Quick Takes Friday

1. Yesterday's heat wave has given way to today's cold front. How very true that in Texas, if you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes... it'll change! Except in summer. That's when we all come visit you all!

2. Elizabeth's post has reminded me of what "my place" is. The Lake.

As we leave suburbia, my shoulders relax, I start gulping in the fresh air, and my eyes hungrily devour all the natural beauty that surrounds us. I lift my face to the piercing sun and feel its rays soak into my very bones. The kids are free and unfettered and so very happy.
I need to go again. Soon. It's been way too long.

(as written by me to a friend...)

3. Successfully took the kids to Stations at the local Catholic school today. It was lovely. Right on their level, and short. I think this will definitely be a mainstay this Lent.

4. Also receiving rave reviews is the "good deeds" jar inspired by Karen and probably a zillion other bloggers. I love it. And my kids are excited at the thought of their good beans getting traded out for m&ms or skittles on Easter Sunday.... Ingenious.

5. Seems strange to be doing "un-Lenty" things the very first week of Lent, but here it is. I'm getting my quarterly haircut today (once every 3 months... it's how I justify the cost in order to put my hair into the very capable hands of Franz... ) I'm also bringing the snacks for our monthly Ladies' Bunco night. Tomorrow the boys have a birthday party to attend. A busier weekend than I had anticipated.

6. Lil Sis is doing great. I'm really quite amazed at how easily she can "roll with the punches" of living in a house with lots of loud little ones. Last night, with the heat and all, we had to request that she keep her door open to facilitate the breeze coming through her south-facing window... one of only two in the entire upstairs. She managed to read and study through the chaos of bedtime without a peep of complaint. And the kids never stepped foot in her room, even though they know that her open door is a sign that they may do so.

7. Laundry is done, but there are many more chores to be accomplished. And that's the way of it, isn't it? A Mama's work is never done, and while there are times that fact drives me crazy, there are many more times that I think forward to the days when my chores will not be necessary anymore. And I am so grateful for this time. My kids are here, underfoot and safe. How very blessed am I.

:)

Visit Jen for more Quick Takes...

We Needed This Today....

A little warm up in the 84 degree sun after a rousing chase through the sprinkler and a game of super-soaker tag.

Y'all are welcome to visit... anytime.

:)

Don't Forget, No Regrets

The Barenaked Ladies have released a statement on their official website confirming that frontman Steven Page will be leaving the band.








I know this isn't earth-shattering to most of you all, but it saddens me. I really like this band, and while I will continue to listen to them and hopefully attend their concerts, I will also miss Steve's voice and personality onstage.

:(

btw: This is Ed singing... but the song is so appropriate.

Lent 2009

From Jen:

You will find, my friend, that the only possible way to find deep fulfillment and satisfaction in life is to make love your number one priority: center your entire life around loving others, loving He who is Love itself, and your soul will rejoice in the glory of finally finding its true purpose. Anything else is a distraction. Whether it's a hot job or a good day at the casino or a decadent meal or a nice car or a huge house, it will bring you only fragile, fleeting joy. Chasing after the comforts and pleasures of this world will lead only to frustration and emptiness. It is only by picking up your cross and seeking to follow the One who originally blazed the trail of a life of self-emptying love that the thirst from deep in your soul will finally be quenched.

This is what I have printed out and posted on my fridge.

This will be my mantra this Lent.

Everything that goes along with this and is in conformity to it will be my goal.

Peace.
Patience.
Gentleness.
Self-control.
Joy.
Prayer.
Adoration.
Penance.


Prayers for a beautiful Lent to all of my Bloggy-friends.

:)

Not. Surprised.

Here are the rules:

1. Choose the 4th folder where you store pictures on your computer.
2. Select the 4th picture in the folder, and post it on your blog.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag four people to do the same.
5. No cheating (cropping, editing, etc.)



I've seen this one around, and was just dying to play.


I should have known.....















Here's Little Boo, giving us a peek into her personality, at the *tender* age of 3.

:)

Attempt at Empathy

After enduring -gasp- 3. days. in. a. row. of cloudy skies and sub 60 degree temps (as in, below 60 degrees... not below zero!) my peanuts were playing in the garage, singing from their new favorite musical*:

From The Muppets' Treasure Island:

We've got cabin fever
It's flowing through our brain
We've got cabin fever
It's driving me insane!

I know. The poor kids. We really need to move south.

*snort*

:)

Trucking Along

Here's a mid-year update on the Nut House Homeschooling endeavor.

As you may remember, we are trying out a fully state-funded program this year. We get the books, workbooks, supplies and computer for free.

As with anything free, though, you are bound to pay a price somewhere:

~Action Man's dyslexia tutoring is not, in fact, paid for by the state. Actually, because he was diagnosed outside of a state mandated facility, I have had to literally wrangle and yell, and speak oh-so-firmly and NYer obnoxiously in order to get him the help he needs. When our teacher finally clued in that I was seriously serious, (around Dec) she finally got her act together and found the correct channels to go through, and we're on the right path. Of course, this delay has only further exacerbated his frustration, but there is nothing to be done about it now. Our teacher was new this year, and TXVA underwent a huge growth spurt *right before* school started which meant extreme chaos for all involved, and thereby shelving all *special* requests for testing and such. I popped a few blood vessels in my forehead, but what's done is done. And now Action Man is enjoying his special one-on-one study halls with his new teacher and smaller classroom situations online as well as tailor-made interventions for his writing assignments. It's been great.

~There is a LOT of culling to be done with this curriculum. Not the K12 part. That stuff is great. But the fact that TEA (The Texas Education Agency) has to have their hands all over it to make sure the kids are learning what is "required" by the state of Texas, makes some of the subjects in need of severe modifications. For example, my kids are using *gasp* textbooks for history. Yuck. Thank goodness for friends who are willing to respond to panicked late night e-mails for ideas on living history books to supplement some dry Civil War textbook chapter.

~Along the same lines, my kids are now *required* to take Health. Now, it's not what you think. No evil S&x Ed stuff. But, they do think my 3rd grade girl really and truly needs to know all about the drug addictions of marijuana and cocaine, as well as eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Hmmm. I don't think so! I take those lesson tests for her and we skip those chapters.

~There's a lot of workbooking and worksheeting going on as well. I'm focusing on the relevant stuff and ditching the "fill in the blank using the word bank" baloney. If the kids are learning about Main idea and Theme, or using new literary terms like personification or onomatopoeia, then fine. If it's map reading or drawing conclusions, great. But some of the stuff was a bit overkill. Thanks goodness for Story of the World! The kids are finally getting to that now and our written and illustrated narrations take up the whole classroom.

~Biggest downside? The dreaded TAKS. My kids have never taken standardized tests, and while I'm not against standardized tests in general, there seems to be an over-emphasis on preparing for them. The few tests we've taken so far, the kids have done horribly. So much for home schoolers doing well on these types of tests. Maybe my kids are just bad test takers, or maybe they really do need a few lessons on "how to take a test." SATs are not that far away.... so even though I'm dreading these things, I'm glad my kids have a chance to see what it's like and what they can do.

~I do love the "hands off" approach of the actual Academy. We have two written compositions and two assignments of Math, History and Science due every 9 weeks. Monthly phone conferences and weekly study halls for the kids, and 3% of the curriculum completed per week is all that is required. I do not have to hand in every single Math worksheet or Literature assignment. As long as the child knows the concept, we can move on. In fact, Sports Fan is 88% finished with his Math for the year, simply b/c I could fast track him through the parts of the 3rd grade book that he already knew and mastered.


Taking all of this into account, we are seriously leaning toward continuing with this curriculum next year. It's been a big money saver, and we are pleased overall with how well the kids are doing with it. The curriculum is solid, and since I'm a bit of a veteran, it's easy for me to navigate the murkier waters. For those craftier moms, it could seriously cramp your style, but I bet lots of lessons would benefit from that kind of talent, and there definitely is wiggle room within each lesson.



Probably more than you wanted/needed to know... but some have asked, and I'm all about pleasin' the masses. (well, the important ones, anyway)

:)

Shacking It Up: A Review

I mentioned in a previous post that I was about to read The Shack for my IRL book club.

Here's the review:

Don't read it.

No, seriously. This book can be read on so many levels and is problematic on so many more, it's difficult to pin down the main problem. And that really is the main problem.

The premise of the book is that a Father loses his youngest daughter, who is abducted and murdered by a serial killer. Mack is tormented for years, in turns angry and depressed, while growing more and more distant from God. Until one day he gets an invitation from God, in his mailbox, inviting him back to the very shack where his daughter was murdered.

Mack arrives at this shack, where God, (a big black woman) greets him and gives him biscuits and corn dogs.

I'm kidding about the biscuits and corn dogs.

I'm not kidding about the big black woman.

Now, to be utterly fair, there is a reason that God poses as a big black woman, who hugs him and squeezes him and loves all over him. You see, Mack's own Dad was an abusive alcoholic and never lived up to the name "Papa". Not like God can, even if He is a big black woman.

The entire theme of the book is all about surrender. Of believing that really and truly? God has the controls and you just need to trust. And if you love and trust, your life will be more peaceful. "Papa" knows best. He doesn't will evil, but will bring good out of it, if only you will let Him.

Loving and trusting. Yes. But it begs the question: How?

Since Jesus of The Shack abhors organized religion, it appears that the only way to love and trust God is to repeat like a mantra : "I love and trust You, Lord... I love and trust You, Lord." There are no specific roads to travel here, now that Jesus of The Shack has declared that no, not all roads lead to Him, some roads do lead nowhere, BUT! He will travel any road to meet you.

Huh?

(I'm not even going to try to untangle the dichotomy of Sarayu, aka "The Holy Spirit" ... She was like a hippie mirage that floated everywhere leaving philosophical disasters in her wake. )

The redeeming quality (albeit extremely slight, in my opinion) is the vision of heaven that Mack is permitted to see. His daughter is supremely happy, and chooses not to let Mack embrace her. Here we see that the fullness of the eternal promise is sufficient for her. As it should be. There are no emotional strings being pulled here. (plenty elsewhere, I must say) And when Mack recovers her body, there is a true understanding that this shell is not her. So there is no grieving.

Amazing, almost C.S.Lewis-esque reasoning via The Great Divorce.

In a nutshell? This book is a typical "no need for religion, just look at those hypocrites who call themselves religious... all that is needed is to surrender to God, to love and be loved baby" work of fiction. The danger is that it is powerful emotionally. And the truths that are revealed are half-truths, making it seem a reality while also attempting to appeal to the intellect.

We discussed this book for quite awhile at my book club. It was a great read for that reason alone. My ability to split the hairs between truth and lie was greatly enhanced, and unfortunately, very necessary in order to navigate through the murky waters.

:)

On A Roll

The previous weekend's dinner party debacle has sparked an overhaul in the Nut House weekly menu planning.

I had been in a serious rut, as if the only recipes in the world were already in my rolodex and we'd just have to deal with the endless cycle of beef stew, chicken and rice casserole, and hamburgers. Really and truly, I was tired of cooking. Period.

Enter the wonders of google and allrecipes.com.

Anything I remotely had the inkling to make, I would search on allrecipes, turning to the vastness of google if the former did not reveal the results I desired.

A whole world has been opened up to me.

Last week we embarked on a whirlwind tour of my pantry and the internet. The biggest flop was the apple pork chops (meat and fruit doth not mixeth in the Nut House) The best by far was the flavored rice... gotta love a recipe where the directions are "place all ingredients in rice cooker, turn on."

We had crock pot Butter Beef complete with darling Suzanne's bread. My favorite spring mix salad recipe with feta, apples, red onion and raspberry vinagrette became a staple, and I even found time to make a few treats for Valentines Day. (using the leftover chocolate for strawberry dipping, or finger dipping...)

It's been an adventure, a great way to wile away the chilly afternoons. And the kids, while still a bit wary of the "new" dinners coming at them, are pleased overall with the results.

The next problem to be tackled? Getting enough exercise to justify eating all of this yummy-ness.

:)

Happy Valentine's Day

May your day be filled with many sweetie sweetness-es.

:)

Invisible Comfort

Things at the Nut House continue to run along smoothly, with only the occasional hiccup or two... or Mama-induced panic. But that's to be expected since my habit of over-commitment continues... (more on that another day... maybe)

:)

Lil Sis is still here, and thriving. She has been studying a lot, and tells me that she really feels like a college student, stressing over tests instead of the inanities that sometimes accompany dorm life. We are all thrilled to have her here, and I wanted to touch on the unforeseen benefits of having another adult in the house.

Since she studies a lot, Lil Sis spends most of her time upstairs in her pea-sized room. I told her once that she is welcome to hang out and study downstairs... but then realized what I was saying and laughed. I ended up asking her if I could hang out up there with her.

:)

Every once in a while, I'll alert her that I need to run get the two littles from Montessori, and could she keep half an ear on the *erm*.... schoolwork that is being accomplished downstairs? She graciously agrees, and I'm off.

A few times, DH's schedule and my schedule will have a 10 min lag time, and she will also willingly step in to watch the kids. And, of course, her babysitting fees can't be beat when DH and I think we are going to maim someone would like to get away for an evening.

But most of all, it is simply her presence up there in her room that provides the most help, unbeknownst to her.

You see, we now live in a two story house. This type of house is certainly haunted. Especially if you need to be upstairs in broad daylight, the sun streaming through all windows, and you are.... alone. I can't tell you how many times I or a sibling is recruited to escort some over-imaginative child to the second floor. It starts out as a, you know, casual request. Then there's a bit of taunting about being scared... then there's the reminder that uh, buddy? You were just as scared 30 minutes ago! And then the inevitable fight.

Not anymore.

The mention of a need to ascend the dreaded staircase alone is immediately met with my cheery response that Auntie Lil Sis is upstairs, and they go happily skipping up up and away.


Yes, I admit that I have sometimes used this ploy to get them to go up even if she's not there. I figure that the chances of the purple-people-eater showing up at those rare times is pretty slim. And if he does, my kids should be able to scream loud enough to alert me in time. Lil Sis usually has her ear phones in anyway.

Now I just need to figure out where these over-active imaginations come from.

:)

Oh the Frenzy of Being Me

This past Saturday we hosted a fancy shmancy dinner party for four -no three- -no two-and-a-half other couples...

It's flu season in North Texas, folks.

This dinner party club was the brain child of a dear friend of mine. We were to meet at the home of each of the couples, once a month and enjoy their pick of appetizers, dinner, drinks and dessert, whilst the kids were otherwise occupied with a sitter at home. And I was included in the exclusive arrangements because my cooking is known to be oh-so-gourmet. Can you feel the sarcasm dripping off the screen?

The first 3 months went off without a hitch. Our turn came, and 5 months flew by. I was scared menu-less.

I am extremely challenged in the gourmet dinner department.

Now, I am a good cook. Yes ma'am, I know that. My kidlets are usually thrilled with the dinner time fare that gets served here in the Nut House. I can do meatloaf and spaghetti and meatballs and roast chicken and beef stew with the best of 'em. Casseroles too. Love casseroles.

But appetizers, dinner and dessert? Hit me over the head with a brioche mold please, and pass the pate du foie grae.

:)

After biting my nails for 2 weeks, I set a date and commenced with the head-banging planning. I wanted to do the main dish as something we knew how to do well. Notice how I use the word "we." No way in h*ll was DH gonna get off the hook. I chose steak. Notice how I use the word "I". DH had no say in that. He was gonna marinate and cook the main dish while I did everything else. Fair enough?

I chose this simple dessert, which was heavenly I might add.... and a few side dishes, this being one of them. Homemade rolls, and 5 bottles of wine and that would do it.

Except.

That dreaded course.

The Hors d'oeuvres. (which, I am happy to say, I spelled correctly the first time around... although blogger doesn't think so... *sticks tongue out at blogger*)

Where was I? Oh, right. I was having a brain freeze on the appetizer.

DH bought some smoked salmon, and I thought maybe some flavored cream cheese and crackers or baguette would do it. We tried it, and blech. So, we consulted the almighty google.

And came up with a supreme winner. This.

This, my dear friends, was amazing. The delicate balance of bread, brie, salmon, dill and red onion was divine. And filling. It would be perfect for a romantic "dinner" for two with a bottle of wine.


All aspects of the dinner was a hit. The guests came at 6pm and stayed until 11pm. There was some food left over, but I had been preparing for an army, until the flu thinned out the ranks. But the real test as to whether your party is a true success?

5 bottles of wine... gone.


:)

The Decorating Committee...

... Has been temporarily overthrown.















We are putting out an APB for the likes of Superman and Batman to corral their miscreant colleagues and remind them of their civic duties towards beauty and order.


Further bulletins as events warrant.


:)

Tribute To My Dad

Written by my brother...


Another Gaff in the Record Books; And It's Not a Bad Thing

Ask him about what he did as an athlete in college, and he’ll casually respond with,“I played soccer, football, baseball and ran track at HofstraUniversity.” What he won’t mention is the fact that in 1968 he was named the first All American soccer player at the school, and the only other soccer athlete to receive the honor since then was in 2006. He also won’t tell you he still holds the single season record for most goals scored (19). Those facts are usually eagerly disclosed by his wife, without a hint of question. His humility deserves canonization, and it’s taught me the greatest lessons not only in sports, but in life’s journey. He’s my Dad, Ed Gaffney; and he will be inducted into Hofstra University’s 2009 Hall of Fame class on Saturday, February 7th in Hempstead, NY.

“Tim, you won’t believe this! Guess how much they’re charging per person to attend this dinner and ceremony. It’s ridiculous!” I responded with a quizzical look, and an internal answer of—a mortgage payment?—“150 bucks just to get in!” he snapped. “I can’t believe people have to pay that just to attend!”

Well, I certainly would.

This is for my Dad, a man who will finally be honored by the university for all of his accomplishments on the field in the late 1960s. Along with being an All American in soccer, he also played football, baseball, and ran track. Can you say “breather”?! I can’t even think of an extended family having 4 sports in their blood, let alone one person playing that many. Take that, MJ!

“I don’t know why people are making such a big deal,” he told me during the conversation in the living room. “I’m just gonna have fun with it.” This is a guy that’s so humble he probably wouldn’t even take credit for his own signature!

The athlete known as “The Man” these days by the current athletic director and soccer coach at Hofstra continues his humility in the spotlight; but what he has is what every other professional superstar should have—and that’s a sense of class, humility, and integrity. He displays these everyday to us as family, and the people with which he interacts everyday at work. Intimidating with kindness, and charming with frown-busting smiles, he exemplifies humane greatness. And now he deserves the recognition and notoriety, if just for one night, for all the dedication he has shown to the sport he loves. He’s the only person I know besides my mother who has walked the walk for thousands of miles more than he’s talked it. He owns the cliché of leading by example. 19 goals in ’68? You kidding me? Tell me he trash-talked those balls past the goalkeeper’s ear.

Saturday night will be a time my Mom and Dad will go back in time to those years that made him a star. Wish I could have a front row seat to his mind and all the pictures that will go through it as the host reads off his accomplishments. I’ve heard stories from him, seen pictures, viewed old super-8 films, and looked in awe at the All-American badge he has mounted on the wall. But nothing will compare to the night my dad will be inducted into the Hofstra University Athletics Hall of Fame. I’ll be here in Colorado, glass in hand, with a toast to greatness.

Dad, 150 bucks isn’t nearly enough if they get to hear your story. Did you notice it’s been sold out for weeks now? Congratulations, Dad! You’re Hall of Fame in every aspect of life, and your son’s hero.

I'm bursting with pride at my Dad's accomplishments... both on the field and in our family. we all love him and our Mom dearly. To quote Portia... "My Dad? Yeah, he's a rock star."

:)

Please Pray

Every Catholic blogger knows Amy Wellborn, a real force in the blogging world, and a true literary champion. She is facing my greatest fear today. Her husband was taken suddenly from her yesterday and leaves behind his most precious family..

I remember 8 short years ago, when a friend's father died suddenly, I thought to myself that the world should have paused at that moment, that time really did need to stop altogether. Just for a few hours, to give this awful happening the weight of the moment that it deserved.

This random thought came to mind yesterday as I glanced out my front window in anticipation of my own Dear Husband's arrival. It flashed briefly through my thoughts, (I cannot allow it to linger) and I said a quick prayer for whomever might be dealing with the unthinkable.

Such is the connection of the communion of wanna-be saints here on earth. And thank the Lord for that.

The Love2Learn gals are doing a novena for Amy and her family, starting today. Join us, won't you?

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with with confidence, I fly to you, O virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.


Novena to Saint Joseph

Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath.

Our Father....

Hail Mary....

Morning Has Broken

The pitter-patter of little feet at 3am is deafening. The offender vaults herself onto our bed, heedless of the position of my head, as she lands almost on top of it, and then snuggles under our down comforter.

I peer over at her, pigtails flouncing about as she gets herself settled, and am rewarded with a sleepy smile. Lifting her head and struggling to get closer, she plants a kiss on my tired cheek. In no time at all, her snores are rattling the air, and I am left sandwiched between DH and my Little Love.

I lay there quietly, waiting for her snores to get deeper and more relaxed, so I can lift her out and place her back in bed. This is a nightly routine for us, and sometimes I am able to drift back to sleep for awhile. But not tonight.

I snuggle closer to this littlest one, and her chubby hand brushes my cheek. I kiss her baby fingers and listen to her breaths slow down and her sighs get deeper.

But still I don't move.

My insomnia at this time is annoying, to be sure. But it also gives me the ability to cherish this time with my little girl. These days are fleeting. No doubt about it. And rather than get all weepy and regretful, I'd rather indulge and be grateful.

Eventually, I lift Little Love out of our bed and gently carry her through the hallway to her own. I tuck her into bed and tell her I love her.

As I leave I hear the sweet voice wafting above the noise of the fan... "I love you too, Mama."

:)

My Heart's At Home Daybook

Outside my window...
Blue skies and sun. A cold front blew in last night and whisked the clouds away. Highs in the mid 50's today, with the promise of a big warm up by the weekend. Makes me happy.

I am listening to...
The kids settle down to school after early morning dentist appt's for 4 of them.

To live the liturgy...
Trying to do nightly prayer time and continue with our catechism classes. The kids already know that Lent is around the corner, and are dreading it. I need to do some research on how to make it somewhat appealing. Wish I could say that my example will be beneficial.

To breathe deeply...
I've been craving exercise. And it's harder to get out and do something... more so now than ever before. Not sure why. But my mind and body need it. I've been keeping up with my morning stretches and back strengthening exercises. But my torso and legs need more.

Towards rhythm and beauty...
The house is still clean from our impromptu get together last night, and my hope is to continue the deep clean in preparation for our dinner guests on Saturday. Clean spaces are a thing of beauty for me.

I am thankful for...
The sun. And my health. I realize more and more how fickle my moods can be, and how ungrateful and assuming I have become towards these two amazing gifts.

From the kitchen...
Not sure. But I have a freezer full of meat, and a pantry stocked full. I am extremely grateful for this, as well.

I am wearing...
A black sweater, jeans and black shoes, my pearl earrings, and favorite scent.

I am creating...
Plans for a formal dinner party this Saturday evening. My perfectionist self is freaking. out. My sensible self is breathing deeply and keeping the planning simple and delicious.

On my ipod (mp3)...
New stuff from DH. And Carbon Leaf for me.

Towards a real education...
The kids have settled down from their post-Christmas high. The warmer days beckon them outside more and more, and so we find ourselves doing school at the "outdoor" home school table. :) I don't mind at all. This program is rigorous, but allows much leeway in the planning. Right now, Action Man is enjoying some living history books on the Civil War to supplement his textbook requirements, while getting the help he needs for his dysgraphia and dyscalcula. There have been quite a few modifications to this curriculum, but I've seen many improvements in my children overall.

Bringing beauty to my home...
My mom sparked my decorator's bug during her last visit, with the purchase of pillows and a hearth candelabra for my front living room. I finally accessorized the main bathroom, and have added a few touches here and there. The result is pleasing, and leaves me hungering for more. For now, though, finances dictate the need to just de-clutter and keep things tidy.

I am reading...
About to read The Shack. Yes, I know. Scandalous. It's for my IRL bookclub, which is filled with brilliant women who will decimate this book and leave us all the ability to speak intelligently and charitably about it. Next up is All the King's Men.

I am hoping...
To keep my cool today, to give focused attention, and maintain some cheerfullness.

Around the house...
Have I mentioned the word "de-clutter" enough? :)

One of my favorite things...
Sunny days, outside sports, and worthwhile activities. The boys are signed up for roller hockey, while the girls are taking Irish step-dancing. I love that my kids are so active.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Time for adoration for the parents, with the boys taking turns joining us. Feeling the need for more focused prayer time... not just my exasperated exclamations.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...















DH and the kids during an outing to Fort Worth last month. We took the train from our hometown and rode into the downtown area. We wandered through the beautiful side streets and stopped for a bite to eat. Our waiter told us about the Water Gardens, and we all had a blast exploring. Although, my Mama's heart skipped a few beats when I saw the kids descending this:















This was on the way back up. Much scarier when looking down. My boys and Little Boo thought it was awesome.

:)