15): Tears, Conferences & Period Movies

By bobbi
February 28, 2015
4 Comments

I’ve got half an hour free so I’m linking up with Kelly for this week’s 7 Quick Takes.

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Song of the Week – Heartbeat by Mat Kearney

We are big Mat Kearney fans in this house and were looking forward to his new album that came out this week. (When I say “we” I mean the kids and myself. Brian is more of a Clash guy.) I don’t think I like Mat’s new album (it had more rap) as much as Young Love but I have only heard it a couple times so far. The song Heartbeat is a favorite play in the kitchen. The kids will dance around and laugh and giggle with me. That is until they accidentally hit the salad bowl and send the contents crashing to the flour. At that point, I kick them out. 😉

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Tears for Opa

I was need of the upbeat song to perk me up. Earlier this week had been rough. I posted this on Instagram and people were asking me what was wrong.

Day 7 of #onlyonething & #holylens – It has been a rough day today and I’m PRAYING to the FATHER that I can still see beauty despite the heartache.

It was concerning my FIL. As you may remember, after his stroke he was making good progress physically and mentally. We thought it was a miracle that there seemed to be very little damage after they got the blood clot out. Well, that optimism has diminished. Over the past two weeks he has been declining mentally and by Saturday I told Brian that something was not right. He was more than a little confused, he was getting worse. The following day the doctor talked to Brian and my MIL and told them that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia and he is displaying many of the negative symptoms that go with it. My MIL was crushed. We had such high hopes because he was doing so well.

On Tuesday, I went for my morning walk and I was thinking about how changed my FIL was. He was older but was active and mentally sharp. He’d try to explain about finances and investments to me and it would be over my head. He would pick up the kids from school and often take them to his house where they would hike in the woods and have fun. And now… there will be no more of that playful Opa outside with the kids.

I couldn’t stop the tears from falling as I mourned the dad I used to know and it took me by surprise. He’s not my biological “daddy” but he has taken a special place in my heart. I know he also has a special place in his heart for me. My MIL would often call me up and say, “Can you please talk to your father and tell he he should (fill-in-the-blank). He won’t listen to me but he’ll do whatever his ‘sweetie’ asks of him.”:-)

Thankfully, I had my sun glasses on so I could just let the tears flow and my fellow walkers didn’t know the difference. I am feeling better now and learning to make the most of what we can do with Opa.

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Catholic Conference 4Moms

Have you heard about the online Catholic Conference 4Moms that is taking place next week? There are numerous presenters (including two of my faves Auntie Leila and Rachel Balducci) and various topics. This is how it works:

Every day during the conference, Friday, March 6- Monday,March 9, you will have access to 5-6 talks, just as if you were at a live conference. This link will come via email. What’s different is that you can choose which talks you want to watch or listen to and when you you want to do it. Early morning? Wonderful. Nap time? Great. Before bed? Super. Car line? Fine, as long as you don’t try to watch while driving!

After the conference is over, it will all be available for purchase for one low price of $39.99 This will include online access to all the videos, as well as a download of every video presentation. And besides all of this, there will also be bonus downloads, PDFs, discussion questions, ebooks, and other goodies.

The hope is that with this package you not only can enjoy the conference again at your own convenience, but you can also share the conference with other moms, perhaps in a support group setting or just over tea. Each presentation in the conference package will include discussion questions.

I like the fact that you can attend at your convenience and don’t need to be plugged in at a specific time. I’ll be signing up. You can get more info and register here.

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Downton Finale!

Are you ready for the Downton Abbey finale tomorrow night?? I bought the DVD for Season 5 so I’ll be cheating and watching the finale for our at-home date night tonight. My final Downton Recap for the season will be posted on Monday!

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Grand Hotel

Speaking of addictive period dramas, have you heard about Grand Hotel? When I have a lot of cooking to do, I like to set up my laptop in the kitchen and watch something while I am chopping veggies and making soups etc. I just finished watching North and South again. (I may or may not have watched the last episode twice just to see Mr. Thorton plead once more…

“Look back at me.”

Anyway…. on the list of Netflix‘s suggested shows they had Grand Hotel so I started watching. It’s weird at first because it has the feel of Downton Abbey and you expect to hear British accents but it takes place in Spain and is in Spanish. However, it does have English subtitles. The synopsis on imdb.com says:

1905. Julio, a young man, arrives at the Grand Hotel, an idyllic place in the middle of the countryside, to investigate the disappearance of his sister. He gets a job as a waiter and comes across the sexy wealthy daughter of the owner. He falls in love with her and starts a dangerous affair while she becomes the only person who will help him to discover the truth about his sister’s disappearance. Find out all the secrets and mysteries hidden in the wonderful Grand Hotel.

I got hooked on one episode but wondered if it was worth going through the next three seasons. But then I saw that Micaela and Jen were both raving about it so it’s a go. I’ll let you know how it progresses as I watch more episodes. 😉

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Introductions

On Monday, Blessed Is She had Monday Introductions on Instagram. For any new reader here, I’m reposting my entry so you can get to know me too. 🙂

My name is Bobbi and I’m a Blessed Is She writer/Instagram contributor. I live in CA along the coast in Monterey Bay. I’ve been married to my husband Brian for 15 years and we have 4 kids – Bella 13, Andrew 7, John-Paul 5, Matthew 3 (pictured) & 2 babies in heaven. Our house is overrun by Legos and light sabers but I secretly love it. I also love being out in God’s creation, going to the movies, Disneyland, the sound of laughter, Jane Austen, planners and stationary, road trips, mi familia, period movies, BBC mysteries, tacos, dark chocolate and witnessing kindness. (Is that random enough? ) I blog at Revolution of Love Blog.com about motherhood, living a life of faith and the other topics I mentioned here. To answer the question of the week – my favorite prayers are The Divine Praises, The Lord’s Prayer, and the Memorare.

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Your Turn

Okay, now it’s your turn! Tell me a little about yourself! AND/OR what’s your favorite prayer(s)?

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 or Instagram. 😉

7 Quick Takes (2/13/15): Hubby Loving, Heartfelt Words & 50 Shades of Grey

By bobbi
February 13, 2015
1 Comment

~ 1 ~

Happy Friday! I am gleeful because the kids are off school today and I have no pending appointments or errands so I am not stepping out of the house today! Instead I am going to catch up on all the things that have been neglected this busy week. You know it’s bad when no one has clean underwear and we each own at least 10 pairs…) 😉 But before I start cleaning, let’s do a quick 7 Quick Takes, linking up with the sweetheart Kelly over at This Ain’t the L… (Um, yeah, I can never remember how to spell or pronounce that word so just go there and see for yourself.)

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Your Mess Is Mine

My song of the week is Vance Joy’s Your Mess Is Mine. It seemed perfect for Valentine’s Day. The official video was weird so I’m adding this lyric video instead.

I especially love this line

You’re the reason that I feel so strong
The reason that I’m hanging on…

Hold on, darling
This body is yours,
This body is yours and mine
Well hold on, my darling
This mess was yours,
Now your mess is mine

After the last couple of years Brian and I have had a number of crosses we’ve had to carry. It is said that when couples face very difficult situations it either drives them apart or brings them closer together. Thankfully, it has brought us closer together. The “mess” of our lives belongs to both of us and we fully accept it and go hand in hand as we walk through it. I know that we can both say to one another honestly, “You’re the reason that I feel so strong, the reason that I’m hanging on.” (Happy – early – Valentine’s Day, my love!)

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Lovin’ my hubby.

I’m still doing my week of Instagram with the hashtag #ilovemyhubby2015. Here are the last four days’ photos.

Day 3 – I love my husband because after a long day at work he comes home and helps the kids with their homework.

Okay, so I having a really rough day when I posted this one…

Day 4 – I love my hubby because when I have a bad day and feel like an angry bird he knows just what to do – don’t talk to me, don’t touch me, just leave me alone. When he sees I’ve cooled off, then he hugs me and comforts me and all the world is right again.

This was Throwback Thursday from before Matthew was born. The other kids look so tiny!

Day 5 – Brian and his Packer fans. I love my hubby because he is an amazing father!

Day 6 – I love my husband because he’s an example of a holy man to the kids. On his lunch break he stops at the chapel by Matthew’s preschool. Now the boys want to stop by the chapel after school to talk to Jesus just like daddy. (Matthew likes to sit on the kneeler and close his eyes in fervent prayer.)

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She Died, But She Also Lived

Photo Credit – Barefoot and Sometimes Pregnant

This morning, despite having the opportunity to sleep in, I automatically woke at 6 AM. Everyone was still sleeping and the house was quiet, the bedroom window was open a little and I could hear the breeze rusting through the trees. Ah, it was a moment of bliss. I took advantage to snuggle up in my bed and read on my phone.

I wanted to catch up on my sister’s blog since I haven’t had time to read anyone’s blog. Oh, my goodness! Yesterday’s post She Died, but She Also Lived had me in tears. Elena spoke about little Joan (who died just before birth.) Her words were so beautiful and heart felt. She also mentioned the memory book I made for her. Inside it were the prayer bouquets and notes of condolences that you asked me to give her. Thank you again for caring so much for my sister, including those that did not know her personally. Go read it for yourself, especially if you ever lost a little one of your own.

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Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

Photo credit – Mueller Family

Speaking of heart felt, this week it was confirmed that Kayla Mueller died while being held captive by ISIS. Whether they killed her or she was a victim of the Jordanian airstrikes remains unclear. However, Kayla smuggle out a letter to her family. I don’t know how much of the letter was influenced by her captors but this line really touched my heart:

I have been shown in darkness, light + have learned that even in prison, one can be free. I am grateful. I have come to see that there is good in every situation, sometimes we just have to look for it.

Read the whole letter here.

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Share the Lenten Love!

Can you believe that Lent is next week!! More poor sis Bridge celebrates her birthday that day. I’m guessing she’ll celebrate a day early on Fat Tuesday! Have you written any Lent-related posts?? If so you should link them up!!

First come on over to my Pinterest Party: Lent Edition. (Open until Easter Sunday.)

Then head over to Blessed Is She for the #BISsisterhood: Lent. (Open until Mon 2/16)

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50 Shades of Grey

Everyone has been talking about 50 Shades of Grey. There have been some great articles about the movie. Some of them serious (putting a spotlight on domestic violence) and some funny (Hello, Dave Barry.) I’m including some of my favorites. The final link, a movie review from the Today Show pretty much sums it all up.

50 Shades of [Sigh]: The Disastrous 50 Shades of Grey Press Tour – I found this article, that did not come from a Christan source, interesting. Here are a few quotes from the actors themselves.

— “Some of the Red Room stuff was uncomfortable. There were times when Dakota was not wearing much, and I had to do stuff to her that I’d never choose to do to a woman.” – Jamie Dornan, Glamour, January 30, 2015

— “The first day [of filming] was kind of an out-of-body experience. I got there and they said, “Action!” I’m like, “What the f—k is happening? I’m a dad. What?” – Jamie Dornan, Glamour, January 30, 2015

— (On visiting a sex dungeon.) “It was an interesting evening. Then go back to my wife and newborn baby afterwards … I had a long shower before touching either of them.” Jamie Dornan, Elle UK, January 2, 2015

— “Filming a sex scene is not a sensual or pleasurable environment. It’s really hot—not in a steamy, sexual way. It’s just sweaty and it’s not ver y comfortable. And on top of that, my hands and legs were tied, and I was blindfolded, and I was being hit with this bizarre tool. … It was emotionally taxing. At first I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is the worst thing ever,’ and then I was like, ‘All right, let’s get on with it.'” – Dakota Johnson, TIME, February 2, 2015

— “I still can’t look at it objectively or wrap my head around it. The parts of the movie that are difficult to watch were even more difficult—and emotionally taxing—to shoot.” – Dakota Johnson, Vogue, January 20, 2015

My only question is why do it in the first place? Maybe they didn’t realize until they were already too into it. Well, I can only hope the movie fizzles out..

Don’t Let 50 Shades of Grey Ruin Your Valentine’s Weekend by VerilyMag.com
50 Shades of pain: sterile sex and the problem with porn by MamaNeedsoffee.com
‘Fifty Shades’ A Cry For Help From Women Betrayed By Feminism by Thefederalist.com
Theology of the Body vs 50 Shades of Grey – CatholicExchange.com
Movie: 50 Shades of Grey by Hellburns.blogspot.com.
Dave Barry Learns Everything You Need to Know About Being a Husband From Reading 50 Shades of Grey (This one is humorous but crude. If you aren’t already a fan of Dave Barry, skip it.)
Lisa Wilkinson’s Movie Review – Fifty Shades of Grey is the worst movie I have ever seen

UPDATE – I am adding this post here that I just read. It really touched my heart.

Why I Want to See 50 Shades and Why I’m Choosing Not To by ThePornEffect.com

Also, if you are looking to add a little spice to your marriage without the 50 shades, then check out Hallie’s post.

15 Ways to Spice Up Your Marriage (without 50 Shades of Grey) by HallieLord.com

You know I am a movie lover but I definitely won’t be going near this one. These are my sentiments, even though I technically have a soft spot for Mr. Knightly.

Photo Credit – Facebook.com/ongossamerwings

Instead of watching 50 Shades,

I will be watching action movie The Kingsmen …

…with Colin Firth, thank you very much. (Read a review from Verily here.)*

UPDATE: A number of my friends saw The Kingsman and they all said that they wish they had not seen it. I read a many more reviews, which also did not recommend the movie so I decided to skip it and watch the old Pride and Prejudice instead. 😉

Have a great holiday weekend!

PPS – This post may contain affiliate links.

7 Quick Takes (2/8/15): The Weekend Edition

By bobbi
February 8, 2015
8 Comments

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Hey there! I’m linking up with Kelly for 7 Quick Takes (two days late). I am following Bonnie’s footsteps with a song of the day. I recently added this song to my walking playlist and I’m kinda addicted to it. It’s Rollercoaster by The Bleachers. (I don’t care much for videos anymore but the music is cool.) It’s from the alt music station so if that’s not your cup of tea, move onto the next one.

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The rain clouds were clearing up this morning and the flowers were blooming but then a second storm came.

After a lot of warm weather here we finally had a change of pace with some stormy, rainy weather. Right now the rain is pelting, the windows are rattling, and the lights are flickering so let’s see if I can get this done before we have to pull out some flash lights.

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The kids with Opa.

A number of you have been asking me how my father-in-law is doing. I’m happy to report that after two weeks at Stanford, on Thursday night he was able to be moved closer to us. (Now he’s 30 miles away, instead of 90.) He is in an acute therapy center where they are helping him with his walking and physical movement but he is doing really we.. In fact, we just got back from visiting him. This was the first time the kids were able to see him since his stroke. He was over the moon with happiness! And he looked great. He talked coherently and clearly. Except for being in the wheel chair and looking more tired, it was as if nothing had happened to him. It brings me to tears because the last time I saw him, hours after the stroke, I sincerely thought he would not be able to pull through. Thank you, thank you for all your prayers!!! 🙂

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Valentine’s day is on Saturday and taking another cue from Bonnie (I’m a fan girl today 😉 Oh, and if you are reading this, Bonnie, I haven’t forgotten your package!) I put up a few decorations around the house. Our welcome door sign, a heart platter for our table, a heart wreath for the wall and a vase of red and white flowers in a red polka dotted vase. I love the festive touch it adds to our home. 🙂

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With Valentine’s Day almost here it also made me think more about Brian and how much he means to me. For fun I started a hashtag on Instagram #ilovemyhubby2015. From this Saturday until next Saturday (2/14) I’ll post a photo of something I love about my husband. Here are the first two.

Day 1 of 7 – I first sat on the bench 15 years ago on a weekend birthday trip to Monterey. I remember Brian and I deciding to move up our wedding date from Spring of 2000 to December of 1999. The 400 miles distance was more than we could bear and we wanted to be together. There’s an emptiness in my heart when Brian is not with me. He fills my life with love. #ilovemyhubby2015

Day 2 of 7 – I love my hubby because he not only works hard for us, he insists that he cooks us breakfast after Sunday Mass.#suchasweetie #ilovemyhubby2015

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We are getting ready for the AT&T National Pro Am at Pebble Beach. We aren’t golfers ourselves, but Brian works at PB and will be working extra hours. Plus the kids’ school is involved with providing day care for the children of the golfers so I’ll be busy there. Sometimes if you are lucky you’ll see a famous actor or athlete around town but so far in all these years I’ve only seen one. Kevin James sat in front of me at Mass a couple years back. However, someone in my family did meet someone famous recently!

Here is my brother-in-law Mick who is currently serving in the Middle East. Guess who he bumped into?!

My sister (his wife) told him to bring Tatum back home as a souvenir for our single sister. LOL.

~ 7 ~

Okay, time to call it quits because Downton Abbey is about to start. I’ll add my DA post about the episode sometime tomorrow. Have a great night! (or day!) 😉

7 Quick Takes (1/24/15): Brian & Opa Updates & Lent Preparations

By bobbi
January 24, 2015
10 Comments

Wow, yesterday was a hell of a day. For those of you following on Instagram and Facebook, you’ve heard the initial news, but I’ve included a few updates as well. I am also linking up with Kelly for Seven Quick Takes Friday…but on a Saturday.

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(FRIDAY RECAP – If you haven’t already heard.)

Brian and his dad Bill sharing a bday party last year.

Okay, so yesterday morning as Brian was preparing for his cancer testing stuff, we got a call from my mother-in-law (Elizabeth) that my father-in-law (Bill) had a stroke. he couldn’t move and he was rushed to the ER. I freaked out. Brian freaked out. Bella (who was home sick) freaked out.

Luckily, our freak out was short lived. We got a grip and tried to figure out what to do next. Brian’s mom said we should continue with Brian’s testing since there was nothing we could do at the moment. I told Brian a cancer-free diagnosis would give his parents the boost they needed right now. (Also knowing the opposite diagnosis would pretty much do them both in and maybe me along with them.)

I left Brian at the testing center, told them I’d be back and headed to the hospital. I only got to see Bill for a couple seconds but he looked really bad. (Secretly, I am glad Brian didn’t see him in that state.) The docs decided to move Bill to Stanford Medical Center. They needed to preform surgery to get the blood clot out of his head. I kissed Bill on the head and prayed he survived the drive and then the surgery. ( I also pleased with God to let him survive the surgery otherwise Brian would never get to say goodbye if he didn’t.)

After picking up the kids from school I headed back to Brian to pick him up. When they led me into his room/cubby he had “that look” on his face and I wondered if he was worried about his dad or worried about the prognosis he was given. He immediately asked about his dad but I told him to hold up, what did his doctor say?? No cancer.

Siiiiiiiigh! A HUGE weight fell off my shoulders. He had one polyp but they removed it and it didn’t look cancerous at all. It’ll be tested of course but doc said everything looked good. I can’t tell you how relieved I was. Like the angels were singing from on high.

Now I could deal with my FIL and helping him get better. I filled Brian in on the details and told him that if anyone could pull through this, it was Dad. He is the most stubborn and feisty (as well as generously loving) man I know and he wouldn’t let this beat him if he had anything to do with it. Brian just smiled.

Fast forward to later that evening. Brian was not able to travel yet so a family friend drove my MIL to Stanford. They finally called in the evening and told us that the surgery was successful. The doc had been worried that it wouldn’t work but he got the clot out and Opa was recovering nicely. When he came to, his speech was a little slurred and he was a disorientated but my MIL said he was insistent that she call me and let me know that he wouldn’t be able to pick up the kids from school today. That touched my heart. It showed you where his mind was – thinking about his precious grandchildren, who were now asleep in bed. 🙂

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SATURDAY UPDATE

Opa with John-Paul and Matthew a couple years back.

This morning Brian drove to Stanford with his mom. I decided to stay home with the kids since my FIL is in the ICU and they can’t go in there. I just got off the phone with Brain and he said the MRI looked good, dad’s speech was much clearer and although he was still confused a bit (concerned about wanting to pick up the kids) he carried on a conversation and understood what they were saying. Brian said there are moments when he talks like himself and other times when he can’t figure out where he is and why we won’t give him his car keys to leave. We made him a Get Well card with photos of the family and he told Brian that was the only medicine he needed. Lastly, he starts physical therapy tomorrow and may be able to come home as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. Brian just kept saying, “Its a miracle.” Seeing how bad be was yesterday and considering his advanced age, I’d tend to agree! Now we just have to adjust to the new version of Opa and help him to cope as he heals.

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Gracias!!

A big part of that was due to all your prayers!! From the “I woke up in the middle of the night and had to pray for you but didn’t know why” to the sacrifices and rosaries and to the prayers from kitchens to the convents – all of these made a difference with both Brian’s diagnosis and his dad’s recovery. Thank you!! Blessed be God!! (Did I mentioned how relieved I am!!!)

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Blessed Is She Lenten Journals

The trials of the last couple of days has brought me to my knees, literally. Someone posted on FB that Lent is less than a month away. Is that possible?? I feel a like I am in Lent mode already (well, except for the fact that I ate a tad bit too much stress chocolate yesterday…)

But this morning I started preparing for Lent by ordering my Blessed Is She Lenten Journal. For those who enjoyed the Advent journal, this one is very similar but there are also a few more options, like the two beautiful 8 x 10 color prints that can be framed or placed where it will give you daily inspiration. I can feel the peace flowing already. 😉 Be sure to pre-order yours today! (The Advent journal did sell out!)

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Restore Workshop

Photo credit: ElizabethFoss.com

The second thing I did for Lent was to sign up for Elizabeth Foss’ Restore Workshop. I took the course last year because I was physically and emotionally drained with Brian’s illness and trying to keep the family running smoothly. I did feel burned out and I wasn’t sure how to get out of it. The course was the balm for the soul that I desperately needed.

However, this year I debated whether or not I should take the course (for about 5 seconds) because I don’t feel burned out. Sure I still have my moments of stress and interior chaos but I feel like I am slowly working through it. However, the course did me such good! The essays. The meditations. The podcasts. The creative activities. (Can you say homemade granola??) Even now, I still go back to Elizabeth’s words and my notes and remind myself of the things God taught me.

No, I may not be burned out but I could definitely use a little TLC for my mind, body and spirit so I signed up this afternoon. The cost is $65 but it’s worth every penny. To find out more, visit NurturingJoy.com. If you click on Elizabeth’s post here, she also has a few words and a larger version of the above graphic that contains the schedule for the course.

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Martha’s Still My Girl

I also wanted to mention that I switched my cleaning challenge. I’ll complete the more intense A Bowl Full of Lemon’s Challenge later in spring but for now I am doing the 31 Day to Clean: Having A Martha House the Mary Way hosted by Christian blogger and author Sarah Mae. God has been putting Mary and Martha into my life left and right and since St. Martha is my saint of the year, well, come on! It was a no brainer. I can’t exactly follow the schedule since some days I spend more time in the hospital than home (ahem) but on the other hand, when I am home sitting by the phone, like today, I find comfort in scrubbing my kitchen. (From the looks of it, I don’t sit by the phone much.) 😉 I’ve already started and I must say, it is just what I needed. I’ll blog more about it next week.

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Well, I have supper to make and kids to bathe so I better stop here. Have a blessed rest of the weekend and thanks again for all the prayers! Much love to you…

PPS – This post may contain affiliate links.

7 Quick Takes and the Link-up Palooza!

By bobbi
November 8, 2014
2 Comments

Random fall photo. 😉

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Quick Takes

It has been a busy week and I have a writing deadline I should be working on but my brain is not cooperating so instead I’m going to have a little blogging fun. Since I have a bunch of posts half written in my draft folder, I am going to have a Link-up Palooza today and link up with as many of my favorite ladies (Jen, Cari, Gina, Nell, Jenna) as I can in this one post! The first link-up is with Jen for 7 Quick Takes. 🙂 I can’t wait to hear her on Lino’s show. I just may have to resubscribe to Sirius radio to get these great shows.

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Theme Thursday

I am linking up with Cari for this week’s Theme Thursday (on a Saturday.) The topic was brick. The first thing that came to mind is the brick fireplace in our house. I always dreamed of having a house with fire place and a mantel that I could decorate during the seasons and hang Christmas stocking during the holidays but when we moved into Brian’s grandma’s house, I found that there was no mantel. Instead it was just a wall of white jagged brick. (Hence, my most viewed post – How to baby proof the fireplace area.) However, there is one big blessing that came with the brick wall – this painting of the Blessed Mother, Baby Jesus and I am assuming John the Baptist.

My mother-in-law grew up in Austria and was a young girl during WWII. This painting hung in their home and during the bombing and the subsequent loss of their possessions, this was one of the few items they were able to save and bring to the states later when they immigrated. She has since had it cleaned, restored and framed and gave it to us. I’ll gladly live with this brick wall as long as it houses this beloved family treasure!

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Embrace the Ordinary

I am linking up with Gina for Embrace the Ordinary. Yesterday, I was in the kitchen with my “helper” Matthew and at one point he hugged me and said, “You are my best buddy, Mama!” Aw, that deserves a kiss. (I’ll try to remember that the next time he is driving me crazy. 😉

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Week Eats

I’m linking up with Nell for Saturday’s Week Eats.

Sunday – Paleo Beef Stew

Monday – Slow cooker BBQ chicken with broccoli slaw

Tuesday – Turkey Meatloaf, brown rice and green beans

Wednesday – Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Lime Quinoa (I’m not a fan of quinoa so I’ll probably use leftover brown rice from Tues.)

Thursday – Leftovers

Friday – Tuna melts & tomato soup

Saturday – Homemade pizza and Greek salad

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tl;rl: November

Last month I completed the October 31 Days Writing Challenge with my 31 Days of Gratitude. I posted (almost) every day of the month (that last week was a killer.) I am linking up with Jenna for tl;rl and sharing my 7 favorite posts of the month.

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October 1, 2014 – 31 Days of Gratitude (Day 1): Feast of St. Therese

* * *

October 7, 2014 – Pinterest Party & Link-up (vol 31) and 31 Days of Gratitude: Love of Fall and Pumpkin Donuts

* * ** * *

October 9, 2014 – 31 Days of Gratitude (Day 9) & {pretty, happy, funny, real} (vol 89): A Day on the Farm

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October 12, 2014 – 31 Days of Gratitude (Day 12): Leaving the Bubble and Seeing God’s Beauty in Creation

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October 17, 2014 – 31 Days of Gratitude (Day 17): Decorating Our Home for Fall

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October 24 & 25, 2014 31 – Days of Gratitude (Day 24 & 25): The Grace of the Cross (An Update on Brian)

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October 28 & 29, 2014 – Weigh-in Wednesday: Sharing Health Goals: Review of Fitbit Flex & 31 Days of Gratitude (Day 28 & 29)

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Pinterest Party

And since it’s been all about link-ups today, join me for the November Pinterest Party Link-up. Share your creative posts – a recipe, craft, project, parenting or marriage tips – anything we would want to pin to one of our Pinterest boards. It can be a new post or an older post that needs a little traffic. The Link-up is open through the end of November. Have fun!

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Wow, you made it all the way to #7. You rock. Join me next week when I’ll be telling you about the new Blessed Is She Advent Journal and hosting a give-away! In the meantime, have a blessed weekend!

Revolution of Love

Do small things with great love.

Category Archives: 7 quick takes

7 Quick Takes (2/28/15): Tears, Conferences & Period Movies

7 Quick Takes (2/13/15): Hubby Loving, Heartfelt Words & 50 Shades of Grey

7 Quick Takes (2/8/15): The Weekend Edition

7 Quick Takes (1/24/15): Brian & Opa Updates & Lent Preparations

7 Quick Takes and the Link-up Palooza!