I never posted the kid’s pics for Halloween so here’s a quick peek in case you were curious. š
Category Archives: family chit chat
Halloween 2010 Recap
September 2010 Recap: Birthdays and Babies
Wow, did the whole month of September pass without me making a single post? That’s pretty bad, even for my sporadic posting schedule. Well, it was a big month and we had lots of things happening. I’ll touch on the highlights.
Today Third Grade…Tomorrow College
School started once again. Bella is now in the 3rd grade. The other day she told me, “Just think, Mom, today I’m in 3rd and next year it will be in the 4th and soon it will be in 8th grade. Then high school. Then college. Then I’ll be married with my own babies…” Egads. Let me make it through third grade first!
Bella also celebrated her 9th birthday. It’s hard to believe it was just nine years ago that she was born one month early and on the day of our baby shower. It became a birthday party instead.
The Independent Three’s
As for my next little student, Andrew is not in regular preschool yet but he is getting a taste for it with a co-op preschool with younger siblings of homeschoolers. He loves it. The rest of the days I teach him at home following the Little Saints Pre School Program. We are both enjoying it, particularly when I remind myself to be patient with Mr. I-Do-It and bite my tongue and keep my hands to myself.
Fire and Ice
Our resident toddler, John Paul, continues to be the little man of the house walking around like he owns the place. He is has a fire and ice temperament. He is either really mellow and kick back or all fired up and angry. Brian says he knows where he got his fire from…I don’t know what the heck that is supposed to mean??
Falling in Love Again
Brian and I have been doing well. For awhile there I felt like we were drifting apart a bit – nothing major but just getting caught up in all the busyness of life. But these last few months we have been trying to spend more time together and stay more connected with each other. We reminded ourselves of why we fell in love with each other in the first place…
Well, all that second honeymooning didn’t go unnoticed when I made a trip to Target for a pregnancy test. I seriously thought my cycle was just acting up again and going extra long like it used to in the past. I took the test and saw two lines. I said to myself, that’s funny I don’t remember two lines being negative. And then it hit me…omg. I’m actually pregnant???? I was not expecting that! I’ll save my reaction and struggle for another post but right now I am happy to say that yes, I am preggers and officially in my second trimester. So say a prayer for me that all goes well!
(And at least now you know why I’ve been too preoccupied to post! Have a great week!)
Quick Take Friday – The Monday Version
– 1 –
Hello?? Anyone home??
Yeah, I’m still here. I just never get around to having free time on the computer. It also doesn’t help that with my iphone, I have everything at my fingertips and rarely use my desk top anymore, which is where I used to do my blogging. Anyway, I thought I would check in while I had the urge and the spare 10 minutes. (The fact that I am avoiding a huge mound of dirty laundry is irrelevant.)
– 2 –
Well, we have two more days left for our summer vacation. Two more days to train our bodies to get up early again. I’m going to miss those lazy mornings on September 1. By the way, are we the only people who aren’t back in school yet?? All the local schools are back as early as Aug 10th but Bella’s doesn’t start until Sept 1. Seems too early to return in early Aug!
– 3 –
Speaking of iphones… (Remember? Back in #1.) I have to admit that I am changing my position on ebooks. I hated the idea of giving up the physical feel of a book in your hand and getting lost in the pages. An electronic device just seemed so impersonal…until I started using ibooks and other book apps. I used to never have time to read but now I fit it in often. I love having a library of books in my pocket!
– 4 –
I’m not a huge macaroni and cheese fan but I’ve always wanted to try and make it myself, rather than the salty boxed kind. I while back I was watching Food Network’s What Would Brian Boitano Make? (Stop laughing. I actually like his show. And not just because I had a crush on him 20 years ago.) His mac and cheese looked so easy and tasty that I decided to give it a try. How did it turn out? One word – yum!! It is a bit on the “fancier” side as he uses asiago, fontina and gouda but the family loved it. It’s too fattening for us to eat all the time (unlike some skinny people I know who never gain wait. Ugh.) but it is a nice occasional treat. The recipe is here: Cheese Cart Mac & Cheese.
– 5 –
This month John-Paul (and I) celebrated birthdays! My little JP is now a year old and I am now…well, let’s not get into that. Here is a pic of the bday boy on his big day. He’s been walking for a couple months now so he is quite mobile!
– 6 –
Here’s another pic of our clan.
– 7 –
I’m running out of time and things to say so I am going to stop here. Heck, I didn’t even do it on the right day so who cares if I don’t do the right amount. Have a great afternoon!
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, š
The Handwriting Project
Thanks to The Wine Dark Sea (a blog I recently discovered and am thoroughly enjoying) I found this fun handwriting meme. Back in the day, I was a huge letter writer (“novels” as my friends would call them) and at times I’ll still forgo the email or text and send an old fashioned hand written note. (I practically collect cute note cards and writing paper!)
Here’s how the project works:
Write down the following, snap a picture (or scan the document), post it, and tag others.
1. Name/Blog Name
2. Right handed, left handed or both
3. Favorite letters to write
4. Least favorite letters to write
5. Write: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
6. Write in caps:
CRAB
HUMOR
KALEIDOSCOPE
PAJAMAS
GAZILLION
7. Favorite song lyrics
8. Tag 7 people
9. Any special note or drawing
The only thing is that I have three different types of handwriting, depending on what I am doing. There is the traditional handwriting (see #1-5) when I am writing a letter or note to someone or signing my name. Then there is the all cap printing (see #6) when I need to keep something very clear and legible. Lastly, there is my informal writing that is a hybrid of messy handwriting and printing (see # 7-9). It is what I use most often when I am jotting things down. Okay, here’s the first page.
#3 – B A and S. Funny I didn’t realize until after that they are actually my initials. š
#4 – I hate the cursive Q. Looks like the number two.
#6 – I had no idea that was how you spelled “kaleidoscope.”
I used the last sheet of that tablet so I grabbed a different tablet on my desk to finish.
#7 – It’s hard to choose just one song so I wrote what I was listening to at the moment. Closer to Love by Mat Kearney. It actually has some beautiful lyrics.
#8 – I tag my sis Elena at , Maria at Hail Mary, Full of Grace, Eileen at Our Happy Clan, Teresa at The Kramer Family, Trish at A Wonderful Life and Katherine at Having Left the Altar. Granted they are all busy ladies whom I doubt have time for this but I’ll tag anyway! My last tag is an open call to anyone reading this who wants to join the fun. Just leave your name in the comment box so I can take a peak at your blog. š
#9 – I don’t know why but for years I have not written the word “and” when I am writing. I always use my version of the “&” sign. Also, I don’t usually sign my name to letters of people I know well. It’s just “B” and a smiley face. š
Well, that was a fun little diversion but now it’s back to work. Laundry and dishes call before the baby wakes up! Enjoy your day!
Quick Takes 6/4/10
Wow, it has literally been two months since I posted here! Life has just been extra busy, especially with the remodel, and I just haven’t had any free time. However, the bulk of the construction is over and the boys are asleep so I have a few minutes to catch up here. So let the Quick Take Friday begin!
*** 1 ***
Thanks to the generosity of my father-in-law, we were able to convert our garage into a third bedroom, fix up the kids’ rooms and spruce of the bathrooms. We had a wonderful contractor who got the job done on time and within budget. (Hats off to you, Alex!) I must say that I always thought shopping at Home Depot was boring but now I love the place! Although, the only problem with fixing up the house is that your eye is now trained to see all the other defects that need fixing. Unless you have an endless supply of money, you have to work with what you have and just save for the big stuff! Here is a peak at the kids’ new rooms.
*** 2 ***
Earlier today I was getting some laundry done and watching last year’s The Next Food Network Star. I can’t believe the new season starts up on Sunday already! I’m looking forward to it. š
*** 3 ***
The books on my nightstand at the moment: The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman and Jane Austen’s Persuasion. (Time to revisit a favorite classic.)
*** 4 ***
Congratulations to Bella who made her First Communion last month. It is so beautiful to see her innocent soul excited to receive Our Lord for the first time. May God be the center of her life always!
*** 5 ***
Andrew is approaching his third birthday and it is so cute to watch his little personality bloom. He has been especially good at playing loving big brother to JP, rubbing his hand on his back or giving him a kiss on the head. He still comes by and discreetly knocks him over once in awhile but for the most part, they get along well.
*** 6 ***
Lastly, our little John-Paul (JP) is not so little anymore. He is nine months now and can crawl at remarkable speed considering that his knees never touch the ground! (It is hilarious!) And he is standing and cruising along the furniture so walking will be here before you know it!
*** 7 ***
That’s it for now. Have a great weekend!!