12): Baby Jesus, Santa & Star Wars

By bobbi
December 14, 2012
8 Comments

Hosted by Jen.

~~ 1 ~~

Oh, Never Mind – My little spitfire conked out on me so now’s the prefect time to catch up on my one-handed blogging.

Well, it is Friday afternoon and I still haven’t posted my Quick Takes. Yesterday I thought to myself, “I’m tired of being #285 on Jen’s link-up. I live in Cali for goodness sake. I can post at 9 PM Thursday night and it will officially be Fri on the East coast…” So I started writing my QT after I tucked the kids in bed and I knew Brian would be busy for ½ an hour or so but I didn’t get very far. Brian finished early and I abandoned the QT’s and cuddled on the couch with him and watched an old episode of Parenthood. (We are just finishing Season 2.) Oh, well.

~~ 2 ~~

Trending Topic – Last night Twitter and Instagram were buzzing about Jen’s show Minor Revisions. I’m really bummed I missed it but frankly if I can’t DVR it, then it ain’t gonna happen. Maybe someone will post a play by play account of the episode so I won’t feel so left out. 😉

~~ 3 ~~

Han Still Rocks – Do you know what online video HAS been played on my computer (and iphone and iPod)? This Angry Bird Star Wars video.

I finally got wise and when the boys ask me if they can watch it I say they can AFTER they clean the (fill in blank with the messiest room at the moment). Boy, do they get hopping! Between Santa and video rewards, I’ve got the most polite, semi-behaved kids in town! I just hope these good habits last after Christmas.

~~ 4 ~~

Hey, and if you’re looking for one of the Angry Bird Star Wars plush dolls, they have them at almost ½ price at Amazon.com for around $7. I’m partial to Princess Lea and Han Solo. 😉

Or if you have a hubby or older child who loves Star Wars, they may enjoy this funny book I saw at the store yesterday – Darth Vader and Son. Here is a sample page.

It’s funny. It reminds me of another favorite Good Night iPad. LOL

~~ 5 ~~

More Than Just Santa – Okay, back to Take #3 about Santa vs Jesus, the other day I had a talk with the kids about the importance of being “extra good” not so Santa will bring them presents but because they want to show their love for Baby Jesus. They should want to do these things for Him. Andrew piped up, “Of course we know that, Mommy!” Okay, I was just checking.

Today I also posted Part 2 of Keeping Christ in Christmas Ideas. They are suggestions that were sent to me from various Catholic families. I love the suggestion about writing a letter to Baby Jesus instead of Santa. The mom says:

An old Catholic custom is the writing of “Christmas Letters” by the children. These letters, addressed to the Child Jesus (NOT Santa Claus) are written or dictated by the little ones some time before Christmas. They contain their wishes concerning Christmas presents, petitions for various intentions, and a promise of sincere effort to please Our Lord in preparation for Christmas. When they go to bed, the children put their letters on the windowsill, from where “angels” take them during the night to bring them to the Child Jesus in heaven.

This charming custom helps the parents to impress on the minds of their little ones the importance of a sincere spiritual preparation and at the same time great confidence in God who is concerned with our temporal and spiritual needs. Parents who favor this custom will often be deeply touched when they discover that some of their children put more stress on spiritual graces than on material gifts even on an occasion like this. I t can also alert parents to the need for more guidance and direction toward this goal.

I really love that. We were never really big on writing to Santa but I will have the kids write their Jesus letter this weekend and then work on their birthday cards to Baby Jesus next weekend. You can read the rest of the ideas here.

~~ 6 ~~

Oh boy! – Speaking of babies, my sis found out today that she is having a BOY! She has three girls and one boy so this will even things out a bit. I am so happy for her! Stop by and send her some congrats. 🙂

~~ 7 ~~

No Words – Lastly, I heard a little while ago about the horrific tragedy in CT. I am still in shock. I had to turn off the news because I couldn’t stop crying and I was freaking out the kids. Even now I can’t think about it without starting to cry again. But for now, go hug your kids! Kiss your hubby or if he’s not home, text him and tell him that you love him. Call that family member or friend that you are arguing with and apologize. Because you never know if the last word you said to them is the LAST word you will say to them.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Have a blessed weekend.

Saturday {pretty, happy, funny, real} vol. 53 / 7 Quick Takes (12/01/12) Mash-Up: Disneyland & Thanksgiving Recap

By bobbi
December 1, 2012
No Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

AND

– 1 –

Is It Really Dec? – I just looked at the calendar and noticed that it says December 1st. Is that correct? How did that happen? Then as I browsed Instagram and I noticed a number of bloggers that already have their tree and pretty Christmas decor up. Meanwhile, I’ve got scarecrows flying around the front porch during this winter storm and I’m tripping over plastic trick or treat pumpkins as I’m still doing laundry from our Thanksgiving trip. I’ve got until tonight to get all the fall decor down and at least get the Advent wreath and calendar project done so I’ve got to make this a fast 7 Quick Take/ {pretty, happy, funny, real} mash-up sharing a few highlights of our trip.

– 2 –

We’re Never Doing This Again!…Until Next Year. – For the last few years we’ve had the tradition of spending Thanksgiving week in So Cal. We are at Disneyland the first half of the week then we head to my family’s house for the rest of the week. The kids and I count down the days and debate which ride we will go on first (even though it is always It’s A Small World.) Brian on the other hand, well, Disneyland is more of an exercise of erasing any time he may have accumulated in purgatory.

However, to be honest, as much as we love the staff and larger rooms at Howard Johnson, there is always a moment (or two) during our hotel stay when I ready to lose my mind! At that point everything is usually chaos…the kids are hyped up and jumping from bed to bed, Matthew is emptying out the mini fridge again and pouring milk into our clothes drawer, not to mention that I forgot to pack a family member’s undies (hence, I even have to make a Target run while on vacay.) I remember at one point I told Brian that he should video record this moment and play it for me anytime that I have the ridiculous idea of taking this trip again. But he knew it was of no use since, as usual, a little time passes and I forget all the horror moments and only remember the warm and fuzzy times. Heck, it’s only been two weeks and I’m already marking off the calendar for next year’s trip! So with that, enjoy the photos. 🙂

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

– 3 –

I hijacked this collage photos from my sis Jacinta!

The kids in front of It’s A Small World.

One of the evenings we camped out on Main Street to countdown the lighting of the Christmas Tree and Main Street, followed by the Christmas parade. Granted, we had to bribe ourselves to sit there on the hard sidewalk with coffee, hot chocolate and churros but it was worth it.

Andrew and Bella

Main Street

– 4 –

I think the kids were most excited about going to Disney California Adventure and seeing the new Cars Land. It is so cute!! For lunch we ate at Flo’s V8 Café where the boys got Christmas Lightning McQueen kid meals. They couldn’t have cared less about the food, they just wanted the car!

John-Paul

– 5 –

I loved that we were able to meet up with family members while we were at DL.

My brother Jacob helped babysit his nephew/godson Matthew.

It’s a sisters (& Bella) day out!

Somehow I didn’t get a photo of my bro Rob with Maria & Max. Ugh!! And as for my parents, well, they are old school in thinking that you keep your private life private and not post it for everyone to see. Go figure. 😉

– 6 –

On our final night there, the lights were off and I was trying to get the kids to sleep in vain. Then at 9:30 pm the fireworks started pounding the sky so they crawled out of bed to watch from the window.

(Taken with my iphone while I was still in bed. LOL.)

– 7 –

Finally, Brian was rewarded with his favorite part of the trip…leaving all the crowds and the noise and getting to the quiet and subtle beauty of the desert where my family is now living.

Brian

The boys were in heaven with their dirt play time, especially Matthew.

The kids also got the treat of watching the original Star Wars for the very first time. Of course they then begged me for their own light sabers, and being the sucker that I am, I made another quick Target run.

John-Paul and Andrew

My favorite is this action shop that my brother IC snapped.

All in all, it was a lovely trip and we had plenty to be thankful for, especially for (almost) all the family being together and for the new friends/loved ones that shared the day with us.

One of the three tables we had set up.

(If you didn’t already read it, this is the Thankful Tree that my long-distance sis EL inspired.)

Have a great weekend! xoxo

30 Days of Thanks Link Up

By bobbi
November 14, 2012
1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rules – Not Mandatory but Please:

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

7 Quick Takes (3/16/12): The “I Thought He Was Going to Die” Version

By bobbi
March 16, 2012
1 Comment

Hosted by Jen.

– 1 –

Yesterday was an insane day and, as usual, my way to cope is to write about it. It started out normal enough but then it went crazy…

Rain Clouds Gather – I got the kids off to school them went to take my morning walk. When I was done and as I was getting Matthew back in the car, I got a phone call from the preschool. My usually playful JP was listless and not himself. I wasn’t sure if he has just tired (I loathe you, daylight savings time) or coming down with something. So I picked him up from school and headed home. The poor guy slept for an hour or two and then seemed much better. I gave him his lunch then went to send off some fundraising emails while Matthew played with his toys.

A few minutes later JP came to my chair and I scooted forward so he could take his usual position of comfort – standing behind me on the chair, leaning his head on my shoulder, and rubbing his finger on my lips. I don’t know how this soothes him but it does. As he hugged me I was thinking to myself that he seems fine now and maybe we should go ahead and go to speech therapy when he made this strange noise. Now the excitement begins…

– 2 –

TMI Alert – I turned my head to look back at him and saw chunks fly out of his mouth. I was covered in it, the desk chair was dripping and the desk was splattered. Immediately Matthew saw puddles of liquid to be splashed in and ran over. Luckily I was wearing a jacket over a tank top so I threw off the jacket, which had most of his lunch, and in one arm I held JP and my desk trash can, in case more was to come, and in my other arm I grabbed Matthew and ran down the long hallway to my bathroom. (See all that walking is paying off.)

I looked in the mirror and saw vomit dripping from my cheek onto my neck. Nice. There’s nothing like the glamour of motherhood. I quickly wiped my face off then bathed JP while Matthew emptied out the contents of the bathroom drawers on the floor.

– 3 –

The Famous Last Words “I Only Turned for A Second” – I finished cleaning JP and then smelled Matthew’s stinky diaper. No problem, after JP’s fiasco this will be cake. Now this is where things get scary – seriously. I grabbed the phone to call the speech therapist and leave her a message that we won’t be there. I placed Matthew on the bed to be changed. As I’m leaving my message, phone cradled in my neck, I had one hand on Matthew and with the other hand I tried to grab a diaper wipe that was just… out… of… my… reach… and my wiggle worm tried to escape but headed in the wrong direction – right off the bed. He fell down and started screaming. I hang up the phone. (What a message that will be.)

– 4 –

Snap Out of It – I picked up Matty to comfort him and you know how a baby cries really hard then sucks in a breathe and cries even louder? Well, Mathew sucked in the air but never let it out. He just stood there then looked almost like he was going to faint. I freaked out. I thought perhaps he hit his head so hard he had brain damage. My mind traveled at warp speed – it a matter of seconds I pictured the whole scenario – me in the hospital, the doctor telling me they did everything they could, my breakdown, the funeral… I slapped myself out of it and rubbed his chest and called his name. He finally took a breath and whimpered but seemed tired out. As I debated going to the emergency room or calling 911, I quickly changed his dirty diaper. There was no time for me to change out of my vomit clothes. I’d have to bring JP with me and hope he doesn’t get sick again. In the meantime Matthew had quieted down and seemed better.

– 5 –

Dr. H to the Rescue – I called my pediatrician’s emergency line and told him what happened. He asked me detailed questions about what happened. How far did he fall (off the bed), is the floor carpeted (yes), did his eyes roll back (no), are his pupils unequal (no), is he vomiting (no, just his brother), etc. He said it sounded like he was okay but I had to keep an eye on him for any warning signs. It seems he didn’t so much hurt his head but rather he was crying so hard that he lost his breathe.

– 6 –

Perspective – I sat on the couch with the boys grateful that Matthew finished his milk and was now hitting me on the face with his “love taps” as he laughed and babbled away, “Mamamamamama…” Who cares if my desk area was still covered in vomit or that I had yet to shower after getting drenched in it. Who cares about all the things I “should” be doing today. I was just relieved that I had my babies snuggled in my arms and God has spared me a scary, scary cross (at least so far.) There’s nothing like a little shake up to help you put back perspective in your life!

– 7 –

Lesson Learned – Today is a new day and the kids are home from school. I hear yelling, screaming, laughter and the sound of JP and Matty giggling as they play with the bubble machine by my desk. The chaotic noise never sounded so beautiful.

So if today happens to drive you mad and you are feeling like you are going to lose it, stop and take a breath. Remember what matters most and count your blessings. God will get you through the rough spots. Don’t wait for a near tragedy to remind you.

Thanks for listening and have a wonderful weekend!!

The Gist: Confession & Meal Planning ( & My Two Cents)

By bobbi
January 24, 2012
No Comments

I was late in watching this week’s episode of The Gist but I was able to watch it today before tomorrow’s new show airs (Wednesday at 7:30 AM Pacific.) The 1/18/12 show was about meal planning and confession. Sort of a strange pairing but I enjoyed it none the less. 😉
If you missed the show you can see it here. Below are a few comments I had.

Meal Planning
It was fun hearing the ladies talk about their meal planning/feeding the family adventures. Sometimes we think that these amazing Catholic moms must have it sooooooo together yet they are facing the same challenges we do. (The occasional chocolate chip cereal and Chinese take out? Love it.)
For my meal planning it has still been working really well using my menu board. I usually plan my meals on Sunday allowing for at least one leftovers day and one eat out day. With a magnetic meal board I can easily switch meals around to another day when something unexpected pops up.

I also have a recipe folder/binder that was a complete shambles (shocker, I know!) but I have been working on organizing it I have my tried and true recipes handy and new recipes I want to try ready to go. If I have time later this week I’ll post my before and after pics.
As for getting picky kids to eat better, I don’t have any quick solutions. Since Bella was a baby she was an excellent eater and loved all sorts of fruits and veggies (Even brussel sprouts! I don’t even like those.) However, the boys have been much pickier. Andrew loves roasted chicken but won’t eat pasta or hotdogs. (What kid does not like spaghetti or hotdogs??) His only fruit is apples (and orange juice) and his only veggie is carrots. I’ve got to sneak veggie in meatballs and baked bread. I recently bought him that V8 veggie/fruit juice to help him get more of his veggies. I am getting desperate! As for JP, he could live on a continental breakfast all day long – fruit, cheese, bread, yogurt and eggs. I guess technically that’s all the main food groups. Do you have any tips that work for your picky eaters?

I was thinking about trying this book – Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food by Jessica Seinfeld. Any of you use this book?

Confession
The second half of the show was about Confession. I was happy to see Lino Rulli on the show. I’ve heard him a few times on his Catholic Guy radio show and I think he is hilarious on Twitter so it was fun to see him on The Gist.

I’ve finally reached a point where Confession is not scary anymore. I try to go at the very least, once a month and I can always tell when I am about due. In fact, yesterday I was having a horrible day. The kind of day where I am so angry and frustrated that I literally have to walk out of the room and take a deep breath before I lose it or break down in a ball and sob. Part of it was due from my lack of sleep with the kids being sick and Matthew up at night teething but I could also hear that voice in my head telling me that I need the grace of confession to recharge my batteries. I looked at the calendar and yep, it has been one month. So come Saturday morning, you’ll know where to find me – in line for confession.

Have a good night!

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 or Instagram (It’s set to private but I’ll approve you.) 😉

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Tag Archives: family chit chat

7 Quick Takes (12/14/12): Baby Jesus, Santa & Star Wars

Saturday {pretty, happy, funny, real} vol. 53 / 7 Quick Takes (12/01/12) Mash-Up: Disneyland & Thanksgiving Recap

30 Days of Thanks Link Up

7 Quick Takes (3/16/12): The “I Thought He Was Going to Die” Version

The Gist: Confession & Meal Planning ( & My Two Cents)