15): Smog Checks, New Logos & Prompts from the Holy Spirit

By bobbi
May 22, 2015
16 Comments

I’m linking up with Kelly for Friday’s Quick Takes.

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Grateful for…

A car that runs well, even though I am currently at the service center getting a mandatory smog check.
My sweet Matty, even though he is at the age when he constantly asks one question after another without taking a breath.
The sun that is breaking through these gloomy clouds.
Family and friends that fill our lives with love.

Praying for..

Those who feel alone and unloved.
Those who are suffering abuse and for the conversion of their abusers.
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…

The prompting of the Holy Spirit. I remember many years ago listening to a priest give a talk about the Holy Spirit. He said that the HS will often prompt us to do something, usually to help another person. Maybe something will pop into your head, such as – I should give so-and-so a call or I should offer that lady in the grocery story some help or I should tell that struggling young mom at school that despite what she may feel, she is doing an awesome job. The priest said that often these kind of things comes from the Holy Spirit. It really made me think about how we are Jesus’ hands and feet. We are the ones who are called to share his love with others.

There are many times when I get these kind of ideas in my head. My first reaction is, “Yes! That would really be a kind ting to do.” My second reaction is to think, “Yeah, but I’m kinda busy or that person is going to think I’m crazy if I go up and talk to them.” I either procrastinate so long that the opportunity is gone or I just plain chicken out. Lately, I’ve been trying to listen to this little prompts in my head. I do a quick “test” of the action. Will it cause me harm? That eliminates prompts like, “Maybe I should pick up that scary looking hitchhiker on the side of the road.” Um, no. Is it safe and doesn’t take me away from my immediate duties? For example, I think I should bring over soup to a sick friend but I have to pick up my kids from school. Instead I make plans to bring the soup after I pick them up. Other spur of the moments ideas can be done right away – like offering a word of encouragement to someone. The only thing I may harm is my pride if I am rebuffed.

For example, on Mother’s Day we were at Mass and we had the usual mothers’ blessing. All the moms were asked to stand up and after the priest blessed us the ushers went around and handed us little angel pins as a gift. I noticed that there was one older mom/grandma standing on the opposite side of the aisle from me that was mistakenly overlooked. I felt bad for her and thought that I should go over there and give her my pin. My mind answered, “Wait, what? I can’t just walk over to a stranger. She’s not going to care about some pin. That’s silly.” But the thought would not go away so as soon as the priest walked passed me during the procession, I went over to her and told her that I noticed she didn’t get a pin and I didn’t want her to think she was forgotten so please take mine. She said she didn’t want to take mine but I told her not to worry because there are more in the back of church and I’ll get another. She looked at me and smiled and then gave me a big hug and said thank you. (I’m getting teary eyed just recalling that look on her face.) It was the simplest of gestures but for that woman, it was what she needed to hear just then. So the next time you get a little prompt from the Holy Spirit, take it to heart. God may need you to be his hands and feet at that moment.

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Around the House…

I am in the process of working on my June goals and one of them is to tackle the numerous areas of the house that need serious purging and cleaning. I’ll share that with you on another posts. 😉

Family Chit Chat…

As I mentioned I am the gas station getting my car smogged. Luckily, the gas station has a table, umbrella and surrounding flowers so customers have a nice spot to wait. I am getting some writing done while Matthew watches Spiderman videos. 🙂

We are nearing all the end of the school year activities. Next week is spirit week at school followed by the annual mini-Olympics. Plus Bella is in the school musical of Annie, Jr so she has been having long practices after school and on the weekends. It is fun but very busy and I am really looking forward to the slower days of summer when I am not constantly shuttling around kids from one activity to another. Plus we have our Tahoe trip coming up next month and I am sooooo excited for that! Woohoo!

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In the Kitchen…

It is Memorial Day weekend so I will definitely need to make something BBQ. And since I am I trying to make one new recipe a week, I thought I’d try this Healthy 7 Layer Dip. Sounds tasty!

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Watching…

(At the Movies) No new movies this week but I’ll be back in the theater next week. I’ve got a list of ones I want to watch in the coming weeks including The Avengers: Age of Ultron (I’m waiting for a date night with Brian to see that one), Tomorrowland (I’ll be taking Bella and her best friend), Far from the Maddening Crowd (I’ll probably go see that solo next week). If time allows I may see Woman in God before it leaves theaters. I was going to skip Mad Max but Jennifer Willits was talking about how much she enjoyed it on her podcast so maybe I’ll add it to the list. For those who are wondering how I can go to the movies so often, that is one of the perks of your kids being a little older. They go to bed and (usually) stay asleep and you can slip out for two hours without it becoming a monumental endeavor. That and I have a rockin hubby who lets me have the night off. (Plus I have a number of theater gift cards I am using up.) 😉

What movies are you looking forward to this summer?

(On TV)

Awhile back I wrote about the Hallmark series When Call the Heart. I said:

We’ve been watching a lot of action/superhero movies so tonight we will catch up on the new Hallmark series When Calls the Heart. It is based on the book(s) When Calls the Heart (Canadian West Book #1) by Janet Oke. The show has a “Little House on the Prairie” feel, perhaps because it is directed by Michael Landon, Jr. Plus, I am a sucker for a romance story and I’m rooting for Elizabeth and Jack.

Season two has started and the love triangle has shifted, now giving Jack some competition for Elizabeth’s affections. If you haven’t been watching, Season 1 is now available on Netflix.

Listening to …

I won’t be able to download the new Monsters and Men album Beneath the Skin until June 9th but in the meantime I can enjoy their single Empire. 🙂

Reading…

Same as last week.

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I am working on updating my blog logo. I narrowed it down to four choice. Please do me a favor and tell me which one you like the best! Thank you!! 🙂

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Oh, and don’t forget to enter the contest to win one of Jenna’s Mini-Hoop necklaces! Only 2 days left!

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In the blogosphere…

7 kindnesses to show your spouse while raising small kids by Whole Parenting Family.com

Using PicMonkey to Make Graphic Designs by Catholic All Year

Beautiful Like Me by Roses for Mommy

Life Lessons in 17 Years of Marriage by A Catholic Reversal

7 Valuable Life Lessons: Virtues of an Imperfect Mother by The Pitter Patter Diaries.com

By Our Love, By Our Love by Fumblin Toward Grace.com

Infertility and Big Families by Annery at Home

From Me to You #2 {Giveaway Series} (Win a Blessed Is She Journal) by Saint Affairs

Taos Pubelo: A Sacred Place by Sew Travel Inspired.com

Pinned…

Sidewalk Chalk Fun by Sweet Litttle Ones Blog.com

Rhubarb Streusel Pie (Yum!!!!) by Coppertop Kitchen

Using PicMonkey to Make Word Art by Catholic All Year

Our Lady of Fatima — Anniversary Celebration with Free Bow by Catholic Fit Mom for Life

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

1. I want to tell you how much I love my new @chatbooks with my IG photos. (Only $6 a book!) Thanks for the heads up @jiza_zito. #projectblessed

2. #projectblessed – Dinner. We had a dinner of leftovers because Brian and I splurged for Panera at lunch.

3. #projectblessed – Together. The boys and I worked together to plant flowers around the house.

4. Freshly planted flowers and palm tree reflections.

5. #projectblessed – Nature. Nothing like a beautiful scene of nature to melt the stress and lift your heart to heaven. No filter.

6. #projectblessed – When you NURTURE playful fun in your children you never know what (or who) to EXPECT around the corner.

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 or Instagram. 😉

5 Favorite Natural Health & Beauty Products

By bobbi
May 20, 2015
12 Comments

Ever since Brian first got cancer, we’ve been moving away from our usual mainstream health products and trying more natural brands. Here are my current Five Favorite Natural Health and Beauty Products. I’m linking up with Efficient Momma.com for 5 Favorites.

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California Baby Calendula Cream

My bambinos are well out of the diaper stage but California Baby Calendula Cream is still a favorite. John-Paul tends to get little patches of eczema on his cheek and this lotion has worked well to sooth and heal it. It also smells nice, which helps since he can’t stand “the stinky stuff.”

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Alba Botanica Un-Petroleum, Multi-Purpose Jelly, 3.5 Ounce

At the beginning of the school year, Andrew was having trouble with bloody noses. He always had a tendency to get one but it was getting bad. He was getting one every day for over a week. We took him to the doctor worried that it was something serious. The doctor asks us numerous questions but before running tests to rule out serious causes, he wanted us to try a simpler solution. He suspected that Andrew had sensitive nasal passages and suggested that each evening we place a little petroleum-type jelly on a cotton swab and swipe his nostrils with it before going to bed.

We bought Alba Botanica Un-Petroleum Jelly and did just as he suggested. The first night, no bloody nose. The second night, the third night, the same. For the whole month we only forgot to use the jelly twice and both of those days he got a bloody nose. Since then we swab his nose each night and he hasn’t had a bloody nose in many months. (I’ve tried it myself when I visit my family in the heat of So Cal and it works for my sensitive nose too.)

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Everyone 3-in-1 Soap, Citrus plus Mint, 32 Ounce

It took a little effort to find a natural soap that was strong enough to clean up my three smelly Jedi yet not too flowery smelling to make them complain. I finally found a winner with the Everyone Soap in citrus and mint that both the males and females in the family enjoy. It has a fresh citrus smell and comes in a large 32 oz dispenser so it lasts awhile.

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Desert Essence Hand and Body Lotion, Tropical Coconut, 8 Fluid Ounce

I am constantly fighting dry skin and get excited when I find a lotion that works well, is not too greasy and smells nice. One of my favorites is Desert Essence Hand and Body Lotion. I especially like the smell of Tropical Coconut. It is pleasant without being so strong that it triggers my allergies.

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Burt’s Bees – Deep Pore Scrub Peach & Willowbark

I picked this up about a month ago and I fell in love with it. The Burt’s Bees – Deep Pore Scrub leaves my skin feeling clean and soft, especially after a grimy day.

(Bonus Product)

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Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, Superfruit Blister, 4 Count

Bella and I both love Burt’s Bees products but especially their lip care. You will find lip balms in my pocket, in my car, in my purse (and most likely in the boys’ toy box.) I especially love the Grapefruit flavor!

What about you? What natural products do you like? I am always looking for recommendations so do share. 🙂

PPS – This post contains affiliate links. However, I purchased these products myself and genuinely enjoy using them.

Online Daybook & 7 Quick Takes (5/15/15): Stress vs Prayer, The Break & Adaline

By bobbi
May 15, 2015
5 Comments

Hey guys, happy Friday! It’s been a crazy week and the early part of it had me at the end of my rope but thankfully things are going much more smoothly now. 😉

I’m linking up with Kelly for Friday’s Quick Takes and with Jenny for Daybook Online Journal.

~ 1 ~

Grateful for…

God’s grace that lifts you when you can’t go on.
A husband that cares for me and puts up with my occasional nonsense.
For my kiddos smiles and kisses that makes me forget how crazy they can sometimes be.
The beauty of nature that turns my heart back to the Creator.
The grace of confession.

Praying for..

Those who feel broken and alone in their plights.
Those who are far from God that the grace of conversion will touch their heart.
Those who are ill, especially for those fighting cancer, and that Brian remains cancer-free.
Those fighting addictions and for those with loved ones who are addicted but refuse help.
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 fmaily, friend and those most forgotten.
Some special intentions.

Pondering…

Mother’s Day came and went and while it was not a bad day, it was a very busy day taking care of people outside of my home. There was no time to sit and relax and the days following were no different. By Tuesday, I was at the end of my rope physically and emotionally and crying out to God for help. I made a comment about it on social media and I was touched by the friends who offered prayers and words of encouragement. It warms my heart to be a part of this universal Catholic family that knows no bounds. Plus, we have a Father that cares of us and gives us what we need just when we need it.

For me this week, it was in a form of an email from Allison Gringas. She had a Catholic Blogger Week Mega-Giveaway with numerous prizes and she told me that I was one of the winners! Guess what I won?? The gift of PRAYER… for one week I will be covered in prayer by a powerhouse woman of prayer, Elizabeth Reardon from Theology Is A Verb. God does have a sense of humor but He’s also awesome because it is JUST. WHAT. I. NEED. And let me tell you, it is working because I feel so much at peace right now. I still have a tons to do but I am in a better attitude to do it. So a big thanks to all who have prayed for me this week, most especially to Elizabeth. And thanks to Allison for having the contest in the first place. I have been going over her blog and she has some great posts, fun link ups and interesting talks. Go check it out. 🙂

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Around the House…

Yesterday the kids were not feeling well and the weather was gloomy with rain in the forecast (all .01 inches of it) so I let them stay home from school and rest. It was a blessing in disguise for me because I was able to lock myself in the house and pay bills, balance the checkbook (which hadn’t been dusted off in months) and get a mound of other paperwork done. I feel a little more caught up in that area. Now if I can tame the laundry beast, I’d be golden.

Family Chit Chat…

As I mentioned, Mother’s Day sort of came and went but I did enjoy my favorite homemade gifts from the kids, a Mother’s Day tea at Matthew’s preschool, Mass with my lovelies and gifts that included a Fandango gift card, movie candy, nail polish kit and a selfie stick. Do they know me or what? As a side note, I first saw a selfie stick being used while we were at Disneyland last year and Brian and I couldn’t stop laughing at the ridiculousness of it. But then, Karianna brought one when we attended the CWBNCA and I saw how handy it was and how easier it made taking group shots. This mocker is now a user. Thanks for the heads up, Karianna. 😉

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In the Kitchen…

As I mentioned last week, I was in a a meal planning rut so I’ve been trying to try one new recipe each week to add to our faves. This week I tried Sunday Slow Cooker: Pork Tenderloin and Apples from SlenderKitchen.com. It came out tasty and my mother-in-law loved it, which definitely pleased me since she is good cook herself. Next time around I think it may be better is I browned the meet before cooking it. (It wasn’t very “pretty.”) Plus, I got it in late so I cooked it on high and it was a little dry. Luckily, there was enough juice to pour on top to moisten it. So next time around I’ll cook it on low for a shorter period of time.

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Watching…

This week Brian told me I needed a break so he took over night duties and sent me to the movies. I used my Fandango gift card to go see The Age of Adaline. Now, I am a sucker for romantic movies but it is always a little disheartening that most movies follow the typical worldly attitude that you must sleep together first and then see if you happen to fall in love. That’s probably why I love B&W classic movies and literary adaptations (like Jane Austen) so much. The norm is first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a baby carriage. Call me old fashioned. With that said, this movie was not different but if you can get past that and the stretch of science behind AofA, then the movie was enjoyable. It had some sweet moments and kept my interest until the end.

Listening to …

I’ve been enjoying Death Cab for Cutie’s new album Kintsugi. The song Black Sun is great for putting me in a mellow mood.

Reading…

No changes here.

For my spiritual reading…

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

For my fiction reading…

The Girl on the Train

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A little while ago I posted my Five Fave Podcasts. 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 loved it so much that I updated my list to include The Break. 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

I love how Fr. Roderick 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. 😉

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Oh, and don’t forget to enter the contest to win one of Jenna’s Mini-Hoop necklaces! Only 9 days left!

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A few things I have been reading online…

Using PicMonkey to Make Good Photos Look Great by Catholic All Year

Want to Start A Blog? 5 Tips for Beginners by Best Bib and Tucker

Fr. Junipero Serra: A Vital Part of California’s Heritage by Muffin Dome

Making Lemonade Out of Lemons by Tomato’s Vine

{May Sketch-Along}: Come Holy Spirit by The Pitter Patter Diaries

The Many Shapes of Me by Saint Affairs

Bring Truman Home

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

1. Today I’m especially thanking God for my four blessings on earth (and two blessings in heaven) that made me a mother.

2. The last few days have been really stressful and I feel like I’m at the end of my rope so this morning I’m trying to place myself in the HANDS of Our Lord. #projectblessed

3. #projectblessed – Inspiration. I’m in a cooking rut so I browsed online for some meal inspiration. Tonight it’s slow cooker pork roast with apples and onions.

4. Brian told me to take the night off so this is where I went. #passthepopcorn #projectblessed

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!

Saturday Spotlight: Jenna at Call Her Happy

By bobbi
May 9, 2015
13 Comments

I’m excited to start a new series on the blog called Saturday Spotlight. Every month 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 talents.

Today our feature spotlight is for Jenna at Call Her Happy.

Source: Jenna’s IG

I have been a fan of Jenna’s blog for some time and marveled at her ability to cross stitch, especially since I have zero sewing ability.

Source: Jenna’s IG

Then Jenna came out with these cute mini-hoop necklaces and I loved them! I ordered one with my initial.

I wore it to the CWBNCA conference a couple weeks ago and I lost count of how many people came up to me and asked, “Is that one of Jenna’s necklaces?” 🙂

I’ll tell you how you can win a necklace of your own but first a little Q&A with Jenna.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I am a stay-at-home-mom from Michigan who got into the blogging game late 2010. I also run the Etsy shop Call Her Happy where I sell tiny little wearable hoop art. My teeny army of children, Ellen, Samuel and Theodore, and bearded husband Mike fill me to the brim. I am happiest when it is sunny outside and I have an embroidery needle in my hand. A good book does the trick too. My current favorite things are acid wash jeans, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

2. How did you get into making these mini necklaces?

I’ve always been a creative, but when I had kids, I had considerably less time to make. I needed to find something that I could pick up and put back down easily without a huge clean up. Embroidery fit the bill, so I gave it a try. After falling in love with the art, I wanted a way I could fund my habit, and when I found the mini hoops, it seemed like a perfect fit for this mama. And, thanks to everyone on the Internet, they were very well received!

3. What are other favorite ways you express your creativity?

I also like to color…in coloring books…with crayons. Does that count?? Oh. And I love to wear colorful lipstick. Very creative, I am.

4. As a busy mom how do you find time for these projects?

Well, the thing about embroidery is that you can do a few stitches and then put down your hoop to change a diaper. It’s a handheld, portable craft making it super easy to pick at when you’ve got little ones literally underfoot.

5. Any last comments?

Thank you for thinking of me for such a fun feature! If you’d like to try one of my necklaces, use code REVOLUTIONLOVE for 10% off through June 1, 2015. xo

Would you like to win a hoop necklace of your own? Perhaps your initial or a pretty flower or the Sacred Heart. Check out Jenna’s shop and pick your favorite. Then come back here and enter the contest to win your fave hoop necklace. Good luck!

And a big thanks to Jenna for making our lives a little prettier with her beautiful creations. 🙂

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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. 🙂

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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!

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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! 😉

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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

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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.

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