you — Everything rising to — Sing all our songs for you

Holy — The impossible and holy — Kings become fools for you — Kingdoms to ruins for you — Vapor finds ground in you — Music finds sound for you — Everything rising — Everything rising

Come like dawn — Like waves — Like sunlight — Bring this world to life

Come like rain — Like breath — Like springtime

Bring this world to life

~ 2 ~

Around the House…

When summer started I thought I would have ample time to do some serious house cleaning and organizing but in between traveling, swimming lessons, spending time with Opa, speech therapy, errands and such, I have as much time as I did when I was running around during the school year. Oh, well. I just try to do what I can in the pockets of time I have. So far I have been able to tackle a couple of things on my summer cleaning list. I’ll post more details in the weeks to come.

Family Chit Chat…

Now that we are back from Tahoe, we are into our normal summer routine. We’ve started swimming lessons, which the boys love.

I’ve also been trying to take an hour each day to have the kids review some school material. Mostly math and reading. I got the boys these Star Wars Workbooks. They enjoy using them! Well, as much as a normal kid can enjoy doing school work on a summer day. It makes it easier when they know they can play with their light sabers or watch an episode of Star Wars Rebels if they get all their work done. 🙂 (One note about the books if you are going to buy one, check the “look inside” feature on Amazon first. I noticed that they are a little easy so you may need to go to the next grade up.)

~ 3 ~

In the Kitchen…

Sunday – We get a treat tonight with Burrito Bowls at Chipotles. YUM!!

Monday – Chef Salad topped with chicken and fresh baked bread.

Tuesday – Turkey Enchilada Lasagna, homemade pinto beans and salad. (Making a double batch to share with a new mama.)

Wednesday – Italian Red Wine Roast Beef in the Slow Cooker with roasted potatoes and broccoli. (This is my new recipe of the week. See the Pin below.)

Thursday – Breakfast dinner. Leftover enchiladas with scrambled egg.

Friday – Tuna Melts, chips and broccoli.

Saturday – Leftover roast beef on toasted garlic wheat rolls with Southwestern corn and black bean salad.

~ 4 ~

Watching…

(At the Movies)

Here are the latest…

Inside Out – I originally was going to take all the kids to see this but in the end I only took Bella. I am glad I did. The movie was sweet but it never would have held the boys’ attention. Many people were in love with the movie and although I thought it was enjoyable and had some really nice moments, I doubt I’d watch it a second time.

Jurassic World – Before I went to see this movie with Brian, I let Bella and Andrew watch Jurassic Park for the first time. Even 22 years later, it is still an incredible movie that hasn’t lost it’s awe and tension. It was a nice preview before watching Jurassic World since there were many cool tips of the hat to JP. That being said, it was hard no to compare the original with this version. JW was a fun summer popcorn movie but it had it’s flaws. Some of the acting and dialogue was stiff and characters were flat and stereotypical. However, this movie wasn’t trying to win an Academy Award. It was trying to give you two hours of dino mayhem and fun and on that front it delivered. — UPDATE: After writing this mini review, I took Bella to see the movie. (She is excited that she is finally old enough to see some PG-13 movies.) I have to tell you that I enjoyed it so much more the second time around. Maybe because there wasn’t all these expectations and I could just relax and enjoy it. I had a lot of fun and Bella loved it.

Minions – Our family loves the Despicable Me movies, especially Matthew. I didn’t know how a third Minion-only movie would be pulled off and now I know. It is basically 90 minutes of slapstick (and sometimes crude humor) with a splash of occasional bare behinds that will send the kids giggling hysterics and you chuckling despite your resistance. If you’re already a fan, you’ll probably enjoy the movie with your kids. If you aren’t a fan, skip it.

(On Youtube)

I have been following the ComicCon in San Diego and was excited to see some of the videos and previews coming out, including these:

Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens Official Comic-Con 2015 Reel (2015)

Skip this one if you aren’t already a fan of The Walking Dead – Season 6 Preview

Skip this one if your aren’t already a fan of zombies and TWD. – Fear the Walking Dead: World Premiere

Listening to …

With the gorgeous summer weather, I have been trying to walk more and hit my 10,000 steps goal every day of the week. To do that I have added new music to my walking list. These two songs are my faves of the week. 🙂

Night Riots with Contagious from their EP Howl.

Renegades by X Ambassadors from their debut album VHS.

And if you aren’t into music, then check out the interview from Jennifer Fulwiler’s podcast with Jeanie Gaffigan. I have been reading Jim’s book Dad Is Fat and it is hilarious. I was interested to hear his wife Jeannie speak. It’s not often you find faithful Catholics working in the entertainment industry. The interview was short but I was touched by Jeannie’s faith, especially when she spoke about their little daughter that only lived a day and the struggles it caused in their marriage. Yet, their faith and trust in God pulled them through and made them stronger in their marriage and commitment to God. It is beautiful. I think Jeannie needs to write a book next! 🙂

Reading…

These. Some of these I am previewing for Bella. She like teen/romance novels bur from a Christian perspective. Any suggestions?

~ 5 ~

Here are last couple of posts…

~ 6 ~

In the blogosphere…

I have 150 posts in my Bloglovin feed that have yet to be read. I’ll tackle the highlights this weekend and share my faves next time. 😉

However, I did read Kendra’s Answer Me This and I did answer her questions.

1. At what temperature do you keep the thermostat set? Summer, winter, day, night?

Living in along the coast of Central California, we pretty much have mild weather year round. The homes here don’t have air conditioning, ours included, because it rarely gets hot enough to need it. When we do reach crazy hot temps (over 80) then we just pray the fog rolls in quickly to cool things off. LOL. Right now we are having a warmer summer with less fog, which is nice since it actually feels like summer. The temps in our house now are in the 70’s but normally it’s in the 60’s. In winter we set our heater to about 64.

2. What is your favorite frozen beverage?

I mostly drink water but if I get a treat then it would be something lemony. Like the lemonade frozen drinks at Disneyland. Yum. 🙂

3. Where do you keep your keys?

We have this hanging in the entryway of our home, just opposite of the fmaily altar. You can see part of the Jesus icon in the mirror.

4. Have you ever really been lost?

Before the widespread use of GPS, I would get lost ALL THE TIME. The worst was when my sister and I would go to shows or clubs in LA or San Diego. I have a poor sense of direction and I’d never just go from point A to B. There would always be a few U-turns and detours on the way there. These days Siri is my best friend! The ironic thing is that I use Siri to go to kid friendly destinations instead of clubs and concerts. Oh well. 😉

5. What is the last movie you saw in the theaters?

See above. Although I forgot I also saw Me, Earl and the Dying Girl. I’ll wait to tell you about that for the next Online Daybook. 🙂
Pinned…

Italian Red Wine Roast Beef by Barefoot in the Kitchen

~ 7 ~

Here are some Instagrams I’ve taken this past week. (It’s been a slow photo week!)

1. #insteadofedel – Watching the Minion movie with the kiddos.

2. #projectblessed – Dark. It’s a little dark in this section of our local library in Carmel but Blessed Junipero Serra keeps watch. #insteadofedel

3. #projectblessed – beauty. (No filter.)

4. #projectblessed – Hello. What’s that you say? Why is there a ghostbuster in our house? Hello??!! Life with boys!

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 weekend!

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 Letterboxd, Spotify or Instagram. 😉

PPS – This post contains affiliate links.

Online Daybook (6/8/15) & 7 Quick Takes: Birthdays, Books & Movie Reviews

By bobbi
June 8, 2015
10 Comments

I was supposed to post this Friday but I was too busy with school events! Oh, well. I’m linking up with Kelly for 7 Quick Takes and Jenny for Online Daybook Journal.

~ 1 ~

Grateful…

That John-Paul is back in school after a week of being ill.
For sunshine after days and days of gray gloom.
That there are only three school days until summer vacation.
For unexpected acts of kindness.

Praying for..

Those who are being persecuted for their faith.
That I don’t take my faith (or God’s grace) for granted.
All the students who are graduating and for their future ventures.
Those who are ill, especially for those fighting cancer, and that Brian remains cancer-free.
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.
Some special intentions.

Pondering…

Last week I got an email from a sweet reader named Vanessa and it really brightened my day. I kept thinking about this one line she wrote.

“Thanks for giving other moms a peek into your life! Sometimes all we need is to know we’re not alone in this.”

I could not agree more!! What is that saying? “Motherhood is not for wimps!” (Or it could have been, “Pass me the chocolate. STAT!”) Either way, I am always encouraged when I hear/read about another mom share her triumphs and her trials. I am eager to rejoice with her or to give her a shoulder to cry on.

I remember awhile ago when a friend confided in me with some struggles she was having interiorly. I was a little shocked, not because of what she said, but because in my eyes she was Mrs. Happy Super Catholic Mom and I envied her more than once. Once I took her off the pedestal I saw her for who she really was – a mom that has done amazing work but who also struggles in different areas of her life. I’ve felt a lot closer to her since then. I also stopped imagining that other people have this “perfect” life.

All of us Catholic moms, no… Make that all of us Catholic women should have a sort of kindred spirit. We are all in this fight together and no matter where we are in our vocation or circumstances in life, we all need support, respect and encouragement to be the women of God that we’re meant to be.

So thanks for reaching out to me, Vanessa. It meant a lot.

My challenge to you who happens to be reading this, go reach out to someone who could use a kind word or a hug of encouragement. 🙂

~ 2 ~

Around the House…

Yeah, you don’t even want to look around my house because I’ve been gone all week and am sooo behind. Yesterday Andrew had to wear pajamas when he got home from school because there were literally no more clean clothes to wear. Thankfully, this weekend I did a lot of catching up! My kids happen to still be in pajamas but it is strictly by choice, I swear! 😉

Family Chit Chat…

Thursday was Matthew’s last day at pre-school. We have been attending the same pre-school for the past decade. All four kids are alumni and today was our last official day there. Next year Matthew will attend the big kids school in the Pre-K (or Transitional Kindergarten) class. It will be our one year to have all four kids in the same school before Bella goes off to high school. High school! Gosh, that really freaks me out! We are entering a whole new era in our family and I’m not quite sure how I feel about that! 🙂

Today is a special day because it is my sweet Andrew’s birthday! Eight years ago, after years of secondary infertility and two miscarriages, God finally blessed us with the gift of Andrew’s life. He can be funny and crazy but he is more often my soulful child who likes to ponder and think about deep subjects. He reminds me so much of Brian and I pray he grows up to be a good and holy man like his father. I love you, sweetie boy!

~ 3 ~

In the Kitchen…

I haven’t picked out my new recipe to try this week yet. Any suggestions? I’ve got a lot of chicken in the freezer. Actually, I also have a bag of red potatoes to use up. Hmm…a recipe is starting to formulate. I’ll keep you posted. 😉

~ 4 ~

Watching…

(At the Movies) Over the past two weeks I saw two movies.

It has been awhile since I’ve been to a great period drama movie and Far From the Madding Crowd did not disappoint. Honestly, I loved it. I have never read the book (by Thomas Hardy) so I can’t tell you how it compares. The main character Bethsheba Everdene is an independent woman that comes into unexpected wealth. She sets out to prove that she can be a strong and successful mistress of her land despite the conventions of the time. Meanwhile, Everdene is courted by three suitors – a humble farmer, a rich land owner and a dashing soldier. In theory it may seem a little cliched but it works really well and you feel for not only Everdene but for each suitor, in some capacity. I didn’t know how the story was going to end and was holding my breath that there would be some tragic conclusion that would depress me but I was ever so pleased with the way the movie ended. This has definitely fallen into my “Buy the Blu-ray when it is released” category. (Parent note: Adult themes. Some sensuality. A scene of animals dying violently. It was sad but the woman sitting next to me completely freaked and was sobbing.)

The second movie I watched was Tomorrowland. I really, really wanted to like this movie but I came out thinking, meh. The story premise was interesting and the visual effects were stunning at times but in the plot there were too many moments when the movie just lagged and got boring. (Bella literally almost feel asleep on me at a few points.) The ending was getting heavy with it’s soapbox preaching, however, my favorite part of the movie was the last five minutes when they were searching for people who were creatively making a difference in the world. It was beautiful. It’s too bad there weren’t more moments like that. This has definitely fallen into my “Sat through it once but wouldn’t watch it again” category. (Parent note: The violence is stylized and but it could be unsettling for the youngest viewers.)

(On TV)

This week Brian and I started watching the Netflix series Daredevil. We’ve only seen two episodes so far but we both love it. It is dark and gritty but very well done and it has a touch of Catholicism. I’m interested to see how it develops.

Listening to …

This song is a couple of years old but it is still a favorite and the video is just cool. Plus, John-Paul’s’ Pre-K class lip synched the song today for their end of the year ceremony. Now the song is stuck in my head but thankfully the memory is sweet. 🙂

Reading…

I finally finished The Girl on A Train. I gave it three out of five stars. The story was slightly confusing since it was written from the viewpoint of three women and you had to keep track of each of their points of view and whether is was a flashback or real time but it wasn’t that big of a deal. However, the lives of the women are so depressing, it’s hard not to feel a little down after reading. One is an alcoholic struggling with a number of personal issue. One is sleeping around as she struggling with pain from her past. The third is a home wrecker who has no remorse. That being said, by the time the mystery started unfolding and clues were being gathered, I could not put the book down until I found out what happened. If you were a fan of Gone Girl, then you’d most likely enjoy this story too. (Parent notes: Not for Kids. Sex is mostly implied and not graphic. Some language.)

The next book on my list…

Dear Mr. Knightley: A Novel

~ 5 ~

Here are last couple of posts…

Pinterest Party & Link-up (vol 36): Slow Cooker Pulled Pork – The RoL Pinterest Party is back! The link-up is open for another week so join in with a new or old posts. 🙂

Dating Q&A: I May Have Faults but Can’t I Want a Guy to Like Me as I Am and Not Expect Me to Be Perfect?

Dating Mr. Wrong: Questions to Ask about Your Relationship

Also, a big thanks to all those who voted for my new logo. This design was the winner.

I just tweaked it a bit with a different font and added the tagline.

~ 6 ~

In the blogosphere…

A small sample of posts I’ve been reading and enjoying…

The Triumphant Return of Answer Me This – Catholic All Year.com (Yay!)

How to Keep the Spirit of the Visitation Alive by Heather guest posting at CatholicMom.com

Tricks to Help You Save Money and Stop Impulse Buying by VerilyMag.com

Sodality: How I came to be a “Church Lady” by Parenting with Peer Review

From Sales Manager to Laundry Lady by Little Silly Goose.com

Going Deeper {Fabulously Featured at Catholic Sistas by Real Catholic Mom.com

Caring for Oneself by Muffindome.com

Why I Always Tell My Age by Annery at Home

I was going to pick one of Erica’s posts from Saint Affairs but the girl is on fire and there are too may good posts to choose one. So just head on over and read you last few posts!

Pinned…

One Fun Thing A Day by Big White Farmhouse

~ 7 ~

Here are some Instagrams I’ve taken these past two weeks.

1. #projectblessed – Plant. I am notorious for killing my plants with neglect. However, now that I’ve put Andrew in charge of watering, they’ve blossomed! No filter.

2. #projectblessed – On the ground. Go into ANY room in our house and you’ll find something similar on the ground. (I didn’t even have to pose it.)

3. #projectblessed – Waking up. Upon waking up I thank God for another day of life and pray for the grace to love Him through the happenings of the day. (Something that has yet to come easy.)

4.#projectblessed – Small. I set my alarm for 9:30am to remind me to pray for a friend at that time. A simple prayer seems so small but those prayers are like drops of water in the ocean. Alone is may not be much, but joined together with others, it goes farther than the eye can see.

5. #projectblessed – It’s time for #BISsisterhood Monday intros and #projectblessed – portrait. I’m Bobbi, wife to Brian, mama to a teen daughter and 3 Jedi aged 7, 5 & 4. I live along the coast of central Cali so I enjoy being outdoors. When I’m indoors I’m blogging at Revolution of Love.com, contributing to BIS, catching a movie or rationalizing why it’s okay for me to put off laundry until tomorrow. The question this week is what are my hopes. Short term: this summer I hope to get my house in order and get rid of the growing clutter. Long term: I hope to love God more deeply, love my husband more selflessly and love my kids more patiently.

6. #projectblessed – Reflection. The last few days have been drizzly but I love raindrops of leaves and the reflections they hold.

7. I feel like I’ve been slacking in the kitchen lately so today I’m making up for lost time. I’ve got pulled pork in the slow cooker, homemade BBQ sauce on the stove and banana bread in the oven. Next up is coconut granola.

8. #projectblessed – What I’m reading & On my table. On my nightstand table is my ridiculous stack of books I was supposed to read by the end of the year but I have a hard time just sticking with one! I’ve been forcing myself to finish one before moving on. Right now it’s “Dear Mr. Knightly.”

9. #projectblessed – Waking up & Listen. I woke up to the sound of birds tweeting. I think they were excited to see a bit of blue sky after days and days of gloom!

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 weekend!

PPS – This post contains affiliate links.

Online Daybook & 7 Quick Takes (5/8/15): Catching Up, The Water Diviner & Mini Super Heroes

By bobbi
May 8, 2015
No Comments

Happy Friday (night!) It’s been a long week so I am relishing these few moments when I can sit and unwind and catch up with you. I’m linking up with Kelly for Friday’s Quick Takes and with Jenny for Daybook Online Journal.

~ 1 ~

Grateful for…

The quiet of the evening after a long and busy day.
The the sweet hugs and kisses I receive from my little guys that make me forget how crazy they can make me. 😉
For a teen who still seeks out my hugs to brighten her day.
For a husband that loves me even when I drive him a little crazy.
For a the grace of confession (that I will be receiving tomorrow.)

Praying for..

A family friend who passed away last night.
Those who are ill, especially for those fighting cancer, and that Brian remains cancer-free.
Those who are hurting, suffering or are far from God.
Those who are suffering from natural disasters, war and violence.
All pregnant moms, those trying to get pregnant, those who have lost their babies and for moms contemplating an abortion.
Some special intentions.

Pondering…

An entry from my prayer journal this week:

Today’s devotion said, “The absence of suffering is the world’s understanding of peace.” Too often, I think like the world. I want peace, quiet and ease, not the loud, messiness of family life. I keep thinking about the quote Jiza shared with me – “Know that even when you are in the kitchen, Our Lord is moving among the pots & pans.” (St. Teresa of Avila) It is here in the messiness of mommy life that I will find my sanctification. I don’t need to go out searching for it. It is right here before me. My goal today is to turn off the radio and the TV and spend some time in prayer while working.

(Side note: Jiza (who did all the photos from the CWBNCA) has a print of St. Teresa’s quote in her shop.

~ 2 ~

Around the House…

Monday through Thursday I am on the go, go, go and on Friday mornings I get to stay home so I have a week’s worth of laundry, random piles and various household chores that have to be done. I think I’d need a couple weeks of never stepping foot outside of the house to finally get caught up but we know that’s not going to happen. Sigh. #neverhome

Family Chit Chat…

Can you believe May is here already?! And now that I think about it, it’s not only here but almost half way done! Ack! I wish everything would just slow down a bit. Well, May is always a busy month in general. It’ll be nice once summer vacation starts and we can go at a more leisurely pace, at least until about mid-July. By then I am looking at the calendar to see when the kids go back to school. 😉

Brian is doing well. He went for his regular monthly testing the other week and he is still cancer free. Blessed be God! He goes for more tests and a scan in another three months. Brian’s dad/ Opa is doing relatively well. He is still in the convalescent home since he needs so much care but he is doing well. He still remembers us and lights up when the kids come into the room. Yesterday he exclaimed, “Here are my sweeties! It’s my happy hour!”

He has also been enjoying seeing Matthew in his various costumes….

On this day Matthew was in his Swat Team gear because you know how rowdy the seniors can get. 😉

In extended family news, my sister posted a sweet video on her blog that celebrates the vocation of motherhood AND makes a big family announcement. Hint – I’m going to be an auntie again! 🙂

Hop over and watch it then give her some comment love. 🙂

~ 3 ~

In the Kitchen…

Not only is the house a mess but I am in a total menu funk. I feel like I make the same handful of dishes and just keep rotating them. I need some inspiration. Hit me with your favorite go to healthy/mostly whole food dish!

~ 4 ~

Watching…

source

Earlier this week on a particularly busy day Brian sent me to the movies to unwind after the kids were in bed. (Love him!) I was able to add to my movie list – The Water Diviner. I’ve heard some complaints about this movie, particularly about the story line not being very realistic but part of the reason I go to movies is to see life through another person’s eyes and experiences. Sometimes it is very realistic and sometimes it is a journey of imagination. Frankly, I almost always find something I like about a movie I watch so it is rare that I will not like a movie, therefor my reviews may be biased to the positive.

With that said, I really enjoyed TWD and Crowe’s performance as a father (with mystic like powers) who lost his wife and three sons tragically. He sets out on a journey to find the bodies of his sons killed during the Battle of Gallipoli in Turkey during WWI. His goal was to bring them home to be buried with their mother. There are twists and turns and a few times when you must suspend belief but I had no problem with that. The emotion of the loss of his wife and the heartbreaking death of his sons (especially since I have three sons of my own) had me nearly sobbing. The ending may have been a stretch but after the said emotion, I didn’t mind. Looking at the movie from a Christian worldview, topics to ponder include the issue of suicide and mercy killing, the negative portrayal of a priest and the positive view of prayer to God in a non-Christian setting, the futility of war and the grey areas of who is the “bad guy.” The war scenes are intense and, at times, graphic.

Listening to …

I’ve been listening to Mumford and Sons’ new album Wilder Mind. I miss the old sound and the banjo but the new album is growing on me. I especially like this live version of The Wolf from SNL.

Reading…

For my spiritual reading… (I read a little each day during prayer time, that is why it is taking me forever to get through it.)

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life

For my fiction reading…

I finally started The Girl on the Train.

~ 5 ~

It’s been quiet lately but I am hoping to get back into it. I’ve been working on updating a few things on the blog. In a few days I’ll have a new header and profile photo, which was taken at the CWBNCA Conference, thanks to Jiza.

UPDATE: I finished the new blog header. Here it is.

And I received my head shot from Jiza. 🙂

Photography by Jiza at Olive and Cypress.com

Tomorrow (Saturday) I will be starting a new series called Spotlight Saturday. Every couple of weeks or so I will feature someone and their creativity – whether it is a crafty mama selling her creations on etsy, or a Catholic artist bringing beauty into the world or a blogger spreading the light of Christ through her (or his) words. I think it will be a great way to support the people who are making the word a little brighter with their God given talent.

Come back tomorrow to find out who the first featured artist will be. I’ll give you a hint… I recently bought one of her cute necklaces! 😉

~ 6 ~

I’ve hardly had to time to read my favorite blogs lately, but I did read and save these.

Seven Quick Recaps of the Conference I Hosted – CatholicAllYear.com

The Wisest Advice My Mom Ever Gave Me About Love – VerilyMag.com

When Your Kiss Is Met with A Cold Shoulder – HallieLord.com

~ 7 ~

Here are some Instagrams I’ve taken this past week.

1. Just a regular day in the ROL household, running errands with Spidey.

2. Being escorted by Superman makes me feel a lot safer.

3. May the fourth be with you. (I am accompanied by various mini super heroes all week long!)

4. I was creative in the kitchen on Sunday with whole wheat banana bread, coconut granola and Southwest corn and black bean salad. Nom nom.

5. My schedule finally aligned and I was able to join Andrew on his class field trip.

6. Sunlight is breaking through the clouds and brightening up the day.

7. They fight like cats and dogs sometimes but they love each other so much. Big brother John-Paul hugging his little brother Matthew goodbye as he goes to school.

8. I celebrated with Matthew at his pre school’s Mother’s Day tea. I love this age when all he wants is hugs and kisses and says things like, “Mama, you look gorgeous!” Aw, sweet blind love.

9. Flowers decorated the pre school for the Mothers Day tea. You can tell Matthew’s mom is a mommy blogger. 😉

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

Have a great weekend.

PPS – This post contains affiliated links.

7 Quick Takes (4/10/15): Easter, Siblings & 20 Facts

By bobbi
April 10, 2015
4 Comments

I’ve got a small block of time so I am doing a quickie post, linking up with Kelly for Friday’s Quick Takes .

~ 1 ~

Song of the Week (Part 1)

One of my faves from my walking playlist – Tojans by Atlas Genius.

~ 2 ~

He is Risen!

Happy Easter week! The kids are psyched that they can celebrate Easter for an entire week with no school and desserts every day. Although they were warned that come Monday, they are back in school and the sweets are getting thrown out. A person can only take so much celebrating. 😉

We did have a really nice Easter. We were hoping we could bring Opa home to visit but he is too weak to travel and is just handling walking from one room to the next, let alone going to another house. So instead we came to his place and spent Easter afternoon with him. It was weird not doing the usual Easter festivities and big dinner at my in-laws but we are adjusting as best as we can. 🙂

~ 3~

No Mamarazzi this year.

Unfortunately, I didn’t take photos this year! However, I did get to snap one photo after Easter Mass when we got home.

I love the way Matthew grabbed his brothers hands and they let him. (They started wrestling soon after but the peace lasted for a few minutes at least.) 😉

~ 4 ~

Happy National Siblings Day!

I’m so proud to be the big sis of 5 brothers and three sisters. Here we are at my brother Jake’s wedding where we welcomed a sweet sister-in-law Amanda. (I am the second on the left and Elena is the second on the right. 🙂

~ 5 ~

Memory Lane

Speaking of siblings, Elena and I were talking the other day and we were remembering how when we were kids, every Easter morning my mom would play this Easter song to wake us up. We couldn’t remember the band or the name of the song so this afternoon I was asking my mom about it. As we were chatting, she went in the garage and found her old record collection. She found the album. It was an old one from the 80’s when the folk Mass was popular, although this particular song wasn’t folk. The album was called The Love of God Will Rise Before the Sun. I looked up the song titles and tried to see if any were available online. I found a few but none of them were the one I remember her playing on Easter morning. Then finally, the last song I looked up, there it was on Youtube! For years I had been looking for this song and now I feel like a missing piece of my childhood puzzle was found. Sniff.

~ 6 ~

Song of the Week (Part 2)

It is Jesus Is Life by Carey Landry. Elena, this song is for you since I know you have been looking for it too. 🙂

~ 7 ~

20 Facts

On Instagram, there is “About Me” game where you take a photo of yourself then list 20 facts about yourself and tag 20 friends. Well, I have been tagged four times this past week so I figured I’d better get my IG post up. I’ve already done this kind of fact list in the past here and here so some of these are repeats but it may be fun for new readers.

“Bobbi” is not a nickname but my actual name. The first born child was going to be named after my dad, boy or girl.
I’m the oldest of 9 siblings so having 4 kids of my own seems like a smallish family.
As a kid, I loved desk items and school supplies and always wanted to be a writer. (Office supply stores still make me giddy.)
I am impatient, nosey, messy and I’m always running late.
On the other hand, I am caring, a good listener and I love doing little things to brighten a person’s day.
I hate cats.
My mom often told me I was a drama queen. (Sooo exaggerated.)
I prefer daisies and sunflowers over roses.
I can easily be moved to tears – both happy and sad.
In school I was always the peacemaker who tried to bring arguing friends together.
For a time, I was a sucker for guys with bald heads, tattoos and eyebrow rings yet I fell in love with a guy as clean cut as they come.
After Brian left the seminary he did a novena to find his wife. The last day of the novena, we met on a Catholic online dating site.
We did the long distance relationship for a year then I moved to Monterey one week before we were to be married.
Fifteen years later, he still makes my heart skip a beat when he smiles at me.
I love my four kiddos and my greatest (sort of irrational) fear is that they will be hurt while I am forced to watch.
I de-stress by going to the movies after everyone is in bed.
My movie candy of choice is peanut M&M’s.
When I laugh my eyes water and I always bring a handkerchief to the movies when I see a funny movie…or sad one. (A real handkerchief. It is very Downton Abbey of me.)
I’m an introvert that also needs to get out and mingle with people at times.
I hate being mad at someone and I am eager to make up.

Okay, now it’s your turn. Tell me 5 (or more) facts about you in the comments! 🙂

Have a great weekend!

Five Favorites: Podcasts

By bobbi
April 8, 2015
4 Comments

Awhile back I wrote about how I get myself motivated to get outside and exercise with walking. One of my tips was to listen to favorite podcasts while I walk. I promised to share my faves so I am linking up with Jenna for today’s Five Favorites: Podcasts.

~ 1 ~

Jennifer Fulwiler Show

I love Jennifer’s show. It is informative, edifying and fun. Her guests have always challenged me to dig a little deeper or try a little harder at living my Catholic faith and Jennifer manages to be both intelligent and hilarious.

~ 2 ~

Fountains of Carrots

Haley and Christy are two of the sweetest bloggers out there and when they started doing a podcast together, I knew it was going to be fun. They have had some great speakers and topics but I also love the shows when they just interact with each other. It seriously feels like they are sitting at my kitchen table chatting while I am washing dishes. The weird thing is that I’ll sometimes catch myself answering their questions out loud, as if they could really hear me. 😉

~ 3 ~

Good Things Radio

Good Things Radio is fairly new to me, although I have known about Jennifer Willits for years. (I remember interviewing her and her husband Greg over a decade ago when they had The Rosary Army.) I heard a few of Greg and Jennifer’s shows from their podcast The Catholics Next Door, which I also enjoy, but my mama’s heart was excited to see that Jennifer was teaming up with Brooke Taylor for a podcast geared towards moms. Like, Haley and Christy from Fountains of Carrots, it is like having these two lovely ladies over for coffee. What I specifically like is that they have older kids. My “baby” is almost 4 and I am officially out of the diaper zone (can I get a big Amen!) and my oldest is now a teenager. So it’s nice to get another perspective of motherhood from parents with similar aged children and interests. Brooke and Jennifer and funny and engaging. I love this show.

~ 4 ~

This Inspired Life

Krsistin and This Inspired Life just makes me smile. I love the variety of topics and how informative her guests are but it never feels boring. The discussions are personal and inviting. I really love listing to this show!

~ 5~

UPDATE: Like a musical Top 40 countdown, The Catholic Guy was knocked out of the Top 5. TCG moves down one notch to #6. Coming in at #5 is The Break with Fr. Roderick.

The Break

When I asked for podcast suggestions, my OLF Jen recommend that I check out SQPN. I had heard about it before but never took the time to look around. I finally did and I especially enjoyed Fr. Roderick’s show The Break. I love how he talked about movies, TV shows, and geeky topics in the light of our faith. I have had fun listening to his opinions but the real moment I fell in love with him was when I watched him last month preview the newest Star Wars trailer. As a movie lover, Star Wars fan and mom of three Jedi, I thought it was awesome. 😉

~ 6 ~

The Catholic Guy

The Catholic Guy was actually the first podcast I ever heard. My first thought – who the heck is this guy? He is crazy, a little irreverent, says weird things like “the facebook” and can utter a sentence that speaks truthfully about the Catholic faith and bodily functions at the same time. I don’t know why, but I love the guy. Granted, you have to have a taste or Lino’s sense of humor but if you do, I guarantee he’ll have you laughing and appreciating your faith a bit more.

* * * * *

Okay, guys, those were my five favorites! Now please share with me some of yours! I am looking for podcasts that give entertainment news (as in movies, TV shows and books, not star gossip) from a Catholic perspective. I’d also like a weekly show that talks about the week’s world news from a Catholic perspective. Any suggestions? TIA!

Revolution of Love

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Category Archives: entertainment

Online Daybook (7/13/15), 7QT & Answer Me This: Entertainment Edition

Online Daybook (6/8/15) & 7 Quick Takes: Birthdays, Books & Movie Reviews

Online Daybook & 7 Quick Takes (5/8/15): Catching Up, The Water Diviner & Mini Super Heroes

7 Quick Takes (4/10/15): Easter, Siblings & 20 Facts

Five Favorites: Podcasts